Devonport City Council Supplementary Agenda April 15th

Contents

LATE AGENDA FOR A MEETING OF DEVONPORT CITY COUNCIL TO BE HELD ON MONDAY 15 APRIL 2013 AT THE THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS COMMENCING AT 6.00PM Item

Page No.

12.0

CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY REPORTS ....................................................... 3

12.2

Confirmation of Council's ongoing commitment to Tiagarra Cultural Centre and Museum (D294024) ......................................................................................................................... 3

12.3

Request for funding to relocate the Mersey State Emergency Management Services from Latrobe to Devonport (D294029) ........................................................................ 7

PAGE 3 Report to Council Meeting on 15 April 2013 Customers and Community R eports

12.0

CUSTOMERS AND COMMUNITY REPORTS

12.2 Confir mation of C ouncil's ong oing c ommitment to Ti agarra Cultural Centr e and M useum

12.2

CONFIRMATION OF COUNCIL'S ONGOING COMMITMENT TO TIAGARRA CULTURAL CENTRE AND MUSEUM File: 26729 D294024

RELEVANT PORTFOLIO Customers and Community RELEVANCE TO COUNCIL’S PLANS & POLICIES Council’s Strategic Plan 2009-2030: Strategy 4.2.2

Acknowledge, preserve and celebrate local art, culture and heritage, including indigenous art and culture

PURPOSE To consider a request from Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation FOR Council to confirm its commitment to working collaboratively towards a sustainable and appropriate model for Tiagarra.

BACKGROUND

The Tiagarra (Keeping Place) is unique to Devonport, the state and nation; it was established in 1974. Tiagarra represents the story of Tasmanian Aborigines, it displays the Indigenous Cultural Heritage of Tasmania, past and present. Displays in the Museum are now over 35 years old.

Since 2003 Council has worked with the former organisation responsible for operations at Tiagarra, Mersey Leven Aboriginal Corporation, on a variety of strategies to enhance operations including submission development for studies and redevelopment of the building, exhibitions and business cases, which did not come to fruition.

Tiagarra is located on the Bluff headland; the building sits on leased Crown and Council owned land. The infrastructure is dated both outside and in. The asset is owned and maintained by Council and is leased to Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation at a peppercorn rate. The existing lease is still current and expires in 2015; negotiations commenced between the organisations late last year to review the lease and its terms to align with the renewed lease with the Crown. This was not progressed due to changes in governance of Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation. The newly appointed board of Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation June 2012 advised that the lease is not a current priority. Previous discussions with former SRAC representatives identified a preference for a 5year + 5year lease.

November 2009 Council formally appointed two (2) representatives on the Tiagarra Board of Management and MLAC (vide Res. 353/09).

May 2010 Council approved $3000 through the Community Small Grants Program to MLAC, for upgrading of some exhibits.

August 2010 (vide Res.210/10) Council agreed to fund a business plan by an independent consultant up to the value of $14,000 to assist in determining viability of Tiagarra, and to reallocate nominated capital funds to minor capital works for Tiagarra identified by the working group.

ITEM 12.2

PAGE 4 Report to Council Meeting on 15 April 2013

2010 Council agreed to administer funds for the Mersey Leven Aboriginal Corporation for the refurbishment of Tiagarra (vide. Res.240/10). These funds were via the Department of Premier and Cabinet. Some refurbishment of Tiagarra was undertaken to the value of $40,000.

Council resolved at its September meeting 2010 (vide Res239/10) to appoint Alderman Goodwin to the Tiagarra Strategic Working Group.

October 2010 Council endorsed a partnership agreement to clearly set out roles and responsibilities between the two organisations. The Tiagarra Strategic Working Group met regularly over this period and actioned a range of agreed activities. The Working Group changed its name to the Closing the Gap Regional Initiative Special Committee of Council to align its strategies with local, state and federal policy reform.

Council received notice that the Mersey Leven Aboriginal Corporation was now registered under the new name of Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

Late 2012 Council were advised that Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation had undertaken due diligence in governance and operation and a new board of directors had been appointed along with the appointment of General Manager, Ms. Michelle Pearce.

Board members and General Manager of the Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation presented information at a workshop to Council, February 2013.

COMMENTARY A renewal of the relationship between Council and SRAC is sought, with an emphasis on developing a future model for Tiagarra and in recognition of the significance of the Bluff Headland to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community and as part of Devonport’s civic/cultural precinct.

Tiagarra Cultural Centre and Museum is identified within the Council’s Mersey Bluff Urban Design Framework which highlights the area as a civic and cultural precinct. The framework provides a blueprint to provide better visitor experiences and increased visitor numbers to the area. Council has invested heavily in the past few years to develop the Mersey Bluff Precinct, Tiagarra is an important and integral part of the Devonport and States Aboriginal story. The facility has value added to the local cultural tourism product offer and provided important educational and community benefits.

The edcational component of Tiagarra continues to be sought after by schools throughout the region, this important learning opportunity aims to broaden and deepen students and teachers understanding of Aboriginal cultures and ways of being. Linked to curriculum, educational programs and activties add enourmous educational and cutural benefits to our region, endeavouring to ensure Aboriginal Culture is valued by current and future generations.

Various funding has been proactively sought by both Council and SRAC (and MLAC) over the many years and both organisations have worked in partnership to develop business plans and various studies to better the prospect and outcomes for Tiagarra Cultural Centre and Museum facility. Implementation of these plans has never been realised, resulting in little change in Tiagarra since its inception.

Past reports have identified that Tiagarra is not a self-sustaining business operation; it is a Museum which due to the nature of business has limited revenue streams to sustain operational expenditure. SRAC can no longer solely financially support the current operations of Tiagarra. The facility is closed to the public, only opening for pre booked ITEM 12.2

PAGE 5 Report to Council Meeting on 15 April 2013

school or tour group bookings up to April 2013. A small group of dedicated volunteers currently support the existing level of operations.

Therefore, the operations must be supported by funding from a range of partners and stakeholders into the future. To progress this a range of stakeholders of high regard and interest in the preservation and upgrading of Tiagarra have been identified by SRAC, including (yet not limited to) the Tasmanian Aboriginal Community and relevant organisations, Tasmanian education facilities and Heritage Council to ensure accurate and appropriate preservation of important heritage information and artefacts.

To capitalise on all strategic alliances and expertise appropriate to Tiagarra, the existing membership of the Council Special Committee is requested to be reviewed and expanded to include representatives such as State Government Aboriginal Heritage Unit, Aboriginal Education representation, Tasmania Museum and Art Gallery, Arts Tasmania, Elders Council and the wider Tasmania Aboriginal Community.

Stakeholders and funding bodies identify to redevelop Tiagarra would cost approximately $300,000, this will require a high level of collaboration and a focus on developing a plan for the upgrade and enhancement of all the displays and development of a long term realistic and achievable plan for the future operation.

The request by Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation (SRAC) to Council includes the installation of two flag poles at Tiagarra and the daily flying of appropriate Aboriginal Flags at Council Best Street Offices. SRAC offer to assist Council staff in Cross Cultural training, Cultural Heritage issues, special entertainment at events and other cultural matters that may arise from time to time.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS There are minimal financial implications arising from the request at this point in time. The cost of two flag poles is approximately $4000, and will be considered amongst a range of competing priorities in the 2013/14 budget deliberations. Adequate staffing resources are available subject to 2013/14 Annual Plan and budget deliberations.

RISK IMPLICATIONS 

Financial The request has minimal financial risks; however the request for flag poles must compete with a range of community requests during 2013/14 budget deliberations.

Future funding may be requested of Council as an outcome of any plan developed.



Assets, Property and Infrastructure The asset is currently underutilised and appears vacant, the potential for vandalism and increased maintenance costs are possible



Communication/Reputation Should Council not decide to reaffirm its commitment to Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation there may be a risk of a detrimental effect on its reputation due to significant community support. An expectation for the facility to be operational has been received by Council from the local community and visitors to the City. This may result in a high level of backlash and angst.

CONCLUSION Tiagarra is unique to Devonport, the state and nation; the opportunity to develop Tiagarra through strategic alliances and partnerships with a range of stakeholders has not been proactively progressed by previous committees. Expertise from a diverse range of stakeholders identified by Six Rivers Aboriginal Corporation would provide an appropriate ITEM 12.2

PAGE 6 Report to Council Meeting on 15 April 2013

and welcomed approach to develop a model for the revitalisation and future sustainability of Tiagarra.

Devonport City Council owns the infrastructure and has a long documented history of support and acknowledgement towards ensuring Tiagarra continues to display the Indigenous and Cultural Heritage of Tasmania, past and present. It is within Councils interest to ensure this community asset is provided every opportunity to develop and achieve its community, educational and cultural tourism potential.

ATTACHMENTS Nil Recommendati on

RECOMMENDATION That Council: 1.

Confirm its ongoing support for Tiagarra to remain long term in an appropriate and accurate form, and that the future operating model be developed in collaboration;

2.

Review its current terms of reference of the Closing the Gap Regional Initiative Special Committee and extend its membership to include additional expertise and stakeholders;

3.

Consider allocating funds to the 2013/14 annual budget estimates to install two flag poles at Tiagarra, to fly the Devonport City Council Flag and the Torres Strait Islander Flag in recognition of continued value and support; and

4.

Fly the Aboriginal Flag at the Council Best Street offices on a daily basis, weather and other protocols permitting.

ITEM 12.2

PAGE 7 Report to Council Meeting on 15 April 2013 12.3 Reques t for fundi ng to rel oc ate the Mers ey State Emergenc y Manag ement Ser vices fr om Latr obe to Devonport

12.3

REQUEST FOR FUNDING TO RELOCATE THE MERSEY STATE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SERVICES FROM LATROBE TO DEVONPORT File: 26729 D294029

RELEVANT PORTFOLIO Customers and Community RELEVANCE TO COUNCIL’S PLANS & POLICIES Council’s Strategic Plan 2009-2030: Strategy 5.6.4

Ensure compliance with all relevant legislative requirements, standards, Council plans, policies and procedures

PURPOSE To consider a request from the Department of Police and Emergency Management (DPEM) for a one off contribution of funds to relocate the Mersey SES State Emergency Services Unit currently based in Latrobe to the newly built Devonport Police Station located in Wenvoe Street Devonport.

BACKGROUND The Mersey SES Unit was formed in approximately 1987 to fulfil Council obligations of Council within the Emergency Management Act 2006, Division 5 “Roles of Councils and Municipal Volunteers Units”. Both Devonport and Latrobe are represented by this unit and both Councils contribute to annual funding of operations.

The Mersey SES is currently based at the Old Fire Station at Latrobe, the building asset is owned by Latrobe Council. Both Councils and SES Tasmania were instrumental in obtaining funds to purchase the fire station to house the unit.

(Res 219/12) Council endorsed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Tasmanian State Emergency Service, the Devonport City Council and Latrobe Council defining responsibilities for the ongoing management of the Mersey SES Unit.

Commander Lachlan Avery, Inspector Adrian Shadbolt and NW Regional Manager Mr. Wayne Edwards presented information to Aldermen March 2013 at a Council workshop.

Correspondence was received by Council 15 March 2013.

COMMENTARY The opportunity to relocate the Mersey SES Unit from the facility at Latrobe to the new Devonport Police Station has been seized for the following reasons; 

The Latrobe facility is old and too small to accommodate all SES Unit needs )e.g, garaging/storage, training/meetings, etc);



Most Mersey SES Unit volunteers (serving both the Devonport and Latrobe municipalities) live in Devonport and the new facility would require less travel time for responses and training;



Department of Police and Emergency Management (DPEM) acceptance to broaden the scope of the new Devonport Police Station project to include the Mersey SES Unit facilities; and

ITEM 12.3

PAGE 8 Report to Council Meeting on 15 April 2013



SES secured $50,000 of Commonwealth funding under the Emergency Volunteer Fund (EVF), with $50,000 of matching DPEM funding towards the new SES facilities at the Devonport Police Station.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Both Latrobe and Devonport Council allocate an annual amount of approximately $27,000 towards the operation of the existing Mersey SES unit based in Latrobe.

The amount requested by the DPEM is a one off contribution of $45,000, of an overall project cost of $216,000. A contribution from Latrobe Council has also been sought, being $35,000, a lesser contribution on a per capita basis.

Contributing to the project will increase operational expenditure for the 2013/14 to $72,000 for Emergency Management, placing increased pressure on Council amidst competing priorities.

It is envisaged that the ongoing annual allocation of $27,000 may reduce over time due to efficiencies of shared facilities and lesser maintenance due to the new Police Station.

RISK IMPLICATIONS 

Financial The request for a $45,000 may risk other Council operational priorities to not be achieved or reduced to accommodate the request within 2013/14 budget deliberations.

CONCLUSION Councils are responsible under section 48 and 49 of the Emergency Management Act 2006, for the establishment, maintenance and operation of their municipal volunteer SES Units. Devonport City Council continues to provide valuable support which enables the Unit to operate effectively. The one off contribution of $45,000 to be considered by Council will provide the opportunity to relocate the existing Mersey SES from Latrobe to Devonport maximising the opportunity which suits immediate needs and continues to cater for growth into the future.

ATTACHMENTS Nil Recommendati on

RECOMMENDATION That Council Consider allocating $45,000, when preparing its 2013/14 budget towards the relocation of the Mersey SES Unit from Latrobe to the new Devonport Police Station.

ITEM 12.3