Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
Community
Environment
Infrastructure
Holroyd:
The Gateway to
Western Sydney
Incorporating:
Audited Financial Reports to 30 June 2007
State of Environment Report 2006 / 2007
Contents
Introduction to Holroyd City Council.....................................................................................2
Holroyd City Council and Corporate Governance ................................................................5
Principal Activities & Achievements .....................................................................................8
Condition of Public Works..................................................................................................74
Summary of Legal Proceedings.........................................................................................77
Policy & Provisions for Elected Members ..........................................................................82
Major Contracts .................................................................................................................99
Environmental Issues ...................................................................................................... 101
Services to People of Diverse Cultural & Linguistic Backgrounds ...................................104
Childrens Needs ............................................................................................................. 109
Promotion of & Access to Community Services............................................................... 113
Human Resources Activities ............................................................................................ 117
External Bodies................................................................................................................122
Freedom of Information.................................................................................................... 125
Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act ................................................................ 138
National Competition Policy ............................................................................................. 140
Miscellaneous ..................................................................................................................142
GENERAL MANAGER
FACILITIES MANAGER
DIRECTOR CORPORATE
& FINANCIAL SERVICES
DIRECTOR ENGINEERING
SERVICES
DIRECTOR
ENVIRONMENTAL &
PLANNING SERVICES
MANAGER DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER CHILDREN
SERVICES
MANAGER ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICES
MANAGER ENVIRONMENTAL
HEALTH
MANAGER COMMUNITY
SERVICES
MANAGER FINANCIAL
SERVICES
MANAGER TRAFFIC
DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER STRATEGIC
PLANNING
MANAGER LIBRARY
SERVICES
MANAGER HUMAN
RESOURCES
MANAGER WORKS
MANAGER INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
RISK MANAGER
3
Overall, Council provides many opportunities for stakeholders to be partners in the democratic
process.
Ethical Standards
Councils Code of Conduct provides a framework for ethical decision making by Councillors, staff
and community representatives. All new staff are provided with Code of Conduct training during
induction. Existing staff are given refresher training during staff meetings.
Councils Statement of Business Ethics sets out its expectations on how it envisages its
contractors, consultants, developers will maintain standards of professional behaviour when
dealing with Council. These statements are issued to all suppliers, development applicants,
contractors, consultants and others.
Risk Management
Council acknowledges that it faces a range of risks that could impact on the achievement of its
objectives.
To minimise the risks, Council has implemented the following early warning systems:
Financial risks are examined through Monthly Budget Reviews and Quarterly Financial
Health Checks;
Environmental risks are monitored through regular inspections, prompt response to reports of
possible environmental damage and through vigilance;
Health and safety risks are reviewed through Councils Holsafe program and Safety
Committees.
Corruption risks are assessed through the Governance Health Checks;
Operational risks reviewing and assessing business continuity plans; and
Compliance risks reviewing compliance with regulatory requirements on a bi-annual basis.
Currently, a GAP Analysis of the Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan is being
undertaken.
The unit kept the community informed about Council, its activities, achievements and services by
producing:
Four editions of The Holroyd City Herald (Council newsletter delivered to households
across Holroyd City);
Annual Report to residents (summary produced as a 'community report' and distributed
within The Holroyd City Herald in December 2006 January 2007);
Weekly Corporate Page in local newspapers - 51 editions produced and published in
the local newspapers;
More than 100 media releases written and distributed to the media;
Function Centres
An increase in patronage is a measure of the high esteem in which the Centre is held amongst
both the corporate and private communities of the area.
The kitchen still produces an average of 500 meals per week for the Meals-on-Wheels Service.
The Centre has now expanded into the wedding function market. It is anticipated that Councils
return on investment will be at its highest level for over five years.
The Centre is pleased to receive praise from its satisfied customers for providing a very good
service.
The Redgum Centre is the largest community hall throughout the City. The venue has a
permanent tennant and is booked on Fridays and Saturdays for community events. Its large stage
makes it a favourite for drama and theatre groups.
Patronage has been exceptional this past year with not one free Saturday or Sunday all year.
To effectively and efficiently develop and manage Holroyds civic and related functions on behalf of Council and the
Community
PROGRAMS
CORPORATE REVIEW
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Management Plan
Probity Reviews
Annual events coordination and Special Civic Managed major events for Australia Day within
Events
budget and without major incident. Substantially
increased attendance to a record of 10,000
people.
Managed major events for CityFest celebrations
under budget and without major incident. Good
participation levels were achieved.
10
PROGRAMS
FUNCTION CENTRES
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Business seminars and conferences at the Holroyd Annual Income Level - $796,000
Centre
Oversee functions
Function Centre
Function and Wedding Reception Centre City Available Time Used 76%
Return on Investment 7%
Hall for community and civic meetings
and
bookings
11
at
Statutory Returns;
Fringe Benefits Tax Reporting;
Goods and Services Tax Reporting; and
Legislative compliance.
Council has continued to upgrade and streamline its financial and business management systems
to industry standards to provide sound, timely and effective financial management information
suitable for operational and strategic decision making. This process includes monthly budget
reporting in addition to the quarterly statutory requirements.
Under Councils Investment Strategy and Policy, the investment portfolio continues to provide
returns which were at or above industry benchmarks. The services of Fund Managers are used to
assist Council in carrying out this function. The Investment Strategy is formally reviewed twice
each year.
The Finance Section continued its program of best value investigations across corporate support
functions as part of the Holroyd Model 2001, designed to achieve cost savings, including motor
vehicles, electricity supply, telecommunication services, advertising, printing and stationery, legal
services, etc.
Councils new Corporate Information System commenced implementation in early 2007 to go live
in July 2007. Significant enhancements to the financial systems are included in the new systems
which will provide for a streamlining of processes and improved reporting.
Administration
Council has met the requirements of the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act and the
Freedom of Information Act.
12
There were no other requests for Council to review its policies or practices relating to privacy and
personal information protection, nor were there any requests to source or alter personal
information during 2006/2007.
The number of FOI applications reduced from 81 during 2005/2006 to 66 this year. Applications
were completed within the statutory timeframes. The statutory requirements of the FOI Act were
met.
Council is proactive in its management of records and is well advanced in meeting all requirements
of the State Records Act for documentation to ensure the preservation of Councils corporate
memory through sound record keeping practices and the accurate capture of information to meet
legal, evidential and accountability requirements.
Guidelines for Electronic Records Management have been updated to meet the State
Governments objectives for using information management and technology to deliver government
services to the people of NSW. Council is currently proceeding to upgrade its corporate
information system to function as the core repository of Councils evidential business records. The
Electronic Business Paper continues to be enhanced and provides Councillors with a detailed
history of agendas and minutes, as well as the community through Councils website.
Corporate Information introduced TRIM Context in April 2007. This system enables Council to
view all documents electronically making paper files unwarranted. As of 1 January 2000 physical
documents once scanned are no longer considered the original document making the electronic
version the master document. Staff are now able to view documents electronically not having to
wait for files to be delivered to them. Also, multiple staff are able to work on the same file at the
same time reducing response times.
The State Records Act 1998 still requires that electronic documents have the same retention
period as paper documents and electronic documents will be disposed of in accordance with
GDA10.
Information Technology
Council's Information Technology infrastructure continues to be enhanced under a continuous
improvement program. Additional software, hardware and mature technologies have been
incorporated to enhance Council's business activities and services as set out in the Management
Plan.
Council has implemented a mix of open source and proprietary software, consistent with the
Information Technology strategy of state and federal government departments. Council has used
open source solutions for general systems and infrastructure, with proprietary software for specific
applications.
Council has upgraded its core operational mission critical systems to offer enhanced functionality
and reporting facilities for Council staff, statutory authorities and the local community. Council has
utilised best-of-breed systems to offer robust, functional and customisable solutions for staff and
the local community, including an e-Service portal. This portal offers the public enhanced
functionality including the convenience of on-line rate payments and the viewing of published and
determined development applications. The e-services portal will be expanded to provide an
increasingly wider variety of services.
Council has also embarked on a comprehensive re-build of its website utilising a whole-of-council
content management system. The aims of this task group are to streamline information flow and to
create a more intuitive and functional web presence for the local community.
13
For internal customers, this unit continues to provide hardware and software support through its
rapid response team, as well as maintaining continuous operations and securing Council's
information from loss.
For Councillors, the Information Technology unit continues to provide support in the administration
of the Electronic Business Paper and other software as well as providing on-site Information
Technology support for business related technologies.
Risk Management
The Risk Management Plan was reviewed in accordance with the Councils mission, applicable
laws and current legislation. Statutory obligations were continually monitored throughout the
period.
The Unit has been the focal point for monitoring the recent legislative changes and the potential
impact that it has on Council and the community.
Options for placement of Councils insurances were again reviewed to ensure best value.
Initiatives this year included the development of Councils Risk Register, a review of Councils
Disaster Recovery Plan and an introduction to Enterprise Risk Management.
The Unit continues to support MetroPool, an insurance pool with other Councils through which
Council purchases its Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurances, particularly in regard
to claims management and best practices. Metropool performed strongly throughout 2006/2007
meeting its insurance obligations for member Councils whilst increasing the Pools equity from
$3.70 million to $4.04 million.
A review of Councils rehabilitation processes was undertaken to minimise time lost and
consequent impact on Councils delivery of services.
The Risk Management Section continues to provide a forum for discussion of current risk issues
and provide another vehicle for feedback to staff generally.
Human Resources
The ongoing review of all policies and procedures was continued throughout 2006/2007 to ensure
they all remain relevant and up to date. A number of new policies were developed and approved by
Senior Management Team. The annual staff performance evaluation system has been updated
with a policy checklist to ensure all staff have read and understood the policies and procedures
that are relevant for their job in the current year.
Appointments and salary progression remain based on qualifications, experience and competence.
Annual staff performance evaluations enable feedback on performance between managers and
staff, and facilitate staff progression, collection of training data and succession planning.
The Corporate Training Plan continues in accordance with NAPSA requirements and the Staff
Induction Program conducted monthly to highlight the statutory obligations for Council and staff.
Competency based training was further developed in the reporting year.
Councils HOLSAFE OH&S Management System has been further enhanced with ongoing
promotion, monitoring and reviewing of the system to ensure the organisations OH&S obligations
are being met. HOLSAFE Teams have been formed to work on particular projects.
14
Councils Equal Employment Opportunity Plan was reviewed with emphasis again this year on
Human Resources policies and procedures and the identification of staff training needs. As
identified in the Plan, the activity areas are: communication and awareness, recruitment, selection
committee, appointment and transfer, training, higher duties, grievance procedures, conditions of
service, access to Council premises, allocation of responsibilities and resources and evaluation of
the Management Plan.
Council has also endorsed the National Framework of Women in Local Government The Way
Forward and a Womens Development Team has been formed to develop strategies to support the
recommendations of the Framework.
A Workforce Planning Framework has been developed to attract and retain staff in Council. A key
aspect for 2006/2007 was phased retirement to assist the capturing of corporate knowledge and
assist the aging workforce of Council.
Customer Service
The review and upgrading of all procedures within the section was an ongoing operation of the
section throughout 2006/2007 to facilitate the delivery of new and improved services to meet the
changes in customer needs. Procedures are continually reviewed and updated as a matter of
course when it is considered that either a minor or major refinement is required and warranted.
Customer Service staff continue to assist customers gain access to and understand the operations
of Councils website. Where necessary, a Customer Service Officer will walk a customer through
aspects of the site to ensure that the customer gains the most benefit and understands the
information available on the site.
Regular meetings of the team are held after hours each four-week cycle to review operations,
discuss current issues and procedures and improve the operations of the centre. Each member of
the team is conscious of the needs of its customers and endeavours to be responsive to those
needs.
Tasks undertaken by Customer Service are continually reviewed, altered, added to and deleted
with a view to improving the service available to and provided to the public.
New in 2006/2007 was the implementation of EFTPOS and credit card payment facilities which
were made available to customers from 1 July 2007.
Corporate Development
The format of the Management Plan formulated in 2005 was utilised in 2005/2006 and in
2006/2007. With the proposed Integrated Planning and Reporting project underway it was decided
to continue with the 2005 format for 2007/2008.
Under this Management Plan there are two essential elements:
The City Strategic Plan
The City Operational Plan.
The City Strategic Plan for Holroyd embodies the Councils Charter under which it institutes its
management and coordination of activities of the City. The Plan identifies where the Council
wishes to be in 10 years time and how it proposes to achieve this outcome.
15
The Councils Strategic Plan identifies the major issues effecting all the activities of Holroyd City. It
focuses on goals to be achieved in four important groups.
The City and Corporate Governance
Corporate Governance is the way the Council is directed, controlled and held to account. It
provides guidelines about how Councillors and Council staff will act in good faith and in the best
interests of the stakeholders.
The City and the Community
This section contains an assessment of the needs of the community at the present time, identifies
future requirements in the next four years and contains an analysis of community needs projected
towards the year 2020.
The City and the Environment
Focuses on methods by which the Council can manage and conserve Holroyds natural heritage,
and facilitate the hand over of a safe and healthy environment to the future generations.
The City and the Infrastructure
Addresses the aspects of preserving, maintaining and delivery of Council assets in the form of
roads, buildings, parks and other facilities.
The City Operational Plan covers activities that will:
The City Operational Plan most importantly indicates the desired outcome of projects, the action
plans, target dates and budget allocation for the projects.
Work is underway for the implementation of the new Integrated Planning and Reporting System as
proposed by the Department of Local Government in consultation with local government Councils
in New South Wales.
The new Integrated Plan will be based on the 10 year Community Strategic Plan which will go
hand in hand with the new Local Environment Plan (LEP).
The new Integrated Plan format is a logical evolution of Councils existing Management Plan
format.
16
Special Projects
Second Sydney Airport
Council has maintained its vigorous opposition to the construction of a second airport at Badgerys
Creek or anywhere else in the Sydney basin.
Council provides a secretarial service to the Western Sydney Alliance of Councils and Community
Groups in mounting this campaign, which has involved major submissions, delegations to decisionmakers, media initiatives and general lobbying activities.
Property Issues
Councils charter as stated in Section 8 of the Local Government Act, is to act as the custodian and
trustee of public assets and to effectively account for and manage the assets for which it is
responsible.
To this end, Council continued to review the major properties under its control to ensure that best
value and use is being obtained.
financial management;
human resources;
development, planning and compliance;
asset management;
document/records management;
mapping/geographical services;
community/childrens services.
The process of implementing the new corporate information solution commenced in late 2006 and
progressed throughout the first half of 2007, resulting in the new systems going live on Monday, 2
July 2007.
The new systems provide Council a much enhanced capability to deliver services in electronic
format, known as e-Services.
e-Services allows Councils customers to access an increasing number of services over the
internet. To date the following services are available:
-
Currently being developed for internet access are the following services:
17
The new systems also greatly enhance Councils ability to capture and store data. In this regard
the document management system now captures documents in electronic format making
document storage, retrieval and archiving much more efficient.
A new mapping system is expanding the layers of data that can be stored and displayed
graphically which improves the usability of the data Council has available.
A new asset information management system provides greatly enhanced ability to both store data
on Councils assets and to report on the costs of managing those assets. These assets include:
-
In addition, the new software has for the first time provided for credit card payment fees to be oncharged to the customer (where permissible) resulting in the introduction of EFTPOS, credit and
debit card payment options.
During 2007/2008 a new business paper system and additional community/children service
modules will be developed.
18
To provide efficient, effective management of Councils corporate and financial functions including best practice, continuous
improvement and customer service principles.
PROGRAMS
FINANCIAL SERVICES
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Financial Management
Management Accounting
Revenue Collection
Purchasing/Inventory Control
Investments
Statutory Requirements
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
Electricity Pricing
Secretariat
Records Management
19
PROGRAMS
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES (Contd)
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Property Management
Printing Services
FOI Management
Number of Applications 66
Meeting statutory deadlines - Achieved.
Counter Service
Call Centre
20
PROGRAMS
RISK MANAGEMENT
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Risk Management
Identify Risks
Manage Risks
Number and cost of workers compensation
claims - 60 claims $395,407 (est.)
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
HUMAN RESOURCES
Up-time - 99%
Policy Development
Industrial Relations
21
PROGRAMS
HUMAN RESOURCES (Contd)
CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Remuneration Management
Training
Support Services
counselling)
Management/Corporate Planning
Quality Improvement
Implementation
Achieved.
(on
22
and
off
site -
of
integrated
agreed
planning
programs
Engineering Services
Core Business
The core business of the Engineering Services Department is to develop and manage Holroyd
Citys roads, traffic, drainage and recreational infrastructure on behalf of Council and the
community.
Redesign of depot operations including road and park maintenance and street cleaning in
progress.
Continued shopping centre hazard inspections has seen a reduced number of hazards being
observed within the shopping centres.
Electronic Street Sweeping System and Road Hazard and Maintenance Inspection System in
place and progressing.
Occupational Health and Safety documents for the majority of the Works Operations have
been reviewed through participation and consultation with staff.
Street and public amenity cleaning carried out daily. Work includes cleaning major shopping
centres, cleaning public toilets daily, cleaning of Merrylands Station Bus Interchange, road
sweeping, sweeping paths, emptying bins and general rubbish removal.
Contributed to the evaluation and implementation of the New Corporate Information System.
23
Continued bushcare including three volunteer groups at Pendle Hill Creek, Alpha Park
Bushland and Lower Prospect Canal Reserve.
Restoration and preservation of Shale Plains and Woodland Corridor Link at Hyland Road,
utilising grant funds from the Environmental Trust.
Traineeship in Road Construction & Maintenance Certificate III completed by interested staff.
Installation of load limits in the Toongabbie and Parramatta area roads. Specifically, the
strategy aims to encourage heavy vehicles to use main roads.
Facilitate new Rapid Bus Transport System (T-Way) through Holroyd City.
Technical support for Holroyd Traffic Committee including compilation and analysis of traffic
data and issue of maintenance instructions.
Implementation of Holroyd Integrated Transport Study, which sets strategic parameters for
heavy vehicle movements, public transport and pedestrian access.
Securing funds from the Federal Government for the Auslink Blackspot Program.
24
Survive the Ride program with particular emphasis on commuter riders returning to
motorcycling.
Choose Right Buckle Right Seat Belts Save Lives project for parents/caregivers.
Back to School Publication and distribution of parking and road safety rules brochures.
Development
Auditing of On-Site Detention (OSD) system, including inspection and compiling of nonconforming systems.
Design, inspection and supervision of vehicular crossing, kerb and gutter, and footpath
constructions related to DAs or existing residences.
Provision of technical input into a large number of development applications including SEPP
59 (Boral), Holroyd Gardens (Delfin), Portico Parade (Toongabbie) and Stocklands
Merrylands Mall.
25
Completion of artworks and seating on Prospect Creek as part of the Warali Wali project.
Playgrounds installed at Barcom Street Park, Shannon Avenue Park, Benaud Street Park,
Charles Mance Reserve, and Pye Street Park.
Bush regeneration works in Central Gardens, Lytton Street Park, Civic Park and Carolyn
Street Park.
Friends of Prospect Creek supported in their efforts to regenerate remnant vegetation and to
remove debris from this significant natural corridor.
Annual General Park Committee Forum gives an opportunity for Committee members and
Council staff to discuss issues concerning the administration, maintenance and future
development of park facilities.
Coordination of Access Works Programs to ensure ongoing support for equal access in
Holroyd.
Implementation of Plan of Management for Crosby Street Park, CV Kelly Park and Guildford
West.
Hylands Road Open Space/Gipps Road Park Preparation of Masterplan for the sporting
complex.
26
Community Buildings
Upgrade of floodlighting at the infield of the Guildford West Sportsground Baseball field.
Provision of family and accessible (disabled) toilet facilities at Pendle Hill Park.
Continued involvement in managing the development of the Goodlet & Smith Brickworks site,
off Walpole Street, Holroyd (Holroyd Gardens Estate). Liaison with development manager
Delfin Lend Lease on project management, financing and budgeting, land sales and
conservation of the Heritage Precinct.
Provided on-going technical support and liaison for Councils membership of the Upper
Parramatta River Catchment Trust. Participated in the management or review of various
flood studies being undertaken by the Trust and developers of major development precincts.
Worked with the Trust on a project to identify means of raising flood awareness within
councils and the community.
Overland Flood Study for Upper Back Creek, Upper Clay Cliff Creek and Upper Domain
Creek are in progress.
Continued development of the GIS Flood Layer to comply with NSW Government policy to
include overland flooding areas and inundation up to the Probable Maximum Flood (PMF)
event.
Progressed Councils Asset Management Systems by improving the asset registers including
TAMS and increasing awareness of the asset portfolios critical role in underpinning provision
of services.
Progressed the design of a new headquarters building for the Holroyd State Emergency
Services.
27
Place Managers responsibility for North and South areas of Council area.
28
To effectively and efficiently develop and manage Holroyds road, traffic, drainage and recreational infrastructure on behalf
of Council and the community.
PROGRAMS
WORKS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Road
&
Drainage
Maintenance
Construction
Parks Maintenance
Depot Operations
Swimming Centres
* TBD = To be determined
29
Actual
162
Target
<500
$10,000
$1,200
TBD
TBD
454
<500
$12,596
99%
TBD
95%
95%
81%
$6.86*
100%
>85%
TBD
99,892
58,588
68,186
PROGRAMS
TRAFFIC & DEVELOPMENT
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Traffic Management
Road Safety
Engineering Development
OPERATIONS
Community Buildings
Access Program
Department Budget
Asset Management
30
Actual
Target
TBD
68%*
100%
10.9
days
100%
>85%
82%
58%*
100%
>85%
TBD
78%*
100%
>85%
72%*
C
C
>85%
C
C
C
C
C
<10
days
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
ENGINEERING SERVICES
MainStreet Program
31
Actual
N/A
C
Ongoing
In
progress
C
C
C
C
Target
Environmental Protection
Council is responsible for non-scheduled premises (as defined under the Protection of the
Environmental Operations Act 1997) to determine, regulate and respond to activities that may have
a negative impact on the environment.
Immunisation
Holroyd Council continues to provide a free childhood immunisation service for its residents.
Immunisation clinics are held each month at Merrylands, Wentworthville and Greystanes.
Residents find these clinics convenient with reminder letters being sent advising of the child's next
appointment. NSW Health accredited nurses administer the vaccines. The service is operated
cost-neutral to Council with NSW Health paying the cost of employing the nurses and the
Commonwealth Government paying a subsidy for each immunisation procedure.
32
Food Premises
NSW Food Regulation Partnership
In June 2006 the State Government allocated $1.6 million for the 2006/2007 financial year to
support implementation of the NSW Food Regulation Partnership which is a model for food
regulation between the NSW State Government and Local Government.
Local Government will now have a mandated role in food regulation and are required to nominate
what level (category) of food regulatory work they will undertake:
-
all premises where food is stored, prepared and/or sold within Holroyd City;
all temporary food stalls and food vending vans operating at festivals and carnivals where
Council has an involvement; and
all food vending vehicles operating in the streets of Holroyd City.
Council demonstrates its commitment to food safety through its routine inspection program and the
continued education of local food handlers to minimise the risk of food poisoning in its community.
It is Councils goal to have all food handlers in Holroyd City attend Councils free food handler
seminars held annually at various town centres within our Local Government area.
33
Strategic Planning
Merrylands Town Centre Precinct LEP and DCP
The draft LEP for the Merrylands Town Centre Precinct, which included the introduction of new
planning and design principles and the specific objectives for the town centre, was re-exhibited in
August 2006 and finally gazetted in March 2007. The previously adopted DCP No. 45
consequently came into effect in April 2007.
Merrylands Town Centre Precinct and Neil Street Precinct section 94 Contributions Plans
The draft Neil Street s94 Contributions Plan for the provision of road and drainage infrastructure
which would be required as a result of any redevelopment of the area was placed on public
exhibition in February 2007 and came into effect in April 2007 after being adopted by Council. The
Merrylands Town Centre Precinct Section 94 Plan which was exhibited in July 2006, came into
effect in October 2006 after being adopted by Council.
SEPP 59 Residential Lands Precinct Plan 'Western Precinct' - former CSIRO Site,
Pemulwuy
Preparation of a Precinct Plan for the former CSIRO site is required under State Environmental
Planning Policy No 59 Central Western Sydney Economic & Employment Area. Council
conducted a preliminary assessment of the draft Precinct Plan for the western area of the former
CSIRO site which was submitted for consideration in October 2004. Consultation with government
agencies, other local governments and interest groups was subsequently undertaken, and the draft
Precinct Plan was publicly exhibited for a twenty-eight (28) day period from 23 February 2005 to 23
March 2005. A list of outstanding concerns of Council still requiring attention was advertised
concurrently with the exhibition of the draft Precinct Plan, indicating that these matters would need
to be resolved prior to the approval of the Precinct Plan by Council.
The draft Residential Lands Precinct Plan for the Western Precinct of the former CSIRO site at
Pemulwuy has been amended following the above and on-going consultation, with the latest
version submitted to Council in December 2006 for approval.
34
Council adopted the Precinct Plan subject to further minor amendments, and the plan came into
effect in August 2007.
Heritage
Each year Council allocates monies under the Holroyd Local Heritage Grants Program to be
distributed as dollar for dollar grants for small works to heritage items. Six applications were
received for financial assistance under the 2007 Local Heritage Grants Program have been
received and all but one application was considered worthy of support by the Heritage Committee.
The total funds allocated were $3,750.
In addition to the Grants Program Council also runs an Annual Heritage Awards Program. Three
Heritage awards were awarded in the categories of Best Maintained Heritage Property, Best
Restoration Project and Best New Development Involving Heritage.
Council continues to offer a free Heritage Advisory service for all property owners.
Community Visioning
Council has appointed community consultation experts Elton Consulting to carry out a major
community visioning project for Holroyd, to be known as "Holroyd's Future". The purpose of this
consultation project is to tap into various parts of the Holroyd community "voice" to develop a
shared vision for Holroyd. The project has been developed so that it will consist of two (2) stages.
The first stage will consist of a number of workshops, briefings and focus groups with Councillors,
the community, youth, developers, businesses and CALD groups. The second stage will be a
major community forum, where the issues raised in the first stage will be discussed. The forum will
focus on exploring the tradeoffs and implications of different land use and development strategies,
the outcome of which will be a clear strategic direction for Council to consider in shaping its new
plans and strategies.
35
Transitway Study
Council has appointed HASSELL Consulting to undertake an Urban Planning and design Study for
the Liverpool to Parramatta Transitway. The study will investigate;
Improving links between housing and transport
Providing a range of housing to meet our communitys changing needs (e.g. ageing
population, multicultural needs)
The availability of a range of services and facilities such as schools and parks, and
Encouraging sustainable development.
Community consultation is an integral component of the study and the study will be completed in
late 2007.
Retail Study
Council appointed the Consultants HillPDA to prepare a city-wide Retail Study for Holroyd. The
purpose of the Retail Study is to allow Council to ensure its planning policies have regard to
current trends and patterns and enable Council to target where growth is necessary, both
geographically and sectorially. The study was completed in 2007 and will be presented to Council
late 2007.
DCP 2007
Holroyd City Council currently has over thirty-six (36) Development Control Plans (DCPs), which
range in nature from small site specific development controls. There is a need to integrate the
planning controls across the entire Local Government Area so that consistent planning controls will
exist in a single plan and also to meet the requirement of the recent NSW Government's reforms to
planning legislation which introduced a new Division 6 into Part 3 of the EP&A Act to provide for
the preparation of DCPs) which specify that only one Local Environmental Plan (LEP) can apply to
the whole LGA and one Development Control Plan (DCP) can apply to a site and/or the whole
LGA. The objective of this is to minimise duplication and complexity inherent in the current system
and overcome any uncertainty regarding the status of Councils planning controls.
Holroyd Council has commenced preparation of the new principal Holroyd LEP 2009, including
substantial background studies. The comprehensive review of the DCP controls will occur at the
same time in order to be consistent with, and be informed by, the LEP process.
Given the tight time-constraints for Council to prepare the comprehensive review of the DCP as
outlined in the strategy planning work program report topic [DCS 223-06, 19 December 2006] the
DCP consolidation is being prepared in two stages, with the subject of this report relating to Stage
1 of the process:
Stage 1 administrative process combining all current DCPs into one document; and
Stage 2 review, analysis and updating the DCP controls to reflect best practice and support the
new Holroyd LEP 2009.
36
Development
Council is experiencing sustained high levels of growth and development activity underpinned by
medium density residential infill development, residential flat buildings, mixed used
retail/commercial/residential development and the subdivision construction of development across
Holroyd Gardens, the Nelson Ridge Estate and former CSIRO land at Pemulwuy (Lakewood) that
will realise 2500 dwellings.
Whilst there has been a correction in the demand for speculative dual occupancies, this has been
replaced by the volume of single and multi dwellings under construction within Nelsons Ridge.
37
This process often involves officers from the L&TM Section liaising with applicants to determine the
exact problem, discuss options and provide advice which, in most cases, results in a satisfactory
outcome to all parties. In situations where Council does not agree to pruning or removal of a tree,
there is a review process available.
Applications can also be made under the TMO for Pre-Development Application advice. In this
regard, proponents (i.e., DA applicants) can obtain advice in relation to which trees on a site
should be retained and the setbacks required to any works prior to the preparation of a DA.
Overall Council determined 546 applications during 2006/2007.
Medium density residential development (eg. villa, townhouse and integrated housing);
Residential flat buildings;
Mixed commercial and residential development;
Major commercial and industrial development; and
Other major and community significant developments.
The EDCU is a multi-disciplined panel of senior council officers offering pre-lodgement advice to
ensure that applications, when formally lodged, are processed effectively and efficiently. The
EDCU consists of officers from the planning, building, tree/landscape, engineering and
environmental disciplines. The key features of the EDCU is that the chairperson is independent of
the rest of the panel and reports directly to the General Manager, and detailed minutes of the
meeting are provided. Such minutes help applicants submit acceptable development applications.
During the 2006/2007 financial year, 44 EDCU meetings were conducted.
38
To exercise effective environmental and planning management to ensure a prosperous and healthy City, in tune with the
communitys needs and the changing needs of the 1990s.
PROGRAMS
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Garbage Service
Collection costs/service
Kilograms per capita
Average charge/residential
property
Static but
consistent
with industry
practice
Recycling
Collection costs/service
Kilograms per capita
Reduction in waste to landfill
Steady
Increasing
Improving
Environment Reporting
Implementation of:
Environment assessments
of industries continuing
Ongoing
Immunisation
Animal Control
39
PROGRAMS
ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH (Contd)
STRATEGIC PLANNING
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
On target
Programs undertaken
On target
Food Surveillance
On target
Legionella Control
Achieved
seasonally
Satisfactory
40
Satisfactory
PROGRAMS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
41
Satisfactory
and ongoing.
Community Facilities
Council has a range of community facilities which are available for hire. This includes six halls and
meeting rooms, and two buses which are available for hire by community groups, commercial
organisations and individuals. All facilities can be used for a range of activities including
recreational activities, meetings and private functions.
Throughout the 2006/07 financial year audits of all facilities were carried out and a number of
outstanding requirements were found. The following improvements have been carried out:
Hand dryers, toilet roll holders, paper towel holders, soap dispensers and a new microwave
have been installed at Toongabbie Community Centre.
A new microwave has been installed at Wentworthville Community Centre.
Hooks have been installed on the back of the toilet doors at Jones Park Hall and
Wentworthville Community Centre.
Mirrors have been replaced/installed at Jones Park Hall and Wentworthville Community
Centre.
Ventilation in the foyer of the Wentworthville toilets has been improved.
Air fresheners have been installed in the downstairs toilet at the Merrylands Community
Centre.
Carpets at Merrylands Community Centre, Wentworthville Community Centre and
Toongabbie Community Centre have been cleaned.
42
Curtains at Wentworthville Community Centre cleaned and repaired, and windows cleaned.
Jones Park Hall painted internally and screen doors fitted to kitchen. Replaced missing
chairs at Toongabbie Community Centre. Third meeting room fitted out at Toongabbie
Community Centre.
New refrigerator at Merrylands Community Centre and new whiteboard at Toongabbie
Community Centre.
These improvements have increased the standard of facilities run by Council, and ensure that
quality venues are available for use by local groups. All maintenance issues that have been
identified through the ongoing audits of the facilities have been resolved. The audits have been
very successful in helping to maintain and upgrade the facilities, and will continue to be carried out
on a regular basis.
Library Services
Holroyd City Council Library Service aims to provide equitable access to quality informational,
cultural and recreational materials for all. This is achieved by skilled staff offering excellent
customer service, via relevant technologies, resources and collections, to enhance and enrich the
community and promote the joy of discovery, reading and lifelong learning.
The Library Service was successful in securing grant funding from the Library Council of NSW in
2006/2007. The amount of $199,388 was received to assist with the purchase and installation of a
new Library Management System. Council also approved a budget of $350,000 for the new
Library Management System. The tender process for the new system is nearing completion with a
final report, making a number of recommendations, being submitted to Council in October 2007.
In addition, the Local Priority Grant of $59,230 funded the replacement of the ageing timber
shelving at Wentworthville Branch Library, with modern metal fittings. Other items purchased with
this funding included new study carrels and Hindi language resources.
The new Hindi collection was launched in May 2007. The collection is available at Wentworthville
Branch Library and comprises books and DVDs for both adults and children.
The Library Service replaced its ageing security gate system in December 2006. All three service
points were installed with new security gates, which are fully compatible with the Librarys current
security tag system.
A wireless Internet service was introduced at Merrylands Central Library in June 2007. This
system enables Library members with their own equipment, such as notebook computers, to
access the Library's Internet network from selected 'hot spots' around the Library. It has proved to
be extremely popular, and will be available at Wentworthville Branch Library in 2008.
A stocktake of all service points was conducted in May 2007. The Library Service conducts a
stocktake every three years in order to keep track of resources and identify missing items. During
the process, the Library Management System is updated to accurately reflect this information. It
also enables staff to assess security measures and replace missing stock if deemed necessary.
The 2007 stocktake process was particularly significant, as Library staff were able to clean-up the
existing data base, in preparation for migration to the new system.
The annual pre-loved book sale was held at Merrylands Central Library in March 2007. A selection
of resources including books for children, young adults and adults, toys, videos, cassettes and
magazines was available for sale to eager members of the community. This is an extremely
popular venture for the Library, with the majority of items on sale sold within a four-week period.
43
Proceeds from the book sale are used to purchase new resources for the Librarys collection. Any
leftover stock is donated to Lifeline for their booksale.
The Early Words project for Holroyd was launched in September 2006, in conjunction with
Merrylands Central Librarys Bubba Time (a lapsit session for children aged 0-24 months and their
parents/carers). Early Words is a Families First initiative, funded by the NSW Government. It
aims to provide free resources on early literacy to parents. Holroyd City Council's Mayor at that
time, Councillor Allan Ezzy APM was there to officially launch the free resources. These included
tip sheets translated into fifteen different languages, a DVD on reading to your child, fridge magnet
and a book bag complete with a book.
The Childrens and Young Adults Library team has worked tirelessly over the past year, creating
and presenting programs and activities for Holroyds children and young adults. In 2006-2007,
over 15,000 children and young adults either attended activities within the Libraries, or were visited
by Library staff at their school, pre-school or centre.
The Library Service continues to provide free activities, workshops and classes for the community.
These include computer workshops both in English and bi-lingual versions, English conversation
classes for new migrants, craft workshops for young adults and activities specifically aimed at
seniors. Other activities include genealogy workshops, author visits and historic bus tours of the
local area. These are all extremely well attended and are held on a regular basis.
The Holroyd Movie Club and the Holroyd Book Club continue to thrive. Both groups meet monthly
and attendees continue to increase.
The Library Service also has a very proactive Library Committee that meets quarterly. The aim of
the Committee is to provide advice on issues relating to the Library Service, monitor progress in
the achievements of Library objectives and report upon matters referred to the Committee by
Council. The Committee includes representatives from the local community, Councillors and
Council officers (including Library staff). This collaborative approach between the community and
Council has been most effective in producing positive results for the Library Service.
A user survey was conducted at all three service points during Library and Information Week in
May 2007. The aim of the survey was to gauge what type of users visit the Library, their reasons
for using the Library and suggestions to improve the Service. Over 500 customers were surveyed,
with the results reported to the August 2007 Library Committee meeting. Overall, the survey
provided valuable feedback and positive responses, which reflect that the Library Service is
performing efficiently in catering to the diverse needs of its users.
Community Services
Aged Services
Councils Annual Seniors Bus Trip was held in August 2006. The theme for this years bus trip was
Yulefest, which included a meal and visit to Manor House in the Blue Mountains. Due to popular
demand, a second trip was held to accommodate the extra numbers.
Seniors Week 2007 was celebrated with a variety of events, the main one being a Bowl-Off held at
the Redgum Centre. The event was well attended, and featured stimulating games and activities,
and healthy refreshments. Students from local schools assisted with the activities and the
interaction was outstanding.
The two-year term (2006-2008) for the Aged Services Advisory Committee continued, with working
parties established for Seniors Week and the Healthy Ageing Forum. Staff have continued to
44
resource and support the Auburn/Holroyd/Parramatta Community Care Forum and provide
comments on a range of policies and planning documents.
Holroyd Seniors Newsletter continued to be produced four times this year and more than 1,500
copies of each edition disseminated to the local community and various networks.
The Healthy Ageing Forum Healthy Ageing = Healthy Living was held in April 2007, in
conjunction with Carnivale. Seniors were informed of personal safety measures by the Local Area
Command and given a free personal alarm; yoga demonstrations were also given and a wealth of
information from various groups was available for seniors.
Timehelp continued to grow this year with the launch of a new DVD featuring volunteers from
Holroyd. Following the launch, Council received 12 Expressions of Interest to attend a training
session for Timehelp.
The Guildford Community Centre provides a daily respite program for the frail aged and people
with a disability and their carers. This includes transport, meals and activities. Special activities
held at Guildford Community Centre included a Christmas In July, a Spring Dance, a Carers
Luncheon Cruise, Melbourne Cup Day, Holroyd Games Challenge and Multicultural Anzac Day.
Two Respite Care Away Programs (RESCAP) were held to Shellharbour and Mudgee.
Holroyd Community Food Services provided 14,189 hot meals and 8,117 frozen meals during the
year to a total of 235 clients. In April, with the introduction of a new winter menu, the service
began providing hot desserts when appropriate and completed the phasing in of 100% in-house
production of frozen meals. The service continued to work with other food services toward the
provision of culturally appropriate meals and successfully negotiated funding through the
Department of Ageing Disability and Home Care for a new Centre-Based Meals program for clients
from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse backgrounds.
Wentworthville Centre Based Meals program (The Happy Club) continued to provide quality meals
and social activities for up to 45 clients each week. The program operates at Wentworthville
Community Centre each Friday.
Disability Services
Councils Speaking UP project for adults with an Intellectual Disability is developing. It aims to
develop a manual which will develop and enhance the skills of adults with an intellectual disability
in meetings, public speaking etc. The project is due for completion at the end of 2007.
Two-year terms (2006-2008) continued for Holroyd Access Committee, Disability Services
Advisory Committee and Peer Support Users Committee. The Peer Support Users Committee
successfully planned their annual walkathon in Central Gardens in August 2006 raising $1,638
which was all donated to charity.
The Peer Support Program continued to offer a range of out-of-hours recreation and social options
for service users. Activity calendars were prepared for four month periods, based on suggestions
received from members of the group at planning nights. Regular Aqua fitness and bowling
programs were also offered. Consultation and Annual Survey results indicated service users were
very happy or mostly happy with support received, quality of staff/volunteers, transport and
information received and participation levels in the Peer Support program.
The Annual Planning Night was held in August 2006. Staff have continued to resource the
Cumberland Prospect Disability Forum and regional networks for relevant service providers.
Throughout the reporting period staff have continued to operate a regional disability information
45
service, offer advocacy support and provide comments on a range of policies, development
applications and planning documents in relation to the rights and needs of people with disabilities.
International Day of People with a Disability (IDPWD 3 December) was celebrated again with
Council hosting 2 events to celebrate the abilities of individuals with a disability. A celebratory
disco was held at the Holroyd Centre for adults with a disability in Holroyd and surrounding areas.
A second event was held also at the Holroyd Centre with the SportsAbility kit giving people with a
disability an opportunity to try a range of different sports, and educating staff on the range of sports
available. A total of 130 people attended the events.
In 2006 the Aged / Disability Services Team established a list of Holroyd Carers. Most are known
through a connection to our services. Support to Carers has been provided through special
events, information sessions and support group meetings. Carers Week 2006 (October 15- 21)
events for carers included a Tulip Festival bus trip, a relaxation session with Peer Support, and a
cruise with Guildford Community Centre.
Youth Services
Council manages three youth projects and provides premises for two other non-government youth
services in the Holroyd local government area. Councils Youth Services Team provides structured
and unstructured programs and are involved in the provision of outreach and developmental
projects for young people aged 12 to 25 years of age. Some of the programs provided include
drop in, holiday activities, educational workshops, court support, sporting activities, employment,
homework assistance, events and activities.
Wentworthville Youth Services staff deliver bi-weekly drop in sessions, school holiday programs
and outreach visits to high schools. Staff are also involved in the court support program. The
service provides information, support and referral services to young people.
Guildford Youth Project staff provide services including a weekly drop in held at the local scout hall,
Chill Out (which works in partnership with Centrelink assisting local unemployed young people),
the Homework Assistance Centre program specifically targeting school students in Years 7-9 with
English and Mathematics, young womens programs, cultural art projects and hip hop dancing
sessions. Information, support and referral services are also provided to young people.
Councils Youth Services Team has played a significant role in local festivals and activities
including Youth Week 2007, which was held in partnership with Parramatta City Council. There
were 12 programs held during Youth Week that included sporting, cultural and music activities,
which were attended by and involved approximately 2,000 young people. Other festivals include
Australia Day and Holroyd CityFest.
Councils Peer Education Project is a four year WSAAS funded project which commenced in 2004.
The Holroyd Youth Peer Education Project aims to provide an avenue for young people aged 1519 years to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities by providing leadership and mentoring
training based on a peer education model. This project provides information and training
workshops to young people in order to develop leadership skills and positive self esteem, train
young people as trainers to peers based on a peer education model, and to involve young people
in the development and implementation of youth specific activities with support from youth service
providers and networks. To date, 45 young people have been trained through the Project. Other
achievements of the Project include the establishment of the Peer Education mentor network and
funding through the Foundation of Young Australians in order to develop and implement a Talk
Depression Project.
46
Council has a Youth Advisory Committee that meets on a monthly basis at Council.
Committee has had input into many activities and issues that impact on young people.
The
Community Development
Councils annual Volunteers Luncheon incorporating the Gift of Time ceremony was held on 9
November 2006. More than 90 guests attended the function enjoying the sit-down meal. This
function is held each year to acknowledge the valuable contribution volunteers make to the
community. The Gift of Time Christmas Tree was showcased in Councils foyer.
Council continued to support the Western Sydney Academy of Sport through a financial
contribution of $10,000 and representation on the Advisory Forum and the Board of the Academy.
Councils Community Safety Awards are aimed at acknowledging and encouraging the initiatives
undertaken by local not-for-profit groups and organizations to promote safe neighbourhoods and
crime prevention. The Awards opened on 23 April 2007 and closed on 1 June 2007. The major
award was jointly awarded to: Holroyd Peer Education Project for the Speakout Young People
Against Bullying Project and Merrylands High School for the Positive Behaviour Interventions and
Support Program. A highly commended plaque was awarded to the Merrylands CBD Committee
for the Merrylands Shop Numbering System.
Council administered the Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme (WSAAS) for Holroyd, a
funding program of the NSW Department of Community Services. Through this scheme, Holroyd
Parramatta Migrant Services received funding for the Friends of Refugees Program.
Seven local community groups shared $25,000 in funding through Councils Community
Assistance Program. These funds will support the organisations to develop and provide
appropriate and accessible services to the residents of Holroyd.
Council continued its ongoing commitment to implementing the National Framework for Women in
Local Government. An action plan was developed to progress identified priorities.
Council supported the Young Womens Leadership Project, a joint initiative between WSROC and
its member Councils to provide training and mentoring opportunities to local young women.
Council was a key member of the Holroyd Womens Working Party (HWWP). Through the HWWP,
Council collaborated with a number of organizations to hold several successful initiatives. A
luncheon was held for International Womens Day. A Negotiating Consent Workshop was held
with local high school students to assist them to learn practical skills and develop strategies to
protect themselves in unsafe or abusive situations. Council also auspiced a grant from the Area
Assistance Scheme on behalf of HWWP to develop a resource kit which is aimed at providing
service providers with information on how to respond to Domestic Violence as well as referral
options. A 2-day workshop was also held to assist service providers in identifying and responding
to Domestic Violence.
Council entered into a partnership with Maddocks Law Firm to provide training on Industrial
Relations Changes and their impact on Not-for-Profit organizations. Over 35 participants attended
the training.
Council continued to convene, resource and support local forums and interagencies. These include
Holroyd Interagency, Holroyd Parramatta Domestic Violence Committee and the Wednesday
Forum.
47
Work on the Holroyd Community Garden continued and most allocated Council funds have been
expended. Council is currently establishing a Memorandum of Understanding with Cassia to
formalize this arrangement.
Council received State recognition for its Cultural Plan 2006-2011 Cultural Vitality in Holroyd City
winning the LGSA NSW award in the category Developing Culture - Cultural Policy and
Planning. The Plan is shaping the direction of Community Services cultural projects and will
create further opportunities for local communities to participate in cultural expression, and
encourage the celebration of diverse interests, creativity and collective values.
Councils program of enlivening the communitys public spaces included channeling youthful
artistic expression into a street wall mural. Holroyd City Council partnered with Railcorp and
Parramatta City Council to coordinate the decorative, artistic painting and sealing of the walls of
the Merrylands Station Underpass. Young people attending Holroyd High School and the Dundas,
Granville and Karabi Youth Centres worked to create designs that reflected the concept
Federation Continuing and to then paint these onto the underpass walls. This project will be
finalised by December 2007.
Council continues its Culture in the Chambers performing arts program. The March 2007 event
sought to promote Healthy Ageing and to provide cultural experiences for senior citizens with a
Live Life Concert.
The Foyer Gallery provides a space for local and regional artists to publicly showcase their work.
The group exhibitions calendar included HSC Artworks of 2006, works from the Holroyd Oil
Painting Group and a NAIDOC Week related exhibition including works from Western Sydney
based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.
The Sewing Stories Project Workshops were completed and a final collaborative project Tree of
Hopes and Wishes was created that demonstrated both the techniques learnt and the personal
stories, varied cultures and friendships that were shared within the group. A local photographer
was commissioned to take portraits of the women and their works and these images will be
included in a printed catalogue documenting the project and its outcomes. The photographs and
works created through this project will form the content of an upcoming Council Foyer Exhibition.
Council participates in the development of regional Western Sydney arts and cultural initiatives that
support the development of cultural industries, the arts sector, and community cultural
development. Council continued to resource, support, employ and skill, artists and community
groups on a local level to undertake cultural and arts initiatives. Council continues to advocate for
the progression of cultural policy development on a local, regional and state level.
Councils Access and Equity Policy Statement and Action Plan was updated in 2004 and adopted
by Council on 7 September 2004. This Action Plan continued to be implemented in 2006-2007,
and lists 199 strategies of which 169 have been implemented.
Council funded and held Carnivale, a festival promoting community harmony and integration, on 22
April 2007. Approximately 5,000 people attended. The festival was planned, implemented and
evaluated by a Working Party drawn from Councils Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Consultative Committee members.
Council has updated its Induction program to include cross-cultural training. All new staff must
attend induction and are provided with a copy of Councils Hints to Better Cross Cultural
Communication booklet for reference. A list of bilingual workers is posted on Councils Intranet
and the list is updated bi annually. The booklet is updated annually.
48
Other activities aimed at the culturally and linguistically diverse community include:
Additional details of these activities can be found in the section titled Services to People of
Diverse Cultural and Linguistic Backgrounds.
Council employs a Community Development Officer - Indigenous on a part-time basis to work on
indigenous programs and issues, including convening and resourcing the Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Consultative Committee. This Committee meets quarterly to advise Council on
matters of importance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents.
The 2006 NAIDOC Festival was held at Central Gardens in July with approximately 500 people in
attendance. This celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples coincides with
national NAIDOC celebrations and is an opportunity for the wider community to help celebrate
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. The festival included traditional and contemporary
indigenous singers and dancers, as well as information stalls.
The 2004-2008 Indigenous Employment Strategy continues to be implemented by Council and
includes funding for the employment of three (3) Indigenous employees which was initiated with
assistance from the Elsa Dixon Program. These positions are currently within the Community
Services Section, Customer Services and the Depot.
Council supports and resources the Holroyd Community Development Support Expenditure
Scheme Local Committee, Clubs for Holroyd. The group is made up of representatives from local
Licensed Clubs, NSW Council of Social Services, NSW Department of Community Services,
Holroyd Interagency and Council. 21 projects received a combined total of $144,822 in funding in
the 2006/2007 funding round.
Council continued to implement strategies from the 2005-9 Social Plan. The plan includes 61
recommendations which respond to local community priorities.
Council continued to convene and resource the Syringes Working Party. Members of the working
party include Merrylands Community Health Centre and NSW Police.
Council continues to be an active member of the Parramatta/Holroyd Community Drugs Action
Team by attending monthly meetings and providing support where needed to address local drug
issues.
Council received $20,000 to implement recommendations for the City Health Plan in May 2006.
Significant progress has been made to date and several projects are underway. These include a
49
Falls Prevention Project targeting seniors, Mental Health Awareness training for staff and service
providers and a Childhood Obesity Program. A steering committee consisting of representatives
from Council and Sydney West Area Health Service oversee implementation of the Plan.
Council continued to undertake a range of community consultations to ensure that programs and
activities reflected community priorities. A review of the community consultation strategy is being
undertaken to further enhance this process, in preparation for the 2007 Community Consultation.
Council continued to convene the Gaming and Liquor Consultative Committee which is made up of
Councillors, local community members, religious groups, community agencies, members of the
club/hotel industry, local police, Sydney West Area Health Service and the NSW Department of
Community Services. During 2006/7, the Committee continued to comment on proposals or
applications relating to liquor and gaming, where relevant.
Many of Councils community services programs and activities are carried out with guidance from
Advisory and Consultative Committees and related Working Parties. This ensures input and
support from community members, service providers and other stakeholders, so that programs
meet the needs of the community. Some examples include:
Childrens Services
The Childrens Services section provides a range of services that care for and educate children
aged 0-13 years. The services include Pre-school/Long Day Care, Occasional Care, Family Day
Care, Emergency Care, Out of School Hours Care, supported playgroups and an Inclusion
program for children with additional needs. In addition, family and childrens community
development issues are addressed via a range of consultations, networks, representation at
meetings of peak bodies and Parents and Carers in Partnership groups.
Childrens Week 2006 celebrations focused on Childhood obesity. A Childrens Healthy Lifestyle
Expo was held, called Back to the Backyard. The day was well attended by parents and children
and helped to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and exercise. The day was
so successful it will be held again on 28 October 2007 at Central Gardens.
A variety of other activities were held by each of Councils individual services during the week to
raise awareness of the rights and needs of children and families. Childrens Week 2007 will again
focus on Healthy Lifestyles for Families.
To promote networking and currency of knowledge, staff development conferences and training
sessions are held each year. During these conferences, all staff participate in a range of child care
specific workshops, local government workshops and generic lectures.
The Childrens Services section was successful in obtaining funding for the Early Integration
Program (EIP). A grant of $31,101 was received from the Department of Education and Training.
Other grants were also received from:
50
The Inclusion Networking Group (ING) provides services for children with additional needs, which
allows them to be included within mainstream childrens services.
Childrens Services prepares an annual Transition to School booklet for all parents, providing
detailed information on many local schools and tips for parents to help them determine whether
their child is ready to start school or not. This booklet is presented at the School Expo and
information sessions held by each childrens service and is also available from Councils Childrens
Services section.
Holroyd Council hosts the Cumberland Childrens Services Forum. All childrens services
providers (community, commercial & Local Government) from Auburn, Parramatta and Holroyd are
invited to attend. The meeting discusses current issues that impact on the provision of services to
children.
Childrens Services continue to be promoted through local ethnic networks. Flyers were distributed
to local ethnic groups and discussions were held with ethnic representatives through Councils
Community Education Program.
The Pursuit of Excellence Awards program started in 2001 and provides primary and high schools
in Holroyd the opportunity to nominate a student who has excelled in community spirit. A Council
Representative attends the school presentation day to present the award.
Over the last 12 months Out of School Hours care services have experienced a drop in
enrolments, therefore vacancies exist in many services. Staff have developed a range of
strategies designed to increase OOSH enrolments.
Holroyd City Councils Children Services hosted the Corporate Partners for Change Program 2007
(CPC). The CPC program is an initiative of the Office of the Minister for Western Sydney and
provides opportunities for the unemployed or people facing barriers to employment to develop
skills and knowledge in childcare. There is a training component, which consists of 7 of 13
modules of the Childrens Services Certificate III. The participant is then exempt from these
components if they wish to complete a Traineeship or complete the Childrens Services Certificate
III at a later date. After the training component of the program, which ran for 5 weeks, there was a
6 week block of work experience in a Council Child Care centre and commercial centres that chose
to get involved in the program. The benefits to Council are reflected in lower unemployment for the
area and a recruitment program that offers a selection of partially trained and experienced staff.
51
To effectively and efficiently provide quality human services to the local community, which are appropriate to their identified
needs and in accordance with the principle of access and equity.
PROGRAMS
ADMINISTRATION
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Community Facilities
Halls
52
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
LIBRARY SERVICES
Community Buses
Street Stalls
y Client Services
53
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
y NEL Collection.
y Home Library Service.
y Information Services
y Community Information Directory.
y Inter Library Loans.
y Local Studies.
y Outreach programs.
y Class visits (to service points).
y Holiday program.
Youth Week activities.
54
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
y Toy Library.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Administration
Review policies as required.
Facilitate the implementation of S94
projects.
Review S94 levies annually and adjust
as required.
Hold an annual planning day.
Holroyd City Council Scholarship
55
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Community Development
Service/Program Delivery
Administer the Western Sydney Area
Assistance Scheme
56
No. of activities/events: 48
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Displays held: 12
Artists promoted: 168
57
168
32
14
N/A
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
58
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Community consultation
Community resourcing
59
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Youth Services
Service/Program Delivery
Conduct centre-based and outreach
programs, both structured and
unstructured
Reporting/Planning/Policies
Develop policies and procedures
relating to service delivery
Report to the Steering Committee
Hold an annual Open Day
60
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
61
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Community resourcing
Disabilities Services
Service/Program Delivery
Information Service
Individual Advocacy
Systemic Advocacy
62
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Reporting/Planning/Policies
Prepare reports to Council as required
Report to Disabilities Services Advisory
Committee meetings
Convene the Access Policy and Action
Plan Implementation Committee twice
each year
Conduct Peer Support planning
sessions with service users to develop
activity calendars (4 monthly)
Conduct annual survey of newsletter
recipients
Conduct annual survey of Peer Support
service users and carers
Conduct an annual planning session for
disabilities services
Community Activities and Events
Coordinate Councils celebration of
International Day of People with a
DisAbility
Represent Councils disabilities services
at community events as appropriate
63
No. of reports: 10
Reports prepared and distributed: 8
No. of events: 12
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Community Development / Resourcing /
Consultations
Resource and support the
Cumberland/Prospect Area Disability
Forum
Convene and resource Councils
Access Committee
Community consultation
Community resourcing
Support and resource the Peer Support
Users Committee
Aged Services
Service/Program Delivery
Provide meals, programs and activities
through the Guildford Community
Centre day respite program.
64
Meetings held: 3
Decisions actioned: As required.
No. of persons consulted: 137
No. of occasions: 43
Meetings held: 1
Service User attendance: 5
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
65
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Reporting / Planning / Policies
Report to Aged Services Advisory
Committee meetings
Submit quarterly MDS reports to
funding body
66
Activities held: 2
No. in attendance: 485
No. of events: 4
PROGRAMS
CHILDRENS SERVICES
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Management of Councils Childrens
Services Section
Representation on peak bodies
Childrens Week
Deliver activities that promote the rights
and needs of children
Child Protection
Maintain the ongoing operation of the
Child Protection Committee
Provide training
Deliver activities that promote Child
Protection
Community Development
Resource & support all other childrens
services in Holroyd
Provide for new service providers
Sustainable Workforce
Provide a service of recruitment,
training, induction & support for all new
staff, both permanent and casual.
Provide a casual list for use by all
services
67
No. of meetings: 16
No of meetings attended: 15
No of activities held: 1
No of meetings held: 10
No. of services: 37
No. of children in care: N/A
No. of enquiries: 27
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Centres licensed: 3
Centres accredited: 3
No of meetings held: 7
No of events hosted: 17
No of community visits: 43
N/A
68
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
69
Centres licensed: 2
No of community visits: 40
Service Licensed: 1
Service Accredited: 1
Inservices held: 9
Inductions held: 11
No. of Carers: 46
No of meetings held: 4
No of events hosted: 6
No of community visits: 9
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Guildford West
(pm 75)
(am 45)
(vac 40)
70
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
Double Digits
(vac 30)
Ringrose
(pm 60)
(am 45)
(vac 60)
Pemulwuy
(pm 60)
(am 60)
(vac 60)
Pendle Hill
(pm 30)
(am 30)
71
PROGRAMS
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED
y Early Integration Program
72
Special Schedule No 7
Condition of Public Works
As at 30 June 2007
Asset
Class
Asset Category
References
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
All Buildings
Depreciation
Rate (%)
Note 9
Carrying
Value
'000
'000
'000
Note 3
Estimated
Annual
Maintenance
Expense
Program
Maintenance
Works for
current year
'000
'000
'000
Note 9
1,183
1,183
56,868
56,868
(28,489)
(28,489)
28,379
28,379
2
3
6
7
1,567
4,944
6,511
746
451
399
139
1,735
440
266
235
81
1,022
1,762
103
430
585
18
2,898
163,001
8,213
26,300
41,390
599
239,503
(43,407)
(4,262)
(8,809)
(16,478)
(168)
(73,124)
119,594
3,951
17,491
24,912
431
166,379
1
2
3
6
7
3
2
3
6
7
2
3
6
7
1
3
7
10,600
371
100
568
469
422
100
12,630
5,767
100
598
319
150
6,934
2,375
174
119
136
2,804
Bridges
Footpaths
1.25
2
1.4
Street Furniture
10
'000
Cost
Accumulated
Depreciation
Estimated
Cost to
bring to a
Satisfactory
Standard
PUBLIC ROADS
Sealed Roads
Depreciation
Expense
Asset
Condition
(see
Notes
attached)
74
Asset
Class
Asset Category
References
DRAINAGE WORKS
All Works
TOTAL DRAINAGE WORKS
Depreciation
Rate (%)
Depreciation
Expense
Cost
'000
'000
Note 9
Note 3
Accumulated
Depreciation
Carrying
Value
'000
'000
Estimated
Cost to
bring to a
Satisfactory
Standard
Estimated
Annual
Maintenance
Expense
Program
Maintenance
Works for
current year
'000
'000
'000
Note 9
1,225
1,225
123,515
123,515
(44,303)
(44,303)
79,212
79,212
5,306
419,886
(145,916)
273,970
75
Asset
Condition
(see
Notes
attached)
319
319
472
472
293
293
19,460
9,141
4,119
$ 47,891.93
$697,119.51
$ 91,547.90
$ 32,099.33
$868,658.67
ADDRESS OF PROPERTY
NATURE OF
APPEAL
Ablas Patisserie
6 Sherwood Road
Merrylands
Tradelink
Constructions Pty
Ltd
Stockland
Developments Pty
Ltd
191-201 Pitt Street; 233259 Merrylands Road & 5254 McFarlane Street,
Merrylands
Telstra Corporation
Ltd
77
DATE APPEAL
FINALISED OR
ACTION
CEASED
31 October 2006
24 October 2006
14 November
2006
31 August 2006
14 August 2006
APPELLANT
ADDRESS OF PROPERTY
NATURE OF
APPEAL
Rosemarie Guerin
13 Denmark Street
Merrylands
J W Carter
69 Toongabbie Road
Toongabbie
J Sellauthari
8 Dunmore Street
Wentworthville
Hong Hang
V J Samanty
B & S Kuruc
G Salman
Deemed refusal of DA
for demolition of
existing structures,
erection of a mixed
townhouse/villa
development and
Strata subdivision into
5 lots
Deemed refusal of DA
2007/38 for erection
of a child care centre
Unauthorised use of
premises as a printing
business
Unauthorised use of
premises as an
abortion clinic
1. Appeal against
refusal of S95AA
application for
modification to
approved L&E
Court Consent for
brothel.
2. Class 4 action for
use of building
without operative
consent.
HCC Order under
S121B to remove fill,
retaining wall, fencing,
repaint house, restore
overland flow path
and complete
landscape works
HCC Order under
S121B to remove fill,
retaining wall and
complete landscape
works
Deemed refusal of DA
2007/38 for erection
of a child care centre
Deemed refusal of DA
2004/909 for
demolition of existing
structures and
Torrens subdivision
into 2 lots
78
DATE APPEAL
FINALISED OR
ACTION
CEASED
21 August 2006
5 October 2006
31 October 2006
31 October 2006
13 December
2006
30 October 2006
28 February 2007
5 October 2006
1 November 2006
APPELLANT
ADDRESS OF PROPERTY
NATURE OF
APPEAL
G Salman
G Salman
G Salman
G Salman
E L Mariani
Deemed refusal of DA
2004/1033 for
erection of attached 2
storey dual occupancy
and Torrens
subdivision into 2 lots
Deemed refusal of DA
2004/1034 for
erection of attached
single storey dual
occupancy and
Torrens subdivision
into 2 lots
Deemed refusal of DA
2004/1035 for
erection of attached 2
storey dual occupancy
and Torrens
subdivision into 2 lots
Deemed refusal of DA
2004/1036 for
erection of attached
single storey dual
occupancy and
Torrens subdivision
into 2 lots
Deemed refusal of DA
2007/105 for
alterations and use of
premises as a brothel
Deemed refusal of DA
2007/346 for erection
of warehouses, hitech units and child
care center
Class 4 action under
S125(1) EP&A Act for
illegal pruning of trees
Deemed refusal of
application for 5 new
dwellings and Torrens
subdivision
79
DATE APPEAL
FINALISED OR
ACTION
CEASED
1 November 2006
1 November 2006
1 November 2006
1 November 2006
28 March 2007
28 June 2007
24 March 2007
23 May 2007
STREET ADDRESS
SUBJECT MATTER
A B & M Kavich
Linda Khoury
Owen Tregarthen
P J Kubacki
10 Guernsey Road
Guildford
154 Magowar Road
Girraween
Mohammad Bashir
Aria
75 Brickworks Drive
Holroyd
Meehan Properties
Pty Ltd
Bathla
Constructions Pty
Ltd
Bathla
Constructions Pty
Ltd
17 Beresford Road
Greystanes
80
$11,108
$49,873
$964
$27,771
$1,094
$28,849
$Nil
$Nil
Background
NSW Department of Local Government has conducted a review of a number of Council expenses
policies and has circulated guidelines pursuant to Sections 23A and 252(5) of the Local
Government Act 1993 following extensive consultation with the Local Government and Shires
Association of NSW.
The purpose of a Council expenses and facilities policy is to ensure that there is accountability and
transparency in the payment of expenses incurred, or to be incurred, by Councillors.
82
It is noted that a Council may disburse money only if the disbursement is authorised by the Local
Government Act 1993, either expressly or because it is supplemental, incidental to or
consequential upon the exercise of its functions.
Principles
Conduct
As required by Section 439 of the Local Government Act 1993 and reinforced in the Model Code
of Conduct provisions, Councillors must act lawfully, honestly and exercise a reasonable degree of
care and diligence in carrying out their functions under the Act or any other Act. Councillors should
in particular, be mindful of the provisions of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.
Participation, equity and access
The expenses policy provisions must be non-discriminatory and used in an equitable manner to
enable the full participation by Councillors from different walks of life. The policy should allow
Councillors to represent the community in different ways and take account of, as much as
possible, individual differences.
The provisions made in the policy should be at an appropriate level to encourage members of the
community, particularly under-represented groups such as those in primary caregiver roles, to
seek election to Council by ensuring that they would not be financially or otherwise disadvantaged
in undertaking the civic duties of a Councillor. Such encouragement promotes a diversity of
representation that can bring the benefit of new and different approaches and solutions to issues.
The Council expenses policy also takes into account of and makes reasonable provision for the
special needs of Councillors to allow access to the appropriate parts of Council premises, and
facilities, and maximise participation in the civic duties and business of Council. Provision is also
made for sight or hearing impaired Councillors and those with other disabilities, including
reasonable transportation provisions for those unable or unwilling to drive a vehicle to provide
access.
83
Limits
The payment of expenses and the provision of equipment and facilities to Councillors should not
be open-ended. Councils must agree and set monetary limits to all expense provisions in their
policy where practicable and where appropriate, as well as standards for the provision of
equipment and facilities provided to Councillors.
Statutory requirements
A policy for the payment of expenses and the provision of facilities for Councillors is made under
Section 252 of the Local Government Act 1993 and in accordance with clause 403 of the Local
Government (General) Regulation 2005.
Other policy provisions, which should be considered, include these guidelines, Department of
Local Government circulars to Councils, the Model Code of conduct for Local Councils in NSW
and the Independent Commission against Corruption publication No Excuse for Misuse.
the total cost of expenses and the provision of facilities for the Mayor and all Councillors, as
well as:
84
Provision of facilities
the total cost of the provision of dedicated office equipment allocated to Councillors on a
personal basis, such as laptop computers, mobile phones, telephones and facsimile
machines and internet installed in the Councillors homes (including line rental and Internet
access). This item does not include the costs of using this equipment, such as calls.
Expenses
the cost of phone calls including mobiles, home located landlines, facsimile and Internet
services
spouse/ partner/ accompanying person expenses (limited to circumstances outlined on page
14 of the Guidelines)
conference and seminar expenses
training and skill development expenses
interstate travel expenses (including subsistence and out-of-pocket expenses)
overseas travel expenses (including subsistence and out-of-pocket expenses)
care and other related expenses (of dependants to enable a Councillor to undertake his/her
civic functions).
General provisions
A time limit of 30 days is provided for Councillors to seek reimbursement for their expenses
Accommodation
Payment of accommodation costs will be made on the following basis:
accommodation will be selected by the Council on the basis of cost and convenience
of location to the conference venue. A Councillor may choose accommodation at a
different location, but which is at the same cost or less;
the number of accommodation days provided under this policy will be limited to:
85
a
b
Council will, where possible, pay expenses directly to the place of accommodation by
account.
Councillors should be aware that it may be necessary for them to pay expenses. In order to
obtain reimbursement for such expenses a claim for reimbursement together with receipts
must be submitted to the General Manager on the appropriate form (Appendix A).
Payment in advance
Councillors may request payment in advance in anticipation of expenses to be incurred in
attending conferences, seminars and training away from home. Advance Payment Request Form
(Appendix B) to be completed. All expense payments may be claimed for reimbursement on the
appropriate form (Appendix A) together with receiptst or reconciled if an advance payment is
made.
86
The Council will pay the expenses for the spouse, partner or accompanying person of a Mayor, or
a Councillor when they are representing the Mayor, when they are called on to attend an official
function of Council or carry out an official ceremonial duty while accompanying the Mayor outside
the Councils area, but within the State. Examples include charitable functions to which the Mayor
has been invited and award ceremonies and other functions to which the Mayor is invited to
represent the Council.
The above circumstances will be distinguished from spouses, partners or accompanying persons
who accompany a Councillor at any event or function outside the Council area, including interstate
and overseas, where the costs and expenses of the spouse or partner or accompanying person
would not be paid by Council (with the exception of attendance at the Local Government and
Shires Associations annual conference, as noted above).
The above examples will also be distinguished from circumstances, where spouses, partners or
accompanying persons accompany Councillors at seminars and conferences and the like. In
these situations all costs, including any additional accommodation costs, must be met by the
Councillor or the spouse/partner/accompanying person and not reimbursed.
The payment of expenses for spouses, partners or accompanying persons for attending
appropriate functions as permitted above will be confined specifically to the ticket, meal and/or the
direct cost of attending the function. Peripheral expenses incurred by spouses, partners or
accompanying persons such as grooming, special clothing and transport are not reimbursable
expenses.
Monetary limit: As per Schedule A
Incidental expenses of the Mayor and Councillors
Incidental expenses will reasonably include telephone or facsimile calls, refreshments, internet
charges, laundry and dry cleaning, newspapers, taxi fares and parking fees. In addition, the cost
of meals not included in the registration fees for conferences or similar functions.
Monetary limit: As per Schedule A
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
87
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Aircraft all aircraft travel to be economy class. However, business class airfare will be
applicable for overseas travel and for journeys involving four hours or more of flying time;
Train first class where available;
Private motor vehicle where appropriate
In the event that private motor vehicle is the selected mode of transport, an allowance will be
made to the Councillor for use of their own vehicle in accordance with the maximum calculated
under the Holroyd City Council National Agreement Preserving the Local Government
(State)Award 2004.
Note: In any case the total shall not exceed the cost applicable to that of economy class aircraft
for a return ticket.
Training and educational expenses
Council will consider making separate provision for the payment of relevant training and education
expenses incurred by Councillors in the budget. These expenses would support and encourage
an active learning process and skills development in addition to attending seminars and
conferences related to Council functions. The training or educational course will be directly related
to the Councillors civic functions and responsibilities.
Attendance at dinners and other non-Council functions
Council will provide meeting expenses associated with attendance at dinners and other
non-Council functions which provide briefings to Councillors from key members of the community,
parliamentary representatives and business, and when the function is relevant to the Councils
interest.
Such expenses are to relate to the cost of the function only including an additional payment to a
registered charity where appropriate.
Travel outside the LGA including interstate travel
General travel arrangements
All travel by Councillors will be undertaken by utilising the most direct route and the most
practicable and economical mode of transport subject to any personal medical considerations.
Prior approval of travel should generally be required for interstate travel. The application for
approval should include full details of the travel, including itinerary, costs and reasons for the
travel.
Local travel arrangements and expenses
The policy provides for the payment of reasonable travel expenses for local travel relating to
defined Council business.
The policy includes arrangements for the use of a private vehicle and provisions for the use of
public transport, travel using a Council vehicle and associated other costs such as parking and
road tolls. The driver is personally responsible for all traffic or parking fines incurred while
travelling in private or Council vehicles on Council business.
88
Provision will also be made for sight or hearing impaired Councillors and those with other
disabilities, including reasonable transportation provisions for those unable or unwilling to drive a
vehicle to provide access.
Overseas travel
Detailed proposals for overseas travel will be developed, including nomination of the Councillor(s)
undertaking the trip, purpose of the trip and expected benefits. The duration, itinerary and
approximate total costs of each proposed visit, will also be provided.
Overseas travel must be approved by a Council resolution prior to a Councillor undertaking the
trip. Travel must be approved on an individual trip basis. No retrospective reimbursement of
overseas travel expenses will be made unless prior authorisation of the travel has been obtained.
After returning from overseas, Councillor(s), or an accompanying member of Council staff, will
provide a detailed written report to Council on the aspects of the trip relevant to Council business
and/or the local community. Councillor(s) will report back on their overseas travel to a Council
meeting within 30 days of date of return to Australia.
Details of overseas travel will be included in Councils annual report.
Mobile Phone costs and expenses
Council will provide an appropriate mobile telephone and suitable in-car kit to Councillors if
requested.
Such mobile telephones are for use by the Councillor on matters relating to official duties.
A copy of each individual mobile telephone account will be distributed to each Councillor for
payment of private or personal telephone calls.
Council will be responsible for the payment of costs associated with monthly access charges, and
Council related telephone calls.
Councillors will be required to pay the call charges for all calls which fall within the definition of
private or personal calls.
Monetary limit: As per schedule A
Computer Equipment
Such computer equipment is for use by the Councillor on matters relating to duties of office and
private use as approved and is to remain in the possession of the Councillor during their term of
office.
Councillors will be provided with computer equipment, service, manuals and training required to
support Councils electronic applications:
1.
Communications:
Broadband
Dialup internet
Firewall
AntiVirus
89
Anti Spyware
Fax Software
2.
Operating system
Word processing
Spreadsheets
Presentation
Database
Printing
Fax machine
External backup
DVD/CD reader/writer
Templates including:
Letterhead
Notice of Motion
Notice of Rescission
Research
3.
General
Telephone support
Site visits
Other applications and services as requested and agreed by the General Manager
Provision will be provided in three locations: at each Councillors residence, in the Councillors
Room, in Council Chambers.
The installation, servicing and upgrading of computer equipment will be coordinated through
Councils information technology personnel.
The computer equipment, levels of service, types of manuals and training will be reviewed
annually. Due to the changing nature of information technology, the current equipment is outlined
later in this Section.
Responsibilities for Council:
Request consumables;
Manage private usage and private data;
Ensure all usage complies with Australian Law;
Ensure the security of privileged information.
The Electronic Business Paper is published Friday prior to each Council Business Meeting.
Minutes are published Friday after Council Business Meeting.
Support
All support for Councils Electronic Applications will be coordinated through Councils information
technology personnel. Telephone support will be provided during office hours weekdays
between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm.
Extended Support
Extended support and site visits to Councillor residences will be coordinated through Councils
information technology personnel. The extended hours require joint negotiation, depending both
on staff and Councillor available.
Monthly Information Technology Health Check
Councillors will be contacted monthly to ensure their information technology equipment supplied
by Council is functioning effectively. This is a formal opportunity for Councillors to request
additional support, equipment or training.
Training
All training for Councils Electronic Applications will be coordinated by Councils information
technology personnel.
Security and Confidentiality
Councillors are responsible for their passwords. Particularly each Councillor should maintain a
unique undisclosed password particularly for email access.
Information Technology Personnel can reset passwords. This will only be done with the
Councillors direct permission.
Assistance and instructions on setting and changing passwords will be supplied on request by
Information Technology Personnel.
The Electronic Business Paper Application contains information that is confidential to Councillors
(eg Committee of the Whole reports). It is the responsibility of Councilors to care and protect this
information.
Private Usage
In addition to Councils electronic applications, Council has agreed that a degree of private use
may be made of the computer equipment. For this purpose the following guidelines will apply:
91
Any secondary or private use is not to impact on the correct functioning of Councils
electronic applications.
Council will not access any Councillors private or personal information without their
knowledge and agreement.
In particular, Council will not retain any copies of private information outside of the Councillors
residence without a Councillors expressed knowledge and approval.
Where private information must be held by Information Technology Staff, this will be negotiated
with the Councillor concerned to their agreement and endorsement.
Councillors may request Information Technology Staff to return or destroy any private information
held by Council. The destruction will be confirmed with the Councillor.
Councillors take responsibility for any private software licences ensuring copyright laws are
not infringed.
In particular Councillors should provide the General Manager with a signed photocopy of any
licences for privately installed software on Council equipment and negotiate the installation with
the Manager of Information Technology Services.
Councillors take responsibility for any information accessed on the Internet ensuring
Australian laws are not infringed.
Installation and removal of private software and hardware will be coordinated with Councils
Information Technology personnel.
This will ensure any private software functions correctly and does not interfere with Councils
Electronic Applications.
Support is not guaranteed for private applications, data and equipment through Councils
Information Technology personnel.
Councils information technology can take no responsibility for private applications or data.
Private data loss may occur.
Councillors take responsibility for granting permission to any others using the computer
equipment.
92
Information Technology Staff may provide advice on how a Councillor should manage private
usage to ensure it does not conflict with Councils Electronic Applications, however each
Councillor remains responsible for private use.
For each Councillor in Council Chambers:
External mouse
External monitor
(i)
(ii)
Councillors and officers insurance-covering Legal Liability, Public Liability and Professional
Indemnity.
(iii)
Travel.
Legal Expenses
1.
Council may pay for the reasonable cost of legal advice and suitable legal representation for
Councillors in respect of:
a
b
93
2.
3.
A reference to the payment of legal expenses includes Council reimbursing a Councillor for
such expenses incurred by the Councillor.
4.
Council may in any case resolve that payment or reimbursement by limited to a certain
amount or proportion of the legal expenses or in some other way be limited.
94
General Provisions
The following facilities, additional to those outlined elsewhere in this policy will be provided to the
Mayor:
Motor Vehicle
Council will provide at its cost to the Mayor a full registered, insured, maintained, fuelled vehicle
with provision for an E-tag for use by the Mayor on official duties and for private use. Council will
be responsible for the payment of fringe benefits tax payable as a result of the supply of this
facility.
The type of vehicle at the time of changeover, shall be the choice of the Mayor, being either a
Holden Statesman or Ford Fairlane:
(a)
(b)
The vehicle provided for the Mayor is for use on official duties and functions of the Office of Mayor
and for private use.
Telephone
Council will provide at its cost a separate telephone to the residence of the Mayor for use in
relation to official duties and functions of the Office of Mayor.
Facsimile Machine
Council will provide at its cost an appropriate facsimile machine at the residence of the Mayor for
use in relation to official duties and functions of the Office of Mayor.
Office Facilities
Council will provide the following office facilities at the Council Chambers:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
Office space sufficient quantity of quality office space necessary to fulfil the duties of
office.
Telephone a high quality digital telephone connected to Councils PABX System with
direct in dial and direct line facilities.
Facsimile machine connected to a dedicated telephone line.
Furniture an appropriate quantity of quality office furniture.
Secretarial Support Secretarial support facilities are available to the Mayor during
normal office hours.
Council will meet the cost of postage of mail forwarded by the Mayor in the conduct of
official duties.
95
Telephones, facsimile equipment, mobile phones, computer and any other electronic equipment or
furniture supplied to Councillors for their official use will remain the property of Holroyd City
Council. All such items are returnable to the Council once the Councillors term of office comes to
an end. There is provision for the Councillors to purchase Council equipment previously allocated
to them at the cessation of their duties, or at the time of replacement of the equipment, at an
agreed fair market price or written down value.
This Policy was adopted by Council at its Meeting held on 19 June 2007.
96
SCHEDULE A
ESTABLISHMENT OF MONETARY LIMITS
The monetary limits applicable to this policy are as follows:
Incidental Expenses:
The maximum entitlement of $150 per day.
97
Major Contracts
$1,123,409
$259,525
$243,856
$350,847
Works Infrastructure
1 Unwin Street, Rosehill 2142
Pavement milling, heavy patching
$585,587
99
Environmental Issues
Water Consumption
With the below average rain falls Sydney has experienced over the last five years and low levels of
water held in Warragamba Dam, water has come to the forefront of environmental concerns for
people throughout south eastern Australia.
The residents of Holroyd City have again displayed a positive response to this water shortage, with
Sydney Water data showing that people living in houses in Holroyd have further reduced their
water usage by 5,000L/dwelling whilst people living in flats and units in Holroyd have decreased
their water usage by 2,000L/dwelling.
During the reporting period, Holroyd City Council as an organisation used on average 373,321
litres of water per day, this is a 3% decrease on the previous reporting year.
Council was notified by the Minister for the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability
(DEUS) that the Water Savings Action Plan had been approved. Actions that Council implemented
during that reporting period include replacing single flush cisterns with dual flush cisterns, replacing
urinal cisterns with sensor controlled cisterns and retro-fitting water saving showerheads.
Climate Change
Climate change due to atmospheric pollution is another topic that is receiving much attention both
by governmental agencies and in the media. Council is committed to improving urban air quality
and reducing greenhouse gas emissions which is demonstrated through the participation in the
Cities for Climate Protection Program (CCP) and the development of the Energy Savings Action
Plan.
Council continued the preparation of a Draft Energy Savings Action Plan which contains actions to
improve the energy efficiency at Councils highest energy consuming facilities. The Draft Energy
Savings Action Plan was submitted to the Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability
(DEUS) on 4 April 2007 for approval by the Minister for DEUS.
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Although the Energy Savings Action Plan is yet to be approved by the Minister for DEUS, Council
has commenced implementation of the cost-effective efficient initiatives identified in the plan,
including installing non-return dampers on vents at Guildford Pool, enabling Energy Smart settings
on computers, upgrading air-conditioners controls at Councils Administration Building and
installing power factor correction devices.
Merrylands CBD
Civic Park, Pendle Hill
Long Street, Smithfield
Nancy Street, Pendle Hill
Over 100 local volunteers took part in the nations largest community based environmental event,
cleaning up at the 25 sites with 100 bags of rubbish collected. This year 17 local schools in the
Holroyd City Council area took part in the Clean Up Schools Day.
An estimated 1 million people across Australia took part in the day at more than 7,000 sites. Some
of the more unusual finds around the country were a parking meter, half a boat and a maintenance
leg. Feedback from site supervisors around Australia, which was supported by collections in the
Holroyd City Council area, shows beverage containers are one of the most commonly found items.
Biodiversity
The biodiversity within Holroyd City Council is under constant threat from pollutants and the spread
of introduced species. In an effort to protect against further degradation and fragmentation of
Holroyds biodiversity, Councils bush regeneration staff together with volunteer bushcare groups
including Pendle Hill Creek Bushcare Group, Lower Prospect Canal Reserve Bushcare, Friends of
Prospect Creek, Alpha Park Bushcare and Greystanes Management Committee planted 9,738
new trees, shrubs and grasses.
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Table One
Birthplace by Country
Summary Indicators
2001
Census
85,760
48,467
30,991
NC
NC
46,279
33,741
680
Population
Australian born
Overseas born
Birthplace not stated
Visitors from overseas
Speaks English only
Speaks other language
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
2006
Census
89,766
47,614
35,353
NC
580
44,402
40,581
737
% Change
01-06
4.67
-1.75
14.07
N/A
N/A
-4.05
20.27
8.38
Females
26,035
1,305
2,908
3,646
2,006
1,808
3,264
581
469
41
3,300
45,363
Total Persons
51,049
2,674
5,691
7,700
3,401
3,346
6,917
1,122
974
95
6,798
89,767
Table Two
Birthplace by Tegion
Region
Australia/Oceanic/Antarctica
Northwest Europe
Southern and Eastern Europe
North Africa/Middle East
South East Asia
North East Asia
Southern and Central Asia
The Americas (Most Sth America)
Sub SaharaAfrica
Other
Not stated
Total
Males
25,014
1,369
2,783
4,054
1,395
1,538
3,653
541
505
54
3,498
44,404
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Table Three
Languages other than English Spoken at Home:
Language
Speaks English only
Speaks other language:
Arabic (including Lebanese)
Australian Indigenous Languages
Chinese languages:
Cantonese
Mandarin
Other (c)
Total
Croatian
Dutch
Filipino (excludes Tagalog)
French
German
Greek
Hindi
Hungarian
Indonesian
Iranic Languages
Persian (excluding Dari)
Dari
Other (e)
Total
Italian
Japanese
Khmer
Korean
Macedonian
Maltese
Polish
Portuguese
Russian
Samoan
Serbian
Sinhalese
Spanish
Tagalog (excludes Filipino)(d)
Tamil
Turkish
Vietnamese
Other(f)
Total
Not stated
Total
(a)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Males
21,376
Females
22,232
Persons
43,608
5,703
30
5,474
16
11,177
46
1,070
902
91
2,063
1,161
1,003
96
2,260
2,231
1,905
187
4,323
499
28
230
119
82
692
932
41
117
491
31
302
121
81
666
902
52
155
990
59
532
240
163
1,358
1,834
93
272
297
550
183
1,030
819
21
26
277
30
801
122
33
77
103
209
146
518
315
1,095
711
338
2,872
20,079
2,947
44,402
290
571
174
1,035
883
22
43
297
29
858
199
39
115
117
222
123
620
497
1,078
730
424
2,619
20,501
2,631
45,364
587
1,121
357
2,065
1,702
43
69
574
59
1,659
321
72
192
220
431
269
1,138
812
2,173
1,441
762
5,491
40,580
5,578
89,766
This list of languages consists of the most common Languages Spoken at Home responses reported
in the 2006 Census.
Comprises Chinese nfd Hakka, Hokkien, Teochew, Wu and Chinese nec.
In 2006 Tagalog and Filipino have been identified individually, in 2001 they were classed as one
language.
Comprises Iranic nfd, Kurdish, Pashto, Balochi and Iranic nec.
Comprises languages not identified individually, Inadequately described and Non-Verbal so described.
105
Council adopted an updated Access and Equity Policy Statement for People from Culturally and
Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in September 2004. The Policy Statement was developed after
extensive consultation with local CALD communities, Councils CALD Consultative Committee,
multicultural service providers and peak bodies.
The Access and Equity Policy Statement includes an overview of the statistics relevant to the
CALD communities and an analysis of the priorities. Strategies to address these priorities were
developed and address issues of access and equity in the corporate culture and detail actions
across all Council departments. A representative of each department attends the CALD
Committee to update them on the implementation. The objective of the Policy is to include issues
of access and equity in standard operational procedures.
The Access and Equity Policy Statement is a standard item on the Consultative Committees
agenda. Where special strategies are needed to address disadvantage, they are developed in
consultation with the particular CALD communities and delivered in collaboration with these
communities.
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Week was celebrated on 22 July 2007 with a
community festival held in Central Gardens. Approximately 500 community members participated
in the celebrations which were overseen by Councils ATSIC Committee. The Committee advises
and makes recommendations to Council on Indigenous priorities. The Indigenous Employment
Strategy resulted in the employment of three indigenous workers at Council, and won the 2005/6
NSW Aboriginal Employment and Business Award.
The Aboriginal flag is flown at Council on every working day. An Indigenous representative of the
Committee attends the annual Local Government Aboriginal Network Conference and reports back
to other members.
A brief message in seven community languages is printed on the reverse of Councils letterhead,
inviting recipients to contact Council for assistance in understanding the contents. The Department
of Library and Community Services pamphlet has been translated in various community languages
and distributed through local service providers, peak bodies, child care centres, youth centres,
aged care facilities, and libraries. Other information pamphlets are also provided in relevant
community languages where funds are available e.g. library services, family day care.
Where possible, Council uses pictograms and language charts to facilitate access to information,
services and facilities. The use of Language Aides and the Telephone Interpreter Service is
promoted at staff orientation days. Council updates the booklet on Hints for Cross Cultural
Communication and distributes it across Council and externally to various community
organisations and government departments. The booklet is used at Councils staff induction.
Immunisation booklets in a variety of languages are used to promote this important issue and food
handling seminars are held four times per year, using a language free video to demonstrate food
handling and storage practices. Information on rates is also available in various community
languages. Language charts are posted at each customer service point. In June 2006, Council
updated its language charts and reissued them to all customer service points, including childcare
centres.
Council funded and held Carnivale, a festival promoting community harmony and integration, on 22
April 2007. Approximately 4,000 people attended. The festival was planned, implemented and
evaluated by a Working Party drawn from Councils Culturally and Linguistically Diverse
Consultative Committee members.
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Holroyd Community Food Services has been offered funding to provide a CALD Centre Based
Meals Program in the Holroyd and Parramatta Local Government Areas. Operational details are
still being finalised with DADHC.
Disability Services promote access to people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
through printed information and videos, and encourage networking and linking of ethnic
communities to mainstream community services.
In August 2005 Council, in partnership with the BHHP Migrant Resource Centre and SIVA
International, planned and implemented a South Asia Conference which was held in July 2006.
An Egyptian Forum was held in April. 120 people attended.
Councils Community Education Program was the subject of a small-group session at the LGCSA
Conference in October 2006 with 40 people in attendance.
On 21 March 2007 Council, in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Consultative Committee and the Warali Wali Working Party, celebrated Harmony Day. 30 persons
attended a function at the Warali Wali site.
In March 2006 Council, in partnership with Merrylands Community Health Centre, Holroyd
Parramatta Migrant Services and the BHHP Migrant Resource Centre, commenced planning for a
Refugee Forum to be held in October 2006. Approximately 60 persons attended the event.
Council, in partnership with the Australian Centre for Languages, delivered a Community
Education Program Getting to Know Your Local Council in April 2007. 70 people, all new
migrants, attended. Feedback on the program was positive and the Australian Centre for
Languages requested a second program for March 2008.
How to Vote workshops were developed and were held in the last three months of 2006. The aim
was to educate and empower CALD residents prior to the 2007 State elections.
Council has updated its Induction program to include cross-cultural training. All new staff must
attend induction and are provided with a copy of Councils Hints to Better Cross Cultural
Communication booklet for reference. A list of bilingual workers is posted on Councils Intranet
and the list is updated bi annually.
Council continues to convene and resource the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Consultative
Committee and all its Working Parties.
Council continues to provide opportunities for overseas trained and qualified persons to gain work
experience and ensuing references. 19 persons with overseas qualifications participated in this
work experience program.
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Childrens Needs
Childrens Needs
The following programs undertaken by Council develop and promote services which provide for the
needs of children and their families.
Staff Development
Ongoing staff training is essential in ensuring the continued provision of quality care and motivated
staff. Training is developed based on staff and centre needs and covers topics such as First Aid,
Child Development, The Emergent Curriculum, Child Protection (Responding to Risk of Harm),
Programming, Dealing with Difficult People, Critical Incident Training, Budgeting, Health Issues,
English as a Second Language, Gifted and Talented Children and Fire Safety. Relevant training is
also offered to parents such as the Early Integration Program, Super Nanny and many other topics
that parents request.
Excursions/Visitors
An important feature of Childrens Services is excursions and/or special visitors to the centres.
These include farm visits, plays, cultural visitors or educational presentations, as well as
community visitors such as Fire Brigade, Police, Ambulance, library and Storytellers visits to the
Library. Such visitors and excursions increase the childrens cultural and community awareness,
promote tolerance, appreciation of the arts and life skills.
Developmental Records
Each centre maintains comprehensive developmental records on each child. These records
determine individual needs on which the centres base their daily program. This is an integral part
of ensuring that the development of each child is fostered. The records are ongoing and are
available for parents at any time. At the end of the year the parents are given a journal of their
childs progress and are invited to discuss their childs development with their carer.
Transition to School
Childrens Services holds a Transition to School Expo each year for parents deciding on a school
for the following year. This session helps parents in making the important decision of whether their
children are ready to go to school. It also gives them an idea of what to expect when their child
goes to school, and what schools have to offer. Various speakers are organised with expertise in
this area. This is especially important for parents of children with May, June or July birthdays and
parents of children with additional needs.
A Transition to School booklet is also distributed to services and families in Holroyd and contains
information on local schools in the Holroyd area so that parents can make an informed choice of
which school to send their child to. The booklet also has other general information such as NSW
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schools handwriting styles and school preparation. This booklet is updated and distributed
annually and is available on the Council website.
Child Protection
The Child Protection Committee continues to work to provide training and policy direction. The
Committee is made up of representatives from each of Councils departments.
During the year, the Committee has provided training to staff and local services in relation to
Mandatory Reporting and prepared training sessions to deliver Councils revised Child Protection
Policy to staff.
Child Protection Week falls in September each year and the committee is involved in projects that
raise awareness within the community about child protection and how everyone can make a
difference.
Quality Assurance
All Early Childhood (Long Day Care centres), Middle Childhood (Out of School Hours Care
services) and Family Day Care Schemes (Home based care) in Australia follow Quality Assurance
Systems which ensure services meet stringent quality assessments to maintain Accreditation.
The childrens services Quality Assurance System is a Commonwealth Government initiative linked
to the funding of Child Care Benefit to childrens services. If a service does not reach satisfactory
standards it is not eligible to register for Child Care Benefit.
Services use varied terminology for these systems. Early Childhood (Long Day Care) refers to
Quality Improvement Accreditation System (QIAS), whereas Middle Childhood (Out of School
Hours care) and Family Day Care (Home based care) refer to Quality Assurance (QA).
These systems are built around quality areas and principles, such as
110
All of Holroyd City Councils Childrens Services have recently been reassessed and are proudly
operating at High Quality standards. All of Councils childcare services consistently maintain these
values through a continuous improvement process.
111
The Access and Equity Policy Statement includes strategies which are monitored quarterly and
progress is reported through Councils CALD Consultative Committee. The Plan lists 199
strategies of which 167 have been implemented.
Councils Access Policy and Action Plan promotes equality of access to Council services and
facilities for people with a disability, and aims to satisfy Councils requirements under the Disability
Discrimination Act. Following the successful completion of Councils first Action Plan (endorsed in
1998) a second Access Policy and Action Plan commenced from March 2002. The strategies in
the Action Plan are taken into consideration in the preparation of Councils Management Plan and
in the budget process, with the aim of minimising and eliminating discrimination on the basis of
disability in the provision of Council services and facilities.
In September 2006 Council adopted the revised Cultural Plan Cultural Vitality in Holroyd City
2006-2011. This Plan seeks to expand the creative potential of the community and to enrich and
contribute to personal, family, social and working lives. The document won an award in the LGSA
2007 Cultural Awards.
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Communication
The Peer Support Program provides its information on audio tape for service users who have
difficulty reading. This respite and recreation program for adults with intellectual disabilities
encourages access by service users from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, who
account for 35% of members of the group.
Aged Services produces and distributes over 1,200 copies of a Seniors Newsletter which provides
information on Council and community services and activities. This newsletter is distributed four
times each year.
Councils Customer Service Unit and the Central Library have TTYs to facilitate communication
with the deaf community. An AUSLAN interpreter is arranged on request for Council meetings and
public events.
There are hearing loops installed in the Council Chambers and Merrylands Library. These
systems result in acoustic benefits for people with hearing impairments. Council also has a
portable hearing loop system that can be used for meetings in Councils Committee Rooms, the
Holroyd Centre, and Councils community facilities.
The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) is used where required and the use of the TIS is a
standard feature in customer service training, as is cross cultural sensitivity. A number of staff
have been tested to become accredited interpreters, and are listed as Language Aides at Council.
The booklet Hints for Better Cross Cultural Communication, which was originally produced in 1998,
was updated to ensure that service provision and appropriate customer service is current and
continuously improved for clients of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
The Library service has a Basic English collection to assist in basic English language acquisition
and enhancement. The collection is made up of videos, resource materials and kits. The Library
also provides newspapers and magazines in a number of community languages, and has access
to extensive collections in community languages from the State Library of NSW. Local collections
are available in monograph, CD, DVD and video in Arabic, Chinese, Tamil and Vietnamese. The
library service has also commenced a Hindi collection. The library service also coordinates a
program of conversational English classes which are run by volunteers.
Ease of Contact
Installation of a telephone system which incorporates an after hours service and voicemail has
facilitated public access to Councils services and officers. The front counter has a conference
phone to assist with interpreting services, and section managers have a hands free telephone,
which facilitates the use of interpreting services.
Enquiries regarding Councils community facilities (halls, meeting rooms and community buses)
are directed to the Customer Service Centre so that residents can access information and make
bookings with one phone call or visit.
Outreach Services
Councils Childrens and Young Adults Librarian conducts outreach visits to schools and
kindergartens.
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The Outreach Youth Worker utilises outreach visits to make contact with young people and make
them aware of appropriate services.
Councils Housebound Library Service operates with the assistance of a team of volunteers to
ensure that library services are available to housebound residents.
Disability Access Needs
The Holroyd Access Committee meets quarterly to allocate funds toward high priority access works
within the Holroyd Local Government Area. Projects are undertaken based on community
requests and/or potential for usage. The Committee has an annual budget of $50,000 and also
lobbies other bodies regarding access issues.
The public areas of Councils administration building are accessible, with a lift, accessible toilets
and automatic doors. An upgrade of these facilities is currently being reviewed. There is an
accessible walkway through to the Library, which also has lift access and an accessible toilet.
An accessible 23 seater bus is available through Guildford Community Centre and enhances
access to services for people who are frail aged or have disabilities. Council also provides a 20
seater accessible community bus. Both buses are available for use by community groups.
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Corporate Fitness
Exit Interview & Questionnaire
Leave Policy
PE Form 2006
New Employee Induction Checklist
Educational Assistance Policy
Home Base Work
Employee Handbook
Salary Sacrifice
Work Experience Placement
Overt Video Surveillance
References for Employees
Workforce Planning Framework
Pre-employment Medical Policy
Guide to Work Rights
Child Protection Policy
Observance of Religious Duties & Cultural Obligations
Career Break
Dress Standards
EEO Management Plan
Higher Grade Duties
Staff Recognition
117
process are monitored by systematic step by step review of all advertising, interviewing,
appointments and exit stages of employment at Holroyd. Formal training has been conducted for
staff that are part of the interview panels.
The Human Resources Section participated in the Local Government Week Activities with
reference to Gateway to Careers, the UWS Nepean Career Expo under the banner of WSROC
and the SMH Careers & Employment Expo under the banner of LGSA. HR is currently reviewing
the web positions vacant page and the Gateway to Careers brochure to ensure they are current
and relevant.
Induction Training
Employee induction sessions are scheduled on a six-week cycle. The content of these sessions
evolves with changes to policies and practices to ensure continuous improvement and up to date
advice to new staff members. The new employee induction checklist was reviewed to provide
more support to staff and managers to ensure information was provided prior to the corporate
induction. It covers keys aspects of the position and councils key policies and procedures, which
staff need to be aware of immediately they start.
Remuneration Management
Appointments and salary progression remain based on qualifications, experience and competence.
The annual skills review and performance evaluations were undertaken for all staff on their
anniversary dates. The evaluation process involves an annual skill review in line with NAPSA
requirements and the development of individual training plans and Councils Corporate Training
Plan.
In November 2006 an award increase of 3% was applied to Councils Salary System from the first
pay period on or after 1 November 2006 and the AFPC increase was also applied to those grades
of the salary system that were applicable.
118
Training
Policies/Programs
With effective implementation and continual review, Council can expect a safer workplace for all.
This implementation program is assisted by a quarterly Holsafe Newsletter and a Safety Week. A
number of Lunch n Learns and wellness programs were held during the year Driver Safety,
WorkCover speaker, Walk to Work and a massage day.
119
The Womens Development Team has developed an Action Plan which was endorsed by Council
in June 2007.
Council received a Highly Commended in the National Local Government Awards in the category
of Increasing Womens Participation.
$225,000
$168,265
$168,265
$152,250
$152,250
The total remuneration for senior staff including provision of a Council vehicle, superannuation and
fringe benefits tax is $866,030.
120
External Bodies
Advisory Committees
Council has a number of Advisory and Consultative Committees that make recommendations to
Council:
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee
Access Committee
Aged Services Advisory Committee (incorporating Meals-on-Wheels and Guildford Community
Centre)
Arts Advisory Committee
Audit and Governance Committee
City Health Plan and Local Air Quality Management Plan Steering Committee
Community Safety Committee
Companion Animals Advisory Committee
Councils Staff Consultative Committee
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Consultative Committee
Disability Services Advisory Committee
Heritage Committee
Holroyd City Bicycle Steering Committee
Holroyd City Youth Advisory Committee
Holroyd Gaming and Liquor Consultative Committee
Library Committee
Local Agenda 21 Steering Committee
Prospect Hill Conservation Management Plan Steering Committee
Road Safety Steering Committee
122
Scholarship Committee
Social Plan Steering Committee
Syringes Working Party
Toongabbie Community Consultative Committee
Traffic Committee
Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme (WSAAS) Local Ranking Committee
Yennora Distribution Park Community Consultative Committee
123
Freedom of Information
COMMUNITY
COUNCIL
MAYOR
GENERAL MANAGER
CORPORATE &
FINANCIAL
SERVICES
ENGINEERING
SERVICES
ENVIRONMENT
& PLANNING
SERVICES
LIBRARY &
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
The functions as stated under the Local Government Act 1993 of Holroyd City Council are as
follows:
125
REGULATORY
FUNCTIONS
ANCILLARY
FUNCTIONS
Including:
Including:
Including:
Provision of
community health
recreation, education
and information
services
Approvals
Resumption
land
Environmental
protection
Orders
Building
certificate
REVENUE
FUNCTIONS
Including:
of Rates
Powers of entry
and inspection
ADMINISTRATIVE
FUNCTIONS
Including:
Including:
Employment of staff
Proceedings for
breaches of the Act
Charges
Management Plans
Fees
Financial reporting
Borrowings
Annual reports
Investments
Human Resource
support
Risk Management
Information
Technology support
126
ENFORCEMENT
FUNCTIONS
Prosecution of
offences
Recovery of rates and
charges
As well as the Local Government Act, Council has powers and obligations under a number of other
Acts, including:
127
These functions are carried out by five departments. The specific functions of each department are as follows:
GENERAL MANAGER
ENGINEERING
SERVICES
ENVIRONMENT &
PLANNING SERVICES
Controls City
development & cares for
the public health &
environment
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities
Customer Service
Garbage Collection
Libraries
Drains
Recycling
Management Plan
Traffic Management
Health Promotion
Purchasing
Food Inspections
Engineering Design
Corporate Review
Council Elections
Computer Systems
Development &
Building Approvals
Occasional Care
Parking
Function Centre
Management
Tree Planting
Insurance
Vehicle &
Equipment
Maintenance
Building Trades
Staff Training
Street Cleaning
Records
Pools
Business Paper
Budget
Community
Buildings
Information Technology
Financial Management
and Reporting
Internal Audit
128
Town Planning
Toy Library
Licences
Aged Services
Pollution Control
Youth Services
Community Development
Environmental Policy
Ethnic Services
Immunisations
Disabilities Services
Dog Control
Community Facilities
Ordinance Inspectors
Public Participation
There are two broad ways in which the public may participate in the policy development and,
indeed, the general activities of Council. These are through representation and personal
participation.
Representation
Local government in Australia is based on the principle of representative democracy. This means
that the people elect representatives to their local Council to make decisions on their behalf. In
New South Wales, local government elections are normally held every four years on the second
Saturday in September. Elections were last held on 27 March 2004.
Holroyd City is divided into four electoral districts called Wards. At each election, voters elect
three Councillors from each Ward (i.e. a total of twelve Councillors) for a four-year term. All
residents of the City who are eligible to vote are required to do so. Property owners who live
outside of the City and desire to vote must register their intention to vote on the non-residential
roll. Voting is compulsory for all eligible residents. Residents are able to raise issues with, and
make representations to the elected Councillors. The Councillors may pursue the matter on the
residents behalf thus allowing members of the public to influence the development of policy.
129
Personal Participation
If a particular item has a direct effect on a resident, (eg, a proposed building next door to which an
objection is made, an application that has been lodged with Council) and the resident wishes to
speak on this item at a Council meeting, they can contact Councillors or Councils Officers who
will make appropriate arrangements. Copies of agendas are available for inspection at the
Administration Centre and Councils libraries or Councils website, usually on the Friday before
the meeting that is generally held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, commencing at
6.30pm.
Alternatively, residents can ring Administrative Services to confirm which items are to be
considered by Council.
Members of the public may also have input into Council decision-making by making written
submissions, writing letters, raising issues in person or by responding to surveys or
questionnaires.
A Public Forum at Ordinary Meetings of Council allows a member of the public to ask a question of
Council. Details of the Public Forum are set out in Councils Code of Meeting Practice.
The majority of Councils parks and halls are managed by Local Committees. In the case of
Parks, these Committees consist of users and Councillors. As well many of Councils community
services operate with Advisory Committees. Members of the public are invited to apply for
membership and provide input to the Committees.
Council may take a poll of electors if it wishes to seek the opinion of electors on any issue.
Council conducts a survey of residents to gauge community expectations and changing service
requirement trends every four years.
Further, residents and ratepayers are able to participate in the formulation of Councils Policies,
as plans are placed on public exhibition inviting comment.
Information relating to the formulation of policies or the public exhibition of plans is published
through Councils Corporate Page in the local newspaper.
Council actively supports local community radio as part of its communication process and in
particular SWRFM and 2CCR, the local FM Community Radio Stations.
Council is also required to conduct a constitutional referendum before doing any of the following
things:
(a)
divide its area into wards or abolish all wards in its area;
(b)
change the basis on which the Mayor attains office (that is, by election by the
Councillors or by election by the electors);
(c)
(d)
change the method of ordinary election of Councillors for an area divided into wards.
Files
Policy Documents
General Documents
130
Some of these documents may be made available to the public on request in accordance with the
provisions of the Local Government Act, 1993; Privacy & Personal Information Protection Act,
1998; or the State Records Act, 1998.
Documents that are not normally available to the public may require a Freedom of Information
application to be completed before the release of such documents is considered.
Some of these documents are available for inspection as a requirement of certain legislation,
other documents are available for purchase, whilst others are available free of charge.
Files
The main types of files that are held by Council include General Subject files and Property files.
These files are not generally available to the public although copies of some documents contained
on a file may be provided on request.
Members of the public, who wish to peruse files and/or copy documents contained on a file,
should apply to do so under the Freedom of Information Act. Details of how to apply under the
Freedom of Information Act are outlined in the next section.
Policy Documents
Council has a register of policy documents that relate to the functions of Council.
Policy documents are available for information free of charge. Copies can be obtained for a
copying fee.
General Documents
The following list of general documents held by Council has been divided into two sections:
a)
b)
131
Engineering Services
City Maps;
Drainage Plans;
Engineering Design Plans;
Flood Advice Letters;
Flood Mitigation Reports;
Filming Policy;
Footpath Levels;
OSD (On-site Detention) Identification Tags and Confined Spaces Signs;
OSD (On-site Detention) Policy;
Road Opening Permits;
Road Safety Strategy Plan 2004-2009;
Specification for Road Works and Drainage associated with Subdivision or other
Development;
Traffic Management Plan Guidelines and Application;
Traffic Volumes Data;
132
Works Programs;
Sporting Facilities Information;
Vehicular Crossing Policy; and
Plans of Management for Parks and Sportsgrounds.
BA Register;
BA & DA Plans/Applications;
DA Register;
Environmental Impact Statements;
Section 94 Annual Statement;
Section 94 Contributions Plans;
Section 94 Contributions Register;
Zoning Information; and
Tree Preservation Orders.
133
Personal
Other
Total
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
New
79
66
79
66
Brought forward
Total to be processed
79
68
79
68
Completed
79
68
79
68
Withdrawn
Total processed
79
64
79
64
Unfinished
Personal
Other
Total
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
Granted in full
61
58
61
58
Granted in part
Refused
Deferred
B5 completed
79
64
79
64
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
Consultations undertaken
Ministerial Certificates
Total
05/06
06/07
Total
134
06/07
Personal
05/06 06/07
Other
05/06 06/07
Total
05/06 06/07
12
12
Totals
18
11
18
11
FOI Fees
Received
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
7770
8401
7770
8401
Personal
Other
Total
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
Public interest
Totals
135
Personal
Other
Total
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
0-21 days
73
49
73
49
22-35 days
Over 35 days
Total
79
58
79
58
Personal
Other
Total
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
05/06
06/07
0-10 hours
39
40
39
40
11-20 hours
34
34
21-40 hours
Over 40 hours
Totals
79
58
79
58
05/06
06/07
136
138
Swimming Centres
Function Centres
Rented Properties
Details of expenses, revenues and assets for both categories are set out on pages 17 to 20 of the
2006/2007 Annual Financial Reports contained herein.
The principles of competitive neutrality have been identified for the community in the management
planning process. As part of this process a complaints handling mechanism has been established
as a function of the Public Officer. To date there have been no complaints registered.
In regard to competitive neutrality pricing requirements, the Council has identified the level of
subsidisation associated with these business activities.
A comparison of performance is set out in the report on Principal Activities and Achievements
included herein.
140
Miscellaneous
$1,509,081.94
36,620.59
$1,545,702.53
142
!
"#$
2
3
4
5
Notes to, and forming part of, the Principal Financial Statements
Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2 - Functions
Note 3 - Revenues
Note 4 - Expenses
Note 5 - Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets
Note 6 - Cash and Investments
Note 7 - Receivables
Note 8 - Inventories & Other Assets
Note 9 - Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment
Note 10 - Liabilities
Note 11 - Reconciliation to Cash Flow Statement
Note 12 - Commitments for Expenditure
Note 13 - Statement of Performance Measurement
Note 14 - Investment Property
Note 15 - Financial Instruments
Note 16 - Significant Variations from original Budget
Note 17 - Statement of Developer Contributions
Note 18 - Contingencies & Assets & Liabilities not recognised
Note 19 - Investments accounted for using the equity method
Note 20 - Retained Earnings
6 - 14
15 - 16
17 - 19
20
21
22 - 23
24
25
26 - 27
28
29
30
31
32
33 - 34
35
36
37
38
39
40a-c
41
42
43
44
45 - 47
48
SPECIAL SCHEDULES
Special Schedule 1:
Special Schedule 2:
Special Schedule 7:
Special Schedule 8:
49 - 50
51
52 - 54
55
36,286
9,002
1,954
1,334
5,697
1,124
150
Notes
INCOME
Revenue:
Rates & Annual Charges
User Charges & Fees
Investment Revenues
Other Operating Revenues
Grants & Contributions - Operating
Grants & Contributions - Capital
Other Income:
Profit from Disposal of Assets
55,547
26,445
241
9,997
9,296
10,037
56,016
(469)
Actual
2007
$'000
Actual
2006
$'000
3 (a)
3 (b)
3 (c)
3 (d)
3 (e & f)
3 (e & f)
36,775
7,752
2,645
1,650
8,050
5,271
34,585
7,665
2,220
2,512
7,728
3,003
1,173
579
63,316
58,292
25,375
233
17,121
8,474
6,051
25,555
358
15,639
8,632
5,748
57,254
55,932
6,062
2,360
2,360
4 (a)
4 (b)
4 (c)
4 (d)
4(e)
(469)
6,062
(1,593)
791
(643)
Page 2
Notes
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Receivables
Inventories - realisable < 12 months
Other
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Receivables
Inventories
Property, Plant & Equipment
Investment Property
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables - expected to be paid < 12 months
Payables - expected to be paid > 12 months
Borrowings
Provisions - payable < 12 months
Provisions - payable > 12 months
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Borrowings
Provisions
TOTAL NON CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
Actual
2006
$'000
6
6
7
8
8
1,304
38,188
2,817
354
7
42,670
747
34,679
3,347
308
44
39,125
498
1,929
661,835
3,695
667,957
710,627
362
1,929
660,417
3,695
666,403
705,528
2,855
10,482
1,035
2,080
5,153
21,605
2,841
9,840
1,960
1,884
4,884
21,409
1,475
256
1,731
23,336
2,510
380
2,890
24,299
687,291
681,229
687,291
687,291
687,291
681,229
681,229
681,229
8
9
14
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
EQUITY
Accumulated Surplus
Council Equity Interest
TOTAL EQUITY
Actual
2007
$'000
Page 3
Accum
Surplus
2007
$'000
Council
Equity
Interest
Total
Accum
Surplus
2006
$'000
Council
Equity
Interest
Total
Note
681,229
681,229
681,229
678,869
678,869
678,869
6,062
6,062
6,062
2,360
2,360
2,360
687,291
687,291
687,291
681,229
681,229
681,229
Page 4
Notes
36,286
9,002
1,954
6,821
1,335
(26,042)
(9,997)
(242)
(10,037)
9,080
720
(6,464)
(981)
(6,725)
11
5, 8
Actual
2006
$'000
Actual
2007
$'000
36,552
7,189
2,616
11,021
4,264
34,344
8,194
2,223
9,952
4,507
(25,032)
(17,698)
(179)
(7,356)
(25,023)
(16,842)
(44)
(6,551)
11,377
10,760
722
738
1,039
518
(7,091)
(7,044)
(21)
(3,509)
(1)
(2,896)
(8,860)
(8,685)
Receipts
Proceeds from Borrowings & Advances
399
Payments
Repayments of Borrowings & Advances
Net Cash provided by (or used in) Financing
Activities
Net Increase (Decrease) in cash held
747
(1,956)
(1,956)
1,146
(1,960)
(1,960)
(1,835)
(1,835)
557
240
11
747
507
11
1,304
747
Page 5
Note 1
For the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007, Holroyd City Council had its principal business office
at 16 Memorial Avenue Merrylands, NSW 2160. Holroyd City Council is empowered by the New
South Wales Local Government Act (LGA) 1993 and its Charter is specified in Section 8 of the
Act.
1.2
1.3
The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial report are set out below.
These policies have been consistently applied to all the years presented, unless otherwise stated.
(a)
Basis of Accounting
Compliance
This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance with Australian equivalents to
International Financial Reporting Standards (AIFRS), other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian
Accounting Standards Board, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations, the Local Government Act (1993) and
Regulations and the Local Government Code of Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting.
AAS27
Holroyd City Council is required to comply with AAS 27 Financial Reporting by Local Government
and where AAS27 conflicts with AIFRS the requirements of AAS 27 have been applied. Where
AAS 27 conflicts with AIFRS, the requirements of AAS 27 have been applied. Where AAS 27
makes reference to another Australian accounting standard, the new Australian IFRS equivalent
standard will apply. The specific not for profit reporting requirements also apply.
Page 6
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable. Revenue is measured
on major income categories as follows:
Rates, annual charges, grants and contributions
Rates, annual charges, grants and contributions (including developer contributions) are recognised as
revenues when the Council obtains control over the assets comprising these receipts. Developer
contributions may only be expended for the purposes for which the contributions were required but the
Council may apply contributions according to the priorities established in work schedules.
Control over assets acquired from rates and annual charges is obtained at the commencement of the
rating year as it is an enforceable debt linked to the rateable property or, where earlier, upon receipt of the
rates.
A provision for doubtful debts on rates has not been established as unpaid rates represent a charge
against the rateable property that will be recovered when the property is next sold.
Control over granted assets is normally obtained upon their receipt (or acquittal) or upon earlier
notification that a grant has been secured, and is valued at their fair value at the date of transfer.
Income is recognised when the Council obtains control of the contribution or the right to receive the
contribution, it is probable that the economic benefits comprising the contribution will flow to the Council
and the amount of the contribution can be measured reliably.
Where grants or contributions recognised as revenues during the financial year were obtained on
condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and those
conditions were undischarged at balance date, the unused grant or contribution is disclosed in Note 3(g).
The note also discloses the amount of unused grant or contribution from prior years that was expended on
Councils operations during the current year.
A liability is recognised in respect of revenue that is reciprocal in nature to the extent that the requisite
service has not been provided at balance date.
User charges and fees
User charges and fees are recognised as revenue when the service has been provided or when the
payment is received, whichever first occurs.
Sale of plant, property, infrastructure and equipment
The profit or loss on sale of an asset is determined when control of the asset has irrevocably passed to
the buyer.
Page 7
Principles of Consolidation
(i)
The Consolidated Fund
In accordance with the provisions of Section 409(1) of the LGA 1993, all money and property received by
Council is held in the Councils Consolidated Fund unless it is required to be held in the Councils Trust
Fund. The consolidated fund and Councils Section 355 Committees through which the Council controls
resources to carry on its functions have been included in the financial statements forming part of this
report.
(ii)
The Trust Fund
In accordance with the provisions of Section 411 of the Local Government Act 1993 (as amended), a
separate and distinct Trust Fund is maintained to account for all money and property received by the
Council in trust which must be applied only for the purposes of or in accordance with the trusts relating to
those monies. Trust monies and property subject to Councils control have been included in these reports.
(iii)
Joint Venture Entities
Council is a member of an insurance group named Metro Pool which provides public liability and
professional indemnity coverage for a number of councils.
Joint ventures and associated entities in relation to which Council does not exert influence as defined in
the standards are disclosed in Note 19.
(d)
Leases
Leases of property, plant and equipment where the Council has substantially all the risks and rewards of
ownership are classified as finance leases. Council does not have any finance leases as at 30 June, 2007.
Leases in which a significant portion of the risks and rewards of ownership are retained by the lessor are
classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases (net of any incentives received
from the lessor) are charged to the income statement on a straight-line basis over the period of the lease.
Lease income from operating leases is recognised in income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
(e)
Acquisition of Assets
The purchase method of accounting is used to account for all acquisitions of assets. Cost is measured at
the date of acquisition at fair value.
Where settlement of any part of cash consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in the future are
discounted to their present value as at the date of exchange. The discount rate used is the Councils
incremental borrowing rate, being the rate at which a similar borrowing could be obtained from an
independent financier under comparable terms and conditions.
Page 8
Impairment of Assets
Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for
impairment. Assets that are subject to amortisation are reviewed for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss
is recognised for the amount by which the assets carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. The
recoverable amount is the higher of an assets fair value less costs to sell and value in use.
For non-cash generating assets of the Council such as roads, drains, public buildings and the like, value
in use is represented by the replacement cost.
(g)
Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, deposits held at call with financial institutions, other
short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less that are readily
convertible to known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value,
and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in Current Liabilities on the Balance
Sheet.
(h)
Receivables
Receivables are recognised initially at cost, less provision for doubtful debts.
Collection of receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts which are known to be uncollectible are
written off. A provision for doubtful debts is established when there is objective evidence that the Council
will not be able to collect all amounts due according to the original terms of receivables.
(i)
Inventories
(i)
Raw materials and stores
Raw materials and stores are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
(ii)
Land held for resale/capitalisation of borrowing costs
Land held for resale is stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is assigned by specific
identification and includes the cost of acquisition, and development and borrowing costs during
development. When development is completed borrowing costs and other holding charges are capitalised
as incurred.
(j)
Non-current assets that are classified as held for sale are stated at the lower of their cost and realisable
value.
Non-current assets are not depreciated or amortised while they are classified as held for sale.
(k)
Classification
Council classifies its investments in the following categories: financial assets at fair value through profit or
loss, loans and receivables, held to maturity investments and available for sale financial assets. The
classification depends on the purpose for which the investments were acquired. Management determines
the classification of its investments at initial recognition and, in the case of assets held-to-maturity, reevaluates this designation at each reporting date.
Page 9
Held-to-maturity investments
Held-to-maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and
fixed maturities that the Councils management has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. If
council were to sell other than an insignificant amount of held to maturity financial assets, the whole
category would be tainted and reclassified as available for sale. Held to maturity financial assets are
included in non-current assets, except those with maturities less than 12 months from the reporting date,
th
which are classified as current assets. Council hold a number of term deposits as at 30 June 2007.
(iv)
Available- for- sale financial assets
Available for sale financial assets, comprising principally marketable equity securities, are non derivatives
that are either designated in this category or not classified in any other categories. They are included in
non-current assets unless management intend to dispose of the investment within 12 months of the
th
balance sheet date. Council does not hold any available for sale financial assets as at 30 June 2007.
Recognition and De-recognition
Regular purchases and sales of investments are recognised on trade-date the date on which the
Council commits to purchase or sell the asset. Investments are initially recognised at fair value plus
transaction costs for all financial assets not carried at fair value through profit or loss. Financial assets
carried at fair value through profit and loss are initially recognised at fair value and transaction costs are
expensed in the income statement. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash
flows from the financial assets have expired or have been transferred and the Council has transferred
substantially all risks and rewards of ownership.
Subsequent Measurement
Loans and receivables and held to maturity investments are carried at amortised cost using the effective
interest rate.
Available for sale financial assets and financial assets at fair value through profit and loss are
subsequently carried at fair value. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of the financial
assets at fair value through profit and loss category are presented in the income statement within other
income or other expenses in the period in which they are arise. Dividend income from financial assets at
fair value through profit and loss is recognised in the income statement as apart of revenue from
continuing operations when Councils right to receive payments is established. Changes in the fair value of
other monetary and non-monetary securities classified as available for sale are recognised in equity.
Fair Value
The fair values of quoted investments are based on current bid prices. If the market for a financial asset is
not active (and for unlisted securities), Council establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These
include the use of recent arms length transactions, reference to other investments that are substantially
the same, discounted cash flow analysis and option pricing models making maximum use of market
inputs and relying as little as possible on equity-specific inputs.
Page 10
The fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities must be estimated for recognition and
measurement or for disclosure purposes.
The fair value of financial instruments traded in active markets is based on quoted market prices at the
balance sheet date.
The fair value of financial instruments that re not traded in an active market is determined using valuation
techniques. Council uses a variety of methods and makes assumptions that are based on market
conditions existing at each balance date. Quoted market prices or dealer quotes for similar instruments
are used for long term instruments held. Other techniques, such as estimated cash flows are used to
determine fair value for the remaining financial instruments.
The nominal value less estimated credit adjustments of trade receivables and payables are assumed to
approximate their face values. The fair value of financial liabilities for disclosure purposes is estimated by
discounting the future contractual cash flows at the current market interest rate that is available to the
Council for similar financial instruments.
(m)
All infrastructure, property, plant and equipment [except for investment properties refer Note 1(n)] is
stated at cost (or deemed cost). Cost includes expenditure that is directly attributable to the acquisition of
the items.
Councils assets will be progressively re-valued to fair value in accordance with a staged implementation
advised by the Department of Local Government.
Property, plant and equipment, land buildings and other
2007/2008
2008/2009
Increases in the carrying amounts arising on revaluation are credited to the asset revaluation reserve. To
the extent that the increase reverses a decrease previously recognising profit or loss, the increase is first
recognised in profit or loss. Decreases that reverse previous increases of the same asset are first charged
against revaluation reserves directly in equity to the extent of the remaining reserve attributable to the
asset; all other decreases are charged to the income statement.
Subsequent costs are included in the assets carrying amount or recognised as a separate asset, as
appropriate, only when it is probable that future economic benefits associated with the item will flow to
Council and the cost of the item can be measured reliably. All repairs and maintenance are charged to the
income statement during the financial period in which they are incurred.
Page 11
50 to 100 years
4 to 8 years
20 to 100 Years
5 to 15 years
50 to 100 years
50 to 100 years
50 to 100 years
The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance
sheet date.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with carrying amount. These are
included in the income statement.
(n)
Investment Property
Investment property, principally comprising rented commercial buildings, is held for long-term rental yields
and is not occupied by the Council. Investment property is carried at fair value, representing open-market
value determined annually by external valuers. Changes in fair values are recorded in the income
statement as part of other income.
(o)
Payables
These amounts represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Council prior to the end of
financial year which are unpaid. The amounts are unsecured and are usually paid within 30 days of
recognition.
(p)
Borrowings
Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value, net of transaction costs incurred. Borrowings are
subsequently measured at amortised cost. Any difference between the proceeds (net of transaction costs)
and the redemption amount is recognised in the income statement over the period of the borrowings using
the effective interest method.
Borrowings are classified as current unless the Council has an unconditional right to defer settlement of
the liability for at least 12 months after balance sheet date.
(q)
Borrowings Costs
Borrowing costs incurred for the construction of any qualifying asset are capitalised during the period of
time that is required to complete and prepare the asset for its intended use or sale. Other borrowing costs
are expensed.
The capitalisation rate used to determine the amount of borrowing costs to be capitalised is the weighted
average interest rate applicable to the Councils outstanding borrowings during the year.
Page 12
Employee Benefits
Wages and salaries, annual leave and sick leave
(ii)
Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary benefits, annual leave and accumulating
sick leave expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date are recognised in the provision for
employee benefits in respect of employees services up to the reporting date and are measured at the
amounts expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Liabilities for non-accumulating sick leave are
recognised when the leave is taken and measured at the rates paid or payable.
(iii)
Long service leave
Council also uses the nominal method in calculating the liability and expense for long service leave
entitlements in accordance with existing State Government policy and the relevant provisions in the NSW
Treasurers directions. This is because the difference arising from the use of the nominal method,
compared to the use of a present value calculation, does not result in a material error in the financial
statements.
Current Employee Leave Entitlements have also been calculated using rates of pay expected to be paid in
2007/2008 as per AASB 1028.
(t)
Rounding of Amounts
Unless otherwise indicated, amounts in the financial report have been rounded off to the nearest thousand
dollars.
(u)
Council has elected not to recognise land under roads in accordance with the deferral arrangements
available under AASB 1045.
(v)
Provisions for close down and restoration and for environmental clean up costs tips and
quarries
In the determination of whether an asset or liability is current or non-current, consideration is given to the
time when each asset or liability is expected to be settled. The asset or liability is classified as current if it
is expected to be settled within the next 12 months, being the Councils operational cycle. In the case of
liabilities where Council does not have the unconditional right to defer settlement beyond 12 months, such
as vested long service leave, the liability is classified as current even if not expected to be settled within
the next 12 months. Inventories held for trading are classified as current even if not expected to be
realised in the next 12 months.
Page 13
Certain new accounting standards and UIG interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for
30 June 2007 reporting periods. Councils assessment of the impact of these new standards and
interpretations is set out below.
(i)
AASB 7 and AASB 2005-10 are applicable to annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January
2007. The Council has not adopted the standards early. Application of the standards will not affect any of
the amounts recognised in the financial statements, but will impact the type of information disclosed in the
financial instruments.
(y)
Self insurance
Council does not self insure however it is a member of Metro Pool, an insurance group which provides
public liability and professional indemnity coverage for a number of local government areas.
(z)
Land
Land is classified as either operational or community in accordance with Part 2 of Chapter 6 of the Local
Government Act (1993). This is disclosed in Note 9(a).
(aa)
Superannuation
The Superannuation expense for the reporting period is the amount of the statutory contribution the
Council makes to the superannuation plan, which provides benefits to its employees.
The following disclosures are made pursuant to AASB 1028, paragraph 6.10:
As at the balance date, a number of council staff had been making contributions to a defined benefit
scheme referred to as the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. That scheme was one of five
superannuation schemes provided by State Super, which were incorporated without change into the Local
Government Superannuation Scheme from 1 July 1997. It is referred to in the Trust Deed as Division D.
The Local Government Superannuation Scheme Pool B (the Scheme) is a defined benefit plan that has
been deemed to be a multi-employer fund for purposes of AASB 119. Sufficient information is not
available to account for the Scheme as a defined benefit plan because the assets to the Scheme are
pooled together for all Councils. The amount of employer contributions recognised as an expense for the
year ending 30 June 2007 was $316,713. The last valuation of the Scheme was performed by Mr Martin
Stevenson BSc, FIA, FIAAA on 18 March 2004 and covers the period to 30 June 2003. This valuation
found that the Schemes assets were $2,453.7million and its past service liabilities $2,251.7million, giving
it a surplus of $202.0million. The existence of this surplus has resulted in Councils contributing in
2006/2007 at half the normal level of contributions. The financial position is monitored annually.
Accumulation Fund Members
The accumulation fund receives both employer and employee contributions on a progressive basis. Employer
contributions are normally based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings in accordance with Superannuation
Guarantee Legislation (9% in 2006/07). No further liability accrues to the employer as the superannuation benefits
accruing to employees are represented by their share of the net assets of the Fund.
Page 14
REVENUES
ORIGINAL
BUDGET
2007
$'000
ADMINISTRATION
PUBLIC ORDER & SAFETY
HEALTH
COMMUNITY SERVICES &
EDUCATION
HOUSING & COMMUNITY
AMENITIES
RECREATION & CULTURE
MINING, MANUFACTURING
& CONSTRUCTION
TRANSPORT &
COMMUNICATION
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
TOTALS - FUNCTIONS
GENERAL PURPOSE
REVENUES
Page 15
TOTALS
ACTUAL
2007
$'000
EXPENSES
ACTUAL
2006
$'000
ORIGINAL
BUDGET
2007
$'000
ACTUAL
2007
$'000
OPERATING RESULT
ACTUAL
2006
$'000
ORIGINAL
BUDGET
2007
$'000
ACTUAL
2007
$'000
ACTUAL
2006
$'000
TOTAL
ASSETS HELD
GRANTS
INCLUDED
IN REVENUES
(CURRENT &
NON-CURRENT)
2007
2006
$'000
$'000
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
1,748
670
27
379
710
321
848
829
213
11,117
1,838
29
11,696
1,741
870
11,703
1,800
742
(9,369)
(1,168)
(2)
(11,317)
(1,032)
(549)
(10,855)
(971)
(528)
110
54
1
78
42,861
1,559
1,023
42,081
1,302
731
6,885
6,461
6,304
8,615
8,077
8,276
(1,729)
(1,616)
(1,972)
2,016
2,083
20,909
20,321
8,628
1,835
10,025
3,211
8,820
3,303
12,952
9,526
13,391
11,766
12,696
11,338
(4,324)
(7,691)
(3,366)
(8,555)
(3,877)
(8,035)
261
585
346
544
84,564
364,842
88,635
364,198
350
418
416
656
795
857
(306)
(376)
(441)
35
33
1,440
-
5,034
1,052
3,300
875
9,373
-
8,509
409
8,098
422
(7,933)
-
(3,475)
643
(4,798)
453
1,532
-
1,135
-
191,139
3,695
184,531
3,695
21,583
27,611
24,908
54,106
57,254
55,932
(32,522)
(29,643) (31,024)
4,504
4,241
710,627
705,527
32,473
54,056
35,705
33,384
63,316
58,292
54,106
57,254
55,932
710,627
705,527
32,473
(49)
35,705
33,384
3,568
3,514
6,062
2,360
8,072
7,755
The above functions conform to those used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and provide a basis for comparison with other Councils.
Page 16
2007
$'000
2006
$'000
Ordinary Rates
Residential
Business
19,056
8,281
17,669
8,004
27,337
25,673
Special Rates
Civic Centre Refurbishment
2,059
1,929
2,059
1,929
Annual Charges
Domestic Waste Management
7,379
6,983
7,379
36,775
01-Jul-04
6,983
34,585
01-Jul-04
59
56
59
56
126
71
109
4,192
1,047
1,474
395
279
117
73
107
3,919
1,072
1,651
391
279
7,693
7,752
7,609
7,665
Fees
Administration
Public Order & Safety
Health
Community Services & Education
Housing & Community
Recreation & Culture
Manufacturing & Construction
Transport & Communication
102
87
781
773
989
2,645
592
710
831
2,220
1
673
98
423
34
199
143
72
7
1,650
245
688
69
683
128
8
198
108
286
8
91
2,512
Page 17
OPERATING
2007
2006
$'000
$'000
CAPITAL
2007
2006
$'000
$'000
2,785
587
2,716
598
196
40
2,016
231
222
740
1
6,818
200
53
1
47
2,064
346
215
397
1
6,638
70
30
363
791
1
1,255
32
19
328
737
1,116
995
5,823
6,818
1,118
5,520
6,638
741
514
1,255
387
729
1,116
32
13
9
27
69
196
24
862
1,232
1
21
10
11
21
111
172
18
725
1,090
328
84
17
199
3,388
4,016
324
126
16
301
1,117
3
1,887
8,050
7,728
5,271
3,003
Comprising:
- Commonwealth funding
- State funding
Page 18
2007
$'000
Grants
Contrib
Unexpended at the close of the previous
reporting period
Less: expended during the current period from
revenues recognised in previous reporting
periods
2006
$'000
Grants
Contrib
627
10,209
596
9,522
3
160
42
3
5
5
342
-
158
13
3
172
-
672
-
218
342
346
672
1
2
78
84
234
554
-
1,319
-
10
174
92
30
66
5
1,359
-
953
1,319
377
1,359
1,362
11,186
627
10,209
735
977
31
687
2007
$'000
239
658
683
1,580
2006
$'000
379
738
842
1,959
Page 19
2007
$'000
18,846
519
3,256
1,727
669
239
155
(36)
25,375
18,434
475
3,059
1,650
1,611
257
121
(52)
25,555
404
406
4
229
233
2
356
358
15,830
14,720
46
46
697
357
362
323
190
1
17,121
187
1
15,639
IMPAIRMENT
2007
2006
$'000
$'000
(d) DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION & IMPAIRMENT
Plant and Equipment
Office Equipment
Furniture & Fittings
Land Improvements
Buildings
Other Structures
Infrastructure
- roads, bridges & footpaths
- stormwater drainage
Other assets
- library books
- other
Total Depreciation & Amortisation
DEPRECIATION
2007
2006
$'000
$'000
1,560
552
117
15
1,183
636
1,532
262
112
11
1,179
651
2,898
1,225
3,367
1,223
281
7
8,474
292
3
8,632
2007
$'000
(e) OTHER OPERATING EXPENSES
Bad and Doubtful Debts
Mayoral Allowance
Councillors' Fees & Allowances
Councillors' (incl Mayor) Expenses
Street Lighting
Light, Power & Heating
Donations & Contributions to Local & Regional Bodies
Fire Brigade Levy
Consumables
Valuation Fees
Gas Charges
Water Rates & Charges
Waste Disposal Tipping Fees
Other
Total Other Operating Expenses
5
31
169
118
1,011
355
222
870
154
92
161
246
2,583
34
6,051
2006
$'000
1
29
162
85
973
294
271
885
148
92
168
189
2,419
32
5,748
Page 20
2007
$'000
DISPOSAL OF INFRASTRUCTURE, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
Proceeds from disposal
Less: Carrying amount of assets sold
722
588
738
677
134
61
1,039
-
518
-
1,039
518
16,500
16,500
24,785
24,785
1,173
579
Page 21
2006
$'000
Current Non-Current
747
747
1,304
1,304
Cash equivalents comprise highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity subject to insignificant risk of
changes of value.
INVESTMENTS
Summary
Financial Assets at fair value through
Income Statement
Total
38,188
38,188
34,679
34,679
31,783
2,896
34,679
34,679
34,679
38,188
38,188
The permitted forms of investment in financial instruments of the Council are defined
Minister of Local Government on 15 July 2005, and may broadly be described
Accordingly, credit risk is considered to be insignificant. Deposits are with banks while
organisations with credit ratings that comply with the Minister's Order and bear various
6.54% (2006 - 5.88%).
Page 22
2006
$'000
Current
Non-Current
2007
$'000
Current
Non-Current
1,304
38,188
747
34,679
39,492
35,426
External Restrictions
Internal Restrictions
Unrestricted
18,233
8,736
12,523
39,492
15,724
8,955
10,747
35,426
Notes
External Restrictions
Developer Contributions
Unexpended Grants
Domestic Waste Management
Civic Centre Refurbishment Rate
Other
Total External Restrictions
17
Movements
Opening
Balance 30
June 2006
Transfers To
Restriction
Transfers From
Restriction
Closing
Balance 30
June 2007
$'000
$'000
$'000
$'000
10,209
627
3,161
1,666
61
15,724
1,319
868
797
2,000
1
4,985
342
217
1,916
1
2,476
11,186
1,278
3,958
1,751
60
18,233
External Restrictions arise pursuant to section 409(3) of the Local Government Act, the Local Government
(Financial Management) Regulation 1999 and other applicable legislation. Further information relating to
Developer Contributions is provided in Note 17. Amounts raised by special rates for Domestic Waste Management
may only be used for those purposes.
Internal Restrictions
Employee Leave Entitlements
Construction of Buildings
Childrens Services - Fund Raising
Comm Services - Transport Provision
Contributions to FDC/ME Building
Drainage
Drainage & Parks Improvements
Election Reserve
Family Day Care Bank Account
Guildford Community Centre
Holroyd/Guildford Sports Grounds Fac
Information Technology
Insurance/Public Risk Contingency
Loan Funds Unexpended
Meals on Wheels
Sale 2-4 Nelson Street
Off-Street Parking Contributions
Open Space Contributions
Petfest
Street Car Parking Fines
Tennis Courts Funds
Wenty Childrens Centre - Third Room
Other
Total Internal Restrictions
885
247
290
26
256
28
157
109
148
202
244
2,324
849
941
60
85
1,335
105
7
348
91
150
68
8,955
103
291
55
43
134
155
177
203
90
262
48
172
70
1,803
2
133
4
116
36
3
2
1,275
14
246
47
2
51
41
50
2,022
883
114
389
26
431
28
157
164
112
242
376
1,204
1,012
695
263
85
1,378
105
5
559
139
281
88
8,736
Internal Restrictions arise pursuant to resolutions of Council to set aside reserves of cash resources either relating
to liabilities recognised in these reports or to fund future expenditure for the stated purpose. Such reserves are
not permitted to exceed the amounts of cash assets and cash investments not otherwise restricted.
Page 23
2006
$'000
Current Non-Current
870
155
126
316
79
14
423
203
92
4
9
81
61
122
12
275
2,842
380
118
498
781
128
86
812
75
10
426
325
8
4
8
109
46
144
8
397
3,367
246
116
362
12
3
10
2,817
498
12
3
5
3,347
362
RESTRICTED RECEIVABLES
Domestic Waste Management
Other
Total Restrictions
Unrestricted Receivables
Total Receivables
246
33
279
90
90
196
23
219
97
97
2,538
2,817
408
498
3,128
3,347
265
362
Page 24
2006
$'000
Current Non-Current
INVENTORIES
Stores & Materials
Real Estate Developments
258
96
1,929
233
75
1,929
Total Inventories
354
1,929
308
1,929
OTHER ASSETS
Prepayments
44
44
96
-
1,249
680
75
-
1,249
680
96
1,929
75
1,929
Represented by:
Other Holding Costs
Other Properties - Book Value
96
-
1,929
75
-
1,929
96
1,929
75
1,929
Page 25
AT
COST
Plant & Equipment
Office Equipment
Furniture & Fittings
Land
- Council owned (freehold)
- Council controlled
- non deprec land improv'ts
- land under roads
Land Improvements - depreciable
Buildings
Other Structures
Infrastructure
- Roads, bridges, footpaths
- Bulk earthworks (non-deprec.)
- Stormwater drainage
Other Assets
- Library Books
- Other
Totals
2006
$'000
ACCUM
DEPN
CARRYING
AMOUNT
16,039
2,719
2,428
(10,292)
(2,300)
(1,735)
5,747
419
693
2,919
1,985
107
39,404
322,585
4,863
550
56,657
25,560
(283)
(27,331)
(15,068)
39,404
322,585
4,863
267
29,326
10,492
319
4
236
524
237,193
122,500
(70,916)
(43,078)
166,277
79,422
4,572
107
(3,759)
(10)
835,177
(174,772)
(588)
-
AT
COST
2007
$'000
ACCUM
DEPN
CARRYING
AMOUNT
Page 26
(1,560)
(552)
(117)
17,590
4,704
2,535
(11,058)
(2,852)
(1,853)
6,532
1,852
682
(15)
(1,183)
(636)
39,404
322,585
5,182
554
56,868
26,083
(298)
(28,489)
(15,703)
39,404
322,585
5,182
256
28,379
10,380
3,013
1,015
(2,898)
(1,225)
239,503
123,515
(73,124)
(44,303)
166,379
79,212
813
97
257
113
(281)
(7)
4,829
220
(4,040)
(17)
789
203
660,405
Renewals
New Assets
10,492
4,102
6,390
(8,474)
843,572
(181,737)
661,835
(588)
AT
COST
2007
$'000
ACCUM
DEPN
CARRYING
AMOUNT
AT
COST
2006
$'000
ACCUM
DEPN
CARRYING
AMOUNT
4,612
4,612
2,944
2,944
1,668
1,668
4,522
4,522
3,308
3,308
1,214
1,214
TOTAL RESTRICTIONS
4,612
2,944
1,668
4,522
3,308
1,214
Page 27
2006
$'000
Current Non-Current
PAYABLES
Goods & Services
Payments received in advance
Accrued Expenses
Deposits, Retentions & Bonds < 12 Months
Deposits, Retentions & Bonds > 12 Months
Other
1,539
210
808
285
10,482
13
1,065
733
754
285
9,840
4
Total Creditors
13,337
12,681
1,035
1,475
1,960
2,510
Total Borrowings
1,035
1,475
1,960
2,510
All interest bearing liabilities are secured over the future revenues of the Council.
PROVISIONS
Annual Leave
Sick Leave
Long Service Leave
Other
2,502
593
4,013
125
203
53
2,355
690
3,670
53
253
127
Total Provisions
7,233
256
6,768
380
6,715
253
Employee
Benefits
6,968
343
7,311
203
Insurance
Losses
Reinstatement, etc
-
2007
$'000
Current Non-Current
LIABILITIES relating to RESTRICTED ASSETS
Domestic Waste Management
Payables
Provisions
TOTAL
246
791
1,037
4
4
Other
-
180
(2)
178
2006
$'000
Current Non-Current
203
690
893
12
12
Page 28
Reconciliation of Cash
Cash equivalents comprise highly liquid investments with short periods to maturity
subject to insignificant risk of changes of value. Cash at the end of the reporting period
as shown in the Statement of Cash Flows is reconciled to the related items in the
Statement of Financial Position as follows:
2007
2006
$'000
$'000
Total cash & equivalents
1,304
747
Balances per Statement of Cash Flows
1,304
747
(b) Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets to Cash
from Operating Activities
Change in Net Assets resulting from Operations
Add: Depreciation, Amortisation & Impairment
Increase in provision for doubtful debts
Increase in employee leave entitlements
Increase in other provisions
Decrease in receivables
Decrease in other current assets
Increase in creditors
Increase in accrued expenses payable
Increase in other payables
Less: Decrease in provision for doubtful debts
Decrease in other provisions
Increase in receivables
Increase in inventories
Decrease in creditors
Gain on Sale of Assets
Fair value adjustments as revenue items
Non-cash acquisitions of assets
2,360
8,474
5
343
389
37
54
651
16,015
2
25
49
1,173
3,389
8,632
532
98
1
276
524
314
213
12,950
2
191
56
579
245
1,117
11,377
10,760
3,388
1,117
3,388
1,117
(d)
6,062
Financing Arrangements
Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:
Bank Overdrafts
Total Facilities
Corporate Credit Cards
1,000
5
1,000
5
The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the
bank without notice. Interest rates on overdrafts are variable while the rates for loans are
fixed for the period of the loan.
Page 29
2006
$'000
Other expenditure committed for (excluding inventories) at the reporting date but not recognised in
the financial statements as liabilities:
Audit Services
Corporate Information System
Waste Management Services
These expenditures are payable:
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than 5 years
Later than 5 years
230
1,384
12,077
35
854
13,691
889
1,656
6,314
5,721
889
-
13,691
889
2007
$'000
(b)
2006
$'000
Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases at the reporting date but not recognised in
the financial statements are payable as follows:
Total Future Minimum Lease Payments
Not later than one year
Later than one year and not later than 5 years
(c)
199
304
131
151
503
282
Remuneration Commitments
Commitments for the payment of salaries and other remuneration under long-term employment contracts in
existence at reporting date but not recognised as liabilities, payable:
859
2,353
791
1,573
3,212
2,364
Page 30
2006
2005
2004
4.9:1
4:1
3.68:1
3.06:1
$24,158
$4,934
$2,193
$53,367
4.11%
4.31%
5.08%
5.50%
$36,775
$63,316
58.08%
59.33%
59.50%
59.76%
$1,509
$38,233
3.95%
3.52%
2.95%
3.16%
$4,103
$8,474
0.48:1
Amounts
Unrestricted Current Ratio
Unrestricted Current Assets
Page 31
2006
$'000
3,695
3,695
3,450
245
3,695
80
80
97
245
342
6
86
342
Page 32
Floating
Interest
Rate
'000
Total
Weighted Average Interest Rate
Financial Liabilities
Payables
Goods & Services
Payments in advance
Deposits, Retentions, Bonds
Other
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Total
Weighted Average Interest Rate
NET FINANCIAL ASSETS
(LIABILITIES)
2006
Financial Assets
Cash Assets
Investment Securities
Receivables
Rates & Annual Charges
User Charges & Fees
Deferred Debtors
Other levels of Govt.
Retirement Home Contribs.
Other
Total
Weighted Average Interest Rate
Financial Liabilities
Payables
Goods & Services
Payments in advance
Deposits, Retentions, Bonds
Other
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Total
Weighted Average Interest Rate
NET FINANCIAL ASSETS
(LIABILITIES)
Total
38,188
1,010
-
498
-
126
316
1,366
1,508
126
316
1,366
39,198
5.88%
498
9.00%
3,112
42,808
5.49%
1,035
739
736
1,539
210
10,767
12
-
1,539
210
10,767
12
2,510
1,035
6.39%
739
6.25%
736
6.35%
12,528
15,038
1.06%
38,163
(9,416)
27,770
34,679
747
-
747
34,679
909
-
362
-
81
812
1,545
1,271
81
812
1,545
35,588
5.88%
362
9.00%
3,185
39,135
5.43%
1,960
2,510
1,065
733
10,125
4
-
1,065
733
10,125
4
4,470
1,960
6.43%
2,510
6.43%
11,927
16,397
1.75%
(8,742)
22,738
0.00%
0.00%
-
33,628
(2,148)
3 - 4 years 4 - 5 years
'000
'000
-
> 5 years
'000
-
1 - 2 years
'000
-
(241)
2 - 3 years
'000
-
Noninterest
bearing
'000
1,304
-
(736)
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
'000
1,304
38,188
0.00%
-
Page 33
2007
$'000
2006
$'000
42,808
15,038
27,770
39,135
16,397
22,738
2,237
660,405
3,695
44
(754)
(7,148)
NETT ASSETS
2,283
661,835
3,695
7
(808)
(7,489)
(2)
659,521
687,291
658,479
681,217
687,291
681,217
Page 34
1.3
Interest Received
The increase in Interest Received was due to higher than expected principal invested and higher
than forecast interest rates. Council's average return on investment was 5.88% - $691K (F) (36%).
1.4
Employee Costs
During the year Council employees are engaged in both maintenance and capital works, the proportions of
which vary from year to year. Costs in relation to the capital works are excluded from the Operating
Statement, and it is not Councils practice to make detailed calculations for this as part of its budgeting
procedures. Accordingly, significant variations will often arise in this area.
1.5
Page 35
$'000
6,381
1,556
660
199
18
8,815
1,224
170
10,209
CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
DURING YEAR
CASH
NON-CASH
$'000
$'000
96
121
111
84
17
429
199
628
INTEREST
INTERNAL
EXPENDED
EARNED
BORROWINGS
DURING YEAR
DURING YEAR
(to)/from
$'000
-
$'000
412
106
48
19
2
586
93
11
691
$'000
226
70
37
2
3
338
5
342
HELD AS
RESTRICTED
ASSET
$'000
6,663
1,713
783
300
34
9,493
1,512
181
11,186
Note: The above summary of contribution plans represents the total of Council's individual contribution plans. Individual plan details
CONTRIBUTION PLAN - 1
OPENING
BALANCE
CASH
PURPOSE
CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
DURING YEAR
$'000
6,381
1,556
660
199
18
8,815
NON-CASH
$'000
$'000
96
121
111
84
17
429
INTERNAL
INTEREST
EXPENDED
EARNED
BORROWINGS
DURING YEAR
DURING YEAR
(to)/from
$'000
$'000
6,663
1,713
783
300
34
9,493
INTEREST
INTERNAL
EXPENDED
EARNED
BORROWINGS
DURING YEAR
DURING YEAR
(to)/from
HELD AS
RESTRICTED
ASSET
$'000
412
106
48
19
2
586
$'000
HELD AS
RESTRICTED
ASSET
226
70
37
2
3
338
CONTRIBUTION PLAN - 2
OPENING
BALANCE
CASH
PURPOSE
$'000
SEPP 59 - Open Space
SEPP 59 - Comm Facilities
SEPP 59 - Road Works
SEPP 59 - Plan Admin
Total
CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
DURING YEAR
NON-CASH
$'000
305
683
206
30
1,224
$'000
34
136
21
8
199
$'000
-
$'000
22
54
15
3
93
$'000
5
5
$'000
-
356
874
242
40
1,512
INTEREST
INTERNAL
EXPENDED
EARNED
BORROWINGS
DURING YEAR
DURING YEAR
(to)/from
HELD AS
RESTRICTED
ASSET
CASH
PURPOSE
$'000
Open Space
Northern Employ Lands
Total
CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED
DURING YEAR
NON-CASH
$'000
32
138
170
$'000
-
$'000
-
$'000
11
11
$'000
-
$'000
-
43
138
181
Page 36
Public Liability insurance is one that can take many years to mature so it is likely that the cooperative will continue to carry old
claims for the past and present member councils for some time into the future.
Member councils provide the contributions towards insurance coverage which is arranged on their behalf by Metro Pool. Metro
Pool organises the administration of the funds and of claims made against the insurance policies.
Metro Pool has a net equity of $4.042 million as at 30 June 2007 compared with $3.707 million in 2006. The surplus has been
allocated between members by applying their share of contributions made in each past pool year to the surplus or deficit that
has e
2007
$'000
541
2006
$'000
522
Council has not applied the equity method of accounting for this joint venture in these accounts as the value is considered to
be immaterial for the scope of these accounts.
Page 37
Page 38
2006
$'000
681,229
6,062
678,869
2,360
687,291
681,229
Page 39
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
CATEGORY 2
HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL
SWIMMING CENTRES
FUNCTION CENTRES
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
CATEGORY 2
HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL
COMMERCIAL WASTE
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
CATEGORY 2
HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL
2006
2007
$'000
$'000
Employee Costs
Materials & Contracts
Borrowing Costs
Interest Charges
Depreciation & Amortisation
Other Operating Expenses
Loss on Disposal of Assets
Taxation Equivalent Payments
2,239
216
0
0
14
385
0
93
2,947
2,083
219
0
0
79
376
0
94
2,852
719
346
0
0
0
282
0
25
1,769
914
320
0
0
213
282
0
39
1,769
570
274
0
0
193
204
0
23
1,264
398
272
0
0
193
135
0
19
1,017
16
29
0
0
2
7
0
1
54
12
29
0
0
2
6
0
1
50
0
2,327
0
136
8
0
2,471
0
2,215
0
127
11
0
2,353
0
515
0
0
36
0
551
0
500
0
0
36
0
536
0
879
0
1
2
0
882
0
830
0
1
2
0
833
0
59
0
0
0
0
59
0
55
0
0
0
0
55
(476)
(499)
(1,218)
(1,233)
(382)
(184)
8
(468)
0
(468)
0
(468)
0
(468)
19
(480)
0
(480)
0
(480)
0
(480)
0
(1,218)
0
(1,218)
0
(1,218)
0
(1,218)
57
(1,176)
0
(1,176)
0
(1,176)
0
(1,176)
0
(382)
0
(382)
0
(382)
0
(382)
0
(184)
0
(184)
0
(184)
0
(184)
0
5
0
5
2
3
0
3
0
5
0
5
2
3
0
3
(1,009)
(624)
2,146
93
0
0
(1,384)
95
0
0
(1,009)
-17.27%
5.00%
612
-18.79%
5.00%
613
TOTAL
REVENUE FROM ORDINARY ACTIVITIES
Extraordinary Items
SURPLUS (DEFICIT) BEFORE TAX
Dividend Payment
SURPLUS (DEFICIT) AFTER DIVIDENDS
Page 43
3,283
794
959
45
39
25
0
0
953
39
0
0
2,146
23
0
0
435
19
0
0
794
1
2
0
50
1
2
0
45
-15.81%
5.00%
1,603
-16.61%
5.00%
1,147
-7.81%
5.00%
626
-3.91%
5.00%
522
83.33%
5.00%
0
83.33%
5.00%
0
CATEGORY 1
HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL
CHILD CARE CENTRES
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash Assets
Investment Securities
Receivables
Due From Council
Inventories
Other
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
NON-CURRENT ASSETS
Cash Assets
Investment Securities
Receivables
Inventories
Property, Plant & Equipment
Other
TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables
Due to Council
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Provisions
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
Payables
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Provisions
TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
TOTAL LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
EQUITY
Accumulated Surplus
Asset Revaluation Reserve
Council Equity Interest
Outside Equity Interest in Controlled Entities
TOTAL EQUITY
SWIMMING CENTRES
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
FUNCTION CENTRES
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
COMMERCIAL WASTE
2006
$'000
2007
$'000
CATEGORY 2
HOLROYD CITY COUNCIL
2006
2007
$'000
$'000
0
0
9
0
0
0
9
0
0
4
0
0
0
4
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
51
0
0
0
51
0
0
44
0
0
0
44
0
0
0
97
0
0
97
0
0
0
46
0
3
49
0
0
0
0
2,757
0
2,757
2,766
0
0
0
0
2,656
0
2,656
2,660
0
0
0
0
7,704
0
7,704
7,704
0
0
0
0
7,422
0
7,422
7,422
0
0
0
0
4,889
0
4,889
4,940
0
0
0
0
4,710
0
4,710
4,754
0
0
0
0
6
0
6
103
0
0
0
0
6
0
6
55
154
2,124
0
457
2,735
184
1,731
0
332
2,247
0
6,529
0
0
6,529
5
4,987
0
66
5,058
6
1,335
0
214
1,556
0
1,139
0
0
1,139
43
0
0
5
48
2
1
0
5
8
0
0
20
20
2,755
0
0
27
27
2,274
0
0
0
0
6,529
0
0
53
53
5,111
0
0
128
128
1,684
0
0
0
0
1,139
1
0
3
4
52
1
0
0
1
9
11
386
1,118
2,311
3,256
3,615
51
46
(1,384)
1,395
11
(1,009)
1,395
386
Page 44
953
165
1,118
2,146
165
2,311
435
2,821
3,256
794
2,821
3,615
50
1
51
45
1
46
These financial statements are a Special Purpose Financial Report prepared for use by the Council
and the Department of Local Government. They have been prepared to report the results of Business
Units determined by Council in accordance with the requirements of National Competition Policy
Guidelines.
In preparing these reports, each Business Unit has been viewed as a separate unit and accordingly,
transactions between different Business Units and between Business Units and other Council
operations have not been eliminated.
2.
Basis of Accounting
2.1 Compliance
This Special Purpose Financial Report complies with the Local Government Code of
Accounting Practice and Financial Reporting and the Local Government Asset Accounting
Manual and with the principles of the June 1996 NSW Government Policy Statement
Application of National Competition Policy to Local Government and the Department of Local
Governments July 1997 guidelines Pricing & Costing for Council Businesses: A Guide to
Competitive Neutrality.
Except where directed to the contrary by the above documents, the financial report also
complies with all applicable Australian Accounting Standards and professional
pronouncements, and is based on information consistent with that forming the basis of
Councils Annual Financial Reports for the year.
2.2 Basis
This financial report has been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting and, except where
specifically indicated in the Notes or in the Notes to the Annual Financial Reports, in
accordance with the historical cost convention.
3.
Council has adopted the principal of competitive neutrality to its business activities as part of the
national competition policy which is being applied throughout Australia at all levels of government.
The framework for its application is set out in the June 1996 Government Policy statement on the
Application of National Competition Policy to Local Government. The Pricing & Costing for Council
Businesses - A Guide to Competitive Neutrality issued by the Department of Local Government in
July 1997 has also been adopted.
The pricing and costing guidelines outline the process for identifying and allocating costs to activities
and provide a standard for disclosure requirements. These disclosures are reflected in Councils
pricing and/or financial reporting systems and include taxation equivalents, council subsidies, return
on investments (rate of return on capital) and dividends paid.
4.
Declared Business Activities
Page 45
Name
Holroyd City
Council
Child Care Centres
Category 2
5.
Name
Holroyd
City
Council
Swimming Centres
Holroyd
City
Council
Function Centres
Holroyd
City
Council
Commercial Waste
Council does not pay certain taxes and duties that are paid by equivalent private sector operations,
but are liable for others. The Special Purpose Financial Reports disclose the effect of imputing these
taxes and financial duties to the declared Business Units at the rates that would have applied to
equivalent private sector operations. The following taxation equivalents have been applied to all
council nominated business activities (this does not include councils non-business activities):
Notional Rate Applied %
Corporate Tax Rate
Sales Tax
Land Tax
Stamp Duty
Payroll Tax
Other Taxes or Charges-Debt Guarantee
Fees
6.
30%
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
6%
Not Applicable
Income Tax
An income tax equivalent has been applied on the profits of the business. Whilst income tax is not a
specific cost for the purpose of pricing a good or service, it needs to be taken into account in terms of
assessing the rate of return required on capital invested. Accordingly, the return on capital invested is
set at a pre-tax level (Ordinary Activities Result Before Capital Amounts) as would be applied by a
private sector competitor that is, it should include a provision equivalent to the corporate income tax
rate, currently 30%.
Income Tax is only applied where a positive Ordinary Activities Result Before Capital Amounts has
been achieved. Since the taxation equivalent is notional, that is, it is payable to the Council as the
Page 46
A calculation of the equivalent rates and charges for all Business Activities has been applied to all
assets owned or exclusively used by the business activity.
8.
The debt guarantee fee is designed to ensure that council business activities face true commercial
borrowing costs in line with private sector competitors. In order to calculate a debt guarantee fee,
council has determined what the differential borrowing rate would have been between the commercial
rate and the Councils borrowing rate for its business activities.
9.
Government policy requires that subsidies provided to customers and the funding of those subsidies
must be explicitly disclosed. Subsidies occur where council provides services on a less than cost
recovery basis. This option is exercised on a range of services in order for Council to meet its
community service obligations. The overall effect of subsidies is contained within the Income
Statement by Business Activities.
10.
The Policy statement requires that councils with Category 1 business would be expected to generate
a return on capital funds employed that is comparable to rates of return for private businesses
operating in a similar field. Funds are subsequently available for meeting commitments or financing
future investment strategies. The rate of return is disclosed for each of Councils business activities
on the Income Statement of Business Activities and Balance Sheet of Business Activities.
11.
Dividends Paid
Council is not required to pay dividends to either itself as owner of a range of businesses or to any
external entities. Consequently, any form of dividend payment is purely notional. Dividend payments
to Council are also restricted to those activities that do not levy special rates or charges (water,
sewer, domestic waste management).
Council operates restricted activities for Domestic Waste Management (DWM). The Local
Government Act 1993 requires that all operating surpluses or deficits of these funds are
credited/debited to the equity of those funds.
******
Page 47
Expenses
Non-capital
Group Totals
revenues
1,228
Capital
revenues
Group Totals
-
1,228
Net Cost
Group Totals
1,228
-
1,228
ADMINISTRATION
Corporate Support
Engineering & Works
Other Support Services
7,729
2,623
116
187
193
(1)
10,468
7,542
2,430
117
379
10,089
870
194
548
38
92
71
638
1
1,742
870
123
(90)
38
91
710
1,032
HEALTH
Administration & Inspection
Immunisations
Health Centres
803
34
33
211
40
-
70
-
870
522
(6)
33
321
549
1,487
907
4,317
391
939
8
28
113
919
4,382
108
939
-
8,077
1,374
(12)
(65)
283
8
28
6,461
1,616
9
2,462
6,475
59
1,452
1,610
914
411
(1)
87
1,192
7,499
153
19
2
34
13,391
1,039
-
(78)
1,270
(1,024)
(94)
1,433
569
880
411
(1)
10,025
3,366
Page 49
Expenses
Non-capital
Group Totals
revenues
Capital
revenues
Group Totals
Group Totals
2,549
218
111
1,245
1,881
5,761
1
258
196
642
552
572
-
317
674
-
11,766
1,974
218
(85)
603
1,329
4,515
1
3,211
8,555
794
418
794
376
418
376
6,358
171
103
629
146
67
1,036
(1)
1,349
222
8
4
280
(1)
1,894
554
405
319
8,509
3,115
(51)
103
67
142
(338)
756
(319)
5,034
3,475
ECONOMIC AFFAIRS
Tourism & Area Promotion
Real Estate Development
Other Business Undertakings
TOTALS - FUNCTIONS
General Purpose Revenues
48
1
360
13
1,039
-
35
(1,038)
360
409
1,052
57,254
27,611
35,705
29,643
35,705
35,705
NET OPERATING RESULT FOR YEAR
(643)
35,705
6,062
Page 50
Principal Outstanding
at beginning of year
Current Non-Current
Total
Debt Redemption
New
Loans From
Sinking
Raised Revenue Funds
Tfrs to Interest
Principal outstanding
Sinking applicable
at end of year
Funds for year
Current Non-Current
Total
1,960
1,960
2,510
2,510
4,470
4,470
1,959
1,959
229
229
1,036
1,036
1,475
1,475
2,511
2,511
1,960
2,510
4,470
1,959
229
1,036
1,475
2,511
Page 51
Asset Class
Asset Category
References
Depreciation Depreciation
Rate (%)
Expense
Note 9
'000
Note 3
Cost
'000
Accumulated
Depreciation
Carrying
Value
'000
Note 9
'000
Estimated
Estimated
Program
Asset
Cost to bring
Maintenance
Annual
Condition
to a
Maintenance
Works for
(see Notes Satisfactory
Expense
current year
attached)
Standard
'000
'000
'000
PUBLIC BUILDINGS
All Buildings
1,183
1,183
56,868
56,868
(28,489)
(28,489)
28,379
28,379
2
3
6
7
1,567
4,944
6,511
746
451
399
139
1,735
440
266
235
81
1,022
1,762
103
430
585
18
2,898
163,001
8,213
26,300
41,390
599
239,503
(43,407)
(4,262)
(8,809)
(16,478)
(168)
(73,124)
119,594
3,951
17,491
24,912
431
166,379
1
2
3
6
7
3
2
3
6
7
2
3
6
7
1
3
7
10,600
371
100
568
469
422
100
12,630
5,767
100
598
319
150
6,934
2,375
174
119
136
2,804
PUBLIC ROADS
Sealed Roads
Bridges
Footpaths
1.25
2
1.4
Street Furniture
10
Asset Class
Asset Category
References
Depreciation Depreciation
Rate (%)
Expense
Note 9
'000
Note 3
Cost
'000
Accumulated
Depreciation
Carrying
Value
'000
Note 9
'000
Estimated
Estimated
Program
Asset
Cost to bring
Maintenance
Annual
Condition
to a
Maintenance
Works for
(see Notes Satisfactory
Expense
current year
attached)
Standard
'000
'000
'000
DRAINAGE WORKS
All Works
TOTAL DRAINAGE WORKS
1,225
1,225
123,515
123,515
(44,303)
(44,303)
79,212
79,212
5,306
419,886
(145,916)
273,970
319
319
19,460
472
472
293
293
9,141
4,119
Page 53
Newly constructed
Over 5 years old but fully maintained in "as new" condition
Good condition
Average condition
Partly worn - beyond 50% of economic life.
Worn but serviceable
Poor - replacement required
Page 54
2007
$'m
Recurrent Budget
Income from continuing operations
Expenses from continuing operations
Operating result from continuing operations
Capital Budget
New Works
Replacement of existing assets
Funded by
- Loans
- Asset Sales
- Reserves
- Grants/Contributions
- Recurrent revenue
- Other
2009
$'m
2010
$'m
2011
$'m
63
57
6
60
54
6
61
55
6
63
56
7
64
57
7
1
5
6
1
5
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
Page 55
Councillors (12)
Mayor:
Clr Dr. John H Brodie
Deputy:
Clr Josie Moncreiff
Clr Doug Bourchier, Clr Elizabeth Culgan, Clr Greg Cummings, Clr Allan Ezzy, Clr Ken Morrisey, Clr
Mark Pigram, Clr Yvette Whitfield, Clr Mal Tulloch, Clr David Van Brussel, Clr Eddy Sarkis
Senior Staff
General Manager:
Director Corporate & Financial Services:
Director Engineering Services:
Director Environmental & Planning Services:
Director Library & Community Services:
Mr Merv Ismay
Mr Tim Butler
Mr Stan Antczak
Mr Rick Beers
Ms Diane Jogia
Acknowledgments
The 2006/2007 State of Environment Report has been prepared by Councils Environmental Health
Unit, with the assistance of Council staff, other government agencies and the community.
i
CONTENTS
PAGE
1.0
2.0
3.0
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Overview
1.2
About State of Environment Reporting
1.3
Holroyd City Management Plan 2006-2010
1.4
Living Holroyd: A Sustainable Future
1.5
Community Consultation
1.6
State of Environment 2006/2007 Format
1.7
State of Environment 2006/2007 Highlights
HUMAN SETTLEMENT
2.1
Overview
2.2
Population & the Social Environment
2.2.1 The Issue
2.2.2 State
2.2.3 Responses to the issues
2.3
Urban Development
2.3.1 The Issue
2.3.2 State
2.3.3 Responses to the issues
2.4
Water Consumption
2.4.1 The Issue
2.4.2 State
2.4.3 Responses to the issues
2.5
Energy
2.5.1 The Issue
2.5.2 State
2.5.3 Responses to the issues
2.6
Waste Management
2.6.1 The Issue
2.6.2 State
2.6.3 Responses to the issues
2.7
Amenity
2.7.1 The Issue
2.7.2 State
2.7.3 Responses to the issues
2.8
Future Actions
BIODIVERSITY
3.1
Overview
3.2
The Issue
3.3
State
3.4
Responses to the issues
3.5
Future Actions
1
1
1
3
3
3
3
4
4
10
12
13
13
13
13
16
ii
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
STORMWATER
4.1
Overview
4.2
The Issue
4.3
State
4.4
Responses to the issues
4.5
Future Actions
17
17
17
20
21
ATMOSPHERE
5.1
Overview
5.2
The Issue
5.3
State
5.4
Responses to the issues
5.5
Future Actions
22
22
22
23
23
SOIL LANDSCAPE
6.1
Overview
6.2
Contaminated Land
6.2.1 The Issue
6.2.2 State
6.2.3 Responses to the issues
6.3
Salinity
6.3.1 The Issues
6.3.2 State
6.3.3 Responses to the issues
6.4
Soil Erosion
6.4.1 The Issues
6.4.2 State
6.4.3 Responses to the issues
6.5
Acid Sulfate Soils
6.5.1 The Issues
6.5.2 State
6.5.3 Responses to the issues
6.6
Future Actions
HERITAGE
7.1
Overview
7.2
The Issue
7.3
State
7.4
Responses to the issues
7.5
Future Actions
TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY
8.1
Overview
8.2
How is Holroyd working towards a Sustainable Future?
8.3
The Pillars of Sustainability
8.3.1 Ecological Sustainability
8.3.2 Social and Cultural Sustainability
8.3.3 Economic Sustainability
8.4
Future Actions
REFERENCES
24
24
24
24
25
25
26
26
26
26
26
27
27
28
28
29
iii
Introduction
1.1 Overview
Local Government plays an important role in managing its local environment. In preparing
a State of Environment Report, information on the local environment is collected, analysed
and presented to assist Council and the community to have a clear understanding of the
pressures exerted by human activities on our immediate environment. This in turn reflects
the impact those pressures have on the state of the environment and helps define responses
not only implemented by Council, but government agencies, organisations and the
community.
As most environmental conditions do not change dramatically over the short term, the
2006/2007 State of Environment Report is designed to supplement the comprehensive
2003/2004 State of Environment Report and subsequent supplementary reports. Should
more information be required about environmental and sustainability issues pertinent to the
Holroyd City Council area, the 2003/2004 State of Environment Report and 2004/2005 &
2005/2006 Supplementary State of Environment Reports should be consulted. The
2006/2007 State of Environment Report informs Council, the community and interested
parties about notable changes which occurred during the reporting year.
1.2 About State of Environment Reporting
The requirements for State of Environment Reporting are outlined in the Local Government
Act 1993. This document is the twelfth State of Environment Report for the Holroyd City
Council area and satisfies the requirements of the Local Government Act for the 1 July
2006 to 30 June 2007 reporting period.
1.3 Holroyd City Management Plan 2006-2010
To continue in providing direction to Councils Management Planning process, Table 1.1
below details status/outcome of management plan actions that are linked to the themes
reported in the State of Environment Report.
Human Settlement
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Prepare a City Wide Bushland Management Consultants engaged and draft report
Plan
expected to be completed September
2007
Prepare Plans of Management for Jones Park, Awaiting funding
Graeme Park, Greystanes Woodland Parks and
sportsgrounds
Review the Landscape Masterplan to include Awaiting funding
additional areas of open space & new initiatives
for greening Holroyd
To preserve, wherever possible, the existing tree Ongoing through Tree Management
stock within the City, to promote the planting of Order, National Tree Day
trees & to improve the publics general
awareness of the importance of tree preservation
Implement
Councils
Tree
Preservation Ongoing
Order/Tree Management Plan and Tree
Management Policies
Liaison and involvement with projects initiated
by the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust
Develop and implement floodplain management
strategies and stormwater management plans
Seek government grants for drainage, flood
mitigation and water quality projects
As the ARA under the POEO Act 1997 accept
responsibility for non-scheduled industrial
premises including those not licensed by the
EPA
Biodiversity
Stormwater
Refer to Chapter 5
Atmosphere
Ongoing
Awaiting funding
In progress
Heritage
Towa
rds
Susta
1.7
State of Environment Report 2006/2007 Highlights
Major achievements for the Holroyd City Council area during the reporting period include:
Progress in relation to 25 strategies within the Holroyd Social Plan 2005-2009
Adoption of a new Cultural Plan 2006-2011
Adoption and implementation of the City Health Plan 2006-2010
Preparation and submission of Energy Savings Action and Water Savings Action Plans
Active involvement of bushcare volunteers, resulting in the planting of over 9,500 plants as
part of revegetation programs
Human Settlement
2.1 Overview
Population increases and demographic changes detailed in the 2003/2004 State of Environment
Report, continue to place demands on infrastructure, services and resources, such as housing,
community and health facilities, energy, water and waste disposal.
2.2
Social Plan
During 2006/2007 steady progress has been made in relation to twenty-five (25) strategies within
the Holroyd Social Plan 2005-2009. This includes:
securing funding to enhance the Domestic Violence resource kit through the provision of
training for local services on local needs
supporting volunteer community groups and organisations in accessing additional funding
for community activities
implementation of actions within the Holroyd City Health Plan in partnership with Sydney
West Area Health Service
delivery of community development training for volunteer community groups and
organisations
advocacy and lobbying on behalf of services for increased funding to the Holroyd LGA for
services for carers, people with disabilities, seniors, women and children
working in partnership with other Councils and Western Sydney Regional Organisation of
Councils to explore affordable housing policies and continuing contributions to developing
the WSROC Housing Impact Assessment document
completion of development application assessments to increase access for people with
disabilities to public facilities
provision of education and training for people from CALD backgrounds on a range of
Australian governance issues
continuing implementation of the Local Government Framework for Women
Page 4
Cultural Plan
Holroyd City Councils Cultural Plan creates and enhances opportunities for our communities to
participate in cultural expression and increase cultural vitality in Holroyd City. This involves
celebrating the diversity of interests in our community, promoting creativity, and embracing our
collective values to work toward the communitys aspirations for Holroyd City.
Cultural vitality is supported through:
Providing opportunities for and encouraging active community participation in cultural
initiatives
Promoting creative arts practices as a medium for cultural expression
Showcasing the identity, diversity and distinctiveness of our communities
Developing creative and artistic talent in the community
Facilitating local and regional partnerships that contribute to arts and cultural development
Facilitating employment, skills and training opportunities for artists and communities in
Holroyd City
Arts focused urban redevelopment strategies
Increasing access to cultural activities, facilities and services
Encouraging cultural and social harmony and pride in the community
City Health Plan
Holroyd Council's first City Health Plan was launched in 1996 and reviewed, amended and readopted in 2000 and most recently, 21 March 2006.
Whilst the City Health Plan is a Council document it is in fact a product of collaboration between
a number of key stakeholders. Including Sydney West Area Health Service, Merrylands
Community Health Centre, Holroyd Local Area Command and the community.
During the reporting period, Council was successful in obtaining a $20,000 grant from the Local
Government and Shires Association (LGSA) as part of the Healthy Local Governments grant
program. The funding will focus on the key health issues of; Childhood Obesity, Mental Health,
Tobacco Control and Physical Activity. The grant program is due for completion in the
2007/2008.
2.3
Urban Development
2.3.1 The Issue
There has been no significant change to the issues associated with Urban Development
during the reporting period.
2.3.2 State
During the reporting period, changes to the landscape of the Holroyd City Council area
continue to be observed as the construction of dwellings on the Boral site and the former
CSIRO site, and the old brickworks site in the suburb of Holroyd) nears completion.
Table 2.1 below summarises the number and type of development applications approved
(received) by Council during the reporting period compared to previous reporting
periods. As indicated in the table, there was a slight decrease in the number of
applications received and an increase in the number of applications approved. Measures
Page 5
Page 6
infrastructure, housing and employment and provide details on the future role of the subregion
and relevant centres.
Holroyd comprises part of the West Central subregion, with the local government areas of
Auburn, Bankstown, Fairfield and Parramatta also contained within this subregion. The
Metropolitan Strategy stipulates that the West Central subregion will provide 95,500 new
dwellings and 35,000 additional jobs from 2004.
Local Environmental Plans and Development Control Plans
Holroyd Local Environmental Plan 2009
Under the State Governments planning reforms, Council is required to prepare a new Local
Environmental Plan (LEP) by March 2009. All new LEPs are to be consistent with the
Governments Standard LEP Template. Preparation of the new LEP has commenced. It is
anticipated that a draft of the new LEP will be exhibited in mid-2008.
Holroyd Development Control Plan 2009
Under the State Governments planning reforms, Council is required to have only development
control plan (DCP) applicable to any land. This is effective from the introduction of a new LEP
in 2009. To comply with this requirement, Council has elected to prepare a single DCP for the
entire City. As a first stage, Council has prepared Draft Holroyd City Council DCP 2007, which
consolidates all its current DCPs into one document. Draft DCP 2007 will be exhibited in JuneJuly 2007. The second stage, a thorough review of Councils development controls, will inform
preparation of a Draft Holroyd DCP 2009. This will be exhibited in mid-2008.
Holroyd Residential Development Strategy
Council is preparing a Residential Development Strategy (RDS) to guide future housing
development. The RDS will ensure future residential development:
is sustainable;
promotes social well-being;
provides the type of housing needed by the future population;
allows good access to shops, services, parks and public transport;
protects urban character and scenic values.
The RDS will inform the preparation of other land use planning documents, including a new
Local Environmental Plan and a new Development Control Plan.
2.4
Water Consumption
2.4.1 The Issue
Once again, Sydney recorded below average rainfall during the reporting period and most
of the rain did not fall in the catchment area. As at 9 August 2007, the water storage for
the Sydney Water catchment was 57.6%, up from 41.5% at 10 August 2006.
2.4.2 State
Data from Sydney Water shows that in 2006/2007, houses in Holroyd local government
area consumed an average of 216kL/dwelling, decreasing by 5kL/dwelling in the last
reporting period and flats/units consumed 164kL/dwelling, decreasing by 2kL/dwelling
in the last reporting period. On average, houses in Holroyd consume less than the Sydney
wide average (222kL/dwelling), however units in Holroyd consume more/less than the
Sydney wide average (152kL/dwelling). This trend is consistent with previous reporting
periods.
Page 7
As an organisation, Holroyd City Council consumed an average of 373 321 litres a day,
which is a 3% decrease on the last reporting period.
2.4.3 Responses to the issues
During the reporting period, the following new responses were initiated to reduce the
demand on finite water resources.
Water Restrictions
Water Restrictions remain at Level 3 only allowing hand-held hosing of lawns and gardens and
drip irrigation on Wednesdays and Sundays before 10 am and after 4 pm.
Water Savings Action Plan
Under the Energy Administration Amendment (Water and Energy Savings) Act 2005 Council is
required to prepare and implement a Water Savings Action Plans to improve its water efficiency.
During the reporting period Council was notified by the Minister for the Department of Energy,
Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) that the Water Savings Action Plan had been approved.
Actions that Council implemented during the reporting period include replacing single flush
cisterns with dual flush cisterns, replacing urinal cisterns with sensor controlled cisterns and
retro-fitting water saving showerheads.
Further information on the implementation of the Water Savings Action Plan will be provided in
future State of Environment Reports.
2.5
Energy
2.5.1 The issue
There has been no significant change to the issues associated with Energy during the
reporting period.
2.5.2 State
During the reporting period, Council was unable to obtain residential consumption data
from energy suppliers for the Holroyd City Council area. Council continues to address its
own energy use through participating in the Cities for Climate Protection program (Refer
to Chapter 5 Atmosphere) and through the development of the Energy Savings Action
Plan.
2.5.3 Responses to the issue
During the reporting period, the following new responses were initiated to reduce the
demand on energy resources.
Page 8
Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (DEUS) on 4 April 2007 for approval by the Minister for
DEUS.
Although the Energy Savings Action Plan is yet to be approved by the Minister for DEUS,
Council has commenced implementation of the cost-effective energy efficient initiatives
identified in the plan, including installing non-return dampers on vents at Guildford Pool,
enabling Energy Smart settings on computers, upgrading air-conditioning controls at Councils
Administration Building and installing power factor correction devices.
Further information on the approval and implementation of the Energy Savings Action Plan will
be provided in future State of Environment Reports.
2.6
Waste Management
2.6.1 The Issue
There has been no significant change to the issues associated with Waste during the
reporting period.
2.6.2 State
During the reporting period, Council collected 28,355 tonnes of general waste for
transport to landfill and 7,389 tonnes of recyclable waste. As indicated in the Table 2.2
below, this represents a current diversion rate of 20.75%, a decrease of 1.62% on the
previous reporting period.
TABLE 2.3: AMOUNT AND TYPE OF WASTE COLLECTED IN THE HOLROYD LGA
1/7/03 TO 30/6/07
Period
Garbage
Recyclables
Total
Diversion Rate (%)
(Tonnes)
(Tonnes)
(Tonnes)
2006/2007
28,355
7,389
35,744
20.75
2005/2006
26,394
7,073
33,467
21.13
2004/2005
27,933
6,720
34,653
19.40
2003/2004
27,502
6,318
33,820
18.68
19.99
Average diversion rate over four years
2.6.3 Responses to the issue
During the reporting period, the following new responses were initiated to reduce waste
generation and manage waste.
During the reporting period Council implemented a new recycling service. All households now
have a yellow lidded recycling bin which is collected every 2 weeks by Councils recycling
contractor, J.J Richards & Sons.
The service is now a co-mingled recycling service, which means that all recyclables can be
placed in the bin together. The new service was introduced due to the expiration of the previous
contract and to facilitate increasing recycling rate. The trend is showing an increase in per capita
recycling rates.
Page 9
2.7
Amenity
2.7.1 The Issue
There has been no significant change to the issues associated with amenity during the
reporting period.
2.7.2 State
Noise
During the reporting period, 58 sites were monitored as part of Councils background
noise monitoring program to assess the general noise levels throughout the Holroyd City
Council area compared to NSW EPA guidelines. Results of the sites monitored are
presented in Table 2.3, together with the results for the previous three years for the
purposes of comparison.
TABLE 2.4: SUMMARY OF NOISE ASSESSMENTS TAKEN
THROUGHOUT HOLROYD LGA
Period
Number of sites Number of sites with Number of sites with
monitored
55dBA>LA90<60dBA
LA90>60dBA
2006/2007
58
0
0
2005/2006
58
0
0
2004/2005
37
12
0
2003/2004
57
7
4
Page 10
Council received 160 complaints about noise during 2006/2007, significantly increasing
on the complaints received in the previous reporting period. The significant increase in
complaints is considered to be attributable to the increasing density of the area.
Council has also introduced new Computer Request Management software to record
complaints. The functionality of this software may also have led to a more reflective
recording of complaints received.
Odour
Table 2.6 provides a comparison of odour complaints for the reporting period and the
three previous reporting periods.
TABLE 2.6: SUMMARY OF ODOUR COMPLAINTS
Year
Pollution Line (DEC)
Complaints
2006/2007
14
37
2005/2006
16
24
2004/2005
Not Available*
44
2003/2004
23
23
* The Department of Environment & Conservation was unable to provide data for the reporting
period
During the reporting period Council received 37 complaints regarding air pollution,
which was an increase from the previous reporting period, but comparable to the
2004/2005 reporting period.
As indicated above, Council has introduced new Computer Request Management
software to record complaints. The functionality of this software may also have led to a
more reflective recording of complaints received.
2.7.3 Responses to the issue
No new responses were initiated during the reporting period.
Page 11
2.8
Future Actions
1. Implementation of the Holroyd Social Plan 2005-2009
2. Implementation of the Cultural Plan
3. Implementation of the City Health Plan 2006-2010
4. Continue to assess development applications in accordance with relevant planning
instruments and legislation, to ensure sustainable use and development of land , and
safeguard the urban character of the area
5. Continue preparation of the Holroyd Local Strategy
6. Continue current waste management strategies and implement new strategies in order
to improve the rate of diversion from waste from landfill
7. Implementation of the Water and Energy Savings Action Plans
8. Continue to increase public awareness of air and noise issues
Page 12
Biodiversity
3.1
Overview
Biodiversity in the Holroyd City Council area continues to be under threat from continuing
fragmentation and degradation of aquatic and terrestrial habitats, the impact of pollutants, weed
invasion and introduced species. Council has yet to develop a method of recording local
biodiversity and as such relies on local knowledge, regional reports and biodiversity reports
which are often submitted with large Development Applications to prioritise responses to
protecting and enhancing the biodiversity of Holroyd.
3.2
The Issue
There has been no significant change to the issues associated with biodiversity during the
reporting period.
3.3
State
There has been no known change to the state of biodiversity during the reporting period.
3.4
Page 13
Page 14
Monitoring will continue on an ongoing basis in those areas where arson fire has
occurred.
A second population of Lotus australis, previously unrecorded for Holroyd City Council
area, generated after a fire west of Cumberland Highway, Woodpark.
Renewed fencing around Acacia pubescens east of Sherwood Road, Guildford. This
fencing will also help curb disturbance by undirected foot traffic and erosion.
Ongoing weed control around populations of threatened species Pimelia spicata and
Acacia pubescens.
Herbicide treatment to blackberry thickets, commencing with small populations. Large
thickets will be phased out in a mosaic pattern over a longer period of time.
Follow up weeding and spot spraying after arson burns.
Arson burns are currently being mapped and will be incorporated into the Fire
Management Plan.
Page 15
Development of Weeds Education Display Material for the shared use of Committee
members.
Implementation of the Sydney Metro CMAs Weeds Strategy
Bushcare Grants
In the reporting period, two EnviroTrust grants were awarded to the Pendle Hill Creek Bushcare
Goup and Hyland Road Reserve Bushcare Group. Details of the completed projects are as
follows:
Pendle Hill
Creek bank restoration works and follow up revegetation using endemic grasses, herbs, sedges,
rushes and trees. $25,000
Hyland Road Reserve
Bush regeneration / revegetation & creekline restoration works. $31,513.00.
Acquisition of No Development Strip
During the reporting period, Council was still in negotiations with the owners of the
development strip at the rear of the premises in Woodpark, Smithfield. It is anticipated that the
purchase will be completed in 2007/2008.
Catchment Management Authorities
The Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority (SMCMA) has been established to
provide leadership on key natural resource issues in Sydney Harbour, Georges River Botany Bay
and Hacking River Catchments.
During the reporting period, the SMCMA reviewed its draft Catchment Action Plan (CAP). The
CAP will guide the activities of the SMCMA while forming the basis for partnerships with the
community, business, industry and government. The CAP will assist the SMCMA in ensuring
that natural resource management projects are undertaken in priority areas within the catchment
and that these projects lead to the best outcomes for the environment and the community. The
CAP is based on five themes of Water, Land, Biodiversity, Coastal and Community.
The initial draft CAP was reviewed by the Natural Resources Commission. The SMCMA will
submit the revised draft in August 2007 following further input regarding the Catchment Targets
and Management Targets. It is expected that the NRC will recommend conditional approval of
the CAP later in 2007.
3.5
Future Actions
1. Continue negotiations with the land owner to acquire the no development strip in
Woodpark Road Smithfield
2. Continue to support bushcare activities
3. Identify opportunities to work with other government and private agencies, and
voluntary groups to extend, enhance and preserve green corridors
4. Continue to raise community awareness of the value of local biodiversity
Page 16
Stormwater
4.1
Overview
Human induced actions continue to place pressure on our urban waterways and the preservation
of water quality continues to be an ongoing challenge for Council and the community.
4.2
The Issue
There has been no significant change to stormwater issues during the reporting period.
4.3
State
Table 4.1 below presents information regarding the amount of litter and silt which has
been collected from GPTs maintained by Council and Sydney Water during the reporting
period. The data does not present a complete picture of the extent of pollutants diverted
from the local creek systems as some devices are managed by other agencies and the data
is not available. However it does provide an indication of the enormous amount of
rubbish and debris which is not disposed of properly.
TABLE 4.1: KILOGRAMS OF AQUATIC LITTER /SILT REMOVED FROM
GROSS POLLUTANT TRAPS
Period
Kg removed from GPTs
Kg removed from silt
traps/wetland
2006/2007
47,230
943,000
2005/2006
34,000
48,000
2004/2005
16,260
65,460
2003/2004
20,180
52,690
The litter removed from the GPTs for the year 2006/2007 has increased significantly due
to the following reasons:
1. Sydney Waters GPT in Ringrose Park, which was commissioned in August 2006,
has been cleaned recently. Data is included in this report.
2. The GPT in Elizabeth St has been cleaned by Sydney Water and data is included
in this report.
The data indicates that these type of devices installed by Sydney Water are more
effective than the other designs.
Council has recently undertaken the cleaning of Civic Park wetland. Since it was last
cleaned in September 2000, an enormous amount of sediment was accumulated. When
cleaned from September 2006, the total silt/soil removed was estimated at 880,000 kg.
The removal of silt from the silt trap will be undertaken again in 2007/2008.
The figures listed above are the recorded litter and silt removed from the traps throughout
the Holroyd City Council area. However, there are sites where material has been removed
from devices that has not been recorded leading to an incomplete picture of the pollution
loading.
Page 17
To compliment the data presented above, Table 4.2 provides the details of the location,
type and number of GPTs in the Holroyd City Council area, including those managed by
other agencies.
Girraween Park
C V Kelly Park
Toongabbie SC
Trash Screen
HCC
Litter Boom
Silt Trap
Trash Rack
Silt Trap
Trash Rack
Wetland
Underground
GPT
Screen
Trash Rack
Silt Trap
Litter Boom
Silt Trap
Pit Basket
HCC
1
1*
1
HCC
Private
HCC
HCC
1
1*
9
1
HCC
1
1*
1
1*
3
HCC
GPT
SWR
Wetland
SWR
GPT
SWR
HCC
Wetland
Silt Trap
Boom
GPT
SWR
1
1*
1
1
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
Pit Basket
HCC
Wentworthville SC
Rubbish Collected
(tonnes)
Device cleaned data not
recorded
0.66
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Maintained by Lakewood Estate
Developer
Turned over to Council recently
Page 18
Location
Type of
Device
Owner
No of
Devices
Rubbish Collected
(tonnes)
GPT
SW
Pit Baskets
HCC
63
(15 tonne litter & 48 tonne silt)
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Retention/
Detention Basin
CDS Unit
GPT
GPT
GPT
GPT
HCC
HCC
HCC
HCC
SWR
2
1
1*
1*
1
GPT
SWR
GPT
SWR
M4 near Allen St
GPT
SWR
Litter Boom
Silt Trap
Wetland
GPT
HCC
1
1*
1
1
Ringrose Park
Greystanes Shopping Centre
Domain Creek
Sydney Smith Park
Alexandra Ave
Bailey St
Oakes St
M4, near Frances St
6.6
No Data Available
No Data Available
No Data Available
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Private
SW
Pit Basket
2.85
Maintained by developer
36.70
(22 tonne litter & 15 tonne silt)
Device cleaned data not
recorded
Wetland
Boom
Silt Trap
Litter Boom
Silt Trap
Litter Boom
Silt Trap
Transitway CDS
1
Transitway CDS
3
Transitway CDS
4
Transitway CDS
5
Transitway CDS
6
Transitway CDS
7
Transitway CDS
8
Trash Rack
HCC
RTA
1
1
1*
1
1*
1
1*
1
RTA
No Data Available
RTA
No Data Available
RTA
No Data Available
RTA
No Data Available
RTA
No Data Available
RTA
No Data Available
RTA
No Data Available
TOTAL
47,230 kg (Rubbish)
943,000 kg (Silt)
HCC
HCC
Negligible
Negligible
No Available Data
* Designed to be cleaned every 2-3 years; SW Sydney Water; HCC Holroyd City Council; SWR Statewide Roads
Page 19
Table 4.3 below provides a summary of the number, of water pollution complaints
received by DECs Pollution Line and Council over the past four years.
TABLE 4.3: SUMMARY OF STORMWATER COMPLAINTS
Year
Pollution Line (DEC)
Council Complaints
2006/2007
8
47
2005/2006
28
48
2004/2005
Not Provided*
67
2003/2004
50
30
* The Department of Environment & Conservation has been unable to provide data for the
reporting period
During the reporting period Council received and investigated 47 stormwater complaints,
a similar number in comparison to the number complaints received in the previous
reporting period.
Council has introduced a new Computer Request Management software to record
complaints. The functionality of this software may also have led to a more reflective
recording of complaints received.
4.4
Page 20
Total Number
Completed to
Date
13
16
12
1
10
4
Total
Completed
(%)
48
79
52
20
77
36
56
58
4.5
Future Actions
1. Continue to implement strategies from the Stormwater Management Plan
2. Recommence Councils Water Quality Monitoring Program
3. Continue to education and enforce the provision of the Protection of the Environment
Operations Act 1997 through Councils Environmental Assessment Program
Page 21
Atmosphere
5.1
Overview
Human activity and the combustion of fossil fuels continue to impact on urban air quality and
increasing the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Council continues to be committed
to improving urban air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions through its participation in
the Cities for Climate Protection program.
5.2
The Issue
There has been no significant change to the issues associated with urban air quality and
greenhouse gas emissions during the reporting period.
5.3
State
Table 5.1 below shows the air monitoring results for the south-west Sydney region in
2006-2007.
Time
Period
06/07 No. of
high pollution
incidents
0
0
6
2
0
0
0
0
4
5
2
2
3
4
0
0
1
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
31
As can be seen in the table above, the number of high pollution days has slightly increased in
comparison to the number of high pollution in the previous reporting period, however is
similar to the number of high pollution days in the 2003/2004, 2002/2003 & 2001/2002
reporting periods. The cluster of high pollution days between November and January is
Page 22
consistent with previous years and is representative of pollution caused by smoke from
bushfires and from dust storms. Interestingly this year, there was a cluster of high pollution
days in August and September.
5.4
5.5
Future Actions
1. Implement the Greenhouse Reduction Local Action Plan and achieve Milestone 4 of
the Cities for Climate Protection Program
2. Continue to educate the community on air quality and greenhouse issues
3. Continue to participate in the Western Sydney Alliance in opposing the second
Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek
Page 23
Soil Landscape
6.1
Overview
Impacts of land degradation occur over a period of time. During the reporting period, Council
continued to implement suitable strategies for managing problems such as contamination of land,
dryland salinity, soil erosion and acid sulfate soils.
6.2
Contamination Land
6.2.1 The Issue
There has been no significant change to issues associated with contaminated land during
the reporting period.
6.2.2 State
There is no new data available.
6.2.3 Responses to the issue
There were no new responses initiated during the reporting period.
6.3
Salinity
6.3.1 The Issue
There has been no significant change to issues associated with salinity during the
reporting period.
6.3.2 State
There is no new data available.
6.3.3 Responses to the issue
There were no new responses initiated during the reporting period.
6.4
Soil Erosion
6.4.1 The Issue
There has been no significant change to issues associated with soil erosion during the
reporting period.
6.5.2 State
There is no new data available.
6.5.3 Responses to the issue
Page 24
During the reporting period, Council continued with the Erosion and Sediment Control Program
through the use of a consultant. The inspection program has now been active for approximately
four years. The consultant has continued to progressively visit building sites to determine the
degree of compliance and issue Environment Protection Notices and/or Penalty Infringement
Notices depending on the circumstances. During the reporting period, approximately 1,100
inspections were conducted resulting in 146 Environment Protection Notices and 17 Penalty
Infringement Notices.
6.5
6.6
Future Actions
1. Continue to assess potential contaminated sites in accordance with Councils
Contamination Land Policy
2. Continue to enforce sediment and erosion requirements
Page 25
Heritage
7.1
Overview
Heritage comprises of both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal and takes physical and/or nonphysical forms. In the Holroyd City Council area there are places of heritage significance for
both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
7.2
The Issue
There has been no significant change to issues associated with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
heritage during the reporting period.
7.3
State
There is no new information available.
7.4
Responses to the issue
Heritage Initiatives
Eleven applications for financial assistance under the 2006 Local Heritage Grants Program were
received, 3 more than the precious year. Council considered each application as worthy of
receiving grants and subsequently awarded all eleven recipients financial assistance, totalling
$11,489. Council also recognised and commended four owners for their efforts in conserving
and maintaining local heritage items.
7.5
Future Actions
1. Continue to promote an understanding and recognition of Aboriginal culture and
heritage
2. Continue to promote community awareness of issues of heritage significance
3. Continue to encourage heritage conservation through the Local Heritage Grant
Program
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Toward Sustainability
8.1
Overview
Holroyd City Council continued to demonstrate its commitment to working with the community
at the local level to progress towards achieving a sustainable community through implementation
of actions identified in Living Holroyd: A Sustainable Future.
8.2
How is Holroyd working towards a Sustainable Future?
Table 8.1 below provides a summary of the trend of the indicators, showing whether we are
moving towards sustainability or away from sustainability.
TABLE 8.1: SUMMARY OF INDICATORS FROM LIVING HOLROYD: A
SUSTAINABLE FUTURE FOR 2006/2007
ECONOMIC
SUSTAINABILITY
ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY
INDICATOR
KEY:
DATA
MOVEMENT TOWARDS
SUSTAINABILITY
216kL/dwelling (houses)
& 164kL/dwelling (units)
Data not available refer
to Chapter 4
332 kg
86 kg
Data not available
6%
Comparison not
available
Comparison not
available
9
10
Refer to Chapter 7
>50,000
7.5%
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8.3
In comparing the rate of crime to other local government areas in NSW, based on rate of
crime per 100,000 population, Holroyd City Council was ranked 8th for robbery, 21st for
break and enter dwelling, and 21st for steal from motor vehicle, 18th for steal from person.
8.3.3 Economic Sustainability
There is no new information.
8.4
Future Actions
1. Continue to implement strategies from Living Holroyd: A Sustainable Future
2. Encourage community empowerment in local sustainability issues and projects
3. Ensure the principles of ecologically sustainable development are incorporated into
all of Councils operations
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9 References
Council Documents
Holroyd City Council, 2006, Holroyd City Council Management Plan 2006-2010
Holroyd City Council, 2005, Holroyd City Health Plan 2006-2010
Holroyd City Council, 2004, Holroyd Social Plan 2005-2009
Holroyd City Council, 2003, Public Art Policy Distinctive Lifestyle Environments
Holroyd City Council, 2003, Living Holroyd: A Sustainable Future
Holroyd City Council, 2004, Greenhouse Reduction Local Action Plan
Holroyd City Council, 2004, State of the Environment Report 2003/2004
Holroyd City Council, 2005, Supplementary State of the Environment Report 2004/2005
Holroyd City Council, 2005, Supplementary State of the Environment Report 2005/2006
Holroyd City Council, 2006, Water Savings Action Plan
Holroyd City Council, 2007, Draft Energy Savings Action Plan
Legislation
Energy Administration Amendment (Energy and Water Savings) Act 2005
Other References
Clean Up Australia, www.cleanup.org.au
Duck Creek Catchment Stormwater Management Plan 1999
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/boscar
NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, www.environment.nsw.gov.au
Prospect Creek Catchment Stormwater Management Plan 2004
Upper Parramatta River Catchment Stormwater Management Plan 2002
Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils, www.wsroc.nsw.gov.au
NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Natural Resources, 2004, Meeting the
challenges Securing Sydneys water future
Sydney Metropolitan Catchment Management Authority, www.cma.nsw.gov.au
Sydney West-Blue Mountains Regional Weeds Committee, www.sydneyweeds.org.au
NSW Department of Planning, www.basix.nsw.gov.au
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