Newcastle City Council Annual Report 2015/16 www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au 2413OCT16 Newcastle City Council acknowledges the traditional country of the Awabakal and Worimi peoples. CONTENTS PART 1: OUR COUNCIL ...................................................................................................................1 We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, A message from the Lord Mayor .....................................................................................2 beliefs and continuing relationship with the land, and A message from the Interim Chief Executive Officer ..................................................3 that they are the proud survivors of more than two Who we are ........................................................................................................................5 hundred years of dispossession. Administration................................................................................................................................................6 Elected Council 2012-2016 .........................................................................................................................7 Council reiterates its commitment to addressing IP&R overview ....................................................................................................................9 disadvantages and attaining justice for Aboriginal Annual report .....................................................................................................................9 and Torres Strait Islander peoples of this community. Newcastle .........................................................................................................................10 Our people ......................................................................................................................10 What we do ....................................................................................................................... 11 Our vision ......................................................................................................................... 13 Community vision ............................................................................................................ 14 PART 2: OUR PERFORMANCE ...................................................................................................15 Community Satisfaction Survey ................................................................................... 15 Operational plan actions ................................................................................................ 17 Connected city ............................................................................................................................................. 19 Protected and enhanced environment ................................................................................................. 21 Vibrant and activated public places ..................................................................................................... 23 Caring and inclusive community ........................................................................................................... 25 Liveable and distinctive built environment .........................................................................................27 Smart and innovative city ........................................................................................................................ 29 Financial performance .............................................................................................................................. 31 Open and collaborative leadership ........................................................................................................ 31 Where did your rates go? .............................................................................................. 34 Financial performance measures ..................................................................................38 Special rate variation ..................................................................................................... 40 Measuring our success ................................................................................................... 42 Corporate performance measures ............................................................................... 42 Our Organisational success ...........................................................................................47 Executive .....................................................................................................................................................48 Planning and Regulatory ........................................................................................................................49 Corporate Services .................................................................................................................................... 51 Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................................. 53 Measuring our metres .....................................................................................................55 Capital works performance ............................................................................................57 Long term financial plan ................................................................................................59 Fit for the Future ....................................................................................................................................... 59 Council's Fit for the Future initiatives .................................................................................................60 Workforce management plan ........................................................................................62 Strategic asset plans .......................................................................................................65 PART 3: OUR STATUTORY REPORTING .................................................................................69 Statutory requirements ................................................................................................. 70 Amounts contributed or otherwise granted Regulation CL 217(1)a5 .........................................70 Coastal protection services Regulation CL 217(1)(e1) .....................................................................70 Companion animals management Regulation CL 217(1)(f) ...........................................................70 Controlling interest Statement Regulation CL 217(1)(a5) ............................................................... 71 Contractors/works awarded Regulation CL 217(1)(a2) ................................................................... 71 Mayoral and Councillor expenses Regulation CL 217(1)(a1) ...........................................................73 Details and purpose of overseas visits by Councillors, Council staff or other persons representing Council Regulation CL 217(1)(a) ....................................................................................73 For information about this document contact: Private Works and financial assistance Regulation CL217(a4) & S67(3) ....................................73 Newcastle City Council EEO Management Plan Implementation Regulation CL 217(1)(a9) ............................................73 External Bodies, companies or partnerships Regulation CL 217(1)(a8) ......................................74 282 King Street, Functions delegated by Council Regulation CL 217(1)(a6).............................................................74 Newcastle NSW 2300 Legal Proceedings Regulation CL 217(1)(a3) ......................................................................................75 Post: PO Box 489 Public Interest Disclosures (Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994 Regulation 2011) ............. 76 Newcastle NSW 2300 Australia Stormwater levies and charges Regulation CL 217(1)(e) .................................................................77 November © 2016 Newcastle City Council Phone: 02 4974 2000 Total Remuneration for General Manager and Senior Officers Authorisation: Interim Chief Executive Officer Regulation CL 217(1)(b) and (c) .............................................................................................................. 81 Fax: 02 4974 2222 NAT V3 Work Health & Safety - element 3.3.6 ................................................................................... 81 Email: [email protected] Cover Image: Wheeler Place, Newcastle CBD Total rates and charges written off Regulation CL 132(5) ............................................................ 82 Web: www.newcastle.nsw.gov.au This Image: Bathers Way, Bar Beach GIPA annual report ................................................................................................................................... 82 A MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR Our shared vision for Newcastle 2030 guides the projects, activities and services we provide as we work together to create a smart, liveable and sustainable city. This year has been one of substantial achievements. We remain committed to collaborative leadership and refocusing our efforts on protecting and delivering high-quality services and fostering innovation, investment and job creation. Council has forged a path to financial sustainability as we transition from a great regional centre to an emerging global city. This was confirmed