Ordinary Meeting of Council

 

 

 

To be held on
Monday
24 September 2018

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 24 September 2018 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 Peter Thompson

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 24 September 2018

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE               PRECIS                                                                                            PAGE

PRAYER                                                                                                                       3

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY                                                                          3

APOLOGIES                                                                                                                 3

CONFIRMATIONS OF MINUTES

CM-1           Ordinary Council Meeting - 10 September 2018                           3

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST                                                                                    3

procedural motion

pM-1           ELECTION OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR                                          4  

Reports from Staff

RP-1            DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO THE MAYOR                                      12

RP-2            DA18/0317 - MULTI-DWELLING HOUSING - PARTIAL DEMOLITION, ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS TO EXISTING 3 PROPERTIES, 2 x NEW TWO-STOREY UNITS TO REAR OF BLOCK, ASSOCIATED DRIVEWAYS, CAR-PORTS AND LANDSCAPING AND COMMUNITY TITLE SUBDIVISION OF THE 5 x MULTI-UNIT DEVELOPMENT AT 80-82 JOHNSTON STREET, WAGGA WAGGA. LOTS A & B DP 157777                                                                                            14

RP-3            Financial Performance Report as at 31 August 2018              18

RP-4            Invitation to join Regional Cities New South Wales               35

RP-5            Toilet block at the Victory Memorial Gardens                      59

RP-6            ROAD CLOSURE - DAMPIER STREET, BOMEN                                       77

RP-7            RENEWAL OF COMMUNITY, CULTURAL AND SPORTING AGREEMENTS UNTIL 30 JUNE 2019                                                                                           81

RP-8            STRONGER COUNTRY COMMUNITES FUND - ROUND 2                        86

RP-9            POMINGALARNA MULTISPORT CYCLING COMPLEX                             93

RP-10          Response to Questions/Business with Notice                           97    

QUESTIONS/BUSINESS WITH NOTICE                                                                       99

Confidential Reports

CONF-1       ASHMONT PRESCHOOL EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR LEASE      100

CONF-2       ACQUISITION OF LAND FOR BOMEN ENABLING ROADS - BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT                                                                                        101

CONF-3       RFQ2018-558 Supply of One Wheel Loader                                  102

CONF-4       RFT2019-09 PROVISION OF SECURITY SERVICES                               103

 

CONF-5       RFT2018-17 CATTLE DELIVERY SERVICES                                           104

CONF-6       RFT2018-31 TARCUTTA, LADYSMITH & URANQUINTY FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT STUDIES AND PLANS                                                   105

CONF-7       RFT2019-11 LANDSCAPE DESIGNS RIVERSIDE STAGE II                    106

CONF-8       Major Events, Festivals and Films Sponsorship Applications 2018/19                                                                                                               107

CONF-9       SPORTING EVENT OPPORTUNITY                                                        108  

 

 

 

PRAYER

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

 

 

APOLOGIES

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1              Ordinary Council Meeting - 10 September 2018       

 

Recommendation That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 10 September 2018 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

 

Attachments  

1⇩.

Ordinary Council Meeting - Minutes - 10 September 2018

109

 

 

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

PROCEDURAL MOTION

PM-1              ELECTION OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR

 

Analysis:

The purpose of this report is to facilitate the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. In the case of the Council of the City of Wagga Wagga, the Mayor is to be elected by the Councillors from among the Councillors (Section 227).

 

 

Recommendation That Council conduct the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor by the voting method determined by Council for the two year period from September 2018 to September 2020.

 

Section 225 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act) requires Council to have a Mayor who is elected in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

 

The Councillor elected as Mayor at this meeting will hold that office for a period of two years, until the next Mayoral election in September 2020 (Section 230(1)) following the next ordinary local government election.

 

In accordance with the provisions of Section 231(2) of the Act, the Council may elect one of its members to act as Deputy Mayor either for the Mayoral term or for a shorter term as may be resolved by the Council. Further, the Deputy Mayor may exercise any function of the Mayor, at the request of the Mayor or if the Mayor is prevented by illness, absence or otherwise from exercising the function or if there is a casual vacancy in the office of the Mayor.

 

The election provisions of Part 11 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 also relate to the Deputy Mayor.

 

Role of the Mayor

 

Section 226 of the Act prescribes that the role of the Mayor includes but is not limited to the following:

•        to exercise, in cases of necessity, the policy-making functions of the governing body of the Council between meetings of the Council

•        to exercise such other functions of the Council as the Council determines

•        to preside at meetings of the Council

•        to carry out the civic and ceremonial functions of the mayoral office

 

 

Election of Mayor – September 2018 to September 2020

 

The procedure to be followed for the election of Mayor is outlined in Schedule 7 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, and is reproduced hereunder:

 

Part 1 – Preliminary

 

Returning Officer

 

1.      Councillors are advised that in accordance with Schedule 7 Part 1 (1) of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005, the General Manager, Mr Peter Thompson is the returning officer for the election of Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

 

Nomination

2.      (1)     A Councillor may be nominated without notice for election as Mayor or Deputy Mayor.

(2)     The nomination is to be made in writing by two or more Councillors (one of whom may be the nominee). The nomination is not valid unless the nominee has indicated consent to the nomination in writing.

(3)     The nomination is to be delivered or sent to the Returning Officer.

(4)     The Returning Officer is to announce the names of the nominees at the council meeting at which the election is to be held.

Election

3.      (1)     If only one Councillor is nominated, that Councillor is elected.

(2)     If more than one Councillor is nominated, the council is to resolve whether the election is to proceed by preferential ballot, by ordinary ballot or by open voting.

(3)     The election is to be held at the council meeting at which the council resolves on the method of voting.

(4)     In this clause:

"ballot" has its normal meaning of secret ballot.

"open voting" means voting by a show of hands or similar means.

 

Part 2 - Ordinary ballot or open voting

 

Application of Part

 

4.      This Part applies if the election proceeds by ordinary ballot or by open voting.

 

Marking of ballot-papers

5.      (1)     If the election proceeds by ordinary ballot, the Returning Officer is to decide the manner in which votes are to be marked on the ballot-papers.

(2)     The formality of a ballot-paper under this Part must be determined in accordance with clause 345 (1) (b) and (c) and (6) of this Regulation as if it were a ballot-paper referred to in that clause.

(3)     An informal ballot-paper must be rejected at the count.

 

 

Count-2 candidates

 

6.      (1)     If there are only two candidates, the candidate with the higher number of votes is elected.

(2)     If there are only two candidates and they are tied, the one elected is to be chosen by lot.

7.      (1)     If there are three or more candidates, the one with the lowest number of votes is to be excluded.

(2)     If three or more candidates then remain, a further vote is to be taken of those candidates and the one with the lowest number of votes from that further vote is to be excluded.

(3)     If, after that, three or more candidates still remain, the procedure set out in subclause is to be repeated until only two candidates remain.

(4)     A further vote is to be taken of the two remaining candidates.

(5)     Clause 6 of this Schedule then applies to the determination of the election as if the two remaining candidates had been the only candidates.

(6)     If at any stage during a count, under subclause (1) or (2), two or more candidates are tied on the lowest number of votes, the one excluded is to be chosen by lot.

 

Part 3 - Preferential Ballot

 

Application of Part

 

8.      This Part applies if the election proceeds by preferential ballot.

 

Ballot-papers and voting

9.      (1)     The ballot-papers are to contain the names of all the candidates. The councillors are to mark their votes by placing the numbers “1”, “2” and so on against the various names so as to indicate the order of their preference for all the candidates.

(2)     The formality of a ballot-paper under this Part is to be determined in accordance with clause 345 (1) (b) and (c) and (5) of this Regulation as if it were a ballot-paper referred to in that clause.

(3)     An informal ballot-paper must be rejected at the count.

 

Count

10.    (1)     If a candidate has an absolute majority of first preference votes, that candidate is elected.

(2)     If not, the candidate with the lowest number of first preference votes is excluded and the votes on the unexhausted ballot-papers counted to him or her are transferred to the candidates with second preferences on those ballot-papers.

(3)     A candidate who then has an absolute majority of votes is elected, but, if no candidate then has an absolute majority of votes, the process of excluding the candidate who has the lowest number of votes and counting each of his or her unexhausted ballot-papers to the candidates remaining in the election next in order of the voter’s preference is repeated until one candidate has received an absolute majority of votes. The latter is elected.

(4)     In this clause, "absolute majority", in relation to votes, means a number that is more than one-half of the number of unexhausted formal ballot-papers.

11.    (1)     If, on any count of votes, there are two candidates in, or remaining in, the election and the numbers of votes cast for the two candidates are equal, the candidate whose name is first chosen by lot is taken to have received an absolute majority of votes and is therefore taken to be elected.

(2)     If, on any count of votes, there are three or more candidates in or remaining in the election and the numbers of votes cast for two or more candidates are equal and those candidates are the ones with the lowest number of votes on the count of the votes the candidate whose name is first chosen by lot is taken to have the lowest number of votes and is therefore excluded.

 

Part 4 - General

 

Choosing by lot

 

12.    To choose a candidate by lot, the names of the candidates who have equal numbers of votes are written on similar slips of paper by the Returning Officer, the slips are folded by the Returning Officer so as to prevent the names being seen, the slips are mixed and one is drawn at random by the Returning Officer and the candidate whose name is on the drawn slip is chosen.

 

Result

 

13.    The result of the election (including the name of the candidate elected as Mayor or Deputy Mayor) is:

(a)     to be declared to the Councillors at the council meeting at which the election is held by the Returning Officer, and

(b)     to be delivered or sent to the Director-General and to the Secretary of the Local Government and Shires Association

Having regard to the above, Councillors are required to determine the method of voting for the election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The method of voting options available to Councillors are the following of which one is to be chosen:

·     Open Voting

·     Ordinary Ballot

·     Preferential Ballot

 

In addition, it is also recommended that the result of the counts for both the Mayoral and Deputy Mayoral elections be made known to the meeting by the Returning Officer at the completion of each of the elections.

 

Election of Deputy Mayor – September 2018 to September 2020

 

It has been Council’s normal practice to elect a Deputy Mayor for the same Mayoral term, immediately following the election of the Mayor.

 

 

Nomination papers for the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are attached and have previously been distributed to Councillors. Nomination papers are to be delivered or sent to the Returning Officer (Director Corporate Services) prior to the commencement of the Council Meeting to be held on Monday, 24 September 2018 at 6.00pm.

 

N/A

Section 225 of the Local Government Act 1993

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We have leaders that represent us

 

N/A

N/A

 

 

1⇩.	Mayoral nomination form
2⇩.	Deputy Mayor nomination form

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1               DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY TO THE MAYOR

Author:                        Nicole Johnson 

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

Analysis:

Adopt accurate and contemporary Delegations of Authority to the Mayor.

 

 

Recommendation That Council delegate the following powers, authorities, duties or functions to the Mayor, as listed below: 1.      Day-to-day oversight of the General Manager’s employment under the contract of employment between the Council and the General Manager as contemplated by Part D of Division of Local Government, Department of Premier & Cabinet in 2011 titled ‘Guidelines for the Appointment & Oversight of General Managers’ 2.      Incurring expenditure on behalf of the Council in connection with the mayor’s day-to-day oversight of the General Manager’s employment in order to obtain independent expert advice on matters relating to the General Manager’s performance under the contract of employment between the Council and the General Manager 3.      To expend money in an amount not exceeding $30,000.00 in any financial year in the proper exercise of the Council’s functions in circumstances where the Mayor reasonably considers that the expenditure is urgent and the expenditure is duly authorised by the Council under clause 211 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and subject to any conditions or limitations imposed by resolution of the Council from time to time specifically for the purpose of this delegation 5.      To approve jointly with the General Manager, the attendance of Councillors at any seminar, conference, meeting or course, provided that: i.        such delegation shall not be exercised if there is a prior Council meeting at which the attendance might be considered allowing sufficient time for registration, arrangements, etc ii.       provision has been made for such expenditure in the Council’s budget iii.      such seminar, conference etc is for one day or less and does not involve an overnight stay

 

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) has, in the past, delegated authority to the Mayor for certain functions. This is considered to be both appropriate and necessary to ensure the position of Mayor has the relevant authority to undertake the role effectively and in the best interests of the community.

 

In accordance with Section 377 of the Local Government Act 1993 (the Act), a Council may delegate functions, other than those specified and exempted under that Section. A council may, by resolution, sub-delegate to the General Manager or any other person or body (not including another employee of the council) any function delegated to the Council by the Department’s Chief Executive except as provided by the instrument of delegation to the Council.

 

The delegations included in the recommendation reflect the current delegations of the Mayor and are in addition to the functions prescribed under Section 226 of the Act which states that the role of the Mayor relates to:

 

·        Conferring Powers or Duties under the Act

·        Powers or Duties under other legislation

·        Preside at Meetings and Functions of Council

 

The Mayor does not need a delegation from Council to carry out the functions set out in section 226 as above, that section provides the functions as specified.

 

In accordance with the roles, previous delegations and consistent with legislation, it is recommended that the powers, authorities, duties and functions listed above be delegated to the Mayor.

N/A

Local Government Act 1993

 

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

N/A

N/A

 

 

Author:                        Amanda Gray 

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

Analysis:

The report is for a development application and is presented to Council for determination. The application has been referred to Council under Section 1.11 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 (DCP) as the application is development for multi dwelling housing, which includes a request to vary a numerical control by greater than 10%.   It is proposed to vary the off street car parking requirements under Clause 2.2. This control requires 9 car parking spaces and the layout identifies 7 car parking spaces. The reduced number of spaces is a variation of 22% of the numeric control.

 

 

Recommendation That Council approve DA18/0317 for Multi-Dwelling Housing - 5 x two bedroom dwellings with community title subdivision at 80-82 Johnston Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 subject to the conditions outlined in the Section 4.15 Assessment Report.

 

 

Applicant	Kenneth John Dwyer
Owner	Kenneth John Dwyer, Marguerite Ann Dwyer
Development Cost	$1,045,000.00
Development Description	Multi-Dwelling Housing - 5 x two bedroom dwellings with community title subdivision; Three existing properties to be refurbished and two new units at the rear of block.

 

Key Issues

 

Impact on heritage conservation area

Variation to DCP standards

 

 

Assessment

 

·        The proposal is defined under the standard definitions contained in the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 (LEP) as Multi Dwelling Housing (3 or more dwellings (whether attached or detached) on one lot of land, each with access at ground level but does not include a residential flat building.

·        Under the provisions of the LEP, the subject site is within the R3 Medium Density Residential zone.

·        The proposal is generally consistent with the R3 objectives because it provides for housing within a medium density residential environment and adds to the variety of housing and density types.

·        The development retains and restores the existing properties to the benefit of the existing streetscape and the character of the heritage conservation area within which the subject site is located.

·        Vehicle access and manoeuvring, solar access within the development and private open space are assessed as being adequate and the layout complies with site area and site cover controls.

·        The application seeks a variation to the off street car parking provision. A total of 7 spaces are provided whereas 9 are required using the criteria outlined in clause 2.2 of the DCP. The variation has been justified by the proximity of the site to the city and there being less reliance on private vehicles in such a location as well as the ability for two dwellings to benefit from a tandem parking arrangement.

·        Tree removal is proposed within the site and protection zones will be established around trees to be retained adjacent to the lagoon.

·        The application was advertised and notified, no submissions were received.

·        Community title subdivision of the lot is proposed, with 5 residential lots and 1 community lot. A Management Statement was not submitted with the development application but will form part of the subsequent Subdivision Application.

 

Reasons for Approval

 

1.      The proposed development is consistent with the provisions of the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010;

 

2.      The applicable objectives of Sections 2, 3 and 9 of the DCP are satisfied by the proposed development;

 

3.      The proposed variations of the car parking pursuant to Clause 2.2 of the DCP, has been justified by the application;

 

4.      The impact on the significance of the heritage conservation area is positive and acceptable and no detrimental impacts are anticipated;

 

5.      For the abovementioned reasons it is considered to be in the public interest to approve this development application.

 

Site Location

 

The site is located on the southern side of Johnston Street and consists of two long and narrow blocks extending to a total area of 1388.94sq.m. There are three existing units on site, two within No.80 and one at No.82, the rear area of the properties are overgrown.

 

 

N/A

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

 

The Environment

Objective: We plan for the growth of the city

Outcome: We have housing that suits our needs

 

Refusal of the application may result in an appeal process in the Land and Environment Court which will have to be defended by Council. The reasons for refusal will have to be justified and withstand scrutiny and cross examination in Court.

 

Approval of the application is not considered to raise risk management issues for Council as the proposed development is generally consistent with LEP and DCP controls and the one proposed variation of a control is minor.

Full details of the consultation that was carried out as part of the development application assessment is contained in the attached 4.15 Report.

 

 

1.	DA18/0317 - Section 4.15 Report - Provided under separate cover
2.	DA18/0317 - Floor Plans and Elevations - Provided under separate cover
3.	DA18/0317 - Plan of Subdivision - Provided under separate cover

 

 

Author:          Carolyn Rodney 

Director:       Natalie Te Pohe

         

Analysis:

This report is for Council to consider and approve the proposed 2018/19 budget variations required to manage the 2018/19 budget and Long Term Financial Plan, and details Council’s external investments and performance as at 31 August 2018.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       approve the proposed 2018/19 budget variations for the month ended 31 August 2018 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 August 2018 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) forecasts a balanced budget position as at 31 August 2018. 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 August, when compared to budget. This is a result of a positive movement in the value of Council’s Floating Rate Note portfolio during the month as well as a larger than expected investment portfolio.

 

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 17% of approved budget, which is tracking to budget for the end of August (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 63%.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 17% of approved budget and is tracking close to budget for the full financial year.

 

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 5% 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. This income also includes the sale of property, plant and equipment.

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Total capital expenditure including commitments is 12% of approved budget.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revised Budget Result - Surplus/(Deficit)	$’000s
Original 2018/19 Budget Result as adopted by Council Total Budget Variations approved to date Budget variations for August 2018	$0 $0 $0
Proposed revised budget result for 31 August 2018	$0

 

The proposed Budget Variations to 31 August 2018 are listed below:

 

 

Current Restrictions

RESERVES SUMMARY
31 AUGUST 2018
	CLOSING BALANCE 2017/18		ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2018/19		BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 31.08.18		PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution		REVISED BALANCE
Externally Restricted
Developer Contributions	(25,903,320)		8,264,183		984,096		0		(16,655,040)
Sewer Fund	(25,564,064)		4,267,364		2,638,508		0		(18,658,192)
Solid Waste	(20,184,154)		9,600,364		955,359		0		(9,628,430)
Specific Purpose Grants	(4,159,532)		0		4,159,532		0		0
SRV Levee	(2,847,382)		1,807,667		892,802		0		(146,914)
Stormwater Levy	(3,167,296)		162,032		102,841		0		(2,902,423)
Total Externally Restricted	(81,825,747)		24,101,610		9,733,137		0		(47,990,999)
Internally Restricted
Airport	(63,685)		(158,452)		(70,270)		18,000		(274,407)
Art Gallery	(49,209)		13,262		0		0		(35,947)
Ashmont Community Facility	(6,000)		(1,500)		0		0		(7,500)
Bridge Replacement	(201,972)		(100,000)		0		0		(301,972)
CBD Carparking Facilities	(863,695)		160,302		50,801		0		(652,592)
CCTV	(74,476)		(10,000)		0		0		(84,476)
Cemetery Perpetual	(65,479)		(129,379)		51,958		0		(142,900)
Cemetery	(452,507)		420		139,581		0		(312,506)
Civic Theatre Operating	0		(55,000)		0		0		(55,000)
Civic Theatre Technical Infrastructure	(92,585)		(50,000)		4,911		0		(137,675)
Civil Projects	(155,883)		0		0		0		(155,883)
Community Amenities	(76,763)		0		0		0		(76,763)
Community Works	(61,888)		(59,720)		0		0		(121,608)
Council Election	(255,952)		(76,333)		0		0		(332,285)
Emergency Events	(220,160)		0		29,000		0		(191,160)
Employee Leave Entitlements	(3,322,780)		0		0		0		(3,322,780)
Environmental Conservation	(131,351)		20,295		0		0		(111,056)
Estella Community Centre	(230,992)		178,519		0		0		(52,473)
Family Day Care	(320,364)		75,366		(1,556)		0		(246,555)
Fit for the Future	(5,340,222)		4,444,014		661,863		0		(234,345)
Generic Projects Saving	(1,056,917)		150,000		44,053		71,253		(791,611)
Glenfield Community Centre	(19,704)		(2,000)		0		0		(21,704)
Grants Commission	(5,199,163)		0		0		0		(5,199,163)
Grassroots Cricket	(70,992)		0		0		0		(70,992)
Gravel Pit Restoration	(767,509)		0		0		0		(767,509)
RESERVES SUMMARY
31 AUGUST 2018
		CLOSING BALANCE 2017/18		ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2018/19		BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 31.08.18		PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution		REVISED BALANCE
Gurwood Street Property		(50,454)		0		0		0		(50,454)
Information Services		(369,113)		77,858		285,000		0		(6,256)
Infrastructure Replacement		(193,634)		(68,109)		0		15,000		(246,743)
Insurance Variations		(28,644)		0		(71,603)		0		(100,246)
Internal Loans		(518,505)		(631,470)		129,917		0		(1,020,058)
Lake Albert Improvements		(62,349)		(21,563)		5,859		0		(78,053)
LEP Preparation		(3,895)		0		1,350		0		(2,545)
Livestock Marketing Centre		(5,724,767)		(1,146,762)		1,010,602		0		(5,860,928)
Museum Acquisitions		(39,378)		0		0		0		(39,378)
Oasis Building Renewal		(209,851)		(85,379)		0		0		(295,230)
Oasis Plant		(1,140,543)		390,000		0		0		(750,543)
Parks & Recreation Projects		(79,648)		49,500		0		0		(30,148)
Pedestrian River Crossing		(10,775)		0		10,775		0		0
Plant Replacement		(3,935,062)		253,958		1,043,434		0		(2,637,671)
Playground Equipment Replacement		(164,784)		69,494		0		0		(95,290)
Project Carryovers		(2,006,338)		402,808		1,585,155		0		(18,376)
Public Art		(208,754)		30,300		64,997		0		(113,457)
Robertson Oval Redevelopment		(92,151)		0		0		0		(92,151)
Senior Citizens Centre		(15,627)		(2,000)		0		0		(17,627)
Sister Cities		(36,328)		(10,000)		0		0		(46,328)
Stormwater Drainage		(180,242)		0		22,000		0		(158,242)
Strategic Real Property		(475,000)		401,305		(395,655)		0		(469,350)
Street Lighting Replacement		(74,755)		0		0		0		(74,755)
Subdivision Tree Planting		(582,108)		40,000		0		0		(542,108)
Sustainable Energy		(588,983)		95,000		38,541		0		(455,442)
Traffic Committee		(21,930)		0		0		20,138		(1,792)
Unexpended External Loans		(841,521)		0		841,521		0		0
Workers Compensation		(40,000)		0		(53,251)		0		(93,251)
Total Internally Restricted		(36,795,390)		4,244,732		5,428,981		124,391		(26,997,286)
Total Restricted		(118,621,137)		28,346,342		15,162,118		124,391		(74,988,285)

 

Investment Summary as at 31 August 2018

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 31/07/2018 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/08/2018 $	August EOM Current Yield %	August EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mth)
Short Term Deposits
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.95%	1.41%	1/06/2018	31/05/2019	12
AMP	A	2,000,000	0	0.00%	0.00%	2/08/2017	2/08/2018	12
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.60%	1.41%	8/09/2017	7/09/2018	12
AMP	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.95%	0.71%	5/06/2018	2/01/2019	7
NAB	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.62%	1.41%	28/09/2017	28/09/2018	12
Auswide	BBB-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.67%	1.41%	5/10/2017	5/10/2018	12
Auswide	BBB-	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.67%	0.71%	16/10/2017	16/10/2018	12
Auswide	BBB-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.70%	1.41%	5/12/2017	5/12/2018	12
Police Credit Union	NR	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.70%	1.41%	28/02/2018	29/10/2018	8
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.95%	1.41%	17/05/2018	13/11/2018	6
AMP	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.95%	0.71%	17/05/2018	17/05/2019	12
Police Credit Union	NR	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.86%	1.41%	28/05/2018	28/05/2019	12
AMP	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.95%	1.41%	29/05/2018	24/01/2019	8
Westpac	AA-	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.71%	28/06/2018	28/06/2019	12
Australian Military Bank	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.01%	0.71%	16/07/2018	16/07/2019	12
Suncorp-Metway	A+	0	2,000,000	2.65%	1.41%	31/08/2018	30/11/2018	3
Bankwest	AA-	0	2,000,000	2.76%	1.41%	31/08/2018	23/04/2019	8
Total Short Term Deposits		25,000,000	27,000,000	2.79%	19.06%
At Call Accounts
NAB	AA-	1,368,311	2,995,159	1.50%	2.11%	N/A	N/A	N/A
NAB	AA-	13,156,936	16,686,568	2.19%	11.78%	N/A	N/A	N/A
AMP	A	345	345	2.30%	0.00%	N/A	N/A	N/A
CBA	AA-	72,055	107	1.35%	0.00%	N/A	N/A	N/A
Total At Call Accounts		14,597,647	19,682,179	2.08%	13.89%
Medium Term Deposits
RaboBank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.16%	0.71%	5/06/2017	6/06/2022	60
ING Bank	A	3,000,000	3,000,000	2.75%	2.12%	24/08/2017	26/08/2019	24
ME Bank	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	4.28%	1.41%	2/09/2014	2/09/2019	60
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	4.10%	0.71%	5/12/2014	5/12/2019	60
BOQ	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.10%	1.41%	7/07/2017	7/07/2020	36
AMP	A	0	2,000,000	3.00%	1.41%	2/08/2018	3/02/2020	18
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.71%	12/08/2016	12/08/2019	36
Rabobank	A+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.20%	0.71%	25/08/2016	25/08/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.00%	0.71%	31/08/2016	30/08/2019	36
Police Credit Union	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.90%	0.71%	8/09/2016	10/09/2018	24
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.00%	1.41%	10/02/2017	11/02/2019	24
Westpac	AA-	3,000,000	3,000,000	3.10%	2.12%	10/03/2017	10/03/2022	60
ING Bank	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.92%	0.71%	16/10/2017	16/10/2019	24
ING Bank	A	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.92%	1.41%	6/11/2017	6/11/2019	24
BOQ	BBB+	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.35%	1.41%	3/01/2018	4/01/2022	48
ING Bank	A	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.80%	0.71%	5/01/2018	6/01/2020	24
Australian Military Bank	NR	1,000,000	1,000,000	2.95%	0.71%	29/05/2018	29/05/2020	24
BOQ	BBB+	1,000,000	1,000,000	3.50%	0.71%	1/06/2018	1/06/2022	48
Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/07/2018 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/08/2018 $	August EOM Current Yield %	August EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mth)
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	3.02%	1.41%	28/06/2018	28/06/2021	36
Westpac	AA-	2,000,000	2,000,000	2.88%	1.41%	28/06/2018	29/06/2020	24
ING Bank	A	0	2,000,000	2.86%	1.41%	16/08/2018	17/08/2020	24
BOQ	BBB+	0	3,000,000	3.25%	2.12%	28/08/2018	29/08/2022	48
ING Bank	A	0	3,000,000	2.85%	2.12%	30/08/2018	14/09/2020	24
Total Medium Term Deposits		30,000,000	40,000,000	3.11%	28.24%
Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt
BOQ	BBB+	2,016,400	2,019,400	BBSW + 110	1.43%	5/08/2014	24/06/2019	58
BOQ	BBB+	1,003,268	0	0.00%	0.00%	6/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,003,268	0	0.00%	0.00%	10/11/2014	6/11/2019	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,011,267	1,006,485	BBSW + 110	0.71%	18/08/2015	18/08/2020	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,011,267	1,006,485	BBSW + 110	0.71%	28/09/2015	18/08/2020	59
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,013,247	1,016,153	BBSW + 125	0.72%	20/10/2015	20/10/2020	60
Westpac	AA-	4,043,068	0	0.00%	0.00%	28/10/2015	28/10/2020	60
CBA	AA-	1,013,167	0	0.00%	0.00%	18/01/2016	18/01/2021	60
Rabobank	A+	2,047,592	2,055,562	BBSW + 150	1.45%	4/03/2016	4/03/2021	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,008,637	1,011,294	BBSW + 160	0.71%	22/03/2016	22/03/2019	36
CUA	BBB	2,016,094	2,021,668	BBSW + 160	1.43%	1/04/2016	1/04/2019	36
ANZ	AA-	1,015,377	1,018,373	BBSW + 118	0.72%	7/04/2016	7/04/2021	60
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,017,756	1,021,242	BBSW + 138	0.72%	21/04/2016	12/04/2021	60
AMP	A	1,015,687	1,010,964	BBSW + 135	0.71%	24/05/2016	24/05/2021	60
Westpac	AA-	1,017,886	1,020,948	BBSW + 117	0.72%	3/06/2016	3/06/2021	60
CBA	AA-	1,015,976	1,018,942	BBSW + 121	0.72%	12/07/2016	12/07/2021	60
ANZ	AA-	2,037,312	2,027,746	BBSW + 113	1.43%	16/08/2016	16/08/2021	60
BOQ	BBB+	1,509,491	1,514,436	BBSW + 117	1.07%	26/10/2016	26/10/2020	48
NAB	AA-	1,010,147	1,013,333	BBSW + 105	0.72%	21/10/2016	21/10/2021	60
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,503,882	1,509,473	BBSW + 140	1.07%	28/10/2016	28/10/2019	36
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	1,010,537	1,005,585	BBSW + 110	0.71%	21/11/2016	21/02/2020	39
Westpac	AA-	1,010,387	1,013,793	BBSW + 111	0.72%	7/02/2017	7/02/2022	60
ANZ	AA-	1,011,697	1,007,944	BBSW + 100	0.71%	7/03/2017	7/03/2022	60
CUA	BBB	756,065	758,531	BBSW + 130	0.54%	20/03/2017	20/03/2020	36
Heritage Bank	BBB+	601,349	603,309	BBSW + 130	0.43%	4/05/2017	4/05/2020	36
Teachers Mutual	BBB	1,006,767	1,011,624	BBSW + 142	0.71%	29/06/2017	29/06/2020	36
NAB	AA-	3,017,631	3,029,352	BBSW + 90	2.14%	5/07/2017	5/07/2022	60
Suncorp-Metway	A+	1,008,767	1,005,445	BBSW + 97	0.71%	16/08/2017	16/08/2022	60
Westpac	AA-	1,997,936	2,005,250	BBSW + 81	1.42%	30/10/2017	27/10/2022	60
ME Bank	BBB	1,500,027	1,504,793	BBSW + 125	1.06%	9/11/2017	9/11/2020	36
NAB	AA-	2,004,996	2,000,552	BBSW + 80	1.41%	10/11/2017	10/02/2023	63
ANZ	AA-	1,495,137	1,502,258	BBSW + 77	1.06%	18/01/2018	18/01/2023	60
Bendigo-Adelaide	BBB+	497,694	500,398	BBSW + 105	0.35%	25/01/2018	25/01/2023	60
Newcastle Permanent	BBB	1,491,177	1,499,364	BBSW + 140	1.06%	6/02/2018	6/02/2023	60
Westpac	AA-	2,004,316	1,998,992	BBSW + 83	1.41%	6/03/2018	6/03/2023	60
UBS	A+	2,007,734	2,000,512	BBSW + 90	1.41%	8/03/2018	8/03/2023	60
Heritage Bank	BBB+	1,403,343	1,408,855	BBSW + 123	0.99%	29/03/2018	29/03/2021	36
ME Bank	BBB	1,602,301	1,607,912	BBSW + 127	1.14%	17/04/2018	16/04/2021	36
ANZ	AA-	1,999,756	2,006,850	BBSW + 93	1.42%	9/05/2018	9/05/2023	60
NAB	AA-	2,012,374	2,004,810	BBSW + 90	1.42%	16/05/2018	16/05/2023	60
CBA	AA-	0	2,005,870	BBSW + 93	1.42%	16/08/2018	16/08/2023	60
Bank Australia	BBB	0	750,185	BBSW + 130	0.53%	30/08/2018	30/08/2021	36
Institution	Rating	Closing Balance Invested 31/07/2018 $	Closing Balance Invested 31/08/2018 $	August EOM Current Yield %	August EOM % of Portfolio	Investment Date	Maturity Date	Term (mth)
Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt		57,770,780	53,524,685		37.78%
Managed Funds
NSW Tcorp	NR	1,436,122	1,459,169	1.60%	1.03%	17/03/2014	1/08/2023	112
Total Managed Funds		1,436,122	1,459,169	1.60%	1.03%
TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		128,804,548	141,666,033		100.00%
LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK		3,941,717	3,736,257
TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS		124,862,832	137,929,776

 

Council’s investment portfolio is now dominated by Term Deposits, equating to approximately 47% of the portfolio across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 14% of the portfolio with Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) 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 Authorised Deposit-Taking Institutions (ADIs) (being BBB- or higher), with a smaller allocation to unrated ADIs.

 

 

All investments are 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 $124.9M to $137.9M, which is reflective of the first quarter rates instalment being due at the end of August.

 

 

MONTHLY INVESTMENT MOVEMENTS

 

Redemptions/Sales – Council redeemed the following investment security during August 2018:

 

 

New Investments – Council purchased the following investment security during August 2018:

 

 

Rollovers – Council rolled the following investment securities during August 2018:

 

Institution and Type	Amount	Investment Term	Interest Rate	Comments
AMP Term Deposit	$2M	12 months	2.60%	This term deposit was a 12 month investment at 2.60% and was rolled at maturity into a 18 month term deposit at 3.00%.

 

 

MONTHLY PERFORMANCE

 

Interest/growth/capital gains for the month totaled $425,489, which compares favourably with the budget for the period of $244,709, outperforming budget for the month of August by $180,780. This is mainly due to a positive movement for Councils Floating Rate Note (FRN) portfolio during August as well as a larger than expected portfolio balance.

 

It should be noted that a majority of Councils FRNs continue to trade at a premium. The capital market value of these 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 important to note Council’s investment portfolio balance 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 2018/19 financial year the portfolio balance will reduce in line with the completion of major projects. This will result in Councils investment portfolio continuing to maintain a higher balance until these projects commence or advance further.

 

 

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* (+1.85%pa), Council’s investment portfolio returned 3.36% (annualised) for August. Cash and At-Call accounts returned 2.16% (annualized) for this period. 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

 

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

 

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

 

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.

 

  

 

 

RP-4               Invitation to join Regional Cities New South Wales

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

Analysis:

This report is for Council’s consideration in joining a new regional alliance called Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW), to share opportunities and challenges for growth and investment with cities that expand outside of the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       note the information contained within this report b       join Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW) provided at least nine of the cities identified in this report resolve to participate in forming the group c        conduct a review of its membership within the first 24 months of the formal commencement of RCNSW, to ensure it is meeting its stated objectives d       endorse the budget variation as outlined in the Financial Implications section of this report e       note that any future requests for financial contributions over and above the annual membership fee to RCNSW will be reported to Council for further consideration

 

In early December 2017, Council received an invitation from the NSW Inland Forum to consider joining a new group called Regional Cities NSW (RCNSW).

 

The NSW Inland Forum is an existing group of seven Councils that have worked collaboratively for a number of years to achieve improved outcomes and opportunities for inland NSW. The current NSW Inland Forum member Councils are Albury, Armidale, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga. The membership of the NSW Inland Forum have agreed that there is great potential in expanding the membership of the group to create a new body to be known at RCNSW, hence the invitation received by Council.

 

According to the invitation, RCNSW is to be based on the successful model that has been implemented in Victoria, where the ten largest cities outside of Melbourne work cooperatively on issues and projects of mutual interest that affect regional cities in that State.

 

Following the invitation by the NSW Inland Forum to join RCNSW, the Mayor and General Manager attended a meeting in Sydney on 1 March 2018 to discuss the proposed new group with members of the NSW Inland Forum and other invited regional Councils.

 

 

This meeting was followed up by a planning day held in Sydney on 2 August 2018, attended by the Mayor and General Manager and other invited regional Councils, where further thinking around the establishment of RCNSW was workshopped and discussed. The report from this workshop is attached.

 

In summary, the original proposal received from the NSW Inland Forum was as follows:

 

·    RCNSW will be comprised of Mayors and CEOs/General Managers of 16 large cities in regional New South Wales. These cities reside outside of the expanded metropolitan areas of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, have distinct regional catchments, and share similar opportunities and challenges for growth and investment.

·    RCNSW will be an alliance of regional cities dedicated to achieving real change in regional New South Wales though policy development and active implementation of those policies. Regional cities are the heart of regional New South Wales and by improving their infrastructure and liveability, regional cities can help to grow and support wide regional and rural communities.

 

For information, the Councils invites to participate in RCNSW are as follows:

 

Albury	Coffs Harbour	Maitland	Tamworth
Armidale	Dubbo	Orange	Bathurst
Griffith	Tweed	Cessnock	Lismore
Queanbeyan-Palerang	Wagga Wagga	Mid-Coast	Port Macquarie-Hastings

 

At the planning day held on 2 August 2018, participants agreed on the following indicators of overall success for RCNSW:

 

·    State government and community have recognised the significance and benefits of regional cities

·    A seat at the policy table to advise state government on the formation and implementation of policies

·    The establishment of a population or settlement strategy that would prioritise population growth to regional cities

·    The alliance is known as having a clear point of difference from the other alliances in the regional development space

·    A strong network that offers collaboration, networking and collective benefit to all members

 

Further information relating to what success might look like for RCNSW, can be found on pages 7 and 8 of the attached workshop report.

 

It was agreed at the planning day that the overall success of RCNSW would be the creation of connected, thriving and sustainable regional cities. To this end, discussion took place on the establishment of a short-term agenda for RCNSW, to ensure that this new alliance was more than simply a talk-fest on regional issues, but had real actions and goals to work towards. The most supported ideas around this to come from the planning day were:

 

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with State Government - Establishing, through a formal agreement, a mechanism for the alliance to have a seat at the table and provide strategic influence on the State’s policy and investment agenda.

 

Snowy Hydro Funding - Providing a set of recommendations on how the government should invest the $4.2 Billion released in the NSW budget from the sale of Snowy Hydro project. The government has indicated that all of these funds will go to the regions and they will need guidance on how this money should be allocated. The group also anticipated that there would be streamlined funding mechanisms to enable regional cities to access this funding.

 

Population Strategy - Due to ongoing debate of metropolitan congestion and rapid population growth, the group saw a great opportunity to have influence in developing a framework for growing regional cities under the banner of a state population strategy, with the aim being to develop a settlement plan directing people, infrastructure and business to regional cities.

 

Regional Investment - Identifying a framework to identify how regional investment can be streamlined to be better facilitated in the regions.

 

One of the other key purposes of the 2 August 2018 planning day was to discuss the proposed governance and structure arrangements for RCNSW. Further details on this can be found on pages 10 to 14 of the attached workshop report, however in summary, the following was agreed:

 

Formation:	The alliance to be known as Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) be formed.
Membership:	Councils representing regional cities that had a clear service centre role would be invited to be members.
Board Members:	The forum should be a Mayor and CEO/General Manager forum with alternates offered in the case of inability to attend.
Board Structure:	All member Councils (Mayor and CEO/General Manager) will sit on the board. Voting will be by consensus.
Meeting Schedule:	Members agreed to meeting quarterly at a venue to be defined at a later date, noting that visits to each member city would be welcomed.
Working Group:	It was agreed that a working group to further define and evolve the structure and agenda of the alliance be established, as well as to work through the development of the proposed MOU. Working Group members were nominated as:   ·    Paul Bennett, GM, Tamworth Regional Council ·    Craig Swift-McNair, GM, Port Macquarie-Hastings ·    David Sherley, GM, Bathurst Regional Council ·    Peter Thompson, GM, Wagga Wagga City Council ·    Susan Law, CEO, Armidale Regional Council.

The abovementioned working group met via teleconference on 3 September 2018 to confirm the meeting notes from the planning day in August; to progress discussions around the structure of RCNSW and to propose a standard approach by member Councils in reporting back to their respective Councils on the outcomes of the RCNSW meetings.

 

It is the intention of RCNSW to develop a strategic plan so that member Councils and all levels of government understand the strategic intent of the alliance. RCNSW will ensure that this plan aligns with a range of State government policies and plans such as the recently released 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW. It will also be the role of member Councils to ensure that there are linkages and alignment between the RCNSW strategic plan and each Councils recently developed Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS), which have been developed across each Functional Economic Region (FER) across regional NSW.

 

There are a range of issues that Council will need to take into account when considering whether or not to join RCNSW. Perhaps one of the most relevant issues is why Council would join an alliance such as RCNSW, when it is currently in discussions regarding the Riverina Joint Organisation and considering becoming an associate member of the Canberra Joint Organisation. Whilst this is a valid question to ask, it is important to distinguish the difference between RCNSW and a Joint Organisation. A Joint Organisation is geographically based and its interests are those of the geographic region.

 

RCNSW membership is not geographically based, but will rather focus on commonality of interests between the 16 regional cities, regardless of their location. This form of an alliance will be able to pursue issues such as population growth, congestion, access, investment etc. and perhaps more effectively than a Joint Organisation may be able to, simply considering the membership and make up of a Joint Organisation.

There have been initial discussions around the level of financial contribution required from each member Council in order to ensure the viability of RCNSW. It was agreed at the planning day that an investment of $10,000 per annum by each member Council was considered to be a reasonable amount of funding to enable RCNSW to be established, to engage an appropriate secretariat and to develop a strategic plan. There may well be other initiatives that this pooled funding will be able to support in line with the objectives of RCNSW. This amount will be included in the 2019/20 budget if supported by Council.

 

The current funding request for this financial year is $5,000. This is effectively for membership of RCNSW from 1 January 2019 to 30 June 2019, noting that the NSW Inland Forum has offered to fund the secretariat and support staff during the coming months to ensure that RCNSW can be established in a timely and effective manner. This years required $5,000 contribution will be funded from the Council Election Reserve which is projected to exceed the amount required to conduct an election in 2020/21.

N/A

 

Growing Economy

Objective: There is growing investment in our Community

Outcome: There is government investment to develop our community

 

There is a risk that Council won’t have a seat at the table to provide input into strategic issues relating to regional cities if this recommendation is not supported.

There has been no community engagement undertaken in the development of this report. There has internal consultation on this matter between the Mayor and General Manager.

 

 

1⇩.

Regional Cities NSW Workshop Report - 2 August 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RP-5               Toilet block at the Victory Memorial Gardens

Author:          Tony Powell 

Director:       Caroline Angel          

 

Analysis:

This report provides location and layout options for a possible amenities block in the Victory Memorial Gardens.

 

 

Recommendation That Council: a       adopt Option A (as described in the body of the report) as the location for the construction of the amenities block in the Victory Memorial Garden b       adopt Option 2 (as described in the body of the report) as the layout for the construction of the amenities block in the Victory Memorial Gardens c        endorse detailed design being completed for an amenities block in the Victory Memorial Gardens d       endorse the seeking of grant funding to enable construction of this project e       endorse the budget variation as outlined in the Financial Implications section of this report

 

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council held 23 April 2018, it was resolved:

 

That Council staff bring back a report in July 2018 detailing options for improving accessibility to toilet facilities for visitors to the Victory Memorial Gardens.

 

This report is in response to this resolution.

 

On 7 May 2018 a Councillor workshop was held to discuss improved access to toilet facilities at the Victory Memorial Gardens (VMG). Following this workshop staff completed preliminary investigations in order to present options to Council for the design and location of a new amenities block at the eastern end of the VMG.

 

As the VMG is a listed heritage item under the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010, staff sought advice from Council’s heritage advisor and a heritage architect to ensure minimal impact on the surrounding amenity. (Attachment 1 and Attachment 2)

 

Following receipt of this advice, staff have identified two possible locations for consideration of the amenities block. (Attachment 3)

 

The attached reports identified other potential locations within the park, however these were not considered viable when reviewed in context of “safer by design principles” and proximity to existing facilities. The existing usage patterns of events held at the VMG were also considered in recommending the two possible options.

 

Site Location

 

The two location options are as follows:

 

Option A: Located at the north eastern end of the VMG on a virtually level site at the junction of four internal connecting pathways.

 

Option B: Located at the north eastern end of the VMG with the rear of the amenities block facing Baylis Street.

 

 

 

The advantages and disadvantages of each of these options are identified in the Table below:

 

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Option A	Provides a relative level site to simplify construction and provides good all–abled access from within the VMG.	No all-abled access from the main street via the first pathway from the Lagoon Bridge. All-abled access would be via the internal pathways. All-abled access into the park would be via the Eternal Flame Memorial.
	Located at the junction of 4 connecting pathways within the VMG	The Heritage Advisor’s Report identified that “a larger structure here would be visually intrusive”
	Meets the requirements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
	Services the eastern end of the VMG
Option B	Opportunity for good all-abled access from Fitzmaurice street subject significant works.	Sloping site would require additional works such as retaining walls and handrails.
	Services the eastern end of the VMG	Reduced ability to meet the requirements of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.
		The Heritage Advisor’s Report identified that if located on this site “the structure is too close to the memorial and will negatively impact on its setting and significance”

 

Recommendation: It is recommended that Option A be the identified site for the proposed amenities building. 

 

 

Layout and Inclusions

 

Two options have also been identified for the layout and inclusions for the proposed building.

 

They are:

 

Option 1: This option would include a unisex disable toilet as well as male and female toilets. The male and female toilets would include ambulant facilities. This facility will be approximately 80m² in total. The female toilets will include five pans and an appropriate amount of hand basins. The male toilets will include two pans, three urinals and an appropriate amount of hand basins.

 

Option 2: This option would include one x accessible, one x ambulant and one x standard cubicles. The structure would be approximately 25m² total. These cubicles would be unisex and cubicle doors would open directly to the outside eliminating internal passageways.

 

 

 

Recommendation:  It is recommended that Option 2 be the identified size/layout for the proposed amenities building.

 

This project is currently unfunded.

 

It is proposed to fund the detailed design component estimated at $15,000 from the existing Design Forward Planning budget which has an annual budget allocation of $100,000.

 

Following Council endorsement of a proposed location and layout, staff will commence seeking grant funding to progress the project from Council’s Unfunded list to Council’s Capital Works Program.

N/A

 

The Environment

Objective: Create and maintain a functional, attractive and health promoting built environment

Outcome: We improve the facilities of our places and spaces

 

 

N/A

Council staff have undertaken consultation with:

·    Council’s Planning Department

·    Councillor Workshop held on 7 May 2018 present were:

o Councillor Yvonne Braid

o Councillor Dan Hayes

o Councillor Vanessa Keenan

o Councillor Kerry Pascoe

o Councillor Dallas Tout

·    John Oultram - Council’s Heritage Advisor

·    Noel Thomson Architecture - Heritage Architect

 

 

1⇩.	Victory Memorial Gardens Proposed Amenities - Heritage Advisors Report. 17.07.18
2⇩.	Victory Memorial Gardens Proposed Amenities Report - Noel Thomson Architecture