2019-2020 Annual Report

Home , City of Darwin, East Arnhem Region

1 This report is the 29th Annual Report of LGANT and it is for the financial year 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020 and is prepared for members of LGANT, stakeholders and other parties. This report has been prepared in compliance with clause 22.3 of the LGANT constitution which requires it to be tabled for the members of LGANT at an Annual General Meeting. This meeting will take place on 5-6 November 2020 at the Grand Ballroom, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Alice Springs. The report details the financial position and performance of LGANT for the financial year, as well as background material on local government in the Northern Territory, LGANT’s membership, directions and achievements during the year. If anyone has any queries about the report, they can contact LGANT as per below:

Telephone: (08) 8944 9688

Email: [email protected]

2 Table of Contents

About the Association ...... 6 Chief Executive Officer’s Report ...... 8 President’s Report on behalf of the Executive...... 11 Membership 2019-2020 ...... 14 LGANT Executive Committee as at 30 June 2020 ...... 15 LGANT Organisational Structure as at 30 June 2020 ...... 21 Annual Priority Achievements 2019-2020 ...... 22 Goal 1 To effectively advocate for and represent member councils .....22 Goal 2 - To enhance the status of local government...... 27 Local Government 2030 Strategy ...... 28 COVID-19 Response ...... 28 Goal 3 - To enhance the performance of local government ...... 31 Goal 4 - Maintain an effective and efficient service ...... 42 Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2020 ...... 46 Honour Board LGANT Executive CEOs and Life Members ...... 49 Service Providers ...... 52 Association Sponsors ...... 52

Annual

Report

2016-201

17 Councils 5 Municipals 9 Regionals 3 Shires

About the Association

The office of LGANT is located at the Parap Business Centre, 21 Parap Road, Parap, Northern Territory. LGANT has been in existence since 1992 and is the single peak body representing and servicing the needs of its 17 local government councils and an associate member in the Northern Territory. LGANT is established as an incorporated body under section 242 of the Local Government Act. LGANT has a nine-member Executive Committee which has overall carriage of the Association’s affairs as detailed in the Association’s constitution and governance charter. LGANT’s policy statements are regularly updated and reflect the local government sector response to issues.

LGANT is the voice of local government in the Northern Territory, representing all 17 municipal and regional councils, 63 local authorities, 66 remote communities with a physical council presence and 614 homelands with over 100 Aboriginal languages and dialects. We provide leadership, support, representation and advocacy on behalf of our member councils for the benefit of their communities. We provide leadership, support, representation and advocacy on behalf of our member councils for the benefit of their communities.

Local government makes a significant contribution to the Northern Territory economy as collectively councils employ around 3,000 Territorians, is the largest employer of Indigenous people in remote and regional areas, manage and control assets and infrastructure valued at $2.57 billion, is responsible for over 13,000 kilometres of roads and receive and expend over $505 million in the Northern Territory annually. The Executive and staff review the LGANT strategic plan each February and this report includes feedback on achievements against the plan for 2019-2020.

LGANT: • exists as a provider of support services, a coordinator of collective effort and as an advocate for its members and forms part of the system of local government in Australia which includes: 1. Councils 2. State and Territory Local Government Associations 3. the Australian Local Government Association • undertakes advocacy work for councils in the Northern Territory by being a ‘voice’ for member councils or representing their collective views to other spheres of government and the public. This helps increase their understanding of the views and positions of local government in the Northern Territory • obtains views from its members through various communication channels, most importantly at meetings where it calls for resolutions on a range of policies and actions. Progress reports are circulated regularly to members through minutes of meetings and reports Vision For LGANT to lead, represent and be influential for the benefit of local government in the Northern Territory. Our Business To provide leadership, support and influential representation for the local government sector on all issues in the Northern Territory. Core Values To achieve the mission and vision identified, the guiding principle of LGANT is to be responsive and supportive to the needs of its members. Our values are: • transparency • honesty • accountability • responsiveness • accessibility • flexibility • innovation. Strategic Goals LGANT’s goals as stated in the 2019-2020 strategic plan are: • to enhance the status of local government (Local Government Understanding) • to enhance the performance of local government (Local Government Capacity) • to effectively advocate for and represent member councils (Local Government Influence) • to maintain an effective and efficient service

Chief Executive Officer’s Report

This is my first LGANT Annual Report delivered under Section 22.2 of the LGANT Constitution after commencing as the Chief Executive Officer 4 November 2019. The report includes the audited annual financial statements for the 2019-2020 financial year. The financial position and performance of LGANT was sound as at 30 June 2020. As the incoming CEO there is nothing quite like a crisis to highlight the challenges and opportunities and in this case those for the Local Government sector in the NT. The key issue was of course to protect everybody from a virus that we knew so little about and maintaining the critical services that our communities not only expect but need. Of greatest concern was the safety of our most vulnerable, particularly those in our remote regions. To this end LGANT worked very hard with the Northern Territory Government, allied health agencies, land councils and our members to ensure food and water security, connectivity and to support the prevention of the virus getting into these communities.

For the LGANT Secretariat it was about how do we support our members maintain those services and the council staff to deliver them. That is, with the imposed restrictions and councils experiencing a decrease in income with the same overheads, pretty soon they would have to face the real prospect of cutting services and jobs. Given that councils in the NT are overwhelmingly the major employer and biggest spender in their communities if councils weren’t spending locally, businesses could face closure.

The LGANT Secretariat collaborated with the Northern Territory Government to provide a rapid COVID-19 response to underpin council operations and by extension ensure the health of their constituents including businesses.

We can only do so much and the NT Government understood that, announcing support measures including a $13.1 million program, over two financial year periods, to provide immediate funding for council employment and operating costs; support job creation and maintenance opportunities in communities; provide targeted rates relief for commercial rate-payers experiencing hardship and assist with COVID-19 related compliance and management costs. The Northern Territory is

the only jurisdiction in Australia to have announced COVID-19 support measures for the local government sector.

Councils came up with their own innovative ways to assist rate-payers and keep small businesses open and this includes fees and rate rise freezes along with retail vouchers systems and events designed to lift the morale of its citizens such as the City of Palmerston providing poppy driveway decals to past and present Australian Defence Force Personal honouring ANZAC Day and their service to Australia.

The LGANT Secretariat made intergovernmental relations a focus and in its advocacy activities, working closely with Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) and Territory Government, in particular the Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development, helped ensure that the following financial support mechanisms were continued: • NT Operation Subsidy • Special Purpose Grants • Local Authority Project Grants • Indigenous Jobs Development Funding • Strategic Local Government Infrastructure Fund including the first SCALE program tranche of $7.1m • Elected Member Training Grant • Financial Assistance Grants for local roads • Roads to Recovery Grant

As is generally accepted it is relationships and partnerships that get things done in the Territory. LGANT is very thankful and fortunate to have some strong key strategic partners who have shown great support in these testing times. • Commonwealth Bank of Australia • Fleet Network • IT Vision • Jardine Lloyd Thompson • JLL Infrastructure Advisory • Latitude 12 • MinterEllison • Mead Perry Group • Statewide Financial Management Services • Territory Insurance Office • Regional Development Australia Northern Territory

I thank the LGANT Executive for showing such faith in me as a first-time CEO. I am blessed to have inherited such an amazing group of people who have shown me nothing but kindness, warmth and patience. I have learnt from them and they have made decision-making that much easier. They are committed to their roles and making a difference for LGANT member councils and the local government sector. Thank you Peter McLinden, Maree McLinden, Jennifer Jan, Elaine McLeod, Meredith Newall and Sheridan Rose.

We achieved much but still have much to do including the implementation of the new Local Government Act 2019, the Incorporation of LGANT into a new entity and the Local Government

2030 Strategy. Once instituted these will form the foundation for change that will have us better placed to, for example, playing a greater role in improving the number of targets met under “closing the gap” and increase voter enrolment, turnout and the number of elected member candidates for the 2021 NT Local Government Elections. Importantly, continuing the fight for safer communities, food and water security, greater connectivity, cyclone shelters, decreasing homelessness but increasing housing and better roads is paramount. An emphasis on local economies and assisting councils to create an environment for businesses to start and grow has quickly become the key ingredient for sustainability in our communities and ultimately will lead the NT economic recovery. LGANT is a member-based organisation and the next twelve months will see improvements in our member services and the value proposition particularly in procurement and human resource management. I look forward to the next twelve months working with you all to make good on our promise to make a difference.

Sean G Holden CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

President’s Report on behalf of the Executive

Dear members,

It has been a year of two halves, with the second six months as difficult as I have seen in my time in local government. The LGANT Executive fully understands the financial and emotional strain many of our employees, residents and local businesses are under and we are working with the Commonwealth and Territory governments to alleviate that pain. We are yet to see the effects of the various Commonwealth and Territory government initiatives as many have not kicked-in and while we need to be mindful of shadow-boxing and kneejerk reactions we also have to trust our community when they say they are hurting.

Through the depression, two World Wars, “the recession we had to have”, cyclones, floods and now a pandemic it is councils that have always been there. We are still here. Our job is to maintain and improve community wellbeing and with the other two levels of government we will overcome and outlast this latest trial.

Although Councils are not immune to the spread of the COVID-19 virus nor have we been spared the financial strain that our constituents and businesses are also experiencing, we are however better prepared than we might have been given we have seen hardship before.

Your peak body, its staff and Executive are working very hard to ensure we are at the table on your behalf bringing us together for virtual meetings amongst ourselves and with senior government officials contributing to policy decisions and exchanging information in real time.

Throughout all this we remain required to comply with legislation, observe good governance practices, continue services and remain viable entities. We are working with the Northern Territory Government on initiatives to assist us in allocating resources to

where they are needed right now and for assistance to keep our staff employed and keep the doors open.

One narrative we have been running is the importance of councils to local economies and that councils are businesses too. We are the largest employer in regional NT and in most cases the biggest spenders locally. If we are sustainable our communities will be too. The NT Government recognised this via the $7.1m SCALE package and along with the Commonwealth Government’s new Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program and the bringing forward of the Financial Assistance Grant scheme, means that councils can not only maintain critical community services but can also stimulate local jobs and invest in key social infrastructure.

The deferment of the implementation of the new NT Local Government Act 2019 until 1 July 2021 was welcome as it has allowed member councils to concentrate on fighting the pandemic and ensuring resources were diverted to service provision.

All these changes mean that we have an opportunity to tell the local government story and create our own new normal as we take the critical first step in developing the Local Government 2030 Strategy. As we look to the future, we can plan how we work together as a sector to move from where we are to where we can and need to be. The initial focus is on developing a shared vision, identifying the stakeholders to engage with and determining what we should be doing in ten years time to ensure councils are leading change to improve the sustainability, liveability and well-being of our communities. All these changes mean that we have an opportunity to tell the local government story and create our own new normal and the final draft will be available April 2021.

LGANT organised, prepared papers for, arranged presentations and circulated minutes and followed up on actions arising from them during the year including: 5 ALGA Board Meetings, 2 General Meetings, 1 Special General Meeting, 1 Annual General Meeting, 9 Executive Meetings, 1 Mayors and Presidents Forum, 1 CEO Forum and 5 Reference Group meetings.

The Reference Groups in particular are key information-swap opportunities that have informed policy and advocacy development that have proven invaluable as a member communication vehicle.

At the end of 2019 we farewelled Tony Tapsell who retired after 18 years as the CEO of LGANT. To many of us in the sector Tony was not only a colleague and mentor but also a friend. Those that had the opportunity to work alongside or with Tony will appreciate the contribution that he made to the sector, at times not without challenges but always with professionalism, integrity and a knowledge of the sector that surpasses most if not all.

Tony came to the Territory in 1972 as a Community Advisor with the then Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs which gave him his first experience of

working in remote towns. A move to the NT Government saw him having responsibility for local government as head of both corporate services and regional operations. In 1993 he moved with his young family as CEO of Jabiru Town Council. He then took up the position of CEO of LGANT in 2002 when there were 65 Councils in the Northern Territory. In 2008 he played a significant role in the structural reforms in the rationalisation and amalgamation of councils. He oversaw the restructuring of LGANT itself and its move and purchase of the current premises in Parap.

At the LGANT General Meeting held in November the first honorary life membership was awarded to Kerry Moir. She has worked in the sector for many years and was recognised for her service to LGANT having served on the Executive from 2000-2004, was Vice President from 2004-2005 and President 2005-2012.

My thanks to Mayor Steve Edgington, Vice President Regional and Shires, Alderman Gary Haslett, Vice President Municipal, Mayor Fay Miller, Mayor Maree Bredhauer, Mayor Judy McFarlane, Mayor Matthew Ryan, Alderman Peter Pangquee and Councillor Bobby Wunungmurra for their contribution to LGANT and the Local Government sector over the past twelve months as we navigated our response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

My sincere gratitude to our LGANT team CEO Sean Holden, Peter McLinden, Maree McLinden, Jenny Jan, Elaine McLeod, Meredith Newall and Sheridan Rose for their support and commitment to our sector.

Damien Ryan President

Membership 2019-2020

Membership of LGANT is voluntary and open to all local governments in the Northern Territory and it is also able to admit associate members under Clause 6.4 of its constitution. During 2019-2020, 17 local governments in the Northern Territory were members of LGANT and were made up of (see Table 1): • 5 municipalities • 9 regional councils • 3 shires The Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited continued as an associate member during 2019-2020 because of its role as an organisation involved in the delivery of local government-type services. Table 1 LGANT Members as of 30 June 2020

Member Type

Alice Springs Town Council Municipal

Barkly Regional Council Regional

Belyuen Community Government Council Shire

Central Desert Regional Council Regional

City of Darwin Municipal

City of Palmerston Municipal

Coomalie Community Government Council Shire

East Arnhem Regional Council Regional

Katherine Town Council Municipal

Litchfield Council Municipal

MacDonnell Regional Council Regional

Roper Gulf Regional Council Regional

Tiwi Islands Regional Council Regional

Victoria Daly Regional Council Regional

Wagait Shire Council Shire West Arnhem Regional Council Regional

West Daly Regional Council Regional

Nhulunbuy Corporation Limited (associate member) Corporation

LGANT Executive Committee as at 30 June 2020

Damien was elected Mayor of Alice Springs in March 2008. He was elected to the LGANT Executive Committee as Vice President representing municipals at the Annual General Meeting in November 2010 and took on the position of President in April 2012. Damien is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Justice of the Peace. Damien represents LGANT as a Director on the Australian Local Government Association, LGANT representative on the Regional Development Australia Northern Territory Board, Member of the Alice Springs Regional Economic Development Committee, Northern Territory Grants Commissioner, Co-Deputy Chair of the Outback Mayor Highway Development Council and Board Member of the Central Damien Ryan Australian Show Society. Alice Springs Other positions Damien holds include Local Government Town Council Representative on the Northern Territory Heritage Council, Centralian Girls Academy Advisory Committee, Araluen Cultural President Precinct Community Reference Group and Patron of Holyoake Alice Springs.

Before being elected as Mayor of the Barkly Regional Council in August 2017, Steve completed over 29 years continuous service with the Northern Territory Police Force, the South Australian Government, the Commonwealth Government and the Northern Territory Government. Steve has a number of tertiary qualifications including a Master of Public Policy & Administration, Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice, a Graduate Certificate in Applied Management, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Business & Commerce, Bachelor of Policing (Investigations) and a Bachelor of Arts. Steve was admitted to the Supreme Court of the Northern Mayor Territory as a Legal Practitioner on 9 May 2017. He is a Fellow Steven Edgington of the Institute of Managers and Leaders, a Member of the Barkly Regional Council Australian Institute of Company Directors and an Associate Member of the Law Society NT. Vice President Actively involved in a number of committees, Steve is presently Regionals and the Chair of Regional Development Australia Northern Shires Territory. He has previously held the position of President of the Barkly Australian Football League from 2014-2015 and was instrumental in establishing the Barkly Regional Deal.

Gary Haslett was born in Adelaide, South Australia and moved to Darwin in 1966 as a baby, his mother was adamant she was only staying for 3 years – they all still live here today. This is a very common story. Alderman Haslett attended Rapid Creek Primary, Nightcliff Primary and after Cyclone Tracy NiMiRa Primary (for one year Nightcliff, Millner and Rapid Creek schools were combined). Later Alderman Haslett attended Nightcliff High School and Northern Territory University (now Charles Darwin University). In 1982 Gary started his working life at Channel Eight (now Alderman Channel 9). In the 1990s he worked for ABC TV here in Darwin. His roles included directing local ABC news, 7.30 Report, Gary Haslett Stateline NT and Australia Television News (ATV) – broadcast City of Darwin both nationally and internationally nightly. Gary received a silver medal at the prestigious New York Festival for his efforts Vice President directing ATV News. Municipals

Fay was first elected as Alderman to Katherine Town Council in 2001. She was then elected as the Member for Katherine to the NT Legislative Assembly in 2003 (a by-election) and again at a general election in 2004. She held the position of Deputy Leader of the Opposition and seven Shadow portfolios in addition to five Select Committees until her retirement in 2008 following serious injury in a vehicle accident. Fay was elected as Mayor of Katherine in the March 2012 local government elections and was elected to the LGANT Executive in May 2012. Positions held within the Katherine community have included Chairman of the Katherine Region Tourist Association, Mayor Chairman Katherine Hospital Board, Director Bendigo Bank, Fay Miller committee member of Neighbourhood Watch, member of the Katherine Flood Mitigation Committee, board member of Katherine Town Savannah Way Ltd, member of Katherine Alcohol Action Group. Council Fay holds positions on a number of Katherine Town Council Executive Member committees, is the Chairperson of the Big Rivers Regional Municipals Economic Development Committee, a member of the Ministerial

Advisory Group for Senior Territorians and the NT Seniors Advisory Council, Development consent Authority, Katherine Cancer Working Group, Katherine Accommodation Action Group, Katherine Local Tourism Advisory Committee, Katherine Emergency Committee, board member of Nitmiluk Tours, member of the Onshore Petroleum Community Business Reference Group and GISERA NT Regional Research Advisory Committee, Commissioner of the Northern Territory Grants Commission.

Peter was elected as Alderman to City of Darwin Council in 2017 and joined the Executive as the City of Darwin appointed representative in November 2018.

Peter has a Bachelor's Degree in Aboriginal Community Management and Development, this degree is based on community development and policy.

He has worked in NT Health for over 30 year based in Darwin and Nhulunbuy as well as most Aboriginal Communities in the Top End and has also worked in Community Development and Correctional Services.

Alderman Peter is a registered Aboriginal Health Practitioner and was the Chair of the NT Aboriginal Health Worker (AHW) Registration Peter Pangquee Board and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander City of Darwin Health Practitioner (ATSIHP) Board of Australia for over 16 years. Executive Member Municipals

Maree was elected as Mayor of Litchfield Council in November 2015 and re-elected again in 2017.

As Mayor of Litchfield Council, Maree meets regularly with Federal and Territory elected members, departmental representatives, residents and business and community groups. Maree is an executive member of LGANT in the position of Executive Member All Councils and executive member of the Australian Local Government Women’s Association of the Northern Territory (ALGWA NT).

Prior to being elected as Mayor, Maree held a number of senior corporate leadership roles within the NT Department of Mayor Education. She is a Board Member of Early Childhood Australia Maree Bredhauer and the Australian Children’s Education & Care Quality Assurance (ACECQA) and NT Government Key Stakeholder Litchfield Council Advisory Group for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Executive Member Along with Education degrees, Maree has a Masters in representing all councils International Management and Leadership qualifications.

Bobby was elected as councilor to East Arnhem Regional Council in 2018 and joined the Executive in November 2018.

He is a member of the Northern Land Council's, elected in November 2016, having also previously served at the Executive level, and was a member of the NLC in the late 1980's.

Bobby, was born at Blue Mud Bay and lives in Gapuwiyak. He completed his schooling at Shepherdson College and has six children, enjoying fishing and hunting in his spare time. As well as his work on various boards and Council, Bobby provides Councillor small business consultancy services to Yolngu wanting to start Bobby their own business. Wunungmurra Bobby is a strong advocate for education and passionate about East Arnhem Regional Yolngu people standing on their own, economic growth and Council development in East Arnhem Land, led by Yolngu for Yolngu. Executive Member Regionals and Shires

A community leader in Maningrida for more than a decade, Mayor Matthew Ryan believes in promoting Indigenous rights.

Matthew was born in Royal Darwin Hospital and raised in Maningrida, where he lives with his wife Charlene Bonson and their four children.

After receiving his primary and secondary education at Maningrida School, Matthew joined Northern Territory Police, giving many years of service to his community as an Aboriginal Community Police Officer.

Matthew has held the position of Councillor for Maningrida Ward Mayor since West Arnhem Regional Council was established, as West Arnhem Shire Council, in 2008. Prior to the Shire days, Matthew Matthew Ryan was a Councillor with the Maningrida Council. He has also served West Arnhem Regional as a Councillor with Northern Land Council since 2004 and has Council worked as a Liaison Officer with Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation. Executive Member Regionals and Shires Outside of work Matthew is a keen hunter and fisherman.

Mayor Matthew Ryan is the Jongi for Benenbenbi (Stone Country), which is his mother’s and grandfather’s country.

Prior to being elected to Roper Gulf Regional Council in 2012, Judy was with the previous Community Government Council for six years as a councillor. She was Deputy Mayor of Roper Gulf Regional Council from 2012 until 2017 and is now Mayor.

Judy has lived in the NT her whole life predominately within the Roper area. She spent 18 years working for the Department of Education and the rest of her working life within the rural industry running small businesses and managing cattle stations.

She is a strong advocate for rural and remote community residents and businesses and is particularly passionate about ensuring that there are adequate and appropriate services in remote Mayor communities in particular aged care and aged services. Judy MacFarlane Judy looks forward to the opportunity to share her experiences of Roper Gulf Regional a large regional council with the LGANT executive and will ensure Council that there is a strong voice within the executive on regional and Executive Member remote issues. Regionals and Shires

Table 2 Executive Member Attendance Record July 2019 – June 2020

Meetings eligible Meetings Executive Member to attend attended

Mayor Damien Ryan 10 10

Mayor Steven Edgington 10 8

Alderman Gary Haslett 10 7

Mayor Maree Bredhauer 10 9

Mayor Judy MacFarlane 10 5

Mayor Fay Miller 10 9

Alderman Peter Pangquee 10 7

Mayor Matthew Ryan 10 5

Councillor Bobby Wunungmurra 10 8

LGANT Organisational Structure as at 30 June 2020

LGANT Member Councils

Nominate

General Meetings Annual General Meetings Special Meetings

Elect

LGANT Executive Committee

Appoint

Member services Chief Executive Officer Executive Assistant

Director Transport & Manager Finance & Risk Infrastructure Services

WALGA Industrial Relations Project Officer Services Environment

JLT Joint Insurance Project & Scheme & Communications Discretionary Trust Officer

NPN & Local Buy Business Procurement Services Development Officer

Annual Priority Achievements 2019-2020

The 2019-2020 financial year is the first of LGANT’s five-year Strategic Plan (‘the Plan’) goals, outcomes, annual priorities and performance measures. These priorities are reviewed and updated each year to ensure they meet member expectations and the capacity of LGANT officers to deliver.

The 2019-2020 Strategic Plan is available on the LGANT website: www.lgant.asn.au

Goal 1 To effectively Local Government Influence advocate for and represent member LGANT shall represent the interests of local government in the Northern Territory as a sector and in doing so we will act as the councils conduit to other spheres of government, non-government organisations, media, industry groups and other relevant individuals and organisations through our activities and those of the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA).

1.1 Submit proposals in response to legislation, policy or programs which are enacted or proposed by the Northern Territory and Commonwealth governments including: • the Local Government Act • the Remuneration Act • the Planning Act • the Environment Protection Act and guidelines • Subdivision Development Guidelines • 2019/20 LGANT Budget Submission to the Northern Territory Government • the National Local Government Report • LGANT’s 2020 Election Document • The Independent Town Camps Review Submissions are made to Northern Territory and Commonwealth Governments on legislation and policy impacting on local government and are evaluated.

LGANT completed the following submissions:

Table 3 LGANT 2019-2020 Submissions

Date Submitted Submission Topic

15 July 2019 Draft Local Government Bill Consultation

25 July 2019 Expenditure on Children in the Northern Territory

26 August 2019 Indigenous Evaluation Strategy

17 September 2019 Contributed to ALGA submission: National Waste Management Action Plan

1 October 2019 Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety

28 October 2019 2017-18 Local Government National Report

31 October 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit 2019

1 November 2019 Climate Change Response

18 December 2019 Endorsed support: Proposed Battery Stewardship Scheme

21 January 2020 COAG Waste Export Ban

25 March 2020 Uniform Companion Animal Legislation in the Northern Territory

11 May 2020 Draft Territory-Wide Logistics Master Plan

1.2 Facilitate appropriate local government representation on relevant boards and committees and undertake a review of current membership and relevance.

LGANT was represented on the following committees during the year: • Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (Alderman Justine Glover, City of Darwin) • Australian Logistics Council Working Group (Mayor Damien Ryan, Alice Springs Town Council and Mayor Steven Edgington, Barkly Regional Council) • Coastal and Marine Management Strategy Partnership Group (Alderman Robin Knox, City of Darwin) • Employment Assistance Service NT (EASA) (David Jan, Litchfield Council)

• Heritage Council (Alderman Toni Tapp-Coutts, Katherine Town Council) • Local Government Accounting Advisory Committee (Ramesh Pudasaini, CouncilBIZ and Sean Holden CEO, LGANT) • Local Government Administration and Legislation Advisory Committee (Councillor Jamie de Brenni, Alice Springs Town Council and Sean Holden CEO, LGANT) • Local Government Safe Cities Network (Mayor Steven Edgington, Barkly Regional Council) • Minister’s Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs (Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis, City of Darwin) • Minister’s Advisory Council on Senior Territorians (Mayor Fay Miller, Katherine Town Council) • NT Councils Insurance Discretionary Trust (Sean Holden CEO, LGANT) • NT Grants Commission (Mayor Damien Ryan, Alice Springs Town Council and Mayor Fay Miller, Katherine Town Council) • NT Neighbourhood Watch Board (Alderman Gary Haslett, City of Darwin) • NT Place Names Committee (Councillor Ronald Plummer, Barkly Regional Council) • NT Planning Commission (Robert Jennings CEO, Alice Springs Town Council) • NT Settlement Planning and Outcomes Committee (Alderman Robin Knox, City of Darwin) • NT Tobacco Control Action Committee (Councillor Kris Civitarese, Barkly Regional Council) • NT Water Safety Advisory Council (Alderman Robin Knox City of Darwin and Councillor Jeffrey McLaughlin, Barkly Regional Council) • Regional Development Australia NT (Mayor Damien Ryan, Alice Springs Town Council) • Serviced Land Availability Plans Working Group (Shane Marshall, East Arnhem Regional Council and Simon Murphy, MacDonnell Regional Council)

Throughout the year LGANT managed processes which required calling for nominations from councils to be representatives on Territory and Commonwealth government committees as detailed in Table 4.

Table 4 Nominations submitted and approved during 2019-2020

Date of Executive Nominee Committee Meeting

Shane Marshall Serviced Land Availability Plans N/A (East Arnhem Regional Council) Working Group Simon Murphy (MacDonnell Regional Council)

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis Ministerial Advisory Council on 21 October 2019 (City of Darwin) Multicultural Affairs

Alderman Tony Tapp-Coutts NT Heritage Council 16 December 2019 (Katherine Town Council)

Mayor Fay Miller NT Grants Commission 29 April 2020 (Katherine Town Council)

LGANT officers represented local government on the following committees and provided reports at Executive meetings: • the Top End Regional Organisation of Councils held meetings which were attended by the LGANT CEO at which updates on LGANT activities were provided to members • the Local Government Workforce Development Group – national group of policy officers • the CouncilBIZ Board • the ALGA Roads and Transport Advisory Committee • National Communications Directors Forum • Road Safety Black Spots Committee

1.3 Provide information and support to ALGA and other State local government associations. Work with councils to gather relevant data which can be included in a national Australian Local Government Association ‘State of the Local Government Sector’ report. In addition to attending to standard governance matters at ALGA Board meetings, the LGANT CEO, President and the Vice President Regional and Shires participated in the following ALGA meetings: • the ALGA General Assembly Debrief Teleconference • the National Local Roads and Transport Congress • all ALGA general meetings and the annual general meeting • the ALGA strategic planning meeting • ALGA CEOs and Board Forums on COVID-19

Some of the issues dealt with at ALGA Board meetings included those listed in Table 5 below about which reports were provided at Executive meetings:

Table 5 Significant issues deliberated at the ALGA Board meetings

Date Highlights 19 July 2019 • Processing of the resolutions of National General Assembly of Local Government (teleconference)

12 September 2019 • Financial Assistance Grants and the Minimum Grant • Constitutional recognition of Local Government • Advancing ALGA’s strategic priorities • Land use and development position • Future of State of the Assets 17 November 2019 • 2020-21 Federal Budget Submission • Future of the State of the Regions report • ALGA Board 2020 Strategic Planning Workshop • Waste and Recycling • Drought policy and program 18 March 2020 • Outcomes of 2020 Strategic Planning Meeting • ALGA Draft Action Plan 2020-21 • Bushfire Recovery and Resilience • 2020 National General Assembly of Local Government • 2020 National Local Roads and Transport Congress 15 June 2020 • State of the Assets Report • 2020-2021 ALGA Draft Budget • Changes to intergovernmental structures • Migration and planning • Coastal hazards

Local Government Understanding Goal 2 - To enhance the LGANT shall pursue the improved standing of local government in the status of local Northern Territory. LGANT will do this on behalf of, and in conjunction with its members, through fostering effective government. communication and activities between LGANT, member councils and all local government stakeholders. We will use available resources to disseminate information which assists all parties to better understand matters relating to local government including those that recognise its achievements and increase involvement in its activities.

2.1 Prepare, publish and/or distribute: • LGANT and ALGA newsletters • LGANT Strategic Plan • LGANT Annual Report • Event Information • Twitter Posts • Update and maintain LGANT website. • Monthly Executive agendas and minutes • Biannual general meetings agendas and minutes • LGANT communications • LGANT and ALGA News (electronic and paper) • Social media • EasyGrants newsletter • Northern Territory and Federal Budget summaries • Prepare information products for promoting local government at events • Media releases • COVID-19 update website

We are Local We Connect

LGANT has begun the process of looking at the LGANT corporate brand and how it reflects what LGANT is and what LGANT does. With a full rebrand in the pipeline for 2020-21, a small start was to test out some uniforms and see the reactions from members at the Local Government Act Workshop hosted by NTG in February.

Local Government 2030 Strategy

1) The development of a Local Government 2030 Strategy, seeks to define a vision for a strong, responsive, well-governed local government sector; what it would look like in 2030; and the strategy for the sector moving from the current state to that vision. 2) It will define the local government sector’s aspirations for its development over the next decade; and provide a clear pathway for the development of a strong, mutually respectful and productive relationship with governments in Darwin and Canberra. 3) It will define the respective roles of local government and the Northern Territory Government in contributing to achieving the vision. 4) The Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development and the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (LGANT) will develop the strategy in collaboration with the local government sector. The project output will be a ten-year strategy, which defines the vision, highlights the priority areas identified for focus; provides options for addressing barriers and opportunities; identifies the actions needed by local government and the Northern Territory Government and details any future work or research that might be required.

COVID-19 Response

LGANT has represented Local Government interests on the Regional Remote Taskforce COVID-19 (Taskforce) which has met weekly since early March 2020.

The Taskforce is jointly chaired by the Department of Chief Minister and Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance.

There were representatives from Department of Health, Police and other government agencies, Aboriginal health organisations, Land Councils and frontline service providers. The NT Government and Health Authorities were prepared for a potential coronavirus pandemic spreading to the Territory.

The Territory Operations Centre (TOC) at Peter McCauley Centre coordinated the Territory's response to COVID-19. The activation of the TOC increased the Northern Territory's readiness in recognition that a more coordinated approach was needed to prepare for the potential spread of the virus. It assisted agencies better collaborate and ensure key intelligence, mapping, planning, logistics, and public information resources were available.

The clinical hazard response was been led by the Chief Health Officer.

The NT Government worked closely with health authorities, other government agencies, businesses and the wider community to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The key messages that LGANT gave our members included: • Be alert but not alarmed • Review HR policies to ensure that they cover working from home, self-isolation, etc. • Ensure Business Continuity Plans are up-to-date and relevant

• Talk to staff about minimising exposure, basic hygiene and Occupation Health and Safety policies • Protection in public facilities such as “Wash your hands” signage.

LGANT advocated for the following initiatives: 1. Special Community Assistance and Local Employment Program (SCALE) with the Northern Territory Government 2. The Commonwealth Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Grant (LRCIG) 3. And for Local Councils to: • Fast-track infrastructure projects • Keep all staff employed (redeployment, working from home) • Initiatives such as free parking, free entrance to pools, after hours school support programs • Provide rate and fee concessions and other hardship assistance 4. Procurement of personal protection equipment for member councils

2.2 Prepare and hold an annual session for local government member awards.

The first LGANT Honorary Life Membership Award was presented to former LGANT President Kerry Moir at the LGANT General Meeting on 7 November 2019.

Local Government Long Service Awards were also presented at the General Meeting to three recipients: • Councillor Hal Ruger, Barkly Regional Council (15 years service) • President Roxanne Kenny, MacDonnell Regional Council (10 years service) • Councillor Wally Minjin, West Daly Regional Council (10 years service.

Photo – Kerry Moir and husband Billy Moir

2.3 Inform member councils of opportunities to nominate for awards in local government excellence.

East Arnhem Regional Council's Container Deposit Scheme wins two awards Congratulations to East Arnhem Regional Council who in partnership with Sea Swift collected two awards - Outstanding WARR Project Rural/Regional at the Waste and Resource Recovery (WARR) awards and then closer to home taking out the Best Collaboration in Natural Resource Management Award at the NT Natural Resource Awards. East Arnhem Regional Council staff recognised that the Northern Territory Container Deposit Scheme was an opportunity to address the litter issue in conjunction with achieving both social and economic benefit across its communities. The council engaged the local barge operator, Sea Swift, in a sponsorship arrangement where it was agreed that all recyclable containers would be back-loaded to the recycler in Darwin, free of charge.

WARR awards https://www.insidewaste.com.au/index.php/2019/11/15/warr-awards-winners-announced/ Natural Resource Management Award https://www.tnrmconference.org.au/2019-nt-nrm-award-finalists

Goal 3 - To Local Government Capacity enhance the performance LGANT shall pursue the continued improvement of local government performance in the Northern Territory. LGANT will of local do this on behalf of, and in conjunction with, its members and government will coordinate and run activities which focus on members councils’ performance issues and assist with professional development.

3.1 Review LGANT policy statements and research and develop new policies for submission to Executive and General Meetings for approval.

Throughout the year the following LGANT Policy Statements were approved as additions or changes at Executive and General meetings:

Table 6 Changes to the LGANT Policy Statements

Section Policy Statements

2.9 (m) Protective security measures for public safety purposes

3.2 Convene appropriate LGANT meetings with member councils to facilitate collaboration, sector policy development and bring about local government reforms and provide networking opportunities: • Executive meetings • General and Annual General meetings • Mayors and Presidents Forum • CEO Forum • Regional Forum • Reference groups o Community Services o Environment, Transport and Infrastructure o Finance o Governance and Human Resources

The above meetings are the primary mechanism LGANT uses to both engage with councils and coordinate work with them.

Table 7 LGANT Executive Meetings

Date Key issues from Executive Meetings

• 15 July 2019 Approved the submission on the Local Government Bill 2019 • Amended Governance Charter for LGANT Reference Groups • Endorsed update of LGANT Policy Statements

• 19 August 2019 Approved a policy on protective security measures for public safety purposes • Endorsed a revised LGANT Constitution for presentation to members • Approved LGANT policy development on gender equality • 9 September 2019 Reviewed the LGANT Policy Statements • Endorsed the submission to the 2017-18 Local Government National Report • Endorsed the draft 2018-19 Annual Report being presented at the November 2019 annual general meeting • Approved the first Life Membership of LGANT award • 21 October 2019 Endorsed the LGANT Policy Statements • Approved a nomination to the Minister’s Advisory Council on Multicultural Affairs • Endorsed the revised 2019-2020 LGANT Budget • 16 December 2019 Confirmed Executive and General Meeting dates for 2020 • Endorsed nominations to the NT Heritage Council and NT Grants Commission • Wrote to Commonwealth and Territory Parliamentarians about concerns about recommendations from the Inquiry Into Remote Area Tax Concessions • Approved the LGANT 2020-2021 NT Budget Submission • 7 February 2020 Approved biannual member value propositions • Supported the Elected Member Training courses being held in May 2020 • Requested a presentation by Power and Water Corporation on Water Security Strategies • Recommended the acceptance of Member Subscriptions as laid out in the draft budget • 17 March 2020 Received a COVID-19 update from the Department of Chief Minister • Noted the transition from LGANT to LGANT Ltd • Agreed to cancel the LGANT Conference and face-to-face General Meeting • Deferred the CEO, Mayors and Presidents and Regional Forums • 20 April 2020 Supported the Minister for Local Government’s commitment to the Special Community Assistance and Local Employment Program • 18 May 2020 Approved LGANT extending its two-year agreement with Merit Partners for a further two years • Supported the Litchfield Council motion to establish a Northern Territory Local Government Rating System Reference Group • Endorsed an increase in member subscriptions 32

Date Key issues from Executive Meetings

• 9 June 2020 Adopted the LGANT 2020 NT Election Document “We are Local. We Connect” • Noted the appointment of a LGANT Business Development Officer

Table 8 General and Annual General Meetings

Key issues from General and the Date Annual General Meetings

• 7 November 2019 Committed to councils providing input to LGANT 2020-2021 annual General Meeting priorities • Endorsed the 2020-2021 LGANT Budget Submission to the NT Government • Called on the NT Government to amend the Building Regulations to allow councils access to building records • Called on the NT Government to provide information on the Groote Archipelago De-amalgamation • 8 November 2019 Endorsed the 2018-2019 LGANT Annual Report • Annual General Presentation of the Honorary Life Membership Award Meeting • Presentation of three Local Government Long Service Awards

• 16 April 2020 Adopted the 2019-2024 LGANT Strategic Plan including the 2020- General Meeting 2021 annual priorities • Endorsed convening a special General Meeting on 12 June 2020

12 June 2020 Special • Adopted the 2020-2021 LGANT Annual Budget including member General Meeting subscriptions

Table 9 CEO Forum

Date Key issues from CEO Forum Meetings

• 6 November 2019 Considered proposed changes to the Planning Act • Agreed to a LGANT funding submission to employ a project officer to support the local road mapping project Konect • CEOs to plan their involvement in respect of the NT Electoral Roll and the conduct and costs of the 2021 council elections. The April 2020 CEO Forum was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Table 10 Environment, Transport and Infrastructure Reference Group (ETIRG)

Key issues from Environment, Transport and Infrastructure Reference Date Group Meetings

• 3 AMRRIC – NT Remote Community Animal Management Workshop • October National Roads and Transport Congress 2019 2019 • Statutory Immunity for Road Authorities in the NT • Inclusive Playgrounds and Associated Infrastructure • Planning Reform • Infrastructure for Water in Regional and Remote Communities

Table 11 Finance Reference Group (FRG)

Date Key issues from Finance Reference Group Meetings

28 August 2019 • 2017-18 Local Government National Report • Reporting of S19 Leases on Aboriginal Land • Access to Land Titles Database • Conditionally rateable land • Statutory immunity for road authorities

11-12 March 2020 • Review of Local Government Regulations and Compliance Issues • Local Government Rates Workshop • Collaboration on Insurance Practices • Procurement Service Agreement • Local Government Cost Index • Rateable Mineral Titles Report

Table 12 Community Services Reference Group

Date Key issues from Community Services Reference Group Meetings

4-5 December 2019 • NT Remote Community Animal Management Workshop • Governance and Administration of reference groups • “Careers at Council” Website • National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect Report • NT Nature-Based Outdoor Economy Report • NDIS Strategies Around Service Delivery Challenges Faced in Regional and Remote Communities

Table 13 Governance and Human Resources Reference Group

Key issues from Governance and Human Resources Reference Date Group Meetings

16-17 October 2019 • Local Government Training Package • Elected Member Training and Development of an Online Webinar

• Workers Compensation Claims • Careers at Council • Review of the Local Government Act • National Local Government Workforce Summit 2019 • Work Health and Safety Review

3.3 Facilitate training and professional development activities for elected and local authority members and staff including: • Waste Management Symposium • Procurement Forum • Independent Commission Against Corruption briefing • rates workshop • Australian Institute of Company Directors course • Local Government Human Resources Conference

LGANT in response to the above carried out the following activities listed in Table 3 below.

Table 14 List of activities undertaken in support of the professional development of elected members and council staff

Audience and Training Council Location Date

16 participants from 10 City of Darwin 3 December 2019 councils Chambers Waste Management Forum 2 Waste Management Group Coordinators

4 observers from 3 NT Government Departments

Procurement Forum Novotel Darwin 13-15 August 2019 Accredited Training 10 participants from 5 Airport councils

23 participants from 7 Non accredited training councils

32 participants from 10 Symposium councils

Local Government Human LGANT Finance Tweed Heads 13-15 November 2019 Resources Conference Manager NSW 8 delegates representing 5 member councils

3.4 Work towards the full incorporation of the Northern Territory under the Local Government Act with the exception of special purpose areas.

LGANT continued its advocacy for the full incorporation of the Northern Territory through the various forums and meetings.

Those localities that should be incorporated are:

Coomalie /Litchfield Region • Beagle Gulf • Bynoe • Bynoe Harbour • Charlotte • Cox Peninsula • Dundee Beach • Dundee Downs • Dundee Forest • Litchfield Park • Rakula • Adelaide River Region • Burrundie (part) • Daly River (part) • Douglas Daly (part) • Margaret River • Robin Falls

Marrakai Region • Hotham • Marrakai • Mount Bundey • Point Stuart • Vernon Islands • East Arnhem Region • Channel Island • Charles Darwin • Darwin Harbour • East Arm • Elrundie • Hidden Valley • Tivendale • Wickham • Wishart • Darwin Waterfront

3.5 Provide councils with specialist human resources and industrial relations services through WALGA

LGANT is required under its constitution to provide industrial relations services to its members. LGANT contracted the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) Workplace Solutions to do much of this work which included amongst other things: • disciplinary processes • industrial claims • terminations/resignations/negotiated exits • contracts of employment • other human resource and industrial relations advice • representing councils in the Fair Work Commission.

WALGA attended the Governance and Human Resources reference group on 16 October 2019.

WALGA represented LGANT on the National Workforce Development Group which was looking at skills development in local government and workforce data metrics.

577 individual council contacts were made to WALGA throughout the year at an average of 48 contacts per month.

Graph 1 shows the total number (577) of contacts between WALGA ER and NT Local Governments, during the 2019-2020 financial year.

Graph 1. Contacts with NT Local Government Councils 2019-2020 Financial Year

Email Contacts Phone Contacts Total Contacts

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 NUMBER NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES 10 0

Graph 2 shows the enquiries received from NT Local Government Councils, by subject.

Graph 2.

Enquiries by Subject 60 2019-2020 Financial Year 50 6 6 40 6 13 17 23 30 13 3 3 3 7 3 20 7 4 3 19 24 5 22 13 18 4 10 15 6 15 4 4 3 9 6 5 6 5 4 0 3 3 3 3 3 0 Jul-19 Aug-19 Sep-19 Oct-19 Nov-19 Dec-19 Jan-20 Feb-20 Mar-20 Apr-20 May-20 Jun-20 Administration COVID-19 Disciplinary Processes Enterprise Agreement - Consultancy Fitness for Work Industrial Claim Salary Survey Leave - Parental Leave - Personal/Carers Probation Termination/resignations/negotiated exits Redundancy/redeployment

Procurement Services Agreement – Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA)

In November 2019 the President of the Local Government Association of the NT (LGANT) Mayor Damien Ryan signed a letter of engagement for procurement services with the Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) President Councillor Lynn Craigie OAM.

This new agreement will assist councils to be more effective and efficient with their purchases and deliver better outcomes for their communities. Importantly the initiative will act as a mechanism to bring councils and local businesses closer together. Identified services in the agreement include: • procurement advice delivered as a telephone advisory service • access to a quarterly procurement network forum that enables the discussion of relevant topics and sharing of ideas and issues delivered face-to-face or via webinar • access to three annual complimentary sessions of Ethics and Fraud in Procurement workshops delivered to a maximum of 16 officers per session • annual licence for the Procurement Toolkit which includes a Procurement Practice Guide and over 40 templates covering the procurement process and bespoke contracts • procurement newsletter – a free monthly newsletter that keeps Local Government Councils up to date with information on procurement and what is happening with Preferred Supplier Arrangements and associated procurement services • procurement reviews – of individual council procurement practices and policies to ascertain if they comply with the NT Local Government (Accounting) Regulations 2014 and include good

procurement practices. Reports will be provided to councils with recommendations about how to improve their procurement activities • capacity building procurement workshops – are customised to suit the needs of the councils and cover fundamentals about procurement, planning and specifications, tender processes and evaluations achieving best value for money, awarding of contracts and contract management, procurement education sessions for suppliers, and ethics and fraud in procurement • This new initiative with the existing Memorandum of Understanding between LGANT and Local Buy (Local Government Association of Queensland) which allows members to access panel contracts arranged by Local Buy and access to the National Procurement Network (NPN), further demonstrates LGANT’s value proposition to its member councils and by extension the rate-payers and local businesses and suppliers.

Municipal and regional councils in the NT now have the best procurement advice and access to a much broader and larger buying power than ever before. It is a win for the local government sector, a win for councils, a win for local business and a win for communities.

Waste Management Symposium 2020

The Waste Management Symposium scheduled for 3-5 June 2020 has been rescheduled to 7-9 October 2020.

Waste Management Forum December 2019

This forum was convened for Regional Councils that operated landfill facilities as a means of discussing common issues experienced across all council areas. Topics included illegal dumping, legacy waste sites and the inability to collect disposal fees from commercial operators.

Speakers from the Northern Land Council, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Top End Health Services presented at the event. NT Government observers represented the Department of Health, Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics and the Department of Local Government, Housing and Community Development.

Ten Regional Councils were represented at the Forum as well as both Waste Management Reference Group Coordinators. s position is responsible for rolling out Environmental Management Plans for the West Arnhem Regional Council starting with Maningrida. The Environmental Management Plan for Maningrida will be supported by: • a litter management plan • emergency procedures • operational procedures.

The Environment Project Officer provides support to the Big Rivers and Central Australia Waste and Central Australia Waste Management

Goal 4 - Maintain Maintaining and improving LGANT capacity an effective and LGANT shall ensure quality management services including efficient service human, financial and physical resources to achieve successful outcomes.

4.1 Implement and refine LGANT’s internal systems and processes

COVID-19 presented LGANT with some challenges as the majority of staff moved to work from home for an extended period. This challenge also gave the motivation to create flexibility and accessibility in our ICT environment going forward as we face the uncertainties of the future needs of the LGANT workforce.

With only a small team, we mobilised quickly to move most of the staff to work from home, highlighting some internal policies that needing updating and creating to cover this new work environment. Remote access to the network server, while already in place for limited staff members, was extended to additional staff members. This was identified as an inefficient and costly solution and highlighted the need for more effective and efficient systems.

LGANT had been using Zoom for Executive meetings for some time so was well prepared to make a quick pivot for all meetings, both internal and external, to being held via Zoom. With the rapidly changing environment during the height of the pandemic in the NT this assisted in the timely delivery and sharing of information and the opportunity for discussions between NTG, member councils and LGANT.

LGANT had already started scoping the move to a fully cloud-based ICT environment before the COVID-19 restrictions with a migration of the accounting software to Xero already planned to be in place for 01 July 2020. In June 2020 a consultant was engaged to prepare an Information Technology Gameplan 2020 which will see migration to Sharepoint and Microsoft Teams.

Manage the leasing and maintenance requirements for Units 1 - 5 and contribute to the effective management of 21 Parap Road through the body corporate.

LGANT facilitated a move to a new Body Corporate Management provider. With LGANT owning five of the eight units at 21 Parap Rd it was in LGANT’s interest to have clearer oversight over finances and compliance. North Management commenced in February 2020. as the Body Corporate managers. A LGANT representative has been elected as Chairperson on the management committee.

Submit a revised Constitution to LGANT members.

Staff also completed training in the following: • webinars on taxation, payroll and superannuation • procurement and contract management • payroll • first aid • Ergonomics • Executive Assistant professional development course Evolution of Executive Assistants

LGANT continued to upgrade its information technology and security systems through its service providers.

LGANT maintained ownership of units 1-5, at the Parap Business Centre, 21 Parap Rd, Parap with units 3, 4 and 5 being leased.

4.2 Review and maintain a long-term asset and financial management plan.

LGANT is responsible for the maintenance of a 2,008 km local road network on behalf of Local Government in the Northern Territory in the Barkly, Central Desert, East Arnhem, MacDonnell, Roper Gulf, Victoria Daly Regional Councils and areas.

LGANT received a Federal Assistance Grant for roads of $1,587,181 via the NT Commonwealth Grants Commission to complete these works.

The LGANT road network consists of the following road length by type:

Table 16 LGANT’s Road Types and Road Lengths

Road Type Road Length

Sealed 11 km

Gravel 453 km

Formed 383 km

Flat Bladed 1,161 km Track

LGANT allocated funds and performed road maintenance work in the following local government areas:

Table 17 Allocation of Expenditure in Regional Council Areas

Council Road Length (km) Allocation ($)

Barkly Regional Council 1,034 681,406

Central Desert Regional Council 156 102,804

East Arnhem Regional Council 442 291,278

MacDonnell Regional Council 242 159,478

Roper Gulf Regional Council 121 79,739

Victoria Daly Regional Council 12 7,908

This year was the first of the new five-year Roads to Recovery Program in which LGANT was allocated $711,844 for 2019-2020.

The projects completed during 2019-2020 under the Roads to Recovery Program are listed below.

Table 18 Roads to Recovery Projects during 2019-2020 financial year

Road Council Area Project Amount ($)

Barkly Regional Council Canteen Creek Road Road alignment and gravel sheeting 214,208

Barkly Regional Council 10 Mile Creek Road Gravel sheet and 134,450 drainage

East Arnhem Regional Mata Mata Road Road alignment and 157,318 Council gravel sheeting and box out of causeway

East Arnhem Regional Wandawuy Road 2 x Culverts and lift of 86,000 Council pavement with associated drains and blocks

East Arnhem Regional Baniyala Road Concrete causeway 135,000 Council

Expenditure on the network is in consultation with local road users based on an agreed level of service, routine maintenance regime and priorities as determined by the LGANT road hierarchy schedule.

LGANT continued a program of erecting road signs in 2019-2020 following road safety audits in 2014-2015. Local contractors installed the signs using ‘The Central Australian Remote Community Traffic Management Manual’ that was developed in collaboration with Barkly, Central Desert and MacDonnell Regional Councils and with technical assistance from the Australian Road Research Board.

LGANT continued to work collaboratively with the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics regional offices in planning its maintenance programs and using the Department’s appointed contractors.

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2020

Independent auditor’s report to the members of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory

Auditor’s Opinion

We have audited the accompanying special purpose financial report of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (“the Association”), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June 2020, the statement of comprehensive income and statement of cash flows for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory notes, and the Statement by the President and the Statement by the Chief Executive Officer.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report of the Association presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory as at 30 June 2020 and its financial performance for the year then ended in accordance with the accounting policies described in Note 1 to the financial statements.

Basis of Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report.

We are independent of the Association in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the Code.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material Uncertainty Regarding Continuation as a Going Concern

We draw attention to Note 17 of the financial report, which indicates that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Association's ability to continue as a going concern, and therefore, the Association may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Emphasis of matter –– Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic, Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution

Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 18 to the financial report, which describes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Association. We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial report, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial report has been prepared to assist the Association to meet the needs of the members. As a result, the financial report may not be suitable for another purpose. Our report is intended solely for the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory and should not be distributed to parties other than the members of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory. Our opinion is not modified in respect of these matters.

Responsibility of the Chief Executive Officer for the Financial Report

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Association is responsible for the preparation of the financial report that gives a true and fair view in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards,

47 and for such internal controls as the CEO determines necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial report, the CEO is responsible for assessing the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters relating to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Executive Committee either intends to liquidate the Association or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

The Executive Committee is responsible for overseeing the Association’s financial reporting process.

Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial report as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the Australian Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial report.

As part of an audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards, we exercise professional judgement and maintain professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also: . Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial report, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. . Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Association’s internal control. . Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management. . Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial report or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the registered entity to cease to continue as a going concern. . Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial report, including the disclosures, and whether the financial report represents the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with management regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Merit Partners

MunLi Chee Director

Darwin

24 September 2020

48 STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT

I, Damien Ryan, President of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, state that in my opinion, the financial statements (as set out) are properly drawn up so as to present fairly the state of affairs of the Association as at 30 June 2020 and of the results and cash flows of the Association for the year then ended.

24 September 2020

STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Sean G Holden, being the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, state that to the best of my knowledge and belief the financial statements (as set out) present fairly the state of affairs of the Association as at 30 June 2020 and of the results and cash flows of the Association for the year then ended.

24 September 2020 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

49 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2020 Notes 2020 2019 $ $ ASSETS

Current Assets Cash and cash equivalents 2 5,936,276 9,781,065 Trade and other receivables 3 444,335 97,478 Other assets 23,492 10,935 6,404,103 9,889,478

Non-Current Assets Property, plant and equipment 4 2,107,368 2,184,228 2,107,368 2,184,228

Total Assets 8,511,471 12,073,706

LESS LIABILITIES

Current Liabilities Trade and other payables 5 1,257,607 4,735,996 Borrowings 6 108,166 115,157 Provisions 7 225,530 251,308 1,591,304 5,102,461

Non-Current Liabilities Borrowings 6 330,000 438,828 Provisions 7 53,700 42,316 383,700 481,144

Total Liabilities 1,975,004 5,583,605

NET ASSETS 6,536,467 6,490,101

ACCUMULATED FUNDS Accumulated Surplus 1,736,435 1,760,564 Asset Revaluation Reserve 213,505 213,505 Property, Mobile Equipment & Other Assets Reserve 336,032 316,032 Other Reserves 17 4,250,495 4,200,000 Balance at the end of the year 6,536,467 6,490,101

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

50 DRAFT LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

Notes 2020 2019 $ $ INCOME

User Charges and Fees 8 1,025,192 952,071 Interest 91,978 122,066 Other Revenues from ordinary activities 12,500 12,500 NT Government Contributions for Operating Purposes 9 3,684,297 240,007 Federal Government Contributions for Operating Purposes 10 2,299,025 2,253,089

Total Income 7,112,992 3,579,733

EXPENDITURE

Employee Costs 851,823 721,702 Materials and contracts 5,871,701 2,626,036 Depreciation 86,570 97,902 Other operating expenses 11 232,533 230,435 Interest Charges 23,999 29,623 Loss/(Profit) on disposal of assets - (62)

Total Expenditure 7,066,626 3,705,636

Surplus (Deficit) for the year 46,366 (125,903)

Other comprehensive income - -

NET SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR THE YEAR 46,366 (125,903)

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

51 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

Notes 2020 2019 $ $ Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Receipt of grants 2,201,452 2,425,076 Receipts from members 712,607 679,412 Other Charges and User Fees (66,317) 251,618 Sponsorship - Association 44,545 46,818 Payments to suppliers and employees (6,446,216) (4,152,232) Interest received 91,978 122,066 Borrowing costs (23,999) (29,623) Other expenses (232,533) (229,564) Finance costs (777) (871)

Net cash flows used in operating activities 12 (3,719,260) (887,300)

Cash flows from Investing Activities

Payment for property, plant and equipment (9,710) (23,561) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment - 62 Bonds held for units 3 and 4 - -

Net cash flows used in investing activities (9,710) (23,499)

Cash flows from Financing Activities

Loans - Redraw Facility - - Loans - Parap Building Principal Repayments (100,000) (100,000) Loans - Motor Vehicles - - Loans - Motor Vehicle Principal Repayments (15,819) (15,157) Transfers to Reserves - -

Net cash flows used in financing activities (115,819) (115,157)

Net Decrease in cash held (3,844,789) (1,025,956) Cash at the beginning of the year 9,781,065 10,807,021 Cash at the end of the year 5,936,276 9,781,065

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

52 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

1 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES

a) Basis of Accounting

This special purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian Accounting Standards for distribution to the members. Material accounting policies adopted in the preparation of these financial statements are presented below and have been consistently applied unless otherwise stated.

The financial statements, except for the cash flow information, have been prepared on an accrual basis and are based on historical costs, modified, where applicable, by measurement of fair value of selected non-current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities. The amounts presented in the financial statements have been rounded to the nearest dollar.

b) Economic Dependence

The Association is reliant upon the receipt of government grants and members' subscriptions to operate as a going concern. Further information regarding the Association's ability to continue as a going concern is provided in note 16.

c) Revenue Recognition

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the entity and the revenue can be reliably measured. The following specific recognition criteria must also be met before revenue is recognised:

Grants Grant revenue is recognised in profit or loss when the entity satisfies performance obligations stated within the funding agreements.

If conditions are attached to the grant which must be satisfied before the entity is eligible to receive the contribution, the grant will be recognised in the statement of financial position as a liability until those conditions are satisfied.

Grants received in advance are recognised as a liability in the statement of financial position.

Where the Association receives contributions of assets from the government and other parties for zero or a nominal value, these assets are recognised at fair value on the date of acquisition in the statement of financial position, with a corresponding amount of income recognised in profit or loss.

Interest revenue Interest revenue is recognised using the effective interest method, which for floating rate financial assets is the rate inherent in the instrument.

Other income Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customer.

All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax.

53 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

d) Property, Plant and Equipment

Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair value as indicated, less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation and any impairment losses.

Property Property is shown at their fair value based on periodic valuations by external independent valuers, less subsequent depreciation for buildings. In periods when the property is not subject to an independent valuation, the directors conduct directors’ valuations to ensure the carrying amount for the property is not materially different to the fair value. Increases in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of property are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in the revaluation surplus in equity. Revaluation decreases that offset previous increases of the same class of assets shall be recognised in other comprehensive income under the heading of revaluation surplus. All other decreases are recognised in profit or loss.

Any accumulated depreciation at the date of the revaluation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount is restated to the revalued amount of the asset.

Plant & Equipment Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis and are therefore carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses. In the event the carrying amount of plant and equipment is greater than the estimated recoverable amount, the carrying amount is written down immediately to the estimated recoverable amount and impairment losses are recognised either in profit or loss or as a revaluation decrease if the impairment losses relate to a revalued asset.

Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fixed assets is depreciated on a straight line basis over the asset’s useful life to the entity commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

Class of fixed asset Depreciation Rate Office Building 2-10% Furniture, fittings and equipment 5-20% Motor Vehicles 10-20%

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end of each reporting period. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses are recognised in profit or loss in the period in which they arise. When revalued assets are sold, amounts included in the revaluation surplus relating to that asset are transferred to retained earnings.

e) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities on the statement of financial position.

54 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

f) Employee Benefits

Short-term employee benefits Provision is made for the entity’s obligation for short-term employee benefits. Short-term employee benefits are benefits (other than termination benefits) that are expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service, including wages, salaries, annual leave and sick leave. Short-term employee benefits are measured at the (undiscounted) amounts expected to be paid when the obligation is settled.

The Association’s obligations for short-term employee benefits such as wages, salaries and sick leave are recognised as part of current liabilities in the statement of financial position.

Other long-term employee benefits The entity classifies employees' long service leave and annual leave entitlements as other long-term employee benefits as they are not expected to be settled wholly within 12 months after the end of the annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service. Expected future payments incorporate anticipated future wage and salary levels, durations of service and employee departures, and are discounted at rates determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period on high quality corporate bonds that have maturity dates that approximate the terms of the obligations. Any remeasurements for changes in assumptions of obligations for other long-term employee benefits are recognised in profit or loss in the periods in which the changes occur.

The Association’s obligations for long-term employee benefits are presented as non-current liabilities in its statement of financial position, except where the entity does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period, in which case the obligations are presented as current liabilities.

g) Taxation

The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory is an exempt body under the Income Tax Assessment Act.

h) Trade and Other Receivables

Receivables are carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful debts. An allowance for doubtful debts is recognised (an re-assessed annually) when collection is no longer probable.

Receivables are unsecured, and do not bear interest.

i) Provisions

Provisions are recognised when the entity has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured. Provisions recognised represent the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at the end of the reporting period.

j) Trade and Other Payables

Creditors are amounts due to external parties for the supply of goods and services to the end of the financial year and remain unpaid. Creditors are normally paid within 30 days after receipt of the invoice. No interest is payable on these amounts.

55 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

k) Superannuation

The Association makes employer superannuation contributions to the superannuation funds nominated by its employees. Contributions are based on a fixed percentage of ordinary time earnings in accordance with the superannuation guarantee legislation.

The contribution made to the Statewide Superannuation Fund was at the rate of 11.50% for contributory Association employees and 9.50% for non-contributory Association employees.

The contribution made to employee nominated superannuation funds was at the rate of 11.50% for contributory Association employees and 9.50% for non-contributory Association employees.

l) Borrowings

Vehicles: The Association has a loan with the National Australia Bank for a new vehicle purchased in the 2017/18 financial year. See note 6 for commitment details.

Office Building: The Association has a Commercial Loan with the National Australia Bank for the purchase of this asset. See note 6 for commitment details.

m) Leases

Lease payments for short-term leases and leases for which the underlying asset is of low value are recognised as expenses on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

For all other leases the entity recognises a right-to-use asset that is measured at cost and a lease liability measured at the present value of the lease payments not paid. The lease payments are discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease.

n) Financial Instruments

A financial asset is recognised at amortised cost if the objective is to hold assets to collect contractual cash flows. All other financial assets are classified and measured at fair value through profit or loss.

Financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost calculated using the effective interest method.

o) Comparative Figures

When required by Accounting Standards, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to changes in presentation for the current financial year.

56 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

2 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Cash at bank at 30 June 2020 at National Australia Bank Darwin comprised the following:

Note 2020 2019 $ $ LGANT Reserve Term Deposit Account 408,830 401,550 Transport, Infrastructure & Environment Account 855,819 604,402 Infrastructure Holding Term Deposit Account 4,197,419 4,114,578 Tied & Committed Funds Account 366,642 656,127 Health, Safety & Security Initiatives Account - 3,587,982 Operating Account 107,156 415,926 5,935,866 9,780,565 Petty Cash 410 500 5,936,276 9,781,065

3 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 2020 2019 $ $ Trade receivables 444,335 97,478 Provision for Doubtful Debts - - 444,335 97,478

4 PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 2020 2019 $ $ Motor Vehicles, at cost 94,859 94,859 Accumulated Depreciation (62,844) (49,764) Total Motor Vehicles 32,015 45,095

Furniture, fittings and equipment, at cost 133,511 152,019 Accumulated Depreciation (100,407) (112,887) Total Furniture and Fittings 33,104 39,132

Office Building - Parap, at valuation 2,552,953 2,976,311 Revaluation adjustment - (427,738) Accumulated Depreciation (510,704) (448,573) Total Office Building - Parap 2,042,249 2,100,000

Total property, plant and equipment 2,107,368 2,184,227

Asset Valuations Colliers International performed a revaluation of the office building in Parap on 26 August 2019. The Association reviewed the key assumptions adopted by the valuers and do not believe there has been a significant change in the assumptions between 26 August 2019 and 30 June 2020. The Association therefore believes the carrying amount of the office building correctly reflects the fair value less costs of disposal at 30 June 2020.

5 TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 2020 2019 $ $ Trade payables 37,011 128,469 Unexpended grants 15 385,539 3,772,744 Grants received in advance 15 812,735 821,861 Accruals 22,321 12,922 1,257,607 4,735,996

57 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

6 BORROWINGS Note 2020 2019 $ $ CURRENT Bank Loan - Vehicles 8,166 15,157 Bank Loan - Parap Building Purchase ** 100,000 100,000 108,166 115,157

NON-CURRENT Bank Loan - Vehicles 0 8,828 Bank Loan - Parap Building Purchase ** 330,000 430,000 330,000 438,828

Total Borrowings 438,166 553,985

** This loan was renegotiated in November 2017 with the National Australia Bank, as a Flexible Rate Loan to run over three years with $630,000 being principal and fixed interest and $300,000 being variable interest. The variable portion has a redraw facility of $300,000 attached to it. Interest payments are made on a quarterly basis. Principal payments of $100,000 were made against the loan in the 2019/20 financial year.

The status of this loan is as follows: 2020 2019 $ $ Current Liability - Fixed & Variable Components Flexible Rate Loan 100,000 100,000 Non current liability - Fixed & Variable Components Flexible Rate Loan 330,000 430,000 430,000 530,000

7 PROVISIONS 2020 2019 $ $ CURRENT Annual Leave 140,768 139,781 Long Service Leave 84,762 111,527 225,530 251,308

NON-CURRENT Long Service Leave 42,406 31,022 Bond Units 3 & 4 11,294 11,294 53,700 42,316

Total Provisions 279,231 293,624

8 USER CHARGES AND FEES 2020 2019 $ $ Subscriptions, Meeting Charges and Sponsorship 782,389 786,566 Rental Charges 107,412 165,505 Project Management, Consultancy and Training Charges 135,391 - Total User Charges and Fees 1,025,192 952,071

9 NT GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTIONS 2020 2019 $ $ Regional Infrastructure Development Fund 14,157 6,070 Waste Management Programmes 24,600 13,501 Health, Safety & Security Initiatives 3,505,712 Local Government Environment Officer 133,528 137,624 Elected Member AICD Courses 6,300 82,811 Total NT Government Contributions 3,684,297 240,006

58 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

10 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTIONS Note 2020 2019 $ $ Local Roads Federal Assistance Grants 1,587,181 1,580,255 AusLink Roads to Recovery - LGANT 711,844 672,834 Total Federal Government Contributions 2,299,025 2,253,089

11 OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES 2020 2019 $ $ Internal Management, Advocacy, Representation and Information Services 193,261 176,581 Human Resource Support and Development 7,687 2,593 Engineering and Environment Project Management 8,222 32,081 Natural Resource Management 23,362 19,180 Total Other Operating Expenses 232,533 230,435

12 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 2,020 2019 $ $ a) Reconciliation of Cash Cash at Bank 5,935,866 9,780,565 Petty Cash Imprest 410 500 5,936,276 9,781,065 b) Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets to Cash from Operating Activities

Operating result 46,366 (125,903) Depreciation 86,570 97,902 (Profit)/loss on sale of fixed assets - (62) 132,936 (28,063)

Increase/(Decrease) in trade and other payables (3,478,389) (869,310) Increase/(Decrease) in provisions (14,393) (2,579) (Increase)/Decrease in trade and other receivables (359,414) 13,276 (Increase)/Decrease in other assets - (625) Net cash used in operating activities (3,719,260) (887,301)

13 SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Local Government Association manages some government grants and monies on behalf of councils in the Northern Territory. The Association operates in Darwin, Australia.

14 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Assocation is not aware of any contingent liabilities as at 30 June 2020 (30 June 2019: $nil).

59 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

15 UNEXPENDED GRANT MONIES CARRIED FORWARD TO THE 2020-2021 FINANCIAL YEAR

The Association has recognised liabilities for grants received but not fully expended at year end for projects of $1,198,274. Included in this figure are unexpended grants totaling $812,735 being income received in advance for the 2020-2021 financial year.

Movements Opening Closing Balance Received/ Balance 1 July 2019 Receivable Expended 30 June 2020 $ $ $ $ Local Roads Funding received in advance 821,861 812,735 821,861 812,735 (refer note 5)

Grant income unexpended at end of 2019/20 financial year (refer note 5) Big Rivers Mentoring Program 24,600 - 24,600 - Regional Economic Infrastructure Development Fund 14,157 - 14,157 - Local Government Environment Officer 128,816 150,000 133,528 145,288 Facilitate AICD Courses for Elected Members 17,189 100,000 6,300 110,889 Health, Safety & Security Initiative 3,587,982 47,093 3,505,712 129,363

Other - - - - TOTAL UNEXPENDED GRANTS 4,594,605 1,109,828 4,506,158 1,198,275

16 GOING CONCERN AND EVENTS AFTER THE REPORTING PERIOD

Whilst the Association has made a net surplus of $46,366 in 2020, it resulted in negative operating cash flows of $3,719,260 during the year. The negative cash flows was mainly due to grant monies intended for the Health, Safety & Security Initiative program that were returned to funding bodies during the year. These monies were received by the Association in 2018. In spite of the above, the Association has $5.9 million in cash at bank and reserves of $6.53 million with net working capital of $4.8 million. These factors indicate that the Association has sufficient cash and reserves to continue to operate on existing levels of operation for at least the next 12 months from the date of the financial report.

The Association is dependent on grant funding from the Australian Government for the majority of its revenue used in its roads operations. Should grant funding not be received, the Association will not be able to generate sufficient other revenue to meet future road expenditure.

At the date of this report there exist plans for the Association to be removed from the Local Government Act. It is expected that when the new Local Government Act becomes effective, the Association will incorporate as a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Association currently anticipates this to be no earlier than 1 July 2022. It is envisaged that all assets and liabilities will be transferred from the Association to the new Company once it is established. These financial statements have not taken into account the impact of this change.

The above condition to remove the Association from the Local Government Act indicates the existence of a material uncertainty that may cast significant doubt about the Association’s ability to continue as a going concern and therefore the Association may be unable to realise its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business.

Notwithstanding that there is a material uncertainty the Executive believes that the Australian and Territory governments will continue to provide funding to the Association. There are also continued plans for control of costs as well as plans to increase self-generated revenue. The executive believes that the Association will continue as a going concern for the ensuing 12 months from the date of this report.

60 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

17 RESERVES 2020 2019 OTHER RESERVES $ $ Local Roads Replacement and Renewal Reserve 2,000,000 2,000,000 Local Roads Future Works Reserve 1,200,000 1,200,000 Legal and Research Reserve 200,000 200,000 Project and Policy Reserve 470,000 480,000 Procurement Services Reserve 180,495 120,000 Property Loan Principal Reserve 200,000 200,000 Total Other Reserves 4,250,495 4,200,000

These are quarantined funds set aside for the above activities and held in separate term deposit accounts

Local Roads Replacement and Renewal Reserve The reserve is for the renewal or upgrade of the Local Roads managed by the Association.

Local Roads Future Works Reserve The reserve covers operational and maintenance expenditure on local roads that is carried forward from previous financial years.

Legal and Research Reserve This reserve is for obtaining legal advice and to commission research on issues.

Project and Policy Reserve This reserve assists the Association to continue ongoing project delivery and policy development.

Procurement Services Reserve This reserve assists in the development of procurement services and associated training.

Property Loan Principal Reserve This reserve will be used to reduce the principal portion of the Association’s building loan on the occasion of the loan being renegotiated.

18 Impact of COVID-19

For most entities, the COVID-19 crisis has led to more variability and uncertainty underlying the preparation of each of their respective financial statements. As the Association engages in developing and advocating policy positions on behalf of its member councils, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Assocation in many ways as follows: * Adapting to changes in LGANT office operations due to quarantine measures imposed by government which included implementing work at home arrangements for some of the office personnel;

* Personnel were diverted from their normal responsibilities to convene and participate in various working groups and meetings addressing COVID-19 issues relevant to local government in the Northern Territory;

* Given the social distancing regime and the inability for members to travel, all previously organised events were either postponed or conducted via video or teleconferencing as part of the Association's COVID-19 plan. This included the General Meeting and a Special General Meeting which was held to adopt LGANT's 2020-21 budget;

* All committed road maintenance and capital works were delivered. Project management of these projects was carried out off site. As restrictions to the remote communities in the Northern Territory ease travel to inspect and manage these works will resumed as soon as practicable;

* Reduced cash flows from training fees and meeting charges have been offset by a reduction in the travel and venue costs associated with these activities;

61 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2020

* There was no deferral in rental income as the Association's tenants did not apply for and would not have met the COVID-19 Hardship Eligibility criteria;

* For businesses that meet the COVID-19 Hardship Elegibility criteria,the Association, in conjunction with Local Buy, established a "Small and Regional Business' Support Package" with regard to fee waivers and rebate credits. This initiative had a financial impact on the Association where it is estimated that $2,580 of rebates would not be returned to the Association from businesses listed on the panel. Also part of the initiative was a refresh and advertising of all panel contracts, with a focus on encouraging more regional businesses within the Northern Territory to participate. The Association incurred additional costs due to the bringing forward of this refresh. These initiatives run from June 2020 - September 2020;

* As part of the Australian Government new "Local Road and Community Infrastructure Grant" (LRCI) COVID-19 recovery announced on 22 May 2020, the Association will receive additional funding of $711,844 in the 2020-21 financial year.

Fortunately, the Association has not identified any write-offs, postponements or waivers, or expected credit or impairment losses due to COVID-19.

The Association is also fortunate that it has an excellent working relationship with the Northern Territory Government and its agencies that meant greater consultation and collatoration allowing the Assocation to influence policy direction. This became critical as the Assocation navigates the response to COVID-19. There are many moving parts with parameters that change daily making decision-making more complex for all concerned but at the heart of what the Assocation does is what is best for its members, for their communities, individuals, businesses, service providers and the environment.

The most challenging area of consideration from the COVID-19 crisis is impairment of assets and the supportable estimates of future cash flows. Although current estimates suggest limited volatility in cash flows projections and growth rates, there is increased volatility as a result of the crisis.

Honour Board LGANT Executive CEOs and Life Members

July to September 1992 President Alderman Bob Kennedy Alice Springs Town Council 1992 - 1994 President Mayor Jim Forscutt Katherine Town Council Vice President Municipal Alderman Joan Small Tennant Creek Town Council Vice President Community Councillor Tim Baldwin Coomalie Council Executive Members Alderman Pat Burke Darwin City Council Councillor Timothy Mangurra Numbulwar Council Councillor Neville Andrews Borroloola Council 1994 – 1996 President Mayor Jim Forscutt Katherine Town Council Vice President Municipal Councillor David Norton Jabiru Town Council Vice President Community Councillor Peter Kavanagh Yulara Council Executive Members Lord Mayor George Brown Darwin City Council Councillor Ron Squires Elliot Council Councillor Dennis Japanangka (Williams) Yuendumu Council 1996 – 1998 President Councillor Peter Kavanagh Yulara Council resigned September 1997 President Margaret Vigrants Timber Creek Council Vice President Municipal Councillor David Norton Jabiru Town Council Vice President Community Councillor Gaye Lawrence Pine Creek Council Executive Members Lord Mayor George Brown Darwin City Council President Gerry Wood Litchfield Shire Council Councillor Dennis Japanangka (Williams) Yuendumu Council 1998 - 2000 President President Margaret Vigrants Timber Creek Council Vice President Municipal President Gerry Wood Litchfield Shire Council Vice President Community Councillor Geoff Selems Coomalie Council Executive Members Alderman David Elliot Palmerston Town Council Councillor David Norton Jabiru Town Council Councillor Joe Rawson Taparatjaka Council 2000 - 2002 President Alderman David Elliot Palmerston Town Council Vice President Municipal Lord Mayor George Brown Darwin City Council Vice President Community Councillor David Lane Wugularr Council resigned 2001 replaced by President Charles Yunupingu Galiwinku Community Inc Executive Members President Arthur Turner Anmatjere Council Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council Councillor David Norton Jabiru Town Council President Gibson Farmer Milikapiti Council President Sid Anderson Papunya Community Council 2002 - 2004 President Alderman Cecil Black Darwin City Council Vice President Municipal Mayor Fran Kilgariff Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Community Councillor Gibson Farmer Tiwi Islands Local Government Executive Members President Arthur Turner Anmatjere Council resigned April 2003 Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council Mayor Jim Forscutt Katherine Town Council resigned April 2004 Councillor John Ingram Coomalie Council President Ray Wooldridge Pine Creek Council Councillor Vic Stow Cox Peninsula Council elected May 2003 2004 - 2006 President Mayor Fran Kilgariff Alice Springs Town Council until May 2005 Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council elected June 2005 Vice President Municipal Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council until June 2005 Mayor Rod Swanson Tennant Creek Council elected June 2005 Vice President Community President Ray Wooldridge Pine Creek Council Executive Members Mayor Rod Swanson Tennant Creek Council until June 2005 Alderman Helen Galton Darwin City Council President Gus Williams Ntaria Council Councillor Geoff Selems Coomalie Council Chairman Peter Gunner Urapuntja Council elected April 2004 Alderman Jane Mure Alice Springs Town Council elected June 2005

2006 - 2009 President Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council Vice President Municipal Mayor Rod Swanson Tennant Creek Council until March 2007 Mayor Anne Shepard Katherine Town Council elected July 2007 Vice President Community President Ray Wooldridge Pine Creek Council Executive Members Alderman Helen Galton Darwin City Council Alderman Jane Clark Alice Springs Town Council Councillor Tony Scrutton Anmatjere Council until March 2007 President Vic Stow Cox Peninsula Council March 2007 – October 2008 Councillor Geoff Selems Coomalie Council until July 2007 Councillor Greg Kimpton Timber Creek Council July 2007 – November 2007 Councillor Geoffrey Barnes Lajamanu Council November 2007 – October 2008 Chairman Charles Yunupingu Galiwinku Council until June 2007 Councillor Maurie Ryan Dagaragu Council June 2007 – September 2007 Councillor Don Wegener Timber Creek Council November 2007 – October 2008 Councillor Ronald Lami Lami West Arnhem Shire elected November 2008 President James Glen Central Desert Shire elected November 2008 Councillor Maralampuwi Kurrupuwa Tiwi Islands Shire elected November 2008 2009 – 2010 President Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council Vice President Municipals Alderman Jane Clark Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Shires Councillor Ray Wooldridge Victoria Daly Shire Executive Members Alderman Helen Galton Darwin City Council Mayor Robert Macleod City of Palmerston Mayor Tony Jack Roper Gulf Shire Councillor Donna Iddon West Arnhem Shire until January 2010 President James Glenn Central Desert Shire until July 2009 Vice President Tony Boulter Barkly Shire elected August 2009 President Norbert Patrick Central Desert Shire elected May 2010 2010 - 2012 President Alderman Kerry Moir Darwin City Council Vice President Municipals Mayor Damien Ryan Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Shires Councillor Ray Wooldridge Victoria Daly Shire Executive Members Alderman Helen Galton Darwin City Council Mayor Robert Macleod City of Palmerston Mayor Tony Jack Roper Gulf Shire President Norbert Patrick Central Desert Shire Councillor David Norton West Arnhem Shire 2012 - 2014 President Mayor Damien Ryan Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Municipals Alderman Helen Galton Darwin City Council Vice President Shires Mayor Tony Jack Roper Gulf Shire Executive Members Mayor Fay Miller Katherine Town Council Councillor Kaye Thurlow East Arnhem Shire Council Alderman Jeanette Anictomatis Darwin City Council President Barb Shaw Barkly Shire Council Deputy President Norbert Patrick Central Desert Shire Council 2014 - 2016 President Mayor Damien Ryan Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Municipals Alderman Jeanette Anictomatis City of Darwin until August 2015 Alderman Bob Elix City of Darwin elected November 2015 Vice President Regionals and Mayor Tony Jack Roper Gulf Regional Council Shires Executive Members Mayor Fay Miller Katherine Town Council President Barb Shaw Barkly Regional Council Mayor Lynette De Santis Tiwi Islands Regional Council until February 2015 Mayor Lothar Siebert West Arnhem Regional Council Councillor Greg Sharman MacDonnell Regional Council elected March 2015 Councillor Kaye Thurlow East Arnhem Regional Council elected November 2015 Alderman Gary Haslett City of Darwin elected February 2016

2016 - 2018 President Mayor Damien Ryan Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Municipals Alderman Bob Elix City of Darwin until Apr 2017 Alderman Gary Haslett City of Darwin Vice President Regionals and Mayor Lothar Siebert West Arnhem Regional Council until Feb 2017 Shires Mayor Tony Jack Roper Gulf Regional Council April 2017 – Aug 2017 Mayor Matty Ryan West Arnhem Regional Council elected Nov 2017 Executive Members Mayor Fay Miller Katherine Town Council President Barb Shaw Barkly Regional Council until August 2017 Mayor Lynette De Santis Tiwi Islands Regional Council Councillor Steven Hennessy Victoria Daly Regional Council until August 2017 Mayor Ian Abbot City of Palmerston until May 2017 Mayor Steven Edgington Barkly Regional Council elected November 2017 President Peter Clee Wagait Shire Council elected November 2017 Mayor Maree Bredhauer Litchfield Council elected November 2017 Alderman Sherry Cullen City of Darwin elected February 2018 2018 – 2020 President Mayor Damien Ryan Alice Springs Town Council Vice President Municipals Alderman Gary Haslett City of Darwin Vice President Regionals and Mayor Gawin Tipiloura Tiwi Islands Regional Council until May 2019 Shires Mayor Steven Edgington Barkly Regional Council elected May 2019 Executive Members Mayor Fay Miller Katherine Town Council Mayor Steven Edgington Barkly Regional Council until May 2019 Mayor Maree Bredhauer Litchfield Council Alderman Peter Pangquee City of Darwin Councillor Bobby Wunungmurra East Arnhem Regional Council Councillor Robert George Central Desert Regional Council until June 2019 Mayor Matty Ryan West Arnhem Regional Council elected June 2019 Mayor Judy MacFarlane Roper Gulf Regional Council elected June 2019 LGANT Chief Executive Officers 1992 – 2002 Jeffrey Michael Hoare 2002 – 2019 Tony Francis Tapsell 2019 - Sean Gerrard Holden

Service Providers

Merit Chartered Accountants Auditor Level 2, 9 Cavenagh Street DARWIN NT 0800

National Australia Bank Bank Smith Street DARWIN NT 0800

Jardine Lloyd Thompson Insurance PO Box 2321 FORTITUDE VALLEY BC QLD 4006

Association Sponsors

LGANT sincerely thanks and acknowledges the assistance provided to it by its sponsors.

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