Alexandrina Council AlPreservingexan thed Past,rin Securinga C theo uFuture,ncil Together Enhancing Our Lifestyle Annual Report 2009-2010 Tour Down Under Finish Goolwa 22nd January 2010 Alexandrina Council Annual Report 2009-2010 CONTENTS CONTENTS ............................................................................................................................... 2 MAYOR’S MESSAGE................................................................................................................ 3 VISION & MISSION STATEMENT............................................................................................. 4 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS 2009 – 2013 ........................................................... 5 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT................................................................................................ 6 ALEXANDRINA COUNCIL ELECTED MEMBERS .................................................................... 7 ELECTED MEMBERS & SENIOR STAFF ................................................................................. 8 COUNCIL OFFICES ................................................................................................................ 10 DISTRICT DETAILS................................................................................................................. 11 STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF COUNCIL........................................................................ 12 COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL .................................................................................................. 13 ALLOWANCES PAID TO MEMBERS OF COUNCIL, SENIOR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS....... 16 CORPORATE INFORMATION ................................................................................................ 17 COUNCIL MEETINGS ............................................................................................................. 17 STAFF OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................. 17 IMPLEMENTATION OF COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN..................................................... 18 GOVERNANCE........................................................................................................................ 19 FINANCE & CORPORATE SERVICES ................................................................................... 26 STRATEGY, ENVIRONMENT & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ............................................. 31 HEALTH & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT............................................................................. 40 PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................................... 52 INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING & DESIGN........................................................................... 58 ENGINEERING SERVICES..................................................................................................... 64 LISTING OF CODES OF CONDUCT AND PRACTICE ........................................................... 73 LISTING OF REGISTERS........................................................................................................ 73 MANAGEMENT PLANS FOR COMMUNITY LAND (CHAPTER 11) ....................................... 74 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS 2009 – 2010...................................................................................... 75 FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ............................................................................................... 78 SERVICES PROVIDED BY COUNCILS .................................................................................. 84 PRINCIPAL ROLE OF A COUNCIL......................................................................................... 85 FUNCTIONS OF COUNCIL ..................................................................................................... 85 LISTING OF COUNCIL POLICIES & PROCEDURES ............................................................. 86 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO 30TH JUNE 2010 .................................................................. 89 Page 2 of 89 Alexandrina Council Annual Report 2009-2010 MAYOR’S MESSAGE Welcome to Alexandrina Council’s 2009-10 Annual Report. There has been a lot of talk in the past 12 months about one of our region’s biggest issues – water. We have had improved seasonal conditions, which has seen some improvement in the water levels in the Lower Lakes and Goolwa Channel, but there are, unfortunately, still no flows through the barrages and the Murray Mouth. The improved levels are an important step towards Alexandrina Council’s goal of a freshwater future for the Lower Lakes and a long term sustainable river system and may herald the beginning of the recovery of our River and Lakes system In June we were told of Chief Executive John Coombe’s decision to step down from his role by Christmas 2010. We would like to thank John for his outstanding commitment to the Alexandrina Council and our community over a very successful career in Local Government. We are currently in the process of recruiting a replacement and it is critical that we find the right person to fill this important position. We are extremely pleased to have been recently awarded the Regional Centre of Culture and also to be named as the hosts for the National Regional Arts Conference, both in 2012. The Regional Centre of Culture is special funding for yearly performance and facilities upgrade of up to $800,000 for capital works to either establish a new or enhance an existing cultural facility which is then followed by $1 million to support a program of arts and cultural activities throughout 2012. This will be a great boost for our extensive cultural community. It will mean an enormous social and economic benefit to the Alexandrina region and indeed the entire Fleurieu Peninsula. As we are nearing the end of the current Council term, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Elected Members for their great support and vision. I wish those that are renominating all the best, and those who choose not to a healthy and happy retirement. I would encourage all residents to take an interest in and exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming Local Government Elections. I commend this Annual Report to you. Mayor Kym McHugh Page 3 of 89 Alexandrina Council Annual Report 2009-2010 VISION & MISSION STATEMENT Preserving the Past, Securing the Future, Together Enhancing our Lifestyle Provide Leadership to our community with equitable, efficient and effective services to achieve present and future needs. Visit by 817 Squadron Page 4 of 89 Alexandrina Council Annual Report 2009-2010 COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS 2009 – 2013 Goal 1: A vibrant, cohesive and diverse community providing a healthy, quality lifestyle. Goal 2: Sustainable economic growth supporting industries and businesses. Goal 3: Sustainable natural and built environments that meet the needs of a growing community and economy Goal 4: Progressive leadership, good governance, efficient and effective services Page 5 of 89 Alexandrina Council Annual Report 2009-2010 CHIEF EXECUTIVE’S REPORT This will be my last Annual Report as Chief Executive of the Alexandrina Council. Having begun its life in 1997, Council has risen to be recognised as one of the most successful Councils as a result of amalgamation, which took place in the late-90s. Why is this so? I believe we have always endeavoured to do what is in the best interests of our community, be it the type and quality of the service, through to innovative and effective delivery of these services. We continually review and reassess areas for improvement. As with all relationships, communication is an essential component. Be it engaging and consulting across all areas of our community, if the communication is not right, the relationship will suffer. As a Council we value and respect our community, just as we do the Elected Members and staff. The caring, professional team we have has been able to achieve many successful outcomes in all areas of financial management, environmental awareness and social programs, which contribute to healthy communities through to new and well-maintained community infrastructure. This report does not permit me to highlight more of our positives, but let me touch on culture. Organisational culture is a powerful element of success. We are more than just a local government authority. We are an organisation which believes in what we do. As Elected Members and staff, we feel part of our community and when our community experiences pain and suffering, so do we. When we achieve, we need to celebrate together. Ours is not just a job, it is a way of life. It is about utilising the skills and expertise we have to build on the unique quality of life we enjoy. The challenges before us will be many and varied, and yet we can look forward with confidence as our past has been paved with many successful achievements. Our future will be bright and exciting. It has been a privilege and honour to have been given the responsibility to be your Chief Executive. I stand aside knowing I am a better person for the experience. I leave with fond memories and life-long friendships. John Coombe Chief Executive Page 6 of 89 Alexandrina Council Annual Report 2009-2010 ALEXANDRINA COUNCIL ELECTED MEMBERS 2006 –2010 Left to Right: Councillors Jim Davis, Alan Oliver, Grant Gartrell, Mary Beckett, Barry Featherston, Rod Potter, Rick Medlyn, Deputy Mayor Councillor Anne Woolford, Trent Rusby, Mayor Kym McHugh and Councillor Frank Tuckwell Absent: Councillor