PRESENT: APOLOGIES: DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS CALENDAR … · This Month: Feb 2016 Last Month: Jan 2016 % Change Last Year: Feb 2015 % Change 634 800 20% 419 51% Visitors Breakdown

Balranald Shire Council

Agenda – Ordinary Meeting – 15th March 2016 ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………

This is Page 1 of the Business Paper of the Ordinary Monthly Meeting of Balranald Shire Council held in the Council Chambers, Market Street Balranald on Tuesday 15th March 2016.

PRESENT:

APOLOGIES:

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Calendar of Events March - April

MARCH

16 Public Consultation Meeting re Hostel @ 7pm

25 Good Friday

APRIL

4 Hostel Committee Meeting @ 5pm

5 Euston Beautification Committee Meeting @ 9am

5 Tourism Committee Meeting @ 5pm

6 Balranald Beautification Committee Meeting @ 7pm

19 Council Meeting @ 5pm

20 Councillor Budget Workshop @ 9am in Council Chambers

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES Recommendation: That: “The minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Council held on Tuesday 16th February 2016 copies having previously been circulated to each Councillor be taken as read and confirmed.”




PRESENTATION/DELEGATIONS June Spinks - Update on investigations into Fluoride & town water supplies

MAYORAL MINUTE/REPORT COMMITTEE REPORTS FOR ADOPTION

COMMITTEE & OTHER REPORTS FOR INFORMATION

DELEGATES REPORTS

NOTICES OF MOTION/RESCISSION




GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORTS (Incorporating all

Staff Reports)

Corporate and Community Development Division

Item C - 1 STATEMENT OF FUNDS File number: 085 Reporting Officer: Elizabeth White Director of Corporate and Community Development Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Six: Our Leadership – a community that values and fosters leadership, lifelong learning, innovation and good governance Officer Recommendation: 1. That Council receive and note the report

Purpose of Report Funds Report for the Month Ending 29th February 2016.

Investment Held:

Bankwest 1,000,000

Bendigo 1,500,000

NAB 1,000,000

Westpac 1,500,000

5,000,000

FUNDS HELD Investment Bank Combined Restricted Balance General 3,400,000 81,046 3,481,046 2,049,000 1,432,046 DWM - 112,561 112,561 60,000 52,561 Water 100,000 489,229 589,229 428,000 161,229 Sewer 1,500,000 322,833 1,822,833 1,777,000 45,833

Total 5,000,000 1,005,669 6,005,669 4,314,000 1,691,669

Report All investments shown have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993, the regulations and council’s investment policy.




Bank Reconciliation Balance B/F From Previous Month

537,314

ADD Receipts for Month: Caravan Park 32,219

Certificates 4,745 Debtors 65,041 Grants 764,901 Hostel Fees 8,385 Hostel Subsidy 34,777

Interest Received

21,756 Rates & Water 348,999 Rent 1,990 RMS 4,875 Discovery Centre 2,380 Tip Tokens 985

Sundry 1,941

1,292,994

LESS Payments for the Month:

Administration 8,929 Caravan Park 16,701 Communication 2,630 Contractor 15,895 Councillor Fees 9,698 Discovery Centre 2,647 Fuel 8,525

GST/PAYG 50,077 Hostel 20,922 Lease 19,334 Library 1,720

Mech. Repairs 4,849 Parks, Gardens, Cemetery 12,085 Payroll 277,974 Postage, Printing & Stationery 6,008 Power 21,846

Repairs & Maintenance 2,725 Roads 241,049 Sewer 2,366

Street Lighting 1,746 Subs/Memberships 12,156

Training/Conferences 3,341

Vehicles 18,919 Waste 10,597

Water 27,838 Workers’ Comp 24,062

824,639

Cash Book Balance as at End of Month

1,005,669

Less Outstanding Deposits as at end of Month

15,562

Plus Unpresented Cheques as at end of Month

16,482

Bank Balance as at End of Month

1,006,589




Item C – 2 TOURISM REPORT – February 2016

File number: 771B Reporting Officer: Director of Corporate & Community Development Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 3: Our Economy – 3.2.1 Tourism Officer Recommendation:

2. That Council accept the February Tourism report for information.

Purpose of Report To provide Council with a progress report on Tourism activities.

Report Attached to this report is the Tourism Monthly Reporting Dashboard for the month of February 2016. The following is a summary of the Statistics provided in this report;

Although February was a relatively slow month for visitors (first half of the month), it was nevertheless a busy month of marketing & promotional activities with great results. Walk-In increased by 51% compared to February 2015 when. There was a decrease of 20% compared to last month. The income increased by 2% compared to February 2015 and down by 42% compared to last month. The largest percentage of visitors in February came from intrastate visitors at 48% and interstate at 42% in the following order VIC, QLD, SA, WA, TAS and Northern Territory. International visitors were at 6%, coming from the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Canada and Argentina. Coaches/tours was 4%

Most popular merchandise: - Frog Figurines, Magnets, Robinvale Estates Products, Koala Hill Products and Construction Postcards.

Social Media was very successful which included a competition. The Council Facebook page is now at 1,742 LIKES and the Balranald Discovery Centre Facebook page hit 2078 LIKES over the month of February. The Council page had a total of reach of 33,231 from 7 promotional posts and the Discovery page a reach of 37,808 from 5 promotional posts.

The Tourism coordinator made a presentation to the Inland NSW & Outback NSW working groups and consequently we are now part of the Outback NSW Destination Working Group and the Inland NSW Destination Management Working Group. This means that we are now actively involved in the strategic planning and marketing of the Inland region and Outback NSW region.

Financial Implication Nil

Legislative Implication Nil

Policy Implication Nil

Attachments Tourism Monthly Reporting Dashboard




Total Visitor Walk-ins

This Month: Feb 2016 Last Month: Jan

2016

% Change Last Year: Feb 2015 % Change

634

800 20% 419 51%

Visitors Breakdown This Month

Intra-State (NSW) Interstate

International Coaches/Groups

48%

42% 1.VIC 2.QLD 3.SA 4.WA

5.TAS 6.NT

6%

1UK 2.Germany 3. Switzerland 4.Cananda

5.Argentina

4%

Sales

This Month: Feb

2016

Last Month: Jan

2016

% Change Last Year: Feb 2015 % Change

$2,352.02

4,094 42% $2,325 2%

Top 5 Selling Merchandise This Month

1 2 3 4 5 Frog Figurines

Magnets Robinvale Estates

Products

Koala Hill products Construction

Postcards

Facebook Council Page

Current Total

LIKES

No. of Posts

for the

month

Total

Reach for

the Month

No. engaging

with Posts

Origin –,Cities Top 8 Origin –

Country Top 6

1,742

7 33,231 1,322 Melb, Balranald,

Sydney, Adelaide,

Mildura, London, Swan

Hill, Albury

Aust; UK, Chili, ,

France USA,

Italy, Portugal

Facebook Discovery Centre Page

Current Total

LIKES

No. of Posts

for the

month

Total

Reach for

the Month

No. engaging

with Posts

Origin – Cities Top 8 Origin –

Country

Top 6

2,078

5 37,808 1,303 Melb, Balranald,

Sydney, Adelaide,

Mildura, Swan Hill,

Perth Brisbane,

Aust; USA; UK;

Pakistan; Malaya;

Austria

Marketing Activities

Advertising/Promotions/Events/Signage Direct Mail/Direct

Marketing

Online & Digital

Promotional material for Easter in Balranald activities

Promotional posts for Easer in Balranald

Promotional posts for the Bes Murray Book Launch

Promotional Competition for reaching our 2000 LIKES on the Discovery Centre Page

Promotions of the Balranald Races

Promotional posts for Seniors & Youth weeks

There was no direct marketing activities in

Ongoing Development of new tourism website

Travel In Website Content

Update of content on website links




Additional Social Media Activities (this section will be revised and updated for 2016 reporting)

Trip Advisor Instagram & Twitter Google+ & YouTube

We currently have 22 Reviews with an average of 4.5 rating

To come in April Report Virtual tour ready for launch on Google +

Promotional 4 videos ready for launch on YouTube

Tourism Management

Conferences/Seminars/Workshop Meetings Management & Planning

Outback NSW Destination Management Workshop

We are now part of the Outback NSW Destination Management Group

We are now part of the Inland Destination Management Group

Meeting with Hay Tourism re collaboration re Outback NSW branding and positioning

February Tourism Committee meeting

Submission of Energise Fund Grant for “Balranald Business Online” Project

Development of Strategic Strategies for 2016/17

Monthly Staff Team Meeting

Summary Report of Tourism Dept.

Update and implementation of Tourism Rolling Action Plan

Monthly Report

Performance Reviews of the VIC staff

Commencement of Budget Review

Other Data & Research for the Month

Top Attractions

Top Reasons for Visit Extra Night Stay

1. Interp Pavilion

2. Discovery Café

3. Museum

4. Yanga

5. Old Gaol

6. Mungo

7. Outback Geo Tours

8. Other Attractions (bridge, trails etc)

9. R.V. Facilities

10. Wintong School

1. Passing Through

2. Visiting Balranald

3. Yanga NP

4. Mungo NP

5. Visiting Friends & Family

This month the Team encouraged at least

5 visitor groups/couples into staying an

extra night in town who were not

planning to do so.




Infrastructure and Development Reports

Item I - 1 CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATES File number: 600 Reporting Officer: Director Infrastructure and Development – John Stevenson

Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 6 Officer Recommendation: That the report be noted.

Purpose of Report To advise Council of Certificates issued under delegated authority. Report

The following Construction Certificates, Complying Development Certificates, Section 68 Certificates and / or Notices of Determinations have been issued since the November 2015 meeting of Council.




Application Owner/Applicant Locality Description

DA

M24/2016

Select Harvests Euston Station / Billa Downs Euston

Modification to

Pump & pipeline

at draw off point

from river

DA 34/2016 Select Harvests ‘Mendook’ Prungle Rd

Orchard Hub &

Managers

Residence

DA 44/2016 B. Mannix 177 Harben St, Balranald

Shade Cloth

Area

DA 45/2016 P. Curran Opposite bank to Lot 49 DP 756112 Robinvale VIC

Mooring

DA 46/2016 P. Aikman Opposite bank to Lot 49 DP 756112 Robinvale

Mooring

DA 48/2016 M.A. & C.J.

Middlebrook

73 River Street, Balranald

BBQ Area

DA 49/2016 A O’Bryan Lot 715, Murray Valley Highway, Euston

Mooring

DA 51/2016 G. Curran Lot 2 Bridge Rd, Euston

Mooring

DA 52/2016 J. Charman Lot 2 Bridge Rd, Euston

Mooring

Financial Implication Nil.

Legislative Implication The approvals process.

Policy Implication Nil.

Attachments Nil.




Item I – 2 MAINTENANCE AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAM File number: 726

Reporting Officer: Director of Infrastructure – John Stevenson

Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 5 – Our Infrastructure Officer Recommendation: That the report be noted.

Purpose of Report To provide Council with a progress report on works, since the February meeting. Report 1. Road Maintenance Maintenance grading to the following roads has been undertaken since the last report: Prungle Mail Rd

Weimby Kyalite Rd Oxley Rd north of reconstruction Murray Terrace school bus area adjacent to Shailer Terrace heavy patch parking lane complete. 2. Fixing Country Roads Programs Euston Prungle Road Following the completion of 2015/16 program to Gulthul – Benanee intersection, an expression of interest has been lodged and accepted towards the 2016/17 program. Applications are now invited for;

Kilpatrick Rd – reconstruct and reseal full length, including intersections with Morris Rd and Leslie Dr

Tillara Rd – reconstruct and seal initial 1km from Sturt Highway Prungle Mail Rd – seal existing gravel pavement 1km from Sturt Highway Mildura Ivanhoe Rd – reconstruct and seal 1km westerly from MR67 Unlike Council’s Roads to Recovery Program, these initiatives have to identify improved produce freight from farm to market i.e. local road from vineyard / warehouse / paddock to highway.




3. Roads to Recovery Program Gravel re-sheeting of 3km section of Prungle Mail Rd is 50% complete and should be finished by the end of March. Reconstruction of 1km section of Weimby Kyalite Rd is 60% complete and sealing is expected to be undertaken late March / early April. 4. Main Road 514 Repair Program Final trim of the 3km section of MR514 is under way and sealing is expected to be undertaken late March / early April. 5. Miscellaneous Works a. Extensions of water services to new lots – Murray Terrace, Euston b. Balranald Lawn Cemetery Rd resealed and new section sealed c. Capital works part water main, hydrants and valves replaced – Dowling St

West, Balranald d. Patching crew completed program of pavement repairs in readiness for

reseal program.

Cemetery Entrance Rd

Financial Implication As per budgeted works program.

Legislative Implication Nil.

Policy Implication Rural Roads Policy.

Attachments Nil.




Item I - 3 ROADS TO RECOVERY PROGRAM File number: 726 Reporting Officer: Director Infrastructure and Development – John Stevenson

Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 5 – Our Infrastructure Officer Recommendation: Council adopt the suggested list to form an addition to the program to eliminate the shortfall in Council’s own source expenditure to meet the R2R program obligation.

Purpose of Report To advise the need to increase Councils own works expenditure component of the above program. Report Council will recall adopting the 2015/16 R2R program with additional works at the December 2015 meeting following advice of additional funding increasing this program to $1,893,481. Councils own expenditure component of this program needs to increase the above amount by $296,817 to keep the desirable ratio for the program constant following the above funding increase. It is therefore suggested that a number of worthy projects considered by Council, in the formulation of the program, could now be included. These projects may include: 1. Riverbend recreation area - reform and bitumen seal the existing loop

road $62,000 2. Greenham Park main oval perimeter access road – bitumen seal gravel

section $30,000

3. South Cowper St, Euston (Cemetery Access Rd) – form and seal 0.2km

from Nixon St $46,000

4. O’Connor St, Balranald – form and seal 0.3km from Piper St $80,000




5. Balranald Tennis Club carpark off We St – form and seal existing pavement

$20,000

6. Market St Drainage from Malcolm Building to River St intersection $59,000

Financial Implication Additional $296,817 representing Council’s own source of funds to be undertaken to comply with Roads to Recovery benchmark

Legislative Implication

Nil.

Policy Implication Nil.

Attachments Nil.




General Manager’s Reports Item G - 1 CULTURAL COMMITTEE REQUEST FOR THEATRE ROYAL DONATION File number: 56 Reporting Officer: General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 1: Our People – A Community that is proactive, engaged, inclusive and connected Officer Recommendation:

That Council approve the donation of $400.00 to be funded from the administration budget.

Purpose of Report To advise Council of a request from the Cultural Committee for the Theatre Royal fees to be waived for their proposed variety concert. Report Council received a letter from Margaret Butler on behalf of the Cultural Committee seeking Councils support for the variety concert. The variety concert is to be held on Friday 6th May 2016 at the Theatre Royal commencing at 7pm. The Committee has requested Council consider waiving the facility hire fees. The event will commence at 7.00 p.m. Council’s 15/16 budget of $20,000 for Community Donations has been exhausted. Council can consider the following options:

1. Advise the Committee that Councils budget for donations for the 15/16 financial year has been exhausted and therefore cannot approve their request.

2. As the proposed event is for fundraising purposes to go toward the purchase of a Grand Piano for the Theatre Royal, Council agree to fund the donation from the administration budget.

Financial Implication $400 to be funded from Admin Budget



Attachments Nil




Item G - 2 POPULATION ATTRACTION & RETENTION STRATEGY. File Number: Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Two: Our Place – A liveable and thriving community that maintains lifestyle opportunities and addresses its disadvantages. Officer Recommendation: That Council adopt the Population & Attraction & Retention Policy Statement

Purpose of Report To update Council on the proposed population, attraction, and retention strategy. Report Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2022, objective 2.1.1 requires Council to design and implement a Population Retention and Attraction Strategy. A draft copy (as attached) of a possible strategy has been provided to Councillors previously, and is provided for Council information. It is evident that a strategy of this nature is too resource hungry for Council to implement, given that Council has been reminded on a number of occasions to focus on its core business. It is suggested that Council does not proceed with a Population Retention and Attraction Strategy, rather, adopt a policy statement as follows: “Council’s key role for population retention and growth will be to provide a positive environment for the development of physical, social and community infrastructure within Councils existing resource base in conjunction with the business, government and community sectors. Council will pro- actively facilitate and advocate on behalf of the community the establishment of sustainable programs, projects and services that enhances the liveability and well-being of its residents and provides for economic and social growth.”




Attachments Population attraction and Retention Strategy as a separate document.




Item G – 3 NOMINATION FOR POSITION OF CHAIRMAN, MURRAY DARLING ASSOCIATION REGION 3

File Number: This report will be handed out at the meeting.




ITEM G – 4 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY File number: 025 Reporting Officer: General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Three: Our Economy – a community that ensures a strong and resilient economy

Officer Recommendation: That Council: 1. Determine if Council wishes to be represented at the conference; 2. Provide details of possible motions for discussion at the next Council meeting.

Purpose of Report To advise Councillors of the forthcoming Australian Local Government Association Conference (National General Assembly) and the call for motions. Report The 2016 National General Assembly of Local Government will be held in Canberra between 19 and 22 June 2016. Council has attended the National General Assembly in the past. The Australian Local Government Association is calling for motions by Friday 22 April 2016 under the theme of the Assembly “Partners in an Innovative and Prosperous Australia”. If Council wishes to be represented at the Assembly there is an opportunity for early bird registrations of $929 per delegate if paid prior to 6 May 2016. Information and the discussion paper are included under separate cover.

Financial Implication As above

Legislative Implication Section 377 of the Local Government Act

Policy Implication Conferences & Seminars attendance – Councillors & Staff

Attachments Nil




Item G – 5 SUMMARY OF MEETINGS File number: 25 Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar Six: Our Leadership – a community that values and fosters leadership, lifelong learning, innovation and good governance Officer Recommendation: That Council receive & note the report

Purpose of Report To advise Council of a summary of meetings held. Report A number of Councillors and the General Manager had a meeting with representatives of the Western Local Land Services on Wednesday 17 February at the shire office. The Chairman Tom Hynes and board member Ben Barlow attended along with the acting general manager and media staff member. The local land services are currently going thru major reform with reduction in funding resulting in certain services likely to be funded via user pay service. On Tuesday 1 March staff members met with 3 officers from NSW Department of Primary Industries, Lands as part of a trip they were undertaking to visit a number of Councils in the region. Matters discussed included: crown reserves managed by Council, native title, extraction of gravel for road making purposes, installation of water bores and the process involved, gazettal of public roads on western lands. The Mayor, Councillor O’Halloran and the General Manager attended the Western Division Conference in Lightning Ridge on Sunday 6 March to Tuesday 8 March. The conference was well represented by all of the Far west councils including member councils Lachlan and Carrathool. The conference theme was “The Times They Are a-Changin” and presentations and discussions focussed on this theme. The new board comprises Mayor Leigh Byron as President and Councillor Steve O’Halloran as an executive member. All Councillors along with the General Manager and Director Corporate and Community Development attended a preliminary budget workshop facilitated by Ray Stubbs – Executive Officer of RAMROC. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss opportunities to reduce expenditure and increase income which would help address the issues raised by both T-Corp and Council’s auditors.




Attachments Nil




Item G - 6 CORRESPONDENCE

File Number: 712 Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager Operational Plan Objective: Pillar 1: Our People – A community that is proactive, engaged, inclusive and connected Officer Recommendation: For information Purpose of Report To advise Council of recent correspondence of interest. Report

1. Letter of appreciation from Miss Filicity Bartlett 2. Letter of appreciation from Miss Alisha Eade










Item G - 7 ACTION SHEET Reporting Officer: Aaron Drenovski, General Manager File Number: 120 Officer Recommendation: For information

Purpose of Report To bring forward for Councillors information the Action Report with actions taken on previous council resolutions.

BALRANALD SHIRE COUNCIL ACTION SHEET

FEBRUARY 2016




MIINUTE DIRECTOR/ FILE NO

SUBJECT DATE COMPLETED

COMMENTS CURRENT STATUS

02.16.3636 GM Write to Mrs Maureen Pupillo to thank for her service with Euston Beautification Committee

22.02.2016 Letter Sent

02.16.3636 DID Euston Beautification Progress works for War nameplates prior to Anzac Day. Arrange Staff to spray weeds in Medley Park Approach landowners to commence concept plan for future Berrett Park improvements. DID to approach tradesmen. Liaise with Euston club regarding avenue of trees in Euston.

In Progress Ongoing In Progress To be put on Traffic Committee Agenda

02.16.3636 DID Balranald Beautification Roses to be replanted at old Gaol. Branches to be removed at lions park when tree lopping program resumes.

In Progress Awaiting Program

02.16.3639 DCCD Arrange the facilitated workshop on 10 March to determine desired budget outcomes. Arrange additional workshops for 20 April and 11 May.

23.2.2016 Workshop held on 10.03.2016

02.16.3645 GM Arrange for public consultation meeting to inform the public of all facts of hostel prior to concept design being on display. Arrange for RSM report be made available for public viewing.

23.02.2016 Public Consultation being held on 16.03.2016

02.16.3648 GM Allocate funds for NSWLG Asset Management Audit Preparedness Self-Assessment to budget for consideration.

In Progress

02.16.3650 GM Appoint Leo Conway Agencies to make arrangements for sale of Caltex. Notify the tenant to advise Councils intention to sell. Set the auction date and reserve sale price at the valuation price.

24.02.2016

Notified Tony

02.16.3651 GM Submit an application to the Innovation Fund for the purchase and implementation of Records Management and Asset Management System, and if successful allocate the $80,000 budget item for the records system.

In Progress

CLOSED MEETING - CONFIDENTIAL MATTERS

Documents

PRESENT: APOLOGIES: DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTS CALENDAR … · This Month: Feb 2016 Last Month: Jan 2016 % Change Last Year: Feb 2015 % Change 634 800 20% 419 51% Visitors Breakdown