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Agenda and
Business Paper

 


Ordinary Meeting of Council

 

 

 

To be held on
Monday 26 June 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 26 June 2023.

Ordinary Meeting of Council AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPER

Monday 26 June 2023

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

CLAUSE               PRECIS                                                                                            PAGE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY                                                                                   2

REFLECTION                                                                                                                         2

APOLOGIES                                                                                                                          2

Confirmation of Minutes

CM-1           ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 5 JUNE 2023                                                  2

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST                                                                                            2

Reports from Staff

RP-1            Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) - Adoption of Documents                                                                                                                      3

RP-2            FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 MAY 2023                               30

RP-3            SALE OF LAND FOR UNPAID RATES                                                                63

RP-4            MAJOR EVENTS FESTIVALS AND FILMS SPONSORSHIP - ROUND ONE          69

RP-5            LICENCE OF SHED AT CABARITA PARK - PART LOT 7068 DP 1124868 - UPDATE TO LICENSEE DETAILS                                                                                           79

RP-6            LICENCE AGREEMENT TO KU CHILDREN'S SERVICES - 13 MARLOO CRESCENT, KOORINGAL                                                                                                      81

RP-7            CLIMATE SUMMIT FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT 2023                                        84

RP-8            GRANTING FREEDOM OF THE CITY TO THE AUSTRALIAN ARMY BAND         88

RP-9            RESOLUTIONS AND NOTICES OF MOTIONS REGISTERS                                 91

RP-10          QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE                                                                                93

Committee Minutes

M-1              CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES AUDIT, RISK AND IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE - 18 May 2023                                                                                                                   96   

Confidential Reports

CONF-1       RFT2023-19 CATTLE DELIVERY SERVICES LIVESTOCK MARKETING CENTRE                                                                                                                        107

CONF-2       RFT2023-20 LIVESTOCK HANDLING SERVICES LIVESTOCK MARKETING CENTRE                                                                                                                 108

 


 

 

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 - 5 JUNE 2023       

 

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the proceedings of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 5 June 2023 be confirmed as a true and accurate record.

 

Attachments

 

1.

Minutes - 5 June 2023

109

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023

RP-1

 

Reports from Staff

RP-1               Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) - Adoption of Documents

Author:          Scott Gray 

         

 

Summary:

This report addresses Council’s obligations in ensuring legislative compliance and meeting the requirements of the Office of Local Government in adopting and implementing the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       adopt the Revised Delivery Program 2022/23 – 2025/26

b       adopt the Operational Plan 2023/24

c        adopt the Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24

d       adopt the Fees and Charges for the financial year 2023/24

e       sets the interest on overdue rates and charges for 2023/24, in accordance with Section 566(3) of the Local Government Act 1993 at 9.00% per annum calculated on a daily simple interest basis.

f        makes and levy the following Rates and Annual Charges for 2023/24:

i         Residential – City and Suburbs rate of 0.609268 cents in the dollar in terms of Sections 516 and 529 of the Local Government Act 1993, calculated on the land value in respect of all rateable lands situated in the centres of population defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the Village of Forest Hill, excluding Business - City and Suburbs land, rated in accordance with the provisions of Section 518 of the Local Government Act 1993, Residential (Other) land as defined, and also Farmland, rated in accordance with the provisions of Section 515 of the Local Government Act, within such centres of population

A minimum rate of $772.00 for each parcel of land as prescribed under Section 548 of the Local Government Act 1993 shall apply to this rate

ii        Residential – Other rate of 0.339858 cents in the dollar calculated on the land value in respect of all rateable land within the Council’s area, which, in the Council’s opinion, is land which:

(a)     is not less than two (2) hectares and not more than 40 hectares in area

(b)     is either:

(i)      not zoned or otherwise designated for use under an environmental planning instrument

(ii)     zoned or otherwise designated for use under such an environmental planning instrument for non-urban purposes

(c)     does not have a significant and substantial commercial purpose or character

Excludes Business - City and Suburbs land, rated in accordance with the provisions of Section 518 of the Local Government Act 1993, and also Farmland, rated in accordance with the provisions of Section 515 of the Local Government Act, within such centres of population

A minimum rate of $345.00 for each parcel of land as prescribed under Section 548 of the Local Government Act 1993 shall apply to this rate.

iii       Residential – Villages rate of 0.349913 cents in the dollar in terms of Sections 516 and 529 of the Local Government Act 1993, calculated on the land value of all rateable land situated in the centres of population defined as the villages of San Isidore, Gumly Gumly, Tarcutta, Humula, Uranquinty, Mangoplah, Oura, Currawarna, Ladysmith, Galore, Collingullie, Belfrayden and North Wagga excluding Business - Villages and Rural land, rated in accordance with the provisions of Section 518 of the Local Government Act 1993, Residential (Other) land as defined, and also Farmland, rated in accordance with the provisions of Section 515 of the Local Government Act, within such centres of population

A minimum rate of $288.00 for each parcel of land as prescribed under section 548 of the Local Government Act 1993 shall apply to this rate.

iv       Business - City and Suburbs rate of 1.250941 cents in the dollar calculated on the land value of all rateable non-residential land, which cannot be classified as residential, or farmland land in the centres of population defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the Village of Forest Hill, in terms of Sections 518 and 529 of the Local Government Act 1993

A minimum rate of $739.00 for each parcel of land as prescribed under Section 548 of the Local Government Act 1993 shall apply to this rate.

v        Business - Villages and Rural rate of 0.306304 cents in the dollar calculated on the land value of all rateable land in the Council’s area, in terms of Sections 518 and 529 of the Local Government Act 1993, excluding lands defined as Business - City and Suburbs, Residential, and Farmland

A minimum rate of $121.00 for each parcel of land as prescribed under Section 548 of the Local Government Act 1993 shall apply to this rate.

vi       Farmland rate of 0.116480 cents in the dollar, calculated on the land value of all rateable land, which, in Council’s opinion, qualifies as farmland as defined in Section 515 of the Local Government Act 1993

A minimum rate of $333.00 for each parcel of land as prescribed under Section 548 of the Local Government Act 1993 shall apply to this rate.

vii      Sewerage Services Annual Charge of $614.00 per dwelling unit.  Multiple residence properties are charged at $614.00 per residence, for all residences, and non-strata title residential premises on a single allotment (flats/units) situated within the Council’s centres of population, capable of being connected to the sewerage service scheme except when excluded by specific council policy, such charge being made in terms of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

viii     Non Residential Sewer Charges

Access charge based on each and every meter connection per non-residential allotment for all non-residential premises and non-residential allotments situated within the Council’s centres of population, capable of being connected to the sewerage service scheme except when excluded by specific council policy, such charge being made in terms of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993.

Access charge based on Meter size for 2023/24 is as follows:

20mm

$187.00

25mm

$292.00

32mm

$479.00

40mm

$748.00

50mm

$1,169.00

80mm

$2,992.00

100mm

$4,675.00

150mm

$10,518.00

Non Residential includes:

(a)     Non-residential strata

(b)     Small community property

(c)     land owned by the Crown, not being land held under a lease for private purposes

(d)     land that belongs to a religious body and is occupied and used in connection with:

(i)      a church or other building used or occupied for public worship

(ii)     a building used or occupied for the purpose of religious teaching or training

(e)     land that belongs to and is occupied and used in connection with a school (being a government school or non-government school within the meaning of the Education Reform Act 1990 or a school in respect of which a certificate of exemption under section 78 of that Act is in force), including:

(i)      a playground that belongs to and is used in connection with the school; and

(ii)     land that belongs to a public benevolent institution or public charity and is used or occupied by the institution or charity for the purposes of the institution or charity

(f)      land that belongs to a public hospital

(g)     land that is vested in the Minister for Health, the Health Administration Corporation or the New South Wales Health Foundation

(h)    land that is vested in a university, or a university college, and is used or occupied by the university or college solely for its purposes

Usage charge

Per kl usage charge of $2.56 per kl will apply to all Non Residential Sewer customers except excluded by specific Council Policy, such charge being made in accordance with Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993.

ix      Pressure Sewer Scheme – Annual pump maintenance charge (rural residential and villages). An additional sewerage service charge of $190.00 per pump for all premises connected to the sewerage system via a pressure service for the maintenance and replacement of the pump unit as necessary

x        Domestic Waste Management Service Charge of $405.00 per service on a per occupancy basis per annum for a service rendered in the centres of population and within the scavenging areas defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993

xi       Domestic Waste Management Service Charge Rural Residential of $405.00 per service to be applied to all properties utilising a waste collection service managed by Council, but outside Council’s defined waste collection service areas charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993

xii      Domestic Waste Management Annual Charge of $66.00 per service to be applied to all properties utilising an upgraded general waste bin in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993

xiii     Domestic Waste Management Annual Charge of $71.00 per service to be applied to all properties utilising an upgraded recycling bin in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993

xiv              Domestic Waste Management Service Charge of $41.00 for each parcel of rateable undeveloped land not receiving a service within the scavenging areas of the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, such charge being levied in accordance with the provisions of Sections 496 of the Local Government Act 1993


xv      Domestic Waste Management Service Charge of $135.00 for each additional domestic bin, being an additional domestic bin provided over and above the three bins already provided by the service, rendered in the centres of population, and within the scavenging areas defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993. On application, depending on individual circumstances, this fee may be waived.

xvi     Domestic Waste Scheduled Off Week Pickup Service Charge of $537.00 per general waste bin for each domestic service within the scavenging areas defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, charged in addition to the Domestic Waste Management Service Charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993.

xvii    Commercial Waste Management Service Charge of $405.00 per service per annum, for a two-bin commercial waste service rendered in the centre of population and within the scavenging areas defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xviii   Commercial Waste Management Service Charge of $202.50 per service per annum, for a one-bin commercial waste service rendered in the centre of population and within the scavenging areas defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xix     Commercial Waste Management Service Charge of $135.00 for each additional commercial bin, being an additional bin provided over and above the bin/s already provided by the service, rendered in the centres of population and within the scavenging areas defined as the City of Wagga Wagga and the villages of North Wagga Wagga, Gumly Gumly, Forest Hill, Kapooka, Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Oura, Ladysmith, Brucedale, Uranquinty, Bomen and Cartwrights Hill, charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xx      Commercial Waste Management Annual Charge of $73.00 per service to be applied to all commercial properties utilising an upgraded recycling bin in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xxi     Urban Area: Scheduled Off Week Commercial Pickup Service Charge of $532.00 per bin for each commercial service with 1-2 bins onsite, charged in addition to the Commercial Waste Management Service Charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xxii    Urban Area: Scheduled Off Week Commercial Pickup Service Charge of $288.00 per bin for each commercial service with 3-5 bins onsite, charged in addition to the Commercial Waste Management Service Charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xxiii   Urban Area: Scheduled Off Week Commercial Pickup Service Charge of $219.00 per bin for each commercial service with over 5 bins onsite, charged in addition to the Commercial Waste Management Service Charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xxiv   Rural Areas and Villages: Scheduled Off Week Commercial Pickup Service Charge of $532.00 per bin for each commercial service onsite, charged in addition to the Commercial Waste Management Service Charge in accordance with the provisions of Section 501 of the Local Government Act 1993

xxv    Multi Unit Developments (Non-Strata) Domestic Waste Management Service Charge of $405.00 for each rateable property with an additional bin charge of $135.00 to apply for each additional bin charged in accordance with the provisions of Section 496 of the Local Government Act 1993. For the purposes of Council’s Fees and Charges the definition of Multi-Unit developments (Non-Strata) involves the development of three or more residential units on a site at a higher density than general housing development. This reduced charge is available on application to Council, otherwise full Domestic Waste Service Charge of $405.00 applies, per occupancy.

xxvi   Multi Unit Developments Wheel Out Wheel In (WOWI) Services Charge of $241.00 per occupancy. For the purposes of Council’s Fees and Charges the definition of Multi-Unit developments (Non-Strata) involves the development of three or more residential units, including Strata and Non-Strata properties, on a site at a higher density than general housing development. On application, this service may be available to individual properties. Depending on individual circumstances, this fee may be waived.

xxvii  Stormwater Management Service Charges

Stormwater Management Service charges will be applicable for all urban properties (i.e. residential and business) as referenced below with the following exceptions in accordance with the Division of Local Government (DLG) Stormwater Management Service Charge Guidelines dated July 2006:

·      Non rateable land

·      Crown Land

·      Council Owned Land

·      Land held under lease for private purposes granted under the Housing Act 2001 or the Aboriginal Housing Act 1998

·      Vacant Land

·      Rural Residential or Rural Business land not located in a village, town or city

·      Land belonging to a charity and public benevolent institutions

(a)     Residential Stormwater Management Service Charge of $25.00 per residential property levied in accordance with the provisions of Section 496A of the Local Government Act 1993

(b)     Residential Medium/High Density Stormwater Management Service Charge of $12.50 per occupancy: Residential Strata, Community Title, Multiple Occupancy properties (flats and units), and Retirement Village style developments. Subject to a maximum charge of $250.00 per rateable assessment levied in accordance with the provisions of Section 496A of the Local Government Act 1993


(c)     Business Stormwater Management Service Charge of $25.00 per business property. Properties are charged on a basis of $25.00 per 350 square metres of land area. Subject to a maximum charge of $250.00 per rateable assessment levied in accordance with the provisions of Section 496A of the Local Government Act 1993

(d)     Business Medium/High Density Stormwater Management Service Charge of $5.00 per occupancy - Business Strata and Multiple Occupancy Business properties. Subject to a maximum charge of $250.00 per rateable assessment levied in accordance with the provisions of Section 496A of the Local Government Act 1993

Report

At the 26 April 2023 Council Meeting, Council resolved to place the following documents on public exhibition for 28 days commencing 27 April 2023 and concluding on 25 May 2023:

 

·    draft Revised Delivery Program 2022/23 – 2025/26

·    draft Operational Plan 2023/24

·    draft Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24

·    draft Fees and Charges for the financial year 2023/24

 

Below is a summary of amendments that have been made to the draft documents following the public exhibition period.

 

Delivery Program 2022/2026

 

No changes have been made.

 

Operational Plan 2023/24

 

The following changes have been made based on feedback from Councillors and the community submissions:

 

·    Included an action called "Develop a Masterplan for the Botanic Gardens"

·    Included an action called "Evaluate and review Council’s resource and service level distribution across the current hierarchy and classification of parks and open space"

·    Included an action called "Administer the Annual Grants Program"

·    Included an action called "Develop a city-wide Waste Management Strategy"

·    Amended the action called “Deliver the Civic Theatre’s performing arts season” to “Deliver the Civic Theatre's performing arts season and associated program of inclusive workshops, festivals and experiences”

 

Fees and Charges

 

Gregadoo Waste Management Centre

 

During the public exhibition period, Council staff identified an opportunity to provide further clarity in the fees and charges relating to the sale of recyclable materials. The below tables provide the public exhibited fee wording as well as the proposed final fee wording.

 

2023/24 Public Exhibition Fees

 

Item Number

Fee Name

2023/24 Total Fee

0355

Sale of recyclable materials

Market driven, as agreed with vendors

 

2023/24 Proposed Fees

 

Item Number

Fee Name

2023/24 Total Fee

0355

Sale of recyclable materials

Market driven, as agreed with vendors or as approved in regional joint waste tender processes

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023

RP-1

 

Development Application Fees and Charges

 

Following the public exhibition period, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment advised that those fees contained within Schedule 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 would be updated from 1 July 2023 to reflect the increased movement in the consumer price index (CPI). The fee unit for planning services will be increased from $100.00 to $107.28, and mainly impacts Development Application (DA) fees as well as some planning certificate fees. The below table provides an outline of the changes made as a result of this notification.

 

Item Number

(Public Exhibition Item Number)

Fee Name

2023/24 Public Exhibition Fee

2023/24 Final Proposed Fee

0893 (0893)

D.A. Fee for Advertisements

$333.00 for 1st advertisement plus $93 for each additional advertisement (where fee exceeds that payable under item 2.1 of Schedule 4)

$357.00 for 1st advertisement plus $93 for each additional advertisement (where fee exceeds that payable under item 2.1 of Schedule 4)

0894 (0894)

D.A. Fee (not involving erection of building, carrying out of work or subdivision of land)

$333.00

$357.00

0895 (0895)

D.A. Fee (Dwelling with estimated construction cost $100,000 or less)

$532.00

$571.00

0896 (0896)

D.A. Fee – Subdivisions not involving opening of public road

$386.00 plus $53.00 for each additional lot created by the subdivision

$414.00 plus $53.00 for each additional lot created by the subdivision

0897 (0897)

D.A. Fee – Subdivisions involving opening of public road

$777.00 plus $65.00 for each additional lot created by the subdivision

$834.00 plus $65.00 for each additional lot created by the subdivision

0898 (0898)

D.A. Fee – Strata Subdivision

$386.00 plus $65.00 for each additional lot created by the subdivision

$414.00 plus $65.00 for each additional lot created by the subdivision

0899 (0899)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost up to $5,000)

$129.00

$138.00

0900 (0900)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost $5,001 to $50,000)

$198.00 plus an additional $3.00 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $5,000

$212.00 plus an additional $3.00 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $5,000

0901 (0901)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost $50,001 – $250,000)

$412.00 plus an additional $3.64 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $50,000

$442.00 plus an additional $3.64 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $50,000

0902 (0902)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost $250,001 – $500,000)

$1,356.00 plus an additional $2.34 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $250,000

$1,455.00 plus an additional $2.34 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $250,000

0903 (0903)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost $500,001 – $1,000,000)

$2,041.00 plus an additional $1.64 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $500,000

$2,190.00 plus an additional $1.64 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $500,000

0904 (0904)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost $1,000,001 – $10,000,000)

$3,058.00 plus an additional $1.44 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $1,000,000

$3,281.00 plus an additional $1.44 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $1,000,000

0905 (0905)

D.A. Fee (estimated cost of more than $10,000,000)

$18,565.00 plus an additional $1.19 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $10,000,000

$19,917.00 plus an additional $1.19 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $10,000,000

0908 (0908)

Development requiring Concurrence – Fee for Concurrence Authority plus additional Council processing fee

$374.00 per approval body plus a single Council administration fee of $164.00

$401.00 per approval body plus a single Council administration fee of $176.00

0909 (0909)

Integrated Development – Fee for approval body plus additional Council processing fee

$374.00 per approval body plus a single Council administration fee of $164.00

$401.00 per approval body plus a single Council administration fee of $176.00

0910 (0912)

Designated Development (in addition to D.A. fee)

$1,076.00

$1,154.00

0912 (0914)

Giving of Notice of Designated Development

$2,59600

$2,785.00

0914 (0916)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(1) (minor error, misdescription or miscalculation)

$83.00

$89.00

0916 (0918)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(1A) or S.4.56(1) (minimal environmental impact)

50% of original DA fee or $754 whichever is the lesser

50% of original DA fee or $809 whichever is the lesser

0919 (0921)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) Original DA fee $107.28 or greater and for the erection of a dwelling-house with an estimated cost of construction of $100,000 or less

$222.00

$238.00

0920 (0922)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) (estimated cost up to $5,000)

$64.00

$69.00

0921 (0923)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) (estimated cost $5,001 – $250,000)

$99.00 plus an additional $1.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $5,000

$106.00 plus an additional $1.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $5,000

0922 (0924)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) (estimated cost $250,001–$500,000)

$585.00 plus an additional $0.85 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $250,000

$628.00 plus an additional $0.85 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $250,000

0923 (0925)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) (estimated cost $500,001–$1,000,000)

$833.00 plus an additional $0.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $500,000

$894.00 plus an additional $0.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $500,000

0924 (0926)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) (estimated cost $1,000,001– $10,000,000)

$1,154.00 plus an additional $0.40 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $1,000,000

$1,238.00 plus an additional $0.40 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $1,000,000

0925 (0927)

D.A. Modification of consent: S.4.55(2) or S.4.56(1) (not of minimal environmental impact) (estimated cost more than $10,000,000)

$5,540.00 plus an additional $0.27 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $10,000,000

$5,943.00 plus an additional $0.27 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $10,000,000

0927 (0929)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review for the erection of a dwelling-house with an estimated cost of construction of $100,000 or less

$222.00

$238.00

0929 (0931)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review (estimated cost up to $5,000)

$64.00

$69.00

0930 (0932)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review (estimated cost $5,001 – $250,000)

$100.00 plus an additional $1.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $5,000

$107.00 plus an additional $1.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $5,000

0931 (0933)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review (estimated cost $250,001 – $500,000)

$585.00 plus an additional $0.85 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $250,000

$628.00 plus an additional $0.85 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $250,000

0932 (0934)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review (estimated cost $500,001 – $1,000,000)

$833.00 plus an additional $0.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $500,000

$894.00 plus an additional $0.50 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $500,000

0933 (0935)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review (estimated cost $1,000,001– $10,000,000)

$1,154.00 plus an additional $0.40 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $1,000,000

$1,238.00 plus an additional $0.40 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $1,000,000

0934 (0936)

D.A. Review of determination: Division 8.2 Review (estimated cost more than $10,000,000)

$5,540.00 plus an additional $0.27 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $10,000,00

$5,943.00 plus an additional $0.27 for each $1,000 (or part of $1,000) by which the estimated cost exceeds $10,000,000

0935 (0937)

D.A. Review of Decision – to reject a Development Application (estimated cost of development less than $100,000)

$64.00

$69.00

0936 (0938)

D.A. Review of Decision – to reject a Development Application (estimated cost of development $100,000 – $1,000,000)

$175.00

$188.00

0937 (0939)

D.A. Review of Decision – to reject a Development Application (estimated cost of development greater than $1,000,000)

$292.00

$313.00

0997 (0999)

Section 10.7(2) Certificate Fee

$62.00

$67.00

0998 (1000)

Section 10.7(2) & (5) Certificate Fee

$156.00

$167.00

1002 (1004)

Certified copy of a document, map or plan (S.10.8(2))

$62.00

$67.00

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023

RP-1

 

 

As part of this review, Council staff also identified two fees for Site Compatibility Certificates to be removed, as they are no longer payable to Council. These are outlined below.

 

Item Number

Fee Name

2023/24 Public Exhibition Fee

0910

Site Compatibility Certificate – SEPP (Housing) 2021

$310.00 plus $42.00 for each dwelling (must not exceed maximum fee of $626.00

0911

Site Compatibility Certificate – SEPP (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021

$310.00 plus $265.00 for each hectare or part hectare (must not exceed maximum fee of $626.00

 

The above fees and charges amendments have been included in the final document.

 

Long Term Financial Plan 2023/24

 

No changes have been made to the final version of the document.

 

Financial Implications

The Base Case budget detailed in this Long Term Financial Plan indicates Council will maintain a balanced budget for 2023/24. Arriving at this balanced position for Year 1 was a complex and challenging task. These ongoing adjustments will continue to have a substantial impact on the delivery of projects and services, which will require Council to be highly innovative and efficient in delivering the Operational Plan and Delivery Plan items.

 

The budget for 2023/24 is balanced with the financial years 2024/25 to 2026/27 projecting deficits and 2027/28 to 2031/32 showing balanced budgets for the 10- year rolling plan as shown in the table.

 

2023/24

2024/25

2025/26

2026/27

2027/28

2028/29

2029/30

2030/31

2031/32

2032/33

 

0

(706,102)

(2,769,193)

(2,225,767)

0

0

0

0

0

953,513

 

Council’s 10-year budgeted bottom lines - surplus/(deficits)

 

These figures will again be reviewed as part of the 2024/25 Long Term Financial Plan to ensure that a balance budget for at least the initial financial year is achieved.

 


 

2023/24 Budget Snapshot

 

 

 

 

2023/24 Capital Works

 

Capital works projects and programs account for over $93M of the planned activities for the 2023/24 financial year. There are three different categories of capital works:

 

$21.6M – Recurrent Capital Program

$33.5M – New Capital Projects – one off Confirmed

$55.1M – Total 2023/24 Capital works included in Delivery Program

 

$38.7M – Pending Capital Projects

 

Confirmed Capital Projects refer to the new one-off projects Council will undertake during the year. Recurrent Capital Projects refer to the expenditure allocated on an annual basis for capital works programs. Both of these categories are included in the Delivery Program for the 2023/24 financial year.

 

The Pending Capital Projects category are those projects that are not delivery ready and are essentially a ‘holding’ category for all funded projects, and so require a resolution of Council to proceed when a project progresses or priorities change to move the project from Pending into the ‘Confirmed’ stage.

 

For the 2023/24 financial year, included in the overall Capital Works project budgets of $93.8M there is a total allocation of $28.5M for roads, which includes one-off projects of ($17.7M) and recurrent programs of ($10.8M).

 

Policy and Legislation

The documents have been created to meet Council’s Integrated Planning and Reporting requirements under the Local Government Act 1993 and Local Government Regulations 2005.

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We plan long term

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

A number of risk management issues were identified and have been actively managed.

 

A summary of these risks are as follows:

·               Lack of engagement from the community

·               Inability to meet everyone’s expectations

·               Inability to resource and deliver on plans

Internal / External Consultation

The draft documents were placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. A connect.wagga site was established to enable users to review documents and submit feedback. A variety of communication methods were used (e.g. Youth of Wagga, Council Facebook), to not only promote the public exhibition period but also promote the purpose of the documents.

 


 

Below are some extracts from the connect.wagga engagement report:

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023

RP-1

 

Public Submissions

 

During the public exhibition period Council received submissions (3) submissions. Below is summary of the submissions and responses from staff.

 

ID

Submission Summary

Officers Response

IPR-1

Please allocate funding to reconstruct Grandview Avenue in Turvey Park. It is a highly utilised street which carries significant amounts of traffic associated with TAFE and Wagga Wagga High School. It is failing and becoming very potholed. Should reconstruction not be affordable, please allocate monies for the resealing of Grandview Avenue in the 2023/24 Operational Plan. It is highly likely that traffic volumes will increase significantly when the Inland Rail Project commences its reconstruction of the Edmondson St bridge.

Grandview Ave is not part of any reseal or rehabilitation program for 2023/2024, however potholes will be repaired over the coming weeks.

Council is currently undertaking a condition assessment of the road network throughout the local government area. This information, when finalised will inform Council’s prioritised road program over the coming years.  The prioritisation process includes considering factors such as condition, usage, speed limits etc.

IPR-2

Delivery Program

I do not support the inclusion of the measure "Community satisfaction with availability of car parking is increasing" within the Delivery program. This is a measure that prioritises car transport over other forms of transport. It should support increasing satisfaction with transport in general including the cycle network etc. I note this is implied in Council's hope to implement plans that "enhance equity and efficiency in access to parking”.

Noted, however this is a measure adopted within the Community Strategic Plan and cannot be changed at this point. This will be reviewed as part of a complete review of the Community Strategic Plan due to commence in 2023/24.

I would suggest that under Objective: Wagga Wagga is a hub for activity , Council insert a new Principal Activity that states: Implement the Cultural Plan.

 

This Principal Activity already sits under “Objective: Our community are proud of where we live and our identity”,

Under the objective: Our community are proud of where we live and our identity , subheading: "Provide services and facilities that make Wagga Wagga centre for arts and culture", Council could add the following Action: Continue Council's membership and active partnership on arts and cultural projects with Eastern Riverina Arts

Implement the Cultural Plan 2020-2030 is already listed as a Principle Activity against this objective. Membership to Eastern Riverina Arts will be reported in the annual report on the Cultural Plan along with other partnerships on arts and cultural projects planned and delivered.

I applaud Council on its objective "Enhance the amenity of the streetscape and achieve an expanded and sustainable tree canopy for our community".

Noted

 

I applaud Council for having a net zero target.

Noted

Operational Plan

Under "Be easily accessible to all members of our community", add a new action around the implementation of a customer service charter. As a member of the public I have struggled with some staff's lack of commitment to actioning requests, returning phone calls and/or emails. I believe a customer service charter would make it clearer what a member of the public can reasonably expect from council staff (and what to do if that expectation isn't met).

A customer service charter already exists and is available on Council’s website. This was updated in the 2022/23 Financial Year. An internal program will commence in 2023/24 to improve our overall customer service culture.

 

Under heading "Wagga Wagga is a hub for activity" Add in the relevant actions from the Cultural Plan and Public Art Plan. Another way of phrasing this might be: - Develop placemaking and activation activities as outlined in the Public Art Plan. Continue to develop Wagga Wagga's Arts and Cultural attractions as outlined in the Cultural Plan.

 

The reference “Wagga Wagga is a hub of activity” is more than just the cultural plan and public art plan as this could relate to economic development, visitor economy initiatives, business sector-initiated activities, planning activations and any other future planning directions through LEP and DCP controls. The Cultural Plan sits as a second level strategy which works to that statement along with the Public Art Plan actions being embedded in our operational plans for staff to implement and/or pursue partnerships with other sectors to implement, subject to funding and available budgets. Implement the Cultural Plan 2020-2030 and Public Art Plan 2022-2026 is already listed as a Principle Activity under Strategy: Provide services and facilities that make Wagga Wagga a centre for arts and culture.

Under Strategy: Provide services and facilities that make Wagga Wagga a centre for arts and culture, add: Continue to fund Arts and Cultural activities through the Arts and Culture Annual Grants category

 

The Arts and Cultural Annual Grants is a category of Council’s overall Annual Grants program and is listed as an operational action. The strategy statement is broader than the distribution of funding as the intent is to capture a commitment to arts and culture across our community through a range of services and facilities.

 

Staff agree to insert action: “Administer the Annual Grants Program” against Principle Activity “Provide a diverse range of inclusive community programs and projects that support community connection and belonging”

Amend the sentence "Deliver the Civic Theatre's performing arts season" to say: "Deliver the Civic Theatre's performing arts season and associated program of inclusive workshops, festivals and experiences"

Under this section Council might also include an action that acknowledges Council's acquisition of the Ambulance Station as a Community facility supporting Arts and Business.

Staff support the request for amended description of service.

 

I strongly support the inclusion of a specific measure of the Number of trees planted. I would like to see a secondary measure included that is: Number of trees successfully established (eg the number that are still alive after 3 years).

Noted, however this is a measure adopted within the Community Strategic Plan and cannot be changed at this point. This will be reviewed as part of a complete review of the Community Strategic Plan due to commence in 2023/24.

Under Strategy: Minimise our impact on the environment Please add: Promote the availability of FOGO services to commercial business customers (I've recently discovered this for myself - it's a fantastic opportunity and many cafes and restaurants are still putting food waste in landfill!)  

Council is planning to prepare a waste management strategy and will develop material to promote FOGO services for commercial business customers.

A new action has been inserted: “develop a city wide Waste Management Strategy”

IPR-3

Objective: Safe and healthy community - this should consider a socially cohesive community as a measure of success. Social cohesion underpins all aspects of a happy, thriving community. We should not take social cohesion for granted in the current media/social media/political landscape, and should be actively seeking to increase social cohesion at all times.

Noted, however this is a measure adopted within the Community Strategic Plan and cannot be changed at this point. This will be reviewed as part of a complete review of the Community Strategic Plan due to commence in 2023/24.

 

Objective: Our community is informed and actively engaged in decision

making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga - The proposed measures do little to suggest that Council is interested in increasing community engagement in decision- making and problem-solving to shape the future of Wagga Wagga. Wagga is an increasingly

polarised community which faces significant challenges in the near-mid term, especially in light of this increasing polarisation. How will Council increase community engagement to ensure that

as a more culturally diverse, growing, climate resilient city we transition/adapt in a socially cohesive way in the near future?

Council has a community engagement plan that provides a framework of how we engage with the community, depending on the subject matter. Over the next 12 months Council will be conducting significant community engagement activities as a result of key projects such as the development of a new Community Strategic Plan, Residential Housing Strategy, CBD Masterplan to name just a few.

 

Objective: Wagga Wagga City Council leads through engaged civic governance and is recognised and distinguished by its ethical decision-making, efficient

management, innovation and quality customer service - It is hard to see which strategy promotes ethical decision-making, yet this is a critical aspect of a trustworthy institution. Furthermore, it is difficult to see which ethics this decision-making will be based on - will it be based on the social ethics of protecting our most vulnerable residents, or environmental ethics? Or is Council just about the money? Currently, I think few people in the community would identify ethical decision making as a characteristic of Wagga City Council (as an organisation, not just the Councillors). What strategy will you introduce to improve this? Trusted institutions are also critical for social cohesion moving forward.

Council is committed to high ethical standards and has a Statement of Business Ethics on the website that sets out the standards the Council requires of Council officials (Councillors, staff and delegates), contractors and their staff and other business associates.

It is essential that all Council officials, contractors and their staff and other business associates work together to maintain our excellent reputation.

The standards contained in this statement are based on Council’s Code of Conduct.

 

Objective: Our community embraces healthier lifestyle choices and practices - The measures and strategies for this objective appear to be overwhelmingly focused on people playing sport in their spare time. This is a critical part of our culture and lifestyle, but healthier lifestyle choices and practices extend significantly further than playing sport.

Wellbeing is also heavily dependent on nature-based solutions and connectedness. Where is this reflected in your strategy? What are you doing to create interesting outdoor spaces that people want to be in (including urbanised outdoor spaces) - eg pokeability and cultural interest? What are you doing to promote healthier food choices - eg community gardens, healthy food vans etc? What are you doing within suburbs for people working from home/retired/young families - are there places that all of these groups can walk to get fresh air and connect with their neighbours? What are you doing so that we can avoid the isolation/immobility of car dependency? A more dynamic model of suburbs is critical to healthier lifestyle choices and practices.

The Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy identifies an extensive Active Travel Network of off road shared paths through a variety of linear reserves and open spaces, provide ample opportunity for nature based activity. This network, which is the largest in NSW provides opportunities for healthier lifestyle choices and community connection for different user groups. The Recreation, Open Space and Community Strategy (ROSC) outlines requirements and criteria for assessing suitable open spaces across the city and in our villages. Council is planning its future residential suburbs around the concepts of a 20 minute neighbourhood to provide accessibility to a range of community and open space within walking distance of where residents will live.

 

Objective: Wagga Wagga is a thriving, innovative and connected regional capital city - I find some of the measures for this one to be particularly problematic, framed by a somewhat archaic mindset. Why is satisfaction with availability of car parking a measure of this objective? Most thriving cities in the world have very little available car parking - we need to move beyond this narrow minded 20th century, urban sprawl, fossil fuel based mentality. What does a thriving city mean in the 21st century? How can we create a culture that is less dependent on cars? How can we increase the resources within our existing suburbs so that there is less need to drive into town for small things? How can we create vibrant and unique culture of place in our different suburbs? Surely this is a desirable characteristic of a thriving and innovative city? If we are going to further embed a car centric culture into our city life, what are we doing about EV charging stations? *

The Wagga Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy (WITS) seeks to make provision for transport choice where options are viable and fit for purpose including walking, cycling, public transport and private vehicles, enabling individuals to access their desired destination. The Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) identifies a number of principles to guide the development of our suburbs to enable a range of everyday uses available within walking distance of the home and to encourage distinctive neighbourhood characteristics. Council is currently developing a policy relating to electric vehicle charging stations.

In regards to the measure this is noted, however this is a measure adopted within the Community Strategic Plan and cannot be changed at this point. This will be reviewed as part of a complete review of the Community Strategic Plan due to commence in 2023/24.

 

Objective: Wagga Wagga is an attractive location for people to live, work and invest - again, this seems to only measure the financial economy. Economy is also about wellbeing, intergenerational equity, intragenerational equity - and this is particularly pertinent to 'an attractive location for people to live, work and invest' - I encourage WWCC to expand their mindset and measure beyond the financial economy. What about the circular economy? This needs to be a consideration as well. Possibly WWCC can consider aspects of doughnut economics, not just $$$.

Council will prepare an Economic Development Strategy in 2023/2024 which will outline current economic sectors, including those arising from the circular economy, as well as competitive advantages and opportunities for Wagga Wagga. Wagga Wagga already has a strong circular economy, with this forecast to be an integral part of opportunities arising from the Special Activation Precinct.

 

Objective: Future growth and development of Wagga Wagga is planned for in a sustainable manner - this seems to be quite narrow in scope. What do you mean by sustainable? How will you measure if you actually are being sustainable? Biodiversity is critical to sustainability, yet it is not mentioned as a measure. What are you doing to reduce urban heat island effect? What are you doing to reduce reliance on cars? Do you have a map of ambient air temperature on warm days across Wagga and are you actively improving these areas? (my understanding is that Council is doing this, but it needs to be embedded into your Plan and then communicated to residents)

Sustainability is imbedded in the “Wagga Wagga Local Strategic Planning Statement - Wagga Wagga 2040” which sets the long-term strategic framework for planning and development in the City of Wagga Wagga local government area over the next 20-years.

Other strategies and plans supporting sustainability includes the Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030, Roadside Vegetation Management Plan, Urban Cooling Strategy and draft Net Zero Emissions Roadmap.  

 

Objective: Wagga Wagga is sustainable, liveable, and resilient to the impacts of climate change. The strategy "Educate and engage our community in sustainability" is very vague - how are you doing this? I know that you have a sustainability team that provides fieldwork programs for schools - but how impactful is this across the community as a whole? Students are already getting environmental education. What are you doing to improve the environmental literacy of the community more broadly? Net Zero targets are going to bring transformative change, and Wagga's population is not well versed in this. Imposing regulations on them will only increase animosity and discontent with Council. I strongly feel that a broader strategy, leveraging other institutions such as CSU, is needed to increase environmental literacy and bring people along with you. This is critical to maintaining social cohesion. What are the 'free rides' that Council can get in this space by working closely with other institutions - eg a MLHD campaign, supported by Council that promotes active and public transport will help to reduce emissions whilst presenting Council as an organisation that cares about the health and wellbeing of its residents. Similarly, a campaign promoting locally grown food supports small business, promotes healthy eating and reduces food miles. There is a significant opportunity here to think a little bit more laterally and be significantly more impactful. How can Council work with other institutions in this space to provide reliable, accurate, contemporary and timely information that counteracts the misinformation prevalent on social media etc?

The Operational Plan outlines the actions (services, programs and projects) that Council will undertake each financial year that contribute to achieving the commitments of the Delivery Program and Community Strategic Plan.

The principal activity outlined in the Operational Plan is to “Improve community awareness of environmental issues and encourage participation in conservation initiatives”. This is underpinned by various strategies and plans which include specific actions associated with improving environmental literacy. This includes the Biodiversity Strategy: Maldhangilanha 2020-2030, Roadside Vegetation Management Plan, Urban Cooling Strategy and draft Net Zero Emissions Roadmap Collaboration with government departments, agencies, businesses, organisations and community groups is an essential part of delivering the actions within the strategy.

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023

RP-1

 

 

Attachments

 

1.

Attachment 1 - Final Delivery Program 2022/23 – 2025/26 - Provided under separate cover

 

2.

Attachment 2 - Final Operational Plan 2023/2024 - Provided under separate cover

 

3.

Attachment 3 - Final Long Term Financial Plan 2023/2024 - Provided under separate cover

 

4.

Attachment 4 - Final Fees and Charges 2023/2024 - Provided under separate cover

 

5.

Attachment 5 - Public Submissions - Provided under separate cover

 

 

 


Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023

RP-2

 

RP-2               FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE REPORT AS AT 31 MAY 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 31 May 2023.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       approve the proposed 2022/23 budget variations for the month ended 31 May 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 new projects and 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 31 May 2023 in accordance with section 625 of the Local Government Act 1993

e       accept the grant funding offers as presented in this report

 

Report

Wagga Wagga City Council (Council) forecasts a balanced budget position as of 31 May 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 May when compared to budget ($177,664 up on the revised 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.

 

 


 

Key Performance Indicators

 

 

 

OPERATING INCOME

Total operating income is 95% of approved budget and is trending above budget for the month of May 2023. This is due to increased revenue from Interest on Investments, with more detail included in the Interest on Investments section of the report below.

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 100% when compared to budget.

 

OPERATING EXPENSES

Total operating expenditure is 90% of approved budget which is slightly under budget for the end of May.

 

CAPITAL INCOME

Total capital income is 79% 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 (including the sale of Bomen land) as well as plant and equipment.

 

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Total capital expenditure including commitments is 65% of approved budget with some purchase orders being raised for the full contract amounts for multi-year projects. Excluding commitments, the total expenditure is 39% when compared to the approved budget.

 

WAGGA WAGGA CITY COUNCIL
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
1 JULY 2022 TO 31 MAY 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)

(630,214)

(76,154,382)

(69,551,157)

0

(69,551,157)

91%

User Charges & Fees

(27,844,136)

(626,935)

(28,471,071)

(27,068,225)

0

(27,068,225)

95%

Other Revenues

(2,769,503)

(202,000)

(2,971,503)

(2,941,536)

0

(2,941,536)

99%

Grants & Contributions provided for Operating Purposes

(13,524,889)

(576,758)

(14,101,646)

(14,646,114)

0

(14,646,114)

104%

Grants & Contributions provided for Capital Purposes

(36,295,253)

(30,153,241)

(66,448,494)

(40,194,496)

0

(40,194,496)

60%

Interest & Investment Revenue

(1,828,128)

(2,870,966)

(4,699,094)

(5,521,102)

0

(5,521,102)

117%

Other Income

(1,406,222)

(54,000)

(1,460,222)

(1,359,237)

0

(1,359,237)

93%

Total Revenue

(159,192,300)

(35,114,114)

(194,306,414)

(161,281,866)

0

(161,281,866)

83%

 

Expenses

Employee Benefits & On-Costs

51,315,412

876,605

52,192,018

41,956,190

0

41,956,190

80%

Borrowing Costs

3,268,989

0

3,268,989

2,367,843

0

2,367,843

72%

Materials & Services

36,542,674

14,050,111

50,592,785

38,767,587

10,674,289

49,441,877

98%

Depreciation & Amortisation

43,196,051

0

43,196,051

39,596,380

0

39,596,380

92%

Other Expenses

1,866,271

2,078,121

3,944,392

3,969,380

0

3,969,380

101%

Total Expenses

136,189,398

17,004,837

153,194,235

126,657,381

10,674,289

137,331,670

90%

 

Net Operating (Profit)/Loss

(23,002,902)

(18,109,277)

(41,112,179)

(34,624,486)

10,674,289

(23,950,196)

 

Net Operating Result Before Capital (Profit)/Loss

13,292,351

12,043,964

25,336,315

5,570,011

10,674,289

16,244,300

 

Cap/Reserve Movements

Capital Expenditure - One Off Confirmed

13,638,521

68,665,895

82,304,417

29,087,897

23,565,916

52,653,813

64%

Capital Expenditure - Recurrent

18,890,352

8,305,037

27,195,388

11,702,923

8,361,857

20,064,779

74%

Capital Expenditure - Pending Projects

59,770,944

(56,508,230)

3,262,713

22,824

0

22,824

0%

Loan Repayments

7,571,681

0

7,571,681

5,896,055

0

5,896,055

78%

New Loan Borrowings

(17,458,537)

14,259,162

(3,199,375)

0

0

0

0%

Sale of Assets

(880,181)

(4,037,359)

(4,917,540)

(16,015,464)

0

(16,015,464)

326%

Net Movements Reserves

(15,333,827)

(12,575,227)

(27,909,054)

0

0

0

0%

Total Cap/Res Movements

66,198,954

18,109,277

84,308,231

30,694,235

31,927,773

62,622,008

 

Net Result after Depreciation

43,196,052

0

43,196,052

(3,930,250)

42,602,062

38,671,812

 

 

Add back Depreciation Expense

43,196,051

0

43,196,051

39,596,380

0

39,596,380

92%

 

Cash Budget (Surplus)/Deficit

0

0

0

(43,526,631)

42,602,062

(924,569)

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




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 May 2023

$0K

$0K

$0K

Proposed Revised Budget result for 31 May 2023 - (Surplus) / Deficit

$0K

 

The proposed Operating and Capital Budget Variations for 31 May 2023 which affect the current 2022/23 financial year are listed below.

 

Budget Variation

Amount

Funding Source

Net Impact

(Fav)/ Unfav

4 – Community Place and Identity

 

Grand Piano Replacement

$25K

Civic Theatre Income ($25K)

Nil

The Civic Theatre’s concert grand piano is approximately 40 years old. Multiple expert assessments have determined that it is at the end of its life and a replacement plan needs to be activated. The Theatre has sourced an appropriate replacement. It is a good quality second hand instrument (Kawai RX-7) that has had regular maintenance and servicing. It has only been used as a performance instrument and is of recital quality. The piano is used as an essential performance element on regular occasions throughout the year. It is proposed to fund the purchase from additional Civic Theatre Income that has been received during the year.

Estimated Completion: 30 June 2023

Job Consolidation: 22394

 

5 – The Environment

Old Narrandera Road Sealing

($150K)

Transport for NSW Grant $150K

Nil

Savings of $650K were experienced on the Old Narrandera Road Sealing project. Council has been given permission from Transport for NSW who are providing the grant funds to utilise these savings for additional roadworks that are required on an 800m section of Old Narrandera Road closer to the Pine Gully Road Intersection. It is proposed to schedule the works in 2023/24 utilising the savings of $150K in 2022/23 and $500K in 2023/24

Estimated Completion: 30 June 2024

Job Consolidations: 21598 & 22391 

 

 

$0K

 


 

2022/23 Capital Works Summary

 

Capital Works

Approved Budget

Proposed Movement

Proposed Budget

One-off

$82,304,417

($125,000)

$82,179,417

Recurrent

$27,195,388

$0

$27,195,388

Pending

$3,262,713

$0

$3,262,713

Total Capital Works

$112,762,518

($125,000)

$112,637,518

 


 

Current Restrictions

 

RESERVES SUMMARY

31 MAY 2023

 

CLOSING BALANCE 2021/22

ADOPTED RESERVE TRANSFERS 2022/23

BUDGET VARIATIONS APPROVED UP TO COUNCIL MEETING 22.5.2023

PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution*

BALANCE AS AT 30 APRIL 2023

Externally Restricted

 

 

 

 

 

Developer Contributions - Section 7.11

(31,045,478)

7,213,679

(5,882,677)

 

(29,714,476)

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

1,862,861

 

(29,902,576)

Solid Waste

(24,880,735)

7,737,392

(3,521,382)

 

(20,664,725)

Specific Purpose Unexpended Grants & Contributions

(4,195,951)

0

4,195,951

 

0

SRV Levee Reserve

(6,357,282)

0

57,520

 

(6,299,762)

Stormwater Levy

(5,150,281)

35,773

650,957

 

(4,463,551)

Total Externally Restricted

(111,460,179)

14,846,399

(2,355,293)

0

(98,969,073)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Internally Restricted

 

 

Additional Special Variation (ASV)

0

0

(630,214)

 

(630,214)

Airport

0

0

0

 

0

Art Gallery

(3,804)

0

0

 

(3,804)

Bridge Replacement

(296,805)

0

60,000

 

(236,805)

Buildings

(1,088,635)

(23,658)

298,460

 

(813,832)

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

(211,175)

 

(7,929,940)

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)

(343,710)

 

(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 22.5.2023

PROPOSED CHANGES for Council Resolution*

BALANCE AS AT 31 MAY 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)

706,822

 

(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

19,200,039

0

(34,500,653)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Restricted

(165,555,941)

15,241,469

16,844,746

0

(133,469,726)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Unrestricted

(11,494,000)

0

0

0

(11,494,000)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Investments

(177,049,941)

15,241,469

16,844,746

0

(145,963,726)

 

 


 

Investment Summary as at 31 May 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
30/04/2023
$

Closing Balance
Invested
31/05/2023
$

May
EOM
Current Yield
%

May
EOM
% of Portfolio

Investment
Date

Maturity
Date

Term
(months)

At Call Accounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAB

AA-

263,158

416,456

3.85%

0.19%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CBA

AA-

6,745,088

11,103,313

3.85%

5.15%

N/A

N/A

N/A

CBA

AA-

17,188,371

17,239,936

3.90%

8.00%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Macquarie Bank

A+

9,261,634

9,291,290

3.65%

4.31%

N/A

N/A

N/A

Total At Call Accounts

 

33,458,251

38,050,996

3.82%

17.65%

 

 

 

Short Term Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.68%

0.93%

8/06/2022

8/06/2023

12

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.70%

0.46%

15/11/2022

15/11/2023

12

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.55%

0.93%

30/11/2022

30/11/2023

12

CBA

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.69%

0.46%

30/01/2023

30/01/2024

12

Australian Military Bank

BBB+

0

1,000,000

5.06%

0.46%

24/05/2023

24/05/2024

12

Total Short Term Deposits

 

6,000,000

7,000,000

4.42%

3.25%

 

 

 

Medium Term Deposits

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BOQ

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.20%

0.93%

4/01/2022

4/01/2024

24

BOQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.78%

0.46%

1/06/2022

3/06/2024

24

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.32%

0.93%

28/06/2021

29/06/2026

60

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.80%

0.93%

15/11/2021

17/11/2025

48

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.15%

0.46%

8/07/2019

10/07/2023

48

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.03%

0.93%

6/11/2019

6/11/2024

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.83%

0.93%

28/11/2019

28/11/2024

60

Judo Bank

BBB-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.30%

0.46%

3/12/2021

4/12/2023

24

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.75%

0.46%

6/01/2020

8/01/2024

48

BOQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.00%

0.46%

28/02/2020

28/02/2025

60

Police Credit Union

NR

1,000,000

1,000,000

2.20%

0.46%

1/04/2020

1/04/2025

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.85%

0.46%

29/05/2020

29/05/2025

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.86%

0.46%

1/06/2020

2/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.75%

0.93%

25/06/2020

25/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.75%

0.93%

25/06/2020

25/06/2025

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.60%

0.93%

29/06/2020

28/06/2024

48

ICBC

A

3,000,000

3,000,000

5.07%

1.39%

30/06/2022

30/06/2027

60

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.42%

0.93%

7/07/2020

8/07/2024

48

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.50%

0.93%

17/08/2020

18/08/2025

60

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.25%

0.46%

7/09/2020

8/09/2025

60

BoQ

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.25%

0.93%

14/09/2020

15/09/2025

60

NAB

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

0.60%

0.46%

14/09/2021

14/09/2023

24

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.30%

0.46%

25/05/2022

27/11/2023

18

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.20%

0.46%

7/12/2020

8/12/2025

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.95%

0.93%

29/01/2021

29/01/2026

60

NAB

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.08%

0.46%

22/02/2021

20/02/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.25%

0.93%

3/03/2021

2/03/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.40%

0.93%

21/06/2021

19/06/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.65%

0.93%

25/06/2021

26/06/2023

24

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.32%

0.93%

25/06/2021

25/06/2026

60

ICBC

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.32%

0.46%

25/08/2021

25/08/2026

60

NAB

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

0.65%

0.93%

31/08/2021

31/08/2023

24

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

0.93%

18/10/2021

17/10/2024

36

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.56%

0.93%

30/11/2021

29/11/2024

36

Westpac

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.00%

0.93%

8/02/2022

10/02/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.40%

0.93%

9/03/2022

10/03/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.00%

0.93%

10/03/2022

11/03/2024

24

MyState

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

2.20%

0.93%

2/03/2022

3/03/2025

36

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.28%

0.93%

26/04/2022

26/04/2024

24

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.78%

0.93%

4/05/2022

6/05/2024

24

CBA

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.99%

0.93%

4/05/2022

5/05/2025

36

ING Bank

A

1,000,000

1,000,000

3.76%

0.46%

23/05/2022

23/05/2024

24

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

3.95%

0.93%

6/06/2022

6/06/2024

24

Australian Unity

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.15%

0.93%

8/06/2022

11/06/2024

24

Suncorp

A+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.40%

0.93%

22/06/2022

14/12/2023

18

MyState

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.45%

0.93%

29/06/2022

28/06/2024

24

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.50%

0.46%

7/07/2022

7/07/2025

36

CBA

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.25%

0.46%

12/08/2022

12/08/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

3,000,000

3,000,000

4.55%

1.39%

29/08/2022

29/08/2025

36

Australian Military Bank

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.55%

0.93%

2/09/2022

2/09/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.40%

0.46%

9/09/2022

9/09/2025

36

BoQ

BBB+

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.70%

0.46%

4/10/2022

4/10/2024

24

AMP

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.95%

0.93%

21/10/2022

21/10/2024

24

ICBC

A

2,000,000

2,000,000

5.20%

0.93%

21/10/2022

21/10/2025

36

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.75%

0.46%

15/11/2022

14/11/2024

24

AMP

BBB

1,000,000

1,000,000

4.80%

0.46%

21/11/2022

20/11/2025

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.75%

0.93%

16/12/2022

16/12/2024

24

Police Credit Union

NR

2,000,000

2,000,000

5.04%

0.93%

15/02/2023

17/02/2025

24

Police Credit Union

NR

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.94%

0.93%

14/03/2023

14/03/2025

24

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

5.00%

0.93%

14/03/2023

15/03/2027

48

Hume Bank

BBB+

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.75%

0.93%

31/03/2023

31/03/2025

24

Auswide

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

4.95%

0.93%

13/04/2023

13/04/2026

36

P&N Bank

BBB

2,000,000

2,000,000

5.20%

0.93%

20/04/2023

20/04/2027

48

P&N Bank

BBB

0

1,000,000

5.20%

0.46%

26/05/2023

26/05/2026

36

Total Medium Term Deposits

 

107,000,000

108,000,000

2.92%

50.10%

 

 

 

Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Westpac

AA-

2,532,478

2,515,173

BBSW + 88

1.17%

16/05/2019

16/08/2024

63

Suncorp

A+

1,250,911

1,254,795

BBSW + 78

0.58%

30/07/2019

30/07/2024

60

ANZ

AA-

2,020,654

2,006,594

BBSW + 77

0.93%

29/08/2019

29/08/2024

60

HSBC

AA-

2,513,316

2,524,070

BBSW + 83

1.17%

27/09/2019

27/09/2024

60

ANZ

AA-

1,507,574

1,512,665

BBSW + 76

0.70%

16/01/2020

16/01/2025

60

NAB

AA-

2,009,447

2,016,206

BBSW + 77

0.94%

21/01/2020

21/01/2025

60

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

1,109,007

1,101,267

BBSW + 112

0.51%

4/02/2020

4/02/2025

60

Macquarie Bank

A+

2,018,439

2,005,643

BBSW + 84

0.93%

12/02/2020

12/02/2025

60

BOQ Covered

AAA

557,842

553,617

BBSW + 107

0.26%

14/05/2020

14/05/2025

60

Credit Suisse

A+

1,308,316

0

0.00%

0.00%

26/05/2020

26/05/2023

36

UBS

A+

1,493,719

1,498,561

BBSW + 87

0.70%

30/07/2020

30/07/2025

60

Bank of China Australia

A

1,498,294

1,503,974

BBSW + 78

0.70%

27/10/2020

27/10/2023

36

CBA

AA-

1,995,086

2,001,496

BBSW + 70

0.93%

14/01/2022

14/01/2027

60

Rabobank

A+

1,987,481

1,994,387

BBSW + 73

0.93%

27/01/2022

27/01/2027

60

Newcastle Permanent

BBB

987,394

979,525

BBSW + 100

0.45%

10/02/2022

10/02/2027

60

NAB

AA-

2,404,758

2,390,153

BBSW + 72

1.11%

25/02/2022

25/02/2027

60

Bendigo-Adelaide

BBB+

1,659,844

1,666,225

BBSW + 98

0.77%

17/03/2022

17/03/2025

36

ANZ

AA-

2,027,459

2,011,917

BBSW + 97

0.93%

12/05/2022

12/05/2027

60

NAB

AA-

1,722,881

1,709,606

BBSW + 90

0.79%

30/05/2022

30/05/2025

36

Suncorp

A+

908,732

902,008

BBSW + 93

0.42%

22/08/2022

22/08/2025

36

ANZ

AA-

2,559,690

2,540,411

BBSW + 120

1.18%

4/11/2022

4/11/2027

60

NAB

AA-

2,551,938

2,530,627

BBSW + 120

1.17%

25/11/2022

25/11/2027

60

Suncorp

A+

1,114,807

1,119,374

BBSW + 125

0.52%

14/12/2022

14/12/2027

60

CBA

AA-

2,024,896

2,031,012

BBSW + 115

0.94%

13/01/2023

13/01/2028

60

Bank Australia

BBB

1,921,728

1,909,222

BBSW + 155

0.89%

22/02/2023

22/02/2027

48

Total Floating Rate Notes - Senior Debt

 

43,686,692

42,278,527

 

19.61%

 

 

 

Fixed Rate Bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ING Covered

AAA

677,430

674,069

1.10%

0.31%

19/08/2021

19/08/2026

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

3,000,000

3,000,000

1.00%

1.39%

24/08/2021

16/12/2024

40

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

3,000,000

3,000,000

1.50%

1.39%

24/08/2021

15/12/2026

64

BoQ

BBB+

1,741,714

1,728,785

2.10%

0.80%

27/10/2021

27/10/2026

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.50%

0.93%

6/08/2021

15/12/2026

64

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.50%

0.46%

14/07/2021

15/12/2026

65

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.30%

0.93%

29/04/2021

15/06/2026

61

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

0.93%

30/11/2020

15/12/2025

60

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

1,000,000

1,000,000

1.00%

0.46%

20/11/2020

15/12/2025

61

Northern Territory Treasury

AA-

2,000,000

2,000,000

1.00%

0.93%

21/10/2020

15/12/2025

62

Total Fixed Rate Bonds

 

18,419,144

18,402,854

1.30%

8.54%

 

 

 

Managed Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NSW Tcorp

NR

1,837,304

1,831,719

-0.30%

0.85%

17/03/2014

1/05/2028

169

Total Managed Funds

 

1,837,304

1,831,719

-0.30%

0.85%

 

 

 

TOTAL CASH ASSETS, CASH
EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS

 

210,401,391

215,564,095

 

100.00%

 

 

 

LESS: RIVERINA REGIONAL LIBRARY (RRL) CASH AT BANK

 

2,476,324

2,462,219

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL WWCC CASH ASSETS, CASH
EQUIVALENTS & INVESTMENTS

 

207,925,067

213,101,876

 

 

 

 

 

 

Council’s investment portfolio is dominated by Term Deposits, equating to approximately 53% of the portfolio across a broad range of counterparties. Cash equates to 18%, with Floating Rate Notes (FRNs) around 20%, fixed rate bonds around 8% 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 over the past month, up from $207.93M to $213.10M. This is reflective of the final rates instalment being due on 31 May 2023.

 

 

 

Monthly Investment Movements

 

Redemptions/Sales – Council redeemed the following investment security during May 2023:

 

Institution and Type

Amount

Investment

Term

Interest

Rate

Comments

Credit Suisse (A+) Floating Rate Note

$1.3M

3 years

BBSW +115bps

This floating rate note was redeemed on maturity and these funds were reinvested in a new 3-year P&N bank term deposit (as below).

 

 

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

 

Institution and Type

Amount

Investment

Term

Interest

Rate

Comments

Australian Military Bank (BBB+) Term Deposit

$1M

12 months

5.06%

The Australian Military Bank rate of 5.06% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this term. The next best rate for this term was 5.05%.

P&N Bank (BBB) Term Deposit

$1M

3 years

5.20%

The P&N Bank rate of 5.20% compared favourably to the rest of the market for this term. The next best rate for this term was 4.81%.

 

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


 

Monthly Investment Performance

 

Interest/growth/capital gains/(losses) for the month totalled $548,862, which compares favourably with the revised budget for the period of $371,198 - outperforming budget for the month by $177,664.

 

Council’s outperformance to budget for May 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 May 2023 bringing the cash rate to 3.85% from a record low of 0.10% in April 2022. Council’s Floating Rate Note portfolio experience a negative movement during the month of May, with the principal value of this portfolio decreasing by $13,623 (or -0.03%).

 

Council experienced a slight negative return on its NSW T-Corp Managed Fund for the month of May, with the fund returning -0.30% (or -$5,585) as international (-1.25%) and domestic (-2.53%) shares detracted over the month.

 

 

In comparison to the AusBond Bank Bill Index* of 3.53% (annualised), Council’s investment portfolio returned 3.24% (annualised) for the month of May. Cash and At‑Call accounts returned 3.85% (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 2.71%, outperforming the AusBond Bank Bill index by 0.07%. Councils investment portfolio has continued to outperform the AusBond Bank Bill Index* over the longer-term time period, returning 1.90% per annum over the past 3 years – outperforming the benchmark by 0.99% over this time.

 

* 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 26 June 2023

RP-2

 


















Report submitted to the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Monday 26 June 2023.                                                             RP-3

 

RP-3               SALE OF LAND FOR UNPAID RATES

Author:          Craig Katsoolis 

Executive:    Carolyn Rodney

 

Analysis:

In accordance with Section 713(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, Councils have the ability to sell properties with outstanding rates and charges balances in excess of five (5) years.  This report lists a property which has rates in excess of five (5) years and for the reasons detailed in the report it is recommended that the property be sold at public auction if the outstanding rates and charges are not paid before the time of auction.

 

 

Recommendation

That Council:

a       pursuant to Section 713 of the Local Government Act 1993, authorise the General Manager or their delegate to sell the land detailed in this report to recover unpaid rates, annual charges, interest and extra charges, if an acceptable payment plan with any party that has an interest in the land noted in this report is not able to be achieved, or is not adhered to

b       authorise the General Manager or their delegate, to set the reserve price for the property put to public auction or if not sold at a public auction via private treaty

c        authorise the affixing of the Council Seal to the transfer documents in order to effect the transfer of ownership for property sold by Council at or after the public auction for unpaid rates and charges

d       receive a further report following the public auction, outlining the outcomes of the property sale

 

Report

Council raises in excess of $70 million in rates and annual charges each financial year. The below table illustrates the rates and charges raised, the amount outstanding and the percentage outstanding at financial year end.

 

 

2021/22

2020/21

2019/20

2018/19

2017/18

2016/17

2015/16

Rates and Annual Charges Collectible - $’000

76,660

75,702

72,720

69,575

66,287

63,942

60,788

Rates and Annual Charges Outstanding - $’000

4,607

3,874

3,783

3,220

3,198

3,263

3,593

Rates and Annual Charges Percentage Outstanding*

6.01%

5.12%

5.20%

4.63%

4.82%

5.10%

5.91%

 

*2021/22 Benchmark:

Less than 5% Metro Council; Less than 10% Regional & Rural Councils.

Benchmark Source: Code of Accounting Practice

 

As can be seen from the above table, Council has been proactive in managing debt levels using a variety of debt recovery methods. The success of Council’s debt recovery methods has resulted in Council sitting well below the benchmark for a regional Council – 6.01% outstanding as of 30 June 2022 as compared to the target of less than 10% outstanding for the Regional and Rural Councils category.  There was an increase in outstanding amounts from 30 June 2021 to 30 June 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the restrictions imposed relating to debt recovery action. Council staff are continuing to be proactive and are working with property holders – setting up payment arrangements where available.

 

The introduction of the services of Debt Recovery specialists Recoupa during the 2022/23 financial year is expected to see an overall improvement in rates outstanding noting that their approach is to attempt to engage and assist a ratepayer having difficulty making rate payments to make a satisfactory payment arrangement without the need to resort to legal action if at all possible.

 

Only one property is currently identified for sale of for unpaid rates with rates owing for more than 5 years and for which a satisfactory payment plan cannot be secured.

 

It is noted that there are 4 other properties currently being monitored who have significant rates outstanding however will not reach the 5 years rates outstanding point until early 2024. If a satisfactory rates payment arrangement is not put in place for these properties a report will be submitted to Council in early 2024, proposing they be sold for unpaid rates owing greater than 5 years.

 

As a last resort, and in accordance with Section 713(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, Councils have the ability to sell properties with outstanding rates balances in excess of five years:

 

713 Sale of land for unpaid rates and charges

(2)     A council may, in accordance with this Division:

(a)     sell any land (including vacant land) on which any rate or charge has remained unpaid for more than 5 years from the date on which it became payable

 

Council last undertook a sale of land for unpaid rates process in October 2021. 

 

Table 1: The sale of land process

 

Step

Task

Timeframe

1

Identification of properties whose rates accounts are outstanding for greater than 5 years

April 2023

2

Send final letters out to properties who have been categorised as “likely sales”, along with letters to adjoining owners for properties where owners are uncontactable.

May/June 2023

3

Obtain Council resolution for approval to list properties for sale under a Council Public Notice

26 June 2023

4

Public Notice – Local Newspaper and Gazette (Section 715)

July 2023

5

General Manager certifies properties have greater than 5 years rates owing

October 2023 (at the latest, the day before public auction)

6

Public Auction to be held (being not more than 6 months and not less than 3 months from the publication in a newspaper of the advertisement and a convenient place for the sale – Section 715(1A))

28 October 2023 – Council Chambers (3+ months from public notice)

 

Property details with rates outstanding greater than 5 years (See Confidential Attachment A provided under separate cover for the individual property details):

 

Prior to the public auction, Council Officers have, and will continue to work with any party that has an interest in the identified property with the objective of either full payment of the outstanding account, or putting in place a satisfactory arrangement, which is allowable under Section 715 of the Local Government Act 1993:

 

715 Notice of proposal to sell land

(2)     If, before the time fixed for the sale:

(a)     all rates and charges payable (including overdue rates and charges) are paid to the council, or

(b)     an arrangement satisfactory to the council for payment of all such rates and charges is entered into by the rateable person,

          the council must not proceed with the sale.

 

Financial Implications

Council officers have undertaken all available recovery action methods for the outstanding debt. A sale of land for unpaid rates process is considered the last remaining avenue available to Council to recover these outstanding amounts. The proceeds received from the sale of properties will reduce Council’s rates outstanding percentage and assist to ensure that Council’s cashflow is sustainable.

 

All proceeds of sale are paid to the Council and in accordance with Section 718 of the Local Government Act 1993 are to be discharged in the following order:

 

718 Application of purchase money

The Council must apply any purchase money received by it on the sale of land for unpaid rates and charges in or towards payment of the following purposes and in the following order:

 (a)    firstly, the expenses of the council incurred in connection with the sale,

(b)     secondly, any rate or charge in respect of the land due to the council, or any other rating authority, and any debt in respect of the land (being a debt of which the council has notice) due to the Crown as a consequence of the sale on an equal footing.

Should insufficient funds be recovered to satisfy all rates, charges and debts, then a pro-rata of funds to debts occurs with all debts then deemed satisfied, which is ultimately writing off the outstanding balance.

 

Surplus funds (if any) are held within Council’s Trust Fund (separate bank account) pending discharge to persons having interest in the properties. Where no claim is forthcoming, the balance of sale proceeds is remitted to the State Government in accordance with the Unclaimed Money Act 1995.

Policy and Legislation

Council Policy: POL 017 - Debt Management Policy

Local Government Act 1993

Unclaimed Money Act 1995

 

Link to Strategic Plan

Community Leadership and Collaboration

Objective: We have strong leadership

Outcome: We are accountable and transparent

 

Risk Management Issues for Council

The proposed sale of a property for outstanding rates is a contentious issue, with the potential for negative local media reports. Council officers have documented all correspondence between the Council and the property owner and as highlighted earlier, the selling of property is the last resort. It is noted the property proposed to be sold in this report consist of a vacant parcel of land with the property ownership identified as an Estate.

Internal / External Consultation

The Finance division have discussed the proposed sale of properties with Management.

 

Before selling land under Section 715 of the Local Government Act, the council must:

 

715 Notice of proposal to sell land

(1)     Before selling land under this Division, the council must:

(a)     fix a convenient time (being not more than 6 months and not less than 3 months from the publication in a newspaper of the advertisement referred to in paragraph (b)) and a convenient place for the sale, and

(b)     give notice of the proposed sale by means of an advertisement published in the Gazette and in at least one newspaper, and

(c)     take reasonable steps to ascertain the identity of any person who has an interest in the land, and

(d)     take reasonable steps to notify each such person (and the Crown, if the land concerned is owned by the Crown) of the council's intention to sell the land under this Division.

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

&nbs