Morning Tea/Coffee Will Be Available from 9.30 Am

Member Councils are advised that a General Meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) will be held on Wednesday 30th April 2014 in the Ian Gilbert Room at Jerilderie Shire Council commencing at 10.00 amMorning tea/coffee will be available from 9.30 amFor catering purposes, please RSVP numbers to Julie Conn at Jerilderie Shire on 03 5886 1200 or email [email protected] by 12.00 noon Monday 28th AprilMayors / Delegates: Councillors Terry Hogan, Bernard Curtin, Kevin Mack, Fred Longmire, Steve O’Halloran, Norm Brennan, Lindsay Renwick, Heather Wilton, Bill Sheaffe, Tom Weyrich, Neil Gorey, John Dal Broi, Phillip Wells, Paul Maytom, Jenny Clarke, Peter Laird, Patrick Bourke and Peter Nunan General Managers Messrs Rowan Perkins, Frank Zaknich, Chris Gillard, Barry Barlow, Des Bilske, Steven Pinnuck, Allen Dwyer, Craig Moffitt, Phil Higgins (Murray Shire Acting GM), Bruce Graham, Peter Kozlowski, John Batchelor, Brett Stonestreet, Joseph Bianchini (Murrumbidgee Shire Acting GM), Ray Pluis, Adrian Butler, Ken Croskell and Robert Rayner (Balranald Shire Acting GM)MEETING AGENDA ITEMSMRRR 1 APOLOGIESMRRR 2 MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 5th MARCH 2014 (pages 2 to 7)MRRR 3 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 5TH MARCH 2014 (page 7)MRRR 4 PRESENTATIONS (see notes on page 7) 1. Item 4.1 Note that the scheduled attendance by former Minister Don Page will not proceed and the new LG Minister the Hon Paul Toole MP is unable to attend at such short notice. An invitation is being extended to the Minister to attend the next RAMROC meeting on 6th August2. Item 4.2 At 11.45 pm – Brief overview presentations by the Murray Regional Tourism Board and the Riverina Regional Tourism Board, as follows:-  Murray Regional Tourism Board Chair and CEO  Riverina Regional Tourism Board Chair and CEO Following the lunch break, both RTOs will brief their Member Councils separately in more detail about specific RTO matters MRRR 5 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT (pages 7 to 14)MRRR 6 REPORT – RAMROC REGIONAL WASTE STRATEGY (pages 14 to 17MRRR 7 NOTICE OF MOTION GRIFFITH CITY COUNCIL (pages 17 and 18) MRRR 8 RAMROC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31ST MARCH 2014 (page 18 and see separate pdf attachment)MRRR 9 REPORTS OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS – AS FOLLOWS (pages 18 to 31):- 9.1 Planners Group – 12th March 2014 9.2 Riverina Waste Group – 18th March 2014 9.3 Murray Waste Group – 9th April 2014 9.4 General Managers Group – 11th April 2014MRRR 10 GENERAL BUSINESS MATTERS (page 30)MRRR 2 - MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF 1 COUNCILS (RAMROC), HELD IN THE IAN GILBERT ROOM AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL, ON WEDNESDAY 5 th MARCH 2014 AT 10.00 AMPRESENTAlbury City: Cr Kevin Mack Mr Frank ZaknichBalranald: ApologyBerrigan: Cr Bernard Curtin Cr Brian Hill Mr Rowan PerkinsCarrathool: Cr Peter Laird Mr Ken CroskellConargo: Cr Donald Henderson Mr David KerslakeCorowa: Cr Fred Longmire Mr Chris GillardDeniliquin: Cr Lindsay Renwick Cr Ashley Hall Cr Andrew HowleyGreater Hume: Cr Heather Wilton Mr Steven PinnuckGriffith City: Cr Leon Thorpe Mr Brett StonestreetHay: Cr Bill Sheaffe Cr Robert Howard Mr Allen DwyerJerilderie: Cr Ruth McRae Mr Craig MoffittLeeton: Cr Paul MaytomMurray: Cr John Pocklington Cr Betty Murphy Mr Phil HigginsMurrumbidgee: Cr Phillip Wells Mr Joseph Bianchini Ms Sue MitchellNarrandera: Cr Jenny Clarke Mr Ray PluisUrana Shire Mr Adrian ButlerWakool: Wentworth: Mr Peter Kozlowski Cr RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs Executive Officer 2 MEETING GUESTS: Ms Rhondda Dickson – Chief Executive Murray Darling Basin Authority Ms Penny Sullivan – Executive Officer MDBA Mr Adrian Wells – Regional Manager Murray Darling AssociationWELCOME TO MEETINGThe Deputy Chairman Cr Peter Laird welcomed new Councillors attending their first RAMROC meeting Crs Andrew Howard (Deniliquin Council) and Robert Howard (Hay Shire)MRRR 1 - APOLOGIES: Cr Terry Hogan - RAMROC Chairman / Mayor Jerilderie Shire Cr John Dal Broi - Mayor Griffith City Cr Patrick Bourke - Mayor Urana Shire Cr Tom Weyrich - Mayor Murray Shire Cr Norm Brennan - Mayor Conargo Shire Mr Barry Barlow - GM Conargo Shire Cr Mick Rutledge - Deputy Mayor Hay Shire Mr Des Bilske - General Manager Deniliquin CouncilRESOLVED that the apologies be received and accepted (Moved Greater Hume and seconded Carrathool)MRRR 2 - MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON 6 TH NOVEMBER 2013RESOLVED that the Minutes of the General Meeting held 6th November 2013 be received and accepted. (Moved Berrigan and seconded Deniliquin)MRRR 3 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 6 TH NOVEMBER 2013 MEETINGITEM 8.4 - Police Numbers in Rural Towns and CommunitiesCr Jenny Clarke referred to endeavours to arrange a RAMROC deputation to Police and Emergency Services Minister Michael Gallacher MLC to discuss police numbers and she tabled a media article which indicated that the Minister had recently visited the region without reference to her Council, as had Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione subsequent to the Minister’s visit.The Executive Officer advised that further discussions with the Minister’s office are in train and hopefully the Minister will be available during April to receive a delegation.MRRR 4 - PRESENTATIONS4.1 Viewing of the Final Draft of the RAMROC/Murray Darling Association/Murray Local Land ServicesThe Regional Manager of MDA Adrian Wells presented the viewing of the final draft for the Food and Fibre DVD, showcasing the production and processing strength and importance of the southern basin foodbowl region and representing a celebration of farming and irrigation. Adrian advised that the DVD will now go into full production and that copies will be made available to all Councils for their libraries and websites etc. He also indicated that 3,000 DVDs will be included in the Royal Agricultural Society showbags at the 2014 Sydney Royal Easter Show, with a further 4,000 copies to be made available for school curriculum purposes and planning for some 2,500 copies for showbags at the Tuppal Food and Fibre Festival in October 2014. 3 4.2 Presentations by Rhondda Dickson Chief Executive and Penny Sullivan Executive Officer of Murray Darling Basin AuthorityRhondda Dickson presented a comprehensive update of the implementation status of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, including the Constraints Management Strategy, the Social and Economic Indicators Analysis, the Intergovernmental Agreement to cap water purchases at 1500 GL and the $100 million Regional Economic Diversification Program with $32.5 million as the NSW share, Water Trading Rules, the Monitoring and Evaluation Program and mechanisms to improve MDBA and RAMROC regular engagement in the future for which Rhondda will make appropriate arrangements through the RAMROC Executive Officer Penny Sullivan gave a Powerpoint presentation in relation to the MDBA Educational program initiatives in relation to the Basin Plan.MRRR 5 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT5.1 – Final Report of the Independent Local Government Review Panel (ILGRP – “Revitalising Local Government”Consideration was given to a report by the Executive Officer in relation to the Review Panel’s Final report which has been publicly released by the Minister for Local Government and for which submissions must be lodged by 4th April 2014RESOLVED1. That RAMROC develop a regional submission to the Minister for Local Government in response to the Final Report of the Independent Local Government Review Panel2. That RAMROC propose that in relation to the Panel Report and recommendations for the establishment of “Joint Organisations” that the existing 18 Member Councils region is the most appropriate joint collaboration structure for this region and that the Minister be requested to support the development of a Pilot Study and to provide financial assistance toward the costs of engaging expert professional services to facilitate the development of that Pilot Study3. That RAMROC inform the Minister that it is strongly opposed to the Panel’s recommendations that Balranald and Wentworth Shires be included in the proposed Far West Regional Authority4. That RAMROC inform the Minister that it sees no purpose or benefit in pursuing the Panel’s proposals and recommendations for mergers and boundary changes in the RAMROC region5. That RAMROC inform the Minister that Panel’s recommendations relating to Part B Finance and Governance are generally well founded and are worthy of in-principle support (Moved Albury and seconded Jerilderie)5.2 – Tuppal Food and Fibre Festival October 2014 – Gold Sponsorship Proposal to RAMROCThe Festival Committee has proposed that RAMROC take up a $20,000 Gold Sponsorship for the October Festival and participate by way of a Display Stand reflecting the role of RAMROC communities in food and fibre production.The Executive Officer reported on the financial and logistical issues associated with the proposal and also indicated that negotiations are in train to provide to the Committee free of charge some 2,000 to 2,500 Food and Fibre production and processing DVDs for inclusion in the children’s festival showbags.RESOLVED 1. That taking into account the matters referred to in the Executive Officer’s report, that the Tuppal Food and Fibre Organising Committee be advised that regrettably RAMROC4 is not in a position to take up the Gold Sponsorship proposal or to participate in the October 2014 Festival. 2. That the Executive Officer continue to pursue funding opportunities to enable the supply of the some 2,000 to 2,500 Water Cycle and Food Production and Processing DVDs to the Festival Committee for insertion in the Festival’s children’s educational showbags (Moved Deniliquin and seconded Berrigan)5.3 – Commonwealth Government Review of Regional Development Australia Role and Structure and of RDA CommitteesThe meeting considered a report from the Executive Officer in relation to advice from the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development the Hon Warren Truss MP that the Federal Government will be undertaking a review of the future of the Regional Development Australia Program and the role of RDA Committees.RESOLVED1. That the Executive Officer’s report be received and that the issues be drawn to the attention of the NSW Minister for Local Government the Hon Don Page MP, proposing that the question of the most appropriate structure and function for effective economic development in the RAMROC region should be comprehensively examined as part of the proposed Pilot Study for the establishment of a Joint Organisation.2. That this matter and the proposal to Minister Don Page MP be also drawn to the attention of the Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development the Hon Warren Truss MP and to the NSW Deputy Premier and State Minister for Trade and Investment the Hon Andrew Stoner MP (Moved Corowa and seconded Berrigan5.4 – Commonwealth Government’s $100 Million Mobile Phone Coverage ProgramThe meeting considered a report from the Executive Officer in relation to the commitment of the Commonwealth to provide $100 million towards a comprehensive program aimed at improving mobile phone network deficiencies and addressing the most serious mobile black spot areas, with priority to be directed to major transport routes, small rural and remote communities , seasonal tourist locations and areas that are prone to natural disasters such as bushfires and floods. It is intended that the funding will leverage additional contributions by other levels of government and mobile phone network providers. The Parliamentary Secretary for Communications the Hon Paul Fletcher MP will be visiting the region during May to meet with RAMROC communities RESOLVED that the report be received and noted at this stage (Moved Deniliquin and seconded Berrigan)MRRR 6 – RAMROC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 ST DECEMBER 2013The Executive Officer submitted the 6 monthly 2013-2014 Financial Statements for the period ended 31st December 2013 and reported that the income and expenditure items are on trackRESOLVED that the 2013-2014 RAMROC Financial Statements for the six month period to 31st December 2013 be adopted (Moved Jerilderie and seconded Narrandera)MRRR 7 – REPORTS OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGSThe reports of the following Working Group meetings were submitted for information and consideration:-  7.1 - RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting – 6th November 2013  7.2 - RAMROC Riverina Waste Group Meeting – 3rd December 2013  7.3 - RAMROC Planners Group Meeting – 11th December 2013  7.4 - RAMROC Murray Waste Group Meeting – 19th December 2013  7.5 - RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting – 5th February 2014 5  7.6 - RAMROC General Managers Group Meeting – 14th February 2014 RESOLVED that the reports of the Working Group Meetings be received and noted and that the actions taken therein be endorsed. (Moved Jerilderie and seconded Hay)MRRR 8 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS8.1 – Message of Get Well and Best Wishes to Chairman Cr Terry HoganRESOLVED that a letter be sent by the Executive Officer on behalf of all the RAMROC Councils, Mayors and General Managers to the RAMROC Chairman Cr Terry Hogan, wishing him a full and speedy recovery. (Moved Albury and seconded Deniliquin)8.2 – Review into Agricultural Education and Training in New South WalesCr Paul Maytom referred to the Final Report of the Pratley Review and in particular to Recommendation 24 in relation to the re-establishment of the Murrumbidgee College of Agriculture. He advised that a Reference Group has been established and a Consultant will be engaged to progress the recommendationRESOLVED that the Reference Group bring back its report and recommendations in due course with a view to attracting the full support of RAMROC to the proposal (Moved Leeton and seconded Narrandera)8.3 – NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure – Preliminary 2013 Population Projections for the period 2011 to 2031Brett Stonestreet referred to the unsatisfactory response received from the Minister for Planning the Hon Brad Hazzard MP in relation to representations made by RAMROC Councils in respect of the demographic projections in the DoPI 2013 Preliminary Report for the 20 year period 2011 to 2031RESOLVED that the Executive Officer strongly pursue the request for Minister Hazzard to receive a RAMROC deputation in this matter and that the membership of the delegation comprise Mayors Peter Laird, John Dal Broi and Lindsay Renwick, together with Officers Brett Stonestreet, Michael Keys and Ray Stubbs (Moved Griffith and seconded Deniliquin)8.4 – Letter of Appreciation to Greg MurdochRESOLVED that the Executive Officer forward a letter of appreciation to retiring Murray Shire General Manager Greg Murdoch for his outstanding and dedicated service to RAMROC as Honorary Treasurer for many years and for his significant contribution to New South Wales Local Government generally. (Moved Berrigan and seconded Albury)8.5 – RMS Road Maintenance ContractsCraig Moffitt referred to the appointment of former RMS Regional Manager Mitchell Judd to a more senior position at RMS and advised that the appointment would be of benefit to developing good working relationships between RMS and Councils in relation to the administration by Councils of RMCC Contracts.8.6 – LG NSW Leaders Forum – Independent Local Government Review Panel Final ReportCr Renwick reminded delegates of the LG NSW Leaders Forum to be held at Albury on Monday 17th March 2014 in relation to the ILGRP Final Report and Recommendations and also the report and Recommendations of the Local Government Acts Taskforce6 8.7 – RAMROC Committee Meeting 30 th April 2014 at Albury – To be attended by the NSW Minister for Local GovernmentThe Executive Officer advised that the NSW Minister for Local Government the Hon Don Page MP is scheduled to attend the next RAMROC meeting on Wednesday 30th April, primarily to discuss RAMROC’s response to the ILGRP Report and Recommendations.The meeting agreed that to facilitate discussion with the Minister that representation by Member Councils at the 30 April RAMROC Meeting be restricted to three persons per Council, nominally the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and General ManagerThere being no further business, the RAMROC meeting concluded at 1.00 pmMRRR 3 - MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF RAMROC GENERAL MEETING ON 5 TH MARCH 2014MRRR 4 – PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS4.1 –The scheduled attendance by former LG Minister Don Page will not proceed. An invitation is being extended to the new Minister the Hon Paul Toole MP to attend the next RAMROC meeting on 6th August (see also Executive Officers Report Item 5.1 for)4.2 – 15 to 20 minute overview presentation by the Chairs and CEOs of each of the Murray Regional Tourism Board and the Riverina Regional Tourism Board regarding their current activities and programs. Following the end of the RAMROC meeting (after a lunch break at around 12.45 pm), each RTO will be available for a separate briefing session with their respective Member Councils, which is likely to take about 1 hour maximum. Murray Regional Tourism Board – Chairman Wendy Greiner, Board Member Tracey Squire and CEO Mark Francis  Riverina Regional Tourism Board – Chairman Greg LawrenceMRRR 5 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORTItem 5.1 – Final Report of the Independent Local Government Review Panel (ILGRP) – “ Revitalising Local Government” and RAMROC’s Submission in response - for discussion with Local Government Minister the Hon Don Page MPBackgroundThe former NSW Minister for Local Government Don Page MP was scheduled to attend this meeting for discussions with RAMROC Councils regarding the Review Panel’s Final Report and RAMROC’s submission made in response thereto. The new Minister the Hon Paul Toole MP is unable to attend this meeting, but will be invited to attend the 6th August meeting.Delegates may still wish to discuss the RAMROC submission and the accompanying documentation which is separately attached.This report relates to the release of the Panel’s Final Report on 8th January 2014 by former Minister Page and RAMROC’s subsequent consideration of the matter at its March 2014 meeting, at which the following resolutions were carried7 1. That RAMROC develop a regional submission to the Minister for Local Government in response to the Final Report of the Independent Local Government Review Panel2. That RAMROC propose that in relation to the Panel Report and recommendations for the establishment of “Joint Organisations” that the existing 18 Member Councils region is the most appropriate joint collaboration structure for this region and that the Minister be requested to support the development of a Pilot Study and to provide financial assistance toward the costs of engaging expert professional services to facilitate the development of that Pilot Study3. That RAMROC inform the Minister that it is strongly opposed to the Panel’s recommendations that Balranald and Wentworth Shires be included in the proposed Far West Regional Authority4. That RAMROC inform the Minister that it sees no purpose or benefit in pursuing the Panel’s proposals and recommendations for mergers and boundary changes in the RAMROC region5. That RAMROC inform the Minister that the Panel’s recommendations relating to Part B Finance and Governance are generally well founded and are worthy of in-principle support RAMROC’s formal submission was lodged with the Minister and DLG on 1st April 2014. A copy of the submission has previously been distributed to Councils, Mayors and General Managers and is an attachment to this report.In essence, RAMROC’s submission has primarily focussed on its proposal for the establishment of an overarching Joint Organisation comprising the whole of the current 18 Councils that currently comprise the Member Councils of RAMROC, on the basis that this would be the most appropriate structure for this region. Tentatively, it has been suggested that this Joint Organisation be known as Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO)The RAMROC submission also acknowledges that the Review Panel has proposed three separate Joint Organisations for the existing RAMROC region. The submission therefore suggests optional structures, which would enable the relevant strategic and operational functions to be carried out at a sub-regional level (most likely resourced by the participating Councils within each grouping), and which would function under the overarching framework of MAMJO.In all of the RAMROC suggested optional structures, it is proposed that Wentworth and Balranald Shires should remain as separate entities and become members of the MAMJO Joint Organisation structure. The Review Panel’s recommendation that those two Councils become part of the proposed Far Western Regional Authority is strongly rejected. RAMROC has also proposed to the Minister that a Pilot Study be undertaken to comprehensively analyse the suggested options (and/or others as may be determined as worthy of consideration) and that the State Government provide funding of up to $100,000 for the engagement of independent professional assistance to benchmark those options against the three JO model which has been proposed in the Review Panel’s recommendations.For the purposes of discussion with the Minister and as an initial framework for a Pilot Study Brief, a draft document has been prepared following a General Managers Group meeting on 11th April, which lists the principal strategic and operational functions of a proposed Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO).This draft document (see copy attached) suggests that the MAMJO would be administered by a Board of Mayors, serviced by a CEO and Administrative staff and supported through advice from the General Managers Advisory Group and other Specialist Officer Taskforce Groups.The role of sub regional groups is important, although their strategic and operational activities will not necessarily be geographically based. In many instances, their activities may be functionally based or undertaken for special purposes as required from time to time, for example in advocacy on specific area based issues, or for the provision of shared services such as IT or Human Resources, or for special procurement purposes etcRealistically, it must also be borne in mind that whilst RAMROC as a collaboration of 18 Member Councils has resolved its policy position for an 18 Council Joint Organisation, there may well be other individual views amongst Councils in the region, for example concerns about the large geographic size or diversity of local community of interest issues. 8 In verbal discussions with the Division of Local Government, there appears to be a view that an 18 Council Joint Organisation for the RAMROC region is geographically (and in Council numbers) too large, particularly in the context of the Review Panel’s recommendations for the other non- metropolitan Joint Organisations, which propose the numbers of Member Councils ranging from twelve (12) LG areas in the Central West, down to two in the Central Coast region (Gosford and Wyong) and also 2 in the Illawarra region (Wollongong and Shellharbour), with the others mostly in the four to seven Member Councils range.However, I have pointed out to the Division that the RAMROC policy position in based on what has worked effectively in the past and has enjoyed the strength of numbers and capacity to successfully advocate and plan for the region as a whole. I have reinforced the point that the purpose of the Pilot Study is to test the various options and thereby to be well positioned to then determine the best fit for the Murray and Murrumbidgee regions.Recommendation For discussion Item 5.2 – Policy Discussion – Coal Seam Gas Exploration Licences in the RAMROC regionThe purpose of this report is to raise the important issue for our region of coal seam gas exploration licences and exploration, and to propose that RAMROC Councils consider developing a regional policy on the issue, particularly in light of the recent NSW State Government decision to refuse a licence application by Grainger Energy, which would have covered some 43,100 sq km of the Riverina region and by announcing a six months freeze on all new exploration licences.The Local Government areas that would have been affected by the Grainger energy application for an exploration licence include Conargo, Wakool, Murray, Deniliquin, Jerilderie, Carrathool, Griffith City, Leeton, Lachlan, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Urana, Bland, Balranald and Hay.As Executive Officer of RAMROC, I have received a written request from Deniliquin area irrigation farmer and businessman Alec English, which requests:- that RAMROC place a permanent ban on Coal Seam Gas exploration and development within the RAMROC jurisdiction  that RAMROC engage a law firm to seek leave to take the issue of Coal Seam Gas directly to the High Court (or Federal Court) to apply for a declaratory action to ban CSG within the RAMROC areaMr English is also approaching Councils and the Commonwealth and State Governments in relation to his campaign for a permanent ban on CSG in Australia.At the New South Wales State Government level, the whole question of Coal Seam Gas is being addressed on a number of fronts, including:-1. The establishment of an Office of Coal Seam Gas (within NSW Department of Trade and Investment) – which works closely with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Land and Water Commissioner (Jock Laurie), with a focus on regulatory policy and reform 2. Controls within the NSW Regulatory Framework, as follows:-  Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979;  Petroleum Onshore Act 1991;  Water management Act 2000;  Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997  Various Codes of Practice  CSG Exclusion Zones  Aquifer Interference Policy 3. Strategic Regional Land Use Policy – to better manage the potential conflicts arising from the proximity of mining and CSG activity to the State’s high quality agricultural land and a ban on CSG activity within 2 kilometres of existing residential zonesMr English has made the following points in support of his request for a CSG ban across the RAMROC region:-9 1. CSG has been banned in France, parts of USA and in other countries; 2. CSG extraction uses a hydraulic fracturing process called “fracking’ which can pollute groundwater aquifers and uses above ground ponds to store contaminated water which can pollute agricultural lands; 3. CSG is unnecessary in Australia due to the vast offshore and inland gas fields where gas is extracted by conventional methods.One issue that needs to be considered in relation to the availability of natural gas resources and the price of natural gas for Australians are under threat by indications that large quantities of our gas reserves are being exported internationally because of the vastly higher prices that can be achieved.Some of the RAMROC Member Councils may already have determined policy positions in relation to this issue. This prompts the question as to whether RAMROC should adopt a region wide policy and how it should respond to the representations which have been made.In regard to the specific request by Mr English that RAMROC take legal action in the High Court or the Federal Court, I have explained to him that RAMROC has no funds to take such expensive action, nor does RAMROC as an entity have the legal status to do so.Separately, I have received from Griffith City Council details of a Mayoral Minute and resolutions passed by that Council, as follows:- MAYORAL MINUTES MM01 COAL SEAM GAS EXPLORATION AND MINING - NOTICE OF MOTION 0108 RESOLVED on the motion of Councillors Napoli and Cox that: (a) Griffith City Council submit a motion to the Australian National General Assembly of Local Government (June 2014) to ask the Federal Government to intervene and determine that exploration and mining of Coal Seam Gas in agriculturally productive land not be permitted, and (b) The Australian National General Assembly of Local Government express grave concern and object to any exploration and mining of any kind in agriculturally productive land. This is to ensure that agriculturally productive land continues to produce clean, safe food for all Australians and the world, and (c) Griffith City Council ask neighbouring councils, should they be interested to be included in supporting the motion, (d) RAMROC be requested to make submission to the NSW Government as per (b) above, on behalf of member councils.Recommendation 1. For decision as to whether RAMROC should adopt a regional policy position in relation to the issue of banning Coal Seam Gas in the region. 2. For consideration of the Griffith City Council Mayoral Minute and details of resolutions, which seek support from RAMROC via the National General Assembly of local government Item 5.3 – Delegation to the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services – re Police Numbers and Service Levels in Rural Towns and CommunitiesAs delegates will be aware, RAMROC has been endeavouring for some time to arrange a deputation to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services the Hon Michael Gallacher MLC in Sydney, for the purposes of discussing the shortages in police numbers and unsatisfactory police station operating hours.This matter has been ongoing with the Minister’s office and advice has just been received that the Minister will be available at his Ministerial office on Tuesday 3rd June 2014 from 11.00 am to 11.45 amThe delegation currently comprises Councillors Peter Laird, Jenny Clarke, Wesley Hall and Tom Weyrich, as well as myself. Are there any other RAMROC Mayors that would like to participate in the deputation to Minister Gallacher. Also, are there any other matters that this delegation should be taking up on that day, bearing in mind that there are new Ministers in several portfolios that impact on Local Government, as listed below:-10  The Hon Rob Stokes – Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage and Assistant Minister for Planning  The Hon Troy Grant – Minister for Hospitality, Gaming and Racing and Minister for the Arts  The Hon Paul Toole – Minister for Local Government  The Hon Jai Rowell – Minister for Mental Health and Assistant Minister for Health  The Hon Andrew Constance – Treasurer  The Hon Pru Goward – Minister for Planning  The Hon Brad Hazzard – Attorney General  The Hon Gabrielle Upton – Minister for Family and Community Services  The Hon Kevin Humphries – Minister for Land and WaterRecommendation For discussion regarding the deputation to the Minister for Police and Emergency Services and other matters which the RAMROC delegation might take up whilst in Sydney Item 5.4 – Department of NSW Planning and Infrastructure - Population Projections to 2031Following strong representations made to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DoPI) following the release of the Preliminary 2013 to 2031 Population Projections, which are considered to be inaccurate and poorly based, it was resolved that a RAMROC delegation be arranged through our local State Members to meet with the then Planning Minister the Hon Brad Hazzard MP.The delegation was to comprise the Mayor of Griffith City Cr John Dal Broi, the Mayor of Deniliquin Cr Lindsay Renwick, together with Officers Brett Stonestreet (Griffith City ), Michael Keys (Albury City) and myself.In late February a letter was received by the State Member for Albury Greg Aplin MP from Minister Hazzard, which appeared to be quite dismissive of the RAMROC representations and made no mention of the request for a RAMROC deputation.Also in late February, the Board of DoPI, headed by Director General Sam Haddad met with the region’s Mayors and General Managers and again this matter was discussed. As a result of that meeting the Deputy Director General Stephen McIntyre agreed to participate in a teleconference with RAMROC representatives to have a detailed discussion on the issues by way of a lengthy teleconference with RAMROC representatives and this was duly held on 2nd April.The participants for DoPI comprised DDG Stephen McIntyre, together with the Executive Director Centre for Demography Tim Hurst and the Chief Demographer Dr Alison Taylor. The RAMROC participants were Cr Lindsay Renwick and Des Bilske (Deniliquin), Brett Stonestreet Neil Southorn and Nicola James(Griffith), Michael Keys (Albury) and myself.The issues were extensively canvassed, although it was revealed that the 2014 Final Report and Forward Projections to 2031 had already been submitted to the Minister for signing off and for Cabinet approval.The DoPI team agreed that there should have been greater consultation with Councils and that a much improved exercise will be undertaken for the 2015 Report, but that the government was adamant about an early release of the projections, together with the Regional Growth Plans for each region.As such, it became evident that the “horse had bolted” for the 2014 Report and Forward Projections and that a RAMROC deputation to the Minister would prove to be a non-productive exercise. It was therefore agreed with the DoPI team that for the forthcoming 2015 Report that there will certainly be extensive consultation with RAMROC Councils and particularly with those Councils where the projections are patently the most suspect. DoPI has advised me that the events of last week and change of Planning Minister means that the planned release of the 2014 Report will be delayed somewhat, but that the Department remains totally committed to the Council consultation undertakings that have been promised.Recommendation That the Executive Officers Report be noted and that this matter be closely monitored and that a further report be submitted to the August RAMROC meeting11 5.5 Murray Darling Basin Authority – Engagement and Consultation Arrangements with RAMROC The principal issue arising from the presentation and discussions with the Chief Executive of the Murray Darling Basin Authority Rhondda Dickson at the March RAMROC meeting was that of developing an improved and ongoing engagement mechanism between MDBA and RAMROC.Following the meeting, I suggested to Ms Dickson the following arrangements:- 1. That as RAMROC Executive Officer, I will be the contact point for direct engagement on a day to day basis. I am in the best position to then distribute information as received directly through to the 18 Member Councils and to their Mayors, Councillors and General Managers;2. That MDBA nominate a specific Officer with whom I will engage on a regular basis for general information, specific enquiries from Councils and communities, and to arrange meetings etc;3. That RAMROC form a small Working Group of say 4 or 5 people (potentially the Group would comprise the RAMROC Chair/Deputy Chair, Mayors/Deputy Mayors and the Executive Officer). The Group would represent the interests of the other Member Councils in engagement with MDBA on matters of importance, for example in relation to the Constraints Management Strategy and the Social and Economic Impacts Analysis ; 4. That the RAMROC Working Group would meet with the MDBA Executive (perhaps the Chair, Chief Executive or Directors) on one or two occasions per year, or for specific issues as required. In this regard, the Working Group would be prepared to travel to Canberra or alternatively to meet at another mutually convenient location). 5. That this Working Group arrangement would provide a far more effective forum for close and meaningful engagement, rather the MDBA team having to travel long distances to the RAMROC region and then meeting for only a relatively short time, generally with a large group of a some 35 to 40 delegates as just one part of a regular RAMROC Board meeting.Ms Dickson responded favourably to the RAMROC suggestions and nominated Megan Lancaster as the MDBA regular engagement person contact. Megan holds the position of Director Stakeholder Engagement, International and Indigenous Partnerships and she has the benefit of an extremely strong knowledge of the RAMROC region.The flow of MDBA information is very satisfactory, with Megan recently providing information to the Working Group regarding The Basin Environmental Watering Outlook (14 pages), which I will now distribute separately to all Mayors and General Managers for information. Your feedback is welcome and will be conveyed back to MDBA.On an interim basis and pending endorsement and/or additional nominees at this meeting, the following RAMROC Working Group members were nominated:-  The RAMROC Chairman and Mayor of Jerilderie Shire Cr Terry Hogan (alternatively Cr Ruth McRae Deputy Mayor)  The RAMROC Deputy Chairman and Mayor of Carrathool Shire Cr Peter Laird (Lachlan and Murrumbidgee systems person)  Cr Norm Brennan Mayor of Conargo Shire (Murray system)  RAMROC Executive OfficerRecommendation That the Executive Officers report be noted and that the actions taken be endorsed 5.6 Murray Local Land Services - Strategic Water Program Steering CommitteeIn October 2013, Murray Local Land Services (then the Murray Catchment Management Authority) launched its Strategic Water Program, which provides community groups with the opportunity to raise ideas and issues relating to water use and management in the region.The Strategic Water Program, which is an outcome action of the 2013-2014 Murray Catchment Action Plan, is overseen by a Steering Committee, which is currently made up of local landholder representatives and members of local Aboriginal communities.12 The Steering Committee is chaired by Chris Cumming, the recently appointed Manager of Strategic Land Services. Other Steering Committee Members are Jennie Hehir (Deputy Chair), Gordon Ball, David Clarke, John Lolicato, Louise Burge, Roger knight , Bruce Jukes and Phil HudsonRAMROC has been invited to nominate a representative to the Steering Committee. LLS believes that RAMROC representation would provide valuable insight from a ROC perspective, particularly in relation to some of the issues raised by communities and the potential impacts of environmental water deliveryI have been invited to attend the Steering Committee meeting in Deniliquin on Thursday 24th April, so that I can be more informed of the Committee’s role and activities.It is important for RAMROC to be an integral part of these groups that obviously have connections to the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. This supplements the engagement mechanisms referred to in report 5.5 above.I will be discussing with Riverina Local Land Services whether there is a corresponding Strategic Water Program Committee for its Murrumbidgee River systemI would be pleased to take up this role on RAMROC’s behalf, being in a good position to provide information on a regular basis to Councils, Mayors and General Managers. Alternatively RAMROC could appoint a Mayor or General Manager to take up that role. Recommendation That RAMROC accept the invitation to be represented on the Murray Local Land Services Strategic Water Program Steering Committee and that the Executive Officer be nominated as the RAMROC delegate5.7 Murray Lower Darling Environmental Advisory Group (MLD EWAG)The Murray Lower Darling Environmental Advisory Group (EWAG) provides advice to the NSW office of Environment and Heritage on managing environmental water within the area of operation of the Water Sharing Plan for the Murray and Lower Darling Regulated Rivers Water Sources.MLD EWAG is chaired by Alex Anthony (Chair of Murray LLS) and is administered by Paul Childs OEH Senior Environmental Water Management Officer – Murray Lower Darling based in the OEH Albury office.EWAG membership comprises eleven representatives from a wide range of Government Agencies and landholder organisations, with input as required from Aboriginal groups. The Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA )and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) have observer status at meetings.The EWAG Committee has resolved that RAMROC be recognised as a key group and as such be included in the monthly watering email updates and other information, so that the Member Councils can be regularly informed on environmental watering programs.As is the above reports 5.5 and 5.6 it is important that RAMROC Councils be kept well informed of these environmental watering issues throughout our region. I am also following up on the potential to develop similar working relationships with the Murrumbidgee Valley Environmental Water Allowance Reference Group (EWARG)Recommendation For information 5.8 . Regional Development Australia Fund StatusAt the March RAMROC meeting, reference was made as to progress on representations to the Commonwealth Government in relation to restoration of $150 million in grants available under the former Labor Government’s Round 5 of the Regional Development Australia Fund.This matter arose from discussions with the Member for Farrer the Hon Sussan Ley MP at RAMROC’s November 2013 meeting and representations which she had made on RAMROC’s behalf 13 to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development the Hon Warren Truss MP.I have again taken up this matter with Sussan Ley’s office and have been advised that the Deputy Prime Minister had responded to her representations in the following terms:-“Dear Sussan,Thanks you for your letter on behalf of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) regarding funding for Round Five of the Regional development Australia Fund (RDAF). I apologise for the delay in replying.The Government has announced that it does not propose to fund projects announced by the former Government from Rounds Five and Five B of the RDAF, including those announced in the election campaign. These projects were Labor’s election promises and, naturally, do not bind a new Government. The projects were to be funded by the Mineral resources Rent Tax (MRRT) and as the MRRT did not raise significant funds, these projects were unfunded. I wrote to all local governments on 9th December 2013, to advise them of the Government’s decision and I understand that RAMROC will be disappointed by it.The Coalition Government is committed to supporting and strengthening regional Australia. We will deliver a new $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund from 2015, which will construct priority infrastructure projects in regional Australia. This programme will be delivered by the Department of Infrastructure and regional development and may be a source of future funding for councils. Further information about the Fund will be available on the Department’s website at www.infrastructure.gov.au in due course.Our Community Development Grants programme is also supporting the economic growth and liveability of the regions, with $342 million being provided for a range of sporting and community infrastructure projects.I trust that this information will be of assistance to the local councils in your electorate”As yet, there has been no further information regarding the National Stronger Regions Fund due to commence sometime in 2015. I strongly suspect that this program is currently in the mix of the Commission of Audit and the May Federal Budget and this accords with the view of the Federal Member’s office. However, it has been confirmed that there is definitely no prospect at all of the Commonwealth Government reinstating the Round 5 RDAF program funding.However, the other matter on which I will report verbally to the meeting is in relation to funding under the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Fund, of which the NSW share is $32.5 million. I have been recently discussing this matter with Sussan Ley’s office, particularly the potential for significant projects in this regionRecommendation For information and further verbal report in relation to funding under the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic DiversificationMRRR 6 – RAMROC REGIONAL WASTE STRATEGYThe following report has been prepared by RAMROC’s Murray Waste Group Co-ordinator Nigel Taylor and Riverina Waste Group Co-ordinator John Craig.Nigel and John will be present at the meeting to respond to speak to their report and respond to questions by RAMROC Mayors and General Managers.RAMROC REGIONAL WASTE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY 2014-2020 14 Waste management in NSW is a key priority of the NSW State Government, and is undergoing significant change. As the owners and operators of 54 waste infrastructure sites across the region, this change will ultimately impact on all RAMROC councils.The Government’s new strategic direction can best be summarised in one sentence: less waste being received at less sites.Waste-related goals in “NSW 2021: A Plan To Make NSW Number One,” include achieving recycling targets as a key priority, as well as reducing litter, reducing illegal dumping and supporting community recycling drop-off centres to improve the management of household hazardous wastes.To achieve these goals, the draft 2013-21 NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Strategy sets the strategic agenda for recycling and waste avoidance across the State, and establishes targets for six key result areas identified as priorities:Key Result Area Target 1 Avoid and reduce waste By 2021-22 reduce the rate of waste generation per capita generation 2 Increase recycling By 2021-22 increase recycling rates for: - * MSW from 52% in (2010-11)to 70% - + C&I from 57% (in 2010-11) to 70% - ^ C&D from 75% (in 2010-11 to 80% 3 Divert more waste from By 2021-22 increase waste diverted from landfill from 63% to landfill 75% 4 Manage problem waste By 2021-22 establish or upgrade 86 drop-off facilities or better services for managing household problem waste state-wide 5 Reduce litter By 2016-20177 reduce the number of litter items by 40% compared to 2011-12 levels and then continue to reduce litter items to 2021-22 6 Reduce illegal dumping Implement the NSW Illegal Dumping Strategy 2013-15. By 2016-2017 establish baseline data to allow for setting targets. * MSW Municipal Solid Waste + C&I Commercial and Industrial ^ C&D Construction and DemolitionTo support the WARR Strategy, the NSW Environment Minister, Ms Robyn Parker, announced the Waste Less Recycle More (WLRM) initiative last year, committing $465.7 million over four years to assist the waste management industry deliver the above targets.Key WLRM focus areas are:  Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Package - $250 million.  Local Government Waste and Resource Recovery Program - $137.7 million ($117.7 million quarantined to waste levy-paying councils).  Combating illegal dumping - $58 million.  Litter reduction - $20 million. To assist RAMROC Member Councils adopt and move towards the strategy targets, the NSW EPA has provided grants totalling $200,000 to the region’s two waste groups to develop a joint regional waste management strategy that will align with the WARR strategy 2013-2021.To facilitate development of a RAMROC strategy, the two waste group co-ordinators – Nigel Taylor, Murray, and John Craig, Riverina – recommended a two-stage approach that was subsequently signed off by RAMROC.15 Stage One called for an audit to develop a snapshot of waste management across the region that took into account:  Current waste facilities and infrastructure;  Major waste sources;  Volume of waste currently being generated;  The broad components of the existing waste stream; and  Capacity and longevity of existing waste disposal facilities.Consultancy GHD was engaged mid-2013 to undertake this task and delivered its final report on August 30, 2013. All 18 member councils participated in the regional audit, contributing $30,000 in funding towards the project.To progress Stage Two, the development of a regional strategy based on GHD’s Stage One report, consultancy Mike Ritchie and Associates (MRA) was engaged in December 2013.MRA’s brief is to deliver a waste management strategy for the RAMROC region that will guide member councils towards the NSW Government’s WARR strategy targets. Seventeen of RAMROC’s 18 member councils elected to participate in Stage Two.To launch the project, Mike Ritchie and Associates conducted two consultation workshops in the region - at Deniliquin and Coleambally - in February 2014. Those present agreed in principle to adopt the targets proposed in the table below to ensure that, as a region, RAMROC contributes towards achieving Statewide waste objectives.The RAMROC regional targets were chosen to align with the WARR Strategy’s six key result areas: WARR Strategy Key Result RAMROC Target Areas Avoid and reduce waste Maintain regional waste generation at 9kg per capita. generation Increase recycling Achieve a regional resource recovery rate of 50% by 2017 and 70% by 2020.Divert more waste from landfill Six Council areas to have introduced household FOGO collection by 2020. Manage problem wastes better Build or upgrade six community recycling centres in the region. Reduce litter Establish a baseline and reduce the incidence of litter by 10% by 2017. Reduce illegal dumping Establish a baseline and reduce the incidence of illegal dumping in the region by 10% by 2017.These targets were then incorporated into a draft regional waste strategy released for circulation to members on April 3, 2014, with each council to review and comment on the document before May 7. Feedback received will be incorporated into the final strategy draft, scheduled for delivery by Friday, May 23.Members will have four weeks to sign off on the strategy to allow it to be presented to the EPA in accordance with its June 30 deadline. To implement the regional strategy five business cases were identified: 1. Regional landfill rationalisation review. 2. Develop a model transfer station design for sites selected for conversion to transfer stations. 3. Assess the feasibility of introducing a food and garden organics collection and processing facility to service the Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera communities. 4. Pursue the establishment of a small materials recovery processing facility to service Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera. 16 5. Establish community drop-off centres at Albury, Deniliquin, Moama and Griffith to capture household problems wastes.Actions to date:  The draft regional strategy contains recommendations for landfill sites rationalisation based on modelling conducted by the consultant, and councils are being urged to provide feedback for incorporation into the final strategy document.  A model transfer station design has been sourced and is included in the strategy draft.  Grant applications to establish four community drop-off centres in the region were submitted in February.  Grant applications also submitted for projects to tackle illegal dumping and littering in the region.Other considerations:Geographic expansion of the Section 88 waste levy. The RAMROC region is currently outside the NSW waste regulated areas, in which landfill operators pay a levy to the State Government on each tonne of material received at a site. Geographic expansion of the levy area is currently under review and consultation sessions with the EPA have been arranged in Albury and Griffith in May to allow RAMROC Member Councils to put their views.Landfill licensing threshold. The NSW EPA is currently reviewing the Protection of the Environment Operations Act waste regulations. It has been suggested that, as part of this review, consideration is being given to lowering the licensing threshold on landfills from 5000 tonnes received per annum to 1000 tonnes. This would have significant implications for RAMROC councils as the vast majority of landfills within the region are currently unlicensed.The future The waste management landscape in rural and regional NSW is changing rapidly. The NSW Government is pursuing a more regionalised approach to waste avoidance and resource recovery to deliver improved environmental outcomes and more efficient use of resources. The status quo will no longer necessarily be an option. Delivering on the State Government targets will require a higher priority for waste management within councils and an increased commitment of time and resources to improve waste management and resource recovery practices.NIGEL TAYLOR JOHN CRAIG RAMROC Murray RAMROC Riverina Waste Group Co-Ordinator Waste Group Co-OrdinatorMRRR 7 – NOTICE OF MOTION – GRIFFITH CITY COUNCILThe following Notice of Motion has been submitted by Cr Leon Thorpe - Griffith City Council“MOVE THAT:With the understanding that Local Government is a vital and dynamic industry, RAMROC recognises the need for current and future administrators and their assistants to be properly and competently trained, and for the desirability for them to have professional qualifications.Accordingly, RAMROC immediately requests the Commonwealth Minister for Education, the NSW Minister for Education, the NSW Minister for Local Government and “Universities Australia” (formerly 17 the “Australian Vice-Chancellor’s Committee) that they support and/or make provision for and/or enhance the facilities for folk wishing to specifically train in Local Government.And accordingly, all efforts be directed into the formation and/or support of a recognised and stand alone Bachelor Degree designated (say) as Bachelor of Business – Local Government or Bachelor of Local Government Administration.And accordingly, such degrees shall have a Local Government Administration major and be supported by such subjects as (but not limited to) Local Government Law, Local Government Finance, Local Government Accounting, Local Government Organisations, Local Government Internal Auditing, Local Government Services, Local Government ManagementCr Leon Thorpe Griffith City Council 5th March 2014MRRR 8 – RAMROC FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31 ST MARCH 2014Executive Officer ReportAttached separately are the RAMROC 2013-2014 financial statements for the nine month period ended 31st March 2014 for the following:-  Composite Balance Sheet for all Accounts  General Account Summary  Murray Waste Group Account Summary  Riverina Waste Group Account Summary  RAMROC Water4Food Account  RAMROC Roadside Vegetation Implementation Program (RVIP) Account - $250,000 State Government Grant  RAMROC Woodsmoke Education Campaign Account - $75,000 State Government Grant  RAMROC Regional Waste Strategy Account – Stages 1 (Audit) and Stage 2 (Strategy Development) - $200,000 State Government Grant and $30,000 Councils contributionIn all of the accounts, the income and expenditure items are on track, with no significant variations expected for the 2013-2014 year.Executive Officer’s Recommendation That the RAMROC 2013-2014 Financial Statements for the nine month period ended 31st March 2014 be adoptedMRRR 9 – REPORTS OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGSThe reports of the following RAMROC Working Group meetings are set out on the following pages 18 to inclusive:-9.1 Planners Group Meeting – 12th March 2014 9.2 Riverina Waste Group Meeting – 18th March 2014 9.3 Murray Waste Group Meeting – 9th April 2014 9.4 General Managers Group Meeting – 11th April 2014Executive Officer’s Recommendation That the Working Group Reports be received and noted and that the actions taken therein be endorsedItem 9.1 –Planners Group Meeting – 12 th March 2014MINUTES OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS PLANNERS GROUP MEETING 11 DECEMBER 2013 18 DENILIQUIN COUNCIL 10.30AM1. Present Bob Parr - Corowa Shire Council Shavaun Tasker – Deniliquin Council Ashley Albury – Planning & Infrastructure David Christy - Albury Shire Council Michael Keys - Albury Shire Council Kendall Clydsdale – Leeton Shire Council Maurice Morgan – RMS Lil Goodsell – Murray Shire Council Azaria Dobson – Planning & Infrastructure Liam Wilkinson – Murray Shire Council Alex Romanin – Wakool Shire Council Doug Burke – Murrumbidgee Shire Council2. Apologies Susan Appleyard – On leave Shane Wilson - Carrathool Shire Council Colin Kane – Greater Hume Shire Jack Terblanche – Hay Council Ray Stubbs – Ramroc Glenn Bulmer - Murray Shire Council Marie Sutton - Conargo Shire Council James Brown - Berrigan Shire Council Julie Rogers - Deniliquin Council Laurie Stevens - Berrigan Shire CouncilMoved – Bob Parr Seconded – Kendall Clydsdale3. Presentations Peter Ewin from OEH gave a presentation on the regional operations in the South West.Will Swain and Paul Raper from the ABS gave a presentation about the future of the ABS and the new Table Builder on their website. The ABS National Information Line is 1300 135 070 and a single pro licence for access to the new Table Builder is $750 and unlimited users is $9000.4. Confirmation of Minutes The minutes of the meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organization of Council Planners Group Meeting 11 December 2013 are a true and accurate record.Moved – Bob Parr Seconded – Shavaun TaskerMatters arising from minutesNil5. Draft Murray Regional Strategy Ashley Albury discussed how the Regional Growth Plans will work and advised that meetings have been scheduled of which government agencies will be involved and a consultative group, with the outcome being adopted Growth Plans. Michael Keys advised that he is on the Local Government Directors Group which meets with the Minister. Michael attended the recent Planning & Infrastructure update and advised on some matters discussed. He advised that Wagga Council made some strong representation about not being included in the area, he felt that Region Growth Plans will be rolled out and Murray/Murrumbidgee will be an area however he was not sure how far north, east or west the area will go, and Planning & Infrastructure has stated that Murray/Murrumbidgee will be one of the first plans rolled out.Michael encouraged all Councils to participate in the meetings as it is about the future of your area. Population projections were discussed and it was agreed that closer consultation with Local Government on the way these are released and how it is released is needed.19 Azaria Dobson advised that the Demography Unit has put travel in their budget if any Council’s want them to visit to discuss issues. The chief demographer is Alison Taylor.6. Department of Planning and Infrastructure Updates Ashley Albury advised that Daniel Wagner had been appointed to Manager of Regional Growth Planning and there had also been various other staff changes within Planning & Infrastructure.Ashley also advised at the recent board meeting the following was discussed: New structure  Population projections  Regional Growth Planning – no announcement of boundaries  Complying/Exempt provisions  Future of the Code SEPP  Jill Rich presented on the E Housing Code Project and Culture ChangeMichael Keys advised that Planning & Infrastructure support the need for a regional and metro Code SEPP which is positive. Michael explained that for Albury City Council there had been a reduction in CDC applications and a spike in DA’s since the Code SEPP changes.7. General BusinessBuilding Certification and Regulation Review – Michael Keys Michael advised that he took part on the review as representation for Council’s. Currently they are looking at the role of private certifiers but for the moment private certifiers are here to stay. Further to this they are looking at Council at the compliance role, and the role of private certifiers being an agent for Council.There is a push for private certifiers to be responsible for compliance issues and that there should be clear separation of the private certifiers role and Council’s compliance role. They are trying to draw the line of where the role of the private certifier starts and stops. The review also discussed occupation certificates and requirements, contracts and PCA signs will be a future focus.Doug Burke raised an issue about the accreditation level of small Council’s, and the issue about Council’s having to take the work and then find someone to certify the work. Michael added that in this instance there should be provision for cost recovery for Council’s.Further to this Michael advised that the BPB is looking at how the private certifiers perform. Michael advised if anyone has any complaints about private certifiers that they want followed up to email/phone him and he will pass on the information to the BPB. Often the BPB will contact the Council to initiate the investigation.Kendall Clydsdale queried if there is any talk about accreditation for other trades and services, Michael advised that there would be in the future.Regional Growth Plans Liam Wilkinson raised questions in relation to infrastructure focus in particular the notification process and what stage do Council’s put forward their wish lists.Azaria Dobson advised that Council’s should pass on their wish lists to Planning & Infrastructure now.Bob Parr questioned how the plans are going to match in with the NSW Transport plans and if it is recognized against state plans.Azaria explained about the danger of presenting a plan with nothing in it. She advised that the department is not sure how they are going to manage this yet but they plan to talk to all Councils and she also advised that there will be guidance with the plans.Ashley Albury advised that this plan will not be written from the top down. He said we want to consult with Councils and advisory groups. Other General Business20 Kendall Clydsdale asked if as part of the Local Government Act Review would there be any shifting of approval mechanisms (eg abolish s68), Ashley advised that the Department of Local Government and Planning & Infrastructure are talking about this currently. Ashley advised that currently the Cowra DCP is on exhibition and is worth a look and he also advised that there will be some culture change workshops scheduled in the near future around the region which will be worth while attending.Colin Kane requested that there by a change of meeting day as he is not able to attend on Wednesdays – the meeting will now be held on a Thursday.Michael Keys raised that he would like to see some presentations from each Council at our RAMROC meetings. Presentations can just be in discussion form (eg a planning problem you may be dealing with or legal advice you think the group may be interested in). Michael advised that Albury is happy to kick it off.Michael also advised that Albury City Council has recently updated their Contaminated Land Policy and Infrastructure Contributions Policy if anyone would like a copy.Michael also advised that Planning & Infrastructure have released the Annual Performance Monitoring Report if anyone is interested in having a look.There was some discussion about the new swimming pool legislation and Michael advised that currently Albury has a 90% fail rate. Michael also advised that Ray Stubbs recently sent around an email about REROC possibly bringing some training down this way in relation to the new swimming pool requirements.Doug Burke and Bob asked if anyone has had trouble with the Department of Fair Trading website as they have issues with the website saying that people weren’t required to have owner builder’s certificates when they actually were required to have them.David Christy bought up the summary of the Exempt & Complying changes and mentioned that he would provide a copy of summary changes along with a dummy Complying Development Certificate issued under the new system.7. Next Meeting 12th June 2014 in Jerilderie.Item 9.2 Riverina Waste Group Meeting – 18 th March 2014Meeting opened 11amPresent: John Roser (Chair), Trent Cormie, David Tull, Kendall Clydesdale and John Craig.Guests: Nil Apologies: Garry Stoll, Susan Appleyard, Aaron Drenovski and Shane WilsonMinutes previous meeting: Accepted. Moved Trent Cormie, 2nd John RoserThe chairperson welcomed those in attendance.Business arising from previous minutes: 21 Nil (items are covered in the agenda) General matters from the agenda-Milestone 1 Kerbside Recycling Collection Community Education The coordinator reported on the slow progress of the development of the Get it Right on Bin Night campaign. He has been working with REROC on this project and it has now been decided to develop a new program as the agreement with Sustainability Victoria is not likely to come about in the foreseeable future. Griffith City Council noted that JR Richards had conducted their own television campaign in December and whilst it was effective there were some issues with voice-over.It was agreed that the coordinator could contact both JR Richards and Cleanaway about being part of the project and seeing if they could contribute council’s contributed funding to the project. The information was noted. Milestone 2 Expand kerbside recycling services within the regionThere were no reports of expanded collection areas. See later notes on potential for green waste collection The information was noted. Milestone 3 Local and Regional Communication The coordinator reported on liaison with other voluntary waste groups and RENEW1. It was noted that through the RENEW network there had been considerable input into the roll out of programs under the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative.He reported on several grant applications that had been, or were in the process of being, submitted. He noted that the most significant in terms of funding was the application to the Environmental Trust for the establishment of a problem waste drop-off centre at Griffith landfill. The funding sought totals $250,000. The other grant applications are covered later in the minutes.The coordinator also reported that he had attended several meetings of the REROC waste group and collaboration had flowed from this attendance. The information was noted. Milestone 4 Industry Liaison Winery Waste Project It was agreed that the next forum (circa October 2014) should be expanded to take in other large industries and that Griffith City Council be invited to make a presentation on their future waste disposal strategies. Closer to the forum councils will be asked to identify potential waste generation entities that should be invited. Sunrice It was noted that considerable amounts of polyethylene bags were coming from this source and being disposed of at the Leeton waste facility. The coordinator will attempt to have Kurrajong Recyclers contact the company to see if they can divert this material. The information was noted. Milestone 5 Effective Landfill Management E Waste It was reported that the program had run into difficulties in other areas of the state however in the Riverina Waste Group area all was running well. There were good reports on the service provided by PGM in Leeton.Milestone 6 Illegal Dumping The coordinator noted that a funding application had been submitted totalling $50,000 to ramp up efforts to reduce the incidents of dumping across the region. This is a prime strategy in the NSW Waste Less, Recycle More initiative. The application for funding included three elements being-  engagement of a regional investigation officer;1 The network of voluntary waste groups across NSW including the EPA and Local Government Assoc. 22  the provision of surveillance equipment and training in its operation; and  a comprehensive education program. The information was noted. Milestone 7 Community Awareness & Education Campaign  Waste Watchers Program The EnviroMentors program will again be rolled out across the region late in the year. Riverina Environment Centre had been in contact with schools in Narrandera and will roll out a program in that Shire in May of this year.  Garden Smart The meeting was again reminded of the provision of the facilitator to run these events.  Litter Grant The coordinator noted that he was in the process of having litter counts undertaken as a pre-cursor to making application for an education campaign related to litter. The group supported this application. Accepted. Moved Kendall Clydesdale, 2nd David TullMilestone 8 Collective Tendering and Group Investigations  Metal Recycling Contract Councils were previously advised to make contact with the contractors and accept a 2 year extension of the current arrangements (as per the original agreement). The coordinator has drafted a pro-forma letter which could be used by councils to extend their contract. The information was noted.  Griffith Community Recycling Centre See earlier discussion.A second stage of this program will be some sort of mobile service to cover the rest of the Riverina Waste Group councils. A decision on this will not be made until the degree of residual funding is known. The information was noted.Milestone 9 Love Food, Hate Waste Program The coordinated noted that since the last event in Darlington Point the educator had run a successful project at the John O’Brien Festival in Narrandera. Whilst the site was good the number of persons engaged was not as high as would have been liked. He is to run another event in Jerilderie later this month. His program is based on giving out free food which has been made from leftovers and items that people would not normally consider including in a meal. The information was noted. Milestone 10 Regional Waste Management Strategy The group had previously endorsed the development of a strategic plan for waste which would look across council boundaries and make recommendations that were logical, economically viable and sustainable.It was noted that a well attended meeting with the consultant had been held in Coleambally in February and we were now awaiting a report. A component of that report would be some business case studies and these would be helpful to the decision making process including the provision of green waste collection services and treatment facilities. Leeton noted that there had been renewed interest from several parties in developing composting/treatment facilities in their area.The strategy development project must be completed to draft stage and submitted to the EPA by late April 2014. The information was noted. Milestone 11 Waste Minimisation Training It is anticipated that the TAFE Riverina Institute will again conducted a course for waste depot operators later in the year. The information was noted.23 Milestone 12 Green Waste Diversion and Composting This project involving at least Griffith/Leeton/Narrandera is the subject of one of the business case studies being conducted by the regional strategy consultants. As soon as this information is available the coordinator will arrange for those councils to meet to discuss the matter further. The information was noted. Milestone 13 Gas Recovery from Landfill Sites It was noted that this project would probably not be the best use of the group’s time and funds as it is unlikely that any proposal will be economically feasible.Financial Report The financial report was provided by RAMROC and distributed to all present. The coordinator noted that this report needed review as some funding had not been included whilst some expenditure which should have been equally apportioned to the Murray Group had not been attended to. An updated report will be distributed when it becomes available. The information was noted. General Business The next Meeting Date will be on the 20th May and will be a session with the EPA related to landfill levies. Meeting closed 12.05pm Item 9.3 Murray Waste Group Meeting – 9 th April 201410.45am: WELCOME Group chair, Myles Humphries, welcomed members and opened the meeting.PRESENT Myles Humphries, Berrigan; Simon Arkinstall, Murray; Nigel Sutton, Corowa; Mark Cook, Deniliquin; Andrew Shaw, Greater Hume; Adam Garland, Wakool; Nigel Taylor, co-ordinator. Andrea Baldwin, Albury, joined the meeting via telephone link.APOLOGIES David Kerslake, Conargo; Aaron Drenovski, Hay. Moved that the apologies be accepted: Mark Cook, 2nd Simon Arkinstall. Carried.24 MINUTES PREVIOUS MEETING Moved that the minutes be accepted: Andrew Shaw, 2nd Simon Arkinstall. Carried.BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES None.1: RAMROC REGIONAL WASTE STRATEGY The draft RAMROC waste strategy was received and circulated to members on April 3 for review and comment. This document was framed following two consultation sessions with the consultant, Mike Ritchie and Associates, at Deniliquin on February 10 and Coleambally on February 11. Members were advised that MRA was requesting feedback before Wednesday, May 7, to assist with strategy delivery within the contract timelines. All present said they were comfortable with the draft strategy contents, but would need to study it in more detail to frame a written response. Moved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd Nigel Sutton, that: 1. Members provide to the co-ordinator in writing before May 7 details of the timeline and their council’s internal procedures that will need to be met to facilitate signing off on the draft strategy and adoption of the final document; and any amendments to the draft strategy for inclusion in the final document. 2. Provide comment to MRA before May 7 on the landfill sites rationalisation modelling.Carried.2: WASTE LESS, RECYCLE MORE FUNDING Members were provided with links to an indicative grant timeline for the $250 million Waste and Recycling Infrastructure package under the Waste Less, Recycle More initiative: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/resources/warr/140059TimingSchematic.pdf and a snapshot for the overarching Waste Less, Recycle More initiative: http://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/resources/warr/140058SummaryDiagram.pdf The co-ordinator said both documents were prepared following requests to the EPA to clarify the funding opportunities available to assist potential applicants plan projects over the four years of the program. Moved Mark Cook, 2nd Simon Arkinstall, that members review both documents and suggest projects that could be incorporated into the grants program timeline. Carried.3: WASTE LEVY/POEO CONSULTATION The meeting was advised that a consultation session for RAMROC Murray waste group members on the potential geographic expansion of the Section 88 waste levy will be held from 1pm to 4pm on Tuesday, May 13, in the Robert Brown Room, Ground Floor, Albury City Council building, 553 Kiewa Street, Albury. Gustavo Iragorri, senior policy officer, NSW EPA, who is managing the consultation process, will be sending a formal advisory letter and levy options paper to all mayors and general managers in the next couple of weeks. He also committed to provide a copy of the options paper to the co-ordinator before the meeting for circulation to waste group members, but subsequently indicated he was unable to do so as the paper would not be available for at least another week. Moved Simon Arkinstall, 2nd Nigel Sutton, that members indicate to the co-ordinator whether they will be attending on May 13. Carried. Members were also advised it was being suggested that as part of the POEO waste regulations review the EPA was considering lowering the landfill licence threshold from the current 5000 tonnes per annum to 1000 tonnes.25 While this was only speculation at this stage, discussions between the EPA and Mike Ritchie and Associates had led the consultancy to anticipate the landfill licence threshold would be a discussion item in the review of the waste regulations. MRA also reported the EPA was considering an additional fund to assist councils install weighbridges as part of any future threshold changes, and recommended members write to the EPA supporting such a fund. Moved Adam Garland, 2nd Nigel Sutton, that members delay any action until the EPA’s intentions became clearer. Carried.4: TYRES STEWARDSHIP SCHEME Details of the new industry-led national voluntary product stewardship scheme for used tyres were provided to members. The scheme, announced in January, 2014, is being administered by Tyres Stewardship Australia and funded by tyre importers imposing a 25c levy on car tyres, increasing relative to the size of the tyre. The levy will fund administration of the scheme rather than tyre processing. TSA advised the levy on tyres was to be introduced at the end of March, and local government could join Tyres Stewardship Australia to ensure all tyres councils used would be recycled correctly. Moved Mark Cook, 2nd Adam Garland, that the item be received as information. Carried.5: PGM E-WASTE UPDATE Stuart Luff, business development manager PGM Refiners, provided an update on e-waste collection activities in the RAMROC Murray region. Data presented showed 102 tonnes of e-waste had been collected across RAMROC Murray between January 2013 and March 2014. Mark Cook said the collection service was working effectively for Deniliquin, with the only outlay the initial purchase price of the shipping container. Moved Adam Garland, 2nd Nigel Sutton, that any further member councils wishing to take part in the PGM collection service advise the co-ordinator, who will facilitate their participation in the scheme. Carried.6: ENVIROMENTORS PROGRAM The Keep Australia Beautiful evaluation report on the 2013 EnviroMentors school education program delivered across the RAMROC Murray region in November 2013 was circulated to members via email and discussed at the meeting. The co-ordinator advised that KAB was seeking a commitment to EnviroMentors in 2014 as demand for the program was high. Members were asked to consider whether they wished to participate again this year, or instead apply for grant funding under Waste Less Recycle More to conduct a more wide-ranging community education program across the region based on the Halve Waste model. All present said community feedback on the EnviroMentors program had been universally positive, and that RAMROC Murray should participate again in 2014. Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Simon Arkinstall, that RAMROC Murray participate in the KAB EnviroMentors school education program in 2014. Carried. Moved Mark Cook, 2nd Adam Garland, that members agree in principle to pursuing grant funding to deliver a region-wide community education program based on Halve Waste, subject to funding co- contribution requirements. Carried. 7: WASTE REFRIGERANT The co-ordinator advised that in accordance with a previous resolution, an approach had been made to Ecofeet, a Victorian-based business that specialised in recovering refrigerant from end-of-life fridges, freezers air-conditioners and vehicle air-conditioning units at transfer stations and scrap metal recyclers. Its manager, Jeremy Johnson, said the company specialised in the recovery and disposal of all refrigerants including ammonia and flammable refrigerants, and would be interested in exploring a regional service arrangement. 26 Current charges were $20 a unit, with a minimum of 50 units required. For 100 units, the rate was $16.50. These rates were dependant on distances between locations and whether a milk-run arrangement could be put in place. Aggregation at nominated sites could be an option to reduce costs and ensure minimum numbers, but servicing sites outside a 400km radius from Melbourne was unlikely to be viable. The company was also exploring other services at the moment, including mattress recycling and gas bottles collection. An offer from Jeremy to provide a milk-run collection proposal with costings for the RAMROC region was accepted by the co-ordinator on behalf of the group. Member indicated that this was increasingly becoming an issue to be addressed. Another option discussed was negotiating a contract variation with One-Steel, the regional scrap metal collector, requiring its staff to recover and dispose of refrigerant from collected appliances, but members considered this was unlikely to succeed. Other possibilities were to train council staff to undertake the recovery, or to investigate whether refrigeration companies in the region might be willing to provide this service. Moved Nigel Sutton, 2nd Andrew Shaw, that members await the Ecofeet proposal for consideration. Carried.8: ITEMS WITHOUT NOTICE: CALCULATING WASTE VOLUMES Nigel Sutton asked how group members were calculating waste volumes and composition at sites without a weighbridge. The co-ordinator said that some years ago an Excel-based tool that been developed by the group to assist members, particularly those operating unmanned sites. Each council had been provided with this tool, which had been successfully tested at sites in Conargo and Jerilderie shires. Digital surveillance cameras purchased by the group were used to record vehicle movements at the sites and this information was downloaded, collated and entered into the spreadsheet. Moved Simon Arkinstall, 2nd Nigel Sutton, that the co-ordinator provide member councils with the Excel-based tool. Carried.9: NEXT MEETING: Members were advised the next scheduled meeting – on Wednesday, June 4 - fell on the date of the annual “No Time To Waste” regional waste conference in Wagga. The co-ordinator would also be attending the RENEW NSW forum in Wagga the previous day. Members were given the option of attending the Wagga waste conference in lieu of the June meeting (as happened last year) or determining a new meeting date for June. Discussion then followed around whether a meeting would be required to discuss the final draft of the RAMROC Murray regional waste strategy. If this were the case, a meeting in Deniliquin the week after the “No Time To Waste” conference would be the preferred option. Moved Mark Cook, 2nd Simon Arkinstall, that the co-ordinator discuss with MRA consulting the timelines for delivery of the final RAMROC Murray regional waste strategy document to determine whether a June meeting was required to consider it. Carried.Meeting closed 2.05pm. Next meeting: To be advised.Item 9.4 – General Managers Group Meeting – 11 th April 201427 MINUTES OF THE RAMROC GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING HELD AT THE MOAMA OFFICES OF MURRAY SHIRE COUNCIL ON FRIDAY 11TH APRIL 2014 AT 10.00 AM ______PRESENT: Steven Pinnuck (Greater Hume), Des Bilske (Deniliquin), Barry Barlow (Conargo), Ray Pluis (Narrandera), Rowan Perkins (Berrigan), Adrian Butler (Urana), Ken Croskell (Carrathool), Craig Moffitt (Jerilderie), Paul O’Brien (Wakool) and Ray Stubbs (Executive Officer)GUEST:- Steve Robb, Commercial Services Manager NSW Electoral Commission1. GENERAL MANAGER APOLOGIES: Frank Zaknich (Albury), Brett Stonestreet (Griffith), Bruce Graham (Wakool), Allen Dwyer (Hay), Chris Gillard (Corowa), John Batchelor (Leeton), Peter Kozlowski (Wentworth), Phil Higgins (Acting GM Murray), Joseph Bianchini (Acting GM Murrumbidgee) and Robert Rayner (Acting GM Balranald) RESOLVED that the apologies be accepted.2. MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING – 14 TH FEBRUARY 2014RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on 14th February 2014 be confirmed.3. MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 14 TH FEBRUARY 2014 No matters were arising from the previous meeting4 PRESENTATION (SEE ALSO EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT ITEM 1)4.1 Presentation by Steve Robb, Commercial Services Manager NSW Electoral CommissionSteve Robb gave an interesting Powerpoint presentation in relation to feedback which the EC had received following the 2012 LG Elections and he talked about proposals to overcome the identified problems and the adverse feedback points. A copy of the slides will be made available as soon as received, for distribution to RAMROC Councils and General ManagersSteve spoke about the Commission’s proposals for the conduct of the 2016 elections as commissioned by client Councils. He assured the meeting that the EC will definitely be positioned to provide services to all Councils that engage the EC, whether they be large metropolitan or small rural / remote locations. The LG elections are conducted by EC on an actual cost recovery basisOther specific matters which were discussed included:-  There will be much earlier advice to Councils on estimated costs for the 2016 elections;  The draft resolutions for Councils intending to engage the NSW Electoral Commission, for both the 2016 general election and any mid term bi-elections must be exactly as has been already notified to Councils ;  Proposed improved communication strategies for better public awarenesss – advertising, newsletters etc;  The recommendations of the NSW Standing Committee, particularly the option for Councils to adopt Universal Postal Voting and I-Voting, which are likely to provide better access to voters, achieve higher percentage in voting numbers and potentially mean cost savings to Councils;  Proposals for the sharing of Returning Officers and improved accessibility for voters;  Candidate workshops and financial returns to the Electoral Funding Authority;5. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT5.1 Report of the NSW Joint Standing Committee Inquiry into the 2013 LG Elections 28 The recommendations of the Standing Committee Inquiry were noted and some of the matters were canvassed in the discussions with Steve Robb from the NSW Electoral Commission.5.2 Independent Local Government Review Panel – Final Report and RecommendationsGeneral Managers discussed the Panel’s Final Report and Recommendations and in particular RAMROC’s submission made to the Minister for Local Government in relation to the proposed establishment of Joint Organisations.The meeting endorsed RAMROC’s preferred model in the submission for a Joint Organisation based around the existing 18 Council structure and with sub-regional groupings. In this regard it was also agreed that Option 4A (comprising an overarching JO of 18 Councils with an Upper Murray sub-group of 6 Councils, a Lower Murray sub-group of 6 Councils and a Murrumbidgee sub-group of 6 Councils) should be further fleshed out by a small committee of General Managers prior to the 30th April RAMROC meeting with the Minister. GMs Des Bilske, Steven Pinnuck, Craig Moffitt and Adrian Butler will meet in the next week to further develop the concept of the proposed JO and Option 4A for the sub-groups and to prepare a Working Paper for distribution to all General Managers for their feedback and suggestions.5.3 “Caring for our War Memorials” – NSW Public Works Department Regional WorkshopsThe Regional Director of NSW Public Works has advised that the NSW Government is providing contributory funding towards the preservation of war memorials and will be holding a series of public workshops for Councils, community organisations and RSL Sub Branches and Clubs. The Regional Director has offered to provide a special briefing at a forthcoming RAMROC meetingIt was resolved to thank the Regional Director for the offer, but that he be advised that a special RAMROC briefing is not necessary.5.4 NSW Code of Conduct – Regional and Council Panels of Conduct ReviewersConsideration was given to the EOs report in relation to the DLG Circular and Practice Note in November 2013, advising that Councils need to ensure that any Conduct Reviewer engaged to investigate a Code of Conduct complaint is required to hold an Operator Licence under the Commercial Agents and Private Inquiry Agents (CAIPA) Act 2004.The EO advised that DLG has this week sent out a revised Circular withdrawing that special CAIPA Act requirement. It was resolved that the latest information be received and noted.5.5 Groundwater Management User Charges – Aquifer Licence HoldersConargo Shire Council has received representation from landholders, objecting to the NSW Office of Water now charging water consumption charges on landholders who have an aquifer licence to pump water from shallow aquifers, even though the water is generally saline and not useable for commercial agricultural purposes.Barry Barlow advised that he will confer with other RAMROC Councils in similar circumstances, with a view to supporting landholder representations to the NSW Government in the matter.5.6 Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) – Population StatisticsThe EO reported on latest 2012 and 2013 population statistics received from ABS and also to representations which have been made to the NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure in relation to the DoPI Demography Section’s questionable forward 2031 population projections for the RAMROC region. A further detailed report on that matter will be submitted to the 30 April RAMROC meeting.29 5.7 Essential Energy Electricity Infrastructure Supply for Regional Growth ProjectsKen Croskell raised the issue of problems being encountered in Carrathool Shire, where existing electricity infrastructure does not have the capacity to service new industry development in the Goolgowi area and Essential Energy will not guarantee upgrading of the network. This puts in doubt proposed poultry developments which total some $250 million in investmentKen advised General Managers to review the availability of electricity infrastructure for their Councils’ future industrial development requirements.6. REPORTS OF RAMROC WORKING GROUPSConsideration was given to the Minutes of the following RAMROC Working Group meeting:- 6.1 RAMROC Planners Group Meeting – 12th March 2014RESOLVED that the Minutes of the RAMROC Planners Working Group be noted7. GENERAL BUSINESS7.1 RAMROC Regional Waste StrategyThe EO advised that a draft Regional Waste Strategy has been prepared by Mike Ritchie and Associates for the RAMROC region and that he will be submitting a report on the strategy and its proposals to the next RAMROC meeting on 30th April. Councils’ feedback and comments on the draft strategy are required by 7th May, as there is a EPA closing date for lodgement of the final regional strategies by the end of June 2014. 7.2 Country Mayors AssociationCraig Moffitt reported on the Jerilderie Shire’s attendance at the recent Country Mayors Association meeting, which his Council found to be very productive and valuable.7.3 Murray River Group of Councils – suggested Joint Meeting with RAMROCThe EO advised that he has been approached by Dean Miller CEO at Swan Hill Rural City Council and the current Secretary of the Murray River Group of Councils, proposing a joint RAMROC/MRGC meeting in the near future and enquiring as to availability of RAMROC Councils during the ALGA Congress in Canberra on 15-18 June.General Managers present all advised that their Councils do not intend to go to the ALGA Congress, so the EO will have a discussion with Dean Miller regarding an alternative time and location for a joint RAMROC?MRGC meeting.The General Managers Group meeting concluded at 12.55 pmMRRR 10 - GENERAL BUSINESS MATTERSItem 10.1 Report by Des Bilske General Manager Deniliquin Council in relation to new business developments of state significance which will source agricultural base products from the RAMROC region and further afieldItem 10.2 – Other MattersEND OF AGENDA RAMROC MEETING 30 th APRIL 201430

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