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KATHERINE TOWN COUNCIL

ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012

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Katherine Town Council

ANNUAL REPORT 2011—2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Mayor 2 - 7

Vision 8

General Information 9 - 11

Municipal Plan Action List 2011/12 12 - 18

Katherine Town Council Departments 19

Corporate /Administration Department Report 20 - 22

Works Department Report 23 - 34

Income and Expenditure Report 35

Annual Financial Statements Attachment 1

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

It gives me great pleasure to present Council’s 2011/2012 Annual Report.

During the year there have been many changes at Katherine Town Council. The departure of our Chief Executive Officer (Geoff Brooks) to take up new challenges in Western Australia saw Council in a recruitment phase. This was completed during the latter stages of 2011 with the commencement of our new Chief Executive Officer (David Laugher).

In March 2012 the Local Government elections heralded the end of term for a number of Aldermen, and of the Mayor (Anne Shepherd).

Those individuals standing down have served our community well, and I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank them for their tremendous support for this community, and express my particular appreciation for the leadership that Anne Shepherd displayed.

I also thank the community for the support shown in my election as Mayor, and welcome the “new” (and returning) team of Aldermen making up the Council for the next four years. We face a busy and challenging, but also exciting time ahead. Our task is to ensure that Katherine is well placed to take advantage of the economic growth that is on the horizon.

Because the elections occurred late in the reporting period, much of the review of Council’s progress encompasses the vision and stewardship of the previous elected body, but regardless I am pleased to bring these to you.

Financial Stability

One of the most important elements of Council’s operation is the long term financial stability and viability of the organization. Some very hard work on the part of the previous elected body saw expenditure reductions, without commensurate reductions in service levels, and a gradual accumulation of “Reserves” to underpin some of the capital replacement costs of infrastructure. But some of these efficiencies also mean that we have a deteriorating asset base with a looming upgrade cost in the near future.

Unfortunately there were a few people who believed that these “reserves” constituted funds that could be used to create additional public amenity infrastructure to make our town an even more beautiful place to live. The reality and wisdom of much of this careful management of funds is now emerging. The financial statements making up a large part of this Annual Report demonstrates a significant deficit for the year ending 30 June 2012, which is most directly brought about by assets being realized at their revised value, and depreciation costs associated with these assets having a significant impact on the “bottom line”. This is a much greater reflection of the true financial position of Council. It recognizes that if we continue to have the same level of income going into the future, and our costs continue to rise, then our financial viability ceases to exist.

Our planning has to be two-fold. We need to plan for economic growth and expansion for Katherine, and we need to be realistic about what can be achieved in the short term, as well as what our “user pays” contributions levels need to be set at.

It should be noted that Council has no borrowings as at 30 June 2012.

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Katherine Regional Cultural Precinct

During the year we saw the completion of Stage 1 of the Katherine Regional Cultural Precinct. Project funding sources were the Federal Government $3.0M, NT Government $4.0M including Head Works, Katherine Town Council $220,000 with the balance from interest earned on funds held.

Stage 1 of the Cultural Precinct encompasses a gallery space, a small retail space, and a multipurpose indoor performance area. Future stages will involve completion of the “back of house” performance facility, an outdoor performance area, enhanced retail capability, and much needed storage and work space.

Construction of the Cultural Precinct was project managed by the Department of Construction and Infrastructure and it was built on Crown Land located on the Stuart Highway, opposite the Bicentennial Road intersection. An incorporated body known as the Katherine Regional Cultural Precinct Board of Management has been established to operate the facility on behalf of the community. The Board of Management is made up of representatives from Traditional Owners, the Katherine community, NT Government and Council. Council has agreed to contribute $30,000 pa to assist with the operation of the facility with the balance of operational funding being the responsibility of the NT Government. A commitment of $500,000 pa from the NT Government forms the principle core of funding for the Centre, and much work will be required to ensure other funding sources are identified and captured.

Construction of this first stage is the culmination of over eight years of hard work by the Cultural Precinct Action Group, Interim Board of Management and many others, to whom I offer sincere thanks for their determination and vision.

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Katherine Museum

In 2009 the Katherine Historical Society, operators of the Museum, arranged for a Master Plan to be prepared for the facility. The Master Plan identified a $3.8M three stage building program and also contains recommendations regarding items such as signage and access. Stage one is intended to provide a climate controlled facility in which to dis-play the Clyde Fenton Gypsy Moth Airplane. For many years this airplane has been displayed in a non air-conditioned hangar and as a result has deteriorated significantly.

The cost of Stage one was estimated at $850,000 and Council’s budget contained a provision of $450,000 towards this project. A Special Purpose Grant of $200,000 from the NT Government for Stage 1 brought total funding on hand to $650,000. A Development application had also been lodged and the detailed design of Stage 1 is underway to try to bring it in on a revised budget of $650,000.

Binjari Community

In 2006 Council was engaged by the Northern Territory Government to provide core municipal services to the residents of Binjari and also upgrade the road and drainage network. The value of this four year arrangement was $800,000. At the Northern Territory Government’s request Council’s engagement at Binjari was extended by a further two years to 30 June 2012.

Visitor Information Centre/Tourism

In June 2011 Tourism NT extended the current three year agreement for operation of the Katherine Visitor Information Centre by a further twelve months, to 30 June 2012. Under this agreement Tourism NT contribute $285,000 pa towards the operation of the Centre. The last three years have seen the Visitor Centre completely refurbished at a cost of nearly $150,000 along with the implementation of a very successful online booking system. A bus drop off area has also been constructed.

During the current year Council reviewed the amenity and use arrangements for public space surrounding the VIC. A land use redesign saw the creation of an internal garden courtyard on the Lindsay Street side of the building, and improvements to the general landscaping in the grounds to further enhance the visitor experience. This is one of the “first impressions” that many visitors have of Katherine, and good public amenity is a strong driver for word of mouth marketing. Feedback from tourists and locals alike is that the improvements to this site have been well received.

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Waste Management

Council’s Waste Management Facility is open all but two days of the year.

The introduction of a container deposit scheme appears to have made a substantial difference in waste littering in public places, with a small number of enterprising individuals collecting bottles and cans, the remaining waste for clean-up has almost halved in volume. That does not mean an improvement in habit, but rather there is a commercial incentive for others to assist in the clean-up. Our greater challenge is that of improved public awareness and ownership of a cleaner environment.

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General

One of the challenges facing this community is that of seasonal flooding, and this past year saw the unfortunate derailing of a train on the Edith River bridge, combined with road damage adjacent to this event. The combination of incidents effectively cut supply lines to Darwin and increased awareness of the significance of the Katherine rail head as a lifeline for north and south (as well as west) transport.

Some lessons were learnt regarding management of flooded crossings such as the Low Level, which experiences overflow and then a receding level that will allow limited “windows” where traffic movement can be reinstated. Cost v/s convenience formed the debate about closure, and a strategy was put in place that appeared to meet the needs of most people, allowing the bridge to be reopened when possible, with minimal cost to the community for this to occur.

A further challenge was faced in managing an influx of illegal camping in public places. Council Rangers are placed in a difficult dilemma, with perceptions about rights v/s compliance when it comes to public place use. A strategy to specifically target key public places for compliance monitoring, combined with increasing public awareness, saw spaces such as Ryan Park, O’Shea Terrace, and Railway Terrace more heavily patrolled and consequently less abused and thus more available for broader community use.

Incidents of vandalism unfortunately continue to create problems for Council with some increases in graffiti “tagging”, damage to public toilets, fences, and particularly damage to sprinkler heads. The senselessness of many of these acts is difficult to comprehend, and they contribute to a significant impact of Council’s budget, which simply means there is less to spend on other more important public amenity projects.

Flooding at Low Level

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But, on a more positive note, it was pleasing to see the planned work on refurbishment of the Council Chamber happen. The old Chamber was really in need of work and showed its age both in terms of style, function and amenity. The planning for this work had taken place with the previous Council and the outcomes reflect again the vision and wisdom of the group, providing the community with a positive and practical asset into the future.

It was also pleasing to see the community spirit that this great town displays with increasing attendances at events such as the Australia Day celebrations, Anzac Day – and in particular the visit of the Anzac Ghan and a fantastic follow-up concert in the Gorge; and the very moving commemoration of the Bombing of Katherine.

But the work continues and we look forward to many more exciting developments for Katherine in this next year. The potential for mining development, an intermodal (transport) hub at the rail head, the Cultural Centre establishing itself as a premier facility, the roll-out of the NBN and the many opportunities that this will entail, and many many more.

I commend this annual report to you, both as a review and report back to you, of the activities of Council during the past twelve months, and as something of a benchmark of exciting times to come.

Fay Miller MAYOR OF KATHERINE

Civic Centre Chambers

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VISION For Katherine to be recognized as an innovative, vibrant and inclusive community

Values Service:

Council will strive to achieve excellence, quality and pride of service to the commu-nity in a cost effective, commonsense and courteous way.

Responsiveness:

Council will be responsive to the needs of the community.

Involvement:

Council will provide avenues of participation for and be accessible to the community.

Responsibility:

Council will act with integrity and in a financially responsible, sustainable manner in the interests of the community.

Equity:

Council will treat and provide services to the community in an equitable manner.

Accountability:

Council will make decisions on behalf of the community in an open and accountable way.

Goals Infrastructure:

To ensure that Council has well planned, constructed and maintained infrastructure that is managed on a sustainable basis and meets the needs of present and future communities.

Community Development:

To provide, in partnership with other organisations, for the social, recreational and cultural needs of residents and encourage a sense of involvement and community pride.

Environment:

To promote and protect the quality of the Katherine environment and play a leadership role in addressing climate change.

Economic Development:

To facilitate economic development and encourage and support investment and employment opportunities.

Governance:

To ensure that Council demonstrates effective, open and responsible governance.

MISSION

To provide a sustainable and prosperous environment for the people of the Katherine Region through growth, opportunity and tolerance

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General Public Services

Rates

Administration Services

Electronic Data Processing

Elected Members

Public Debt Transactions

Grants

Consultative Services

Public Order and Safety

Regulations

Dogs and other Animals

Fire Control

Car Parking

Counter Disaster

Environmental Protection

Noxious Weeds

Mosquito Control

Waste Management Services

Litter Control

Street Sweeping

River Reserve

Housing and Community Amenities

Cemetery

Katherine East Early Learning Centre

Katherine East Child Care Centre

Housing

Stormwater Drainage

Public Toilets

Binjari

Street Lighting

Recreation and Culture

Community Halls

Sporting Venues

Playgrounds and Aquatic Centre

Parks, Gardens and Reserves

Museum

Library Facility

Community Services

Other Recreational & Cultural Activities

Economic Affairs

Bridges and Culverts

Kerbs, Guttering and Driveways

Footpaths and Cycleways

Nature Strips

Town Square

Traffic Management

Katherine Airport

Plant and Machinery

Visitor Information Centre

External Contracts

Municipal Depot

Waste Management Depot

Civic Centre

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES

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CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

MAYOR AND ALDERMAN

Seven Elected Members govern Katherine Town Council. The Mayor and six Aldermen are elected for a term of four years. The position of Deputy Mayor is appointed on a rotating basis to allow all Elected Members an opportunity to participate in the role of Deputy Mayor. The position is now filled in eight (8) month periods. Members are elected to represent the whole of the Municipality and at this stage there is no intention to implement a ward based system that applies in the Shires. Further it is believed that seven elected members is an appropriate number to represent a Municipality with a population of some 10,000 residents.

The Mayor is popularly elected and this arrangement has served Katherine well for many years. A change to the method of electing the Mayor is not contemplated.

GENERAL INFORMATION

(l-r Alderman Steven Rose, Alderman Kate Ganley, Alderman Lis Clark, Alderman Rob Phillips, Mayor Fay Miller, Alderman (Donald) Henry Higgins, Alderman Adrian Creighton)

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ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETINGS

Ordinary Meetings of Council are open to the public, with community attendance and participation welcome. The only exception is when Council is dealing with confidential matters, which is called a ‘Confidential Session’ and may involve matters of legal, personal, or commercial nature. There is a notation on the Agenda relating to such matters.

Ordinary Council Meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month commencing at 6.00 pm. Changes to this may occur with all alterations being advertised prior to the meeting. At 5.30 pm prior to each Ordinary Meeting, Council has an Open Forum where members of the community are able to raise any issues they wish with Elected Members.

COUNCIL AGENDA

The Agenda for an Ordinary Meeting of Council provides the order in which reports will be discussed. Copies of the Agenda may be obtained from the front counter at the Civic Centre on the Friday before the Ordinary Meeting and on the Council website at www.ktc.nt.gov.au. There is a specific section in the Agenda for Elected Members to disclose any conflict of interest.

ADVISORY & CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Council has a number of Advisory Committees, the roles of which are to consider specialised matters and to report back to Council. Advisory Committees involve a diverse range of people representing various interests from within the community. Recommendations from the Advisory Committees are passed on to Council for their consideration. Councill also has a program of community consultation meetings which are held on a regular basis.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Refurbished Civic Centre Chambers



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CORPORATE SERVICES Financial Reporting Financial Accounting Budgets Taxation Reporting Payroll Internal Audits Rating & Revenue Grants Administration Leases Investments

ADMINISTRATION SERVICES Administration Rating Community Liaison Festivals and Events Customer Service Elected Member Support Human Resources Risk Management Corporate Promotion Civic Receptions Events Grants Insurances Visiitor Information Centre Information & Technology Management of VIC and Library

WORKS SERVICES

Construction—Maintenance Parks & Gardens Infrastructure Management Airport Operations Waste Management Collection Emergency & Disasters Support Plant & Equipment Regulatory Services Animal Control & Drainage Emergency and Disaster Planning Aquatic Centre Contract Management Environmental Health Tenders & Contracts Development Assessment

Warwick Jack Works Manager

Sophie Henderson Administration Manager

Alice Anastacio Finance Manager

David Laugher CEO

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With the implementation of an electronic records management system, InfoXpert, Katherine Town Council is reducing paper output. The electronic records management system provides staff with tasks which enables Council’s response times to be shorter. InfoXpert is also responsible for recording all service and complaint types across all departments. This has ensured more accurate data being available to elected members and the public. Katherine Town Council has ensured, in the last two years, that all department computers are upgraded. Council’s financial reserves for EDP purchases have also increased to ensure that technology is kept current.

The 2011 Katherine Festival was a huge success with a number of events and activities available for all ages. The festival was run over a two week period starting with the Katherine Prize and culminating with the Main Event. The Katherine Prize was held outdoors in the Civic Centre grounds which meant for a very pleasant evening of arts, crafts, food and wine. In 2012 the Katherine Prize will be relocated to the Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Arts and Culture Centre.

CORPORATE/ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT REPORT

Katherine Festival



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The Main Event showcased a number of performances that highlighted the diverse cultural aspects of the Katherine community. There were also a number of events and workshops held throughout the two week Festival that were all well attended.




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Council has organized a number of activities and events for the Katherine Municipality including Doggy Day, Australia Day, Come & Try Sports Day, Clean Up Australia Day and the Katherine Festival. All of these activities and events throughout 2011 have been well attended and organized. Numbers have been increasing each year for events such as Doggy Day and Clean Up Australia Day. Australia Day 2011 began with the National Anthem, flag raising and the official welcome


Australia Day Races



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FACILITIES

Parks & Open Areas

Council staff together with contractors carried out the following repairs, maintenance and con-struction works in park areas throughout the town:

Numerous Council controlled bores and watering systems were repaired throughout the year; with some requiring replacement and upgrading.

WORKS DEPARTMENT REPORT

Handrails along the walkway at Low Level Bridge and along the Northern side river cycle path were re-positioned and secured in preparation for the wet season.

Following the wet season, a large section of flood damaged bitumen was replaced at the Low Level Bridge; walkway beams along the bridge were straightened due to damage also caused by flooding. The boat ramp at Knott’s Crossing was cleared and the Hot Springs areas were cleaned in preparation for the Easter break.

Two (2) new LED lights were erected in Rundle and Roney Parks; Council also installed additional Christmas lights along Katherine Terrace.

Town Square: damaged mosaics were repaired and native fire ants were eradicated from the area.

Katherine Museum: two (2) new double gates were erected on the Museum access road; also a new boundary fence was constructed due to the acquirement of additional land by Council.



The Tick Market (Lindsay Street |Complex) had the following works under-taken: installation of eight (8) new whirly birds, numerous repairs to fenc-ing due to vandalism and the fixing of mosaic art-work which was supplied by Katherine Regional Arts.

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To assist with the prevention of illegal campers Council installed a new chain and

lock for the Low Level top car park on Shadforth Road and which also included the installation of “No Camping” signs in the same area and at the Hot Springs top car park.

40km speed signs were erected at the Hot Springs.

Council staff regularly carried out weed eradication, slashing and the removal/pruning of trees throughout the Municipality. Larger areas requiring additional resources were completed by contractors; some of these works include:

Weed eradication on urban and industrial streets, approximately 83,954 meters (estimated kerb length both sides of street), on 12 occasions throughout the year.

Weed control around street furniture and control of noxious weed species within the urban and rural areas, including the river corridor, on at least two (2) occasions throughout the year.

Removal of approximately 30 trees throughout the Municipality.

Council staff carried out regular monitoring of weeds within the Municipality throughout the year; this consisted of the identification and treatment of weeds such as Neem Trees and Chinee Apples. The main infestation areas identified were along Florina Road, Emungalan Road, Zimin Drive, Shadforth Road, Giles Street and Gorge Road.




Katherine Memorial Cemetery

Council staff and contractors arranged 28 burials throughout the financial year.

Buildings

A new shower and eyewash gel dispenser was installed in the poison shed at the Council Depot. This now complies with all regulations and requirements.

Visitors Information Centre: received a garden upgrade that entailed extensive gardening works, installation of a new fence and stairs, two (2) new disabled car parks and painting of the existing concrete table and chairs. Repairs and painting of the ABC room was carried out; and the interior of the theatrette and baby’s change room was also painted. Air conditioners in both the ABC room and kitchen area were replaced. Four (4) solar lights and three (3) LED Christmas lights were installed and a “No Camping” sign installed.

Ryan Park: a self managing unisex disabled toilet was installed and painting of all ceilings and entrances was carried out on the existing toilet block.

Katherine Memorial Cemetery: required major repairs to the toilet block due to vandalism and a “No Camping” sign was installed.

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Waste Management Facility: sections of the front boundary fence required replacement and other sections required reinstating due to vandalism.

Katherine Civil Airport Terminal: various failed lights, fans and power points were repaired, damaged pavers were replaced.

Civic Centre: the Council Chambers, Committee Room and Mayor’s O f f i c e un d e r w en t a m a j o r refurbishment. Gates on the external ablution block required repairing due to vandalism.

A variety of repairs/upgrades were carried out at the Chief Executive Officer’s residence.

Ryan Park Self Managed Unisex Disabled Toilet

Civic Centre Chambers

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Showgrounds

Council contractors have carried out various repairs, maintenance and construction works throughout the facility including the following:

Two (2) shade shelters were installed at the Showgrounds.

Speed humps and signage were installed at the main gateway.

A solar light was installed at the Ticket Box area.

Two (2) posts were erected in front of the overhead power cubicles so as to prevent people camping close to the cubicles and to also enable ladder access to the area.

Back flow prevention valves were fitted on numerous water meters throughout the facility which now comply with Power and Water Authority requirements.

AFL: as part of the AFL upgrade new industrial fans were installed in the change rooms and painting of the interior grandstand toilet facilities and change rooms completed. New aluminium goal posts were installed, and a concrete slab was poured in preparation for a storage room.




Showgrounds Signage

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Sportsgrounds

Council contractors have carried out various repairs, maintenance and construction works throughout the facility including the following:

A major bat infestation during the year resulted in the temporary closure of the Katherine Sportsgrounds to all users. They caused considerable damage to trees throughout the Sportsgrounds with a number of these having to be removed entirely and extensive pruning required on countless others.

Upgrades to the electrical infrastructure and fencing at Oval 4 were completed.

“Dog Restricted Area” signs were erected on number 2 Oval.

Don Dale Pavilion: numerous locks were replaced due to vandalism.

Tennis Courts: repairs were carried out on courts 5/6 fencing due to vandalism; a secondary gate between courts 5/6 and the BMX complex was installed to allow for the retrieval of lost balls and a disabled parking bay/footbath was constructed.

Netball Courts: a pop up irrigation system was installed around the area as part of the 5 year plan facility upgrade.

Baseball: installation of two (2) safety fences around the baseball field including the installation of a new shade shelter.

Depot, Dump & Pound

Council staff carried out daily Emu Bob (rubbish pick-up) throughout the main township with a quad bike and enclosed trailer. 16,650kg of rubbish was collected throughout the financial year; however, this figure does not include rubbish collected from Katherine Terrace (Stuart Highway).

Sprinklers have been replaced due to vandalism throughout urban parks this year, adding to the total cost of vandalism some $23,250.00.

Council staff and contractors regularly assist in the preparation of facilities for community functions throughout the year including: Territory Day celebrations, Civic NAIDOC events, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea, Council’s Come and Try Sports Day, Katherine Prize and Festival, Australia Day Celebrations, and Anzac Day.




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Aquatic Centre

Council contractors carried out various repairs, maintenance and construction works throughout the facility including the following:

Installation of a new shade shelter over the play area.

Installation of a new stainless steel twin BBQ.

Old tiles from the BBQ area were removed and retiled.

Damaged tiles on the Stuart Highway end of swimming pool were replaced.

Replacement of irrigation boxes, bore lines and valve connections.

As a result of vandalism a new roller door was installed for the kiosk.




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Council actively participates in several recycling initiatives at the Waste Transfer Station as part of long term environmental strategies for volume reduction into the landfill. Some of these initia-tives include the following:

Bailing of car tyres, as opposed to shredding and landfill - approximately 100 tonnes of bailed tyres were removed.

Salvaged scrap metal is transported to Darwin for refinement - approximately 211.16 tonnes removed.

Recycling of car batteries - 15.16 tonnes.

Recycling of waste oil - 20,000 litres.

Compliant (emptied and triple washed) containers as part of the DrumMuster scheme are stored for collection - 835 of these chemical containers were removed.

All green waste has been mulched.

In line with legislative requirements, water testing of the bore at the Waste Transfer Station was undertaken twice over the year by a consultant on Council’s behalf; samples of which are sent for analysis with the Northern Territory Environmental Laboratories. In addition, emission data from the facility is calculated and sent through to the National Pollutant Inventory (a federally administered program) for collation with the Northern Territory emissions.




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Council Rangers have continued Regulatory Services throughout the year, such as carrying out CBD inspections, illegal campers, vacant lot and overgrown block inspections and dog patrols throughout the township.

Regulatory Statistics:

16 abandoned vehicles were impounded.

150 parking infringements were issued.

133 parking runs were conducted in the CBD.

Pound Statistics:

289 dogs impounded, which consisted of the following:

82 returned to their owners.

37 new owners were found.

170 dogs were euthanized.




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ROADS

Council staff regularly carries out the patching of road pavements, footpaths, driveways and side entry pits throughout the Municipality. Larger areas requiring additional resources are completed by contractors, some of these works include:

Road Patching: various sections along Florina Road and Zimin Drive, Helena Road, Lans-downe Road, Tokmakoff Road, Gorge Road, Low Level Bridge, Sportsgrounds internal roads, Needham Terrace, Mannion Street, Gorge Road, Rundle Street, Giles Street, Lindsay Street, Rapide Street, Binjari entrance; also at the First and Lindsey Street roundabout, Railroad Terrace car park, First Street indent car park, Civic Centre and Visitor Information Centre car parks and also at Knotts Crossing, Leight Creek Crossing, Keith Quarry Road Causeway, Gory Road Causeway and Katherine Airport.

Line Marking: urban and rural areas including various sections along Florina Road, Zimin Drive; Maluka Road, Giles Street, Lindsay Street, First Street, Second and Giles Streets roundabout including the Museum passing lane and disabled symbols at the Visitor Information Centre.

Causeways: new concrete causeways were constructed along Helena Road, Uralla Road; defects were patched along Hendry Road.

Shoulder Reconstruction: Zimin Drive, Bicentennial Road and a small section along Florina Road.

Footpaths: concrete footpaths and pavers were repaired along sections of Raymond Place, Acacia Drive, Low Level and the corner of O’Shea Terrace and First Street.

Driveways: concrete driveways were constructed along Donegan Crescent, Pearce Street, Auster Street, Walter Young Street and two (2) in Bernhard Street.

Two (2) parking pads were installed along Emungalan Road.

Side Entry Pits: repairs were carried out to side entry pits and covers along Gray Street, Giles Street, Riverbank Drive, Cameron Street, Jukes Crescent, Tindal Street, Crawford Street, Maluka Road, O’Shea Terrace, Pearce Street and Crawford Street; including the corner of First and Lindsay Streets. Works also included the cleaning of a drainage pit in Grevillea Park at the end of Finniss Place.

Concrete pavement was removed on the Maluka Road pedestrian crossing and replaced with new concrete disabled ramps.




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A concrete headwall was constructed around the Telstra pit at Bullock Creek.

A new bus turnaround was constructed at the end of Morey Road.

Signage: a sign audit was carried out on all cluster signs and information bays throughout the Municipality. Various signs were erected or replaced at Cossack Road, Manbulloo Road, Lindsay Street, Victoria Highway and Giles Street.

Council’s annual Rural Roads and Urban Streets Resealing program has also seen works taking place on sections of the following roads and surfaces:

Rural Roads - Zimin Drive, Cragborn Road, Lansdowne Road and Florina Road

Total Area - 45,882 m2

Urban Streets - Maluka Road, Callistemon Drive and Raymond Place

Total Area - 16,470m2

OTHER

Binjari

As part of the operational control Council holds over the Binjari Community the following repairs, maintenance and construction works have been undertaken by contractors:

Stabilisation works were conducted on the road pavement to the new concrete stormwater drains at the Top Camp.

Intersection lighting at the Top Camp was completed.

50km speed signs were erected.

House numbers were supplied and installed at all Top Camp houses.




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Major Projects

In addition to budgeted works, Council also received significant grant assistance from both Federal and Territory Government to enable the following major projects to come to fruition:

Accessible Communities: ablution facilities for disabled in Ryan Park Project; the project was sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Facility Development Grant: upgrading of the electrical infrastructure and fencing at Oval 4 within the Sportsgrounds; the project was sponsored by the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport; Sport and Recreation Division.

Black Spot Project: raising and upgrading of 700 linear metre section of Florina Road; the project was sponsored by the Department of Lands and Planning; Road Network Division.

Local Area Traffic Management (LATM) Project: construction of a roundabout on Giles and Second Streets; the project was sponsored by the Department of Lands and Planning; Road Network Division.

Prevention of Crime Act: Stage 1 of the Lighting of the Katherine River Cycleway Project; the project was sponsored by the Australian Government Attorney-General’s Department.

Roads to Recovery: maintenance of roads within the Municipality; the project was sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure and Transport.

Northern Territory Natural Disaster Resilience Program: feasibility study of levee banks; the project was sponsored by the Northern Territory and Australian Governments.




Construction of roundabout at corner of Giles and Second Street

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Building Activities within the Municipality

Council staff supported members of Councils’ Development Review Committee in undertaking the assessment of 24 planning applications throughout the financial year which consisted of the following:

13 Proposed Development Applications

9 Proposed Subdivision Applications

1 Proposed Variation of Development Permit Application

1 Proposed Exceptional Development Application

Personnel Training

A number of Council staff attended a variety of training events throughout the year which included: Airport Security Training, First Aid Course, InfoXpert Training, Aerodrome Reporting Officer and Works Safety Officer Training, MapInfo Training, Welding Course, Fire Warden Training, Chemical Use Course, Operators Ride-On Vehicle Course and a DrumMuster Course.




Completed Roundabout Corner of Giles and Second Streets

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