kolan shire council - Bundaberg Regional Council

KOLAN SHIRE COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT
to 14th March 2008
Kolan Shire Council
4 Dear Street
GIN GIN QLD 4671
Telephone: 07 4133 2000
Facsimile: 07 4157 2645
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.kolan.qld.gov.au
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT KOLAN SHIRE........................................................................................................................ 3
EXECUTIVE REPORT........................................................................................................................... 4
FINANCIAL REPORT .......................................................................................................................... 5
COUNCILLORS DETAILS.................................................................................................................... 8
COUNCILLORS REMUNERATION ..................................................................................................... 9
SUMMARY OF REVENUE POLICY & STATEMENT........................................................................... 11
SUMMARY OF BORROWINGS POLICY.......................................................................................... 15
LIST OF REGISTERS & STATUTORY REPORTS ................................................................................... 16
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY ...................................................................................................... 17
GENERAL COMPLAINTS PROCESS ................................................................................................ 18
SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE.......................................................................................................... 19
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS................................................................................................. 20
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 2 OF 52
ABOUT KOLAN SHIRE
The Kolan Shire Council is a local government authority that was formed in 1879. The
shire has an area of 2,650 square kilometres, has a population of 4,541 and is part of the
North Burnett within the Wide Bay region. The Burnett River runs mainly south of the shire,
whilst the Kolan River traverses the northern part of the shire incorporating Lake Monduran
recreation area.
Gin Gin is the main centre of the shire and within ten kilometres are the village townships
of Tirroan and Wallaville. These destinations are regarded as the hinterland of the Coral
Coast.
There are 725km of local roads and the Bruce Highway, linking Miriam Vale to the north
and Childers to the south, dissects the shire. To the west is Mt Perry and to the east is
Bundaberg being the regional centre, providing easy access to the beautiful Coral Coast,
incorporating the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
The shire has a proud tradition of
agricultural industries such as grazing,
sugar cane and small crops. The citrus
industry appears to be achieving success
and has brought with it employment and
economic
opportunities.
Smaller
developments in grapes and olives also
offer some potential.
The expansion of agricultural related
industries rests heavily on the availability
of water in the region. Lake Monduran,
Ned Churchill Weir and the Paradise Dam
provide obvious benefits of available
water, significantly increasing the longterm viability of agricultural industries.
ANNUAL REPORT
Lake Monduran is much more than a
water irrigation scheme. It is the home
of the Annual Family Fishing Classic
where keen anglers compete for fresh
water Barramundi and Australian Bass.
In fact, the lake is 17% larger than
Sydney Harbour and contains modern
camping facilities attracting numerous
visitors looking for water recreation,
bush walking and bird watching.
PAGE 3 OF 52
EXECUTIVE REPORT
This report marks the end of Kolan Shire Council following significant boundary reform to
local government in March 2008. Kolan Shire has been merged with Bundaberg City,
Burnett and Isis Shires, to form the Bundaberg Regional Council.
Being the last report for Kolan Shire Council we conclude that whilst Queensland
Treasury Corporation rated the Shire as financially weak in terms of its capacity to
service current and future financial obligations, Council’s strategies and corporate
governance are considered exemplary. Kolan Shire has prided itself on maintaining a
fundamentally strategic approach to its operations with 10-year programs for roadworks,
plant replacement and facilities maintenance. Such programs ensure there is limited
scope for makeshift decision making to ensure set priorities continue to meet ever
increasing community needs.
Main Roads maintenance works also represent a major revenue source for the Shire.
Council’s workforce is a highly skilled group. Given undulating terrain and a rural
landscape, works staff have the capacity to undertake suitable roadwork construction,
bridge construction and other demanding civil engineering works. Administration and
works staff continue to maintain high standards in skills development along with a
commitment to ethics and workplace safety.
Major policy decisions have been achieved in recent times that provide for the potential
to overcome a weak financial rating. A new rating methodology system was fully
implemented after a transition phase, which brought about a fairer system capable of
generating more significant revenue, without the need for rate capping.
Historically, Kolan Shire contains a mix of rich agricultural land that supports a large
primary production industry. The future looks bright in terms of keynote resources such
as water following the recent completion of Paradise Dam. Monduran Dam continues to
provide significant domestic and agricultural water for the region.
Many initiatives of Kolan Shire are now incorporated into the overall strategies for
Bundaberg Regional Council. Whilst the identity of Kolan Shire Council has been lost,
many outcomes can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the Councillors and
Staff of the previous Council and their efforts are hereby recognised.
Cr Lorraine Pyefinch
Mayor
Peter Byrne
Chief Executive Officer
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 4 OF 52
FINANCIAL REPORT
An analysis of the expenses compared to revenue is as follows:
Operating Revenue
As in previous years, the
proportion
of
grant
revenue is very high.
Grants
33%
Rates
48%
This reflects Council’s
commitment to seeking
external funds to help
improve roads and local
facilities.
Fees
6%
Interest
3%
Private Works
10%
There is continual evidence of improvements in the shire, with Improvements, in Water
and Sewerage facilities and work on road construction.
In relation to expenses,
employee
costs
and
materials and services make
up almost two thirds (64%)
of Council’s operating costs.
Depreciation makes up over
a third (34%) of all operating
costs.
Employee costs include staff
and related expenses.
Operating Expenses
Materials &
services
33%
Other
expenses
1%
Depreciation
34%
Employee
costs
31%
Bank &
finance
charges
1%
Materials and services include such items as general operating items to maintain and
operate various services for the shire.
Whilst depreciation is a non-cash item, it is used as a guide to help Council to allocate
sufficient cash reserves to help meet the costs of future replacement of buildings, roads
and other important facilities around the shire.
Other ways to fund new assets, or upgrades to existing assets is to borrow. Whilst this
solves short-term cash requirements, it does pass on the costs to future generations.
Council is always prudent in its deliberations about borrowing money.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 5 OF 52
FINANCIAL REPORT (continued)
Financial ratios are reported on page 29 of the Financial Statements and provide key
indicators of Council’s performance.
The Revenue Ratio provides the percentage of operating revenue derived from rates and
charges. Council’s percentage of rate revenue for the year was 50.4% (41.6% 2006/07).
This has increased from the prior year, which reflects a increase of rates and charges
over other forms of revenue mainly due to shorter reporting period.
A strong financial position is demonstrated in the Balance Sheet, which reports on assets
and liabilities. Some key points about this statement include:
o
o
o
o
o
Cash of $4,584,000
Debt of $1.38m
Assets of $55m
Money owed to Council $566,000
Work in progress $484,000
A summary of the level of Council debt is expressed in the figure (below), which indicates
that debt has increased this financial year.
Level of Council Debt
$1,700,000
$1,500,000
$1,300,000
$1,100,000
$900,000
$700,000
$500,000
$300,000
$100,000
-$100,000
19
99
/0
20
00
/1
20
01
/2
20
02
/3
20
03
/4
20
04
/5
20
05
/6
20
06
/7
20
07
/8
The
expense for the new debt for Kolan Gardens in 2003/04 is being covered by subsidies
and interest on bonds. No borrowings during 2007/08.
Below you will see the Rate arrears ratio that is a comparison of the level of Council’s
outstanding rates over the last 10 years. The graph shows that Council’s effort in
recovering these amounts is improving.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 6 OF 52
FINANCIAL REPORT (continued)
Council has continued with strict rules in relation to payment of rates, which should assist
in recovery results.
Rate Arrears Ratio
20.0%
18.0%
16.0%
14.0%
12.0%
10.0%
8.0%
6.0%
4.0%
2.0%
0.0%
Series1
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
18.1%
14.9%
16.8%
15.9%
14.5%
11.9%
10.8%
9.5%
9.8%
12.8%
It is important that Council maintains low levels of overdue rates, so that cash flow is
available and that penalty interest does not become difficult for ratepayers to pay.
Underlying Council’s ongoing viability and performance is the need to maintain
operating cash and cash reserves. Cash is raised throughout the year to fund
services and maintain roads and facilities. Each year, Council also puts extra cash
away into reserves for use in future year’s, particularly in major projects.
The Statement of Cash Flows records the movement in cash for the year and where
Council spends and receives its cash. At the year-end cash held was $155,000 with
available cash reserves of $1,701,777.
A summary of cash and reserves for the past 9 years is as follows:
ANNUAL REPORT
07
/8
/7
20
06
20
05
/6
/5
20
04
20
03
/4
/3
20
02
/2
20
01
20
00
20
19
99
/0
/1
It is essential that Council
Cash & Reserve Balances
maintains such reserves
to ensure current and
$2,500,000
future infrastructure is
$2,000,000
maintained and upgraded
when necessary.
$1,500,000
Reserves
Other
reasons
for
Cash
$1,000,000
maintaining cash reserves
include: future upgrades
$500,000
to buildings and facilities,
commitments
for
$0
roadwork’s and employee
entitlements.
Council is fully committed
to effectively managing the finances of the shire. Revenue required to provide a high level
of service, in accordance with the intent of the Corporate and Operational Plans, is
continually being challenged. New sources of revenue are difficult to obtain, cost savings
and cutbacks can be achieved, but not to an unlimited level.
PAGE 7 OF 52
COUNCILLORS DETAILS
From 1st July 2007 to 14th March 2008
MEETING
ATTENDANCE
FEES
SUPER
CAR
ALLOWANCE
TOTAL
31
$32,320.58
Nil
Nil
$32,320.58
33
$17,616.60
Nil
Nil
$17,616.60
33
$8,527.67
Nil
Nil
$8,527.67
14
$6,127.28
Nil
$180.18
$6,307.46
31
$8,850.18
Nil
$776.24
$9,626.42
33
$11,716.82
Nil
$897.02
$12,613.84
30
$9,104.92
Nil
$701.82
$9,806.74
Cr Eddie Stone
PO Box 286
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4157 2650 ph
0414 726 730 mobile
Cr Graeme Claxton
36 Tirroan Road
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4157 2194 ph
0428 572 195 mobile
Cr Greg Savage
2 Lynn Street
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4157 2167 ph
Cr Jim Mullett
Monduran Station
Mail Service 47
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4157 2816 ph
4157 2021 Facsimile
Cr Bruce Apel
“Tararan”
Mail Service 47
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4156 7538 ph & Facsimile
0419 752 605 mobile
Cr Brian Flanders
PO Box 454
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4157 6223 ph
0417 747 578 mobile
Cr Wayne Honor
285 McIlwraith Road
GIN GIN QLD 4671
[email protected]
4157 2725 ph
0404 993 887 mobile
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 8 OF 52
COUNCILLORS REMUNERATION
Pursuant to Section 465 of the Local Government Act 1993 as amended, Council set the
remuneration of Councillors as follows:
The intent is to provide monetary compensation for Councillor’s duties and
responsibilities associated with their roles as elected representatives of Kolan Shire
Council.
1.
Remuneration of Councillors (excluding Mayor)
Aside from the Mayor, whose remuneration is dealt with in Item 2, remuneration
shall be payable to all Councillors attending meetings of Council and other
seminars, delegations, conferences etc., specifically authorised by Council.
Payment shall be based on the hourly rate of $29.35 with a minimum of four (4)
hours payable at any one meeting/activity; for any meeting/activity that goes
beyond four (4) hours, payment after the 4-hour period shall be at the rate of
$14.67 for each half hour or part thereof.
This remuneration is calculated on 50% of the hourly rate of the base salary of a
Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
2.
Annual Allowance – Mayor
In recognition of the commitment required of the Mayor in attending Council and
Committee meetings, authorised deputations, inspections and representations
and also those unauthorised meetings and functions attended as part of his civic
duties, the Mayor shall receive an annual fixed remuneration of $39,834 paid as
$1,532.07 per fortnight in arrears.
Such amount is based upon a comparison of the duties of the Mayor with those
of a Member of the Queensland Legislative Assembly and an assessment of the
relationship between their respective roles and responsibilities where the
Mayor’s role is assessed as approximately 36% of the base salary of a Member
of the Queensland Legislative Assembly.
The Mayor shall be entitled to the use of a mobile phone and a motor vehicle
supplied and maintained by Council for full and unrestricted business and
incidental/infrequent private use.
3.
Annual Allowance – Deputy Mayor
In recognition of the additional service, aside from attendance at Council
Meetings, in dealing with Council and community related matters and by way of
assistance to the Mayor in attending Meetings, functions etc on behalf of the
Mayor, the Deputy Mayor shall receive an Annual Allowance of $8,763 payable
fortnightly in arrears. This amount includes an allowance for the Deputy Mayor’s
role as a standing Committee Chairman referred to in item 5.
This remuneration is calculated at the rate of 22% of the Mayor’s Allowance.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 9 OF 52
COUNCILLORS REMUNERATION (continued)
4.
Annual Allowance – Council Members (excluding Mayor and Deputy
Mayor)
In recognition of the additional service, aside from attendance at Council
meetings, provided by Council Members in dealing with Council and Community
related matters, each Council Member, apart from the Mayor and Deputy Mayor,
shall receive an Annual Allowance of $4,780 payable fortnightly in arrears.
This remuneration is calculated at the rate of 12% of the Mayor’s Allowance.
5.
Annual Allowance – Committee Chairmen
In recognition of the additional service, aside from attendance at Council
Meetings, in dealing with Council and community related matters, Standing
Committee Chairmen will receive an Annual Allowance of $555 payable
fortnightly in arrears over and above any other allowance payable.
This remuneration is calculated at the rate of 1.45% of the Mayor’s Allowance.
6.
General
6.1 The use of private motor vehicles by Councillors travelling to and from
Council authorised meetings/activities shall be reimbursed by Council at the
rate prescribed in accordance with Clause 12.5 of the Queensland Local
Government Officer’s Award 1998 as amended from time to time;
6.2 Councillors will be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses that are
reasonably incurred in attending Council authorised meetings/activities.
Reimbursement will only be made on the production of a receipt by the
Councillor and will not include any items which would be deemed to
comprise entertainment;
6.3 Councillors shall be entitled to Worker’s Compensation Insurance cover to
the extent possible in accordance with the provisions of the Local
Government Act 1993 and other relevant legislation;
6.4 Councillors will be provided with a laptop computer and printer to meet the
standards required with the introduction of Council’s electronic agenda
system;
6.5 Monetary values, other than vehicle mileage rates, shall be indexed, as
applicable, to movements in the annual base salary of a member of the
Queensland Legislative Assembly as published from time to time in the
Government Gazette;
6.6 Vehicle mileage rates shall be indexed to the rate payable for vehicles
between 1601cc and 2600cc engine capacity, according to the rate
prescribed in accordance with Clause 12.5 of the Queensland Local
Government Officers’ Award 1998.
The Revenue Policy outlines the principles applied by Council to make and levy rates,
grant rebates and concessions and recover unpaid amounts.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 10 OF 52
SUMMARY OF REVENUE POLICY & STATEMENT
In general, Council views rates as a land tax based on property wealth, that is, Unimproved
Capital Value. As a tax, the imposition of rates exists to raise revenue for general
expenditure across the whole of the shire, for the benefit of all residents.
o
o
o
o
o
Council will also have regard to the following principles in relation to making
rates and charges:
Transparency in the making of rates;
Having in place a rating regime that is simple and inexpensive to administer;
Equity by taking account of the different levels of capacity to pay within the
local community; and
Flexibility to take account of changes in the local economy.
In levying rates Council will apply the principles of:
o
o
o
o
Making clear what is the Council’s and each ratepayers’ responsibility to the
rating system;
Making the levying system simple and inexpensive to administer;
Timing the levying of rates to take into account the financial cycle of local
economic activity, in order to assist smooth running of the local economy;
Equity through flexible payment arrangements for ratepayers with lower
capacity to pay.
In considering the application of concessions, Council will be guided by the principles of:
o
o
o
o
Equity by having regard to the different levels of capacity to pay within the
local economy;
The same treatment for ratepayers with similar circumstances;
Transparency by making clear the requirements necessary to receive
concessions; and
Flexibility to allow Council to respond to local economic issues.
Council will exercise its rate recovery powers in order to reduce the overall rate burden on
ratepayers. Council will be guided by the principles of:
o
o
o
o
o
Transparency by making clear the obligations of ratepayers and the
processes used by Council in assisting them meet their financial obligations;
Making the processes used to recover overdue rates and charges clear,
simple to administer and cost effective;
Equity by having regard to capacity to pay in determining appropriate
arrangements for different sectors of the community;
Providing the same treatment for ratepayers with similar circumstances; and
Flexibility by responding, where necessary, to changes in the local economy.
The Revenue Statement outlines the measures adopted by Council to raise revenue
including ongoing operating capability of the shire.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 11 OF 52
SUMMARY OF REVENUE POLICY & STATEMENT (continued)
Differential general rates
(i)
Differential general rates are made and levied by Council and there are three
categories being Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3;
(ii)
The criteria by which land is categorised is as follows:
Category
s.977(a)
Criteria
s.977(b)
Identification
s.978
1
Urban land contained within
a township
Department of Natural Resources and
Mines Land Use Codes 01, 02, 03, 07, 08
and 10 to 59
2
All other land not appearing
in category 1 or category 3
Department of Natural Resources and
Mines Land Use Codes 04, 05, 06, 09 and
94
3
Rural land used for primary
production or other
production purposes
Department of Natural Resources and
Mines Land Use Codes 60 to 99 (excluding
94)
(a)
Council does not make and levy a special rate or charge supplied by another local
government
(b)
Regulatory fees are fixed by Council for the financial year. The criteria used to
decide the amounts are based on a cost no greater than the cost to administer the
action covered by regulation.
Rates and charges made and levied
The level of rates required in any particular year is determined by the amount required to
fund services, facilities and programs in that year.
Each year Council adopts a differential general rate incorporating a rate capping system,
so that increases to any one assessment are controlled. It is deemed that such a system
is the most equitable way of rating under the rating valuations and economic climate of
the time.
Council recognises that with increasing demands for improved services and the impact of
inflation on the existing revenue base, there is still a need to generate a net increase in
revenue from the rating system with the lift being shared, as much as possible, by all
ratepayers.
Council also recognises that all parcels of land will place some burden on infrastructure
and there is an administrative cost incurred on each parcel. Therefore, a minimum
General Rate will apply.
Council views service charges such as water, sewerage and garbage as user pays. The
level of these charges is set according to the level of services provided and they will be
self-funding.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 12 OF 52
SUMMARY OF REVENUE POLICY & STATEMENT (continued)
A rural fire services charge to raise funds for rural fire brigades to purchase equipment
and maintain equipment to service only part of the shire.
A special rate for the capital construction of sewerage extensions in Rieck and Manning
Streets, Gin Gin. In Council’s opinion the occupiers of such land will specially benefit
from this service owing to the connection to Council’s sewerage scheme. The rate
applies to land that directly benefits from connection to the scheme which is contained in
the respective declared service area as required by the Water Act 2000. All land that
directly benefits will benefit equally and as such pay the same charge.
A gates and grids charge levied for land upon which gates and/or grids are installed
across a council road which provides a cost saving to occupiers who benefit from a cost
saving in fencing requirements.
An environmental charge levied equally upon all land. In Council’s opinion the whole
area will benefit from the charge which is established to undertake implementation of
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) landfill requirements, monitoring groundwater
bores, including closed landfills and transfer stations, recycling initiatives and developing
partnerships to promote the interests of the environment generally.
A roadworks charge levied equally upon all land. In Council’s opinion the whole area will
benefit from the charge that is established to undertake general road improvements
across the shire.
All of the above rates and charges made and levied are summarised in the ‘Schedule of
Rates’ which is presented to the Budget Meeting and is made in accordance with the
Local Government Act 1993.
Rebates & Concessions
Discount of 12.5% is granted on all general rates, service charges and excess water
charges if the rates are paid within 30 days of the ‘date of issue’ of a rate notice.
Pensioner concessions of $22 per annum are granted for those persons eligible for the
State Government Pensioner Rate Subsidy scheme.
Funding Infrastructure Costs
As a general policy Council considers that the developer through charges and
contributions for the development should fund the full costs of providing the physical and
social infrastructure needed for new development.
Notwithstanding Council may partly rebate or otherwise ameliorate such charges and/or
contributions where it expresses the opinion by resolution that is both in the community
interest and in accordance with the Corporate Plan. Any resolution of Council in the
regard shall include a detailed statement of reasons for the resolution.
Increase/Decrease in Operating Capability
Council operates a field workforce, plant fleet and administrative staff for the adequate
provision of services in the shire.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 13 OF 52
SUMMARY OF REVENUE POLICY & STATEMENT (continued)
Specifically, Council provides basic works and services, responds to emergencies, and
maintains the health and safety of its community and the maintenance of public assets
for the community’s benefit. It is Council’s policy that the financial operating capability
must be commensurate with the physical operating capabilities as stated having regard
to all obligations and functions of local government.
Should external sources of works fluctuate or diminish then the financial operating
capability may be adjusted accordingly. In turn, this may involve changes to revenue or
expenditure levels, or both.
At the date of adoption of this statement, however, it is intended that Council will maintain
its existing operating capability in 2007/08.
Depreciation and non-cash expenses
In order to comply with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 and Local
Government Finance Standard 2005, Council will attempt to consider funding
depreciation so as to reduce the cost of significant financial outlay in the future in order to
replace existing assets.
In determining the extent of depreciation funding Council will give consideration to the
current needs of the shire.
It is Council’s intention to fund major infrastructure depreciation where the replacement of
the asset could not be easily undertaken with funds obtained on a year-by-year basis. In
particular, this relates to water and sewerage assets, and plant machinery.
In relation to other assets Council will attempt to undertake works that are either of a
capital or maintenance nature to the equivalent level of depreciation so as to maintain the
existing value of the asset. This particularly applies to roads and buildings.
Depreciation on minor assets will be undertaken should funds be available. However,
Council may choose not to fund the depreciation if its replacement is deemed to cause
potential for financial difficulty.
Code of competitive conduct
Council is required to provide a statement about its activities to which the Code of
Competitive Conduct applies. Council does not have any type 1 or type 2 business
activities under the Local Government Act 1993 and accordingly it is not compulsory for
Council to apply the code.
It is not proposed that the Code will be applied to identify business activities, owing to the
non-existence of natural competitors and cost-benefit issues.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 14 OF 52
SUMMARY OF BORROWINGS POLICY
General
Where possible, any loans due for conversion will be paid out instead of renegotiating the
loan. In water and sewerage areas, due to the restriction of available funds, payout will
only occur where there is less than $10,000 owing at time of conversion, unless
otherwise decided by resolution of Council.
Roadworks (Engineering Services) have a total expected pay out term of 5.12 years if the
scheduled payment instalments are maintained. The option with QTC Loans will be to
pay out some loans when the market value is in the vicinity of the book value.
As per Council’s Corporate Plan the level of loan borrowings will be restricted so that
level of Interest and Redemption payable in any one year shall not exceed 25% of total
General Rate levy in that year.
For the current year estimated Interest and Redemption as a proportion of the net
General Rates is 11.98%
Existing Loan Balances
Book value of Council’s loan indebtedness as at the 14 March 2008 amounted to
$1,378,479.95 made up of the following types of loans:-
Loan
Roadworks
Amount
$329,176.67
Trunk Drainage 2004/05
$31,287.57
Depot Data Link
$22,431.27
Plant Purchases 2004/05 &
2006/07
$167,145.85
Kolan Gardens Aged Care
$483,623.77
Sun Water Depot
Main Street Power-Below Ground
Total
$41,686.95
$303,127.87
$1,378,479.95
Effective Book Rates on fixed rate borrowings range from 5.20% to 12.48%.
The weighted average rate for the above fixed rate loans at the 14 March 2008 was
7.62%.
Expected final repayment dates vary from 7 April 2010 (Depot Data Link to 19 June 2027
(Main Street Power-Below Ground).
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 15 OF 52
LIST OF REGISTERS & STATUTORY REPORTS
The following registers are kept and open to inspection by members of the public:
Item
Minutes of
meetings
Description
Access
(Charges may apply)
Council To record all resolutions Available to any person
and decisions adopted by
Council
Land record of rateable To record details of every Available to any person,
however, a fee may apply.
land
parcel of rateable land.
Inspection free for owners of
the land or adjacent land.
Register of Regulatory To record charges set by Available to any person
Fees and Charges
Council.
Register of delegations
by Local Government
or by Chief Executive
Officer
To record all powers Available to any person
delegated by the Local
Government or by the
Chief Executive Officer’s
delegated powers.
Annual Report
To document the financial Available to any person
position and report on
attainment
of
goals
specified in the Corporate
Plan and Operational Plan.
Corporate and
Operational Plan
To document the goals Available to any person
and strategies set by
Council for the period
specified in each plan.
Budget
To record the proposed Available to any person
expenditures
and
revenues
required
implementing the Council’s
goals.
Register of Personal
interests of Councillors,
Chief Executive Officer,
specified
employees
and related persons.
To record certain financial
and
other
personal
interests
of
relevant
individuals.
Councillor’s
interests
are
available to any person upon
written application to the
CEO.
Access to the Register for
staff and related persons are
restricted to Councillors’ of the
Kolan Shire and persons
permitted by law.
ANNUAL REPORT
PAGE 16 OF 52
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY POLICY
Kolan Shire Council recognises the importance of the principles of equality in
employment and is committed to the maintenance of equal employment opportunities
for all persons working for or applying for positions with Council.
It recognises the importance of the principles of equality in employment and is
therefore committed to the maintenance of equal employment opportunities. Its aim is
to have the workplace free of discrimination and to have Equal Employment
Opportunity promoted for the following target groups – Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples, people of non-English speaking background, people with a disability
and women.
An Equal Employment Opportunity Management Plan is also established with the aim
of ensuring all employees and applicants for employment are treated fairly, basing
recruitment and selection, promotion and transfers, staff development and training,
and conditions of service only on factors relevant to the job, such as skills,
qualifications, abilities and aptitude. To achieve these objectives Council is taking the
following steps:
1. A Policy Statement will be issued to all employees and Councillors. A copy of the
policy will be displayed in the Shire Office. The results of any review or changes to
the policy will be issued to all employees;
2. Current staff will be surveyed to allow self-identification of target group
membership so that an analysis of the workforce can be undertaken;
3. The Chief Executive Officer as Equal Employment Opportunity Officer will consult
with Trade Unions and employees to develop practices that address the
employment needs of target group members.
4. Council’s current personnel procedures and practices in the areas of recruitment
and selection, promotion, transfers, staff development, training and conditions of
service will be reviewed to ensure no discrimination exists and to consider the
impact of existing practices on the target groups;
5. Information gathered during the above steps will be evaluated for use by the Equal
Employment Opportunity Officer in the Council’s periodic review of the Plan and
may constitute part of future Management Plans;
6. Policies and practices will be updated regularly to ensure they are consistent with
modern management practices, legal requirements and community expectations.
All staff are encouraged to participate in the development of the EEO Management Plan
and Council looks forward to your co-operation and support during its implementation.
ANNUAL REPORT
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GENERAL COMPLAINTS PROCESS
A statement required under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 relating to
complaints about Councillors under the Code of Conduct.
Item
Provision
Description
(i)
Total number of breaches of the local government’s code of
conduct committed by councillors as decided during the year by
the local government
Nil
(ii)
The name of each councillor decided during the year by the
local government to have breached the code, and details of any
penalty imposed.
Nil
(iii)
The number of complaints about alleged code of conduct
breeches by Councillors, other than frivolous or vexations
complaints, that were referred to the conduct review panel
during the year by the local government or the chief executive
officer under chapter 4, part 3A.
Nil
(iv)
The number of recommendations made to the local government
by the conduct review panel during the year that were adopted,
or not adopted, by the local government.
Nil
(v)
The number if complaints resolved under the local government’s Nil
general complaints process during the year and the number of
those complaints that related to a breach by a councillor of the
local government’s code of conduct.
(vi)
The number of complaints made to the ombudsman, and
Nil
notified to the local government, during the year about decisions
made by the local government in relation to enforcement of its
code of conduct.
Overseas Travel
A statement required under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Standard
2005 relating to overseas travel by councillors or staff.
Item
Provision
Description
(i)
The name of councillor or employee who undertook overseas
travel.
Nil
(ii)
If an employee undertook overseas travel-the position held by
the employee
Nil
(iii)
The destination of overseas travel
Nil
(iv)
The purpose and cost of overseas travel
Nil
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SUMMARY OF EXPENDITURE
A statement required under the provisions of the Local Government Finance Standard
2005 relating to various categories of expenditure by Council.
Item
(i)
Provision
Services rendered by a
consultant, summarised
by category
Description
Asset management
$17,790.00
Audit and accounting
$64,312.35
Surveying and engineering
(ii)
Entertainment or
hospitality services
Advertising
ANNUAL REPORT
$256,160.60
Legal services
$28,205.45
Planning services
$41,873.75
Environmental health
$11,176.36
Community functions (i.e.
Australia Day, ANZAC Day,
Carols by Candlelight)
$11,864.66
Civic receptions & entertainment
(iii)
Amount
Community advertising &
information
$6,997.70
$14,025.19
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KOLAN SHIRE COUNCIL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 14 March 2008
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KOLAN SHIRE COUNCIL
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the period ended 14 March 2008
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