coomalie community government council annual report … report... · 2018. 2. 7. · coomalie...

Coomalie Community Government Council Annual Report 2014/2015 1

Coomalie Community Government Council

Annual Report 2014/2015


Contents A message from the President .......................................................................................................................................... 3

A message from the Chief Executive Officer ..................................................................................................................... 5

About Us.......................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Our Councillors ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Our Staff .......................................................................................................................................................................... 14

Our Organisational Structure .......................................................................................................................................... 16

Performance against objectives in Shire Plan ................................................................................................................. 17

Part 1: Administration ................................................................................................................................................. 17

Part 2: Public Conveniences ........................................................................................................................................ 18

Part 3: Sanitation and Garbage ................................................................................................................................... 19

Part 4: Cemeteries ...................................................................................................................................................... 20

Part 5: Parks and Gardens ........................................................................................................................................... 20

Part 6: Libraries ........................................................................................................................................................... 21

Part 7: Sports and Recreation Facilities ...................................................................................................................... 21

Part 8: Swimming Pool ................................................................................................................................................ 22

Part 9: Community Recreation .................................................................................................................................... 23

Part 10: Roads and Streets .......................................................................................................................................... 24

Part 11: Street Lighting ............................................................................................................................................... 25

Part 12: Tourism, Parking and Other .......................................................................................................................... 26

Part 13: Dog Management .......................................................................................................................................... 28

Part 14: Weeds Management ..................................................................................................................................... 28

Part 15: Planning ......................................................................................................................................................... 29

Financial Graphs .............................................................................................................................................................. 30

Sources of Income 2014/2015 .................................................................................................................................... 30

Expenditure by Category 2014/2015 .......................................................................................................................... 30

Key Performance Indicators ............................................................................................................................................ 31

Average Rates and Charges per Assessment .............................................................................................................. 31

Outstanding Rates, Charges and User Fees ................................................................................................................ 31

Rates and Charges as a % of Total Revenue ............................................................................................................... 32

Total Operating Expenditure per Shire Resident ........................................................................................................ 32

Expenditure per km of local roads .............................................................................................................................. 33

Audited Financial Statements 2014/2015 ...................................................................................................................... 34


A message from the President

Welcome to Council’s 2014/15 annual report and audited financial statements. The annual report is a legislative

requirement for Council, but is also an opportunity to celebrate our successes throughout the year with our

community.

We have a cohesive and determined Council with six members who are passionate about progressing their

community forward in a positive and sustainable direction. I thank all of them for their time and effort for the last

year. Because of the Federal and NT Government election timeframe, the NT Government has decided this term for

Councillors shall be extended to August 2017, so will be an extra year’s commitment. Please continue to contact the

Councillors, who are only too pleased to assist with queries and explain council policy, as well as advocating on

community issues.

Council’s staff have been well directed by our Chief Executive Officer, Leigh Ashford, who has been with Council for

about 18 months now. His leadership and the stable workforce have allowed Council to achieve more than most

years. Congratulations to Leigh and team.

This year saw our shire area and population increase with the incorporation of the Robin Falls locality, and we

welcome all of our new community members. Council continues to investigate models to gain future sustainability

and communities of interest across the shire, and fair and sound regional governance is key to this end.

Most of Council’s major grants, including the Federal Assistance Grant and Operating Grant remained the same as

previous years, effectively meaning a decrease in total, so it is challenging to keep providing more with

less. Properties within the shire were also revalued with significant increases impacting the 2014/15 year, so the

general rate in the dollar remained the same as 2013/14, and only the minimum rates were increased by 4% in line

with Council’s Long Term Plan. For fairness to all ratepayers and businesses, Council has continued with strict

enforcement of registering statutory charges on land after six months in arrears and this has resulted in rate arrears

at 5% levels, much lower than in previous years. There has been a slight reduction in service levels due to most

income sources remaining the same as previous years but expenditure levels ever increasing. Our reliance on one

off grants remains, and Council were successful with grants for flood damage, shade and seating, recycling bins,

recycling shed, administration buildings upgrade, solar lights, Roads to Recovery, Australia Day, Anzac Day and the

purchase of a new Tip Truck.

Kylie Turner Memorial Cricket Match – July 2014


Council continued advocating on behalf of the community for the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan, Incorporating

unincorporated land, NT Land Corp land, Native Title issues for Batchelor and Adelaide River, Batchelor Airstrip

Master Plan, Grants Commission public meeting and the Community Safety Action Meetings have reconvened

recently. Council, as well as working hard on core infrastructure and works issues like the waste management areas

and transfer sites, the roads, and other public parks and gardens, are also concentrating on promoting the area as a

business friendly environment, and have continued to encourage sustainable development of businesses including

tourism in the area.

Importantly Council, the staff, and the many community members and volunteers saw several very successful events

during the past 12 months, with the biggest being the Anzac Day Dawn Service this Centenary year. The crowds

were double on previous years and the event would not have been possible without the financial support from NT

Government and Department of Veterans Affairs. The Dawn Service was impeccable and the inclusion this year of

the New Zealand guests gave a true and authentic ANZAC Day Dawn Service. This was followed by a big roll up to

the Gunfire Breakfast at the Adelaide River Showgrounds. Thank you to the enormous contingent of volunteers,

staff and government officials that ensured this event ran ever so smoothly. Other very successful events this year

included the town markets in Adelaide River and Batchelor, Lingalonga Festival, the Adelaide River Show and Race

events, and school sporting days. It is all great to see and be a part of.

The Community Grants program was introduced in the 2014/15 year and this enabled community groups and events

to apply for funding to assist with their event. The program was successfully applied for and $8,000 was allocated to

various groups in the community. We encourage all community groups and organisations to apply each year.

Lastly, Council will celebrate the work of, and thank the many volunteers within our shire for the efforts made to

make our community what it is. I am pleased and proud to participate and remind all that the appreciation event

will, as usual, will be held at the beginning of October.

Andrew Turner

President

Australia Day Citizen of the Year – Miss Lyla Wills


A message from the Chief Executive Officer It is with pleasure I present my annual report on the 2014/15 year of operations of the Coomalie Community

Government Council.

Staff

The year has seen a return to a stable workforce after the high turnover experienced in previous years. The Council

staff have responded well to the challenges and is a blend of dedicated and professional staff which has resulted in

major achievements being implemented in the year.

The Management Staff of Council at 30thJune 2015 are:

Chief Executive Officer Leigh Ashford Finance Manager Melissa Kerr Senior Administration Officer Aleyshia Kim Operations Manager Robbie Bright The changes to the staff throughout the year were the appointment of: Mr Hadyn Edwards Works Officer Mr Ben Harwood Works Officer Ms Aleyshia Kim Senior Administration Officer Mrs Hilary Brett’s role was expanded to include the supervision of the Adelaide River Community Library and to provide limited Council Administration Services during library hours. This is a substantial improvement over the previous arrangement when Council provided administration services for two hours, once a month. Governance

Council continues to develop the Strategic Plan and the Annual Shire Plans. They reflect the direction, operations

and the required governance of the Council. The Council’s long term Strategic Plan was reviewed and updated.

Council considered three new policies during the year. Council has resolved to introduce a:

Caretaker Period Policy

Councillor Vacancy Policy

The Council chose not to introduce a Road Leasing Policy.

Council holds monthly general meetings during the year. This is an opportunity for the community and organisations

to make presentations to Council.

Over the course of the year Council received presentations from:

Robin Falls residents - Expressing concerns and objections to be incorporated in the Shire area;

Department of Local Government and Regions - Outlining proposed extension of the current Council term until

August 2017;

Elton Consulting - Coomalie Land Use objectives;

KPMG - TOPROC Strategic Plan;

Member for Daly - Electorate Issues; and

NT Environment Centre - Hydraulic Fracturing


Finance

Council’s Finance Manager Melissa Kerr again provided excellent leadership and support to the administration of

Council and its professional financial management.

Council increased its rates by 4.00% in line with the decisions made when the Council considered the Strategic Plan

in 2012.

The rates and charges received in 2014/15 were $1.1 million. This represents over 50% of Council’s normal recurrent

funding which is in the order of $2.2m. Council also received non- recurrent grants of slightly less than $1.0m.

Council could not operate without the support of Federal Government and Northern Territory Government Grants.

Council welcomes and appreciates the continued support by both governments to provide funds to Local

Government. Without these grants Council would find it very difficult to continue operating.

The Commonwealth Government provides the following recurrent grants to Council:

Federal Assistance Grant (General Purpose) $ 28,220

Federal Assistance Grant (Roads) $409,600

Roads to Recovery $138,446

Council also receives the following annual grants from the NT Government:

Operational Grant $477,350

Community Recreation Officer Support $ 30,594

Community Library Subsidy $ 50,757

In addition Council received approximately $1.0m in one off grants for individual projects and programs.

The Grants Commission held a public meeting in Batchelor on 19 April 2015. The chairman Mr Bob Beadman

outlined the purpose of the independent Commission in recommending to the Commonwealth Government the

appropriate formula for the distribution of Commonwealth Grants to Local Councils in the Northern Territory.

Staff continued to actively pursue the outstanding rate backlog throughout the year. One property was sold due to

unpaid rates. The rate arrears at the end of the financial year are approximately 5% of the total value of rates. This

is a very good figure and staff will continue to ensure that rates reduction is a priority.

The Council’s financial position to the 30th June 2015 saw a turnaround from a deficit of $179,000 in 2013/14 to a

surplus of $252,000 in 2014/15. This is partly due to the Commonwealth Government delaying the 1st instalment of

the Federal Assistance Grant, previously paid in the previous financial year until August 2014. The transfer of funds

aside, this is a very good result.

Cash available to Council at the end of the financial year was $767,000 including unspent tied grants of $30,000.

With careful management Council finances continue to be satisfactory.


Shire Expansion

The Minister for Local Government and Regions at the time, The Hon David Tollner MLA approved the incorporation

of the locality of Robin Falls into the Shire. The incorporation was gazetted on 3rd July 2015.

The major administrative issue was obtaining the correct contact addresses for property owners. Despite a legal

requirement for property owners to ensure that the contact address are kept up to date with the Land Titles Office,

a substantial proportion of correspondence was returned as the owners were not contactable. This number has

been reduced through staff making additional enquiries, however there are still a small number of owners who have

not been contactable.

Council has continued to be involved in discussions with the Northern Territory Government and Department of

Local Government and Community Services regarding future options for the remaining unincorporated regions. The

Northern Territory parliament amended legislation early in 2015 to allow it to rate all properties within the

unincorporated regions of the Northern Territory.

Roads

The maintenance of roads is the highest cost of any rural Council. Council spent $1.35m on roads this year. This

included a grant of $649,000 for repairs to the roads from flood damage caused by a monsoon event in early 2014.

The major work involved repairs to Memorial Drive, Cheeney Road and Haynes Road.

Maintaining the Councils road network continued to be the principal priority of the Shire. The road works

programme and completion of the capital expenditure projects was undertaken under the supervision of Council’s

Operations Manager Mr Robbie Bright and his staff. I congratulate them all on their achievements during the year.

Waste Management

Council consolidated the changes it made to its waste management practices throughout the year. In general the

arrangements introduced in 2013/14 have substantially improved the performance of the tips.

Fin Bins contract was extended for a further 12 months and provides an excellent weekly bin pickup in both

Batchelor and Adelaide River. It is pleasing to see Council has a very good working relationship with Fin Bins and all

issues were able to be resolved quickly.

Council received two grants throughout the year to improve the performance of the landfills, additional recycling

bins were purchased for the transport of recyclables to Darwin and a storage shed was constructed at the Batchelor

Landfill.

An additional transfer bin was installed at Adelaide River. Alterations to the existing layout were implemented to

allow the second bin to be used.

Recycling Station Batchelor Landfill – NTEPA Grant


Projects and Grants

The major projects and grants for the year were:

$146,000 - Refurbishment of the Council Administration Buildings and construction of a machinery shed. The work

involved refurbishment of the kitchen and toilets, updating the office furniture, painting, covered walkway and the

construction of a shed to garage Council’s plant.

$50,000 - Installation of solar lights in Batchelor. The work involved the installation of 7 solar lights along walkways

and in the parks in Batchelor.

$54,000 - Purchase of a Parks Truck. A new Hino tipping truck was purchased to assist cleaning up and maintaining

the parks and recreational areas.

New Hino Tip Truck – Special Purpose Grant funding

Community Recreation Activities

Council’s Community Sport and Recreation Officer (CSRO), Marilyn Morris organised a wide range of functions and

activities throughout the year. These included Territory Day, Lingalonga Festival, Seniors Month activities, Seniors

Christmas Party, Australia Day, Bombing of Darwin Commemoration, Youth Week, Children’s Week, Clean Up

Australia Day, Anzac Day, School Holiday Programs, and Friday Night Fun.

Basketball was a prominent sport during the year with the Aussie hoops program, Basketball NT Junior Challenge,

the formation of Palmerston and Regions Basketball Association, a visit by the Adelaide 36ers and support for local

junior players to visit the USA on a cultural exchange.

The stand out event was the successful organisation of the Dawn Service on ANZAC Day. Crowd numbers were

estimated at 4,500, up nearly 100% on previous years. The size of the crowd tested Council and local volunteer

resources. The grants from the NT Government and the Commonwealth Government greatly assisted in funding

crucial aspects of the Dawn Service. I wish to thank the Adelaide River FERG and Adelaide River Show Society for

their major contributions to the event. I also wish to thank all the other participants, volunteers and sponsors who

contributed to commemoration of ANZAC Day.

Once again Council wishes to acknowledge the professional, financial and ongoing support from the Minister for

Local Government, The Hon Bess Price MLA and the Minister for Sport and Recreation, The Hon Gary Higgins MLA,

their electorate and Departmental Staff.


Community Recognition

Council held two events to recognise local community members who have and continue to support the local

communities.

The Australia Day Ceremony and breakfast was held at the Batchelor Area School on the 26th January. The major

award winners for 2015 were:

Citizen of the Year Miss Lyla Wills

Young Citizen of the Year Sharna Mulhall

Volunteer of the Year Lyle Johnson

Event of the Year Rum Jungle Tavern - Children’s Christmas Party

Sportsperson of the Year Barry Kirk

Young Sportsperson of the Year Tyla Bilston

The Third Annual Community Recognition Awards were held on Friday 28th November 2014 in the Council Chambers.

The community nominated 13 people from throughout the Shire to receive an award. They represented residents in

the fields of The Arts, Sports, Volunteering and Advocacy.

Approximately 30 people attended the event. The president Cr Andrew Turner presented the awards to the

recipients. Those residents that received a community recognition award were:

Reginald Bishop (Bluey)

Sue Bligh

Jacinda Brown

Daryl Butler

Jeannie Gadambua

Jan Hills

Trevor Horman

Jan Jewell

Ros Jones

Prue King

Community Recognition Awards Ceremony – Bluey Bishop


Advocacy

Council was involved in lobbying relevant authorities in relation to the following areas:

Poor mobile telephone reception in the Batchelor and Adelaide River areas

Resolution of the Native Title claim over Batchelor and Adelaide River

Development of the Batchelor Airstrip

Regional Cooperation

The Shire is a member of the Local Government Association NT (LGANT) and Top End Regional Organisation of

Council’s (TOPROC). The membership of these organisations allows access to a wealth of local government

knowledge as well as senior bureaucrats and Government Ministers. The major issues that were dealt with

throughout the year were:

Regional Waste Site

PAWA charges for street lighting maintenance

Development of Northern Australia

The Council has a strong working relationship with the Local Government Association NT and appreciation is

extended to the Board, CEO and staff at the Association for their continued support.

Assistance

The above works would not have been attained if it was not from the support of many organisations. I would like to

extend Councils appreciation to the staff at Northern Territory Department of Local Government and Community

Services, the Northern Territory Department of Sport and Recreation, the Darwin Correctional Centre, NT Housing,

Cricket NT, COTA and local community groups for their continued support to improve infrastructure, provide

community cohesion and develop resilience.

Our local member Gary Higgins MLA Member for Daly has continued to support activities within the shire and has

constantly advocated on Council’s and the community’s behalf on matters that affect the shire and local community.

I wish to personally thank Gary for his efforts.

Appreciation

I would like to thank our Councillors under the leadership of Cr Andrew Turner for their support, passion for the

community and shire development. The respect between fellow Councillors and staff has provided for a harmonious

council and allowed a wide range of views to be aired on the issues that arise throughout the year.

Finally I wish to thank the staff for their commitment to the council and the community. The pride shown by the

staff reflects the Council’s ability to operate effectively with very limited resources.

Leigh Ashford

Chief Executive Officer


About Us The Coomalie Community Government Council was approved by the NT Government in 1990 and held its first

election on 2nd May 1991, and has seen many highs and lows over the preceding years.

The Coomalie Region is part of the greater Darwin Region and the area encompasses the well serviced townships of

Batchelor and Adelaide River and the Lake Bennett and Robin Falls communities. This year the Minister for Local

Government gazetted the expansion of Coomalie Shire to include the Robin Falls locality. Robin Falls locality is south

of Adelaide River on both sides of Dorat Road and has added 400km2 to the Shire. The area is 2050km2 and has an

estimated population of 1,300 residents.

The industry base of the Coomalie Region is increasing in its diversity, having moved from a heavy reliance on the

pastoral and mining sectors to now include education, tourism, aviation and horticulture as major sectors of the

local economy. Service industries to these major industry sectors are also developing within the region. The

Coomalie Region is a significant tourist destination with high visitation rates, Batchelor being the gateway to

Litchfield National Park and Adelaide River the headquarters during WWII after the bombing of Darwin. The region

is steeped in history from early Chinese market gardens, use as a base during the Second World War, and mining.

The original inhabitants of the Coomalie Region were Aborigines of the Kungarakan, Awara and Warai groups. The

first European activity in the region was recorded in 1860 when members of George Goyder’s survey expedition

undertook extensive surveys in the north of Australia.


The first settlement in the region was at Adelaide River Township in 1870, when a depot was established for

telegraph workers constructing the Overland Telegraph Line. The town expanded with the construction of the

railway line from Darwin to Pine Creek in 1888, then expanded again when it became a huge military base with the

119 Australian General Hospital and the main American headquarters, Base Section One during World War II. After

the bombing of Darwin on 19th February 1942, it became the centre of military activity. Today the Adelaide River

War Cemetery is the resting place of 54 civilians and 434 service men and women killed in the Top End during WWII,

plus 287 service personnel who were lost in Timor and Northern regions, but who have no known grave.

At the heart of the Coomalie Region lays the Rum Jungle district, named following a bullock wagon load of rum,

destined for construction gangs that was bogged near a patch of jungle on the crocodile infested East Finniss River

and the bullockies set about drinking the rum, having a most glorious binge. Thereafter the locals enviously named

the area as Rum Jungle.

In 1912 the present town of Batchelor was named and during the war years the area grew again with the airstrip

expansion. The original aerodrome was constructed in 1933 and was upgraded and used extensively in the war

years. In 1949 uranium was discovered at the Rum Jungle Mine and the mine continued until 1971 when uranium

mining came to an end.

Coomalie has a unique character and identity that is a result of the area’s history from WWII, mining and

horticulture.

The vision of the Coomalie Community Government Council is to sustain and nurture the growth of the lifestyle and

quality of life of residents and visitors. This will be achieved through improvements to economic, cultural and

ecological opportunities and will work on creating an involved and supportive community, promoting investment,

ensuring accessibility and capitalising on our natural advantages with an emphasis on sustainability.

The Amazing Drumming Monkey’s Workshop – School Holiday Program July 2014


Our Councillors

In January 2013 Council put forward a request to the Minister for Local Government to:

1. Immediately abolish the 3 vacant positions so that until the next general election to be held in August 2017,

there will be 6 positions as per the nominated list; and

2. Change the constitution and representation of council so that from the General Election in August 2017,

representation and wards will be as follows:

a. Three Wards – Batchelor Township Ward, Adelaide River Ward and Coomalie Rural Ward

b. Representation – Two (2) members representing each ward

Council was successful in their request and the new Council consists of six Councillors.

President Andrew Turner

Coomalie/Tortilla

0428 103 239

[email protected]

Vice President Bruce Jones

Batchelor Township

0428 760 078

[email protected]

Councillor Dave Gray

Lake Bennett

0418 813 885

[email protected]

Councillor Ewan Crook

Adelaide River Rural

0409 650 713

[email protected]

Councillor Max Corliss

Adelaide River Township

0437 210 964

[email protected]

Councillor Sue Bulmer

Batchelor Rural

0889 760 922

[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]







Our Staff

This last financial year has been a very stable year for our staff. The Chief Executive Officer, Leigh Ashford continued

his leadership role, being supported by Operations Manager, Robbie Bright and Finance Manager, Melissa Kerr who

have both been with Council for over five years.

Aleyshia Kim remained as Senior Administration Officer, Stacey Shooter as Accounts Officer, Hilary Brett as

Receptionist and Marilyn Morris as Community Recreation Officer. This amazing team of ladies support each other

through the busy times and have a great working relationship that functions exquisitely.

The works crew is managed by Robbie Bright, and supported by Operations Supervisor, Emma Dunne who returned

from maternity leave. Our Works Service Officers, Billy Selems, Ben Harwood and Haydn Edwards and Pool

Supervisor and Animal Management Officer, Trevor Sullivan work well together and ensure our communities

facilities are well maintained at all times. These men are invaluable to assisting with the set up and removal for all of

Council’s events during the year and help out whenever they are asked to.

Casual librarians Prue King, Kathy Roe, Nanette Gilles, Terry Wright and Rex Wright in Batchelor and Hilary Brett in

Adelaide River ensure are community libraries are an inviting place to be for both adults and children in each town.

Council has a very small work force with a very big heart. Everyone puts in huge amounts of time and effort to

ensure we comply with regulations and provide our communities with memorable events. A big thank you to all of

the team and the effort you put into your position and in helping out and putting in that bit extra when required.

This team makes our community a very welcoming place to visit.

Drumming Workshop – Lingalonga Festival August 2014


Chief Executive Officer – Leigh Ashford

Finance Manager – Melissa Kerr

Accounts Officer – Stacey Shooter

Senior Administration Officer – Aleyshia

Kim

Receptionist/Librarian – Hilary Brett

Librarian – Prue King

Librarian – Nanette Gilles

Librarian – Rex Wright

Community Recreation Officer – Marilyn

Morris

Operations Manager – Robbie Bright

Leading Hand – Emma Dunne

Service Officer Waste – Billy Selems

Service Officer – Hadyn Edwards

Pool Supervisor & Animal Management

Officer – Trevor Sullivan

Service Officer – Ben Harwood


Our Organisational Structure

Tripping Around Lunch – Seniors Month August 2014

Council

Chief Executive Officer

Finance Manager

Accounts Officer

Community Recreation Officer

Senior Administration

Officer

Receptionist

Batchelor Librarians

Adelaide River Librarians

Operations Manager

Service Officer -Waste

Pool Supervisor/Animal

Management Officer

Operations Supervisor

Service Officer

Service Officer


Performance against objectives in Shire Plan

Part 1: Administration CORE SERVICE: ADMINISTRATION

GOAL: To improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Council’s administration

No. Strategy Statement of Means Performance Assessment Result

1.1 Develop performance management and work plans with staff members. Maintain adequate employment levels of appropriately trained staff

Performance management and work plan completed

Performance and work plan agreed between all parties on an annual basis

Work plan agreed for 14/15

Annual performance appraisal Performance appraisals conducted annually

Appraisals completed by April 2015

Training needs addressed

Training provided as required annually. Budget allocation for training % utilised

59% of training budget utilised

Effective recruitment practices Staff turnover % 0%

1.2 Inform constituents and public about local issues

Continued production of Stop Press

Stop Press published and distributed monthly

Stop Press published monthly after OGM

Notice board kept up-to-date Notice board serviced weekly Yes

Web site up-dated monthly Web site updated monthly Yes

Develop a Ratepayer email data base

Completion and regular updates on email database

Gathering emails for ratepayers ongoing

1.3 Council Elections Assist NTEC with council elections Increased number of residents casting votes

N/A

1.4 Continued professional development and training for Councillors

External and in house training provided

Number of training sessions/number of Councillors attending

No training was attended by Councillors

1.5 Keep software and hardware up to date

Annual review of IT assets Systems up to date and functioning efficiently

Area 9 continue with IT support. Applied for unsuccessfully 4 times for SPG to upgrade accounting software in last two years

1.6 Explore Boundary Expansion to join with unincorporated areas

Investigate feasibility of incorporation of additional areas

Funding for consultations granted

NA

Communication with residents regarding proposals

Consultations successfully completed and the best option for boundary expansion implemented

Minister for DLGR approved Robin Falls Locality for inclusion in Coomalie region 3/7/14

Seek funding to undertake review of Unincorporated Land

Grant obtained Discussions continuing with Minister re expanding Coomalie boundaries

1.7 Continued Review of Councils Policies and Procedures

Complete a review of all Councils Policies and Procedures

Complete review of all Council’s policies and procedures

Complete

Review Policies and Procedures as required

Policies reviewed as required

Completion of Risk Analysis report for all Council operations

Percentage completed Ongoing action for the Audit committee

1.8 Tenders Annual tenders be called for services and equipment required

Tenders called Tenders called April, accepted at June OGM

1.9 Financial Management Prepare a 10 year Asset and Financial Management Plan

Review annually Complete

Asset and Financial management Plan to include a 10 year Road Construction Program

Review Annually Complete

Asset and Financial management Plan to include a 10 year Building Upgrade/Replacement Program

Review annually Complete

Asset and Financial management Plan to include a 10 year Plant Replacement Program

Review annually. Complete


Part 2: Public Conveniences CORE SERVICE: PUBLIC CONVENIENCES

GOAL: To provide adequate and attractive facilities for residents and visitors.


2.1 Level of cleanliness Inspection of facilities, upgrading of facilities

Number of inspections per annum Number of inspections requiring action

Toilets inspected weekly Adelaide River toilets upgraded

2.2 Maintain levels of service to public conveniences

Budget Allocation Funds allocated and utilised

89% of funds allocated were utilised

Efficient contractors engaged Contractors work checked for inadequacies

Toilets inspected weekly

2.3 Development of Long Term Plan for Upgrade and or replacement of Toilets

Long term plan to be developed by Council and included in Asset and Financial management Plan

Review usage and revise plan Toilet upgrades included in 10 year LTFP

Develop costing initiatives to save on electricity use in all public buildings – solar , sky lights

Develop strategy Not actioned. Refered to 15/16 for SPG

Aussie Hoops and Adelaide 36’ers October 2014


Part 3: Sanitation and Garbage CORE SERVICE: SANITATION AND GARBAGE

GOAL: To upgrade, maintain and improve environmental management of waste facilities

within the Shire.


3.1 Maintain levels of service to garbage facilities

Budget Allocation

Funds allocated to waste disposal

70% of funds allocated were utilised

Efficient contractors engaged Contractors work inspected six monthly Number of complaints

OM and garbage contractor liaise weekly

3.2 Improve Batchelor Transfer Station and landfill

Develop long term operation strategy Implement appropriate resourcing strategy

Strategy implemented Appropriate resourcing strategy

New transfer station at Batchelor & Adelaide River operating

3.3 Reduce waste to Adelaide River landfill

Use second skip bay and transfer waste to Batchelor

Volume of waste deposited in the landfill

Approximately 4160m3 per annum

3.4 Expand recycling (Paper, glass, plastic, aluminium cans, waste oil, batteries, and tyres, metal, green)

Encourage commercial operators to recycle Apply for grants to implement recycling

Volume recycled material per type

Recycling continues in both towns for plastic, aluminium and glass -approximately 290m3 per annum Commercial operators are not recycling to potential levels

3.5 Sell 240 litre and 660 litre garbage bins

Budget Allocation

Number bins sold

8 x 240L bins sold

3.6 Adopt environmentally friendly practices

Discourage illegal burning of tips by signage

Number of reports of fires Only one fire at each tip was sighted

3.7 Ongoing waste management education program

Implement long term operations strategy

Number of indiscriminate dumping incidents Improvement in dumping practices Number of commercial operators recycling

One indiscriminate dumping incident per month Transfer Stations improving practices Commercial operators are not recycling to potential levels, needs to be enforced

3.8 Carry out a review of Waste collection charges

Collection and tip service charges to be reviewed annually Tip charges reviewed annually

Review completed Garbage fees adopted by Council June OGM Waste is cost neutral

3.9 Investigate the development of a Regional Waste site in the Coomalie area

Review past submissions, identify possible local sites

Submission presented at appropriate time

Council has expressed an interest in the Regional Waste Site facility at TOPROC meetings

3.10 Develop a Management Plan for maintaining Rubbish control on off road areas such as Finniss River

All such areas to be identified and a management plan prepared

Completion of Management Plan for off road areas

Not actioned


Part 4: Cemeteries CORE SERVICE: CEMETERIES

GOAL: To establish and maintain a facility that satisfies the community’s needs.


4.1 Maintain watering system, gardens and ashes pergola at Coomalie Bush Cemetery

Provide resources to maintain current level of service

Funds allocated and utilised Facility and gardens maintained Number of complaints received

87% of funds utilised at cemeteries Water is major expense 64% to maintain gardens. Watering was reduced which has led to complaints received regarding cemeteries

Part 5: Parks and Gardens CORE SERVICE: PARKS AND GARDENS

GOAL: To create and maintain attractive, sustainable open spaces for public use and enjoyment.


5.1 Maintain levels of service to parks & gardens

Budget Allocation

Funds allocated

$168,000 utilised in parks and gardens

Efficient contractors engaged Contractors work inspected six monthly. Parks and Gardens visually pleasing

OM and contractor liaise weekly. P&G maintained in excellent condition

5.2 Replace street and park trees trees before mature trees die

Tree condition assessment completed Replacement forward planning

Number of replacement trees planted in each town

Dead trees removed and regrowth allowed to occur. No New trees planted

5.3 Increase level of playground equipment

Budget Allocation Grants

Amount of extra playground equipment

No new plagound equipment installed . work related to flood damage repair of existing.

5.4 Develop a Priority list of Parks to determine the level of maintenance required

Plan to be developed with costs Adoption and implementation of Plan

Not actioned

Develop a beautification plan for all Parks and Gardens

5.6 Investigate the use of recycled water for irrigation of Parks and Garden areas

Discussions with Power and Water to set up Sewerage treatment plants

Completion of sewerage plant review

Currently not feasible

Austswim Pool Party November 2014


Part 6: Libraries CORE SERVICE: LIBRARIES

GOAL: To satisfy the community’s needs for access to information.


6.1 Maintain and improve internet access & equipment at Adelaide River Library

Monitor equipment and maintain and replace as appropriate

Number of users per month at each library

Adelaide River – 150 Batchelor – 460

6.2 Continue to provide staff for Adelaide River & Batchelor Libraries

Staff employed % of expenditure on wages 75% of NTG library grant spent on wages

Part 7: Sports and Recreation Facilities CORE SERVICE: SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITIES

GOAL: To provide sporting, recreation and leisure facilities to foster the physical and mental wellbeing of residents and the wellbeing of the community.


7.1 Maintain levels of service to Sports and Recreation facilities

Budget allocation Staff time allocated

Funds allocated Facilities maintained

$98,000 spent on maintaining sport and recreation facilities

7.2 Promote commercial use of sporting and recreational facilities

Advertising locally and outside the area

Increased usage of assets % Increase in revenue

Assets are well utilised locally but not from outside the area. Hire income was $100

7.3 Maintain current level of access to Rum Jungle lake Put with P&G

Budget allocation Cleaning contract

Funds allocated Satisfactory random inspections

$4,000 spent on maintaining Rum Jungle Lake Random inspections all satisfactory

7.4 Improve Batchelor Oval / Surrounds by the construction of a permanent stage, playground improvements and BMX track

Develop a master plan for the Batchelor oval Precinct

Master Plan completed

Completed

Seek funds for Plan and work Grant funds obtained Not actioned

7.5 Lighting of Council’s ovals in Batchelor and Adelaide River

Preparation of feasibility study

Lighting installed and level of night usage

$50,000 FSEF Grant obtained for solar lights at Batchelor Oval

Seek funds for Plan and work Grant funds obtained Not actioned

7.6 Development of a Golf Course in Batchelor and Adelaide River

Investigate available land on which to build a golf course

Completion of investigation Council decided not to proceed. As lead agency.

7.7 Develop regional Walking track along the old rail corridor and into Crater Lake

Investigate feasibility of regional walking tracks

Investigation completed

Not actioned

Develop Walking Track Master Plan

Master Plan completed Not actioned


Part 8: Swimming Pool CORE SERVICE: SWIMMING POOL

GOAL: To provide a well maintained and attractive facility that materially adds to lifestyle in the community.


8.1 Actively promote increased usage, organised activities for youth and adults

Liaise with community groups through CRO

Attendance figures 1129 paying swimmers entered and 1071 pass holder entries for season – well up on last year Income $4,908 for year

8.2 Review the operations of the Batchelor Pool

Prepare a pool asset and development strategy

Prepare a pool asset and development strategy

Not actioned

Record all pool data including electricity consumption, water and sewerage usage

Data collected $13,000 electricity pa $17,000 water sewerage pa

8.3 Maintain water, pool and surrounds at current standards

Budget allocation Staff maintain water, pool surrounds

Funds provided Number of comments

Pool closed Jul-Aug for maintenance

8.4 Continue to maintain supervision levels

Budget allocation

Funds provided

$37,000 spent on wages and training

Hours pool open and supervised Hours pool supervised Pool open and supervised from Oct-Jun, Thur-Sun

8.5 Reduce community subsidy

Introduce efficiencies when appropriate

Level of subsidy Pool cost community $99,000

Minister Higgins presenting cheque for Servery at Bruce Jones Community Centre – January 2015


Part 9: Community Recreation CORE SERVICE: COMMUNITY RECREATION

GOAL: To guide the community towards sporting, recreation and leisure pursuits which improve the quality of life for residents and the community as a whole.


9.1 Support community clubs and groups hosting events or seeking grants

Provide assistance in accordance with the Community Support and in kind grant program

Number of organisations assisted Number of events provided with assistance

Assisted with Batchelor monthly markets Provided assistance with SHP, Basketball, Swimming, Community Centre Provided $8,000 in community grants

Provide advice and letters of support to community clubs and groups for grants

Number of letters of support provided

1 letter of support provided

Consider applications for financial and in kind support from Community groups in the Council area


14 events were provided with financial assistance

Assist in developing inter town sporting events and competitions

Number of events and competitions developed

A cricket competition at major events Basketball competitions attended by schools

9.2 Continued leadership of Community Recreation and development

Application for CRO funds grant

Funding granted Continued employment Performance measures agreed and implemented

$30,594 ARC grant to employ CRO Employee in role full year Performance acquittal approved

Seek additional resources Resources obtained

No additional resources were obtained

Develop community recreation and involvement programs

Number of programs Number of participants

The CRO was involved in 18 programs

Employ trainee if cost neutral Trainee employed No trainee employed

9.3 Provide Council’s bus for approved community purposes

Compliance with Council policy on bus operation Bus available for use

Bus usage Maintenance program Asset Management Plan Included in the replacement program

66 occasions bus used Maintained as required Included in Asset Management Plan

9.4 Investigate the need for a Community Hall in Adelaide River

Investigate Land options and alternatives for a Community Hall in Adelaide River

Land Options reviewed Limted opportunity art of DoT feasibility study 2015/16 for tourist precinct

Adelaide River Primary School – Albert Borella Ride April 2015


Part 10: Roads and Streets CORE SERVICE: ROADS AND STREETS

GOAL: To improve the quality of the road network of the Coomalie region.


10.1 Maintain contact with Dept of Transport & Infrastructure re maintenance requests for their roads

Ensure contact list is up to date Invitation to discuss issues to officers

Number of contacts Number of items reported

Up to date contact list 2 items reported to DOI – Abandoned Vehicles, Airstrip access

10.2 Maintain and upgrade rural roads throughout the council area

Funded annual works program Completion of the annual works program

Majority of annual works program completed $117,000 expended $650,000 flood damage grant works completed

Develop and continually review a 10 year Road Program

Council adopted 10 year Road Program

10 year road program adopted

10.3 Effective use of Roads to Recovery funding

Develop renewal and improvement projects to fund under Roads to Recovery

Projects completed No Roads to Recovery funding expended in 14/15

10.4 Construct access roads to rural properties

Develop a rural Road hierarchy and expansion plan

Plan Developed

Completed

Seek additional funds Funds obtained No funds available

Construct rural access roads Number of access roads completed

Nil

10.5 Maintain and upgrade Urban roads throughout the Council area

Develop and continually review a 10 year Road Program

Council adopted 10 year Road Program

10 Year forward Road Program completed

Seek funds to implement program

Funds obtained RTR funs deferred to 2015/16

10.6 Maintain and upgrade urban road drainage and storm water drainage systems

Town streets and drainage assets to be identified and assed

Plan developed Asset management policy completed and information obtained for asset Management plan.


Funds obtained Not actioned

10.7 Construction of dual use footpaths /cycle ways

Develop master plan for the construction of Footpaths within the town sites of Batchelor and Adelaide River

Plan developed, costed and included in forthcoming budget programs

10 year works plan adopted.

Extend the Footpath plan to include the Adelaide River showground

Plan developed, costed and included in forthcoming budget programs

Include in 10 year forward works plan




Part 11: Street Lighting CORE SERVICE: STREET LIGHTING

GOAL: To establish and maintain effective street lighting for the safety of the residents.


11.1 Provide street lighting in public and residential urban areas

Budget Allocation for existing street lights

Budget allocation $13,000 expense for street lighting $5,000 maintenance

Investigate and report over serving and new areas of demand

Reports on street lighting Reconciled streetlights with PAWA

Inspect level of effectiveness Annual report on street lighting Annual Report received

11.2 Investigate PAWA changes and alternative solutions

Investigate and report impacts of PAWA and new products

Report to Council PAWA to charge for maintenance of streetlights, $10,000 per annum

New Solar Lights installed in Batchelor – Family Safe Environment Funding


Part 12: Tourism, Parking and Other CORE SERVICE: TOURISM, PARKING AND OTHER

GOAL: To encourage development with a view to economic and employment opportunities through fostering sustainable ventures and supporting and contributing to Community Events.


12.1 Support Adelaide River Railway Precinct

Supply letters of support as required

Letters of support provided Letters of support provided

Assist grounds maintenance of the facility

Level of assistance provided Prisoners maintained

Assist in the development of a feasibility study and business case

Feasibility and Business case completed

Not actioned

Seek funds for studies and development projects


12.2 Development of Snake Creek WW11 explosive storage site


Letters of support provided Letters of support provided on two occasions



Not actioned



12.3 Develop a Tourist Information Centre in Adelaide River including retail and refreshments

Carryout a feasibility study and prepare a business case


Successful DOT grant application


Funds obtained Funds to be obtained 15/16

12.4 Promote tourism and Business within the Council area

Review the effectiveness of existing tourism information and signage

Report prepared Commenced to be completed in 2015’16

Investigate a constant signage and branding theme

Strategy developed Not actioned

Seek funds to review and develop strategy


Publish an annual Business service directory

Directory published 2015 published

12.5 Support coordinated Tourism and Economic Development

Investigate the formation of Economic Development Plan Committee

Investigation and report completed

Expressions of interest 14/15, no interest from community

Form an Economic Development committee if sufficient operator support

Committee formed Very limited interest

Review the location of the Batchelor Tourist Information Centre

Review completed and report to Council

Review completed 14/15, will remain as is

Seek funds to implement findings Funds obtained Not required

12.6 Support and make financial contribution to Community Events that promote council as a tourism destination

Provide assistance in accordance with the Community Support and in kind grant Policy


Assisted schools, Show, museum, markets, playgroup and Lingalonga Assisted with 14 local events

Provide assistance in accordance with Action Item 9.1


14 events were assisted

12.7 Promote war and mining and development history of Adelaide River and Batchelor


Letters of support provided Letters of support provided to BMDA

Assist grounds maintenance of facilities

Level of assistance provided Prisoners assisting

Assist in the development of a feasibility study and business Plan for historical groups

Feasibility and Business plan completed

Not actioned

Consider funding requests from historical community groups

Funds allocated Not actioned


12.8 Website up to date with current information

Ensure website is updated regularly

Website is updated monthly with information

Website and facebook page updated weekly

12.9 Assist the Development of Batchelor airstrip for the light aircraft industry

Request the finalisation of the Native title claim over the Batchelor town site

Native Title Claim finalised Discussions held with Minister’s Price and Higgins


Letters of support provided

Letters of support provided to DOI



Applied for grant to complete business case 14/15


Funds obtained DOT provided funds for master plan

12.10 Facilitate the Development of an aged care facility

Liaise with COTA to develop scoping plan

Monitor age distribution of aging population

35% of population aged 55-69

Seek guarantee that land is available for aged care

Land guaranteed Plans developed

Council have suggested a site that is under Native Title Claim

Request the finalisation of the Native title claim over the Batchelor town site

Native Title Claim finalised Discussions held with Minister’s Price and Higgins



Not actioned


Not actioned

12.11 Rationalise existing Assets to assist Shire development

Review value of existing undeveloped assets to Council operations

Assets identified Stocktake completed 30/6/15

Develop a program to reassign the value of the identified assets to other projects of a capital nature

Program implemented Council consider a program to sell Council owned land

Road and transport Asset registers updated. Draft Asset management plans being prepared

Anzac Day Dawn Service – Adelaide River War Cemetery April 2015


Part 13: Dog Management CORE SERVICE: DOG MANAGEMENT

GOAL: To ensure responsible ownership of dogs and safety in public places.


13.1 Maintain dog control program

Employ a dog catcher to enforce By Laws

Number of Dog Complaints Number of dogs impounded Decrease in reports of dogs at large

11 dog complaints 16 dogs impounded 54 town dogs registered 81 rural dogs registered

Ensure impounded dogs are treated humanely

Compliance with codes and regulations

All impounded dogs are treated humanely

Development of Dog Management Plan

Completion of Plan Included in 15/16 budget deliberations, no budget allocation

13.2 Maintain Dog By-Laws Review By-Laws to match approved Dog management plan

Compliance with Dog Management Plan

Involved with LGANT Project.

Part 14: Weeds Management CORE SERVICE: WEEDS MANAGEMENT

GOAL: To assist community organisations and residents to access approved chemicals for weed control and to assist residents to control Gamba Grass in order to mitigate fire hazard.


14.1 Provision of glyphosate at cost price

Purchase glyphosate for resale to residents

Number of residents using this service

147 landowners collected and utilised herbicide

14.2 Spray roadsides for weeds, particularly Gamba and Mission grass

Budget Allocation Funds allocated $6,000 spent on road side spraying and $10,000 allocated to gamba control program

Spraying program using contractors and staff

Kilometers of roadside sprayed Effectiveness of spray treatment

150km of roads were sprayed in 14/15 Effective spray rates

NDRRA Flood Damage repairs – Memorial Terrace June 2015


Part 15: Planning CORE SERVICE: PLANNING

GOAL: To encourage development in the Coomalie Shire.


15.1 New Subdivisions to be constructed to an approved standard

Subdivisions constructed to Council’s Subdivision Standards Policy

Policies approved by NT Planning Department

Using NT Planning Subdivision Guidelines

Sub division standards Policy reviewed every 4 years or if significant changes to legislation

Using NT Planning Subdivision Guidelines

15.2 Developers contribute to the long term impacts on existing community roads and facilities

Prepare a Developer Contribution Plan

Plan completed and approved Work in Progress with Elton Consulting

Implement a Developer Contribution Plan

Plan implemented Waiting on Greater Darwin Plan

15.3 Batchelor Town Plan to encourage the preservation and conservation of the historic built environment and landscape

Development of a style manual for the conservation and preservation of the mining built environment

Policies approved by NT Planning Department

Work in Progress with Elton Consulting

Develop a Development Control Plan for Batchelor to manage development type and scales

Work in Progress with Elton Consulting

15.4 Development of flood route for the northern sector of Adelaide River

Prepare plans to assist with access out of the northern part of the Adelaide River town site during time of flood

Plans approved by Council Not actioned

15.5 Investigate the release of more residential and rural residential land in Adelaide River

Investigate Land Options for the development of the Adelaide River town site

Land release approved by NT Government

Not actioned

Bombing of Darwin Ceremony – Adelaide River War Graves February 2015


Financial Graphs

Sources of Income 2014/2015

Expenditure by Category 2014/2015

$2,059,646

$46,893

$821,014

$325,137$41,893

Govt Grants

Interest

Rates

Fees & Charges

Other

$701,940

$75,895

$246,839

$12,651

$168,023

$53,783

$98,224$103,968$76,062

$1,345,677

$18,676

$120,996 $15,841$3,136

Administration

Public Conveniences

Sanitation Garbage

Cemeteries

Parks and Gardens

Libraries

Sport and Recreation

Swimming Pool

Community Recreation

Roads

Streetlighting

Tourism, Economic Development

Dog Management

Glyphosate


Key Performance Indicators

Average Rates and Charges per Assessment

Total Rates and Charges

Number of Assessments

2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013

$1,198 $1,153 $1,052

Outstanding Rates, Charges and User Fees

Outstanding Rates, Charges and Fees

Annual Revenue Rates, Charges and Fees

2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013

5% 5% 14%

950

1000

1050

1100

1150

1200

1250

2014/15 2013/14 2012/13

0%

2%

4%

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

2014/15 2013/14 2012/13


Rates and Charges as a % of Total Revenue

Total Rates and Charges

Total Revenue

2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013

35% 43% 36%

Total Operating Expenditure per Shire Resident

Total Operating Expenditure before capital expenditure

Estimated resident population for Coomalie Shire

2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013

$2,340 $2,312 $1,943

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

2014/15 2013/14 2012/13

-

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

2014/15 2013/14 2012/13


Expenditure per km of local roads

Total Operational Road Expenditure

Kilometres of local roads

2014/2015 2013/2014 2012/2013

$4,708 $2,010 $1,907

NDRRA Flood Damage Grant – Resealing Haynes Road May 2015

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

3500

4000

4500

5000

2014/15 2013/14 2012/13


Audited Financial Statements 2014/2015

coomalie community government council annual report … report... · 2018. 2. 7. · coomalie...

Documents