Achieving Improvements for the benefit of the Murray Mallee Community Berri Barmera Council, Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, District Council of Loxton Walkerie,

Mid Murray Council, Renmark Paringa Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, Southern Mallee District Council

55 Excelsior Parade, Hindmarsh Island SA 5214 Postal: PO Box 1014, Goolwa SA 5214

Phone: 08 8555 3929 Fax: 08 8555 0451

Mob: 0429 862 669 Email: ceo@mmlga.com.au

Website: www.mmlga.sa.gov.au ABN: 78 714 181 490

MINUTES for the

M&MLGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING which was held on the

3rd June, 2011

at the

Mid Murray Council Meeting Room, 49 Adelaide Road, Mannum

and which commenced at

10.00am.

The Meeting was open to the Public.

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MINUTES

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association (M&MLGA) which commenced at 10.00am on Friday 3rd June, 2011 at the Mid Murray Council Meeting Room, 49 Adelaide Road, Mannum, SA.

ATTENDEES: Berri Barmera Council (BBC): Mayor Peter Hunt and Cr. Bruce Richardson (proxy). Coorong District Council (CDC): Mayor Roger Strother and Tim Tol, Deputy CEO (proxy). District Council of Karoonda East Murray (DCKEM): Mayor Kevin Burdett and Cr. Yvonne Smith (proxy) District Council of Loxton Waikerie (DCLW): Mayor Leon Stasinowsky, (President) and Peter Ackland, CEO. Mid Murray Council (MMC): Mayor David Burgess, Deputy Mayor Kevin Myers, Cr. Inez Bormann (observer) and Dean Gollan, CEO (observer). The Rural City of Murray Bridge (RCMB): Mayor Allan Arbon, OAM, Deputy Mayor Barry Laubsch and Damien Moloney, CEO (observer). District Council of Renmark Paringa (RPC): Mayor Neil Martinson, Deputy Mayor Maria Spano and Tony Siviour, CEO (observer). Southern Mallee District Council (SMDC): Mayor Gordon Hancock and Deputy Mayor Robert Sexton. M&MLGA – Peter Campbell, CEO. Guests: Mayor James Maitland, Acting President, LGA SA. Wendy Campana, CEO, LGA SA. Tony Piccolo, MP, Member for Light with Mark Smith, Research Officer. Adrian Pederick, MP, Member for Hammond. John Dawkins, MLC. Brenton Lewis, CEO, RDA (Murraylands and Riverland) Board. Terry Banks and Graham Brook, SA MDB NRM Board. Mick Petrovski, Director, DPLG and Malcolm Bayly, DPLG. Mark Bolton, General Manager, SA South, Telstra. Emily White, Regional Policy Officer, LGA SA.

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1. OPEN and WELCOME. The President welcomed all those in attendance, making special mention of guests present and declared the Meeting open at 10.03 am.

1.2 Open and Welcome. Mayor David Burgess, Mid Murray Council addressed Delegates and Guests, welcoming them to the Mid Murray Council area. He made mention of the following: “We have been active in Mid Murray in a number of areas. We have had extreme weather events between December 2010- March 2011 the amount of rain received during that period (323 mm) exceeds the annual average of 295 mm. The Bureau of Meteorology estimated this to be a 1:300 year event. Up to date Council has spent over $1,000,000.00 using its own plant and labour and over $320,000.00 employing contractors. Some roads are still closed and we are still counting the dollars. High River Levels 300-400 shacks affected, either access roads cut or by flooding of shacks, mostly in the areas downstream of Morgan. Some Community Waste Water Systems were decommissioned and are now being bought back on line. Development Mannum Waters (marina & residential development) is underway. Mannum Supermarket Development hopefully to commence this year, comprises supermarket and specialty shops. Peaking Power Station approved at Tepko, multimillion dollar project. Ongoing discussions re Keyneton wind farm, application to be lodged late 2011/12. Grant Projects Council has been successful in obtaining quite a few grants both state and federal, some projects include: Strengthening Basin Communities projects – Integrated Water Management Plans for six towns, (IWMP) and River Murray Zone DPA’s. Open Space grants- Pioneer Park, Bolto Reserve upgrade. Stormwater Management Authority grant- Truro Stormwater Management Plan.

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Community Plans Given the sparse geographical landscape of the Mid Murray Council area and the number of small towns/communities Council decided to facilitate the development of localised ‘Community Plans’ rather than one whole of Council document. The first plan facilitated at Sedan attracted over 40 people to the first workshop out of a small community of less than 200 people. ‘Quick wins’ have been identified and prioritised by the community allowing them to see almost instant outcomes from the process. Fun 4 YOUth The Mid Murray Council ‘Fun 4 YOUth’ project is a custom fitted KIA Carnival that provides a mobile entertainment unit to engage and interact with young people throughout the Council district. The Carnival includes a trailer full of Sport and Recreation Equipment to engage youth in physically active fun The ‘Fun 4 YOUth’ van will visit towns in the Mid Murray Council area on a regular rotational basis .It can also be booked for community events. E.g. jobs expo. Mobile Fun Box – The Mid Murray Council ‘Mobile Fun Box’ is basically a skate park on wheels which provides a BMX/Skate/Scooter facility in small towns throughout the Local Government Area on a rotational basis. Healthy Murraylands Communities - Council has been successful in being awarded the $700,000+ Healthy Communities grant for the regional project. This health initiative funding is part of the healthy lifestyle/obesity program and is targeted at adults (primarily those who are unemployed, under employed or disadvantaged). The funding/project will run until the end of June 2013. This is a regional project which Mid Murray Council has provided the leadership to and we will work with our neighbouring Councils to deliver the project and programs in the Coorong District Council, Karoonda East Murray District Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge and Southern Mallee District Council. A strong and proven partnership between five Local Government Authorities, the local Murray Mallee Division of General Practice, Regional Development Australia and the Murraylands be active program will ensure outstanding outcomes. A management committee of partners will oversee the project which will be operated by an experienced project manager. Tourism: We are all involved in tourism and its potential is endless. We as a group of councils should take the current restructure by state government to establish the best approach for our region.

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If Murray River is a key brand to be to be marketed by SATC how do we capitalise and what will it look like? What about our 4 sections?

Murray River Riverland Mallee Murraylands Coorong Discover Murray has a strong presence in the market place covering all the above.

Should we use this as a promotional area instead of out dated magazines? Technology: GPS points to highlight interesting places, Facebook, Twitter how do we use it? Infrastructure: Morgan River Front Project Is an excellent example Rowing clubs floating platforms Canoe trails Walking Trails 4X4 Drives National Parks - Conservation parks Boat ramps with floating platforms Camping areas – some by permit Eco tours sites of interest Houseboat Mooring and Waste water sites Boating Industry fund has a role in assisting with some of the above. Industry Groups should be used to highlight infrastructure needs and work in partnership to attract funding in partnership with Council and Government. Tourism has state and federal ministers highlighting its importance to the economy. We certainly need a strong tourism industry. If desired I would host a workshop of councils CEO and Mayors and RDA. Enjoy the meeting and the Mid Murray hospitality. 2. APOLOGIES. An attendance list was circulated. Members and Attendees were asked to record any additional apologies.

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Hon. Patrick Conlon, MP, Minister for State/Local Government Relations, Peter Smithson, CEO, DCKEM, Tim Whetstone, MP, Member for Chaffey, Ivan Venning MP, Member for Schubert, Michael Boyd, CEO, CDC, Rod Ralph, CEO, DMDC, Cr. Rhonda Centofanti, BBC, David Beaton, CEO, BBC and David Hitchcock, LGA SA, Cr. Mark Ward, DCLW, Mark Goldsworthy, MP, Member for Kavel (belated apology). 3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES. Motion resolved: That the Minutes of the General Meeting held Friday, 1st April, 2011 be accepted as a true and correct record. Moved: RCMB Seconded: SMDC Carried. 4. BUSINESS ARISING.

Item 4.1 – (4.1 – 4/11) & (4.1 – 2/11) & (5.1 – 12/10) & (4.1 – 10/10) & (4.1 – 8/10) & (4.1 – 6/10) & (4.6 – 4/10) & (4.8 – 2/10) etc. - Ensuring Local Government Services Provision Project (ELGSPP) - Local Government Research and Development Fund (LGR&D Fund). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications √ Budgeted √ Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: BBC Seconded: SMDC Carried.

Item 4.2 – (4.5 – 4/11) & (8.1 – 2/11) - Water Cost ramifications for Rural

South Australia – Coorong District Council (CDC). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × General discussion ensued with comment from both Mayor Strother and Brenton Lewis advising of the Minister’s firm stance on the matter and the potential involvement of the Farmers Federation. It was also generally agreed that the CEO provide specific details of information received from primary producers to the RDA and local politicians. Motion resolved: That the Report be received and that the Association requests the LGA SA to join with the Farmers Federation and the RDA’s to lobby the State Government to seek and explore alternative options and to meet with the Opposition to assist that aim. Moved: CDC Seconded: RPC Carried.

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Item 4.3 – (10.1 – 4/11) - Digital TV Reception – District Council of Loxton Waikerie (DCLW). Strategic Plan × Annual Business Plan × Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: RCMB Seconded: MMC Carried. Item 4.4 – (10.2 – 4/11) - Public and Environmental Health Council (PEHC) – Mosquito Control. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: MMC Seconded: DCKEM Carried. Item 4.5 – (11.1 – 4/11) – Broomrape Eradication Program. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Motion resolved: That: 1) The Report be received, and 2) The Association maintains a watching brief to include

consideration of a further response as a result of sentiments to be expressed in the SA Government’s engagement with landholders.

Moved: SMDC Seconded: RCMB Carried. Item 4.6 - Any other Business Arising. There was no other “Business Arising”. 5. President’s Annual Report, Election of Office Bearers, President’s

Allowance, Policy Business of the General Meeting, Appointment of Elected Member/Staff Council Representatives to Committees, Working Parties, Outside Organisations and Auditor appointment.

Item 5.1 – President’s Annual Report 2010-2011. Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: RCMB Seconded: BBC Carried.

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At the request of the Acting President of the LGA SA, Mayor James Maitland and Mayor Arbon, on behalf of Member Councils, that acknowledgement of the efforts of Mayor Stasinowsky in undertaking the role of M&MLGA President be recorded. Item 5.2 - Election for the position of President. The President vacated the Chair, which was assumed by the Wendy Campana, CEO, LGA SA, who called for nominations for the position of President for an annual term of office. Nomination by RCMB: Mayor Leon Stasinowsky. No further nominations were received. Mayor Stasinowsky accepted the nomination. As there were no further nominations, Mayor Leon Stasinowsky was declared President. President assumed the Chair. Item 5.3 - Election for the position of Vice President. The President called for nominations for an annual term of office for the position of Vice President. Nomination by RPC: Mayor David Burgess. No further nominations were received. Mayor Burgess accepted the nomination. As there were no further nominations, Mayor David Burgess was declared Vice President. The President left the Meeting at 10.35 am. Item 5.4 - President’s Annual Allowance. Motion resolved: That the Association confirms that the annual President’s Allowance be $2500.00 (two thousand five hundred dollars), payable quarterly in arrears, in accordance with the draft M&MLGA Annual Budget 2011-2012. Moved: CDC Seconded: RPC Carried.

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The President returned to the Meeting at 10.40am. Item 5.5 - Policies of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association. Motion resolved: That the Association re-affirms the Policies established as listed on APPENDIX 4. Moved: BBC Seconded: RCMB Carried. Item 5.6 - Representation - Association Committees and Working Parties and Outside Organisations. Motion resolved: That: 1) The President and Vice President be endorsed as the Association’s representatives to the LGA State Executive and the SAROC Committee, and 2) The President be confirmed as ex-officio member of all Association Committees, and 3) That the Association’s Committee Members, Working Party Members and representation on outside Organisations as per the list at APPENDIX 5, with noted alterations, be endorsed. Moved: MMC Seconded: RPC Carried.

Item 5.7 – (2.7 – 12/10) & (5.6 – 6/10) - Appointment of Auditor. Motion resolved: That WHK Thomsons be appointed as the Association’s Auditors for the period 1st July, 2011 to 30th June, 2012. Moved: SMDC Seconded: BBC Carried. 6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS.

Item 6.1 – Report(s) from Representative(s) of the Local Government

Association of SA (LGA SA). Mayor James Maitland and Wendy Campana, LGA SA, provided a verbal

Report and spoke to a handout, a copy of which forms part of these Minutes. General discussion, questions and answers ensued.

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Item 6.2 – Report(s) from Representative(s) of the Office of Local Government (O of LG).

Mick Petrovski, Director, Dept. Local Government and Planning provided a

verbal Report, making mention of the following:

• Better engagement with the regions. • Regional liaison offers appointed. • Malcolm Bayly has been appointed Regional Liaison Officer to the

M&MLGA. • The Department is undertaking regional forum initiatives based around

the region’s Regional Land-use Strategy. • On the matter of Development Plan Amendments – the Department is

soon to circulate a letter to all Councils on this matter. • Made mention of Constitutional recognition of Local Government

issues. Questions and answers ensued. Motion resolved: That the Reports at Items 6.1 and 6.2 be received.

Moved: BBC Seconded: MMC Carried. Item 6.3 – Reports of Delegates. (other than those applicable to Strategic

Issues - Environmental, Economic, Social and Governance).

Item 6.3.1 – SAROC.

Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: RCMB Seconded: DCKEM Carried. Item 6.3.2 – Murraylands and Riverland Regional Coordination Network (RCN). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan × Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × No further comment was made on this Item. Item 6.3.3 – Murray and Mallee Zone Emergency Management Committee (ZEMC). Strategic Plan × Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Mayor Neil Martinson (Chair) provided a brief verbal update Report.

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Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: MMC Seconded: BBC Carried.

Item 6.4 – Chief Executive Officer’s Report.

The Chief Executive Officer’s Report is attached as APPENDIX 7.

Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: SMDC Seconded: RPC Carried.

7. FINANCIAL MATTERS.

Item 7.1 –Financial Statements as at 30th April, 2011. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted √

Motion resolved: That the Financial Accounts Report be noted.

Moved: DCKEM Seconded: DCLW Carried.

8. STRATEGIC ISSUES – Legend: General, Environmental, Economic, Social and Governance.

8.1 STRATEGIC ISSUES - GENERAL.

Item 8.1.1 – 2010-2011 Annual Business Plan - Interim Status. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted √

Motion resolved: That the Status Report be noted.

Moved: MMC Seconded: RCMB Carried. Item 8.1.2 –Annual Business Plan 2011/12 and Annual Budget 2011/12.

Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications √ Budgeted × Motion resolved: That: 1) The draft Annual Business Plan 2011/12 as presented in

APPENDIX 10 (subject to any noted alterations) be adopted and

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that in accordance with the Association’s Charter, reviews of progress against the Annual Plan be conducted six monthly, and

2) That the draft Annual Budget 2011/12 as presented in APPENDIX 11 (subject to any noted alterations) be adopted and accordingly that Member Council contributions to the Association for 2011-2012 be as historically apportioned and that the accounts for such be forwarded for payment. Moved: DCLW Seconded: RCMB Carried.

Item 8.1.3 – (7.1.1 – 4/11) - Strategy for Regional South Australia. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × Emily White, Regional Policy Officer, LGA SA briefly addressed the Delegates. Motion resolved: That the Association: 1) Notes the LGA SA General Meeting’s receival of the LGA Regional Development Policy document, and 2) Endorses the appointment of a Regional Development Officer, and 3) Seeks an assurance from the LGA SA that this region

be fully engaged in the development of the Regional Development Policy detail.

Moved: SMDC Seconded: MMC Carried. Item 8.1.4 – (7.1.2 – 4/11) - Review of the Murray and Mallee Regional Infrastructure Plan (Plan) – CEO, M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted √

The CEO advised that the draft Plan referred to in the Agenda Item was not yet to hand. The President provided Mr. Tony Piccolo, MP the opportunity to address Delegates.

He made mention of the following:

• That the Murray and Mallee Regional Infrastructure Plan is to reflect the aspirations of the region.

• When the Plan is endorsed by Cabinet, the document can be used as a marketing tool for the region.

• The Plan will identify lead agencies and their roles. • The draft Plan will be made available shortly.

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• If there are queries about the content of the draft Plan, please advise the Department along with further suggestions.

• He notes the rural community’s view of the apparent State Government disregard for the regions.

• The lack of regional opportunities, and specifically • Issues to do with waste management in the regions.

Questions and answers ensued along with discussion on unprocessed Development Plan Amendments.

8.2 STRATEGIC ISSUES – ENVIRONMENTAL.

Item 8.2.1.1 – (ongoing) - SA MDBNRM Board. (Delegate Representation).

Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Terry Banks, SA MDB NRM Board provided a brief verbal Report. Motion resolved: That the Report be received.

Moved: BBC Seconded: RCMB Carried.

Item 8.2.1.2 – (7.2.1.2 – 4/11) & (7.2.1.3 – 2/11) - SA MDBNRM Board – Proposed Integration with DENR – CEO, M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted ×

As David Hitchcock was an apology, no further DENR Integration Report was provided.

Motion resolved: That the Report be received.

Moved: SMDC Seconded: RPC Carried.

Item 8.2.2 – (7.2.2 – 4/11) & (7.2.2 – 2/11) & (8.2.2 – 12/10) & (7.2.2 – 10/10) & (7.2.2 – 8/10) & (8.2.2 – 6/10) & (7.2.2 – 4/10) & (7.2.2 – 2/10) etc. – Regional Waste Management Strategy. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × No further comment was made on this Item.

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8.3 STRATEGIC ISSUES – ECONOMIC. Item 8.3.1 – Regional Development Australia, Murraylands and Riverland Board Inc. (RDA Board) – Regional Update Report – ongoing. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Brenton Lewis provided a verbal Report. He made mention of the following:

• Regional Infrastructure Plan review issues. • Sub-regional Tourism Strategies. • RDA Fund – 5 statewide applications to date. • Regional Roadmap issues. • The RDA is now dispensing with sub-regional advisory committee

services. • RDA Board vacancies are due shortly, with governmental clarification

required before proceeding. Questions, answers and discussion ensued. Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: RCMB Seconded: DCKEM Carried. Item 8.3.2.1 – (7.3.2.1 – 4/11) & (7.3.2 – 2/11) & (8.3.2 – 12/10) & (7.3.2 – 10/10) & (7.3.1 – 8/10) & (8.3.1 – 6/10) & (7.3.1.1 and 7.3.1.2 – 4/10) & (7.3.1.1 – 2/10) etc. –Murray and Mallee Regional Transport Strategy (RTS). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications √ Budgeted × Motion resolved: That: 1) The Item be noted, and 2) On payment of the total account to Parsons Brinkerhoff Australia Pty Ltd, the unbudgeted amount of $91.00 (excl. GST) be applied to the Sundry Expense line. Moved: MMC Seconded: RPC Carried. Item 8.3.2.2 – (7.3.2.2 – 4/11) - Special Local Roads Program (SLRP) Funding Applications – 2011-2012 Funding Round – CEO, M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × Motion resolved: That the Report be received. Moved: MMC Seconded: RCMB Carried.

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8.4 STRATEGIC ISSUE – SOCIAL.

Item 8.4.1 – (7.4.1 – 4/11) & (7.4.1 – 25/11) & (8.4.1 – 12/10) & (7.4.1 – 8/10) & (8.4.1 – 6/10) & (7.4.1 – 4/10) & (7.4.1 – 2/10) etc. – Community Transport Needs and Access (Status Report). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × No further comment was made on this Item. 8.5 STRATEGIC ISSUE – GOVERNANCE.

Item 8.5.1 – (7.5.1 – 4/11) & (7.5.1 – 2/11) - Council Performance Improvement Program – CEO – M&MLGA.

Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted ×

Motion resolved: That the Recommendations of the Starr Solutions Report be considered at a joint meeting of all Member Council CEO’s, representative(s) of the LGA SA, the President and the M&MLGA CEO, facilitated by the Association and that the Association be provided with a subsequent Report(s) at an appropriate time(s). Moved: RPC Seconded: MMC Carried.

Item 8.5.2 – (7.5.3 – 8/10) & (8.5.1 – 6/10) & (7.5.1 – 4/10) & (7.5.3 – 10/09) & (8.5.1 – 6/09) & (7.5.1 – 4/09) etc. - Changes to M&MLGA Charter. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications √ Budgeted √ Motion resolved: That: 1) The Report be received, and 2) The actions of the CEO be endorsed and 3) That the Item lay on the table and the CEO take no further action until an official response has been received from the Dept. of Local Government and Planning and that the response is considered by the Association. Moved: RCMB Seconded: RPC Carried.

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9. BUSINESS/AGENDA ITEMS SUBMITTED. (including CORRESPONDENCE, NOTICES OF MOTIONS, DISCUSSION ITEMS etc.) – other than those dealt with separately.

Item 9.1 – STEP UP Program – Southern Mallee District Council (SMDC)

– Discussion Item. Motion resolved: That the Item lay on the table to be considered at the next

General Meeting of the Association. Moved: SMDC Seconded: RPC Carried.

Item 9.2 - Levy Proposed on Council Rates in draft Disability Report – Southern Mallee District Council (SMDC) – Notice of Motion. Motion resolved: That the Association opposes the concept of using Councils’ rating systems to collect levies not directly related to service levels provided by Councils. Moved: SMDC Seconded: RPC Carried. 10. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED LISTING.

Item 10.1 – Correspondence received – Listing – other than that dealt with separately.

Motion resolved: That the Correspondence Listing be noted.

Moved: RCMB Seconded: BBC Carried. 11. GENERAL BUSINESS:

An opportunity for Members to raise items of general interest or significant issues that have arisen since the Agenda was formulated. Wendy Campana, LGA SA tabled a letter received from DCLW in respect to un-roadworthy road vehicle issues, a copy of which forms part of these Minutes. General discussion ensued.

Motion resolved: That the SAROC Delegates refer this Item, along with associated correspondence to the SAROC Committee for consideration. Moved: DCLW Seconded: MMC Carried.

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12. GUEST SPEAKERS.

Mark Bolton, General Manager, South Australia South, Telstra Country Wide, provided a verbal presentation. Discussion, questions and answers ensued. It was generally agreed that Member Councils should work directly and through the Association with Telstra to ensure a greater and reliable coverage throughout the region.

13. CLOSE AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The President thanked all those who attended the Meeting. He made special mention of Mid Murray Council for the provision of the venue and the catering. The President declared the Meeting closed at 1.00 pm. Next Meeting: General Meeting – 5th August, 2011 – Renmark Paringa Council area. Signed:…………………………………………. President. 5th August, 2011.

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Murray and Mallee LGA Regional Topical Report for June 2011In attendance: Wendy Campana

Supplementary Road Funding SuccessThe Federal Budget has delivered for SA with a further three-year extension of Supplementary LocalRoad Funding for Councils. This will deliver more than $50m to SA in the next three years and bring to$120m the total funding since Councils and the LGA finally gained recognition that the 5.5% allocated inlegislation is well below a "fair share" for SA. The Budget also contained a long-awaited announcementof a review of Financial Assistance Grants - creating the opportunity to permanently fix the formula forroad funding and beyond that to address the unfair distribution of general purpose grants.

Acting LGA PresidentWakefield Mayor James Maitland is Acting President of the LGA. Nominations for the position ofPresident have been called and nominations have been received from Mayors Maitland, Mayor KymMcHugh (Alexandrina), Allan Arbon (Murray Bridge) and Allan Aughey (Clare and Gilbert Valleys). Postalvotes must be returned to the LGA by close of business on Friday 24 June and the vote will be countedon Monday 27 June 2011.

The State Executive Committee and Vice Presidents have been appointed as follows:Vice Presidents: Mayors David O'Loughlin (Prospect), John Trainer (West Torrens) Allan Aughey(Clare and Gilbert Valleys) James Maitland (Wakefield).Metropolitan Members: Mayors David O'Loughlin (Prospect), John Trainer (West Torrens), BrianSambell (Gawler), Lorraine Rosenberg (Onkaparinga), Miriam Smith (Tea Tree Gully), Gillian Aldridge(Salisbury), Lachlan Clyne (Unley) and Cr Peter Jamieson (Port Adelaide Enfield).Metropolitan Proxy Members: Mayor Michael Picton (Mitcham) and Councillors Michael Llewellyn-Smith (Adelaide), Jill Whittaker (Campbelltown) and Carolyn Wigg (Walkerville),Regional Members: Mayors James Maitland (Wakefield), Ann Ferguson (Mt Barker), Richard Vickery(Tatiara), Bruce Green (Port Lincoln), Julie Low (Lower Eyre Peninsula), Leon Stasinowsky (LoxtonWaikerie), Dave Burgess (Mid Murray) and Allan Aughey (Clare and Gilbert Valleys).Regional Proxy Members: Mayors Ray Agnew (Yorke Peninsula), Allan Arbon OAM (Murray Bridge),Jayne Bates (Kangaroo Island), Evan Flint (Kingston), Eddie Elleway (Franklin Harbour).

Local Excellence ProgramThe roll out of the Local Excellence Program has been endorsed by the State Executive Committee. The"Local Excellence - Councils Working Together for Communities" program has four key themes whichwill be further developed in consultation with Councils and stakeholders:

community engagementfunctional reform and management;efficiency and effectivenessgovernance

The Australian Centre for Excellence in Local Government (ACELG) Research Report on Consolidationin Local Government has now been released and sent electronically to all Councils (19 May 2011) and isavailable at LGA Circular 20.14. The ACELG Report was commissioned by the LGA and LocalGovernment New Zealand.

Minister for State Local Government Relations ForumThe Minister's Forum was held on 14 April at Local Government House. The Minister for Planning andDevelopment John Rau attended with representatives from the Office of State Local GovernmentRelations, Department of trade and Economic Development, Department of Premier and Cabinet and theDepartment of Planning and Local Government. The Federal Member for Makin, Tony Zappia MP, alsoattended to brief the Forum on the Regional Development Australia Fund. The priority issues for theMinister's Forum in 2011 are planning and development, water security and management, regionalinvestment and development, constitutional recognition of Local Government, 'Building Regional

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Collaboration Capacity' (a component of the Local Government Reform Fund Project 'SA Improving SACouncils Asset and Financial Management Practices'); and progressing the joint Australian Council ofExcellence in Local Government and LGA's project on policies for structural reform and consolidation.The Forum focused on planning and development reform, regional development and investment andConstitutional recognition of Local Government. Accessing Federal funding for regions damaged in theDecember/January floods was also discussed.

Ministerial meetingsThe Acting President, Mayor James Maitland, Chief Executive Officer and senior LGA staff memberscontinued to meet with a wide range of Ministers and senior political figures including Minister TomKenyon, Parliamentary Secretary, Tony Piccolo, Minister Paul Caica and Local Government Advisor tothe Minister for State Local Government Relations, Megan Hackett. Minister Patrick Conlon hasindicated that he is keen to continue to meet regularly and meetings are being scheduled.

Joint State-LGA Working GroupThe first meeting of a joint working group (Treasury, Premiers, OSLGR and LGA) was held in mid Marchto consider efficiencies and improvements between the Government sectors. The priority matters forattention are:- contracts between State agencies and Councils/LGA; Local Government fees andcharges set by statute; new opportunities for 'shared services' between Councils and State and LocalGovernment; and securing/targeting additional Federal Government funding. The LGA is currentlyseeking copies of State-Local contracts, particularly examples of good and poor practices. LGA contactis Lee-ann Vincenzi (PH 8224203 or E: leeann.vincenzi@lga.sa.gov.au).

Emergency Management1. Council Flooding Events and Disaster Assessment ModelArrangements for assessing flood damage in the Clare and Gilbert Valleys have been completed andrepair work has begun. A Project Manager to oversee the work has been engaged and as part of thebrief a Project Management Model for the assessment and remediation of flood damaged infrastructurewill be produced and will become a resource for Councils. Ongoing negotiations are occurring with theLGDF for the release of funds to assist Councils affected by recent flooding events.2. Review of Emergency Management ActA position paper has been endorsed by the Senior Executive Committee and forwarded to a specialcommittee of the State Emergency Management Committee for consideration. The primaryrecommendation is that a section be included under the "umbrella" of the Emergency Management Act,requiring a Council to prepare and maintain an emergency management plan for its area based on an"all hazards" approach incorporating the framework of prevention, preparedness, response and recovery3. Review of Disaster Insurance Issues for Local GovernmentThe ALGA has engaged John Comrie and Associates to conduct a National review. The LGA Secretariathas contributed an information paper to this review.

Regional Development and Supporting Country SAThe recent General Meeting endorsed the framework LGA Policy on Regional Development andGrowing Country Communities. The finalised policy will be considered at the October Annual GeneralMeeting. The next key actions for the LGA are to establish a whole of State Government engagementstrategy at Premier and Cabinet level to gain a commitment to development within the regions and toseek an assurance from the Premier that the SA Strategic Plan will include regional chapters and theregional LGAs will be consulted on the information and targets within these chapters.

Constitutional RecognitionThe Gillard Government has committed to a referendum to recognise Local Government in theAustralian Constitution within the next three years. Nationally Local Government has defined the precisenature of the amendment wanted in the Australian Constitution. The ALGA and LGA have askedCouncils to consider motions of support for this position and many Councils have advised the LGA thatthey have carried motions of support.

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We are pleased that the State Government offered "broad support" and that the Coalition nationally hasgiven ALGA's proposal clear public support in the Senate. The ALGA and LGA are giving considerationto the sort of public education process which will be required if a referendum proceeds.

Libraries issuesThe LGA is continuing to negotiate with the Government regarding State subsidy for public libraries andis continuing to work on the One Library Management System project on the basis that it will need toproceed notwithstanding the proposed cuts.

Planning Reforms UpdateThe State Government is currently in the process of establishing 'Regional Planning Forums' to assist inthe development of a regional approach to delivering the Planning Strategy and will bring togetherCouncils, Regional LGAs, State Agencies, Regional Development Boards and Natural ResourcesManagement Boards. The Forums should provide an effective tool for aligning Development Plans withthe Planning Strategy, and help to identify potential Development Plan changes to be included in futureStrategic Directions Reports. Councils in the Greater Adelaide Region are currently preparing StrategicDirections Reports in response to the finalisation of the Plan for Greater Adelaide and the update of theSouth Australian Strategic Plan.

Work is continuing in relation to governance and implementation processes under the Plan for GreaterAdelaide; the review of the Development Plan Amendment process; and updating of the planning policylibrary which builds on the Better Development Plans Project begun in 2007. Legislative reforms includea joint LGAlDPLG review of the Residential Development Code, and a re-evaluation of the systemindicator data currently required to be collected by Councils, State Agencies and the ERD Court. TheLGA is currently developing a survey for Councils in relation to Development Plan Amendments, whichwill be sent to all Councils shortly.

Mayors' and Chairpersons' Residential SeminarA Mayors' and Chairpersons' Residential Seminar will be held on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 July 2011 atthe Arkaba Hotel, 150 Glen Osmond Road, Fullarton. All Council Mayors and Chairpersons are urged toattend. This event provides-a unique opportunity for Mayors and Chairpersons across the State to hearfrom expert speakers on a range of key issues currently facing Local Government and to share viewswith colleagues from other Councils. Please see Circular 21.8 for further information and the draftprogram.

LGA Training Courses/SeminarsThe LGA Education and Training Service is offering a variety of training courses and seminars forCouncil Members and Staff in 2011. The Program is available on the Education & Training page of theLGA website at www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/training. Councils are encouraged to register their CouncilMembers and Staff online at www.lga.sa.gov.au/goto/registertraining. A July 2011 to June 2012Program will be provided in June 2011. Mini Programs for apecialist areas/groups are also available onthe Education and Training page. For further information contact Patricia Coonan, on 8224 2044 orpatricia.coonan@lga.sa.gov.au.

Online Training Modules for Council MembersThe LGA has six online training modules available to assist Council Members. The modules have beendesigned to complement the face to face training programs run by the LGA Education and TrainingService and Council in-house induction programs. For further information on this training please seeLGA Circular 50.7 or contact your CEO and/or Governance Manager.

Regional Training SessionsThe LGA Education and Training Service has scheduled training sessions in regional areas for variouscourses. Could you please encourage your Council Members and Staff to register? We need a minimumof 10 participants for the sessions to go ahead. Session information is available on the LGA website atwww.lga.sa.gov.au

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