Agenda of Ordinary Meeting of Council

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 18 December 2017. RP-5

RP-5 Livestreaming of Ordinary Meetings of Council

Author: Ingrid Hensley

General Manager: Peter Thompson

Analysis:

Livestreaming allows people to watch Ordinary Meetings of Council either live or at a later time.

Livestreaming is one measure that can contribute towards Council being open - facilitating community engagement and promoting accessibility and transparency of decision-making. Interest from the community and the cost and risks associated with livestreaming need to be considered in whether deciding to continue this service.

Recommendation

That Council:

a continue to livestream Council meetings (video and audio) for the remainder of the 2017/18 Financial Year and for the 2018/19 Financial Year

b approve the budget variation/s as detailed in the budget section of the report

Report

The Trial Period

At its February 2017 Ordinary Meeting of Council, Council resolved to trial livestreaming (video and audio) of Ordinary Meetings of Council for a period of not less than 6 months and not more than 9 months.

Council conducted a ‘test’ livestream at the April meeting but officially commenced livestreaming at its May 2017 meeting. This report considers the results of that trial period, include responses received from staff and the community.

As at 30 November 2017, there were 3,171 total livestreaming views with 2,649 unique views from May to November (inclusive), with an average watch time of almost 14 minutes. This is an average of 378 unique viewers per meeting.

Statistics were also recorded in relation to how people were viewing the meeting, with 42.3% of viewers watching the meeting from a desktop and 37.5% of viewing the meeting from a mobile phone. 19.8% of viewers viewed the meeting from a tablet.

Across the trial period, the majority of viewers (61.5%) watched the meeting live and 98.2% of viewers were in Australia, with the majority in NSW (80.1%). Due to the large number of mobile devices used to watch the meeting it is difficult to identify the specific location of viewers, however the livestreaming provider has advised it is that the 38.4% of viewers whose location was identified as Sydney were most likely Wagga Wagga viewers who were otherwise recorded as 3.7% of viewers. More detailed statistics are provided below, and which continue to show a good level of community interest, although there has been a gradual reduction in views over the trial period.

May Council Meeting	Total Views	Unique Views	Avg. Watch Time
Session 1	582	514	00:10:14
Session 2	49	44	00:02:01
June Council Meeting
Session 1	799	634	00:18:18
Session 2	79	65	00:02:38
July Council Meeting
Session 1	507	417	00:19:34
Session 2	93	76	00:03:32
August Council Meeting
Session 1	252	201	00:17:44
Session 2	39	33	00:01:55
September Council Meeting
Session 1	143	116	00:12:30
Session 2	148	130	00:14:39
October Council Meeting
Session 1	16	14	00:02:56
Session 2	19	15	00:11:40
Session 3	21	19	00:01:52
November Council Meeting
Session 1	141	115	00:16:13
Session 2	131	111	00:11:08
Session 3	71	67	00:02:15

“Session 1” refers to the open section of Council prior going into Closed Council. “Session 2” refers to the Open section of Council after coming out of Closed Council. For the October 2017 meeting there is an additional session due to the englobing of confidential reports in closed Council.

Total views

Text and image post views are counted when a visitor views them for 2 – 5 seconds. A video post is counted when a viewer plays and then stops a video.

Unique views

Views per browser opened of a given post. If someone opens multiple tabs in the same browser, that is 1 unique view.

Livestreaming Survey Results

A survey to understand individuals’ experiences of the livestreaming of Council Meetings service and whether they think the service should continue for future meetings, was available online on Council’s YourSay page for two weeks, from 16 to 30 November 2017 (inclusive). The survey was advertised through YourSay Newsletters, as well as through Facebook and Twitter posts. 34 responses were received.

Most respondents (56%) had watched a Council meeting online and of those individuals it was common for respondents to have watched meetings both in ‘real time’ and after the event and most of the respondents (42%) watched a meeting every few months. 32% of individuals watched the meeting every month. The majority of respondents (56%) indicated they would rather watch the livestream than attend a Council meeting in person. The most commonly stated reason for watching a Council meeting on line was to view the discussion and decision on a specific item of business. This is reflected in the average ‘view time’ of the meeting. The vast majority (94%) of respondents indicated they would like to see Ordinary Meetings of Council continue to be livestreamed. Those who did not want to see the livestreaming service continue supported their decision by saying they were not interested and don’t feel there is a need for the service as there is the opportunity to attend in person.

The community feedback was that there are multiple benefits of livestreaming council Meetings, the primary reason being it makes the meeting accessible for people unable to attend in person, it supports the transparency of Council business and it creates a record of each meeting. Other responses included deterring unprofessional behaviour.

A survey was also sent to Council staff over the same period and the results were very similar to those from the community.

There were 41 responses received from staff, with 31 of those respondents indicating they had watched a meeting on livestreaming. Almost half of those people had watched the meeting in ‘real time’ and 32.3% had watched the meeting both in ‘real time’ and after the event. The majority of respondents (42%) watched a council meeting ‘every few months’ and only 19.5% of people would rather watch a meeting by attending in person. The primary reasons staff liked to watch a meeting on livestreaming was to keep up-to-date with all Council business (38.5%); to view the discussion and decision on a specific item of business (72%) and to understand Councillors’ opinions (36%).

93% of staff surveyed said they would like livestreaming to continue with the two main benefits identified being that it makes the meeting accessible for people unable to attend in person and enhances the transparency of Council business.

Benefits of Livestreaming

Livestreaming provides another means for councils to increase the community’s accessibility to council meetings, particularly for people who find it difficult to physically attend due to the geographical location of the meeting or other commitments.

In 2016 the Victorian Ombudsman released a report titled “Investigation into the transparency of local government decision making”. Livestreaming/broadcasting of meetings was listed as one of the factors impacting the accessibility and transparency of decision making in open meetings. The Report identified that in Victoria 10 out of 79 councils indicated they livestream their ordinary council meetings on the internet.

Council’s livestreaming trial period identified a number of benefits of audio recording or audio-visually recording council meetings, as set out below:

· promoting transparency and accountability of decision-making, including building trust within the community

· allows people to watch a specific item of interest without having to attend a whole meeting

· acts as a record of each meeting and captures debate on particular issues and comments, actions and decisions made by councillors

· allows viewers to have visibility of who their elected members are, their personalities and their position on a range of issues, which can be particularly useful before elections

· capturing non-verbal communication by being able to view body language during a meeting, that cannot be gained from reviewing the written minutes

· encouraging wider community involvement in council meetings

· providing the public with access to decision-making by the council

· increasing the quality of debate and deterring unprofessional behaviour

· supporting local media to accurately report what happens in meetings

· assisting with the preparation of complete and accurate minutes and verifying minutes where specific issues of accuracy are raised

The main areas of improvement identified from the surveys and other feedback were:

· livecaptioning of the meeting

· improving the quality of the audio, particularly microphone use

· promotion of upcoming livestreaming

· ease of locating the livestream online

· accompanying the livestreaming with live blogs, or a twitter feed embedded on the same page to run through decisions as they are made, making it easier to follow the meeting and the debate

· enabling people to see what item is being discussed

Reasons why some councils do not maintain audio-visual records

As considered within this Report, technology and cost are significant factors in considering what action to take or not take, in addition to the potential for greater exposure to actions in defamation.

The Victorian Ombudsman has identified the following as some reasons why councils do not maintain audio-visual records:

· the costs associated were not worth the perceived benefits

· a lack of interest from the community

· poor acoustics in the council building

· it would be an impediment to robust debate as councillors may self-edit to prevent themselves looking foolish

· it could lead to grandstanding by councillors, which could detract from issues

· the risk of offensive remarks by councillors being recorded and causing the public to lose respect for councillors and the council

· legal risks to council posed by defamatory remarks by councillors or members of the public

Financial Implications

During the trial period, Council has utilised a professional external provider to livestream its meetings at a cost of $1,000 per meeting. There is the option to continue to utilise this, or a similar service.

If Council were to continue this type of arrangement, this would require an additional $8,000 for the 2017/18 financial year (trial period was for May 2017 to October 2017), and $12,000 for the 2018/19 financial year. It is proposed to fund this expenditure for the 2017/18 financial year from the Information Services Reserve, which had a closing balance at 30 June 2017 of $378,713 and currently has capacity. Funds required for the 2018/19 financial year will be factored into the collation of the 2018/19 Long Term Financial Plan.

The cost of the livestreaming would increase if Council were to meet more frequently than monthly.

Whilst this report considers the outcomes of the current livestreaming service, there are a number of livestreaming options available with significant variances in cost and quality and with differing issues in relation to licensing, copyright and security.

The cost range of these options for Council to undertake livestreaming ‘in house’ is from approximately $1,000 to approximately $45,000. Within that range, the level of expertise within the organisation and use of internal resources and associated cost and training would need to be considered. Ongoing maintenance costs and the up-dating and outdating of equipment would also need to be considered as an addition to the preliminary costs.

In its more simple form, livestreaming ‘in house’ could involve a webcam setup with a single wide-angle view and broadcasting to a YouTube channel. Alternatively, a more professional livestreaming set-up would involve a content delivery network with archiving, password protection and unlimited streaming in addition to a production switcher with pre-installed software and several cameras with Wide Pan / Tilt / Zoom (PTZ) mechanisms. The cost of Council investing in the equipment and having its own Content Delivery Network, including licensing, storage and expertise would not be an insignificant investment and resource commitment.

Recording audio only for podcasting or uploading to the Council’s website after the meeting are less costly options. However, the trial period was in relation to the current service (video and audio livestreaming, including ‘real time’ viewing) and the viewer statistics demonstrated that the majority of viewers watched the meeting ‘live’, and the desirability of being able to watch the meeting ‘live’ was reflected in the staff and community feedback.

An additional cost factor to consider is that all NSW Government websites need to deliver information online that meets Level AA WCAG. To meet this requirement, Council would need to have captions for live audio content of the meeting, which would involve Council or a livestreaming provider engaging a paid live captioning service. This would be at significant cost to Council. A possible alternative, although not meeting the Level AA standard, would be captioning after the meeting (not live) at significantly less cost.

Policy and Legislation

All persons attending a Council Meeting are required to act in a professional manner and in accordance with legislation, Council’s Code of Meeting Practice, Council’s Code of Conduct, relevant Policies and Office of Local Government (NSW) and Information Privacy Commissioner (IPC) Guidelines.

Link to Strategic Plan

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

Risk Management Issues for Council

Section 273 of the Local Government (General) Regulation (2005) (NSW) states that it is prohibited for any person to record a Council or Committee meeting without the authority of the Council or Committee.

The webcast is subject to copyright under the Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) and cannot be reused or reproduced without the consent of Council. In relation to this, the possibility to ‘re-share’ information and to edit clips without authorisation and which misrepresents the original intent of the statements made, is a relevant consideration. If someone at a Council meeting reads material subject to copyright, without the consent of the copyright owner, the person may have violated the copyright owner’s exclusive right to reproduce the material.

The General Retention and disposal authority: local government records is approved under section 21(2)c of the State Records Act 1998 following prior approval by the Board of the State Records Authority of New South Wales in accordance with section 21(3) of the Act. The recording of the Council Meeting would be retained as required by that Authority.

Authority GA39 reference number 13.6.2 provides that records relating to the preparation of meetings and production of minutes include draft minutes, transcripts and audio-visual records must be retained until the minutes of the meeting have been confirmed and then they may be destroyed. Until this time the recording is classified as open access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (NSW).

Council must also comply with the Privacy (Personal Information) Protection Act 1998 (NSW), which imposes obligations upon Council in relation to the collection, use and disclosure of personal information.

Debate is a part of the decision-making process and livestreaming of Council debates is a republication by the Council of the statements of the participants at the meeting. If elected representatives make personal comments that harm another person’s reputation during debate they may risk action being taken against them for defamation.

In New South Wales, both the common law and the Defamation Act 2005 (‘the Act’) govern the law of defamation. Liability attaches to a ‘publication’, being a communication to another person of defamatory material and includes oral or written material. Publication of recordings of Council meetings may, therefore, subject the Council to the legal risk of a defamation action.

There is the potential for greater exposure to actions in defamation as what is said at Council meetings will be able to be more broadly and accurately disseminated. Therefore, if someone is defamed they are more likely to be made aware of the defamatory statements as the content of the meeting will have the potential to reach a greater audience and will be stored in archives and that evidence could then be used in proceedings. The number of recipients to which the matter has been published is directly relevant to the extent of compensation that may be payable for the defamation. Therefore, livestreaming the meeting could have an impact on potential defamation actions and the quantum of damages under the Defamation Act 2005 (NSW).

Livestreaming the audio content from the Council meeting, including podcasting and webcasting, will pick up all audio content, including content that may not be intended for public broadcast and which will form part of the public record through archived material. More broadly, there is thus also the potential for inappropriate comments or statements to be made during livestreaming of a Council Meeting.

An issue to consider will be whether Council may, at the direction of the General Manager, edit or remove a recording if there is a concern that defamatory or inappropriate comments have been made. However, how this is reviewed and assessed, including as part of a time delay, would need to be considered. If the meeting were pre-recorded and reviewed and signed off before it is made publically available, this would require additional resources and expertise and would not enable ‘real time’ viewing.

There is no absolute privilege in relation to Council proceedings of the kind which attaches to statements made in Parliamentary proceedings. However, the Councillor Handbook (Office of Local Government October 2016) offers the following guidance:

1.7.1 Limited legal protection

The Local Government Act 1993 provides councillors with a level of protection from civil liability action for undertaking council-related and council-endorsed activities as a councillor.

Protection from civil liability is only provided where a councillor’s actions are undertaken in the manner referred to in the relevant sections of the Local Government Act 1993, including in good faith and for purposes related to council activities.

Councillors must read and understand sections 731, 732 and 733 of the Local Government Act 1993, which provides protection. In the event that a councillor does not understand an issue, it is the obligation of that councillor to seek and be guided by their own legal advice.

In relation to defamation action, a council may be sued for defamation, although it cannot itself sue for defamation. Individual councillors and council employees may also be sued for defamation, whether in their private or public capacities.

Generally speaking, councillors at meetings of council (or council committees) are protected from defamation by the defence of ‘qualified privilege’, but only to enable them to speak freely and publicly in undertaking their duties in council meetings.

Any comment or statement a councillor makes at a council meeting must be relevant to the council business, made in good faith and without malice.

The Councillors and Officers Insurance Policy also provides coverage in relation to unintentional ‘defamation, libel and slander’.

A statutory defence of innocent dissemination may be available, depending on a number of factors. One of those factors is that Council would have to show the lack of knowledge was not due to any negligence on the part of the Council. Therefore, monitoring of content before it is broadcast by way of delay or pre-recording and vetting is a relevant consideration, as above.

Although public address applicants must apply to Council before presenting at the meeting, the Council has no control over the content of comments made by members of the public during that public address. Notwithstanding this, the Council may be liable for the defamatory content if it streams that content ‘live’.

The Surveillance Devices Act 2007 (NSW) requires that advice be provided to members of the public attending meetings that a recording of the meeting will be made. During the trial period attendees were advised their voice may be recorded and their image transmitted. Members of the public gallery were also made aware, by a notice at the entrance to the Council Meeting Room and an announcement by the Chair that the meeting was to be recorded and published online and that if they addressed the Council, their name, voice and possibly their image would appear on that recording. This information is also included on Council’s website.

Internal / External Consultation

To help understand people’s experience of using livestreaming a survey was sent to Council staff and also to the community through ‘YourSay’. There has been consultation with the Information Technology Division and with Marketing, Media and Communications. Externally, Council has consulted with a number of Councils currently using live streaming and also with its insurers, Statewide Mutual. A presentation was also provided by one of Council’s Legal Panel solicitors.

Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 18 December 2017. RP-7

RP-7 Financial Performance Report as at 30 November 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 30 November 2017.

This report also includes Section 356 requests for financial assistance to be considered for approval.

Recommendation

That Council:

a approve the proposed 2017/18 budget variations for the month ended 30 November 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 provide financial assistance of the following amounts in accordance with Section 356 of the Local Government Act 1993:

i) Estella Progress Association $ 79.00

ii) Ben Lott Appeal $ 639.86

iii) Groove Factorie – Country Hope $ 420.00

d note details of the external investments as at 30 November 2017 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

Report

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) forecasts an overall balanced budget position as at 30 November 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 November that is mainly attributable to the continued strong returns of Councils investment portfolio including a strong return from the NSW TCorp Managed Fund as well as the higher than anticipated portfolio balance.

Key Performance Indicators

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 42% of approved budget, which is tracking to budget for the end of November (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 76%.

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 41% of approved budget and is tracking to budget for the full financial year.

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 16% 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 33% of approved budget.

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 1 JULY 2017 TO 30 NOVEMBER 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)	(27,114,372)	0	(27,114,372)	43%
User Charges & Fees	(25,947,798)	(14,531)	(25,962,329)	(9,800,515)	0	(9,800,515)	38%
Interest & Investment Revenue	(3,154,163)	0	(3,154,163)	(1,697,782)	0	(1,697,782)	54%
Other Revenues	(2,984,954)	(51,335)	(3,036,289)	(1,041,208)	0	(1,041,208)	34%
Operating Grants & Contributions	(13,910,429)	3,394,386	(10,516,043)	(4,807,213)	0	(4,807,213)	46%
Capital Grants & Contributions	(13,704,984)	(22,602,418)	(36,307,402)	(5,334,025)	0	(5,334,025)	15%
Total Revenue	(122,792,330)	(19,273,897)	(142,066,228)	(49,795,113)	0	(49,795,113)	35%

Expenses
Employee Benefits & On-Costs	42,458,491	175,003	42,633,494	16,900,498	25,263	16,925,761	40%
Borrowing Costs	3,591,092	0	3,591,092	841,827	0	841,827	23%
Materials & Contracts	29,833,841	3,836,896	33,670,738	12,070,948	2,220,256	14,291,205	42%
Depreciation & Amortisation	34,477,729	0	34,477,729	14,365,720	0	14,365,720	42%
Other Expenses	9,453,285	76,116	9,529,401	3,973,302	72,310	4,045,612	42%
Total Expenses	119,814,437	4,088,015	123,902,453	48,152,295	2,317,829	50,470,125	41%

Net Operating (Profit)/Loss	(2,977,893)	(15,185,882)	(18,163,775)	(1,642,818)	2,317,829	675,011

Net Operating (Profit)/Loss before Capital Grants & Contributions	10,727,091	7,416,536	18,143,627	3,691,206	2,317,829	6,009,036

Cap/Reserve Movements
Capital Exp - Renewals	25,035,121	26,852,461	51,887,583	4,817,332	16,011,768	20,829,100	40%
Capital Exp - New Projects	16,498,302	16,513,688	33,011,990	9,817,185	2,562,548	12,379,733	38%
Capital Exp - Project Concepts	11,800,337	6,067,816	17,868,153	45,239	57,521	102,760	1%
Loan Repayments	2,474,343	0	2,474,343	1,030,976	0	1,030,976	42%
New Loan Borrowings	(7,215,980)	(3,903,710)	(11,119,690)	0	0	0	0%
Sale of Assets	(4,678,401)	(1,371,761)	(6,050,162)	(403,491)	0	(403,491)	7%
Net Movements Reserves	(6,458,101)	(28,972,612)	(35,430,713)	0	0	0	0%
Total Cap/Res Movements	37,455,621	15,185,882	52,641,503	15,307,242	18,631,836	33,939,078	64%

	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
Net Result after Depreciation	34,477,728	0	34,477,728	13,664,424	20,949,666	34,614,089

Add back Depreciation Expense	34,477,729	0	34,477,729	14,365,720	0	14,365,720	42%

Cash Budget (Surplus)/Deficit	0	0	0	(701,297)	20,949,666	20,248,369

Revised Budget Result - Surplus/(Deficit)

$’000s

Original 2017/18 Budget Result as adopted by Council

Total Budget Variations approved to date

Budget variations for November 2017

Proposed revised budget result for 30 November 2017

The proposed Budget Variations to 30 November 2017 are listed below:

*Budget Variation*	*Amount*	*Funding Source*	*Net Impact* *Fav/ (Unfav)*
*2 – Safe and Healthy Community*
Uranquinty Skate Park	$20K	Department Industry, Innovation & Science Grant ($20K)	Nil
Council has been successful with funding applications for the Uranquinty Skate Park from the Department of Industry Innovation & Science under Round 3 of the Stronger Communities Program. This will bring the total skate park budget to $70K, with additional in-kind works of approximately $17K from Parks and Recreation staff and approximately $10K from the Uranquinty Community.			Nil
*5 – The Environment*
Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) Tender	$78K	Solid Waste Reserve ($78K)	Nil
The Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) Processing Service retendering is required in accordance with a resolution of Council at its Ordinary Meeting on 25 September 2017. The required budget ensures appropriate documentation can be prepared for tender, and specialised advisors can assist in the tender process. It is proposed to fund the variation from the Solid Waste Reserve.			Nil
Harris Park Junior Fields Development	$45K	Family & Community Services NSW Grant Income ($45K)	Nil
Council has been successful in obtaining grant funding from Family & Community Services NSW under the Social Housing Community Fund to improve the liveability of social housing communities in Mount Austin. The grant funds will complement the existing $171K included in this year’s capital works program for the Harris Park Junior Fields Development. The project includes the development of two junior rugby league fields, boundary fence and wet weather shelter.			Nil
Hammond Avenue Sewer Pump Station Rising Main Rehab	$199K	Sewer Reserve ($199K)	Nil
The Hammond Avenue Sewer Pump Station 15 rising main renewal is currently included in the concepts list, originally estimated at $1.4M funded from the Sewer Reserve (2017/18 $401K, 2018/19 $1M). Due to recent failures and the condition of existing pipeline it has become a high priority to have this pipeline replaced this financial year. This will require a detailed design, construction and project management. It is proposed to bring forward the existing sewer projects for Hammond Avenue totalling $1.4M out of concepts and into the 2017/18 delivery program with an additional $199K required due to a revised project estimate. It is proposed for the additional $199K required bringing the total project to $1.6M, to be funded from the Sewer Reserve.			Nil
*SURPLUS/(DEFICIT)*			Nil

Current Restrictions

RESERVES SUMMARY
30 NOVEMBER 2017
	Approved Changes
	CLOSING BALANCE 2016/17	ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2017/18	BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 27.11.17	RECOMMENDED CHANGES for Council Resolution	REVISED BALANCE

Externally Restricted
Developer Contributions	(21,947,807)	3,374,249	4,733,577		(13,839,982)
Sewer Fund Reserve	(24,045,646)	1,229,992	3,325,465	1,600,000	(17,890,189)
Solid Waste Reserve	(15,824,723)	4,878,008	1,207,212	77,600	(9,661,903)
Specific Purpose Unexpended Grants/Contributions	(4,956,776)	0	4,956,776		0
SRV Levee Reserve	(1,167,316)	0	1,167,316		0
Stormwater Levy Reserve	(2,940,246)	(587,206)	451,268		(3,076,184)
Total Externally Restricted	(70,882,514)	8,895,043	15,841,614	1,677,600	(44,468,257)

Internally Restricted
Airport Reserve	(371,610)	(386,660)	101,914		(656,355)
Art Gallery Reserve	(30,990)	(21,000)	0		(51,990)
Ashmont Community Facility Reserve	(4,500)	(1,500)	0		(6,000)
Bridge Replacement Reserve	(240,240)	(100,000)	153,573		(186,667)
CBD Carparking Facilities Reserve	(891,982)	0	129,191		(762,792)
CCTV Reserve	(64,476)	(10,000)	0		(74,476)
Cemetery Perpetual Reserve	(157,605)	(125,146)	144,084		(138,667)
Cemetery Reserve	(193,116)	(161,330)	100,000		(254,446)
Civic Theatre Operating Reserve	0	(50,000)	0		(50,000)
Civic Theatre Technical Infra Reserve	(105,450)	(50,000)	57,100		(98,350)
Civil Projects Reserve	(155,883)	0	0		(155,883)
Community Amenities Reserve	(5,685)	0	0		(5,685)
Council Election Reserve	(166,776)	(73,095)	0		(239,871)
Emergency Events Reserve	(133,829)		(86,331)		(220,160)
Employee Leave Entitlements Gen Fund Reserve	(3,184,451)	0	0		(3,184,451)
Environmental Conservation Reserve	(131,351)	0	0		(131,351)
Estella Community Centre Reserve	(230,992)	0	0		(230,992)
Family Day Care Reserve	(169,356)	(123,944)	0		(293,300)
Fit for the Future Reserve	(3,033,479)	(2,265,725)	542,464		(4,756,740)
Generic Projects Saving	(1,040,610)	20,000	93,727		(926,883)
Glenfield Community Centre Reserve	(17,704)	(2,000)	0		(19,704)
Grants Commission Reserve	(4,956,776)	0	4,956,776		0
Grassroots Cricket Reserve	(70,992)	0	0		(70,992)
Gravel Pit Restoration Reserve	(761,422)	0	25,000		(736,422)
Gurwood Street Property Reserve	(50,454)	0	0		(50,454)
Information Services	(378,713)	250,000	0		(128,713)
Infrastructure Replacement Reserve	(136,098)	(48,071)	954		(183,215)
Insurance Variations Reserve	(28,644)	0	0		(28,644)
Internal Loans Reserve	(674,661)	(851,794)	850,468		(675,986)
Lake Albert Improvements Reserve	(53,867)	(50,000)	56,078		(47,789)
LEP Preparation Reserve	(28,301)	14,636	11,120		(2,545)
Livestock Marketing Centre Reserve	(7,267,731)	(1,180,017)	4,053,725		(4,394,024)
Museum Acquisitions Reserve	(39,378)	0	0		(39,378)
Oasis Building Renewal Reserve	(172,000)	(32,147)	121,000		(83,147)
Oasis Plant Reserve	(1,115,347)	90,000	85,770		(939,577)
Parks & Recreation Projects	(79,648)	0	74,360		(5,288)
Pedestrian River Crossing (old Riverside) Reserve	(198,031)	48,031	150,000		0
Plant Replacement Reserve	(5,893,831)	1,804,934	1,059,675		(3,029,223)
Playground Equip Replacement Reserve	(59,181)	(105,679)	0		(164,860)
Project Carryovers Reserve	(1,276,882)	0	1,276,882		0
Public Art Reserve	(173,283)	(23,669)	0		(196,952)
Robertson Oval Redevelopment Reserve	(86,697)	0	0		(86,697)
Senior Citizens Centre Reserve	(13,627)	(2,000)	0		(15,627)
Sister Cities Reserve	(36,527)	(10,000)	0		(46,527)
Stormwater Drainage Reserve	(183,420)	0	3,177		(180,242)
Strategic Real Property Reserve	(702,792)	0	(380,000)		(1,082,792)
Street Lighting Replacement Reserve	(74,755)	(30,000)	0		(104,755)
Subdivision Tree Planting Reserve	(272,621)	(20,000)	0		(292,621)
Sustainable Energy Reserve	(520,442)	35,000	60,000		(425,442)
Traffic Committee Reserve	(50,000)	(50,000)	0		(100,000)
Total Internally Restricted	(35,686,205)	(3,511,177)	13,640,706	0	(25,556,676)

Total Restricted	(106,568,720)	5,383,866	29,482,320	1,677,600	(70,024,934)

Section 356 Financial Assistance Requests

Three Section 356 Donation requests have been received for consideration at the 18 December 2017 Ordinary Council meeting.

Details of the donation requests are noted below:

· Estella Progress Association $79.00

The Estella Progress Association has requested the waiver of the hire fees for Menneke Park to stage a Community Christmas on the 25 November 2017.

The Christmas Party provides an opportunity to bring the community members of Estella together.

· Ben Lott Appeal $639.86

Mr Jake Smith from Elders Gundagai in his attached letter has requested Council’s consideration to the donation of the respective Livestock Marketing Centre fees associated with a fund raising sheep & cattle sale held on the 25/09/2017 to raise funds for ongoing medical treatment for Mr Ben Lott of Gundagai.

· The Groove Factorie – Country Hope Fund Raising event $420.00

The Groove Factorie (a local Wagga band) is participating in a charity event with Country Hope to raise funds to contribute to the Wagga It Takes Two campaign.

The charity events include free community live music concerts at Apex Park on the 15 December 2017, 19 January 2018 and 23 February 2018, from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The aim of the initiative is to bring the community together, celebrate and raise funds for Country Hope.

Section 356 financial assistance available budget	$6,945.64
Estella Progress Association	($79.00)
Ben Lott Appeal	($639.86)
Groove Factorie – Country Hope	(420.00)
Total Section 356 Financial Assistance Requests – 18 December 2017 Council Meeting	($1,138.86)
Proposed balance of Section 356 financial assistance budget – available for requests received for the remainder of this financial year	$5,806.78

Investment Summary as at 30 November 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 31/10/2017 $	Closing Balance Invested 30/11/2017 $	November EOM Current Yield %	November EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mths)
*Short Term Deposits*
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.87%	0.82%	6/12/2016	6/12/2017	12
Banana Coast CU	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.82%	2/06/2017	1/06/2018	12
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.80%	1.64%	2/06/2017	1/06/2018	12
CUA	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.82%	9/02/2017	5/01/2018	11
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.60%	1.64%	2/08/2017	2/08/2018	12
CUA	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.75%	0.82%	3/03/2017	2/03/2018	12
Suncorp-Metway	A+	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.60%	1.64%	7/06/2017	3/01/2018	7
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.60%	1.64%	8/09/2017	7/09/2018	12
Suncorp-Metway	A+	2,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	9/06/2017	6/11/2017	5
ME Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.60%	1.64%	22/08/2017	19/04/2018	8
AMP	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.82%	8/09/2017	5/06/2018	9
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.62%	1.64%	28/09/2017	28/09/2018	12
Auswide	BBB-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.67%	1.64%	5/10/2017	5/10/2018	12
Auswide	BBB-	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.67%	0.82%	16/10/2017	16/10/2018	12
*Total Short Term Deposits*		22,000,000	20,000,000	2.68%	16.43%
*At Call Accounts*
NAB	AA-	1,533,002	3,572,711	1.50%	2.94%	N/A	N/A	N/A
NAB	AA-	15,577,967	17,103,457	2.19%	14.05%	N/A	N/A	N/A
AMP	A	182,821	183,154	2.15%	0.15%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Beyond Bank	BBB+	148,850	148,997	1.00%	0.12%	N/A	N/A	N/A
CBA	AA-	51,594	58,359	1.35%	0.05%	N/A	N/A	N/A
*Total At Call Accounts*		17,494,233	21,066,677	2.06%	17.31%
*Medium Term Deposits*
RaboBank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.16%	0.82%	5/06/2017	6/06/2022	60
ING Bank	A	3,000,000	3,000,000	2.75%	2.46%	24/08/2017	26/08/2019	24
ME Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.28%	1.64%	2/09/2014	2/09/2019	60
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.10%	0.82%	5/12/2014	5/12/2019	60
Beyond Bank	BBB+	990,000	990,000	3.70%	0.81%	4/03/2015	4/03/2018	36
Beyond Bank	BBB+	990,000	990,000	3.70%	0.81%	11/03/2015	11/03/2018	36
BOQ	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.10%	1.64%	7/07/2017	7/07/2020	36
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.82%	12/08/2016	12/08/2019	36
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.20%	0.82%	25/08/2016	25/08/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.82%	31/08/2016	30/08/2019	36
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.90%	0.82%	8/09/2016	10/09/2018	24
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.00%	1.64%	10/02/2017	11/02/2019	24
Westpac	AA-	3,000,000	3,000,000	3.10%	2.46%	10/03/2017	10/03/2022	60
ING Bank	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.92%	0.82%	16/10/2017	16/10/2019	24
ING Bank	A	0	2,000,000	2.92%	1.64%	6/11/2017	6/11/2019	24
*Total Medium Term Deposits*		20,980,000	22,980,000	3.21%	18.88%
Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/10/2017 $	Closing Balance Invested 30/11/2017 $	November EOM Current Yield %	November EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mths)
*Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt*
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,006,917	1,009,267	BBSW + 93	0.83%	17/09/2014	17/09/2019	60
BOQ	BBB+	2,021,800	2,023,800	BBSW + 110	1.66%	5/08/2014	24/06/2019	58
BOQ	BBB+	1,005,587	1,007,927	BBSW + 107	0.83%	6/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,005,587	1,007,927	BBSW + 107	0.83%	10/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
ME Bank	BBB	1,005,777	0	0.00%	0.00%	17/11/2014	17/11/2017	36
ME Bank	BBB	1,005,777	0	0.00%	0.00%	17/11/2014	17/11/2017	36
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,004,837	1,006,700	BBSW + 105	0.83%	4/12/2014	4/12/2017	36
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,006,107	1,001,178	BBSW + 110	0.82%	27/02/2015	27/02/2018	36
Macquarie Bank	A	2,012,400	2,016,000	BBSW + 110	1.66%	3/03/2015	3/03/2020	60
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,001,078	1,003,787	BBSW + 115	0.82%	7/05/2015	7/05/2018	36
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,001,078	1,003,787	BBSW + 115	0.82%	9/06/2015	7/05/2018	35
CBA	AA-	1,010,627	1,012,407	BBSW + 90	0.83%	17/07/2015	17/07/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	1,009,907	1,011,817	BBSW + 90	0.83%	28/07/2015	28/07/2020	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,012,347	1,007,817	BBSW + 110	0.83%	18/08/2015	18/08/2020	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,012,347	1,007,817	BBSW + 110	0.83%	28/09/2015	18/08/2020	59
Westpac	AA-	2,019,814	2,023,634	BBSW + 90	1.66%	30/09/2015	28/07/2020	58
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,017,086	1,019,286	BBSW + 125	0.84%	20/10/2015	20/10/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	4,059,188	4,067,624	BBSW + 108	3.34%	28/10/2015	28/10/2020	60
AMP	A	1,822,729	1,826,455	BBSW + 110	1.50%	11/12/2015	11/06/2019	42
CBA	AA-	1,016,806	1,019,296	BBSW + 115	0.84%	18/01/2016	18/01/2021	60
Rabobank	A+	2,063,050	2,052,012	BBSW + 150	1.69%	4/03/2016	4/03/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,009,597	1,013,397	BBSW + 160	0.83%	22/03/2016	22/03/2019	36
CUA	BBB	2,018,874	2,025,414	BBSW + 160	1.66%	1/04/2016	1/04/2019	36
ANZ	AA-	1,019,506	1,021,716	BBSW + 118	0.84%	7/04/2016	7/04/2021	60
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,022,386	1,024,866	BBSW + 138	0.84%	21/04/2016	12/04/2021	60
AMP	A	1,025,136	1,019,876	BBSW + 135	0.84%	24/05/2016	24/05/2021	60
Westpac	AA-	1,021,946	1,017,256	BBSW + 117	0.84%	3/06/2016	3/06/2021	60
CBA	AA-	1,020,226	1,022,506	BBSW + 121	0.84%	12/07/2016	12/07/2021	60
ANZ	AA-	2,044,672	2,035,352	BBSW + 113	1.67%	16/08/2016	16/08/2021	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,511,816	1,515,986	BBSW + 117	1.25%	26/10/2016	26/10/2020	48
NAB	AA-	1,014,407	1,016,516	BBSW + 105	0.84%	21/10/2016	21/10/2021	60
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,501,842	1,505,591	BBSW + 140	1.24%	28/10/2016	28/10/2019	36
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,011,347	1,007,037	BBSW + 110	0.83%	21/11/2016	21/02/2020	39
Westpac	AA-	1,016,226	1,018,166	BBSW + 111	0.84%	7/02/2017	7/02/2022	60
ANZ	AA-	1,016,486	1,011,757	BBSW + 100	0.83%	7/03/2017	7/03/2022	60
CUA	BBB	752,925	754,875	BBSW + 130	0.62%	20/03/2017	20/03/2020	36
Heritage Bank	BBB+	600,413	601,500	BBSW + 130	0.49%	4/05/2017	4/05/2020	36
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,003,528	1,005,837	BBSW + 142	0.83%	29/06/2017	29/06/2020	36
NAB	AA-	3,030,141	3,035,271	BBSW + 90	2.49%	5/07/2017	5/07/2022	60
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,008,171	1,005,867	BBSW + 97	0.83%	16/08/2017	16/08/2022	60
Westpac	AA-	2,000,200	2,009,254	BBSW + 81	1.65%	30/10/2017	27/10/2022	60
ME Bank	BBB	0	1,503,597	BBSW + 125	1.24%	9/11/2017	9/11/2020	36
NAB	AA-	0	2,004,656	BBSW + 80	1.65%	10/11/2017	10/02/2023	63
*Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt*		54,770,690	56,304,830		46.26%
*Managed Funds*
NSW Tcorp	NR	1,347,006	1,369,496	1.67%	1.13%	17/03/2014	1/11/2022	103
*Total Managed Funds*		1,347,006	1,369,496	1.67%	1.13%
TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		116,591,928	121,721,002	3.00%	100.00%
LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK		2,797,235	2,596,959
TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		113,794,693	119,124,044

Council’s portfolio is dominated by Floating Rate Notes (FRN’s) at approximately 46% across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 17% of Council’s portfolio with Term Deposits around 36% 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:

Investment Portfolio Balance

Council’s investment portfolio balance has increased from the previous month’s balance, up from $113.8M to $119.1M. This is reflective of the second rates instalment for 2017/18 due date of 30 November 2017.

MONTHLY INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS

Redemptions/Sales – Council redeemed/sold the following investment security during November 2017:

Institution and Type	Amount	Investment Term	Interest Rate	Comments
Suncorp-Metway Term Deposit	$2M	5 months	2.55%	This term deposit was redeemed due to poor reinvestment rates available with Suncorp-Metway. These funds were reinvested with ING Bank (see below).
ME Bank Floating Rate Note	$1M	3 years	BBSW + 100bps	This floating rate note was sold prior to maturity and funds were reinvested in a new 3 year ME Bank FRN (see below).
ME Bank Floating Rate Note	$1M	3 years	BBSW + 100bps	This floating rate note was redeemed on maturity and funds were reinvested in a new 3 year ME Bank FRN (see below).

New Investments – Council purchased the following investment securities during November 2017:

Institution and Type	Amount	Investment Term	Interest Rate	Comments
ING Bank Term Deposit	$2M	2 years	2.92%	The ING Bank rate of 2.92% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this investment term. This term was chosen to fill a maturity gap within Council’s investment portfolio.
ME Bank Floating Rate Note	$1.5M	3 years	BBSW + 125bps	Council’s independent Financial Advisor advised this Floating Rate Note represented fair value.
NAB Floating Rate Note	$2M	5.25 years	BBSW + 80bps	Council’s independent Financial Advisor advised this Floating Rate Note represented fair value with a major bank.

Rollovers – Council did not roll over any investment securities during November 2017.

MONTHLY PERFORMANCE

Interest/growth/capital gains for the month totaled $300,092, which compares favourably with the budget for the period of $235,087, outperforming budget for November by $65,005. This is mainly attributable to the continued strong returns of Councils investment portfolio including a strong return from the NSW TCorp Managed Fund as well as the higher than anticipated portfolio balance.

It should be noted that many of Councils FRNs 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 recently, which is tracking well above what was originally predicted. This is mainly due to the 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 in line with the completion of major projects.

The longer-dated deposits in the portfolio, particularly those locked in above 4% yields, have previously anchored Council’s portfolio performance. It should be noted that the portfolio now only includes two investments yielding above 4% and Council will inevitably see a fall in investment income over the coming months compared with previous periods. Council staff and Council’s Independent Financial Advisor will continue to identify opportunities to lock in higher yielding investments as they become available.

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* (+1.75%pa), Council’s investment portfolio in total returned 3% for November. Short-term deposits returned 2.68%. 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.

Report by Responsible Accounting Officer

I hereby certify that all of the above investments have been made in accordance with the provision of Section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993 and the regulations there under, and in accordance with the Investments Policy adopted by Council on 26 August 2013.

Carolyn Rodney

Responsible Accounting Officer

Policy and Legislation

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.

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

Risk Management Issues for Council

This report is a control mechanism that assists in addressing the following potential risks to Council:

· Loss of investment income or capital resulting from ongoing management of investments, especially during difficult economic times

· Failure to demonstrate to the community that its funds are being expended in an efficient and effective manner

Internal / External Consultation

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.

Attachments

1 ⇩.	Section 356 Donation - Estella Progress Association
2 ⇩.	Section 356 Donation - Ben Lott Appeal
3 ⇩.	Section 356 Donation - Groove Factorie - Country Hope Fund Raising Events

Applicant	Justin Bentley
Owner	Justin and Emma Bentley
Development Cost	N/A
Development Description	The original development application proposed to undertake works associated with the demolition and erection of a garage on the subject land. The existing garage is set back behind the Thorne Street building line of the existing dwelling on site. The new garage is proposed to be longer, wider and taller than the existing as well erected closer to the Thorne Street frontage. Essentially the proposal exceeds the size controls in the Heritage Chapter of the DCP It is noted that the applicant advises that there are a number of areas of non-compliance with the Development Control Plan, Heritage Chapter, with the proposed structure and in particular the proposal seeks to increase: · allowable width from 6m to 6.6m (10% over) · length from 7.6m to 8.7m (14.47% over) · wall height from 2.4m to 3m (25% over) · apex height of roof from 3.9m to 4.8m (23% over) · floor area of an outbuilding from 8% to 11.9%

1.	REV17/0004 - 144 Morgan Street - Assessment Report - Provided under separate cover
2 .	REV17/0004 - 144 Morgan Street - Plans - Provided under separate cover
3 .	REV17/0004 - 144 Morgan Street - SEE - Provided under separate cover

1.	LEP17.0001 - 560 Byrnes Road, Bomen, Rezoning Application - Provided under separate cover
2.	LEP17.0001 - 560 Byrnes Road, Bomen, Assessment Report - Provided under separate cover
3.	LEP17.0001 - 560 Byrnes Road, Submissions - Provided under separate cover
4 .	LEP17.0001- 560 Byrnes Road, Internal Comments - Provided under separate cover

Albury	Eurobodalla	North Sydney
Alice Springs	Freemantle	Noosa
Bankstown	Huon Valley	Newcastle
Blacktown	Hawkesbury	Parkes
Bega Valley	Kalgoorlie	Port Douglas
Bundaberg	Kiama	Port Phillip
Byron Bay	Kuringai	Penrith
Canning	Lismore	Shoalhaven
City of Swan	Lane Cove	Strathbogie
Canberra	Moreland	Upper Hunter
Darebin	Muswellbrook	Yass

Who	Feedback received against sections of document	Response	Outcome: Recommended changes for endorsement
Relationships Australia	Pg 27 Funding Needs- Where to from here: Advised by Relationships Australia that they do run a men’s behavioural change program	Amended Responsibility and wording of gaps identified	Amend second dot point after ‘These gaps include’ to: Ongoing research to ensure that the development and implementation of men’s behavioural change programs are aligned with evidence and follow best practice guidelines
	1.10 Need to change Funding component and Responsibility to include Relationships Australia as they advised they run a funded program	Amended responsibility to reflect Relationships Australia’s program and adjusted funding accordingly	Amend Responsibility to include: Relationships Australia and amend funding status to read: Funded
	1.13 – Need to add Relationships Australia to Responsibilities tab and change funding status	Amended Responsibilities tab to include Relationships Australia	Amend Responsibilities to include: Domestic Violence Liaison Committee and other Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s) Partners: Wagga Women’s Health Wagga Wagga City Council Relationships Australia Amend funding tab to read: Partly funded
Department of Justice- Victim’s Services	1.9 – performance indicator needs to include NSW Code of Practice for the Charter of Victim’s Rights. This feedback was received by NSW Department of Justice- Victims Services on 12 October 2017	Amended performance indicator aligned with Victims Services	Amend Performance Indicator to read: Ensure that victims are supported when reporting crimes and also throughout the court process. Ensure victims have access to information regarding support services available to them that are appropriate to their circumstances as per the NSW Code of Practice for the Charter of Victims Rights.
	1.12 Need to include Victims Services Aboriginal Contact Line. This feedback was received by NSW Department of Justice- Victims Services on 12 October 2017.	Amended strategic action so it is aligned with Victims Services	Amend Strategic Action to read: Ensure culturally appropriate services, such as the Aboriginal Services Unit and Victims Services Aboriginal Contact Line- to aid Aboriginal victims and their experiences in the court process
Home Security Forums on the 3 and 4October 2017 that were put on by Wagga Wagga City Council, Argyle Housing, Police and Wagga Neighbourhood Watch	Need to add additional action numbers to include Operation Never Again and Improved Lighting to areas that have high Break and Enter rates.	Added additional action items 2.8 and 2.9 to ensure Operation Never Again and improved lighting is included in the plan	Add item 2.8 to be as follows: Type of crime prevention measure: Environmental and Routine Activity Crime Prevention Theory Action: 2.8 Strategic Action: Operation Never Again Performance Indicator: Research successful running of Operation Never Again in Orange Council in collaboration with their Police. Determine suitability for Wagga Wagga and look for grant funding that may enable its delivery Year: Year 2 Responsibilities: Wagga Wagga City Council Wagga Wagga Local Area Command (Police) Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch Argyle Housing NSW Department of Family and Community Services- Housing Funding: Unfunded Add item 2.9 to be as follows: Type of crime prevention measure: Situational Crime Prevention Theory; Environmental and Routine Activity Crime Prevention Theory Action: 2.9 Strategic Action: Apply for funding to look at ways to improve lighting to areas/neighbourhoods/suburbs with high Break and Enter rates Performance Indicator: Apply for Safer Communities funding grant to improve lighting to ensure that they meet minimum standards of lumens/watts recommended for street lighting Year: Year 1 Responsibilities: Wagga Wagga City Council Wagga Wagga Local Area Command (Police) Wagga Wagga Neighbourhood Watch Argyle Housing NSW Department of Family and Community Services- Housing Funding: Unfunded