Ordinary Meeting of Council

 

 

 

To be held on
Monday
28 August 2017

AT 6.00pm

 

 

 

Cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets,
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga

 

Phone: 1300 292 442
Fax: 02 6926 9199
Website: www.wagga.nsw.gov.au

In pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government Act, 1993 and the Regulations there under, notice is hereby given that an Ordinary Meeting of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga will be held in the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Corner Baylis and Morrow Streets, Wagga Wagga, on Monday 28 August 2017 at 6.00pm.

 

Council live streams video and audio of Council meetings. Members of the public are advised that their voice and/or image may form part of the webcast.

 

 

Mr Robert Knight

General Manager

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

QUORUM

The quorum for a meeting of the Council is a majority of the Councillors of the Council who hold office for the time being who are eligible to vote at the meeting.

COUNCIL MEETING ROOM

 

 

 

 

Ordinary Meeting of Council AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPER

Monday 28 August 2017

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE               PRECIS                                                                                            PAGE

PRAYER                                                                                                                       2

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY                                                                          2

APOLOGIES                                                                                                                 2

CONFIRMATIONS OF MINUTES

CM-1           Ordinary Council Meeting - 24 July 2017                                        2

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST                                                                                    2

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1         NOTICE OF MOTION - RED HILL ROAD - LOCAL ARTICULATED TRANSPORT 2

Reports from Staff

RP-1            Adoption of Council's Policies                                                       2

RP-2            POL 081 Business Continuity Policy                                                2

RP-3            POL 001 Asset Management Policy                                                  2

RP-4            POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy                                         2

RP-5            POL 033 Weed Management Policy and Delegations                  2

RP-6            POL 109 PUBLIC ART POLICY AND PUBLIC ART PLAN REVIEW             2

RP-7            POL 078 - Donations Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act                                                                                                                  2

RP-8            Contaminated Land Management Policy                                      2

RP-9            Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040                                                                  2

RP-10          Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy                    2

RP-11          Draft Activation Strategy 2040                                                      2

RP-12          PROCESS OF PROCEDURAL MOTION - EN GLOBO                                 2

RP-13          Financial Performance Report as at 31 July 2017                     2

RP-14          Juvenile Diabetes Walk - Section 356 donation                          2

RP-15          Bears of Hope - Section 356 Donation                                            2

RP-16          Dunns Road                                                                                            2

RP-17          Kincaid St - Centre of Road Parking - Review of Trial             2

RP-18          Economic Development Grants Program 2016/2017 - Final Round - Recommendations of assessment panel                                      2

 

 

RP-19          Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Annual Report                       2

RP-20          Response to Questions with Notice                                               2

RP-21          PROPOSED ROAD CLOSURE APPLICATION - HAREFIELD                      2

RP-22          PROPOSED LEASE TO THE AUSTRALIAN CLAY TARGET ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED                                                                                       2

RP-23          CHANGE OF LESSEE ENTITY - WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL CROWN RESERVES RESERVE TRUST LEASE - RESERVE 1037368 AT TARCUTTA (LOT 16 DP1189207)                                                                                               2

RP-24          LAKE ALBERT STORMWATER HARVESTING                                           2  

Committee Minutes

M-1              Traffic Committee Minutes and Summary - 13 July 2017            2

M-2              Floodplain Risk Management Advisory Committee Meeting - 4 July 2017                                                                                                           2   

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE                                                                         2

Confidential Reports

CONF-1       RFT 2017/32 AIRPORT TAXIWAY UPGRADE STAGE 1                              2  

 

PRAYER

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

 

 

APOLOGIES

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1              Ordinary Council Meeting - 24 July 2017       

 

Recommendation That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 24 July 2017 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

 

Attachments  

1⇩.

Minutes - 24 July 2017

2

 

 

  

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

 

 

Motions Of Which Due Notice Has Been Given

NOM-1           NOTICE OF MOTION - RED HILL ROAD - LOCAL ARTICULATED TRANSPORT

Author:          Councillor Paul Funnell

 

Analysis:

Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor Paul Funnell in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

 

 

Recommendation That Council receive a report on options to manage local articulated transport on the section of Red Hill Road between the Olympic Highway and Glenfield Road.

 

For a number of years there have been ongoing concerns with the methodology regarding the restrictions in place for Red Hill Road, from the Olympic highway intersection to the intersection of Glenfield Road. This problem continues to be brought up at community meetings such as Collingullie and Galore as well as ongoing numerous phone conversations with affected members of the community.

 

The current signage, limits traffic movements to vehicles under 15m. There is a logical historical reason for this, being that Council and the community did not want Red Hill road to end up as a quasi-city by-pass. That said, in discussions over the past three years, a number of excuses have been presented, from the structural integrity of the pavement to saying the RMS didn’t support any larger movements.

 

The intention of this report is to explore options that would allow traffic movements of local heavy vehicles along this section of road. By allowing such movements on a limited basis, for example, ’19.5m limit, local traffic only’, this would reduce wear and tear on other roads and infrastructure and improve safety in the city streets. There are current heavy transport traffic movements on this section of road which is limited to operators of the quarry located on Red Hill Road. All other traffic movements outside the 15m limit are forced to travel down Glenfield Road and then through residential and school zone precincts, thus creating increased unnecessary congestion and potential safety issues. This type of movement and onerous traffic management increases maintenance requirements due to the screwing of heavy-laden vehicles on city streets and roundabouts.

 

This report is not limited to changing the signage; this was just one potential option as an example. Other options that have been discussed could be a permit system; however, that could increase red tape for both council and the local operators. The report would be required to look at all potential management solutions and report to council for discussion and decision.

N/A

N/A

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We have leaders that represent us

 

No specific issues identified.

N/A

 

  

 

  

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1                             Adoption of Council's Policies

Author:                        Ingrid Hensley

General Manager:    Robert Knight

         

Analysis:

Adopt all Council policies within 12 months of the Local Government Election.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       adopt the list of Council policies as outlined in the body of this report b       rescind the following policies: ·     POL 014 – Local Orders Policy ·     POL 027 – Support in Community Disasters Policy ·     POL 073 – Tree Management Policy ·     POL 098 – Internal Audit Policy ·     POL 099 – Good Governance Policy ·     POL 116 – Mayoral Discretionary Fund Policy c        delegate authority to the General Manager to make minor amendments to policies as required (as outlined in the report)

 

Over the course of the past year a comprehensive review of Council’s policies has been undertaken to ensure that all policies are appropriate to the current strategic, operational and legislative environment in which Council operates.

 

 

The Policies of Council express the overarching intent of Council on matters of broad significance and provide guidance for the management of those matters. These policies have a range of instigation and review mechanisms including legislative compliance, Office of Local Government directives, local requirements and good practice in the various disciplines within which Council operates. Council currently has in excess of 80 policies covering a diverse range of areas.

 

As indicated, over the past 12 months Council staff have undertaken an extensive and thorough review of Council policies to ensure they:

 

·    are consistent with Council’s strategic objectives, legislation and other influences e.g. Office of Local Government directives

·    seek to represent the views of Council and the community

·    clearly state intended outcomes

·    can be effectively implemented and administered.

 

As a result of the review process each policy was categorised into one of three areas:

 

·    Those which did not require material changes i.e. were compliant, with no industry changes nor State Government directives (e.g. OLG directives)

·    Those which required changes requiring public exhibition and Council adoption which have been reported to Council throughout the past 12 months

·    Those which were identified as requiring rescission

 

A full list of Council policies is as follows:

 

Policy Reference	Policy Name
POL 001	Asset Management Policy
POL 002	Restricted Access Vehicle Management
POL 003	Works In Kind Agreement Policy
POL 004	Wagga Wagga Art Gallery – Collection Management Policy
POL 005	Wagga Wagga Art Gallery – Exhibition Policy
POL 006	Liquid Trade Waste Policy
POL 007	Visitor Access to Staff- Only Areas of Council Policy
POL 008	Activities in Public Road Reserves Policy
POL 009	Smoke-Free Outdoor Areas Policy
POL 010	Loans to Community Organisations Policy
POL 011	Signs As Remote Supervision Policy
POL 012	Enforcement and Prosecution Policy
POL 013	Return on Investment Council Businesses Policy
POL 015	Community Facility Direction Signs Policy
POL 016	Replacement of stolen kerbside collection bins Policy
POL 019	External Loan Borrowings Policy
POL 020	Internal Loan Borrowings Policy
POL 021	Financial Reserves for future expenditures Policy
POL 022	Grants and Partnership/Sponsorship provided to Council Policy
POL 023	Commercial Advertising at Council Policy
POL 024	Community Gardens Policy
POL 025	Payment of Expenses and Provision of facilities to Councillors Policy
POL 026	Use of Council Logo and Coat of Arms Policy
POL 028	Plaques Policy
POL 029	Wagga Wagga Asbestos Policy
POL 033	Noxious Weeds Policy
POL 036	Sewer Policy
POL 037	Stormwater Policy
P0L 038	Leasing and Licensing Policy
POL 039	Wagga Wagga Cemeteries Policy
POL 041	Activities on Footpath Policy
POL 042	Condolences and Memorials for staff and Councillors Policy
POL 043	Councillors Records Management Policy
POL 046	Processing Development Applications lodged by Councillors, Staff and individuals Policy
POL 047	Road and Suburb Naming Policy
POL 049	Swimming Pool Safety Policy
POL 050	Awnings Policy
POL 051	Security Deposits Interest Payments Policy
POL 052	Budget Policy
POL 055	Parks Naming Policy
POL 056	Unreasonable Complainant and Contact Policy
POL 058	Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Policy
POL 060	Delegations Policy
POL 061	Hiring a Council Community Centre or Hall Policy
POL 063	Livestock Marketing Centre Quality Policy
POL 071	Welcome to Wagga Wagga Signs Policy
POL 074	Museum of the Riverina Collection Management Policy
POL 075	Investment Policy
POL 076	Executive and Leaseback  Vehicles
POL 077	Use of Plant and Equipment Policy
POL 078	Donations Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act Policy
POL 079	Risk Management Policy
POL 080	Work Health and Safety Policy
POL 083	Child Protection Policy
POL 085	Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
POL 086	Petitions Management Policy
POL 087	Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Policy
POL 088	Community Sharps Management Policy
POL 089	Provision of information to and interaction between Councillors and Staff Policy
POL 090	Media Policy
POL 091	Lobbying of Councillors Policy
POL 092	Events Support Policy
POL 093	Subsidy for waste disposal by Charitable organisations Policy
POL 095	Privacy Policy
POL 096	City of Wagga Wagga Planning Agreement Policy
POL 097	Public Interest Disclosure Policy
POL 100	Fraud and Corruption Policy
POL 101	Legislative Compliance Policy
POL 102	Financial Hardship Policy
POL 103	Complaints Handling Policy
POL 107	Gifts and Benefits Policy
POL 108	Public Access to Information Policy
POL 109	Public Art Policy
POL 110	Procurement and Disposal Policy
POL 112	Conflicts of Interest Policy
POL 113	Councillor Training and Development Policy
POL 117	Appointment of Organisation, Community and Individual Citizen Members to Council Committees Policy

 

(Please note that the policy reference numbers are not in consecutive order, as a result of policies being rescinded, adopted separately or in draft format).

 

The policies listed below are currently on public exhibition or are subject to a separate report in this business paper to be placed on public exhibition. Although these policies are in the process of amendment, it is proposed that Council adopt these policies in their current form so that the current council has reviewed and adopted all Policies within 12 months of the election. A further report in relation to the adoption of theses policies will be provided to Council at the conclusion of each exhibition and submission periods.

 

·    POL 097 Public Interest Disclosures Policy

·    POL 087 Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Policy

·    POL 001 Asset Management Policy

·    POL 033 Noxious Weeds Policy

·    POL 078 Donations Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act Policy

·    POL 101 Legislative Compliance Register Policy

·    POL 109 Public Art Policy

 

 

The Business Continuity Policy (POL 081) is also subject to a separate report in this business paper and is recommended for adoption following the public exhibition.

 

It should also be noted that the new Draft Related Parties Disclosures Policy (POL 031) is also currently on public exhibition with a further report to be provided to Council for adoption at the conclusion of the exhibition and submissions period.

 

Rescission of Council Policies

 

As a result of the review process, six policies have been identified by the respective policy owners for rescission. The policies to be rescinded, together with the reasons for their proposed rescission, are outlined below:

 

POL 014 - Local Orders Policy

 

The review has identified a duplication of policy content with the Local Orders Policy with the Enforcement and Prosecution Policy. It is, therefore, recommended that the Local Orders Policy be rescinded by Council, as the policy scope and objective are captured within the Enforcement and Prosecution Policy (POL 012).

 

POL 027 - Support in Community Disasters Policy

 

The review of the Support in Community Disasters Policy has identified that whilst a previous requirement existed for the Policy, that requirement no longer remains and is therefore recommend that the Policy be rescinded based on the following:

 

·     Currently Council’s Emergency Risk Management Framework has been developed in line with AS/NZS ISO 31000:2009.

·     Wagga Wagga’s Local Emergency Management Committee (LEMC) has implemented a Local Emergency Management Plan (LEMP).

·     Under the LEMP the LEMC address the requirements of Prevention, Planning, Response and Recovery (PPRR) for the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

 

It can also be noted that:

 

·     When Council submitted an application for funding for the 2016 flood event, there was no requirement for Council to have a Support in Community Disasters Policy in place.

·     Council have recently carried out an Emergency Management Health Check and one of the outcomes was that Council did not require a policy to be in place for supporting the community in disasters.

·     The Emergency Management Health Check required the LEMC to have an LEMP in place.

 

POL 073 - Tree Management Policy

 

The review of the Tree Management Policy has identified that the contents of this policy have now been included in Councils Development Control Plan (DCP), Section 5 “Natural Resource and Landscape Management”. Due to this inclusion, the Tree Management Policy (POL 073) is no longer required as a stand-alone policy and it is recommended that it be rescinded.

 

POL 098 – Internal Audit Policy

 

The Internal Audit Policy was created in 2007 to provide a guide to Internal Audit at Council. The review benchmarked against other councils, industry and considered contemporary practices and recommends that the Internal Audit Policy be rescinded and replaced with Internal Audit Charter.  This has been made in consultation with the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee who recommends to Council that POL 098 Internal Audit Policy be rescinded and replaced by the Internal Audit Charter.

 

POL 099 – Good Governance Policy

 

The Good Governance Policy was created in 2007 to provide a guide to governance at Council at that time. Industry research and benchmarking identified that the approach to governance has evolved with the need for the policy superseded by Council’s development of a number of associated frameworks and procedures such as Good Governance, Fraud and Corruption, Risk Management, Complaints and Legislative Compliance. It is, therefore, recommended that the Good Governance Policy be rescinded.

 

POL 116 - Mayoral Discretionary Fund Policy

The Mayoral Discretionary Fund Policy was created in 2008 to provide the Mayor with an opportunity to provide a rapid response to requests for assistance. The policy as it stands is inconsistent with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993, as it’s a non-delegable function of Council except where it is part of an approved program. Donations under the Mayoral Discretionary fund should be undertaken in accordance with approved budget and programs, consistent with IP&R objectives. A separate report has been developed to amend the Donations Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act Policy (POL 078).

 

 

Given the volume of policies referred to in the above Schedule of Council Policies, they have not been printed for inclusion in this report. They are, however, accessible via Council's website (http://www.wagga.nsw.gov.au/city-of-wagga-wagga/council/policies), the Councillors' Boardpad, or by making enquiry to the General Manager. It is noted that hardcopies of regularly used policies were provided to Councillors as part of their induction manual and any major changes to those policies or the addition of new policies have been reported through Council since that time.

 

It is noted that in the coming months a number of policies will be required to be amended and reported to Council. This will occur as a result of legislative requirements and alignment to operational projects that are scheduled. Council policies, by their nature, are “live” documents in that they often undergo amendment as a result of Office of Local government (or other State Government) directives, legislative change or compliance requirements.

 

Minor Amendments to Policies

 

During the term of Council or between review periods, policies may require minor administrative amendments to ensure currency of policies.

 

Minor amendments include:

 

·        Changes to the format of the Policy

·        Changes to grammar, spelling and context

·        Changes to the Policy number

·        Changes to the Policy owners as a result of a change in the organisational structure

·        Changes to the way the Policy is administered or implemented that do not result in financial implications or impact the community

 

To limit the number of policies being presented to Council for only minor amendments as indicated above, it is recommended that the General Manager be delegated authority by Council to make minor amendments given the amendments do not:

 

·        Change the intent of the Policy

·        Impact on the community

·        Result in a conflict with any existing Policy

·        Have legal or financial implication

 

Policy amendments, which cannot be described as minor in accordance with the provisions above, are considered a major amendment. Any major amendment must follow Council’s endorsed internal review and approval process and be reported to Council for consideration to be placed on public, as required and adopted by Council.

 

N/A

Council policies are essential to ensure transparent legal, fair and consistent decision-making across the Council. They support Council in achieving its corporate objectives and provide a critical guide for staff, Councillors and other stakeholders. In the absence of effective policies there is a greater risk of inconsistency, confusion and inefficiency.

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

No specific issues identified.

·        Council Staff and Executive

·        Corporate Review Committee

·        Audit and Risk Committee where applicable

·        Office of Local Government

·        Policy stakeholders

 

  

 

 

 

RP-2                             POL 081 Business Continuity Policy

Author:                        Ingrid Hensley

General Manager:    Robert Knight

         

Analysis:

Amendments to POL 081 Business Continuity Policy are presented to Council for adoption following placement on public exhibition.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       notes that there were no submissions received during the exhibition period for POL 081 Business Continuity Policy b       adopts POL 081 Business Continuity Policy

 

Council, at its meeting of 26 June 2017, resolved:

 

That Council:

a       endorse the draft POL 081 Business Continuity Policy, that is to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 27 June 2017 to 25 July 2017 and invites public submissions until 8 August 2017 on the draft Policy

b       receive a further report following the exhibition and submission period:

i        addressing any submissions made in respect of the proposed POL 081 Business Continuity Policy

ii       proposing adoption of the Policy unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

 

This Policy was placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. This exhibition period concluded on 25 April 2017 and submission period concluded 8 August 2017 with no submissions being received. Accordingly, it is recommended to Council that this Policy be adopted as exhibited.

N/A

POL 081 Business Continuity Policy

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

No specific issues identified.

N/A

 

 

1⇩.

Draft POL 081 Business Continuity Policy

 

 

 

 

 

 

RP-3               POL 001 Asset Management Policy

Author:          Tristan Kell

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

Amendments to POL 001 Asset Management Policy are presented to Council for endorsement and placement on public exhibition.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       endorse the draft POL 001 Asset Management Policy, that is to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 29 August 2017 to 26 September 2017 and invites public submissions on the draft Policy b       receive a further report following the public exhibition and submission period: i.        addressing any submissions made in respect of the proposed POL 001 Asset Management Policy ii        proposing adoption of the Policy unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

 

The purpose of the Policy is to ensure adequate provision is made to ensure the community’s assets deliver an agreed level of service to the best of the organisation’s ability. This Policy has been reviewed in line with subject matter experts across the organisation.

 

The proposed changes have resulted in updates to the following:

 

·        The references to the link between Asset Management Plan and the Community Strategic Plan, the Long Term Financial Plan, the Workforce Plan, the Delivery Program and the Operational Plan have been strengthened throughout the Policy.

·        The responsibilities of Managers, the Executive and Councillors have been updated.

·        The Policy has been reviewed and changes have been made to ensure the communication is as clear as possible.

 

To allow community feedback on the Policy, it is recommended that the draft Policy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days seeking public submissions.

 

The Council has a significant number of assets that it manages on behalf of the community.

As at 30 June 2016, the Council’s Balance Sheet reflected the following amount by asset class:

 

Asset Class	$’000
Transport	518,285
Sewer	251,831
Stormwater	203,355
Land	176,867
Other	81,717
Buildings	79,967
Recreational assets	17,840
Plant and Equipment	14,087
TOTAL	1,343,949

 

Council’s Long Term Financial Plan includes provision for the maintenance of Council’s assets at the current maintenance program level. Anything above the current maintenance program levels is unfunded, and would need to be approved by Council.

POL 001 Asset Management Policy

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We are informed and involved in decision making

Outcome: Everyone in our community feels they have been heard and understood

 

This Policy assists in maintaining the current residual risk of the following item identified in Council’s Risk Register as this forms part of the existing controls that the Council has in place:

 

Item Number	Risk Description	Current Residual Risk
S50	Lack of confidence in data and lack of implementation and integration of the Asset Management Plan with the suite of IP&R documents leading to assets not being adequately maintained and renewed and not reaching maximum useful life resulting in cost implications to the community	High

The Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and IAP2 considers the community to be “any individual or group of individuals, organisation or political entity with an interest in the outcome of a decision….”

 

Council officers have consulted with relevant Officers, Managers, the Corporate Review Committee, and the Executive Team in the review of this Policy.

 

 

1⇩.

POL001- Revised Asset Management Policy -2017

 

 

 

 

 

RP-4                             POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy

Author:                        Ingrid Hensley

General Manager:    Robert Knight

         

Analysis:

Amendments to POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy are presented to Council for endorsement and placement on public exhibition.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       endorse the draft POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy, that is to be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 29 August 2017 to 26 September 2017 and invites public submissions until 10 October 2017 on the draft Policy b       receive a further report following the public exhibition and submission period: i         addressing any submissions made in respect of the proposed POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy ii        proposing adoption of the Policy unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

 

POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy has been reviewed and updated in line with new Australian Standards AS ISO 19600:2015 Compliance management systems – Guidelines and the NSW Treasury Guide for Audit & Risk Committees – Compliance Management (May 2017).

 

The purpose of the Policy is to set out principles that aim to identify and respond to compliance breaches, promote a culture of compliance and assist Council in achieving the highest standards of governance.

 

The proposed changes have resulted in updates to:

 

·       reference Council’s risk appetite in relation to compliance risk

·       confirm practices against the Policy

·       align the Policy to the updated Standards and Treasury Guide

 

To allow community feedback on the Policy, it is recommended that the Policy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days with a 42 day submission period.

 

N/A

POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

No specific issues identified.

Council has consulted with the Corporate Review Committee, Executive Team and the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee.

 

 

1⇩.

Draft POL 101 Legislative Compliance Policy

 

 

 

 

 

RP-5               POL 033 Weed Management Policy and Delegations

Author:          Carly Hood

Director:       Janice Summerhayes

         

Analysis:

The creation of the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 and subsequent repeal of the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 requires Council to amend its Noxious Weeds Policy and issue new delegations to staff who are authorised under the new legislation.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       receive the draft POL 033 – Weed Management Policy b       endorse the draft POL 033 – Weed Management Policy and place on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 4 September 2017 to 1 October 2017 and invite public submissions on the draft Policy c        receive a further report following the public exhibition period: (i)      addressing any submissions made in respect of the proposed policy (ii)     proposing adoption of the policy unless there are any recommended  amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period.

 

The NSW Biosecurity Act 2015 (the Act) commenced on 1 July 2017. On commencement of the new legislation, the NSW Noxious Weeds Act 1993 was repealed and Councils as well as County Councils are thereby established as the local control authorities (LCAs) under Section 370 of the new Act.

 

The introduction of the NSW Biosecurity Act has triggered a review of Council’s Noxious Weeds Policy (POL 033) and requires new delegations to be issued to the General Manager and staff.

 

Section 371(1) of the Act prescribes the functions of LCAs in relation to weed management:

 

(a) the prevention, elimination, minimisation and management of the biosecurity risk posed or likely to be posed by weeds,

(b) to develop, implement, co-ordinate and review weed control programs,

(c) to inspect land in connection with its weed control functions,

(d) to keep records about the exercise of the LCA’s functions under this Act,

(e) to report to the Secretary about the exercise of the LCA’s functions under this Act.

Section 375 of the Act provides for a LCA (Wagga Wagga City Council) to delegate to any officer or employee of the LCA (in this case the General Manager) any function conferred on the LCA by the Act, or the regulations, other than this delegation.

The General Manager is then able to sub-delegate these functions to the appropriate operational staff to ensure Councils functions under the Act are carried out.

The draft Weed Management Policy (POL 033) has been amended to align with the changes to the Act and is recommended to be placed on public exhibition for comment.

 

The proposed adjustments contained within the draft policy POL033 Weed Management Policy does not result in a change to the current operational budget for weed management.

POL 033 Noxious Weeds Policy has been reviewed and the new draft policy POL033 Weed Management Policy is presented with this report for endorsement.

The Environment

Objective: We create a sustainable environment for future generations

Outcome: We demonstrate sustainable practices

Wagga Wagga City Council needs to follow the delegation process and review of policy in order to comply with the new legislation.

The amendments to the policy have been workshopped with Councillors on 10^th July 2017. Internal consultation has occurred with Council’s Corporate Review Committee, Council’s Executive Team and the delegations under the new Act have been discussed with Council’s Governance team.

 

 

1⇩.

POL 033 - Weed Management Policy

 

 

 

 

RP-6               POL 109 PUBLIC ART POLICY AND PUBLIC ART PLAN REVIEW

Author:          Madeleine Scully

Director:       Janice Summerhayes

         

Analysis:

Out of the 26 June 2017 Ordinary Council meeting resolution for the Public Art Policy POL109 and revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017- 2021, a Councillor workshop was held on Monday 7 August 2017. Following that workshop, staff have amended both the Public Art Policy POL109 and the Enliven Plan to reflect Council’s changes to the funding allocation for public art projects. The amendments also include a reference to the Community Works Reserve Fund process. Staff are now seeking to place POL 109 and the Enliven Plan on public exhibition to seek further public feedback prior to presenting the documents to Council for adoption. A separate report will be presented to Council addressing the establishment of the Community Works Reserve Fund after Council adopts the revised Public Art Policy.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       thank the community and key stakeholders for their input into the development of the draft Public Art Policy POL109 and revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017- 2021 b       receive the amended draft Public Art Policy POL109 and revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017- 2021 c        place the draft Public Art Policy POL109 and revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017- 2021 on public exhibition for a period of 28 days and invite public submissions on the draft documents d       receive a further report following the public exhibition period: (i)      addressing any submission made in respect of the Public Art Policy POL 109 and revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017- 2021 (ii)     proposing adoption of the Public Art Policy POL109 and revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017-2021 unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

 

Council resolved on 26 June 2017:

That Council:

a       continue collecting 1% of all capital works funded by GPR (excluding sewer, grants, contributions, developer contributions, pure acquisition budgets)

b       the first $50,000 raised annually to go to the public art reserve

c        establish a community works reserve where any funds over and above the $50,000 can be held

d       report back to Council with a scoping document which includes the ability for art projects to apply for funding from this community works reserve

e       amend the draft POL 109 Public Art Policy to reflect the above changes and place on public exhibition

 

Following the 26 June 2017 Ordinary Council meeting resolution, staff have amended both the Public Art Policy POL109 and the Enliven Plan to reflect Council’s changes in the funding allocation for public art.

 

Based on the resolution staff have consulted and worked with the Public Art Advisory Panel (PAAP) to determine a reduced public art schedule of works now detailed in the revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017 – 2021.

 

The amendments also include a reference to the Community Works Reserve Fund process within the Public Art Policy POL109, so that art projects seeking funding outside of the public art policy parameters are aware of that opportunity.

 

Staff are now seeking to place the documents on public exhibition to seek further public feedback prior to presenting the documents to Council for adoption. Placing the draft documents on public exhibition provides a final opportunity for community members and key stakeholders to review both documents and to provide submissions.

 

At the 26 June 2017 Ordinary Council meeting it was resolved to establish a Community Works Reserve fund. A Councillor workshop was held on Monday 7 August 2017 to discuss the establishment of such a reserve and the terms of reference that the fund would operate against. Following the public exhibition period and adoption of the Public Art Policy POL109 and the revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017-20121, a separate report will be presented to Council detailing the establishment of the Community Works Reserve Fund and its commencement date after Council adopts the revised Public Art Policy.

 

POL 109 Public Art Policy

Community Place and Identity

Objective: We are proud of where we live and our identity

Outcome: We have a strong sense of place

Without a designated public art funding stream the plan will not be able to be delivered over the 2017-21 period, and any other public art beyond that period for the City.

Extensive community consultation has been undertaken including data collected during the development of the Community Strategic Plan 2040, Wagga View. An online survey and a stakeholder workshop was conducted from 4 – 24 May 2017. One on one meetings with community members and Councillors occurred. Stakeholders and community members also directly phoned, mailed or emailed Council with feedback. The community consultation process overall indicated that there was a strong sense of support for public art and for Council to fund public art as part of the annual budget allocation process. Whilst the consultation aimed to gauge ideas and expectations from the community regarding public art four survey respondents out of one hundred and ten respondents were not supportive of public art in any form. The engagement report was tabled at the 26 June 2017 Ordinary Council meeting.

 

A further workshop with Councillors was held on Monday 7 August 2017 to determine the Community Works Reserve Fund process. Staff have consulted and worked with the PAAP to determine a revised Public Art Schedule of Works 2017-2021 as detailed in the revised Enliven Public Art Plan 2017-2021 document due to the reduction in   funding towards public art.

 

 

1⇩.	POL 109 - Public Art Policy
2.	Final - Enliven Public Art Plan 2017-2021 - Provided under separate cover

 

 

 

RP-7               POL 078 - Donations Under Section 356 of the Local Government Act

Author:                        Scott Gray

General Manager:    Robert Knight

         

Recommendation PLEASE NOTE A LATE REPORT ON THIS MATTER IS TO BE FINALISED FOR INCLUSION AT THE 28 AUGUST 2017 ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING.

 

 

 

 

RP-8               Contaminated Land Management Policy

Author:          Crystal Golden

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

This report provides Council with the Contaminated Land Management Policy for adoption after the public exhibition period.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       notes that there were no submissions received during the exhibition period for the draft Contaminated Land Management Policy b       adopts the Contaminated Land Management Policy

 

Effective management of contaminated land is necessary in the context of managing the risk of harm that land contamination potentially poses to human health and the environment.

 

The Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) and the Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC) made a joint application to the Regional Capacity Building Program, under the Contaminated Land Management Program administered by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) as funded by the NSW Environment Trust.

 

A project was established utilising this funding to provide capacity and assistance for the management of contaminated sites in regional and rural NSW. The objectives of the program are:

 

·       To improve the management of non-regulated contaminated sites in regional areas of NSW

·       To improve access to contaminated site expertise and increase the technical capacity of local government in regional areas

 

Wagga Wagga City Council is the EPA’s main partner in preventing and dealing with legacy contamination. The appropriate management of contaminated land is critical to maintaining a healthy environment and healthy community. Whilst the EPA already supports a number of initiatives to develop skills, there are still resource gaps due to resourcing and knowledge limitations, particularly for small regional councils, in providing informed responses to land contamination issues.

 

Councils are planning and consent authorities and are thereby expected, in relation to the management of contamination, to act in “good faith” in accordance with the requirements of the CLM Act. “Good faith” provisions also extend to the subordinate State Environmental Planning Policy No. 55 – Remediation of Land (SEPP 55), and its planning guideline.

 

 

 

Councils have responsibilities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (EP&A Act) in regard to the early identification of contaminated sites, the consideration of land contamination issues in planning functions, data and information management regarding land contamination and informing the public on contamination matters (e.g. Section 149 planning certificates).

 

Under the CLM Act, the EPA regulates contaminated sites where the contamination is significant enough to warrant regulation. Contaminated sites that are not regulated by the EPA are managed by local councils through the land use planning processes.

 

The Policy outlines the requirements relating to the use and/or development of land that is or may be contaminated. The Policy has been developed in accordance with the provisions of the CLM Act, SEPP 55 and the Managing Land Contamination – Planning Guidelines. The Policy will ensure that change of land use, or new development proposals will not increase the risk to human health or the environment, will avoid inappropriate restrictions on land use and provide information to support decision-making and to inform the community.

 

The Policy, upon adoption, will replace the following internal operating processes:

 

·        SCS.SP.68 Management of Contaminated or potentially contaminated land in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area

·        SCS.DA.26 Update of Contaminated Land Register

 

The adoption of a Contaminated Land Management Policy including procedures will facilitate effective management of contaminated land and management of the risk of harm to human health and the environment.

 

As part of the Policy, the contaminated land register will be updated to ensure information contained within the register for the 695 potential items is accurate. Once the information contained within the register is checked for accuracy, there is potential to make the register publicly available.

 

The draft Contaminated Land Management Policy and Procedure was placed on public exhibition from 1 July 2017 with submissions being received until 8 August 2017. During this time, no submissions were received.

 

It is recommended that the Contaminated Land Management Policy be adopted as exhibited.

 

N/A

·        Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979

·        Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulations 2000

·        Contaminated Land Management Act 1997

 

The Environment

Objective: We create a sustainable environment for future generations

Outcome: We demonstrate sustainable practices

 

Council’s Risk Register includes the following item:

 

Item Number	Risk Description	Current Residual Risk
E55	Contaminated land controlled by Council not identified in existing Contaminated Land Register	High

The relevant controls outlined in the risk register associated with the above risk includes:

·        Contaminated Land Register

·        Complying with legislation

The Risk Register also included further actions required to mitigate risk that include:

·        Continued monitoring

The adoption of the Contaminated Land Management Policy that incorporates procedures ensures that there is a consistent process applied, and in effect, provides an additional control to mitigate the risk.

 

The adoption of the Contaminated Land Management Policy will ensure the effective management of contaminated land in the context of managing the risk of harm that land contamination poses to human health and the environment.

The Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and IAP2 considers the community to be “any individual or group of individuals, organisation or political entity with an interest in the outcome of a decision….”

 

The production of the Policy was administered by the RAMROC and REROC with an Executive Committee that oversaw its development and a Contaminated Land Working Group for which Wagga Wagga City Council was part of this group.

 

Internal consultation has been undertaken with the Environment and Development Services Divisions along with being presented to the Corporate Review Committee for feedback.

 

A Councillor workshop was held on 5 June 2017 with the following Councillors in attendance:

 

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor)

·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor)

·        Cr Yvonne Braid

·        Cr Dan Hayes

·        Cr Tim Koschel

·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

External consultation was undertaken as part of a 28-day exhibition period with comments accepted for a period of 42 days.

 

 

1.

Contaminated Land Management Policy - Provided under separate cover

 

 

 

 

RP-9               Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

Author:          Tristan Kell

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

After consideration of the significant community engagement process and the public submissions received, the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 is presented to Council for adoption.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       notes that the community engagement process and public submissions received have been utilised to develop the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 b       thanks the community and key stakeholders for their input into the development of the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 c        adopts the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 d       approves an additional $250,000 for 2017/18 to be allocated from the Fit for the Future Reserve for those items identified to commence in Year 1 of the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040.

 

The development of the Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 (WWITS 2040) has been a significant journey for the community and Council as a whole. There has been a substantial amount of community engagement throughout the process, which has been invaluable in developing the final document.

 

The final WWITS 2040 document is a blueprint for transport in Wagga Wagga that reflects the needs and expectations for the community, leaving a legacy for future planning and projects with the goal of creating an active, safe, healthy and vibrant city that enhances Wagga Wagga’s position as a leading regional city.

 

The document is integral to the development of the Recreation and Open Space Strategy and the Activation Strategy (formerly known as the Residential Strategy), which are also being considered by the Council at this meeting for public exhibition.

 

Each of these strategy documents will inform Council’s Development Control Plan and Local Environmental Plan and Contribution Plans, which are critical to the future of the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.

Development of the WWITS 2040 has a $248,000 budget allocated for technical and independent reports, summary documents and costs associated with the consultation processes. 

 

Costs incurred to 30 June 2017 totalled $239,981.55, and with minimal final costs incurred in 2017/18, there is an estimated saving of approximately $8,018.45 for the overall project.

 

The items contained within WWITS 2040 that are intended to commence in Year 1 include the following:

 

Item No.	Description	Cost	Funded Amount	Funds Required
ILU3.3	Initiate detailed design plans for Farrer Road improvement	$126,354	$126,354	Nil
ILU3.4	Review layouts of key routes and intersections in the northern growth area	$30,000	Nil	$30,000
ILU4.1	Prepare a CBD structure plan	$200,000	$100,000	$100,000
ILU4.2	Investigate streets within CBD area for “road diets”	$35,000	Nil	$35,000
ILU4.3	Review operation / design of roundabouts within the CBD area	$25,000	Nil	$25,000
RN4.3	Investigate streets within urban areas for “road diets”	$40,000	Nil	$40,000
AT5.3	Implement programs to encourage cycling and walking for specific user groups	$20,000	Nil	$20,000
TOTAL		$476,354	$226,354	$250,000

 

In order for WWITS 2040 to commence successfully, it is paramount that the Year 1 amounts are incorporated into the 2017/18 budget with the funds are sourced from the Fit for the Future Reserve.

Wagga View: Community Strategic Plan 2040

Development Contributions Plans (Section 94, 94A and 64)

Planning Agreements Policy 2006

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Spatial Plan 2013-2043

Growing Economy

Objective: We are a Regional Capital

Outcome: We have complete and accessible transport networks, building infrastructure, improving road travel reliability, ensure on-time running for public transport

 

Council’s Risk Register includes the following item:

 

Item Number	Risk Description	Current Residual Risk
CR41	Planning strategies not resourced and developed in a timely manner leading to delayed or inappropriate (ad hoc) development, out of sync development and poor provision of infrastructure and poor reputation for Council, and poor community, liveability and environmental outcomes	High

The relevant control outlined in the risk register associated with the above risk includes:

·        2008 Transport Strategy

The Risk Register also included further actions required to mitigate risk that include:

·        Complete the Integrated Transport Strategy

·        Conduct community engagement as part of the Strategies identified

·        Undertake Masterplanning

 

The finalisation of the WWITS 2040 and inclusion of a budget allocation for the Year 1 items assists to further mitigate the risk associated with item CR41 outlined above.

 

While there may be a perception that some community feedback has not been considered if it has not been expressly included in the WWITS 2040, it should be noted that not all submissions supported the same outcome. The WWITS 2040 that has been presented has taken into account the majority views where possible.

The Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and IAP2 considers the community to be “any individual or group of individuals, organisation or political entity with an interest in the outcome of a decision….”

 

Given the significance of the WWITS 2040, the Council is ‘involving’ the community in its development, which is outlined in the Community Engagement Strategy in the IAP2’s Public Participation Spectrum as follows:

 

INVOLVE
Public Participation Goal	To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public issues and concerns are consistently understood and considered.
Promise to the Public	We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and issues are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.

 

 

Example Tools

·    Workshops ·    Deliberate polling

 

The City Strategy Division has undertaken both individual meetings as well as holding numerous workshops with Councillors during the development of this document, with the following in attendance:

 

20 December 2016

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Tim Koschel ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

13 February 2017

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Paul Funnell ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Tim Koschel ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

3 April 2017

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe ·        Cr Paul Funnell

 

18 April 2017

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Tim Koschel ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe ·        Cr Paul Funnell

 

 

8 May 2017

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

Extensive public consultation has occurred to inform the WWITS 2040 with community engagement to date including the following:

 

·        Community Engagement

o   Stakeholders Visioning Workshop – November 2015

o   Speak Out – December 2015

o   Survey and Interactive Mapping – January 2016

·        Technical Report – March 2016

·        Moving Forward Together: What Matters to You? – March / April 2016

·        Active Travel Plan: Cycling – September 2016

·        Peer Review and Summary of Findings on the independent technical report – February 2017

·        A key stakeholder briefing regarding the Peer Review report occurred on 14 February 2017

·        Five key stakeholder workshops were held over 22 and 23 March 2017

·        90 submissions were received relating to the independent technical report and peer review documents including 271 suggestions

·        A public petition with 1332 signatures was received from Ronda Lampe titled “This petition is against the acceptance of the Integrated Transport Report to Wagga Wagga City Council but we do need an extension to the Gobbagombalin Bridge within the next 10 years”.

 

During the exhibition period from the 23 May to 30 June 2017, 58 submissions were received – 37 through the Your Say website and 22 letters/emails. Of the 58 submissions, 83 topics were raised. Below is a breakdown of the topics addressed:

 

·        59% Bypass (28 against southern bypass, 17 for northern bypass, 2 support southern bypass, 2 support any bypass)

·        11% support active travel (6 support cycle ways, 3 support footpaths)

·        7% CBD Parking (6 suggestions for CBD parking options)

·        4% Against the report and process (3 general complaints)

·        4% Northern Growth Area (3 suggestions for inclusion)

·        Additional topics that received a single submission include; health precinct, general support, Sturt Highway upgrades, Kincaid Street parking, public transport, bus stops, caravan parking, Olympic Highway upgrades, Glenfield Road, Gobbagombalin Bridge, lack of connection to Forest Hill.

 

The majority of complaints made against the southern bypass where directly related to the bypass passing through their property. Individual letters were sent to residents in July 2017 to indicate that the WWITS 2040 was not proposing a route for a southern heavy vehicle bypass, but that it was seeking an investigation into an alternate vehicle route from the Sturt Highway to the Olympic Highway. Council further indicated that the NSW Government would lead any investigation into an alternate vehicle route but that Council would ensure that we play a key role as an important stakeholder and that it involves consultation with the community.

 

The City Strategy Division has also met with Industry and State Government Agencies whereby positive feedback has been received.

 

 

1.

Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 - Provided under separate cover

 

 

 

RP-10            Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy

Author:          Ben Creighton

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

Following extensive community and stakeholder engagement, staff have prepared a draft Recreation Open Space and Community Strategy to provide strategic direction for the planning, development, management and use of community spaces over the next 20 years.   Staff are now seeking to place the document on public exhibition to seek further public feedback prior to presenting the document to Council for adoption.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       thanks the community and key stakeholders for their input into the development of the draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy b       receives the draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy c        places the draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 29 August to 26 September 2017, and invite public submissions on the draft document d       receives a further report following the public exhibition period: (i)      addressing any submission made in respect of the proposed Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy (ii)     proposing adoption of the Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

 

Placing the draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy (ROSC) on public exhibition provides a final opportunity for community members and key stakeholders to review the strategy and implementation plans and to provide submissions.

 

This process will allow for consideration of the submissions received ensuring that Council is provided with a clear direction prior to consideration of the final ROSC.

 

The final ROSC document is a blueprint for the planning, development, management and use of community spaces over the next 20 years and reflects the needs and expectations as identified by the community.

 

The strategy has been prepared in conjunction with other integral strategies including Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 (WWITS 2040) and the draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040.

 

Each of these strategy documents will inform Council’s Development Control Plan and Local Environmental Plan, which are critical to the future of Wagga Wagga; along with assisting with the review of Section 94 Projects to be incorporated into the Contributions Plans. These documents are all currently under review, however will be aligned with all other strategic documents and the Long Term Financial Plan.

 

The total estimated cost of implementing the identified outcomes of the strategy would be approximately $96 Million.

 

Projects identified within the strategy and implementation plans are NOT to be considered in isolation of detailed project planning. All identified projects and actions will require a detailed business case to confirm project feasibility, project cost estimates and allow for their consideration against all other Council priorities. 

 

It is important to note that the adoption of this strategy is not approving dedicated budgets for the projects listed within the strategy. As mentioned above, detailed business cases will be undertaken to confirm each project’s feasibility. If the project is seen as feasible and if Council officers are recommending for a budget allocation to be included in Council’s Long Term Financial Plan, this will be reported to Council in a subsequent report.

While not policy or legislation, the following strategies are relevant:

 

·        Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2005-2015

·        Playground Strategy 2016-2036

·        Draft Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

·        Public Art Plan

·        Draft Activation Strategy

·        Development Control Plan

·        Local Environment Plan

·        Disability Inclusion Plan

 

The Community Engagement Strategy is also relevant; particularly the IAP2 Spectrum of how the community should be engaged in this process is relevant to this next public exhibition stage.

 

Safe and Healthy Community

Objective: We promote a healthy lifestyle

Outcome: We promote participation across a variety of sports and recreation

 

Council’s Risk Register includes the following items:

 

Item Number	Risk Description	Current Residual Risk
CR41	Planning strategies not resourced and developed in a timely manner leading to delayed or inappropriate (ad hoc) development, out of sync development and poor provision of infrastructure and poor reputation for Council, and poor community, liveability and environmental outcomes	High
CR43	Council’s inability to maintain, renew and upgrade existing infrastructure at appropriate levels which could lead to accelerated decline in infrastructure condition or possibly catastrophic infrastructure failure	Extreme

The relevant control outlined in the risk register associated with the above risk include:

·        Recreation and Open Space Strategy (CR41)

The Risk Register also included further actions required to mitigate risk that include:

·        Complete the Recreation, Open Space and Community Facility Strategy (CR41)

·        Conduct community engagement as part of the Strategies identified (CR41)

·        Undertake Masterplanning (CR41)

·        Improve integration of Asset Management Plans, Strategic Plans and the LTFP (CR43)

·        Improved strategic planning (CR43)

 

The development of a revised Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy therefore assists to further mitigate the risk associated with both items outlined above.

 

By placing the ROSC on public exhibition, the community and industry can have additional input into the final strategy document. Given the amount of community feedback to date, one of the risks may include the perception that some community feedback has not been considered if it has not been expressly included in the draft strategy. While not all feedback supported the same outcomes, the draft strategy has taken into account the majority views where possible.

The Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and IAP2 considers the community to be “any individual or group of individuals, organisation or political entity with an interest in the outcome of a decision….”

 

Given the significance of the ROSC document, the Council is ‘involving’ the community in their development which is outlined in the Community Engagement Strategy in the IAP2’s Public Participation Spectrum as follows:

 

INVOLVE
Public Participation Goal	To work directly with the public throughout the process to ensure that public issues and concerns are consistently understood and considered.
Promise to the Public	We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and issues are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how public input influenced the decision.
Example Tools	·    Workshops ·    Deliberate polling

 

The City Strategy Division has undertaken both individual meetings as well as holding with workshops with Councillors during the development of this document, with the following in attendance:

 

20 March 2017 Progress Update on Strategic Planning

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Tim Koschel ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

13 June 2017 Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

Other consultation and engagement has occurred through the following mechanisms:

 

·        Community Strategic Plan – 3000+ submissions

·        Suburb and village consultations

·        Industry and stakeholder consultations

·        Wagga View rural area questionnaire

·        Councillor sessions (one-on-one)

·        State Government department consultations

·        Attendance at markets and festivals

·        Disability Inclusion Forum

·        Online survey

·        Stakeholder workshops held on 7, 8 and 9 August 2017

·        A workshop with school children was held on 11 August 2017

 

 

 

1.

Draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy - Provided under separate cover

 

 

 

 

RP-11            Draft Activation Strategy 2040

Author:          Tristan Kell

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

Staff have prepared a draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 in response to the development of the Wagga Wagga Spatial Plan. Feedback received during the development of the Spatial Plan and the Community Strategic Plan - Wagga View 2040, along with all other community engagement sessions has been incorporated and staff now seek to place the document on public exhibition to seek further feedback prior to presenting the document to Council for adoption.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       receives the draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 b       places the draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days from 1 September to 28 September and invite public submissions on the draft strategy c        receive a further report following the public exhibition period: i         addressing any submission made in respect of the draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 ii        proposing adoption of the Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 unless there are any recommended amendments deemed to be substantial and requiring a further public exhibition period

 

Placing the draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 on public exhibition provides a final opportunity for community members, including businesses, developers and landowners to review the strategy and to provide submissions.

 

This process will allow for consideration of the submissions received ensuring that Council is provided with a clear direction prior to consideration of the final strategy.

 

The draft strategy will provide the city a blue print to accommodate an additional 20,000 people by 2040. Providing direction for residential growth and building upon our existing built and natural environment.

 

 This new approach will:

 

·        promote healthy choices through the provision of increased density the central business district

·        promote improved connectivity with surrounding neighbourhoods, villages and rural areas

·        encourage infill development in connected and accessible locations

·        protect and improve our natural ecological systems

·        preserve our heritage and cultural values

·        ensure that urban release areas promote liveability and sustainable outcomes

·        preserve key agricultural areas and sustainable growth of rural communities

 

While this document was formerly intended to be a Residential Strategy, a Rural Strategy and a Village Strategy, the community’s guiding principles of thriving, connected, innovation and inclusive were seriously considered when developing this strategy. Hence, the change in name in a conscious effort to demonstrate that Council is assisting to drive activation across all areas of the local government area within one key document. The title itself forms a strategic statement that demonstrates Council is aligning not only with the community’s principles, but also to the strategic statements that are required within the context of the NSW Planning Framework.

 

The strategy has been prepared in conjunction with other integral strategies including Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040 and draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy.

 

Each of these strategy documents will inform the Council’s Development Control Plan and Local Environmental Plan which are critical to the future of Wagga Wagga. It will also assist with a review of Section 94 Projects to be incorporated into the Contributions Plans; these documents are all currently under review, however will be aligned with the strategic documents and the Long Term Financial Plan.

 

To allow community feedback on the Strategy, it is recommended that the Strategy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days with the public invited to provide submissions during this time.

 

Adoption of the final Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 will require resources to implement actions identified in the strategy however, these will be identified during the 2018/19 budget process.

Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

 

While not policy or legislation, the following strategies and plans are relevant:

 

·    Riverina Murray Regional Plan

·    Development Control Plan

·    Local Environment Plan

·    Spatial Plan

·    Draft Integrated Transport Strategy and Implementation Plan 2040

·    Draft Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy

·    Public Art Plan

·    Disability Inclusion Plan

·    Airport Master Plan

·    LMC Strategic Master Plan

·    Bomen Strategic Master Plan

·    Riverside Strategic Master Plan

The Community Engagement Strategy is also relevant; particularly the IAP2 Spectrum of how the community should be engaged in this process is relevant to this next public exhibition stage.

The Environment

Objective: We plan for the growth of the city

Outcome: We have sustainable urban development

 

Council’s Risk Register includes the following items that are relevant to the Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040:

 

Item Number	Risk Description	Current Residual Risk
F3	Developer levies do not adequately fund the infrastructure required for population growth	High
F6	A reduction in Federal and State funding results in reduced capacity to deliver community / social and cultural operations and services	High
CR41	Planning strategies not resourced and developed in a timely manner leading to delayed or inappropriate (ad hoc) development, out of sync development and poor provision of infrastructure and poor reputation for Council, and poor community, liveability and environmental outcomes	High
CR43	Council’s inability to maintain, renew and upgrade existing infrastructure at appropriate levels which could lead to accelerated decline in infrastructure condition or possibly catastrophic infrastructure failure	Extreme
S45	Insufficient capacity for the city to grow due to lack of availability and appropriately zoned land	High
S46	Inability to maintain / increase employment base of the LGA leading to adverse socio/economic consequences	Medium
S52	Lack of enabling infrastructure driving economic growth of the city will lead to the inhibiting of current and future growth within the city	High
E59	Increased impact of urban salinity as a result of inadequate development controls in place	High

The relevant controls outlined in the risk register associated with the above risk include:

·        Strategic plans are maintained and delivered to a high level of quality and resilience (F6)

·        Continued lobbying for funding to State and Federal MPs (F6)

·        Assessment continues in accordance with current planning documents and resources (CR41)

·        Spatial Plan 2013 (CR41)

·        2010 LEP (CR41)

·        2010 DCP (CR41)

·        Retail Strategy (CR41)

·        2008 Transport Strategy (CR41)

·        S64 and S94 Plans (CR41)

·        Recreation and Open Space Strategy (CR41)

·        Spatial Plan (S45)

The Risk Register included further actions required to mitigate risk that include:

·        Ensuring infrastructure is appropriate to allow suitable freight movement throughout the region (F3)

·        Develop masterplans for growth areas identifying infrastructure needs (F3)

·        Advocacy by staff and councillors to lobby the State and Federal Government for sustainable funding (F6)

·        Complete the Residential Strategy (CR41)

·        Complete the Rural Lands Strategy (CR41)

·        Conduct community engagement as part of the Strategies identified (CR41)

·        Undertake Masterplanning (CR41)

·        Improve integration of Asset Management Plans, Strategic Plans and the LTFP (CR43)

·        Improved strategic planning (CR43)

·        Undertake an analysis of residential supply and demand and use this to continually monitor land release to prioritise timing of projects (S45)

·        Engage with development of the city’s growth strategy (S46)

·        Clear strategy to be developed to protect industrial zones from growth in residential and other incompatible land uses (S52)

·        As part of the residential strategy address constraints to land will be approached and zone accordingly as part of the LEP review (E59)

The draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 combines the residential, rural and village strategies that were referred to formerly. The development of a strategy that will activate all of these areas not only takes a more inclusive and connected approach, but aims to further mitigate the risk associated with all items outlined above.

Extensive public, internal and agency consultation has occurred to inform the draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 with community engagement to date including the following:

 

·        Suburb and Village Consultation – Community Strategic Plan – Wagga View:

-        Humula – 30 May 2016

-        Tarcutta – 30 May 2016

-        Uranquinty – 31 May 2016

-        Mangoplah – 31 May 2016

-        Oura – 1 June 2016

-        Cartwrights Hill – 1 June 2016

-        North Wagga Wagga – 1 June 2016

-        Ladysmith – 2 June 2016

-        Gumly Gumly – 2 June 2016

-        Forest Hill – 2 June 2016

-        Currawarna – 3 June 2016

-        Estella – 3 June 2016

-        Charles Sturt University – 3 June 2016

-        San Isidore – 8 June 2016

-        Collingullie – 8 June 2016

-        Galore – 8 June 2016

 

·        Wagga View rural area questionnaire – August 2016

-        Distributed to over 3,000 households

 

·        Village and suburb consultation:

-        Currawarna – 31 January 2017

-        Ladysmith – 8 February 2017

-        Uranquinty – 14 February 2017

-        Galore – 21 February 2017

-        Tarcutta – 2 March 2017

-        Humula – 6 March 2017

-        Mangoplah – 15 March 2017

-        Collingullie – 22 March 2017

-        Oura – 29 March 2017

-        Ashmont – 5 April 2017

-        Glenfield Park – 3 May 2017

-        Tolland – 10 May 2017

-        Lloyd – 17 May 2017

-        Bourkelands – 24 May 2017

-        Mount Austin – 7 June 2017

-        Turvey Park – 14 June 2017

-        Tatton – 21 June 2017

-        Kooringal – 28 June 2017

 

·        Individual meetings have been held with Councillors on a variety of occasions along with Councillor workshops being held on the following dates with the following in attendance:

 

20 March 2017 Progress Update on Strategic Planning

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Tim Koschel ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

13 June 2017 Activation Strategy

·        Cr Greg Conkey OAM (Mayor) ·        Cr Dallas Tout (Deputy Mayor) ·        Cr Yvonne Braid ·        Cr Dan Hayes ·        Cr Vanessa Keenan ·        Cr Rod Kendall ·        Cr Kerry Pascoe

 

·        Key stakeholder workshops were held with industry on 7, 8 and 9 August 2017

 

·        A workshop with school children representing three schools was held on 11 August 2017

 

·        Internal staff sessions:

-        Planning / Subdivisions – Monthly strategic sessions

-        Updates at Executive Team Meetings

-        Social Planning – 15 February 2017

-        Planning and S94 Project Officer – 9 March 2017

-        Staff briefing – 7 April 2017

-        Events and Marketing – 18 May 2017

-        Director Community and staff – 27 June 2017

-        Director Commercial Development – 2 August 2017

 

·        Ongoing engagement with Department of Planning and Environment

 

·        NSW Housing workshop – 7 February 2017

 

·        Committee 4 Wagga – 24 March 2017

 

·        HIA Information Night – 4 May 2017

 

·        Department of Education – 31 May 2017

 

 

1.

Draft Wagga Wagga Activation Strategy 2040 - Provided under separate cover

 

 

 

RP-12            PROCESS OF PROCEDURAL MOTION - EN GLOBO

Author:                        Ingrid Hensley

General Manager:    Robert Knight

         

Analysis:

Review and consideration of applying the Procedural Motion of En Globo to confidential items in Open Council.

 

 

Recommendation That Council continue with the current procedural motion of En Globo in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

 

Council at its meeting held 24 July 2017, adopted the following resolution regarding the process of Englobo during an Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

That council receive a report to englobo confidential motions at the same time as open session motions.

As outlined in Section 16(4) of Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, the Procedural Motion of En Globo is used to enable Council to expedite consideration of its business. Council may, by resolution, deal with its business En Globo through the following procedure:

 

·    During consideration of “Reports from staff”, the Mayor requests Councillors to nominate any exclusions from the agenda. This process currently only includes Open Reports from Staff and Committee Minutes.

·    A Councillor then moves a Procedural Motion that Standing Orders be varied for the meeting as set out hereunder:

-    Items where no Councillors wish to speak;

-    Items where Councillors wish to speak;

-    Confidential items;

-    Matter of Urgency (if any);

-    Closure of Meeting

·    A Councillor then moves that those items where no Councillor(s) wishes to speak, be adopted as recommended in the business paper.

 

Through Councillor Hayes’ Notice of Motion, review of the inclusion of confidential reports in this process has been explored. It is noted and acknowledged that although the proposal to en globo confidential matters at the beginning of the meeting has merit concerning staff time, consideration is required to assess the impact to proceed with this practice and potential exposure of confidential matters being considered in Open Council.

 

Advice was sought from the Office of Local Government and Council’s Legal Panel solicitors with the following advice received:

 

·    The Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), the Local Government Regulations 2005 and the Office of Local Government Meeting Practice Note 16 are silent on the specific practice of En Globo.

 

·    Raising and ultimately adopting confidential items at the beginning of the Open Council meeting through the En Globo Procedural Motion provides the opportunity for confidential reports and potentially the entire confidential business paper to be considered in Open Council by the nature of its consideration at that time. The fact that reports are being discussed even only through report numbers, is still ultimately considering the matter.

 

In addition, difficulties may arise where Councillors wish to enter into discussion about why some items should be included in the En Globo items and where there is incidental and unintended disclosure.

 

Should Council have an appetite to En Globo confidential items at the same time as open items, an option has been identified, whereby Council will need to resolve into Closed Council, recommended confidential items for En Globo, resolve back into Open Council and adopt those confidential items immediately after resolving back into Open Council.

 

In summary, adopting the above approach would result in Council entering into a Closed Council at least twice during the meeting – once early in the meeting, to Englobo Confidential items, and again later in the meeting, to discuss the remainder of the Confidential Reports. It would also meant that there would need to be two separate reports of the proceedings of Closed Council.

 

This will mean that Council will progress through the open agenda until “Reports from Staff”, Council will then:

 

·    Consider open items for En Globo and adopt those items

·    Resolve into Closed Council

·    Consider confidential items for En Globo and recommend items for adoption

·    Resolve into Open Council

·    Immediately adopt confidential En Globo items and read each item to the gallery

·    Continue through the open and closed agenda as per normal order of business

 

This process, although achievable would disrupt the flow of the meeting including impact to the public gallery and livestreaming. Furthermore, if the items are adopted as part of Englobo Items in Open Council it contradicts the nature of the Reports being drafted as Confidential items as specified under Section 10A of the Act. Even though these reports would not be individually considered, it nonetheless means they are being adopted in Open Council that is in direct opposition to the intent and reasons specified under the legislation.

 

Therefore, it is recommended to continue with Council’s current process and order of business as outlined in Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, as the risk to Council of potential release of confidential information in the public domain along with timing and disruption issues outweigh resourcing matters, which can be managed through operational processes.

 

N/A

Code of Meeting Practice

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Potential release of confidential information in the public domain along with timing and disruption issues to the public in the gallery and through livestreaming.

·        Office of Local Government

·        Council legal panel solicitors

·        Council staff

 

  

 

 

 

RP-13            Financial Performance Report as at 31 July 2017

Author:          Carolyn Rodney

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

This report is for Council to consider and approve the proposed 2017/18 budget variations required to manage the 2017/18 budget and Long Term Financial Plan, and details Council’s external investments and performance as at 31 July 2017.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       approve the proposed 2017/18 budget variations for the month ended 31 July 2017 and note the balanced budget position as presented in this report b       note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 (Part 9 Division 3: Clause 203) that the financial position of Council is satisfactory having regard to the original estimates of income and expenditure and the recommendations made above c        note details of the external investments as at 31 July 2017 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) forecasts an overall balanced budget position for July 2017. Proposed funded budget variations are detailed in this report for Council’s consideration and adoption. 

 

Council has experienced a positive monthly investment performance for the month of July that is mainly attributable to Council’s Floating Rate Note (FRN) portfolio having a slight increase in growth for the period. It should be noted that many of these investments continue to trade at a premium. Council also continues to have a higher than anticipated investment portfolio balance and continued strong portfolio returns.

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 8% of approved budget, which is tracking to budget for the end of July (this percentage excludes capital grants and contributions). An adjustment has been made to reflect the levy of rates that occurred at the start of the financial year. Excluding this adjustment, operating income received is 59%.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 9% of approved budget and is tracking to budget for the full financial year.

 

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 12% of approved budget. It is important to note that the actual income from capital is influenced by the timing of the receipt of capital grants and contributions relating to projects.

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Total capital expenditure including commitments is 26% of approved budget. The RIFL Stage 1 contract commitment has been raised for $8M. Excluding this amount, the total capital expenditure is 12% of approved budget.

 

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 1 JULY 2017 TO 31 JULY 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT
	ORIGINAL BUDGET 2017/18 $'000	BUDGET ADJ 2017/18 $'000	APPROVED BUDGET 2017/18 $'000	YTD ACTUAL   EXCL COMMT'S 2017/18	COMMT'S 2017/18 $'000	YTD ACTUAL + COMMT'S 2017/18 $'000	YTD % OF BUD
Revenue
Rates & Annual Charges	(63,090,002)	0	(63,090,002)	(6,614,871)	0	(6,614,871)	10%
User Charges & Fees	(25,947,798)	45,469	(25,902,329)	(1,244,932)	0	(1,244,932)	5%
Interest & Investment Revenue	(3,154,163)	0	(3,154,163)	(357,104)	0	(357,104)	11%
Other Revenues	(2,984,954)	(6,005)	(2,990,959)	(140,413)	0	(140,413)	5%
Operating Grants & Contributions	(13,910,429)	(90,000)	(14,000,429)	(84,939)	0	(84,939)	1%
Capital Grants & Contributions	(13,704,984)	0	(13,704,984)	(1,053,740)	0	(1,053,740)	8%
Total Revenue	(122,792,330)	(50,536)	(122,842,866)	(9,495,998)	0	(9,495,998)	8%
Expenses
Employee Benefits & On-Costs	42,477,309	(5,000)	42,472,309	3,092,642	59,456	3,152,098	7%
Borrowing Costs	3,591,092	0	3,591,092	0	0	0	0%
Materials & Contracts	4,278,502	16,200	4,294,702	23,612	732,548	756,159	18%
Depreciation & Amortisation	34,477,729	0	34,477,729	2,873,144	0	2,873,144	8%
Other Expenses	34,989,806	136,746	35,126,552	3,263,932	1,277,492	4,541,424	13%
Total Expenses	119,814,437	147,946	119,962,383	9,253,329	2,069,496	11,322,825	9%
Net Operating (Profit)/Loss	(2,977,893)	97,410	(2,880,483)	(242,669)	2,069,496	1,826,827
Net Operating (Profit)/Loss before Capital Grants & Contributions	10,727,091	97,410	10,824,501	811,070	2,069,496	2,880,567
Cap/Reserve Movements
Capital Exp - Renewals	24,012,536	0	24,012,536	353,335	3,643,367	3,996,702	17%
Capital Exp - New Projects	17,520,887	346,574	17,867,461	157,522	10,239,843	10,397,366	58%
Capital Exp - Project Concepts	11,800,337	0	11,800,337	7,916	76,368	84,284	1%
Loan Repayments	2,474,343	0	2,474,343	206,195	0	206,195	8%
New Loan Borrowings	(7,215,980)	0	(7,215,980)	0	0	0	0%
Sale of Assets	(4,678,401)	0	(4,678,401)	0	0	0	0%
Net Movements Reserves	(6,458,101)	(448,219)	(6,906,320)	0	0	0	0%
Total Cap/Res Movements	37,455,621	(101,645)	37,353,976	724,969	13,959,579	14,684,547	39%
Net Result after Depreciation	34,477,728	(4,235)	34,473,493	482,299	16,029,075	16,511,374
Add back Depreciation Expense	34,477,729	0	34,477,729	2,873,144	0	2,873,144
Cash Budget (Surplus)/Deficit	(0)	(4,235)	(4,235)	(2,390,845)	16,029,075	13,638,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revised Budget Result - Surplus/(Deficit)	$’000s
Original 2017/18 Budget Result as adopted by Council Total Budget Variations approved to date Council report variations not included above – 24 July 2017 Council Meeting: ·  RP-7 Lease renewal to Wagga Mini Mix & Precast Concrete Pty Ltd Budget variations for July 2017	$0 $0     $4K ($4K)
Proposed revised budget result for 31 July 2017	$0

 

The proposed Budget Variations to 31 July 2017 are listed below:

 

 

Current Restrictions

Due to the finalisation of the 2016/17 financial year figures, Reserves balances have not been included in this report.

Investment Summary as at 31 July 2017

In accordance with Regulation 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, details of Wagga Wagga City Council’s external investments are detailed below: 

 

Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 30/06/2017 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/07/2017 $	July EOM Current Yield %	July EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mth)
Short Term Deposits
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.87%	0.90%	6/12/2016	6/12/2017	12
Banana Coast CU	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.90%	2/06/2017	1/06/2018	12
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.80%	1.80%	2/06/2017	1/06/2018	12
BOQ	BBB+	2,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	7/12/2016	7/07/2017	7
Bank of Sydney	NR	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.75%	1.80%	30/09/2016	29/09/2017	12
CUA	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.90%	9/02/2017	5/01/2018	11
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.00%	1.80%	2/08/2016	2/08/2017	12
ME Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.80%	1.80%	16/12/2016	16/10/2017	10
CUA	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.75%	0.90%	3/03/2017	2/03/2018	12
Suncorp-Metway	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.60%	1.80%	7/06/2017	3/01/2018	7
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.49%	1.80%	9/06/2017	8/09/2017	3
Suncorp-Metway	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.50%	1.80%	9/06/2017	9/10/2017	4
Suncorp-Metway	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.55%	1.80%	9/06/2017	6/11/2017	5
Total Short Term Deposits		22,000,000	20,000,000	2.71%	17.97%
At Call Accounts
NAB	AA-	1,059,154	1,672,964	1.50%	1.50%	N/A	N/A	N/A
NAB	AA-	13,468,445	11,492,716	2.19%	10.33%	N/A	N/A	N/A
AMP	A	181,513	181,833	2.15%	0.16%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Beyond Bank	BBB+	148,279	148,401	1.00%	0.13%	N/A	N/A	N/A
CBA	AA-	44,692	44,649	0.00%	0.04%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total At Call Accounts		14,902,083	13,540,563	2.08%	12.17%
Medium Term Deposits
RaboBank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.16%	0.90%	5/06/2017	6/06/2022	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	6.30%	0.90%	22/08/2012	22/08/2017	60
ING Bank	A	3,000,000	3,000,000	6.00%	2.70%	24/08/2012	24/08/2017	60
Hume Building Society	NR	1,009,123	1,009,123	4.10%	0.91%	21/08/2014	21/08/2017	36
ME Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.28%	1.80%	2/09/2014	2/09/2019	60
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.10%	0.90%	5/12/2014	5/12/2019	60
Beyond Bank	BBB+	990,000	990,000	3.70%	0.89%	4/03/2015	4/03/2018	36
Beyond Bank	BBB+	990,000	990,000	3.70%	0.89%	11/03/2015	11/03/2018	36
AMP	A	1,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	13/07/2015	13/07/2017	24
BOQ	BBB+	0	2,000,000	3.10%	1.80%	7/07/2017	7/07/2020	36
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.90%	12/08/2016	12/08/2019	36
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.20%	0.90%	25/08/2016	25/08/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.90%	31/08/2016	30/08/2019	36
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.90%	0.90%	8/09/2016	10/09/2018	24
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.00%	1.80%	10/02/2017	11/02/2019	24
Westpac	AA-	3,000,000	3,000,000	3.10%	2.70%	10/03/2017	10/03/2022	60
Total Medium Term Deposits		20,989,123	21,989,123	3.87%	19.76%
Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 30/06/2017 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/07/2017 $	July EOM Current Yield %	July EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mth)
Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,000,670	1,003,940	BBSW + 93	0.90%	17/09/2014	17/09/2019	60
BOQ	BBB+	2,003,380	2,009,860	BBSW + 110	1.81%	5/08/2014	24/06/2019	58
BOQ	BBB+	1,006,720	1,009,740	BBSW + 107	0.91%	6/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,006,720	1,009,740	BBSW + 107	0.91%	10/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
ME Bank	BBB	1,003,760	1,006,060	BBSW + 100	0.90%	17/11/2014	17/11/2017	36
ME Bank	BBB	1,003,760	1,006,060	BBSW + 100	0.90%	17/11/2014	17/11/2017	36
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,003,100	1,005,360	BBSW + 105	0.90%	4/12/2014	4/12/2017	36
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,003,540	1,005,790	BBSW + 110	0.90%	27/02/2015	27/02/2018	36
Macquarie Bank	A	2,017,840	2,025,780	BBSW + 110	1.82%	3/03/2015	3/03/2020	60
ANZ	AA-	757,875	756,030	BBSW + 82	0.68%	17/04/2015	17/04/2020	60
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,004,770	999,990	BBSW + 115	0.90%	7/05/2015	7/05/2018	36
NAB	AA-	1,006,110	1,010,290	BBSW + 80	0.91%	3/06/2015	3/06/2020	60
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,004,770	999,990	BBSW + 115	0.90%	9/06/2015	7/05/2018	35
CBA	AA-	1,012,200	1,010,310	BBSW + 90	0.91%	17/07/2015	17/07/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	1,011,390	1,009,520	BBSW + 90	0.91%	28/07/2015	28/07/2020	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,005,010	1,008,570	BBSW + 110	0.91%	18/08/2015	18/08/2020	60
Credit Suisse	A	1,006,720	1,010,340	BBSW + 105	0.91%	24/08/2015	24/08/2018	36
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,005,010	1,008,570	BBSW + 110	0.91%	28/09/2015	18/08/2020	59
Westpac	AA-	2,022,780	2,019,040	BBSW + 90	1.81%	30/09/2015	28/07/2020	58
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,017,150	1,014,740	BBSW + 125	0.91%	20/10/2015	20/10/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	4,066,720	4,058,520	BBSW + 108	3.65%	28/10/2015	28/10/2020	60
AMP	A	1,811,988	1,817,964	BBSW + 110	1.63%	11/12/2015	11/06/2019	42
CBA	AA-	1,020,670	1,016,800	BBSW + 115	0.91%	18/01/2016	18/01/2021	60
Rabobank	A+	2,051,780	2,061,980	BBSW + 150	1.85%	4/03/2016	4/03/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,005,580	1,009,460	BBSW + 160	0.91%	22/03/2016	22/03/2019	36
CUA	BBB	2,011,020	2,016,660	BBSW + 160	1.81%	1/04/2016	1/04/2019	36
ANZ	AA-	1,015,230	1,019,850	BBSW + 118	0.92%	7/04/2016	7/04/2021	60
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,022,520	1,020,380	BBSW + 138	0.92%	21/04/2016	12/04/2021	60
AMP	A	1,016,260	1,020,600	BBSW + 135	0.92%	24/05/2016	24/05/2021	60
Westpac	AA-	1,016,540	1,021,400	BBSW + 117	0.92%	3/06/2016	3/06/2021	60
CBA	AA-	1,022,800	1,019,640	BBSW + 121	0.92%	12/07/2016	12/07/2021	60
ANZ	AA-	2,034,260	2,042,960	BBSW + 113	1.84%	16/08/2016	16/08/2021	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,513,290	1,507,320	BBSW + 117	1.35%	26/10/2016	26/10/2020	48
NAB	AA-	1,015,390	1,012,870	BBSW + 105	0.91%	21/10/2016	21/10/2021	60
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,509,345	1,501,455	BBSW + 140	1.35%	28/10/2016	28/10/2019	36
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,005,220	1,008,130	BBSW + 110	0.91%	21/11/2016	21/02/2020	39
Westpac	AA-	1,016,000	1,013,300	BBSW + 111	0.91%	7/02/2017	7/02/2022	60
ANZ	AA-	1,009,000	1,013,240	BBSW + 100	0.91%	7/03/2017	7/03/2022	60
CUA	BBB	748,185	751,628	BBSW + 130	0.68%	20/03/2017	20/03/2020	36
Heritage Bank	BBB+	602,676	599,694	BBSW + 130	0.54%	4/05/2017	4/05/2020	36
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,000,480	1,003,610	BBSW + 142	0.90%	29/06/2017	29/06/2020	36
NAB	AA-	0	3,016,620	BBSW + 90	2.71%	5/07/2017	5/07/2022	60
Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt		51,418,229	54,483,801		48.95%
Managed Funds
NSW Tcorp	NR	1,291,183	1,286,402	-0.37%	1.16%	17/03/2014	1/07/2022	99
Total Managed Funds		1,291,183	1,286,402	-0.37%	1.16%
TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		110,600,618	111,299,889	3.72%	100.00%
LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK		2,246,632	3,479,103
TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		108,353,986	107,820,787

 

Wagga Wagga City Council’s portfolio is dominated by Floating Rate Notes (FRN’s) at approximately 49% across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 12% of Council’s portfolio with Term Deposits around 38% and growth funds around 1% of the portfolio.

 

 

Council’s investment portfolio is well diversified in complying assets across the entire credit spectrum. It is also well diversified from a rating perspective. Credit quality is diversified and is predominately invested amongst the investment grade ADIs (BBB- or higher), with a smaller allocation to unrated ADIs.

 

 

All investments are well within the defined Policy limits, as outlined in the Rating Allocation chart below:

 

 

During May 2017, rating agency Standards & Poor’s (S&P) downgraded credit ratings for 23 banks. The two key downgrades were Bank of Queensland (BoQ) and Bendigo-Adelaide Bank, changing credit ratings from A- to BBB+. The downgrade of these two banks has resulted in the BBB/NR rating allocation being near full capacity. Council has 11.29% of its portfolio invested in these two banks. Council staff will continue to be mindful of these allocation capacities when investing funds in the future.

 

Investment Portfolio Balance

 

Wagga Wagga City Council’s investment portfolio balance has decreased slightly from the previous month’s balance, down from $108.4M to $107.8M.

 

 

 

MONTHLY INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS

 

Redemptions/Sales – Council redeemed the following investment securities during July 2017:

 

Institution and Type	Amount	Investment Term	Interest Rate	Comments
AMP Term Deposit	$1M	2 years	3.10%	This term deposit was redeemed for cash flow purposes.

 

New Investments – Council purchased the following investment securities during July 2017.

 

Institution and Type	Amount	Investment Term	Interest Rate	Comments
NAB Floating Rate Note	$3M	5 years	BBSW + 90	Council’s independent Financial Advisor advised this Floating Rate Note represented good value.

 

Rollovers – Council rolled over the following investment securities during July 2017:

 

Institution and Type	Amount	Investment Term	Interest Rate	Comments
Bank of Queensland Term Deposit	$2M	3 years	3.10%	This term deposit was a seven (7) month investment at 2.80% and was rolled at maturity into a 3-year term deposit at 3.10%. This investment term was chosen to fill a maturity gap in July 2020.

MONTHLY PERFORMANCE

 

Interest/growth/capital gains for the month totaled $351,476, which compares favourably with the budget for the period of $235,087; out performing budget for the July month by $116,389. This is mainly attributable to Council’s Floating Rate Note (FRN) portfolio having a slight increase in growth for the July period. It should be noted that many of these investments continue to trade at a premium.

 

The capital market value of these FRN investments will fluctuate from month to month and Council continues to receive the coupon payments and the face value of the investment security when sold or at maturity.

 

It is also important to note Council’s investment portfolio balance has consistently been over $100M, which is tracking above what was originally predicted. This is mainly due to timing of some of the major projects that are either not yet commenced or not as advanced as originally predicted. It is anticipated that over the 2017/18 financial year the portfolio balance will reduce with the construction of major projects.

 

 

Council’s portfolio performance continues to be anchored by the longer-dated deposits in the portfolio, particularly those locked in above 4% yields. It is to be noted the average deposit yield will inevitably fall as some of the longer-dated deposits mature throughout the 2017 calendar year.

 

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* (+1.79%pa), Council’s investment portfolio in total returned 3.72% for July. Short-term deposits returned 2.71%. These funds are utilised for daily cash flow management and need to be available to meet operating and contractual payments as they come due.

 

 

* The AusBond Bank Bill Index is the leading benchmark for the Australian fixed income market. It is interpolated from the RBA Cash rate, 1 month and 3 month Bank Bill Swap rates.

Budget variations are reported in accordance with Council’s POL 052 Budget Policy.

 

Investments are reported in accordance with Council’s POL 075 Investment Policy.

 

Local Government Act 1993

 

625   How may councils invest?

(1)  A council may invest money that is not, for the time being, required by the council for any other purpose.

(2)  Money may be invested only in a form of investment notified by order of the Minister published in the Gazette.

(3)  An order of the Minister notifying a form of investment for the purposes of this section must not be made without the approval of the Treasurer.

(4)  The acquisition, in accordance with section 358, of a controlling interest in a corporation or an entity within the meaning of that section is not an investment for the purposes of this section.

 

Local Government (General) Regulation 2005

 

212   Reports on council investments

(1)  The responsible accounting officer of a council:

(a)  must provide the council with a written report (setting out details of all money that the council has invested under section 625 of the Act) to be presented:

(i)  if only one ordinary meeting of the council is held in a month, at that meeting, or

(ii)  if more than one such meeting is held in a month, at whichever of those meetings the council by resolution determines, and

(b)  must include in the report a certificate as to whether or not the investment has been made in accordance with the Act, the regulations and the council’s investment policies.

(2)  The report must be made up to the last day of the month immediately preceding the meeting.

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

Council’s Risk Register includes the following items:

 

Item Number	Risk Description	Current Residual Risk
F4	Loss of investment income or capital resulting from ongoing management of investments, especially during difficult economic times	Medium
CR26	Failure to demonstrate to the community that its funds are being expended in an efficient and effective manner	High

The relevant controls outlined in the risk register associated with the above risks include:

·        Investments are to be regularly monitored and reported to Council monthly.

·        Council monitors its financial position monthly and quarterly, and reports annually to the Division of Local Government.

Council’s Community Engagement Strategy and IAP2 considers the community to be “any individual or group of individuals, organisation or political entity with an interest in the outcome of a decision….”

 

All relevant areas within the Council have consulted with the Finance Division in regards to the budget variations listed in this report.

 

The Finance Division has consulted with relevant external parties to confirm Council’s investment portfolio balances.