Ordinary

Meeting Notice and Agenda

 

An Ordinary Meeting of the Bega Valley Shire Council will be held at Council Chambers, Biamanga Room Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre Bega on
Wednesday, 20 November 2019 commencing at 2.00 pm to consider and resolve
on the matters set out in the attached Agenda.

 

 

 

To:

Cr Kristy McBain, Mayor

Cr Sharon Tapscott, Deputy Mayor

Cr Tony Allen

Cr Robyn Bain

Cr Jo Dodds

Cr Russell Fitzpatrick

Cr Cathy Griff

Cr Mitchell Nadin

Cr Liz Seckold

Copy:

General Manager, Ms Leanne Barnes

Director, Assets and Operations, Mr Anthony McMahon

Director,  Community, Environment and Planning, Dr Alice Howe

Acting Director, Business and Governance, Mr Daniel Murphy

Manager, Communication and Events, Ms Ariane Rummery

Minute Secretary, Mrs Bec Jones

 

 

 


Live Streaming of Council Meetings

Council meetings are recorded and live streamed to the Internet for public viewing.  By entering the Chambers during an open session of Council, you consent to your attendance and participation being recorded.

The recording will be archived and made available on Council’s website www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au. All care is taken to maintain your privacy; however as a visitor of the public gallery, your presence may be recorded.

Publishing of Agendas And Minutes

The Agendas for Council Meetings and Council Reports for each meeting will be available to the public on Council’s website as close as possible to 5.00 pm on the Thursday prior to each Ordinary Meeting.  A hard copy is also made available at the Bega Administration Building reception desk and on the day of the meeting, in the Council Chambers.

The Minutes of Council Meetings are available on Council's Website as close as possible to 5.00 pm on the Monday after the Meeting.

1.      Please be aware that the recommendations in the Council Meeting Agenda are recommendations to the Council for consideration.  They are not the resolutions (decisions) of Council.

2.      Background for reports is provided by staff to the General Manager for  presentation to Council.

3.      The Council may adopt these recommendations, amend the recommendations, determine a completely different course of action, or it may decline to pursue any course of action.

4.      The decision of the Council becomes the resolution of the Council, and is recorded in the Minutes of that meeting.

5.      The Minutes of each Council meeting are published in draft format, and are confirmed by Councillors, with amendments  if necessary, at the next available Council Meeting.

If you require any further information or clarification regarding a report to Counci, please contact Council’s Executive Assistant who can provide you with the appropriate contact details

Phone (6499 2104) or email execassist@begavalley.nsw.gov.au.

 


Ethical Decision Making and Conflicts of Interest

A guiding checklist for Councillors, officers and community committees

Ethical decision making

·      Is the decision or conduct legal?

·      Is it consistent with Government policy, Council’s objectives and Code of Conduct?

·      What will the outcome be for you, your colleagues, the Council, anyone else?

·      Does it raise a conflict of interest?

·      Do you stand to gain personally at public expense?

·      Can the decision be justified in terms of public interest?

·      Would it withstand public scrutiny?

Conflict of interest

A conflict of interest is a clash between private interest and public duty. There are two types of conflict:

·      Pecuniary – regulated by the Local Government Act 1993 and Office of Local Government

·      Non-pecuniary – regulated by Codes of Conduct and policy. ICAC, Ombudsman, Office of Local Government (advice only).  If declaring a Non-Pecuniary Conflict of Interest, Councillors can choose to either disclose and vote, disclose and not vote or leave the Chamber.

The test for conflict of interest

·         Is it likely I could be influenced by personal interest in carrying out my public duty?

·         Would a fair and reasonable person believe I could be so influenced?

·         Conflict of interest is closely tied to the layperson’s definition of ‘corruption’ – using public office for private gain.

·         Important to consider public perceptions of whether you have a conflict of interest.

Identifying problems

1st       Do I have private interests affected by a matter I am officially involved in?

2nd     Is my official role one of influence or perceived influence over the matter?

3rd      Do my private interests conflict with my official role?

Local Government Act 1993 and Model Code of Conduct

For more detailed definitions refer to Sections 442, 448 and 459 or the Local Government Act 1993 and Bega Valley Shire Council (and Model) Code of Conduct, Part 4 – conflictions of interest.

Agency advice     

Whilst seeking advice is generally useful, the ultimate decision rests with the person concerned.Officers of the following agencies are available during office hours to discuss the obligations placed on Councillors, officers and community committee members by various pieces of legislation, regulation and codes.

Contact

Phone

Email

Website

Bega Valley Shire Council

(02) 6499 2222

council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au

www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au

ICAC

8281 5999

Toll Free 1800 463 909

icac@icac.nsw.gov.au

www.icac.nsw.gov.au

Office of Local Government

(02) 4428 4100

olg@olg.nsw.gov.au

http://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/

NSW Ombudsman

(02) 8286 1000

Toll Free 1800 451 524

nswombo@ombo.nsw.gov.au

www.ombo.nsw.gov.au

 

Disclosure of pecuniary interests / non-pecuniary interests

Under the provisions of Section 451(1) of the Local Government Act 1993 (pecuniary interests) and Part 4 of the Model Code of Conduct prescribed by the Local Government (Discipline) Regulation (conflict of interests) it is necessary for you to disclose the nature of the interest when making a disclosure of a pecuniary interest or a non-pecuniary conflict of interest at a meeting. 

The following form should be completed and handed to the General Manager as soon as practible once the interest is identified.  Declarations are made at Item 3 of the Agenda: Declarations -  Pecuniary, Non-Pecuniary and Political Donation Disclosures, and prior to each Item being discussed:

Council meeting held on __________(day) / ___________(month) /____________(year)

Item no & subject

 

Pecuniary Interest

 

   In my opinion, my interest is pecuniary and I am therefore required to take the action specified in section 451(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 and or any other action required by the Chief Executive Officer.

Significant Non-pecuniary conflict of interest

   – In my opinion, my interest is non-pecuniary but significant. I am unable to remove the source of conflict. I am therefore required to treat the interest as if it were pecuniary and take the action specified in section 451(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.

Non-pecuniary conflict of interest

   In my opinion, my interest is non-pecuniary and less than significant. I therefore make this declaration as I am required to do pursuant to clause 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct. However, I intend to continue to be involved with the matter.

Nature of interest

Be specific and include information such as :

·         The names of any person or organization with which you have a relationship

·         The nature of your relationship with the person or organization

·         The reason(s) why you consider the situation may (or may be perceived to) give rise to a conflict between your personal interests and your public duty as a Councillor.

If Pecuniary

  Leave chamber

If Non-pecuniary  (tick one)

 Disclose & vote        Disclose & not vote          Leave chamber

Reason for action proposed

Clause 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct provides that if you determine that a non-pecuniary conflict of interest is less than significant and does not require further action, you must provide an explanation of why you  consider that conflict does not require further action in the circumstances

Print Name

 

I disclose the above interest and acknowledge that I will take appropriate action as I have indicated above.

Signed

 

NB:  Please complete a separate form for each Item on the Council Agenda on which you are declaring an interest.


Council

20 November 2019

 

Agenda

Statement of Commencement of Live Streaming

Acknowledgement of Traditional Owners of Bega Valley Shire

1       Apologies and requests for leave of absence

 

2       Confirmation Of Minutes

Recommendation

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 6 November 2019 as circulated, be taken as read and confirmed.

3       Declarations

Pecuniary, Non-Pecuniary and Political Donation Disclosures to be declared and tabled.  Declarations also to be prior to discussion on each item.

4       Public Forum – report by Mayor of deputations heard prior to the meeting

 

5       Petitions

 

6       Mayoral Minutes

 

7       Urgent Business

 

8       Staff Reports – Planning and Environment

 

Nil Reports

9       Staff Reports – Community, Culture and Leisure

 

Nil Reports

10   Staff Reports –Economic Development and Business Growth

 

Nil Reports

11     Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste and Water

 

11.1              Bermagui all-Inclusive Playspace - Final Concept Design........................................................... 8

11.2              Public Exhibition of draft Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba Flood Study.............................. 50

12   Staff Reports – Governance and Strategy

 

12.1              Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report........................................................ 56

13     Staff Reports – Finance

 

13.1              Engagement report - swimming pools discussion paper and SRV funding model............... 79

13.2              Southern Phone share acquisition offer.................................................................................. 141

 

14     Councillor Reports

14.1              Canberra Region Joint Organisation - 17-18 October 2019................................................. 145

14.2              Local Government NSW Annual Conference - 2019
Warwick Farm
14-16 October 2019................................................................................................................
147

 

15     Rescission/alteration Motions

 

16     Notices of Motion

 

17     Questions with Notice

17.1              Green Waste Disposal................................................................................................................. 152

17.2              Water Restrictions....................................................................................................................... 154

 

18     Confidential Business 

 

Representations by members of the public regarding closure of part of meeting

Adjournment Into Closed Session, exclusion of the media and public......................... 156

              

Statement of Cessation of Live Streaming for the period of the Closed Session.

Statement of Re-Commencement of Live Streaming

19     Noting of Resolutions from Closed Session

20   Declassification of reports considered previously in Closed Session  

 


Council

20 November 2019

 

 

Staff Reports – Infrastructure Waste And Water

 

20 November 2019

  

11.1            Bermagui all-Inclusive Playspace - Final Concept Design.................................... 8

11.2            Public Exhibition of draft Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba Flood Study.......... 50


Council 20 November 2019

Item 11.1

 

11.1. Bermagui all-Inclusive Playspace - Final Concept Design      

This report provides an update on the progress of the Bermagui all-inclusive Playspace project specifically seeking approval from Council on the Final Concept Design.

Consultation undertaken in formulating this concept design has been provided for Councillor review.

Director Assets and Operations   

Officer’s Recommendation

1.    That Council receive and note the information in the report.

2.    That Council endorse the final concept design for the Bermagui all-inclusive Playspace.

3.    That Council delegate authority to the General Manager to procure items of play equipment specified by the landscape architect.

4.    That Council delegate authority to the General Manager, if required, to endorse amendments to the design to fit within the project budget.

Executive SummaryTo assist with progressing the delivery of Bermagui’s all-inclusive Playspace, funded under Round 2 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, staff seek endorsement from Council on the final concept design, which has been based on the NSW Government’s Everyone Can Play guidelines.  These same guidelines were used to develop the upgrade to the Lot Stafford all-inclusive playspace in Tathra.

Extensive consultation has been undertaken with the community to help shape this final concept design.  This report summarises the consultation and how it has contributed to this final concept design.

Background

In December 2018, the Funding Deed for the Stronger Country Communities Fund Round 2 grant program was finalised.  Council received funding of $376,000 through the Fund to deliver an all-abilities playground in Bermagui. Council has committed a further $42,000 to the project through an asset renewal contribution, bringing the total project budget to $418,000.

Provision of an all-inclusive regional play space is valuable not only to the local community but also as an important asset to accommodate the needs of the many tourists who visit Bermagui for their holidays, as well as other special events such as the Four Winds Festival, Seaside Fair or Sculpture Bermagui. Currently, there is no regional inclusive all-abilities playground in Bermagui.

Following a determination by Council (26 June 2019) to utilise Apex Park, Bermagui as the site for the all-inclusive Playspace, Council staff engaged a Landscape Architect firm, Harris Hobbs Landscapes, to assist with the planning and design of this all-inclusive Playspace.

Council has maintained the Community Advisory Group (CAG) that it established at the outset of the planning for this play space.  The CAG welcomed Sue Thomas (former Access Inclusion and Advisory Committee member) to the group in August 2019 as a representative of the Access Inclusion and Advisory Committee.

Options

1.    Council endorse the attached final concept design enabling the project to progress to detailed design and construction tendering.

2.    Council not endorse the final concept design noting that this will impact on the project program and project delivery.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

A draft concept design was developed by the landscape architects (August 2019) and this was posted on Council’s Have Your say page from 26 August 2019 to 15 September 2019. Three comments were received during this consultation.  These have been provided as an attachment to this report.

Further to the Have your Say process, a community feedback session was held in Apex Park on Saturday 7 September 2019 to allow members of the community the opportunity to express their opinions on the draft concept design. This session was well received by the community with over 30 residents visiting the park between the hours of 10 am to 12 pm to talk with Council staff as well as the landscape architects.  Children and adults were given five stickers each to place on the image boards provided.  Orange stickers (dots) were given to adults, yellow dots were given to the children.  The result of this exercise is provided in the Attachments to this report.

The Bermagui Pre-school ran a similar exercise on the 11 September 2019 to assist the landscape architects to determine, where practicable, the type of play equipment and associated play elements that the community saw as an important as part of this playspace upgrade.

Council staff have also liaised closely with two entities that either directly/indirectly occupy the site as a lessee to Council (Bermagui Big Game Angler’s Club) or have a direct lease with the Crown (Sinclair Cove Moorings Inc.).  Both entities have provided their views to Council on how Apex Park should be designed given their direct/indirect use of this parkland space.  This correspondence is also provided in the Community Consultation section of the attachments.

As the project has inclusive elements as a primary objective, a representative from the BVSC Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee (AIAC) was included in the Community Advisory Group.  The final concept design was presented to the AIAC on the 12 November 2019.

Council have gained endorsement of this Final Concept Design from the Community Advisory Group (CAG).  This endorsement is attached to this report.

Consultation Planned

There will be no further community consultation with respect to the design of the Apex Park playspace upgrade.  Council endorsement of this concept design will establish the way for the landscape architects to commence detailed design of the playspace based on this final concept. 

Council officers will continue to inform the Community Advisory Group of progress of the detailed design, procurement of play equipment, and awarding of a contract to construct this playspace.

Council consideration of input

This report captures the community feedback on the draft concept design for the consideration of Council.

Financial and resource considerations

The Apex Park, Bermagui playspace upgrade is majority funded by the NSW Government under Round 2 of the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Two elements of the parkland upgrade are not covered under the Stronger Country Communities Fund, being the upgrade to the existing public amenities and constructing the shared pathway around the perimeter of Apex Park. 

Public amenities

The existing public amenities are required to be upgraded to accommodate an all accessible toilet as well as male and female ambulant cubicles.

Council staff have commenced the design process to augment the existing public amenities.  The funding for the design and upgrade of these toilets will come from the FY19/20 Public Amenities capital renewal budget.  It is estimated that design and upgrade works will be in the order of $75k.

Shared pathway

The shared pathway, which is shown on the final concept design as the perimeter pathway (potential 2.5m wide path to possible future works), sits outside the budget for this project.

This pathway serves a number of functions.

It allows for a shared pathway off Lamont Street.  The existing pathway along Lamont Street constructed by Council (October 2019) is only 1.8m wide with cyclists needing to utilise Lamont Street to continue this shared pathway network.  Individuals associated with the development of the shared pathway network suggested this alternate shared pathway be constructed around the perimeter of Apex Park.  Correspondence regarding this is included in the community consultation section of the attachments.

Access to the Big Game Angler’s weighing station and moorings along Sinclair Cove will be accommodated and formalised with the construction of this 2.5m wide shared pathway.  Access by the Bermagui Big Game Anglers Club (BBGAC) and the mooring leaseholders associated with Sinclair Cove Moorings Inc. (SCMI), will be as per agreed lease conditions.

The cost to construct the section of pathway referred to is estimated at $55,000 and will either be included as a recommended variation in a future quarterly budget review or as a proposal in the 2020/21 budget.

 

Funding source

 

Amount

Stronger Country Community Fund – Round 2

$

376,000

BVSC Contribution

$

42,000

Total funding available

 

$418,000

Legal /Policy

Apex Park, Bermagui is a Council managed Crown site (BVSC Managed Crown Reserve # 83225 - BFR - Apex Park / Campbells Cove).

It is zoned RE1 Public Recreation under Council’s Local Environment Plan 2013 (CLEP 2013).

Planning approvals regarding development of recreation facilities are often addressed under Division 12, Parks and other Public Reserves of State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) (ISEPP 2007).   The upgrade of the playground is regarded as exempt development under the ISEPP 2007.

Council is currently managing Native Title and Aboriginal Land Claim matters and approvals.  There is no proposed change to the use and purpose of the site as it is merely upgrading existing facilities.  It is envisaged that these will not cause a risk to the delivery of the project.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

Relevant Delivery Program 2017 – 2021 goals are:

Goal 2: We are an active, healthy community with access to good quality recreation and sporting facilities, and medical health care.

Goal 12: Our Council is financially sustainable and services and facilities meet community need.

2018/19 Operational Plan

The project to deliver the funded all-Inclusive Playspace is included in the adopted 2019/20 operational plan.  It is included on the ‘Playground Projects’ map within the 2019/20 Operational Plan.

The 2019/20 Operational Plan states that we will “deliver successful 2019 – 2020 grant projects for sporting facilities, coastal accessibility, playground and boating infrastructure”.

Asset Management

Council has an adopted Recreation Asset Management Plan 2017.  This plan puts a focus on renewing existing assets and/or linking capital upgrades and new assets to adopted Strategic Plans.

The existing Apex Park playground is included in the adopted Recreation Asset Management Plan (2017) and is classified as a district level playground.  The upgrade to this playspace will lift this facility to a Regional playspace and work toward Council’s objective of having an inclusive playspace in each of the main town centres in the Shire.

Environmental / Sustainability

There is no risk to ecological matters as the site is a parkland with extant native vegetation.  A number of trees have been earmarked for removal by a qualified arborist due to their poor health,  risk to occupants of the parkland area, or to accommodate new play equipment and related parkland infrastructure.

The impacts of a small number of trees to be removed will be offset by the extensive planting that will ensue following completion of the playspace.

Where practicable, Council will utilise trees and rocks from Council’s stockpile/resources as play based elements in the delivery of this playspace. 

Economic

The development of an all-inclusive playspace in Bermagui will benefit local businesses. 

The project links directly to the ‘accessible and inclusive tourism markets’ and will be a welcome addition to Bermagui’s wonderful recreational opportunities.

Risk

The key project risk for Council relates to delivering the project within the project time frame and within budget.  The funding deed related to this project targets a completion date of October 2020.

Subject to the final concept design being approved, the risk of not being able to deliver this project by October 2020 is considered to be very low.

Where projects such as this are requesting approval of a concept design by Council, the actual cost is not known until the RFQ process for construction has run its course.  Consequently, to assist with delivering this project on budget it is recommended that certain play elements, e.g. slide on tower net structure, be added or removed dependent on final costings to construct this playspace have been received.  Similarly, other assets may need to be removed if prices received from contractors are over budget.

Note: the appointed landscape architects have developed a cost estimate for this Final Concept Design using costs obtained from playground suppliers to supply play elements and from the Lot Stafford all-inclusive Playspace, Tathra.

Attachments

1.          Apex Park Bermagui - Final Concept Design with Design Report

2.          Apex Park Draft Concept Design Community Consultation

3.          2019.10.22 Stronger Country Community Fund R2 Apex Park Community Advisory Group Minutes and Approval of Final Concept

 


Council

20 November 2019

Item 11.1 - Attachment 1

Apex Park Bermagui - Final Concept Design with Design Report

 


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Council

20 November 2019

Item 11.1 - Attachment 2

Apex Park Draft Concept Design Community Consultation

 

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Council

20 November 2019

Item 11.1 - Attachment 3

2019.10.22 Stronger Country Community Fund R2 Apex Park Community Advisory Group Minutes and Approval of Final Concept

 

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Council 20 November 2019

Item 11.2

 

11.2. Public Exhibition of draft Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba Flood Study.     

The draft report for Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River Flood Study has now been completed and is ready for formal public exhibition.

 

Director Assets and Operations  

Officer’s Recommendation

1.      That Council note the draft flood study report and preliminary findings.

2.            That the draft flood study report be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

Background

Bega Valley Shire Council engaged consultants Rhelm to undertake a flood study for the Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River catchments. The study was undertaken to update current flood mapping, in light of recent flood events during 2010, 2011 and 2012, with the assistance of a grant from the then Office of Environment and Heritage (now Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.)

The flood study forms an initial stage towards development of a future comprehensive Floodplain Risk Management Plan, in accordance with the NSW Floodplain Development Manual, the management of flood liable land, April 2005.

Council has taken the initiative to carry out the flood study to assist with planning for and managing the risk the community faces from flooding.

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE), is supporting Council by providing technical assistance and grant funding from the NSW Government for the project.

The draft flood study report has now been completed and received. All computer modelling and mapping has been completed and the draft report and findings are now ready for public comment and submissions. The final flood study report will provide the technical basis required for the development of a subsequent Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

Consultation via formal public exhibition and the invitation of public comment is the subject of this report. Community consultation regarding flood study outcomes and findings are a requirement of the NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy and its Floodplain Development Manual, the management of flood liable land, April 2005.

Consultation of local residents within the catchments was completed using a community flood questionnaire during December 2017 and community drop-in sessions were held at both Towamba and Eden.  Consultation of relevant State agency stakeholders also occurred during the initial community consultation period.  Regular consultation has been completed throughout the project within the Bega Valley Shire Floodplain Risk Management Focus Group of which the community, State agency and Council are represented.  Regular technical sub-committee meetings have also been held that includes State agency representation.

To promote the exhibition of the draft report, letters will be sent out to selected landowners within the identified floodplain areas and a media release prepared.  Two drop-in sessions with Council’s consultant and staff will be arranged at a date following Council’s resolution to exhibit for residents to raise issues during the public exhibition period.  It is also proposed to have hardcopy draft reports at key locations where electronic communication mediums are less reliable.

Legal /Policy

In accordance with Section 733 of the Local Government Act 1993, floodplain risk management in urban and rural areas in NSW is governed by the NSW Government’s Flood Prone Land Policy and its Floodplain Development Manual, the management of flood liable land, April 2005.Locally, the NSW government policy is implemented through Council’s adopted Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 and the Bega Valley Development Control Plan 2013. Once the final flood study report is completed, it will provide the technical basis required for the development of a subsequent Floodplain Risk Management Study (FRMS) and Plan (FRMP).  Part of the typical outcomes of a FRMS and FRMP are a review of structural and non-structural flood mitigation options.  Some of the typical non-structural options arising from a FRMS and a FRMP include review of flood related planning controls, flood prone land policies and flood related development controls.  The final mix of structural and non-structural options are developed with the assistance of community consultation at these subsequent stages.  These outputs are then incorporated into Council’s Environmental Planning Instruments such as Council’s adopted Bega Valley Local Environmental Plan 2013 and the Bega Valley Development Control Plan 2013 at that later date.  Councils issue planning certificates under Section 10.7 of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 to inform potential purchasers of planning controls and policies that then apply to the subject land.  If changes to existing, relevant, flood related planning controls, flood related development controls or flood prone land policies do arise from the FRMS and FRMP, the relevant wording for flood related clauses need to be reflected in the Section 10.7 (2) planning certificate. 

A number of properties that do not have these flood related planning and development controls currently exist.  This may occur because they are actually not flood prone according the definitions of the NSW government’s Flood Prone Land policy or no detailed flood mapping has been undertaken in those areas.  As a result of the finalised flood study findings, detailed flood mapping for the select study areas may then eventually lead to a number of these properties having flood related planning and development controls applied after the completion of the FRMS and FRMP.

Financial and resource considerations

The flood study project is partially subsidised by the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Programme grant of $134,294.81 from the Minister for Environment and is administered by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.  The grants are subsidised at a rate of two government dollars per Council dollar.

Funding source

 

Amount

Stormwater operating expenses

$

67,147.27

 

Staff and financial resources have already been expended on delivering the Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River Flood Study project. Other resources required will be meeting room facilities whenever any community drop-in sessions, Focus Groups and/or technical sub-committees are convened in the process of completing the flood study project.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The completed flood study report will form a key technical input document for the completion of a future floodplain risk management study and plan. The completed flood study will allow Council to identify the existing flood risk, hydraulic and hazard categories within the Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River catchments. The future floodplain risk management study and plan will quantify options to manage the identified flood risks and hazards within the flood study report. Strategic responses for land-use planning, asset planning, emergency response planning, environmental, social and economic impact management can then be formulated to address existing and future flood risk.

Economic

The future floodplain risk management study and plan is a multi-disciplinary process that balances a number of differing factors to generate recommendations for an appropriate mix of management measures to deal with the different types of flood risk. Some typical factors considered during the management study are the flood behaviour, danger and damage, community costs of flooding, future land-use, a comprehensive range of flood risk management measures, environmental needs of the river and floodplains and environmental and cultural impacts of management measures. Cost-benefit ratios of differing identified risk mitigation options from community consultation are developed during a subsequent floodplain risk management study for inclusion in a floodplain management plan for the catchment. The identified floodplain risk management strategies are aimed at managing and mitigating flood risk where possible to reduce the economic impact on the community. These options are developed during the FRMSP stage from the information contained within the flood study report.

Operational Plan

The completion of this project meets the Operational Plan Outcome 5: Connected Communities Goal 10 ‘We have a network of good quality roads, footpaths and cycleways connecting communities throughout the Shire and beyond’ for Strategic Asset Services. The associated Performance Measure is ‘Identify and complete floodplain risk management projects’.

Environmental / Sustainability

Environmental concerns such as climate change, including sea level rise, have been addressed in the draft flood study report, in accordance with current NSW government guidelines and requirements for flood study projects. Other environmental concerns are usually addressed in a subsequent flood risk management study and plan following community consultation at a subsequent time.

Asset

When finalised, the draft report findings will form the basis of future asset/community planning and protection.

Social/Cultural

Floodplains are the commercial, social and environmental arteries of the State.  Transport and communication infrastructure are often located in floodplains which, generally as the more fertile areas, are a base for a significant proportion of the State’s agricultural business. Regular flooding enhances agricultural productivity by increasing soil moisture, recharging groundwater and depositing fertile silt across the floodplain.  However, flooding can also interfere with production, communication, transport, emergency management and agricultural practices. Therefore, development and management of floodplains needs to consider a broad range of issues, including balancing the benefits of occupying the floodplain against the costs.

When finalised, the findings of the draft flood study will form the basis of a future floodplain risk management study and plan that incorporates the management of social, cultural and economic impacts.

Conclusion

The formal public exhibition of the draft Eden, Twofold Bay and Towamba River Flood Study report and findings will allow community input and submissions to be incorporated into the final report to be adopted. The exhibition will also allow Council to meet current NSW State Government consultation requirements in finalising and adopting the flood study findings after the end of the formal exhibition period.

Draft Flood Study Report and Draft Flood Study Maps are available for reference Via the following links (available by viewing the business paper electronically):

Draft Flood Study Report:

https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?f=RES-KBX-02-76-57

Draft Flood Study Maps:

Maps part 1 = https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?f=RES-BHG-68-53-24

 

Maps part 2 = https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?f=RES-IZY-62-55-37

 

Attachments

Nil

  

 


Council

20 November 2019

 

Staff Reports –  Governance And Strategy

 

20 November 2019

  

12.1            Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report.................................. 56


Council 20 November 2019

Item 12.1

 

12.1. Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report     

 

The purpose of this report is to document the actions and accomplishments of Council’s Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC) during the 2018/19 reporting period. Accordingly, members of the ARIC will present their annual report to Council in person.

 

General Manager  

 

 

Officer’s Recommendation

That Council note the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee Annual Report 2018/2019.

 

Executive Summary

Internal audit is an independent, objective appraisal and consulting function, established within Council to examine and evaluate its risk management and audit activities. This is the fifth Annual Report of the Audit Risk and Improvement Committee (ARIC), which covers the activities of the Committee for the period July 2018 to June 2019.

Points from the ARIC Annual Report

The list below outlines some highlights from the attached ARIC Annual Report:

i.      The overall aim of the Committee is to support and assist Council in providing a transparent and independent review process for its financial and enterprise risk management practices to ensure accountability to the community in the governance, management,  and allocation of resources;

ii.     During the 2018/19 reporting period the primary focus of the ARIC was to continue with delivery of the operational audit plan and review Council’s risk management framework; and

iii.    ARIC wishes to continue to advocate for increased resourcing for Audit, Risk and Improvement activities within Council.

 

 

Attachments

1.          ARIC Annual Report 2018/2019

 


Council

20 November 2019

Item 12.1 - Attachment 1

ARIC Annual Report 2018/2019

 

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Council

20 November 2019

 

Staff Reports –  Finance

 

20 November 2019

 

13.1            Engagement report - swimming pools discussion paper and SRV funding model 79

13.2            Southern Phone share acquisition offer............................................................ 141


Council 20 November 2019

Item 13.1

 

13.1. Engagement report - swimming pools discussion paper and SRV funding model       

This report provides a summary of the community engagement feedback in relation to the six-pool discussion paper and the option of a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to fund the Swimming Pool Strategy. General Manager  

Officer’s Recommendation

To achieve Council’s currently resolved position of having a fit for purpose, six-pool aquatic strategy it is recommended that:

1.    Council resolves to notify the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) by 29 November 2019 of its intention to apply for special rate variation, under section 508(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, of 8.40% above the rate peg amount of 2.6%, ongoing to deliver the Swimming Pool Strategy and meet the goal established in November 2017 of operating, maintaining and upgrading all 6 pools.

2.    Council hold a meeting on 4 December 2019 to consider placing the 2020/2021 Integrated Planning and Reporting documents with respect to proposed Special Rate Variation on public exhibition for an extended period.

3.    Council proceed with an SRV application and a second phase of community engagement; and

       4.     Council receive two reports at a Council meeting to be held on 5 February 2020 to                            consider formal lodgement of the SRV application with IPART prior to 10 February and                    adoption of the 2020/2021 Integrated Planning and Reporting documents.

Executive Summary

Following the 2016 Otium review of the Shire’s pools and the 2017 adopted six-pool goal of Council, the viability and financial security of these important community assets for future generations is under consideration. Currently funding allocated from the General Fund to pools is insuffucuient to meet the six-pool goal in the long term, nor to fund expected renewals.

The Swimming Pools Strategy Discussion Paper, which included the funding option of a pools-specific SRV for capital and operational costs, was the focus of a recent community engagement process.  Driven by the need to balance the community feedback provided throughout the community engagement period, along with the social, financial and operational considerations of meeting the six-pool goal, it is proposed Council consider four options in relation to the proposed SRV.

Council has clearly articulated, in its IP&R documents and annual operational plans, its intention to engage with the community on potential SRVs in this term of Council. There are several steps in the process to obtaining an SRV and the first step is advising IPART of Council’s intention to apply for an SRV by 29 November 2019.

 

Background

Swimming Pool Strategy

In 2016, Bega Valley Shire Council engaged Otium Planning Group to conduct a review of the public aquatic facilities within the Bega Valley Shire. The aim of this project was to develop a strategic document with the purpose of providing direction on the provision, value, costs, opportunities, risk management, and future asset renewal of these facilities.

The Otium review was presented to Council and was used for a series of workshops with Councillors to understand the history of, and future considerations for, our aquatic facilities including how our community uses the pools, what factors affect use, what modern aquatic facilities look like, and what the associated costs are.

Following these workshops, at the Council meeting on 22 November 2017, Council adopted the following goal:

‘To have a fit for purpose six pool aquatic strategy that maximises opportunities for the community and visitors to participate and enjoy facilities that meet legislative and compliance requirements and have pools that are operating at modern standards.’

Using the adopted goal, Council staff were directed to develop a draft strategy covering capital, operational, management, and funding options for discussion with Councillors and the community. Public swimming pools provide a variety of health and lifestyle benefits for the community however there are significant costs involved in the construction, operation, staffing, maintenance, and renewal of these assets and facilities.

Developing a strategy to manage the six pools collectively was an important element of the goal adopted by Council. This acknowledged changes since the current pools were built over many decades as individual projects and notes that there is now a relationship and interdependency between the six pool facilities.

At the Council meeting on 8 May 2019 Council resolved the following:

‘that the Draft Bega Valley Shire Council Swimming Pools Strategy Discussion Paper be placed on public exhibition for a period of no less than 28 days and that a Community Consultation Program be undertaken as outlined in the report and that Council facilitate 6 meetings at the 6 towns where pools currently exist.’

The Swimming Pool Strategy Discussion Paper identified the costs required to meet the adopted goal and continue to provide the existing six swimming pools in the Bega Valley into the future. The Discussion Paper also provided direction on the best options to meet the six-pool goal and the challenges in providing public pools relating to compliance, meeting expectations, needs and funding. 

The Discussion Paper outlined a proposal to fund the future of the six pools through a Special Rates Variation (SRV) as an option to secure funding, to meet the six-pool goal, and provide long term security of swimming pool facilities to the community. It also outlined that an SRV for pools would ensure that the six pools would meet all legislative and compliance requirements, operate at modern standards in modern facilities and would also allow for fees to be kept at a level which is affordable.

Modelling for a proposed SRV was developed and formed a key element of the community engagement process.

The adoption of the Swimming Pool Strategy will be the subject of a separate report to Council at a later meeting following Council’s resolution and will be dependent upon the resolution Council makes regarding the proposed SRV.

Special Rate Variations

Most councils in NSW increase their general income (mainly rate income) in line with the rate peg percentage set by IPART each year. The Local Government Act 1993 provides the opportunity for councils to apply for a ‘special rate variation’, which allows the council to increase its general income by more than the rate peg amount. There are two types of special variation applications and councils may apply for a special variation under section 508(2) or 508A to increase their general rates. Bega Valley Shire Council has successfully applied for previous rate variations for a mix of asset renewals/upgrades and retention of services for example roads, bridges, buildings, sportsgrounds, libraries, gallery, regional, lifeguards, weeds, emergency services, and tourism over a number of applications.

IPART assesses council applications for SRV’s using criteria set by the NSW Government Office of Local Government (OLG). The criteria are set out in guidelines provided by OLG.

Guidelines for the preparation of an application for a special variation to general income 2019

https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/OLG%20-%20Special%20Variation%20Guidelines%202020-2021_0.pdf

 

The five assessment criteria are:

·    the need for, and purpose of, a different revenue path for the councils General Fund (as requested through the special variation) is clearly articulated and identified in the Council’s IP&R documents;

·    evidence that the community is aware of the need for and extent of a rate rise;

·    the impact on affected ratepayers must be reasonable;

·    the relevant IP&R documents must be exhibited (where required) approved and adopted by the Council;

·    the IP&R documents or the council’s application must explain the productivity improvement and cost containment strategies; and

·    any other matter that IPART considers relevant.

 

Essential to an SRV application, as outlined by IPART, is that an SRV application will only be considered where it is linked to a Council’s forward planning. The consideration of an SRV has been noted in Councils’ 2017-2021 Delivery Program adopted in 2017 and the 2019- 2020 Delivery and Operational Plan.

Given the importance of Council’s IP&R documents needing to reflect the intent and impact of the SRV, if Council resolve to notify IPART of its intention to apply for an SRV, Council’s 2020-2021 IP&R documents will be reviewed and updated to reflect Council’s resolutions and final position since 2017 and placed on public exhibition for an extended period over December and January. The intention is that these documents would be adopted prior to the SRV submission, should Council decide to submit the SRV application to IPART in February 2020.

The OLG assessment guidelines also outline the importance of Council showing evidence of productivity improvement and cost containment.

Should Council resolve to proceed with an SRV, the following are some of the measures that have been undertaken and are still being implemented that will be outlined in Council’s SRV application to IPART in relation to productivity improvement and cost containment strategies.

·    divestment of land

·    staffing restructures

·    adoption of a clean energy plan and energy cost reduction targets

·    improvements in asset management and asset works to gain efficiencies and gain additional outputs

·    leveraging the most effective utilisation of funding from other levels of government through the development and publishing of an Infrastructure Prospectus

·    efficiencies in WHS and risk management

·    leveraging CRJO buying power and projects that provide reduced Council imposts by working cooperatively.

 

SRV Modelling

The modelling for a proposed SRV included in the community engagement process focused on raising the operational and capital funds required to deliver the six-pool goal adopted by Council.

Currently pools gross operating costs are $2.031M per year. While fees are charged for admission, programs and memberships, this income accounts for $867,000 or about 40% of the operating costs, leaving a net operating cost of $1.164M. This is a subsidy of about $7 per visit to a public swimming pool (on a Shire wide basis).

Council also currently account for ‘minor assets’ that need renewing several times in a 60-year facility life to keep the pools operating (pumps, pool covers, and equipment are examples of these) which cost an average of $218,000 per year. Net operating costs and minor asset renewals totals $1.382 million pa.

The Discussion Paper indicated the following key cost areas:

·    net operating costs current: $1.164M pa

·    minor asset renewal costs: $218,000 pa (buildings and pool upgrades excluded)

·    facility upgrade costs: $646,000 pa (modern current standards)

 

The Discussion Paper indicated that the total costs Council needs to fund, on an annual basis, to meet the six-pool goal is $2.028M in addition to revenue generated through fees. Below is the goal modelling that was shared with the community throughout the engagement process. 

To meet the six-pool goal the proposed SRV would be a one-off permanent 11% increase to general rate income including the rate peg amount yielding $2.028million annually to cover all pool operational, maintenance and upgrade costs. The average increase to the 19,731 ratepayers in the Bega Shire would be $1.97 per week.  If applied for, and approved, the SRV would commence on 1 July 2020. The existing funds that are discretionally allocated by the elected Council of the day from the General Fund, to pool operations, will be returned to the General Fund for use across other critical core assets such as roads, bridges and buildings.

If an SRV is applied for and approved by IPART the funds realised would be ‘ringfenced’ and only used for the provision of swimming pools and expenditure against the SRV funding would be reported annually in Council’s Annual Report.

Timeline since 2016

2016                                                       Otium Review of Council’s aquatic facilities.

 

June 2017                                            Potential areas for consideration relating to the introduction of special                                                          rate variations were considered and included in Council’s reports and                                                                                     future modelling these included disaster proofing Council assets                                                                                      (particularly coastal assets), sporting assets such as swimming pools,                                                                                               and a review of tourism to consider including properties outside of the                                                                                  current commercial areas.

 

November 2017                Council adopts the six-pool goal.

 

October 2018                                     Council authorise staff to continue modelling a special rate variation                                                               application based on raising funds to fully implement the six-pool                                                                             strategy.

 

April 2019                                            Council resolve to not proceed with the tourism SRV.

 

May 2019                                             Council resolve for the Draft Swimming Pool Strategy Discussion Paper                                                          to be placed on exhibition.

 

June 2019                                            Council adopted its 2019/2020 Delivery and Operational Plan in which                                                             a proposed SRV proposal is indicated as an activity under the Assets                                                                                        and Operations Coordination Service.

 

September 2019               Council engage with its community on the Draft Swimming Pool                                                                                        Strategy Discussion Paper and proposed SRV model to gain input into                                                                                     its deliberations in relation to the proposed SRV application.

 

October 2019                                     Independent phone survey undertaken.

 

November 2019                Council to consider if it will proceed with an SRV (this report). If                                                                                         proceeding with an SRV Council will need to determine which option                                                                                      and then advise IPART of its intention to lodge an SRV application by                                                                                              29 November 2019.

 

December 2019                                                If proceeding with an SRV Council will place its 2020/2021 IP&R                                                                   documents on public exhibition for an extended period.

 

February 2020                                   If proceeding with an SRV, an additional Council meeting would need                                                             be held on 5 February 2020 for the formal decision and resolution of                                                                                       the Council to submit the SRV application which must be submitted to                                                                                   IPART by 10 February 2020.

 

May 2020                                             If an SRV application is submitted in February 2020, the IPART                                                                            determination on the SRV application will be provided to Council in                                                                                  May 2020. IP&R documents would need to be updated accordingly                                                                                   post the SRV determination.

Options

The community feedback in 2016 and again through this recent engagement has indicated a strong community preference to maintain six swimming pools. The feedback does not provide clear direction, or even a majority position on the proposed funding or introduction of an SRV model for funding the adopted six-pool goal. Decisions need to be made in relation to furthering an SRV application as Council is required to notify IPART of its intention to apply by 29 November 2019.

Driven by the need to balance the community feedback provided throughout the community engagement process, along with the social, financial and operational considerations of meeting the six-pool goal, it is proposed Council consider the following four options.

 

Option 1

Apply for a one-off permanent increase to the general rate income of 11% inclusive of the rate peg amount of 2.6%, to yield the additional $2.028M required on an annual basis and deliver the Swimming Pool Strategy.

Impact

Council to submit an application to IPART for a rate increase of 11% (inclusive of rate peg), that if successful would come into effect on 1 July 2020.

Outcome

Ensures that the Council established goal of operating, maintaining and upgrading all six-pools can be met. Funds currently allocated to pool operations can be returned to the General Fund and used for other assets.  The final financial modelling and exact rate amounts would be presented to the Council and community for consideration at a Council meeting on 4 December with a public exhibition period of approximately eight weeks.

 

Option 2

Apply for an increase in the general rate income for a total of 11% to be spread across a two-year period to yield the $2.028M required on an annual basis (after year 2) to deliver the Swimming Pool Strategy.

Impact

Council to submit an application to IPART for a rate increase totalling 11% split across two years, that if successful would see the increase in rates spread across two years commencing 1 July 2020.

Outcome

Ensures that the Council established goal of operating, maintaining and upgrading all six-pools can be met. Funds currently allocated to pool operations can be returned to the General Fund and used for other assets. The final financial modelling and exact rate amounts would be presented to the Council and community for consideration at a Council meeting on 4 December with a public exhibition period of approximately eight weeks.

 

 

 

 

 

Option 3

Apply for a one-off permanent increase to the general rate income above the rate peg amount to yield $864,000 required on an annual basis to fund only the capital upgrades ($646,000) and minor asset renewals ($218,000).

Impact

Council to submit an application to IPART for a rate increase to raise the required capital component of $864K above the rate peg amount that if successful would come into effect on 1 July 2020.

Outcome

Ensures that funding is secured for capital upgrades and renewals, however funding for the operation of the pools would be discretionary based on the elected Council of the day determining the budget allocation for pool operations. This has the potential to result in reduced service levels in the future as this asset class will compete with others to secure operational funds. The final financial modelling and exact rate amounts would be presented to the Council and community for consideration at a Council meeting on 4 December with a public exhibition period of approximately eight weeks.

 

Option 4

No SRV

Impact

No increase in rates above the rate peg amount of 2.6%.

Outcome

Should Council determine to not apply for an SRV it will be required to revisit the Swimming Pool Strategy and Council’s capacity to meet its goal of keep all six pools into the future.

If Council chooses to not apply for an SRV, or if the application is unsuccessful, Council will need to direct staff to present a report to Council outlining other options for funding for the pools such as through reduced service levels in other areas or increased borrowings.

Without secured funding a significant asset failure will likely result in an expensive reactive repair of an aging facility or closure. A review of service provision would need to be undertaken to determine the viability of operating and maintaining all six pools. As noted above a further report on the swimming pool assets would be presented to Council. There would be no need to hold a meeting on 4 December and the Delivery Program and Operational Plan for 2020/21 would be advertised in early 2020 for comment.

This option would see the pools assets being considered and prioritised along with Council’s other asset classes and services through the development of the next Delivery Program and Resourcing Strategy due to be developed in 2020/21.

 

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

Councils are required to engage with their community using a range of methods in relation to SRV applications. In assessing whether a council’s application satisfies the relevant criterion for community awareness and engagement IPART will consider the following principles:

·    whether the council clearly communicated the full impact of the proposed rate increases to ratepayers; and

·    whether the council clearly communicated what the special variation would fund.

 

Specifically, IPART will consider whether the council's application demonstrates:

·    it has used an appropriate variety of engagement methods to ensure community awareness and input into the special variation process; and

·    the community is aware of the need for, and extent of, the rate rise.

 

A Communication and Engagement Plan was developed to gather feedback on the Swimming Pools Strategy Discussion Paper and the proposed SRV. Modelling of the SRV and the impact along with information on the SRV approval and application process was shared as part of the community engagement process.

A number of community engagement activities were employed to ensure that residents were both well aware of, and well informed about, the proposed SRV being considered by Council and the intention for the SRV to support the Swimming Pool Strategy and provide funds for pool operation, maintenance and upgrades. The activities included:

·    media and stakeholder information sessions

·    community information sessions

·    online survey

·    deliberative independent phone survey

·    traditional media

·    social media

·    media releases

·    pools and SRV dedicated edition of Council News- Councils three-weekly newsletter

·    website project pages

·    SRV rates calculator

·    public exhibition of the Draft Swimming Pool Strategy Discussion Paper for an extended period of 46 days including the draft concept plans for renewal of the Bega Pool

·    FAQ documents on both the Discussion Paper and the proposed SRV

·    signage

·    written submissions.

 

The implementation of the Communication and Engagement Plan generated the following outputs:

·    659 online survey responses

·    15 formal submissions

·    14 attendees at media and stakeholder briefing sessions

·    219 attendees at Community Information Sessions

·    403 completed response to the independent phone survey

·    67 paid advertising appearances

·    14 Council social media posts

·    1858 website page visits

 

A summary of the feedback provided to Council throughout the community engagement process has been collated into the Community Consultation and Engagement Report and is available at the following link:

Community Consultation and Engagement Report

https://www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/page.asp?f=RES-PYH-24-18-70

Responses to the submissions received are included as an attachment to this report.

Consultation Planned

If Council resolve to notify IPART of its intention to apply for an SRV then a second phase of community engagement will commence. This phase would include many of the activities above along with direct correspondence to ratepayers in an early January rates notice. This phase would also focus on the IP&R documents on extended exhibition that reference the SRV. Feedback from this phase of community engagement would be included in a report to Council on 5 February 2020.

Council consideration of input

There have been several key themes raised throughout the engagement process. These are summarised for Councillor’s consideration below:

1.    Affordability and capacity to pay – a number of the people raised the issue of the impact of any proposed increases on pensioners and self-funded retirees, along with the impact of those in the region affected by the drought. Those not supportive of the SRV felt they already pay high enough rates.

2.    Council efficiencies – members of the community suggested that Council should find the funds within their budget and reduce wastage. Others also suggested that Council only apply for the capital funding required and continue to fund operational costs out of the General Fund.

3.    Importance of pools- community members emphasised the importance of pools for a variety of reasons including learn to swim, tourism, rehabilitation and to help maintain a fit and healthy community.

4.    User pays- several respondents suggested that users should fund the upgrades by paying higher prices.

5.    Non-users- a number of respondents attributed their lack of support of the proposed SRV to the fact they do not use the pools.

6.    Increasing patronage- suggestions were made that Council consider ways to increase patronage at the pools to increase revenue by offering shire wide season passes or pool vouchers like the waste voucher system.

Financial and resource considerations

Throughout 2017 Council undertook a full review of its financial position particularly in relation to the considerable assets Council owns, operates and manages.  Council adopted its Community Strategic Plan, Resourcing Strategy and Delivery Program with a specific focus, resolved at its meeting on 28 June 2017, to continue to focus on all asset classes and moving to ensure that the Council could sustainably manage these into the future.

Council considered, and resolved, the Financial Strategy, LTFP, and Asset Management Strategy and Plans and adopted the “Asset Management/Progressive Model”. This inserted several proposed SRVs into the Long-Term Financial Plan moving forward. Of the two Council has been progressing over the period since 2017 one focussed on providing a different model for tourism marketing and promotions funding, and the second focussing particularly on swimming pools.

Over the period July – December 2017 a further, more detailed review of all asset classes was undertaken with directions moving forward towards being able to maintain and renew current assets and to look at efficiencies, rationalisation, and divestment.

During 2017 workshops were held with Councillors on each asset class and a full, detailed report presented to Council on 13 December 2017. During this period Council considered a report on its pool assets and resolved to continue to operate, maintain, renew and update its six pools.

Council has also:

·    reviewed its services;

·    responded to several significant disaster events;

·    received in excess of $75m additional grant income for assets;

·    considered reports on land divestments;

·    divested itself of buildings; and

·    resolved to hand back assets to the State Government.

 

Project Expenses

The expenditure thus far on the community consultation for the Discussion Paper and proposed SRV is $21,263. This includes $16,810 for the Deliberative Survey, $4,234 for advertising and printing costs and $219 for venue hire. Staff across the organisation have been involved in the process.

Existing Special Rate Variation - Pool Funding

In 2008-2009 Council applied for a Special Rate Variation for a range of assets, with a relatively small portion dedicated for ‘recreational buildings and pools’. The larger allocations of this broad-based SRV were for sealing rural roads, rehabilitating culverts and bridges, and the provision of ocean lifeguards during the summer.

The ‘recreation buildings and pools’ portion that raises approximately $90,000 pa in today’s terms is a combined allocation for these two important community asset groups. It has supplemented the budget allocations for these assets from the General Fund over the past 10 years, with a focus on rehabilitation of infrastructure. Some examples of valuable community projects made possible through this SRV allocation are the Pambula River Mouth amenities building upgrade; the new Dickinson Oval clubhouse at Bermagui; and the Cobargo town centre toilets renewal.

If the proposed dedicated SRV for pools does become a reality, the ‘recreation buildings and pools’ allocation in the earlier broad-based SRV will be directed to the recreation buildings exclusively.

Legal /Policy

There are two special variation options under the Local Government Act 1993. When seeking a special variation, councils may apply under section:

·    508A- successive annual percentage increases over a period of between 2and 7 years under section 508A. These may be either permanent or temporary.

·    508(2)- a single year percentage increase under section 508(2) that may be either permanent or temporary.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The Swimming Pools Strategy directly relates to the following goals from the Community Strategic Plan 2040:

Goal 2 -Active and Healthy Communities: We are an active, healthy community with access to good quality recreation and sporting facilities, and medical health care.

Goal 12 - Strong, Consultative Leadership: Our Council is financially sustainable, and services and facilities meet community need.

Risk

Should Council resolve to notify IPART of its intention to apply for an SRV and subsequently do not submit the application in February 2020, or IPART do not approve the application or make partial approval of the application Council will need to revisit its IP&R documents and the Swimming Pool Strategy and its capacity to meet the six-pool goal.

If Council chooses to not apply for an SRV, or if the application is unsuccessful, funding for the pools could be sourced through reduced service levels in other areas or increased borrowings. This would then need to be developed and included in the next Delivery Program and Resourcing Strategy due in 2020/21.

This may result in a reduction of service provision including reduced season length and operating hours, lack of capacity to meet ongoing asset renewals and upgrades resulting in asset failure or potential closure.

Social / Cultural

The six public pools across the Bega Valley Shire are highly valued by the community and provide a variety of health, lifestyle, and community benefits. They are high costs assets to build and operate. With some pools showing their age and becoming due for renewal decisions need to be made on the future management of the public swimming pools across the Shire. It is acknowledged an increase in rates is a contentious issue that has a broad impact on the community.

 

Attachments

1.          Summary of Submissions - Draft Swimming Pools Strategy Discussion Paper and Proposed Special Rate Variation 2019

 


Council

20 November 2019

Item 13.1 - Attachment 1

Summary of Submissions - Draft Swimming Pools Strategy Discussion Paper and Proposed Special Rate Variation 2019

 

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Council 20 November 2019

Item 13.2

 

13.2. Southern Phone share acquisition offer     

Southern Phone has received an offer from AGL Energy Limited to acquire all shares in Southern Phone Company Limited. A Councillor briefing is being held on 13 November 2019 and the item is represented for resolution.

General Manager  

Officer’s Recommendation

1.    That Bega Valley Shire Council formally resolve to approve the sale of the Bega Valley Shire Council Southern Phone shares to AGL and provide authority to the General Manager to sign the required Power of Attorney

2.    That Bega Valley Shire Council vote in favour of a special resolution to update the Company’s constitution at the 2 December 2019 Extraordinary General Meeting.

        3.    That Council establish a Southern Phone Reserve and deposit the return from the                           share sale into this Reserve to fund Council’s contribution to Festivals, Events and                  Community Donations annually.

Executive SummaryBega Valley Shire Council was a founding shareholder in the establishment of Southern Phone. The project, led by Eurobodalla Shire Council, grew to be owned by 35 regional Councils and provide services across the country. Southern Phone has received a proposal from AGL Energy (AGL) and entered into a conditional agreement under which AGL is proposing to acquire 100% of the company.

Councillors were provided with information regarding the proposal from Southern Phone Managing Director, Mr David Joss, via phone conference on 13 November 2019.

Council’s originally held two shares with a price of $1.00 each and is now determined to hold one share equating to the original two shares. Over the period since the company’s establishment Council has received dividend payments which have been used for community projects and most recently supported Council’s community events, festivals and community donations program. The proposed return to Bega Valley Shire Council is a cash offer of $785,714.

Councillors considered the offer, at the Council meeting on 6 November 2019, and deferred the item for a briefing with Southern Phone. This was held on 13 November and the report is represented for consideration. Attachments have not been included as they remain the same as the report published for the 6 November meeting.

As a shareholder Council must consider and resolve their position on the offer by 29 November, prior the Extraordinary General Meeting of Southern Phone on 2 December 2019.

The investment in the formation of Southern Phone was a prudent step taken by Council in 2001/02 and demonstrates the outcomes that local government, working together, can achieve. The substantial return on this investment ($998,718 in dividends since 2007 and this offer) has clearly demonstrated that the original concept was sound, and of benefit to local government.

Background

Southern Phone Company is one of the largest providers of fixed line, mobile and Internet communications services in regional Australia.

Formed in 2002 after receiving $4.77 million in funding from the Australian Government’s Networking the Nation scheme. The vision of the company was to deliver more affordable telecommunications services to regional communities and to share the success with those communities. Under the Southern Phone Constitution, only Australian Local Government Councils can hold shares in Southern Phone Company Ltd. Dividends are paid to Local Government shareholders and used for the benefit of their local communities.

The Southern Phone Board receives an offer from AGL to acquire 100% of the company. This cash offer of $27.5 million would deliver a return of $787,714 to each of the 35 Council owners of the Company. The Southern Phone brand and products and existing business operations and telecommunications services to the Company’s 100,000 customers will be maintained. The Southern Phone staff team will also be retained.

The Board has made this decision based on independent advice following extensive negotiations following a strategic review in mid-2019 and David Joss, Managing Director has stated publicly “that the offer represents fair value for shareholders and provides a great outcome for the company, its customers and the regional communities we serve”.

The Southern Phone Board has unanimously recommended to Councils that they accept the offer.

Options

1.    That Council accept the AGL cash offer for the acquisition of 100% of the shares in Southern Phones.

2.    That Council does not accept the AGL share offer.

Community Engagement

Consultation undertaken

The share offer was widely publicised in the local media.

Financial and resource considerations

Bega Valley Shire Council has been a shareholder in Southern Phone since 2002. The dividends provided to Council have been distributed utilising a formula linked to the local take up of Southern Phone as a provider in the LGA.

Council has received significant dividends since 2007 ($998,718) and due to the uncertainty of the quantum annually have used the dividend to fund project work initially and, since 2013/14, to fund and support community initiatives. The past four years have seen the funds support Council’s program to fund community initiated festivals and events and donations.

The share price return on the offer is $785,714. It is also expected that any unexpended funds held by Southern Phone at the conclusion of winding up the company will also be allocated via the existing formula to the shareholder Councils..

If Council resolve to accept the offer it is strongly recommended that the funds returned be placed in a Southern Phone Reserve and be used to annually support an allocation of $100,000 for the next eight years. Council would then annually allocate the funding.

Legal /Policy

Southern Phone Company Limited was registered under the Corporations Act in 2001. Council’s share certificate noting its two $1.00 shares was issued on 9 December 2002.

In order for this offer to progress each shareholder is required to:

·    Vote in favour of a special resolution to update the Company’s constitution, including to permit non-council shareholders of the Company;

·    Vote at the Extraordinary General Meeting to  support the constitutional changes; and

·    Resolve, formally, to sell the Bega Valley Shire Council shares to AGL by signing a power of attorney to be received by Southern Phone no later than 5.00pm on 29 November 2019.

Impacts on Strategic/Operational/Asset Management Plan/Risk

Strategic Alignment

The acceptance of the share offer would provide funding for community events and activities which aligns with supporting a number of the Council’s adopted forward plans supporting outcomes for the community. Projects funded under any proposed scheme would be assessed against criteria signed off by and supported by the Council.

 

Attachments

Nil

  


Council

20 November 2019

 

 

Councillor Reports

 

20 November 2019

 

14.1            Canberra Region Joint Organisation - 17-18 October 2019............................. 145

14.2            Local Government NSW Annual Conference - 2019
Warwick Farm
14-16 October 2019..........................................................................................
147


Council 20 November 2019

Item 14.1

 

14.1. Canberra Region Joint Organisation - 17-18 October 2019     

Once per year the CRJO hold a meeting in Sydney and have a series of NSW State Government Ministers attend to enable members to ask questions which pertain to our individual Shires and to discuss regional initiatives.

 

Cr McBain, Mayor  

Councillor Report

The meeting was held in the Government Meeting Room at Parliament House and we had the following Ministers and politicians attend:

·    The Hon Andrew Constance MP, Minister for Transport

·    The Hon John Barilaro, MP, Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, Industry & Trade

·    The Hon Shelley Hancock MP, Minister for Local Government

·    The Hon Melinda Pavey MP, Minister for Water, Property & Housing

·    The Hon Paul Toole MP, Minister for Regional Transport & Roads

·    Ms Jodi McKay, Leader of the Opposition

·    The Hon Adam Marshall MP, Minister for Agriculture & Western NSW

·    The Hon Rob Stokes MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces

·    The Hon David Elliott MP, Minister for Police & Emergency Services

There were some interesting questions on the day. There was an acknowledgement that Government will need to think carefully about the use of the Port of Eden – it’s currently underutilised.

A key discussion around a Regional Freight Strategy that specifically services South East NSW should be developed. CRJO have already commenced this and a proposal will be put to government to formalise this to enable works to commence at the State level to look at some of the big opportunities in the South East.

Concerns were raised about the audit of local councils and the CRJO by the Audit Office and the costs of these, and the significant increase in election costs. The Minister for Local Government was keen to hear from all Councils and asked that we write to her to give her specific examples as discussed on the day.

The process around the NSW State Government taking back regional roads is being worked through and a panel has been established to help this work – timeframe of 18-24 months for this to materialise. A regional senior’s transport card is to be rolled out in January 2020 to assist with the costs of taxis, train link and petrol.

Importantly drought assistance funding was discussed with more still to come in this area – acknowledgement that there needs to be better coordination between State and Federal governments to deliver for farmers.

We gave examples of the Biodiversity Act costing a lot to implement and were advised that the CRJO should put together a position paper on this along with the planning issues and they will be reviewed.

At our meeting following these sessions, we received an update from the Chair about her advocacy work, a summary of the GMAG meetings, an update on the possibility of a Regional Project Management Office. Importantly, Bega Valley Shire moved an urgent motion that we write to the ACT Health Minister and ACT Chief Minister seeking advice and a meeting as to the closure of accommodation at the Canberra Hospital which is heavily utilised by communities across the CRJO. Without a suitable alternative the costs and pressure of medical treatment outside of your area becomes a lot harder. We will continue to follow this up as a matter of priority to ensure the continuation of subsidised accommodation for patients in South East NSW.

We also visited Camden Council to understand the potential of the development of Western Sydney, the Western Sydney Airport and the Western Sydney deal as signed by eight Councils and the State and Federal Governments.

We toured the site of the Western Sydney Airport to get an understanding of its size and scale and how it may impact on surrounding members.

We also heard a presentation from Future Food Systems supported by University of Western Sydney on the value adding capability for the agriculture sector, noting that the opening of the Western Sydney airport could see much more produce being exported and the value of our industry being able to be increased.

 

Attachments

Nil

 


Council 20 November 2019

Item 14.2

 

14.2. Local Government NSW Annual Conference - 2019
Warwick Farm
14-16 October 2019
     

LGNSW Conference Report.

 

Cr McBain, Mayor  

Councillor Report

The conference commenced on 14 October 2019 with a “Meet the Politicians” breakfast.

The breakfast was attended by the Premier of NSW, The Hon Gladys Berejiklian MP, Deputy Premier of NSW, The Hon John Barilaro MP alongside Minister for Local Government, The Hon Shelley Hancock MP, Minister for Western NSW and Agriculture, The Hon Adam Marshall, Minister for Water, Property & Housing, The Hon Melinda Pavey, David Shoobridge MLC and Opposition Leader, Ms Jodi McKay.

 

The breakfast was an opportunity to hear from the Government and Opposition on the issues they see facing local government, a panel was held with the Ministers to answers questions from the delegates and a new Intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the NSW Government and LGNSW committing to further and better discussions between the levels of government before legislative decisions are made which significantly impact on the operations of Councils.

 

Day 1 of the conference commenced after the breakfast with an address from Australian Local Government Association President, Mayor David O’Loughlin (SA). The push from our peak national association during the federal election campaign resulted in increases in Roads to Recovery Funding, increase in bridge funding, and an increase to blackspot funding.

 

Across the country there has been $6.2 billion dollars in cost shifting to local government over the last decade and whilst there has been some movement on regional roads being handed back to the NSW State Government we haven’t seen the detail of this yet. There have been no real increases to the Financial Assistance Grants over the last twenty years with the percentage local councils receiving of total taxation revenue shrinking from 1% to 0.56%. Still much to do in this space.

 

There were also a series of workshops you could attend on that first day.

I attended workshops on “Understanding and Measuring Social Impact” and “Land Use Planning for Councillors”. The Land Use Planning workshop was very informative and continued to enforce that strategic planning is the way the State Government wants to pursue a more robust planning system which allows Councils to implement decision making based on their strategic drivers, rather than simply a regulatory based system. This would be a significant step forward, in my opinion, in allowing Councils to make decisions on what they believe will be in the best interests of the Shire going forward.

 

I also met with colleagues from a variety of other Councils to discuss two separate proposals we are hoping to obtain support on - one being a change to the formula in which Financial Assistance Grants are distributed to Councils across NSW, and the other about the payment of rates by government owned entities.

The conference was officially opened that night at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre with two performances and a welcome from Mayor Wendy Waller of Liverpool City Council.

 

Day two of the conference was about debating the motions as submitted by various Councils. It is fantastic to see a variety of Councillors debating the issues at hand that Councils are grappling with, noting that successful motions will form part of the advocacy platform for LGNSW. Bega Valley Shire submitted a range of motions, some which were not accepted into the business paper as they already represent LGNSW policy platforms.

 

We submitted a motion regarding State and Federal Government entities paying rates to local Councils – this was subsumed into a bigger motion specifically regarding the IPART rating review where similar issues were raised, and the motion was carried.

We submitted a motion regarding the requirement for a consistent definition of “tiny houses” which gives more flexibility and affordability into the planning system – this motion was carried.

 

We submitted a motion regarding a renewable energy target for the State Government and this motion was lost.

 

There were many motions regarding drought recovery, water security, waste and resource recovery, the emergency services levy and building regulations.

 

I also attended a meeting on day two with Mr Tim Hurst Chief Executive, Office of Local Government and Mayor Jamie Chaffey (Gunnedah) and Mayor Danielle Mulholland (Kyogle) regarding the issues around distribution of Financial Assistance Grants and that regional/rural/remote Councils are disadvantaged by the current criteria.

 

It was pleasing to note that the NSW Government position on Financial Assistance Grants was that the population criteria should be removed. This is not the position of the Commonwealth Government at this stage, so we need to continue that advocacy to ensure a more robust system is put in place which assists regional/rural/remote councils with the large local government area, the huge number of assets spread across those large spaces, usually with large unrateable portions of land.

 

Bega Valley Shire Council attended the formal dinner on the Tuesday night of the conference as a nominee in the AR Bluett Awards for the work happening in our Shire following on from two major bushfires which has involved a big recovery effort that is ongoing.

 

Unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in this, with Shellharbour City Council taking the Metropolitan Category and Bourke Shire Council taking out the Regional/Rural Category. Congratulations to those two Councils on the work they are doing to deliver services to those areas. The projects taking place across the sector are phenomenal.

 

On the Wednesday morning I attended the Australian Local Government Women’s Association (NSW) breakfast to hear from a panel of female leaders in the sector. A good chance to network with other women in the sector and hear what is being achieved in a range of government departments and local council areas.

 

The Recycling Campaign was launched on the morning of the third day – a sector wide approach to the State Government from Councils to see further and better use of the Waste Levy and more innovative action around a circular economy. Our Council has identified several actions that we can take in our Waste Strategy already.

 

There were three keynote speeches on the final day of the conference which included:

 

1.    Overcoming the Barrier to Innovation by James O’Loughlin. An informative presentation on the assumptions that are often made which influence decisions that should be continually looked at. The idea of thinking like a customer, challenging the “old ways” and being prepared for that to take time to change.

 

2.    Disruptive by Design: A collaborative Approach to Solving Wicked Problems by Paul Hawkins.

 

3.    Global Futurist, Chris Riddell.

A fascinating look at how global trends will influence work places, communities and families now and into the future. We have seen the trend for online stores to capture marketplaces and now those online trading platforms are branching out to their own bricks and mortar stores with significant impacts on local shopping centres and family owned businesses.

 

This coming together of the physical and digital world will continue to play out over the next few years with the following major trends:

·    Blockchain

·    Sharing economy

·    Augmented intelligence

·    Internet of Things.

 

Our world now looks at “fixing the past” to make things easier for people rather than looking at the future changes may mean to everyone.

The world is largely able to be classified as “Plantations” or ‘Rainforests” at this point in time. People/organisations/governments need to be aware of the changing way in which the world works and make sure they are designing systems/services/jobs for these changes.

 

 

The President’s and Treasurer’s Report was delivered on the third day of the conference with Bega Valley Shire being mentioned specifically in the President’s report based on previous motions and advocacy from us at last year’s conference about the need for Government to maintain and strengthen the Stronger Country Communities grant funding program which delivers various infrastructure upgrades across a Council area without the need for competitive grant funding rounds.

 

Attachments

Nil

     


Council

20 November 2019

 

 

Questions with Notice

 

20 November 2019

 

17.1            Green Waste Disposal....................................................................................... 152

17.2            Water Restrictions............................................................................................. 154


Council 20 November 2019

Item 17.1

 

17.1. Green Waste Disposal     

 

Cr Tapscott  

Question with Notice

Given that the period for burning off green waste in rural areas has, because of drought conditions, been necessarily shortened, we now have a situation where collected green waste is becoming an issue for households and residents in the rural area.

Vouchers for tip disposal have been used and a request for more has been received. 

Could staff please give Councillors an update on their understanding of the situation and any possible solutions?

Staff Report

Green waste management has been an ongoing issue for rural villages without access to a kerbside green waste collections service or nearby waste transfer station.   Additional tip vouchers have been provided to these residents to assist them to manage green waste, and they are able to conduct pile burns where conditions allow. 

The Wonboyn community has been particularly concerned about managing fuel loads this fire season.  Council officers propose to extend the kerbside green waste service to residents of Wonboyn as a trial. If effective in managing fuel loads for these properties, the trial could be extended to other rural villages across the Shire.

It is proposed to implement the trial in December 2019, with community engagement on the trial in November 2019. In addition, a second green waste voucher will be issued as soon as possible to all waste customers in preparation for hot weather and occupation of seasonal dwellings. This will provide a combination of 4m³ of green waste disposal via self-haul this year, and, for the Wondboyn community, the opportunity to self-manage property via the weekly green bin collection service.

In addition to green waste disposal options, Council officers are in the process of developing an amended open burning policy for Council, which, if adopted, would provide deemed approval provisions for landowners wishing to burn off during hazard reduction periods. This amended approach aims to make it easier for people on large residential and rural residential lots to conduct pile burns.

History

On 23 September 2015 Council resolved to support rural villages to manage green waste and its associated bushfire hazard by providing additional green waste disposal vouchers (see resolution below). 

11.1

Additional waste disposal vouchers

204/15

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs Tapscott and McBain

1.         That Council increases the annual issue of free waste disposal vouchers from one to two per year and additional vouchers are provided to all rateable assessments.

2.         That the waste vouchers are issued with the first and third quarter rates notices each year.

3.         That one of the benefits of the waste vouchers is they are a means of assisting residents to prepare their properties for bushfire and are promoted as such.

4.         That the waste vouchers are deemed to compensate remote villages adequately for the inconvenience and cost of disposing of garden waste at a waste facility.

5.         That Council receive a report on the cost and the provision, in relevant areas or the Shire, of additional temporary waste facilities for seasonal placement.

In favour:             Crs Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Mawhinney and Fitzpatrick

Against:                  Nil

Absent:                    Crs Taylor and Allen

 

Council subsequently resolved, on 16 December 2015, to conduct a specific trial of alternative green waste collection services at Wonboyn:

11.1

Mobile Waste Transfer Services to Remote Villages

286/15

RESOLVED on the motion of Crs McBain and Tapscott

1.      That Council trial provision of up to three garden waste event services at Wonboyn Lake.

2.      That Council engage in discussions with Cleanaway and the Wonboyn Lake community with a view to conducting a trial kerbside garden waste service at Wonboyn Lake in the 16-17 financial year.

In favour:             Crs Taylor, Britten, McBain, Hughes, Tapscott, Seckold, Allen, Fitzpatrick and Mawhinney

Against:                  Nil

 

This resolution initiated the trial of skip bins to amalgamate green waste for the village. The skip bin exercise took a large amount of time and cost Council over $500 per household that used the service.  To date, the green bin trial has not progressed.

 

Attachments

Nil

 


Council 20 November 2019

Item 17.2

 

17.2. Water Restrictions     

 

Cr Fitzpatrick  

Question with Notice

Would the General Manager or Director –Assets and Operations advise the community of the current position in relation to water supply in the Bega Valley and if Bega valley Shire has any intention of placing Water Restrictions on users now or in the near future?

Background

Currently most Shires in NSW have water restrictions in place including our neighbouring Shire Councils of Eurobodalla and Snowy Monaro. The current drought in all of NSW is causing concern and consumers are worried about water usage and availability of supply in both the short term and through summer if rain does not eventuate. Most people not on the “town water” system are now purchasing truck loads at considerable cost just to meet household needs.

Staff report

The Bega Valley Shire, like many other parts of NSW and Australia is experiencing significant drought. Unlike some other parts of the state, Bega Valley Shire has a relatively secure water supply with respect to its urban, reticulated, water service provided by Bega Valley Shire Council (BVSC). This is due to a combination of the types and security of sources available, as well as existing water sharing arrangements.

The BVSC has several water sources that are utilised to supply water to customers in the larger towns and villages across the Shire, with the water being sourced from a combination of surface water (including dam storages) and ground water (through bores). Several of the Shire’s water supplies are also interconnected which, under certain conditions, allows for transfer of water between supplies which provides an additional layer of security. It has been through previous investment in water security initiatives that BVSC has been able to improve long term security with one of the most significant investments being a pipeline that interconnects the Bega and Yellow Pinch systems.

Of the water sources utilised, some are solely for the purpose of urban water supply (e.g. Yellow Pinch Dam servicing the southern part of the Shire), some are for urban supply as well irrigation purposes (e.g. Brogo Dam servicing the northern part of the Shire) and some that are for electricity generation, urban supply and irrigation (e.g. Cochrane Dam servicing Bemboka and flowing into the Bega River).

As it currently stands there are no immediate triggers that staff consider warrant consideration of water restrictions for BVSC water customers with water source trends continuously being monitored. Each of the water sources utilised in provision of water supply by BVSC have relatively rapid replenishment rates when inflows occur, meaning that once significant rainfall does occur it is likely water source will quickly recover form drawdown.

However the longer the Shire and its’ catchments continue to experience low rainfall the more likely it is that at some point in the future water restrictions will need to be considered.

Although there is no immediate short term concern with respect to urban water supplies it is important to acknowledge that restrictions are gradually being implemented on some of the other users of water sources within the Shire, including irrigators within certain water systems.

It is also worth noting that there are an increasing number of residents within the Shire that are resorting to carting of water as a means to meet their domestic needs. This is normally done on the basis that those residents pay usage charges, as do other water customers of Council, as well as having to pay contractor water cartage costs.

Below is a summary of information on the situation with key water sources and although some sources may appear relatively low, based on storage percentages, it is important to note that water licensing and storage arrangements dictate where the remaining storage is directed (i.e. whether it is assigned to urban water supply, electricity generation, irrigation or stock and domestic).

Supply Situation

·    Yellow Pinch Dam (YPD) is currently at 82% capacity and Ben Boyd Dam (BBD) at 95% capacity.

·    Surface flow has ceased at the Bega and Kiah borefields however groundwater level remains relatively high.

·    Brogo Dam is currently at 58% capacity and Cochrane Dam at 18% capacity.

·    Daily water volumes extracted for town water supply from the Bega Borefield and Kiah Borefield have been restricted to low flow limits due to low river flow in the Bega River and Towamba River. This effectively means there is a limitation on how much can be transferred to dam storages.

·    No water has been extracted from Tantawanglo Creek weir since August due to low flow in Tantawanglo creek.

·    There is increased reliance on water stored in YPD and BBD to meet water demand in the south of the Shire.

Demand situation

·    There has been an increase in water demand across the Shire over the past 12 weeks of about 6.0% compared to the same period last year.

·    The biggest increases have been in the Bega-Tathra (12%) and Brogo-Bermagui (11%) water supply systems.

Water resource management

·    Continual monitoring of water demand, storage volume in YPD, BBD, Brogo Dam and Cochrane Dam and groundwater level at Bega and Kiah borefields, is being undertaken and assessed to determine timing of actions to ensure demand can be met over summer and beyond.

·    Area specific Drought Management Action Plans (DMAP) are available on the BVSC website which outline trigger points for supply-side and demand-side actions in the context of dam water levels, groundwater levels and other river management thresholds.

·    Liaison with WaterNSW, DPIE-Water, Cochrane Dam Pty Ltd, Bega Cheese and Bega Valley Water Users Association is continuing.

·    Water management measures are in place for Brogo and Cochrane Dams to ensure Brogo-Bermagui and Bemboka water supply security is maintained, as well as water supply for other high priority water uses along the rivers.

·    The Brogo-Bermagui and Bemboka water supply systems rely on river flows downstream of Brogo Dam and Cochrane Dam respectively, dams controlled by WaterNSW and Cochrane Dam Pty Ltd., respectively.

Water restrictions

·    Water restrictions are unlikely to be triggered in the south of the Shire this summer, given the volume of water in YPD and BBD storages

·    Water restrictions are unlikely to be triggered for Bega-Tathra this summer, due to the volume of water in the aquifer at Bega

·    The timing of water restrictions for Brogo-Bermagui and Bemboka water supply systems is to be assessed as summer progresses and on river management factors, due to supply reliance on dam water releases uncontrolled by BVSC and the limited effectiveness of water restrictions on conserving water in theses dams. What this means is that the urban water use is a very small proportion of the water that gets distributed in these systems and the key role for Council is to monitor release to ensure that the licensed allocations to BVSC are not depleted.

Further key messages

·    It is understandable that some people are concerned about town water supply as summer approaches.

·    People are encouraged to visit the BVSC website and the BVSC Drought Management Action Plan relevant to their area, for an understanding of the town water supply situation.

·    People are encouraged to continue using water efficiently and sensibly to conserve the volume of water in dams, local waterways and groundwater, and prolong available supplies throughout these dry times.

·    Valuing town water and avoiding wastage helps to reduce community anxiety and the potential for conflict over water use.

·    People in rural parts of the Shire have been experiencing hardship due to the lack of water.

·    BVSC has a relatively low water use per connected property compared to other parts of NSW due to community understanding about efficient water use and the practical measures people take every day.

·    BVSC very much appreciates the voluntary efforts people make to conserve water.

·    Efforts such as avoiding watering of lawns and overspray onto footpaths and roads are acknowledged.

·    Taking shorter showers can make a significant reduction in water use.

·    Up to 30% of daily household water usage is estimated to be for showering.  

·    More information on water saving measures can be found on the BVSC website.

 

 

 

Attachments

Nil