monthly review > september 2013 · 2014. 7. 9. · services monthly review > september...

1 [Type the document title]

Engineering Services Monthly Review > September 2013


CONTENTS

OVERVIEW............................................................................................................................................... 3

CIVIL PROJECTS.................................................................................................................................... 5

CVIL OPERATIONS................................................................................................................................. 13

PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT................................................................................................................. 19

TECHNICAL SERVICES......................................................................................................................... 38

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT................................................................................................................ 41

PROGRAM SUPPORT............................................................................................................................. 46

ÿ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT...................................................................................................... 46

ÿ BUSINESS SERVICES................................................................................................................

ÿ CLIENT SERVICES……………………………………………………………………………………..

47

49

ÿ QUALITY ASSURANCE............................................................................................................... 50

Page 2


OVERVIEW

Civil Projects This month saw the completion of the road component of works on Connors Road. This is a significant milestone and all that remains are tidy up works and signage.

The month also saw progress on the major urban projects in Shakespeare Street, Milton and Paradise Streets and the commencement of the Evans Avenue rehabilitation project. Paulette Street upgrade works were also completed.

In the Rural areas we saw completion of East Funnel Creek and rehabilitation works to Hill and Leslie Streets in Sarina.

We are also progressing with the resealing program with both Rural and Urban Streets getting resurfaced. This program is being well received and should make Council's road network more resilient for the upcoming wet season.

Civil Operations The continuing favourable dry weather has supported good outcomes in all activities being achieved however, it is creating challenges in wetting up dry gravels and availability of water for unsealed road maintenance. Sealed road maintenance has been undertaken in line with programmes. A significant amount of concrete footpath repairs have been undertaken to address defects and minimise potential for trips and falls. Open drain special maintenance involving de-silting and re-profiling has been given priority in preparation for the wet season.

The NDRRA team is continuing to work closely with QRA to meeting reporting and compliance requirements and for delivery of the approved works. Uncertainty associated with the timing of 2012 approvals and with the scope and value of complementary works is contributing to delays in the commencement of some projects. This is also creating concern with completion of the restoration works by the end of June 2014 deadline.

Technical Services Ongoing delivery of the Capital Works Program for the 2013/14 and 2014/15 financial years and Saturation Damage Design projects for the 2011 and 2012 NDRRA events continues on program. In addition staff are participating in, generating and delivering projects under a number of programs from internal demands as well as other externally funded programs such as the CBD Revitalisation, Public Realm Strategy and Active Towns program.

Parks & Environment

Dry conditions continued throughout the month and was essentially the reason why mowing requests were less than September last year. Park bookings have increased over the same period compared to last year. The number of requests actioned by the arboriculture team in relation to the number received improved significantly compared to September last year. 2,680 attended the Orchid Extravaganza at the Queens Park Orchid House. This event was considered to be very successful with an estimated $45,000 worth of orchids sold. The draft Beach Plan for Town and Far Beach was released for community comment. Parks' Capital Works program is currently on schedule for completion this financial year.

Page 3


Emergency Management The Emergency Management team worked on a number of projects during the month including the Get Ready campaign which is a joint initiative with the State Government to prepare the community for the upcoming wet season and instil disaster resilience. Planning for this year's Cyclone Saturday event also took place. A number of disaster management training courses were offered to key Council staff and Government Agencies in preparation for the upcoming season.

Stuart Holley

Director Engineering Services

Page 4


05,000,000

10,000,00015,000,00020,000,00025,000,00030,000,00035,000,00040,000,00045,000,00050,000,000

Period Actuals Original Forecast Forecast Actuals Budget

CIVIL PROJECTS

Overall Program 4

Comments

The overall program forecast exceeds the current budget. The 2 areas of concern are Connors Road and Sugar Shed Road. Connors Road is currently forecast to exceed the current budget however additional funding is being reviewed as part of the September budget review and further provision within the 2014/14 capital works program. Sugar Shed Road is a Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) project and due to the rules surrounding that program the budget cannot be realised until the project itself is acquitted. Therefore the expenses are forecast as part of this forecast but no income is shown at this stage. This represents about $2M. It is expected that this will be forthcoming. In general the recent good weather has allowed significant road works to progress and places the program in a good position to reach delivery targets.

Boat Ramps

Comments No change has occurred in this sub-program. The outstanding potential variation for Constant Creek should be finalised next month and is expected to be in the range of $20K.

0

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100,000

150,000

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July August September October November December January February March April May June


Page 5


Bridges

Comments East Funnel Creek is substantially complete. A funding adjustment is expected as part of the September budget review associated with cost savings on the Hill End Road project and this will balance this program.

Bus Shelters

Comments The budget for this program is set aside to provide matching funding (50/50) for a potential grant to be received from Department Transport and Main Roads (DTMR). Achieving expenditure will be dependent on receiving approval of the grant which should be known during the next month. Should the grant funding not be received the funds allocated within Council's budget will be utilised by 30 June 2013 on high priority bus shelter locational needs.

0

500,000

1,000,000

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2,500,000


0

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Page 6


Drainage

Comments The Boundary Road detention basin and the Bold Street open drain are expected to provide savings of about $300K. Ergon Energy has committed a further $200K for works at the Holts Road culvert however have not been forecast due to the uncertain nature of the timing of delivery and invoicing of the works. Service clashes and geotechnical conditions are complicating the design of the replacement culvert under Shakespeare Street (Rae Street) and as such the construction period has been deferred which will affect expenditure forecasts.

0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

4,000,000

5,000,000

6,000,000


Looking towards Bold Street before works

Looking towards Bold Street after works

Page 7


Footpath and Bikeways

Comments Several projects are currently underway and should be complete during the next 2 months. The Grasstree Beach footpath which was originally expected to be delivered as part of the project works will now be delivered as a standalone project due to the road project being changed from rehabilitation to patching. It is expected that the majority of projects will be delivered.

General Road Works

Comments As part of the budget review savings in this sub-program will be transferred to other sub-programs. Approximately $800K is available. Reconstruction of Stockbridge Street ($570K) is currently not included in the forecast as it is expected that delivery will not commence until the new financial year. As a precaution space has been allowed in the Civil Projects day labour program to assist with acceleration of NDRRA works that are identified as possibly not meeting the June 30 cut off. Should this not be needed then crews will undertake works at Stockbridge.

0

200,000

400,000

600,000

800,000

1,000,000

1,200,000

1,400,000

1,600,000

1,800,000

2,000,000



0

1,000,000

2,000,000

3,000,000

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6,000,000

7,000,000

8,000,000



Page 8


Mount Martin Loop Road – Before Mount Martin Loop Road – After

Sophia Street – Before Sophia Street – After

Page 9


LATM's

Comments The majority of the program will be delivered. Included in the budget is $70K for speed bumps at Longair Street. This was in the form of a grant from DTMR however the project is no longer required as the Henman/Paradise roundabout works address the area of concern. This grant funding will not be received and this will be reflected in a reduced budget after the October review.

Pavement Improvement

Comments Currently the program exceeds budget however the forecast expenditure includes $5.5M for Shakespeare Street however only a budget of $2.8M. The difference, $2.7M, is additional NDRRA funding that is yet to be received and reserves that will be transferred as part of the October review process.

0

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7,000,000

8,000,000

9,000,000

10,000,000



Page 10


Shoulder Sealing

Comments Ungerer Lane is the only outstanding project under the shoulder sealing program. The remaining projects are complete and have generally achieved small savings.

Special Items

Comments An allowance of $300K has been made to remove, paint and reinstate the light poles along Rosewood Drive. This is an estimate as we are only now obtaining prices for the works.

0

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Page 11


Traffic and Road Safety

Comments The nature of these projects makes them attractive for wet weather type projects so we have programmed works during the first and 2nd quarters of 2014.

Trunk Roads

Comments Connors Road is currently forecast to be above budget however there are reserve funds that are to be transferred during the September budget review process. Archibald/Paradise roundabout has commenced and this project has part funding in the 14/15 financial year (FY). It is expected that it will be substantially complete in the 13/14 FY and as such $2.2M of 14/15 budget is forecast for expenditure this financial year and as such will be reviewed as part of the March 2014 budget review.

0

100,000

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1,000,000


0

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15,000,000

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Page 12


CIVIL OPERATIONS

Sealed Council Road Maintenance

Comments

Patching has been undertaken in the following localities – Balberra – Sandiford – Oakenden – Palmyra – Te Kowai – East Mackay – Ooralea – Walkerston – Racecourse – Mt. Charlton Midge Point – Andergrove Concrete works e.g. K&C and footpath repairs have been undertaken in Shoal Point – North Mackay – Slade Point – Eimeo – Glenella – Andergrove – Farleigh Linemarking works were undertaken in Andergrove – Mackay CBD – Eaglemont – Beaconsfield

Unsealed Council Road Maintenance

Comments

Formation grading together with shoulder grading where appropriate has been undertaken in the localities of McEwen’s Beach – Palmyra – Paget – Eungella – Dalrymple – Finch Hatton – Gargett – Owen Creek – Pinnacle – Septimus Mia – Mia – Kowari – Farleigh.

$0$1,000,000$2,000,000$3,000,000$4,000,000$5,000,000$6,000,000$7,000,000$8,000,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly Expenditure

Actual Expenditure YTD

$- $500,000

$1,000,000 $1,500,000 $2,000,000 $2,500,000 $3,000,000 $3,500,000 $4,000,000 $4,500,000 $5,000,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly Expenditure

Actual Expenditure YTD

Page 13


Street Cleaning

Comments

Programmed street and footpath cleaning have been completed in the period.

Open Drainage Maintenance

Comments

Programmed drainage maintenance was undertaken at Gooseponds – Sam’s Road – Cuttersfield – Fursden Creek – Black’s Beach – Shoal Point – Boundary Road – Racecourse – Chain Street – Casey Avenue – Longair Street – Perry Street – Carlyle Gardens

$- $100,000 $200,000 $300,000 $400,000 $500,000 $600,000 $700,000 $800,000 $900,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly Expenditure Actual Expenditure YTD

$- $200,000 $400,000 $600,000 $800,000

$1,000,000 $1,200,000 $1,400,000 $1,600,000 $1,800,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly Expenditure Actual Expenditure YTD

Page 14


Bridge Maintenance

Comments

Minor bridge maintenance activities and inspections were undertaken in the period. Rehabilitation works on four single lane timber bridges on Calen - Mt Charlton Road are scheduled to be commenced next month.

Boat Ramp Maintenance

Comments

Boat Ramp maintenance cleaning and inspections were undertaken in the period. Concrete batter protection was undertaken at the Eimeo Boat Ramp as a recoverable works job for the Department of Transport & Main Roads.

$-

$50,000

$100,000

$150,000

$200,000

$250,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly ExpenditureActual Expenditure YTD

$-

$20,000

$40,000

$60,000

$80,000

$100,000

$120,000

2013/14 Approved Budget Monthly ExpenditureActual Expenditure YTD

Page 15


RMPC's

Comments

Routine maintenance including bitumen surfacing repairs, mowing etc. and inspections have been undertaken in the period. The unsealed road grading and re-sheeting program has commenced on the unsealed road sections of the TMR network. It is anticipated that these works will be completed mid-December Works have recently commenced on Blue Mountain Road, Hazledean.

TMR – Boat Ramp repairs at Eimeo Creek Boat Ramp – replaced damaged batter protection.

- 300,000 600,000 900,000

1,200,000 1,500,000 1,800,000 2,100,000 2,400,000 2,700,000 3,000,000 3,300,000 3,600,000 3,900,000

July

Aug

Sept Oct

Nov De

c

Jan

Feb

Mar

ch

April

May

June

Programmed Cash Flow

Actual Cash Flow

Eimeo Creek Boat Ramp

Eimeo Creek Boat Ramp

Page 16


NDRRA Restoration Works Overview

The overall NDRRA program (2010, 2011 & 2012) is at 74% complete to the end of September 2013. The program is scheduled to reach practical completion by June 30th 2014, weather permitting, with final acquittals being completed by September 2014. The primary focus on the team is compliance, audit, reporting, cash flow and contract delivery over coming months. The NDRRA team is continuing to work closely with other Council sections and the Queensland Reconstruction Authority for compliance and delivery of the program. Discussions with QRA are also focussed on confirming funding submission scope and approvals in accordance with NDRRA guidelines.

Total Natural Disaster Recovery Project Overview

Comments

The recommended value will increase in excess of the estimated cost to complete resolving the disparity between these figures, once all approvals have been obtained from the Authority for the 2012 event submissions.

74% complete for whole of program.

2010 Event Natural Disaster Recovery Status

Comments

2010 event has reached practical completion with only the off maintenance contractual obligations and funding agreement acquittal outstanding. The exception is the Heinrich St project for which an extension of time approval has been sought and received. The transfer of uncompleted sites to the 2011 event has been detailed on the Form 9, in line with QRA instructions. 99% complete with the transfer of uncompleted sites to the 2011 event.

$0

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Total Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery Overview as at 30th September 2013

Actual ExpenditureForecasted Final costRecommended Value of Submissions

$0$10$20$30$40$50$60$70$80$90

$100

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-14

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ions

2010 Natural Disaster relief & recovery event as at 30th September 2013


Page 17



Comments

The recommended value (RV) includes the transferred 2010 sites.

53% complete at program level as reported on form 9.


Comments

Once remaining approvals are finalised by the Authority, the total recommended value will be better represented bringing the whole of program outcome into true perspective. The NDRRA team are working closely with the Authority to respond to queries and to finalise the approvals.

24% complete at program level as reported on form 9.

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2011 Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery event as at 30th September 2013

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Recommended Value of Submissions

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2012 Natural Disaster Relief & Recovery event as at 30th September 2013


Page 18


PARKS AND ENVIRONMENT

Administration - Park Bookings

Grass Mowing Requests

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Park Bookings Bot. Gardens

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20 27

61 68 67

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Grass Mowing

Page 19


Arboriculture

Grass Maintenance Activities

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Tree Crew Requests

Actioned Received

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Grass Mow Snipping Litter Collection Herbicide Poison

Hour

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Page 20


Cemeteries

Horticulture

Comments A great month for the Orchid House with a very successful Orchid Extravaganza. The event was officially opened by Jason Costigan and Mayor Deirdre Comerford. An estimate by one of the larger stall holders was that approximately $45,000 was spent on orchids/plants/pots etc. 1350 people attended on Saturday, 690 on Sunday, and another 640 through on Monday and Tuesday. Eight buses of elderly community groups from as far as Carmila and Seaforth attended the event. Monthly visitor count for September was 793 visitors excluding the Orchid Extravaganza; so a total of 3473 visitors for the month.

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Sep-12 Oct-12 Nov-12 Dec-12 Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13

Buria

ls/A

shes

Burials/Ashes in Mackay Region

Burials Ashes

Page 21


Natural Environment and Marine Beach Activities

Volunteer and community activities Conservation Volunteers Australia ∑ Conservation Volunteers spent three days undertaking weed control at Sandfly Creek Environmental Reserve

and one day at Far Beach maintaining recent revegetation.

Coasts and Communities Activities ∑ The Spring Coastcare calendar was released, providing local residents with the opportunity to get involved in a

huge range of coastal management activities over the Spring period. ∑ Ball Bay residents removed invasive weeds including Mother of Millions from the foredunes and salt marsh area

on Saturday September 14th. ∑ Weeds were removed from Eimeo Creek on Saturday September 14th by six local volunteers.

Natural Environment Plan implementation

Coastal Priority Projects ∑ Bucasia weed control and revegetation project ongoing. ∑ Seaforth, Haliday Bay and Ball Bay weed control and revegetation projects ongoing.

Waterways Priority Projects ∑ Salvinia control project – continued spraying and vacuum extraction of Salivina from waterways adjacent to Doris

Street, North Mackay. Vacuum-extracted Salvinia was taken to pre-organised dump site to drain and solarise. ∑ Lagoons Creek project – ongoing work with internal and external stakeholders to undertake this project.

Plains Priority Projects ∑ Fire training project – planning for fire training is in progress.

Habitat Restoration team activities

Comments ∑ Completed fencing and installed signs at Slade Point Reserve (Anvil Street). ∑ Set up new nursery benches in the recently upgraded Mackay Natural Environment Centre Nursery. ∑ Weed control was undertaken at the Gooseponds fishways, Eulbertie Reserve, Far Beach, Sandfly Creek

Environmental Reserve, Morag McNichol Reserve, Weeping Cabbage Tree Reserve, Doris Street wetland, Blacks Beach Spit and Bucasia.

∑ Staff attended a ‘Growing Media Workshop’ in Townsville. ∑ Revegetation was watered at Far Beach, Sandfly Creek and Bucasia.

Marine Beach teams (Sarina and Mackay) Activities

Comments ∑ 210m of fencing was installed along Bucasia Esplanade in front of the Caravan Park and 130m of fencing was

installed around the Bucasia boat ramp car park to prevent illegal vehicle access to the dunes and beach. ∑ Approximately 150m of fencing was installed at Louisa Creek and weed control was undertaken across a 7000m2

area. ∑ Revegetation was watered at Grastree Beach, Campwin Beach, Finlaysons Point, Haliday Bay, Shoal Point and

Bucaisa. ∑ Repairs were carried out on the McEwens Beach Swimming Enclosure. ∑ Beach signage was installed at Bucasia, Blacks and McEwens beach.

Page 22


∑ Access track upgrades were undertaken at Ball Bay. ∑ Replaced a chain gate with an aluminium gate at Seagull St Slade Point to prevent vehicle and motorbike access

to natural areas

Environmental Ranger Activities Comments ∑ Green waste and general waste dumping – investigation of several complaints, including Heath’s Road Glenella,

Mackay-Eungella Rd and Midge Point. 61 warning letters and three compliance letter were issued during this period.

∑ Warning notice issued for illegal tree clearing. ∑ Attended the Grasstree Beach Motorbike Races event.

Other Projects

Comments ∑ Mackay and District Turtlewatch Association (MDTWA) won the Coastcare category at the State Landcare

Awards. The Coastcare award is given to a community group that demonstrates excellence in their activities and that make a significant contribution to improving local coastal environments. The MDTWA have worked hard to protect turtles since 1992, through turtle monitoring, coastal habitat management, community education and awareness-raising activities. The group is now a finalist for the for the 2014 National Coastcare Award.

∑ Community consultation was undertaken for the draft Beach Plan for Town and Far Beach. ∑ Additional Beach signage is being ordered. ∑ Mackay Natural Environment Centre redevelopment project – irrigation has been installed across all zones,

Thermoshield has been applied to Beach Protection shed and dongas, concrete slab laid for vehicle bay extension and footings installed for new awnings, shade structure and awnings installed.

∑ Eungella Biodiversity Study – project meetings and site visit by Dr Ashton from Griffith University, including an information evening for potential volunteers. This project is being facilitated by Natural Environment Team staff and is funded ($100,000) through the Natural Environment Levy. Staff are coordinating volunteers to assist with the field study, liaising with university staff and providing project updates to the community.

∑ Interviews held for trainee positions. ∑ The draft Beach Plan for Town and Far Beach was released for community comment. The plan has been

advertised in line with the Community Engagement Strategy and comments will be received until 1st November. An online survey is available for people to complete.

∑ One new site assessment and seven revisits were completed as part of the Land for Wildlife Program and nearly 400 plants were distributed to landholders.

∑ Sarina Community Gardens open day was held on 7th September, with over 120 community members in attendance, a variety of stalls and displays, and special guest Costa Geordiadis from Gardening Australia. The project has been supported by council and delivered by SLCMA and the community. The winners of the Sarina Native Garden Competition were announced at this event. Council was a sponsor of the competition.

Page 23


New greenhouse at MNEC Sarina Community Native Gardens Open Day

Fay Griffin, Ken Griffin and Diane Clarke from MDTWA with their award

Vacuum-harvesting Salvinia weed

Fencing at Slade Point Reserve Waterway with Salvinia removal in progress

Page 24


Fencing at the Bucasia boat ramp car park Fencing at Louisa Creek

Page 25


Parks Building Services Activities

Traffic Signal Maintenance

Parks Electrical Work

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Traffic Signal Mtce Traffic Signal Emergency ResponseTraffic Signal Lamp Replacement Traffic Signal Wide Load Pole LoweringStreet Lighting

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Num

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f Rep

airs

Site Hut Connection/ Disconnection Test and Tag InspectionsPark Electrical Repairs Amenity Electrical RepairsOther Electrical Work

Page 26


Play Equipment Inspection and Maintenance

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Manditory Operational Inspections Visual Inspections

Play Equipment Repairs – Substantial Play Equipment Repairs - Minor

Page 27


Public Amenities ∑ The school holidays saw the usual spike in vandalism and graffiti. ∑ Door hinges and locks repaired at Blue Water Quay. ∑ Graffiti was cleaned and painted over at Quota Park, a vandalised sharpes container was also replaced. ∑ Graffiti was cleaned and painted over at Shoal Point, a vandalised cubicle door and toilet roll dispenser were also

repaired. ∑ Epoxy flake flooring at Centenary Park disabled cubicle was refurbished. ∑ All amenities listed on the Hazard Inspection Matrix were inspected. During this inspection many small niko pen

type graffiti areas were cleaned. ∑ Graffiti was repainted at Queens Park. ∑ Quota Park amenties were heavily graffitied for a second time and this was again cleaned and painted. ∑ Doors were repaired at Schaefers Street Park and a small amount of graffiti was removed. ∑ Two lights at John Breen Park were replaced due to vandalism.

Sheared off traffic light pole, Nebo Road Apex Park, shopping trolley on shade sail

New ship wheels, Caneland Park Damaged traffic light, Diesel Drive

Page 28


Park Furniture ∑ Graffiti was cleaned and painted at Lamberts Beach picnic shelter. ∑ A large amount of graffiti was cleaned and painted at Mt Oscar lookout. ∑ Four beach showers had worn inner concrete wall combinations replaced at Mulherin Park. ∑ A repaired bubbler was concreted around at the Bucasia Skate Ramp. ∑ A decorative rock pitched stone wall at Illuka Park was vandalised, this has been repaired. ∑ A beach shower and concrete base was installed on the new section of path at Bucasia Esplanade. ∑ A new bike rack was installed at Hospital Bridge in response to a request from the public. ∑ Old paper dispensers at Blue Water Quay were removed and replaced with new ones. ∑ There were fifteen repairs to park copperlog fencing and gates completed during the month. ∑ All timber furniture at Hospital Bridge was oiled. ∑ Picnic shelter at Midge Point received a full repaint.

Graffiti, Quota Park Graffiti, Quota Park

Graffiti, Pollock Street Lookout Shelter repaint, Midge Point

Page 29


Other Work Completed - City Heart, Blue Water Quay and Blue River Trail ∑ 5.000 Sqm of concrete and path cleaner with blower. ∑ 3,000 Sqm of path cleaned with Water Blaster. ∑ 387 bins emptied. ∑ 12 bins repaired. ∑ 64 bins cleaned. ∑ 21 umbrella cleans. ∑ 11 shopping trolleys removed from river and parkland. ∑ 9 bags of rubbish collected from river bank. ∑ 13 repairs to City Heart furniture. ∑ A new water bottle refill station was installed at Blue Water Quay. ∑ Timber decks at Caneland Park were oiled.

Water Bottle Refill Station, Q150 Deck oiling, Canelands Park

Page 30


Capital Works Projects completed:

Queens Park Nursery Roof Repairs and Extension

Comments A new section of roof was added to the covered working area at the Queens Park Nursery. This will prevent rain and sunlight from entering the nursery work area. Several repairs were completed on the older section of roof.

Page 31


Eimeo Esplanade Furniture Replacement

Comments Seven old deteriorated timber picnic settings have been replaced with new aluminium picnic settings. Works also involved replacing several of the concrete slabs the furniture is mounted on.

Page 32


Marian Hampden Park – Shelter Extension

Comments The picnic shelter at Marian-Hampden Park was extended by one bay as requested by local residents association. The extension has since been painted to complete the project and works have started on a bollard fence along the front of the park.

Page 33


Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens

Horticulture Horticulture and site works

∑ The dry season has seen considerable challenges maintaining the 'your plants' in the Living Collection planted in 2013 in the dry conditions. Due to water restrictions, this has seen staff on most permitted days hand watering and using sprinklers prior to the 10:00am cut off. Even though the majority of planting out finished in June, and plantings have been limited to irrigated or lagoon fringing areas, tube stock plants can take over a year (two wet seasons) to establish.

∑ Formative and remedial pruning continued. ∑ Extensive mulching with both staff and contractors working through the site. ∑ Planting - mainly in irrigated areas such as the Heritage Garden and with further lagoon edge plantings at

Meadowlands. ∑ Staff commenced the Finch Hatton Gorge Waterway clean up and facility maintenance. ∑ Irrigation audit - site wide to identify problems, coverage and repairs. ∑ Pathway audit – site wide to find solutions to damage caused by fig tree roots and the summer wet season.

Community Engagement

Gardens Friends and SGAP Mackay ∑ 7 September - the Friends Guided walk on our threatened plant species was well attended. Thanks to our two

local ’experts’ Irene Champion and Meryl Ritchie for their input and participation Each one of Queensland's native plants is a special part of our biodiversity. Some plant species are disappearing from the wild and are at risk of extinction. We found out what they are in our region; why they are threatened; and what MRBG is doing to help our threatened species and how we could help. This walk followed on from the Sarina Catchment and Landcare open day where Costa Georgiordies from ABC Gardening Australia announced the winner of the 2nd Native Garden Competition. Curator Dale Arvidsson was one of the judges and enjoyed seeing many interpretations of what a 'native garden' is - from rainforest, to revegetation, to city blocks, rural acreage and beachside gardens.

∑ 30 September– at the MRBG Herbarium Dale and Irene spent the morning researching the Living Collection to identify all Plectranthus spp. (often termed Native Coleus) that are planted throughout the botanic gardens. Not as simple as it might sound, as many Plectranthus species tend to be short lived and to be replaced by seedling plants. Plectranthus hybridise readily so these aren’t necessarily the same as the original parent. There is also confusion over the identity of dried specimens that have already been sent to the Queensland Herbarium. Specimens of the same clonal material sent at different times have come back with different identifications. Spirited and live material is much preferred for positive identification. So many of the MRBG Plectranthus remain a puzzle. Specimens of two other rare fertile shrubs from the MRBG Living Collection were also collected. Initial pressing was done at the MRBG but further processing will be undertaken off site.

Threatened species guided walk

Book competition

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Exhibitions at the Gardens ∑ Until 8 September the "Diversity in Nature: Special Plants of Mackay Whitsunday" was on display in the

Lagoons Gallery. This exhibition features local native plant species with a story to tell. They may be a plant species that is 'threatened in the wild', have a close association with fauna or have interesting seed dispersal patterns, but they are all showcased and growing in the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and occur in the Central Queensland Coast Bioregion. Local artists using printmaking, photography, drawing, sculpture and watercolours depict these special plants in unique ways.

∑ 26 September - 3 November 'Botanica VIII'… An Exhibition by the Mackay Botanical Art Interest Group Colourful, curious and captivating flora from our local region is showcased in the botanical art exhibition 'Botanica VIII' by the Mackay Botanical Art Interest Group (BAIG). This year is the 10th birthday of the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens, where BAIG has its home. In keeping with the spirit of celebration, the exhibition features some of the special bioregional native plants growing in the Botanic Gardens. Exotics and other natives join the party too. Botanical illustration and art combines detail, accuracy and artistry, with many hours needed for each watercolour painting or graphite drawing. A glimpse into the inner workings of the botanical artists is provided by displays of their sketchbooks, photos, odd pods and all things flora, showing how the artists take a live specimen and create a “living” piece of botanical art.

Eungella Biodiversity Monitoring project ∑ Griffith University, The Queensland Herbarium and the MRBG have partnered to undertake further research

into how climate change may already be affecting our regional biodiversity by recording the plants and animals in the rainforest at different elevations - from 200m up to over 1000m. There are very few places that this can be achieved in Australia. The MRBG will be assisting the Queensland Herbarium with identifying plants at the sites throughout November.

Plant-ed Education Program/School Holiday Activities/Small Explorers ∑ 4 September - 39 Walkerston Prep children in two separate groups came to learn about weather effects on

plants… sun: photosynthesis, rain: water plants, drip tips on leaves, bromeliads, Omphalea roots storing water, cacti making shade etc., water: (evaporation / pollution water issues), wind / cyclone: (spreading seeds, roots for support etc.,). It was opportune that it was windy/overcast/sunny with a small shower of rain, so the children could experience the varied weather.

∑ 5 September - Year 4, St John's Catholic School Walkerston (27 students) came to the Botanic Gardens as they were studying plants in science this term. The areas covered were seed germination, the stages of a plants life cycle (including flowers and fruit), what plants need for growth, relationships between plants and animals and how they depend on each other and the environment to survive (e.g. flowers & bees, ants and seeds, investigating various seed dispersal methods). They also looked at endangered species (animals) as part of their Integrated Unit and the Bungee Jumping Caterpillars Book highlighted our local moth species that feeds on an endangered plant.

∑ 9 September - Marian State School Prep classes chose to do a self-guided tour - one group at 9:30-11:30am and one group from 12:00- 2:00pm to explore what they could find in the Botanic Gardens... leaves, creatures and birds. Another class from St. John’s Catholic School in Walkerston, this time 29 Prep students attended on 12 September. They had been learning about the lifecycle of insects and plants throughout this term and the Botanic Gardens provided a wealth of real life / hands on experiences for them.

∑ 13 September - Year 1 classes from St Mary’s Primary also came and investigated the Botanic to extend their learning of their mini beast unit.

∑ 16 September– Small Explorers "Wildlife in the Botanic Gardens" was held with 32 children and their parents, carers and grandparents arrived and the room and paths were bursting with adults, prams and excited children. Visitor Services Officer Maya Harrison led everyone to special areas of the MRBG to explore a range of creatures, the mating North Queensland Day Moths being one of the highlights. The session also included story reading, information books, displays of creatures, and the painting of paper butterflies as an artistic activity at the end was also greeted with enthusiasm.

∑ 17-19 September - Whitsunday Anglican School always have the MRBG as their top ranking place to visit for their Camp Week excursions. Tuesday 17 September - a Kindergarten class came to investigate, ‘Bugs, Bugs,

Page 35


Bugs’ and a few other creatures too. September 18 - another Kindergarten Class came and their featured topic was ‘Birds, Birds, Birds’. 19 September and two classes of prep aged children visited and explored the MRBG from a historical perspective. Looking at features of the Botanic Gardens such as the base of the old Water pumping station from over a hundred years ago, to the Wharf logs (felled in 1930 made into the Sugar wharf before coming to the Botanic Gardens to become recycled forests. Children discovered how early Mackay settlers grew all their food including coffee, tea, vegetables, herbs, fruit and even bananas. We also looked at different bush tucker foods that the Indigenous people would have eaten long ago and then we also visited the coal garden and found dinosaurs. And then it was school holidays!

∑ From 23 September– school holiday activities saw self-guided special trails with quizzes available with the chance to win a special book. Children could collect a quiz sheet from MRBG Administration, explore to find the answers to the quiz on special trails and return the quiz sheet to into the draw for a free "Bungee Jumping Caterpillars Book". The winning quiz will be drawn on Wednesday, 9 October.

Community Engagement

∑ 18 September - A second community meeting and workshop for the year was held between the MRBG, Council's Community Development program and members of the Mackay Torres Strait Islands community to further progress plans for signs, seats and the all-important plants for the Torres Strait Islands Precinct. We were fortunate to have two elders be present to share many stories about life on the islands and the plants that they remembered. Council's Graphic Designer Kerry McNeill presented the first concept for the new signs for the precinct shelter.

Small Explorers St John School visit

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Botanic Gardens Website

Comments

Web traffic saw 1279 unique visits to the site. Most popular pages viewed were:

1. /lagoons_cafe 2. /lagoons_cafe/menu 3. /lagoons_cafe/opening_hours 4. /photo_gallery 5. /functionsbookings/weddings 6. /events/school_holidays_activities 7. /lagoons_cafe/bookings 8. /contact_us 9. /what_can_i_see/maps 10. /events/events

This year April and August have been the peak months for visiting the website.

Enewsletter subscribers

Comments

An increase was seen in the eNewsletter subscribers for September with 772 people now subscribing.

1332 1379 1319 1208

1312

1444

1279

Botanic Gardens Website visits

689 720

740 749 758 767 772

Botanic Gardens eNewsletter subscribers

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TECHNICAL SERVICES

∑ Development and design for saturation damage projects throughout the Council area for 2011 and 2012 events.

∑ Development and design of projects within Capital Works Program (CWP) for 2013/14 and 2014/15. ∑ Specific detail design associated with grant funded RDA Round 5 – City Centre Revitalisation

(detailed design) ∑ Discussions with service providers to streamline design and construction processes. ∑ Following implementation of Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) specifications and

estimates extend assessment to track actual unit rates to build history for future estimates. ∑ Attendance at meetings in relation to: Engineering Services Departmental Briefing, Information

Management Steering Committee, Improving Visual Amenity Committee, Strategic Planning Internal Stakeholders Committee, Engineering Services Department Program Managers Meeting, Technical Services Supervisors Meeting, Aurecon Road Review meetings, Quality systems Committee, ADAC Technical Review and PMG meetings, Management Leadership Forum and City Centre Design Review meeting.

∑ Lead role in the development of the “Active Towns” strategy: o Annual Plan for Year 2 projects submitted for TMR approval o Construction plans generated for Bluewater Trail (Bluewater Quay (BWQ) to River Street

Ramp), Cross City Link, Gooseponds Link to Magpies, PCYC refurbishment, Memorial Bike Cage

o Design engagement accepted for Signage Master Plan, City Centre intersection line marking standard ,Alternative Bike routes and Evaluation Program proposal

Survey Services

Overview ∑ 20% of 2014/2015 CWP surveys completed

∑ Surveys completed for North Mackay Flood Levee

∑ Cadastral surveys complete for: Roy St Drainage

Digital Cadastral Data Base (DCDB) ∑ Bloomsbury field work 100% & plotting 100% Checks completed and files sent to DNRM

∑ Awaiting quotes to upgrade remainder of DCDB in Koumala/Sarina Range area

Australian Height Datum (AHD)

∑ Repairs to and maintenance of permanent survey marks around the regions to and maintenance of permanent survey marks around the region

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Design Services

Capital Works Program (CWP) ∑ Two of 214 2008/9 and 2009/10 projects are to be completed: Malcomson/Greenfields Intersection and

Bridge Road footpath adjacent to the Hospital. ∑ 107 of the 110 design projects in the 2010/11 CWP completed (96%). Those remaining, are: Archibald

reconstruction and upgrade, and Malcomson / Greenfields Intersection upgrade ∑ 111 of 114 design projects in the 2011/12 CWP completed to date (97%). . ∑ 92 of 98 design projects in the 2012/13 CWP completed to date (94%) ∑ 66 of 88 design projects in the 2013/14 CWP complete to date (75%) ∑ 17 of 65 design projects in the 2014/15 CWP completed to date (26%) ∑ Those outstanding require land acquisitions, valuations, input from service authorities etc, which is

delaying completion of the design.

Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA)

∑ Detail design 2010 NDRRA projects 100% complete. ∑ Detail design 2011 NDRRA projects 95% complete, only Stockroute Road remaining. ∑ 2012 NDRRA Program assessed and three design projects identified. Survey completed and

Geotech works commenced and design commenced (80% complete). One project to be completed.

Major Projects for delivery next month

∑ Queens Park Master Plan Detail Design ∑ Midge Point Road NDRRA and Capital Works Rehabilitation and Reconstruction detail design and

technical specification ∑ Stockroute Road NDRRA rehabilitation

Landscape Issues

∑ Detail design for Bluewater Trail (BWT) sections – Bluewater Quay (BWQ) to River Street Boat Ramp – Stages 2 and 3 – due to funding availability these will have to be delivered via CWP at a later stage.

∑ Active Town projects Year 2: o Cross City Link - Bridge to Webberley section - detailed design underway o Gooseponds Link Part 1 - Bruce Highway Underpass to Willets Road - detailed design

underway o Cross City Link Connection to Bluewater Trail - detailed design underway

∑ Preliminary design and estimates for BWT section through Quota Park and interim "on road" connection back to Iluka Park.

∑ Improving Visual Amenity Committee - Various roundabouts and streetscape reviews as requested. ∑ DDA Access Audit 2013/14 West Mackay and commercial and educational precincts in association with

Eric Martin and Associates. Preparing briefing for consultants. ∑ Ongoing input and review of Public Realm Guidelines and detail design plans for CBD Consultation. ∑ Detail design for Capital Works landscaping for projects including Peel/Alfred Roundabout, Jillalan

Lookout detail design, DDA Access Audit priority list, CBD Revitalisation project, revised Southern Entry statement.

∑ Queens Park detail design delivery phase. ∑ Wallman's Road landscape - preliminary design.

Traffic and Investigation Issues

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∑ Active Towns Program: o Evaluation report has been submitted to DTMR. MRC is the only Council in the trial to date that has

complied with its reporting obligations and that Main Roads are impressed. o Next quarter yearly Evaluation Survey is to be performed in mid-November on completion of the

Goose Pond Bridge crossing under the Bruce Highway.

∑ Traffic Counts: o Rotation of 50 traffic counters. Current Traffic Count Studies are being performed for: o School Zone speed limit follow-up after implementation of changes to School Zone Times. o Cordon Survey of areas for average traffic generation rates for mixed land use nearing completion. o Site Specific cordon survey to obtain traffic generation rates for specific land use being developed. o General traffic counts for Capital projects. o Trial of reinforced pneumatic tube to reduce frequency of maintenance to repair punctured tubes. o Beginning preliminary analysis of permanent site data to determine seasonal variation and traffic

volume characteristics.

∑ Investigations: o Initial stages of Speed Limit Zone audit has begun with Technical Services co-operating with GIS to

update and verify speed limit layer in MADI. o Initial investigation and review for MRC Cycleway Strategy – Update 2011 – 2016, involving the

prioritising of the Capital Works Budget to identify missing links. o Final Stages of CBD Parking and Signage Audit. Currently being reviewed by Civil Operations. o Preliminary review of Direction Signage with the intention of preparing a Direction Sign Master Plan

based upon Direction Sign report. o Early stage development of internal process for the inspection of Works on Roads Requests to

ensure appropriate level of reporting and notification is received by Utility Companies. This is to allow better compliance and control of external works within Council’s Road Reserves.

o Currently an audit is being performed of Council Records regarding localised flooding issues due to blocked drains. The intention is to try to identify the location of re-occurring blockages and arrange maintenance prior to the beginning of the wet season.

∑ Client Requests: o A total of 1255 Client Requests have been received for the year to date of which 1164 have been

completed within response times, and 78 completed outside of response times. Currently Traffic and Investigations has a 93.7% completion within response times.

o Traffic and Investigations have completed a minimum of 395 Internal and External enquiries for the month of August.

o 53 Works on Roads Requests totalling 31 hours processing time. o 19 Q100 Requests totalling 6 hours processing time. o 62 Plan Searches totalling 32 hours processing time. o 108 Excess Dimension Load Approvals totalling 18 hours processing time. A total of 978 Excess

Dimension Loads greater than 4.6 m wide, averaging 6.7m wide, have been approved for the year to date.

o 31 Temporary Road Closure Approvals totalling 37 hours processing time. o One Heavy Vehicle Parking letter sent to residents and property owners in response to one

complaint. Approximately one hour processing time. Total of 34 letters issued for the year to date in response to 24 complaints. All issues resolved to Client satisfaction.

Page 40


EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Overview

BOM Weather / River Alert Warnings Received

Five (5) BOM Warning Advices were received in the month ending 30/9/2013. ∑ Five (5) No Threat Tsunami Advices. ∑ Nil (0) Severe Weather/Thunderstorm Warnings. ∑ Nil (0) Flood Warnings ∑ Three (3) advices were received outside Council’s normal business hours but received immediate

action by the Emergency Management team. Year to date figures

∑ Total Year 2013 to Sept 13 - One hundred and sixty three (163) BOM Warning Advices received. ∑ Total Previous Year to Sept 12 - Two hundred and twenty eight (228) BOM Warning Advices

received. ∑ Total Advices received 2012 - Two hundred and sixty four (264) BOM Warning Advices received.

Nil (0) Rainfall / River Height SMS Alerts were issued in the month ending 30/9/2013.

∑ Total Year to Date - Sixteen (16) alerts related to rainfall above 50mm within an hour. ∑ Total Year to Date - Eighteen (18) alerts related to river heights. ∑ Total Year to Date - Thirty one (31) were received outside Council’s normal business hours but

received immediate action by the Emergency Management team.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

Number of BoM Warnings Issued

Tsunami Severe Weather Flood Total Warnings

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Community Education

A discussion took place to make arrangements for the "Get Ready" disaster resilience campaign for October. The campaign will run from 14th October to 31st October and will include television, radio and newspaper advertising.

Disaster Co-ordination Centre The Disaster Coordination Centre remains in a state of readiness and can be activated on short notice as per the standard operating procedures. Emergency Management Website

The website continues to be updated and maintained by the Emergency Management staff.

Review of Queensland Flood Commission of Inquiry Recommendations

Work continues on adopting the Queensland Flood Commission Interim and Final Recommendations.

Mackay Local Disaster Management Group The Mackay Local Disaster Management Group met on the 12th August 2013. The next scheduled meeting is the 11th November 2013.

Operations

Red Witchweed The latest Industry Update from Biosecurity Queensland was received on 25th September:

∑ To date, red witchweed has only been detected on four sugar cane properties near Mackay.

∑ Surveillance staff have conducted surveillance on 115 properties (covering a total of at least 8792 ha).

∑ Further properties have been identified for investigation by tracing the movements of high risk items from the four infested properties.

∑ Further rounds of surveillance will be required through the summer months.

∑ Harvest has been completed on two of the infested properties and assuming conditions remain favourable, harvest on the other two properties is expected to finish within the next two weeks.

0

5

10

15

20

25

Jan-13 Feb-13 Mar-13 Apr-13 May-13 Jun-13 Jul-13 Aug-13 Sep-13

Number of Riveralert SMS

Warnings Issued

Rainfall >50mm/hr River Heights

Received outside of business hours Total SMS Warnings

Page 42


Planning - Mackay Local Disaster Management Plan and Operational Plans ∑ Work on an Interim Evacuation Operational Plan continues. ∑ Various Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for Referable Dams were received during September for

Council's viewing and feedback provided. Referable Dam owners have until 1 October to submit their EAP to the Department of Energy and Water Supply.

∑ Emergency Management staff continue to finalise the internal plan for the operation of the Cyclone Shelter.

∑ Council officers are continuing to negotiate an agreement with the Department of Education Training and Employment in relation to the use of the Public Cyclone Shelter and Places of Refuge. A teleconference between the Council's that have cyclone shelters was held to discuss further refining of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Projects / Mitigation Strategies A number of Projects and Mitigation Strategies are currently being either assessed or undertaken. Emergency Backup Generator Projects

∑ Installation of the Gordon White Library backup generator is scheduled for commencement in 2013/14.

∑ Installation of the Eungella Community Development Hall backup generator is scheduled for commencement in 2013/14.

The provision of emergency backup power to these facilities will assist in disaster response, recovery and enhance the business continuity capability of Council. SES Facility Upgrades As part of the upgrading of SES Facilities throughout the region, regular meetings of Council and SES Officers is being undertaken, the last meeting was held on 27th August 2013. Ness Street SES Facility Procurement methods were investigated for the engagement of an Architect to provide input into the site layout. The SES supplied plans for the shed layout which they see as ideal to effectively and efficiently carry out their operations. These plans will be considered as part of the initial planning process once an Architect has been engaged. Sarina SES Facility The plumbing approval was received for the site and the Plumber has been organised to start at the beginning of October. A site visit with the shed erector and plumber was also conducted. Arrangements for power and temporary water are to be arranged in October. Finch Hatton SES Facility The extension to the existing shed has been erected and only minor works remain to be completed.

Calen SES Facility

A site inspection was conducted with officers from Property Services to discuss the placement of the new 12x6m donga which will be used as a joint Council and SES training facility.

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Training

∑ Cyclone Shelter Management Team (CSMT) training was held during the month to familiarise shelter staff with the building and partake in training modules.

∑ Essential training was offered and provided to members of the LDMG under the Queensland Disaster Management Framework (QDMF). Training included Recovery, Disaster Management Planning and Evacuation modules.

∑ Council and Emergency Management Queensland (EMQ) staff attended a "Pets in Disasters" workshop run by the RSPCA during the month.

State Emergency Services

Overview

Local Controller Preparations for the upcoming storm season are well under way with the 2nd Recruit group for 2013 (2/13) moving to operational training and the forward planning for the 3rd recruit group for 2013 (3/13) nearing finalisation for implementation in October.

Stock audits have commenced with a preliminary estimation of an additional 5000 sandbags being the only addition to the units existing stock.

The sugar cane harvest has again effected the finalisation of training in Mirani and Sarina areas. The MRU will implement a six month intensive training plan for these areas in 2014.

Activations for the month 9th - Traffic Control

Activated by QPS, Calen and Midge Point groups attended and set up traffic management plans to aid emergency services during a two truck collision on the Peak Down Highway near Eton

14th - Search and Recovery

Activated by QPS Sarina and Mackay Groups responded and conducted land search operations for a missing fisherman. The next day four Flood Boats joined the search and located the missing person deceased. At the request of QPS the deceased was recovered and returned to the QPS forward command. SES was then stood down.

Public Safety/Community Education 15th - Grasstree Beach Races

Every year Sarina SES assists the Grasstree Beach Progress Association with traffic management to accommodate their annual motorcycle races. QPS approves the traffic management plan and the plan is implemented by SES traffic controllers.

15th - Mackay Triathlon

At the request of QPS, SES assisted with traffic control for this fund raising event.

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22nd - Great Northern Clean Up

The MRU participates each year utilising its Flood Boats to clean up the Pioneer River bank of rubbish on both sides from Canelands to the river mouth.

22nd - Flood Boat testing for Ecofest

MRU Flood Boats conducted rescue drills and practiced its demonstration for Octobers Ecofest.

27th-30th - Driver Reviver Nebo

Nebo SES was busy assisting in the western fire effort to fulfil their annual role in the Nebo Driver Reviver. A request from Nebo SES and RAAG was received and the MRU authorised groups to assist. Three teams were sent over three days to fill the missing positions.

Major Training Events

There were no major training events for the month.

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Civil Projects ∑ Evans Avenue project engagement commenced with one-to-one visits conducted with all affected

stakeholders in the area. Project page on the website was developed and key project contact information was dispersed.

∑ Connors Road continued to deliver monthly updates to the businesses in the area on the continuing progress of the project. Idea was forecasted to hold a thank you event for stakeholders ongoing support and continued cooperation throughout the project. This is being investigated/arranged.

∑ Shakespeare Street project engagement is ongoing with communication continuing one-to-one, media, website and monthly project information for the affected area.

∑ Paradise Street between Bridge Road to Archibald Street – works begun on Stage 5 in front of the businesses in this area, arrangements and ongoing engagement ensured that this works progressed well with minimal disruption to business trading.

∑ Paulette Street is making steady progress with ongoing one-to-one communication being carried out between the site supervisor and residents.

∑ Heinrich Street, Paget maintained strong relationships with businesses in the area while flood damage and rehabilitation works were conducted.

Parks & Environment

∑ The beach plans for Town and Far Beach were available for community comment on Council's website during September and October. Community commenting closes on 1 November 2013.

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BUSINESS SERVICES

Active Business Improvement Projects

Approved Projects

Underway

Description

Status

1. Calculation of unit rate costs of construction projects

This project aims to establish a unit rate database of construction costs to enable:

∑ more accurate and efficient contract estimation

∑ measure and compare performances ∑ Improve job cost forecasting.

∑ A unit cost reporting and forecasting spreadsheet has been developed. The spreadsheet is being implemented to capture unit costs on all major current construction projects

2. In-House Soil Testing

The department spends over $200,000 per annum on soil testing services. This amount is expected to increase substantially with the move to adopt DMR specifications. In addition to actual testing costs, there are concerns over the timeframe in which results are provided. It is noted that other Councils such as Whitsunday undertake soil testing in-house.

This proposal involves undertaking a feasibility study to identify the costs and benefits of establishing a soil testing lab and employing staff to undertake soil testing in-house.

∑ Feedback from NATA appears to show that costs of initial accreditation and ongoing costs to maintain accreditation may render this business improvement project unviable.

∑ Detailed costing will now be undertaken.

3. Use of Technology in Civil Projects

Within the industry there are many innovations in technology that are being adopted by Councils and Contractors. This project will pilot the use of two such technologies: use of robotic controlled levelling of grader blades; electronic capture and recording of laser levels..

∑ The investigation into the merits of using robotic total stations fitted to graders has been finalised. The report has been provided to Program Managers. Savings through the use of this technology has been estimated to exceed $100,000 per annum. As a result Civil Projects is considering its acquisition of a 2nd device for another Grader.

∑ The investigation into the electronic capture of laser levels has been temporarily suspended to the departure of the officer undertaking the trial.

4. Spatial Mapping of Geotech Reports

Council has collected a magnitude of Geotechnical Investigations resulting in the receipt of Pavement Design Reports be it through Engineering Services, Mackay Water or Development Services Subdivisional Section.

Engineering Services are currently compiling a database within ECM for these reports. In addition to this it is envisaged that a mapping layer showing these reports in Millis could be developed.

∑ The data has been collated with the support of Development Services and is being recorded through SMEC and linked to the GIS system.

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Active Business Improvement Projects

Approved Projects

Underway

Description

Status

This would enable future design projects to access existing data reduced in a reduced level of sub grade investigation testing where data already exits. This will result in a reduction in design costs.

5. Graduate Engineer Program

Engineering Services, Water and Waste Services and Development Services each employ graduate engineers. It is proposed that by implementing a structured graduate engineer program across Council it will have the following organisational benefits:

∑ Expanding the knowledge and skills base of engineers across a range of programs and functions;

∑ Facilitating more robust and rounded professional development for new engineers; and

∑ Improve recruitment by increasing the attractiveness of Council as a preferred employer.

∑ Advice on existing schemes has been obtained from the Institute of Engineer's Education Australia.

∑ Investigations of similar arrangements in other Local Governments currently underway. Townsville City council has just embarked on a similar program in partnership with Engineers Australia.

∑ A video-conference with Townsville Regional Council is being organised in order to learn from their approach.

Page 48


CLIENT SERVICE

Departmental Client Requests vs. Council Average

Comments

Engineering Services is tracking closely to the Council average and in most months has exceeded the Council average. In September the Department responded to 80% of client enquires within target timeframes, 2% above Council's average for the month.

0%20%40%60%80%

100%

Perc

enta

ge

2012/2013

Council Benchmark Target (85%)

Percentage completed within timeframe for the month

Council Average for the month

Page 49


QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality Assurance at a Glance

2013 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

No. of Completed Client Requests Surveyed for Satisfaction Levels*

327 376 345 419 311 460 329 412 310

No. of Completed Construction Projects Surveyed for Satisfaction Levels

4 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 6

No. of Client Satisfaction Survey Results Finalised

4 3 3 0 3 0 0 0 3

No. of IMS Documents Reviewed and Updated

2 15 130 50 20 10 15 10 10

No. of New IMS Documents Commenced

1 1 3 2 2 0 0 2 1

No. of Work Site Visits 12 16 20 22 15 13 15 10 20 No. of Internal Quality Audits Conducted 0 1 2 5 2 0 2 1 2

No. of Staff Training Sessions Conducted Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil 2 3

Paradise Street round-a-bout draft

Paradise Street round-a-bout draft

Page 50


Client Survey Results:

REQUESTS FOR MAINTENANCE WORK Results of Survey (July '13 - August '13)

Civil Operations

Comments Trends

ß Excellent. They were there that same afternoon. ß The resealing work was a complete waste of money

and resources. ß The work was done by Mossie and his team was

brilliant - one wouldn't ask or hope for a better job. ß We had better results from the council prior to

amalgamation. ß Top marks for John Baker. I suggest John did an

excellent job with no money. ß Best road job they have done since 1991.Great! ß An outstanding improvement by Mr Cain - he even lets

me know when the work will be done.

68

27

0 5 0

VERY GOOD GOOD FAIR POOR VERY POOR

Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Attitude of staff receiving request

74

215 0 0


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Attitude of staff attending request

3324

33

5 5


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Time taken to address request

3627

189 9


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Appearance of completed work

3824 24

5 10


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Degree work addresses request

3829 24

010


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Overall satisfaction with response

1

2

3

4

5

Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-Jun Jul-Aug Sep-Oct Nov-Dec

flV

. Poo

r

V

. Goo

d‡

Overall rating trends

2012 2013

Target

Page 51


REQUESTS FOR MAINTENANCE WORK Results of Survey (July '13 - August '13)

Parks & Environment

Comments Trends

ß Very happy client. Thank you. ß I thought my request had been forgotten by council. ß I didn't' think my request would be attended to as

promptly I was very happy. ß Has not been adequately addressed, Park still not

usable. ß Ray from your department was exceptionally helpful in

his assessment of my problem. ß Very happy and good job done. Well done guys. ß Had to ring council again to try and get rest of job done.

59

38

3 0 0


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Attitude of staff receiving request

5440

0 0 6


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Attitude of staff attending request

4334

9 311


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Time taken to address request

57

14 9 9 11


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Appearance of completed work

63

13 19

0 6


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Degree work addresses request

49

31

90

11


Perc

enta

ge

Satisfaction Level

Overall satisfaction with response

No. of surveys sent out: 104 No. of surveys returned: 39 Percentage returned: 37

1

2

3

4

5

Jan-Feb Mar-Apr May-Jun Jul-Aug Sep-Oct Nov-Dec

flV

. Poo

r

V

. Goo

d‡

Overall rating trends

2012 2013

Target

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