City of Palmerston · 9.50am – Scheduled radio interview with Territory FM Coronial findings City...
Transcript of City of Palmerston · 9.50am – Scheduled radio interview with Territory FM Coronial findings City...
CITY OF PALMERSTON
Notice of Council Meeting To be held in Council Chambers, Civic Plaza, Palmerston
On Wednesday, 5 November 2014 at 6:30pm
AGENDA
Audio Disclaimer An audio recording of this meeting is being made for minute taking purposes as authorised by City of Palmerston Policy MEE3 Recording of Meetings, available on Council’s Website.
1. PRESENT
2. APOLOGIES
Deputy Mayor Malone – Leave of Absence Alderman Byrne – On Council Business
ACCEPTANCE OF APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT the minutes of the Special Council Meeting held Tuesday, 21October 2014 pages 7649 to 7650, be confirmed.
2. THAT the minutes of the Council Meeting held Tuesday, 21 October 2014pages 7651 to 7658, be confirmed.
4. MAYOR’S REPORT M8-03
5. REPORT OF DELEGATES
6. QUESTIONS (WITHOUT DEBATE) FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN
7. QUESTIONS (WITHOUT DEBATE) FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS NOT BEENGIVEN
8. PETITIONS
9. DEPUTATIONS / PRESENTATIONS 10. CONSIDERATION OF MOTIONS FOR WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN 11. COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS
11.1 Governance and Organisation
Nil
11.2 Economic Development and Infrastructure
Nil
11.3 Community Culture and Environment
Nil
12. INFORMATION AGENDA 12.1 Items for Exclusion 12.2 Receipt of Information Reports RECOMMENDATION
THAT the information items contained within the Information Agenda, be received.
12.3 Officer Reports 12.3.1 Action Report 8/0573 12.3.2 LGANT Executive Minutes – 21 October 2014 8/0575 12.3.3 Update: Palmerston Markets 8/0577 12.3.4 Chief Executive Officer – Recent Activities 8/0578 13. DEBATE AGENDA 13.1 Officer Reports 13.1.1 Annual Report 2013/2014 8/0574 13.1.2 Nomination to the Territory Natural Resource
Management Committee 8/0576 13.1.3 Design Concept for Lot 11423 Roystonea Avenue 8/0579
14. CORRESPONDENCE 14.1 Proposed amendments to the Local Government Act and Local
Government (Electoral) Regulations 15. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME At the invitation of the Chair
16. OTHER BUSINESS – ALDERMAN REPORTS
By-law 14(8) provides that the Chairman must not accept a motion without notice if the effect of the motion would, if carried, be to incur expenditure in excess of $1,000 unless
a) the motion relates to the subject matter of a committee’s or sub committee’s
recommendations (as the case may be, or an officer’s report that is listed for consideration on the business paper; or
b) the matter is urgent
17. CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS 17.1 Presentation – NBN Update RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT pursuant to Section 65 of the Local Government Act, Council orders that the public be excluded from the meeting with the exception of the Chief Executive Officer, Minute Secretary, Director of Corporate Community Services and Director of Technical Services on the basis that Council considers it necessary and appropriate to act in a manner closed to the public in order to receive the presentation to confidential agenda item 17.1 NBN Update and that Council is satisfied that the meeting should be conducted in a place open to the public is outweighed in relation to the matter because receiving, considering and discussing the report and associated documentation involves:
(c) information that would, if publicly disclosed, be likely to:
(i) cause commercial prejudice to, or confer an unfair
commercial advantage on, any person; or
This item is considered confidential pursuant to Regulation 8 (c)(i) of the Local Government (Administration) Regulations.
2. THAT Council orders that the minutes from the Confidential
Council meeting held on 5 November 2014, in relation to confidential item number 17.1 NBN Update be released to the public record.
18. CLOSURE
Ricki Bruhn Chief Executive Officer
Any member of Council who may have a conflict of interest, or a possible conflict of interest in regard to any item of business to be discussed at a Council meeting or a
Committee meeting should declare that conflict of interest to enable Council to manage the conflict and resolve it in accordance with its obligations under the Local
Government Act and its policies regarding the same.
ITEM NO. 4 Mayor’s Report
FROM: Ian Abbott
REPORT NUMBER: M8-03
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
My report provides Council with an update on recent meetings or events of interest to Elected Members.
General:
Thursday, 16 October 2014 9.50am – Scheduled radio interview with Territory FM
Coronial findings
City Centre update
Cyclone clean up 10.00am – Attended Storytime at the Palmerston City Library – a popular event for parents and children up to 5 years old. 2.40pm – Attended the presentation of the “City of Palmerston Conservation and Land Management Scholarship” at CDU
CDU student recipient, Cassandra Wadrop Monday, 20 October 2014
5.00pm – Attended the 69th Anniversary of Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the Indonesian Consulate in Darwin.
Mr. Ade Padmo Sarwono and Mrs. Noorshanti Kusuma Wardhani, The Consul bid his farewell to the NT as his promotion takes him to Perth. He thanked the City of Palmerston for its friendship and cooperation.
Tuesday, 21 October 2014 9.00am – Attended Children’s Week 2014 Party for Parents and Children and did welcome and opening address.
This year the theme for children’s week is ‘children have a right to speak and be heard’.
3.00pm – Attended a media catch up meeting with the Communications Officer
Media releases
Social media
Format of topics of interest for scheduled radio segments 6.00pm – Chaired the Special Council Meeting
Yarrawonga Road Works Contract 6.30pm – Chaired the Council Meeting
Wednesday, 22 October 2014 9.30am – Scheduled radio Interview with Grassroots ABC
Coronial Findings
City Centre Update
Flicnics 2.20pm – Attended the NT Major Projects Conference
Gave presentation regarding the development of Palmerston City Centre 6.00pm – Attended the Virgin Exclusive Cocktail Party
Announcement of new service to Alice Springs Thursday, 23 October 2014
2.30pm - JP Service 3.00pm – Attended meeting with a resident regarding business in a residential area 7.00pm – Attended the Australia Day Council NT Annual Conference Dinner
Thank you to the Palmerston Australia Day Committee Friday, 24 October 2014 9.00am – Attended meeting with a Lion’s Club representative
Past District Governor 2015 Louis Onley
Looking to set up an Army based Lions Club to assist in the welfare of returned soldiers.
Looking to council to allocate a park as a Lion’s project Saturday, 25 October 2014
8.50am - Radio Interview with ABC regarding Goyder Square stage 2 consultation Tuesday, 28 October 2014 12.00pm – Attended a lunch meeting with U3A
City Centre update
Goyder Square consultation
Invitations:
State of the Territory luncheon on 14 November 2014 – The Mayor has received an invitation to attend the State of the Territory. This luncheon provides delegates with the opportunity to hear firsthand from the Chief Minister of the Northern Territory; his reflections on the year gone, his plans for the year ahead, his answers to the hard questions. Ticket price is $140.00, or for a table of ten $1300.00.
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT Council receives Report Number M8-03
2. THAT Council approve the Mayor’s attendance at the State of the Territory
luncheon on 14 November 2014. Recommending Officer: Any queries on this report may be directed to Ian Abbott on telephone (08) 8935 9911 or email [email protected] Schedule of Attachments: Attachment A: State of the Territory Event Flyer
STATE OF THE
TERRITORY
Hon Adam Giles MLA
Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
Member for Braitling
The Property Council is pleased to present Chief Minister Adam Giles for the 2014 instalment of
State of the Territory. Having dealt with the defection of 3 of his Party (with one coming back) and the loss of his trusted Treasurer, Chief
Minister Adam Giles has found himself carrying the bulk of the key Portfolios for some time. Despite these distractions
The Chief Minister has steadfastly maintained his leadership and continued with his vision for the Territory.
A highly regarded annual event, this luncheon provides delegates with the opportunity to hear firsthand from the Chief
Minister of the Northern Territory; his reflections on the year gone, his plans for the year ahead, his answers to the
hard questions…
Don’t miss the opportunity to network with colleagues at this key property industry event.
Friday 14 November 2015 Darwin Convention Centre
12.15pm Registration, 12.30pm-2pm
ATTACHMENT A
Registration Form & Tax Invoice ABN: 13 008 474 422 This form constitutes a tax invoice once payment has been made
All prices are GST inclusive
Member $115.00 (Includes GST)
Member Table (10)*
$1075.00 (Includes GST)
Non Member $140.00 (Includes GST)
Non Member Table (10)*
$1300.00 (Includes GST)
Please Return Registration Form with Payment to: Property Council of Australia Parmelia House Ground Floor 191 St Georges Terrace Perth WA 6000 Ph: 08 9426 1200 Fax: 08 9226 2865 Email Address: [email protected]
CANCELLATION POLICY: Cancellations made within 3 working days of event will incur full charge - A replacement is accepted at no extra charge.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS *Table rate only applicable to new bookingsfor a full tale of 10. Property Council of Australia reserves the right to change the speakers and programs of the event; or defer the event date.
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY : The Property Council of Australia reserves the right to refuse entry to or remove from the premises any person who it considers (in their sole and absolute discretion) is causing annoyance or inconvenience to delegates or attendees. No refund, replacement or compensation will be offered to any person refused entry or removed from the premises
DISCLAIMER: Property Council of Australia is collecting your personal information for registration purposes. These details will be entered into the Property Council database and may be used for future marketing.
State of the Territory Darwin Convention Centre
Property Business Lunch Friday 14 November 2014
Guest Name Company Name Job Title
1
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Dietary Requirement (Please Specify)
EFT Payment to: Property Council of Australia BSB: 062000 Account Number: 0037 6736 Please quote the event date and company name as reference Please email Remittance Advice ONLY to [email protected]
I have Mailed a Cheque for $
Payment by Credit Card Please go to
http://www.propertyoz.com.au/nt to register
Credit card payments incur a 3% surcharge.
REGISTRATION CONTACT
Contact Name: Company Name:
Contact Number: Email Address:
REGISTRATION DETAILS (all names to be provided 5 working days prior to the event)
PAYMENT DETAILS
ATTACHMENT A
ITEM NO. 12.3.1 Action Report
FROM: Chief Executive Officer
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0573
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
Provided with this report are individual action items outstanding from previous Council Meetings:
Dec # Task Date Matter Action Update
8/0104 5/06/2012
NT Planning Scheme
Palmerston CBD Masterplan to be incorporated into the NT Planning Scheme.
Draft plan currently being finalised by Roberts Day / Elton Consulting. Workshop scheduled for 18 November 2014.
8/0738
20/08/2013 Yarrawonga Land Proposal
DTS to conduct a feasibility study for a joint development across Lots 9542 & 9543 with the lessee of Lot 9542.
Cost Estimates have been received. Estimates are to be further staged. Expect report to the November EDI meeting.
8/0787
17/09/2013 Real Housing for Growth Project
Design and project management contract awarded to Thinc. Agreement to lease with the CEO Department of Housing has been executed.
Norbuilt commenced construction. Building pads underway. Contracts executed.
8/0847
19/11/2013 TC Zone Land
Discuss with NT Government on acquiring the Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone land – Part Lot 8405
Letter received 9 April 2014 advising investigations are currently being undertaken to inform the potential release of this site including servicing and development options.
8/0879
11/12/2013
Development of Lot 10029 and Part Lot 9608
Expression of Interest for the development of Lot 10029 and Part Lot 9608 be prepared for
Development signs on display 31 October – 14 November
Municipal Plan:
4. Governance & Organisation
4.3 People
We value our people, and the culture of our organisation. We are
committed to continuous improvement
Council approval.
8/0899
14/01/2014
Expression of Interest – Development of Lot 10024 and Part Lot 9609
An EOI to be brought to Council for the development of Lot 10024 and part Lot 9609 with the purpose being for the provision of public car parking combined with a mixed use development comprising of retail, commercial or residential.
Council considering further as part of the car parking strategy. Other potential uses for this site are currently being investigated by staff.
8/0946
18/02/2014
Palmerston Draft Subdivision Guidelines
Draft guidelines to undergo a Level 3 public consultation for a minimum period of six weeks, to include a community / industry forum.
Guidelines placed on hold pending the outcome of the NTG guideline development. A further report will be presented to Council shortly on this matter.
8/0949
18/02/2014 Car Parking Contribution Plan Update
Matter on the table
8/0976
18/03/2014 Marlow Lagoon Toilet Block
CEO to seek Ministerial dispensation pursuant to Clause 30 (1) (b) of the Local Government (Accounting) Regulations for the requirement to call tenders.
Letter sent to the Dept. of Housing, Local Government and Regional Services. Expecting a response week beginning 22 September. Dept. has advised that the response will be forwarded week commencing 29 September 2014. Self cleaning toilet has been placed on order. Expect delivery by early February.
8/1074
20/05/2014
City Centre Parking Strategy and Subdivision Guidelines
Roberts Day to undertake the Parking Strategy and Public Realm Strategy in accordance with their fee proposal dated 14 March 2014 subject to funding being identified.
Parking strategy, traffic assessment, and Public Realm Strategy drafts received. Comments from staff are being considered by the consultant.
8/1126
17/06/2014 Reconstruct Radford Road
Council to enter into a memorandum of understanding regarding the use of any contractor security held by LDC.
Drawings approved. Project is out to Tender.
8/1126
17/06/2014
Goyder Square – Overall Design Concept
Council to seek a proposal from Roberts Day for urban design advice and to project manage and the planning, design and documentation of the upgrade and integration of the Palmerston City Centre public open space areas of Frances Mall, Goyder Square, the section of Palmerston Circuit to be closed, Water Tower Park
Completed – Public consultation commenced. Business and public forums held 31 October 14.
and the Woolnough Place car park.
8/1169
15/07/2014 Smoke Free Areas
Officers to investigate funding options for the promotion of non-smoking signs.
Report to November EDI meeting.
8/1169
15/07/2014 Community Group Access Policy
Policy GSTV01, commercial usage report and the signs code to be discussed at a workshop of full Council.
Workshop scheduled on 19 August 2014.
8/1206
19/08/2014 Tender Evaluation Procedure
Tenders and Purchasing Policy to reflect changes to the Tender Evaluation Procedure as endorsed by the Committee and forward the policy to Council for consideration.
Procedure approved policy amendments to November GOC meeting.
8/1235
02/09/2014 Palmerston Sporting Grounds
CEO to seek further clarification from the NT Government on their proposal to transfer ownership and management of sporting facilities in Palmerston.
Awaiting reply to letter sent to the Dept. of Sport, Recreation and Racing. Contact with the Dept. has been made to follow up.
8/1262
23/09/2014 Coronial Inquest
For the following be established and implemented prior to the commencement of the 2014/15 wet season utilising existing resources:- - A register of all secured
drains be established and maintained;
- All drains on the register be inspected specifically and regularly not less than twice a year (including once during the wet season) to review the integrity of the drain, its cover and that of all bolts and other fixings securing it;
- The results of each such
inspection be recorded; - Any maintenance and
repairs undertaken be recorded and checked for satisfactory workmanship.
Completed
8/1281
7/10/2014 Electoral Review
Council to undertake a further round of public consultation.
Commenced. Consultation period closes on 1 December 2014.
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0573.
Recommending Officer: Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer
Any queries on this report may be directed to Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer on telephone (08) 8935 9902 or email [email protected]
Schedule of Attachments:
Nil
8/1290
7/10/2014
Quarterly Meetings with NT Government Senior Ministers
Mayor and the chairs or delegate of the three Standing Committees be established to meet with senior Ministers of the NT Government on a quarterly basis to seek financial support and provide updates on projects and initiatives associated with the Palmerston City Centre Master Plan.
In progress
8/1291
7/10/2014 National Stronger Regions Fund
CEO to submit a funding application pursuant to the National Stronger Regions Fund for the redevelopment of Goyder Square.
Eltons engaged to prepare funding application – underway.
8/1293
7/10/2014 Palmerston Markets
Report to be prepared on how the Palmerston Markets operate.
Report in Council Agenda.
8/1270
21/10/2014 Yarrawonga Road Works Contract
CEO to seek authority from the Dept. of LG to waive tender requirements for road works to be carried out on Yarrawonga Road.
Completed – Dept. LG have approved the exemption under Regulation 31(1) of the Local Government (Accounting) Regulations to engage Nesfall Pty and CFT No.6 Pty Ltd for road works to be carried out on Yarrawonga Road.
8/1274
21/10/2014
City Car Parking Advisory Group – Terms of Reference
Chief Executive Officer to recruit for membership of the City Centre Car Parking Advisory Group.
8/1275
21/10/2014
Contract TS2014/05 Lakeview Boulevard Reconstruction
Mayor and CEO to sign and seal all contract documentation for Contract TS2014/05.
Completed – signed 30 October 2014
8/1285
21/10/2014
City Centre Public Open Space – Consultation Proposal
Workshop to be held to discuss the city centre project brand and message.
Workshop date currently being set.
ITEM NO. 12.3.2 LGANT Executive Minutes – 21 October 2014
FROM: Chief Executive Officer
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0575
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
At the General Meeting of LGANT in March 2010, it was agreed that draft minutes of each Executive Meeting be made available for Council’s information.
General:
The LGANT Executive Meeting draft meeting minutes will be sent out approximately on a monthly basis. The draft minutes of the Executive Meeting held Tuesday, 21 October 2014 are attached for information.
Financial Implications:
Nil
Policy / Legislation:
Nil
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0575.
Recommending Officer: Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer
Any queries on this report may be directed to Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer on telephone (08) 8935 9902 or email [email protected]
Schedule of Attachments:
Attachment: LGANT Executive Meeting Draft Minutes – 21 October 2014
Municipal Plan:
4. Governance & Organisation
4.3 People
We value our people, and the culture of our organisation. We are committed to continuous improvement and innovation whilst seeking to reduce the costs of Council services through increased efficiency
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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MINUTES OF THE LGANT EXECUTIVE MEETING
HELD ON TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2014 IN THE LGANT OFFICE COMMENCING AT 09:42 AM
1. PERSONS PRESENT AT THE MEETING OR ON THE TELEPHONE
Mayor Damien Ryan President (telephone)
Alderman Helen Galton Vice-President – Municipal (telephone)
Alderman Jeanette Anictomatis Executive – Municipal (telephone)
Mayor Fay Miller Executive – Municipal (telephone)
Councillor Kaye Thurlow Executive – Regional & Shires (telephone)
IN ATTENDANCE:
Tony Tapsell LGANT CEO
Peter McLinden LGANT
Elaine McLeod Secretariat
2. APOLOGIES FROM MEMBERS WHO WERE ABSENT FROM THE MEETING
Mayor Tony Jack Vice-President – Regional & Shires
President Barb Shaw Executive – Regional & Shires
RESOLUTION
THAT the Executive approve the applications from members for leave of absence from the meeting. Moved: Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried
3. NOTIFICATION OF CONFLICT(S) OF INTERESTS – Nil
4. CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
RESOLUTION
THAT the minutes of the previous Executive meetings held on Wednesday 16 September 2014 be confirmed as a true and correct record of that meeting. Moved: Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried 5. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA AND NOTIFICATION OF GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS
RESOLUTION THAT the papers as circulated be received for consideration at the meeting. Moved: Alderman Galton Seconded: Councillor Thurlow Carried
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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6. DECISIONS THE EXECUTIVE IS BEING ASKED TO MAKE THIS MEETING
6.1 LGANT Financial Reports for 30 September 2014
Recent History This report is made up of: 1. Debtors trial balance, breakup and ledger to 30 September 2014 2. Statement of cash flows to 30 September 2014 3. Statement of financial position to 30 September 2014 4. Monthly function report to 30 September 2014 5. Bank statements to 30 September 2014 6. Explanation of ratios 7. List of Payments
Discussion Members noted the report and heard that all member subscriptions have been paid. RESOLUTION THAT in respect to the outstanding swimming pool funding LGANT writes to the organisation involved to try and resolve the matter. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Councillor Anictomatis Carried RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and adopt the financial reports for 30 September 2014. Moved : Alderman Galton Seconded: Councillor Anictomatis Carried 6.2 Big Rivers Waste Management Agreement – Association Seal
Recent History June 2014 LGANT officers met with the Department of Health regarding continued funding of the Central Australian Waste Management Coordinator and extension of initiative to other regions. LGANT received the agreement for this initiative on 24 September 2014. Discussion Members heard that the funding for this program is coming through LGANT and it will do the work initially. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive: 1. Agree to the funding agreement with the Department of Health for the “Big Rivers Waste
Management scoping project” 2. Approve the use of the Association common seal on the agreement. Moved : Alderman Anictomatis Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried 6.3 NDRRA – Blue Bush Project Acquittal
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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Recent History 18 January 2014 there was an intense rain event in the Tennant Creek region. Damage included infrastructure on the Bluebush Access Road. NDRRA application $125,000. Approved by resolution Executive meeting 26/06/2014. Contract completed 9 August 2014. Discussion Members agreed to the report to acquit this funding. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive certify the acquittal of NDRRA funding on the Blue Bush Access Road as being true and correct. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Councillor Thurlow Carried 6.4 Review of the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act and the Litter Act
Recent History Issues paper released 1/09/14. Comments to the NT Environment Protection Agency 27/10/14. Discussion Members heard that a draft submission has been prepared and sent out to all councils for feedback. To date comments have been received from three councils. Members asked that for future reference any requests sent to councils for comments include words to the effect ‘’If we don’t hear from you we will assume that you are supportive of this submission’. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive approve a submission being prepared to the issues paper of the review of the Waste Management and Pollution Control Act and the Litter Act. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried
6.5 Nominations to NT Place Names Committee
Recent History Letter from Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment requesting nominations to the Committee from LGANT 28/08/14. Call for nominations emailed to councils 28/08/14.
Discussion Members agreed to put forward one nominee from each of those councils that nominated, namely:
Alderman Allan Mitchell – City of Darwin
Councillor William Boulter – Barkly Regional Council
Alderman Geoff Carter – City of Palmerston
Alderman Brendan Heenan – Alice Springs Town Council
Alderman Donald Higgins – Katherine Town Council
Mayor Allan McKay – Litchfield Council and to advise the Minister that LGANT is happy for any of these six nominees to fill the position. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive endorse three nominations to the NT Place Names Committee.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Anictomatis Carried
6.6 Nominations to the 50:50 Vision National Steering Committee
Recent History Call for expressions of interest 6/10/14. Discussion Members agreed to put forward Alderman Kate Worden, City of Darwin to represent LGANT on this committee.
Members heard that an action came out of the ALGA Board meeting that needs to be followed up which involves the State Presidents writing to the Prime Minister asking for a continuation of funding for this program. LGANT will draft a letter for the President to sign. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive endorse one nomination to the 50:50 Vision National Steering Committee and that the LGANT President writes to the Prime Minister requesting a continuation of the funding for the 50:50 Vision Program. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Anictomatis Carried
7. REPORTS ON ACTIONS REQUIRED TO BE DONE FROM THE LAST MEETING
7.1 National State of the Assets Report 2014 Recent History
2010 The Local Roads Funding Gap Report. 2012/13 data collection undertaken. 2013 State of Assets Report launched at the 2013 Road Congress in Alice Springs. 2014 appointment of consultants Jeff Rorda and Associates. Future Action Release report to councils once received. Discussion Members heard that four councils from the Northern Territory provided information for this report. Staff are to report back to the next meeting of the Executive on the identity of these councils. 7.2 Proposed Change to LGANT’s Constitution Recent History
Meeting with Mayor Lothar Siebert and CEO Brian Hylands 22/08/14. See agenda item 7.2 in the November 2014 general meeting agenda.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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Future Action Pursue pending a decision at the general meeting. Discussion Members heard that Cridlands has recommended some wording changes to the proposal. LGANT will follow this up with members at the general meeting. 7.3 Constitutional Recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Recent History
Executive meeting 20/8/14. Evidence provided at inquiry hearing in Darwin 20/8/14. See agenda item 7.3 in the November 2014 general meeting agenda. Future Action Pursue pending a decision at the general meeting. Discussion Members heard that the Joint Select Committee has yet to issue its final report after which the Government will determine what it is going to do. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the report on actions to be done from the last meeting.
Moved : Alderman Galton Seconded: Mayor Miller Carried 8. BUSINESS WHICH ONLY REQUIRES THE EXECUTIVE TO RECEIVE AND NOTE
INFORMATION
8.1 ALGA Board Report
Recent History ALGA Board meeting 18/09/14. Discussion Members discussed the freezing of CPI on Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) and how this will affect local government. LGANT will provide the President with information on how much the gap is as a result of the freeze of CPI on FAGs for councils in the NT. He will take to this to the general meeting and ask that Mayors and Presidents write to the NT Federal members informing them of how this will affect local government in the NT. The President requested examples from councils as to what they could do over the next three years versus what they will not be able to do because of the freeze.
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the ALGA Board report for September 2014. Moved : Councillor Thurlow Seconded: Mayor Miller Carried
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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8.2 Northern Territory Emergency Plan
Recent History Review of the Northern Territory All Hazards Emergency Management Arrangements March 2011. Commencement of the Emergency Management Act 2013. Discussion Members noted the report.
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the report on Northern Territory Emergency Plan. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried
8.3 TenderLink – E Tender
Recent History Presentation E-Tender NPN meeting in Sydney 28/03/14. Met with Tenderlink May 2014. Meeting City of Darwin Local Buy 8/09/14. Discussion Members noted the report and heard that there is a workshop being held this Friday with ten people attending and seven councils represented.
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the report on TenderLink E-Tender software. Moved : Alderman Anictomatis Seconded: Councillor Thurlow Carried
8.4 Government Skills Australia (GSA) – Local Government Industry Advisory Committee
Recent History Meeting of the GSA Local Government Industry Advisory Committee in Adelaide, April and September 2014. Discussion Members noted the report.
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the report the GSA – Local Government Industry Advisory Committee. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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8.5 National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility Forum
Recent History NCCARF Forum 30/09/14. (LGANT represented by City of Palmerston Environment and Climate Change Strategic Planner).
Discussion Members noted the report.
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the report on “National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility” (NCCARF) Forum. Moved : Alderman Anictomatis Seconded: Mayor Miller Carried
8.6 General Meeting Agenda Members heard that Kate Peake from Regional Development Australia-NT will address the general meeting on the topic of funding for regions over the next five years beginning in 2015/16. This will be added to the general meeting agenda under General Business. Members discussed the LGANT budget submission and supported including a line in the submission stating that Victoria Daly and West Daly Regional Councils need sufficient funding in order to operate. The CEO will circulate the submission to the Executive once completed before taking it to the general meeting. RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the report on the general and annual general meeting agendas. Moved : Alderman Anictomatis Seconded: Mayor Miller Carried
9. PRESIDENT’S REPORT 10. BUSINESS FROM PREVIOUS MEETING THAT IS NOT YET FINISHED 10.1 Administration & Legislation Advisory Committee
Recent History General meeting 11/05/12; 11/11/13; 3/04/14. ALAC meeting 7/03/14. Executive meeting 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. The ALAC Chair wrote to the Minister on conditionally rateable land 12/05/14. Response from the Department 20/5/14. The next meeting of ALAC is 24/10/14. Future Action Provide progress reports.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.2 Management and Administration Fees applied to Government Grant
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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Recent History Executive meetings 26/06/14; 29/07/14; 20/08/14. FRG meeting 18/04/13. General meeting 3/04/14.
Future Action Revise paper for FRG meeting. Discussion Members noted the report. 10.3 The Transfer of Local Roads from the NT Government to Local Government
Recent History Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Reply from Department of Transport 15/01/14. ETIRG 7/03/2014. General meeting 3/04/14. Letter to the Department CE following the general meeting in Katherine. Letter from Chief Minister and report presented at the LGANT General Meeting forwarded to the Acting CE Department of Local Government. Governance Charter forwarded to Director of Infrastructure. Update provided to the Department of Local Government and Regions.
Future Action Awaiting response from the Department of Transport. Discussion Members noted the report. 10.4 Public Library Funding Agreement
Recent History Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. The library funding agreements that expired on 1 July 2014 have been effectively ‘rolled over’ for 2014/15. Letters from Minister Conlan were sent to councils on 10 July 2014. Meeting with Director Patrick Gregory 22/07/14. Future Action Follow up with the Northern Territory Library its strategic plan review. Discussion Members noted the report. 10.5 Proposed Changes to Council Electoral Legislation
Recent History
General meeting 3/04/14. Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. The LGANT policy document has been updated and is now on the LGANT website. The proposed amendments to electoral legislation being considered have yet to be put before the Minister. The legislation has to be in place by June 2015. Future Action Provide progress reports. Discussion Members noted the report.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
9
10.6 Waste Management in the NT
Recent History NT EPA Waste Management Advisory Committee NT EPA Waste Management Advisory Committee 30/01/2014. Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Draft timetable for the NT Waste Management Strategy. Meeting 22/08/14. Awaiting final draft for public comment Nov 2014. Future Action Await draft strategy. Discussion Members noted the report. 10.7 Weeds Management Advisory Committee
Recent History
Executive meetings 26/06/14; 29/07/14; 20/08/14. Committee meeting 29/04/14. Future Action Provide input into review of the Weeds Act.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.8 Regional Infrastructure Initiatives
Recent History
Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. National Remote and Regional Transport Infrastructure and Services Forum 22/05/14.
Future Action
Await the release of new NTG policies and financial frameworks to do with barge landings and airports.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.9 The Transfer of Barge Landings, Boat Ramps and Airstrips to Local Government
Recent History
General meeting 3/04/14. Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Letter to Minister 4/06/14. Invite to the Department of Transport to the attend EITRG meeting 11/09/14. LGANT submission to the NTG Issues Paper “Propelling the Territory Forward as the Australians Northern Aviation Gateway”. Issues paper 24/09/14 to the NTG. Response from Minister 26/09/14.
Future Action
Await the release of new NTG policies and financial frameworks to do with barge landings and airports.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
10
10.10 Local Government Index
Recent History
Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Members requested that LGANT in conjunction with ALGA establish a local government index that reflects the true costs of running councils. Executive meeting 3/06/14. A new index for the NT is currently being worked on.
Future Action
Produce index for NT local government.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.11 Television Reception in Remote Areas
Recent History
General meeting 11/11/13. Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. LGANT has received notification that the after sales service for the digital TV set top boxes has been below par. Item discussed at March 2014 General meeting. Submission sent to Minister 23/07/14.
Future Action
Await response from Minister.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.12 Northern Territory Budget and 2014/15 LGANT Budget Submission
Recent History
Northern Territory budget adopted 13/5/14. Letter to Minister 4/06/14. Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Response from Minister 8/07/14.
Future Action
Provide final report on outstanding budget items.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.13 Establishment of New Licensing Authority
Recent History
Letter to the LGANT President 10/04/14. Executive meeting 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Letter to Minister Tollner 30/06/14. Future Action
Assess progress with submission once a response is received. Discussion
Members noted the report.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
11
10.14 White paper on the Reform of the Federation
Recent History
Email from ALGA National Policy Director 30/06/14. Executive meeting 20/08/14; 16/09/14.
Future Action
Consider whether to do a submission once the ‘Green Paper’ is released.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.15 Green Paper for Developing Northern Australia
Recent History
Executive meetings 29/07/14; 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Final submission sent 7/08/14.
Future Action
Provide progress reports.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.16 Executive Board Member Norbert Patrick
Recent History
Executive meeting 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Resignation received 18/09/14.
Future Action
Wait for Executive elections on 7 November 2014.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.17 Nomination of Alternate Members to the NT Grants Commission
Recent History
Email from NT Grants Commission (NTGC) 5/06/14. Email to councils 6/06/14. Letter to NTGC 30/07/14. Executive meeting 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Due to ‘Cabinet Notes’ having to be prepared for all nominees to NTG committees further information about work history and suitability for role on committee has been obtained and submitted.
Future Action
Await confirmation from NTGC.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.18 Nomination of Members to the Minister’s Disciplinary Committee
Recent History
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
12
Letter from the Minister for Local Government 17/06/14. Email to councils 24/06/14. Letter to Minister 13/08/14. Executive meeting 20/08/14; 16/09/14. Response from Department of Local Government 22/08/14.
Future Action
Await confirmation from Minister.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.19 Financial sustainability of Regional and Shire Councils in the Northern Territory
Recent History
Report received from Department of Local Government and Regions 17/07/14. Executive meeting 16/09/14.
Future Action
LGANT to have carriage of this matter under its MOU with the Government.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.20 Land Development in the Northern Territory
Recent History
Meeting with Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment 5/03/14. General meeting 3/04/14. Meetings of the reference group in June and July 2014.
Future Action
Await final draft for comment.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.21 Street Lighting Charges
Recent History
CEO forum 8/09/14 and EITRG meeting on 11/09/14 to suggested changes made to draft Service Level Agreement which will then go for legal advice before going to the CEO Forum for final endorsement.
Future Action
Forward to P&W Corporation.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
13
10.22 Federal Assistance Grants - Adjustments
Recent History
CEO forum 8/09/14 and EITRG meeting on 11/09/14 to suggested changes made to draft Service Level Agreement which will then go for legal advice before going to the CEO Forum for final endorsement.
Future Action
No further action required.
Discussion
Members noted the report. 10.23 2012-13 Local Government National Report
Recent History
Letter from Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development 22/07/14. Submission sent to the Department 3/09/14.
Future Action
Review report once it has been released.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
10.24 Asset Management and Long Term Financial Planning
Recent History
General meeting 3/04/14. Executive meetings 26/06/14; 29/07/14; 20/08/14. The LGANT policy document has been updated and is now on the LGANT website. Councils reported the status of their work in August 2014 following the completion of their annual financial statements. LGANT ran workshops with councils in Alice Springs and Darwin on 20-21/05/14. All assessments completed. Paper to EITRG meeting 12/09/14 and general meeting. Workshop to be conducted in Katherine region 2 December 2014.
Future Action
Report on Katherine workshop.
Discussion
Members noted the report.
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive receive and note the reports on business from previous meetings that is not yet finished. Moved: Mayor Miller Seconded: Councillor Thurlow Carried
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
14
11. BUSINESS NOT YET FINISHED BUT INACTIVE
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive accept the business not yet finished but inactive. Moved : Alderman Anictomatis Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried
12. MEMBERS QUESTIONS Members agreed that there be an update each month in the Executive agenda updating how arrangements are progressing with the agreement between LGANT and the NT Government. Members were informed of the progress so far:
Three positions have been advertised and applications for these close next week.
A progress report will be sent to the Department in early December 2014.
ALGA President Felicity-ann Lewis is undertaking mentoring work with Mayor Ian Abbott, City of Palmerston.
13. GENERAL BUSINESS
Members heard this is the last meeting for Alderman Helen Galton as she is retiring as a member of the Executive. Members thanked Helen for her valuable contributions over the last ten years and wished her well for the future.
14. COMPLETED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION THAT the Executive approve the removal of items of completed business from the agenda for the next meeting. Moved : Mayor Miller Seconded: Alderman Galton Carried 15. CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS
16. NEXT MEETING
The next general meeting of the LGANT Executive will be on Tuesday 18 November 2014 at 9:30am in the LGANT Boardroom.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS, THE MEETING CLOSED AT 11:18am.
ITEM NO. 12.3.3 Update: Palmerston Markets
FROM: Director of Corporate and Community Services
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0577
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
The Palmerston Markets have been an important component of economic activity within the Central Business District for many years. The five year permit held by the Palmerston and Rural Markets Association Inc is now expiring, and discussions have begun for the renewal of this permit.
Background:
On 31 October 2014 the permit for the operation of Friday night markets held by the Palmerston and Rural Markets Association Inc will expire. Key points regarding the current permit (see Attachment A) are:
5 year duration of permit, valid Friday nights for 26 weeks per year, excluding Palmerston Festival weekends where appropriate
$1.00 incl GST cost for permit
Not required to pay electricity or water costs associated with the markets
Broad agreement with regards to community purpose, ie provide variety, access, promote Palmerston, family safe environment, promote new and existing businesses, assist in community fundraising, acknowledge sponsorship by City of Palmerston
Comply with directions given by Council
Keep area tidy and free from rubbish, and clean area of use
Indemnifies Council from any liability associated with the market activities
Markets must be open at least between 5 and 9pm each Friday night
Must provide toilet facilities Other than the conditions on the permit, the Palmerston and Rural Markets Association Inc, as a body independent of Council, determine their own organisational procedures and rules for the markets, including selection of stalls, any payments, responsibilities and staffing necessary to hold the markets. In the past, Council have advocated on behalf of community organisations seeking to hold a stall for the purpose of fundraising where staff determine there is a community benefit. Naturally, the nature of the markets require that the majority of
Municipal Plan:
2. Economic Development
2.2 Local Business and Industry
2.2 We are committed to ensuring local businesses and industry receive the support they need in order to grow and prosper within our region
stalls generate revenue, but the association has worked with Council to ensure inclusion wherever possible.
General:
Considerations with regards to the renewal of the permit include increasing insurance coverage, requiring security to be in attendance between 5 and 9pm, and the location. Officers intend to restrict the next permit to a 12 month permit rather than the 5 year permit offered in the past, and the Association has agreed to this. Initial meetings with the coordinator and president of the Association indicate that they are considering Frances Drive and Mansfield Street, as well as the grassed lot adjacent to the Recreation Centre, for the 2015 Palmerston Markets. Officers are investigating options for providing appropriate power to this area. Officers intend to finalise the 2015 permit for the Palmerston Markets by end of December 2014, well in time for the new season.
Financial Implications:
Nil
Policy / Legislation:
Palmerston Public Places By-Laws
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0577.
Recommending Officer: Ben Dornier, Director of Corporate and Community
Services
Any queries on this report may be directed to Ben Dornier, Director of Corporate and Community Services on telephone (08) 8935 9976 or email [email protected].
Schedule of Attachments:
Attachment A: Permit for Friday Night Markets (current permit)
A The Permit Holder has requested Council to Issue it with a permit to occupy a part area Frances Mall, Frances Drive, The Boulevard and Goyder Square, Palmerston (map attached) and owned by the Council (the "Site") for the purpose of operating the Friday night markets;
B Council has agreed to Issue the said permit upon and subject to the conditions set out in this Agreement.
C The permit that the Council issues will be for every Friday for a period of 26 weeks each year for the next five years commencing on 23 April 2010, excluding 28 May 2010 (Palmerston Festival) and each Friday night in the following years preceding the Palmerston Festival.
D The Permit Holder acknowledges that civic works are being undertaken in and adjacent to the site and that some inconvenience to the Permit Holder and members of the public may be caused.
E The Permit Holder has inspected the site and is aware of the services available thereon. F The prime contact for Council will be the Director of Corporate and Community Services.
RECITALS
PALMERSTON AND RURAL MARKETS ASSOCATION INC. of 30 Spitfire Court, McMinns Lagoon, Northern Territory, 0836, ABN 4745126433 (hereafter called the "Permit Holder", .
AND:
CITY OF PALMERSTON of Civic Plaza 2 Chung Wah Terrace, Palmerston Northern Territory 0830 (hereafter called the "Council")
BETWEEN:
5 years - 26 weeks per annum Commencing 23 April 2010 until 31 October 2014 (excluding the Friday evening prior to the annual festival)
LEASE PERIOD
This Agreement is dated the .~2.J.(.!y, ,,, day of.J;j .. ~.~.!<.7 , 2010.
THE CITY OF PALMERSTON AGREEMENT FOR GRANT OF AND PERMIT FOR FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET
AREA
' ,
(
4.1 The Permit Holder is not required to make provision or pay for the provision of electricity and water services to the Site.
4. SERVICE CHARGES
3.1 The Permit Holder covenants and agrees to occupy the Site and operate any business undertaking approved pursuant to this Agreement thereon safely and to the utmost of its skill and ability and in accordance with such written directions that may be given to It from time to time by Council.
3. OPERATIONAL COVENANT
2. l In consideration of the Permit hereby granted, for the term from the date of this Agreement, the Permit Holder will pay to the Council an amount of one dollar ($1.00) including GST.
2. PERMIT FEE
1.1 Council hereby grants to the Permit Holder a permit to use the site more particularly set out and delineated on the plan annexed to this Agreement (hereafter called the "Site") for the purpose of a Friday night market for every Friday for a period of 26 weeks each year during the Dry Season commencing on 23 April 2010 (excluding the Friday evening prior to the Festival each year) in accordance with By-law 53 of the Palmerston (Public Places) By-laws and subject to the terms and conditions as set out In this Agreement.
1.2 Council will also grant to the Permit Holder, on the written request of the Permit Holder to use the area adjacent to the site as set out and delineated as Goyder Square on the plan annexed to this Agreement and from the date of approval by Council this land shall form part of the site as defined for the whole of the purposes of this Agreement. Council will undertake such statutory processes as are necessary to close the road network.
1. PERMIT
THE PARTIES HEREBY AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
5.3 The Permit Holder shall at all times ensure: a. pedestrian paths remains clear to allow free and unobstructed passage to
the general public (as per map attached); and b. all patrons, chattels and furniture on the Market Area remain within the
Market Area and do not encroach over or on pedestrian paths.
6.2 The Permit Holder agrees: a. To ensure that the Palmerston region is served by an effective Market on
Friday nights providing a wide variety of food, entertainment, crafts, cultural activity and bargains.
b, To promote Palmerston as a happening place. c. To assist community groups in accessing fundralslng opportunities. d. To complement local business activities. e, To maintain a safe environment for family fun. f. To actively promote new and existing Palmerston and rural businesses
through the Market. g. Acknowledge the sponsorship of the City of Palmerston in any marketing
activities.
6.1 The Permit Holder shall not without the prior written consent of Council first hand and obtain use of the Site permit or suffer the same to be used otherwise than for the purpose specified in Condition 1 hereof and shall strictly adhere at all times to any condition In relation to the conduct of the permitted use as directed by Council from time to time.
6. PERMITTED USE
5.1 No right of possession to the land or Site shall pass hereunder to the Permit Holder and Council shall in no way be excluded from the right of possession to the same and no tenancy or other interest in the Land or the Site shall be hereby conferred on the Permit Holder who shall have hereunder a personal right only which shall not be capable of being assigned or otherwise dealt with by the Permit Holder either wholly or partly and the Permit Holder shall not purport to assign or otherwise deal with the permit or the benefit of this Agreement.
S. NO INTEREST IN LANO
8.1 The Permit Holder shall during the period of this Permit or during any use of the Site by the Permit Holder or Its servant's agent's invitees or customers: a. Report in writing the next business day after each Friday night market
any repair and maintenance requirements of the Site to be completed by Council from time to time.
b. Keep and maintain the Site, in a neat and tidy condition from rubbish and vermin at all times during the continuation of this Agreement.
c. Comply with the following deaning standards: • Oil stains are to be degreased within 24 hours of spills. • Drains fouled by greases, oils, fats, sticky, smelly or other such
substances (where it is established to the satisfaction of the Council's Director of Technical Services that the condition was caused by the Permit Holder or is a consequence of the Market) will be cleansed and disinfected within 24 hours of a report being lodged with the Permit Holder.
• Mall fittings such as seating, tables, bins and bin surrounds are to be cleaned after each market.
8. MAINTENANCE AND CLEANSING
7 .1 The Permit Holder shall not use or suffer or permit the Site to be used In any obnoxious immoral noisy or offensive manner or to do or permit to be done on the Site anything which in the opinion of Council may be or become a nuisance, disturbance or the cause of damage to any member of the public or to the occupier of any adjoining property.
7, NO OFFENSJ;VE USE
c. ensure that all road closures are undertaken In accordance with Council's
requirements, including appropriate use of traffic control devices,
advertising and timing and comply with any written directions of the
Council's Director of Technical Services.
11.4 On the determination of this Agreement and Permit the Permit Holder shall at Its own costs and at not expense to Council remove all or any improvements now or hereafter erected upon the Site by or at the direction of the Permit
11.3 Should the Council carry out any work under Condition 11.1 the Council has absolute discretion as to the contractors that it uses and the quotations that is accepts for the carrying out the work.
11.2 A notice under Condition 11.1 must specify a time for compliance by the Permit Holder, a period of not less than 14 days (and the parties agree this is a reasonable period to comply with a notice) and where the Permit Holder does not comply with that notice, Council may terminate this Agreement and Permit.
11.1 The parties agree that Council reserves the right to direct the Permit Holder at any time by notice In writing to restore or make safe the Market Area, at the Permit Holders own cost and at no expense to Council or for Council to undertake these works and any costs Incurred by Council are payable by the Permit Holder to the Council on demand.
11. MODIFICATION AND RESTORATION OF FRIDAY NIGHT MARKET AREA
10.1 If the Permit Holder receives any notice from statutory or public authority relating to the Site the Permit Holder shall forthwith give notice thereof in writing to Council.
10. NOTICES
9.2 If the Permit Holder wishes to upgrade or landscape the Site all works shall require prior written approval and be carried out to the satisfaction of Council.
9.1 The Permit Holder shall not without prior written approval by Council erect or cause or suffer to be erected any building structure or other improvements on the Site.
9. IMPROVEMENTS
14.1 The Permit Holder hereby indemnifies and agrees to keep indemnified the Council from and again all actions, suits, claims, demands, losses, damages, costs and expenses whatsoever arising from loss damage or injury to property or persons caused or contributed to by the use or occupation of the Land or
14, INDEMNITY
13. The Permit Holder shall obey any direction given the Council's Chief Executive Officer or an authorised Officer of the Council in relation to any matter pertaining to public safety or the health, wellbeing or convenience of the community.
13. COMPLY WITH COUNCIL'S POLICY
12.1 The Permit Holder shall at its own cost and expense comply with and observe and direct and do all things within its power and ability to ensure its servants agents invitees and customers (Including stallholders) comply with and observe all present and future Commonwealth and Northern Territory legislation (whether subordinate or not) including for any development consents affecting the occupation and use of the Site by the Permit Holder and its servants agents invitees and customers (including stallholders) and with all statutory or public authority notices served or received by the Permit Holder or Council including but without limiting the generality of the foregoing the Local Government Act (NT) and any regulations or by-laws made thereunder and any permits licenses or authorities granted to the Permit Holder or which the Permit Holder may be obliged or required to maintain and any directions requirements and stipulations made and given under any of the aforementioned Acts or regulations. Additionally the Permit Holder will ensure that the market will comply with all aspect of the Food Act (NT).
12. COMPLY WITH LEGISLATION
Holder and restore the Site to the condition it was in prior to the Permit Holder
taking possession of the Site and erecting the said improvements. Any costs
incurred by Council to restore the Site are payable by the Permit Holder to the
Council on demand.
17.1 The Agreement and the Permit may be terminated by the Council forthwith upon the Permit Holder failing for a period of fourteen ( 14) days to pay the permit fee herein provided or failing to observe or perform any covenant or agreement on the part of the Permit Holder herein contained where such failure
17. DEFAULT BY PERMIT HOLDER
16.2 The Permit Holder shall not be obliged to assign any reason for giving notice of termination and such termination shall take effect at the expiration of the period of the notice and be without prejudice to any rights or obligations of either party that may have accrued prior to such termination.
16.1 This Agreement may be terminated by the Permit Holder giving the Council at least three (3) calendar months notice in writing of such termination in writing and upon such termination the Permit shall be forthwith terminated.
16. TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT AND PERMIT
15.1 The Permit Holder shall effect and maintain in respect of the Site a public risk policy of insurance in the same of not less than FIFTEEN MILLION DOLLARS ($15,000,000.00) with a reputable insurer approved by the Council with the Council noted on the insurance policy as an interested party together with such other insurances (including but without limited the generality of the foregoing any insurance required under the pursuant to the Work Health and Safety Act (NT) that the Permit Holder shall be required by law to hold and maintain in force. The Permit Holder shall as the Council may from time to time reasonably require increase the amount of the cover under the said policies of insurance and shall pay all premiums in respect of the said insurances and shall forthwith upon execution hereof and upon the renewal or extension of any such policy of insurance produce and deliver to the Council the policy in respect of the said insurance and receipts for payment of the premiums thereunder.
15. INSURANCE
Site (as applicable) or by the Permit Holder, its servants, agents, invitees
customers or other persons (including stallholders).
21.2 The Permit Holder shall keep the Site open for business during the hours 5.00pm and finish at 9.00pm each Friday night of the term of this permit.
21.1 The Permit Holder shall maintain access to the Site at its own cost and expense in all things.
21. SPECIAL CONDITIONS
20.1 Any notice consent requirement or other communication to be given to the Permit Holder or served hereunder shall be deemed to have been duly given or served If handed to the Permit Holder personally or left at or sent in prepaid letter to the registered address or place of business of the Permit Holder. A notice sent by post shall be deemed to have been given or serviced three (3) business days after the date of posting.
20. SERVICE OF NOTICES
19.1 Any waiver by Council of any breach of any provision herein contained or implied shall not operate as a waiver of any other breach of same or of any other provision herein contained or implied.
19, WAIVER
18.1 The Permit Holder shall pay on demand the Council's legal and administration and any other costs and disbursements of and incidental to this Agreement and of any agreement relating hereto including but without limiting the generality of the foregoing the obtaining of any necessary consents and any stamp duties and other fees payable in connection therewith including GST. The Permit Holder shall also on demand reimburse Council for any costs and expenses (whether legal or otherwise) properly and reasonably incurred by Council pursuant to or arising out of any breach by the Permit Holder of any provision herein contained.
18. PAY LEGAL AND ADMINSTRATION COSTS
continues for a period of fourteen (14) days (whether formal demand or notice
has been given to the Permit Holder or not).
21.11
Waste water is to be collected and removed (not run through stormwater pipes). Liquid waste collection Is to be arranged by the Permit Holder and removed from the site weekly.
21.10
21.9 The Council wlll have access on market nights to 9 square metres adjacent to
Goyder Square with 10 days prior notice, otherwise the Permit Holder may rent
the space to casual users.
Weekly Waste Removal
21.8 The Permit Holder should be not a profit making association, but should return
any surplus to the Palmerston Community or local charities.
21. 7 Subject to any direction from Council, the following power requirements will be
met:
• Maximum allowable amperage per pole mounted special purpose outlet
(SPO) will be 16amps.
• Maximum allowable amperage per pole mounted three phase SPO will be
20 amps per phase.
It Is the Permit Holders responsibility to ensure overloading of these circuits
does not occur.
21.6 Council approval must be obtained in writing prior to any marking of the site
for location of individual stalls.
Additional lighting, including floodlighting and power outlets, are to be turned
on when needed and off at the conclusion of trading.
21.4 The Permit Holder will coordinate stallholders to set up no earlier than 7am and
the stalls must be removed and the sites cleared by llpm on the night. The
Permit Holder must seek Council approval for exemptions to this clause.
21.3 The Permit Holder shall ensure that male and female toilet facilities are
available for use by its customers at all times during opening hours in
accordance with the requirements of the Department of Health and Families
which In the past had been supplied by agreement with third parties.
(a) any part of this Agreement and Permit is void, voidable, Illegal or unenforceable; or
(b) this Agreement and Permit would be void, voidable, illegal or unenforceable unless any part of this Agreement and Permit was severed from this Agreement and Permit;
(c) that part shall be severed from and shall not affect the continued operation of the rest of this Agreement and Permit.
24.1 If it is held by a Court of competent jurisdiction that:
24 SEVERABILITY
23.1 This Agreement and Permit constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and Permit and supersedes and extinguishes any representations, warranties and agreements previously givens made or entered into other than those contained herein.
a. make its own enquiries regarding the suitability of the Site for its purposes and the Council given no warranty in this report; and
b. make and rely upon its own enquiries as to any provisions requirements and restrictions (other than of the Council) as it affects the Site and the Council gives no warranty in this regard.
23 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
22.1 The Permit Holder shall:
22 NO WARRANTY AS TO FIT FOR PURPOSE
All waste containers must be delivered on the Friday morning of each market
and must be removed by 12 noon the Saturday following each market.
22.13
The Permit Holder will ensure that sufficient bins are available for the disposal
of waste generated by the Markets activity. The Permit Holder Is responsible
for the provision and collection of the bins during the night of each market. The
Permit Holder must arrange the weekly disposal of waste material and the
removal of bins.
21.12
26.2 Unless the contrary intention appears "Council" shall include Its successors and assigns where the Permit is a corporation and his executors administrators and permitted assigns where the Permit Holder is a natural person, where the Permit Holder consists of more than one person the obligations imposed on the Permit Holder shall be joint and several, "a person" includes a corporation, word Importing the slnqular number include the plural and vice versa, words importing any gender shall include all genders as the case requires, heading the marginal notes have been inserted for guidance only and shall not be
26.1 In this Agreement the followlng words and expressions shall unless it is something repugnant to or inconsistent with the subject matter have the meanings hereunder set out: "Agreement" means this agreement which Incorporates the Permit, between the parties including any annexures and schedules and as varied from time to time and where Agreement and Permit is used, it is used for the avoidance of doubt; "Friday Night Markets" means the market area described pursuant to Condition 1 and subject to this Agreement; "By-Laws" means the Council By-Laws as amended from time to time; "Council" means the City of Palmerston being the Council for the municipality of Palmerston under the Local Government Act (NT). "Permit" means this permit granted by Council to the Permit Holder on the date appearing at the commencing of this Agreement under and pursuant to the Council By-Laws; "Permit Holder" means the person whose name, address and description in the second schedule hereto; "Land" means the land set out and described in the first schedule hereto; "Site" means that portion of the Site more particularly delineated in red (or in any other way) on the attached plan; "GST" means the Goods and Services Tax pursuant to the A New Tax System
(Goods and Services Tax) Act 1999.
26 INTERPRETATION
25.1 This Agreement and Permit shall be governed by the laws of the Northern Territory of Australia.
25 GOVERNING LAW
deemed to form part of this agreement and any reference to statutes shall
include references to all statutes and regulations amending consolidating or
replacing the referred to statutes.
NAME OF CO-ORDINATOR NAME OF DIRECTOR
PALMERSTON AND RURAL MARKETS ASSOCIATION INC. in accordance with section 127 of
the Corporations Act 2001 ./ .r" ·
--~- .~~::f;_·;~7- .,.L · ... · . /;? =---.,~-- l
··-~'i:-~ .. ~,.,.2'. ~~.,...,:,., .. , ,.... ----- ' <". ,, . ,;:,., / ~ ,((./. l-·<t:,"';<:-~.
-- -~- - IS,// -~:c.-;- , .. , , .. ,, ,1.~.o,1 .. : •. ;U.J_............ ,1..~(:.1.../ .. $.. . .;;u:-;.
SIGNATURE OF DIRECTOR
~Y:.:0..: .. ~ :~:(:-!::~.~.<;1 !.
EXECUTED by
CITY OF PALMERSTON
( ""' l. .. -:·:-:::'.~~t~:-:.~~~4'.:..""' "" "' "" . CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
EXECUTED by
.............. :Z.~...J:J:~-:- .. ,, , day of , .. J.~~.~~~.!(':1.r:.7 ,., 201 O.
IN WITNESSWHEREOF the parties have executed this agreement on the
PALMERSTON AND RURAL MARKETS ASSOCIATION INC.
THE PERMIT HOLDER
SECOND SCHEDULE
Land part area Frances Mall, Frances Drive, The Boulevard and Goyder Square, Palmerston
(map attached, Town of Palmerston from plan(s) S94/254), owned by Council.
THE LAND
FIRST SCHEDULE
ITEM NO. 12.3.4 Chief Executive Officer – Recent Activities
FROM: Chief Executive Officer
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0578
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
To provide a summary of activities recently undertaken by the Chief Executive Officer.
Background:
Nil
General:
I attended the 5th Annual Northern Territory Major Projects Conference held at the Darwin Convention Centre on 22-23 October 2014. This was an excellent opportunity to receive information from a broad range of presenters on major projects and developments that are likely to impact on the Northern Territory. The Chief Minister opened the conference and provided an overview of the major projects which are currently shaping the Northern Territory. These projects are based around mining, oil and gas, transport, pastoral and agriculture and urban development. A key message was the NT Government’s focus to engage with Asia and create economic development opportunities that will grow the Northern Territory. Presentations on the recent expansion works at the Darwin Airport and the Darwin Port Facilities were provided which focussed on the growing demand for services at these key facilities. The airport is developing considerable air-services links with Asia and has attracted several Asian airlines into Darwin. Competition for the tourism dollar is particularly fierce amongst the airlines; in particular the cheap flights offered to Asian destinations compared to existing domestic travel fares. Activity at the Darwin Port facility has increased considerably since the commencement of the Ichthys project. This has also necessitated the upgrading of port infrastructure to cope with the increased traffic.
Municipal Plan:
4. Governance & Organisation
4.1 Responsibility We are committed to corporate and social responsibility, the sustainability of Council assets and services, and the effective
planning and reporting of Council performance to the community.
The Land Development Corporation presented on its development of the Marine Industry Park at East Arm including the completion of the Marine Supply Base. Other development opportunities for gas related industries at Middle Arm are also being considered. The LDC has developed a Master Plan for the future development of the East Arm precinct which provides opportunities for significant industrial growth in the future. The Minister for Housing, the Hon. Matt Conlan provided an update on the NT Government’s ‘Real Housing for Growth’ program which aims to deliver 2,000 new affordable dwellings by 2016/2017. It was pleasing to hear that housing targets were being exceeded. Council is participating in this program with its unit development at Birripa Court, Rosebery. Local Government was also included in the program with presentations on the Darwin City Centre Master Plan and Palmerston City Centre Master Plan being provided by the respective Lord Mayor / Mayor of these councils. An update was provided by Penny Fielding, (Executive Director Major Strategic Priorities and Infrastructure, Department of Health) on the Palmerston Regional Hospital Project. With infrastructure head-works expected to commence early in the new-year, this $150m project will be the first phase for a future Master Plan for Top End hospital services for the next 20 plus years. One of the more ambitious projects presented was ‘Connecting the Northern Territory into the Eastern Gas Grid’. With the eastern States likely to experience gas supply issues later this decade, there is a great opportunity to allow gas from the Northern Territory’s abundant gas resources to meet this emerging demand. There is considerable drive within the NT Government to make this project happen with financial support from investors. The Minister for Lands, Planning & Environment, Hon. Peter Chandler provided an update on the release of land throughout the Territory. With the release of Zuccoli Stage 5 now being advertised, this will result in construction works occurring simultaneously across all 5 stages of Zuccoli during 2015. Once completed, over 3,000 dwellings will be built and 7,000 people will reside in Zuccoli. It was also noted that the development of Berrimah Farm and Holtze will also commence during 2015. Other key presentations included:-
- Developing the North – Unlocking the Nation’s potential (Luke Bowen, General Manager, Northern Australia Development Office);
- NT Road Infrastructure Priorities (Clare Gardiner-Barnes, Chief
Executive, Department of Transport); - The Importance of Strategic Land Use Planning for Economic Growth in
the Territory (Hon. Gary Nairn, Chairman NT Planning Commission) - Ichthys Project 50% Complete Achievements (David Gwyther, Deputy
General Manager, Darwin, INPEX); - Defence in the Territory (Lieutenant Colonel Grant Halstead, Project
Director – Central West, Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Branch, Department of Defence);
- Initiatives to Support the Growth of the Mining and Energy Sectors (Hon.
Willem Westra van Holthe, Minister for Mines and Energy)
Financial Implications:
Nil
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0578.
Recommending Officer: Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer
Any queries on this report may be directed to Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer on telephone (08) 8935 9902 or email [email protected].
Schedule of Attachments:
Nil
ITEM NO. 13.1.1 Annual Report 2013/2014
FROM: Director of Corporate and Community Services
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0574
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
The draft City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013/2014 is ready for review and adoption by Council.
Background:
Section 199 of the Local Government Act states:
(1) A council must, on or before 15 November in each year, report to the Minister on its work during the financial year ending on the preceding 30 June.
(2) The report must include a copy of the council’s audited financial statement for the relevant financial year.
(3) The report must also contain an assessment of council’s performance against the objectives stated in the relevant municipal or shire plan (applying indicators of performance set in the plan).
(4) As soon as practicable after the report has been delivered to the Minister, the council must:
a. Publish the report on the council’s website; and b. Publish a notice in a newspaper circulating generally in the area
informing the public that copies of the report may be downloaded from the council’s website or obtained from the council’s public office.
General:
The Annual Report 2013-2014, incorporating items (2) and (3) above, has been prepared in draft form and is ready for review and adoption by Council. Following adoption, an advertisement will be placed in the Palmerston Sun advising that the Annual Report is available on Council’s website and copies are available from the front counter at the Civic Centre
Municipal Plan:
4. Governance & Organisation
4.1 Responsibility
We are committed to corporate and social responsibility, the sustainability of Council assets and services, and the effective planning and reporting of Council performance to the community
Financial Implications:
Nil
Policy / Legislation:
Pursuant to Section 199 of the Local Government Act.
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0574. 2. THAT Council adopt the Annual Report 2013/2014. 3. THAT the Chief Executive Officer be instructed to send the Annual Report
2013/2014 to the Minister for Local Government.
Recommending Officer: Ben Dornier, Director of Corporate and Community
Services
Any queries on this report may be directed to Ben Dornier, Director of Corporate and Community Services on telephone (08) 8935 9976 or email [email protected].
Schedule of Attachments:
Attachment: Annual Report 2013-2014
Annual Report 2013-2014
Contacting the City of Palmerston
Council Offices address: Civic Centre 2 Chung Wah Terrace Palmerston NT 0831
Postal address: PO Box 1
Palmerston NT 0831 General enquiries: 08 8935 9922 Council fax: 08 8935 9900 Email: [email protected] Website: www.palmerston.nt.gov.au Library address: The Boulevard
Palmerston NT 0831 Library: 08 8935 9999 Library fax: 08 8935 9998
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 1
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Message from the Mayor and CEO 2
Our Vision & Mission 4 Who We Are 5
Strategic Planning Framework 7 Measuring Our Performance 8
Community & Cultural Wellbeing
9
Economic Development 12
Environment & Infrastructure
14
Governance & Organisation
16
Financial Statements
for the year ended 30 June 2014 19
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 2
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Message from the Mayor
The City of Palmerston has grown exponentially over the past twelve months. Palmerston is the epicenter of the NT Government’s fast tracking of land release and desire to bring online affordable housing. Council through its long term vision is pro-actively facing the challenges this brings by not only encouraging new commercial development but upgrading the City Centre to meet the demand. Council has already completed stage one of redesigning Goyder Square and is in the midst of developing a Public Open Space Master Plan that will ensure the CBD is a people friendly and vibrant hub, this also sees the completion of Stage One of Palmerston City Centre’s Main Street, The Boulevard that will create the vista that the future city will be built around. Cranes on the CBD horizon have started and are here to stay for the foreseeable future with the Gateway Shopping Centre, new hotel accommodation, potential commercial high-rise on the Superblock and Council preparation of an EOI for a Residential / Commercial development next to the Library.
Palmerston will see the creation of two new shopping centres and the upgrade of existing centres over the next twelve months highlighting the exceptional appetite that a growing city demands. Council believes the City of Palmerston is best placed to encapsulate the residential expansions of Berrimah Farm and Holze as these become significant urban infrastructure that is in close proximity to predominately Palmerston based services. Council has sought to diversify its income stream by taking advantage of the NTG Real Housing for Growth program and is building quality units in Rosebery, so it can lessen its dependency on ratepayers and ever shrinking Government grants. Social growth was supported by means of grants to community groups and clubs that have either chosen Palmerston as their new home or are looking to upgrade their facilities. From sponsoring Basketball NT in bringing the Adelaide 36ers against the Japan National side, financially assisting Palmerston Cricket Club to install new training nets to putting out the welcome mat to refugees have had positive outcomes for the community’s wellbeing. The City of Palmerston is committed to being progressive and open to new commercial and social developments, we are excited about Palmerton’s future and your place in it.
Ian Abbott JP Mayor
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 3
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Message from the CEO
A key focus during 2013/2014 was the commencement of works associated with the implementation of the Palmerston City Centre 2030 Master Plan. This included the removal of the remnant hill in Goyder Square and the installation of infrastructure to support the Palmerston Markets. Although this Master Plan is currently under review, design work has commenced which will see the first stage of ‘The Boulevard’ redevelopment completed by the end of 2014. In addition, planning and design of the city centre open space, including Goyder Square will occur early in 2014/2015 with Council to consider a commencement date for these works. Given the considerable residential growth in recent years and the likelihood that this could escalate over the next 5 years, it is important that the Central Business District is revitalised and transformed into an area that all Palmerston residents can be proud of. These improvements are just the start of a much broader plan which will see considerable building developments occur within the CBD. Council has also identified surplus land which it owns in the CBD and will facilitate development options on this land to create new jobs and residential options to grow the CBD. This is indeed an exciting time for Palmerston with major developments commencing including the $300m Gateway Shopping Centre, $50m Palmerston Hotel and the extensions to the Oasis Shopping Centre. Planning is also underway for key NT Government and private infrastructure projects including:
$103m duplication of Tiger Brennan Drive;
$150m Palmerston Regional Hospital;
Bakewell Woolworths Development;
New schools in Zuccoli;
Bellamack Special School During 2013, the Department of Local Government and Regions conducted a legislative compliance review and it is extremely pleasing to report that this review did not disclose any serious matters requiring remedial action by Council. Following the resignation of Aldermen Rebecca Forrest, a by-election was conducted which resulted in the election of Ms Seranna Shutt. I congratulate Aldermen Schutt on her election and I look forward to working with her for the balance of this term. Council continues to provide a wide range of services and facilities which are well received by residents. In addition to this, it has also embarked on an aggressive capital works program to improve infrastructure and facilities. Some of these works will provide an alternative revenue source for Council which is important given the reliance on Council rates to balance the budget. There is a growing confidence across the Top End that Palmerston is set for some exciting times and the days of being a satellite city and existing in the shadows of Darwin are over. I wish to acknowledge the support I receive from the Elected Members of Council and the commitment of our 73 staff members who are all striving to make Palmerston the best possible place to live and work in. I am sure the 2014/2015 year will be an exciting one as we start to realise the Council vision for the CBD.
Ricki Bruhn Chief Executive Officer
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 4
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Vision and Mission Our Vision: “A Place for People” Our Mission: The City of Palmerston is committed to:
Developing and maintaining our reputation for being clean and green
Improving the safety of all our citizens
Maintaining our own identity
Providing services, facilities and amenities to support the community’s needs
We will achieve this through:
Delivering to our community high quality value for money services that meet their diverse needs.
Our Values: We are committed to:
Teamwork
Commitment and accountability
Sustainability and self sufficiency
Quality resources
A culture of continuous improvement
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 5
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Who We Are
Our Council In accordance with the Local Government Act, Council is made up of 7 Elected Members: a Principal Member holding the title of Mayor, and six elected members holding the title of Alderman. Each year, Council elects one Alderman to serve as Deputy Mayor for a term of 12 months. The City of Palmerston operates under a single (or ‘no wards’) system with each of the seven elected members representing the entire city. With 17,475 electors as at 2014, this makes a ratio of 1 elected member for every 2,913 electors.
Shown in the photograph below are, from left to right: (back) Alderman Andrew Byrne, Alderman Paul Bunker, Deputy Mayor Heather Malone and Alderman Geoff Carter, and (front) Alderman Sue McKinnon, Mayor Ian Abbott and Alderman Seranna Shutt. Over the course of 2013-2014, Deputy Mayor Byrne completed his twelve month term as Deputy Mayor, following which Alderman Malone was appointed Deputy Mayor. Alderman Rebecca Forrest resigned, and Alderman Seranna Shutt was elected in a By-Election on 5 November 2013.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 6
Council Staff As per the Local Government Act, Council employs a Chief Executive Officer and delegates a number of authorities under the Act to carry out the day to day functions of Council. The CEO is responsible for the overall administration of Council affairs, and works closely with Elected Members to ensure Council goals and objectives are met. The CEO is charged by the Local Government Act with the responsibility for managing Council’s human resources in an effective and compliant manner. Approximately 70 staff members operate under the CEO’s direction, divided amongst the Corporate and Community Services and the Technical Services departments. Working at Council provides a number of career opportunities, from waste management to healthy eating and nutrition
specialisations, and staff are skilled professionals in each of their specialist areas. Council’s dedication to continuous improvement means a wide range of professional development and training opportunities are regularly offered in order to strengthen the organisational capacity and broaden staff skills.
Council and Committees As well as attending regular Council meetings, Aldermen participate on a number of Committees of Council which provide governance to the strategies and operations of Council. Below are the Council and Committee Meetings held under this structure, together with attendance details for Elected Members:
Committee Name Total Meetings Membership Meetings Attended
Council Meetings 30 Mayor Abbott
Deputy Mayor Malone
Alderman McKinnon
Alderman Carter
Alderman Bunker
Alderman Byrne
Alderman Shutt (Appointed 5 Nov 2013)
29
27
27
27
30
29
17
Community, Culture and
Environment Committee
10 Deputy Mayor Malone (Chair)
Alderman Carter
Alderman McKinnon
Alderman Shutt
9
10
6
7
Economic Development
and Infrastructure
Committee
11 Alderman Bunker (Chair)
Alderman Byrne
Alderman McKinnon
Deputy Mayor Malone
11
10
5
8
Governance and
Organisation Committee
9 Deputy Mayor Byrne (Chair)
Alderman Bunker
Alderman Carter
Alderman Shutt
9
8
9
6
Internal Audit Committee 5 Mr Steve Gibson (External Chair)
Mayor Abbott
Alderman Byrne
5
5
4
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 7
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Strategic Planning Framework The Annual Report plays an important role in Council’s Strategic Planning Framework, providing a report on Council’s activities and performance against the strategies outlined in Council’s Municipal Plan, which was reviewed and updated in May 2014. It reports on the four Strategic Focus areas which cover the services and responsibilities of Council: Community & Cultural Wellbeing; Economic Development; Environment & Infrastructure; Governance & Organisation.
Municipal Plan
Community & Cultural Wellbeing | Economic
Development | Environment & Infrastructure |
Governance and Organisation
Annual Business Plan and Budget
People | Systems and Processes | Finance | Assets
Service Delivery | Risk
Council Strategic Management Plans
Council Operational Plans and Reports
Measures
Long Term
Financial Plan
Infrastructure and
Asset
Management
Plans
Annual Report
Business Unit Plans & Reports
Executive | Finance | Library Services | Technical
Services | Open Spaces | Asset Management |
Capital Works | Information Technology | Community
Services | Ranger Services | Environment & Waste |
Human Resources & Risk Management
Individual Performance Plans
Community
Survey, Key
Performance
Indicators
Monthly and
Quarterly Reviews,
KPIs
Quarterly and
Monthly Reports,
KPIs
Community
Survey, Financial
Indicators, KPIs,
Staff Surveys
Financial Indicators
Staff Performance
Reviews, KPIs
External
Strategies
Strategic Planning Framework
Business Planning Framework | City of Palmerston
CBD
Masterplan
Northern
Territory
Government
Strategic Plan
Territory 2030
Plan
Greater Darwin
Plan
Regional
Development
Australia
Natural
Resource
Management
Regional Plans
Local
Government
Association NT
Tourism NT
Strategic Plan
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 8
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
Measuring Performance: Understanding Council’s Municipal Plan
How We Measure Performance
Primary Performance Indicators: Community Satisfaction Survey Council is very aware performance is ‘in the eye of the beholder’, and the satisfaction of the community is the primary measure of performance. No matter how well we think we are doing, it is the community’s opinion which matters most. In Council’s Municipal Plan 2014-2019, Council promised to use these measures as the primary reporting mechanism to the community, and this Annual Report 2013-2014 provides this. For this reason, wherever possible there is a survey score for a particular service or activity tied to each outcome. The survey is carried out annually by Roy Morgan Research on behalf of Council beginning in 2012 and the scores are used to determine overall performance of Council with regards to a particular outcome. With roughly 400 telephone interviews conducted completely at random, Council has no ability to influence the analysis of community satisfaction, thus providing an objective outcome the community can rely on.
Results from the survey are expressed with a numerical score. A score of 100 is the equivalent of the community
expressing its satisfaction with Council’s performance, with scores higher than 100 expressing a rising degree of satisfaction, and scores below 100 indicating that Council needs to perform better. Council aims to have scores in all areas above 100.
Interested in learning more about the City of Palmerston’s Municipal Plan? The public is strongly encouraged to provide feedback regarding this plan. The success of this plan is reliant on it matching the needs and addressing the concerns of the community! Email us at [email protected], or call 08 8935 9922.
2012 2013 2014
Sample Size 401 407 402
Projected population over 18 18,677 18,678 19,588
1.1 HEALTHY COMMUNITIES 97.09 98.69 97.73
1.2 SAFE COMMUNITIES 84.35 86.79 84.93
1.3 ARTS AND CULTURE 110.47 109.70 111.91
1.4 RECREATION 119.13 118.18 114.69
2.1 TOURISM n/a n/a 85.75
2.2 LOCAL BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY 85.63 85.53 85.54
2.3 CITY PLANNING n/a n/a 89.41
3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY 95.98 95.19 96.93
3.2 ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE 110.61 111.79 107.75
3.3 WASTE 129.69 129.94 133.40
4.1 RESPONSIBILITY 83.89 82.74 80.93
4.2 SERVICE 82.02 82.34 82.00
4.3 PEOPLE 94.09 94.51 94.38
4.4 SYSTEMS 89.64 92.26 92.69
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 9
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
1. Community & Cultural Wellbeing
Focus: Council responsibility
Focus: Community support
1.1
Healthy Communities We are committed to providing quality health and family support services to our
community
Healthy Palmerston Programs
COPAL (Childhood Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle) Programs
Support and Advocacy: Families, Youth and Seniors
Support and Advocacy: Medical Facilities and Services
Support and Advocacy: Disability Access Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Healthy Communities 98.99 98.81 97.73
Unfortunately, a slight drop was experienced by the community, as indicated above. However, the score continues to be relatively high, and Council believes it can achieve a score over 100 over the coming year. Participation in physical activity and general health awareness among residents continued to increase with a number of healthy lifestyle programs and services offered, with funding support from the Federal Government, within our community. These programs include the Healthy Palmerston Physical Activity program, the Healthy Eating program, the ever popular Activate program, and the establishment of our first Community Garden “Harvest Corner” in Gray. The 2013-2014 year also saw the installation of two outdoor exercise stations, one in Gray near the community garden and the other in President Park, Driver. The two stations provide equipment for a complete workout with a clearly marked walking trail between the two. Also in conjunction with NT Government and the Federal Government, the City of Palmerston continues to be the only
Council in the NT to provide the COPAL program, which delivers initiatives aimed at healthy lifestyles amongst children. Some highlights of the year have included the rollout of the imagination playground and launch of the new theme “life looks brighter outside” in May. Council is also active in supporting youth development, with an active Youth Advisory Group entitled “Youth Inspiring Palmerston” providing important feedback on youth issues. Youth events are regularly held across the municipality, with this year’s National Youth Week “Amazing Race around Palmerston” proving very popular. Aldermen and Community Development staff also facilitate initiatives in support of seniors in the community. An active Seniors Advisory Committee, as well as annual Seniors Forums and Seniors Weeks are particularly popular. For more information on these and other activities Council facilitates,
visit our website at www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
1.2 Safe Communities We are committed to ensuring the safety and security of our community
Animal Management
Cyclone, Disaster and Emergency Management
Regulatory Services
Street Lighting
Support and Advocacy: Emergency Services
Support and Advocacy: Crime Prevention and Law Enforcement
Support and Advocacy: Injury Prevention Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Safe Communities 78.24 80.28 84.93
Although Council does not hold law enforcement authority, and its participation in natural disasters and emergencies is primarily a supporting role to the Federal and NT Governments, Council is responsible for several regulatory functions which
impact on safety and security, such as animal management and parking strategies. In addition, Council activities across the municipality impact this area as well. An increase of nearly 5 moves Council closer to its target of 100 in this important area.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 10
The City of Palmerston works closely with Emergency Services and NT Police, as well as other organisations working to improve safety and security in the city through the facilitation of the Palmerston Safe Communities Committee. In addition, Council also facilitates the Palmerston Safe Kids Network, working with other groups to specifically improve the safety of children. 2013 – 2014 saw the City of Palmerston redesignated as a World Health Organisation dedicated Safe Communities, one of only a handful in Australia. Council has an active team devoted
to developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating injury and safety issues. Through this, Council hopes to raise community awareness and reach solid outcomes in community safety. Council is committed to fostering safety and security within Palmerston through these and other initiatives, including improved Animal Management By-Laws and better traffic management. For more information on what Council is doing to improve safety and security, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
1.3 Arts and Culture We are committed to the fostering and promotion of arts and culture within our
community, the awareness and promotion of our local history, and advocacy for
increased cultural resources
Library Programs and Services
Events
Public Artwork
Support and Advocacy: Arts and Culture Programs
Support and Advocacy: Community Groups, Events and Attractions Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Arts and Culture 90.47 86.63 111.91
The City of Palmerston recognises the importance of the quality of life of its residents, however that may be defined, and is committed to providing an increasing array of arts and cultural initiatives to support this. Over the 2013-2014 year, residents identified a significant increase in Council’s performance in this area. Council’s Library Services continue to grow from strength to strength, with popular programs and services continuing to grow in line with the needs and expectations of a modern community. Modern libraries are not just a place to borrow books, but also a place to inspire. Public internet terminals, community meeting and training rooms, children and adult literacy programs are increasingly popular with residents and visitors. Our library also travels the city in the KAT van, providing dry season activities for young people in outdoor venues. For more information, and to get involved, contact the Library.
Palmerston Festival made Goyder Square come alive again at the end of the Dry Season in 2013. This event once more proved to be a significant draw for residents and visitors alike, and included a concert in conjunction with the Palmerston Markets, a multicultural food and performance fair and a magnificent children’s show with Raa Raa the Lion and Oo Oo the Monkey. Council also introduced a new dry season initiative “FlicNics” in May showcasing a movie night and encouraging residents to enjoy a picnic at Sanctuary Lakes. The first “FlicNics” season has been met with great enthusiasm from residents. For more information regarding Arts and Culture and our Library Services, please visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
1.4 Recreation We are committed to providing quality recreation and sporting facilities, parks,
gardens, playgrounds and open spaces for the benefit of our community
Sporting, Recreational and Leisure Facilities and Programs
Walking and Cycling Infrastructure
Parks, Gardens and Playgrounds
Streetscapes and Open Spaces
Support and Advocacy: Increased Recreational Infrastructure Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Recreation 119.13 118.18 114.69
Although well over our target of 100 indicating general satisfaction by the community for recreational facilities and offerings in the city, this area saw a slight drop over the 2013-2014 year. Council maintains over 100 parks, gardens, playgrounds, reserves and open spaces for use by residents and
visitors. It maintains a broad network of cycling and walking paths, several community centres and sporting grounds. On Council’s behalf, the YMCA of the Top End operates Councils two major recreational facilities, the Palmerston Recreation
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 11
Centre in the CBD, and the Palmerston Swimming and Fitness Centre on Tilston Avenue. Council’s Open Spaces team carry out the complex work of ensuring parks and gardens are mowed and irrigated appropriately according to service levels, and the needs of the community. These recreational assets are important in ensuring community infrastructure support both healthy lifestyles for young and old, but also that the quality of life experienced by residents and visitors continues to improve. Sport and recreational activities are popular amongst residents, and wherever possible Council lends a hand, be it through grants and donations to sporting clubs, or through promotion and facilitation of events. In 2013-2014 Council awarded 42 grants to community organisations, clubs and recreational groups, ten (10) donations to school awards and eight (8) scholarships to a total value of $131,429 from the Community Development Grants program.
Applicant Activity Project $
Life Education NT Life Education for Moulden School
$2,750
Palmerston Combined Probus Club Inc
1950/60/70's Dinner Dance $400
Palmerston Rugby Union Club
Redevelop/Upgrade Kitchen Facilities
$8,500
Palmerston Game Fishing Club Incorporated
Junior Angler Education Club $2,000
COTA Palmerston Branch Promotion of Health and Wellbeing for Palmerston Seniors
$1,600
Palmerston and Rural Swimming Club
Operational Costs - Lane Hire $2,000
NT Ochres Indoor Netball NT Ochres BBQ Fundraiser $500
Kidsafe NT Working Together to Create Safer Homes and Communities for Infants and Children in Palmerston
$2,000
Bakewell primary School Annual School Awards $100
Driver Primary School Annual School Awards $100
Durack Primary School Annual School Awards $100
Good Shepherd Lutheran School
Annual School Awards $100
Gray Primary School Annual School Awards $100
Palmerston Christian School Annual School Awards $100
Palmerston Senior College Annual School Awards $100
Rosebery Middle School Annual School Awards $100
Sacred Heart Catholic School Annual School Awards $100
Woodroffe Primary School Annual School Awards $100
Role Models and Leaders Australia (Palmerston Girls Academy)
Nestle Deadly Chicks Mentoring Seminar
$2,000
Special Children’s Christmas Parties
Special Children’s Christmas Party
$1,000
Nepalese Association of the Northern Territory Inc
Palmerston Festival $1,871
Good Beginnings Australia Children’s Week 2013 $2,000
Autism NT Cox Plate Ladies Luncheon $1,500
Palmerston and Rural Swimming Club
Palmerston and Rural Swimming Club 2013 Invitational
$2,000
Darwin Symphony Orchestra
Family Proms Concert $1,850
Australia Day Council NT Inc Australia Day Family Fun Day $2,000
Palmerston Cricket Club Development of the Palmerston Cricket Club Netting Facilities
$16,000
Amity Community Services Inc
Palmerston Indigenous Village
$500
Top End Mental Health Consumer Organisation Inc
Art and Computer Groups $1,980
Northern Territory Polocrosse Association
2014 Australian National Polocrosse Championships
$2,000
Neighbourhood Watch NT Safety House NT Family Fun Day
$1,940
Palmerston 50+ Club Incorporated
May Day Celebrations $500
Northern Territory Association For The Education Of The Gifted and Talented Inc
"Kids Like Us" Educators - Workshops
$500
Keep Australia Beautiful Council NT (KABCNT)
Environmental Gala "The Big Waste Day Out"
$600
Sids and Kids NT Sids and Kids NT $3,825
Top End RC Car Association Facility and Development RC Track - Marlow’s Lagoon
$12,000
NT Space School Incorporated
NT Space School 2014 $1,000
Darwin Junior Street stocks Inc
Darwin Junior Street stocks Inc
$4,000
The Asthma Foundation of the Northern Territory
The Asthma Swim Program $10,904
YWCA of Darwin Education Support for Young Mums
$3,000
Darwin 2014 Inc Badminton - 3rd Asia pacific Out Games NT 2014
$1,950
Woodroffe Child Care Centre Inc
Beautification of garden's - Rejuvenate with Sensory Garden
$1,000
YMCA of the Top end Community Progressive Dinner
$1,700
Melaleuca Refugee Centre World Refugee Day - Darwin based annual event
$ 1,000
Northern Territory Indoor Cricket Incorporated
Competing in 2014 Australian Open Championships
$2,000
Touch Football Australia Palmerston Touch Rugby Competition
$2,000
Alzheimer’s Australia NT Inc Palmerston Day respite program
$1,800
Tumbledown Tots Playgroup Tumbledown tots Playgroup equipment
$500
Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan Donation $10,000
RSL Palmerston Sub Branch Anzac Day - Palmerston $12,000
Total Recreation Dancing with Celebrities $1,000
Y-Change/Headspace In Kind Support – YMCA Rec Hire for Youth Forum
$1,459
Council continues to place a priority on providing and maintaining recreational facilities to the community. For more information, see Council’s website: www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 12
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
2. Economic Development
Focus: Council responsibility
Focus: Community support
2.1
Tourism We are committed to supporting tourism throughout our region
Town and Business Signage
Accommodation
Support & Advocacy: Tourism Organisations and Operators
Support & Advocacy: Government Initiatives Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Tourism (new indicator) - - 85.75 -
This is a newly designed indicator, tying results more closely with this important area. Even though Council does not play a primary role in the tourism industry, it seeks to influence and facilitate the growth of tourism through advocacy and support, as well as ensuring that By-Laws related to town and business signage, car parking strategies and recreational infrastructure, allow for growth. Palmerston is a young city, and as such is seeking to become a destination for visitors rather than just a residential area. Initiatives such as the Master Plan for the Central Business District will play a major role in ensuring the infrastructure supports the growth of business and is capable of attracting tourists and the tourism industry.
This year, the emphasis on reviewing and improving Council’s Master Plan showed renewed emphasis on creating a city centre which attracts business, tourism and residents to downtown Palmerston. In addition, ensuring that events and attractions come to Palmerston, and continuously seeking funding from the Federal and NT Governments to support the tourism industry are important roles for Council. This has included beginning the reconstruction of Palmerston Boulevard, the closure of Palmerston Circuit, and the redevelopment of Goyder Square. For more on Palmerston’s many attractions, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
2.2 Local Business and Industry We are committed to ensuring local businesses and industry receive the support
they need in order to grow and prosper within our region
Transport Infrastructure
Local Purchasing and Procurement
Support and Advocacy: Government Funding and Initiatives
Support and Advocacy: Training and Employment Initiatives
Support and Advocacy: Industry Organisations Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Local Business and Industry (new indicator) 85.63 85.53 85.54
Council recognises that in order to properly support local business and industry, it needs to effectively communicate its strategies and initiatives in a manner that assists businesses to grow and prosper. Council also needs to proactively engage with local business groups, and act as a partner in influencing the continued growth of the city. As Local Government in the Northern Territory does not have the planning authority functions existing in other states in Australia, it needs to be even more effective in communicating with and advocating for economic development to occur. Council is committed to improving this area over the course of the coming year.
Council participates in the Palmerston Regional Business Associations (PRBA), and partnerships with the Association continue to improve. Council is also making great efforts to bring car parking strategies for the Central Business District into line with the needs of industry, and seeing that the road network in the CBD encourages retail development as well as future residential development. Another area of activity for Council is ensuring the transport network, particularly in and around the CBD, appropriately encourages economic development. Over the coming year, Council will be able to report improvements in this area back to the community.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 13
Wherever possible, Council is committed to purchasing and procurement which benefits our local community and the Northern Territory. In 2013-2014, 80.25% of procurement by the City was with Northern Territory vendors, totalling $4,455,110.
For more on Council’s activities relating to local business and industry, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
2.3 City Planning We are committed to effective and responsible city planning which balances and
meets both residential and commercial needs in our community
City of Palmerston CBD Master Plan Implementation
Public Land Use
Support and Advocacy: NT Government Planning and Development Control
Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend City Planning (new indicator) - - 89.41 -
As with Local Business and Industry above, Council continues to refine its plans and strategies with regards to City Planning. This past year has seen Council’s Master Plan for the Central Business District be intensively reviewed, and work has begun to build urban design guidelines for our CBD which will be instrumental in defining our city. Over the coming year, Council will be working to ensure these are recognised by the NT Government and become policy documents which can properly influence and guide development.
Council has tasked the Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee to guide and oversee the implementation of the plan. Considerable effort has been made to envision the infrastructure investments which will be necessary over the coming years, and to budget for these needs. Council continues to work closely with developers and NT Government planners as new suburbs are developed. Wherever possible, Council has sought to influence and persuade stakeholders to provide outcomes which benefit the community as a whole, while ensuring that civil infrastructure is constructed in a sustainable manner. Planning for the growth of Palmerston can require hard decisions to ensure positive and sustainable outcomes across generations, rather than necessarily seeking quick, easy fixes. Council is committed to more effectively communicating these issues, and engaging with the community in seeking solutions. For more information regarding the role of Council in City Planning, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 14
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
3. Environment & Infrastructure
Focus: Council responsibility
Focus: Community support
3.1
Environmental Sustainability We are committed to actively protecting and enhancing the environmental assets
and infrastructure of the City of Palmerston, while supporting local businesses and
industry in sustainable land use
Climate Change Impact Reduction
Greenhouse Emissions Measurement and Reduction
Energy and Water Resource Management Initiatives
Support & Advocacy: Planning and Development Controls
Support & Advocacy: Community Action, Education and Organisations
Support & Advocacy: Conservation and Biodiversity Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Environmental Sustainability 95.98 95.19 96.93
Council is dedicated to maintaining and promoting a sustainable environment – and the community is recognising this. Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2013-2018 provides the framework for the City of Palmerston to deliver more effectively the requirements of Council’s operations and to support the actions required by the community for the city’s natural and built environment.
Over the past year, a number of initiatives to influence both Council activities and community perceptions of environmental sustainability have taken place. One such initiative was to successfully progress the initial City of Palmerston
Conservation and Land Management Scholarship to the status of being awarded as an annual Scholarship. Recognition of Council’s leadership and response to climate change and environmental planning, was rewarded with the City of Palmerston being selected to represent the Northern Territory at the KAB 2014 Sustainable Cities Awards. In addition, management of noxious weeds in Palmerston’s lakes and stormwater detention infrastructure continues, ensuring any increase in weed infestation is eradicated swiftly. Council’s cutting edge technology – an amphibious weed harvester - enables Council to successfully keep infestations under manageable control. Council continues to advocate for increased water sensitive urban design in plans put forward by developers working on new residential developments which are more applicable to our local environment and climatic context. Council officers also carried out educational initiatives in the community, seeking to broaden the message and increase community capacity in this important area. Sustainability and enhancement actions for the environment continue to be embed across all Council operational areas. For more information on Council’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 15
3.2 Assets and Infrastructure We are committed to maintaining and developing community assets and
infrastructure which meet the needs of our community
Roads, Bridges, Footpaths and Car Parking
Council Buildings and Facilities
Stormwater Infrastructure
Support and Advocacy: Traffic Management and Road Safety
Support and Advocacy: Territory and Federal Infrastructure and Land Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Assets and Infrastructure 106.65 107.89 107.75
Council is already well above its target of 100 in this area. Council maintains nearly $300M worth of assets on behalf of the community – and we do it well. But we can do better. The City of Palmerston has only reached its 30th year, and major components of Council’s infrastructure have not kept pace with the expansion of our population. There continues to be a severe lack of community space for organisations and community activities. The City’s Aquatic and Leisure Centre has continued to deteriorate, with Council’s lone swimming pool nearing the end of its useful life. Remedial measures continue to be taken, but Council recognises this has left a large amount of disappointment in the community. Council continues to seek the most appropriate method of resolving pool issues for the community, be it that the existing pool be renovated, or that a new swimming pool in an alternate location is constructed.
Over 2014-2015, we hope to be able to address the community on this issue to gain a better understanding of their needs. In addition, traffic management and road safety on Council and NT Government road networks, particularly around the CBD, continue to be an issue. Council continues to carry out significant capital works to improve these and other issues, while advocating for continued support by the Federal and NT Governments. For more on these and other asset and infrastructure topics, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au. During 2013-2014 Council adopted a risk based inspection and reports procedure for all its road assets. The procedure is a systematic and thorough approach to asset maintenance and safety.
3.3 Waste We are committed to providing comprehensive and effective waste management
services to our community
Kerbside Waste Collection and Recycling
Hard and Green Waste Facilities
Support and Advocacy: Recycling, re-use and minimisation education
initiatives Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Waste Collection & Disposal 129.69 129.94 133.40
Council continues to recognise the importance of waste management to residents, and the scores in this area indicate residents are quite satisfied with the service they are receiving. An increase of 4% continues this trend. Residents in the City of Palmerston benefit from an efficient and effective waste management strategy. Palmerston’s kerbside waste collection service continues to be the most comprehensive service in the NT, and hard and green waste facilities at Archer Transfer Station provide a free service for residents for residential waste.
With the repeal of the Carbon Tax, residents will also find that a savings averaging $20 per connection will be passed on, keeping the waste charges as close as possible to actual costs. All of this comes with a cost, however. Council continues to work hard to keep waste charges for residential waste services low. In addition, planned improvements to the Archer Transfer Station following successful negotiation with NT Government will mean these services continue to improve.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 16
City of Palmerston Annual Report 2013-2014
4. Governance & Organisation
Focus: Council responsibility
Focus: Community support
4.1
Responsibility We are committed to corporate and social responsibility, the sustainability of
Council assets and services, and the effective planning and reporting of Council
performance to the community
Elected Member Accountability to the Community
Governance, Strategy, Legislation and Policy
Business Planning and Performance Reporting Frameworks
Financial Sustainability and Asset Management
Risk Management and Workplace Health and Safety Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Responsibility 81.78 84.03 80.93
In the past, Council has not necessarily been successful in communicating to the community its strategies, plans, and much of its operations, nor sufficiently engaged the community in decision making which affects all. Most significantly, Council has not been proactive in ensuring the community understand what information is available to them, and where to find it. This has been evident in scores for this area. The 2011-2012 year saw significant changes not only in the membership of Council, but also in the procedures, policies and mid to long term planning of Council. Although major improvements have occurred over a number of areas in the governance and compliance of Council, these changes have not been properly conveyed to residents. This past year was the third year of our new Municipal Plan, continuing to bring a more rigorous – and more readable –
approach to the guiding strategies of Council. The new Strategic Planning Framework, combined with a concerted effort to bring Council and administrative policies up to date continues to provide operational improvements. Of particular note, Council resolved to publish the decisions made in every Council meeting in the local newspaper in a timely manner, giving increased visibility to decisions which effect residents and businesses. For more information regarding access to information, Council strategy or policy, or Elected Member accountability, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 17
4.2 Service We value and encourage participation in Council activities by the community, and
are committed to delivering the highest possible levels of service and community
engagement
Customer Service Standards
Community Engagement and Voter Participation
Governance and Participation on Council Advisory Groups
Open Government and Transparency Initiatives Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Service 82.02 82.34 82.00
Although Council has made great efforts to ensure it offers a superior level of customer service, and that it engages the community in Council decision making and encourages community participation – our scores do not reflect that we are taking adequate steps in this area to meet the needs of our residents. This is disappointing, but we believe planned improvements to front house processes and systems will result in an improvement in the coming year. Clearly, this is unacceptable to our community. Residents do not feel that we either ask the right questions, or listen to the community when they respond. This has been a wakeup call for Council, both Elected Members and staff. As Elected Members are elected by residents in order to represent their views and make decisions on their behalf, Aldermen have placed a high priority on resolving this issue. As
professional public servants, staff are keen to rise to the challenge. Over the coming year, substantial resources will be invested in ensuring that Council is delivering on its promise of customer service excellence. Increasing initiatives in delivering transparency in decision making, and providing information to the community in a timely manner – and in the format residents wish – will take place over the coming year. Council encourages all members of the community with an interest in improving our community to engage with us. For these, and more initiatives devoted to improving our customer service to the community, visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au.
4.3 People We value our people, and the culture of our organisation. We are committed to
continuous improvement and innovation whilst seeking to reduce the costs of
Council services through increased efficiency
Human Resources and Workforce Development
Training and Development of Elected Members
Cost Reduction and Efficiency Initiatives
Continuous Improvement, Benchmarking, Research and Innovation Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
People 94.09 94.51 94.38
Council’s commitment to workforce development and continuous improvement continues to be substantial. Without a skilled and dedicated workforce, Council would be unable to
meet its commitments to the Community, and deliver effective and efficient council services. Over the years, as Palmerston has grown, Councils own workforce has not kept pace. Training budgets dwindled, and workforce attraction and retention strategies were ineffective. However, improved policies and retention strategies are resulting in steady improvements. Recognising and appreciating its workforce provides Council with a number of benefits affecting the community – skilled and dedicated staff are more productive, and seek ways to ‘do things better’. Interested in learning more about a career at Council, or in suggesting improvements and efficiencies at Council? Visit www.palmerston.nt.gov.au for more information.
City of Palmerston | Annual Report 2013-2014 | Page 18
4.4 Systems We are committed to ensuring the systems and processes of Council support the
organisation in delivering the best possible services to the community
Internal Business Processes and Service Levels
Financial and Administrative Services
Information and Communication Technology Services Key Performance Indicator 2012 2013 2014 Trend
Systems 89.64 92.26 92.69
All Council services rely on Council’s ‘backend’ – the administrative and technical support services, including Finance and Information Technology. With an annual budget of nearly $30M, and over $300M in assets and infrastructure, Council relies heavily on a dependable administrative support group to deliver everything from healthy eating initiatives to cleaning noxious weeds out of our lakes. Financial Services provides internal business units with the information and business processes necessary for them to carry out purchasing and procurement, as well as providing Council with regular updates on the status of Council finances. In addition, they provide the necessary financial controls to
support Council’s Internal Audit Committee in ensuring Council is financially sustainable. Information Technology is the team of Council staff least likely to be seen by the public, but conversely most likely to have a direct impact. Over the past year, continued improvements to a number of elderly and failing IT systems have been carried out, with a number yet to come. The skill and dedication of Council’s IT team have meant that improvements in communication and service levels have been possible.
GENERAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFor the year ended 30 June 2014
City of Palmerston
City of Palmerston
ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 June 2014
OFFICER’S STATEMENT
I, Ricki Bruhn, the Chief Executive Officer of the City of Palmerston, hereby certifythat the Annual Financial Statements:
(a) have been drawn up in accordance with the applicable AustralianAccounting Standards, the Local Government Act and the Local Government(Accounting) Regulations so as to present fairly the financial position of theCouncil and the results for the year; and
(b) are in accordance with the accounting and other records of Council.
(Chief Executive Officer) (date)
City of Palmerston
General Purpose Financial Reportsfor the year ended 30 June 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTSPage
Officer's Certificate 1
Principal Financial Statements
Statement of Comprehensive Income 2
Balance Sheet 3
Statement of Changes in Equity 4
Cash Flow Statement 5
Notes to, and forming part of, the Principal Financial Statements
Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies N1
Note 2 - Income N11
Note 3 - Expenses N14
Note 4 - Gain or Loss on Disposal of Assets N16
Note 5 - Current Assets N17
Note 6 - Non-Current Assets N18
Note 7 - Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment
& Investment PropertyN19
Note 8 - Liabilities N21
Note 9 - Reserves N22
Note 10 - Assets Subject to Restrictions N24
Note 11 - Reconciliation of Cash Flow Statement N25
Note 12 - Functions N26
Note 13 - Financial Instruments N27
Note 14 - Expenditure Commitments N29
Note 15 - Financial Indicators N30
Note 16 - Operating Leases N31
Note 17 - Prior Period Corrections N32
Audit Report N33
City Of Palmerston Page 1
2014 2013Notes $ $
INCOME
Rates 2 20,084,089 18,195,100
Statutory charges 2 208,728 311,380
User charges 2 1,006,790 1,016,509
Grants, subsidies and contributions 2 2,184,520 3,130,755
Investment income 2 1,469,573 1,742,725
Reimbursements 2 47,764 67,108
Other income 2 141,832 38,977
Total Income 25,143,296 24,502,554
EXPENSES
Employee costs 3 5,946,382 5,335,427
Materials, contracts & other expenses 3 16,927,018 16,535,672
Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 3 6,851,839 6,461,767
Total Expenses 29,725,239 28,332,866
OPERATING SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) (4,581,943) (3,830,312)
Net gain (loss) on disposal or revaluation of assets 4 (67,424) (98,341)
Physical resources received free of charge 2 2,837,402 -
NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)
transferred to Equity Statement (1,811,965) (3,928,653)
Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts which will not be reclassified subsequently to operating result
Gain on revaluation of infrastructure, property, plant &
equipment 15,725,967 -
Total Other Comprehensive Income 15,725,967 -
TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME 13,914,002 (3,928,653)
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.
City of Palmerston
STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
for the year ended 30 June 2014
City of PalmerstonPage 2
2014 2013 1/07/2012
ASSETS Notes $ $ $
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents 5 32,606,050 33,761,522 32,489,625
Trade & other receivables 5 1,336,123 1,283,716 1,567,780
Total Current Assets 33,942,173 35,045,238 34,057,405
Non-current Assets
Infrastructure, Property, Plant & Equipment 7 295,410,008 281,115,391 285,650,190
Other Non-current Assets 6 1,568,038 207,178 2,250
Total Non-current Assets 296,978,046 281,322,569 285,652,440
Total Assets 330,920,219 316,367,807 319,709,845
LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities
Trade & Other Payables 8 2,868,081 2,305,511 1,854,506
Provisions 8 519,254 500,757 425,381
Total Current Liabilities 3,387,335 2,806,268 2,279,887
Non-current Liabilities
Provisions 8 327,229 269,886 209,652
Total Non-current Liabilities 327,229 269,886 209,652
Total Liabilities 3,714,564 3,076,154 2,489,539
NET ASSETS 327,205,655 313,291,653 317,220,306
EQUITY
Accumulated Surplus 70,707,330 74,153,684 77,526,173
Asset Revaluation Reserves 9 223,446,225 207,720,258 207,720,258
Other Reserves 9 33,052,100 31,417,711 31,973,875
TOTAL EQUITY 327,205,655 313,291,653 317,220,306
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes.
City of Palmerston
BALANCE SHEET
as at 30 June 2014
City of Palmerston Page 3
City of Palmerston
Accumulated
Surplus
Asset
Revaluation
Reserve
Other
Reserves
TOTAL
EQUITY
$ $ $ $
2014 Notes
Balance at end of previous reporting period 74,153,684 207,720,258 31,417,711 313,291,653
Restated opening balance 74,153,684 207,720,258 31,417,711 313,291,653
Net Surplus / (Deficit) for Year (1,811,965) (1,811,965)
Other Comprehensive Income
Amounts which will not be reclassified subsequently to operating result
Changes in revaluation surplus -
infrastructure, property, plant & equipment15,725,967 15,725,967
Transfers between reserves (1,634,389) 1,634,389 -
Balance at end of period 70,707,330 223,446,225 33,052,100 327,205,655
2013
Balance at end of previous reporting period 77,083,966 207,720,258 31,973,875 316,778,099
Adjustment to give effect to prior period error 442,207 442,207
Restated opening balance 77,526,173 207,720,258 31,973,875 317,220,306
Net Surplus / (Deficit) for Year (3,928,653) (3,928,653)
Other Comprehensive Income
Transfers between reserves 556,164 (556,164) -
Balance at end of period 74,153,684 207,720,258 31,417,711 313,291,653
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes
for the year ended 30 June 2014
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Here list each individual change and the component of equity
City of Palmerston Page 4
City of Palmerston
CASH FLOW STATEMENTfor the year ended 30 June 2014
2014 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Notes $ $
Receipts
Rates - general & other 20,236,357 18,700,885
Fees & other charges 1,153,718 898,694
Investment receipts 1,289,100 1,865,970
Grants utilised for operating purposes 2,184,695 3,620,669
Other operating receipts 254,776 2,283,812
Payments
Employee Costs (5,900,143) (5,250,903)
Contractual services & materials (15,776,227) (17,341,590)
Other operating payments (461,225) (1,275,403)
Finance payments (125,152) -
Net Cash provided by (or used in) Operating
Activities 11 2,855,899 3,502,134
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Receipts
Sale of replaced assets 64,379 9,091
Payments
Expenditure on renewal/replacement of assets (4,075,750) (2,239,328)
Net Cash provided by (or used in) Investing Activities(4,011,371) (2,230,237)
Net Increase (Decrease) in cash held (1,155,472) 1,271,897
Cash & cash equivalents at beginning of period 33,761,522 32,489,625
Net cash assets transferred on restructure - -
Cash & cash equivalents at end of period 32,606,050 33,761,522
This Statement is to be read in conjunction with the attached Notes
City of Palmerston Page 5
City of Palmerston Page N1
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
(a) Basis of Preparation
The financial report comprises general purpose financial statements which have been prepared inaccordance with Australian Accounting Standards (as they apply to local governments and not-for-profit entities), Australian Accounting Interpretations, other authoritative pronouncements of theAustralian Accounting Standards Board, the Local Government Act 2013 and accompanyingregulations. Material accounting policies which have been adopted in the preparation of this financialreport are presented below and have been consistently applied unless stated otherwise.
Except for cash flow and rate setting information, the report has also been prepared on the accrualbasis and is based on historical costs, modified, where applicable, by the measurement at fair value ofselected non-current assets, financial assets and liabilities.
Critical Accounting Estimates
The preparation of a financial report in conformity with Australian Accounting Standards requiresmanagement to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that effect the application of policiesand reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses.
The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and various otherfactors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances; the results of which form the basisof making the judgements about carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparentfrom other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The Local Government Reporting Entity
All Funds through which the Council controls resources to carry on its functions have been included inthe financial statements forming part of this financial report.
(b) Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amountof GST incurred is not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).
Receivables and payables are stated inclusive of GST receivable or payable. The net amount of GSTrecoverable from, or payable to, the ATO is included with receivables or payables in the statement offinancial position.
Cash flows are presented on a Gross basis. The GST components of cash flows arising from investingor financing activities which are recoverable from, or payable to, the ATO are presented as operatingcash flows.
(c) Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash at bank, deposits available on demand withbanks and other short term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts ofcash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value and bank overdrafts.
Bank overdrafts are reported as short term borrowings in current liabilities in the statement of financialposition.
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CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(d) Trade and Other Receivables
Trade and other receivables include amounts due from ratepayers for unpaid rates and servicecharges and other amounts due from third parties for goods sold and services performed in theordinary course of business.
Receivables expected to be collected within 12 months of the end of the reporting period are classifiedas current assets. All other receivables are classified as non-current assets.
Collectability of trade and other receivables is reviewed on an ongoing basis. Debts that are known tobe uncollectible are written off when identified. An allowance for doubtful debts is raised when there isobjective evidence that they will not be collectible.
(e) Fixed Assets
Each class of fixed assets within either property, plant and equipment or infrastructure, is carried atcost or fair value as indicated less, where applicable, any accumulated depreciation and impairmentlosses.
Valuation of AssetsThe following asset classes were valued by Australian Pacific Valuers (APV) effective 1 July 2013 atFair Value:
- Land
- Land Improvements
- Buildings
- Infrastructure
All acquisitions made after the respective date of revaluation are recorded as described in section
Initial Recognition below.
The asset classes Plant, Furniture and Equipment and Motor Vehicles were valued by Maloney’s Field
Services effective 1 July 2010 at written down current replacement cost.
Initial Recognition and Measurement between Mandatory Revaluation DatesAll assets are initially recognised at cost and subsequently revalued in accordance with the AustralianAccounting Standards.
In relation to this initial measurement, cost is determined as the fair value of the assets given asconsideration plus costs incidental to the acquisition. For assets acquired at no cost or for nominalconsideration, cost is determined as fair value at the date of acquisition. The cost of non-currentassets constructed by the Council includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labouron the project and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overheads.
Individual assets acquired between initial recognition and the next revaluation of the asset class inaccordance with the mandatory measurement framework detailed above, are carried at cost lessaccumulated depreciation as management believes this approximates fair value. They will be subjectto subsequent revaluation..
RevaluationIncreases in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of assets are credited to a revaluation surplusin equity. Decreases that offset previous increases of the same asset are recognised againstrevaluation surplus directly in equity. All other decreases are recognised in profit or loss.
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CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(e) Fixed Assets (Continued)
Transitional ArrangementsDuring the time it takes to transition the carrying value of non-current assets from the cost approach tothe fair value approach, the Council may still be utilising both methods across differing asset classes.
Those assets carried at cost will be carried in accordance with the policy detailed in the InitialRecognition section as detailed above.
Those assets carried at fair value will be carried in accordance with the Revaluation Methodologysection as detailed above.
Land Under RoadsEffective as at 1 July 2008, Council elected not to recognise any value for land under roads acquiredon or before 30 June 2008.
Land under roads acquired on or after 1 July 2008 has not been recognised as in the opinion ofCouncil it is not possible to reliably attribute a fair value, and further that such value if determinedwould be immaterial.
DepreciationThe depreciable amount of all fixed assets including buildings but excluding freehold land, aredepreciated on a straight-line basis over the individual asset’s useful life from the time the asset is heldready for use.
When an item of property, plant and equipment is revalued, any accumulated depreciation at the dateof the revaluation is treated in one of the following ways:
a) Restated proportionately with the change in the gross carrying amount of the asset so that thecarrying amount of the asset after revaluation equals its revalued amount; or
b) Eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount restated to therevalued amount of the asset.
Major depreciation periods used for each class of depreciable asset are:Buildings 25 to 60 yearsFurniture and Equipment 3 to 10 yearsPlant and Equipment 5 to 15 yearsRoads
Earthworks 100 yearsPavement 30 to 40 yearsSeal 10 to 20 yearsRoad Furniture 20 to 40 years
Footpaths & Bicycle ways 30 to 50 yearsKerb & Gutter 40 to 50 yearsMotor Vehicles 5 yearsWaste & Sewerage Infrastructure 20 to 30 yearsStormwater Drainage 75 to 100 yearsLand Improvement 20 to 50 years
The assets residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at the end ofeach reporting period.
An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’scarrying amount is greater than its estimated recoverable amount.
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount.These gains and losses are included in the statement of comprehensive income in the period in whichthey arise.
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CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(e)Fixed Assets (Continued)
Capitalisation ThresholdExpenditure on assets with an economic life in excess of one year are only capitalised where the costof acquisitions exceeds materiality thresholds established by Council for each asset class.
Buildings $5,000Furniture and Equipment $1,000Plant and Equipment $5,000Roads $10,000Footpaths & Bicycle ways $5,000Kerb & Gutter $10,000Motor Vehicles $5,000Waste & Sewerage Infrastructure $10,000Stormwater Drainage $10,000Land Improvement $10,000
(f) Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities
When performing a revaluation, the Council uses a mix of both independent and managementvaluations using the following as a guide:
Fair Value is the price that Council would receive to sell the asset or would have to pay to transfer aliability, in an orderly (ie unforced) transaction between independent, knowledgeable and willingmarket participants at the measurement date.
As fair value is a market-based measure, the closest equivalent observable market pricing informationis used to determine fair value. Adjustments to market values may be made having regard to thecharacteristics of the specific asset. The fair values of assets that are not traded in an active marketare determined using one or more valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise, to theextent possible, the use of observable market data.
To the extent possible, market information is extracted from either the principal market for the asset (iethe market with the greatest volume and level of activity for the asset or, in the absence of such amarket, the most advantageous market available to the entity at the end of the reporting period (ie themarket that maximises the receipts from the sale of the asset after taking into account transactioncosts and transport costs).
For non-financial assets, the fair value measurement also takes into account a market participant’sability to use the asset in its highest and best use or to sell it to another market participant that woulduse the asset in its highest and best use.
Fair Value Hierarchy
AASB 13 requires the disclosure of fair value information by level of the fair value hierarchy, whichcategorises fair value measurement into one of three possible levels based on the lowest level that aninput that is significant to the measurement can be categorised into as follows:
Level 1Measurements based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilitiesthat the entity can access at the measurement date.
Level 2Measurements based on inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable forthe asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.
Level 3Measurements based on unobservable inputs for the asset or liability.
The fair values of assets and liabilities that are not traded in an active market are determined usingone or more valuation techniques. These valuation techniques maximise, to the extent possible, theuse of observable market data. If all significant inputs required to measure fair value are observable,the asset or liability is included in Level 2. If one or more significant inputs are not based onobservable market data, the asset or liability is included in Level 3.
City of Palmerston Page N5
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)(f)
Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities (Continued)
Valuation techniquesThe Council selects a valuation technique that is appropriate in the circumstances and for whichsufficient data is available to measure fair value. The availability of sufficient and relevant dataprimarily depends on the specific characteristics of the asset or liability being measured. The valuationtechniques selected by the Council are consistent with one or more of the following valuationapproaches:
Market approachValuation techniques that use prices and other relevant information generated by market transactionsfor identical or similar assets or liabilities.
Income approachValuation techniques that convert estimated future cash flows or income and expenses into a singlediscounted present value.
Cost approachValuation techniques that reflect the current replacement cost of an asset at its current servicecapacity.
Valuation techniques
Each valuation technique requires inputs that reflect the assumptions that buyers and sellers woulduse when pricing the asset or liability, including assumptions about risks. When selecting a valuationtechnique, the Council gives priority to those techniques that maximise the use of observable inputsand minimise the use of unobservable inputs. Inputs that are developed using market data (such aspublicly available information on actual transactions) and reflect the assumptions that buyers andsellers would generally use when pricing the asset or liability and considered observable, whereasinputs for which market data is not available and therefore are developed using the best informationavailable about such assumptions are considered unobservable.
(g) Impairment of Assets
In accordance with Australian Accounting Standards the Council’s assets, other than inventories, areassessed at each reporting date to determine whether there is any indication they may be impaired.
Where such an indication exists, an impairment test is carried out on the asset by comparing therecoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and valuein use, to the asset’s carrying amount.
Any excess of the asset’s carrying amount over its recoverable amount is recognised immediately inprofit or loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount in accordance with another standard(e.g. AASB 116) whereby any impairment loss of a revalued asset is treated as a revaluation decreasein accordance with that other standard.
For non-cash generating assets such as roads, drains, public buildings and the like, value in use isrepresented by the depreciated replacement cost of the asset.
(h) Trade and Other Payables
Trade and other payables represent liabilities for goods and services provided to the Council prior tothe end of the financial year that are unpaid and arise when the Council becomes obliged to makefuture payments in respect of the purchase of these goods and services. The amounts are unsecured,are recognised as a current liability and are normally paid within 30 days of recognition.
City of Palmerston Page N6
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(i) Employee Benefits
Short-Term Employee BenefitsProvision is made for the Council’s obligations for short-term employee benefits. Short-term employeebenefits are benefits (other than termination benefits) that are expected to be settled wholly before 12months after the end of the annual reporting period in which the employees render the related service,including wages, salaries and sick leave. Short-term employee benefits are measured at the(undiscounted) amounts expected to be paid when the obligation is settled.
The Council’s obligations for short-term employee benefits such as wages, salaries and sick leave arerecognised as a part of current trade and other payables in the statement of financial position. TheCouncil’s obligations for employees’ annual leave and long service leave entitlements are recognisedas provisions in the statement of financial position.
Other Long-Term Employee Benefits
Provision is made for employees’ long service leave and annual leave entitlements not expected to besettled wholly within 12 months after the end of the annual reporting period in which the employeesrender the related service. Other long-term employee benefits are measured at the present value ofthe expected future payments to be made to employees. Expected future payments incorporateanticipated future wage and salary levels, durations or service and employee departures and arediscounted at rates determined by reference to market yields at the end of the reporting period ongovernment bonds that have maturity dates that approximate the terms of the obligations. Anyremeasurements for changes in assumptions of obligations for other long-term employee benefits arerecognised in profit or loss in the periods in which the changes occur.
The Council’s obligations for long-term employee benefits are presented as non-current provisions inits statement of financial position, except where the Council does not have an unconditional right todefer settlement for at least 12 months after the end of the reporting period, in which case theobligations are presented as current provisions.
(j) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Council has a present legal or constructive obligation, as a resultof past events, for which it is probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflowcan be reliably measured.
Provisions are measured using the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation at theend of the reporting period.
(k) Leases
Leases of fixed assets where substantially all the risks and benefits incidental to the ownership of theasset, but not legal ownership, are transferred to the Council, are classified as finance leases.
Finance leases are capitalised recording an asset and a liability at the lower amounts equal to the fairvalue of the leased property or the present value of the minimum lease payments, including anyguaranteed residual values. Lease payments are allocated between the reduction of the lease liabilityand the lease interest expense for the period.
Leased assets are depreciated on a straight live basis over the shorter of their estimated useful livesor the lease term.
Lease payments for operating leases, where substantially all the risks and benefits remain with thelessor, are charged as expenses in the periods in which they are incurred.
Lease incentives under operating leases are recognised as a liability and amortised on a straight linebasis over the life of the lease term.
City of Palmerston Page N7
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014
1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(l) Rates, Grants, Donations and Other Contributions
Rates, grants, donations and other contributions are recognised as revenues when the localgovernment obtains control over the assets comprising the contributions.
Control over assets acquired from rates is obtained at the commencement of the rating period or,where earlier, upon receipt of the rates.
Where contributions recognised as revenues during the reporting period were obtained on thecondition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, and thoseconditions were undischarged as at the reporting date, the nature of and amounts pertaining to thoseundischarged conditions are disclosed in Note 2. That note also discloses the amount of contributionsrecognised as revenues in a previous reporting period which were obtained in respect of the localgovernment’s operations for the current reporting period.
(m) Superannuation
The Council contributes to a number of Superannuation Funds on behalf of employees.
All funds to which the Council contributes are defined contribution plans.
(n) Current and Non-Current Classification
In the determination of whether an asset or liability is current or non-current, consideration is given tothe time when each asset or liability is expected to be settled. The asset or liability is classified ascurrent if it is expected to be settled within the next 12 months, being the Council’s operational cycle.In the case of liabilities where the Council does not have the unconditional right to defer settlementbeyond 12 months, such as vested long service leave, the liability is classified as current even if notexpected to be settled within the next 12 months. Inventories held for trading are classified as currenteven if not expected to be realised in the next 12 months except for land held for sale where it is heldas non-current based on the Council’s intentions to release for sale.
(o) Rounding Off Figures
All figures shown in this annual financial report, are rounded to the nearest dollar.
(p) Comparative Figures
Where required, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation forthe current financial year.
When the Council applies an accounting policy retrospectively, makes a retrospective restatement orreclassifies items in its financial statement, an additional (third) statement of financial position as atthe beginning of the preceding period in addition to the minimum comparative financial statements ispresented.
City of Palmerston Page N8
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 20141. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(q) New Accounting Standards and Interpretations for Application in Future Periods
The AASB has issued a number of new and amended Accounting Standards and Interpretations that have mandatory application dates for future reporting periods,some of which are relevant to the Council.
Management’s assessment of the new and amended pronouncements that are relevant to the Council, applicable to future reporting periods and which have notyet been adopted are set out as follows.
Title Issued /Compiled
Applicable(1)
Impact
(i) AASB 9 – Financial Instruments December2013
1 January2017
Nil – The objective of this Standard is to improve and simplify theapproach for classification and measurement of financial assetscompared with the requirements of AASB 139. Given the nature ofthe financial assets of the Council, it is not anticipated the standardwill have any material effect.
(ii) AASB 2010 – 7 Amendments to AustralianAccounting Standards arising fromAASB 9 (December 2010)
[AASB 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 101, 102, 108, 112,118, 120, 121, 127, 128, 131, 132, 136,137, 139, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations2, 5, 10, 12, 19 & 127]
December2013
1 January2017
Nil – The revisions embodied in this standard give effect to theconsequential changes arising from the issuance of AASB 9 which isnot anticipated to have any material effect on the Council (refer (i)above).
(iii) AASB 2011 – 7 Amendments to AustralianAccounting Standards arising from theConsolidation and Joint ArrangementStandards [Not-For-Profit entities]
[AASB 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 2009-11, 101, 107,112, 118, 121, 124, 132, 133, 131, 138,139, 1023 & 1038 and Interpretations 5,9, 16 & 17]
December2012
1 January2014
Consequential changes to various standards arising from theissuance of AASB 10, 11, 12, 127 and 128.
It is not expected to have a significant impact on Council.
(iv) AASB 2012-3: Amendments to AustralianAccounting Standards – OffsettingFinancial Assets and Financial Liabilities
[AASB 132]
June 2012 1 January2014
This Standard adds application guidance to AASB 132: FinancialInstruments: Presentation to address potential inconsistenciesidentified in applying some of the offsetting criteria of AASB 132,including clarifying the meaning of “currently has a legally enforceableright of set-off” and that some gross settlement systems may beconsidered equivalent to net settlement.
This Standard is not expected to significantly impact the Council’sfinancial statements.
City of Palmerston Page N9
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2014SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
New Accounting Standards and Interpretations for Application in Future Periods (Continued)
Title and topic Issued /Compiled
Applicable(1)
Impact
(v) AASB 2013-3: Amendments to AASB 136– Recoverable Amount Disclosures forNon-Financial Assets
June 2013 1 January2014
This standard makes amendments to AASB 136 and includesrequirements to disclose additional information when present valuetechniques are used to measure the recoverable amount of impairedassets.
It is not expected to have a significant impact on Council.
(vi) AASB 2013-8: Amendments to AustralianAccounting Standards – AustralianImplementation Guidance for Not-for-Profit Entities – Control and StructuredEntities
[AASB 10, 12 & 1049]
October2013
1 January2014
This standard adds Appendix E to AASB 10 to provideimplementation guidance for Not-for-Profit entities regarding controlcriteria from the perspective of not-for-profit entities.
It is not expected to have a significant impact on Council.
(vii) AASB 2013-9: Amendments to AustralianAccounting Standards – ConceptualFramework, Materiality and FinancialInstruments
[Operative dates: Part A ConceptualFramework – 20 December 2013; PartB Materiality – 1 January 2014; Part CFinancial Instruments – 1 January2015]
December2013
Refer Titlecolumn
Part A of this standard makes various editorial corrections toAustralian Accounting Standards.
Part B of this standard deletes references to AASB 1031 in variousAustralian Accounting Standards in advance of the withdrawal ofAASB 1031.
Part C of this standard makes consequential amendments to AASB9 and numerous other standards and amends the permissionsaround certain applications relating to financial liabilities reissued atfair value.
As the bulk of changes related either to editorial or referencechanges it is not expected to have a significant impact on Council.
Notes:
(1) Applicable to reporting periods commencing on or after the given date.
City of Palmerston Page N10
CITY OF PALMERSTON
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 20141. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
(r) Adoption of New and Revised Accounting Standards
During the current year, the Council adopted all of the new and revised Australian AccountingStandards and Interpretations which were compiled, became mandatory and which were applicableto its operations.
These new and revised standards were:
AASB 10
AASB 11
AASB 12
AASB 119
AASB 127
AASB 128
AASB 2011 - 7
AASB 2011 - 9
AASB 2011 – 10
AASB 2012 – 2
AASB 2012 – 3
AASB 2012 – 5
AASB 2012 - 10
Most of the standards adopted had a minimal effect on the accounting and reporting practices of theCouncil as they did not have a significant impact on the accounting or reporting practices or wereeither not applicable, largely editorial in nature, were revisions to help ensure consistency withpresentation, recognition and measurement criteria of IFRSs or related to topics not relevant tooperations.
for the year ended 30 June 2014
2014 2013Notes $ $
RATES REVENUES
General Rates
Residential 13,387,201 12,035,884
Commercial 1,473,086 1,351,336
Industrial 360,807 342,222
Rates received in advance 87,437 103,972
Other 35,642 47,495
15,344,173 13,880,909
Annual Charges
Waste Management Service 4,739,916 4,314,191
4,739,916 4,314,191
20,084,089 18,195,100
STATUTORY CHARGES
Animal registration fees & fines 33,320 40,726
Parking fines / expiation fees 126,798 104,613
Other fines, penalties & expiations 48,610 46,893
Sundry - 119,148
208,728 311,380
USER CHARGES
Developer Charges 199,736 146,756
Animal Control 79,365 83,670
Rent & Hire of Council Equipment 234,243 328,711
Library 73,426 67,181
Rate Searches & Dog Registrations 332,404 322,939
Licences & Permits 59,296 36,730
Sundry 28,320 30,522
1,006,790 1,016,509
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest on investments
Banks & other 1,387,968 1,659,349
interest on overdue rates & charges 81,605 83,376
1,469,573 1,742,725
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 2 - INCOME
City of Palmerston Page N1
for the year ended 30 June 2014
NOTE 2 - INCOME (continued)
2014 2013
Notes $ $
REIMBURSEMENTS
- for private works 41,540 61,405
- other 6,224 5,703
47,764 67,108
OTHER INCOME
Insurance & other recoupments - infrastructure,
property, plant & equipment 11,739 38,568
Compensation received 126,000 -
Sundry 4,093 409
141,832 38,977
GRANTS, SUBSIDIES, CONTRIBUTIONS
Other grants, subsidies and contributions 2,184,520 2,427,773
Individually significant item - see
below- 702,982
2,184,520 3,130,755
The functions to which these grants relate are shown in Note 12.
Sources of grants
Commonwealth government 498,741 400,998
Northern Territory government 1,333,773 2,317,260
Other 352,006 412,497
2,184,520 3,130,755
Individually Significant Item
- 702,982
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
City of Palmerston
In June 2013 Council has received prepayment of Federal Assistance Grants for the following financial year from the Grants Commission. Those prepayments have not been received in 2014.
City of Palmerston Page N1
for the year ended 30 June 2014
NOTE 2 - INCOME (continued)
2014 2013
Notes $ $
Conditions over grants & contributions
Unexpended at the close of the previous reporting period 5,108,636 5,012,965
(2,728,296 ) (2,730,437 )
(194,876 ) (304,647 )
Subtotal (2,923,172 ) (3,035,084 )
1,845,466 2,741,668
339,054 389,087
Subtotal 2,184,520 3,130,755
4,369,984 5,108,636
(738,652 ) 95,671
PHYSICAL RESOURCES RECEIVED FREE OF CHARGE
Land 2,575,000 -
Irrigation 187,402 -
Street Funriture 75,000 -
TOTAL PHYSICAL RESOURCES RECEIVED 2,837,402 -
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Grants and contributions which were obtained on the condition that they be expended for
specified purposes or in a future period, but which are not yet expended in accordance with those
conditions, are as follows:
Net increase (decrease) in assets subject to conditions
in the current reporting period
Government Grants
Developer Contributions
Less: expended during the current period from
revenues recognised in previous reporting periods
Plus: amounts recognised as revenues in this reporting
period but not yet expended in accordance with the
conditions
Unexpended at the close of this reporting period and
held as restricted assets
Government Grants
Developer Contributions
City of Palmerston
City of Palmerston Page N13
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 3 - EXPENSES
2014 2013
Notes $ $
EMPLOYEE COSTS
Salaries and Wages 4,436,868 4,055,620
Employee leave expense 761,644 682,006
Superannuation - defined contribution plan contributions 488,585 413,728
Workers' Compensation Insurance 103,170 77,716
Other 156,115 106,357
Total Operating Employee Costs 5,946,382 5,335,427
Total Number of Employees 63 63
(Full time equivalent at end of reporting period)
MATERIALS, CONTRACTS & OTHER EXPENSES
Prescribed Expenses
Auditor's Remuneration
- Auditing the financial reports 30,473 20,046
Bad and Doubtful Debts - (62,673)
Elected members' expenses 344,986 299,279
Operating Lease Rentals - non-cancellable leases
- minimum lease payments 85,766 88,894
Subtotal - Prescribed Expenses 461,225 345,546
Other Materials, Contracts & Expenses
Contractors 10,840,221 11,105,716
Energy 1,062,258 1,039,676
Legal Expenses 112,853 101,349
Professional services 1,081,727 910,616
Sundry 3,368,734 3,032,769
Subtotal - Other Materials, Contracts & Expenses 16,465,793 16,190,126
16,927,018 16,535,672
City of Palmerston Page N1
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 3 - EXPENSES (cont)
2014 2013
Notes $ $
DEPRECIATION, AMORTISATION & IMPAIRMENT
Depreciation
Land - -
Land Improvements 817,775 620,281
Buildings 556,164 889,537
Infrastructure
- Roads Pavements 2,324,072 2,668,053
- Kerbs & Guttering 394,688 501,630
- Footpaths & Cycleways 349,974 317,059
- Stormwater Drainage 1,407,414 894,299
- Water & Irrigation 634,919 219,088
Other Assets 366,833 351,820
6,851,839 6,461,767
City of Palmerston Page N15
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 4 - ASSET DISPOSAL & FAIR VALUE ADJUSTMENTS
2014 2013
Notes $ $
INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
Assets renewed or directly replaced
Proceeds from disposal 64,379 9,091
Less: Carrying amount of assets sold 7 131,803 107,432
Gain (Loss) on disposal (67,424) (98,341)
NET GAIN (LOSS) ON DISPOSAL OR REVALUATION
OF ASSETS (67,424) (98,341)
City of Palmerston Page N16
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 5 - CURRENT ASSETS2014 2013
CASH & EQUIVALENT ASSETS Notes $ $
Cash on Hand and at Bank 3,956,691 3,115,979
Short Term Deposits & Bills, etc 28,649,359 30,645,543
32,606,050 33,761,522
TRADE & OTHER RECEIVABLES
Rates - General & Other 376,645 441,477
Accrued Revenues 577,139 403,741
Debtors - general 38,294 88,424
Other levels of Government 1,943 2,118
GST Recoupment 9,986 75,166
Prepayments 110,412 82,655
Sundry 221,704 190,135
Total 1,336,123 1,283,716
City of Palmerston Page N17
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 6 - NON-CURRENT ASSETS2014 2013
FINANCIAL ASSETS Notes $ $
Capital Works-in-Progress
Opening Balance 207,178 2,250
Additions 1,557,418 207,178
Transfers to Property, Plant, Equipment (196,558) (2,250)
1,568,038 207,178
City of Palmerston Page N18
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
AT FAIR
VALUEAT COST ACCUM DEP'N
CARRYING
AMOUNT
AT FAIR
VALUEAT COST ACCUM DEP'N
CARRYING
AMOUNT
Note 7 - INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
Land 2 - 111,014,186 - 111,014,186 122,180,000 2,575,000 - 124,755,000
Land Improvements 3 - 19,608,805 (8,478,389) 11,130,416 19,168,566 164,366 (9,289,482) 10,043,450
Buildings 3 - 34,557,079 (10,129,226) 24,427,853 26,491,294 182,926 (9,316,766) 17,357,454
Infrastructure
- Roads & Pavement 3 - 80,153,523 (30,420,573) 49,732,950 91,767,126 1,822,941 (42,013,633) 51,576,434
- Kerbs & Gutter 3 - 24,800,108 (9,673,627) 15,126,481 27,623,469 - (15,471,639) 12,151,830
- Footpaths and Cycleways 3 - 12,743,563 (5,704,654) 7,038,909 15,969,165 275,424 (9,562,808) 6,681,781
- Stormwater Drainage 3 - 78,119,370 (18,970,550) 59,148,820 125,941,658 476,878 (58,285,021) 68,133,515
- Water & Irrigation 3 - 5,017,388 (2,641,394) 2,375,994 8,974,568 362,256 (5,486,664) 3,850,160
Other assets 2 - 2,566,606 (1,446,824) 1,119,782 - 2,321,091 (1,460,707) 860,384
TOTAL PROPERTY, PLANT &
EQUIPMENT - 368,580,628 (87,465,237) 281,115,391 438,115,846 8,180,882 (150,886,720) 295,410,008
Comparatives 366,786,857 (81,136,667) 285,650,190 - 368,580,628 (87,465,237) 281,115,391
This Note continues on the following pages.
Fair
Value
Level
2013
$
2014
$
City of Palmerston Page N19
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
2013 2014
$ $
New/Upgrade Renewals
Land 111,014,186 - - - - 2,575,000 11,165,814 124,755,000
Land Improvements 11,130,416 113,825 50,546 - (817,775) - (433,562) 10,043,450
Buildings 24,427,853 74,843 108,094 - (556,164) - (6,697,172) 17,357,454
Infrastructure - - - - - - - -
- Roads & Pavement 49,732,950 540,685 473,066 - (2,324,072) 75,000 3,078,805 51,576,434
- Kerbs & Gutter 15,126,481 - - - (394,688) - (2,579,963) 12,151,830
- Footpaths and Cycleways 7,038,909 193,922 81,507 - (349,974) - (282,583) 6,681,781
- Stormwater Drainage 59,148,820 476,883 - - (1,407,414) - 9,915,226 68,133,515
- Water & Irrigation 2,375,994 362,280 - - (634,919) 187,402 1,559,403 3,850,160
Other assets 1,119,782 239,237 - (131,802) (366,833) - - 860,384
TOTAL INFRASTRUCTURE,
PROPERTY, PLANT &
EQUIPMENT
281,115,391 2,001,675 713,213 (131,802) (6,851,839) 2,837,402 15,725,968 295,410,008
Comparatives 285,650,190 1,833,867 200,534 (107,433) (6,461,767) 281,115,391
This Note continues on the following pages.
Note 7 - INFRASTRUCTURE, PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
CARRYING AMOUNT MOVEMENTS DURING YEAR
$
CARRYING
AMOUNTDisposals Depreciation
AdditionsTransfers
Net
Revaluation
CARRYING
AMOUNT
City of Palmerston Page N20
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 8 - LIABILITIES2014 2013
$ $
TRADE & OTHER PAYABLES Notes Current Non-current Current Non-current
Goods & Services 74,507 516,380
Accrued expenses - employee entitlements 3,069 107,177
Accrued expenses - other 2,449,375 1,565,765
Deposits, Retentions & Bonds 334,425 112,012
Other 6,705 4,177
2,868,081 - 2,305,511 -
PROVISIONS
Employee entitlements (including oncosts) 519,254 327,229 500,757 269,886
519,254 327,229 500,757 269,886
City of Palmerston Page N21
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 9 - RESERVES
ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE 1/07/2013Net Increments
(Decrements)
Transfers,
Impairments30/06/2014
Notes $ $ $ $
Land 102,746,306 11,667,815 114,414,121
Land Improvements 7,737,221 (433,563 ) 7,303,658
Buildings 12,847,369 (7,199,173 ) 5,648,196
Infrastructure
- Roads Pavements 34,292,851 3,078,805 37,371,656
- Kerbs & Guttering 7,131,327 (2,579,963 ) 4,551,364
- Footpaths & Cycleways 4,475,505 (282,583 ) 4,192,922
- Stormwater Drainage 35,556,100 9,915,225 45,471,325
Waste Infrastructure 2,904,588 1,559,404 4,463,992
Other Assets 28,991 28,991
Total Infrastructure, Property,
Plant & Equipment207,720,258 15,725,967 223,446,225
Available for Sale Investments
TOTAL 207,720,258 15,725,967 223,446,225
Comparatives 207,720,258 207,720,258
OTHER RESERVES1/07/2013
Transfers to
Reserve
Transfers from
Reserve30/06/2014
Property Reserve 4,870,044 131,331 5,001,375
Plant & Equipment Reserve 1,258,618 32,833 1,291,451
Infrastructure Reserve 17,198,438 492,491 (406,049 ) 17,284,880
Developer Funds in Lieu of Construction 3,850,936 339,054 (264,023 ) 3,925,967
Unexpended Capital Expenditure 1,820,442 3,912,567 (1,820,442 ) 3,912,567
Unexpended Grants 1,257,699 1,833,514 (2,712,696 ) 378,517
Election Expenses 150,000 150,000
Storm/Cyclone Damage 500,000 500,000
Strategic Initiatives 420,000 164,605 (84,605 ) 500,000
Community Grants Reserve 91,534 15,809 107,343
TOTAL OTHER RESERVES 31,417,711 6,922,204 (5,287,815 ) 33,052,100
Comparatives 31,973,875 34,760,917 (35,317,081 ) 31,417,711
City of Palmerston Page N2
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 9 - RESERVES (cont.)
PURPOSES OF RESERVES
Property Reserve
Plant and Equipment Reserve
Infrastructure Reserve
Election Expense Reserve
Strategic Initiatives Reserve
Community Grants Reserve
Developer Funds Reserve
Unexpended Capital Works ReserveThis reserve holds the balance of unexpended capital works funds that are
requested to be carried forward to the following financial year.
Disaster Recovery Reserve
This reserve will fund expenses occurred due to storms, storm surges, floods
or any other natural disaster. The fund will enable City of Palmerston to
recover from these disasters and return to operations.
This reserve will fund strategic initiatives for the future development of the
City of Palmerston in line with the Municipal Plan and the Long-term Financial
Plan. Specific initiatives have to be identified and funds have to be allocated
to those.
This reserve is in line with the Grants, Scholarship and Sponsorship Policy
(FIN18) of the Council and holds funds that have been committed to
initiatives in line with that policy and have not been expensed at the End of
Financial Year.
This reserve holds the balance of unexpended funds in lieu of construction
received by developers. Restrictions to these funds apply in line with
individual developer agreements.
The reserve holds funding for renewal, replacement or upgrading of existing
assets and/or the establishment of new assets in line with Council’s Asset
Management Plan for Property.
The reserve holds funding for renewal, replacement or upgrading of existing
assets and/or the establishment of new assets in line with Council’s Asset
Management Plan for Plant and Equipment.
The reserve holds funding for renewal, replacement or upgrading of existing
assets and/or the establishment of new assets in line with Council’s Asset
Management Plan for Infrastructure.
The reserve will fund expenses related to Local Government elections and By-
Elections.
Asset Revaluation Reserve
The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and decrements arising from changes in fair value of non-
current assets and available-for-sale financial assets.
Other Reserves
These are cash backed reserves and represent funds that are accumulated within the Council to meet anticipated future
needs. In each case the amount relates to a perceived future requirement which is not currently a liability.
City of Palmerston Page N23
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
2014 2013
CASH & FINANCIAL ASSETS Notes $ $
Unexpended amounts received from Federal Government 3,649 169,992
Unexpended amounts received from Territory Government or other
institutions 374,869 1,087,708
Developer Funds for works in lieu of construction 3,925,967 3,850,936
4,304,485 5,108,636
TOTAL ASSETS SUBJECT TO EXTERNALLY
IMPOSED RESTRICTIONS4,304,485 5,108,636
Note 10 - ASSETS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS
The uses of the following assets are restricted, wholly or partially, by legislation or other externally imposed requirements. The assets are required to be utilised for the purposes for which control was transferred to Council, or for which the revenues were originally obtained.
City of Palmerston Page N24
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 11 - RECONCILIATION TO CASH FLOW STATEMENT
(a) Reconciliation of Cash
2014 2013
Notes $ $
Total cash & equivalent assets 5 32,606,050 33,761,522
Balances per Cash Flow Statement 32,606,050 33,761,522
(b) Reconciliation of Change in Net Assets to Cash
from Operating Activities
Net Surplus (Deficit) (1,811,965) (3,928,653)
Non-cash items in Income Statement Depreciation, amortisation & impairment 6,851,839 6,461,767
Net increase (decrease) in unpaid employee benefits (28,268) 84,524
Change in allowances for under-recovery - (62,673)
Non-cash asset acquisitions (2,837,402)
Net (Gain) Loss on Disposals 67,424 98,341
2,241,628 2,653,306
Add (Less): Changes in Net Current Assets Net (increase) decrease in receivables (52,407) 788,944
Net increase (decrease) in trade & other payables 666,678 59,884
Net Cash provided by (or used in) operations 2,855,899 3,502,134
(c) Non-Cash Financing and Investing Activities
Acquisition of assets by means of:
- Physical resources received free of charge 2 2,837,402 -
Amounts recognised in Income Statement 2,837,402 -
(d) Financing Arrangements
Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:Bank OverdraftsCorporate Credit Cards 56,000 40,000
Cash Assets 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 Cash Flow Statement is reconciled to the related items in the Statement of Financial Position as follows:
The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the bank without notice.
City of Palmerston Page N25
REVENUES, EXPENSES AND ASSETS HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTED TO THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS & ACTIVITIES
PUBLIC ORDER & SAFETY
BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL
2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
OPERATING REVENUES
Rates 15,239,511 15,344,173 13,880,909 - - - - - - 4,692,265 4,739,916 4,314,191 - - -
Statutory & User Charges 268,780 158,354 303,052 518,089 570,430 654,520 178,000 199,962 165,779 - - - - - -
Grants - NT recurrent 290,753 336,347 660,963 - - - 379,430 416,083 777,879 - - - - - -
Grants - Cwlth recurrent - - - - - - 373,000 372,977 337,977 - - - - - -
Contributions & Donations - - 10,000 - - - 212,603 351,418 395,632 - - - - - 6,865
Investment Income 1,327,100 1,445,150 1,718,888 - - - - - - 21,950 24,423 23,837 - - -
Reimbursements & Other Revenues 155,433 148,056 43,385 - - - 46,830 41,540 61,405 - - - - - -
Total 17,281,577 17,432,080 16,617,197 518,089 570,430 654,520 1,189,863 1,381,980 1,738,672 4,714,215 4,764,339 4,338,028 - - 6,865
OPERATING EXPENSES
Employee Costs 3,794,795 3,679,668 3,290,488 571,400 577,132 509,638 282,110 337,764 293,129 57,675 76,681 68,657 - - 34,806
Materials, Contracts & Other 3,608,157 3,356,705 2,440,456 157,747 160,676 115,224 2,695,473 2,700,634 3,270,166 5,349,813 5,396,300 5,100,326 652,070 602,711 617,874
Depreciation, Amortisation, Impairment 6,476,000 873,226 291,257 - - 3,320 - 4,476,150 3,697,141 - 634,919 - - - 974,707
Total 13,878,952 7,909,599 6,022,201 729,147 737,808 628,182 2,977,583 7,514,548 7,260,436 5,407,488 6,107,900 5,168,983 652,070 602,711 1,627,387
TOTALS 3,402,625 9,522,481 10,594,996 (211,058) (167,378) 26,338 (1,787,720) (6,132,568) (5,521,764) (693,273) (1,343,561) (830,955) (652,070) (602,711) (1,620,522)
TOTAL ASSETS UTILISED 38,246,429 40,398,014 18,512 47,887 216,163,626 218,350,010 33,241,050 24,120,012
BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL ACTUAL
2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2014 2013
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
OPERATING REVENUES
Rates - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 19,931,776 20,084,089 18,195,100
Statutory & User Charges - - - 236,910 286,772 204,538 - - - - - - - - 1,201,779 1,215,518 1,327,889
Grants - NT recurrent - - - 579,884 579,543 783,338 - - - 1,000 1,800 1,800 - - 1,251,067 1,333,773 2,223,980
Grants - Cwlth recurrent - - - 128,995 126,352 153,021 - - - - - - - - 501,995 499,329 490,998
Contributions & Donations - - - - - 3,280 - - - - - - - - 212,603 351,418 415,777
Investment Income - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1,349,050 1,469,573 1,742,725
Reimbursements & Other Revenues - - - - - 1,295 - - - - - - - - 202,263 189,596 106,085
Total - - - 945,789 992,667 1,145,472 - - - 1,000 1,800 1,800 - - 24,650,533 25,143,296 24,502,554
OPERATING EXPENSES
Employee Costs - - - 1,367,460 1,275,136 1,138,709 - - - - - - - - 6,073,440 5,946,381 5,335,427
Materials, Contracts & Other - - - 5,209,443 4,700,377 4,982,034 - - - 10,300 9,615 9,592 - - 17,683,003 16,927,018 16,535,672
Depreciation, Amortisation, Impairment - - - - 867,545 1,488,409 - - - - - 6,933 - - 6,476,000 6,851,840 6,461,767
Total - - - 6,576,903 6,843,058 7,609,152 - - - 10,300 9,615 16,525 - - 30,232,443 29,725,239 28,332,866
TOTALS - - - (5,631,114) (5,850,391) (6,463,680) - - - (9,300) (7,815) (14,725) - - (5,581,910) (4,581,943) (3,830,312)
TOTAL ASSETS UTILISED 41,678,083 31,472,022 1,572,519 1,979,861 330,920,219 316,367,806
HEALTH
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 12 - FUNCTIONS
EDUCATION
GENERAL PUBLIC SERVICES ECONOMIC AFFAIRS HOUSING & COMMUNITY AMENITIESENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TOTALELIMINATIONSSOCIAL PROTECTIONRECREATION, CULTURE & RELIGION
City of Palmerston Page N26
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Accounting Policies
Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful
debts. An allowance for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed
annually) when collection in full is no longer probable.
Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal value.
Terms & conditions: Amounts due have been calculated in accordance with
the terms and conditions of the respective programs following advice of
approvals, and do not bear interest. All amounts are due by Departments and
Agencies of the Governments of the Commonwealth & Territory.
Terms & conditions: Unsecured, and do not bear interest. Although Council
is not materially exposed to any individual debtor, credit risk exposure is
concentrated within the Council's boundaries.
Note: Certain of the above receivables do not meet the definition of financial instruments , being statutory charges rather
than arising from a contract. Accounting policies are reported here for purposes of completeness but they are excluded
from the remainder of the Note.
Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance).
Carrying amount: approximates fair value (after deduction of any allowance).
Receivables - Rates & Associated
Charges (including legals & penalties for
late payment)
Receivables - Fees & other charges
Accounting Policy: Carried at nominal values less any allowance for doubtful
debts. An allowance for doubtful debts is recognised (and re-assessed
annually) when collection in full is no longer probable.
Receivables - other levels of government
Carrying amount: approximates fair value.
Terms & conditions: Secured over the subject land, arrears attract interest of
18% (2013: 18%) Although Council is not materially exposed to any individual
debtor, credit risk exposure is concentrated within the Council's boundaries in
the Territory.
Note 13 - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Terms & conditions: Deposits are returning fixed interest rates between
2.80% and 3.95% (2013: 2.80% and 4.64%). Short term deposits have an
average maturity of 152 days and an average interest rates of 3.85% (2013:
124 days, 4.39%).
Accounting Policy: Carried at lower of cost and net realiseable value; Interest
is recognised when earned.
Bank, Deposits at Call, Short Term
Deposits
Carrying amount: approximates fair value due to the short term to maturity.
Accounting Policy: Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the
future for goods and services received, whether or not billed to the Council.
Liabilities - Creditors and Accruals
Carrying amount: approximates fair value.
Terms & conditions: Liabilities are normally settled on 30 day terms.
Note: The above summary of contribution plans represents the total of Council's individual
City of Palmerston Page N2
Note 13 (cont) - FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTSLiquidity Analysis
Due < 1 year
Due > 1
year;< 5
years
Due > 5
years
Total
Contractual
Cash Flows
Carrying
Values
$ $ $ $ $
Financial Assets
Cash & equivalents 32,606,050 32,606,050 32,606,050
Receivables 839,080 839,080 839,080
Other financial assets - - -
Total 33,445,130 - - 33,445,130 33,445,130
Financial Liabilities
Payables 2,868,081 2,868,081 2,868,081
Current Borrowings - -
Non-Current Borrowings - -
Total 2,868,081 - - 2,868,081 2,868,081
Financial Assets
Cash & equivalents 33,761,522 33,761,522 33,761,522
Receivables 684,418 684,418 684,418
Other financial assets - - -
Total 34,445,940 - - 34,445,940 34,445,940
Financial Liabilities
Payables 2,305,511 2,305,511 2,305,511
Current Borrowings - -
Non-Current Borrowings - -
Total 2,305,511 - - 2,305,511 2,305,511
Sensitvity Analysis Change to
risk variable Profit or Equity 2014 Profit or Equity 2013
interest Loss 2014 Loss 2013
+0.5% 163,030 163,030 168,808 168,808
-0.5% (163,030) (163,030) (168,808) (168,808)
Ageing of Receivables
Total Current 30-60 Days 61-90 Days 90+ DaysPast Due and
Impaired
2014 839,080 836,898 4,020 (5,902) 4,064 -
2013 684,418 660,007 23,056 664 691 -
Net Fair Value
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
City of Palmerston
Note: Statutory receivables, such as rates, have been excluded from the above tables.
2014
2013
All carrying values approximate fair value for all recognised financial instruments. There is no recognised market for the financial assets of the Council.
Risk Exposures Credit Risk represents the loss that would be recognised if counterparties fail to perform as contracted. The maximum credit risk on financial assets of the Council is the carrying amount, net of any provision for doubtful debts. In accordance with regulations, all Council investments are made with authorised deposit taking institutions. Except as detailed in Notes 5 & 6 in relation to individual classes of receivables, exposure is concentrated within the Council's boundaries, and there is no material exposure to any individual debtor. Market Risk is the risk that fair values of financial assets will fluctuate as a result of changes in market prices. All of Council's financial assets are denominated in Australian dollars and are not traded on any market, and hence neither market risk nor currency risk apply. Liquidity Risk is the risk that Council will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations with financial liabilities. Liabilities have a range of maturity dates based on cash inflows. Council also has available a range of bank overdraft and short-term draw down facilities that it can access. Interest Rate Risk is the risk that future cash flows will fluctuate because of changes in market interest rates. Most of Council's financial instruments - both assets and liabilities - are at fixed rates. Any such variations in future cash flows will not be material in effect on either Council incomes or expenditures.
City of Palmerston Page N28
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
2014 2013
Notes $ $
Capital Commitments
Buildings 5,342,626 -
Roads & Footpaths 2,182,765 -
7,525,391 -
These expenditures are payable:
Not later than one year 7,525,391 -
7,525,391 -
Other Expenditure Commitments
Other non-capital expenditure committed for in relation to investment properties:
Waste Management Services 8,891,068 5,699,716
Landscaping and Mowing 1,979,513 -
Civicl Works 627,629 -
Other 1,393,644 2,430,158
12,891,854 8,129,874
These expenditures are payable:
Not later than one year 4,962,834 4,441,329
Later than one year and not later than 5 years 7,929,020 3,688,545
12,891,854 8,129,874
Note 14 - COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE
Capital expenditure committed for at the reporting date but not recognised in the financial statements as liabilities:
City of Palmerston Page N29
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 15 - FINANCIAL INDICATORS
2014 2013 2012 2011
Current Ratio
Current Assets - Externally Restricted Assets 8.75:1 8.93:1 10.67:1 7.5:1
Current Liabilities
Debt Service Ratio
Net Debt Service Cost 0:01% 0:01% 0:01% 0:01%
Operating Revenue*
* as defined
Rate Coverage Percentage
Rate Revenues 61.03% 56.47% 53.63% 56.16%
Total Revenues
Rates & Annual Charges Outstanding
Percentage
Rates & Annual Charges Outstanding 2.39% 3.09% 3.70% 5.26%
Rates & Annual Charges Collectible
Increase in current year Rates & Associated Revenues compared with the previous year, expressed as a Net asset renewals expenditure is defined as net capital expenditure on the renewal and replacement of Together with the Debt Service Percentage, this indicator reflects the latent borrowing capacity available to Total carrying value of depreciable assets divided by total reported value of depreciable assets before
City of Palmerston Page N30
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Leases providing revenue to the Council
2014 2013
$ $
Not later than one year 170,774 96,414
Later than one year and not later than 5 years 1,805,293 102,389
Later than 5 years 2,602,600 -
4,578,667 198,803
Lease payment commitments of Council
2014 2013
$ $
Not later than one year 99,706 67,434
Later than one year and not later than 5 years 84,189 79,523
183,895 146,957
Note 16 - OPERATING LEASES
Council owns various buildings, plant and other facilities that are available for hire or lease (on a non-cancellable basis whereever practicable) in accordance with the published revenue policy. Rentals received from such leases are disclosed as rent and hire of non-investment property in Note 2. Investment Property Rentals received, and outgoings reimbursed, in relation to Investment Property are also disclosed in Note 2. These lease agreements, all of which are classified as operating leases, are made on a non-cancellable basis wherever practicable. Lessees commitments under all non-cancellable lease agreements, including those relating to Investment Property, are as follows:
Council has entered into non-cancellable operating leases for various items of computer and other plant and equipment. Contingent rental payments exist in relation to the lease of one grader if utilisation exceeds 250 hours during any month. No contingent rentals were paid during the current or previous reporting periods. No lease imposes any additional restrictions on Council in relation to additional debt or further leasing. Leases in relation to computer and office equipment permit Council, at expiry of the lease, to elect to re-lease, return or acquire the equipment leased. No lease contains any escalation clause. Commitments under non-cancellable operating leases that have not been recognised in the financial statements are as follows:
City of Palmerston Page N31
City of Palmerston
NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ended 30 June 2014
Note 17 - PRIOR PERIOD CORRECTIONS
Effect of the above:
Original
Balance
Amount of
Adjustment
Adjusted
Balance
1/07/2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Rates and Annual Charges 16,824,688 442,207 17,266,895
Total Income 24,226,857 442,207 24,669,064
Operating Surplus/(Deficit) (2,001,165) 442,207 (1,558,958)
Statement of Financial Position
Trade and other Payables 2,296,713 (442,207) 1,854,506
Total Current Liabilities 2,722,094 (442,207) 2,279,887
Net Assets 316,778,099 442,207 317,220,306
Accumulated Surplus 77,083,966 442,207 77,526,173
Total Equity 316,778,099 442,207 317,220,306
Statement of Changes in Equity
Net Results Total Comprehensive Income (2,044,211) 442,207 (1,602,004)
Accumulated Surpluses 77,083,966 442,207 77,526,173
Total Equity 316,778,099 442,207 317,220,306
2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income
Rates and Annual Charges 18,091,128 103,972 18,195,100
Total Income 24,398,582 103,972 24,502,554
Operating Surplus/(Deficit) (3,934,284) 103,972 (3,830,312)
Statement of Financial Position
Trade and other Payables 2,851,690 (546,179) 2,305,511
Total Current Liabilities 3,352,447 (546,179) 2,806,268
Net Assets 312,745,474 546,179 313,291,653
Accumulated Surplus 73,607,505 546,179 74,153,684
Total Equity 312,745,474 546,179 313,291,653
Statement of Changes in Equity
Net Results Total Comprehensive Income (4,032,625) 103,972 (3,928,653)
Accumulated Surpluses 73,607,505 546,179 74,153,684
Total Equity 312,745,474 546,179 313,291,653
Under AASB 1004 - Contributions BC19, rate income is classed as a involuntary non reciprocal transfer. Paragraph 30 states that control over assets acquired from rates would be obtained at the commencement of the rating period or, where earlier, upon receipt. Previously rate income collected for the following year have been deferred and recorded as a liability to the Council. This is not in line with AASB 1004 - Contributions and has been corrected this financial year and an adjustment made to previous periods commencing 1 July 2012.
City of Palmerston Page N32
ITEM NO. 13.1.2 Nomination to the Territory Natural Resource
Management Committee
FROM: Chief Executive Officer
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0576
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
Council’s Environment and Climate Change section of Technical Services provides a report to inform the Mayor and Aldermen of activities, bring to attention matters of general interest and provide response to matters that may have been to Council on a previous occasion.
Background:
The Environment and Climate Change area of Technical Services continues to respond to a variety of queries, surveys, reports, activities and events and initiates new opportunities to bring environmental priorities to the notice of those working within the organisation and beyond in the community
General:
TERRITORY NRM – Full Membership Opportunity for Council. Alderman Sue McKinnon has been Council’s Delegate to Territory Natural Resources Management since appointed by Council on 2 October 2012. Alderman McKinnon has indicated her wish to stand down from this position, due to other commitments. Therefore Council is requested to nominate a Delegate to continue Council’s representation on Territory NRM. To assist with an understanding of Territory NRM and what is involved with being appointed as Council’s Delegate, the following is provided. Territory NRM is the regional Natural Resource Management body for the Northern Territory. It is recognised by the Northern Territory Government as a premier group and relied on for NRM advice. Territory NRM has amended its Constitution and a request has come for an Alderman or staff representative to become the City of Palmerston member of their organisation. There is no charge for membership and indeed the main change has come about to strengthen links with Territory NRM.
Municipal Plan:
3. Environment & Infrastructure
3.1 Environment Sustainability
Territory NRM is a not-for-profit community sector organisation responsible for planning, coordinating and facilitating a strategic approach to natural resource management in the Territory. With offices located in Darwin, Katherine and Alice Springs, they work in partnership with landholders, Indigenous groups, community groups, pastoralists, non-government organisations, governments and businesses to achieve good NRM outcomes. Council currently has a good two-way relationship with this organisation in terms of sharing information and providing opportunities to work together for regional outcomes. Council has also in the past received advice in regards to potential grants that are available or been given support with community grant applications. In 2012 the Darwin-Palmerston Landcare collective was a successful applicant to the Australian Government Biodiversity Fund and the application received supportive information from Territory NRM with the application being submitted by Conservation Volunteers Australia NT. Palmerston’s Friends of Mitchell Creek Landcare Group benefitted from some of the grant funding received which in turn enabled the City of Palmerston’s biodiversity cover in the Mitchell Creek area to be enhanced. Why Join Territory Natural Resource Management? Territory NRM see their business now as much broader than delivering specific programs or projects and seek to enhance the sustainability of the Territory environment’s natural, cultural and economic values for the benefit of all Territorians. Within Council’s Sustainability Strategy 2013-2018 ‘Leading Actions for Council to Achieve Key Priorities’, under Objective 1 Sustainable Policy, Leadership and Reporting and Objective 4 Local Natural Environment and Objective 8 Education and Community Engagement and Objective 9 Sustainable Communities, The Strategy provides for developing links with external organisations promoting and working with environmental and climate change actions. What Territory NRM Do? 1. Provide strategic and integrated natural resource management planning 2. Identify and integrate NRM opportunities, activities and priorities 3. Support and fund on-ground NRM projects and activities 4. Encourage and support community participation in NRM decision making
and activities 5. Work in partnership with stakeholders and land managers 6. Build and broker partnerships and collaboration 7. Build and support peoples’ capacity to undertake successful NRM
8. Share NRM knowledge and encourage the valuing and appropriate use of all forms of knowledge
9. Advocate for integrated NRM and inform NRM policy and planning Becoming a member of Territory NRM Community input is essential for achieving the best outcomes in natural resource management. As a community organisation, they welcome community participation in all their activities. The Territory NRM membership body has been established to provide a direct link between the community and the Board of Territory NRM. Membership is open to all bodies corporate, associations and organisations which have an interest in natural resource management in the NT. A Member must be incorporated in the NT or represent residents of the NT. While every member of the community is invited to attend Territory NRM’s general meetings, only an organisation’s nominated Delegate is entitled to vote on the behalf of the organisation they represent. Benefits to being part of Territory NRM include: • Voting rights at the AGM • Influence of the regional NRM agenda • Networking: access to the regional network • Communication: receive information such as news, events and funding
opportunities and spread your organisation’s news to other organisations in the NT.
A Territory NRM Membership – Change of Delegate Form is attached.
Financial Implications:
Nil
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0576. 2. THAT Council nominate a City of Palmerston Member Delegate to Territory
NRM.
Recommending Officer: Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer
Author: Pam Robinson, Environment and Climate Change Strategic Planner Any queries on this report may be directed to Pam Robinson, Environment and Climate Change Strategic Planner on telephone (08) 8935 9927 or email [email protected]
Schedule of Attachments:
Attachment A: TNRM Membership – Change of Delegate Form
Membership
Change of delegate Important note This form is required to be completed and provided to the Secretariat 14 days prior to the annual general meeting or special general meeting if; • the change of delegate is permanent
Member name
Change of delegate
Current delegate name
Position
Delegate contact number
New delegate name
Position
Delegate contact number
Delegate email address
Signature new delegate Date
Authorisation of Member
Member authorisation name
Position
Contact number
Email address
Signature Date
Comments (if required)
TNRM - Acceptance
Signature of Secretariat
Print name Date
Please return to [email protected]
Membership – change of delegate Page 1 of 1 For more information please refer to the TNRM Constitution.
ITEM NO. 13.1.3 Design Concept for Lot 11423 Roystonea Avenue
FROM: Chief Executive Officer
REPORT NUMBER: 8/0579
MEETING DATE: 5 November 2014
Summary:
To consider a fee proposal from Roberts Day for a preliminary concept plan to be developed for Lot 11423, Roystonea Avenue to inform discussions on the site’s future potential that is consistent with the draft Palmerston City Centre Master Plan and the Parking Strategy. A map showing the location of Lot 11423 (shaded in orange) is attached for information – Attachment A.
Background:
Council has previously indicated its interest to the NT Government in acquiring Lot 11423 (previously referred to as Part Lot 8405). This was by way of a motion passed at the meeting held on 19 November 2013:-
- THAT Council discuss with the NT Government acquiring the Tourist Commercial (TC) Zone land adjoining the water park car park – Part Lot 8405.
A letter from the Department of Lands, Planning and the Environment (DLPE) acknowledging Council’s interest is attached for information – Attachment B. This letter indicates that the Department would be pleased to undertake further discussions with Council in relation to its proposal for development of the site. As indicated in an email to Elected Members dated 20 October 2014, the DLPE has requested council to provide a concept plan over Lot 11423 to guide the Expression of Interest for the release of this land which is scheduled for later this year. By providing a concept plan, it provides some surety that any future development of this site will align with the Palmerston City Centre Master Plan and Parking Strategy.
Municipal Plan:
2. Economic Development
2.3 City Planning
We are committed to effective and responsible city planning which balances and meets both residential and commercial needs in our community
General:
Given the DLPE are seeking to engage with Council’s Planning Consultants later this month over proposed development concepts for Lot 11423, a request was made to Roberts Day to provide a costing to prepare a concept plan for the site. It is anticipated the concept plan will give key considerations to access and movement, building footprint, land use and floor area, building heights and parking. A copy of the submission from Roberts Day is attached for consideration.
Financial Implications:
$9,000 (excluding GST) This cost can be funded from the Professional Services budget under the Office of the CEO
Legislation / Policy:
Palmerston City Centre Master Plan
RECOMMENDATION
1. THAT Council receives Report Number 8/0579. 2. THAT Council engage Roberts Day to prepare a preliminary concept plan over
Lot 11423 Roystonea Avenue to ensure the provisions of the Palmerston City Centre Master Plan are taken into consideration.
Recommending Officer: Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer
Any queries on this report may be directed to Ricki Bruhn, Chief Executive Officer on telephone (08) 8935 9902 or email [email protected].
Schedule of Attachments:
Attachment A – Location Map for Lot 11423 Roystonea Avenue Attachment B – Correspondence from the Department of Lands, Planning and
the Environment dated 7 April 2014 Attachment C – Fee Offer received from Roberts Day
ATTACHMENT A
ATTACHMENT B
ATTACHMENT C
CHIEF MINISTERMINISTER FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND REGIONS
Parliament House GPO Box 3146State Square Darwin NT 0801Darwin NT 0800 Telephone: 08 8928 [email protected] Facsimile: 08 8928 6577CITY OF PALMERSTON
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Mr Ian Abbott 2 2 OCT 20¼MayorCity of PalmerstonPO BOX 1PALMERSTON NT 0831
Dear IWÍyor
On 4 December 2013, the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly tabled the report,'2012 NT Council Elections', authored by the Northern Territory Electoral Commission(the Report).
The Report contains recommendations aimed at improving the administration of localgovemment elections in the Northern Territory.
A number of the recommendations, together with other reforms aimed at reducing thecost of elections for councils, are being progressed as part of a package of amendmentsto the Local Govemment Act and Local Govemment (Electoral) Regulations.
In particular, the proposed amendments seek to:
? change the timing of the next periodic general election to 2017 (and every four yearsafter that) and fix polling day to be the 4* Saturday in August;
? extend the period in which casual vacancies can be filled by appointment, rather thana by-election, to 18 months before a general election;
? give councils the flexibility to choose to conduct by-elections by themselves, engagean external electoral service provider or use the services of the Northern TerritoryElectoral Commission for by-elections;
? allow municipal councils to choose to conduct by-elections by postal voting only;
? allow municipal councils to choose whether to fill the office of the principal member byappointment or election;
? expand postal voting and early voting services to all voters;Northern TerritoryGovernment
? retarget absent voting services on polling day to designated polling places in regionalcentres;
? change the time by which postal votes must be received from 6 pm on the 6* dayafter polling day to 12 noon on the 6* day after polling day;
? provide the Electoral Commissioner with the power to set polling hours on polling dayfor by-elections;
? allow the amalgamation of ballots in single member vacancy vote counts; and
? transfer the jurisdiction of the Local Government Tribunal to the Northern TerritoryCivil and Administrative Tribunal.
I have asked my Department to discuss the proposed reforms with your council. Pleasecontact Ms Eppy Moffatt via email [email protected] to advise if it would beconvenient for officers to meet with council on Tuesday 21 October 2014 or to suggestanother date.
Yours sincerely
ADAM GÉ.ES
i 7 OCT 2014
cc:Mr Ricki BruhnChief Executive Officer