Agenda and Business Papers - Oberon Council

Transcription

137-139 Oberon Street
PO Box 84
Oberon NSW 2787
Telephone: (02) 6329 8100
Fax: (02) 6329 8142
Email: [email protected]
AGENDA AND BUSINESS PAPERS
Oberon Council Ordinary Meeting
Tuesday 17 March 2015
Commencing at 5.30pm
at the Oberon Council Chambers
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Oberon Council - Agenda and Business Papers – Ordinary Council Meeting – 17 March 2015
Agenda Items
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
page
OPENING OF MEETING ................................................................................................ 4
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY......................................................................... 4
PRAYER .......................................................................................................................... 4
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE ......................................................................................... 4
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST ................................................................................... 5
GENERAL AND CIVIC PRESENTATIONS .................................................................... 6
COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AND QUESTIONS ................................................... 6
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ..................................................................................... 6
MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT ............................................................................... 6
09.01
MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT ..........................................................................................6
10. NOTICES OF MOTIONS ................................................................................................ 8
10.01
NOTICE OF MOTION – CARLWOOD ROAD ............................................................................8
11. COUNCILLOR AND DELEGATES REPORTS ............................................................... 8
11.01
11.02
11.03
11.04
CENTROC WORKFORCE HEALTH MEETING ........................................................................8
CENTROC BOARD MEETING – BOOROWA 26 FEBRUARY 2015 ........................................16
OBERON ARTS COUNCIL .....................................................................................................24
LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW TOURISM CONFERENCE ......................................................29
12. COMMITTEE REPORTS .............................................................................................. 30
12.01
12.02
12.03
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE ................................................................................30
HERITAGE COMMITTEE........................................................................................................34
OBERON SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE .......................................................................40
13. REPORTS FOR DECISION .......................................................................................... 45
13.01
13.02
13.03
13.04
13.05
13.06
13.07
13.08
13.09
PROGRESS UPDATE – FIT FOR THE FUTURE REFORM PROGRAM .................................45
HAZELGROVE ROAD SEAL EXTENSION .............................................................................48
FIXING COUNTRY ROADS ....................................................................................................48
ROAD NAMING – UNAMED ROAD OFF NUNANS HILL ROAD ..............................................50
ROAD NAMING – UNAMED ROAD OFF O’CONNELL ROAD.................................................51
CLEANING CONTRACT TENDER – COUNCIL BUILDINGS ..................................................52
CROWN ROAD CLOSURES ..................................................................................................58
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 10.2015.7.1 – SHED & CARPORT.......................................71
CROWN LAND – CORPORATE TRUST MANAGER ..............................................................76
14. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION .................................................................................. 77
14.01
14.02
14.03
14.04
14.05
14.06
14.07
14.08
14.09
MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – GENERAL MANAGER .......................................................77
MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.....................................82
MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT - WORKS AND ENGINEERING ............................................87
MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – FINANCE & COMMUNITY SERVICES ..............................91
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS...........................................................................................96
LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR 2013/14 ................................98
MAYFIELD ROAD PROJECT – PROGRESS REPORT ..........................................................99
INWARDS CORRESPONDENCE .........................................................................................101
COUNCILLOR REQUEST FORMS .......................................................................................101
15. URGENT BUSINESS .................................................................................................. 103
16. CLOSED SESSION / CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS .................................................... 103
17. CLOSURE OF MEETING ........................................................................................... 104
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1. OPENING OF MEETING
The Mayor welcomed members and declared the meeting open at ....
2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Council acknowledges that this meeting is being held on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri and
Gundungurra People, and respects the history and culture of the elders both past and present.
3. PRAYER
The Meeting was opened in prayer by ....
4. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE
Members
Mayor John McMahon (in the Chair)
Deputy Mayor Kerry Gibbons
Clr Ian Doney
Clr Jill Evans
Clr Neil Francis
Clr Sam Lord
Clr Clive McCarthy
Clr John Morgan
Clr Kathy Sajowitz
Staff
Alan Cairney, General Manager
Gary Wallace, Planning and Development Director
Chris Schumacher, Works and Engineering Director
Rodney Wallace, Acting Works and Engineering Director
Lynette Safranek, Finance and Community Services Director
Sharon Swannell, Executive Coordinator
Apologies
Nil
That apologies be received and accepted for the non-attendance of ....
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5. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
File No: Governance/Councillors/Declarations of Interest
A GUIDE TO ETHICAL DECISION-MAKING
(Provided by the Independent Commission Against Corruption)







Is the decision or conduct legal?
Is it consistent with Government policy, Council’s objectives and code of conduct?
What will the outcome be for you, your colleagues, the Council, anyone else?
Does it raise a conflict of interest?
Do you stand to gain personally at public expense?
Can the decision be justified in terms of public interest?
Would it withstand public scrutiny?
A conflict of interest is a clash between private interest and public duty. There are two types of
conflict:


Pecuniary – regulated by the Local Government Act and Department of Local Government
Non-pecuniary – regulated by codes of conduct and policy. ICAC, Ombudsman, Department of
Local Government (advice only)
The test for conflict of interest:




Is it likely I could be influenced by personal interest in carrying out my public duty?
Would a fair and reasonable person believe I could be so influenced?
Conflict of interest is closely tied to the layperson’s definition of “corruption” – using public
office for private gain
Important to consider public perceptions of whether you have a conflict of interest
Identifying problems



1st Do I have private interests affected by a matter I am officially involved in?
2nd Is my official role one of influence or perceived influence over the matter?
3rd Do my private interests conflict with my official role?
Whilst seeking advice is generally useful, the ultimate decision rests with the person concerned.
When making a Declaration of Interest the reason for making the declaration should be clearly
stated. Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Significant Interests should be managed by leaving the
room while the matter is considered.
Pecuniary
-
Non-Pecuniary
Significant
-
Non-Pecuniary
Less than
Significant
-
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6. GENERAL AND CIVIC PRESENTATIONS
Nil
7. COMMUNITY PRESENTATIONS AND QUESTIONS
None received.
8. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Ordinary Meeting 17 February 2015
ATTACHED is the Minutes of the Ordinary Council Meeting held on 17 February 2015
Recommendation:
That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting held on 17 February 2015 be confirmed.
Matters Arising from the Minutes
Nil
9. MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT
09.01
MAYORAL MINUTE AND REPORT
File No: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary
Author: Clr John McMahon, Mayor
Summary
This report summarises the main activity for the Mayor since reported to the December Council
Meeting.
Recommendation:
That Report Item 09.01 is received as information.
Comment
A. Meetings
1. Meeting with Shadow Minister for Citizenship, Multiculturalism and Communications, Michelle
Rowlands re Communication issues in the Oberon LGA – 17 February
2. Ordinary Council Meeting - 17 February
3. Meeting with Bathurst, Lithgow, Blayney and Oberon Mayor's & GM's – 18 February
4. Oberon Arts Council Meeting (apology submitted) – 24 February
5. Office of Local Government Fit for the Future Workshop, Mascot - 25 February
6. Oberon Sports Facilities Committee Meeting – 25 February
7. Oberon Correctional Centre Meeting with Neighbouring Residents – 25 February
8. Centroc Board Meeting, Boorowa – 26 February
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9. Chifley Local Area Command Community Safety Precinct Committee Meeting (Clr Gibbons
attended) – 9 March 2015
10. Councillor Informal Briefing Session (apology submitted) – 10 March
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Representation
Library Lovers Launch – Friday 13 February
Oberon Miss Showgirl Presentation (Clr Gibbons attended) 13 February
Roarin 20’s Ball – Lithgow – Saturday 14 February
Library Lovers Presentation (Clr Gibbons attended) 27 February
International Women's Day - Women in War (Clr Gibbons attended) – 8 March
Paul Toole MP re Funding for Library Extensions (Clr Gibbons attended) – 9 March
C.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Correspondence
Merryll Hope advising that some information at Hassall Park O’Connell needs to be amended
Invitation to attend Senior Week luncheon held by Burraga Ag-Bureau on Thursday 19 March
Invitation to attend Black Springs Public School End of Term Assembly held on 30 March
Minister for Roads and Freight advising of funding under “Fixing Country Roads” program for
Beaconsfield and Sewell’s Creek Roads upgrade. Attached is Information Sessions happening
within NSW
5. Invitation to attend National General Assembly of Local Government to be held on 14-17 June
6. Margaret Huxley asking for information on how to go about the restoration of the graves for
Ann and John Hogan
7. Invitation to attend Oberon’s Waste to Art Exhibition Opening being held on Friday 29 May
8. Fit for the Future – Insync Surveys advising that they work with 78 Local Government
Organisation to help understand the community awareness needed for this initiative
9. Fit for the Future – Iris Research can help provide assistance to Council in the form of a survey,
to gauge the community’s opinion on amalgamation options
10. Correspondence from Alexandra Tuson requesting an email list be compiled and utilised when
a prisoner escapes from low security facilities near Oberon. Neighbouring properties need to
be advised in a timely manner
Mayor John McMahon
Notes:
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10. NOTICES OF MOTIONS
10.01
NOTICE OF MOTION – CARLWOOD ROAD
File No: R2
Author: Councillor John Morgan
Summary
Seeking to have the unsealed section of Carlwood Road reconstructed and bitumen sealed due to
greatly increased number of traffic movements.
Motion
That Carlwood Road, O’Connell be re-constructed and bitumen sealed to provide safe all weather
travel route for the greatly increased number of traffic movements resulting from rezoning the area
from Rural to R5, Large Lot Residential.
Comment
Thirty (30) residences have now been built on or are on Roads that directly feed onto Carlwood
Road.
An additional two lot sub division in 2014 now have Development Applications with Council. Rezoning has allowed for further development, a projected sixteen large lot residential project is
foreseen. Anticipated Development of the area has now been realised, rendering the old road
system inadequate for this number of residents.
Traffic movements of private vehicles is greatest at school start / finish times. There is no Bus
service along Carlwood Road. The home building industry itself is a major contributor to traffic
volume.
Very little preparation before sealing will be required on many hard sections. Cost savings can be
made by transporting gravel to this area by trucks returning to depot from other sites currently
under construction in the area i.e., Mayfield Road.
Councillor John Morgan
11. COUNCILLOR AND DELEGATES REPORTS
11.01
CENTROC WORKFORCE HEALTH MEETING
File No: Governance/Ordinary/Meetings
Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance & Community Services Director; Councillor John Morgan
Summary
Councillor John Morgan and the Finance & Community Services Director attended the Centroc
Workforce Health meeting in Forbes on 12 February 2015.
Recommendation
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Comment
FOLLOWING is the Minutes of this meeting.
The meeting discussed the following topics:

JO Pilot Update (Jenny Bennett)

Western Medical Local - Stephen Jackson (acting CE)
Primary Health Network Objective tender improve efficiency and effect of primary care
improve coordination of care information driven health care
Operational 1st July with head office in Dubbo, and offices in Bathurst and Broken Hill

Rural Doctors Network - Dr Ian Cameron
PGPPP program cancelled last Fed budget
Looking at new program as it was very successful, e.g. one practice had 26, 21 still
rural, 24 in GP or GP training.
PGPPP rural only
work placement rather than educational
waiting for this to be finalised to start again

Bonded placements continue for towns under 15,000 population

Rural Medical Services Initiative, Dr Estrella Lowe
What has Council go to do with it (presentation)?
RDN can assist with grant writing
Dr for 6-8 years built around a 'third party deal', e.g. Lightning Ridge, Walgett
various options available, Council's don't want to do it as they are not specialists
different now due to the 'small business environment', accreditation,
Weddin shire example, come a long way and Council's can get together and talk about
important issues for communities, we have come a long way and Centroc has helped
what is it that LG can add? Third party space has need for LG negotiation to bring
parties together. No longer dedicated Rural Medical infrastructure funding available any
more, Centroc advocating for this.
how do you have that conversation? Have discussions in open, combined, environment
rather than closed door and individually.
JO should be used as a voice to State Govt in strategic planning point regarding grants
and rules around them

Beyond the Range update - Centroc
working on website
now have a Facebook page for BTR
website links Council website for whichever town is selected by professionals
All Council's need to Like Centroc and BTR Facebook page and share information
dedicated workforce space page.
Toolkit now happening and user friendly. Julia will provide instructions for each Council
on how to use and update this

Draft Health Advocacy Plan: need Council feedback (page 20) for meeting with Minister on
19 February

New Federal Minister

ASGR-RA changes

PHN boundary sizes and tenders

PGPPP program

Rural & Remote Teaching infrastructure
Meeting closed at 12.35pm. Tour of Forbes facility conducted at conclusion.
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Minutes Centroc Health Workforce Meeting held at Forbes 12 February 2015 Attendees Cr Allan Ewin Blayney Shire Council Boorowa Council Cr John Walker Cr Des Kennedy Cabonne Council Ms Julie Robertson Mr Gary Brown Cr Bill West Cowra Shire Council Mr Brian Steffen Cr Nevin Hughes Cr Jan Parlett Forbes Shire Council
Weddin Shire Council
Weddin Shire Council Dr Heather
Robinson
Mr Stephen Jackson
Mr Nik Todorovski
Ms Annie Dwyer Cr John Morgan Ms Lynette Safranek Mr Scott Maunder Cr Ken Keith Cr John Shaw Oberon Council Oberon Council Ms Alison Morgan
Dr Estrella Lowe
Acting CEO W Medicare Local
Western Medicare Local Western NSW Local Health District Department of Premier Cabinet
Rural Doctors Network
Orange City Council Parkes Shire Council Upper Lachlan Shire Council Dr Ian Cameron Ms Jenny Bennett Ms Julia Andrews CEO NSW Rural Doctors Network Centroc Centroc Cr David Evans Young Shire Council Mid Western Regional Council (phone hook up) Mid Western Regional Council (phone hook up) Charles Sturt University
1
Meeting opened at 10.35am Chaired by Mr Brian Steffen Welcome by Cr Bill West Mayor of Cowra Shire Council and Chair of Centroc. 2
Apologies Cr S Ferguson, Cr G Rush, Mr R Bailey, Cr R Penny, Cr M Nash, Cr B Newton, Sandra Duff WNSWLHD. 3
Speakers a. Ms Jenny Bennett, Executive Officer, Centroc A briefing on the Joint Organisation and opportunities for collaboration. Centroc has been selected as one of only five regional pilot Joint Organisations to assist the NSW Government strengthen and reform local government. Joint Organisations are a key component of the State Government’s “Fit for the Future” local government reform package, designed to unite councils in defined regions to strategize regional priorities for their communities. Joint Organisations are an exciting new opportunity to connect the ideas and priorities of local and State Governments at the regional level to help our local communities to grow and thrive. They will be empowered to bring all councils in defined regions together to discuss and agree to strategic regional priorities for their communities. They will also create a mechanism for State and local Government to collaborate on agreed priorities in a more consistent, structured and effective way than ever before. For more information on the JO, please refer to http://www.centroc.com.au/wp‐
content/uploads/171014_CENTROC‐EOI‐for‐Pilot‐JO.pdf 1 Page 10
b. Mr Stephen Jackson, Acting Chief Executive Western Medicare Local Acting CEO of Western Medicare Local, Stephen Jackson, gave an update on the transition from Medicare Locals to Primary Health and advised the Centroc Health Workforce Group that Western Medicare Local had submitted a tender for the new PHN. 2 Page 11
Mr Jackson reported that the new Western Primary Health Network will consist of; • 520k+ sq kms • Population 545k+ • 3 Local Health Districts • 6 full or part Medicare Locals • 17 LHD Multi Purpose Services • 22 Aboriginal Health Service • 38 LHD Aged Care facilities • 43 hospitals • 57 LGAs + 1 Unincorporated • 200+ staff in transition • 200+ General Practices in the region • 700+ GPs Mr Jackson gave the expected timeline for transition of Medicare Locals to Primary Health Networks as follows; • Mid March ‐ Preferred tenderer advised, negotiations commence • Early April – public announcement of PHNs • Mid April – transition planning • May – establishment and transitions commence • June – transition – staff, programs, infrastructure, governance • July 1st – PHNs operative 3 Page 12
c. Dr Ian Cameron, CEO NSW Rural Doctors’ Network Dr Cameron provided an update to members on progress to a replacement for PGPPP, the implications of a new rurality index to replace ASGC, changes to allow Bonded Medical Place doctors to practice in small towns, process for change from Medicare Locals to Primary Health Networks and update on RDN Bush Bursary and Cadet programs. Dr Cameron expressed the NSW RDN’s support for the re‐introduction of a scheme like PGPPP for regional areas. This is supported by Centroc and is included in the Health Advocacy Plan. Dr Ian Cameron advised the Centroc Health Workforce Group that NSW RDN had also tendered for the Western PHN. Details of the NSW RDN tender are not available but they have taken a different approach to WML. Dr Cameron gave an update on the new Modified Monash Model, noting the model is still in development. Dr Cameron was able to provide an idea of how the changes would affect our region for the better, in essence by introducing a discriminator around town size. There are 48 Commonwealth health programs affected by rurality Index including Relocation and Retention Grants. New MMM categories are expected to be as follows, but are still in development and not officially announced as at 16.2.15. MM 1 ‐ Areas in RA 1; MM 2 ‐ Areas in RA 2&3 that are in or within xkm road distance of a town with 50,000+ population; MM 3 ‐ Areas in RA 2&3 that are not in MM 2, but are in, or within ykm road distance, of a town with population between 15,000 and 50,000 people; MM 4 ‐ Areas in RA 2&3 that are not in MM 2 or 3, but are in, or within zkm road distance, of a town with population between 5,000 and 15,000 people; MM 5 ‐ Areas in RA 2&3 that are not in MM 2, 3 or 4; MM 6 ‐ Areas in RA 4; MM 7 ‐ Areas in RA 5. Maps of the proposed new MMM boundaries (please note maps are DRAFT – not finalised) in Central NSW are attached to these minutes. d. Dr Estrella Lowe, Manager Rural Medical Services Initiatives, NSW Rural Doctors Network Presentation and Q&A ‐ "What's Council Got to Do With It? ‐ the role of local government in health services". 4 Page 13
Dr Lowe discussed the merits and challenges of infrastructure. Good physical infrastructure ‐ Surgery building, housing for registrars, students, GP until they can find own place, teaching infrastructure ‐ puts a town” ahead of the game”. Where to get information and help; New South Wales RDN www.nswrdn.com.au 133 King Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 (02) 4924 8000 Estrella Lowe, Manager Rural Medical Services Initiatives [email protected] 4
Minutes of the Last Meeting Confirmation of the Minutes of the Centroc Health Workforce Group Meeting 22 July 2014 Resolved Cr N Hughes/Cr D Evans That the minutes of the Centroc Health Workforce Group Meeting held at Parkes 22 July 2014 be confirmed. 5 Reports 5a Beyond the Range Resolved Cr K Keith/Cr B West That Centroc Health Workforce Group provide advice regarding the type of information required by member Councils in the Beyond the Range Toolkit. 5b Report on the key messages to State and Federal Government in the new Centroc Health Advocacy Plan Resolved Lynette Safranek/Cr B West That Centroc Health Workforce Group provide feedback on the Health Advocacy Plan and That Centroc Health Workforce Group provide feedback regarding key messages to be delivered to State Health Minister Skinner at the meeting on 19th February. 5c Advice on the new Federal Health Minister, The Hon Sussan Ley Resolved Cr B West/Cr G Brown That the report be noted. 5d Background on the Australian Standard Geographical Classification‐Remoteness Area (ASGR‐RA) changes. Resolved Cr B West/Cr D Evans That the report be noted. 5e Update on Primary Health Networks boundary sizes and tenders Resolved Mr S Maunder/Cr B West That the report be noted. 5 Page 14
5f General Practice Placements Program (PGPPP) Resolved Cr D Evans/Cr A Ewin That Centroc Health Workforce Group provide feedback and support the continued advocacy for the re‐introduction of a program similar to the PGPPP that provides specific experiences for junior doctors in training into regional general practice. 5g Rural and Regional Teaching Infrastructure Grants Resolved Cr D Evans/ C B West That the Centroc Health Workforce Group provide feedback and support continued advocacy for Local Government eligibility for health infrastructure grants.5. Other Business Additional questions raised at meeting; 6 Other Matters Resolved C B West/Cr D Evans That a letter of thanks be sent to guest speakers. 12.36pm Meeting closed. Following the meeting members of the CHWG were given a tour of the Jemalong Regional Education Centre. JREC is a short term accommodation facility owned and run by Forbes Shire Council for education and health purposes. Council purchased the top portion of the former Jemalong Retirement Village in 2010. The facility renovation was completed in 2011. Since then JREC has provided accommodation for students, doctors, nurses and allied health professionals as well as education professionals studying and/or working in the Forbes area. Page 6 is the last page of the Centroc Health Workforce Group Meeting held at Forbes 12 February 2015 6 Page 15
11.02 CENTROC BOARD MEETING – BOOROWA 26 FEBRUARY 2015
File No: Government Relations/Local and Regional Consultation/Centroc
Author: Mayor John McMahon and Jenny Bennett, Centroc
Summary
The Mayor, Councillor John McMahon and General Manager, Alan Cairney attended the Centroc
Board Meeting held in Boorowa on Thursday 26 February 2015.
Recommendation:
That Delegates Report Item 11.02 is received as information.
Comment
FOLLOWING is a copy of the Draft Minutes from the Centroc Meetings.
General Manager Alan Cairney and I attended Centroc Board (the Board) meeting held in Boorowa
on Thursday 26 February and provide the following report for Council’s information.
Guest Speakers - were from Charles Sturt University providing advice on economic modelling of
Central NSW. Subsequently the Board resolved to progress the next steps in strategy for regional
economic development.
Transport Infrastructure - the Board resolved to remove the Centroc Weight of Loads Group.
Over the years there has been a steady decline in member support for this program. Wellington
Council managed this group and have provided advice that they no longer resource this service.
The Board approved an Advocacy Plan for Transport Infrastructure. Discussion regarding a new
regional roads group is underway.
Water Security – A Regional Infrastructure Priority Matrix has been developed by Centroc in
conjunction with RDA Central West. It builds on the criteria developed by Infrastructure Australia
and Infrastructure NSW to semi-quantitatively rank the infrastructure needs of the region. The
Board gave consideration to the priorities for water infrastructure of the region from lists of up to 10
projects from each member council.
The Board also approved an Advocacy Plan for Transport Infrastructure.
On Thursday 19 February a delegation led by the Centroc Chair met with The Minister for Natural
Resources, Lands and Water Senior Policy Advisor Warwick Pelly in Sydney, amongst the topics
discussed was the dam consultation process, reducing the compliance burden for Councils and
organising a meeting post the election for the Minister for Water to review the region’s water
infrastructure priorities.
Health – The Centroc Health Workforce group held a meeting in Forbes on 12 February. Guest
speakers included Mr Stephen Jackson, Acting CEO of Western Medicare Local, Dr Ian Cameron,
CEO of NSW Rural Doctors’ Network and Dr Estrella Lowe, also from NSW Rural Doctors’
Network.
Monday 9 February Centroc met with the Minister for Local Government to discuss various topics,
Health infrastructure, was one of the topics and The Minister for Local Government has offered to
provide support to the region in its efforts to have federal funding provided specifically for health
infrastructure.
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On Thursday 19 February the Chair of Centroc led a delegation to meet with the Minister for Health
the Hon Jillian Skinner. The Minster undertook to provide advocacy support regarding the need for
Local Government to be funded to build infrastructure for health such as doctor’s surgeries.
Regional Development – A meeting is being arranged with the advisors to the Hon Barnaby
Joyce seeking to proffer the region’s position regarding the
need for a more integrated effort regarding agriculture. The
work being undertaken in collaboration with the State on the
Regional Growth Plan includes the development of strategy
around agriculture from a land use perspective.
Chair of RDA Central West, Mr Alan McCormack, was warmly
congratulated on his appointment and Centroc is reinvigorating
its MoU where both organisations are working very well
together.
Planning – The region continues its advocacy with regard to
the Audit Standards Board and its resource intensive approach
to accounting for residual value. The Planners Group are well
into developing advice for an Issues Paper to help inform the
Regional Growth Plan.
Operational Report – Centroc continues to maintain savings
for the Region. Since 14 December 2012 a total net savings of
$2,891,935.00 has been achieved for Councils for the
operational support program.
The Chairs of Centroc and RDA
Central West, Cr Bill West and Mr
Alan McCormack, review the
Memorandum of Understanding
The Char of Centroc has written thanking the staff working
across the region to optimise the use of the Centroc WHS
Induction Program.
Centroc has been very active in writing responses to the Australian Energy Regulator regarding
Essential Energy’s submissions to increase electricity pricing, particularly for street lighting.
Management Plan for 2015/2016 – The Management Plan covering the period of January 2015December 2016 was adopted along with the budget for the financial year.
JO Update
BACKGROUND
Centroc lodged an Expression of Interest (EoI) to become a Pilot Joint Organisation of Councils
(JO) with the Office of Local Government 17 October 2014. To download the EoI:
http://www.centroc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/171014_CENTROC-EOI-for-Pilot-JO.pdf.
The Minister for Local Government, The Hon Paul Toole, announced Centroc was one of 5
successful
Pilot
JOs
on
12
November
2014:
http://www.centroc.com.au/wpcontent/uploads/Centroc-JO-media-release.pdf where 11 regions made application. $300,000 will
be made available by the NSW Government to help fund Pilot JO activities.
On 17 November 2014, representatives of Centroc, including the Chair, met in Sydney to join
fellow Joint Organisation representatives (Hunter, Illawarra, Namoi and Riverina regions) to start
developing the details of the Pilot program where the advice to the meeting was drawn from the
final report by the Independent Local Government Review Panel.
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The Central West JO Regional Workshop was held 27 November in the Blayney Community
Centre, all Mayors, General Managers, Centroc Staff and key state agencies from the region were
in attendance. The workshop progressed the Plan for the JO Pilot.
Outcomes from the Central West JO Regional Workshop with a draft model and a draft action plan
are available at: http://www.centroc.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Central-West-Pilot-JO-RegionalWorkshop-Outcomes-Pack19.pdf.
The Centroc Executive directed the development of a two year management Plan from January
2015-December 2016 for the Pilot and twelve month transition period. Further advice regarding the
Management Plan is provided in another report where it seeks approval from the Board at this
meeting. The Management Plan makes the following commentary regarding the Pilot JO.
Centroc has been selected as a Pilot JO to undertake a series of activities, these being:
 regional strategic planning
 inter-governmental collaboration
 regional leadership and advocacy
 operational support to member Councils
 governance, resourcing and administration
 evaluation
The Pilot itself will:
 enable different approaches to be tested
 help understand the best ways for State and Local Government and other partners to work
together and build relationships
 develop a suite of information, tools and resources that support successful collaboration
 help build the enabling legislative model and identify changes needed in other legislation
 inform the implementation of JOs across regional NSW from September 2016.
Recognising the process will be iterative, Centroc has committed to underpinning its work as a
Pilot on the following principles:
 A strong network of Councils working collaboratively across NSW will offer this state
competitive advantage;
 Frank and fearless advice from experienced practitioners should be proffered to best
position the workability of any reforms;
 Diversity is critical to regional development and robust decision making;
 JO design should be enable Local Government to be nimble and opportunistic;
 The process should include significant engagement with and responsiveness to all Pilot JO
member Councils; and
 The experience of and learnings from the highly successful Centroc Water Utilities’ Alliance
should be shared across NSW
Centroc continues to build on relationships with State agencies and regional entities through the
JO pilot and is developing advice for a funding agreement with State Government.
Centroc member staff and RDA Central West are working with the Department of Planning and
Environment to develop the Regional Growth Plan for the Central West. Various workshops have
taken place and an Infrastructure Issues Paper is near completion where at the time most Councils
have provided input. Please request the draft which has been provided to planning staff in the
Central West Regional Growth Plan footprint.
A response to the Rural Councils Workshop Outcomes Paper was submitted to the Office of Local
Government 7 January. This can be provided on request.
18 | P a g e
General Managers met 14 January 2015 to discuss risk management for the JO Pilot. This
informed the further refinement of the Management Plan and advice to a Communications Plan
which is near completion.
Some of the key risks and mitigations identified included:
 The legislative basis for the Joint Organisations may not be suitable for the region. This will
be mitigated through the documentation of a recommended model in the pilot process.

The State may be insufficiently resourced to effectively participate in regional strategic
planning. This will be mitigated by working with the State to identify a committed and
designated regional planning project team including Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The direction of the JO may be at odds with individual councils or councillors. This will be
mitigated by developing a Communication Plan that has opportunities for elected
representatives and staff of councils to directly participate in and inform the activities of the
JO.
Key opportunities include:
 The opportunity to use the Communication Plan to promote the model developed in this
region as a leading example

The opportunity to continue to promote the successes that Centroc has already achieved to
decision makers

The opportunity to lead the development of collaborative relationships with the State.
Members should have received advice regarding the regional water priority infrastructure where
transport is near completion.
The first phone hookup of Pilot JOs with the OLG was held Wednesday 11 February.
Representatives from the Department of Premier and Cabinet were also in attendance. Advice
was provided that the funding agreements were in train as was a template for Regional Strategic
Priorities.
A meeting of Pilot JOs west of the Blue Mountains and other ROCs able to attend with the
Regional Leadership Group was held 18 February, the work at this meeting began a body of
advice informing the optimisation of engagement with the State. This continues with good support
from the Department of Premier and Cabinet.
The Centroc Board considered advice on progression of the Pilot 26 February and resolved to
progress a draft Evaluation Plan through the Executive once the Office of Local Government has
provided feedback. Key messages in a Communication Plan have been circulated to members
Councils and the plan itself will be circulated for member feedback in due course.
Notes:
19 | P a g e
Minutes of the Board meeting 26 February 2015 held in Boorowa Board Members in bold Cr G Rush Mr D Sherley Cr S Ferguson Cr W Tuckerman Mr A McMahon Mr A Hopkins Cr D Somervaille Mr G Rhodes Cr B West Mr P Devery Cr P Miller Mr B Steffen Cr D Manwaring Mr A McCormack (Acting) Cr M Statham Mr R Bailey Cr J McMahon 1.
2.
Bathurst Regional Council Bathurst Regional Council
Blayney Shire Council Boorowa Council Boorowa Council Cabonne Council Central Tablelands Water
Central Tablelands Water Cowra Shire Council Cowra Shire Council
Forbes Shire Council Forbes Shire Council Lachlan Shire Council Lachlan Shire Council
Lithgow City Council Lithgow City Council Oberon Council Mr A Cairney Mr G Styles
Cr K Keith Mr K Boyd Cr J Shaw Mr J Bell Cr M Liebich
Mr G Carroll Mr G Armstrong Oberon Council Orange City Council Parkes Shire Council Parkes Shire Council Upper Lachlan Shire Upper Lachlan Shire Weddin Shire Council
Weddin Shire Council Young Shire Council Ms A Morgan Mr P Mc Millan Ms J Bennett Ms M Macpherson Ms R Meacham Dept Premier & Cabinet RDACW Centroc Centroc Centroc Meeting opened 10.00am and Chaired by Cr Bill West Apologies Ms R Ryan, Cr M Hayes, Cr J Davis, Cr J Shaw, Cr J Walker, Mr P Vlatko, Cr B Miller Resolved Cr P Miller/Cr D Manwaring That the apologies for the Centroc Board meeting 26 February 2015 listed above be accepted. 3.
4.
Welcome by Cr W Tuckerman Mayor of Boorowa Presentation by Charles Sturt University of economic modelling of Central NSW 5.
Minutes 5a Confirmation of the Minutes of the GMAC Meeting 5 February 2015 Resolved Mr D Sherley/Mr A Hopkins That the Minutes of the Centroc GMAC Meeting 5 February 2015 held in Orange be confirmed.
5b Confirmation of the Minutes of the Board Meeting 27 November 2014 Resolved Cr G Rush/Mr J Bell That the Minutes of the Centroc Board Meeting 27 November 2014 held at Blayney be confirmed. 5c Noting of the Minutes of the AGM Meeting 27 November 2014 Resolved Cr K Keith/Mr D Sherley That the Minutes of the Centroc Board Meeting 27 November 2014 held at Blayney be confirmed.
6.
Business Arising from the Minutes – Matters in Progress Resolved Mr K Boyd/Mr B Steffen That the Board note the matters in progress, making deletions as suggested and regarding the advice on Coal Seam Gas that this be a matter for individual Council resolve. 1 Page 20
7.
Correspondence 7a Correspondence In Resolved Mr D Sherley/Cr S Ferguson That the Board note the incoming correspondence.
7b Correspondence Out Resolved Cr K Keith/ Cr D Manwaring That the Board note the outgoing correspondence. 8.
Reports 8a Transport Infrastructure including Bells Line of Road Resolved Mr K Boyd/Cr P Miller That the Board note the Transport Infrastructure report and 1. remove the Centroc Weight of Loads Group as an activity supported by this region; 2. adopt the Transport Advocacy Plan 3. provide advice to the mooted Regional Roads Group that there is concern in the region regarding over weighted vehicles and their management under Chain of Responsibility legislation; 4. include in the Advocacy Plan the prioritisation of a regional airport plan where a comprehensive strategic approach is not warranted at this time and 5. the Centroc Management Plan reflect the above advice 8b Water Infrastructure Resolved Mr G Styles/Mr K Boyd That the Board notes the Water Infrastructure report and:
1. adopts the Advocacy Plan for Water with a review of the key message relating to the support of Alliances; 2. changes to the Advocacy Plan be circulated; 3. endorses the Centroc/Central West RDA Priority Infrastructure Plan‐Water tranche for advocacy purposes in the lead up to the State election; 4. endorses an annual review of the matrix to be undertaken in collaboration with RDA Central West, sponsoring General Managers and other interested General Managers and for feedback to be sought from RDA Central West on this proposal and the costs associated; 5. advocates against advice from NOW that the Best Practice Framework will become mandatory and penalties be imposed for non‐compliance in the review of the Local Government Act scheduled for 2016, particularly in light of current delays in the review of plans by NOW; and 6. seeks a prequalification process for review of Best Practice plans to assist with removing the backlog of plans needing State attention. 8c Health Report Resolved Cr P Miller/Mr R Bailey That the Board 1. confirm Mr B Steffen as the Sponsoring General Manager for Health; 2. send a letter of thanks to the Minister for Local Government for his offer to provide support to the region in its efforts to have federal funding provided specifically for health infrastructure; and 3. adopt the Health Advocacy Plan. 2 Page 21
8d Telecommunications Resolved Mr G Styles/Mr A McMahon That the Board note the Telecommunications Report 8e Regional Development Resolved Mr G Styles/Cr K Keith That the Board note the Regional Development Report 1. collaboration with RDACentral West and the Department of Premiere and Cabinet on the next steps in strategy for regional development and 2. congratulate Mr Alan McCormack on his appointment as Chair for RDACW. 8f Planning Report Resolved Cr K Keith/Cr M Statham That the Board note the Planning Report and determine that JO Pilot resources not be deployed to assist Councils with their individual responses to Fit for the Future. 8g JO Pilot Progress Report Resolved Mr G Styles/Cr P Miller That the JO Pilot Update Report be noted and 1. the draft Evaluation Plan be progressed through the Executive and 2. the Communication Plan be circulated upon completion with feedback to inform an Executive approval process and 3. as a matter of urgency write to the Office of Local Government seeking advice as to the status of the Rural Template. 8h Operation Report Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr P Devery That the Board note the Operational Report and 1. appoint Ms Charmaine Bennett and Ms Sally Hall as delegates for the NSW Council Safety Advisory Network and 2. endorse the submission to the Australian Energy Regulator on Street Lighting charges. 8i Management Plan for 2015/2016 Resolved Mr R Bailey/Mr J Bell That the Board note the Management Plan report and
1. The Management Plan for January 2015‐December 2016 be adopted with the change to the Charter at item 12 to “when representing the region, delegates will act in the interest of the region if conflicted by competing interests”; 2. circulate advice adding clarity to the application of “binding” in the Charter for feedback from members with the Executive to progress and 3. the Budget for the financial year 2015/2016 be adopted noting the fee increase of 2.4%. 8j Financial Report Resolved Mr P Devery/Mr K Boyd That the Board note the Financial report. 9.
Late Reports ‐ Nil Matters Raised by Members 10.
3 Page 22
Meetings in Sydney and Canberra Resolved Cr K Keith/Cr M Statham That the Board seek support from State and Federal Ministers to assist with the meetings in Canberra and Sydney and for this year request support from Mr Angus Taylor, Members for Hume and the Hon Katrina Hodkinson Member for Burrinjuck. 11.
Speakers to the next Board meeting 12.
Next Meetings GMAC – 7 May 2015 ‐ Orange Board – 28 May 2015– TBC‐ Parliament House Meeting closed 12.00pm Page 4 is the last page of the Centroc Board Minutes 26 February 2015 4 Page 23
11.03
OBERON ARTS COUNCIL
File No: Community Relations/Community Consultation/Oberon Arts Council
Author: Sharon Swannell, Executive Coordinator
Summary
The Mayor, Councillor McMahon and the General Manager are Council’s delegates to the Oberon
Arts Council (OAC). Both delegates tendered apologies for the meeting held on Tuesday 24
February due to a conflicting appointment in Sydney.
Recommendation:
That delegate’s report item 11.03 is received as information.
Comment
Minutes of the Oberon Arts Council (OAC) meeting held on 24 February 2015 have been
forwarded by the OAC Secretary and FOLLOW for Council’s information.
Some of the items discussed at the meeting included:

Honour Board completed and presentation made at Australia Day Ceremony held at the
Oberon Showground. Fran Charge to discuss payment of the Honour Board with Oberon
Council.

Arts Council will have a stall at Anzac Day celebrations at the Showground on Saturday 11
April.

Concerns for the future management and presentation of Jenolan Caves which is an
integral tourist attraction to Oberon.

Proposed Council rate increase of 43% over 5 years. We look forward to a report regarding
this from John McMahon and Alan Cairney at the next meeting.

The inaugural meeting of the amalgamation of both OPTA and OBA has been held and
office bearers elected and protocols and procedures set out.

Arts Out West – Fran Charge advised that Oberon Arts Council will host the AGM for Arts
OutWest at Mayfield on 16 May. Usual attendance is about 30 to 40 people for meeting
lunch and some form of activity.

Meeting agreed that Christine McMillan should continue working in the area to promote Arts
and Health under the Arts OutWest ‘Arts in a Suitcase’ banner and Oberon Arts Council
could assist where needed.
The next meeting of the Oberon Arts Council will be held on Tuesday 28 April, commencing at
5.00pm at the Oberon Golf Club.
Arts OutWest held their last Board Meeting on 2 February at the Bathurst Council Chambers. Fran
Charge is the Oberon delegate to Arts OutWest.
A copy of the minutes of the meeting FOLLOW for Council’s information.
24 | P a g e
Oberon Arts Council Inc MINUTES OF MEETING held Tuesday 25th February 2015 at Oberon Golf Club Minutes taken by Rhondda Pearce Meeting opened at 5.00pm Present: Fran Charge, Tim Charge, Sandy Harman, Margaret Grady, Ray Ross, Alan Pearce and Rhondda Pearce. Apologies: Sue Roberts, Margaret Ross, Brian Harman, Jenn and Don Capel, Alan Cairney and John McMahon Confirmation of Minutes of 2nd December 2015: Moved Margaret Grady, seconded Ray Ross. Business Arising: Honour Board completed and presentation made at Oberon Show. The $25 cheque donation to Oberon Council for the summer reading is being held over until the end of 2015. Fran Charge to discuss with Oberon Council the payment due for Honour Board. Correspondence In: Bank Statement as at 28 January 2015 Oberon Council re Anzac Day Street Parade and Memorabilia Day to be held on Saturday 11th April 2015. Action Rhondda Oberon Council re Oberon and Surrounding Villages Newsletter regarding advertising rates in newsletter. Correspondence Out: Emails to members re meeting, Oberon Council re Minutes , meetings and Summer Readings donation. Correspondence accepted. Moved Rhondda Pearce and seconded Fran Charge Business Arising from Correspondence: Rhondda Pearce to advise Oberon Council that Arts Council will have a stall at Anzac Day celebrations at the Showground on Saturday April 11th. Treasurers Report: Rhondda Pearce presented report to 28 January 2015. Since then payment of $1998.20 has been made to Selena Seifert for her work on the ‘bullocks’. Moved Rhondda to pay membership of Arts Out West $30.00 M M Grady Sec R Ross. Treasurers Report moved R Pearce and seconded Sandy Harman. Fran Charge to contact Selena Seifert regarding costs incurred by her for repairs carried out so that Arts Council can recompense Selena. Ray Ross has received some membership payments which he will deposit into bank on our behalf and advise Rhondda accordingly. General Business: Sandy Harman discussed her concerns for the future management and presentation of Jenolan Caves which is an integral tourist attraction to Oberon. Page 25
Discussion took place regarding the proposed Council rate increase of 43% over 5 years. We look forward to a report regarding this from John McMahon and Alan Cairney at the next meeting. Discussion took place regarding whether a further Art Show should be planned for about November. No decision as this stage. Fran Charge moved that a vote of thanks be extended to Sue and Col Roberts and Margaret Grady for their wonderful work in organising the Honour Board. Seconded Sandy Harman. Fran Charge reported that the Oberon Arts Council stall at the Steam Fair and at the Oberon Show was well received. She thanked volunteers for their time and efforts OBTA Report: Tim Charge reported the inaugural meeting of the amalgamation of both organisations OPTA and OBA had been held. Office bearers were elected and protocols and procedures set out . We wish this new organisation success in reaching their goals and further promoting Oberon. Tim stressed the need to encourage membership of OBTA so that the various expertise of past and present business people can be utilised in reaching their goals. Arts Out West: Fran advised that Oberon Arts Council will host the AGM for Arts Out West at Mayfield on 16th May 2015. Usual attendance is about 30 to 40 people for meeting lunch and some form of activity. Organisation for this will require full support of our members. Fran will continue discussion with Mayfield with the possibility of lunch and a tour of the Water Garden and some guest artists to present. An extraordinary meeting may be called prior our next scheduled meeting to enable smooth organisation. Meeting agreed that Christine McMillan should continue working in the area to promote Arts and Health under the Arts Out West ‘Arts in a Suitcase’ banner and Oberon Arts Council could assist where needed. Oberon Common Mural Project: Fran Charge to contact Mark Taylor regarding the status on the project. An invoice for work has not yet been received. Next Meeting: To be held on Tuesday 28th April 2015 at 5.00pm at the Oberon Golf Club. Meeting Closed: Meeting declared closed at 6.10pm. MEMBERSHIPS NOW DUE – Please note that membership is due. Payment of $20 single and $30 family can be made to Oberon Arts Council either by cheque to PO Box 326 Oberon 2787 or by direct deposit to NAB details: BSB 082‐771 Account No 184711594. Thank you for your support and prompt attention. Page 26
Summary of AOW Board Meeting,
Tuesday 2 February, Bathurst Council Chambers
Sharon Wilcox, Vice Chair (Cabonne)
Fran Charge, Secretary (Oberon)
Kylie Shead (General Membership);
Tracey Callinan (Executive Officer)
Graham Falconer, Treasurer (Forbes)
Nyree Reynolds (Blayney)
Lisa Loader (Orange)
Apologies/Absent: Libby Oldham, Chair (General Membership); Jess Jennings (Bathurst); Maree
Statham (Lithgow); Liz Matthews (Parkes); Kate Smith (CSU); Brian Langer (Cowra); Heather Blackley
(Lachlan); Carly Brown (Weddin); Danielle Anderson (Wellington)
Welcomed attendees and confirmed a quorum
Follow up on previous meeting action points:
 One page summary of board meetings has been instigated
 Christine McMillan was thanked for her work in arts and health program
 Development of strategic plan consultation, investigation of funding to share performance
work and investigating funding for further working in aged care and with people with
dementia all in progress
Finances:
 Figures for 2014 are incomplete and do not yet include any end of year adjustments
 2014 shows a surplus. Currently showing a surplus of $42K, but this will be less when
adjusted
 New bank signatories agreed, removing Bronwyn Giovenco and adding Sue Stocks
Executive Officer’s Report:
Funding:
 Successful: Lachlan Health Service tender ($73,400); Australia Council – Silos ($20K)
 CASP funding has now gone out
 Have offered funding to several projects that were unsuccessful in CASP, using extra funding
granted through the ex-Minister for the Arts (George Souris)
Arts and Health
 Have commenced working on the Culture and Arts consultancy for the redevelopment of
Forbes and Parkes hospitals.
Aboriginal Arts Development
 Central West Aboriginal artists featured in Corroboree – Black Arts Market at the MCA
(Museum of Contemporary Art), Circular Quay , Sunday 23 November
 Have agreed to have a stall showcasing our region’s work at Saltwater Freshwater in January
– a major Aboriginal festival in Coffs Harbour
 Nyree Reynolds and Irene Ridgeway exhibition continuing in Sydney in the Rocks with Djon
Mundine. Has developed as a result of AOW’s Central West Creative Lab project
Creative Industries
 Forbes Symposium on Saturday 15 November was very successful. One outcome of
developing and printing a regional calendar of major events has already been achieved.
Plans for more network meetings and activities
Page 27

Silos Project is continuing in February without Legs on the Wall but with the artistic team
otherwise in tact
General
 DJ Weekes have been appointed as auditors. Financials still need to be finalised before
being sent to audit and prepared for AGM
 New staff have started. Brooke Lenon is the Communications Officer and Sue Stocks is the
Financial Officer
 Need to do new council MOUs. It was decided to not increase council contributions
 New strategic plan to be developed by end of May. Consultation plan was discussed and
agreed. Discussed possibly adding cultural tourism to our priority areas. Also discussed and
altered wording and goals for some KPIs.
 Waiting on the review of regional arts boards to be released by Arts NSW, but it is
understood that we will be expected to move to a skills based board. Discussed and agreed
skills that are needed on the Arts OutWest board (finance, legal, arts, business, HR,
fundraising, community, local government, Aboriginal)
Upcoming dates and other business
Note that 2015 meetings have been moved to the first Tuesday of the month
 Tuesday 5 May, Orange
 Tuesday 4 August, Bathurst
 Tuesday 3 November, Orange
AGM: Fran Charge from Oberon agreed to investigate Mayfield Gardens as a venue for the AGM.
Pencilled in for Saturday 16th May
Page 28
11.04 LOCAL GOVERNMENT NSW TOURISM CONFERENCE
File No: Economic Development/Tourism Development
Author: Councillor Sam Lord
Summary
The Annual Local Government NSW Tourism Conference was held at Mount Panorama, Bathurst
on 2 – 4 March 2015. The conference was attended by myself, General Manager Alan Cairney and
Executive Coordinator, Sharon Swannell.
Recommendation:
That report item 11.04 is received as information.
Comment
On Monday 2 March an AVIC Summit was held at Mount Panorama. Visitor Information Centre
Staff Lynne Causer and Debra Marks and Executive Coordinator, Sharon Swannell attended the
AVIC Summit. The theme for the AVIC Summit was Inspirational Visitor Servicing for Local
Government 2015 and beyond. The summit was well attended by Visitor Information Centre
operators and volunteers from across NSW and case study presenters gave a good overview of
different management, funding and operational models and how this works in their regions.
A welcome function was held at the Mt Panorama Motor Museum on Monday evening. General
Manager Alan Cairney and I attended the function and took the opportunity to speak with Minister
for Local Government, Paul Toole, Mayor of Bathurst, Gary Rush and representatives from
Destination NSW who were in attendance.
This Conference gave a great insight into many aspects of tourism and its impact on Councils from
city, regional and rural New South Wales. We had the opportunity to learn from case studies,
network with other elected members and tourism professionals and listen to a diverse range of
industry experts.
The theme of this Conference was "Building Community Capital": social, economical and cultural.
A variety of information on educational and cultural tourism, attracting and delivering tourism,
sports tourism and precinct development and its relevance in regional areas. A good opportunity to
meet and talk directly with Destination NSW staff and listen to a diverse range of speakers from all
over NSW.
The Conference was an informative way to learn about promotion and development, economic
development, marketing, special events, media, community strategic planning, town planning,
cultural services and infrastructure provision.
LG NSW President Cr Keith Rhoades said that regional tourism was a critical component of
regional economies and an increasing strategic focus for local Councils, and the benefits go well
beyond economics with tourism aiding social and cultural revitalisation and making remarkable
contributions to the life blood of regional and rural communities. Local Councils involved in the
sector from land use and transport links right through to regulations and regional promotion. So it is
no surprise they are increasingly making tourism a vital part of their strategic plans.
29 | P a g e
12. COMMITTEE REPORTS
12.01
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
File: Governance/Ordinary/March 2015
Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance & Community Services Committee
Summary
Minutes of the Community Services Committee Meeting held on 26 February 2015 is submitted for
Council’s information and consideration.
Recommendation:
That this report be received by Council as information, and that the Director of Finance &
Community Services re-assess the location of staff within the Library.
Comment
FOLLOWING is the Minutes of the Community Services Committee held on 26 February 2015.
Discussion was held on the following matters:

Library staffing seating concerns by some members of the Committee

Member resignation and advertisements for new members

Community Transport update in regard to amalgamation with Lithgow Community Transport

Update on the Live Well in Oberon Festival and Community Fun Run to be held on 21
March 2015, at The Common

Rotary ‘Welcome Dinner’ being held on 19 March 2015

Updates from U3A, Oberon Information Centre and Columbia Homes

Senior Week activities for week of 16-21 March 2015.
The next Meeting of the Community Services Committee is scheduled for 30 April 2015.
Notes:
30 | P a g e
OBERON COUNCIL – OBERON COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE
Page 1 of 3
The Meeting was held on 26 February 2015 in the Council’s Committee Room, 137-139 Oberon St,
Oberon.
Clr Sajowitz declared the meeting open at 2.00pm. Council acknowledges that this meeting is
being held on the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri and Gundungurra People, and respects the
history and culture of the elders both past and present.
ATTENDANCE
Clr Kathy Sajowitz - Chair
Clr Jill Evans
Bev Evans
Maree Arrow
Sue Fisher-Smith
Kathy Beesley
Eilagh Rurenga
Council Member
Council Member
Community Representative
Oberon Neighbourhood Centre
Community Services Coordinator, Oberon Council
APOLOGIES
Robin Toedter
Alan Cairney
Lynette Safranek
Norelle Hiam
Elaine Boxer
General Manager
Finance and Community Services Director, Oberon Council
Community Observer
1.
APOLOGIES – see Attendance and Apologies above.
2.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Nil
3.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 27 NOVEMBER 2014
4.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING
Bev Evans asked what was happening with the Oberon Common Committee. Clr Evans stated that
she could not provide update but would be approaching GM ASAP to ascertain status of
committee. Maree Arrow asked what was going to done about the trees in the main street after it
was suggested that they were going to be relocated. It was advised that that idea has been
‘squashed’. And nothing regarding the relocation of the trees in the main street is going to happen
anytime soon.
Maree Arrow bought up the topic of the Library staffing. Concerns were raised by three committee
members about the permanent location of the Senior Library Officer at the main desk in the Library
rather than having her own office. It was felt that this was inappropriate and showed lack of
consideration for that staff position within the Library. To the wider Library community it is generally
felt that the position of Library Officer within our library is undervalued and this relocation has
reinforced that perception.
Recommendation:
That the Director reassesses the location of staff within the Library.
5.
REPORTS
5.1 MEMBER RESIGNATION

It was decided that the Committee needs 2 new members

The members would like the positions to be advertised in the Oberon Review and
the Community Newsletter.
Minutes of the Oberon Community Services Committee Meeting held on 26 February 2015
Page 31
Page 2 of 3
Recommendation:
That the Committee advertise for new members.
5.2
COMMUNINITY SERVICES UPDATE
Community Transport

Kathy Beesley advised the Committee that Lynette was attending a meeting in
Parramatta regarding Community Transport. She explained Lithgow had a better
booking and reporting system and Oberon will be adopting their system.

A morning tea is being held on 13 March at the Hampton Halfway Hotel Coffee
Lounge. All clients, drivers, Councillors and senior staff have been invited to help
launch and celebrate the newly merged service.
Oberon Youth Council

The Oberon Youth Council will be holding a Fun Run on Saturday 21 March with
the commencement of Live Well in Oberon. Funds raised will go to the Heart
Foundation.
Recommendation:
That the Committee receives this report as information.
5.3
LIVEWELL IN OBERON – verbal update

The Live Well in Oberon event will commence at 10am on 21 March and
incorporates the finish of the Oberon Youth Council Community Fun Run at The
Common. The event should finish at 1:00pm.

The event has obtained sponsorship from Borg, Harris Farm and Oberon Council

The Rotary Club of Oberon will be catering healthy food options and students
from Oberon High School will be assisting with the distribution of free healthy dip
and vegetables. Free fruit and water will also be available.

The Static exercise equipment will soon be installed and demonstrated by Guy
Nicholl at the event.

Jumping castle is booked for the young people and will be ‘jumpable’ by a gold
coin donation (proceeds to a local charity) or a free jump each 5 stamps collected
in the Live Well Passport.

Oberon Council has instigated a project where community members can loan a
pedometer for a 2 week trial.

The Live Well Passport once stamped by all participating exhibitors can be
entered a draw for prizes, ensuring all visitors will visit the displays.

Columbia Homes have committed to have a presence at the events with
information available on the Aged Care facility soon to be opened.

Oberon Information Centre will have information available on support services
and community options.

Oberon Health Council will be there will all kinds of information on maintaining a
healthy lifestyle plus a dietician

Groups who have shown interest in participating include, U3A, Men’s Shed,
Oberon Roller Derby, Oberon Rugby League, Oberon Little A’s, Oberon Golf
Club, Oberon Tennis Club, Oberon Health Foods, PT4U, Oberon Council, Riding
for the disabled, and Transformation Yoga

It is hopes that with promotion more sporting bodies will come on board. Still
waiting for response from organisations promoting Karate and Tai Chi.
5.4
ROTARY WELCOME DINNER – verbal report

Eilagh Rurenga, Oberon Rotary President gave a verbal report on the upcoming
Welcome Dinner planned for 19 March at the Titania Hotel.
Page 32
Page 3 of 3



5.5
Rotary is a Service Club consisting of volunteers who help other organisations
and provide community service, for example Australia Day Celebrations and the
upcoming Live Well Festival.
Their main focus is providing service to local and national communities. They
give support to the young, disabled and elderly in the communities. For example,
they do Transport for the high school, mobility scooter for the elderly, and much
more. Not only is it about helping the community out, it’s also about new
friendships and learning community services.
The Rotary Club of Oberon is working on a New Residents Information pack. It
will contain information about groups in Oberon, any activities that happen,
schools, preschool, services, contact list of services. Packs will be given to new
residents from the real estate agents.
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

Friends of the Oberon Library are hosting an event on 8 March at 2pm in the
Robert Hooper Community Centre.

In keeping with the ANZAC commemorations this year the theme is “how war
affects women”.

There will be afternoon tea, themed reading by the writers group, speakers,
displays and memorabilia, photo wall, articles, letters, women’s arms uniforms,
underwear from 1915 and poppy project work.

Guests will be offered to tell their own stories, there will be music and raffles. The
event will be a free event.
6.
GENERAL BUSINESS

Maree Arrow gave an update on U3A, it has been very successful and going well,
enjoying and taking advantage of all the various activities on offer for them. Some
members have not renewed their membership but neither have they participated in any
classes so Maree will follow up and if not renewing will remove from membership list.
Currently over 80 financial members.

Sue mentioned since the move of the Oberon Information Centre there have been
people coming in and having a looking around wondering what it was. Hot Desk has
been successful; it helps disabled and the youth.

Seniors Week will be from the 16 to 21 March, with two mystery bus trips (one on 17
March for a tour then lunch, then the 18 March for a tour then afternoon tea). A bus trip
on 20 March to Mitchell Conservatorium in Bathurst (still awaiting confirmation). There
are also 4 tickets for a day trip to the Premiers Senior Week Gala Concert in Sydney on
18 March.

There was an unofficial update on Columbia Homes. Letters have been sent out to
people who have their names down for the new Aged Care Facility. Hathaway Cottage
residents will be located to the facility first, with a soft opening in May, the rest
expected to move in June with an official opening. There are concerns for the
Hathaway Cottage residents with the move. There have been no providers at this point
interested in taking over Hathaway Cottages.
7.
NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 30 April 2015, commencing at 2.00pm in the
Committee Room.
The Meeting closed at 2:30pm.
Page 33
12.02 HERITAGE COMMITTEE
File: Governance/Meetings/Heritage Committee
Author: Gary Wallace, Planning & Development Director
Summary
Minutes of the Heritage Committee held on 23 February 2015 submitted for Council’s information
and consideration.
Recommendation:
That the Minutes of the Heritage Committee held on 23 February 2015 received as information.
Comment
FOLLOWING is the Minutes of the Heritage Committee held on 23 February 2015
This is a summary of the Committee discussions and outcomes:

Burraga European Heritage Sign is being finalised. Committee members are researching the
history of the Indigenous people of Burraga for reverse side of the sign.

Black Springs Sign is progressing and the Committee are researching the history of the
Indigenous people of the Black Springs area

Committee is seeking advice from RMS in relation to the structure over the picnic area at
Hassall Park in an attempt to match the new Heritage sign now constructed.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Monday 25 May 2015.
Notes:
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OBERON COUNCIL – HERITAGE COMMITTEE
Page 1 of 5
The Meeting was held in the Council’s Committee Room, 137-139 Oberon Street, Oberon.
The Meeting commenced at 5.05pm.
ATTENDANCE
Clr Clive McCarthy - Chair
Iain McPherson from 5.07pm
Ewen Stewart from 5.08pm
Philippa Gemmell-Smith
Brenda Doney
Clr Ian Doney
Christo Aitken
Susan Loudon
Laurie McMahon
Gary Wallace
Janet Bailey
Council Member
National Trust Representative
Council Member
Heritage Advisor
Planning & Development Director Oberon Council
Planning & Development Administration Oberon Council
APOLOGIES
Ian Davis
Alan Cairney
OTHR Representative
General Manager Oberon Council
1. APOLOGIES – see Attendance and Apologies list above.
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - Nil
Iain McPherson joined the meeting 5.07 pm
Ewen Stewart joined the meeting 5.08 pm
3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
LINDLEGREEN
Discussion was held in relation to the Pise Barn at Lindlegreen raised from an Action from previous
minutes. Previously the Committee had provided funds (through Council) to undertake an
engineering assessment on the structural stability of the barn in an attempt to protect it from further
damage. Give that the land has now been sold the Committee discussed options to reengage the
new owners to discuss the historical significance of the pise barn and what funding may be
available to them for restoration.
Action
Christo to liaise with the new owners of Lindlegreen and see if they are receptive to listing the Pise
Barn on the State Heritage Register and invite them to the next Heritage Meeting.
ST AIDENS CHURCH
Ewen informed the Committee that no decision had been made regarding the sale of St Aiden’s
Church at Black Springs and the issue is with the Supreme Court and an outcome is likely by April
2015.
Recommendation:
That the information be noted.
Minutes of the Heritage Committee Meeting held on the 23 February 2015
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GINGKIN PAPERS
Philippa indicated that issues remain with relatives in gaining approval for the papers (or copies of)
be provided to Council for archiving. A consensus of the committee was that the owners of the
letters consider Council holding a copy of the letters for preservation purposes only until other
family members agree to their release.
Action
Philippa to ask the owners of the letters if Council could copy and store the letters for safe keeping
until such times as approval is received by the owners for public display.
4. REPORTS
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS REPORTS
A. HERITAGE SIGNAGE – BLACK SPRINGS, O’CONNELL AND BURRAGA
O’CONNELL SIGN
Discussion was held relating to the New Heritage signage at O’Connell. It was indicated that the
sign is not a true representation of location with the direction indicators to Oberon and Bathurst
facing the incorrect way.
Gary advised that the signage was only ‘indicative’ however both signs could be reversed to
accurately represent the correct direction for Bathurst and Oberon.
Action
Gary to organise for the signs at Hassall Park to be reversed.
BLACK SPRINGS SIGN
Janet indicated that she had been in contact with Peter Dove regarding the information for the
Black Springs sign. Peter advised that he will be organising a further meeting with the members of
the Black Spring Progress Association and he will liaise with Council once they have something
more definite.
Clive indicated that Mr Alan Hoolihan of Black Springs has information regarding the Indigenous
history of Black Springs and this could be included on the new Heritage sign.
Action
a) Janet to contact Peter Dove next month to progress the Black Springs Heritage Sign.
b) Clive gather information on the Indigenous history of the Black Springs area and provide
that information to the next meeting.
c) Philippa investigate the indigenous history of Black Springs and provide information to
Gary.
BURRAGA SIGN
Information on the proposed sign was provided to Committee Members. A general discussion was
held and feedback has been requested back to Council within the next two week.
The Indigenous side of the sign was discussed and Committee Members were asked if anyone
knew about the Indigenous history of Burraga. Iain indicated that he had a contact within the
Bathurst Land Council that might be able to provide some assistance in the matter.
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Action
a) Committee members provide feedback on the proposed Burraga sign and over the next two
weeks and proceed to finalising the European Heritage Sign for Burraga
b) Iain McPherson will contact members of the Bathurst Land Council to gather information on
the Indigenous people of Burraga
TIMBER HERITAGE WALK WORKING PARTY.
Gary spoke about the Timber Heritage Walk Working Party which has prepared information for
three interpretive sings on the history of the Oberon Timber Complex.
Ian made a request asking if is it possible to have another large sign in a similar design to the
Heritage signs already installed at O’Connell, Black Springs and Burraga at the beginning of the
Timber Heritage Walk.
One side could indicate the Heritage Railway and Walking Track to Tarana whilst the other side
could have the history of the Timber Industries. The Committee will need to source a map of the
Oberon Tarana Railway Line and liaise with the OTHR about the positioning of the sign and its
design.
Gary indicated that this is removed from the original Concept Plan proposed for the Timber
Heritage Walk however will contact the Working Party for comment upon the proposed changes to
the concept.
The Committee also discussed the information for the interpretive signs and Gary has requested
that Committee Members read the material already supplied and get back to him with in the next
two week as some members felt their was too much information included in the draft copies.
Action
a) Laurie to provide to Gary a map of the Oberon/Tarana Railway line in the next two weeks.
b) Gary to contact Ian Davis from OTHR regarding the Oberon/Tarana Railway line
c) Committee members to provide old photos of the Timber industries as soon as possible.
d) Committee members are to provide feedback for the interpretive design and narrative for
the signage within the next two weeks.
e) Gary to liaise with the Timber Heritage Walk Working Party with respect to new signage
design for comment.
ANZAC MEMORIAL BURRAGA
Gary advised that he and Christo met with the members of the Burraga RSL Sub-Branch and
Burraga residents regarding the $7,000 funding provided by the RSL Sub-Branch to reinstate the
existing names on the Memorial and a new plaque to commemorate those who have fallen after
WW2.
Recommendation:
MALACHI GILMORE HALL
Gary advised the Committee that staff continue to assist potential purchases on Heritage matters
in relation to Malachi Gilmore Hall, with the assistance of Council’s Heritage Advisor Christo. Over
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the last three months 3 perspective purchasers had contacted Council with one being shown
through the building.
Recommendation:
ST THOMAS CHURCH AND CURTILAGE-HERITAGE FUND APPLICATION
Ian outlined to the Committee ideas on what the members of St Thomas Church were looking at in
relation to the re-fencing around St Thomas Church at O’Connell. The Church Committee is
looking at appropriate designs and Gary has offered to take some pictures of the surrounds and
forward to Christo for his advice on suitable design.
Action
Gary to provide photos of the ground surrounding St Thomas Church and forward to Christo for
advice.
GENERAL BUSINESS
HASSALL PARK
Ian Doney asked if some of the funds left in the Village Improvement Fund could be used to cover
the top of the picnic area at Hassall Park to match the new Heritage sign.
Gary advised that the Village Improvement Fund sits separate to the Local Heritage Fund and
monies had already been distributed for the O’Connell area. $2,500 for tables and chairs for
Hassall Park has already been allocated from the Village Improvement Fund.
An action to write to the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) seeking requirements for the removal
of existing structures within the Park was discussed
Action
Gary is to write to the RMS seeking advice to alter the structure at Hassall Park to match the
heritage of the area.
ANZAC MEMORIAL O’CONNELL
Brenda Doney has confirmed that the sign is in the process of being done and hopefully it should
be up before ANZAC day.
Recommendation:
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
Activity
Responsibility
HERITAGE SIGNS –




Gary
Reverse the signs on the O’Connell Heritage Structure.
Liaise with Peter Dove regarding the progress of the Black
Gary & Janet
Springs Sign
Liaise with Ewen Stewart and Mark Taylor in relation to
design of the Burraga Heritage sign once we have received
Ewen, Gary & Janet
confirmation back from the Committee Members
Gather information on the Indigenous people of Burraga from
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
the Bathurst Land Council
Research the history of the Indigenous people of Black
Springs and Clive McCarthy to obtain information on the
Indigenous people of the Black Springs area from Mr Alan
Hoolihan.
Iain
Philippa and Clive
TIMBER HERITAGE WALK



the Committee source appropriate early working photos
of the OTC
to provide a map of the Oberon Tarana Railway Line
Committee provide feedback on sign design and
narrative
Heritage Committee
Laurie/Gary/Ian Davis
Heritage Committee
GINGKIN PAPERS

approach the owners of the Gingkin Papers for copying
and archiving
Philippa
HASSELL PARK

Write to RMS seeking advice on the existing structure at
Hassall Park.
Gary
St THOMAS CHURCH

Photos of the area to be forwarded to the Heritage
Advisor
Gary
LINDLEGREEN

To make contact with the new owners and discuss
options on preservation of Pise Barn
Gary and Christo
5. NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE
The next meeting will be held on Monday 25 May 2015 commencing at 5.00pm.
The Meeting closed at 7.10 pm
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12.03 OBERON SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE
File: Governance/Meetings/Oberon Sports Facilities Committee
Author: Chris Schumacher, Works and Engineering Director
Summary
Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee held on 25 February 2015 is submitted for
Council’s information and consideration.
Recommendation:
That the Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee held on 25 February 2015 be received
as information.
Comment
FOLLOWING is the Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee held on 25 February 2015.
A summary of the Committee discussions and outcomes is listed below:

Additional works are to be scheduled in for the landscaping and footpath on the eastern side of
the Netball Toilet building.

“No Dogs” signs to be investigated for installation at sporting grounds.

An inspection by Little Athletics of Cunynghame Oval to take place, to ascertain if it would be a
suitable home ground for the club.

The Committee requested clarification regarding if it is Council who is ultimately responsible for
the closing of grounds in inclement weather.
The next meeting of the Committee will be held on Thursday 28 May 2015, commencing at
4.30pm.
Notes:
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OBERON COUNCIL – OBERON SPORTS FACILITIES COMMITTEE
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The Meeting was held in the Council’s Committee Room, 137-139 Oberon Street, Oberon.
The Meeting commenced at 4.30pm.
ATTENDANCE
Clr Kerry Gibbons – Chair
Clinton Corby
Geoff Oxley
Harold Lyme
Kay Lyme
Raeleine Eiler
Brent Grady
Vicki Walsh
Ian Christie-Johnston
Bob Mills
John McMahon until 5.04pm
Alan Cairney until 5.04pm
Clr Kathy Sajowitz until 5.04pm
Rebecca Burgess
Council Member
Oberon United Football Club
Oberon Junior Hockey Club
Oberon Tennis Centre
Oberon Tennis Centre
Oberon Little Athletics
Oberon Junior Rugby League
Oberon Leagues Club
Oberon Tigers Rugby League Club
Oberon Heritage & Collectors Club
Mayor, Oberon Council
General Manager, Oberon Council
Council Member
Works & Engineering Administration, Oberon Council
1. APOLOGIES
Peter Varlas
Christopher Schumacher
Oberon Touch Football
Works and Engineering Director, Oberon Council
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Nil
3. BUSINESS ARISING FROM LAST MEETING – 29 October 2014
A Summary of ACTIONS from the last meeting was reviewed and the following comments noted:
Additional works to be undertaken at the Netball Toilets – Landscaping. This is to be scheduled
into works. Christopher will follow this up.
Collect information/requests and present at the next meeting for consideration in long term
sporting precinct plan. Committee discussion – see 4 a) below.
Skate Park. Oberon Youth Council to report back to Council or OSF Committee. Carried Over.
Lighting “spares” that might be available from Rugby League. Ian advised that he had the
spares and has made enquiries about the cost to install. Committee discussion in General
Business.
Minutes of the Oberon Sports Facilities Committee Meeting held on 25 February 2015
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4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a)
LONG TERM SPORTING PRECINCT PLAN
On the basis of discussion from the last meeting all sporting groups were to compile a list of
request items for Council consideration. This information will be used to assist in developing a
Long Term Plan for the Sporting Precinct.
Rugby League – Ian outlined that priorities include:- lighting, field maintenance, and ongoing
amenities for players and spectators.
Little Athletics – Raeleine outlined that priorities include:- upgrade to standard of the long jump pits.
This generated some discussion amongst the Committee regarding the possibility of Little Athletics
moving permanently to Cunynghame Oval, this is outlined in 4. b) below.
Soccer – Clinton outlined the main concern for soccer is the condition of the Recreation Ground,
esp. due to use by League for example the timing of the Junior Carnival is such that the grounds
do not have time to recover prior to the soccer season starting. Use of the Recreation Ground for
league training during winter season also diminishes the condition of the ground for soccer.
Also requested was investigation into “No Dogs” signs as animal waste is often on the grounds,
other Committee members agreed that this is an issue.
Action
Christopher Schumacher to investigate and action “No Dogs” signs at the Recreation Ground.
b)
BOOKINGS CLASHES AT THE RECREATION GROUND
The Committee discussed the overuse and clash of bookings for the Recreation Ground. Solutions
identified to alleviate this were:Little Athletics moving permanently to Cunynghame Oval. Raeleine undertook to go by and
inspect Cunynghame Oval to see if it would be suitable. The main requirements are that a
minimum 400 metre track, 2 discus and 2 shot-put can be accommodated in addition to long
jump pits and a high jump area. A canteen facility would also be required. Raeleine requested
copies of any plans or designs/dimensions Council may have of Cunynghame Oval.
Kerry did raise a concern that if cricket was to pick up again, this would conflict.
Installation of suitable lighting at the hockey field for league evening training would mean this
field could be used instead of the Recreation Ground. Alan suggested Council’s Grants Officer
may be able to assist the clubs with seeking appropriate grant funding for this work.
Kerry suggested that the leagues grounds at the high school be investigated as they have been
used in the past.
Action
Raeleine to inspect Cunynghame Oval as a potential suitable home ground for Little Athletics.
Christopher Schumacher will arrange to provide any plans or designs of Cunynghame Oval to
Raeleine.
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c)
OBERON TENNIS CENTRE – RENEWAL OF LEASE
This item was listed obtain feedback from users prior to renegotiating the lease renewal.
Kay and Geoff agreed that tennis and hockey requirements are currently being met by the complex
and that the clubs were communicating well. As a wish list Geoff mentioned a second goal for
hockey would make it possible to simulate a full field game, for the future.
5. GENERAL BUSINESS
Due to further feedback from the community Alan advised that a decision was made in consultation
with three Councillors who Chair this Committee, the Seniors Welfare Committee and the
Community Services Committee to install all 5 pieces of low impact exercise equipment at the
Oberon Common.
Clr Sajowitz discussed the Oberon Youth Council Fun Run from 8:30am followed at 10am by the
“Live Well In Oberon” Health and Fitness Festival on 21 March at the Oberon Common and
encouraged participation from all the sporting clubs, bodies and individuals.
The Mayor John McMahon, Alan Cairney and Clr Sajowitz left the meeting at 5:04pm.
Clinton raised the question of who ultimately makes the call to close a field in inclement weather.
Clinton and Ian both agreed that as referees and coaches they would at times call a game off if
they considered the ground to be unsuitable for play, however in other areas it is the Council as the
owner of the grounds who would make a call as to the condition and suitability of the grounds.
Raeleine raised the question of a Parks, Gardens and Grounds Plan, outlining use, rules,
conditions, etc for the playing fields and grounds and asked why Council did not have such a plan
in place.
Action
Kerry took on-board both issues for further investigation and will advise at the next meeting.
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SUMMARY of ACTIONS
Activity
Responsibility
Additional works to be undertaken at the Netball Toilets – Christopher
landscaping plus footpath on eastern side of building.
Chris to follow up
Investigate and action “No Dogs” signs for the sporting grounds
Christopher
Skate Park
Carried Over
Oberon Youth Council to report back to Council or OSF Committee
Inspect Cunynghame Oval as a potential home ground for Little Raeleine
Athletics
Investigate and report back to the Committee with regards to who is
ultimately responsible for closing grounds in inclement weather
Kerry/Christopher
Investigate and report back to the Committee with regards to a Kerry/Christopher
Parks, Gardens and Grounds Plan
6. NEXT MEETING DATE AND MEETING CLOSE
The next meeting will be held on 28 May 2015 at 4.30pm.
The Meeting closed at 5.20pm.
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13. REPORTS FOR DECISION
13.01
PROGRESS UPDATE – FIT FOR THE FUTURE REFORM PROGRAM
File No: Government Relations / State Liaison / Office of Local Government
Author: Alan Cairney, General Manager
Summary
A comprehensive progress report on the NSW Government Reform Program was submitted to the
December Council Meeting and recommended a plan for engaging with the community and also in
preparing a Fit for the Future proposal. This progress report provides an update on recent activity
including a joint meeting with representatives of Bathurst Regional Council, Blayney Shire Council,
Lithgow City Council and Oberon Council.
Recommendation:
That Councillor and Management Workshops be arranged to review the options for the Fit for the
Future proposals, and that Community Information Sessions be held prior to submitting a proposal.
Comment
FOLLOWING is a Media Release issued on behalf of the four Councils.
MEETINGS WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNCILS
The decisions made at the December Council Meeting have in part been actioned. A joint meeting
was held on 18 February with the Mayors, Deputy Mayors and General Managers invited from the
Council’s of Bathurst, Blayney and Lithgow with Oberon represented by Mayor Clr John McMahon,
Deputy Mayor Clr Kerry Gibbons and General Manager Alan Cairney.
An outcome from the meeting was the issue of a joint Media Release which provided a summary of
the current position for each Council concerning the Fit for the Future proposals and some
concerns about the proliferation of weeds within all four local government areas. All Councils are
members of the Upper Macquarie Weeds Council which is responsible for weeds management.
At the meeting on 18 February we stated our formal position opposing forced amalgamations and
reinforced our desire to examine boundary changes with Lithgow and Bathurst. The Mayors of
Bathurst and Lithgow said they would not support the idea of any boundary changes at this time.
Bathurst Regional Council advised that at this time Bathurst Council has not made a decision
about this proposal, however would only consider a merger if there was a neighbouring Council
interested in entering into discussions.
STAFF BRIEFINGS AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION SESSIONS
A number of staff briefings were held during December as part of the end of year Staff Functions.
The General Manager made a presentation to the Joint Consultative Committee during December
and further staff briefings will be held during March and April.
At this time Community Information Sessions are likely to be scheduled for April and further
information available during the Community Consultation process for the presentation of the Draft
Oberon Community Strategic Plan 2015.
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OFFICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT (OLG) - RURAL COUNCIL PROPOSAL
The Mayor and General Manager attended a Regional Workshop conducted by the OLG about the
Rural Council proposal.
Only 6 Council’s were represented at the Workshop however
representatives from OLG, NSW Treasury (TCorp), and Local Government NSW also attended.
A clear message about the Rural Council Proposal was that the same criteria will used for
determining the “fitness” of a Rural Council and a “standalone” Council. This relates to the
questions about Scale and Capacity, Financial Sustainability, Effective Services and Infrastructure,
and Efficiency.
The TCorp representative explained the Fit for the Future Benchmark criteria and advised that
these are not a pass or fail measure but an indication of performance. In preparing a proposal
each Council will explain reasons why benchmarks are not achieved, plans in place or proposed to
meet these benchmarks and/or plans to improve against performance against these benchmarks.
It was acknowledged that in some cases the benchmarks may never be achieved.
The Rural Council proposal was originally designed for very small communities but further
consultation with the sector has shown that the Rural Council options may be suitable for slightly
larger communities depending on their circumstances.
It was explained that there are nine (9) Rural Council Characteristics and these are to be used to
determine whether there a Rural Council option is appropriate.
Some of the characteristics which seem to apply to Oberon are:






a local economy based on agriculture/resource industries
high importance of retaining local identity, social capital, and capacity for service delivery
low-rate base and high grant reliance (we are close to achieving the required Benchmark)
difficulty in attracting and retaining skilled and experienced staff
long distance to a major (or sub) regional centre (from some parts of the Oberon LGA)
limited options for mergers (this isn’t favoured)
In determining a Rural Council option the OLG has developed six (6) Rural Council Options and
suggested that Council’s develop proposals for any or all of the six options:
1. resource sharing
This may be with a neighbouring Council or through the Central West Joint Organisation. We
currently have obtained significant cost savings by being a member of Centroc.
2. shared administration
This would be in agreement with a neighbouring Council and may involve sharing a senior
manager including General Manager and Directors.
3. speciality services
The suggestion is that special expertise in a service or function be provided to other Council’s.
There would appear to be limited opportunity for Oberon Council to provide these services.
4. streamlined governance
This includes reducing the number of Councillors or formal Council meetings and making greater
use of Committee structures. This appears to be a limited opportunity to obtain cost savings but
may provide greater efficiencies and more effective outcomes in the decision making process.
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5. streamlined planning, regulation & reporting
This is an area where Oberon Council could benefit from proposed legislative changes and
planning reforms with less reporting requirements and a greater emphasis on regional planning.
6. service review
In consultation with our community there will be opportunity to reassess the level of service and
partner with community groups to provide services with an agreed level of support from Council. In
many cases this is already in existence with volunteers at the CTC and the Oberon Golf Club for
example. Oberon Council makes available rooms at the Community Centre for free use by Not for
Profit community groups. Service reviews might also consider altering levels of service for smaller
communities where costs are relatively high for the benefits received.
NEXT STEPS
At this time following the meetings with the representatives from Bathurst, Blayney and Lithgow the
initial consideration of a “potential merge” with Bathurst Regional Council has been addressed.
The Mayor and General Manager have both confirmed with the Mayor and GM of Bathurst
Regional Council that the potential merger is not an agreed position by either Council.
Therefore a Council Improvement Proposal (Template 2) or Rural Council Proposal (Template 3)
will be required to be submitted by 30 June 2015.
It is now suggested that a Workshop be arranged with Councillors and Management Staff to firstly
review the Self Assessment results for the required Benchmarks and then to consider the options
for a Council Improvement or Rural Council proposal.
Notes:
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13.02
HAZELGROVE ROAD SEAL EXTENSION
File No: R188
Author: Ian Tucker, Works Manager
Summary
Concerns a request to allocate funds to seal a section of Hazelgrove Rd.
Recommendation:
That the allocation of $65,000 for the sealing of a 600m section of Hazelgrove Rd be submitted for
consideration in the Operational Plan 2015/16 in conjunction with the adoption of the Oberon
Community Strategic Plan 2015.
Comment
A report has been requested in relation to sealing the last reconstructed section of Hazelgrove Rd,
being the short extension off the northern end of the existing seal.
The construction and sealing of Hazelgrove Rd was previously carried out over many years using
the supplementary component of the Regional Roads Block Grant.
The last section worked on, currently unsealed, involved the realignment of the road to eliminate a
tight curve. This required land acquisition and blasting of the rock. The available funds were fully
expended.
It is agreed that sealing this section would be beneficial. Being on a hill and a curve, a sealed
surface would be safer.
Before sealing, it is desirable that additional gravel should be applied, as only a minimal amount
was added during the realignment. Some drainage works will also be necessary.
The estimated cost to complete these preparation works and apply a primer seal is $65,000. A final
seal could be applied the following year using the annual reseal allocation.
13.03
FIXING COUNTRY ROADS
File No: Governance/Ordinary/March 2015
Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance & Community Services; Chris Schumacher, Works & Engineering Director
Summary
Council were advised at the December 2014 meeting that we were applying for a Fixing Country
Roads grant for the Sewell’s Creek and Beaconsfield Roads. This application has been accepted
and Council need to confirm acceptance of this funding, which includes a contribution of $100,000
towards this project.
Recommendation:
That Council delegate the Mayor and General Manager to sign the deed of agreement, and the
$100,000 Council contribution be allocated when the Operational Plan is adopted in conjunction
with the Oberon CSP 2015.
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Comment
Oberon Council have been awarded a $890,000 grant to upgrade sections of the Sewell’s Creek
and Beaconsfield Roads under the Fixing Country Roads Program so that these road sections can
be gazetted for use by high performance (HPV) 23 m B Double logging trucks.
Council's application under this program arose out of a request from Forestry Corporation in
August 2013 and timber haulage contractors to operate B-Double trucks on these roads. However
this request had to be declined as the roads are not currently built to a suitable standard to enable
these trucks to operate safely.
The Oberon community has an expectation that upgrading road infrastructure to support HPV
B-Doubles to improve freight efficiencies must be balanced by the safety of other road users
including school buses and a reduction in the number of accidents and injuries involving log trucks.
The 23m trailer configuration improves safety by lowering the centre of gravity and increasing the
static rollover threshold of trailers.
Works to be carried out on the 6.8km section of Sewell’s Creek Road from Mayfield Road to
Greywacke Road include increasing road widths, turning radius of intersections at key access
points, clearing roadside vegetation, earthworks to improve sight distances at intersections and
crests and curves, as well as widening and strengthening the pavement where required. Details
are yet to be determined.
Works to be carried out on the 3.5km section of Beaconsfield Road from Wangara RoadJacaranda Road include increasing road widths, turning radius of intersections at key access
points, clearing roadside vegetation. The current unsealed road surface will be improved and
gravel will be re-laid to sections of the road as required.
This will increase the payload of each truck by approximately 11% thus improving the efficiency of
the freight task. It is estimated that this represents a cost saving of 5% which will flow through the
radiata pine timber supply chain.
Council staff attended an information session about the project management, payment
arrangements and reporting requirements for this grant on 3 March 2015. Work on this project will
commence in the 2015-2016 financial year. Grant payments will be made progressively upon
completion of monthly reports to Transport NSW.
Fixing Country Roads is about moving freight around the state more efficiently. This is the first
round of the Fixing Country Roads Program and it is hoped that, subject to the outcome of the
State elections, Oberon Council may be eligible for additional funding for other logging and freight
routes in future rounds. At an information session held for successful grant recipients on 3 March
2105 Councils were strongly encouraged to begin identifying and planning for other road projects
that will eliminate connectivity constraints for freight networks within regional NSW. Collaborative
projects with other neighbouring Councils will be highly regarded in future rounds
The $100,000 Council contribution will need to be allocated when Council sets its 2015/16 budget,
since that is the year when works are expected to commence.
Forestry Corporation have indicated that they are happy to assist with this project as they see this
as a funding model where all parties can benefit from upgraded infrastructure. However, Forestry
Corporation will not be making any financial contribution to this project.
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13.04
ROAD NAMING – UNAMED ROAD OFF NUNANS HILL ROAD
File No: BCS/ Roads /Naming /Roads and Lanes
Summary
At the 17 February 2015 Ordinary Meeting of Council it was resolved to name the unnamed section
of road that runs south off Nunan’s Hill Road “Baileys Lane North”. This report outlines the reasons
why the road cannot be named Bailey Lane North and seeks endorsement from Council for a new
road name.
Recommendation:
That Council endorse a new road name for the unnamed section of road that runs south off
Nunan’s Hill Road.
Comment
There is an unnamed section of road that runs south off Nunan’s Hill Road. It is located
approximately 2.6 kms from the beginning of Nunan’s Hill Road (measured from Hazelgrove Rd).
The road is approximately 1.8kms long and is unsealed. The road has been informally known as
“Bailey’s Lane” for some time however it does not join up with existing Bailey’s Lane (off Duckmaloi
Rd) therefore a separate name is required to eliminate any confusion.
At its meeting on 17 February 2015 Council resolved to name this road “Baileys Lane North”.
Such a name would be contrary to the guidelines within the NSW Road Naming Policy. Section 3.4
of the Policy is below:3.4 Principle 4 - Uniqueness, Duplication
Uniqueness is the most essential quality to be sought in proposing a new road name. A road name
will be regarded as a duplicate if it is the same or similar in spelling or sound to an existing name,
regardless of the road type. Road names shall not be duplicated:
- Within the same address locality.
- Within an adjoining address locality.
- Within a local government area, and
o Within 10 kilometres in a metropolitan urban area
o Within 20 kilometres in a regional urban area
o Within 30 kilometres in a rural area
o Within 50 kilometres in remote areas.
- Within a duplicated address locality anywhere in NSW
Council may wish to reconsider the road names which were submitted following community
consultation. They are – Greyhaven Lane; Mithrandir Lane and Dajen Lane.
Greyhaven and Mithrandir are from the Lord of The Rings story. It was submitted that such names
are consistent with the “theme” of Oberon, as the town name itself is from a mythical story
(Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream). Dajen is a combination of the first names (David
and Jenny) of the landowners who made the submission.
50 | P a g e
13.05
ROAD NAMING – UNAMED ROAD OFF O’CONNELL ROAD
File No: BCS/ Roads /Naming /Roads and Lanes
Summary
In response to a Council advertisement inviting public submissions, road naming suggestions have
been received for the un-named road off O’Connell Road at the recent subdivision, 2.8kms from
the beginning of O’Connell Rd.
Recommendation:
That Council endorse a new road name for the un-named section of road that runs off O’Connell
Road at the recent subdivision, 2.8kms from the beginning of O’Connell Rd.
Comment
There is an unnamed section of road that is located approximately 2.8kms from the beginning of
O’Connell Road (measured from Carrington Avenue). It is approximately 739 metres in length and
is sealed.
An advertisement was placed in the Oberon Review inviting road naming suggestions.
Three submissions were received containing five road naming suggestions in total. They are –
Daffodil Lane; Martin Humphries Drive; Marty’s Lane; and Wattlegrove Road and Wattlegrove
Lane.
Daffodil Lane is in reference to Oberon’s Daffodil Festival that occurs each spring. Martin
Humphries Drive and Marty’s Lane are in acknowledgement of the late Martin Humphries who lived
down this road. The Humphries family have owned the “Wattlegrove” property for generations and
were one of the pioneering families breeding fat lambs in the Oberon area. Wattlegrove Road and
Wattlegrove Lane are in reference to the road being within the Wattlegrove property.
In order to assist Council in making a decision the NSW Road Naming Policy. Section 3.4 is below:
3.4 Principle 4 - Uniqueness, Duplication
Uniqueness is the most essential quality to be sought in proposing a new road name. A road name
will be regarded as a duplicate if it is the same or similar in spelling or sound to an existing name,
regardless of the road type. Road names shall not be duplicated:
-
Within the same address locality
Within an adjoining address locality
Within a local government area, and
Within 10 kilometres in a metropolitan urban area
Within 20 kilometres in a regional urban area
Within 30 kilometres in a rural area
Within 50 kilometres in remote areas
Within a duplicated address locality anywhere in NSW
51 | P a g e
13.06
CLEANING CONTRACT TENDER – COUNCIL BUILDINGS
File No: Council Properties/contracting
Author: Jaclyn Burns, Health and Building Manager
Summary
This report seeks Council’s engagement of a Contractor to undertake the Councils Building
Cleaning Contract. Tenders were considered by staff via a serviced based and financial based
evaluation matrix.
Recommendation:
That Council accept the Tender from Pioneer Services and enter into a Contract for Building
Cleaning.
Comment
FOLLOWING this report is a service and financial based matrix assessment undertaken for
Councils Building Cleaning Contract.
Council currently has its cleaning services locally contracted. As part of that Contract the following
Council owned buildings are provided with a variety of cleaning requirements. The buildings
include:







Oberon Administration Centre (Council Offices);
Oberon Council Library;
Oberon Council Community Centre;
The Oberon Visitors Information Centre and Community Technology Centre;
The NSW Rural Fire Service Office;
The Oberon Council Works Depot;
The Dental Surgery.
A tender document was prepared and advertised for a period of 30 days. As a result of the
advertising period 12 tenders were received seeking interest in undertaking the Contract.
Of the twelve Tenders received six were from Sydney based companies, three from Oberon and
three from Bathurst based companies.
Given the number of tenders received a comprehensive assessment of the documents was
undertaken. This assessment was via two matrix assessments. The first matrix assessment was a
service based assessment where each tender was assessed against the service proposed, giving
limited weight to cost. The second was a financial based matrix where additional weight was given
to each tender.
Following the assessment of all Tenders it was determined that the following companies were
situated at the top of each matrix:
1. Pioneer services – Ranked number 1st in the financial evaluation matrix and ranked 3rd in
the service based evaluation matrix;
2. Quad Services – Ranked number 2nd in the financial evaluation matrix and ranked 3rd in the
service based evaluation matrix;
52 | P a g e
3. Splendid Cleaning Services – Ranked number 3rd in the financial evaluation matrix and
ranked 1st in the service based evaluation matrix due to it being a locally based service and
as such receiving extra weighting within the matrix.
Both Pioneer and Quad Services have been contacted in relation to the operation of the Contract
as they are based in Sydney. In response to those calls Quad Services have indicated that in the
first instance they would approach the existing cleaning staff to retain their services and then hire
local employees if required to fill gaps. Pioneer Services has advised that they have existing staff
retained within the LGA who would service this Contract additional to those currently undertaken in
Bathurst and the Blue Mountains. Splendid cleaning services are based in Bathurst.
Based upon the assessments undertaken it is recommended that the Contract be awarded to
Pioneer Services given the following reasoning:

The price tendered is the most competitive

The tender provided a high quality response outlining the services provided.

The Tenderer have extensive experience with a range of customers, including a significant
number in local government and the majority of their associations have been long term contract
arrangements secured repeatedly through tender processes indicating high quality &
satisfactory service levels by the customer.
It is considered that Council accept the Tender from Pioneer Services to undertake the Building
Cleaning Contract for the next two years with a potential extension for an additional three years
based upon mutual agreement.
Notes:
53 | P a g e
Financial Evaluation Weighting Matrix – Oberon Council Tender 2015/1PDD
The Tender Evaluation Matrix evaluates a number of financial and non-financial matters considered relevant to selecting the recommended company
to fulfil Councils contractual requirements. The criteria identified is in accordance with Section 4.1 of the tender document.
5=
Acceptable, well exceeds all requirements;
4=
Acceptable, meets all requirements and exceeds some
3=
Acceptable, meets most minimum requirements
1 to 2=
Meets some minimum requirements only and may not be acceptable
0=
Not acceptable, does not meet any reasonable criteria
WEIGHT
CRITERIA
Technical,
Managerial,
Physical and
Financial resources
Evidence of
capability
Conformity with
tender document
Safety Record
Industry reputation
Value for money
TOTAL
RANKING
Pioneer Services
Quad Services
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Points
Points
Splendid
Cleaning
Services
Score
Points
(**)
Radiant Services
WMC Pty Ltd
TJS Services Group
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Points
Points
Points
10%
4
8
4
8
52
10
4
8
52
10
4
8
10%
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
10%
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
4
8
5%
5%
60%
100%
4
4
5
4
4
60
92
1
4
4
5
4
4
55
87
2
4
4
5
4
4
50
84
3
4
4
5
4
4
45
77
4
4
4
5
4
4
40
74
5
4
4
4
4
4
35
67
6
(**) Please Note: Footnotes for each significant variation in scoring have been provided with provides a justification for the variance.
1.
No WHS system in place;
2.
Flexibility and the provision of locally based services is given extra weight within this category
3.
Tender price exceeds budget allowance.
4.
Copies of certificate of currency required.
54 | P a g e
Technical,
Managerial,
Physical and
Financial resources
Evidence of
capability
Conformity with
tender document
Safety Record
Industry reputation
Value for money
TOTAL
RANKING
Heather Dowler
Top Notch
Cleaning
Services
Score
Points
(**)
Cathy Robinson
Kleen Group
Barlow Property
Services
Chris’s Cleaning
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
WEIGHT
CRITERIA
Score
(**)
10
32
6
43
8
52
10
4
8
52
10
52
10
10
5
5
4
8
5
10
4
4
4
4
4
4
10
3
3
3
6
3
6
4
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
60
100
1
5
4
1
5
30
50
9
3
4
4
3
4
25
54
7
1
5
3
1
5
20
52
8
4
4
2
4
4
15
39
9
4
4
2
4
4
10
52
8
4
4
1
4
4
5
31
10
1
Points
4
1
Points
Points
Points
Points
1. No WHS system in place;
2. Flexibility and the provision of locally based services is given extra weight within this category
3. Tender price exceeds budget allowance.
4. Copies of certificate of currency required.
55 | P a g e
Service based Evaluation Weighting Matrix – Oberon Council Tender 2015/1PDD
The Tender Evaluation Matrix evaluates a number of financial and non-financial matters considered relevant to selecting the recommended company
to fulfil Councils contractual requirements. The criteria identified is in accordance with Section 4.1 of the tender document.
5=
Acceptable, well exceeds all requirements;
4=
Acceptable, meets all requirements and exceeds some
3=
Acceptable, meets most minimum requirements
1 to 2=
Meets some minimum requirements only and may not be acceptable
0=
Not acceptable, does not meet any reasonable criteria
WEIGHT
CRITERIA
Technical,
Managerial,
Physical and
Financial resources
Evidence of
capability
Conformity with
tender document
Safety Record
Industry reputation
Value for money
TOTAL
RANKING
Pioneer Services
Quad Services
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Points
Points
Splendid
Cleaning
Services
Score
Points
(**)
Radiant Services
WMC Pty Ltd
TJS Services Group
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Points
Points
Points
10
4
40
4
40
52
50
4
40
52
50
4
40
10
4
40
4
40
4
40
4
40
4
40
4
40
10
4
40
4
40
4
40
4
40
4
40
4
40
5
5
60
100
4
4
5
20
20
300
460
3
4
4
5
20
20
300
460
3
4
4
5
20
40
300
490
1
4
4
5
20
20
300
460
3
4
4
5
20
20
300
470
2
4
4
4
20
20
240
400
4
56 | P a g e
Technical,
Managerial,
Physical and
Financial resources
Evidence of
capability
Conformity with
tender document
Safety Record
Industry reputation
Value for money
TOTAL
RANKING
Heather Dowler
Top Notch
Cleaning
Services
Score
Points
(**)
Cathy Robinson
Kleen Group
Barlow Property
Services
Chris’s Cleaning
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
Score
(**)
WEIGHT
CRITERIA
Score
(**)
10
32
30
42
40
52
50
4
40
52
50
52
50
10
5
50
4
40
5
50
4
40
4
40
4
40
10
3
30
3
30
3
30
4
40
4
40
4
40
5
5
60
100
1
5
4
5
25
240
380
6
3
4
4
15
20
240
385
5
1
5
33
5
25
180
340
7
4
4
23
20
20
120
280
9
4
4
23
20
20
120
290
8
4
4
13
20
20
60
182
10
1
Points
4
1
Points
Points
Points
Points
1. No WHS system in place;
2. Flexibility and the provision of locally based services is given extra weight within this category
3. Tender price exceeds budget allowance.
4. Copies of certificate of currency required.
57 | P a g e
Oberon Council - Agenda and Business Papers – Ordinary Meeting – 17 March 2015
13.07
CROWN ROAD CLOSURES
File No: Roads/Rd Closures/Permanent
Summary
Applications have been submitted for the closure of a number of sections of Crown Road. A report
was considered at the 17 February 2015 Council Meeting and Council resolved to seek an
extension to respond to proposed closure of these sections of Crown Roads to allow proper
investigation into the impacts on adjoining landholders to be carried out.
This report includes details of a further 3 applications for the closure of sections of Crown Road.
Recommendation
That Council has no objection to the closure of these sections of Crown Roads as follows:
1. Crown Roads within and adjoining the property at 570 Mayfield Road, Mayfield 2787; within
and adjoining the property known as “Buck Burraga” at 2481 Arkstone Road, Arkstone
2795;
2. Crown Roads within and adjoining the property known as “Penarth” at 371 Murrays Lane,
Mozart 2787;
3. Crown and unformed Council Roads at O’Connell, south of Fish River, north of Mutton Falls
Rd, within and adjoining properties “Rawlinson End”, “The Billabong”, “Wandeen”, and
“Chelsea Park”;
4. Crown Road at Oberon, east of O’Connell Rd, south of Faugha Ballaugha Rd, within and
adjoining properties 970 O’Connell Rd and 90 Faugha Ballaugha Rd;
5. Crown Road at Oberon, west of Shooters Hill Rd, south of Lake Oberon, adjoining property
352 Shooters Hill Rd.
6. Crown Road at Oberon, east of Hazelgrove Road, west of Blenheim State Forest, within
property numbers 160 and 132 Hazelgrove Road
7. Crown Road at Gingkin, north of Sheepstation Forest Road, south of Keith Armstrong
Road, within and adjoining property number 207 Sheepstation Forest Road
8. Crown Road at Edith, north of Edith Road, south of Duckmaloi River, adjoining Property
number 1440 Edith Road
Comment
FOLLOWING is a copy of the plans of the proposed closures.
The Department of Crown Lands has advertised the proposed closures in the Oberon Review and
letters have been sent to all affected adjoining landholders advising of the proposed closures and
providing the opportunity for affected landholders to lodge an objection.
1. Crown Roads within and adjoining the property at 570 Mayfield Road, Mayfield 2787; within
and adjoining the property known as “Buck Burraga” at 2481 Arkstone Road, Arkstone
2795;
2. Crown Roads within and adjoining the property known as “Penarth” at 371 Murrays Lane,
Mozart 2787;
58 | P a g e
3. Crown and unformed Council Roads at O’Connell, south of Fish River, north of Mutton Falls
Rd, within and adjoining properties “Rawlinson End”, “The Billabong”, “Wandeen”, and
“Chelsea Park”;
4. Crown Road at Oberon, east of O’Connell Rd, south of Faugha Ballaugha Rd, within and
adjoining properties 970 O’Connell Rd and 90 Faugha Ballaugha Rd;
5. Crown Road at Oberon, west of Shooters Hill Rd, south of Lake Oberon, adjoining property
352 Shooters Hill Rd.
Following the 17 February 2015 Ordinary Council Meeting a letter was sent to Crown Lands
seeking an extension to allow proper investigation into the impacts on adjoining landholders to be
carried out.
Council staff has liaised with the Department of Crown Lands who have advised that they have
received some objections from adjoining landholders and will consider these on their merits.
The location of each of these proposed closures has been checked. It is considered that Oberon
Council has no interest in any of these Crown Roads, we do not have any immediate or perceived
need for roads in these localities and will not be affected by their closure.
Additional correspondence has also been received from Crown Lands advising of applications for
the closure of a number of sections of Crown Road which are listed:
6. Crown Road at Oberon, east of Hazelgrove Road, west of Blenheim State Forest, within
property numbers 160 and 132 Hazelgrove Road
7. Crown Road at Gingkin, north of Sheepstation Forest Road, south of Keith Armstrong
Road, within and adjoining property number 207 Sheepstation Forest Road
8. Crown Road at Edith, north of Edith Road, south of Duckmaloi River, adjoining Property
number 1440 Edith Road
The Department has also advertised the proposed closures in the Oberon Review on 5 March
2015 and letters have been sent to all affected adjoining landholders advising of the proposed
closures and providing the opportunity for affected landholders to lodge an objection.
The location of each of these additional proposed closures has been checked. Again it is
considered that Oberon Council has no interest in any of these Crown Roads, we do not have any
immediate or perceived need for roads in these localities and will not be affected by their closure.
Should the need for roads in these localities be required in the future, say as a result of further
subdivision of land, then this can be achieved through the usual land acquisition processes or
through the Development Application assessment and approval process should this be necessary.
59 | P a g e
1
1a
1b
RDCLAB11
Page 60
1a
RDCLAB11
Page 61
1b
RDCLAB11
Page 62
2
106
DP757065
56
DP757065
53
DP757065
FISH
186
DP757037
97
DP757065
82
DP757065
MOZA
RT RO
A
2
DP878816
D
3
DP1099078
A NE
RD
1
DP878816
SL
MOZA
RT
123
DP757065
E
4
DP757065
21
DP757065
22
DP757065
2
DP1099078
Legend
PAUL & VIRGINIA KURTZ
TLC SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD
TIMOTHY & FRANCES CHARGE
R. H. S. L. INVESTMENTS PTY LTD
PAUL HARKER
ROBERT WHALAN
ROADS UNDER APPLICATION
ADDITIONAL CROWN ROADS
132
DP757065
133
DP757065
19
DP757065
123
DP757065
WESTMORELAND
102
DP757065
17
DP757065
RAY
80
DP757065
16
DP757065
R
MU
66
DP757065
15
DP757065
COUNTY :
ROBERT WHALAN
14
DP757065
E
62
DP757065
97
DP757065
188
DP757037
61
DP757065
MOZART
132
DP757065
13
DP757065
MUR R AYS L AN
39
DP757037
60
DP655501
PARISH :
1001
DP914850
D
38
DP757037
LR
2
DP1115558
W399174
NE
59
DP757065
74
W399174
DP757065
LA
35
DP757037
W399174
37
DP757037
103
DP757065
YS
RA
34
DP757037
10
DP757065
57
DP757065
4
DP1113081
104
DP757065
R
MU
36
DP757037
4
DP1113081
R W399174
RIVE
MOZART
HIL
2
DP1115558
6224
DP1202678
73
DP757065
W399174
314
DP757047
67
DP757065
RS
OT E
3
DP1122084
57
DP757065
LOCALITY :
117
DP757065
AN
E
4
DP1113081
48
DP757065
1
DP1014423
SHO
1
DP1115558
S LA N
107
DP757065
267
DP757067
1
DP1014423
TO
RY
L
MURR
AY
4
DP1113081
340
DP757067
8
DP1039917
219
DP757067
VE
R
8
DP757065
W399174
90
DP757065
188
DP757067
OBERON
NATIONAL PARK
O AD
ABERCROM
B
2
DP1122084
83
DP757065
RI
311
DP757067
LGA:
FA
C
FIS
H
89
DP757065
NE
IE RD
60
DP757047
FISH R
IVER
241
DP757067
23
DP757065
136
DP757065
911
DP806874
STATE FOREST
LL
R
Y S LA
4
DP1036441
HI
6
DP1180869
GR A D
8
DP1039917
3
DP1036441
Proposed Closure of Public Roads
14
DP1174230
TE
R
FISH RI VER
105
DP757067
5
DP883195
BU
T
7
DP1180869
266
DP757067
145
DP757067
OT
ER
S
5
DP1180869
4
DP1036441
1
DP1036441
SH O
7
DP1180869
6224
DP1202678
1
DP520879
0
6225
DP1202678
200
400
±
800
1,200
1,600
Meters
2
DP520879
912
DP806874
20
DP757065
72
DP757065
ZA R
MO
T RO
AD
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this map has been provided in good faith.
Whilst all effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of
this information, the data providers take no responsibility for errors or omissions
nor any loss or damage that may result from the use of this information.
Copyright: Crown Lands, 2014
User: S\JOCONNELL Date: 07/01/2015 Cluster Number:
529612
Page
63 CL/00310
FIS
H
89
DP757065
83
DP757065
4
DP1036441
RI
8
DP1039917
219
DP757067
VE
R
4
DP1113081
W399174
48
DP757065
MURR
AYS L
A
188
DP757067
311
DP757067
8
DP757065
267
DP757067
5
DP1113081
67
DP757065
56
DP757065
4
DP1113081
73
DP757065
W399174
54
DP757065
2
DP1115558
10
DP757065
R
MU
74
DP757065
WESTMORELAND
3
DP1113081
Legend
PAUL & VIRGINIA KURTZ
TIMOTHY & FRANCES CHARGE
2
DP1113081
R. H. S. L. INVESTMENTS PTY LTD
PAUL HARKER
ROBERT WHALAN
ROADS UNDER APPLICATION
ADDITIONAL CROWN ROADS
NATIONAL PARK
102
DP757065
NE
66
DP757065
COUNTY :
W399174
0
60
DP655501
2
DP1115558
97
DP757065
MOZART
STATE FOREST
59
DP757065
12
DP757065
82
DP757065
PARISH :
W399174
3
DP757065
LA
63
DP1085714
MOZART
103
DP757065
11
DP757065
YS
RA
W399174
LOCALITY :
104
DP757065
57
DP757065
54
DP757065
OBERON
4
DP1113081
R
RIVE
H
S
I
F
9
DP757065
LGA:
ROBERT WHALAN
W399174
56
DP757065
Proposed Closure of Public Roads
TLC SUPERANNUATION PTY LTD
57
DP757065
NE
2
117
DP757065
4
DP1113081
53
DP757065
SHOOTERS HILL RD
FISH R
IVER
106
DP757065
7
DP1039917
241
DP757067
61
DP757065
13
DP757065
14
DP757065
15
DP757065
115
230
±
460
690
920
132
DP757065
133
DP757065
133
DP757065
Meters
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this map has been provided in good faith.
Whilst all effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of
this information, the data providers take no responsibility for errors or omissions
nor any loss or damage that may result from the use of this information.
Copyright: Crown Lands, 2014
User: S\JOCONNELL Date: 07/01/2015 Cluster Number:
529612
Page
64 CL/00310
3
Page 65
4
Page 66
5
Page 67
6
Page 68
7
Page 69
8
Page 70
13.08
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION 10.2015.7.1 – SHED & CARPORT
File No: Property/PO11-22
Author: Health and Building Surveyor, Kerry Davison
Summary
A Development Application has been received for the construction of a shed with attached carport
at 22 Carrington Avenue, Oberon. Variations to Development Control Plan (DCP) 2001 is sought,
with particular reference to Part C.5.5 – “Building Height Plane”, and Part C.6.4 – “Carports and
Garages.
Recommendation:
That Council vary Part C.6.4 “Carports and Garages” and Part C.5.5 – “Building Height Plane” of
the Oberon Development Control Plan 2001 associated to Development Application 10.2015.7.1
for the construction of a new residential shed with attached carport at Lot 2 in DP 25828, being 22
Carrington Avenue, Oberon.
Comment
FOLLOWING is a copy of proposed plans and associated Statement of Environmental Effects.
Two variations to DCP 2001 are sort in relation to Part C 6.4 and Part C 5.5.
Part C.6.4 “Carports and Garages” associated to Residential Development requires:
“The maximum total floor area of garages and/or carports is to be 60m2.”
The proposed development consists of a 7 x 6 metre shed and 7 x 6 metre carport with a total floor
area of 84m2. The 24m2 non-compliance with the floor area limitation imposed by DCP represents
a 29% variance which is considered minor. The applicants currently have no garage on the
property and have indicated a shed and carport of this size is required for the parking of vehicles
and personal storage. This is not uncommon within the General Residential Zone. The shed is to
be located at the rear of the 992m2 lot. The potential impacts on the adjoining land owners have
been considered and the location of the proposed garage and carport is adjacent to existing sheds
on neighbouring properties.
Part C.5.5 – “Building Height Plane” associated to Residential Development requires:
“Residential development will not significantly:
(a) Increase the overshadowing of adjoining properties;
(b) Reduce the level of privacy enjoyed by adjoining properties; or
(c) Affect the amenity of the Rural village
Obstruct views from adjacent existing buildings, and that the occupants of the building or
buildings will enjoy the optimum use of winter sunlight
Additionally the proposed development is to be located at the rear of the lot with a setback of 0.9m
from the eastern boundary. An existing shed on the neighbouring property will receive minimal
overshadowing with the Building Height Plan being reduced by only 9%.
The proposed development is considered suitable for the site and it is important to note that Part
C.6.4 and C 5.5 have been varied by Council in the past on a number of occasions.
Neighbour notification has been undertaken to the neighbour to the western side of the land.
Submissions close 9 March 2015. No submissions were received from the neighbour notification.
It is considered that both variations are minor and can be supported in this instance.
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Page 72
Page 73
Page 74
Page 75
13.09
CROWN LAND – CORPORATE TRUST MANAGER
File No: Land Use & Planning/Crown Land
Summary
A request has been received from the Crown Lands Division concerning the ongoing management
of the public hall at Black Springs.
Correspondence has also been received from the Oberon Children’s Centre requesting Oberon
Council act as a guarantor over the security provision for the Centre to enable them to accept a
capital works grant for extensions to the facility.
Recommendation:
That Council agree to the request to be appointed as Corporate Trust Manager of the Black
Springs Hall Reserve.
That Council agree to the request to act as guarantor over the security provision for the Oberon
Children’s Centre or alternatively be appointed as Corporate Trust Manager.
Comment
The Community Trust Board for the Black Springs Public Hall has expired and despite efforts by
the Department of Crown Lands to secure a new trust board for a further five year term, no interest
has been shown by members of the local community.
Crown Lands have made enquiries as to whether Council would be willing to be appointed as
Corporate Trust Manager of the reserve. Further information will be provided at the Council
Meeting regarding Council’s obligations under this arrangement.
It is recognised that this is an important community focal point for meetings and functions in the
Black Springs Community.
The Oberon Children’s Centre has received grant funding to create an extension to the centre to
provide places for 5 extra children.
In reviewing the terms and conditions set out by the Department of Education and Communiti8es
the Children’s Centre were advised that they are required to guarantee the future security of the
centre over the next 10 years.
To facilitate this provision the Children’s Centre has requested Oberon Council act as a guarantor
over the security provision and should the Centre in the next 10 years become unviable then
Oberon Council would take over the building and use it for its own purposes, acquiring the asset.
Legal advice has been sought in relation to this request and will be tabled at the Council Meeting
along with additional details about responsibilities as a Corporate Trust Manager.
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14. REPORTS FOR INFORMATION
14.01
MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – GENERAL MANAGER
Summary
This report item summaries the main activity by the General Manager during September including
Human Resources and Workplace Health & Safety, Executive Support matters, Information
Technology & Communications, Community Activity, Regional Issues, Executive Management
Team, and details of planned activity for the coming months.
Recommendation:
Comment
1. PLANNED ACTIVITY FOR MARCH and APRIL
The remaining Policy reviews are planned for completion during March and April. As the bulk of
these relate to Works & Engineering issues the completion of these has been delayed due to staff
leave and current vacant positions (Asset Engineer, Water/Waste Water Operator).
Planning has started for developing the Draft Oberon Community Strategic Plan (CSP) 2015 and
amending the Delivery Program and Operational Plans. The outcome of the IPART Application for
a Special Rate Variation is expected to be known by mid April.
An increased focus on Organisational Development activities is planned to address some
outstanding matters including Performance/Salary Reviews and finalising a simplified Salary
Structure. Some conflict issues with the operation of the Joint Consultative Committee (staff) are
being addressed with the respective Unions & Associations.
A number of Workplace Health & Safety/Risk Management activities will ne initiated during the
coming months including the Centroc Contractors, Employees & Volunteers Inductions.
We also plan to progress the Quit Smoking Program which was proposed for late last year. This
involves a FREE Community Seminar coordinated by Western NSW Local Health District and we
would support participating employees with time off to attend other sessions during work time.
Work continues of the Fit for the Future Reform Program including participating as a member of the
Central West Joint Organisation Pilot.
I also intend to take a short period of leave in March or April.
2. ACTIONING COUNCIL DECISIONS
Following each Council Meeting the General Manager and 3 Director review the decisions and
agree on a priority for actioning these decisions. Each Director has been requested to provide an
update in the Monthly Activity Report, as well as reporting on actions to the General Manager.
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The actions resulting from the February Council Meeting to be done by the General Manager is
summarised below:
Resolution Number
05 170215
23 170215
24 170215
Progress
Mayor and GM again raised this verbally with Paul Toole MP, and the Mayor has
also written a letter. Paul advises that this request is also being considered along
with those made by Centroc to meet with other Ministers.
Property & Land Development – No Further Action
Staff Matters – No Further Action Required. GM will update Mayor.
With respect to all other outstanding actions from previous Council Meetings the General Manager
will review these with the Mayor and the 3 Directors on at least a monthly basis.
If any Councillor requires an update on a specific item they should contact the General Manager of
the relevant Director, or submit a Councillor Request Form to the Executive Coordinator.
3. HUMAN RESOURCES AND WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Includes information provided supplied by Human Resources Coordinator (HRC) and Work, Health
and Safety Coordinator (WH&SC).
HUMAN RESOURCES (ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT – OD)
Centroc HR Meeting – 17 February 2015
 Participation in Employee Assistance Program tender with Centroc
 Review of proposed e-learning courses on Manual Handling, Electrical Awareness,
Communications, Use of Email and Social Media and Contractor Management.
 Jenny Bennett, CEO presentation on Fit for the Future and JO model current status.
 Review of contracts including Pre-Employment Screening, Traffic Control and Load Shifting
Recruitment Activities
Kris Redden, a casual employee, has resigned from the IT/GIS position and David Mead has
resigned from the position of Finance Coordinator. Recruitment is being done for the positions of
Asset Engineer, Water/Waste Water Operator, Finance Assistant, Junior Customer Service
Assistant, IT/GIS, and Finance Coordinator.
Training and Development
The following activities have been undertaken in February.
 Graduate Diploma Engineering – Residential School, Toowoomba / Design Engineer
 18 February – Chemical Application Training, Orange / Labourer
 First Aid, CPR Update, In-House / First Aid Officers
Future training includes
 2/4 March – Tourism Conference, LGNSW, Bathurst / GM, EA, VIC staff
 18/20 March – Revenue Professionals Conference, Coffs Harbour / Revenue Officer
 20 March – FBT Workshop, Bathurst / Management Accountant
 20 March – Library Zone Meeting, Moree / Library Officer
 25/26 March - Water Industry Conference and Exhibition, Orange – / Water/WW Team Leader.
 Chainsaw Training – various works staff TBA
 Asbestos Training, - various Waste Management staff
 Playground Inspector Training – P&G staff member TBA
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WORKPLACE HEALTH AND SAFETY
Incidents/Injuries
2 incidents were reported during February 2015. An employee injured his shoulder when he fell of
a chair with time was lost. Another employee injured his hand when using a crowbar to move a
pipe with 3 Hours lost due to this incident.
DAYS WITHOUT LOST TIME BECAUSE OF INJURY
Department/work area
Administration
Works
Library
OVIC
Workshop
31 Jan 2015
40
104
58
908
625
28 Feb 2015
68
8
86
936
653
Meetings/training attended
Each Wednesday - meeting with GM
3 Feb – meeting with W&E Director, Works Manager & Parks & Gardens Supervisor to arrange the
schedule for 2015 Playground inspections
3 Feb – meeting with F&CS Director discussing TCPs for Steam Fair and WW1 Commemorations
4-6 Feb – relocate office to Administration Centre
5 Feb - provide training for WWTP operator; and preparation of SWMS
11 Feb- meeting with P&D Director & HRC about Swimming Pool issues
11 Feb- meeting with GM & Workcover to discuss consultation arrangements for WHS Committee
19 Feb – meeting with WTP to complete Emergency Response Action Plan
23 Feb – meeting with WHS Representative to discuss safety issues at the Works Depot
25 Feb – attended F&CS staff meeting
25 Feb - OYC Planning meeting for Fun Run
Upcoming meetings/events
2 Mar – Meeting with StateCover WHS Consultant
3 Mar – CENTROC WHS/RM Group meeting in Bathurst
5 Mar – WorkCover visit to Workshop
10 Mar – Attend StateCover WHS briefing in Bathurst with GM
Mar/ Apr - Assist with updating Swimming Pool Policies and Procedures Manual
Jun – CENTROC WHS/RM Group meeting in Bathurst
4. EXECUTIVE SUPPORT – MEETINGS & VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
Includes information provided by the Executive Coordinator:
ACTIVITIES AND MEETINGS
 Council Page prepared each week during February with advertising and information. This
included the Mayoral Column, Road Works updates and Library News.
 Articles included – Positions Vacant Water and Waste Water Operators, Junior Customer
Service Assistants, Casual, Finance Assistant, Permanent Part Time; Cleaning Tender; Road
Naming Submissions Invited for section of road that runs off O’Connell Road; Council Proposal
for a Special Rate Variation; Determinations December 2014 and January 2015, March 2015
Council Meetings and Community Consultation regarding Removal of Trees
 Weekly “What’s On?” newsletter issued to Councillors each Friday during February
 Extraordinary Council Meeting – Special Rate Variation – 10 February
 Councillor Informal Briefing Session – 10 February
 Library Lovers Launch – 13 February
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
Ordinary Council Meeting – 17 February
Heritage Committee – 23 February
Oberon Sports Facilities Committee – 25 February
Community Services Committee – 26 February
VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE
VISITORS FOR FEBRUARY 2015
Domestic
1142
International
178
TOTAL:
1320
MAJOR TOURISM REQUESTS FOR FEBRUARY 2015
140 Mushrooms
109 Mayfield
102 Fossicking
84 Jenolan Caves
Accommodation Enquiries for February 93 and 77 for camping
February was quite busy with numerous events being held throughout the month. Events included:
 The Highland Steam and Vintage Fair
 Oberon Show.
 Macquarie Philharmonic Orchestra at Mayfield Garden
 Oberon Rodeo
Congratulations to the organisers of these events, we have received very positive feedback and
comments for each of the event held throughout the month. Jim Hawkes has provided some
statistics regarding visitor numbers and comments on the HS&VF to BMLOT (Blue Mountains
Lithgow Oberon Tourism).
A number of Workshops were held at Mayfield Garden and these were well attended.
Mushrooming season is off to a slow start with irregular and low rainfalls in the forest region. A
Staff Famil is planned to be held on Wednesday 18 March to look at the Mushrooming locations.
Staff from the Visitor Information Centre attended the AVIC Summit held at Mount Panorama,
Bathurst prior to the LG NSW Tourism Conference.
There were presentations from four Visitor Information Centres who focused on their activities and
points of difference. Justine Dowd, Manager Cultural Heritage Programs and Visitor Information at
Parramatta presented information about engagement and their experience with placing hosts and
guides in the community to enhance visitor experiences. A presentation from Steve Rosa, Group
Manager Events and Tourism, Destination Southern Highlands talked about targeting the Visiting
Friends and Relatives Market and developing this product. Greg Lawrence, Manager of Tourism
and Economic Development, Griffith spoke about focusing on developing unique annual events
and Jacki Parish, City Information Services Supervisor from Dubbo City Council spoke about brand
development, destination recognition and the impact on length of stay.
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5.
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COMMUNITY ACTIVITY, REGIONAL ISSUES and OTHER MEETINGS (February)
2 Feb – Rev Dan Henby (St Barnabus) and Tim Charge (OBTA) about TW Farmers Markets
3 Feb – David McMurray about tourism initiatives
3 Feb – Community Briefing Session for proposed Special Rate Variation also 4 Feb
4 Feb – Oberon First National (OFN) Real Estate about potential residential land subdivision
4 Feb – with Mayor met Anne Tucker & Julia from Columbia Homes
5 Feb – GMAC Meeting in Orange
5 Feb – along with WED met with USU Wages Staff Delegate to discuss work issues
6 Feb – attended Visitor Information Staff Meeting with Executive Coordinator
7 Feb – Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair, shared display with OBTA and OAC
9 Feb – attended Mobile Blood Van
10 Feb – meeting with USU Local Organiser about a staffing matter
11 Feb – meet with David Young from WorkCover, along with WH&SC
11 Feb – Darrin McFawn from OFN about upcoming Auction and residential land
11 Feb – Tim Arnison, OTHR regarding issues with Lease etc.
11 Feb – inaugural OBTA Meeting (merger of OPTA and OBA)
12 Feb – conducted WED 3 Month Performance Review
12 Feb – residential property inspection with Councillors (also 13 Feb)
12 Feb – made appearance as a judge at the Oberon Show
13 Feb – Michael Friend, Toyota Fleet Management with WED
13 Feb – attended Library Lovers Launch at Oberon Library
13 Feb – Oberon Showgirls Dinner at Oberon Golf Club, with Deputy Mayor
14 Feb – Oberon Show, OC display in conjunction with OAC, and OBTA
14 Feb – along with Mayor attended the Roaring 20’s “Glamour & Gown Ball” in Lithgow
17 Feb – met with Labour Candidate for NSW Election Cassandra Coleman and Shadow
Minister for Citizenship, Multiculturalism and Communications, Michelle Rowlands
17 Feb – met with Bob Wilson to discuss local issues
18 Feb – Fit for the Future, Joint Meeting with Bathurst, Blayney, and Lithgow.
18 Feb – meeting with representatives of Little Athletics and Junior Rugby League
19 Feb – BMLOT Meeting in Katoomba
19 Feb – LEMC Working Group to consider preliminary EMPLANS
19 Feb – meet with Tim Arnison and Clr Gibbons at the “Railway Precinct”
24 Feb – Oberon Arts Council Meeting (apology)
25 Feb – attend OLG Regional Workshop on the Rural Council proposal
25 Feb – Oberon Correctional Centre residents meeting
26 Feb – Centroc Board Meeting in Boorowa
26 Feb – Joint Consultative Committee (apology)
27 Feb – meet with RMS representatives about RMCC works
27 Feb – Library Lovers Presentations at Oberon Library
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14.02 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
File: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary
Author: Gary Wallace, Planning and Development Director
Summary
Providing details of major work within the Planning & Development Department for March and April
and provide information on statistics of work that has occurred in February.
Recommendation:
Comment
1. Planned Activity for March and April
PALING YARDS WIND FARM – Response to submissions documentation has been forwarded to
the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for final comment. As part of those responses
staff indicated its intention to seek a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) from the Developer in
association with the development.
SWIMMING POOL ROOF ENCLOSURE – Work will begin in late march on the construction of the
Swimming Pool Roof Enclosure.
OBERON WASTE FACILITY/RECYCLING – A grant has been lodged for Household Problem
Wastes to improve the current situation. Other opportunities will include partnering with Netwaste
where possible and waste recovery initiatives inside the Oberon Waste Facility that enables easy
resident usage. We will be advised in the coming month.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has introduced new Risk Based Licensing Legislation
that looks at the risks associated with current Landfill operations. This will include licence fees
associated with ongoing Landfill operations.
DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN (DCP) – A Councillor Workshop was undertaken in December
looking to incorporate a condensed version of the current DCP whilst the State Government
considers changes to the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act.
Working is currently progressing on combining the current DCP to a more workable document. A
report to the April meeting will outline the proposed changes.
PLANNERS FORUM – the Central West Planners Group is looking at an issues paper for
Economies, Infrastructure, Housing, Environment & Heritage for the Central West JO. This
document will be referred to the Department of Planning & Environment to assist in the Regional
Growth Plan for the Central West. The draft document is to be tabled to the JO Executive during
April.
STRATEGIC PLANNING - a planning proposal for the Titania Estate has been forwarded to both
the Sydney Catchment Authority (SCA) and the NSW Office of Water (NOW) for their comment as
NOW objected to the proposal and DPE are liaising with NOW independently.
Two other Planning Proposals are now back from DPE and will be advertised in accordance with
the DPE requirements. Upon appropriate community consultation these proposals are proposed to
be finalised within the coming months.
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2. Status of Council Decisions
Resolution No –
Subject
Resolution - Summary
09 170215 DA
10.2014.103.1
Assigned To:
vary Oberon DCP 2001 to
DA10.2014.103.1for Building
Height Plane
PDD
vary Oberon DCP 2001 to
DA10.2014.48.2 for the excision
of one additional residential
PDD
04 161214
Planning Proposal
support Planning Proposal to
make permissible a site specific
function centre
PDD
24 181114 – Keith
Armstrong Road
Dedication
Council to accept the extension
of approximately 280m of Keith
Armstrong Road from Crown
Road Reserve
WED/PDD
16 161214 DA
10.2014.48.2
30160413
Waste Less
Recycle More
Action Taken
Approval issued
Matter Closed
Approval issued 16/12/14
Matter Closed
staff investigate the cost and
logistics of implementing a
recycling program.
Proposal forwarded to
DP&E
Matter Closed
DA 10.2014.49.1 approved
for Subdivision.
Matter Closed
PDD
Councillor workshop held
9/12/14.
Matter ongoing
3. Determinations
The following Applications and Certificates were determined in February 2015
Type of Application/Certificate
Number Approved
February
Development Applications
5
Construction Certificates
5
Complying Development Certificates
1
Section 68 Applications
2
Subdivision Certificates
0
Determinations February 2015 (S.101 E.P. & A. Act.)
Reference
Development Type
Number
10.2009.236.2
11.2009.236.2 Modification - Additions to Dwelling
11.2014.49.1
Access Construction
On-going use of existing septic tank
and Absorption trench
19.2015.1.1
18.2014.10.1
20.2014.20.1
Dwelling and Connection to Sewer
10.2014.103.1
11.2014.103.1 Patio
Street Address
102 Bundaleer Road, OBERON
340 Keith Armstrong Road,
OBERON
36 Rockley Street, MT DAVID
32-34 Jenolan Street, OBERON
5 Links Close, OBERON
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10.2014.108.1
11.2014.108.1 Garage with attached awning
10.2015.1.1
11.2015.1.1
Carport
Modification to amend the position of
10.2009.128.4 approved building
1510 Carlwood Road,
O’CONNELL
1 Herborn Street, OBERON
115 Albion Street, OBERON
Copies of determinations are available for inspection at Council’s Administration Centre.
Total fees for applications during February 2015 were $11,320.38. The year to date income is
$73,012.91 which is 74% of the total income ($99,000) estimated and is approximately 8.6% over
monthly estimations ($66,000) shown in the first 8 months of the Operational Plan 2014/15.
Applications for the calendar year are being provided in a table form to give an outline of
applications being lodged against those of the previous year. It is considered that this visual
representation of how applications are tracking against the previous year gives better picture
activity.
Number of applications
Number of Applications lodged
30
25
20
15
10
2015 Applications
5
2014 Applications
December
October
November
August
September
July
May
June
April
March
February
January
0
Month
Number of applications
Number of Applications Accumulated
250
200
150
100
50
2015
0
2014
Month
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4. Certificates Issued
During the Conveyancing process, normally as part of the sale of a property, various Certificates
are applied for by Solicitors, Real Estate Agents or by the public.
In February 2015 the following Certificates were issued:
Number Issued
February
Certificates
SECTION 149(2) AND (5) PLANNING CERTIFICATES
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979
26
SECTION 735A CERTIFICATES AS TO NOTICES
Local Government Act, 1993.
5
SECTION 121ZP CERTIFICATES AS TO ORDERS
3
SECTION 149D BUILDING CERTIFICATES
0
Certificates for the calendar year are being provided in a table form to give an outline of certificates
being lodged against those of the previous year. It is considered that this visual representation of
how certificates are tracking against the previous year gives a greater representation of activity in
the Planning & Development Department.
Certificates for 2014/2015
80
70
60
50
Building Certificate
40
121ZP
30
735A
149's
20
Total certificates 2014
10
0
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5. Oberon Animal Pound
The following are details of activity at the Animal Pound in February 2015
Number of cats and dogs impounded 2014/2015
16
14
Number of Animals
12
10
8
2015 Carried Over
2015 Dogs
6
2015 Cats
4
2014 Cats & Dogs total
2
0
Month
In February no Dangerous Dog Declaration were issued, 1 Declaration to declare a dog to be
Menacing and 1 Notice of Intention to declare 2 dogs a Nuisance and 1 Declaration for 2 Nuisance
dogs were issued during February.
Staff post lost or unidentified dogs on the Oberon Facebook page in an attempt to re home them or
find their owners.
6. Miscellaneous Matters
Various inspections, including building inspections, health inspections, environmental inspections
and complaints were conducted during February 2015.
Type of Inspections
January
Building Inspections
25
Food Inspections
0
Environmental Inspections (Air Pollution/Noise Pollution/Water
Pollution)
0
Subdivisions Certificate Inspections
1
Complaints (Including Animal Control)
4
Building Maintenance Inspections
4
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7. Swimming Pool
Construction of the Swimming Pool Roof Enclosure will begin upon the finalisation of the 2014/15
Swim Season. It is anticipated that preparation works will begin prior to the end of March with the
project being completed by June.
8. Waste
An initial analysis has been undertaken for the components of Waste Management including the
Kerbside Garbage Contract, Solid Waste Landfill, Recycling Initiatives, Remote Transfer Stations,
and the Large Bulky Item Pick up and Free Tip Days.
In December a Waste Workshop was undertaken whereby Councillors undertook an inspection of
the Solid Waste Landfill facility and were briefed on opportunities relating to the landfill. These
included a Resource Recovery Centre whereby Community ‘buy in’ will reduce costs for residents
and increase the life of the current facility.
The first of two FREE tip days for 2015l be held at the Oberon Solid Waste Landfill was held on 15
March. Additionally the open day was extended to both transfer stations at Black Springs and
Burraga. All domestic waste will be received FREE.
An audit of our Drummuster processes has been carried out by Agsafe with good results received.
Ongoing training for operators is proposed in April that will enhance our resource recovery options
at the landfill. Drummuster is a free charge service for disposal of chemical containers from cooperating chemical distributors.
14.03 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT - WORKS AND ENGINEERING
File: Governance/Meetings/Ordinary
Author: Chris Schumacher, Works and Engineering Director and Ian Tucker, Works Manager
Summary
Providing a summary of the major work in the Works & Engineering Department for the month of
February 2015 plus planned work for the coming months.
Recommendation:
Comment
1. UPCOMING/PLANNED WORKS
The following works will commence during the next two months:


Commencement of some clearing and drainage works on the next section of O’Connell
Road scheduled for reconstruction, the “Wattle Grove” section. However the scope of works
and pricing are yet to be agreed with RMS, so a commencement date has not been
determined. The pavement construction works on this section will not take place until
2015/16.
Construction of a major crossing of Wisemans Creek on Mayfield Road. This is subject to
approval being obtained from DPI. An application has been submitted.
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Resumption of the reconstruction of substandard stormwater pits in various streets around
Oberon.
Further bitumen reseals on rural local roads are to be carried out on Beaconsfield Rd and
O’Connell Plains Rd. this is subject to scheduling by the contractor.
Works may resume on further heavy patching of sealed local roads, and/or further gravel
resheeting of unsealed local roads. This is dependent on when the major construction
works on Mayfield Rd and Campbells River Rd are completed, and on the weather.
2. WORKS ON LOCAL ROADS, BRIDGES, PARKS AND SIGNIFICANT PRIVATE WORKS
MAYFIELD RD – Works commenced on 12/1/15 on the reconstruction and sealing of the northern
half of Mayfield Rd, from Mayfield Gardens to O’Connell Rd. This project is being funded by a loan.
Clearing and earthworks are largely completed, and gravelling is currently in progress.
It has been decided to construct a new crossing over Wisemans Creek a short distance upstream
from the existing crossing. The new crossing will be a 3-cell box culvert structure, each cell 3.0m x
1.8m. An application has been submitted to DPI.
Maintenance grading has been carried out on the following roads :
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Sewells Creek Rd
Tuglow Rd
Sheepstation Rd
Mt Olive Rd
Keith Armstrong Rd
Cranfield Rd
Horseshoe Bend Rd
Muirs Rd
Drainage maintenance works have been carried out on the following roads. This included engaging
a suction truck to assist with cleaning out culverts.
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Nunans Hill Rd
Mayfield Rd
Hazelgrove Rd
Swallows Nest Rd
Burroughs Crossing Rd
Sewells Creek Rd
Bracken Glen Rd
Muirs Rd
CAMPBELLS RIVER RD – The reconstruction of a further 1km of Campbells River Rd commenced
on 23/2/2015. This continues from the end of the section completed in 2013/14. Earthworks are
currently in progress, along with culvert extensions.
Bitumen reseals have been completed on Campbells River Rd and Burraga Rd.
THE REEF – Works have commenced on The Reef Road into the recreational boat ramp area.
This includes the widening of the road to allow two-way traffic movement. It will include the
placement of a new concrete slab to accommodate a picnic shelter, with tables also ordered, and a
new toilet facility under investigation.
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3. WORKS FOR ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES (RMS)
OBERON WEST PROJECT – This project was completed in December. A final inspection with
RMS has identified a few small tasks to be carried out, these will be done in the next couple of
weeks. Council have done identified tasks in the Oberon West Project final inspection.
WATTLE GROVE PROJECT – RMS have raised several issues regarding the Wattle Grove
Project design and construction, these were discussed during a meeting on 27/02/2015 which was
attended by Council’s General Manager and Project Engineer, Sam Golam as well as RMS
Manager from Parkes, Alistair Lunn and an RMS Senior Project Manager.
The Wattle Grove Project on O’Connell Rd was initially estimated as a $2.5 million project.
However, due to realignment of the road the revised estimate was raised to $5 million. The length
of road to be worked on is 2.8 kms.
The RMS raised concerns about Council undertaking this project, these concerns included the
complexity of the project; the property acquisition required which will involve 7 property owners; the
time frame to complete the project; and the cash flow availability of Council to be able to complete
the works.
Given these concerns, the RMS has decided to undertake the project themselves. They have
appointed an internal Project Manager to complete these works. Council have no contractual
obligations regarding this issue.
RESEALING – Reseals on State Roads MR253 O’Connell Rd and MR558 Duckmaloi Rd, were
carried out during February. Line marking will be reinstated in the near future.
HEAVY PATCHING WORKS – Heavy patching work on various locations totalling approximately
2300 square metres of Duckmaloi Rd will commence on 17/3/2015.
Heavy patching work on various locations totalling 1800 square metes of O’Connell Rd will
commence on 7/4/2015.
4. WORKS ON TOWN IMPROVEMENTS
Alterations to the angle parking in Dart St and Fleming St near the library have been completed.
The parking is being recessed back into the footpath to ensure it complies with the relevant
standard. The angle is being altered to 45 degrees.
Minor improvements to trimming hedges in Oberon St was undertaken, this included maintenance
and visual safety improvements.
5. WORKS ON WATER & WASTE WATER (Sewer)
WATER MAINS – Connection of the new main in Water Plant Lane to the storage tanks at the Golf
Club has been completed.
The chlorination dosing system pipework at the water treatment plant has been upgraded and
commissioned.
At the waste water treatment plant the purchase of a new sludge lagoon pump has been approved.
Quotes have been obtained for a valve replacement in the mixing well control room and two life
rings for the clarifier and sludge lagoons have been installed.
Both the water and waste water treatment plants have had some building maintenance with the
painting of eaves and posts.
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6. PLANT
The plant serviced were:
65 - Toyota Hilux
87 - Toyota Hilux
69 - Kia Sportage
72 - Toyota Klugger
88 - Mitsubishi Canter
48 - Isuzu truck
51 - Western star truck
1 - Cat 12M Grader
2 - Cat 12H Grader
4 - Cat 12M Grader
7 - Cat D7R Dozer
8 - Cat324DL Excavator
9 - Cat324DL Excavator
12 - Mini Excavator
(1500hrs)
(11000hrs)
(4750hrs)
(5000hrs)
(1500hrs)
(6000hrs)
(6750hrs)
Repairs to heavy earthmoving plant were:
58 - Western Star
25 - Cat CS563 Roller
6 - Cat 638K loader
Engine rebuild at Westrac Bathurst
Replace alternator
Replace bucket teeth
Water treatment plant
Rebuild dosing unit pump, which was repaired.
Waste water treatment plant
Replace heat exchanger circulation pump at digester
Repair mast for pontoon
Rural Fire Service – maintenance and repairs:
Edith cat 7 -pump engine was filled with diesel .Drain diesel from sump and cylinders refill with oil
Test run was OK
Burraga group vehicle – fit new battery
7. ATTENDING EXTERNAL MEETINGS
The Works and Engineering Director attended the following:




RFS Chifley Zone meeting in Bathurst
State Water Fish River Water Supply Customer Council meeting in Wallerawang
LEMC meeting at the Oberon Fire Centre
Centroc Water Utilities Alliance CWUA Meeting at Cowra Council
The Works and Engineering Director and Works Manager met with NPWS staff and inspected
Yerranderie Rd.
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14.04 MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORT – FINANCE & COMMUNITY SERVICES
Author: Lynette Safranek, Finance and Community Services Director
Summary
This report provides a summary of major work within the Finance and Community Services
Department during February 2015, plus planned activities for the following months.
Recommendation:
Comment
1. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR MARCH AND APRIL
Community events for the next few months include Seniors Week from 16-21 March, OYC
Community Fun Run and Live Well in Oberon on 21 March, WW1 Parade and Exhibition on
11 April, and School Holiday Activities for 5-18 year olds coordinated by the Library.
Council activities for the next few months include the Community Transport amalgamation from
1 April, with a morning tea on 13 March at Hampton Half Way Hotel Coffee Lounge; an interim
audit visit by Crowe Horwath Auswild on 23 and 24 April; and fourth quarter rate instalments are
due to distribution by 30 April, with the rates due by 31 May.
2. STATUS OF COUNCIL DECISIONS – Completed and Outstanding
Councillor Ian Doney Request in February 2014 regarding infrastructure backlog and reserves:

Infrastructure backlog:
These are two different numbers. The infrastructure backlog is calculated by Council
assessing the cost to being the assets up to a satisfactory position over the total
infrastructure assets. It is recorded in Special Schedule 7 of the statements, which up to now
has been unaudited by the auditors. This is changing for the 2015 year. In the ‘fit for future’
assessments the infrastructure backlog will be one of the measures focussed on.
The figures discussed at the Council meeting related to the Depreciation schedule in the
accounts – which shows the cost of the assets less accumulated depreciation. These are
included in the audited accounts. Crowe Horwath noted the total depreciation on the assets
was $16m for other and $50m for roads and other infrastructure. Their comment related to
the fact that if the assets have been used up/depreciated by $16m, then there needs to be
funds in restrictions available to replace these. We noted that we took roads out as roads
tend to have an annual maintenance program and the valuation of roads is always very
subjective and tends to move upward in the 5 year cycle of revaluations.

Reserves:
Reserves are cash being held for a specific purpose, hence being ‘restricted’. This restriction
can either be placed by an external source (external restricted reserves) or internally by
Council (internally restricted reserves) to be used for future planned expenditure. A reason
for this is to smooth out long term expenditure peaks and troughs. Unrestricted cash is what
remains of the ‘Total Cash & Investments’ of Council that is not locked down for spending for
a specific purpose.
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The Finance and Community Services Director will take the Councillors through an explanation on
Reserves at the Informal Briefing Session on Tuesday 10 March.
3. FINANCE
After almost 3 years with Oberon Council, David Mead Finance Coordinator has resigned to take
up a position with Blayney Council. We are currently appointing a Financial Consultant who will
assist with Year End Statements and Budgets. The Management Accountant will be the Acting
Finance Coordinator while we recruitment for a new Finance Coordinator.
QBRS Clarification
It was reported in the Oberon Review on 5 March that “Council’s original budget for 2014/15 was a
deficit of $981,000, the actual year to date net capital $756,000. The projected year end result will
see Oberon Council in deficit of $1,355,000 – that’s $374,000 more than originally predicted.”
It is important to clarify that the above figures refer to the Capital Expenditure for the 2014/15
period and that the Consolidated Income and Expenses is projected to $118,000 for the Year End
Result.
Stocktake
The Finance team conducted stocktakes at the Visitor Information Centre (VIC) and the Store. In
analysing these events we see that there was a gap at the VIC. It is believed that this is due to an
error with the entering of the data by staff and is being investigated further. The Store stocktake
went without incident and the results are still being analysed but at this early stage, they are within
acceptable standards.
In 2013 the Joint Standing Committee on the Office of the Valuer General examined the valuation
system and made 29 recommendations in their report Inquiry into the land valuation system. The
Committee’s report recommended issuing a preliminary objection report to landholders and giving
them more time to make submissions about the review of their land value. In 2014, a pilot project
was undertaken in a limited number of local government areas to understand the impact of this
recommendation. The pilot project has been extended into 2015 and will randomly selection
properties over the 152 Council areas to test. At the end of August 2015, an evaluation study will
be completed to see what impact the extra time has on landholders and Councils.
RATES COLLECTIONS
Following are the Rates and Charges collected as at 28 February 2015.
Brought forward 30 Jun 2014 Current Levy Payments, concessions and interest Balance outstanding Farmland Residential Rural Non‐urban Residential Centre Business Total $115,266 $152,672 $18,945 $4,709 $29,422 $321,015 $1,570,281 $1,873,118 $473,874 $134,006 $541,096 $4,592,376 ‐$1,189,568 ‐$1,402,907 ‐$365,580 ‐$101,870 ‐$431,192 ‐$3,491,118 $495,979 $622,883 $127,240 $36,845 $139,326 $1,422,273 Overpayments ‐$15,892 Legal charges $1,475 Total rates outstanding $1,407,855 Collected @ February 2015 71% 69% 74% 73% 76% 71% Collected @ February 2014 69% 69% 74% 74% 77% 71% 92 | P a g e
4. GRANTS UPDATE
Council was advised by Paul Toole on 9 March that it has been successful in its 2014/15 Public
Library Infrastructure grant application for $120,290. This funding will be used develop a plan and
start work on combining the Library and Community Centre into a Community Hub.
The recycling bins funded through the Keep Australia Beautiful Beverage Container recycling grant
have now been installed. The bins and the recycling message will be promoted at the Live Well in
Oberon Festival and Community Fun Run on 21 March 2015.
An expression of interest for Oberon Library to host the World War 1 Commemorative Regional
Touring Program has been submitted to the State Library. This program commemorates the First
World War as a defining moment in Australian history by delivering a series of workshops,
including preserving family histories and papers; curator talks with original items and a professional
learning workshop for teachers.
During February we were successful with the following grants:
1.
Seniors Week 2015 –$850 grant for Seniors Week activities.
2.
Community Recycling Drop off Centre – $32,410 to build a Community Recycling Centre for
Problem Household Waste at the Oberon waste facility. This will allow householders to drop
off problem households wastes that should not enter landfill. Problem household wastes
include old paint, used motor oil, batteries, and fluorescent light globes. This project will be
fully funded by the grant. Council is grateful for the assistance provided by Netwaste in
securing this grant.
3.
Fixing Country Roads Grant – $890,000 grant to upgrade sections of the Sewell’s Creek and
Beaconsfield Roads so they can be gazetted for use by high performance 23m B-Double
logging trucks. This will increase the payload of each truck by approximately 11%, thus
improving the efficiency of the freight task. It is estimated that this represents a cost saving of
5% which will flow through the radiata pine timber supply chain. Council committed $100,000
toward this project, giving it a total budget of $990,000 for this project.
This is the first round of the Fixing Country Roads Program and it is hoped that, subject to
the outcome of the State elections, Oberon Council may be eligible for additional funding for
other logging routes in future rounds.
The following are grant application in progress:
1.
Skate Park Upgrade/Replacement - the next round of Sport and Recreation Facility grants is
due to open shortly. Options for the repair or replacement of the current skate park are being
investigated by the Grants Officer and will be reported to the Oberon Youth Council at their
meeting on 31 March 2015.
2.
Recreation Ground Mural – investigations in to an arts grant to create a graffiti style mural on
either the toilet block walls or on the fence at the back of the skate park is being investigated.
A report will be submitted to the Oberon Youth Council meeting on 31 March 2015.
3.
Shade Shelter for Children’s Playground – the Cancer Institute of NSW is offering grants of
up to $25,000 under their Skin Cancer Prevention – Shade Provision program. Council are
investigating the cost of providing a sun shelter for the small children’s playground in The
Common. Applications close 13 March 2015 and there is no matching requirement for this
grant. Support for this project has already been received from the Oberon Health Council.
The following table summarises current grant submissions which are pending a decision.
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Submitted
Details/Description of Project
Amount
Oct 2014
NSW Sport and Recreation Participation and Facility Grant
Oberon Leagues Club spectator seating
$7,991
Nov 2014
RMS Walking and Cycling Program - Development of a PAMP
$15,000
5. COMMUNITY SERVICES
COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Transport NSW has conducted an initial due diligence review of the proposed merger of Oberon
Community Transport with Lithgow Community Transport and confirmed its endorsement to
progress (per the business plan).
SENIORS WEEK 2015
Seniors Week 2015 will be held during 16 to 21 March 2015. There is a bus trip to the Premier’s
Seniors Week Gala Concert in Sydney on Wednesday 18 march, a mystery trip on Tuesday 17
March leaving at 9.30 and ending at the CC for lunch, and a second trip on Wednesday 18 March
leaving at 1.30pm and finishing with afternoon tea at the CC. There is also a trip to Bathurst to the
Mitchell Conservatorium of Music on Thursday 19 March.
WW1 Commemorations planning is ongoing for events leading up to ANZAC Day 2015. A copy of
the flyer containing the events and dates is included in this report.
APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
The Library staff are working on activities for not only the 5-12 year olds this year but sessions for
12-18 year old students as well. We have a mixture of sessions including craft, jewellery making,
computer hot tips and recycled art. We are in the process of confirming other sessions that may be
of interest to the older students.
LIBRARY
Staffing
The Finance & Community Services Director is currently reviewing the Library Officer and Library
Trainee work performance (we do not have a Senior Library Officer) and seating arrangements in
the Library. This process began in December and is currently being monitored.
Library Lovers Day
This was kicked off on Friday 13 March with a cooking demonstration. To continue with Library
Lovers Day members of the community entered a competition where they were asked to borrow a
cook book, make an item from that book and bring it to the Library on Friday 27 February where
the prepared items were judged. There were 11 entrants and over 30 people in attendance.
Everyone had a great time and it was a successful event.
Author Talk
Margareta Osborn attended the Library on Wednesday 4 March where she gave a great
introduction into her life and how she started writing novels. There were nearly 20 members of the
community in attendance. It was a good event with morning tea being supplied and served by
members of the Friends of the Oberon Library.
During March and through to Anzac Day in April, the Library Community Display area will be
exhibiting WW1 memorabilia.
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8 March
2:00pm
International Women’s Day – Theme for 2015 is “Women and War” in the
Robert (Bob) Hooper Community Centre
11 April
All Day
Oberon Masonic Lodge and Oberon RSL Sub-Branch Military Museum will be
open
11 April
10:30am
Military Street Parade concluding at the Oberon RSL Sub Branch Military
Museum where there will be a Military Memorabilia display, food and activities
11 April
11:30am
Unveiling of Sculpture designed and created by Harrie Fasher
18 April
10:00am
“Around the Piano 1915” in the Robert (Bob) Hooper Community Centre
24 April
6:30pm
Outdoor Film showing old war movie at the O’Connell Hotel
25 April
5:45am
5:15am
Oberon Dawn Service
O’Connell Dawn Service - In the paddock next to the O’Connell Café. Bring
candle or small torch
25 April
10:00am
ANZAC March and Wreath laying ceremony
25 April
11:00am
ANZAC Commemorations at Oberon RSL Club
26 April
10:00am
12:00am
Burraga ANZAC Service
Black Springs ANZAC Service
Other:
- Library Display 8 March to 26 April
- Oral History Day
Page 95
14.05
STATEMENT OF INVESTMENTS
File No: Financial Management/Investments/Register
Author: Tim Booth, Management Accountant
Summary
Reporting the Statement of Investments as at 28 February 2015.
Recommendation
Comment
Interest accrued on investments for the month of February came to $21,256 with an average
interest rate of 3.43% performing above the 90 day Bank Bill Swap Rate of 2.28%. Interest
receipted for the month of February on Term Deposits matured totalled $14,339.
Following the interest rate cut last month, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) chose to leave
interest rates on hold at it’s February meeting, citing the continued decline in commodity prices,
weak domestic growth and an unemployment rate that has continued to edge higher, as factors
that suggest the economy still has spare capacity and may influence a further rate cut in the future.
This is supported by many market commentators suggesting a cut could occur within the coming
months. The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) show an unemployment
rate of 6.4% nationally for January and a drop in wages growth to 2.5% for 2014. The RBA also
indicated that it will work with other regulators to address the growing disconnect between the
strong property market and weaknesses in the wider economy. The Australian Dollar remains
above most estimates of its value and further downward pressure on the value is expected to
provide support for growth in the overall economy.
Oberon Council Annualised Monthly Return vs 90 Day BBSW
4.50%
4.00%
3.50%
3.00%
2.50%
2.00%
1.50%
1.00%
0.50%
0.00%
14/15 90 Day BBSW
14/15 TD % Monthly Return
13/14 90 Day BBSW
13/14 TD % Monthly Return
96 | P a g e
At 28 February 2015 $9,800,092 was invested, as shown on the following Statement. Investment
movements in February saw the maturity of two deposits with Wide Bay Ltd and People's Choice
CU and new deposits made with Wide Bay Ltd and AMP.
Institution
Date of
Investment
Interest
rate
Date of
Maturity
Value
at 31/01/2015
Bank
CBA Business Online Saver
01/02/2015
2.40%
28/02/2015
$1,100,092
Wide Bay Ltd
16/09/2014
3.40%
24/02/2015
-
People's Choice
17/09/2014
3.42%
10/02/2015
-
ING Bank
26/09/2014
3.52%
24/03/2015
500,000
Bank of Queensland
22/10/2014
3.50%
21/04/2015
500,000
Bankwest
28/10/2014
3.40%
10/03/2015
500,000
Active Term Deposits
Bank of Sydney
18/11/2014
3.45%
07/04/2015
500,000
ING Bank
25/11/2014
3.57%
05/05/2015
500,000
Bank of Queensland
2/12/2014
3.55%
02/06/2015
500,000
ING Bank
9/12/2014
3.55%
16/06/2015
500,000
IMB
14/01/2015
3.40%
20/05/2015
500,000
IMB
14/01/2015
3.40%
24/06/2015
500,000
AMP
13/01/2015
3.40%
14/07/2015
500,000
Maitland Mutual
13/01/2015
3.50%
28/07/2015
500,000
Arab Bank
13/01/2015
3.45%
11/08/2015
500,000
National Australia Bank
15/01/2015
3.49%
25/08/2015
500,000
National Australia Bank
27/01/2015
3.42%
25/08/2015
500,000
AMP
10/02/2015
3.30%
18/08/2015
500,000
Wide Bay Ltd
24/02/2015
3.05%
08/09/2015
500,000
Total
$8,000,000
FIIG Securities - Octagon
25/10/2005
0.00%
30/10/2015
700,000
Total
$700,000
Total Investments
$9,800,092
Investment movements in February 2015 saw the maturity of a deposit with Wide Bay Ltd and
People’s Choice CU, with a total of $14,339 interest received.
Wide Bay Ltd
16/09/2014
3.40%
24/02/2015
$500,000
$7,499
People's Choice
17/09/2014
3.42%
10/02/2015
$500,000
$6,840
$1,000,000
$14,339
Total
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The following new deposits were made with AMP and Wide Bay Ltd.
AMP
10/02/2015
3.30%
18/08/2015
$500,000
Wide Bay Ltd
24/02/2015
3.05%
8/09/2015
$500,000
Total
$1,000,000
I certify that the investments have been made in accordance with Section 625 of the Local
Government Act 1993, Clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005, and
Council's Investments Policy.
Lynette Safranek
Responsible Accounting Officer
14.06 LOCAL GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE MONITORING FOR 2013/14
File No: Development and Building Controls\Development Department Statistics\DOP Stats
Author: Gary Wallace, Planning & Development Director
Summary
Each year the Department of Planning publishes the statistical performance of development
approvals for New South Wales Councils.
Recommendation
Comment
The 2013/14 report has statistical data for all 152 Councils and measures variables such as:

Number of DA’s determined

Total estimated value of DA’s determined

Number of Section 96 applications determined

Percentage of development types
o
Alterations and additions
o
Single new dwelling
o
Commercial/retail/office

Determination times for each individual Council

Determination times by value of development

Percentage of who approves the development (Councillors or Council Staff)

Number Council staff allocated to development assessment
For the period of 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014 the performance monitoring report shows that for
Oberon Council 101 Development Applications (DA) received worth an estimated $11.5 million
($6.8 million in 2012/13) and had the following averages;
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
DA Mean Gross – 58 days total averages for 101 applications
(The average amount of time the application was in Council. This includes all referrals to
Government agencies required as part of the application process.)

DA Mean Net – 19 days total averages for 101 applications
(Time taken to approve once all information and referrals were received)
When comparing the 2013/14 report to the three previous reporting periods it is noted that the
figures are consistent with a significant improvement in the mean gross and net processing times.
Year
2010/11
2011/12
2012/13
2013/14
14.07
No of Applications
113
92
76
101
Mean Gross
71
71
82
58
Mean Net
39
44
23
19
MAYFIELD ROAD PROJECT – PROGRESS REPORT
File No: R12
Author: Chris Schumacher, Works and Engineering Director & Ian Tucker, Works Manager
Summary
This report outlines the current construction progress and accumulative expenditure on the
reconstruction and sealing of the $1.6M Mayfield Road project.
Recommendation:
Comment
Construction activity on the Mayfield Road project has now entered week 8 of the 12 – 13 week
estimated construction period. Good weather has allowed staff to ramp up road works which will
see the physical road completed ahead of schedule, excluding the Wisemans Creek crossing.
PROGRESS TO DATE – to week commencing 9 March

Road formation has been widened, using material won from an area near Wisemans Creek.
Table drains have been pushed out wider to provide sufficient width and a greater
trafficable pavement area.

Existing culverts have been extended to match the wider road, and headwalls constructed.

One new pipe culvert and headwalls have been installed. An additional piped culvert will be
installed south of Wisemans Creek, this will collect and disperse of stormwater running
down the long and steep gradient toward the creek, and implications may be the discharge
with the adjoining property fence line.

Improvements to the vertical alignment have been carried out where feasible, by filling low
areas and cutting crests. This improves, drainage, sight distance and ride quality.

The importing, placement compaction of the base course continues as a work in progress.
Generally a compacted thickness of up to approx. 200mm is being added. This may be
slightly reduced in some places where a substantial thickness of sub-base was previously
99 | P a g e
applied and or the existing road pavement has been deemed satisfactory. The base course
material is being supplied from Brien’s Pit, approx. some 5km south of the road works site.
WORKS DURING MARCH/APRIL

Completion of importing the base material, laying and compaction of base course gravel.

Final shaping in preparation for 2 coat bitumen sealing

Tidying of shoulders, batters and drains

Maintaining and (where required) further Installation of erosion controls
PROGRESS WORKS – WISEMANS CREEK CROSSING
The above road construction details exclude the crossing of Wisemans Creek and its approaches.
An application has been submitted to the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) seeking formal
approvals to construct this new creek crossing. As part of the application a professional consultant
was engaged to assist with the ‘environmental content’ in this application. The DPI is now seeking
further details on a number of points, possibly requiring further ecological and height elevation
survey detail in relation to the placement of this new crossing.
As part of the DPI assessment further detail has been requested, requiring further detail which has
resulted in staff having to consult further with environmental consultants for the creation of a
Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and a Contractors Environmental Management Plan
(CEMP).
It is anticipated that the preparation of an REF will be less time consuming, as the basis for this
report has already been completed.
Depending on when the approval is received from DPI, a decision will be made on whether to
proceed with constructing the crossing immediately. There are inherent risks in carrying out a
project like this during a wet period.
It is proposed to construct a new concrete box culvert structure over Wisemans Creek. This will be
a 3-cell structure, each cell being 3.0m wide x 1.8m high. The new crossing will be approx. 30m
upstream from the existing crossing, improving the road alignment.
EXPENDITURE TO DATE
Expenditure to date on this Project is $342,200. It is likely there may be some costs already
incurred which are not yet included in this figure, e.g. internal and external plant costs, gravel
purchases, consultants, purchase of box culverts.
This project is on target to be completed within the $1.6million budget allocation.
Further project status reports will be brought to the next Ordinary Meeting of Council 19 April 2015.
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14.08
INWARDS CORRESPONDENCE
Author: Sharon Swannell, Executive Assistant
Summary
The Report Item provides a summary of incoming correspondence for the period 1 – 28 February
2015.
Recommendation:
Comment
A summary of incoming correspondence received by Council is as follows:
1. Office of Local Government – invitation to attend one of the regional workshops being held by
the Office of Local Government to discuss Template 3 – Rural Council Proposal as part of the
Government’s Fit for the Future reform package
2. United Services Union advising it has commissioned a report by Professor Brian Dollery and
Joseph Drew entitled “Up to the Job? An analysis of the NSW Government’s Fit for the Future
Local Government Reform Policy Package”.
3. Local Government NSW Message from the President update regarding Fit for the Future and
the LG NSW State Election Priorities 2015
4. Local Government NSW Message from the President advising LG NSW has now sent out a
Toolkit to Council’s to help campaign and promote the key issues and proposed solutions
outlined in LG NSW’s State Election Priorities 2015.
5. Essential Energy – Electricity Network Upgrade, Hazelgrove. Advising that electrical
contractors will be working in the area to upgrade part of the electricity network on behalf of the
National Broadband Network. Work will be carried out from mid-February until mid-March.
6. Mayor of Orange, Clr John Davis OAM advising of their efforts in supporting lobbying for the
introduction of a State and National Container Deposit Scheme for beverage containers.
7. The Hon Troy Grant MP advising of the launch of Create in NSW: The NSW Arts and Cultural
Policy Framework.
This is not a complete list of correspondence received during the month, but rather a topical list of
items that may be of interest and have not been the subject of a report in another section of the
Business Papers.
14.09
COUNCILLOR REQUEST FORMS
File No: Governance/Councillors
Summary
Providing an update on the status of Councillor Request Forms submitted during the last month.
101 | P a g e
Recommendation:
Comment
Details are provided on the status of Councillor Request Forms (CRF) submitted during February.
Any CRF which have not been actioned will be reviewed by the General Manager, appropriate
Director and the relevant Councillor. These will be reviewed at monthly Informal Briefing
Sessions. The following is a summary listing of the CRF received during November, and includes
where appropriate any emails or verbal requests for information/complaints.
COUNCILLOR
SUMMARY OF REQUEST
ACTION / OUTCOME
30 Dec 14
Clr Sajowitz
Air conditioner running 24/7 when
Library closed submitted 30/12/14 initial response rcvd 19/1/15
FCSD - Spoken with the Air Conditioner
installer and looking at possibly moving the air
conditioning to a 'manual' system by which the
Library staff can turn the air conditioning on
and off. The only problem with this method is
that it would take some time to warm up on
cold winter days. This may be overcome with
Kathy or myself turning on the heating upon
arrival to work. It is still a work in progress.
10 Feb 15
Clr Doney
Two finance issues for clarification:
1. T-Corp says we have a $16m
infrastructure backlog. The auditor
notes a $66m backlog. $50m roads,
$16m other infrastructure (at his
presentation). He notes the $50m
could be covered by annual R&M.
FCSD - These are two different numbers. The
infrastructure backlog is calculated by Council
assessing the cost to being the assets up to a
satisfactory position over the total
infrastructure assets. It is recorded in Special
Schedule 7 of the statements, which up to now
has been unaudited by the auditors. This is
changing for the 2015 year. In the ‘Fit for
Future’ assessments the infrastructure backlog
will be one of the measures focussed on.
2. Can we have another clarification
on reserves, total
restricted/unrestricted/projected over
the life (10 years) of the budget on
projected 7.5% increase.
25 Feb 15
Clr McCarthy
Repairs on Sydney Rd, 7km from
Oberon LH side (near Ponderosa).
Stormwater not entering driveway
pipe, running around scouring edge
of seal roadway.
The figures discussed at the Council meeting
related to the Depreciation schedule in the
accounts – which shows the cost of the assets
less accumulated depreciation. These are
included in the audited accounts. Crowe
Horwath noted the total depreciation on the
assets was $16m for other and $50m for roads
and other infrastructure. Their comment
related to the fact that if the assets have been
used up/depreciated by $16m, then there
needs to be funds in restrictions available to
replace these. We noted that we took roads
out as roads tend to have an annual
maintenance program and the valuation of
roads is always very subjective and tends to
move upward in the 5 year cycle of
revaluations.
WED - Temporary Protection Measures carried
out on 25 February. Council has referred this
issue to the RMCC defect register. Council will
fix this scouring under RMCC.
102 | P a g e
FCSD = Finance & Community Services Director
PDD = Planning & Development Director
GM = General Manager
WED = Works & Engineering Director
There may be other requests missing off the summary listing, and individual Directors have been
instructed to refer requests to the Executive Coordinator to record these requests. However minor
requests which are dealt with in normal or routine day to day operations are not listed or recorded.
15. URGENT BUSINESS
Summary
In accordance with Clause 241 of the Local Government (General) Regulations 2005 business
may be transacted at a meeting of Council even though due notice of the business has not been
given to the Councillors. However, this can happen only if:
a) A motion is passed to have the business transacted at the meeting: and
b) The business proposed to be brought forward is ruled by the Chairperson to be of great
urgency.
Recommendation:
That Council consider the following matters as they are considered to be of an urgent nature
requiring immediate consideration by Council
16. CLOSED SESSION / CONFIDENTIAL REPORTS
Summary
In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993 and the Local Government (General)
Regulation 2005, in the opinion of the General Manager, the following business is of a kind as
referred to in Section 10A(2) of the Act, and should be dealt with in a part of the meeting closed to
the media and public.
Set out below is Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993 in relation to matters
which can be dealt with in the closed part of a meeting.
The matters and information are the following:
(a) Personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than Councillors)
(b) The personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer
(c) Information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the
Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business
(d) Commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed:
(i) Prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it, or
(ii) Confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council, or
(iii) Reveal a trade secret
(e) Information that would, if disclosed, prejudice the maintenance of law
(f) Matters affecting the security of the Council, Councillors, Council staff or Council property
(g) Advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in
legal proceedings on the grounds of legal professional privilege
(h) Information concerning the nature and location of a place or an item of Aboriginal significance
on community land.
There are no Closed Session Reports listed for Council’s consideration.
103 | P a g e
17. CLOSURE OF MEETING
The Meeting closed at xxxx
The next Ordinary Meeting of Oberon Council will be held on:
Tuesday xxxx
commencing at 5.30pm
in the Oberon Council Chambers
137 – 139 Oberon Street, Oberon.
104 | P a g e

Agenda and Business Papers - Oberon Council

Transcription

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