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Agenda and
Business Paper

 


Ordinary Meeting of Council

 

 

 

To be held on
Monday 13 March 2023

at 6.00pm

 

 

 

Civic Centre cnr Baylis and Morrow Streets,
Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 (PO Box 20)
P 1300 292 442
P council@wagga.nsw.gov.au


wagga.nsw.gov.au


NOTICE OF MEETING

 

The proceedings of all Council meetings in open session, including all debate and addresses by the public, are recorded (audio visual) and livestreamed on Council’s website including for the purpose of facilitating community access to meetings and accuracy of the Minutes.

 

In addition to webcasting council meetings, audio recordings of confidential sessions of Ordinary Meetings of Council are also recorded, but do not form part of the webcast.

 

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WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCILLORS

 

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STATEMENT OF ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS

Councillors are reminded of their Oath or Affirmation of Office made under Section 233A of the Local Government Act 1993 and their obligation under Council’s Code of Conduct to disclose and appropriately manage Conflicts of Interest.

 

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.

 


Reports submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Monday 13 March 2023.

Ordinary Meeting of Council AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPER

Monday 13 March 2023

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE      PRECIS                                                                                                      PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY                                                                                   2

REFLECTION                                                                                                                         2

APOLOGIES                                                                                                                          2

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1           ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 27 FEBRUARY 2023                                      2

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST                                                                                            2

Councillor Report

CR-1            SWITCH 2022 DELEGATE REPORT                                                                   3

CR-2            NÖRDLINGEN 2022 DELEGATE REPORT                                                          6

Reports from Staff

RP-1            DA22/0568 - Construction of shed for use as seven depots with associated parking and landscaping at 114-116 Marah St NORTH WAGGA WAGGA  NSW  2650; Lot 345 DP1124792.                                                        9

RP-2            RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - PROPOSED ZERO-BASED BUDGET APPROACH                                                                                                                           15

RP-3            FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2023                    21

RP-4            Review of Finance Policies                                                                        55

RP-5            2023 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANNUAL CONFERENCE                                                                                                    94

RP-6            2023 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT NATIONAL CONFERENCE                         99

RP-7            REVISED 2023 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE                                                101

RP-8            QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE                                                                                103    

Confidential Reports

CONF-1       RFT2023-17 PROVISION OF TRADE SERVICES                                                 105

CONF-2       APPOINT CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE                                                                                                       106

CONF-3       POSSIBLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ARISING FROM THE SISTER CITY VISIT TO NORDLINGEN                                                                                                    107

 


 

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Wagga Wagga City Council acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land, the Wiradjuri people, and pays respect to Elders past, present and future and extends our respect to all First Nations Peoples in Wagga Wagga.

We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and continuing connection with the land and rivers. We also recognise the resilience, strength and pride of the Wiradjuri and First Nations communities

 

 

REFLECTION

Councillors, let us in silence reflect upon our responsibilities to the community which we represent, and to all future generations and faithfully, and impartially, carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in us, to the best of our skill and judgement.

 

 

APOLOGIES

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1              ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 27 FEBRUARY 2023       

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 27 February 2023 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Minutes - OC - 27 February 2023

108

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

CR-1

 

Councillor Report

CR-1              SWITCH 2022 DELEGATE REPORT

Author:         The Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Report

As per the resolution from the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 7 November 2022, I attended the NSW Public Libraries Association (NSWPLA) SWITCH 2022 Conference and AGM in Albury from 8 to 11 November 2022.

 

As detailed in the report to Council the annual SWITCH conference is a forum in NSW for Councillors, Council Officers and Library staff to assemble for professional development. The conference provides an important opportunity for delegates to learn about contemporary practices and offers a platform for networking with colleagues and extending contacts and partnerships beyond the boundaries of the local South-West Zone of the Association.

 

Several Councillors and library staff from around the region attended the conference, particularly as it was held within the region. In the end the total number of registrations were 300 attendees. Staff from the Wagga Wagga library also attended.

 

As per the program provided at the time of approving a delegate to attend, there were a wide range of areas covered across the library space. These included updates on contemporary issues, policy and funding issues and emerging trends in the public library space. This is the feedback I continue to receive as a member of the executive of NSWPLA. The program is broads but manages to cover a variety of areas of interest to those involved in the space.

 

A post conference survey was undertaken online by delegates with the following feedback metrics from those who responded:

 

·        96% satisfied or very satisfied with ease of registration

·        94% satisfied or very satisfied with networking opportunities

·        92% satisfied or very satisfied with information obtained/presentations

·        87% are planning to implement new ideas, programs to their libraries following the conference

·        61% of delegates were from rural and regional NSW

·        35% delegates from Sydney Metro

·        4% delegates from interstate

·        100% of delegates spent some time at exhibitor stands

·        95% of delegates intend to attend SWITCH again

 


 

Cameron Morley gave a presentation on the success of the increase of public library funding that was obtained for the 2019-2022 quadrennial funding period following the successful campaign by NSWPLA, LGNSW and the State Library of NSW (State Library). A number of points of areas that funding has been used towards include:

 

·        Days of opening increased where possible

·        Increase in book votes

·        $18m has been spent on infrastructure including 60 building projects, 9 mobile libraries and 2 library system replacements

·        Numerous increases in expenditure on collections, furniture, IT, promotion and events

·        The State Library continues to work with public libraries in relation to providing advice, as requested, as to the best value for expenditure and trends going forward

 

On day 2 of the conference, the State Librarian was in attendance and facilitated a video from the Minister Ben Franklin regarding the continuation of funding. During the last four years NSWPLA and the State Library had been having continuing discussions as to what would happen with the quantum of funding received for the 2019-2022 quadrennial period as this was due to expire mid-2023.

 

The announcement was that the level of funding was to continue. This was a very exciting announcement as it gave surety to the funding and all Councils could continue to budget for the current budget figures. In addition to that, the total of funds in the future will be indexed to population growth. This outcome confirmed that the advocacy that NSWPLA in conjunction with the State Library had been undertaking since 2020 was indeed fruitful.

 

At the AGM on the Friday morning of the conference I completed my third two-year term as President. My time as President was very satisfying in working as part of a team to secure major increases in funding for public libraries and then to also obtain that increase in funding ongoing and indexed. I will continue on the board of the executive as one of the two Vice Presidents.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to attend the conference as the elected representative for the City of Wagga Wagga. FYI the 2023 conference switches back to Sydney and will be held at the Panthers Penrith complex.

 

Financial Implications

The cost for attendance of one Councillor at the conference was $950 plus GST. The conference and accommodation costs were funded from the Councillors’ Conference and travelling budget which has $30,000 for the 2022/23 financial year.

Policy and Legislation

POL 025 – Councillor Expenses and Facilities Policy

POL 113 – Councillor Induction and Professional Development Policy


 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future

Our leaders represent our community

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

CR-2

 

CR-2              NÖRDLINGEN 2022 DELEGATE REPORT

Author:         The Mayor, Councillor Dallas Tout

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Report

In early September 2022 as Mayor, I led a Wagga Wagga delegation to our sister city of Nördlingen in Germany to attend the Stadtmauerfest 2022 represented the 55th anniversary of the signing of the sister city arrangement with Nördlingen.

 

Every three years the former Free Imperial City of Nördlingen goes back to its roots in the Middle Ages for a long weekend. During the three day “Historic City Wall Festival”, historically dressed craftsman, musicians, jugglers, and artists are involved in the festival throughout the city.

 

The delegation that attended consisted of:

·        Dallas & Janine Tout (Mayor)

·        Peter Thompson (General Manager Wagga Wagga City Council)

·        Jessikah McCarthy (Miss Wagga Wagga 2022)

·        Rachael Bowering (Community Princess 2022)

·        Ali & Lindsay Tanner (Chair Miss Wagga Wagga Quest)

·        Sally Tanner & Luke Kerlin (Sally is a previous Sister City Committee member and Young Citizen of the Year)

·        Claire Lawlor (Miss Wagga Wagga Committee member)

 

Prior to the finalisation of the membership of the delegation, expressions of interest went to Councillors and previous members of the Sister City Committee.

 

Also in attendance at this festival were representatives from each of the other sister cities of Nördlingen, those being:

·        Markham, Canada

·        Olomouc, Czech Republic

·        Riom, France

·        Stollberg, Germany

 

As part of his welcome address at the reception to honour the sister cities Oberburgermeister David Wittner stated “We look forward to celebrating many anniversaries to come yet with our dear friends from Wagga Wagga and Olomouc. By signing the founding documents of the twinning of our cities, we all reaffirmed our will to encourage cultural, social, and economic exchanges, and we have done everything in our power to meet the defined objectives.”

 

The generosity and warmth of Oberburgermeister David Wittner, councillors and the community in general was quite overwhelming.

 


 

Separate to the ceremonies, church services and general festival events there were also additional items included for the delegations to attend and enjoy. This included a welcome dinner on the Friday evening in addition to a specific sister city reception on the Saturday morning. During the sister city reception gifts were interchanged between Nördlingen and Wagga Wagga.

 

In conjunction with a local business and Henschke primary school I also hand delivered letters written from our local primary school to primary schools in Nördlingen. I have received confirmation from senior city staff in Nördlingen that return letters from primary students in Nördlingen have been posted back to the local primary school in Wagga Wagga. A great example of the opportunities available in the cultural space in an active sister city relationship.

 

On the Friday morning prior to the commencement of the festival that afternoon the city organised a visit to a local company that operates internationally. Further detail is included in a confidential item in tonight’s agenda but suffice to say that economic opportunities for the city and region are a distinct possibility following on from that visit and further discussion tonight.

 

On the Monday afternoon after the conclusion of the festival myself and the General Manager travelled by train to Frankfurt to meet with Johanna Harvey from Austrade who is based at the Australian Consulate General offices. A general discussion was had as to concierge services that Austrade is able to offer and also what approach should be taken by Council or the State Government in pursuing potential international investment in the region.

 

The critical point was in relation to investors being assured as to the availability of a sufficient number of potential staff for any business they invest in. This is critical in addition to the other information in regard to liveability and other factors included in promotions done to date to entice investors. The visit was most fruitful and we now have a direct contact within the Frankfurt office.

 

On Monday evening we flew out to Heathrow for an early morning trip to Cambridge in the UK. Myself, The Geneal Manager and my wife drove to Cambridge in the early morning to spend until about lunchtime walking and observing the city and the feel of a fully integrated precinct that integrates the city, the University, and any number of medical and/or other facilities. The intent was to physically see how a space can work within a city where different precincts are indistinguishable from each other and work in the same space.

 

To view this and then apply that to what may be the future for any type of medical precinct, or more so the possibilities on and around the Charles Sturt University (CSU) campus. In my mind the vision of the northern precinct would be that if walking or moving around that space you would not be able to tell if you were in a specific area as all facilities would be indistinguishable from the other. Whether you are in a retail or community space that is either part of CSU or part of the non-CSU space. Taking a few hours to observe this firsthand was very useful.

 

The other added benefit was the Cambridge Park & Ride. This is a very large car park set adjacent to the freeway. There are very large car parks where vehicles are parked and then buses depart from there into the city on a very regular basis to feed commuters into a fully integrated transport system. This physically takes a large number of vehicles off the road and increased the vibrancy in the city. Variations of this could be considered in Wagga Wagga in the future. Whether that be in between South and North of the city, or in and around the SAP. Who knows, the concept is well worth investigating.

 

From lunch on the Tuesday on, myself and the General Manager then went on private leave at our own expense. The costs incurred for the trip were economy return airfares only for myself and the General Manager, two night’s accommodation, taxi fares in Frankfurt and train tickets from Nördlingen to Frankfurt.

 

As in the past this visit allowed the City of Wagga to continue to further the goodwill and understanding developed over 55 years in our sister city relationship. Over those years the visits have been mutual and are relevant to this day in building relationships both cultural and economic.

 

The visit to the local business with international clients was only facilitated due to the relationship the Lord Mayor David Wittner with that business and the relationship we have with Nördlingen flowing from five decades of a close sister city relationship. Details of which are in the confidential item tonight.

 

Thank you to the Council for the support in resolving that the trip and visit be undertaken.

 

Financial Implications

The total travel costs for the Nordlingen 2022 Delegate visit were $11,909. The main costs were the international airfares, which due to the travel market at the time with the COVID-19 pandemic, were more expensive than originally anticipated.

 

The visit was funded from the Sister Cities budget allocation.

 

Job 17868: Sister Cities

Policy and Legislation

N/A

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future

Our leaders represent our community

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-1

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1               DA22/0568 - Construction of shed for use as seven depots with associated parking and landscaping at 114-116 Marah St NORTH WAGGA WAGGA  NSW  2650; Lot 345 DP1124792.

Author:                        Paul O’Brien   

General Manager:    Peter Thompson

         

 

Summary:

The Development Application seeks consent for the construction of a shed to be used as seven individual depots.

 

Depots are permitted with consent under the Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010 in the RU5 Village zone.

 

The application was publicly advertised and notified to adjoining and nearby property owners for a period of 14 days.  A total of 28 submissions and one online petition of 203 signatures were received in objection to the development.

 

Section 1.10 of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010 requires any application that is the subject of 10 or more objections to be referred to Council for determination.

 

A full assessment of the application has been completed in accordance with Section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and is provided as an attachment to this report.  The assessment has considered and addressed all relevant matters raised in the submissions.

 

Subject to the findings of the assessment, it has been recommended that the application be approved subject to conditions. The recommended conditions have been included in the attached assessment report.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve DA22/0568 for Construction of shed for use as seven depots with associated parking and landscaping at 114-116 Marah Street, North Wagga Wagga subject to the conditions outlined in the Section 4.15 Assessment Report.

 

Development Application Details

 

Applicant

Mr Robert Gordon Moore

Owner

Mr Robert Gordon Moore

Development Cost

$989,200.00

Development Description

Construction of shed for use as seven depots with associated parking and landscaping.


 

Report

Key Issues

·     Permissibility of development and objectives of the RU5 zone.

·     Character of the village of North Wagga

·     Flooding and stormwater impacts

·     Streetscape impacts

·     Residential amenity

 

Assessment

·    The site is zoned RU5 Village under the provisions of the WWLEP 2010. Depots are permitted with consent in the RU5 zone.

·    The development complies with the controls of the WWLEP 2010 and the WWDCP 2010.

·    The site and surrounding area are subject to flooding and mapped as being within the flood planning area for North Wagga Wagga. The attached s4.15 assessment report considers the relevant flood considerations for the type of development which are satisfied.

·    Increased stormwater run-off from the development is to be piped to the opposite side of Marah Street where there is a wider table drain and greater capacity for the water to naturally disperse.

·    The site is within the village zone and the village contains a variety of land uses including industrial, educational, commercial and residential. The site is at the edge of the village zoned area with rural zoned land on the opposite side of Marah Street. The proposed depots are suitable within the existing site context.

·    There is a diverse streetscape within this part of North Wagga that includes farm buildings, depots, residences and vacant land. Accordingly, the proposal will not detract from a consistent pattern of development and is not considered to the streetscape. Landscaping within the front setback area will soften the development to the street.

·    New access, manoeuvring areas and parking have been provided to support the development in accordance with requirements. Marah Street provides a direct link to Hampden Avenue with easy access to the wider road network.

·    The impacts of the development upon residential amenity have been considered as part of the attached s4.15 report and deemed to be acceptable.

·    Twenty-eight submissions and an online petition were received in objection to the development. Generally, the submissions related to the scale of the development and its suitability within a village zone. The submissions have been addressed further in detail under section (d) of the attached s4.15 report.

·    Appropriate conditions of consent are included to manage and mitigate the impacts of development. Subject to compliance with the conditions there are no anticipated impacts that would warrant refusal of the development application.

 

Reasons for Approval

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

2.      The proposed development is generally consistent with the objectives and controls of the Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010.

3.      Impacts of the proposed development are acceptable and can be managed via the recommended conditions of consent.

4.      The site is considered suitable for the proposed development.

 

Site Location

 

The property is located on the western side of Marah Street approximately 65 metres to the west of the junction with Arthur Street and extends to 3109sq.m in size. The site is generally flat and vacant with minimal vegetation to the southern boundary. There is a laneway to the rear of the site.

 

Land on the other (northern) side of Marah Street is rural zoned land in use for grazing predominantly, there are a number of farm buildings of various sizes on the site opposite. The adjoining site to the west is vacant land with sheds at the rear and to the south on the opposite side of Marah Lane there are residential properties some of which are two storeys in height. The land adjoining to the east has development consent for a similar development to that proposed. The proposal is for four separate sheds to be used as 3 x depots and 1 x industrial premises. This development is under construction and not yet complete.

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy

Wagga Wagga Local Environmental Plan 2010

Wagga Wagga Development Control Plan 2010

 

Link to Strategic Plan

The Environment

Objective: Future growth and development of Wagga Wagga is planned for in a sustainable manner

Ensure sustainable urban development

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

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. Submissions raised in objection to the development have been addressed in the attached s4.15 assessment report.

Internal / External Consultation

Full details of the consultation that was carried out as part of the development application assessment is contained in the attached s4.15 Report.

 

 

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Connect.Wagga

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Consult

 

 

x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

x

Involve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other methods (please list specific details below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

DA22/0568 - s4.15 Assessment Report - Provided under separate cover

 

2.

DA22/0568 - Plans - Provided under separate cover

 

3.

DA22/0568 - Statement of Environmental Effects - Provided under separate cover

 

4.

DA22/0568 - Redacted Submissions - Provided under separate cover

 

  


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-2

 

RP-2               RESPONSE TO NOTICE OF MOTION - PROPOSED ZERO-BASED BUDGET APPROACH

Author:         Carolyn Rodney 

         

 

Summary:

This report is in response to the 12 December 2022 Council meeting Notice of Motion requesting to receive a report on the options surrounding a zero-based budget approach for Council.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       note the listed benefits and outlined drawbacks to council and the community of a zero-based budget approach

b       note the estimated costs and timing to undertake a zero-based budget

c        note the potential funding options/grants to undertake a zero-based budget

d       discuss the proposed Zero-Based Budgeting Program outlined in this report

 

Report

At the 12 December 2022 Council Meeting it was resolved:

 

That Council receive a report by the end of March 2023 on undergoing a zero-based budget that includes but not limited to:

 

a       costs and timing to undertake a zero based budget including an option for an independent consultant

b       benefits to council and the community of a zero-based budget

c        funding options/grants to undertake the project

 

Current Budgeting Process at Wagga Wagga City Council

 

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) have an adopted 10-year Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), and under the Integrated Planning & Reporting (IP&R) framework, the LTFP is required to be updated and adopted on an annual basis. 

 

Council’s LTFP process involves the following:

 

·        Updates to assumptions for utilities costs and current tariff rates

·        Updates for estimated interest rates for interest income for Council’s investment portfolio and adopted future loan borrowings

·        Updates to the labour budget from the Organisational Structure

·        Updates to Rates & Annual Charges based on the rate peg announcement

·        Proposed Amendments to budget line items during monthly detailed reviews undertaken with Council’s Finance staff and Divisional Managers

·        Review of the current and future year Capital program, with amendments made throughout the year and reported to Council in order for the program to remain current and up to date.

 

Budget workshops are held with Executive and Councillors during the third quarter of each financial year (January-March) to discuss the overall budget, and any suggested amendments.

 

Under the IP&R framework staff are also required to report to council on a quarterly basis how the council is tracking to budget during a financial year – the Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS). Council however undertakes a more detailed review and reporting process, and reports to Council monthly via the Financial Performance Report. This practice has been in place for many years and is seen advantageous for both staff and Councillors to maintain a more up to date rolling 10 year Long Term Financial Plan.

 

Zero-Based Budgeting

 

Zero-based budgeting (ZBB) is a budgeting process that allocates funding based on program efficiency and necessity, rather than budget history. As opposed to traditional budgeting, no item is automatically included in the next financial year budget. Justification of each budget line item is required in order to receive a funding allocation. 

 

The Deloitte company, summarise the advantages and disadvantages of ZBB in their 2015 paper titled “Zero-Based Budgeting: Zero or Hero?”, shown below for Councillors information:

 

 

Deloitte also go further in describing the advantages and disadvantages of ZBB in the public sector:

 

 

 

*Source: https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/us/Documents/risk/us-risk-zbb.pdf

 

As noted earlier in this report, Finance staff in consultation with Divisional managers review line by line each budget item every month. Whilst time consuming, this is seen advantageous for Divisional Managers and Finance Staff to be able to manage and monitor budgets.

 


 

Recent Detailed Service reviews undertaken, inclusive of a Zero-based budgeting process

 

Over the past few years, Council has undertaken detailed service reviews of three (3) Council functional areas. These reviews all included a zero-based budgeting process to inform Councillors on potential service delivery options/continue undertaking the service:

 

1.   Auspiced Family Day Care Service Review

By Council resolution after considering the service review and financial position report this service was ceased on 30 June 2020.

 

 

2.   City Library Service Review

By Council resolution after considering the service options and financial report this service moved to a Standalone Service and new staff structure, which commenced 1 July 2022.

 

3.   Auspiced Sector Support Review

By Council resolution after considering service and financial funding report this service will end 30 June 2023. The Sector Support functions will be covered by other Commonwealth funded services.

 

To ensure continuous improvement, business excellence and service efficiency, Council staff will continue to review functional service areas and report back to Councillors.  Council staff are proposing to work with Councillors on a prioritised list of functional areas to be reviewed.  Further detail provided in the Proposed Program section towards the end of this report.

 

Estimated Costs and timing to undertake a zero-based budget including an option for an independent consultant

 

Local Government Organisations are diverse organisations, with Wagga Wagga City Council responsible for over 80 functions (cost centres) across 20 diverse Divisional areas.  Given this, any zero-based budgeting process will require a considerable amount of time and dedicated resourcing.

 

The potential benefits/advantages to council and the community of implementing a zero-based budget is noted earlier in this report in Deloitte’s summary.  In reviewing the advantages, a review of the potential disadvantages also needs to be considered, with most notable being costly and time consuming.

 

Recent cost centre reviews undertaken have used a combination of both internal staff time, and specialised consultants. A complete service review of functional areas are time consuming tasks, and inclusive of both staff time and consultant charges, can be in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

 

Given this, and given the 80 plus functions Council undertakes, Council staff are proposing to undertake a rolling program of zero-based budgeting reviews, with at least three (3) functional areas undertaken annually. It is proposed for the first annual program to include the following areas, with further consultation with Councillors on the selected areas to be included in future reviews:

 


 

Proposed Zero-Based Budgeting Program

Functional Area

Status

Notes

Oasis Swimming Centre

Commenced

 

Initial SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis has been completed.

Currently undertaking Zero-based budgeting process.

Development Assessment

Not yet commenced

To commence in 4th quarter 2022/23 (April-June).

Governance and Risk

Not yet commenced

To commence in 1st quarter 2023/24 (July-September).

 

The first workshop with Councillors on the Oasis is in the process of being scheduled.  These workshops on budgeting will continue on a rolling program throughout the years, as opposed to only the two (2) budget workshops held in February and March each year.

 

Funding options/grants to undertake the project

 

Council officers review grant eligibility criteria when grants are announced, to determine if it is appropriate to submit an application.  Grants to undertake service reviews have previously not been forthcoming, however Council officers will continue to review and assess grants as they are announced.

 

In the interim, Council officers are suggesting a hybrid method for detailed reviews – a combination of Council officers and engaging consultants where and when required.  As indicated above when reviewing what previous reviews undertaken by external consultants have cost, an annual consultant budget allocation for Zero-based budgeting reviews of $50K would be deemed appropriate.  Depending on what functional area has been selected, some years may require more funding for specialised consultants, with other yearly programs conducted in-house with existing staff resources.

 

Financial Implications

Council officers will include a proposed $50K budget line item in the 2023/24 budget process for Councillors further consideration.

Policy and Legislation

Budget Policy – POL 052

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Community satisfaction with long term planning for Wagga Wagga is increasing

Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

As noted earlier in this report, Council staff will be undertaking workshops with Councillors. 

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-3

 

RP-3               FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2023

Author:          Carolyn Rodney 

         

 

Summary:

This report is for Council to consider information presented on the 2022/23 budget and Long-Term Financial Plan, and details Council’s external investments and performance as at 28 February 2023.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       approve the proposed 2022/23 budget variations for the month ended 28 February 2023 and note the balanced budget position as presented in this report

b       approve the proposed budget variations to the 2022/23 Long Term Financial Plan Capital Works Program including future year timing adjustments

c        note the Responsible Accounting Officer’s reports, in accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 (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

d       note the details of the external investments as of 28 February 2023 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

e       approve the transfer of Additional Special Variation (ASV) funds to a separate reserve to fund future year bottom line deficits as per Resolution 22/122

f        accept the grant funding offers as presented in this report

 

Report

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) forecasts a balanced budget position as of 28 February 2023.

 

The balanced budget position excludes the Wagga Wagga Airport estimated deficit result for the financial year – as previously reported to Council, any Airport deficit result will be sanctioned, and funded in the interim by General Purpose Revenue (via the Internal Loans Reserve). The deficit results will be accounted for as a liability in the Airport’s end of financial year statements and paid back to General Purpose Revenue (Internal Loans Reserve) by the Airport in future financial years. 

 

Proposed budget variations including adjustments to the capital works program are detailed in this report for Council’s consideration and adoption.

 

Council has experienced a positive monthly investment performance for the month of February when compared to budget ($359,508 up on the monthly budget). This is mainly due to better than budgeted returns on Council’s investment portfolio, as a result of the ongoing movement in the interest rate environment, as well as a positive movement in Councils Floating Rate note portfolio for the month.

 


 

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 75% of approved budget and is trending above budget for the month of February 2023. This is due to increased revenue from Interest on Investments. 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 96% when compared to budget.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 68% of approved budget so it is tracking slightly over budget at this stage of the financial year. This is due to the commitment for multi-year software licences.

 

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 47% 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 in relation to expenditure incurred on the projects. This income also includes the sale of property, plant and equipment.

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Total capital expenditure including commitments is 46% of approved budget with some purchase orders being raised for the full contract amounts for multi-year projects. Excluding commitments, the total expenditure is 22% when compared to the approved budget.

 

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
1 JULY 2022 TO 28 FEBRUARY 2023

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT

 

ORIGINAL
BUDGET
2022/23

BUDGET ADJ
2022/23

APPROVED BUDGET
2022/23

YTD ACTUAL   EXCL COMMT'S 2022/23

COMMT'S 2022/23

YTD ACTUAL + COMMT'S
2022/23

YTD % OF BUD

Revenue

 

Rates & Annual Charges

(75,524,168)

0

(75,524,168)

(50,571,074)

0

(50,571,074)

67%

User Charges & Fees

(27,844,136)

(626,935)

(28,471,071)

(19,112,143)

0

(19,112,143)

67%

Other Revenues

(2,769,503)

(202,000)

(2,971,503)

(2,028,664)

0

(2,028,664)

68%

Grants & Contributions provided for Operating Purposes

(13,524,889)

4,645,395

(8,879,493)

(12,432,720)

0

(12,432,720)

140%

Grants & Contributions provided for Capital Purposes

(36,295,253)

(30,106,685)

(66,401,938)

(29,377,488)

0

(29,377,488)

44%

Interest & Investment Revenue

(1,828,128)

0

(1,828,128)

(3,712,025)

0

(3,712,025)

203%

Other Income

(1,406,222)

(54,000)

(1,460,222)

(1,014,521)

0

(1,014,521)

69%

Total Revenue

(159,192,300)

(26,344,225)

(185,536,524)

(118,248,635)

0

(118,248,635)

64%

 

Expenses

Employee Benefits & On-Costs

51,315,412

741,605

52,057,018

31,077,473

0

31,077,473

60%

Borrowing Costs

3,268,989

0

3,268,989

1,555,913

0

1,555,913

48%

Materials & Services

36,542,674

8,886,865

45,429,539

27,605,606

7,487,234

35,092,840

77%

Depreciation & Amortisation

43,196,051

0

43,196,051

28,797,368

0

28,797,368

67%

Other Expenses

1,866,271

2,023,345

3,889,616

3,591,387

15,511

3,606,898

93%

Total Expenses

136,189,398

11,651,815

147,841,213

92,627,746

7,502,745

100,130,491

68%

 

Net Operating (Profit)/Loss

(23,002,902)

(14,692,409)

(37,695,311)

(25,620,889)

7,502,745

(18,118,144)

 

Net Operating Result Before Capital (Profit)/Loss

13,292,351

15,414,276

28,706,627

3,756,599

7,502,745

11,259,345

 

Cap/Reserve Movements

Capital Expenditure - One Off Confirmed

13,638,521

67,934,079

81,572,600

17,279,240

24,892,818

42,172,058

52%

Capital Expenditure - Recurrent*

18,890,352

8,238,710

27,129,062

4,991,816

3,655,453

8,647,269

32%

Capital Expenditure - Pending Projects

59,770,944

(56,508,230)

3,262,713

2,970

0

2,970

0%

Loan Repayments

7,571,681

0

7,571,681

4,381,121

0

4,381,121

58%

New Loan Borrowings

(17,458,537)

11,279,368

(6,179,168)

0

0

0

0%

Sale of Assets

(880,181)

(4,037,359)

(4,917,540)

(4,314,901)

0

(4,314,901)

88%

Net Movements Reserves

(15,333,827)

(12,214,158)

(27,547,985)

0

0

0

0%

Total Cap/Res Movements

66,198,954

14,692,409

80,891,363

22,340,245

28,548,271

50,888,516

 

Net Result after Depreciation

43,196,052

0

43,196,052

(3,280,644)

36,051,016

32,770,372

 

 

Add back Depreciation Expense

43,196,051

0

43,196,051

28,797,368

0

28,797,368

67%

 

Cash Budget (Surplus)/Deficit

0

0

0

(32,078,011)

36,051,016

3,973,005

 


 

 

     Years 2-10 Long Term Financial Plan (Surplus) /Deficit

 

Description

Budget

2023/24

Budget

2024/25

Budget

2025/26

Budget

2026/27

Budget

2027/28

Budget

2028/29

Budget

2029/30

Budget

2030/31

Budget

2031/32

Adopted Bottom Line (Surplus) / Deficit

1,163,681

1,205,672

4,377,581

4,833,506

2,199,382

1,967,334

1,257,474

1,234,053

418,437

Adopted Bottom Line Adjustments

26,080

27,297

40,051

41,342

42,673

44,042

45,454

46,907

93,404

Revised Bottom Line (Surplus) / Deficit

1,189,761

1,232,969

4,417,632

4,874,848

2,242,055

2,011,376

1,302,928

1,280,960

511,841

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




2022/23 Revised Budget Result – (Surplus) / Deficit

$’000s

Original 2022/23 Budget Result as adopted by Council

Total Budget Variations approved to date

Budget Variations for February 2023

$0K

$0K

$0K

Proposed Revised Budget result for 28 February 2023 - (Surplus) / Deficit

$0K

 

The proposed Operating and Capital Budget Variations for 28 February 2023 which affect the current 2022/23 financial year are listed below.

 

Budget Variation

Amount

Funding Source

Net Impact

(Fav)/ Unfav

2 – Safe and Healthy Community

 

Apex Park Playground Climbing Net Replacement

$45K

Parks & Recreation Reserve ($45K)

 

Funds are required for the replacement of the large climbing net on the Apex Park playground equipment. The current climbing net has reached the end of its useful life earlier than expected due to the significant usage the playground experiences. It is proposed to fund the replacement from the Parks & Recreation Reserve which has current capacity.

Estimated Completion: 30 June 2023

Job Consolidation: 22203

 

3 – Growing Economy

Airport Business Case Development

$199K 

  Regional NSW ($199K)

Nil

Council has been successful in securing Regional NSW grant funds under the RNSW – Business Case and Strategy Development Fund for the development of a business case for upgrades to the Wagga Wagga Airport. The Wagga Wagga Airport is a critical gateway to the Riverina and delivers significant economic and social benefits to the region and is highly constrained in terms of capacity and safety. The business case will provide Council and The NSW Government with the data and information required to support improvements and opportunities at the Airport to ensure it meets the communities needs and supports the growth of the region. To be scheduled $199K in 2022/23 and $50K in 2023/24.

Estimated Completion: 30 September 2023

Job Consolidation: 47329

 

5 – The Environment

Local Road Repair Program Funding

$4,211K

 Transport for NSW ($4,211K)

Nil

Council has been successful in securing Transport for NSW grant funds under the Regional and Local Roads Repair Program. The grant funds will be directed towards corrective maintenance works and repair of potholes on regional and local roads within the Local Government Area (LGA) and in accordance with Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting Plans.

Estimated Completion: 29 February 2024

Job Consolidation: 22202

 

Level 2 Bridge Inspections

 $135K

Bridge Replacement Reserve ($60K)

Asset Assessment for Revaluations ($75K)

Nil

Additional funds are required for Council staff to engage a consultant to undertake a Level 2 inspection of all vehicle, rail and pedestrian bridges throughout the Local Government Area (LGA). A Level 2 inspection is required to be undertaken every 5 years, with the results of these inspections to be used to inform Council’s asset revaluation for Bridges, to be undertaken in 2022/23, as well as identify any future capital works to be undertaken.

There is an existing Bridge Inspection Program budget of $35K, with additional funds required of $135K to be funded from Asset Assessment and the Bridge Replacement Reserve.

Estimated Completion: 30 June 2023

Job Consolidation: 12637

 

Gissing Oval – Renew Community Amenities

$151K

NSW Government Office of Sport ($100K)

Internal Loans Reserve/GPR ($51K)

 

Council has been successful in securing NSW State Government grant funds under the Female Friendly Community Sport Facilities and Lighting Upgrades Grant Program. The refurbishment of the existing amenities and the construction of two female friendly change rooms will increase the capacity to host competitions and training at Gissing Oval. The current amenities are quite old and run down and there are only two change rooms that are not female friendly. It is proposed to bring forward Councils contribution from General Purpose Revenue (GPR) allocated in 2025/26 and 2026/27 and transferred to the Internal Loans Reserve.

The project is proposed to be allocated $151K in 2022/23 and $605K in 2023/24.

Estimated Completion: 31 December 2024

Job Consolidation: 17749

 

 

$0K

 

 

 

The following 2022/23 and future year projects have been reviewed by Council’s Project Management Team and delivery timelines rescheduled. There has been no change to the total budgets for these projects.

 

Job No.

Project Title*

2022/23 Current

Confirmed

2022/23 Proposed Confirmed

2023/24 Proposed

Confirmed

2025/26 Proposed

Pending

2026/27 Proposed

Pending

2028/29 Proposed Pending

50221

Narrung St Treatment Plant Flood Protection Infrastructure

499,591

587

499,004

0

0

0

*The current year project budgets have been reviewed and at this stage no future year increases have been factored in due to the restrictions on the project funding source.  For future year project budget adjustments, once these projects are scoped in the year of commencement, adjustments/increases will be factored in and reported to Council at that time.

 

 

2022/23 Capital Works Summary

 

Capital Works

Approved Budget

Proposed Movement

Proposed Budget

One-off

$81,572,600

($302,677)

$81,269,923

Recurrent

$27,129,061

$0

$27,129,061

Pending

$3,262,713

$0

$3,262,713

Total Capital Works

$111,964,374

($302,677)

$111,661,697


Current Restrictions

 

RESERVES SUMMARY

28 FEBRUARY 2023

 

CLOSING BALANCE 2021/22

ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2022/23

BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 27.2.2023

PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution*

BALANCE AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

Externally Restricted

 

 

 

 

 

Developer Contributions - Section 7.11

(31,045,478)

7,213,679

(7,421,600)

 

(31,253,399)

Developer Contributions - Section 7.12

(278,187)

(28,179)

0

 

(306,366)

Developer Contributions - Stormwater Section 64

(7,112,864)

(786,229)

281,476

 

(7,617,617)

Sewer Fund

(32,439,399)

673,962

2,726,899

 

(29,038,538)

Solid Waste

(24,880,735)

7,737,392

(3,486,453)

 

(20,629,796)

Specific Purpose Unexpended Grants & Contributions

(4,195,951)

 

4,195,951

 

0

SRV Levee Reserve

(6,357,282)

0

57,520

 

(6,299,762)

Stormwater Levy

(5,150,281)

35,773

610,957

 

(4,503,551)

Total Externally Restricted

(111,460,179)

14,846,399

(3,035,249)

0

(99,649,029)

 

 

 

Internally Restricted

 

 

Airport

0

0

0

 

0

Art Gallery

(3,804)

0

0

 

(3,804)

Bridge Replacement

(296,805)

0

0

60,000

(236,805)

Buildings

(1,088,635)

(23,658)

258,460

 

(853,832)

CCTV

(100,843)

30,633

30,000

 

(40,211)

Cemetery

(882,761)

(226,784)

46,123

 

(1,063,421)

Civic Theatre

(44,048)

0

43,922

 

(127)

Civil Infrastructure

(9,317,219)

1,598,454

(326,175)

 

(8,044,940)

Community Works

(159,648)

140,317

12,555

 

(6,776)

Council Election

(235,385)

(112,845)

49,085

 

(299,146)

Economic Development

(419,160)

60,000

349,832

 

(9,328)

Emergency Events Reserve

(639,548)

(120,142)

(275,120)

 

(1,034,810)

Employee Leave Entitlements Gen Fund

(3,453,655)

0

0

 

(3,453,655)

Environmental Conservation

(116,578)

41,578

0

 

(75,000)

Event Attraction

(491,893)

0

210,249

 

(281,644)

Financial Assistance Grants in Advance

(8,536,837)

0

8,536,837

 

0

Grant Co-Funding

(500,000)

0

0

 

(500,000)

Gravel Pit Restoration

(816,897)

3,333

0

 

(813,564)

Information Services

(1,835,475)

(507,158)

179,643

 

(2,162,990)

Insurance Variations

(50,000)

0

0

 

(50,000)

Internal Loans

(3,649,517)

(201,545)

(395,037)

51,327

(4,194,772)

Lake Albert Improvements

(105,839)

(21,366)

0

 

(127,205)

Library

0

(171,724)

0

 

(171,724)

Livestock Marketing Centre

(6,032,463)

685,981

2,177,470

 

(3,169,012)

 


 

 

 

CLOSING BALANCE 2021/22

ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2022/23

BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 27.2.2023

PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution*

BALANCE AS AT 28 FEBRUARY 2023

Museum Acquisitions

(39,378)

10,000

15,000

 

(14,378)

Net Zero Emissions

(394,001)

0

321,212

 

(72,790)

Oasis Reserve

(1,085,465)

(63,900)

428,554

 

(720,810)

Parks & Recreation Projects

(1,356,795)

(33,906)

661,822

45,000

(683,879)

Parks Water

0

(180,000)

0

 

(180,000)

Planning Legals

(100,000)

0

0

 

(100,000)

Plant Replacement

(4,335,819)

(723,537)

2,658,372

 

(2,400,984)

Project Carryovers

(3,098,056)

0

3,098,056

 

0

Public Art

(211,155)

106,595

34,893

 

(69,667)

Sister Cities

(50,000)

10,000

7,000

 

(33,000)

Stormwater Drainage

(158,178)

0

48,000

 

(110,178)

Strategic Real Property

(766,176)

0

(1,611,857)

 

(2,378,032)

Subdivision Tree Planting

(368,640)

20,000

0

 

(348,640)

Unexpended External Loans

(3,143,977)

74,744

2,909,068

 

(160,165)

Workers Compensation

(211,112)

 

50,963

 

(160,149)

Total Internally Restricted

(54,095,762)

395,070

19,518,926

156,327

(34,025,439)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Restricted

(165,555,941)

15,241,469

16,483,677

156,327

(133,674,468)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Unrestricted

(11,494,000)

0

0

0

(11,494,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments

(177,049,941)

15,241,469

16,483,677

156,327

(145,168,468)

 


 

Investment Summary as at 28 February 2023

In accordance with Regulation 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, details of Wagga Wagga City Council’s external investments are outlined below.

 

Institution

Rating

Closing Balance
Invested
31/01/2023
$

Closing Balance
Invested
28/02/2023
$

February
EOM
Current Yield
%

February
EOM
% of Portfolio

Investment
Date

Maturity
Date

Term
(months)

At Call Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAB

AA-

259,854

234,127

3.35%

0.11%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CBA

AA-

4,261,375

13,630,982

3.35%

6.49%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CBA

AA-

17,045,069

17,092,310

3.40%

8.14%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Macquarie Bank

A+

9,189,371

9,211,708

3.20%

4.39%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total At Call Accounts

 

30,755,669

40,169,127

3.34%

19.14%

 

 

 

Short Term Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.22%

0.95%

20/04/2022

20/04/2023

12

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.68%

0.95%

8/06/2022

8/06/2023

12

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.70%

0.48%

15/11/2022

15/11/2023

12

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.55%

0.95%

30/11/2022

30/11/2023

12

CBA

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.69%

0.48%

30/01/2023

30/01/2024

12

Total Short Term Deposits

 

8,000,000

8,000,000

3.79%

3.81%

 

 

 

Medium Term Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOQ

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.20%

0.95%

4/01/2022

4/01/2024

24

BOQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.78%

0.48%

1/06/2022

3/06/2024

24

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.32%

0.95%

28/06/2021

29/06/2026

60

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.80%

0.95%

15/11/2021

17/11/2025

48

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.15%

0.48%

8/07/2019

10/07/2023

48

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.03%

0.95%

6/11/2019

6/11/2024

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.83%

0.95%

28/11/2019

28/11/2024

60

Judo Bank

BBB-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.30%

0.48%

3/12/2021

4/12/2023

24

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.75%

0.48%

6/01/2020

8/01/2024

48

BOQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.00%

0.48%

28/02/2020

28/02/2025

60

Police Credit Union

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.20%

0.48%

1/04/2020

1/04/2025

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.85%

0.48%

29/05/2020

29/05/2025

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.86%

0.48%

1/06/2020

2/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.75%

0.95%

25/06/2020

25/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.75%

0.95%

25/06/2020

25/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.60%

0.95%

29/06/2020

28/06/2024

48

ICBC

A

3,000,000

3,000,000

5.07%

1.43%

30/06/2022

30/06/2027

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.42%

0.95%

7/07/2020

8/07/2024

48

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.50%

0.95%

17/08/2020

18/08/2025

60

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.25%

0.48%

7/09/2020

8/09/2025

60

BoQ

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.25%

0.95%

14/09/2020

15/09/2025

60

NAB

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.60%

0.48%

14/09/2021

14/09/2023

24

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.30%

0.48%

25/05/2022

27/11/2023

18

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.20%

0.48%

7/12/2020

8/12/2025

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.95%

0.95%

29/01/2021

29/01/2026

60

NAB

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.08%

0.48%

22/02/2021

20/02/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.25%

0.95%

3/03/2021

2/03/2026

60

Summerland CU

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.75%

0.48%

29/04/2021

28/04/2023

24

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.40%

0.95%

21/06/2021

19/06/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.65%

0.95%

25/06/2021

26/06/2023

24

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.32%

0.95%

25/06/2021

25/06/2026

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.32%

0.48%

25/08/2021

25/08/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.65%

0.95%

31/08/2021

31/08/2023

24

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

0.95%

18/10/2021

17/10/2024

36

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.56%

0.95%

30/11/2021

29/11/2024

36

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.00%

0.95%

8/02/2022

10/02/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.40%

0.95%

9/03/2022

10/03/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.00%

0.95%

10/03/2022

11/03/2024

24

MyState

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.20%

0.95%

2/03/2022

3/03/2025

36

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.28%

0.95%

26/04/2022

26/04/2024

24

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.78%

0.95%

4/05/2022

6/05/2024

24

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.99%

0.95%

4/05/2022

5/05/2025

36

ING Bank

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.76%

0.48%

23/05/2022

23/05/2024

24

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.95%

0.95%

6/06/2022

6/06/2024

24

Australian Unity

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.15%

0.95%

8/06/2022

11/06/2024

24

Suncorp

A+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.40%

0.95%

22/06/2022

14/12/2023

18

MyState

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.45%

0.95%

29/06/2022

28/06/2024

24

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.50%

0.48%

7/07/2022

7/07/2025

36

CBA

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.25%

0.48%

12/08/2022

12/08/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

3,000,000

3,000,000

4.55%

1.43%

29/08/2022

29/08/2025

36

Australian Military Bank

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.55%

0.95%

2/09/2022

2/09/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.40%

0.48%

9/09/2022

9/09/2025

36

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.70%

0.48%

4/10/2022

4/10/2024

24

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.95%

0.95%

21/10/2022

21/10/2024

24

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

5.20%

0.95%

21/10/2022

21/10/2025

36

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.75%

0.48%

15/11/2022

14/11/2024

24

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.80%

0.48%

21/11/2022

20/11/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.75%

0.95%

16/12/2022

16/12/2024

24

Police Credit Union

NR

0

2,000,000

5.04%

0.95%

15/02/2023

17/02/2025

24

Total Medium Term Deposits

 

96,000,000

98,000,000

2.66%

46.69%

 

 

 

Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westpac

AA-

2,531,442

2,516,059

BBSW + 88

1.20%

16/05/2019

16/08/2024

63

Suncorp

A+

1,251,052

1,255,167

BBSW + 78

0.60%

30/07/2019

30/07/2024

60

ANZ

AA-

2,018,754

2,006,922

BBSW + 77

0.96%

29/08/2019

29/08/2024

60

HSBC

AA-

2,510,130

2,520,170

BBSW + 83

1.20%

27/09/2019

27/09/2024

60

ANZ

AA-

1,506,063

1,512,354

BBSW + 76

0.72%

16/01/2020

16/01/2025

60

NAB

AA-

2,004,679

2,014,975

BBSW + 77

0.96%

21/01/2020

21/01/2025

60

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

1,110,027

1,102,538

BBSW + 112

0.53%

4/02/2020

4/02/2025

60

Macquarie Bank

A+

2,014,778

2,004,690

BBSW + 84

0.96%

12/02/2020

12/02/2025

60

BOQ Covered

AAA

556,936

554,217

BBSW + 107

0.26%

14/05/2020

14/05/2025

60

Credit Suisse

A+

1,303,850

1,296,290

BBSW + 115

0.62%

26/05/2020

26/05/2023

36

UBS

A+

1,497,295

1,504,781

BBSW + 87

0.72%

30/07/2020

30/07/2025

60

Bank of China Australia

A

1,498,379

1,503,206

BBSW + 78

0.72%

27/10/2020

27/10/2023

36

CBA

AA-

1,983,760

1,997,213

BBSW + 70

0.95%

14/01/2022

14/01/2027

60

Rabobank

A+

1,980,814

1,991,851

BBSW + 73

0.95%

27/01/2022

27/01/2027

60

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

985,446

982,288

BBSW + 100

0.47%

10/02/2022

10/02/2027

60

NAB

AA-

2,396,019

2,384,935

BBSW + 72

1.14%

25/02/2022

25/02/2027

60

Bendigo-Adelaide

BBB+

1,657,965

1,666,009

BBSW + 98

0.79%

17/03/2022

17/03/2025

36

ANZ

AA-

2,016,232

2,007,903

BBSW + 97

0.96%

12/05/2022

12/05/2027

60

NAB

AA-

1,719,405

1,709,387

BBSW + 90

0.81%

30/05/2022

30/05/2025

36

Suncorp

A+

908,512

903,817

BBSW + 93

0.43%

22/08/2022

22/08/2025

36

ANZ

AA-

2,547,979

2,534,565

BBSW + 120

1.21%

4/11/2022

4/11/2027

60

NAB

AA-

2,543,180

2,527,623

BBSW + 120

1.20%

25/11/2022

25/11/2027

60

Suncorp

A+

1,114,086

1,121,284

BBSW + 125

0.53%

14/12/2022

14/12/2027

60

CBA

AA-

2,010,977

2,028,699

BBSW + 115

0.97%

13/01/2023

13/01/2028

60

Bank Australia

BBB

0

1,906,397

BBSW + 155

0.91%

22/02/2023

22/02/2027

48

Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt

 

41,667,759

43,553,340

 

20.75%

 

 

 

Fixed Rate Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ING Covered

AAA

669,597

659,377

1.10%

0.31%

19/08/2021

19/08/2026

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

3,000,000

3,000,000

1.00%

1.43%

24/08/2021

16/12/2024

40

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

3,000,000

3,000,000

1.50%

1.43%

24/08/2021

15/12/2026

64

BoQ

BBB+

1,733,944

1,717,805

2.10%

0.82%

27/10/2021

27/10/2026

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.50%

0.95%

6/08/2021

15/12/2026

64

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.50%

0.48%

14/07/2021

15/12/2026

65

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.30%

0.95%

29/04/2021

15/06/2026

61

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

0.95%

30/11/2020

15/12/2025

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.00%

0.48%

20/11/2020

15/12/2025

61

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

0.95%

21/10/2020

15/12/2025

62

Total Fixed Rate Bonds

 

18,403,541

18,377,182

1.30%

8.76%

 

 

 

Managed Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSW Tcorp

NR

1,804,898

1,789,798

-0.84%

0.85%

17/03/2014

1/02/2028

166

Total Managed Funds

 

1,804,898

1,789,798

-0.84%

0.85%

 

 

 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH
EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS

 

196,631,867

209,889,446

 

100.00%

 

 

 

LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK

 

2,713,323

2,460,514

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH
EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS

 

193,918,545

207,428,932

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council’s investment portfolio is dominated by Term Deposits, equating to approximately 50% of the portfolio across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 19%, with Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) around 21%, fixed rate bonds around 9% 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 significantly over the past month, up from $193.92M to $207.43M. This is reflective of the 2022/23 third quarter rates instalments being due at end of February 2023.

 

 

 

Monthly Investment Movements

 

Redemptions/Sales – Council did not redeem or sell any investment securities during February 2023.

 

New Investments – Council purchased the following investment securities during February 2023:

 

Institution and Type

Amount

Investment

Term

Interest

Rate

Comments

Police Credit Union (Unrated) Term Deposit

$2M

2 years

5.04%

The Police Credit Union rate of 5.04% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this term. The next best rate for this term was 4.92%.

Bank Australia (BBB) Floating Rate Note

$1.9M

4 years

BBSW + 155bps

Council’s independent Investment Advisor advised this Floating Rate Note represented fair value with a potential grossed-up value of +175bps after 3 years.

 

Rollovers – Council did not rollover any investment securities during February 2023.

 

 


 

Monthly Investment Performance

 

Interest/growth/capital gains/(losses) for the month totalled $491,459, which compares favourably with the budget for the period of $131,951 - outperforming budget for the month by $359,508.

 

Council’s outperformance to budget for February is mainly due to better than budgeted returns on Councils investment portfolio. This is a result of the ongoing movements in the cash rate made by the Reserve Bank of Australia, with the latest increase in early February 2023 bringing the cash rate to 3.35% from a record low of 0.10% in April 2022.

 

Council also experienced a positive return on its Floating Rate note portfolio for the month of February, with the principal value of this portfolio increasing by +0.18% (or $75,609) between 31 January 2023 and 28 February 2023.

 

Council staff will continue to review the impacts of the interest rate movements against budget over the coming months, leading up to the scheduled 2023/24 Long Term Financial Plan budget workshops. In reviewing estimated interest revenue, consideration of interest expense for future loan borrowings also needs to occur.

 

 

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* of 3.18% (annualised), Council’s investment portfolio returned 2.64% (annualised) for the month of February. Cash and At‑Call accounts returned 3.25% (annualised) for the month. These funds are utilised for daily cash flow management and need to be available to meet operating and contractual payments as they fall due.

 

Over the past year, Council’s investment portfolio has returned 2.17%, outperforming the AusBond Bank Bill index by 0.42%.

 

* 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 Investment Policy adopted by Council on 21 November 2022.

 

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

Section 625 - How may councils invest?

 

Local Government (General) Regulation 2021

Section 212 - Reports on council investments

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

All relevant areas within Council have consulted with the Finance Division in relation 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.

Capital Works Program 2022/23 to 2032/33

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-3

 


















Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-4

 

RP-4               Review of Finance Policies

Author:          Carolyn Rodney 

         

 

Summary:

The Loans to Community Organisations Management Policy, Financial Assistance Policy, and Financial Hardship - Payment Arrangements and Waiving of Interest Policy have been reviewed and are provided to Council for endorsement and placing on public exhibition.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       endorse and place the draft Loans to Community Organisations Management Policy (POL 010), Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078) and Financial Hardship – Payment Arrangements and Waiving of Interest Policy (POL 102) on public exhibition for a period of 28 days from 17 March 2023 to 14 April 2023 and invite public submissions until 28 April 2023 on the draft policies

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

(i)         addressing any submission made in respect of the proposed policies

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

 

Report

A scheduled review of Council’s Loans to Community Organisations Management, Financial Assistance and Financial Hardship Policies has been undertaken with the draft revised policies attached for Council’s consideration and endorsement prior to placement on public exhibition.

 

A summary of the proposed amendments is provided below.

 

Draft Loans to Community Organisations Management Policy (POL 010)

 

·      Removal of the Loans to Community Organisations Steering Committee, noting that the Loans to Community Organisations Panel is in place and will continue

·      Replace the two Audit Risk and Improvement Committee members on the Panel (as above) with an independent suitably qualified professional appointed at the discretion of the General Manager

·      Responsibilities to be assigned to dedicated project managers, to ensure project milestones are achieved and report to Councillors on a monthly basis whilst the project is under construction

·      Change from monthly to quarterly reporting to Councillors on loan portfolio in terms of holdings and compliance with loan terms

·      Minor rewording to align to Council’s organisation structure

·      Addition of a Loans to Community Organisations Application Form

 


 

Draft Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078)

 

·      Removal of the Economic Grants Programs, which has been incorporated into the Annual Grants Program

·      Rewording and realignment of Annual Grant Program categories

·      New provision that if the successful applicant does not claim funds awarded within a 12-month period from the notification date, Council withdraws the funding offer

·      Alignment to Council’s current processes

·      Minor rewording to align to Council’s organisation structure

·      Inclusion of Request for Financial Assistance Application Form – Waiving of Hire/Lease fees of Council Facilities

 

Draft Financial Hardship – Payment Arrangements and Waiving of Interest Policy (POL 102)

 

·      Removal of temporary amendments adopted by Council, provided in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

·      Minor rewording to align to Council’s current processes

·      Minor rewording to align to Council’s organisation structure

 

To allow community feedback on the draft policies, it is recommended that the draft policies be placed on public exhibition for 28 days from 17 March 2023 to 14 April 2023 and invite public submissions until 28 April 2023 on the draft policy.

 

Financial Implications

As outlined in the Report.

Policy and Legislation

Loans to Community Organisations Management Policy (POL 010)

Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078)

Financial Hardship – Payment Arrangements and Waiving of Interest Policy (POL 102)

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga

Communicate with our community

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

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

 

The Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee assists Council by monitoring its risk exposure and determining if management systems have appropriate risk management processes in place.

 

Internal / External Consultation

Consultation has been held internally across Council with relevant parties. 

 

Given the financial and public transparent nature of these draft policies, the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), reviewed and endorsed the draft policies as attached at their meeting on 23 February 2023.

 

It is recommended that the draft policies be placed on public exhibition for 28 days from 17 March 2023 to 14 April 2023 and invite public submissions until 28 April 2023 through media and community engagement mechanisms as outlined below.

 

 

Mail

Traditional Media

Community Engagement

Digital

Rates notices insert

Direct mail

Letterbox drop

Council news

Media release

Media opportunity

TV/radio advertising

One-on-one meeting(s)

Community meeting(s)

Stakeholder workshop(s)

Drop-in session(s)

Survey/feedback form(s)

Connect.Wagga

Email newsletter

Social media

Website

Inform

 

 

 

X

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

X

 

 

X

Consult

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Involve

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collaborate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other methods (please list specific details below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Draft Loans to Community Organisations Management Policy (POL 10)

 

2.

Draft Financial Assistance Policy (POL 078)

 

3.

Draft Financial Hardship – Payment Arrangements and Waiving of Interest Policy (POL 102)

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-4

 










Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-4

 























Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-4

 






Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023.                                                          RP-5

 

RP-5               2023 NATIONAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Author:          Ingrid Hensley 

Executive:    Scott Gray

         

 

6Summary:

Endorsement of the Mayor and one Councillor attendance at the 2023 National General Assembly (NGA) of Local Government Annual Conference as outlined in the report.

 

Consideration and endorsement of Motion’s to be submitted to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) for the 2023 National General Assembly of the Local Government under theme for this year’s NGA will be “Our Communities, Our Future”.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       nominate one Councillor and one alternate Councillor to attend the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference with the Mayor in Canberra from 13 to 16 June 2023

b       consider submitting motion/s to the National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference as outlined in the Report

 

Report

The National General Assembly (NGA) will be held at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 13 to 16 June 2023.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) Board is calling for motions for the 2023 NGA under this year’s theme “Our Communities, Our Future”.

This report provides an opportunity for Councillors to consider any motions for submission to the ALGA. To be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business Papers, and subsequent debate on the floor of the NGA, motions must meet the following criteria:

1.    Be relevant to the work of local government nationally.

2.    Not be focused on a specific jurisdiction, location or region – unless the project or issue has national implications.

3.    Be consistent with the themes of the NGA.

4.    Complement or build on the policy objectives of ALGA and your state or territory local government association.

5.    Be submitted by a council which is a financial member of their state or territory local government association.

6.    Propose a clear action and outcome i.e. call on the Australian Government to act on something.

7.    Not be advanced on behalf of external third parties that may seek to use the NGA to apply pressure to Board members, or to gain national political exposure for positions that are not directly relevant to the work of, or in the national interests of, local government.

8.    Address issues that will directly improve the capacity of local government to deliver services and infrastructure for the benefit of all Australian communities.

9.    Not seek to advance an outcome that would result in a benefit to one group of councils to the detriment of another.

10.  Be supported by sufficient evidence to support the outcome being sought and demonstrate the relevance and significance of the matter to local government.

 

To assist Council in preparing motions, a discussion paper has been prepared by the ALGA. This paper provides background information on the theme and is designed to assist councils in developing motions.

 

Motions must be adopted by Council and received by the ALGA by 11.59pm on Friday, 24 March 2023. Councillors and Executive staff were requested to provide draft motions, with received motions provided below for consideration.

 

Maintenance of flood prevention infrastructure

 

This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to provide funding of immediate and ongoing maintenance of flood prevention infrastructure

 

Background

 

Council has over 20kms of levee infrastructure and 52 floodgates contained in those levee systems. Council has received capital funding to upgrade and improve the levee system over the past few years but would like to raise the issue of funding for ongoing maintenance of this infrastructure. There appears to be very limited funding sources for maintenance of this essential infrastructure following the capital project delivery. There is a need to upgrade and replace aging pipes and floodgates and this has been traditionally covered by Council through its General-Purpose Rates finances. Council is recommending the creation of a Federal Government fund to specifically support ongoing maintenance of levee and mitigation systems to build resilience into the flood protection systems across the country.

 

     Local Government Run Airports

 

     This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to:

 

1)   Work with the few local councils who still operate airports that are owned by the Australian Government to develop airport masterplans in collaboration with each other, stakeholders, and the local community.

2)   Fund all necessary infrastructure agreed to in the masterplans as they are the owners of these assets.

3)   Recognise the essential role airports owned by the Australian Government and operated by local governments provide and offer lease arrangements that reflect this essential role.

 

Background

Many airports throughout Australia were gifted to councils for $1 over two decades ago. There are some airports that remain owned by the Australian Government and are leased to local councils to operate for a substantial figure. This arrangement has created a situation in which those airports are rarely eligible for grant funding as they often prohibit State or Federal assets to be improved with the funds. Some arrangements also require the local council to fund all infrastructure upgrades, which in turn increases the rent due to an increase in value of the airport. During Covid these airports received no extra assistance outside of rent relief which lead to significant deficits. The previous Australian Government provided little to no support pre-covid as well.

 

In the circumstances described the Australian Government needs to improve its role as the asset owner, invest in the necessary infrastructure, and work with local councils to ensure the airports meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

 

Universities

 

This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to explore ways to improve university’s ability to develop and provide quality courses in a timely fashion to address professional shortages in our communities

 

Background

With skill shortages occurring throughout the country, especially in the local government sector, exacerbated by Covid, it has revealed that the current ability for universities to adapt to these needs is limited. For example, Charles Sturt University now offers an engineering course that took over 10 years to develop. We need a more agile university sector, especially in regional areas where the shortages appear as no services or applicants.

 

Cybersecurity and IT capacity

 

This National General Assembly calls on the Australian Government to support local governments to improve and upgrade their cybersecurity and Information Technology capacity.

 

Background

There are opportunities for local governments to be utilise IT but many local governments are struggling to provide the necessary IT infrastructure and support to both prevent cybersecurity and improve service delivery for community members. Due to the costs of IT infrastructure including staff training, transition costs to new programs, and ongoing maintenance, many councils are being left behind and are vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Council is provided with one (1) vote. Therefore, it recommended that the Mayor represent Council as its voting member, with one other Councillor to be appointed by Council to attend the conference with the Mayor and General Manager. It is also recommended that Council appoint an alternate Councillor, in the event that either the Mayor or appointed Councillor are unable to attend.

The 2023 NGA Conference Program is provided for your reference via this link.

Financial Implications

Two options are available for attendance at this year’s conference, with registration costs for each outlined below:

 

·        In person attendance $895 (before 19 May 2023)

·        Virtual attendance $698

 

The full registration cost per delegate is $895. Transport, accommodation and incidentals estimated at approximately $1000 per delegate in addition to the registration costs, bringing the total estimated cost for this conference to $3,790.

 

The Conference and associated costs will be funded from the Councillors’ Conference budget, which has a budget allocation of $20,000 for 2022/23 with $10,856 currently expended as of 1 March 2023, leaving a budget remaining of $9,144.

 

Included in this Council meeting business paper is another report which also recommends utilising the Councillors’ Conference budget to fund another conference.

 

$ 9,144 - Councillors’ Conference remaining budget available

 

($3,790)    Total estimated cost for the 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference

($2,250)    Total estimated cost as per RP-6 2023 Floodplain Management Australia Conference

$ 3,104 - Estimated remaining budget in the event both reports are endorsed as per the recommendation.

Policy and Legislation

POL 025 Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors Policy

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

Councillors

Executive staff

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023.                                                          RP-6

 

RP-6               2023 FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT NATIONAL CONFERENCE

Author:          Ingrid Hensley 

Executive:    Scott Gray

         

 

Summary:

Endorse representation and appointment of a Councillor to attend the 2023 Floodplain Management National Conference in Sydney from 23 to 26 May 2023.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       consider Council representation at the 2023 Floodplain Management National Conference to be held in Sydney from 23 to 26 May 2023

b       appoint one (1) Councillor as Council’s delegate to attend the Floodplain Management Australia National Conference

 

Report

The Floodplain Management Australia National Conference has been held annually for over 50 years and is a respected national flood risk management event. The 2023 Floodplain Management Australia National Conference will be held in Sydney from 23 to 26 May 2023.

 

The theme of the conference is “Preparing for the unprecedented flood”, which will focus on applying lessons from recent floods and new research to better manage the increasing costs of extreme weather events.

 

The Conference is for anyone interested in making our communities more flood safe. It will bring together over 350 flood professionals and community members with interests in flood risk management. Attendees will include Commonwealth, State and Local Government representatives, research organisations and education providers as well as consultants, engineers, land-use planners, emergency responders and community volunteer organisations.

 

The conference will include Australian and international speakers, plenary and concurrent presentations, a local government councillors’ session, field trips addressing floodplain issues in the Sydney and surrounding areas and networking events. Optional Conference workshops on topical issues will also be offered to conference attendees.

 

Financial Implications

The registration cost per delegate is $1,050 (before 31 March 2023). Transport, accommodation and incidentals estimated at approximately $1,200 per delegate additional to the registration costs, bringing the total estimated cost for this conference to $2,250.

 

The Conference and associated costs will be funded from the Councillors’ Conference budget, which has a budget allocation of $20,000 for 2022/23 with $10,856 currently expended as of 1 March 2023, leaving a budget remaining of $9,144.

Included in this Council meeting business paper is another report which also recommends utilising the Councillors’ Conference budget to fund another conference.

$ 9,144 - Councillors’ Conference remaining budget available

($2,250) – Total estimated cost for the 2023 Floodplain Management Australia Conference

($3,790) - Total estimated cost as per RP-5 2023 National General Assembly of Local Government Annual Conference

$ 3,104 - Estimated remaining budget if both reports are endorsed as recommended.

Policy and Legislation

POL 025 Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-7

 

RP-7               REVISED 2023 COUNCIL MEETING SCHEDULE

Author:         Ingrid Hensley 

Executive:    Scott Gray

         

 

Summary:

Council is required under Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW) to meet at least 10 times per year (financial year), each time in a different month. This report seeks to add an additional Ordinary Meeting of Council to the existing adopted Council meeting schedule 

 

 

Recommendation

That Council approve an additional Ordinary Council meeting to be held 24 April 2023.

 

Report

Council at its meeting on 19 September 2022 adopted a schedule of Council Meeting dates for 2023.

 

At that time, Council resolved to hold only one meeting in April 2023, being on 3 April 2023, noting the proposed meeting date of 17 April 2023 was in the Easter school holiday period.

 

Council has an obligation under the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021 Clause 212 to provide:

 

 ….. 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.

 

To comply with the provisions above, Council must hold an Ordinary Meeting of Council during each month to adopt Council’s investment report. However, the current meeting schedule provides for an Ordinary Meeting of Council in early April (3 April) and then not another meeting until 8 May (a five week gap between meetings). Therefore, under Clause 212 above, the 31 March 2023 investments are not able to be tabled to the April meeting, as the meeting must be held after the 10th of each month. 

 

Therefore, to ensure compliance with the Local Government Regulations 2021 and to avoid the holiday periods during April, it is recommended that Council add an additional date to the 2023 Council meeting being Monday, 24 April 2023.

 


 

Financial Implications

There are costs involved in conducting Council meetings, including the livestreaming of the Council meetings which requires certain equipment and services. Council has an annual budget allocation to conduct the livestreaming of all Council meetings, which is provided by an external contractor.

Policy and Legislation

Code of Meeting Practice

Local Government (General) Regulation 2021, Clause 212

In accordance with Chapter 12, Part 2, Section 365 of the Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), the Council is required to meet at least 10 times per year (financial year), each time in a different month.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Wagga Wagga has strong community leadership and a shared vision for the future

Our leaders represent our community

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

RP-8

 

RP-8               QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE

Author:          Scott Gray 

         

 

Summary:

This report is to list questions with notice raised by Councillors in accordance with Council’s Code of Meeting Practice.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and note the report.

 

Report

The following questions with notice were received prior to the meeting, in accordance with the Code of Meeting Practice.

 

Councillor R Kendall requested an update on the Water for the Lake Project?

https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2022-172

 

Staff made application for the licence from NSW Water but were subsequently advised to apply via the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. This application has been submitted.

 

Planning for the pipeline is continuing with a longer-term permanent solution having been identified. A shorter-term interim solution is currently being developed for consideration by Councillors.

 

Council contributes to fund the local NSW Fire and Rescue service in Wagga. For approximately 8 of the last 12 months the truck with the aerial pump has been out of service only returning recently. Did the contribution council pay include paying for an aerial pump that was not in service for most of the year or was a reduction provided by the State Government?

Staff are currently reviewing this matter in consultation with Fire and Rescue NSW and a response will be provided at the next available Ordinary Meeting of Council.

 

Financial Implications

N/A

Policy and Legislation

Code of Meeting Practice

Link to Strategic Plan

Community leadership and collaboration

Objective: Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga

Ensure our community feels heard and understood

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

N/A

Internal / External Consultation

N/A

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

CONF-1

 

Confidential Reports

CONF-1         RFT2023-17 PROVISION OF TRADE SERVICES

Author:         Travis Weir 

Executive:    Warren Faulkner

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(d) (i)     commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

CONF-2

 

CONF-2         APPOINT CO-OPTED MEMBERS TO FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Author:         Ingrid Hensley 

Executive:    Scott Gray

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(a)         personnel matters concerning particular individuals.        

 

 


Report submitted to the Confidential Meeting of Council on Monday 13 March 2023

CONF-3

 

CONF-3         POSSIBLE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ARISING FROM THE SISTER CITY VISIT TO NORDLINGEN

Author:          Peter Thompson 

 

This report is CONFIDENTIAL in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to the following: -

(c)          information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.        

 

 

 

 


Reports submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council to be held on Monday 13 March 2023.