Kempsey Shire Council 2013-14 Annual Report by Kempsey Shire Council

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Welcome 3 Introduction 4 History and Heritage

Australia Day

Our Volunteers

Mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message

General Managerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s message

Community Financial Report

Councillors 24 MIDROC 30 Our Workforce

Workplace Health and Safety

Awards and Accolades

Sustainable Environment

Community Engagement

Infrastructure Services

Corporate Management

Contracts Awarded

Statement of External Bodies

GIPA Activity and Applications

100

Government Information - Public Access

100

PPIP Act Compliance

100

Legal Costs Incurred

103

Glossary 104 Acronyms and Abbreviations

106

KEMPSEY Shire Council

2013 - 14 Kempsey Shire Council Annual Report For more information contact

Customer Service Centre 02 6566 3200 ksc@kempsey.nsw.gov.au www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au 22 Tozer Street West Kempsey NSW 2440 Postal Address PO Box 3078 West Kempsey NSW 2440 Display copies of the Annual Report are available at the Customer Service Centre and Council Libraries. Please consider the environment before printing entire document.

Welcome

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Kempsey Shire Council proudly presents the 2013 - 14 Annual Report to our community. This document is an integral part of our Slim Dusty’s Childhood democratic governance process in Home which we are open and accountable to the community. It demonstrates the Council’s operations, identifies highlights and achievements whilst acknowledging challenges faced to consequis inthe num verum vercitia during - 14. atur remporitem volorit2013 hilluptum vendae asimet nia que verunt The NSW Localvoluptati Government Act fugitiaecte dolupta tinuste mperchil 1993 requires all NSW councils to iur? Totas ea seque velitat dit eic present anam Annual Report to the tem eatiaestia autest, solupid ucimint Minister for Local Government by occus. 30 November each year. Dae laut quiaes doles solesci tiuntiam Indigenous quatiur? Acknowledgement Icitinum nobit ea sequo volupta nus. In the spirit of reconciliation, Cest, occaboratus dollisand experernatur Council acknowledges pays aut volenecepudi cum es people, int plis dest, respect to the Dunghutti quiae voluptae conand poribus arum of traditional owners custodians autemque llabo. Fictia cus the Macleaylatempe Valley. We acknowledge earuptatia cum fuga. the culture et of quidus elders solore past, present Harum rercius nonsectas and future and their uniquesed entur, conserrum vellum contributions to thequat. life of this Valley. Voluptamus doluptae vel mi, utendit, eatempore latis this quiam ape inisiti How to Read Report antotam facest ellest asperat The 2013 - 14occum Annualsus Report essequatquo et ut of ligenie Kempsey Shire Council is presented ndantiae vite comnienet alitatum in distinctnatis sections general rersperi quatisofmagnaturibus information followed by eatquia ectiis dolor susaeindividual et volor reports atatur? from each of Council’s four directorates. Les sinctae molendae ipsunti umquis Itetcomprises two volumes: que alis cuptatis quiasit aut omnisin 1. The 2013 14 doluptatin Annual Report nus rest est -qui repero vel incia vendem reiurStatements aborrum 2. Thevolorro 2013 - 14 Financial laboressed maxim quae moloribera The Community Financial Report apedici rempossentur Del idenest, can be found within therem. general sentionsecae pore natem nobitem overview of this Annual Report on oluptur volleniatum pages 14soloremque - 23. sequatis ea que volupta voles exces porepre porehen duntibu sdanihillab in ped que conseris et ad molupta que

INTRODUCTION Council, in consultation with the community, has set a vision for the Macleay Valley and a statement detailing how it will achieve this vision. The vision is supported by each of the five values which are inherent in all Council programs and services completed under each of Council’s five goals.

Our Community’s Vision We live in a community that provides opportunity to all, to prosper in an environment that supports wellbeing, connectedness and access to the resources the community wants and needs. Council’s Values

Trust We earn trust by being honest, respecting differences and by encouraging open communication. Co-operation We achieve the best for our community through effective teamwork. Service We value our community by providing quality professional service to all. Innovation We encourage creative and visionary thinking to achieve sustainable

outcomes. Pride We take pride in Kempsey Shire Council’s contribution to our community.

Our Community Values Being Healthy Being Wealthy Being Safe Being Sociable

Council’s Approach to Integrated Planning and Reporting (IPR) Council introduced the integrated planning and reporting framework which replaced the former Management Plan and Social Plan. It also included the long-term Community Strategic Plan and Resourcing Strategy. The IPR recognises that Council plans should not exist in isolation – land use and infrastructure planning produces social, environmental and economic outcomes, and vice-versa – they are connected. IPR recognises that our communities share similar aspirations: a safe, healthy and pleasant place to live, a sustainable environment, opportunities for social interaction, opportunities for employment and reliable infrastructure.

The new framework opens the way for Council and the community to have important discussions about funding priorities, service levels, preserving local identity and planning in partnership for a more sustainable future.

IPR Documents

Crescent Head

Kempsey Shire covers an area of 335,000 hectares from the Pacific Ocean in the east to Five Day Creek in the west; from Grassy Head in the north to Kundabung in the south. It is an area rich in beautiful coastal beaches and natural bush hinterland. Central to the lifeblood of the Shire is the Macleay River, which is surrounded

by a wide floodplain of rich pastoral land and productive farms, overlooked by stunning mountain country. Kempsey Shire is in an excellent strategic position for businesses wishing to access the lucrative markets of Sydney and Brisbane. Kempsey, located on the banks of the Macleay River, is the largest town in

the Shire. It is a hub of retail and business activity with the main northsouth railway line bisecting the town. Kempsey is surrounded by pleasant rural villages such as Frederickton, Smithtown, Gladstone, Willawarrin and Bellbrook. The temperate climate and the natural beauty of the environment have contributed to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relaxed coastal lifestyle, which is highly prized by residents and visitors to the Shire. Add to this the coastal resort areas of South West Rocks, Crescent Head, Hat Head and Stuarts Point, which are a magnet for holidaymakers and it is easy to see why an increasing number of people opt for a sea or tree change, making Kempsey Shire their permanent home.

Our Villages

Bellbrook Crescent Head Frederickton Gladstone Grassy Head Hat Head Jerseyville Kinchela Kundabung Smithtown South West Rocks Stuarts Point Willawarrin

MACLEAY VALLEY AT A GLANCE Total industry turnover 2012-13 $677.7 million Per capita income 2010-11 $15,811 Average income (2010 - 11) $38,655

62 dwelling approvals

2192 local businesses Value of non-dwelling approvals $52,081,000 Unemployment rate June 2014 - 9.1% Population 29,361 Average business turnover $309,000

Median 2 bd house weekly rent $220 6

Labour force - 10,436

10,905 people employed Value of dwelling approvals $17,111,000 Median house sale price $268,000 13,409 private dwellings Population growth of 2.7%

Macleay Valley

Median 3bd house weekly rent $280 Average children per family 1.9 Males 14,111

89.2% of people own a home Average motor vehicles per dwelling 1.6 Median age 45 years

Gross regional product (GRP) 1,384.6 million Females 14,023 Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders 11.1% 7,509 families Average people per household 2.4

GRP per capita $46,938 4.5% of people own an apartment Broadband Internet access 64% Largest industry sectors Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing 29.1% Construction 15.6% Retail Trade, Rental, Hiring & Real Estate Services 7.5% each

HISTORY AND HERITAGE The Kempsey Shire, Macleay Valley, is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW offering tremendous diversity in lifestyle opportunities and containing some of the best coastline, hinterland and national parks in Australia. The Macleay River is at the heart of the Shire as it carves its way from the mountains of the New England Plateau to the sea at South West Rocks.

having been handed down through countless generations. Remnants of their ancient culture remain in our Valley.

Distribution of Land

The first land grants were surveyed on the east bank of the Macleay in 1835. Enoch William Rudder, a merchant from Birmingham, became Kempsey’s first white settler. He surveyed the land for a private town which he named Kempsey as he found the countryside reminiscent of the valley of Kempsey in Worcestershire, England.

and emu farming. The horticulture industry is blooming and tropical fruit and vegetables flourish in our subtropical climate. Our Shire’s culture continues to be developed and enhanced with some of the most talented craftspeople and artisans in Australia living and working in our area, while our tourist industry is growing as more and more people discover this beautiful Valley. The earliest European settlement was recorded in 1827 with the establishment of a cedar party north of Euroka Creek on the Macleay River. The fine stands of cedar and rosewood timbers attracted the first residents.

Transport

Bullock and horse teams were the carriers of early times and shipping played a major role in transport.

Early Local Government

Local government came to the Macleay Valley in 1885 with the constitution of the Kempsey Borough Council. The remainder of the Valley was introduced to municipal administration in 1907 with the formation of the Macleay Shire Council. In 1975 these two authorities agreed to amalgamate, with the Kempsey Shire Council being incorporated on 1 October 1975 to govern the entire Macleay Valley.

Indigenous History

Our history has its beginnings with the Dunghutti Aboriginal people, a group who lived in harmony with the land. Their pattern of life was governed by codes of conduct regarded as sacred,

Early Industries

Industry from our past still plays an important role in the local economy today, including timber, beef and dairy cattle, potatoes, fishing, prawning and oyster farming. Over time, industry has diversified with the Macleay Valley now being home to a number of Australia’s leading manufacturers including Akubra, Nestlé Australia Ltd and Australian Solar Timbers. New and exciting industries are emerging such as crayfish, deer, ostrich

The first vehicular ferry operated in 1842. Up until 1893, the entrance to the Macleay River was at Grassy Head and droghers regularly plied the river carrying produce to meet the ocean going ships that tied up at Kempsey wharf. The railway edged north to the town in 1917.

Rudders Hill and East Kempsey 1880

Top L-R: Crescent Head Surf Lifesavers, Smithtown Hall, Overlooking Kempsey Railway Bridge, Kempsey Streetscape, Frederickton Post Office, Smithtown Punt.

AUSTRALIA DAY On Australia Day we come together as a nation to celebrate what’s great about Australia and being Australian. It’s the day to reflect on what we have achieved and what we can be proud of in our great nation. It’s the day for us to re-commit to making Australia an even better place for the future.

Citizen of the Year Maurie Fuller

Maurie is described as a person who epitomizes the Australian spirit of ‘getting in and having a go’ and ‘helping a mate out’.

Young Citizen of the Year Clay Frost

Clay has earned a reputation for his fairness and ability in all endeavours throughout the Shire.

Community Group of the Year Kempsey PCYC

Kempsey PCYC is a group described as being on a mission to reduce crime by and against young people.

Citizen of the year Achievement Award Shirley Kelly

Shirley is a woman who has played a strong role in the upbringing of three generations. She is a well-respected role model in the community.

Citizen of the Year Achievement Award Neil and Margaret Burke

Neil and Margaret are a couple who have made and continue to make a solid contribution to the Macleay Community.

Community Group of the Year Achievement Award Stuarts Point Community The Stuarts Point Community is an example of community participation and achievements.

Community Spirit Award Ramona Marsters

Awarded for her work in the community, assistance to YP Space and as an YFoundation Ambassador.

Young Achiever Award Josh Needs

Awarded for his outstanding efforts in music, volunteering and fundraising for Lions Club, Cancer, Relay for Life and World Vision.

OUR VOLUNTEERS Kempsey Shire Council recognises and appreciates the contributions our volunteers make â&#x20AC;&#x201C; there is hardly an area within the Macleay which is not helped by volunteering. Many valuable projects and programs simply would not exist without the support of our volunteers.

356 volunteers assist Council with our services, facilities and projects. Kempsey, South West Rocks, Stuarts Pont and Hat Head Libraries;Visitor Information Centres; Macleay River Festival; Kempsey Family Community Centre;Youth Advisory Council; Graffiti Blasters;Visitor Information Centre; Kempsey District Silver Band Committee; Friends of Wigay Park; Gladstone Hall Committee; South West Rocks School of Arts Committee; Hat Head Community Dune Care; Melville Community Centre Management Committee; Crescent Head Hall Committee; Frederickton Hall Committee; Millbank Hall Committee; Sherwood Hall Committee; Stuarts Point Community Hall Committee; Willawarrin Hall Committee; Bellbrook Tennis Club; Gladstone Tennis Club; Hat Head Tennis Club; Kempsey Tennis Club; South Kempsey Tennis Club; Stuarts Point Tennis Club; Kalateenee Recreational Reserve Committee; Macleay Community Care Options.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE The 2013-14 year was one of consolidation for Council in achieving our short and long-term objectives as set out in our Community Strategic Plan. Council delivered a strong performance throughout the reporting year in driving cost efficiencies and productivity improvements, and in responding to the challenges of our environment in repairing and rebuilding infrastructure impacted by the severe floods that hit our Shire early in 2013. Completion of significant projects, such as streetscape improvements to South West Rocks business centre, new SES Headquarters at Gladstone, and the Kempsey Airport Upgrade complemented the many road and bridge upgrade works carried out across the Shire. Council and the community grasped the opportunity presented by the Kempsey Bypass to invigorate the three centres impacted along the bypass corridor – South Kempsey, Kempsey CBD and Frederickton and we have made steady progress in bringing the Kempsey Corridor Master Plan to life. Council worked closely with the community on many initiatives and programs to deliver on the community’s aspiration of being Healthy, Wealthy, Sociable and Safe. Our Healthy Lifestyles Program conducted more than one hundred physical activities and healthy eating programs across nine communities, 12

and we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with the community to promote healthy lifestyles for the residents of the Macleay. As part of our strategy to improve the economic base and jobs growth across the Macleay, we have built on the solid foundations already laid in boosting the tourism industry within the region. The delivery of the ‘Discover Something New’ Destination Marketing Campaign has seen a 10 per cent growth in the local visitor economy in the year to March 2014. Expanding on these economic development opportunities for the area is Council’s wider plans to support and grow the expansion of diversified agribusiness through highvalue crop and livestock production in the Macleay, and to boost the reputation of the area within city, regional and interstate markets. The Macleay continues to thrive as a cultural centre where creative and artistic expression is encouraged and fostered through a range of mediums and programs. The inaugural Macleay River Festival held in September was a fabulous success that will continue to grow in years to come, and the 2014 Australia Day Celebrations being included as part of the Saltwater Freshwater Festival was an inclusive celebration of all cultures living in the Macleay.

Council is continuing to work with the NSW Government throughout the local government reform process currently underway, to ensure we achieve the strategic reform necessary to enable councils to be ‘Fit for the Future’ to deliver efficient essential services to our local communities for years to come. I am proud to present this year’s Annual Report, and the great results achieved are a credit to the commitment of Council’s management and staff, and of my fellow Councillors. I feel confident that Council is well positioned to meet the challenges ahead. We understand the ongoing position of responsibility that we hold and will remain focussed on delivering on our core strategies to achieve the best outcome for the communities of the Macleay Valley. Mayor, Councillor Liz Campbell

GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE This year has been a productive and solid year for Council and the Kempsey Shire. While achieving financial sustainability continues to be the key priority, delivering services to our community remains our role. Managing the community’s $1 billion assets continues our primary focus, and strong performances were achieved across the organisation with favourable weather conditions providing an added boost to our asset maintenance schedules. This year has seen Council moving further towards achieving the goals set out in the 2013 -2017 Delivery Program. Major road maintenance works, South West Rocks Central Business District upgrade, refurbishments of Kempsey Library and Mattys Flat Wharf area, along with maintenance on community buildings, such as the historic Frederickton Hall, are all indications of how Council has been working towards improving our ageing infrastructure to meet the community’s needs. Council also completed the water main extension to employment land in South Kempsey which will provide for future development and employment opportunities. Kempsey’s economy has performed better than predicted after the first full year of the Kempsey Highway bypass being in place. While there have been impacts, the projected level of employment losses have not occurred. Early works outlined in the Kempsey Corridor Master Plan and undertaking

a trial of the road layout in the Kempsey CBD have been implemented, improving parking and pedestrian movement with positive results being received by retail businesses and Council. Making changes to bring people into the retail centre will be a key priority for long-term strength of the area’s economy. Next year more works will commence with the upgrade of Smith Street, creating a vibrant new look and feel for the shopping heart of the town. Additional works that are proposed for next year along South and North Kempsey corridors will add to the aesthetic appeal of Kempsey, bringing people to the town and improving the lifestyle for those already there. Council has managed its budgets to ensure that the overall result is in line with the original estimated position. Reduced funding and increased costs are continuing to make it difficult to provide services at the level the community expects. However, we have been achieving and exceeding many of the targets that have been set for the organisation, and the benefits of an increased investment in our road network by the community are being realised and will continue to strengthen. Our increasing levels of traineeships have seen Council providing more employment opportunities for local youth, and the results achieved from these positions show the value that they bring to the organisation and the community. We have also

continued to perform strongly as a safe workplace, with Kempsey Shire Council performing better than average in safety performance. Recent benchmarking also shows that our administrative costs remain below average, demonstrating our commitment to operating efficiently and allocating funds to direct services for the community. Our organisation has delivered a strong performance this reporting year, and it sets a good base from which we can continue to achieve our performance targets and serve the Macleay Valley community well into the future.

David Rawlings General Manager

COMMUNITY FINANCIAL REPORT The Community Financial Report provides an overview of the key elements of Council’s Financial Statements in order to assist readers in their understanding of the Council’s financial position and performance. The following pages provide a simple explanation of the key Financial statements: Statement of Cash flows, Income Statement and Statement of Financial Position.

Statement of Cash Flows The Statement of Cash flows is just like your bank statement. This statement only reports cash and shows: • how much money we started the year with • where the incoming money came from • where the money was spent, and • how much money we have left at the end of the year. Cash flows for the period are separated into operating, investing and financial activities. Operating Activities include all revenues and expenses incurred by Council in providing ongoing services to the community. Investing Activities include money Council receives and spends when either disposing or purchasing assets including roads, buildings, and water and sewer infrastructure. Financing Activities are cash received if Council takes out new loans or cash paid to repay loans.

Cashflow Snapshot Opening Cash Balance Net Cashflow from Operating Activities Net Cashflow for Investing Activities Net Cashflow from Financing Activities Closing Cash Balance

2014 28,448

2013 31,590

2012 32,221

2011 33,613

13,174

11,980

13,981

10,655

(16,516)

(16,773)

4,726

1,651

(2,657)

(2,045)

29,832

28,448

31,590

32,221

Total income

Asset Additions $17.115m

$58.683m

Cash and Investments $29.832m

(11,955) (10,002)

Net worth $1.134billion Revenue from Government Grants $10.522 m

Income Statement

WHERE DID OUR MONEY COME FROM?

Rates

Council receives a financial assistance grant every year under the Local Government (Financial Assistance) Act 1995. Council also receives other specific grants which contribute to the delivery of services such as flood mitigation, regional road maintenance and environmental protection.

This is Council’s major source of income which is levied on land owners.

Borrowings

Charges

Council borrows money from financial institutions with the approval of the Minister for Local Government.

Did we make a profit or loss? The Income Statement measures Council’s financial performance over the financial year. The statement shows where Council’s money comes from (revenue) and how that revenue is used (expenses) in providing services to the community. The 2013-14 Income Statement reveals a net operational deficit (loss) for the year of $20.853m compared to a deficit of $15.668m in the previous year. The major contributor to Council’s Operating Deficit is the cost of depreciation ($30.530 million), depreciation represents the consumption (use) of Council’s assets over time. The operating deficit of $20.853m reflects the shortfall in funding that is required to maintain and renew Council’s assets so that they continue to provide levels of service required by the community.

Grants

To pay for the services provided, Council collects money from the community, that is the people who use the services. Councils obtain money in six main ways.

Council imposes an annual charge for providing services such as water, sewerage, drainage and waste management.

Fees Council charges fees for other services they provide such as; • entry to swimming pools • use of council owned halls • assessing and approving building and development applications.

Investments Council earns interest on monies invested with financial institutions, this is done within strict guidelines laid down by the Minister for Local Government and Council policy.

Other Income $0.134m

Main Source of Income This year Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s income was $58.683 million. For more detail on the sources of income refer to the appendix - Note 3 Kempsey Shire Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Statements.

Grants and Contributions $15.082m Rates and Annual Charges $27.522m

Interest and Investment $1.184m

User Charges and Fees $14.761m

Where was the money spent? Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expenditure for the year was $79.536m. For more detail on the sources of expenditure refer to the appendix - Note 4 Kempsey Shire Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Financial Statements.

Other Expenses $8.687m Employee Benefits and On-Costs $20.704m

Depreciation $30.530m

Borrowing Costs $3.274m

Materials and Contracts $16.341m

Where was the money spent?

Planning - $ 139,128.25

Council’s expenditure is incurred in the provision of services and infrastructure to the community. Some of the services Kempsey Shire Council provides are: • roads, bridges, footpaths and gutters • waste disposal services • water and sewerage infrastructure • community care services for the frail aged and younger people with a disability • libraries • public halls • swimming pools and other sporting facilities • public toilets and community rubbish bins • managing public land such as parks and other types of recreation areas • promoting local and regional tourism and economic development opportunities.

Governance - $ 537,397.56 Emergency - $ 1,183,573.04 Drainage - $ 1,897,229.91 Economic Development and Business Services - $ 2,685,395.67 Environmental Services - $ 2,931,404.12 Recreation - $ 3,638,445.79 Administration - $ 3,909,054.85 Community Services - $ 4,972,601.32 Waste Services - $ 7,730,075.38 Sewer - $ 10,783,507.83 Water - $ 11,995,124.96

Roads, Bridges and Footpaths - $ 29,476,191.81 18

Wigay Cultural Park

Statement of Financial Position The Statement of Financial Position shows what Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s net accumulated financial worth is at the end of the financial year. The Statement of Financial Position is broken down into three areas: what Council owns (Assets), what Council owes (Liabilities), and what Council is worth in dollar terms (Equity). Equity is worked out by taking the total of our liabilities away from our assets. 1,200

$ million

900

600

300

2014

2013 - Assets

2012 - Liabilities

2011 19

What Council Owns - Assets The major components of our assets include: • Cash • Receivables • Property, plant and equipment • Capital work in progress Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment accounts for 97% of Council’s assets. This is a significant investment by the organisation and requires astute management to ensure the levels of service provided by these assets is maintained. As at 30 June 2014, Council held total assets worth $1,200,083m. The value of Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment in the Statement of Financial Position for the 2014 financial year shows an increase in value to $1,159,990 million. This is a $14.064 million increase in value from the 2013 financial year.

Roads, Bridges and Drainage Network $ 6.893m

The major factors contributing to the increase in the value of assets include; • Council’s expenditure on infrastructure, property, plant and equipment of $17.115m of this $10.546m was for the renewal of infrastructure. • The revaluation of infrastructure assets $32.792 million. • Less the annual depreciation expense of $30.530m. Details of Infrastructure, Property, Plant and Equipment values are shown in Note 9a of the Financial Statements.

Council Asset Addtions - 2014 Other Assets $0.818m

Land and Buildings $1.368m

Sewerage Network $1.423m

Plant and Equipment $2.134m

Water Supply Network $4.479m

Liabilities - What Council Owes

Equity - What Council is worth

Budget

The major components of our liabilities include:

Council’s equity or net worth changes as a result of:

• Payables • Borrowings • Provisions

• a profit or loss as recorded in the income statement. • a change in the value of non-current assets resulting from the revaluation of those assets.

Kempsey Shire Council’s budget forms part of a detailed integrated planning cycle, the budget has as the primary objective the sound and sustainable management of Council’s resources.

Borrowings account for $52.539 million representing 80.2% of Council’s liabilities. Council’s loan liability increased by $4.726 million in the year, the increase reflects: • Council borrowed $9.6m during the year which included $2 million in both the Water and Sewer Funds for use in asset renewal projects and $5.6 million in the General Fund. The General Fund borrowing will finance works under the Kempsey Corridor Master Plan, this loan is subject to an interest subsidy of 3% under the NSW Governments Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS). • Loan repayments of $4.874m were made during the year.

Kempsey Shire Council’s net worth shows an increase of $11.939m in the 2013-14 year. The movement is attributed to a loss from the income statement of $20.853m and an increase in the value of non-current assets of $32.792m due to the revaluation of Councils assets. Council’s net worth as at 30 June 2014 is $1.134b.

Largest expenditure Roads $24.121m

Similar to managing a household budget, money needs to be earned, bills have to be paid and savings need to be set aside for future needs. Council’s budget is comprised of Operating and Capital components. The Operating Budget provides for the delivery of the day to day services to the community. The Capital Budget provides funding for renewal and expansion of Council’s infrastructure and asset base.

Total Expenses $79.536m

Largest Revenue Source Rates $13.230m 21

Financial Strategies Incorporated in the Budget Council’s Delivery Plan and 2013-14 Operational Plan had as a primary focus the principle of long term financial sustainability. Strategies implemented within these Financial Plans to address this issue included: • Increase the revenue base through greater reliance on user charges and special rate variations. • Reducing costs by the identification of efficiency savings, reviewing service levels and service delivery options and the rationalisation of facilities provided and maintained by Council. • Reduction in level of debt thus freeing up funding in the General Fund to address infrastructure renewal requirements. • Targeting expenditure on the maintenance of infrastructure which was assessed as delivering the greater benefit to the community and the local economy. Council’s 2013-14 budget in addressing the above principles provided for:

• Review of fees and charges. • Discretionary budgets were not increased • Review of Open Space budgets in line with efficiency savings.

• Continuation of the implementation of the targeted road network works program. • Council’s 2013-14 Budget and integrated plans provided a platform in support of Council’s successful application for a Special Rate Variation to be applied from 1 July 2014 to 1 July 2017.

Budget Results A comparison of the cash result achieved against the original budgeted estimate for the 2013-14 year is set out below: (D) = Deficit (S) = Surplus

General Fund Water Fund Sewer Fund Consolidated

Budgeted Result

Actual Result

Accumulated Cash Surplus

$0 $0 $0 $0

$ 98,905 (D) $ 13,468 (D) $ 15,691 (S) $ 96,682 (D)

$ 767,526 $ 564,720 $ 858,852 $ 2,191,098

The reduction in investment income was a primary contributor to the deficit result in the General Fund in 2014.

Audit report Council’s 2013-14 Financial Statements have been audited by Thomas Nobel & Russell Chartered Accountants. The Audit report for 2013-14 is unqualified.

Amount of rates and charges written off during the year Pensioner Rates Postponed Rates Section 585 Local Government Act Total

$ 1,328,155.10 $ 19,756.64 $ 1,347,911.74

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS AND LEVY Council pursuance to section 508(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 received a variation to its general purpose income of 7.7% for a ten year period commencing from 1 July 2008 to enable identified environmental works to be undertaken.

Income Levy 2013-14

Environmental Levy Reserve $ 551,608.00 A summary of Income and Expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2014 is as follows:

Expenditure

Balance as at 30 June 2013

Revenue Expenditure Boyters Lane Wetlands Plan Implementation Killick EMP Implementation - Strategy N Korogora Creek Implementation - Sth Bank Coastal Management Plan Stormwater Plan Implementation Macleay River Floodplain Flood Mitigation Land Release Strategy Water Monitoring Strategy 18 NSW Govt Estuary Management Program Loan Repayments

Loan Expenditure Flood Mitigation

Total Expenditure

$ 17,707.43 $ 20,038.08

Environmental Reserve Cash Assets Environmental Reserve Loan Funds Environmental levy Income 2013-14

$ 10,118.81 $ 6,457.95 $ 3,950.50 $ 37,575.00 $ 4,000.00 $ 18,074.00

Expenditure 2013-14

$ 15,000.00

Environmental Reserve Cash Assets Environmental Reserve Loan Funds

$ 332,536.09 $ 465,457.86 $ 10,860.21 $ 476,318.07

Works and Studies (Reserve Funded) Loan Repayment Loan Expenditure

$ 633,753.05 $ 28,593.97 $ 551,608.00

$ 132,921.77 $ 332,536.09 $ 10,860.21

Balance 30 June 2014

Value of Councils Assets $1.159billion

Current balance of borrowings $52.539m

$ 719,903.19 $ 17,733.76

Annual Depreciation costs $30.530m 23

COUNCILLORS Cr Liz Campbell Mayor

Cr Betty Green Deputy Mayor

0427 627 074 6562 7352 / 6566 3310 liz.campbell@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

0427 419 302 6562 8938

0408 240 540 6562 5484 lou.kesby@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

First Elected September 2008

First Elected:September 2004

First Elected September 2012

• Mayor September 2011– present • Diploma of Travel and Tourism • Diploma of Business • Part-completed Bachelor of Arts (Sociology) • Occupation - Company Secretary, Fyson Holdings

• Bachelor of Health Administration • Diploma of Nursing Administration • Occupation - Retired

• Restauranteur/Chef • Justice of the Peace • Occupation - Owner of Lou’s Café Restaurant, Kempsey

Cr Campbell resides in East Kempsey with her husband. She was born, educated and has owned businesses within the Shire. She has also lived and worked in Brisbane, Sydney, Coffs Harbour and the Central Coast. Member of Kempsey District Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc, Rotary International, Australia Day Committee, Community Development and Expenditure Committee, Melville Community Centre Management Committee, Chair of MIDROC. 24

betty.green@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

Cr Lou Kesby

Strategic planning and development, social cohesion, employment, biodiversity and the environment are amongst Cr Green’s interests. Cr Green is a member of the Flood Plain Management Association and the Melville Community Centre Management Committee Cr Green was the Director of Nursing for 24 years and Executive Officer for 11 years at Kempsey District Hospital, the former Executive Director of Care, Booroongen Djugun Aged Care and Mayor of Kempsey Shire Council 200607.

Cr Kesby has lived in Kempsey all of his life . He is married with three children and three grandchildren. He firmly believes our Shire has some of the best beaches on the coast and a great valley to promote to the world.

Cr Sue McGinn OAM

Cr Bruce Morris

Cr Anthony Patterson

0417 461 716 6567 4658

0427 952 068 6562 6628

0429 342 271 6562 1194

sue.mcginn@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

bruce.morris@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

anthony.patterson@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

First Elected September 2012

• Diploma in Agriculture • Master in Business Administration specialising in Management of Organisational Change • Australian Institute of Company Directors Diploma • Occupation - Dairy farmer and professional Company Director

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) Hons • Diploma of Personnel and Resource Management • Occupation - Retired

• Qualified Glass Cutter/Glazier • Occupation - Owner of Patterson Glass

Cr Morris is married with three children and one granddaughter. He moved to the Macleay Valley in December 2007, although he and his family have been regular visitors to the valley since the early 1980s.

Born in London in 1964, Cr McGinn immigrated to Australia as an infant. She grew up in Brisbane and achieved her Cr Morris is the Chair of Bush Fire academic qualifications as an adult learner. Management Committee and a member of the Rural Fire Service Zone Liaison Committee, North Memberships include the Director of Holiday Coast Credit Union, Director of East Zone Public Libraries NSW Dairy NSW, Director of Mid Coast LHPA, Committee, Mid North Coast Regional Weeds Advisory Committee, Founding Director of White Knights Floodplain Management Committee, Charity. Member of Holstein Australia, Nuffield Farming Scholars Alumni, RIRDC Natural Resources Working Group, Saleyards Advisory Group. Rural Women’s Alumni, Business Chicks, Australian Institute Company Directors, Macleay River Business Women’s Network.

Born in Kempsey in 1965 Cr Patterson attended St Joseph’s Primary School and St Paul’s High School. He began full-time work at age 15 in the aluminium and glass industry and started his own business in 1996. Developed and built own factory in Kempsey in 2009 which employs up to 10 local staff. Cr Patterson is a member of Kempsey Sporting Car Club, Macleay District Motor Cycle Club, Saints Soccer Club, Nulla Cricket Club, Motor Cycling Australia, Kempsey Chamber of Commerce. Career/personal highlights • 2010 Businessman of the Year

Cr Dean Saul

Cr Anna Shields

Cr Ashley Williams

0458 806 587 6562 4954

0424 266 836 6566 5667

0428 631 847 6562 5394

dean.saul@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

anna.shields@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

ashley.williams@ kempsey.nsw.gov.au

First Elected September 2004

First Elected May 2013 in a by-election

• Served as Deputy Mayor 2010 -11 and 2011-12. • Occupation - Cattle Grazier at Seven Oaks and owner/operator of Kempsey Bus Stop Cafe

• Bachelor of Medical Science • Master of Chiropractic • Occupation - Chiropractor

A firm believer in locals supporting locals, Dean purchased the Kempsey Bus Stop Cafe in 2013, and employs only local staff. He has played a significant role in upgrades to the Kempsey Regional Saleyards, is strong supporter of the Kempsey Airport and the new Gladstone SES headquarters, as well increased parking spaces in the Kempsey CBD and improvement of local roads. Memberships include Deputy Chair of Mid North Coast Regional Weeds Advisory Committee, Bush Fire Management Committee, Kempsey Regional Saleyards Advisory Group. 26

Cr Shields is the third generation of her family to live in the Macleay Valley. She is originally from Bourke, but now resides on a beef farm at Kinchela with her husband and two children. Career highlights include working as a chiropractor in Ireland and being elected during the 2013 Council by-election. Cr Shields is a member of Arts Mid North Coast, Natural Resources Working Group, Lower Macleay Preschool (Public Officer), Kempsey Riverside Markets Committee

First Elected September 2012 • Occupation - Betta Electrical Kempsey Cr Williams has lived in the Kempsey Shire for 22 years, he is married with three children. Interests include all sports, collecting memorabilia and spending time with his children. Cr Williams has extensive employment experience in the retail sector.

COUNCILLOR EXPENSES Councillors are required to attend meetings of Council and its committees, to represent Council at public functions, to attend training and professional development sessions and to attend conferences that relate to the business of Council. These meetings are not only held in Kempsey Shire but are often held in Sydney or regional NSW. Attendance at meetings can involve expenses relating to travel, accommodation and sustenance. Under these circumstances Council pays these expenses up to the limits outlined in the Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities for Councillors Procedure. Each councillor receives an annual fee within a range set by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. The mayor in addition receives a mayoral fee within a range also set by the Local Government Remuneration Tribunal. The total mayoral and councillor fees paid in the 2013-14 year were: Mayor $38,160 and 9 Councillors $157,410.

Provision of Facilities Council’s procedure for payment of expenses and provision of facilities to the Mayor and Councillors can be found at the following address. http://www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au/corporate/ policies/procedure-5-01-05-paymentexpenses-provision-facilities-councillors.html

Council has adopted a procedure covering the payment of expenses and provision of facilities to the mayor and councillors. Council’s procedure was developed in accordance with the Division of Local Government’s guidelines. The procedure provides for reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred up to a limit per month set by the procedure. The Mayor is provided with a vehicle and a mobile telephone, if required, for Council business use. For the 2013-14 year the Mayor elected not to have a vehicle or mobile phone provided. The Mayor’s travel expenses and telephone expenses were reimbursed in accordance with the procedure. All councillors are provided with an iPad with internet connection to receive meeting agendas electronically and for use on Council business. A corporate wardrobe is provided for councillors and meals are provided on Council meeting days when required. Councillors may claim reimbursement for travel when using their private vehicles for council business such as attending meetings, at a per kilometre rate adopted as part of the procedure. There were no overseas visits by Councillors, Council staff or other persons representing Council during 2013-14.

Expense Mayor’s travelling expenses Councillor’s travelling expenses Telephone calls made by councilors Attendance of councillors at conferences and seminars Interstate visits by councillors, including transport, accommodation and other out of pocket travelling expenses

Cost Nil $3,354 Nil $16,029

Nil

Meals and refreshments for council and committee meetings

$3,823

Training of councillors and provision of skill development

$4,300

Overseas visits by councillors, including transport, accommodation and other out of pocket travelling expenses

Nil

Expenses of any spouse, partner or other person who accompanied a councillor

Nil

Expenses involved in the provision of care for a child or an immediate family member of a councillor

Nil

Provision of dedicated office equipment allocated to councillors Total Expenses

$2,338 $29,844 27

COUNCIL COMMITTEES WORKING PARTIES

COUNCIL COMMITTEES Australia Day Assists in determining the awards for Australia Day honours. It is also sometimes used as a sounding board for the format and nature of events. Council representation - Mayor, Councillor Green.

Community Development and Support Expenditure Considers the allocation of part of the funding required to be allocated by the clubs in the region from their poker machine takings that is used to fund community groups. The composition of this committee has been developed in agreement with the various clubs. Council representation - Mayor.

General Manager’s Performance Review Panel Undertakes the performance reviews of the General Manager. All Councillors have input into the performance review, with the committee then undertaking the review. Council representation - Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Green, Councillor McGinn. 28

Local Traffic Committee Provides advice required to satisfy Council’s delegation from the Roads and Maritime Services for traffic matters on the road network. The committee is primarily a technical review committee. Council representation - Mayor.

Works Committee Where the councillors wish to undertake a site inspection or any matter affecting the functions of the Council. It is the only committee with delegated authority. As long as a quorum exists, the Works Committee can make a binding decision on the Council. Council representation - All councillors.

Natural Resources Group The group meets Council’s requirement under the NSW Coast and Estuary Program and Floodplain Development Manual that it have a mechanism for consultation between government departments, Council and the community. The group provides input and advice on strategies and plans to be developed by the Council. Council representation - Councillor Green, Councillor Williams.

Saleyards Advisory Group Provides advice and feedback in the development of the saleyards business plan. Council representation - Councillor Saul, Councillor Morris.

Business Advisory Group Provides input to the General Manager in a confidential environment on the views of business concerning the plans and directions proposed by staff. this group also is a forum to allow business to provide frank feedback on their views to the General Manager. Council representation - General Manager.

Kempsey Traffic Bridge

EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS

PUBLIC FACILITY MANAGEMENT

Bush Fire Management Committee

Mid North Coast Regional Weeds Advisory Committee

Liaison committee for NSWRural Fire Service and local government. Reviews the performance of the NSW Rural Fire Service against the performance criteria in the service level agreement with Council. Council representation - Councillor Morris, Councillor Saul (Alternate).

Formed to support the regional coordination of the noxious weeds response within the Mid North Coast. The group looks at the development of the regional strategies for the processes of dealing with and response to noxious weeds. Council representation - Councillor Saul, Councillor Morris (Alternate).

Melville Community Centre Management Committee The facility was established with grant funding, which required the facility to be available for public access. The committee manages public access. Council representation - Councillor Campbell, Councillor Green.

Mid North Coast Regional Arts Board The NSW State Government funds a number of regional arts boards, this is the one that covers our region. The purpose of the board is to encourage and promote the arts in our region. The councillor is to provide the conduit between the board and the Council. Council representation - Councillor Shields, Councillor Green (Alternate).

Flood Plain Management Committee Engages with public agencies, elected officials and other stakeholders to improve flood safety and maximise floodplain resources through effective dialogue, collaboration, education, legislation and policy. Council representation - Councillor Green, Councillor Morris (Alternate).

These are committees that the Council has delegated responsibility for running certain facilities owned or controlled by the Council. They have not traditionally had specific councillor representation. Their structure varies depending on what the current community involvement is. They are listed for information. Macleay Valley Community Gallery Committee Crescent Head Hall Committee Millbank Hall Committee Stuarts Point Community Hall Committee Sherwood Hall Committee SWR School of Arts Hall Committee Gladstone Youth and Community Hall Committee Smithtown Hall Committee Willawarrin Hall Committee Frederickton Hall Committee Gladstone Tennis Club South Kempsey Tennis Club Bellbrook Tennis Club Kempsey District Silver Band Committee Kalateenee Recreation Reserve Committee Friends of Wigay Committee

MIDROC AND PARTNERSHIPS The needs of the Kempsey Local Government Area encompass more than can be directly provided through Council. The Council engages with other levels of government to support and meet the community needs such as; the provision of adequate health services, public transport requirements and access to education and training. Funding from sources other than the local community assist in the provision of many services. Council enjoys effective working relationships with various levels of government to ensure that the Kempsey Shire is a well-respected local government area to attract future funding from State and Federal Governments for new and ongoing service provision.

MIDROC The Mid North Coast Regional Organisation of Councils (MIDROC) is an important membership that Council maintains.The MIDROC is the peak organisation representing the interests of seven local government areas on behalf of over 300,000 residents of the Mid North Coast. It is the third fastest growing region in New South Wales with a projected population growth to 380,000 persons in 2031. MIDROC serves to: • Advocate to and inform all spheres of government of the economic, social, environmental and infrastructure needs of the region. • Strengthen the role of local government

in regional affairs with regard to policy and strategic directions of both the State and Federal Governments. • Support the implementation of strategies that will build community capacity across the region and, • Increase the effectiveness and efficiency of member councils through sharing ideas and resources.

Partnerships

Council works to develop partnerships for providing a number of services to the community with agencies such as NSW Health, NSW Trade and Investment, Joint Regional Planning Panel with Nambucca Shire Council, Department of Premier and Cabinet and Regional Development Australia. Resource sharing initiatives continue to provide benefits to the Member Councils community, these include: • Library Services, our ongoing Member Councils include Gloucester cooperative relationship with the Port Shire, Greater Taree, Port MacquarieMacquarie-Hastings Council enables Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Shire, Council to realise economies of scale Bellingen Shire and Coffs Harbour City. through co-operative purchasing, MIDROC is also the primary vehicle in and the securing of grants for shared establishing effective resource sharing projects. amongst member Councils. Areas of focus • Waste disposal is another ongoing for sharing and determining common partnership with the Cairncross Waste approaches include asset management, Recycling Facility, where Council sends planning, information technology and its recyclable waste. Without this human resource planning and training arrangement Kempsey Shire would have opportunities. to provide its own recycling facility at The 2013-14 year saw the MIDROC significant capital and waste disposal work more collaboratively across the costs. region with the adoption of a MIDROC Regional Strategic Plan which outlines the Memberships aspirations for the organisation and the communities it represents which include: • Improving the Lifestyle of Our Local Council is a member of the Pacific Communities Highway Taskforce, the peak lobbying body for the full upgrade to dual carriage • Protecting our Environment way for the Pacific Highway. • Improving Councils’ Capacity and Council is a member of Local Productivity Government NSW. • Enabling Our Communities to be Strong and Sustainable.

ORGANISATIONAL CHART Bellbrook

General Manager David Rawlings

Director Sustainable Environment

Director Community Engagement

Director Infrastructure Services Robert Scott

Daryl Hagger

Manager Development Assessments

Manager Engineering Works Tony Green

Manager Finance

Tony Curtin

Erin Fuller

Manager Community Relations

Warren Boadle

Manager Economic Sustainability

Manager Service Delivery

Manager Technical and Civic Services

Manager Information and Governance

Robert Pitt

Susannah Smith

Manager Regulatory Compliance Ken Ward

Kathy Oliver

David Carroll

Trevor Dickson

Manager Water Operations Michael Murphy

Director Corporate Services

Daniel Thoroughgood

Manager Water Strategy Anne Maree Burke

Manager Water Process Belinda Green

EXECUTIVE TEAM General Manager

Director Sustainable Environment

Director Community Engagement

David Rawlings

Robert Pitt

Kathy Oliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business in Accounting and Marketing Management • Graduate Diploma in Local Government Management

Experience

Appointed as General Manager July 2009. Over 27 years of experience in local government at previous councils.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts - Geography • Diploma of Natural Resources Land Use Management • Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning

Experience

Appointed as Director Sustainable Environment October 2004. Commenced in 1992 as a Town Planner, moving to Senior Planner, Planning Co-ordinator and Director.

Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration • Master of Management

Memberships

• Member Local Government Managers Association

Experience

Appointed as Director Community Engagement April 2010 Began at Kempsey in 2003, holding positions of Manager Economic Development, Manager Strategic Planning and Economic Development, Manager Community Services and Acting Director Corporate and Community Services. Previous employment outside of local government; Telstra, the NSW Government and Boral Construction Materials Group.

Director Infrastructure Services

Director Corporate Management

Robert Scott

Daryl Hagger

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (civil) with second class honours • Master of Environmental Engineering Management

Memberships

• Member of Institute of Public Works Engineers • Australian Water Association and Engineers Australia.

Experience

Appointed Director Infrastructure Services in 2010. Over 17 years experience in local government including positions with Gosford City, Hornsby Shire and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils with experience in Roads, Development and Water/Sewer Engineering. Previous employment outside local government with NSW State Rail Authority

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business in Accounting

Experience

Appointed Director Corporate Management August 2010. Joined Windsor Municipal Council in April 1979, Hawkesbury City Council in January 1981, Cooma-Monaro Shire Council in June 1990. 35 years experience in Local Government including 24 years at executive level across Finance, Governance and Corporate Management.

Statement of Senior Staff Employed The General Manager is the only designated Senior Staff member within Council’s structure. The total remuneration package in 2013-14 was $245,456. Total value of salary component of renumeration package $210,224. There were no bonus payments, performance or other payments that did not form part of the salary component. Total contribution to superannuation for Senior Staff was $27,832. The total value non-cash benefits was $7,400 and there was no fringe benefit tax for non-cash benefits.

OUR WORKFORCE Workforce Management Strategy

• gauging the satisfaction of our employees by conducting an annual employee opinion survey.

Employment of people with Disabilities

The principles of this plan are built on attraction and retention, employee safety and wellness, work/life balance, skill development, organisational culture, employee satisfaction and promoting local government as a career prospects to local schools.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Council employed 2 full time equivalent staff (FTE) with a disability, taking the level of people with a disability within Council to 0.7%.

To meet these principles we have adopted procedures and practices that will assist us in becoming an attractive employer with: • variable work arrangements • flexible working arrangements for parents/carers • providing access to phased retirement plans for matured aged workers • participating in career’s expos • hosting work placements from local schools/TAFE and neighbouring universities • hosting 17 full time trainees, 2 apprentices and 3 school based trainees from a Group Training organisation within the areas of water/sewer services, civil construction, horticulture, engineering- mechanical trade and electrotechnology- electrician • participating in engineering scholarships with Newcastle University and a Urban and Regional Planning scholarship with University of New England 34

Council continued our ongoing focus on fostering a culture that values and responds to the diversity of our staff and community. Our aim is to achieve fair practices and behaviours in the workplace to be free from all forms of unlawful activity, harassment and discrimination by having open and competitive recruitment; providing access to training and development; and providing flexible working arrangements. All vacant positions during the year were advertised and filled in accordance with the merit principle, the Local Government Act 1993, the Local Government (State) Award and the EEO Management Plan. Positions advertised - 29 Positions filled - 18 Applications received - 310 Positions where females applied - 18 Positions where females were successful - 9 The number of women in management roles remained unchanged at 5 representing 29.4% of our management team with 7 women represented in our leadership team representing 36.8%.

Employment of people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent Council employed 9 full time equivalent staff who identify as being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Descent, taking the level of Indigenous employment within Council to 3.29%.

Employment of people from Non English Speaking Backgrounds (NESB) Council employed 5.8 full time equivalent staff from a Non English Speaking Background, taking the level of people from NESB within Council to 2.12%.

Flexibility for Work and Family Arrangements

Staff are informed of the opportunities for flexible working arrangements, including parental leave, working from home and phrased retirement.

During 2013-14 employees accessed flexible working arrangements of: • paid maternity leave - 2 • unpaid parental leave - 3 • supporting parents leave - 6 • varied working arrangement - 6 • phased retirement - 4 • working from home - 4

Age and Gender Demographics 39% <45 years

32% 29% 44-45 years >55 years old

31%

69%

Position Breakdowns In 2013 - 14 Council employed 241 full-time staff, 38 part-time staff, 2 temporary full-time staff and 1 temporary part-time staff member. These numbers are based on actual head count. The figures exclude temporary and casual appointments engaged through labour hire, and apprentices and trainees who are employed by external training providers.

Turnover Rates

Corporate Management 36

Community Engagement 62

Total Number of employees 285 Sustainable Environment 25

no. of staff

General Manager 2

Infrastructure Services 160

09/10 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14

WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY

100 80

40 20 0

Dept Local Govt

Region Average

The main medium for consultation on health and safety is through the Health and Safety Committee. The membership of the committee comprises of Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) and Management representatives. The HSR’s represent employees within their work groups and provide a forum to discuss health and safety issues with management. They also promote and encourage a workplace culture that

Council received a payment of $40,000 for completion of the WHS annual self-assessment and verification audit conducted by our Workers’ Compensation Insurer, StateCover. The StateCover report on the selfassessment audit said “that Kempsey Council’s overall WHS performance result is 89.3%, which is above average when compared to the average score for all councils.”

StateCover Avg

Health and Safety Committee

Annual self-assessment

Kempsey Shire

Council is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, students, contractors and the public. This is achieved by fully integrating health and safety into all its operations and activities, continual improvement and leadership in safety. To improve and maintain the standard of Work Health and Safety (WHS) within Council, our safety management system is implemented based on systematic identification, assessment and control of hazards. To ensure the ongoing development and improvement of WHS systems, policies and procedures that foster effective communication and consultation forms a fundamental part of this management process, encouraging innovative means of reducing risk on the work environment.

thinks and works safely. During 201314 the committee held 6 ordinary meetings and 1 special meeting.

Work, Health and Safety

WHS Training Staff attended 2,918 hours of WHS training. Training included statutory WHS tickets/ licences, WHS legislation and Council’s WHS management

system across all levels of Council. Our ongoing commitment to WHS is to provide supervisory staff with the skills and knowledge to manage health, safety and welfare in their work areas. Training on responsibilities and accountabilities was provided in the areas of alcohol and other drug awareness, asbestos management, contractor management, mental health, preventing bullying and harassment and supervising the workplace.

Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate The number of workers compensation claims for this year has decreased by 1 falling from 20 in 2012-13 to 19 and the number of lost time injuries decreasing by 3 falling from 14 in 201213 to 11. Days lost to injury for this year have improved by 11.1%, while the frequency rate of 8 days per injury has increased compared with 7 days in 2012-13. The improvement in the number of lost days reflects Council’s proactive approach to Injury Management. We are committed to supporting injured workers in their return to work to meaningful employment as early as possible within their physical capacities determined by treating medical practitioners.

3+314+912+719+1223+1532+1632+1737+916+14 Employee Assistance Program

Learning and Development

As part of our commitment to health and well-being, Council offers access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to staff and their immediate family members. The program offers confidential and professional advice, support and counselling on a wide range of issues that can be either personal or work related, including serious problems such as depression, drug and alcohol dependence and anxiety. The program also provides critical incident counselling if required. The program is promoted initially at employee induction training and posters are on display in work areas. Staff accessed 23 hours of EAP services this reporting year.

Staff completed 10,742.5 hours in training courses, conference and seminar attendance, including tertiary sponsored studies. 26 employees were undertaking tertiary sponsored studies with 18 completing their qualifications; the remaining 8 employees are still completing studies. The participation rate of employees undertaking training was 100% of the FTE staff number. Training was completed across a wide range of programs to develop our staff and to improve how we deliver our services including: asset and infrastructure management, customer service, management and leadership, communications, environmental, water industry, aged and disability care,

Workforce Age Demographics

community development, corporate systems, business improvement, computer, regulatory and governance and WHS. A successful NSW Strategic Skills Program (SSP) funding application resulted in partial funding for 6 employees to undertake qualifications in Diploma of Project Management. Funding was also received from the Australian Government under the Existing Workers Trainees Incentive Scheme for 5 employees upon the completion of qualifications in Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations, Certificate III Civil Construction - Road Construction & Maintenance and Certificate III Water Operations.

Male

Female

20-24

25-29

30-34

35-39

40-44

45-49

50-54

55-59

60-64

65+

AWARDS AND ACCOLADES Maritime Museum Historic Flagstaff Restoration The volunteers from the Mid North Coast Maritime Museum won this award for the skill and workmanship they displayed in undertaking the refurbishment of the historic flagstaff and flag locker structures on Point Briner at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks. The group was recently announced the winner of 2013 IMAGinE Awards from Museums and Galleries of New South Wales in the category of “Collection Management – Volunteers”. Since completion in October 2012, this project has received awards from the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia, Heritage Council of NSW and Museums and Galleries NSW. The project was also featured alongside the Kempsey Bypass as a finalist in the Newcastle Division of the Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Awards. It is a wonderful example of how the Council and community groups can work together to resolve some of the challenges facing local government, particularly in relation to the maintenance of infrastructure assets and the provision of services to the community. The Pilot Station Complex at South West Rocks was originally constructed in 1902 and is one of only two facilities that remain largely intact out of the 21 that were originally built. The 38

Training Initiatives Water Traineeships structures are historically significant for their contribution towards the safety of coastal shipping which was the predominant means of transport along the east coast of NSW prior to the development of the railway line and modern highways.

Kempsey Shire Council won the Programme Innovation Category of the NSW Branch Australian Water Association Awards for 2014. Staff from Kempsey Shire Council and Hunter Valley Training Company Mid Coast worked together to be the first organisations within Australia to introduce traineeships in the Water Industry within the school-based environment. Council has been running the trainee program for the last four years which involves school-based traineeships, full traineeships in Certificate II and Certificate III level courses in Water Industry Operations and existing worker traineeships for unqualified staff. The traineeship program is Council’s major initiative in addressing an ageing workforce and growing skills shortage. This skills shortage is an issue that is looming for all businesses and in particular for local government where a large proportion of the existing staff are within 10 years of retirement. As a result of the success of these programs, Council now has trainees throughout most areas of its operations including roads and bridges, waste, parks and gardens, water, wastewater and administration.

Stuarts Point Beach Fishing

Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) Best Poster by an Operator Darren Sutherland won the WIOA Best Poster by an Operator at the 8th Annual WIOA NSW Water Industry Operations Conference and Exhibition held in Orange. Darren’s poster detailed the process used by Council’s electrical staff to upgrade level monitoring at Council wastewater pumping stations and was well received with numerous enquiries received from other Council’s looking to do the same thing in their areas.

Trainees and Apprentices Kempsey Shire Council has continued to provide opportunities for traineeships and internships, to skill our local community with the specific skills required for working in local government. In 2014 Water Section employed three new trainees who have commenced their Certificate II in Water Industry Operations and two school based trainees. The remaining school based trainee has now been appointed into a full time Certificate III position to complete his traineeship. Five existing trainees completed their Certificate II in Water Industry Operations and have now progressed to undertake a Certificate III level qualification.

Our Operations Section has also had a number of trainees in the past two years who have completed a Certificate II and Certificate III level qualification in civil construction, horticulture or waste management.

A large number of the trainees who have successfully completed the traineeship program have obtained permanent or temporary employment with Council. The calibre of some of the trainee’s coming through this system has been exceptional and is indicative of the need for career opportunities locally within our community. Council provides the ideal opportunity for those people to seek out challenging but rewarding careers without have to relocate to major metropolitan centres. Council’s Water and Technical Services Sections also participated in some internship programs, providing onthe-job training to university students studying degree courses in both civil engineering and environmental science.

A YEAR IN OUR SHIRE July Council’s New Solar System cuts costs at Depot Post Bypass Smith Street – stage 1 upgrade works ‘Polish’ exhibition at Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery Betty Mumbler book launch Turners Flat Bridge Load Limit increased Smart House for the elderly previewed Nordic walking begins at Frederickton Landscaping of Jewish cemetery, Frederickton – planting of olive trees in boundary corners Lantern Making Workshops held in the lead up to the Macleay River Festival TAFTA Exhibition at The Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery The Australian Forum for Textile Arts Money Matters presentation at Kempsey Library ‘Light the Way‘ Lantern Parade.

August Healthy Communities garden beds at Macleay Community Care Poetry Slam at South West Rocks Matty’s Flat Wharf completed Fibre Artists workshops at Gladstone dLux artists visit the Macleay New Liquor Accord signed off by licensed venues Opening of the Smart House – demonstrating technology available to support independent living WastEd Video Game Workshop.

October Macleay Valley Coast tourism website and campaign launched Akubra Muster declared successful World Record Attempt Audit of flood levies IPART rate increase application is approved

September Love Food Hate Waste Workshop ABC Open workshops in Library Men’s Health Luncheon at Belmore River Hall Inaugural Macleay River Festival Shade sails erected at Kempsey Pool Club grants donate $10,420 to community groups New bus shelters at South Kempsey and Collombatti Keep Cups promote Reuse Outdoor exercise equipment installed at Kundabung Tech Savvy Seniors training at Library YAC Mosaic Workshop.

Garage Sale Trail Household Chemical Cleanout Coastal Zone Management Plan Community Meetings Kempsey Coastal Management Plan community meetings Vietnam veteran and author visits Kempsey Library.

November RRISK information seminar held in Kempsey Shire Council

Wijay Ciltural Park

Stuarts Point Caravan Park Sewerage upgrade

Millbank Hall Committee Reformed Kidsafe workshop at Kempsey Family Community Centre Public Art forum Digital Media workshops held South West Rocks Shelter Shed completed.

January

Outdoor exercise equipment installed at Services Club Park, Kempsey Sport in the Neighbourhood commences at Smithtown SWR Flagstaff Restoration wins Maritime Museum State Award Special Rate Variation community meetings White Ribbon Day.

December New Highway Billboards greet incoming motorists.

January Free Rollin skate park workshops Saltwater Freshwater Festival.

February

Australia Day Awards Tech Savvy Seniors at Kempsey Library Companion Animal Management Plan Advisory Panel nominations called.

February

My Story of Change book launch Keep Your Kids Safe information session Tropical Soda Apple workshops.

March Be a ‘Face of the Macleay Launched’ International Women’s Day Exhibition at Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery Seniors Week Expo Winner of the Programme Innovation Category of the NSW Branch Australian Water Association Awards South Kempsey AFL /Cricket field upgrades amenities.

April Mate Helping Mate presentation Kempsey Library Upgrade nears completion Water restrictions lifted Youth Week.

May Council Volunteer Breakfast Gladstone SES building complete Small Biz Bus visits Kempsey Walk to School Safely Day Indigenous people in Defence Force display at Library.

June Frederickton Hall exterior upgrade Frugal Forest workshops at Library Shire wide Waste Survey ‘Betty‘ Asbestos Bus visits Kempsey SWR new double skate bowl complete Origami at Youth Centre Manga Workshops at Library.

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT Slim Dustyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childhood Home

Sustainable Environment assists our community with economic development, tourism; environmental compliance; estuary and coastal management; noxious weeds management; onsite sewerage management systems inspections; public health matters; food premises inspections; companion animals and ranger services.

Ibus explit 348ut perchil minctem reperch building icaborum fugiate inspections perspis evel illandic 91 dogs and cats tesedia quidunt min owners etreturned dolorumtones num repuda nonse sum 752 onsite sewerage dolupta ipsaepudiate management systems ne eum idit quae. inspected Ro eaquodi vendebit, 123 dogsernam, and cats temperf to rehoused ipis etur sitis evenem. Perciumquam fuga. 979 properties Faccabore volupti inspected for weed busam, omnihita nati netureinfestations eos quis es dolo dis con posofet 161 dolore notifications lacculp illegalarumquatem dumping

495 environmental health inspections

179 food premise inspections

3,000 Lomandras planted at Steuart McIntyre Dam Erosion Control Project

209 livestock on roads control requests

10,000 trees planted at the Sherwood Rehabilitation Project 190 responses to barking dog enquiries 2114 Ranger requests received

2000 Trees planted at Upper Belmore River Rehabilitation Project site 622 responses to stray dogs 470 dogs and cats impounded

OPERATIONAL PLAN RESULTS Onsite Sewage Management Systems There are approximately 4600 On-site Sewage Management Systems (OSMS) in the Kempsey Shire. These systems are managed by the OSMS Program which incorporates inspections, site risk assessments, water quality monitoring and educational functions. 860 inspections were conducted surpassing the aim of 840 for the year. The program focuses on systems located in high risk areas and systems with continual non-compliance.

Finalising a Business Plan for Kempsey Regional Saleyards in collaboration with the Saleyards Advisory Group Negotiating licensing arrangements for a second agent to commence selling livestock at Kempsey Regional Saleyards. Coordination desk for NBN rollout. Commissioning research to better understand and develop strategies around the economic impacts of the

Economic Development

Negotiating for Arena International pilot training school to open a satellite campus at Kempsey Airport. Delivering the $100,000 ‘Discover Something New’ Destination Marketing Campaign in partnership with Destination NSW, Macleay Valley Coast Tourism Association and 170 local businesses, delivering 10% growth in the local visitor economy in the 12-month period to March 2014. Providing economic input to the implementation phase of the ‘Our Story, Our Place, Our Future’ Kempsey Corridor Master Plan, including being part of the Implementation Team responsible for the $3.5M Smith St upgrade Producing the 2014-16 Macleay Valley Coast Destination Management Plan.

Pacific Highway Bypass. Providing support to local event coordinators, including for the Geocentric event at Crescent Head, the Junior State Track Championships, 2013 Kempsey Cup www.racestayplay.

com.au and the NSW Nationals 2016 Conference bid. Representing the Macleay Valley on the North Coast Destination Network board, the Regional Economic Group and the Building Australia’s Future Workforce Advisory Committee. State and Federal recognition of unique economic issues facing regional Australia, and reflection of these in policy and funding priorities. Working with industry to address issues associated with escalating operating costs, particularly businesses within the manufacturing sector. Achieving growth projections for local agribusiness sector. Maintaining and building upon the growth achieved in the local tourism sector. Enhancing profitability and profit potential of Council-owned assets, including airport and saleyards. Putting in place appropriate infrastructure and providing defined incentives to attract new businesses and industries to the Macleay Valley. Accurately measuring and managing the longer term employment impacts of the Pacific Highway Bypass. Working effectively with the local business community to create a vibrant, prosperous and competitive environment attractive to investors.

Roadside Vegetation Project The Belmore River and Lower Macleay roadside corridor has been subject to significant degradation processes. Impacts to the roadside corridor have resulted in degradation of foreshore landscapes and riparian and aquatic ecosystems. The Roadside Vegetation Project aims to result in improvements to the roadside environment through the controlling high risk weed species and enhancing and restoring the native vegetation, as far as possible to its original composition. Some of the significant project outputs are as follows: Over 56km of weed control activity along roadside areas of Belmore River Road Left and Right Bank Roads and Summer Island Road was carried out. Revegetation planting of 4000 native, endemic species in strategic road reserve locations along Belmore River Road and Summer Island Road. Over 2.4 hectares of revegetated area along Belmore River Road and Summer Island Road.

Tropical Soda Apple In July 2013 Council began an extensive inspection and mapping program for the identification of Tropical Soda Apple (TSA) along the Macleay River from its upper limit shire boundary Blackbird Flat to known lower infestation sites below

Surf Boat at South West Rocks

Sherwood. A total of 240km of Macleay River riparian area was mapped for infestations. As part of a Northern River Catchment Management Authority funded project, control works were carried along the full length of the infestation area where mapping identified TSA. Along with this, landholder engagement activities were carried out which included property management plans, assistance and advice from Council officers and three TSA workshops for landowners to have updated information on TSA, control methods and the requirements for its control.

Kempsey Coastal processes and Hazard Definition Study The Kempsey Coastal Processes and Hazard Definition Study was completed in June 2013. The report presents an overview of coastal processes and considers anticipated effects of climate change and sea level rise on the Kempsey LGA coastline.

Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Study and Plan The Kempsey Coastal Zone Management Study and Plan development commenced August 2013 in accordance with the NSW Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coastal Management program and in accordance with the specifications of Part 4a of the Coastal Protection Act 1979.

The Coastal Zone Management Study and Plan will complement a wide range of planning instruments and environmental management strategies and initiatives currently being adopted by Council and other stakeholders. The Coastal Zone Management Plan will provide appropriate guidance on managing existing and future risks from coastal

Plans for Year Ahead Build returns from agriculture Ensure suitable infrastructure for business owners exists Increasing value in local business Maximising opportunities from the bypass Supporting increased levels of educational attainment Encourage tourist visitation

Long-term plans Sustainable long-term job growth and developing an appropriately skilled labour market. Expanding the Macleayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agribusiness sector.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Performance Indicators measure our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations against Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actual performance in all areas. Indicator

Result

Comment Staff vacancies

Percentage of all Development Applications approved within 30 days

85%

80.95%

Percentage of Construction Certificates approved within 30 days

90%

100%

Number of building inspections undertaken within two days of request

95%

100%

Number of compliant development application audits

95%

Percentage of requests relating to environmental quality that may cause preventable harm to the environment responded to within 7 days

90%

84%

Percentage of requests for Ranger Services responded to within 5 days

95%

98%

Collection of contained stray dogs/cats within 6 hours

90%

89%

Complaints relating to stray dogs responded to within 2 working days

95%

100%

1.1

27%

11,800

12,656

Percentage of strategic planning project tasks completed on time

80%

100%

Percentage of environmental project tasks completed on time

80%

100%

Percentage of economic sustainability project tasks completed on time

80%

100%

Total average number of days taken to process Development

Average number of days to issue Section 149 Planning Certificates Percentage of properties with infestations Number of people employed in the Kempsey Shire area

Number of developments unreasonably held up by the lack of foreseeable council responsible infrastructure requirements 46

Target

Staff vacancies

Tropical Soda Apple only

Smith Street Revitalisation Plans

Target

Result

Number of compliance audits per annum

120

141

Number of onsite sewerage management systems inspected each

840

752

Staff vacancies

Percentage of food premises inspected per annum

85%

60%

Staff vacancies

Number of environmental health inspections per annum

500

495

Staff vacancies

Percentage of compliant food inspections

85%

75%

Percentage of caravan parks inspected per annum

100%

Required Annual Fire Safety Certificates are provided

100%

98%

Number of education programs on weeds per annum

Indicator

Area of residential land made available for development Area of land rezoned for industrial development

Comment

50 ha

New indicator

8 ha

New indicator

Number of environmental education projects per annum

Percentage of people enrolled in tertiary education

New indicator

$124m

New indicator

10%

New indicator

Level of farm output Number of visitor night stays has increased Water quality monitoring of the Shireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creeks, rivers and beaches is undertaken on a weekly basis

Christmas lab closure

Regional State of the Environment Report Kempsey Shire Council and Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) have worked together to prepare a Regional State of the Environment (SOE) Report for 2012. In previous years Council has prepared a SOE report each year with a comprehensive report every four years. State agencies were also producing a range of environmental reports for the region. As these reports were independent of each other, they did little to guide environmental management at either a

local or state government level. A change to Local Government reporting requirements (IPR) has now created an opportunity to form a partnership with Local and State Government to develop a more integrated and regional approach to environmental reporting. The regional SOE involves 12 Councils and 3 County Councils from Port Macquarie-Hastings in the south to Tweed in the north, this collaborative report will assess both local and regional environmental state, using a set of indicators and measures specifically designed for the region. The Regional SOE Report has 3 main goals: • To meet the reporting requirements of the Local Government Act 1993; • To provide information to the community and decision-makers on the condition of the local environment and where resources are best placed to respond to community expectations; and • To better align with State Natural Resource Management (NRM) reporting The indicators developed for the report cover four key themes which are biodiversity / vegetation, soils / land use, water, and people and the environment. A further 18 resource categories have been developed for the key indicators. The project aims to produce a useful, informative and streamlined report

that informs both local councils and state government agencies about the current condition of the environment at a regional and local level. With the next SOE report due in 2016, this report will act as a baseline of environmental condition which can be used for comparison. The new regional State of the Environment Report will provide more meaningful data for Council to make informed decisions in terms of the Environmental Objectives in Community Strategic Plans. The SOE report is available at Council’s Customer Service Centre, the Kempsey Library and on Councils website - www.kempsey.nsw.gov.au

Companion Animals Activities relating to enforcing and ensuring compliance with the Companion Animals Act and Regulation. Council spent $12,716 (excluding Rangers Salaries) on direct Companion Animal Management and Activities including the operation and maintenance of the pound, together with the employment of two rangers, whose major responsibility is companion animal issues , and associated management costs. All brochures regarding companion animals are available on Council’s website and in Council’s Customer Service Centre. Rangers speak with

Bike Riders at South West Rocks

dog owners whilst carrying out patrols and conduct registration inspections. Council works with the RSPCA and local vets for customers to take up the offer of $100 vouchers from the RSPCA to de-sex an animal when giving it a home. This also allows the customer to have the animal registered at a reduced rate for de-sexed animals. Council has an updated photo system of impounded animals on its internet system. This allows individuals and breed specific groups to monitor animals that may become available for rehousing. Council Rangers have a close relationship with local RSPCA officers which also aids with the rehousing of suitable animals. Council has leash free areas in most of its towns and villages. The designated areas are provided in Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off leash brochure. Council spent $20,987 of Companion Animal Fund money for management and control of companion animals in this area. During 2013-14 there have been 19 dog attacks in the Shire.

Before and After: Loftus Bridge and Berrigan Area Weed Control Project - Belmore River

Tropical Soda Apple Infestation

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Building a strong community is a key outcome for Council. Community wellbeing is influenced by participation in community, cultural and recreation activities, access to facilities and community information. Engaging all parts of our diverse community is the focus for the Community Engagement team. To have a bright, vibrant and growing community we need the input from all aspects with different ideas and hopes for the future.

179,694 items borrowed from libraries 24,378 visitors to our Information Centres 38,656 hours of service provided to the aged population >85% of phone customers were satisfied with Council 133,808 visitors to libraries

36,075 phone calls to Customer Services 9,152 E-books and audio books downloaded

14,091 people attended Customer Services front counter 86.50% enquiries resolved at first contact

23,801pieces of correspondence sent to Council

29 Exhibitions held at the Macleay Community Gallery

7,977 Hours of internet usage Council libraries

25,784 visitors to Visitor Information Centres

OPERATIONAL PLAN RESULTS The following information reports on Community Engagement’s achievements within the various demographic groups of our community.

Children • Working with Smithtown community to establish the NEST Program. The program will provide after school activities for children and provide positive direction and engagement. • Free Rollin’, a school holiday program providing an opportunity to ensure local youth were using on our skate parks safely. • Providing lifesavers during school holiday periods on nominated beaches. • Promoting and maintaining safe play equipment and environments in Council parks.

• Supporting playgroups at the Kempsey Family Community Centre. • Story time for pre-schoolers and Baby Bounce sessions for 0-2 years at Kempsey Library. • Macleay River Festival Lantern Making Workshop - July School 52

holidays. • Partnership with Dunghutti Sport and Recreation to provide bike and kite activities for children at the Macleay River Festival. • Community Graden Programs at the Kempsey Family Community Centre. • Supported Primary Schools in healthy activities including Walk Safely to School Day in May.

• Three high school students attended the 2013 NSW Youth Parliament in Sydney. • Rotary Youth Leadership Award camps in conjunction with Kempsey West Rotary Club supported Youth Advisory Council member, Cherydin Bennett, to attend the camp at Yarrahapinni.

Young People • dLux Media - dLab program. This program utilises a specifically designed mobile media toolkit and informal learning methodology to reengage young people dislocated from traditional learning environments that may not previously have had interest in or access to art, science and technology activities. • The Dunghutti Language Group engaging with youth on a storytelling project. This intergenerational awareness within the Dunghutti community will seek to listen, record and learn cultural stories and traditional knowledge to pass to younger gerneations. • RRISK (Reduce Risk Increase Students Knowledge) is a resilience building program which reduces young driver incidences of crashes. RRISK was delivered to 208 local youth.

• A Youth Survey was conducted by Council in conjunction with the Macleay Valley Youth Advisory Council (YAC). • The 2014 Youth Forum – Transform Your Ideas. This forun sought feedback for future youth activities with a focus on job readiness, life skills, bullying, body image • Youth mosaic classes held during the September school holidays. • 17 young Malceay community

Janet Hayes Memorial

members were supported to attend the 2013 Luminosity Summit at Port Macquarie. • The Youth Access Card was updated the with the current contact information for emergency and youth related support services. • Vocalise – Youth Week event.

Women • Contributed to the Domestic Violence Monitoring Committee with strategies to address domestic violence within our community. • Promotion and involvement in programs for women’s safety and wellbeing including White Ribbon Day and International Women’s Day. • International Women’s Day Celebration at the Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery. • Promoting equal employment opportunity initiatives in the work place.

People from culturally and linguistic diverse backgrounds

• Supporting events such as Saltwater Freshwater, NAIDOC Week and the Macleay River Festival. • Encouraging Australian citizenship for all residents. • Providing library resources for people from cultural and linguistic backgrounds. • The library’s free Mango Languages resource and applications.

People with disabilities including those with HIV/AIDS • Auspicing Home and Community Care services such as Neighbour Aid, Community Options and Boronia Gardens programs to assist people with a disability, their families and their carers. • Providing safe pedestrian access and seating facilities within the shire. • Promotion of disabled access in new buildings and public spaces. • Continuing to provide infrastructure for people with disabilities.

Older people • Holding the Seniors Week Expo, providing information stalls from aged Care Service Providers with Noelene Brown as guest speaker. • The Smart House was successfully launched by Deputy Premier Andrew Stoner. Since its inception it has

provided a valuable community resource. It has a state of the art personal alarm system with a variety of peripheral alert triggers. This is a recourse that is unique, in that it is the only Smart House outside the metropolitan area. • Kempsey Macleay RSL and Department of Veterans Affairs – The library attended an information day at the RSL to promote resources for seniors – digital, health and legal information. • Partnering with Tunstall Healthcare, one of the leading providers of Telehealthcare services, installing Tunstall personal medical alarms in over 35 homes. • Providing 12 units at the Judith Evill Court as accommodation for elderly and people on a disability pension. • Vision impaired devices and resources for the community available from Kempsey library. • Boronia Gardens Centre offers structured activities and a healthy lunch delivered in a friendly and supportive environment each Wednesday. The centre also provides a day outing each Friday that includes a bus trip and lunch, visiting Kempsey and the Macleay district as well as surrounding areas. • Valley Tours is a support service for people with dementia and their carers. This program provides services throughout the Macleay Valley. • Clients are picked up from their

OPERATIONAL PLAN RESULTS homes and enjoy a leisurely drive to a quiet location where they enjoy a light lunch. The destinations vary to provide interest for the client. • Boronia Gardens Centre offers structured activities and a healthy lunch that are delivered in a friendly and supportive environment each Wednesday. The centre also provides a day outing each Friday that includes a bus trip and lunch, visiting Kempsey and the Macleay district as well as surrounding areas. • Valley Tours is a support service for people with dementia and their carers. This program provides services throughout the Macleay Valley. • Clients are picked up from their homes and enjoy a leisurely drive to a quiet location where they enjoy a light lunch. The destinations vary to provide interest for the client. • Community Options Providing case management for younger people with a physical and/or intellectual disability and their carers, aligning people with the services they require to maintain their independence and continuing living in the community. • The Neighbour Aid program supports a number of different group services.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People • Major sponsor of the Saltwater Freshwater Festival. • Organising the Local Aboriginal Stitching Group. • Supported the Stitching Group stall at the 2013 NAIDOC Week Celebrations and Saltwater Freshwater Festival. • Delivery of dance and cultural workshops in partnership with Slippry Sirkus. • dLux Media have been working with local elders and high school students on a public presentation of the Dunghutti Oral Histories Project which was showcased at the 2013 Macleay River Festival. • Unveiling of a giant praying mantis lantern sculpture acknowledging Dunghutti people at the Macleay River Festival. The lantern was created as a Dunghutti community arts project. • Supporting activities to celebrate NAIDOC Week.

• Council attendance and representation on the Dunghutti Aboriginal Justice Group. • Supporting group activities at the Kempsey Family Community Centre. • Enabling operations in the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park Kempsey. • Conducting and supporting programs such as Storytelling at the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park.

Men • Running specific Mens programs as part of Neighbour Aid, two separate groups go on regular outings, one for men under 65 with some form of injury or disability and the other for older men who are at risk of social isolation. • Conducting and supporting Work for the Dole Participants at the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park. • Macleay Community Care run a group for elderly men at risk of social isolation. As well as a good feed, the men have a social outlet and a highly trained care worker to assist. Both groups have contributed significantly to the health, happiness and wellbeing of the members who have formed strong bonds of friendship within the groups. They are shining examples of how.

Community Safety • In partnership with NSW Health, Council advocates for, and promotes a coordinated response to community sharps management to implement best practice community sharps management policies and practices across the Shire. Sharps Bins are located throughout the Shire. • Partnered with ETC Ltd for the delivery of Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) Certificate Course to Year 11 and 12 Students from Kempsey Shire’s five High Schools. • Promoted alcohol related awareness campaigns in licensed premises including the ‘One Punch Campaign’ and Taxi Voucher Scheme programs. • Ongoing support for the Macleay Valley Liquor Accord including the signing of the Liquor Accord Agreement. • Continued support of the Graffiti Blasters in the swift removal of tags from infrastructure and buildings within the Shire. • Supported the Community Drug

Action team (CDAT) to run campaigns at events including the 2013 Akubra Cup and 2014 Vocalise Youth Week event. • Truancy Program in partner with Kempsey Chamber of Commerce and retailers in Kempsey.

CHALLENGES Changes to government funding Aged Care Services have moved to Consumer Directed Care (CDC). This is an ongoing change and is continuing to be implemented. It is requiring additional training for staff. The uncertainty around future State and Government funding within the social sector has had a major impact on the ability for Council and community organisations to plan and prioritise projects and programs for the Macleay.

Priority of focus Assessing where of budgets and resources are spent. This will always be a challenge as there are many valid projects and ideas in the community.

PLANS FOR 2014 - 15 • Implement CCTV initiative within the Kempsey Shire. • Run the Reduce Risk Increase Student Knowledge (RRISK) Program in Kempsey Shire. RRISK targets students in Year 11 and teaches them responsible practices around the consumption of alcohol. • Work with NSW Police, State Government agencies and NonGovernment organisations to reduce incidents of crime and increase awareness of personal safety. • Run the Graffiti Blasters program for the swift removal of graffiti within the Shire. • Free Rollin Program within the school holidays to encourage active participation and safety whilst utilising Council’s skate parks. • Know Your Neighbour Program. • Participate in and support the Community Drug Action Team (CDAT). • Develop the 2014-2017 Crime Prevention Plan. • Promote crime prevention and education awareness campaigns. • Update Alcohol Free Zones. • Oversee liquor licencing applications. • Run the Community Transport Initiative. • Support the operation of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

OPERATIONAL PLAN RESULTS • Partner with youth and youth organisations in the provision of youth engagement events including Youth Week 2015. • Support agencies to run School Holiday Programs. • Provide support to ‘The Nest’ program in Smithtown. • Sponsor the Saltwater Freshwater festival. • Support the Kempsey Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Marruma Wutu Gila (Make Plenty Auntie) Stitching Group. • Support Aboriginal organisations for NAIDOC Week. • Support Aboriginal organisations in the development and implementation of selected programs for the betterment of the community. • Support NSW Police Service with the Yap n Yarn Program. • Support the Dunghutti Language Group in the preservation of oral history stories. • Develop the 2014-17 Public Art Policy • Promote and support Public Arts installations under the Public Arts Policy partnering with the community. • Support the diversity through art in the Macleay. • Support DLux Media to run the dLab program in the Shire. • Facilitate Macleay River Festival as a destination arts and culture event. 56

• Facilitate the running of the 2015 Kempsey Shire Art Prize. • Engage with community groups though place making to develop public works of art or infrastructure. • Actively promote and develop opportunities to volunteer within the community. • Advertise and celebrate volunteer success stories. • Support community events and celebrations including Children’s Week, Senior’s Week, Harmony Day, Volunteer’s Week, NAIDOC Week and Australia Day. • Manage and promote the use and hire of Council’s community halls, grounds and centres. • Work with the community to develop active outdoor spaces. • Support the running of the Our Place project in South Kempsey. • Administer Club NSW Grants. • Operate Kempsey Family Community Centre. • Complete the restoration of

Frederickton Hall. • Continue to adapt Macleay Community Care to be ready for the

final change to Consumer Directed Care, including finishing the strategic planning process. • Provide prompt, supportive and accurate cemetery services within Council managed cemeteries.

5 YEAR PLANS • Redevelopment of Tozer Street units into supported living centre. • New IT system for customer relationship management. • Development and promotion of Public Art throughout the Shire. • Development of community based partnerships in Place Making around the Shire. • Simplification of Council processes for the community to be able to maximise the use of public assets while maintaining compliances.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Performance Indicators measure our community’s expectations against Council’s actual performance in all areas. Indicator

Target

Result

Comment

Customer service enquires (telephone) per annum

33,000

36,075

Customer service enquiries at Customer Service Centre per annum

12,000

14,091

Customer abandoned calls per month Less than

6.87%

Customer enquiries resolved at first contact

75%

86.50%

Percentage of customer calls returned within 2 business days

85%

85.37%

Number of Customer Surveys Completed per annum – by phone

650

788

Number of Customer Surveys Completed per annum - online

350

Exhibitions held at the Macleay Community Gallery per annum

Percentage of correspondence received needing a reply that is responded to within 10 working days

>90%

74.74%

Hours of internet usage by the community at Council libraries

11,000

7,977

Wi-fi now used

Number of items borrowed from Council’s libraries annually

185,000

179,694

E-copies instead

Number of visitors to the libraries

120,000

133,808

Number of functions including holiday activities at libraries annually

Number of E-books and audio books downloaded from the internet annually

5,000

19,152

Community consultations held per annum

Number of participants in community consultations per annum

1,200

2,471

Number of visitors to our Visitor Information Centres

55,000

25,784

Number of hourly DADHC funded services provided annually

28,500

38,656.5

Number of clients assisted through the Department of Health and Ageing funding packages per annum

420

455

Number of clients assisted through the NSW Health compacks program

128

224

Phone carrier

Online assistance

HEALTHY COMMUNITIES INITIATIVE Healthy Communities in the Macleay Valley (HCIMV) funding has now concluded but the projects achieved significant success in engaging residents throughout the Kempsey Shire in programs aimed at improving health, reducing the progression of existing health conditions, increasing knowledge relating to sustaining healthy lifestyles and building social connection. Many behaviours that are predictors of lifestyle diseases have been positively impacted, as have the negative effects of a number of pre-existing health conditions. HCIMV delivered 96 physical activity and 13 healthy eating programs across nine communities throughout the Kempsey Shire. These programs involved 1,313 people which assisted in creating a wellness culture within the community that has led to many residents making a sustained commitment to their health.

HCIMV has: • Engaged more than 200 people in the 10,000 Step Challenge • Supported the establishment of the Lunch with Friends Group • Conducted 6 food growing workshops attended by 116 people • Supported the establishment of Growing Food & Friendships group • Provided Street Share gardens to 21 homes Installed fixed outdoor fitness equipment to four communities, two of which were completed in partnership with the communities • Installed a 2,750 metre marked walking trail in Kempsey • Supported the Crescent Head Lions Club to host the inaugural Head to Head Walk Run event with 272 participants; this has now become an annual event • Supported one resident to complete the Certificate IV in Fitness and establish a fitness business

• Supported Stuarts Point to run the inaugural Team Challenge with 100 competitors • Provided compression only resuscitation training to 129 residents • Published a collection of participant stories into a book called My Story of Change and distributed 2,000 books to medical and community services, businesses, cafes and community members. Healthy Communities in the Macleay Valley will continue working directly with communities to: • Improve healthy lifestyles. • Build the Micro-Agribusiness sector. • Assist in developing and expanding community based leadership. • Building awareness and community capacity for safer living.

LIBRARY FACILITIES Lobbying and Advocacy

Strategic Partnerships

Participation of Friends of Kempsey Library – FOLK in supporting and promoting library programs and services. National Year of Reading – “Get reading” campaign and visit by Nicole Alexander as part of the campaign. Local schools – West Kempsey Primary School makes one of their staff available to deliver regular “Baby Bounce” sessions at the library. This program is one of our most popular in the development of early literacy for our community. Participation in “Library Lovers Day.” Children’s Book Week - School visits to remote schools to promote the library’s resources utilising our mobile van. Small schools at Millbank, Bellbrook and Willawarrin on the upper Macleay are visited fortnightly during term time. Premiers Reading Challenge: School visits to promote the library’s collection and participation in the PRC. Co-ordinated NAIDOC programs at the Wigay Aboriginal Cultural Park in collaboration with the Land Council and Dunghutti Elders Aboriginal Corporation. Participation in National Simultaneous Storytime. Participation in Library and Information Week with e-readers as prizes.

ABC OPEN – programs delivered in partnership with ABC OPEN on digital content. Author visits and book launches by local writers. Kempsey Writer’s group – assistance with self-publishing, editing and hosting the launch of member’s works. Mid-North Coast Correctional Centre Kempsey – deleted good quality stock both fiction and non-fiction is donated to the gaol. Dalaigur Children’s Services – Independent Indigenous Community pre-school. The library delivers story time sessions for the children and they regularly attend story times at the library. ABC Wrap With Love – the Kempsey knitters meet at the library each week. School Holiday programs – in house sessions delivered by the library team and external, for example NPWS and WIRES. Local High Schools – digital content sessions and database searching for senior students. Law Week – Law Society NSW, Speaker’s Bureau. Kempsey Family History group – twice weekly sessions at the library. Kempsey Children’s Services “Sow the Seed to Read” - the library and the Friends of the Library provide

resources for the book start book packs which Children’s Services distribute to new parents. Kempsey Rotary – delivery of resources to Housebound customers. Delivery of “Tech Savvy Seniors” classes at the library. The closure of the Kempsey Community College left a gap in available training in our community and the new partnership with Skillslink is proving successful. Salvation Army – “Food for Fines” during November and December.

Exhibitions and Workshops South West Rocks Arts Council “Word travels” – Miles Merrill “Poetry Slam” Exhibition – Marrakesh Travelling Suitcase exhibition at the library – July. Simon French author visit at Kempsey High School – two one hour writing workshops. Financial Planning workshops held in the library during Law Week. “Love Food Hate Waste” workshops held in the library and delivered by Kempsey Council’s Sustainability Department staff. Big hit with the community! ABC OPEN - “Snapped” digital photography workshops – Sept 2013. Nicole Alexander author visit – Sept 2013. Exhibition – ‘Flashback : 160 years of 59

South West Rocks

Australian Fashion Photography’18th Sept – 3rd October. September 2013 – Co-operative subscription to ZINIO. Author visit – Don Tate “Anzacs Betrayed : the 2nd D&E Platoon in Vietnam” – Kempsey Library and Kempsey RSL sub-branch. Annemarie De Seriere – personal empowerment coach delivered two free sessions at the library to promote her book and meditation practices. Big success, the customers loved it! Summer Reading Club – December 2013 - Jan 2014. Author visit – Maggie Counihan - Feb 2014 – Sunshine Coast author discussing her ten years of travel and backpacking. International Women’s Day – TAFE, Kempsey High and the Library : event at Kempsey High. Seniors Week – two workshops held in the library for Seniors on collage and associated craft techniques (of which I know very little).

Library refurbishment Kempsey Library was closed form Monday 26 May till June 18 and reopening Thursday 19 June. The refurbishment was made possible by a Library Development grant which 60

was announced in May 2013. The refurbishment was the first major refit of the building since it opened in 1982. The project was in the planning stages for over six months and was managed in house by senior library staff and two gentlemen from council’s building maintenance team. The grant funding delivered new furniture, shelving, carpet tiles and a fresh coat of paint. There were upgrades to the public access computers, wi-fi and some electrical works which were badly needed. The library team worked with three men from Williamson Brothers Removals to pack the library stock into 841 boxes in two days! Magnificent! The official opening of the library space by Mylee Joseph was held on the 10th July. The event was attended by council staff, councillors, our Director of Community Engagement, Kathy Oliver and luminaries from The North East Zone. Indigenous Servicemen’s display by the library staff of local Aboriginal serviceman in preparation for NAIDOC week in July.

I r e d d q e P b e a a s h d m i e o o v v f e B m l q e q s U v a A v

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES Slim Dustyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Childhood Home

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17km of Guardrails $4.7 million

107 timber bridges

5,755 hydrants and valves

39 concrete/composite bridges

21 Water Pump Stations

55 flood drains

5 tourist parks

46 levees and rock walls 111 Bores

14 car parks

175 floodgates

98km of urban stormwater drainage

11669 weekly waste collections 4 public swimming pools

18 Reservoirs and 2 Dams

1 Reclaimed Water Treatment Plant

184 rural culverts

14 cemeteries 63

Areas of Responsibility Transport Network - Roads maintenance and construction Traffic management and safety devices Bridge maintenance and construction Footpaths and cycleways Public transport infrastructure (Bus Stops, Taxi Ranks etc) Signs and linemarking Flood mitigation and rural drainage Urban stormwater drainage Asset planning and investigation Waste services including public place and kerbside bin collection for waste, organics and recycling Waste management facilities (Transfer Stations and Landfill) Parks and recreational areas Street cleaning Sporting facilities Management of capital works programs Water and wastewater manangement Lifeguard services Pool operation and maintenance Property services, acquisitions and leases

MAJOR PROJECTS JULY - AUGUST

Unsealed Roads Program - (gravel resheeting) Works completed in Back Creek Road, Kinchela and Back Beach Road, Crescent Head. The focus for Council’s major construction teams at this time of year is to progress the gravel roads program as the colder weather is not as suitable for work on bitumen roads other than pothole patching. Floodgate Maintenance program Works to refurbish gates at Jeffery Street, Smithtown and Willow Drain were completed. Replacement of girders on Turners Flat Bridge restored the bridge capacity and allowed the load limit to be lifted. The old timber deck on Hat Head (Korogoro Creek) Bridge was replaced with prefabricated concrete deck units. The prefabricated units were lifted into place one side at a time using large cranes whilst continually allowing traffic to pass over the creek.

Solar Power System Cuts the Cost of Power for the Depot The 50 kW solar power system installed on the roof of the Workshop at the Thompson Street Works Depot is expected to generate enough power to supply half of the power requirements of Council’s Depot and

will return excess power generated to the grid. The cost savings in dollar terms are expected to be in the order of $14,000 per annum and will increase with future electricity charges. Over the life of the system it will generate almost $300,000 in ongoing savings for the community. The system was funded by a Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payment provided by the NSW Environment Protection Authority from Waste Levy payments collected from the users of Council’s landfill operation.

Post Bypass Smith Street Stage 1 upgrade works Stage 1 works were completed in Smith Street Kempsey with angle parking introduced to Smith Street between Belgrave & Forth Streets and traffic reduced to one through lane in each direction. The priority for this area was to transform it from moving the traffic along as quickly as possible to an area that promotes convenient parking opportunities together with improved pedestrian access. Works completed include: • Removal of the central concrete median at the Forth Street end and restoration of the road surface • A section of the central garden bed median removed to provide a proper refuge for pedestrians • Concrete ramps constructed on each side at the centralised crossing

Wijay Cultural Park, Kempsey

point to provide safe access from the footpath area across the road • A new concrete landing has been constructed for the bus parking area • New signs installed to reflect the changes to parking and traffic directions • All of the existing linemarking removed and new linemarking installed.

Major road works on Barnard and Bissett Streets Road works were completed on Barnard and Bissett Streets including excavation and reconstruction of failed areas of the pavement where it had been deformed. The works formed part of Council’s 10-year roadwork strategy; however, they were brought forward in this year’s Operating Plan as a result of the early completion of the Kempsey Bypass.

Mattys Flat Upgrade including Public Wharf and Pontoon A new floating pontoon and public wharf at the Mattys Flat Boat Ramp at New Entrance, South West Rocks was constructed, together with significant upgrades to the carparking area, which included additional parking bays (both car/trailer and single car spaces) together with two formalised concrete boat washdown bays. The work was

mainly funded from the Better Boating grant program administered by NSW Roads and Maritime Services with supporting funding from a low interest loan through the NSW Government’s Caravan Park Levy Committee.

Kempsey Airport Upgrade Council received notification from the Federal Government during June 2013 that our application for the $2 million grant funding was successful. There had been some doubt on whether the agreement would be signed due to the impending federal election however Council received notification that it had been signed in August 2013. Design work proceeded for the project during 2013-14 with tenders for the work being called later in the year.

Resealing road works Resealing of South West Rocks Road, Eden Street in Central Kempsey and Hat Head bridge approaches were completed.

SEPTEMBER Refurbishment of the McNally’s Drain Floodgate structure was completed Rehabilitation of South West Rocks Road (Barnard Street) Gladstone was completed

New bus shelter A $35,970 grant funded by the NSW Government under the 201213 Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CTPIGS) was used to build two new bus shelters in Angus McNeil Crescent, South Kempsey and on the intersection of Collombatti Road and Seven Hills Lane, Collombatti. Council also completed the works for the 2012-13 (CTPIGS) at York Lane, Crescent Head and Smithtown.

OCTOBER Gravel resheeting of Point Plomer Road was completed Rehabilitation of part Rudder Street completed.

Road works Major road works were completed on South West Rocks Road between Red Hill Lane and the new Pacific Highway bridge; Eden Street, Kempsey; Barnard Street, Gladstone, and Rudder Street in East Kempsey. These sections of road represent some of the worst sections on the Regional Road network and they previously required constant pothole patching to maintain a driving surface. 65

Flood Levee Audit Following flood events funding was received under the NSW State Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Floodplain Risk Management Grant Program to review and upgrade floodgates, upgrade the flood warning system and undertake a comprehensive audit of the levee systems on the Lower Macleay. The levee audit was the first time in over a decade that Council had the ability to examine the current condition of the systems in detail and identify the areas which suffered damage from flood events. It provides the background data to identify current defects for rectification as well as missing sections of levees and areas below the original design height. The audit commenced with a desktop review of the levees against the latest aerial photographic imaging and laser scanning (LIDAR) information. The original design plans and reports have been scanned for electronic storage and a summary of the information has been prepared gathering information from previous studies. This was followed by a process of visual inspection and survey of the levee system with further level data collected by GPS survey.

Stuarts Point Water Supply Refurbishment 66

The Stuarts Point water supply system received major periodic maintenance aimed at addressing water quality concerns with residents of Stuarts Point, Grassy Head and Fishermans Reach connected to the town water supply benefiting greatly from the works. The existing filters were progressively taken offline one by one and repainted before being reinstalled and commissioned with new treatment media.

buying and selling day which was held in October 2013. The day provided the opportunity to deliver new sales, bargain buys, more community interaction, less landfill and more cash flow through our local economy. The local sellers and buyers combined together to give renewed life to some of the items that had been lying around their homes for years.

Free household hazardous chemicals cleanout

Kempsey Rail Footbridge

A drive-through collection site was set up in Kempsey for a free household chemical cleanout. Midwaste partnered with NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and Transpacific Industries (TPI) to offer a safe and easy disposal service to shire residents for any unwanted or out-of-date household chemicals. This initiative was particularly well supported by the community and re-emphasised the value to the community of removing unwanted or surplus chemicals from around our homes. Planning for more regular collections will be investigated.

Garage Sale Trail The Garage Sale Trail is a nationwide initiative that gives all members of the community the opportunity to connect with each other through a local

NOVEMBER

An abandoned water main was removed from the footbridge adjacent to the Kempsey Rail Bridge, over the Macleay River. The main had to be removed before Christmas to enable Road and Maritime Services (RMS) to commence the planned work for the refurbishment of the footbridge.

Loftus Bridge Remedial works were conducted on the Loftus Bridge at Upper Belmore River Road near the Crescent Head turnoff to stabilise the western abutment which had demonstrated signs of movement over recent months.

Historic Flagstaff Restoration State Award

Crescent Head

Council and the volunteers from the Mid North Maritime Museum worked together in the refurbishment of the historic flagstaff and flag locker structures on Point Briner at Horseshoe Bay, South West Rocks resulting in the volunteers winning the 2013 IMAGinE Awards from Museums and Galleries of New South Wales in the category of “Collection Management – Volunteers”. Since completion in October 2012, the project has received awards from the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australia, Heritage Council of New South Wales and Museums and Galleries New South Wales. The project was also featured alongside the Kempsey Bypass as a finalist in the Newcastle Division of the Engineers Australia Engineering Excellence Awards.

Council’s Master Plan for the South West Rocks CBD and will complement the previous stages undertaken in Prince of Wales Avenue several years ago. Works included the extension of the piped drainage system along Paragon Avenue together with new kerb and gutter and footpath for its entire length, works on the intersection of Paragon and Prince of Wales Avenue creating a shared zone for pedestrians and vehicles improving disabled access and the completion of split level footway works within Prince of Wales Avenue. The South West Rocks CBD upgrade was completed in time for the Christmas holiday influx of visitors to the region.

DECEMBER

The Horseshoe Bay shelter shed reconstruction in South West Rocks was completed in December. The cost of the replacement was estimated at $173,000 with approximately $80,000 being funded from the insurance payment received by Council after the old structure was burnt down in 2012. It is anticipated that the new structure will be appreciated by all of the residents and visitors to the area over the peak holiday times for many years to come.

Rehabilitation of Plummers Lane completed Replacement of Black Cockatoo Bridge on Hunters Road,Yarrahapinni completed

South West Rocks CBD Master Plan Works Works on the South West Rocks CBD were completed prior to Christmas as part of the implementation of

Horseshoe Bay shelter shed

On Site Sewage Treatment Upgrade at Stuarts Point

Holiday Park The existing septic tank sewage treatment system at the Stuarts Point Holiday Park has been problematic for many years, particularly during peak holiday time. Nearby residents often endured periods of significant odour that was generated by the old system. A new system was installed prior to the Christmas holidays with the existing septic tanks removed after the peak holiday season concluded. This work greatly reduced the level of infiltration into the system and has improved the overall system performance considerably.

FEBRUARY Rehabilitation of Pacific Street, Crescent Head and Bissett Street, East Kempsey were completed Refurbishment of Mighells Bridge on Mighells Road,Yarrahapinni were completed.

Water restrictions Level 3 water restrictions were implemented in February due to low rainfall and ongoing dry conditions.

Airport wildlife In the first recorded incident in ten

years a kangaroo collided with a plane as it travelled along the runway at Kempsey Airport. Council had previously adopted a Wildlife Hazard Management Plan for the airport which focussed on providing a better understanding and evaluating the risk of collision. The plan involved gathering regular data regarding the wildlife in and around the airport and the relative numbers. The issue of fencing the airport is one that Council has considered previously and funding had been allocated to this project, however the grant funding could not be secured.

Emergency works on a water supply reservoir at Hat Head Routine access and inspections of the steel reservoir at Hat Head found that the roof was sagging down in the middle and action was taken to isolate the reservoir from the supply system so that emergency works could be undertaken on the roof. Following engineering inspection of the roof structure, it was determined to remove the roof from the structure and undertake a full replacement as salvaging the existing roof was not feasible.

Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Plans Council’s Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Plans for all of its assets 68

were prepared and adopted by Council. These documents formed a critical part in Council’s successful submission for a Special Rate Variation through IPART.

MARCH Drainage works at Ocean Drive, South West Rocks were completed

South Kempsey Oval Upgrade The South Kempsey oval was given an upgrade after a collaborative effort between the Macleay Valley Eagles AFL Club and the Macleay Valley Cricket Association who, along with Council, provided funding for the setup of demountable buildings. Thiess Pty Ltd contributed the buildings which were used on one of their by-pass construction sites and were deemed suitable to be reused as club amenities. The clubs managed the installation works for the building and also undertook the construction of a verandah area and internal fitout to ensure the space is usable during their sporting activities. Works will continue on the project with the aim to having a fully operational building by Christmas 2014.

Training Initiatives Council received recognition as the

winner of the Programme Innovation Category of the NSW Branch Australian Water Association Awards for 2014. Staff from Council and HVTC Mid Coast worked together to be the first organisations within Australia to introduce traineeships in the Water Industry within the schoolbased environment. The traineeship program is Council’s major initiative in addressing an ageing workforce and growing skills shortage. As a result of the success of these programs, Council has trainees throughout most areas of its operations including Roads & Bridges, Waste, Parks and Gardens, Water, Wastewater and Administration.

APRIL Rehabilitation of South West Rocks Road (Main Road, Jerseyville to Arakoon Road) was completed

Road widening capability Council worked to support a local contractor, Mid Coast Road Services, in the development and application of machinery aimed at making the process of repairing road edges or completing road widening easier and more cost-effective. The benefit to Council and community is the ability to access equipment locally and achieve a more successful outcome for the grant funding available.

Surfers

Mattys Flat Refurbishment The refurbishment of Mattys Flat Reserve was completed. This work complements the work already completed at Mattys Flat by Council and has resulted in a much improved layout for the parking areas, traffic flow through the parking areas and access to the facilities on the site. A welcome sign at the entrance coordinated by Hadlow Design Service, carried out by a group of local volunteers finalised the completion of the site refurbishment. Council committed to this project in 2009 when funding was secured under the NSW State Government’s Better Boating Grant Program and the Public Reserves Management and Infrastructure Fund.

MAY

that are a big improvement from their current home in the garage of the Police Station site next door. The SES unit has seen renewed interest from residents wishing to volunteer which will boost their numbers and improve their capability to respond in emergencies.

JUNE Replacement of Williams Bridge on Reserve Road, Grassy Head was completed Refurbishment of Smiths Creek Bridge on Smiths Creek Road, Kundabung was completed Rehabilitation of South West Rocks Road at Kinchela and Crescent Head Road were completed.

Bus Interchanges

Gladstone SES HQ The Gladstone SES Unit took possession of their completed headquarters in Kinchela Street, Gladstone, in May 2014. The new building was primarily funded by the State Government with additional funding from Council using the savings in operational costs for SES activities to fund capital improvement reserves for SES activities. The completion of the project will provide the local SES unit with facilities

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) approached Council in November 2013 with a proposal to fully fund

two bus interchanges in Kempsey. One was in North Street adjacent to Warwick Park Racecourse and the other was in Sea Street near St Pauls College. As the Sea Street bus stop no longer exists due to the internal bus interchange located within the College grounds, Council identified another bus interchange on South West Road at the intersection of Old Station Road that would benefit from an upgrade. TfNSW agreed with Council’s proposal and fully funded the works at both interchanges ($321,000 for the SWR Rd Interchange and $276,000 for the Warwick Park Racecourse Interchange). Both interchanges were completed by the end of June 2014.

Waste Management Education Council’s Waste Education Officer challenged Kempsey Shire residents to up-cycle waste items from their homes into something useful, beautiful or anything that gives landfill a second life during the school holidays at the Frugal Forest workshop. The workshop was facilitated by a local professional artist with the resulting project to be showcased at the Glasshouse Port Macquarie in 2016 and then going on tour.

South West Rocks Skate Park Funding for the construction of a double bowl for the South West 69

Rocks skate park was raised by the South West Rocks Rotary Club, with Kempsey Shire Council project managing the engineering, construction and landscaping of the area.

Managing Asbestos Waste In Our Community

works during June. Works include extension of the internal roads, water supply, power and on-site sewage management to provide access and services to potential lease areas within the airport that may be developed. The works also include extension of the internal taxiways to allow aircraft from the lease areas to access the main runway terminal and hardstand areas.

‘Betty’ – the ADRI (Asbestos Disease Research Institute) purpose built education exhibit house toured Kempsey Shire as part of a NSW campaign telling communities to stop playing renovation roulette with asbestos in and around the home. The tour of Betty played an important role in helping people in many communities from the Hunter to the NSW North Coast and New England communities to understand that there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres because there is no cure for asbestos-related diseases. Education is the first line of defence in preventing the crushing third wave of cancers caused by exposure to asbestos fibres when renovating or maintaining homes.

Airport Project Upgrade Following the signing of a Deed of Agreement for the funding between Council and the Federal Government who contributed $2M towards funding for the $2.5M airport upgrade, full design plans and documentation were prepared and tenders called for the 70

Aldavilla Public School - Winners of the Keep Australia Beautiful Award

WASTE MINIMISATION Frederickton Village

Waste minimisation and resource recovery are increasingly important as the cost of landfill increases with the rising NSW Waste Levy charge. Council constantly works to improve Kempsey’s waste management services and community education to get the right waste to the right place. This saves local funds, landfill space and resources going to waste.

MIDWASTE Council networks with 7 other neighbouring councils on the Mid North Coast through the MIDWASTE regional waste forum. Council also currently provides the Chairperson for MIDWASTE and hosts many of the monthly meetings to facilitate greater efficiency and consistency between councils.

Public Place Recycling Council had a successful trial of placing Public Place Waste and Recycling

Enclosures at Kempsey Skate Park and Frederickton Boat Ramp Park. Litter was reduced and there was minimal contamination in the recycling bin. Most importantly they were not vandalised and utilised recycled materials in their construction (to “close the loop” on recycling). Further sets were installed at Riverside Park to address the littering issues there and again this further trial has been successful.

Kitchen food-scrap HandyBins Council is continuing education and promotion for getting food waste into the green Organics kerbside collection bins with their kitchen food-scrap HandyBins. The system has been voluntary and people have been going to the effort of coming in to get replacement liners and providing great feedback to be able to improve further. Council has thus made the case to win Waste Levy funding back from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to deliver new foodscrap collection bins with compostable liners to every household with an Organics kerbside collection service. This will enable our community to minimise the food waste going to landfill and creates better commercial composts for our local gardeners and farmers. Our Shire and local economy will also benefit from sending less heavy food waste to landfill through paying less Waste Levy to the State

Government.

Love Food Hate Waste Workshop Food waste going to landfill putrefies anaerobically to create dangerous air and water pollutants. Although it can go in the kerbside green Organics bin to create beneficial composts, it is much better not wasted in the first place wherever possible.

Council continued to work with MIDWASTE to run more Love Food Hate Waste workshops in the Kempsey Library after the previous year’s well attended events. This, together with positive feedback, facilitated further funding by the NSW EPA to allow MIDWASTE to promote to targeted parts of the community that need it most. Research has found that young people, parents of young children and households with annual incomes over $100,000 wasted the most food. The average NSW household could save around $1000 of wasted food each year with smarter

meal planning, cooking and preserving practices. These tips can be found at www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au.

WasteWise Events

Inexpensive compostable shopping bags were made available to encourage ReUse, local shopping and going plastic-bag free (as many plastic bags can cause litter, livestock and wildlife concerns).

Council trialled the WasteWise Event model with the new Kempsey Riverside Market with good success. Two sets of 3 bin waste stations were provided to the public to enable both recycling and food waste (with compostable catering-ware) to be separated from landfill waste. Council sets up the MIDWASTE filtered town-water dispenser with the bins and informative signage.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Bettyâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC; - ADRI Asbestos Awareness House visit

Waste Collection at Community Markets

X-ray collection bin at Customer Services

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS Cattle Transport at the Kempsey Saleyards

Point Plomer Road - gravel resheeting. The full length of Point Plomer Road was resheeted with gravel. Plummers Lane - widening and rehabilitation. Approximately 1km of Plummers Lane was widened and the pavement was rehabilitated to restore that section to an excellent condition. Crescent Head Road – widening for improvement to safety and rehabilitation. Four sections of Crescent Head Road were widened and on the section east of Maria River Road the pavement was rehabilitated and strengthened. This work was partly funded by the Nation Building Black Spot Program. South West Rocks Road (Jerseyville to Arakoon Road) - widening and rehabilitation. The section of South West Rocks Road from Main Street, Jerseyville to Arakoon Road was widened and the pavement was rehabilitated.

and Pacific Street, Crescent Head – pavement rehabilitation/ reseal. Rehabilitation and/or reseal of pavements in urban areas was undertaken to restore pavements and prolong their life. Hat Head Road, Hat Head – bridge replacement. Replacement of the timber girders/deck with precast concrete deck units was undertaken on the Korogoro Creek Bridge.

South West Rocks Road at Kinchela - widening for improvement to safety and rehabilitation. A 1.3km section of South West Rocks Road was widened and the pavement was rehabilitated. This work was funded by the Nation Building Black Spot Program.

Reserve Road, Grassy Head – bridge replacement. Williams Bridge (timber) on Reserve Road at Grassy Head was replaced with a large concrete box culvert. The existing water main was relocated from the bridge and placed underground utilising HDD (Horizontal directional drilling) and an additional hydrant installed to assist with water quality management and fire fighting capacity.

Barnard Street, Gladstone, Bissett and Rudder Streets, East Kempsey

Hunters Road,Yarrahapinni – bridge replacement. Black Cockatoo

Bridge (timber) on Hunters Road at Yarrahapinni was replaced with a large concrete box culvert. Bridge refurbishment - Major bridge refurbishment was undertaken to Turners Flat Bridge, Smiths Creek Bridge on Smiths Creek Road at Kundabung and Mighell Bridge on Mighells Road at Yarrahapinni. Replacement of bridge decks was undertaken at Robinson’s Bridge on Summer Island Road, Brenton’s Dam Bridge on Collombatti Road, Thurgood’s Bridge on Upper Belmore River Road, Medica Bridge on Upper Smiths Creek Road and King Creek Bridge on Barbers Lane. South West Rocks CBD streetscape improvements - Work was completed on the streetscape improvement works including water main replacements in Prince of Wales and Paragon Avenues, South West Rocks.

Mattys Flat Carpark and Public Wharf. Construction of a public wharf and floating pontoon, together with the

extension of carparking, rearrangement of traffic flow and provision of a boat washdown facility was completed at Mattys Flat boat ramp, South West Rocks. North Street, West Kempsey and South West Rocks Road/Old Station Road bus interchanges - Improvements to the areas for school pupils to interchange with buses were completed. These works were fully funded by Transport for NSW. Flood damage repairs – 2013 flood events – Work was commenced on repairs to gravel roads damaged by the January/February 2013 flood events. More than 80 roads received funding totally $1.6M.These works are funded by Roads and Maritime Services and will be undertaken over the next 12 months. Gladstone SES Building – The new SES Headquarters building in Gladstone was designed by a local draftsperson and constructed under the supervision of Council staff. The building is purpose designed, extremely functional and caters for the SES Unit’s requirements. The building itself blends in with the heritage streetscape of Gladstone.

Airport Upgrade – The design and documentation was prepared to a stage to ensure funding could be secured for the projects. Once the

funding agreement was signed, full working documentation was prepared to enable tenders for construction to be called. Onsite Sewage Treatment Upgrade at Stuarts Point Holiday Park – The problematic old septic system was replaced and upgraded with minimal to no disruption to the operation of the Holiday Park. Horseshoe Bay Shelter Shed – Following the delays in rebuilding the shelter due to the public consultation & discussions on the future upgrade of the Horseshoe Bay Reserve, a replacement shelter was designed and constructed. The new shelter provided a significant improvement to the site and was opened prior to Christmas. A great outcome for the people of SWR. Assets Management Policy, Strategy and Plans - Council’s Asset Management Policy, Strategy and Plans for all of its assets were prepared in readiness for submission with Council’s successful IPART application. Water Supply Pumping Station Upgrades - Replacement bores were installed at South West Rocks to supplement the existing bore-field capacity. The Switch Control Board (SCB) for Cardwell Street Booster Pump Station was replaced including instrumentation upgrades to SCADA

(System Control and Data Acquisition). SCADA Replacement - Rollout of Stage 1 of the ClearSCADA telemetry network to Gladstone and Frederickton areas with for Water and Sewer infrastructure and partial rollouts to South West Rocks and Crescent Head water networks. Hat Head Sewer System - Infiltration auditing and performance assessment was completed for system. A plan to improve the resilience of the system has been prepared and is shceudled for implementation over a number of years in a staged approach. Hat Head Sewer Treatment Plant Pumping and transfer changes were undertaken to improve the treatment process and provide additional treatment capacity, particularly during peak holiday periods. Sewer main renewals. 600 metres of

Surfers at Crescent Head

sewer mains were relined or replaced in West Kempsey and Crescent Head areas. Water main renewals - Water main renewals were completed in Washington Street East Kempsey, The Ponds Way, Eucalypt and Waterford Crescents, Aldavilla and Tozer Street West Kempsey totalling 1420 metres. Valve Maintenance Program - The Hydrant and Stop Valve Maintenance program was completed throughout South West Rocks, Gladstone, Smithtown and Frederickton.

plan preparation progressed to formal adoption stage at Horseshoe Bay. Plans were prepared and implemented for Option A of Smith Street upgrade involving the use of angled parking and one through lane in each direction. Inspection and revaluation of all of Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building assets was completed.

Workplace Health and Safety Improvements - Safe access and work platforms were installed at West Kempsey and Frederickton Sewer Treatment Plants (STP) to improve the safety of our staff accessing these areas during the course of their duties. West Kempsey Sewerage Treatment Replacement/Augmentation - The concept design for this project was completed and expanded to create a centralised STP that could replace three existing plants to achieve better environmental outcomes. In addition, suitable land was purchased and detailed site investigations are progressing (including contour surveying, geotechnical drilling and environmental assessments). Community consultation and master

DEFERRED PROJECTS Roadworks Whilst the majority of the road works program has been successfully completed for 2014, the works planned for Gordon Young Drive at South West Rocks and River Street Greenhill have been deferred due to additional funding being received under the Nation Building Black Spot Program conditional on expenditure by 30 June 2014. Additional funds were also received under the Transport Access Program works, which were conditional on completion by 30 June 2014. Both of these grants required resources to be diverted to meet the deadlines under the respective programs. Council resolved to reallocate funding planned for the rehabilitation of Washington Street, East Kempsey until 2014-15 and hence this project was also not completed. This project is included in the 2014-15 Operating Plan. Council also resolved that refurbishment of Clarke’s Bridge on Yessabah Road be deferred until 201415 due to unexpected works required on Turners Flat Bridge and Loftus Bridge. This project is included in the 2014-15 Operating Plan.

Floodgates Refurbishment of the Menarcobrinni Floodgates under the Floodplain 76

Management Grant Program has not commenced. Ongoing negotiations with NSW Fisheries have not yet yielded a Permit to undertake the works. It is expected that this matter will be resolved shortly and the work will proceed in August.

Crescent Head Foreshore Two grants were received in January 2014 under the Public Reserves Management Fund Program for works at Crescent Head Foreshore Reserve and the Flagstaff at South West Rocks. The conditions of the grants require completion within 12 months. Planning is underway to complete these projects before the summer tourist season. These projects will be carried forward to 2014-15.

Horseshoe Bay Reserve Completion of the planned improvements for Horseshoe Bay Reserve have been deferred pending adoption of the Master Plan and revised Plan of Management for the Reserve.

Holiday Parks The proposed update of the Plans of Management for the coastal holiday parks were deferred pending finalisation of the Horseshoe Bay

Reserve Master Plan and Plan of Management. The level of input required for the Horseshoe Bay Master Plan was underestimated and as a result work on the development of the Plans of Management for other coastal foreshore reserves has not proceeded.

Building Assets Whilst work is currently in progress collecting condition information regarding Council’s building assets. A review of maritime infrastructure, building maintenance services and the underutilisation of building assets has not progressed. The focus was on updating Council’s Asset Management Plan for all classes in order to meet the requirements for the special rate variation in 2013-14.

Lower Macleay Mains Work was deferred on augmentation of the Lower Macleay trunk main system so that an investigation can be undertaken into the overall long term strategy for the scheme. It may be possible that Council has an opportunity to reduce the lifecycle costs of providing water services to the coastal communities by connecting those schemes to the larger Kempsey scheme allowing for economies of scale.

Crescent Head Surfing Reserve

Telemetry Good progress was made in reviewing the existing telemetry system for Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s water supply and sewerage infrastructure. A trial of the new platform was successful and a staged rollout is now progressing.

concentrating resources on rectifying defects identified in the West Kempsey system as part of the West Kempsey Infiltration Reduction Program. The benefits of focussing resources into this area were proven during flood events when the emergency overflow bypass system to the river did not need to be operated.

Water Main Renewal

Fluoridation

The majority of the water main renewal program was completed with the exception of Bellimbopinni and Crescent Head areas. At Bellimbopinni, it was determined to defer this work until further analysis of the existing infrastructure condition and previous failures can be undertaken. It may be possible to defer this work for several years allowing higher priority replacements to be considered. In Crescent Head, some replacement work was undertaken after a major main failure earlier in 2012. In addition, a significant water main cleaning program was undertaken in lieu of infrastructure replacements. This is considered to have provided a greater level of benefit to the network and assisted in addressing water quality complaints.

Council is continuing negotiations and discussions with the Department of Health, NSW Office of Water and the Department of Public Works regarding the fluoridation of the Kempsey and Crescent Head water supplies. This work is expected to be completed within the next 12.

Sewer Main Renewal Completion of the sewer main renewal program was not as good as expected and this was the result of

West Kempsey Sewerage Treatment Works Progress is being made on the proposed upgrade for West Kempsey Sewerage Treatment Works. Council successfully acquired the property for the construction of a new sewerage treatment plant. The property has been surveyed and studies are being undertaken into the environmental impact and geotechnical conditions prior to the detailed design progressing. Council has completed a concept design and the detailed design will progress this year..

Gladstone School Sewer Repair

Pot Hole Patching - West Kempsey

Black Cockatoo Culvert 77

GENERAL PROGRAM REVIEW PROGRAMFUND REVIEW PROGRAM

COMPLETED / COMMENTS

2011-12 Roads Program Carryovers Mattys Flat Wharf, Carpark & Boat Ramp Upgrade

April 2014

2013-14 Roads Program Unsealed Roads Point Plomer Road

October 2013

Back Beach Road

August 2013

Back Creek Road

July 2013

Sealed Roads South West Rocks Road (Main Road Jerseyville to Arakoon Road)

April 2014

Plummers Lane (Rainbow Reach Road to Suez Road)

December 2013

Barnard Street, Gladstone Pacific Street, Crescent Head Bissett Street, East Kempsey Rudder Street, East Kempsey Washington Street, East Kempsey Gordon Young Drive, South West Rocks

September 2013 February 2014 February 2014 October 2013 Council resolution to defer until 2014-15 Not commenced - deferred until 2014-15 to permit additional works on Crescent Head Road in conjunction with grant funding.

River Street, Greenhill (Spooners Avenue to Sherwood Road)

Bridge and Culvert Program Hat Head Road (Korogoro Creek) Bridge (Replace timber deck with concrete) Williams Bridge, Reserve Road, Grassy Head (Replace with concrete culvert) Black Cockatoo Bridge, Hunters Road Yarrahapinni (Replace with concrete culvert) 78

August 2013 June 2014 December 2013

Kitesurfers at Trial Bay, SWR

Smiths Creek Bridge, Smiths Creek Road, Kundabung (Refurbish Timber Bridge) Mighell Bridge, Mighell Road,Yarrahapinni (Refurbish Timber Bridge) Clarkes Bridge,Yessabah Road,Yessabah (Refurbish Timber Bridge)

July 2014 February 2014 Not commenced – Council resolution to defer until 2014-15 to undertake priority works on Turners Flat and Loftus Bridges

Drainage and Flood Mitigation Programs Ocean Street, South West Rocks (Drainage Works) Willow Drain Floodgates (Refurbishment) Jeffrey Street, Smithtown, Floodgates (Refurbishment) Mcnally’s Drain Floodgates (Refurbishment) Menarcobrinni Floodgates (Refurbishment)

March 2014 August 2013 July 2013 September 2013 Not commenced – Delay in obtaining fisheries permit

Other Works South West Rocks CBD Masterplan Works – Prince Of Wales and Paragon Avenues

December 2013

New Projects Added South West Rocks Road, Kinchela (Nation Building Black Spot Program) Crescent Head Road (Nation Building Black Spot Program) North Street Bus Interchange (NSW Transport Access Program) Old Station Road Bus Interchange (NSW Transport Access Program) Crescent Head Foreshore Reserve Footpath (Public Reserve Management Fund Program) Flagstaff Point Walkway (Public Reserve Management Fund Program)

June 2014 June 2014 July 2014 July 2014 Not commenced (grant conditions do not require completion until January 2015)

Open Spaces and Facilities Capital Program Stuarts Point Oval – Laser Grade Running Track and Replace Floodlights

Completed 79

Eden Street Sporting Fields – Upgrade Security Crescent Head Oval – New Storage Facilities Close and Demolish York Lane and Caltex Toilets Install Residual Current Devices protection to all Council buildings Eden Street/Verge St Playing Fields – Replace Timber Fencing along Eden Street Levee Review Provision of Open Space and Recreation Facilities/Infrastructure by Council

Completed November 2012 Completed Works in Progress – Carry over Completed Work in progress – Carry over

Horseshoe Bay Reserve Improvements Update Plans of Management for Horseshoe Bay and Maria River Crown Reserves Replace playground, Replace sunshade, Replace tables/seating, fencing and landscaping

Horseshoe Bay Reserve Plan of Management complete & awaiting Minister’s endorsement – Maria River Crown Reserve not commenced Deferred awaiting endorsement of Masterplan & Plan of Management

Other Works Develop Churchill Quarry Update Plans of Management For Coastal Holiday Parks Progressively Upgrade Coastal Holiday Parks in accordance with identified priorities in Plans Of Management Develop Plans Of Management for Coastal Foreshore Crown Reserves at Hat Head, Stuarts Point and Grassy Head Complete new survey of current road conditions for the network. Compare to 2008 survey results and revise 10 year works program Complete condition and defect survey of all footpath areas to identify high risk actions and priorities 80

Contract signed for development and operation. DA process in progress Work deferred pending adoption of the Horseshoe Bay Reserve Master Plan and Plan of Management Capital upgrade program completed Deferred until Horseshoe Bay Masterplan is completed Completed Completed

Trawlers at Jerseyville

Wildlife risk management plan; complying with Civil Aviation Safety Authority requirements for Kempsey airport Development of business and lease areas – Mid North Coast aviation excellence plan Effluent Management System – investigation into improving performance Undertake designs for the upgrading of amenities within Riverside Park and Clyde Street Review building assets to identify areas of under-utilisation for future action Review provision of building maintenance and related services by Council Condition inspection of Council’s buildings, defect identification, assessment and prioritisation Review provision of maritime infrastructure; service levels, utilisation and safety

Completed In progress – Tenderer to be appointed in June 2014 and completion expected by March 2015 Investigation completed Completed Not Done - deferred 2014-15 Not Done - deferred 2014-15 Work in progress – inspection completed, prioritisation not commenced In progress

Country Transport Passenger Infrastructure Grant Scheme York Lane Taxi Rank

Installation completed

Crescent Head bus shelter South West Rocks bus shelter (altered to Smithtown) Angus McNeil Crescent Seven Hills Road, Collombatti

Installation completed Installation completed Installation completed Installation completed

New Projects Added SES Gladstone Headquarters

Construction completed

WATER AND SEWER PROGRAM REVIEW PROJECT NAME

COMPLETED / COMMENTS

Water Capital Program Review Water Supply and Wastewater Strategic Business Plans and pricing paths for next 10 years to ensure user charges are equitably distributed amongst the community

Consultant for pricing path plan engaged. Draft plan delivered and additional sensitivity analysis completed. Workshop held to raise concerns identified. Further detailed work underway by consultant

Investigation to assess the viability of linking the coastal village schemes and Kempsey District Water Supply System Extend water main – South Kempsey industrial land servicing Manage raw water quality – Coastal Aquifers - Participate in finalisation of aquifer study

Consultant engaged to develop concept and trunk distribution modelling. Draft concept design completed Work approaching Commissioning Stage Consultant appointment progressing. Discussions held with NSW Office of Water to finalise licensing requirements. Received new production bore licenses for Kinchela emergency borefield Concept design completed. Public Works (Coffs Harbour) writing brief and contract for detailed design

Construct a replacement waste water treatment plant in West Kempsey - Complete Concept and Detailed Designs For West Kempsey Wastewater Treatment Plant Augmentation of Hat Head Waste Water Treatment Plant - Complete Concept and Detailed Designs for Hat Head WWTP Investigate the construction of a wastewater collection and treatment system for Stuarts Point Implement fluoridation – Kempsey and Crescent Head (Dept of Health funded) Upgrade of Disinfection system at Steuart McIntyre Dam Source water management - Sherwood recharge channel restoration/monitoring Prepare Drinking Water Quality Management Plans

Construction of formed access road and power to Clybucca Reservoir

Project not commenced – alternative options are possible and are under investigation Project not commenced – review of option to be completed including transfer to SWR for treatment Awaiting agreement for State Government Form 1 approval & funding Detailed design for both installation of Fluoride and disinfection upgrade progressing as one project Stage 2 planting completed - ongoing till 2015 Draft Plan for the Kempsey system developed – Implementation of the plan to commence Contractor appointed – work delayed due to property issues

Trial Bay Gaol

Telemetry / SCADA Upgrades Crescent Head Frederickton Reservoir Clybucca Reservoir Completion of works for South West Rocks water reclaiming plant

Trial Completed – rollout in progress Validation period commenced

Water Renewals Program Creek Street, Hat Head Fern Street, Hat Head Baker Drive, Crescent Head Washington Street (intersection with Bissett Street) Ocean Avenue, Stuarts Point Tozer Street, West Kempsey Tozer Street, West Kempsey The Ponds Way, Aldavilla Eucalypt Close, Aldavilla Waterford Crescent, Aldavilla Sherwood Bore Field Pumping Station – Bores 4,6 and 11 Willawarrin Bore Field Pumping Station - Bores 1 and 2 South West Rocks Bore Field Pumping Station – Replace bore 6 Bellbrook Bore Field Pumping Station - Refurbish southern bore

Not Done - deferred 2014-15 Not Done - deferred 2014-15 Deferred to complete renewal in Washington Street Completed Not Done - deferred 2014-15 Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Not Done - deferred due to drought management actions Bore Drilling Complete, Installation of pump and connections to rising main commenced Complete – Bore 10 replaced instead of Bore 6 In Progress

PROJECT NAME Replacement of Stuarts Point reservoir roof Replacement of Hat Head reservoir roof Refurbishment of filtration systems and facilities at Stuarts Point Water Treatment Plant

COMPLETED / COMMENTS Not Done - deferred as a lower priority following structural failure of Hat Head reservoir roof and concerns over sister reservoir - John Lane. In progress, Insurance claim determined, contract to proceed Complete â&#x20AC;&#x201C; defective work by contractor under investigation for rectification

Sewer Mains Renewals

Skyline Crescent, Crescent Head Noongah Terrace, Crescent Head Gordon Young Drive, South West Rocks Elrington Avenue, West Kempsey Clarence Ryan Ave, West Kempsey Cochrane Street, West Kempsey Leith Street, West Kempsey Frederickton F1 Rising main Replace inlet works at Crescent Head, Gladstone and Frederickton Waste Water Treatment Plantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Connection of pipe work to Frederickton effluent pond Gladstone - G8 Sewer Pumping Station Gladstone - G1 Sewer Pumping Station South West Rocks - R10 Sewer Pumping Station South West Rocks - R11 Sewer Pumping Station Kempsey - K14 Sewer Pumping Station Kempsey - K17 Sewer Pumping Station Kempsey - K3 Sewer Pumping Station Frederickton - F3 Sewer Pumping Station

Completed Completed Not Completed - deferred 2014-15 Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Not Started - deferred 2014-15 Not Started - deferred 2014-15 Not Started - deferred 2014-15 Not Started - deferred 2014-15 Instrumentation upgraded Not Started - deferred 2014-15 Completed Completed Not Started Not Started

Bellbrook Hinterland

Sewer Capital Program Implement Hat Head Waste Water Reticulation System Storm/ Infiltration Improvement Program Sewer pump station renewals – Pump replacements and switchboard upgrades – Gladstone, South West Rocks and Kempsey Provide disinfection of effluent and reduce phosphorous levels prior to discharge - South Kempsey Waste Water Treatment Plant West Kempsey Infiltration Program Sherwood Road – Sewerage System

2012 - 13 Challenges Coordinating planning and construction of roadworks with the aim to achieve completion of the 2013-14 Operating Plan while accommodating significant additional funding for flood damage repairs, the Nation Building Black Spot Program (roadworks) and the NSW Transport Access Program (bus interchanges). Competing priorities where unplanned failures impact on planned works preventing effective use of resources and compromising ongoing planning.

Plans for the next 12 months Undertake an increased level of road rehabilitation work at Plummers Lane,

Works progressing Program set -pumps/switchboards ordered

Completed Work progressing on target over multiple years Stage 4 and 5 Complete, Stage 6 Commenced

Gill, Macleay and Washington Streets at East Kempsey, South West Rocks Road from Old Station Road to Pola Creek Road and from McKays Lane to Austral Eden Outer Road, Great North Road, Frederickton and Crescent head Road Reconstruct Geoffrey O’Hea Street at West Kempsey Upgrade Edinburgh Lane, West Kempsey for improved access to carparking and commercial properties, as a part of the rehabilitation of this road. Undertake major maintenance works on Macleay Valley Way following the handover of this asset to Council. Replace bridges at: • Belmore River Right Bank Road (McCudden’s), • Pee Dee Road (O’Sullivan’s) • Dungay Creek Road (Gills Gully)

• Willi Willi Road (Home Gully) Refurbish timber bridges at: • Yessabah Road (Clarke’s) • Turners Flat Road (Lovelock’s) Undertake gravel resheeting at: • Old Station Road • Verges Creek Road • Dungay Creek Road • Sandy Creek Road • West End Road • Battles Outlet Road and • Fishermans Reach Road. Commence streetscape works in Smith Street, Kempsey Complete the flood damage repair program Fully implement all aspects of Council’s restructure. Engage with the community to 85

determine a future direction for waste management within the Shire prior to commencing a new collection contract in 2016. Complete and implement the Open Spaces service level review. Prepare an open spaces strategy review looking at all open spaces and determining how best to utilise and rationalise the assets. Prepare an overall development plan for the Waste Management Centre. Undertake condition surveys of all Council’s buildings and prepare forward works plans for them. Review the Water Supply and Sewerage section structure to dedicate resources towards achieving the strategic goals. Detailed design of West Kempsey STP. Fluoridation of the Kempsey and Crescent Head Water Supply. Expansion of the Sherwood community sewerage system. Detailed design for sewerage in South Kempsey from South St to the new highway on ramp. Commence operation of the SWR Recycled water scheme. Complete Capital Works program for 2013-14 financial year including, water main renewals, sewer main renewals, water bore and sewer pump station upgrades. Prepare a master plan for Crescent Head CBD and foreshore reserve. Undertake an assessment of the

stormwater infrastructure in South West Rocks. Review the flood mitigation infrastructure for the lower Macleay. Implement the upgrade of Horseshoe Bay Reserve in accordance with the master plan and plan of management. Complete construction of the $2.5 million Airport redevelopment. Upgrade of Smith Street as the first stage in implementing the Bypass Corridor Masterplan. Undertake a revaluation of our major infrastructure assets.

Long Term Plans

Continue to prioritise and repair road pavements across the Shire with particular attention to highly trafficked regional roads. Continue to prioritise and replace or refurbish timber bridges. Implement the staged maintenance program for Macleay Valley Way. Complete the Bypass Corridor Masterplan upgrade/redevelopment. Establish tender for Sewer rehabilitation works. Develop long term upgrade / refurbishment programs for critical infrastructure. Detailed design and construction of Hat Head Sewer Treatment Plant augmentation. Construct a new West Kempsey Sewer Treatment Plant to meet current

environmental licensing and standards as well as accommodate flows from two other Sewer Treatment Plants. Develop concept augmentation plans for water supply, recycled water and sewerage services to meet our growing community’s needs and current standards. Continue to develop and improve Council’s asset management plans. Use Council’s asset management plans to prepare detailed forward works programs for all asset types, including asset evaluation and possible disposal, renewal and replacement. Rationalise existing recreational infrastructure to reduce operating and maintenance costs, allowing for reinvestment in the development of more important assets. Upgrade the Saleyard facility to address effluent disposal issues and improve the selling yards. Implement the Horseshoe Bay and Crescent Head Reserve master plans.

BUSHFIRE REPORT Big Nobby, Crescent Head

Bushfire

Bushfire Management

Fire is a natural process to which native animals and plants have adapted. Groups of animals and plants that constitute an ecosystem respond similarly to fire according to the characteristics of their life-history.

The Kempsey Rural Fire Service has continued to supply a service to the community and Kempsey Shire Council in line with the Service Level Agreement; this was achieved by participating in fire suppression and mitigation, community engagement and public advice in relation to hazard reduction and risk mitigation.

Many small mammals and most birds breed in Spring and Summer (commonly the fire period). As burned areas regenerate, different species find suitable habitat at the various levels of regeneration. Changing fire regimes have been associated with the decline of many biological communities. The correct management of fire is thus essential to avoid disruption of ecosystems and extinction of species. On 12 January 2011 the Lower North Coast Bushfire Risk Management Plan was signed by the Bushfire Coordinating Committee. This plan identifies assets, assesses risk and applies treatments as required across all tenures within the Lower North Coast.

The community engagement team completed 33 activities across Kempsey Shire throughout the year. Brigades took part in the state-wide open day, conducted street walks and held various static displays encouraging fire safety awareness. Members of the community engagement team also attended conferences and training both locally and regionally to increase their skills and knowledge in the field of community engagement. In the 2013-14 year staff received and actioned 17 hazard complaints across the Kempsey Shire. Staff also issued 19 Hazard Reduction Certificates under the Bushfire Environmental Assessment Code and completed 3 Review of Environmental Factors. Volunteer Rural Fire Service brigades assisted with a total of 19 hazard reduction burns encompassing an area of approximately 165 ha and issued 443 permits during last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bushfire

danger period. Overall the agencies comprising the Lower North Coast Bushfire Management Committee conducted approximately 3,593 hectares of hazard reduction burning and 200 hectares of mechanical hazard reduction across all tenures within the Lower North Coast Zone. Local brigades attended 406 incidents across the Kempsey Shire from 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014. Of those incidents, local brigades attended 34 motor vehicle accidents and 7 structural fires. Training was carried out for brigades as per the annual training program with all targets being met. A general decline in the overall number of volunteers has the potential to impact on fire fighting capacity in the longer term. In response, the NSW Rural Fire Service has been actively recruiting and supporting cadet programs within local schools, as well as introducing a system of flexible membership for more experience fire fighters. Without the dedication of the volunteers and the assistance given by Kempsey Shire Council to provide plant and equipment as required, the 2013-14 season could have been significantly worse. 87

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Performance Indicators measure the community’s expectations against Council’s actual performance in all areas. Indicator Number of water main failures Number of sewer surcharges

Target Less than 40 Less than 90

Comment

27 31

Water and sewer supply failures will be responded to within two hours of being reported

90%

99.5% Water 100% Sewer

Water quality analyses complying with Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)

98%

98.45%

Incidents resulting in illness due to Council’s potable water supply system

Less than 1

Frequency of unplanned water supply service interruptions per 1000 customers

Less than 40

155

Rate of economic return for water supply services

More than 1 0.3

Reduce operating costs per Kl of water produced

10%

Routine fluoride monitoring tests within the range provided by the regulation

More than 99%

92.44%

Proportion of public spaces receiving an improved level of service

20%

Proportion of public spaces made redundant and disposed of to fund 15% improvements in other facilities Level of usage of the swimming pools (including aquatic centre related 70% activities) 88

Result

0 74,454

One incident impacting upon a customer due to super chlorination This KPI reflects the low service frequency per Km of watermain

Azaleas at Community Care

Indicator

Target

People using footpaths daily

3,000

Effluent analyses complying with EPA licences

95%

91.59%

Volume of treated wastewater reused or recycled

More than 10%

10.19% Accum Avg

Volume of sludge reused / recycled

>95%

100%

Reduce the costs of management, treatment and pumping (electricity) >10% costs <102 Average unplanned service disruptions Minutes

Result

No data currently available 60 tests complied out of the 68 taken

0 138 Minutes

Rate of return for water services

Reduction in number of road condition complaints

20%

Vehicle accidents attributed to poor road condition complaints

Bridges below adequate condition

<30%

Bridges replaced with concrete or composite structures

Bridges with load limits implemented

<10%

0.3

Drains and floodgate structures maintained to ensure flood mitigation 95% system is available for operation

100%

Accidents at lighted intersections

<20

Comment

Indicator

Target

Result

Increase in annual street lighting charges

<5%

-0.71%

Level of road accidents

Decreasing

Days of lifeguard service provided

186

Annual visitors to patrolled beaches

>200,000

265,830

Preventative actions undertaken

>7,500

10,460

Number of serious rescues

<40

Number of first aid cases

<300

207

235 Buildings

35 Bus Shelters 90

605km of water pipes 62km of footpaths

11,491 water meters

184 road culverts

107 timber bridges

Comment New contract, cost savings Baseline data established This is over 5 beaches in the Shire

1167km of local roads

Trial Bay, South West Rocks

Indicator

Target

Result

Blockages to Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drainage system likely to cause property damage cleared within 24 hours of reporting

90%

66.67% Accum Average

Quantity of domestic waste material per year diverted from landfill

>6,500t

4,721.17t

Quantity of domestic waste materials recycled/reused as a percentage 60% of the material going to landfill Improvement in the quantity of materials diverted from landfill 5% compared to previous years

Comment

43.72% -0.3%

Quantity of domestic waste material disposed of to landfill

14,000t

72,929t

Maintenance of public areas within levels of service

>90%

92.82%

Recreational facilities maintained within the adopted levels of service

>90%

97.66%

Complaints regarding standard or location of amenities per year

<20

Complaints about standard of car parking

Local Traffic Committee meetings

CORPORATE MANAGEMENT Corporate Management refers to the corporate governance of Council and the processes by which Council is directed, controlled and held to account. Corporate Governance encompasses authority, accountability, stewardship, leadership, direction and control in the organisation. The key elements for Corporate Management are the implementation of effective internal control to consequis in num verum vercitia adissi totatur res ea derate vendaep Ibus explit perchil work minctem systems forutfinancial, health and safety and administrative processes; transparency of corporate information and operations; volorit hilluptum atur remporitem udantecestovid labores id ulpaMi, reperch icaborum fugiate and accountability throughperspis clear and timely disclosure theque community. vendae asimet voluptati nia que verunt ut optiata cor aut occus mi, is derem evel illandic tesedia quidunt min et fugitiaecte dolupta tinuste mperchil volutas sequasped explacide liquisquo dolorum nes num repuda nonse sum iur? Totas am ea seque velitat dit eic dolupta ssimoluptium esediti usciist dolupta ipsaepudiate ne eum idit tem eatiaestia autest, solupid ucimint acculla cipsand icimodi is eatum quae. Ro eaquodi vendebit, temperf occus. vitaquibus non est, atum con pora etus ernam, to ipis etur sitis evenem. minctur re sequo omnisti onsequo Perciumquam fuga. Faccabore volupti Dae laut quiaes doles solesci tiuntiam dicima verunt, sitia nonseque pra sunt busam, omnihita nati neture eos quis quatiur? a pedit omnimporpore nossimus. es dolo dis dolore con pos et lacculp Icitinum nobit ea sequo volupta nus. arumquatem volut officil landigni Temoluptam exera volor solupis alis Cest, occaboratus dollis experernatur anduntiusae comni alicture estrum prae si odio. Parum illor andusda aut volenecepudi cum es int plis dest, sectaspicae occust, sus sam, sunt ut eratus, sant exces nate acepeli quatur quiae voluptae con poribus arum hiciisquate et undemperum dellaut accae. Et ra ipsus est, cus. autemque latempe llabo. Fictia cus dolum, acero officia dolorro ommoles Nos ipsa estrum faccaeperum earuptatia et quidus solore cum fuga. maximin nemporum repudist, volore vitatescim verovit que il eossentis Harum rercius nonsectas sed entur, is seque inum corepel ipsum quid ex quam fugiassita deri imporrum quis conserrum vellum quat. et faccumqui imilitis arum voluptur, nonsedignis doluptaquis quistibus, uta ommodio. Ficat et enda consentur, Voluptamus doluptae vel mi, utendit, que sectur, sa sit, volessu saperestin omnima quame nestis sequid endent eatempore latis quiam ape inisiti etur, omnis re as que opta il imusape ventur? Quibus, ut molorume antotam facest ellest asperat ruptibus. volorende id moloreh enihicim et volut essequatquo occum sus et ut ligenie Nusant alia vel molori utatur facerup tatur, consequia conet ellupta ndantiae vite comnienet alitatum sitistrum alibus dolore rem quatem estia velleni officitat. rersperi natis quatis magnaturibus sequoss ectotatur, sequas et que eatquia ectiis dolor susae et volor Bus ipidess inusant es aditiatemped vellorro moditaquiam aciis nectusam atatur? magni dolorro renitaturia de pratem fugiandel molupta tisque magnam ium laceped eum et eius, sanditias sint Les sinctae molendae ipsunti umquis facesseriam, occae. Elessi con rem id quibusam as sunt ea volo ma volenis et que alis cuptatis quiasit aut omnisin molores idemqui vitiandi dento tem et lam quas coritenit faccabo. Et velit nus rest est qui doluptatin repero vel veliqui doloriam qui nonsequam, quas quodisq uassimporum, non etusam, incia volorro vendem reiur aborrum soluptus sed et officid ipsus, nim rem sint. laboressed maxim quae moloribera ium ea doluptatium, sectore stotaqui apedici rempossentur rem. Del idenest, Um evendus ea porro od que nosa bea cum aligent magnis atemodicit, sentionsecae pore natem nobitem volupit a doloribus, commodis etur simpore od quo beriost que rate oluptur soloremque volleniatum alitius quamus. vellend andandundus velit quossin sequatis ea que volupta voles exces ullacepro quamet, ut faccusdae est, Ant apiet qui alibus, sint estium porepre porehen duntibu sdanihillab sitatem. Ficias illores et fuga. Itati voluptatus si aliquo iunt estium in ped que conseris et ad molupta que

14.7 Hours after ordinary Council meetings that the minutes are available to the public 36 public liability claims for property damage

24 contracts awarded

94.4% of staff satisfied with their employment

7.02% staff turnover (excluding retirement)

100% of GIPA requests resolved within legislated timeframe

3 public liability claims for personal injury

11 lost time injuries

OPERATIONAL PLAN RESULTS Policy Review

reflect this change which will now be tested.

Review Council’s policies in regard to access to information and ensure that confidential matters are dealt with appropriately. Access to confidential information procedures have been reviewed following the introduction of the TRIM electronic document management system. The security levels available in this system ensure all confidential documents are only available to appropriate officers.

Banking Operations Review

Insurance Review Review insurance excess levels with a view to reducing the overall insurance costs. A review of the claims history was undertaken for public liability, professional indemnity and property claims over the past 5 years. This indicated Council had the ability to self-insure a greater excess amount with a view to building a reserve to fund this excess with further savings being allocated to the provision of services to the community.

Disaster Recovery Site Establishment of a disaster recovery site. Daily replication of back-ups are now undertaken at the Works Depot following trials during February and March 2014. Councils existing disaster recovery plan will be updated to 94

Undertake a review of banking operations to obtain cost effective fees and charges. Consolidation of loans and review of bank fees resulted in savings in excess of $20,000 per annum.

Challenges

• Develop, implement and test an information technology Disaster Recovery Plan. • Develop Organisation Disaster Recovery Plan. • Implement and test plan. • Establish an operational Information Communication Technology (ICT) disaster recovery site at the Works Depot. • Undertake a revaluation of Council’s infrastructure assets including roads, bridges, footpaths, drainage and bulk earthworks. • Review water supply strategic business plan and pricing path. • Review existing service standards and develop alternative levels of service standards.

Review insurance excess levels with a view to reducing the overall insurance costs Following a review of claims history over the past 5 years a decision was made to increase the excess payable in respect of claims for Public Liability from $12,500 to $50,000 and Property from $2,000 to $10,000 from 1 July 2013. The excess payable or Property was subsequently increased to $100,000 from 1 July 2014. The savings in premium payments amount to $112,000 and $48,000 per annum respectively. An Insurance reserve of $300,000 will be established from these savings to cover council costs in respect of claims up to excess amounts.

Identify optimal storage solution TRIM WebDrawer identified as existing software which will allow the publishing via the web and intranet of documents stored in TRIM.

Present annual and monthly Financial Reports in accordance with statutory timeframes and Division of Local Government Guidelines

Quarterly budget reporting and monthly investment reporting are presented to Ordinary Council meetings in accordance with statutory timeframes.

Annual financial statements have been audited by 31 October each year The General Purpose and Special Purpose Financial Reports were completed and audited within statutory timeframes.

Rating structure is reviewed to ensure consistency with the objectives contained within the Local Government Act The rating structure is reviewed in conjunction with the development of the annual budget. The current rating model was reviewed and endorsed in conjunction with the development of the special rate variation application.

Accurate and timely distribution of rate notices Rate notices were forwarded in July 2013. Instalment reminders have been issued in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act.

Maintain and review Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ten year Financial Plan The ten (10) year financial plan has been reviewed in conjunction with the IPART application the development of the 2014-15 budget and ongoing operating plan.

Undertake a review of banking operations to obtain cost effective fees and charges A meeting with Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bank was held in December 2013 to discuss consolidation of loans and bank fees. This has resulted in a saving in bank fees of approximately $20,000 per annum. The consolidation of loans discussion is continuing and likely to proceed where a financial benefit occurs.

Ensure compliance with the Goods and Services Tax regime A full review was undertaken with the development of the 2013/2014 Fees and Charges in conjunction with a class ruling application made on behalf of NSW local government. ATO rulings are monitored to ensure that all Fees and Charges are GST compliant.

Eliminate internal General Fund Transfers

Internal General Fund transfers were eliminated in conjunction with the development of the 2014-15 budget and ongoing operating plan.

Review on-cost amounts charged to Water, Sewer and Waste Funds On-cost amounts charged to Water, Sewer and Waste Funds were reviewed in conjunction with the development of the 2014-15 budget and ongoing operating plan.

Review financial plan once asset management plans have been finalised Asset plans have been developed based on the current long term financial plan and reviewed following finalisation of the 2014-15 budget.

Review and implement the Workforce Management Strategy A Draft Workforce Management Strategy was provided for approval to be included with the development of the IPART application. 95

Conducted an employee opinion survey Survey distributed 31 October by email link and to be provided in hardcopy to Managers for distribution to Operational teams.

The Year Ahead

Annual financial reports have been audited by 31 October 2014. Sufficient cash resources are maintained to meet future commitments. Review the 10 year plant replacement program. Ensure Council’s investments comply with Council’s policy and Ministerial Guidelines. Ensure compliance with the Government Information Public Access (GIPA) Act and Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act, including training of staff. Monitor and maintain the corporate policy register. Develop, implement and test an information technology Disaster Recovery Plan. Establish an operational Information and Communications Technology disaster recovery site at the Works Depot. Streamline storage publication of

documents via multiple information systems e.g. web, intranet and TRIM. Review and implement the Workforce Management Strategy. Conduct an employee opinion survey. Supply of potable water. Implement a Demand Management program focusing on education and demonstrative programs to encourage and assist customer’s transition to improved consumption patterns. Upgrade water supply infrastructure to meet future demand. Manage raw water quality – Coastal Aquifers. Remove waste water from residential and business premises within the urban areas. Construct a replacement waste water treatment plant in West Kempsey. Complete an augmentation of Hat Head Waste Water Treatment Plant. South Kempsey waste water system extension. Investigate the construction of a waste water collection and treatment system for Stuarts Point. Increase the rate of effluent reuse/ recycling within the Shire. Provide a communal effluent collection and disposal system for the small urban allotments in the Sherwood area. Develop organisational Service Standards. Revaluation of assets completed in

accordance with the Office of Local Government schedule.

Long Term Plans Maintain and review Council’s ten year Financial Plan. To facilitate the procurement of goods and services that are suitable for the purpose and provides value for money on a whole of life basis through open and effective competition. Maintain a manageable inventory stock level to meet operational requirements and cost. Monitor plant utilisation to ensure usage is in line with the plant replacement program to meet operational requirements. Review and implement the Workforce Management Strategy. Develop and manage scholarship, internship, work experience, trainee and apprenticeship programs.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Gladstone Market Produce

Performance Indicators measure our communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations against Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s actual performance in all areas.

Indicator

Target

Result

Percentage of staff expressing satisfaction with management leadership

> 60%

55.0%

Percentage of staff indicating satisfaction with their employment

> 85%

94.4%

Average number of hours before Ordinary Council meetings that the Agenda is available to the public

> 90

144.4

Average number of hours after ordinary Council meetings that the minutes are available to the public

< 24

14.7

Number of public liability claims for property damage received per annum

< 40

Number of public liability claims for personal injury received per annum

< 10

Percentage of formal GIPA requests resolved within legislated timeframe

100%

The total number of lost time injuries per annum

< 12 claims 11

Staff turnover (excluding retirement)

< 10%

7.02%

Annual financial reports have been audited by 31 October each year

Yes

Rating Structure reviewed to ensure a fair and reasonable impost by 28 February each year

Yes

Yes 97

CONTRACTS AWARDED Contracts awarded by the Council during the 2013-2014 year other than employment contracts or contracts less than $150,000.

Name of Contractor(s)

Goods and Services Supplied

Flanagan Earthwords True Water Solutions Pty Ltd Koala Komfort Pty Ltd T/A Hotondo Homes Kempsey Holcim (Australia) Pty Ltd T/As Humes James Hardie Australia Pty Ltd Elster Metering Pty Ltd

Provision of up to 12,850 tonnes of uncrushed gravel Design and installation of OSMS at Stuarts Point Holiday Park

$230,658 $170,550

Construction of new SES building at Gladstone

$305,859

Youngsons Civil Pty Ltd

Supply and delivery of pipes and associated fitting

Schedule of Rates*

Supply and delivery of domestic water meters Construction of a 300mm and 375mm diameter water supply trunk main to South Kempsey Highway Corridor and Service Centres

Schedule of Rates* $345,579

Ree Tee Investments Pty Ltd as Trustee for the Ree Family Trust t/as Woody Mulching of greenwaste and woodwaste Woodpekers Tree Services

Schedule of Rates*

Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd

Supply and delivery of bitumen emulsion

Schedule of Rates*

Supply and delivery of earthmover, truck and passenger tyres including roadside assistance services

Schedule of Rates*

Supply of fixed and mobile telecommunications services Replacement of membranes at SWR Water Treatment Plant

Schedule of Rates* Schedule of Rates*

Supply and delivery of bulk water treatment chemicals

Schedule of Rates*

Supply and delivery of general hardware products

Schedule of Rates*

Supply and delivery of traffic and safety signage Supply and delivery of bulk fuel and lubricants

Schedule of Rates* Schedule of Rates*

Bridgestone Australia Ltd; Tyres4U Pty Ltd as Trustee for TWA Trust Trading as Tyres4U;Valley Tyres; Mulveyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tyre Services Pty Ltd Telstra Corporation Limited G E Betz Pty Ltd Orica; Omega Chemicals; Redox; Price Chemicals; SNF Australia J. Blackwood & Son Ltd; HJD Industries Pty Ltd T/as Jaybro Civil & Safety Products Barrier Signs Pty Ltd Hastings Co-operative and Redpoint

Amount Payable

* This contract has been awarded via a procurement process for the provision of services which may or may not exceed the tendering threshold of $150,000 over the period of the contract based upon the contract being awarded based upon the supplier providing a schedule of rates for products and/or services to be procured under the contract.

STATEMENT OF EXTERNAL BODIES Community Garden, South Kempsey Community Centre

External bodies that exercised functions delegated by council.

External Body

Function

Kempsey District Silver Band

Provide a Town Band

Macleay Valley Community Art Gallery Committee

Public Facility Management – Community Gallery

The Friends of Wigay Bellbrook Hall Committee Crescent Head Hall Committee Millbank Hall Committee Stuarts Point Community Hall Committee Sherwood Hall Committee SWR School of Arts and Community Hall Committee Gladstone Youth & Community Hall Committee Smithtown Hall Committee Willawarrin Hall Committee Frederickton Hall Committee Kalateenee Recreational Reserve Committee Gladstone Tennis Club South Kempsey Tennis Club Bellbrook Tennis Club

Oversee the maintenance of Wigay Park

Public Facility Management – Public Halls

Public Facility Management – Public reserve Public Facility Management – Tennis Courts

GIPA ACTIVITY AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION APPLICATIONS - PUBLIC ACCESS The Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) commenced from 1 July 2010. This replaced the Freedom of Information Act. The GIPA Act objective is to open government information to the public by: (a) authorising and encouraging the proactive public release of government information by agencies, and (b) giving members of the public an enforceable right of access to government information, and (c) providing that access to government information is restricted only when there is an overriding public interest against disclosure. Currently Council makes much of its information publicly available on its website. Council is currently satisfied with the level of government information currently available. Council will endeavour to proactively release any newly created documents that should be made available in the public interest. Council will only require formal GIPA applications as a last resort where there would appear an overriding public interest against disclosure. During the reporting period, our agency received a total of 6 formal access applications (including withdrawn applications but not invalid

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applications). During the reporting period, our agency refused a total of two formal access applications because the information requested was information referred to in Schedule 1 to the GIPA Act. Of those applications, one was refused in full, and one was refused in part. The following table sets out information relating to the access applications made to Council during the 2013-14 year. The information is provided in the format required by the Government Information (Public Access) Regulation.

PPIP ACT COMPLIANCE Council has adopted a Privacy Management Plan which sets out Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s policies and procedures on matters related to privacy and the protection of personal information. Council reviewed its Privacy Management Plan in 2012-2013 based on the new model Privacy Management plan issued by the Division of Local Government. Council also forwarded a copy of its revised plan to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner.

PUBLIC ACCESS ACTIVITY Kempsey Saleyards

Access granted in full

Access granted in part

Access refused in full

Information not held

Information already available

Refuse to deal with application

Refuse to confirm/ deny whether information is held

Media

Members of Parliament

Private sector business

Not for profit organisations or community groups

Members of the public (application by legal representative)

Application withdrawn

Members of the 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 public (other) *More than one decision can be made in respect of a particular access application. If so, a recording must be made in relation to each such decision.This also applies to Table B.

Access granted in part

Access refused in full

Information not held

Information already available

Refuse to deal with application

Refuse to confirm/deny whether information Application is held withdrawn

Personal information 0 applications*

Access applications (other than personal 3 information applications)

Access granted in full

Access applications that are partly personal information 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 applications and partly other *A personal information application is an access application for personal information (as defined in clause 4 of Schedule 4 to the Act) about the applicant (the applicant being an individual).

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Invalid applications Application does not comply with formal requirements (section 41 of the Act)

Application is for excluded information of the agency (section 43 of the Act)

Application contravenes restraint order (section 110 of the Act)

Total number of invalid applications received

Invalid applications that subsequently became valid applications

Conclusive presumption of overriding public interest against disclosure: matters listed in Schedule 1 of the Act Overriding secrecy laws

Cabinet information

Executive Council information

Contempt

Legal professional privilege

Excluded information

Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety

Transport safety

Adoption

Care and protection of children

Ministerial code of conduct

Aboriginal and environmental heritage

Other public interest considerations against disclosure: matters listed in table to section 14 of the Act

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Responsible and effective government

Law enforcement and security

Individual rights, judicial processes and natural justice

Business interests of agencies and other persons

Environment, culture, economy and general matters

Secrecy provisions

Exempt documents under interstate Freedom of Information legislation

Trial Bay from the Gaol

Timeliness Decided within the statutory timeframe (20 days plus any extensions)

Decided after 35 days (by agreement with applicant)

Not decided within time (deemed refusal)

Number of applications reviewed under Part 5 of the Act (by type of review and outcome) Internal review

Review by Information Commissioner*

Internal review following recommendation under section 93 of Act

Review by ADT 0 *The Information Commissioner does not have the authority to vary decisions, but can make recommendation to the original decision-maker.The data in this case indicates that a recommendation to vary or uphold the original decision has been made.

Invalid applications Applications by access applicants

Applications by persons to whom information the subject of access application relates (see section 54 of the Act)

Legal Costs Incurred Particulars

Expenses

Receipts

Status

Kempsey Shire Council ats Patterson â&#x20AC;&#x201C; public liability claim for injury

$7,309

Ongoing Matter

Kempsey Shire Council ats Cooper â&#x20AC;&#x201C; public liability claim for injury

$3,463

Ongoing Matter

Kempsey Shire Council v Midcoast Skip Bins and Metal Recycling

$14,408

Ongoing Matter

Recovery of unpaid rates with costs recovered from ratepayers and debtors

$56,457

$55,693

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Glossary Accrual accounting System of accounting where items are brought to account and included in the Financial Statements as they are earned or incurred, rather than as they are received or paid. Accumulated average The value of all net assets accumulated over time. Assets Future economic benefits controlled by Council as a result of past transactions or other past events. Audit An examination of the records, statements, systems, and procedures of an organisation, together with its stated claims for performance. Best Practice The means for achieving outcomes/results that are superior to all others and which are regarded as industry benchmarks. Balance sheet A quantitative summary of Council’s financial position at 30 June, including assets, liabilities and net equity. Cash and cash equivalents assets Cash and investments readily convertible to cash, including cash on hand, cash held in the bank, deposits at call and highly liquid investments. Comprehensive Income Statement A financial statement highlighting the accounting surplus or deficit of Council. It provides an indication of whether the Council has sufficient revenue to meet expenses in the current year, including non-cash costs such as depreciation and amortisation expenditure. It also includes other comprehensive income items including net asset revaluation increment (decrements) reversals and share of other comprehensive income of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method to arrive at a ‘comprehensive result’. The comprehensive result equates to the moment in netassets or total equity from the prior year. Contributions income Contributions received by Council are received for the purpose of providing and improving public open space, provision/improvement of the drainage system and in relation to specific projects. Current assets Assets where Council expects to receive the future economic benefit within the next twelve months unless the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Current liabilities Liabilities where Council expects to fulfill its obligation within the next twelve months unless the Council does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after reporting date. Depreciation and amortisation expenditure An expense which recognises the value of a fixed asset as it is used up over time. Employee benefits expenditure Relates to wages and salaries, casual staff payments, annual leave, long service leave, superannuation, fringe benefits tax, WorkCover and redundancy

payments. Equity The residual interest in the assets of Council after deduction of its liabilities, which is made up of accumulated surplus and reserves. Total equity is also equal to net assets. Expense An outgoing payment made by Council. External Audit A formal, independent review of an organisation’s financial statements, records, transactions, or operations. External audits are usually performed by professional accountants to provide credibility to financial statements, ensuring external accountability and to identify key internal weaknesses in an organisation. Finance costs Interest paid on borrowings. Financial Year The financial year, for the purpose of this Annual report, is the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013. Fixed assets See Property, infrastructure, plant and equipment. Governance The process by which decisions are taken and implemented, organisations are controlled and managed to achieve their objectives and the process by which organisations are directed, reviewed and held to account. Grants – non-recurrent income Grant income received for a ‘one off’ specific purpose, generally for a particular project. Grants – recurrent income Grant income received on a regular basis (i.e. quarterly, annually) and granted to Council by another entity for specific or general purposes. Intangible assets Represent non-current assets held by Council that are not tangible (such as computer software and licences). Interest and investment income Includes interest earned on all cash and investment balances, interest earned on rates and unrealised gains on managed fund investments. Interest bearing loans and borrowings Council’s borrowings. Inventories Includes fuel and consumables located at Council’s recreation centres. Investment property assets Represents land or buildings held to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both, rather than for use in the supply of services or for administrative purposes. Investments in associates accounted for using the equity method Council’s share of the carrying value of its investment in its joint venture partnerships (Regional Landfill Clayton South). Key Performance Indicator

A meaningful, high level measure used to determine whether an organisation has met, or is progressing towards, its planned outcomes. Liabilities Future sacrifices of economic benefits that Council is presently obliged to make to other entities as a result of past transactions or other past events. Materials and services expenditure Expenditure incurred in relation to contract payments and trade services, building maintenance, general maintenance, plant and equipment maintenance, utilities, consultants, office and administration, insurance, registration and Metropolitan Fire Brigade levy, financial and legal costs and information technology costs. Movement in equity for the period The net movement in the net surplus (deficit) and asset revaluation increments (decrements). This is also equal to the change in net assets. Net asset revaluation increment (decrement) This represents the increase (decrease) between the old valuation and new valuation of property and infrastructure asset classes, which were re-valued during the year. Net assets The difference between total assets and total liabilities, which represents Council’s net worth. Net assets are also equal to total equity. Net gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, infrastructure The net of income received in relation to the sale of assets and the carrying amount of assets sold, replaced or disposed of during the year. Non-current assets Assets where the future economic benefit is not expected to be received within the next twelve months or where the asset is restricted from being exchanged or used to settle a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date. Non-current assets classified as held for sale Non-current assets that Council intends to sell within the next twelve months. Non-current liabilities Liabilities where the obligation is not expected to be fulfilled within the next twelve months or where Council has a right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after reporting date. Operational Plan A statement of specific works to be undertaken, and services to be provided, to progress the goals and objectives set out in the corporate plan within a one-year period. Other expenses Includes auditors’ remuneration, Councillors’ allowances, operating lease rentals, impairment losses, community grants and contributions, training and professional development expenditure, contract settlement expenditure and expenditure incurred in relation to special rate schemes. Other revenue income Income received from investment property rental, other rental income, net assets recognised in new entity, waste management, craft markets, local laws and animal management, National Competition Policy divident, product sales, right-of-way-sales, town halls, transport and other sources. Prepaid income Income received by Council in advance of services being performed. This includes prepaid membership monies at Council’s recreation centres.

Prepayments Payments made by Council in advance of receiving the goods or services. Property, infrastructure, plant and equipment assets Often referred to as Fixed Assets. This is the largest component of Council’s asset base or worth. This represents the value of all land, buildings, roads, footpaths, drains, bridges, vehicles, plant and equipment and so on, which are recorded on Council’s asset register. Provisions Includes accrued long-service leave, annual leave and rostered days off owing to employees at reporting date. Rate and charges income Income received from ratepayers in relation to general rates, garbage rates and special rate schemes. Revenue Revenue is the amount of money that Council actually receives from its activities, mostly from rates and services provided to customers and ratepayers. Right-of-way Former laneway no longer required for access to surrounding properties. Statutory fees and fines income Includes parking infringements and costs, Infringement court recoveries, town planning fees, land information certificates and trader parking and street furniture permits. Surplus (deficit) Represents the difference between total revenues, expenses, net gain (loss) on disposal of property, plant and equipment, infrastructure and share of net profits (losses) of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method. Trade and other payables Monies owed by Council to other entities/individuals. Trade and other receivables Monies owed to Council by ratepayers and other parties less provisions for doubtful debts. Trust funds and deposits Monies received by Council for a specific purpose, which are to be refunded upon a specific event occurring (eg. Council assets are not damaged). If that specific event does not occur, Council is entitled to recognise these monies as income. User fees Income received by Council from a variety of fees and charges such as aged and health services fees, animal and local law fines and registrations, building permits and other charges, child care/children’s program fees, debt collection recovery charges, debt collection recovery charges, election fines, parking meter fees, ticket machine fees, leisure centre and recreation fees, ` fines and other charges and tow-away charges. Vision A statement articulating the desired future towards which the organisation is working.

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Acronyms and Abbreviations AASB ABS ah AHD ARA ASS ASU AUD CA CBD CCTV CDAT CKPOM CI CIV CMA CO2 CPA Cr CZM DCP DEEWR DLG DOPI EAP EEO EMP EPA FBT FTE GIPA GIS GM GRI GST HACC HSR IASB ICT IMG Inc IPR IPWEA IT K KBA kg kl 106

Australian Accounting Standards Board Australian Bureau of Statistics after hours Australian Height Datum Australian Retailers Association Acid Sulphate Soils Australian Services Union Australian Dollars Chartered Accountants Central Business District Closed Circuit Television Community Drug Action Team Comprehensive Koala Plan of Management Continuous Improvement Capital Improved Value Coastal Management Authority Carbon dioxide Certified Practicing Accountant Councillor Coastal Zone Management Development Control Plan Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations Division of Local Government Department of Planning and Infrastructure Employee Assistance Program Equal Employment Opportunity Estuary Management Plan Environment Protection Authority Fringe Benefits Tax Full time equivalent Government Information Public Access Geographic Information System General Manager Global Reporting Initiative Goods and Services Tax Home and Community Care Health and Safety Representative International Accounting Standards Board Information, Communication and Technology Infrastructure Management Group Incorporated Integrated Planning and Reporting Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia Information Technology Thousand Kempsey Bypass Alliance Kilogram Kilolitre

km KPI KSC LASF LAWA LEP LGA LGPro LGR LHPA LIDAR LGA LTIFR MBA MCCO MIDROC MOP NA NAIDOC

Kilometre Key Performance Indicator Kempsey Shire Council Local Authorities Superannuation Fund Local Area Workplace Agreement Local Environment Plan Local Government Area Local Government Professionals Local Government Reporting Requirements Livestock Health and Pest Authorities Light Detection and Ranging Local Government Area Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate Masters of Business Administration Macleay Community Care Options Mid North Coast Regional Organisation of Councils Mobile Outreach Program Not Applicable National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee National Competition Policy NCP Natural Disaster Relief Recovery Arrangements NDRRA Non English Speaking Backgrounds NESB National Greenhouse Accounts NGA Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority NRCMA Natural Resource Management NRM New South Wales NSW Medal of the Order of Australia OAM Occupational Health and Safety OHS Occupational Health and Safety Management System OHSMS Papua New Guinea PNG Personal Protection Equipment PPE QLD RIRDC Queensland Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation Roads Maritime Services RMS Reduce Risk - Increase Student Knowledge RRISK The Royal Society for the Prevention of RSPCA Cruelty to Animals State Emergency Services SES State of the Environment SOE South West Rocks SWR Tonne T Technical and Further Education TAFE University of the Third Age U3A Youth Advisory Council YAC Year Yr Work Health Safety WHS Works in Progress WIP Water Sensitive Urban Design WSUD

Crescent Head Golf Course

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KEMPSEY Shire Council

2013 - 14 Kempsey Shire Council Annual Report

For more information contact

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KEMPS EYS HI RECOUNCI L PO Box3078 We s tKe mps e yNS W 2440 Phone : 0265663200 F a x: 0265663205 Ema i l : k s c @k e mps e y . ns w. g ov . a u www. k e mps e y . ns w. g ov . a u