kolan shire council - Bundaberg Regional Council
Transcription
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 PAGE 17 OF 52 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 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 18 OF 52 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 PAGE 19 OF 52 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 20 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 21 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 22 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 23 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 24 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 25 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 26 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 27 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 28 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 29 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 30 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 31 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 32 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 33 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 34 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 35 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 36 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 37 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 38 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 39 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 40 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 41 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 42 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 43 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 44 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 45 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 46 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 47 OF 52 KOLAN SHIRE COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the period ended 14 March 2008 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 48 OF 52 KOLAN SHIRE COUNCIL NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the period ended 14 March 2008 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 49 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 50 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 51 OF 52 ANNUAL REPORT PAGE 52 OF 52