Download pdf - To promote the Central Darling Shire area by encouraging ...€¦ · • each registered member of the public address is limited to five minutes; and • all matters raised in public

Mission Statement

To promote the Central Darling Shire area by encouraging development through effective leadership, community involvement and facilitation of services

Any public discussion of Council or Committee reports and recommendations is on the basis that such reports or recommendations do not have effect until adopted by a full meeting of Council.

CENTRAL DARLING

SHIRE COUNCIL

Draft Minutes For the Ordinary Meeting

Wednesday 28 November 2018 at 9:00am In the Council Chambers

Wilcannia NSW

Council dedicated to serving its Communities

Central Darling Shire Council - Ordinary Meeting Minutes 28 November 2018

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The Ordinary Meeting of Council was held in the Council Chambers on Wednesday 28 November 2018 Commenced at 9:00am.

1 ORDER OF BUSINESS

SECTION 1. ATTENDANCE ....................................................................................................................... 3

SECTION 2. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST – PECUNIARY AND NON-PECUNIARY ....................................... 3

SECTION 3. PUBLIC ACCESS – QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC .................................. 4

SECTION 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING ....................................................... 4

4.1 BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES ........................................................................................ 4

SECTION 5. ADMINISTRATOR’S MINUTE REPORT ................................................................................... 5

SECTION 6. DETERMINATION REPORTS .................................................................................................. 6

6.1 DRAFT COMMUNITY GRANTS POLICY PUBLIC CONSULTATION .............................................. 6

6.2 MENINDEE LAKES WATER SAVINGS PROJECT ......................................................................... 7

6.3 DROUGHT COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME – DROUGHT RELIEF ACTIVITIES ............................. 8

6.4 WHITE CLIFFS WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION 2018 – NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT – TENDER…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10

6.5 QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT – Q1 – JULY 2018 TO SEPTEMBER 2018 .................... 13

6.6 2019 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE ..................................................................................... 14

6.7 ADMINISTRATOR TOWN VISIT SCHEDULE 2019 .................................................................... 15

6.8 CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OFFICE CLOSURE ..................................................................... 16

6.9 2018 STAFF CHRISTMAS FUNCTION AND OFFICE CLOSURES ................................................ 18

SECTION 7. INFORMATION REPORTS .................................................................................................... 20

7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES STATISTICS ............................................................................... 20

7.2 WORKS PROGRAM ................................................................................................................. 20

7.3 COBB HIGHWAY ..................................................................................................................... 20

7.4 WATER RESTRICTIONS, WHITE CLIFFS AND WILCANNIA ....................................................... 21

7.5 WILCANNIA WATER SUPPLY AND TRANSITION TO BORE SUPPLY ......................................... 21

7.6 ROADS REPORT ...................................................................................................................... 21

7.7 SERVICES ................................................................................................................................ 23

7.8 CAPITAL WORKS .................................................................................................................... 24

7.9 CASH AND INVESTMENTS ...................................................................................................... 25

7.10 INFORMATION, MINUTES AND REPORTS RECEIVED ............................................................. 25

SECTION 8. CONFIDENTIAL MEETING ................................................................................................... 26

SECTION 9. DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING ............................................................................. 27


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SECTION 1. ATTENDANCE

PRESENT:

Greg Wright Administrator Greg Hill General Manager Jacob Philp Director Business Services Ali Couch Executive Assistant

APOLOGY:

Reece Wilson Director Shire Services

SECTION 2. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST – PECUNIARY AND NON-PECUNIARY

Nil


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SECTION 3. PUBLIC ACCESS – QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC

Council’s policy regarding public access to Council Meetings states:

• public access to monthly meetings of Council is listed as an agenda item;

• each member of the public seeking to address Council is to register with the General Manager prior to commencement of the Council meeting. Each member of the public is to complete a “registration form’ obtained from Council staff. The registration form seeks the proposed topic or topics in public access to be stated;

• each registered member of the public address is limited to five minutes; and

• all matters raised in public access are recorded and a response provided at the Council meeting or in writing within one month after meeting date.

Note: The Council registration form indicates only policy making and strategic matters are permitted in public access. Operational matters are to be addressed/raised separately with the General Manager. Comments/statements made at Council Meetings are not subject to Parliamentary Privilege.

Nil

SECTION 4. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

01-11-18

RECOMMENDATION:

That the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Council held on the Wednesday 31 October 2018, be taken as read and confirmed as a correct record of the proceedings of the meeting.

RESOLVED 4.1 BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Nil


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SECTION 5. ADMINISTRATOR’S MINUTE REPORT

No Formal Report


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SECTION 6. DETERMINATION REPORTS

6.1 DRAFT COMMUNITY GRANTS POLICY PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is to introduce a new Community Grants Policy and Procedure to support financially the not-for-profit community based organisations or individuals within the Shire. Commentary:

Council acknowledges the contributions made by not-for-profit community based organisations, groups and individuals in the local government area and, where possible, commits limited funds to help these organisations, groups and individuals achieve their objectives. The purpose of this policy is to:

• Establish a consistent, equitable and transparent response to requests for financial assistance;

• Ensure that all conforming applications received are given equitable consideration for funding;

• Ensure that the funding of community grants represents value for money to Council and the community; and

• Ensure that money provided by Council to community organisations are allocated in the most effective manner.

Summary:

This policy enables Council to support local projects and activities with Community Grants (maximum $1000) and Recurring Grants (maximum $200) put forward by organisations, groups and individuals that offer a significant contribution to community outcomes and goals as provided in the Community Strategic Plan. Additionally, Community Grants may also be available to respond to particular “Emergency Situations” (such as drought relief) depending upon the availability of funding. In making such funds available, Community Grants shall be provided in a consistent, equitable and transparent manner.

The Community Grants suite consists of the following: • Community Grants Policy • Community Grants Procedure • Community Grants Application Form

Only the Community Grants Policy needs to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days prior to adoption by Council. The remaining abovementioned documents are operational and do not require endorsement by Council.

(a) Policy Implications

At completion of the public consultation process Council’s Policy Register will be reviewed updated to contain the Community Grants Policy.

(b) Financial Implications

Operational advertising costs.


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(c) Legal Implications

The introduction of a Community Grants Policy will ensure Council is addressing its legislative responsibilities.

(d) Community Consultations

Adoption of the recommendation will see the proposed Policy placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. Council will then consider any community comment before considering the adoption of the proposed Policy.

02-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council resolves to place the Draft Community Grants Policy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

2. That a report will be presented to Council after the 28 day exhibition period on all submissions received during the exhibition period, prior to the adoption of the Policy.

RESOLVED

6.2 MENINDEE LAKES WATER SAVINGS PROJECT

Purpose:

As a result of the meetings held at Menindee and Wilcannia on 30 and 31 October 2018 to discuss the next steps for the Menindee Lakes Reconfiguration Project, Council is making the following comments regarding the Menindee Lakes Water Savings Project.

Commentary:

Council’s General Manager attended four community meetings held at Menindee on Tuesday 30 October and Wilcannia on Wednesday 31 October regarding the Menindee Lakes Water Savings Project. Each meeting was held for two hours with cross-sections of the community representing Menindee and one general meeting at Wilcannia. All meetings were well represented in both communities with vigorous discussion around various proposals being presented by NSW government representatives. The General Manager noted at all the meetings he attended, there was a consensus from most representatives either being generally a positive or negative response on the different projects or policies being proposed.

Summary:

A statement has been prepared by Council’s General Manager regarding the abovementioned meetings. The statement outlines Council’s stance on the Menindee Lake Water Savings Project and


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the broader issues of water security and water usage along the Barwon/Darling river system. The statement will be sent to Rachel Connell, Executive Director Water and Jock Laurie, NSW Land and Water Commissioner, both from NSW Department of Industry. Furthermore, the statement is a public record of Council’s stance on the Menindee Lakes Water Savings Project and the broader issues of water security and water usage along the Barwon/Darling river system.


Nil


Nil


Nil


As required.

03-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council endorse the Menindee Lakes Water Savings Projects report and statement as being received.

2. A covering letter be sent with a copy of the statement to the Executive Director Water and the Land and Water Commissioner, both from NSW Department of Industry.

3. The Menindee Lake Water Savings Project statement remains a public record of Council’s current stance on Menindee Lakes Water Savings Project and the broader issues of water security and water usage along the Barwon/Darling river system.

RESOLVED

6.3 DROUGHT COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME – DROUGHT RELIEF ACTIVITIES

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is for Council information that Council will be receiving $1 million dollars during 2018-19 financial year for drought relief activities within the Shire.


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Background:

On 19 August 2018, the Australian Government announced $75 million for the Drought Communities Programme to support communities impacted by drought whereby Central Darling Shire was invited to apply for funding of projects up to $1 million dollars. The grant amount is 100% of all eligible costs for projects. All projects activities must be undertaken in the region of the Council and must be completed by 30 June 2019. Drought-relief projects must be in addition to the normal planned activities of the Council. Funding will target infrastructure and other projects that:

• provide employment for people whose work opportunities have been impacted by drought • stimulate local community spending • use local resources, businesses and suppliers • provide a long-lasting benefit to communities and the agricultural industries on which they

depend

The type of activities that is eligible for funding:

• suppliers, consultants and contracted labour undertaking eligible project activities • materials required to deliver eligible project activities • purchasing, leasing or hiring equipment required to deliver eligible project activities • holding events • other drought relief activities (including water carting for human consumption).

Commentary:

The General Manager with consultation with the Director Shire Services applied for 3 projects:

• $400k Water Carting - upgrading infrastructure to amenities and providing a water carting service.

• $450k Drilling of Bores - for road maintenance activities in locations where water is scarce • $150k Community Projects and Events

All project costs include materials, labour, plant hire, contractors and administration costs incurred by Council. Thursday 1 November 2018, Council received notification that we were successful with our application and since a Deed of Agreement has been signed by the General Manager.

The Community Projects and Events requires guideline as to how fund will be distributed. A Community Grant Policy and Procedure has been now developed which includes a section about Emergency Relief Grants to provide funding to members of our community adversely affected by natural situations, such as drought, flooding etc. The availability of specific funding to the community will need to be determine at the time when external funding is to be received. Therefore, in this instance, it is recommended the Drought Communities Programme - Community Projects and Events be capped at $15,000 for each application. Furthermore, applications for Community Projects and Events can be received from the time of being released to the community to the end of this financial year as long the funds are expended during this Financial Year.


A Community Grant Policy has now been developed with a report to this Council meeting to endorse public consultation.


Nil


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Council will require licencing to install bores which will take 3-4 months. There are stringent legislative guidelines around transportation and handling of potable water supply.

(d) Community Consultation

There will be extensive consultation across the Shire about the delivery of potable water supply and Community Grant Funding for projects and events.

04-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council endorse the Drought Communities Programme - drought relief activities report as being received.

2. That Council adopts the funding for Community Projects and Events, a maximum of $15,000 for each application, with applications to be received anytime during this current Financial Year.

RESOLVED

6.4 WHITE CLIFFS WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION 2018 – NEW WATER TREATMENT PLANT – TENDER

Purpose:

The purpose of this report is for Council to consider the draft White Cliffs New Water Treatment Plant Specification and resolve to request tenders (RFT) for a new water treatment plant at White Cliffs in accordance with the specification and pursuant to the tendering provisions of the Local Government Act 1993.

Background:

Council received funding for pre-construction activities related to the replacement and upgrade of water treatment facilities at Wilcannia, Ivanhoe and White Cliffs in 2015 pursuant to the Restart NSW – Water Security for Regions Program.

Council subsequently received 100% capital funding for a new water treatment plant (WTP) at White Cliffs pursuant to the Regional Water and Waste Water Backlog Program and White Cliffs status with respect to this program in August 2015.

Pre-construction activities have been completed recently and given funding availability the White Cliffs New Water Treatment Plant procurement can now proceed to open tendering.

Commentary:


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The specification for the new water treatment plant at White Cliffs has been recently completed by NSW Water Solutions (Public Works) following substantial investigation and analysis of the preferred treatment option given source water availability and emerging trends in urban potable water supply systems, particularly the degree of disinfection and enhanced health-based targets.

The final specification for the new water treatment plant at White Cliffs has been the subject of comprehensive consultation between Council, DPI Water and NSW Water Solutions. Background investigation included inspection of various plants to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the technology proposed and the issues being experienced by operators following commissioning.

Significantly Council has received concurrence from DPI Water with respect to Section 60 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the need for the Ministers approval for water supply works.

The proposed new White Cliffs water treatment plant overview is provided below,

The new WTP shall be designed to produce a minimum of 0.2 ML over 22 hrs of operation in a day.

Council has a strong preference for a treatment plant based on lagoon sedimentation process with membrane filtration. Lagoons shall be used as the clarifier as well as the plant waste management unit. Two lagoons shall be provided for duty and standby operation.

The WTP process shall be designed to use the raw water predominantly sourced from Tank No. 3 (Wakefield Dam) with the other tanks available for backup. The treatment process shall be designed to treat the raw water from any tank or combination of tanks.

Raw water for the plant shall be tapped from the raw water supply by cutting into the common raw water pipeline from the three tanks (three dams) at a suitable location within the WTP site. Raw water shall first be directed into the flocculation chamber of the operating lagoon.

PAC shall be dosed into the lagoons. PAC to be dosed only when the presence of algal toxins/taste and odour are noted in the raw water.

All other pre-dose chemicals and dosing systems such as a coagulant shall be provided.

Post-chlorination shall be carried out for disinfection (Gas chlorine using 70 kg cylinders has been considered for the new plant).

A pH correction system shall also be provided. As the current WTP has shown that soda ash is effective for pH correction in the water, soda ash is proposed for pH correction. If caustic soda is used for membrane cleaning process, the same chemical can be used to correct the pH instead of soda ash. If caustic soda is proposed, the tenderers shall carry out tests to confirm that caustic is effective and require only a small dosage, preferably less than 15 mg/L for pH correction.

A clearwater balance tank shall be provided to balance the flow distribution from the WTP to the town.

A new clearwater pump station shall be provided to pump the treated water to the town reticulation and to the reservoirs on Smiths Hill.

An optional price shall be provided to supply and install a UV dosing system.

The WTP shall be designed to allow unattended automatic operation with minimum operator involvement.

The overall process from the raw water supply to potable water delivered shall be PLC controlled. A SCADA system shall be provided for the operator interface.


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Telemetry facilities shall be provided to monitor the WTP, with limited control facilities, from Council’s Wilcannia Office.

Conceptual drawings of the process flow diagram, site layout and conceptual building layout are provided in Volume 2 of this Specification.

WTP Waste

Wastes generated in the plant shall be handled as follows:

• Sludge lagoons managing the plant waste. • A separate chemical waste pit shall be provided to contain wastes from chemical tank spills,

membrane cleaning chemicals and hose down water with enhanced chemical levels, etc. (separate pits shall be provided for incompatible chemicals)

• Site stormwater runoff shall be safely discharged to the environment. • An on-site sewage treatment process shall be provided to manage waste from the toilet,

showers, wash basins, etc.


Nil


The funding for the new White Cliffs Water Treatment Plant is covered 100% from the Regional Water and Waste Water Backlog Program. Pre-construction activities were also 100% funded from the Restart NSW – Water Security for Regions Program.


Council has received DPI Water concurrence with respect to Section 60 of the Local Government Act 1993 and all tendering arrangements shall be carried out in accordance with the tendering provisions of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.


The new water treatment plant for White Cliffs is a much-anticipated project and its program for delivery of significant interest to White Cliffs residents featuring often in Council/Town Forums discussions.

05-11-18 RECOMMENDATION

3. That Council endorse the new White Cliffs Water Treatment Plant Specification

4. That Council resolve to call for tenders through the open tender method for a new water treatment plant at White Cliffs in accordance with the subject specification and Section 55 of the Local Government Act 1993 and relevant regulations.

RESOLVED


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6.5 QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT – Q1 – JULY 2018 TO SEPTEMBER 2018

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to provide Council with a quarterly budget review in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005.

Commentary:

Regulation 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 provides a requirement that:

(1) Not later than 2 months after the end of each quarter (except the June quarter), the responsible accounting officer of a council must prepare and submit to the council a budget review statement that shows, by reference to the estimate of income and expenditure set out in the statement of the council’s revenue policy included in the operational plan for the relevant year, a revised estimate of the income and expenditure for that year.

(2) A budget review statement must include or be accompanied by:

(a) a report as to whether or not the responsible accounting officer believes that the statement indicates that the financial position of the council is satisfactory, having regard to the original estimate of income and expenditure, and

(b) if that position is unsatisfactory, recommendations for remedial action.

The projected year- end balance is $143,000 surplus, reflecting a continuing improvement in operations for 2018-19.


Provision of the report will evidence that Council continues to meet its legislative responsibilities relating to the Calendar of Compliance and Reporting Requirements as prepared by the Office of Local Government, NSW Department of Planning and Environment.


The financial implications are referred to in the report.


Nil


Nil

06-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

That Council resolve to:


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• Receive and note the Quarterly Budget Review in accordance with Regulation 203 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

• Note that the projected surplus/deficit for the financial year 2018/19 is $143,000 surplus.

• Note that there are no identified variations for this quarter review.

RESOLVED

6.6 2019 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

Summary:

The report is to provide Council with a list of proposed meeting dates for 2019 for consideration and adoption.

Commentary:

Council is required to provide notification to the public of the times and places of its meetings for 2019 in accordance with Section 9 of the Local Government Act 1993. In previous years, Council meetings have generally been held on the 4th Wednesday of the month, starting at 9.00am, which has enabled the Administrator to be in the Shire from Monday to Wednesday on those weeks. It was previously determined by the Council that all meetings would be held in Wilcannia.

Additionally, with Council meetings in the mornings of the Wednesday, it has also ensued that the Administrator is available on the prior Tuesday to visit other centres in the Shire to undertake public consultations in Ivanhoe, Menindee and White Cliffs regularly throughout the year. It is also proposed that he will also be able to make special trips at other times to attend specific events without increasing the cost to the Council.

As indicated by the Administrator in his report to the November 2014 meeting:

“It is my belief that these arrangements will allow me greater opportunities to meet with Shire residents and groups throughout the year. During the interim administration, there was a higher concentration on what might be called the “rectification works”. Now, it will also be required to conduct a higher level of community consultation and engagement in the absence of elected representatives…. ”


Nil




Nil



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Meeting days and times to be advertised publicly through local media and Council’s social media.

07-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the following meeting schedule with all monthly Council meetings to be generally held on the 4th Wednesday of the month (dependent on public holidays), commencing at 9.00am, with all meetings to be held in Wilcannia in accordance with the following schedule:

Wednesday 27 February 2019 Wednesday 27 March 2019 Wednesday 17 April 2019 (Easter Monday 22 April and Anzac Day 5 April; meeting adjusted to 3rd week) Wednesday 22 May 2019 Wednesday 26 June 2019 Wednesday 24 July 2019 Wednesday 28 August 2019 Wednesday 25 September 2019 Wednesday 23 October 2019 Wednesday 27 November 2019 Tuesday 17 December 2019 (meeting date adjusted to 3rd week)

RESOLVED

6.7 ADMINISTRATOR TOWN VISIT SCHEDULE 2019

Summary:

The report is to enable the Council to consider a schedule for Administrator Town Visits for 2019.

Commentary:

Depending on the availability of the Administrator prior to scheduled Council meetings, a bi-monthly schedule had been previously developed to enable the Administrator to visit other administrative offices in Ivanhoe, Menindee and White Cliffs to undertake public consultations regularly throughout the year. Budget allocation has also been made to enable the Administrator to make special trips at other times to attend specific events during the year.

As indicated by the Administrator in his report to the November 2014 meeting:


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“It is my belief that these arrangements will allow me greater opportunities to meet with Shire residents and groups throughout the year. During the interim administration, there was a higher concentration on what might be called the “rectification works”. Now, it will also be required to conduct a higher level of community consultation and engagement in the absence of elected representatives….”


Nil




Nil


Notification of town visit to be advertised in local newspapers, public notice boards, Council social media and Council’s website.

08-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the following 2019 Administrator Town Visit schedule:

Tuesday 26 February 2019 – Wilcannia Tuesday 16 April 2019 – White Cliffs Tuesday 23 July 2019 – Ivanhoe Tuesday 24 September 2019 – Menindee Tuesday 26 November 2019 – Wilcannia

RESOLVED

6.8 CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OFFICE CLOSURE

Summary:

The report is to provide a recommendation for the closure of Council offices and the disruption of some services during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.

Commentary:

In past years, Council offices have closed during the Christmas and New Year periods, this is due to there being very little business activities happening in the Shire and to allow staff a reasonable break.


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It is planned to close Wilcannia, Menindee and Ivanhoe offices Monday 24 December to Tuesday 1 January 2019 inclusive, reopening on Wednesday 2 January 2019. The Wilcannia Post Office will also close during this period, however will open on Monday 24 December, Thursday 27 December and Friday 28 December to allow limited services to be provided for Australia Post and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) facilities.

Shire Services department will also close, however there will a limited number of employees required to either be on-call for emergencies, or the continuation of essential services during this period (e.g. Water Testing and Waste Collection).

Those staff members who are not working during the Christmas-New Year holiday period; the days that are not public holidays, employees will take some form of leave entitlements to compensate for a normal working day. Public notices will be placed in local newspapers, community notice boards and on Council social media informing residents and clients of the closures and providing emergency contact numbers.


Nil




Nil


Public notices will be placed in local newspapers, community notice boards and on Council social media informing residents and clients of the closures and providing emergency contact numbers.

09-11-2018

RECOMMENDATION

Council endorses the report and recommends the closure of:

• Wilcannia, Menindee and Ivanhoe offices from Monday 24 December 2018 to Tuesday 1 January 2019 inclusive, reopening on 2 January 2019.

• Wilcannia Post Office on Tuesday 25 December 2018, Wednesday 26 December 2018, Monday 31 December 2018 and Tuesday 1 January 2019.

• Public notices will be placed in local newspapers, community notice boards and on Council social media informing residents


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and clients of office closures and providing emergency contact numbers.

RESOLVED

6.9 2018 STAFF CHRISTMAS FUNCTION AND OFFICE CLOSURES

Summary:

The purpose of this report is to enable Council to hold a Christmas function for Council staff and temporary closure of offices during this period.

Commentary:

In previous years, Council has held a Christmas function that enabled staff from the different work locations and the Administrator to get together prior to the end of year break-up. Last year, the function was following the Council Meeting, with a gathering for lunch at the Wilcannia Golf Club to obviate the need to employ a person with Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and have the event on Council premises. Again, like last year, this year’s Christmas lunch would be on the day of the December Council meeting, Tuesday 18 December 2018, at the Wilcannia Golf Club.

Consideration has been given to the distribution of beverages, and the following steps are advised;

1. Being a ‘work function’ Council’s duty of care will still remain.

2. As per 1, RSA will need to be followed. This can be done with staff at the Golf Club who hold a RSA Certificate.

3. As per 1, appropriate behaviour standards must still be met, and inappropriate behaviour dealt with in line with Council’s Code of Conduct to the same level expected during normal work hours.

4. Getting to, and going home from, the Christmas party. This can be accomplished by reminding staff that alcohol and driving does not mix and encouraging staff to make appropriate arrangements for travel etc.

Offices at Menindee and Ivanhoe will shut early morning on Tuesday 18 December 2018 at 10am to allow staff to travel. If staff in these offices do not want to attend, they will either take leave or remain at their place of work, where the office will remain open. Wilcannia Office and Post Office will close at 11.30am to allow staff to go home and change in time for the Christmas function.


Nil


There will be some cost associated with the function, but this has not been estimated at this stage. Due to the current financial position of the Council, these costs will be met from existing budget allocations. Operational advertising costs.



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Nil


Notifications of office closures to be advertised in local newspapers and Council’s social media.

10-11-18

RECOMMENDATION

1. That the Council hold a Christmas lunch function at Wilcannia on Tuesday 18 December 2018 starting at 12noon and that all staff be required to attend.

2. Council office closures for Tuesday 18 December 2018 be: • Menindee and Ivanhoe offices close at 10am. • Wilcannia office and Wilcannia Post Office close at

11.30am. • All offices resume normal operations on Wednesday 19

December 2018. RESOLVED


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SECTION 7. INFORMATION REPORTS

7.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES STATISTICS

Statistics for October 2018

Development Number of DAs Approved 2

Total Value of DAs Approved $180,000

Food Safety Food Premises Inspected 2

Animal Control Activities

Impounded 5

Rehomed 0

Returned to Owner 0

Euthanized 3

Registrations 1

Microchipped 0

Penalty Notices Issued 3

Water Sampling

Microbiology Samples Collected 8

Chemistry Samples Collected 2

Non-Compliant Samples 0

Darling River Algae Samples 4

7.2 WORKS PROGRAM

The Yearly Grading Program has been included to enable Council to follow the progress of the grading crews working throughout the Shire. Any changes will be presented monthly.

7.3 COBB HIGHWAY

Recent media advice indicates substantial funding has been approved for the Cobb Highway and Silver City Highway initial sealing works. The funding will enable completion of all unsealed segments on the highways resulting in all NSW highways to be fully sealed. Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) forecast indicate that the Cobb Highway, Wilcannia to Ivanhoe, will be sealed by end of 2023.


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RMS have issued Council with a Works Order for the initial sealing of a further 2km section on the Cobb Highway, just north of Ivanhoe, Menindee Rd North Initial Seal Project. Works commenced 13 November 2018 and programmed for completion by 20 December 2018.

Further preconstruction activities are being undertaken by RMS and Council will be contacted if any future work becomes available. Council will be updated following receipt of advice from RMS.

7.4 WATER RESTRICTIONS, WHITE CLIFFS AND WILCANNIA

Council is working with the communities and local businesses to address the water shortage issue and will continue to monitor the situation and seek assistance from DPI Water in this regard. Level 3 restrictions remain in place for Wilcannia and White Cliffs.

It should be noted that some businesses have been granted exemptions for essential landscaped grounds maintenance, these exemptions will be reviewed following any changes in restriction levels.

7.5 WILCANNIA WATER SUPPLY AND TRANSITION TO BORE SUPPLY

Wilcannia’s water supply is primarily sourced from the Darling River weir pool at Wilcannia. This priority is mandated by DPI Water while sufficient storage volume in the weir pool is available. Transition to bore supply should only occur when effective weir pool storage has been fully utilised. These circumstances arise with cease to flow conditions in the Darling River following extended dry spells and ongoing drought.

Indeed, the establishment of the Union Bend Bore Field at Wilcannia was a drought proofing initiative for Wilcannia’s water supply funded by the NSW Government.

Notwithstanding these operational parameters Council also has the authority and capacity to source Wilcannia’s supply water from the Union Bend Bore Field in circumstances where the water quality in the Darling River weir pool is poor and difficult to treat. Elevated salinity levels in the Darling River are circumstances justifying this change in water supply source.

Council has been experiencing increasing salinity levels in the Darling River since July 2018. The salinity levels have recently exceeded 2500 mg/L which is considered poor to unacceptable quality for potable water supply and the subject of increasing complaint. In this regard Council has been preparing to transition to bore supply from the Union Bend Bore levels should these elevated salinity levels persist. Additional testing of bore water has been undertaken to address iron precipitation issues with bore supply.

Council consequently transitioned Wilcannia’s water supply from the Darling River to bore supply on Wednesday 21 November 2018 with salinity levels exceeding 2600 mg/L at the Darling River at Wilcannia. Raw water supply remains from the Darling River.

7.6 ROADS REPORT

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the roads expenditure to date.


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State Roads (Council undertaking work on behalf of Roads and Maritime Services):

• 2018/2019 RMCC Routine Maintenance preliminary allocation is $600,000.

• 7 Works Orders have been issued to Council 2018/19, being SH21 Bushley access rd $177,772, SH21 Bore tanks and fencing $168,839, SH21 Bushley Gravel Pit REF/EIL $48,461, SH8 Truck Fire $16,260, SH21 Guardrail terminals $56,949, SH21 Bushley Pit EPL $6,127, SH21 Menindee Rd North Initial Seal $815,980.

There are 2 Work Orders that have been carried over from last financial year being 111.18.15 SH21 Willandra Bridge Works $192,523 and 111.18.16 SH21 Willandra HP $81,144

Works Description Original Budget % Completed Remaining Budget

RMCC (Routine Works) $600,000 17% $501,997

RMCC (Ordered Works) $1,564,055 41% $927,517

Regional Roads (Council Owned and Maintained Roads):

• 2018/19 Regional Road Block Grant amount (including traffic and supplementary components) has not been advised to date. Estimate is based on last year’s allocation (-$400,000 matching funding for RRRP)

• MR67 Wool Track funding $1,925,000 to seal remaining 7km within Central Darling LGA. An additional $460,000 is allocated from Roads to Recovery funding for the completion of major reinforced concrete box culverts.

• Roads to Recovery allocation of $192,566 for 1.2km seal extension to the approach to Wilcannia from Tilpa West Rd, MR68A

• Regional Roads Repair Program (RRRP) allocation of $400,000 and RRBG allocation $400,000 for new bridge and approach road construction, MR68A Marra Creek

Works Description Original Budget % Expended Remaining Budget

Regional Road Block Grant

$2,292,000 55% $1,025,917

MR67 Wool Track $2,385,000 100%

MR68A Seal Extension – Wilcannia to Tilpa

$192,566 55% $86,495

MR68A Marra Creek Bridge – Wilcannia to Tilpa

$800,000 4% $767,830


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Local Roads (Council Owned and Maintained Roads):

• 2018/19 Local Roads Component (Federal Assistance Grants) is $1,535,041. Budget allocation to operational works is $1,480,000.

• 2017/18 Roads to Recovery allocation this year is $352,536 for floodway reconstructions, Paroo River, SR3 Tilpa-Tongo Rd


Local Roads Component (FAG)

$1,480,000 48% $770,347

SR3 Paroo Crossings $352,536 5% $334,644

7.7 SERVICES

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the services expenditure to date.


Parks & Gardens/Sporting Facilities

$179,350 42% $105,145

Ancillary Works $175,300 47% $92,772

Street Cleaning/Bins $126,500 35% $83,081

Aerodromes $115,700 25% $87,255

Buildings $472,700 54% $218,250

Swimming Pools $550,800 9% $500,779

Waste Depots $142,000 16% $119,376

Water & Sewerage Maintenance:

• Wilcannia filtered town water supply is being sourced from the Union Bend Borefield, transition occurred on Wednesday 21 November 2018. Water Restrictions, level 3, were implemented 24 October 2018 and will remain on level 3 restrictions whilst emergency bores are in use. Raw water supply is sourced from the Darling River Weir Pool. Council staff will monitor quantity and quality and implement higher restrictions where warranted.

• White Cliffs town water supply is sourced from above ground tanks, current levels: Tank 1 =4.6m, Tank 2 =3.4m, Tank 3 (Wakefield) =3.9m. Remaining supply 3 months. Water Restrictions, level 3, were implemented 24 October 2018. Council staff will monitor quantity and quality and implement higher restrictions where warranted.


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• Ivanhoe town water supply is currently being sourced from the Morrisons Lake Storage. Willandra Creek environmental flow has enabled Council to pump water into Morrisons Lake storage, pumping is complete.

Morrison’s Lake storage is currently 450 megalitres, town storage dam 50 megalitres.


Wilcannia Water $396,300 31% $272,207

Wilcannia Sewer $185,000 23% $143,108

White Cliffs Water $163,000 25% $123,696

Ivanhoe Water $276,000 64% $99,954

Aboriginal Communities R&M

$105,865 22% $82,415

7.8 CAPITAL WORKS

The purpose of this report is to update Council on the capital works and projects expenditure to date.

Project Comments Original Budget

% Expended Remaining Budget

CTWS – Preconstruction activities

Pre-construction activities

Training

$1,000,000

$200,000

90%

100%

$95,475

$0

Restart NSW – White Cliffs Water Supply

Funding Deed signed $5,500,000 0% $5,500,000

Waste Less, Recycle More – landfill Improvements

Wilcannia, Menindee and Ivanhoe Tips.

Funding Deeds signed

$364,738 29% $259,965


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7.9 CASH AND INVESTMENTS

7.10 INFORMATION, MINUTES AND REPORTS RECEIVED

• General Manager’s notes from Section 355 Menindee Common Committee Meeting, 29

October 2018 • Correspondence In: Menindee Common Plan of Management, Lorraine Looney, Section 355

Menindee Common Committee, 5 November 2018 • Independent Living Units Working Party Meeting Minutes (Redacted), 31 October 2018

Schedule of Investments and Bank Balances as at 31 October 2018

Amount Cash Reserve Westpac Business Cash Reserve $1,999,000 Total Reserve Balance as at 31 October 2018 $1,999,000 Bank Balances as at 31 October 2018 General Fund $851,883 In Funds Clearing Account (Account used for receiving deposits) $589,592 In Funds Total Cash at Bank $3,440,475

Cash Restrictions Internal Restrictions $260,000 External Restrictions $1,565,000 Total Restrictions $1,825,000


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11-11-18

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Information Items reported be received and noted.

RESOLVED

SECTION 8. CONFIDENTIAL MEETING

CLOSED COUNCIL Confidential Reports

(Section 10A (2) of the Local Government Act 1993)

Where it is proposed to close part of the Council meeting, the Chairperson will allow members of the public to make representation to or at the meeting, before any part of the meeting is closed to the public, as to whether or not that part of the meeting should be closed to the public. The Chairperson will check with the General Manager whether any written public submissions or representations have been received as to whether or not that part of the meeting should be closed to the public.

Pursuant to Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993(the Act) Council or a Committee may close to the public so much of its meeting when matters listed below are to be discussed being:

(a) personnel matters concerning particular individuals other than Councilor’s,

(b) the personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer,

(c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business,

(d) commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed:

(i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it, or

(ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council, or

(iii) reveal a trade secret.

(e) information that would, if disclosed, prejudice the maintenance of law,

(f) matters affecting the security of the Council, Councilor’s, Council staff or Council property,

(g) advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.

(h) during the receipt of information or discussion of information concerning the nature and location of a place or an item of Aboriginal significance on community land,

(i) alleged contraventions of any code of conduct requirements applicable under section 440.


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Section 10A(3) of the Act states that a Council, or a Committee, may also close to the public so much of its meeting as comprises a motion to close another part of the meeting to the public.

Section 10A(4) provides that a Council, or a Committee, may allow members of the public to make representations to or at a meeting, before any part of the meeting is closed to the public, as to whether that part of the meeting should be closed.

Section 10B(1) of the Act provides that a meeting is not to remain closed to the public during the receipt of information or the discussion of matter referred to in section 10A (2):

(a) except for so much of the discussion as is necessary to preserve the relevant confidentiality, privilege or security, and

(b) if the matter concerned is a matter other than a personnel matter concerning particular individuals, the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer or a trade secret – unless the Council or committee concerned is satisfied that discussion of the matter in an open meeting would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest.

For the purpose of determining whether the discussion of a matter in an open meeting would be contrary to the public interest section 10B(4) of the Act states it is irrelevant that:

(a) a person may interpret or misunderstand the discussion, or

(b) the discussion of the matter may:

(i) cause embarrassment to the Council or Committee concerned, or to Councilor’s or to employees of the Council; or

(ii) cause a loss of confidence in the Council or Committee.

Resolutions passed in Closed Council

It is a requirement of clause 253 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 that if Council passes a resolution during a meeting, or part of a meeting, that is closed to the public, the Chairperson must make the resolution public as soon as practicable after the meeting or part of the meeting has ended.

Nil

SECTION 9. DATE AND VENUE FOR NEXT MEETING

The next meeting of Council will be held on Tuesday 18 December 2018 in Wilcannia at 9:00am.

Meeting closed 9.13am