Year in Review 2016-17
Griffith City Council’s Annual Community Report
Message from the Mayor It is with pleasure that Council presents the Year in Review which provides an overview of what Council has achieved throughout 2016/2017. The past 12 months has seen Griffith move ahead in leaps and bounds and Council is working hard to continue the momentum. The City has witnessed unprecedented growth in the employment, housing and industry sectors. The NSW Premier, The Hon Glady’s Berejiklian, MP commented during a visit in June 2017, saying “How many regional centres are growing as fast as Griffith?!”, illustrating the City of Griffith is certainly on the radar at the State and Federal level as a major contributor to the State’s economy. Local Government elections were held in September 2016 and we are almost through our first year of the four year term. It has been a successful 12 months, and the new Councillors are finding their way, learning on the job. During 2016/17 Council has seen the commencement and
completion of a number of projects including; St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital Griffith, announcement of $35 million for Stage 1 of Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment, $25M for the merger of the two secondary schools over two sites, completion of Stage 1 of Southern Heavy Industry Link Road (Bagtown Roundabout), the Skate Park redevelopment, Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre masterplan, the CBD Strategy, Halse Road works, just to name a few. In 2016 we celebrated the City’s centenary with a host of events throughout the year. There was something happening each month and the year was enjoyed by locals, visitors and past residents. The success of the Centenary Celebrations was largely due to the dedication of Council staff, generosity of local businesses and the many volunteers who give their time again and again to make a difference to the Griffith community and the people who live here. The International Sculpture Symposium saw 7 amazing sculp-
tures created and placed along the main canal, signifying our relationship with water. The Symposium was a popular attraction over the 2 weeks it was held with many visitors, locals and school children heading up to Pioneer Park to watch the sculptors at work. Also a highlight of the calendar was the 2016 Street Party & Parade which was attended by more than 15,000 people with around 1,500 participants taking part in the parade. It was wonderful to see Griffith reflect on what was, while making plans for what will be. I am proud to say that Council has achieved a strong surplus in 2016/2017 which places Council in the strongest financial position it has been in for many years. I would like to acknowledge the work of Council staff and my fellow Councillors. Council staff continue to demonstrate their commitment and dedication to the City providing a broad range of services and advice to our residents and ratepayers. John Dal Broi, Emeritus Mayor
Message from the General Manager The Centenary of Griffith was celebrated in 2016 and the entire year was dotted with community events to mark this special year in our history. Highlights included a reception for the NSW Governor, a Centenary Street Parade and the International Stone Symposium. The Symposium featured seven international sculptors and their inspiring works of art now hold pride of place at IOOF Park (next to City Park). Following the Local Government election in September 2016, the newly elected Council reviewed the Community Strategic Plan to ensure the Plan continued to capture ongoing and new community aspirations. The new Plan is named “guiding griffith 2040”. Construction of the St Vincent’s Private Community Hospital Griffith was completed during 2016. Council in partnership with St Vincent’s Health Australia and
the community, constructed our new hospital which incorporates the Murrumbidgee Clinical Teaching and Learning Centre. This project has been a decade in the planning and was officially opened on Friday, 23 September 2016. In terms of health services, Council’s energies now focus squarely on securing a new Base Hospital for the City and Region. The Premier of NSW Hon. Gladys Berejiklian MP made a commitment during her visit to Griffith in June 2017 that a new Base Hospital will be constructed in the City. The Minister for Health Hon. Brad Hazzard MP has publically repeated the Premier’s commitment and Council will continue to lobby the Government to nominate a time frame to complete the construction of the new Base Hospital. With Griffith’s economy booming, the quantity of freight moving through and around our City is
increasing rapidly. Council has accelerated the construction of its Southern Industrial Link Road (City Bypass) with the entire northern section now complete. Stage one of the southern section (Bagtown Roundabout) was completed and opened by the Premier in June 2017. Stage two (Thorne Road) construction is now underway. Griffith City Council has again achieved a strong surplus in 2016/17 and Council’s financial sustainability is providing us with the flexibility to take on new projects as opportunities arise. 2017/18 is already proving to be another busy year with councillors deliberating priorities for new infrastructure for our great City. A big thank you to councillors and staff for your hard work again during the last 12 months. Brett Stonestreet, General Manager
Griffith Visitor Information Centre
35,393 5,673 765 100,031
Visitors to the Centre during 2016/17 Garden Visits during the 2016 Festival of Gardens Citrus Sculpture Volunteers in 2016 to create 72 sculptures Visits to the Visit Griffith website
47
Itineraries created by staff at the Visitors Centre
15
Major events supported during 2016/17
Stormwater & Floodplain Risk Management Major Achievements • Council now has a number of completed Flood Studies and Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plans which assist in the strategic planning of Griffith and surrounding areas. The most current studies and plans are available on Council’s web page. • Through the Floodplain Risk Management process, Council has prioritised the mitigation measures adopted in the Griffith Main Drain J and Mirrool Creek Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan: * Council is currently installing ‘Mirrool Creek Flood Warning System’ at Barellan Bridge and East Mirrool Regulator (EMR) Site. * With the help of Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), Council is establishing ‘Mirrool Creek Flood Forecasting System’. * Council is finalising a protocol with Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) for emergency breaching of Main Canal during major Mirrool Creek flood events. * Council is also finalising ‘Detailed Design and Tender Documentation’ for ‘McCormack Road Yoogali Levee and Upgrade of DC605J Culverts’. • Council has applied for funding from the Office of Environment & Heritage for the following flood mitigation projects: * Investigation and Detailed Design of Hanwood Stormwater Pump and Levee, and * Installation of Decommissioned Flood Gates at the EMR site.
Parks, Reserves & Sports Grounds • • • • • • • • •
Major Achievements Two new Electric BBQ’s installed at the Lake Wyangan Picnic Area – Apex Shelter. Two new Electric BBQ’s installed at Willow Park. One new Electric BBQ installed at Memorial Park Yenda. One new Electric BBQ installed at Ted Scobie Oval. The upgrade of McKirdy Park which included the installation of a Park Setting, Shelter, Electric BBQ’s and a Sand Volleyball court. The installation of a new Playground and Park Setting at Mallee Park Nericon. Construction of a new boundary fencing around Hanwood Oval. Completion of a new 24 metre long Floating Jetty at the Lake Wyangan Camping Area. Upgrade of the amenities building at Wade Park Yenda.
Fleet Management Major Achievements New plant and equipment purchased during 2016/17 included: • 20 x Passenger & SUV Type Vehicles • 1 x Tractor • 8 x Utilities • 1 x Multi Tyred Roller • 1 x Motor Grader • 1 x Street Sweeper • 3 x Ride On Mower • 1 x RTV Utility Vehicle • 1 x Truck • 1 x Landfill Compactor • Council has completed construction of a new Mechanical Workshop which is safer and more efficient.
West End Stadium West End Stadium hosted many cultural events including Indigenous Workshops, Sikh Games, Dances, and Services General sporting events include Domestic Basketball Competition, Badminton Senior Competition, Midnight Basketball, and Lifeball School Sport Events Over 2,500 students used the facility, including programs for those with a disability Wheelchair Basketball The ‘Wheelies Demon Group’ combined able bodied participants to team with those who are wheelchair bound Hosted round 1 of the Western Jnr. League Basketball Comp, with 14 Basketball Centres participating and 13,000 visitors
Sustainable Development 403 326 $161.3M certificates issued Development Development - 196 construction Applications Applications - 191 occupation processed value - 16 subdivision Highlights $ • Health Infrastructure, 190-202 Wakaden St, Griffith – New ambulance station 3,948,106 • N D G Salvestro, Citrus Rd, Griffith – torrens title subdivision 3,000,000 • Bartter Enterprises Pty Ltd, Murphy Rd, Hanwood – Increase in poultry production 2,509,000 • Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club Inc, 1-33 Speirs St, Griffith – Replacement of light towers 2,200,000 • Bartter Enterprises Pty Ltd, McWilliam Rd, Hanwood – Additonal grain storage silos 2,100,000 • Griffith Leagues Club, 1-25 Coolah St, Griffith – Change rooms and relocation of lights 1,500,000 • T & J Molloy, Burley Griffin Way, Bilbul – Aquaculture facility 1,195,000 • Casella Wines Pty Ltd, Wakley Rd, Yenda – Detention basin and glass storage slab 1,100,000 • Casella Management Pty Ltd – Whitton Stock Route, Yenda – Change of use of winery to an oilseed processing plant 1,000,000 • Collier & Miller Pty Ltd, 13 Harris Rd, Griffith – shed additions 1,000,000
Cemeteries Major Achievements • Construction of four new lawn beams at the Griffith Cemetery. • Construction of 28 double in ground vaults and 9 single vaults at the Griffith Cemetery. • Upgrade of the automated irrigation system at Yenda Cemetery.
Noxious Weeds • • • • •
Environment & Health
Major Achievements Council has continued work on the eradication of Prickly Pear with land owners taking advantage of Council’s free disposal sites. African Boxthorn infestations reduced with another 9km treated. Three outbreaks of Alligator Weed in Barren Box Swamp during the financial year. Barriers have been placed across the inlets and outlets to minimise the spread of infestions downstream. 153 Weed Packs given out to landholders during the Riverina Field Days. Weed officers attended the Darlington Point Apex Fishing Competition to discuss aquatic weeds with the fishing community, with 220 Weed Packs distributed.
Eradication works undertaken over 9km of roadside African Boxthorn infestations
• • • • • • • • • •
Major Achievements 227 permanent, temporary and mobile food outlets were monitored with a total of 356 food business inspections completed in 2016/17. Griffith City Council participated in the NSW Food Authority ‘Scores on Doors’ program, which displays the results of inspections on restaurant doors – 42 businesses currently participate in the program. ‘Food Safety 2017 Retail Food Business Sector’ Calendar distributed to all food businesses w ithin the Griffith Local Government Area. 57 public health inspections were undertaken within the Griffith Local Government Area on Beauticians, Hairdressers, Tattooists and Funeral Director businesses. Received external funding of $46,500 for project titled ‘An Innovative Solution to Measuring & Revaluing Griffith’s Roadside Reserves’. Developed a Contaminated Land Management (CLM) Policy and Contaminated Land Information Register. Co-hosted Seminar titled ‘Bioenergy Opportunities for Riverina Industry and Business’. Completed Flora & Fauna Assessments for Stage 1, Roundabout Construction Works (Kurragong Avenue and Thorne Road), and Stage 2a, Heavy Vehicle By-Pass Construction Works (Thorne Road). Following on from the 2015/2016 ‘Combating Illegal Dumping’ project ongoing active remote camera surveillance has continued to be utilised to combat illegal dumping within the Griffith LGA. Finalised site fencing and weed control on the NSW Environment Trust project - ‘Restoration and Rehabilitation of the Tharbogang Swamp’.
Information Technology
Economic Development - Economic Profile 25,986
•
52,000
resident population
•
population catchment
• •
3,138
local businesses
13,254
employed locally
9,74
bricks & mortar businesses
2.08%
decrease in vacant shop fronts
$1.39B
gross regional product
83
new businesses in the LGA
Roads
Construction: $5.4M
Pathways: $154K
Maintenance: $5.3M
Drainage: $215K
Reseals: $647K
Airport Works: $549K
Sewerage Services Major Achievements • Council has been successful in obtaining a grant from Infrastructure NSW as part of the Restart NSW Fund for the implementation of a reticulated sewerage system for Lake Wyangan, Nericon and Tharbogang villages. • An electrical audit was conducted and sites to be upgraded were identified • Lake Wyangan Sewage Pumping Stations (LW1 & LW2) are now connected to the Griffith sewer system. They are now fully operational. • A flow gauging project was completed on the Griffith gravity sewer reticulation. Hydrographs are available for the ten locations used. • Condition assessment of the sewer rising main (600 mm diameter) from G4 sewer pump station to the treatment plant was completed. Various section of this sewer rising main will have to be considered for renewed within 5 to 10 years Investigation was carried out on G3 sewer pump station.
•
Major Achievements A new Evacuation System was installed in the Council Chambers Administration building. Upgraded a number of desktop computers throughout council as part of the annual hardware replacement schedule. Installed an online forms software package Commenced installation of CCTV cameras at City Park. Commenced a project to extend the existing telecommunications fibre network to the Griffith Water Reclamation Plant to improve the reliability and speed of the existing connections.
Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre Major Achievements • Sheep sales $511,000 during 2016/17, up $80,000 from the previous year. • Obtained funding under the Fixing Country Truck Washes Program to construct a new two-bay public road train accessible truck wash facility at the existing Griffith Livestock Marketing Centre. • A 10 year improvement plan is in place.
Griffith Regional Theatre 10
5000+
30,000
3,650
Wicked Performances
Wicked audience
auditorium visits
Burley Griffith Room visitors
$103,500
228
271
48
received in new grants
usage days
events
shows
Griffith Regional Art Gallery
11 exhibitions
9,038 attended exhibitions
21 1,604 public programs public programs attendees
320 at the family fun day
152 local artist involvement
Community Development $56,000 Community Grants with 29 projects
4 CDAT Projects including Drug & Alcohol Family Support Group
14 community development projects
7 cultural events supported
4 crime prevention tools
151 new citizens from 23 countries
Community Drug Action Team received two Australian Alcohol & Drug Foundation Awards.
Griffith Pioneer Park at 1,2 t 0 Fe end 0 Museum D s ed 133,406 loans
6,761 new items
10,801 members
36,613 PC sessions
11,543 visitors during 2015/16
ev
342 events held
0 d 00 de , 3 en od t at Go iday Day Fr ion t Ac
0 d 40 nde te e ia at th tral s y st Au Da kfa ea Br
137,258 visits
Sa e ta lsi lla cc e
th en 45 r t th oug s h e ho el ye u d ar t
Griffith City Library
Griffith Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre 12,267 eBook & eAudio loans
42,294 mobile Library loans
13 research databases
Urban Water Supply Major Achievements Water reticulation projects completed in 2016/2017 include: • Renewal of 375 mm diameter trunk water main on Wakaden Street. • Renewal of 180 mm diameter water main on Jondaryan Avenue. • Renewal of 150 mm diameter water main on Benerembah Lane. • Renewal of 150 mm diameter water main on Rosetto Rd started. • New 200 mm diameter water main on Sidlow Road & Merrigal Street. • Council replaced 435 water meters and installed 98 new water services during the 2016/2017 financial year.
44,537 swim entries
16,745 aerobics entries
23,726
123,038
gym entries
centre users
12,250
67,129
annual lessons
swim school entries
5,000 swim school enrolments
Waste Management
1,504 tonnes recycled
9,426 domestic waste collection services
8,806 recycling collection services
2,600+ residents used ‘dump for free’
31,185 tonnes of waste processed
Griffith’s Centenary Celebrations
guiding griffith 2040
Our community
Page 13
Top 3
population now
25,986
377,000
visitors to the region annually
population 2036
30,158 9
ATSIC population
3.8%
towns and villages employment rate
born overseas
11
96.8% online subscribers
100
1,300
70%
facebook followers
3,211
50.2% 49.8% 9%
university educated
$1,366M
community infrastructure
regional population
$820M
52,000
1
popularly elected Mayor elected representatives
16%
community satisfaction rate
industries are Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry, Manufacturing Retail
GRP
parks
sporting grounds
7
8,957
Households
1,640km covered
1,516
tonnes of waste recycled
above sea level
134m 1,437
75%
farming enterprises, and
NSW wine grapes are grown in the region
Largest
poultry producer in Australia
28.5%
mortgage
30.3% renting
33%
couples with children
75.6%
households contain 2 or more people
$184
median rent p/w
26.7%
above regional average
$1,063
median weekly income
children under 18 years
19.1%
377k
annual visitors
aged 60 and above
9.6%
speak Italian
63.2%
62.5%
workforce participation
connected to the internet