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ANNUAL

REPORT 2016/17

PO Box 399

TAILEM BEND SA 5260

Phone: 1300 785 277

[email protected]

2016/17 Annual Report adopted by Council on 21 November 2017

CONTENTS. Introduction Message from the Mayor 1 Council profile 2 Elected Members 3 Organisational structure 4 Corporate Governance List of Registers and Codes 5 Freedom of Information requests 5 Ombudsman’s investigations 5 Section 41 committees 5 Policies reviewed/endorsed 5 Elected Members – attendance at Council meetings 6 Confidential orders 6 Representation quota 6 Internal reviews of a Council decision 7 Community Land Management Plans 7 External auditor remuneration 7 Council committee member allowances 7 Elected Members’ allowances 7 Senior staff salaries and benefits 7 Procurement 7 Risk management 7 Citizenship 8 Regional leadership 8 2016-2020 Strategic Management Plan 8 2016/17 Annual Business Plan report card 10 Audit Committee report card 14 Environmental Local Action Plan 15 Civil road construction 17 Waste management 17 Major works projects 17 Key projects for 2017/18 18 Fire prevention 18 Development statistics & services 18 Public health statistics & services 19 Council by-laws 19 General inspectorial 19

Tourism & Economic Tourism initiatives 20 Economic initiatives 21 Community Development Community grants 22 Volunteers 22 Murraylands Careers Expo 22 Community libraries 22 Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) 22 Arts and culture 23 Community transport 24 Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) 24 Sport and recreation 25 Organisational Development Elected Members’ training 26 Employee statistics 26 Learning and development 26 Employee recognition 26 Work Health and Safety 26 Information and communications 26 Appendices 27

The Coorong District Council wishes to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians – the people of the Ngarrindjeri nation whose ancestral lands on which we meet. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of Aboriginal people to country. We also pay respect to the cultural authority of Aboriginal people from other areas of South Australia and Australia.

OUR YEAR

IN NUMBERS.

5,874

FACEBOOK

FOLLOWERS

193 DEVELOPMENT

APPLICATIONS LODGED

34k COMMUNITY

GRANTS

DISPERSED

2,831

CUSTOMER

REQUESTS

PROCESSED

651

TONNES RECYCLABLE & ORGANIC

WASTE DIVERTED

FROM LANDFILL

DOGS REGISTERED

1,758

RV’S HOSTED AT INAUGURAL

COONALPYN RV FEST

40

1

MESSAGE

FROM THE

MAYOR.

2016/17 has presented a number of exciting opportunities, a year in which

Council has embarked on some new, one of a kind projects, and

continued the delivery of Council’s services. As we now look to the future,

we first reflect on the activities of the past twelve months, with the

presentation of the Coorong District Council 2016/17 Annual Report.

Council’s commitment to planning for the future has seen significant work

undertaken on the Town Centres, Townships & Environs Development

Plan Amendment, which will be finalised in 2017/18. Significant economic

and tourism opportunities will become abundant to entrepreneurs

seeking to invest in the Coorong district in the near future as The Bend

Motorsport Park continues to takes shape, and heading toward

completion in mid-2018.

Coorong District Council highly values all of its communities, and we have

committed to supporting them through projects like the highly acclaimed

‘Creating Coonalpyn’ arts project, the legacy of which will continue to

encourage travellers to stop and explore the remarkable artworks now on

display in Coonalpyn.

Our communities continue to lead by example, by working collaboratively

on projects and events for the benefit of their immediate communities

and beyond. Meningie’s 150th birthday celebrations spanned more than

twelve months, culminating in several special events which celebrated the

town and surrounds. Tintinara has been inspired by Coonalpyn

community’s arts success, and has developed their own community group

to drive arts projects in Tintinara.

It is with sadness that I note the finalisation of Council’s Obesity

Prevention and Lifestyle (OPAL) program. Council has recognised that

many of OPAL’s key healthy initiatives and programs have had a

substantial positive impact on Coorong youth and their families since its

inception in 2012, and will continue to deliver some of OPAL’s key

projects and initiatives into the future.

As I, and my fellow Elected Members enter the final year of our current

term, I am honoured to witness Coorong Councillors’ combined approach

to being a voice for the Coorong community, through both challenges

and successes. We are Council that is always ready to hear from and work

with you.

I commend the activities of 2016/17 to you and present this annual report

for your information.

Cr. Neville Jaensch

MAYOR

2

COUNCIL PROFILE.

VISION A progressive and proactive

Council recognised for its

diverse communities,

prosperous economy and

unique and highly valued

environment.

MISSION Council is committed to:

Providing leadership for

the community and

ensuring efficient and

effective management of

the community’s

resources.

Responsibly managing the

natural and built

environment to achieve

sustainability.

Facilitating economic

prosperity, growth and

employment throughout

the district.

Actively enhancing the

quality of life for the

community by

encouraging health,

wellbeing and safety.

Being an employer of

choice that attracts,

develops and inspires

highly talented employees

and elected members.

CORE VALUES Integrity

Proactive

Progressive

Collaborative

Service excellence

Enjoy work

THE KEY FACTS State electorates Hammond, MacKillop

Federal electorate Barker

District size 8,836m2 (primarily rural land)

Population 5,525 (2011 Census)

Rateable properties 3,761

Roads, sealed 321 kms

Roads, unsealed 1,563 kms

Principal office Tailem Bend

Branch offices Meningie, Tintinara

Arterial highways Dukes, Princes and Mallee (state controlled)

3

ELECTED MEMBERS. (sworn in 18 November 2014)

MAYOR

Cr. Neville Jaensch JP

LAKES WARD

Cr. Sharon Bland

Deputy Mayor

Cr. Vern Leng

Cr. Mick O’Hara

MALLEE WARD

Cr. Donna Middleton

Cr. Bob Simcock

Cr. Peter Wright

PARKS WARD

Cr. Julie Barrie

Cr. Jeff Arthur

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE. (as at 30 June 2017)

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Chief Executive Officer

Vincent Cammell

Director Infrastructure

& Assets

David Mosel

Manager Technical Services

Craig Marshall

Works Coordinator

Roads

Dean Mustart

Road Maintenance

Team

Road Construction -

Team Peake

Road Construction - Team Tintinara

Works Coordinator Community

Facilities

Craig Cockshell

Tailem Bend Community

Facilities Team

Meningie Community

Facilities Team

Coonalpyn/Tintinara Community Facilities Team

Waste & Water Operations

Officer

Martin Thomas

Coonalpyn Pool/Caravan Park caretaker

Sean Thompson

Waste Depot Attendants

Works Coordinator Operations

Shaun Wilson

Patrol Graders

Infrastructure & Assets

Administration Support Trainee

Harley Downs

Executive Assistant to

Director Infrastructure &

Assets

Kate Arbon

Manager Projects &

Procurement

Michael Collins


Administration Support Officer

Wendy Bower


Administration Support Officer

Suzanne Patten

(0.4FTE)

Director Planning & Economic

Development

Belinda Croser

Coordinator -Development

Kylie Schilling

(0.6FTE)

Planning Officer

Rosie Browne

Building Surveyor

Brendon Corby

(0.4FTE)

Development & Environmental

Services Administration

Officer

Vicki Mayfield

General Inspector

Michael Vivian

Environmental Health Officer

(0.6FTE)

Local Action Plan

Coordinator

Graham Gates

LAP Implementation

Officer

Tracey Strugnell

LAP Implementation

Officer

Samantha Blight

LAP Inspection Officer

John Barrie

Tourism Devlopment

Officer

Anna Del Rio

Director Community &

Corporate

Nat Traeger

Cultural Programming

Manager

Di Gordon

(Country Arts SA)

Organisational Development Coordinator

Ben Jarvis

Organisational Support Officer

Jess Medlen

(0.8 FTE)

Senior Community

Development Officer

Sheridan O'Brien

(0.6 FTE)

Finance Manager

Judy Thompson

Senior Finance Officer

Sacha Holme

Finance Officer

Charmaine Sherman

Information Services

Coordinator

Richard Boscence

Corporate Support Officer

Michelle Dohnt

Community Support Officer

Mitchell Stanbury

Information Support Officer

Anna Nankivell

Community & Corporate Support

Officers

(Tintinara)

Patsy Crabb

(0.3 FTE)

Kate Fatchen

(0. 2 FTE)

Principal WHS & Risk Advisor

Vacant

(0.6FTE)

Community & Corporate

Project Officer

Renee Marles

Arts & Community Development Officer

Susie Ifould

(0.4FTE)

Executive Assistant

Ashlee Crossman

Business Support Trainee

Georga Wiebrecht

5

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

LIST OF REGISTERS AND

CODES Code of Conduct for Council

Employees

Code of Conduct for Council

Members

Code of Practice for Access

to Meetings of Council and

Committees and Council

Documents

Code of Practice for

Proceedings of Council and

Committee Meetings

2016/17 Fees & Charges

Schedule

Register of By-Laws

Register of Community

Land

Register of Delegations (26

instruments)

Register of Elected

Members Allowances and

Benefits

Register of Interest (Council

Employees and Elected

Members)

Register of Gifts (to Council

Employees and Elected

Members)

Register of Public Roads

Register of Salaries

FREEDOM OF

INFORMATION

REQUESTS Council received three Freedom

of Information requests during

2016/17.

OMBUDSMAN’S

INVESTIGATIONS The Ombudsman conducted

three investigations during

2016/17. These were in relation

to rates and waste collection. All

but one case was referred back

to the agency (Council) by the

Ombudsman to determine an

appropriate outcome.

SECTION 41

COMMITTEES The following committees,

formed under section 41 of the

Local Government Act 1999 exist

to streamline Council business

and management of community

assets:

Australia Day Awards

Committee

Coorong Bushfire Prevention

Committee

Coonalpyn Community Hall

Committee

Coorong Local Action Plan

Committee

Coonalpyn Soldiers

Memorial Swimming Pool

and Caravan Park Committee

Meningie Airfield

Management Committee

Meningie Cemetery

Committee

Moorlands Hall Committee

Pangarinda Botanic Garden

Committee

Tailem Bend Town Hall

Committee

Tintinara Aerodrome

Management Committee

Tintinara Community

Gymnasium Committee

Tintinara Community Men’s

Shed Committee

Tintinara Development

Group (dissolved 29-05-17)

Tintinara Homes and

Community Centre

Committee

Tintinara War Memorial

Committee

Coonalpyn Soldiers Memorial Swimming

Pool

POLICIES

REVIEWED/ENDORSED 2017/18 Rating Policy

Acquisition of Goods &

Services Policy

Annual Business Plan &

Budget Policy

Community Events, Grants &

Donations Policy

Disposal of Council Land &

Other Assets Policy

Elected Members’ Allowance,

Benefits & Support Policy

Fraud & Corruption

Prevention Policy

Human Resource Policy

Informal Gatherings Policy

Internal Review of Council

Decisions Policy &

Procedure

Media Policy

Prudential Management

Policy

Rate Rebate Policy

Records Management Policy

Risk Management Policy

Treasury Management Policy

Volunteer Policy

Whistleblowers Protection

Policy

6


ELECTED MEMBERS – ATTENDANCE AT

COUNCIL MEETINGS For the term of Council (July 2016 – June 2017)

Council held twelve ordinary meetings and six special

meetings.

Member Attendance

Mayor Cr. Neville Jaensch 18

Cr. Jeff Arthur 16

Cr. Julie Barrie 15

Cr. Sharon Bland 14

Cr. Vern Leng 18

Cr. Donna Middleton 17

Cr. Mick O’Hara 16

Cr. Bob Simcock 14

Cr. Peter Wright 13

CONFIDENTIAL ORDERS During 2016/17 Council made 26 confidential orders

representing the following subsections of the Local

Government Act 1999:

(a) information the disclosure of which would involve

the unreasonable disclosure of information

concerning the personal affairs of any person

(living or dead) (20 orders)

(b) information the disclosure of which –

(i) could reasonably be expected to confer a

commercial advantage on a person with

whom the council is conducting, or

proposing to conduct, business, or to

prejudice the commercial position of the

council; and

(ii) would, on balance, be contrary to the

public interest (1 order)

(e) matters affecting the security of the council,

members or employees of the council, or council

property, or the safety of any person (6 orders)

(k) tenders for the supply of goods, the provision of

services or the carrying out of works (1 order)

At the annual review of confidential orders, Council

released 3 items from the confidential minute

register. 2 further items expired during the course of

the 2016/17 financial year.

Coorong District Council Elected Members and senior staff

REPRESENTATION QUOTA The following table displays a grouping of similar South Australian councils using the Australian Classification of

Local Governments. The councils below are classed as Rural Agricultural Large.

Council Electors Council members (inc. Mayor) Representation quota Number of Wards

Clare & Gilbert Valleys 6,676 10 667 0

Coorong 3,804 9 422 3

Grant 5,441 10 544 3

Adelaide Plains 5,818 10 581 3

Mid Murray 6,377 10 637 3

Naracoorte Lucindale 5,782 11 525 0

Northern Areas 3,445 9 382 4

Renmark Paringa 6,367 9 708 0

Tatiara 4,532 10 453 0

Wakefield Regional 4,775 10 477 3

7


INTERNAL REVIEWS OF A

COUNCIL DECISION No requests were made by

community members for an

internal review of a Council

decision in 2016/17. Council’s

Internal Review of Council

Decisions Policy and Procedure

was reviewed in February 2017

following a desktop evaluation

(undertaken by the Ombudsman

SA) of all 68 South Australian

council policies, which surmised

that not all policies were

compliant with section 270 of

the Local Government Act 1999.

Council’s own policy aligns with

the Ombudsman’s seven

recommendations.

COMMUNITY LAND

MANAGEMENT PLANS Council owns and controls 130

pieces of land classified as

community land. It is intended

that all Community Land

Management Plans will be

reviewed and updated in the

2017/18 financial year. Progress

has been made in this regard

and it is anticipated that a report

will be presented early in 2018

with the proposed revisions to

the Community Land

Management Plans subsequently

being put out for community

consultation.

EXTERNAL AUDITOR

REMUNERATION Council’s external auditors for

2016/17 were Ian G McDonald

and Bentleys SA Pty Ltd. Council

undertook a recruitment process

in late 2016 to appoint a new

external auditor. Bentleys SA Pty

Ltd were appointed Council’s

auditor for the 2016 - 2021

financial year period. The total

remuneration paid for

undertaking the annual audit of

Council’s 2016/17 financial

statements is $19,800.

Council resolved to remunerate

Rex Mooney, Chairperson of the

Audit Committee, $725.00 per

meeting.

COUNCIL COMMITTEE

MEMBER ALLOWANCES In 2016/17 members of Council’s

Development Assessment Panel

received a sitting fee (per

meeting):

Presiding Member $350.00

Independent Members $300.00

Members also received a travel

reimbursement rate of 0.66 cents

per kilometre.

ELECTED MEMBERS’

ALLOWANCES In 2016/17 the breakdown was

as follows:

Mayor $37,107

Deputy Mayor $11,642

Councillor $ 9,649

Council also reimburses Elected

Members for all prescribed travel

and administrative expenses.

SENIOR STAFF SALARIES

AND BENEFITS The Chief Executive Officer

receives a total employment

package of $210,500 and the

Directors (3) ranged from

$100,000 to $161,000.

The Chief Executive Officer and

Directors are not paid overtime

but receive, as part of their total

salary package, the benefit of the

private use of a fully maintained

motor vehicle (subject to fuel

costs being paid by the officer

when on leave) and provision of

an iPad, iPhone and laptop for

work purposes.

PROCUREMENT Council released various

invitations for tender or request

for quotations in 2016/17, which

primarily were for plant &

equipment (compact track

loader, commercial van, dual cab

utility vehicle & 2 mowers).

Other tenders included Council’s

external auditors, and the

Community Wastewater

Management Scheme pump out

contract.

RISK MANAGEMENT Council participates in an annual

risk review conducted by the

Local Government Association

Mutual Liability Scheme. A

range of questions are posed to

Council to make an accurate

assessment on the effectiveness

of risk management systems

within the organisation.

The results of the review provide

an opportunity to identify gaps

and set a program to address

non conformances.

8


In 2016/17, the Scheme altered

the method by which they

calculated the risk score against

different categories. This

provided a more accurate

method of assessing Council’s

(and the local government sector

at large) maturing risk profile.

Volunteer management, people,

community lands and

road/footpath management

emerged as key areas that

require attention in order to

enhance Council’s risk culture

and awareness. Changes to the

risk evaluation process are

underway and will be

implemented in the first half of

2017/18.

CITIZENSHIP Mayor Jaensch truly enjoys

conferring new Australian

citizens. In 2016/17, 12 new

citizens were conferred at

ceremonies across the Council

district. Mayor Jaensch

thoroughly enjoyed meeting and

speaking with our newest

Australians, and looks forward to

welcoming further new citizens

in the near future.

REGIONAL LEADERSHIP Coorong District Council is in a

unique geographical location – it

is the gateway to neighbouring

tourism regions, situated on

major transport corridors and

the largest rural Council area in

the state. The area comprises

land within regions generally

known as the Murraylands and

Upper South East.

To keep abreast of regional

trends and statewide impacts,

Council is a member of:

Regional Development

Australia Murraylands &

Riverland – (funding partner)

membership allows Council

to collaborate with

Murraylands and Riverland

councils regarding regional

programs, initiatives and

informed economic

development.

Murraylands & Riverland

Local Government

Association – (funding

partner) membership

provides Council the ability

to achieve improvements for

the benefit of Council and

constituent councils at

regional level, advocate for

regional representation and

undertake region wide

beneficial projects.

Limestone Coast Local

Government Association –

(observer) formerly the

South East Local

Government Association,

Council’s observing seat

gives us an insight into

similar regional issues in the

south east tourism district.

Murray River, Lakes &

Coorong Tourism Alliance –

(funding partner) this

alliance is seen as a focal

contact point for the tourism

industry. Council’s

membership affords the

opportunity to receive direct

tourism advice, leverage

partnership opportunities

and achieve sustainable

strategic outcomes for the

region.

2016-2020 STRATEGIC

MANAGEMENT PLAN Council commenced a process

towards the end of the 2016/17

financial year to:

Assess its performance in

implementing the over-

arching Strategic

Management Plan (SMP) for

the period February 2016-

July 2017 (includes the

whole of the 16/17 financial

year and the first four

months of operation of the

2016-2020 SMP); and

Review the listings of its high

priority programs and

projects as listed in the SMP.

Council’s Chief Executive Officer

commissioned a draft SMP

Adherence and Project Updates

Report and supported a process

for senior staff (director and

manager level) to speak

independently and openly with a

strategic planning consultant.

This afforded staff the

opportunity to express opinions

on how they viewed the

implementation of the SMP, the

delivery of key projects and what

they thought were priorities,

risks, required changes and

future opportunities.

This stemmed from an extremely

busy 2016/17 year for staff and

anxiety for some staff around the

level of development interest in

the district, decrease in external

funding, the amount of

infrastructure work required to

cope with increasing visitation

levels and heavy vehicle use and

a number of legislative changes.

9

Following completion of the

draft report (which is expected in

the second quarter of 2017/18),

a workshop will be held with the

CEO and senior (director and

manager level) staff to form

feedback for presenting project

and continuous operational

improvements suggestions to

Elected Members.

Ideas will also be considered by

Elected Members and will form

part of the next re-iteration of

the SMP and update of the Long

Term Financial Plan.

With respect to high level

projects, the following

suggestions to Elected Members

have been made:

Dickson Reserve Upgrade Project

Establish an end point for

investment and make hazard

reduction a priority.

Suggestion to Elected

Members that 2018/19

budget be capped at

$100,000.

Continue to apply for grant

funding with respect to

boating infrastructure.

Princes Highway, Tailem Bend

Landscaping Study

Keep works simple (unless

external funding) and

continue to lobby DPTI for

that agency to substantially

pay for improved

appearance of the Highway

corridor in Tailem Bend.

Suggestion to Elected

Members that the 2018/19

budget be capped at

$50,000.

Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend

Toilets

Suggestion to include as a

High Priority Project in the

SMP, and that this Project be

put forward as a staff

suggestion for the 2018/19

budget. Staff were in

collective agreement that

the project should have a

higher priority for funding

than works in the Highway

Corridor given the

complaints made on the

current condition of the

toilets.

A range of other suggestions

were made to improve forward

planning and asset management,

review processes and examine

areas where savings could be

made to assist with combatting

the decrease in external road

funding. However, it was

acknowledged that some ideas

to minimise costs will not be

potentially palatable to the

community, and this will be itself

an administrative burden to

achieve.

Long Term Financial Plan

2016/17 - 2025/26

In 2016/17, Council recognised

that there were some matters

affecting the Long Term

Financial Plan, and as a result

established a process to do a full

review of the Plan in 2017/18.

Council will be undertaking this

review in November/December

2017, and will consider the issues

raised in staff and Elected

Member workshops and

briefings, including decreasing

roads funding, Financial

Assistance Grants indexation

changes and further costs &

resource implications associated

with legislated changes.

Asset Management Plans

The draft Building Asset

Management Plan was

substantially drafted in 2016/17

and is pending Council adoption

in 2017/18 following completion

of the update to the Road Asset

Management Plan (RAMP).

The draft Water & Sewer Asset

Management Plan (covers

CWMS, stormwater and non-

potable water schemes) was

substantially drafted in 2016/17

and is pending Council adoption

in 2017/18, following completion

of the update to the RAMP.

The Road Asset Management

Plan (RAMP) will be updated in

2017/18 and should be ready for

consideration by the Audit

Committee in January 2018. The

RAMP update will be considered

in conjunction with the Long

Term Financial Plan, given the

complexities associated with

funding Council’s road network.


10

2016/17 ANNUAL BUSINESS PLAN

REPORT CARD.

In response to the Objective and Strategies in the Strategic Management Plan 2012-2020 a range of capital works,

projects and actions were reflected in the 2016/17 Annual Business Plan. These have been placed against relevant

Objectives and reported against in the following manner:

THEME: COMMUNITY WELLBEING Objective: A caring, healthy and resilient community.

2017/17 Actions & Projects 2016/17 key outcome(s)

Purchase land to support establishment of a

community centre at Meningie.

Council successfully acquired a parcel of land on

Princes Highway, Meningie, with the view to

establish a community centre on it in the future.

Play a role in assisting with the Meningie 150 year

celebration events, with a focus on the major

celebratory event.

Council contributed to sponsorship, event

preparation and promotion of the major event

‘Yuntawalurmi’, which was a resounding success.

Libraries Forward Project: Implement first stage of

future proofing library spaces.

Council worked with Coorong Libraries to develop a

unified brand and is working on signage and

marketing collateral including: brochures,

bookmarks and library bags.

An e-newsletter is scheduled for distribution in

October, 2017.

THEME: INFRASTRUCTURE & TOWNSHIPS Objective: A strong sense of civic pride and well-maintained townships.


Ongoing maintenance of Council owned buildings,

including upgrading Coonalpyn Institute supper

room and toilet maintenance, as per Council’s

building renewal schedule.

The Building Renewal Schedule was developed from

the Building Asset Management Plan and conditions

assessments. Maintenance works carried out during

2016/17 included:

Upgrade of the Coonalpyn Institute supper

room;

Works to Moorlands Hall and Tailem Bend Town

Hall;

Refurbishment to Tintinara Aged Homes;

Tintinara Recreation Centre renewals; and

Tailem Bend rotunda roof replacement.

Upgrade Community Wastewater Management

Systems (CWMS) as per CWMS Asset Management

Plan renewal schedule.

Upgrades were carried over from 2015/16.

CWMS works included pump station upgrades at

Wellington East and Meningie. Treatment Plants.

Irrigation works were also undertaken at Meningie

and Tailem Bend to ensure the effective operation

and maintenance of Council’s sewer.

11

THEME: INFRASTRUCTURE & TOWNSHIPS (continued)


Replacement of footpaths as required in accordance

with Council’s Roads Asset Management Plan.

Works completed as per Council’s Roads Asset

Management Plan.

Various parks and gardens irrigation upgrades. Upgrades undertaken as required.

Replacement of bin stands throughout district. Further bin stands installed at Meningie, Tintinara

and Tailem Bend.

Replacement of various park furniture. Various park furniture replaced as required

throughout the district, with consideration for

improved community and visitor amenity, such as:

Replacing Coonalpyn Playground BBQ; and

Purchased four bench seats and two picnic

settings. (to be installed in 2017/18 in Tailem

Bend and Meningie).

Commence on ground works for the Lake Indawarra

Precinct Project – Stage 1.

The formation of the Lake Indawarra Precinct

Advisory Group has led to a number of projects and

associated works carried out during 2016/17.

Council contributed funding towards works for

improving the long term health of the Lake, as well

as purchased a number of small signs, a BBQ facility

and large shelter for the precinct.

Continuation of upgrade at Hunter Park, Meningie. Off-street parking and installation of irrigation was

successfully completed.

Implement toilet amenities at Pangarinda Botanic

Garden.

Construction of toilets was completed for use by

Council staff, volunteers and visitors, reducing the

need to use the public amenities in Wellington.

Sealed roads replacement. Resealing occurred as prioritised within the 2016/17

budget, and included:

Mott, Moir & Tilley Streets (Tailem Bend);

Woods Well Road (Tintinara); and

Tynan Road (Sherlock).

Seal Tauragat Well Road, Coonalpyn, as part of

Special Local Roads Priorities.

This road sealing project was completed during

2016/17, with the final 6.35km sealed.

Plant and machinery replacements. Various plant and machinery replaced as per

schedule within the allocated 2016/17 budget.

Replacement of kerb and gutter as required in

accordance with Council’s Roads Asset Management

Plan.

Works completed as per Council’s Roads Asset

Management Plan, including Russell Street (Tailem

Bend), Malcolm Terrace (Coonalpyn) and West

Terrace (Meningie).

Continue the Meningie Town Centre Master Plan,

prioritising stormwater works on Princes Highway,

Meningie.

Council was successful in receiving grant funding

through the State Local Government Infrastructure

Partnership, with projected works to commence in

2017 and scheduled to be completed by December

2017.

Install solar street lighting on Narrung Road,

Meningie, and Emu Springs Road, Tintinara.

Project is ongoing, carried over to 2017/18.

Implement Coonalpyn Main Street Improvement

Project.

Council successfully completed the arts led regional

renewal project ‘Creating Coonalpyn’, which

included six individual art projects and featured the

flagship project, the Coonalpyn Silo mural by artist

Guido van Helten.

Unsealed roads replacement as required in

accordance with Council’s Roads Asset Management

Plan.

During 2016/17 39.11 kilometres of unsealed road

resurfacing was carried out across the Council

district.

12

THEME: INFRASTRUCTURE & TOWNSHIPS (continued)


Implement Tailem Bend Highway Streetscape Master

Plan.

This project is ongoing – a detailed Project Brief was

drafted in 2016/17. The exploration of partnerships

and grants continued to occur for this project, given

the costs will be significant to effect real change

along the length of the highway corridor in the

township. (Note: Funding of the Master Plan was

rolled-over to the 2017/18 financial year,

anticipating that the growing construction activities

at The Bend Motorsport Park could create

momentum for external funding assistance. A quote

has been received for a “low key” Landscaping &

Place-making Plan, and this is likely to be furthered

in 17/18 if there is no contributory funding from the

SA Government to deliver a more comprehensive

Plan. Discussions with DPTI senior staff are

progressing well).

Implement staged tree removal at Tintinara Oval. Tree removal commenced in 2016/17, with. project

to be finalised in July 2017..

THEME: PROSPERITY & SUSTAINABILITY Objective: A prosperous and sustainable district.


Develop Dickson Reserve Master Plan at Tailem

Bend.

The payments for the wharf upgrade at the Reserve

extended into the 2016/17 financial year. A Master

Plan for the Reserve was also developed with key

stakeholder input and a grant sought to assist with

the cost of investigations and construction-level

documentation. The grant was not successful.

(Note: Council is now considering appropriate grants

for Stage 1 (public boating infrastructure) of the

Master Plan in 2017/18. Discussions are currently

ongoing at SA Government level).

Continue implementing Tourism Signage &

Branding Project.

Council has continued to carry out signage projects

- both interpretive and directional. Interpretive

signs funded include the Coonalpyn Storyboard,

Wellington East Info Bay Re-vamp and that for Pink

Lake. Directional signage was funded for the

Pangarinda Botanic Garden & Pink Lake tourist

attractions. Several mapping and brochure projects

were also completed.

Continuation of Stage 1 and commencement of

Stage 2 of the Murray Coorong Trail Project.

Ongoing. Stage 1 construction commenced. 2.5km

rubble laid culminating in a 5km multi-use path from

the Meningie township. Signage installation next

step. Stage 2 construction commenced within

Mowantjie Willowaur Reserve. Re-branding River

Bend Heritage Trail will be next step. Key partnership

developed with Department Environment, Water and

Natural Resources.

13

THEME: PROSPERITY & SUSTAINABILITY (continued)


Apply to host 2017 Bike SA Annual Tour Stage Event. The 2017 Bike SA Annual Tour Stage event is being

hosted in Meningie during October 2017.

Continue work on Town Centres & Townships

Development Plan Amendment.

The consultation version of the Town Centres,

Townships & Environs DPA was substantially

investigated and drafted in the 2016/17 financial

year. (Note: The documentation has recently been

forwarded to the Minister for Planning).

Undertake preliminary research for Rural Lands

Development Plan Amendment.

DPTI staff advised Council that with the pending

change to the planning legislation, only Statements

of Intent and DPAs that have a significant positive

economic impact for the state should be furthered in

the transitional phase of the legislation. Accordingly,

resources were concentrated on progressing the

Town Centres, Townships and Environs DPA to

public & agency consultation. (Note: An opportunity

has presented itself through the Town Centres,

Townships and Environs DPA to look at providing

policy clarity around on-farm worker’s

accommodation. Other rural land changes will be

examined through the transition from the

Development Plan to the new Planning & Design

Code over the next two years).

Implement Wellington East to Tailem Bend Strategic

Growth Project.

This project was not progressed, owing to planning

resources concentrating on the Town Centres,

Townships & Environs DPA. (Note: Funds for

strategic growth investigations and master planning

work have been allocated in the 2017/18 Annual

Business Plan. This will be a substantial body of work

that will require significant community engagement

as well as support from SA Government).

Enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with SA

Water to discuss cheaper water transportation for

primary producers within the Council district.

Negotiations commenced with SA Water through

the Coorong Water Transportation Scheme project

group with grant funding received from Primary

Industries and Regions SA. SA Water negotiations to

be finalised in 2017/18.

THEME: LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION Objective: Collaborative and respectful relationships amongst community, Elected Members and Council staff.


Replacement of photocopier at the Tailem Bend

Civic Centre and update IP phone systems.

New photocopier was purchased and IP phone

system updates were carried out as per the

replacement schedule to improve administration

and efficiencies.

Changeover of 14 vehicles (utilities) as per fleet

agreement.

Changed over 14 vehicles in accordance with

agreement and 2016/17 budget.

14

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT CARD.

The Audit Committee is formed under section 41 of

the Local Government Act 1999 as a committee of

Council for the purpose of providing independent

advice and making recommendations to the full

Council on matters relating to the corporate and

financial governance of Council.

The Audit Committee is responsible for assisting

Council in fulfilling its corporate governance

responsibilities in regard to:

Business risk management

Compliance with legal and regulatory obligations

The establishment and maintenance of the

internal control framework

The reliability and integrity of financial

information for inclusion in financial statements

and other financial reports

Monitoring the financial performance of Council

Development and review of a long term financial

plan and associated policies

Safeguarding the independence of the internal

and external auditors

Audit, accounting and financial reporting

obligations

The Audit Committee met on five occasions in

2016/17 – 20 September 2016, 1 November 2016, 13

December 2016, 14 March 2017 and 2 May 2017.

Meeting attendance for the current term of Council

(July 2016 – June 2017):

Member Attendance

Rex Mooney (Independent Chairperson) 5

Mayor Cr. Neville Jaensch 5

Cr. Vern Leng (proxy) 3

Cr. Mick O’Hara 3

Cr. Bob Simcock 5

Cr. Peter Wright 4

The Chief Executive Officer, Director Community &

Corporate and Finance Manager are generally in

attendance at each meeting and the committee may

co-opt expertise when required.

The Audit Committee works program largely dictates

the agenda content of each meeting, resulting in a

more target driven document for the committee to

work with. Significant achievements throughout

2016/17 include:

Review of the financial internal and risk

management controls

Review of the sustainability of Council’s Long

Term Financial Plan 2016/17

Review of the 2017/18 Annual Business Plan prior

to its cyclical period of community engagement

and subsequent adoption by Council

Review of several policies related to Council’s

financial management practices

The Audit Committee also co-opted further expertise

through the first half of the 2016/17 financial year

from an external finance consultant (representing

UHY Haines Norton Adelaide). The consultant

remains in working contact with Council’s finance

team as needed, to ensure a strategic view to fiscal

financial management is maintained.

15

ENVIRONMENTAL. Responsibly managing the natural and built environment to achieve sustainability.

LOCAL ACTION PLAN The Coorong Tatiara Local

Action Plan (CTLAP) Committee

has continued it’s on ground

works program and LAP Officers

have maintained their proactive

role in the delivery of innovative

projects.

LAP Officers have assisted land

owners with a variety of

initiatives and funding, including

fencing remnant vegetation and

wetlands, revegetation, water

security, dryland salinity, and

weed and feral animal control.

The LAP actively collaborate with

private & public landholders,

Natural Resources SA Murray

Darling Basin & South East,

Commonwealth and State

Government Departments, and

local agribusiness, to deliver high

quality and timely information

and events.

Water Security Initiatives

CTLAP continues to take an

interest in the impact of

increased mains water costs on

our local farm businesses. The

rising cost of mains water has

placed cost pressure on grazing

enterprises dependent on this

water. Annual water bills of over

$100,000 and water leaks costing

more than $10,000 are now

commonplace. In response to

the ongoing success of Water

Security events and web pages

the CTLAP has continued with a

number of water savings

initiatives including:

Conducting the 2016 Water

Security Tour out of

Coonalpyn visiting the latest

on farm water security

projects which included;

remote water monitoring

equipment, a lined water

catchment, and a solar

powered desalination unit.

Water testing services

Extensive and growing

technical information made

available online

Attracting funding to

undertake a feasibility study

into a Coorong Water

Transportation Scheme. SA

Water deemed that there

was insufficient demand to

proceed with a scheme.

Useful information has been

obtained through the

process to move forward

with water security projects

across the district.

Water security tour, 2016

Dryland Salinity and Saltland

Pasture Redemption Project

Dryland Salinity Information

Sessions were held on the 6th

of

July 2016. These sessions were

well supported and were held in

response to local concerns about

the increasing appearance of

dryland salinity in low lying

areas. The CTLAP have continued

working with Coomandook

Agricultural Bureau to apply and

test new developments in the

productive use of saline lands.

Dryland salinity information session, July

2016

With the funding and material

support of Natural Resources SA

Murray-Darling Basin, South

East, SARDI, landholders, and

Agribusiness, three

demonstration sites have been

established to test the local

suitability of salt tolerant pasture

species such as Messina (a salt

tolerant legume), and others.

There will be an emphasis on

identifying the best

establishment and management

techniques.

Several salinity information web

pages have been set up that can

be accessed through

http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/sa

linity containing technical

information and links to useful

resources.

http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/salinity

http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/salinity

16

Key 2016/17 Projects &

Initiatives

CTLAP Officers have also

undertaken a number of projects

and initiatives across the

Coorong district including:

Supporting local youth

through involvement with

the River Murray Youth

Council, focusing on

environmental and

agricultural sustainability

activities like ‘Being

Waterwise’ and ‘War on

Waste’.

Facilitating Wilderness

School students to

undertake ongoing

community service activities

in the Coorong National

Park, including weed control

and walking track

maintenance, environmental

education workshops, litter

collection, and working with

Friends of the Coorong on a

walker’s hut at Salt Creek.

Attending shows and fairs

across the region to

promote biodiversity

awareness through native

wildlife displays, bush tucker

tastings, native plant give-

aways, and learning about

nature using your senses.

Hosting a second Coorong

Green Army crew (in

partnership with Workskil) to

deliver successful and

valuable environmental

works on public and private

lands.

Supporting Natural

Resources SA Murray Darling

Basin to undertake wetland

monitoring and maintenance

alongside community

volunteers at sites including

Terringie Wetlands, Narrung

Wetland, Jenny’s Lagoon and

Waltowa Wetlands.

Working with Natural

Resources SA Murray Darling

Basin to reintroduce critically

endangered Metallic Sun

Orchids into the Meningie

Parklands (less than 250

plants remaining), by

translocating plants grown

off-site using recently

developed plant breeding

technologies.

Metallic Sun Orchid

Carrying out a 3 year study

on behalf of Federation

University, Ballarat, into tree

decline and death in the

Coorong area, which looks at

all factors that can kill or

weaken trees.

Providing funding to

landholders to carry out

African Boxthorn Control –

13,400 plants were removed

across 8,380 hectares in

2016/17.

Other Project Funds

The CTLAP leverages the funding it receives from Council to actively seek funding from outside bodies to achieve

more of the aims outlined in the Coorong District Local Action Plan. As well as the Commonwealth Biodiversity

Fund projects implemented, the LAP has attracted the following project funding below over the 2016/17 period:

Funding Body Project Funding ($)

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin Connecting Communities 80,000

Natural Resources South East, Commonwealth

Drought Funding

African Boxthorn Control Funding

65,000

Primary Industries & Regions SA, Regional

Development Australia – Murraylands & Riverland, &

livestock producers

Coorong Water Transportation Scheme

Feasibility Study

61,000

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin,

Natural Resources South East,

Agribusiness & landholders

Saltland Redemption Pasture Project

28,000

Natural Resources SA Murray Darling Basin Annual reed clearance of growth from the

Waltowa Wetland inlet channel

5,000

TOTAL: $239,000


17

Biodiversity Fund – Rounds 1 & 2

Funding from Rounds 1 and 2 of the Biodiversity Clean Energy Fund (Commonwealth) injected $3.6 million of

environment protection and biodiversity initiatives across the project area. Since funding was awarded in 2012/13

there has been an emphasis on protecting endangered flora and fauna species and increasing carbon storage in the

Coorong and Tatiara districts.

On-ground actions completed as part of the Biodiversity Fund (2012 - 2017) are summarised below:

Projects

Pest animal control

Pest plant Control

Protecting remnant native vegetation

Protection wetlands

Revegetation

Sandhill Stabilisation

TOTAL

Sites

25

55

41

3

88

4

215 sites

Hectares

183,857

21,967

28,295

400

1,382

42

235,944 ha

Km of fence

163

9.5

100.5

273.5 km

CIVIL ROAD CONSTRUCTION In consideration to Council’s Road Asset

Management Plan, Council continued to re-sheet a

further 39.11 kilometres of unsealed roads.

The construction of Tauragat Well Road was

completed through to the Council boundary and part

funded through the Special Local Roads program.

WASTE MANAGEMENT Council provides a weekly kerbside collection in all

township areas. For residents outside these areas,

properties located on the existing route have the

option of an en-route collection, and for those not

located en-route the option of a bin bank collection

or waste depot dump vouchers are available.

Residents are also able to dispose of waste at

Council’s waste transfer stations located at Tailem

Bend, Meningie, Tintinara and Coonalpyn.

The kerbside (domestic) waste disposed to landfill in

2016/17 was 890 tonne, compared to 897 tonne in

2015/16.

Again, total recyclables decreased slightly, with 291

tonne collected in 2016/17 compared to 293 tonne in

2015/16.

Surprisingly, Council collected 47 tonne more in

green organics waste in 2016/17 (360.4 tonne),

compared to 2015/16 (313 tonne).

MAJOR WORKS PROJECTS Several major (capital) works projects were

undertaken in 2016/17 including:

Buildings maintenance:

o Coonalpyn Hall Supper Room ceiling

o Tailem Bend Town Hall roof

o Tintinara Health & Recreation Centre

o Moorlands Hall

Community Wastewater Management Scheme

pump station upgrades at Wellington East and

Meningie.

Meningie Cemeterary columbarium wall

Strategic land purchase – Lots 51 & 52, Meningie

Hunter Park upgrade continuation, Meningie

Pangarinda Botanic Garden toilet block

installation, Wellington East

Commencement of Meningie Stormwater &

Streetscape Project

Commencement of solar street lighting

installation, Meningie

Completion of Tauragat Well Road construction

‘Creating Coonalpyn’ community arts project


18


Construction of Meningie Cemetery columbarium wall

New toilet block, Pangarinda Botanic Garden

KEY PROJECTS FOR 2017/18 Council has listed the following key projects to be

carried over into 2017/18 (in addition to scheduled

works):

Further replacement of park furniture that is at

the end of its life in Dickson Reserve, Tailem Bend

(exploring grants to assist with improving boating

facilities).

Completion of Meningie Stormwater &

Streetscape project

Continued installation of solar street lighting

FIRE PREVENTION Council’s Bushfire Prevention Committee exists to

advise the appropriate authorities of the existence of

fire hazards within the council area and to make

recommendations on their removal.

The committee did not meet in 2016/17.

Number of Section 105F notices issued: 60

Number of Schedule 9 permits issued: 54

DEVELOPMENT STATISTICS & SERVICES Development applications processed between 2015/16 and 2016/17 increased by 23 development applications. Not

only did the increase in applications place pressure upon Council’s development assessment resources, but the

nature of the applications also contributed to this pressure. In particular, Council planning staff provided an

assessment or advisory function on a large solar farm (Tailem Bend), 12 additional bunkers for Viterra (Tailem

Bend), activity at The Bend Motorsport Park (Tailem Bend) and a number of telecommunications towers. Staff time

was also expended on two planning appeals and an increase in planning enquiries.

Dwelling lodgement activity continues to steadily rise, with increasing focus noted at Wellington East in the last two

financial years. Dwelling activity at Tailem Bend has been steady in the last three financial years, it will be interesting

to see if dwelling lodgements in Tailem Bend will climb as a result of The Bend Motorsport Park becoming

operational in 2018.

From April 2017 onwards, Council planning staff have also spent time on understanding what is required to be

addressed by Council as a result of the introduction of the Planning, Development & Infrastructure Act 2016. The

changing legislation also prompted Council to re-focus energies on drafting its draft Town Centres, Townships and

Environs Development Plan Amendment (DPA).

19


2016/17 Development Applications

New dwellings

Dwelling additions and alterations over $2,000

Domestic outbuildings and minor additions/alterations

Commercial development – including farm implement sheds, olive orchards and piggeries

Commercial additions/alternations – including community facilities

Land division

Tourist facilities (additions/alterations/signage)

Swimming pools

Dredging/emergency dredging

Total Development Applications

Number of

applications

33

11

84

35

15

6

5

4

0

193

PUBLIC HEALTH STATISTICS & SERVICES In 2016/17 Council received 24 wastewater

application lodgements, compared to 37 wastewater

application lodgements in 2015/16. There were a

number of complexities experienced during the

assessment of wastewater control application in the

2016/17 period, in particular circumstances around

accommodating several developments on lots that

were not connected to Council’s Community

Wastewater Management Scheme.

Routine food inspections fell dramatically compared

to 2015/16 levels (52 routine inspections), with

Council only undertaking a handful of inspections.

This principally related to greater pressures in other

areas of the development portfolio and staff being on

extended leave. Whilst Council addressed

environmental health functions at a basic level during

this time (through a shared services arrangement

with the Rural City of Murray Bridge), it was necessary

to advertise for a dedicated part-time Environmental

Health Officer to continue to operate effectively.

(Note: This role has now been filled)

Towards the end of 2016/17, Council also conducted

tender processes to appoint a septic de-sludging

contractor. Resources were also expended in cockle

sampling, mosquito management, immunisation and

food handling courses for operators.

COUNCIL BY- LAWS Council’s by-laws were thoroughly reviewed and

adopted in the 2016/17 financial year. The next

review will not need to occur for a further seven

years, unless legislative changes require otherwise.

GENERAL INSPECTORIAL

2016/17 Animal Management Statistics

Total dog income:

Expiation income:

Total dogs registered:

Wandering dogs:

Dogs returned without expiation:

Impounded:

Dogs re-homed:

Wandering stock:

Barking complaints:

RSPCA cases:

Dog attacks:

Euthanased:

Claimed:

Other

Abandoned vehicles

Litter issues

$30,780

$3,871

1,758

91

69

22

14

12

7

4

2

3

5

14

11

20

TOURISM & ECONOMIC. Facilitating economic prosperity, growth and employment throughout the district.

TOURISM INITIATIVES Council delivered a range of tourism initiatives during

2016/17, through the employment of a Tourism

Development Officer and a tourism signage budget

of $30,000.

RV Friendly

In recognition of the importance of those travelling in

recreational vehicles, Council has been working on

developing our towns and places to be RV friendly:

Tailem Bend is an RV friendly town, and the

Tailem Bend Football Club is an RV friendly

destination;

Narrung Campsite is an RV friendly destination;

Coonalpyn Caravan Park is a dollar wise caravan

park; and

Lake Indawarra Precinct is in progress to become

an RV Friendly Destination.

In conjunction with local community groups, Council

is expending resources at Lake Indawarra Precinct

(Tintinara) to enhance this space for RV’s and

camping. Resources in the 2016/17 financial year

were directed towards continuing to improve lake

health, small signs, a BBQ and shelter kit. Discussions

to gain ownership of the Precinct, from DPTI, to

support further work are ongoing.

Signage and Mapping

Council has continued to place a strong emphasis on

“getting the basics right” in terms of tourism

development in its district, and this has traditionally

meant expending funds on signage and mapping.

Interpretive signs funded include the Coonalpyn

Storyboard, Wellington East Info Bay Re-vamp and

that for Pink Lake. Directional signage was funded

for the Pangarinda Botanic Garden & Pink Lake

tourist attractions.

The Tailem Bend Historic Rail Trail, and

accompanying signage, was funded in the 2015/16

financial year and launched in the 2016/17 financial

year.

Mapping and tourism brochures were

created/updated for the Coonalpyn Art Trail and the

Meningie district.

Tourism Development in the Digital Space

Through its Tourism Development Officer, Council

continues to update the Australian Tourism Data

Warehouse with attractions and businesses.

Council is also working to develop an online media

gallery of tourism-related photos that can be used by

its community. Feedback has also been provided on

the development of the Murray River, Lakes &

Coorong regional tourism website.

RV Fest

Almost 100 people (40 vehicles) from SA , VIC and

NSW converged in Coonalpyn during the first week

of March 2017 for its first campervan festival – Silo

Sights: RV Basecamp. The Coonalpyn Caravan Park

was booked out for the event, and the local football

club served about 240 meals across the week to

those attending the RV Fest.

Highlights of the festival were: local tours of the six

Creating Coonalpyn art projects; goodie-packs and

discount vouchers for local businesses; inclusive use

of the Coonalpyn Swimming Pool; a tour of the Point

Malcolm Lighthouse at Narrung; guided Coorong

bird watching at Lake Albert; tours, tastings and

demonstrations at Coorong Wild Seafood and the

Meningie Cheese Factory; a local quilt show; visit to

Raukkan Aboriginal community; and viewings of the

silo artwork by artist Guido van Helten that was

underway.

Feedback from Coonalpyn’s visitors has been

exceptional, with all wanting to book for the 2018

event. (NOTE: Council has recently embarked on

marketing the next RV Fest).

Coonalpyn RV Fest, March 2017

http://rdamr.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=d0b3c4537b19fa40742118e3d&id=688ba13967&e=55594733fc

http://rdamr.us3.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=d0b3c4537b19fa40742118e3d&id=688ba13967&e=55594733fc

http://rdamr.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d0b3c4537b19fa40742118e3d&id=c8a315c988&e=55594733fc

http://rdamr.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d0b3c4537b19fa40742118e3d&id=edb1ca04b9&e=55594733fc

http://rdamr.us3.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d0b3c4537b19fa40742118e3d&id=8b7468311c&e=55594733fc

21

TOURISM & ECONOMIC. Facilitating economic prosperity, growth and employment throughout the district.

ECONOMIC INITIATIVES Council made a start on updating the 2011 Tourism

& Economic Development Plan in the 2016/17

financial year, however this project has been “rolled

into” the 2017/18 financial year pending completion

of other initiatives that had a greater urgency such as

the Town Centres, Townships & Environs

Development Plan Amendment (DPA).

The Town Centres, Townships & Environs DPA was

drafted to the public and agency consultation stage

in the 2016/17 financial year. (Note: This document is

now with the Minister for Planning for his

consideration. If authorised the DPA will provide a

development framework for further township growth

and clarify planning policy in other areas such as

holiday lets and worker’s accommodation).

In 2016/17, Council prepared a Dickson Reserve

Master Plan to support grant applications, and

prepared a Project Brief for the Princes Highway,

Tailem Bend Landscaping Project.

Both initiatives will continue into the future over the

longer term, with capital works delivery staggered

into small stages (unless large grants are won).

Dickson Reserve, Tailem Bend

22

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. Actively enhancing the quality of life for the community by encouraging health,


COMMUNITY GRANTS Council’s Community Events,

Grants & Donations program

allowed for some commendable

community projects to become a

reality during 2016/17. A total of

$34,103.33 was allocated for

several sporting and community

club facilities upgrades and

events.

VOLUNTEERS Council has approximately 150

active volunteers which

contribute countless hours to

town beautification,

environmental initiatives and

library assistance across the

district.

This year’s volunteer event was

held in Tailem Bend, hosted by

Master of Ceremonies Peter

Goers. Approximately 140

volunteers attended and

participated in games and

stories.

Council highly values each of its

volunteers and the work they

undertake to make our district a

better place.

Tintinara Community Mens Shed

volunteers

Pangarinda Botanic Garden volunteers

MURRAYLANDS

CAREERS EXPO The Murraylands Careers Expo

Steering Committee did not

stage an expo in 2017. Plans are

underway for an enhanced expo

in 2018, of which Council will be

an exhibitor.

The expo draws secondary

students from across the

Murraylands and is an ideal

platform to showcase the local

government career opportunities

available to school leavers.

COMMUNITY LIBRARIES

The OneCard system has

revolutionised the way people in

South Australia use their

libraries. OneCard members now

have access to the 4 million

items in the State wide

catalogue, with the convenience

of having items delivered and

returned to any library of their

choice.

Council continues to support our

community libraries to deliver

key actions identified in the

Libraries Forward Plan aiming to

continue to meet library

standards as well as addressing

the changing needs of our

schools and communities.

OBESITY PREVENTION

AND LIFESTYLE The Coorong District Council

Obesity Prevention and Lifestyle

Program (OPAL) concluded on

30 June 2017, following five

years of activity in our region.

The successful project engaged

with over 3,000 participants, was

involved in over 400 projects,

participated in over 90 events

and created partnerships with

over 50 organisations.

Key infrastructure projects

included the mobile skate ramp,

walking trails, community

gardens, drinking fountains and

resources for community loan.

23



ARTS AND CULTURE Coorong District Council recognises the significant

benefits of the arts and have therefore invested in

developing this area with significant outcomes to

date.

Together with Raukkan Community Council, Coorong

District Council successfully applied for a Creative

Community Partnership through Country Arts SA,

allowing the placement of an officer with both

councils. As the partnership is shared with Raukkan,

the savings have allowed Council to further employ

an Arts and Community Development Officer part

time. This partnership has enabled access to a wide

range of arts opportunities and a foundation for

building good working relationships with Raukkan

Community Council and community.

The Coorong Gallery has had another successful

calendar of exhibitions comprising both community

and travelling exhibitions. The exhibitions have

included works from community artists across the

region and beyond, with the launches well attended.

2016/17 saw the delivery of the Creating Coonalpyn

program, designed to engage the Coonalpyn

community in artist led projects with public art

outcomes which beautify and activate the main street

in Coonalpyn. Six projects were developed across a

range of artforms, which have engaged and

connected various sectors of the community.

‘Eyes on the Road’, Coonalpyn

The projects included:

Coonalpyn on Show - 20 nylon applique panels

with images relating to the Coonalpyn Show

exhibited in the vacant supermarket then

converted to flags for use at the Coonalpyn Show

Tunnel Re-vision - A restoration, reimagining and

additions to the Tunnel Vision murals- a much

loved community project undertaken 20 years

ago.

Growing Coonalpyn - A temporary environmental

installation and mural on Hood’s block and shop

Silos Mural - A large scale mural on the cells of

the silos facing Duke's Highway

Mosaic Mural - A mosaic mural on wall in front of

the existing public toilet block; a popular rest

stop for travellers.

Eyes on the Road - A high impact installation

along the tennis court chain link fencing

The suite of projects has had massive social and

economic benefits for the town, resulting in a greater

sense of civic pride, connectedness, skills

development, new businesses and an increase in

tourism and trade for existing businesses. The $100k

program was made possible with significant funding

from Council, Country Arts SA and community

sponsorships.

Furthermore, Coorong District Council is the

auspicing body for the next big regional arts project,

Long Story Short, which seeks to collect local stories

and share them through audio and visual outcomes

along the major highway routes.

‘Silos Mural’, Coonalpyn

24



COMMUNITY TRANSPORT The Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme

(MMCTS) plays an important key role as a central

point of contact to assist with the transport needs of

the transport disadvantaged within the communities

of Coorong, Southern Mallee and Karoonda East

Murray.

MMCTS have been involved in several community

events during the past 12 months including:

Business Plan workshops

Engaging in Ageing Expo

Coonalpyn Show

Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Guest Speaker RSL Meningie

RAA Moving Right Along session

Karoonda Farm Fair (both days)

LGA Minute & Agenda training

Fire Warden & Chief Fire Warden Training

Client Fee Sub-Committee workshop

Supporting Resilient Workers workshop

MMCTS currently have 2 full time staff based at

Tailem Bend and volunteers based at Pinnaroo,

Lameroo, Geranium, Karoonda, Tailem Bend &

Meningie. The volunteers have completed 444 trips,

travelled 32,818 kilometres and provided 756.5

voluntary hours to their communities.

MMCTS receive on average one new referral per

week through My Aged Care (MAC).

Staff booked and coordinated 760 trips for the

Murray Mallee Medical bus over the past 12 months.

The Medical service is a specific contract operated by

Coorong Coaches from Keith.

COMMONWEALTH HOME SUPPORT

PROGRAMME (CHSP) Council’s Commonwealth Home Support Programme

(CHSP) supports people 65 years and above, people

with a disability or their carers. It is designed to

encourage people to live independently and prevent

premature admission to residential care. Council

auspices the CHSP funding for Social Support, Home

Maintenance and Modifications Program to the

Tailem Bend Community Centre, with funding

secured until June 2020.

The Department for Communities and Social

Inclusion (DCSI), Home and Community Care (HACC)

and Council also auspice the HACC Grant which

provides people aged under 65 years with Disability

services to remain independently living at home. The

DCSI HACC program is funded until June 2018 which

will then transition into the National Disability

Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Tailem Bend Community

Centre has registered as an NDIS provider (provider

number 4050013121) for modification and

maintenance.

CHSP/HACC staff (1.4FTE) are based at the Tailem

Bend Community Centre (TBCC), and with the

assistance of many dedicated volunteers provide

numerous social support services to the general

public including the aged, disabled and the

disadvantaged. Classes are facilitated in Tailem Bend,

Coonalpyn, Coomandook, Meningie and Tintinara.

Some of the CHSP social support funded programs

provided at the TBCC include:

Meningie Tai Chi, Meningie iPad,

Leadlight/Mosaic, Yoga, Social Craft Circle,

Sewing, Folk Art, Computing, Woodwork,

Wellness, Support Groups, Golden Oldies

Luncheons, Information sessions, Golden Gamers,

Tend Financial Planning session, Bridge Quilters

sewing retreat weekend

The Coorong region has 385 CHSP registered clients

(increased by 59 from 2015/16).

2016/17 Department of Health CHSP provided the

following assistance:

Meals: 422

Individual hours of social support: 4,092

Group hours of social support: 9,554

Transport trips: 1,119

Goods & Equipment items: 6

Maintenance hours: 363

Volunteer hours: 3,639

Modification dollars: $27,062

25

Some special events and transport trips highlights

from 2016/17 include:

The Pryers at Tailem Bend Town Hall

Melbourne Cup Luncheon Town Hall &

Volunteers Christmas Lunch Riverside Hotel

Marion Christmas Shopping trip

Kate Phillips Tend financial advice

Victoria Hotel Strathalbyn best lambs fry in the

Southern Hemisphere

Mount Pleasant farmers market

SPORT AND RECREATION

Murray Coorong Trail

The Murray Coorong Trail continues to be a key project of the Coorong District Council in partnership with Mid

Murray Council, the Rural City of Murray Bridge and the Department for Environment, Water and Natural Resources.

A recent $100,000 grant from the Office for Recreation and Sport has supported the construction of the first stage

from Meningie to Seven Mile Road on the Coorong, culminating in a 5km multi-use path from the Meningie

township. In addition, work has begun in Mowantjie Willowaur Reserve which will form a loop trail between Tailem

Bend and Wellington (formerly the River Bend Heritage Trail).

Sport & Recreation Strategy

Council will seek grant funding in the 2017/18 financial year to deliver an Open Space and Sport and Recreation

Facilities Strategy.

STARCLUB

STARclub Murraylands continues to be the leader in the state with the most clubs registered and STARclub

recognised Clubs in South Australia. Grants in the Murraylands since 2014 have increased by over 74% i.e.

comparing the Murraylands 2014-2017 $1,310,221 has been received compared to 2010–2014 where $341,675 was

received, an increase of $968,546. Council remains committed to the STARclub program and will endorse an

application for further funding for the 2018-2021 period.



26

ORGANISATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. Being an employer of choice that attracts, develops and inspires highly talented

employees and elected members.

ELECTED MEMBERS’ TRAINING Elected Members were afforded local, state and

national (where applicable) training and network

opportunities. A copy of Council’s Elected Members

Training Register details such opportunities, and is

available on request.

EMPLOYEE STATISTICS

Number of employees: 74

FTE equivalent: 49

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Council’s organisational development values extend

to the continual upskilling and wellbeing of its

employee base. Eleven staff and two Elected

Members have been trained in Mental Health First

Aid, delivering a vital intervention service for fellow

employees who show mental health symptoms.

Council’s accredited staff base join over two million

accredited officers nation wide.

Equal Employment Opportunity and other human

resource initiatives are implemented at departmental

level. Employee training programs delivered or

undertaken in 2016/17 included:

Hazard/incident investigation and reporting

Guidance for high risk construction activities

Load restraints

EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION As part of Council’s Employee Reward and

Recognition Program, Employee of the Year Awards

were distributed in 2016/17. Emily Arbon (inside) and

Shaun Wilson (outside) were the recipients in their

respective fields of work.

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS) Council has a total of 41 WHS policies and

procedures and 10 of these were reviewed in

2016/17. Also throughout this period, 27

injury/hazard/incident reports were lodged by

staff/volunteers and investigated.

INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATIONS

Records management

19,203 electronic records created

38 boxes of permanent records transferred to

State Records

28 boxes of hard copy records destroyed

Information technology

A number of small projects were carried out in

2016/17, supporting improved process and

functionality across the organisation, including:

Further improvements to the Development

Application register and streamlined reporting

Improvement to internal process for Cemetery

management

Significant projects included:

Review, design and renewal of Council’s website

including the MyLocal App integration

Upgrade to Microsoft Office 2010 from 2007

Implementation of Authority Purchasing Module

- this has enabled Council to mitigate risks

identified through the Internal Control audit

along with improved budgeting management for

staff.

Communications

40 media releases generated and disseminated

5,874 Facebook followers

Council also has an Instagram page and YouTube

channel which assist in promoting many of the

projects and events going on in and around the

Coorong district.

Customer service

2,831 customer service requests processed

32 complaints received

20 compliments received

3,583 incoming mail items

8,232 incoming calls

335 hours spent on phone calls

27

WE’RE REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT...... * Respective documents can be accessed at Council’s website by clicking here.

While hard copies are available on request, we want to be seen to be doing our bit for

the environment - one page at a time.

APPENDICES.

Strategic Management Plan Adherence and Project Updates Report

2016/17 Audited Financial Statements*

2016/17 Murraylands & Riverland Local Government Association Annual

Report*

2016/17 Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme Annual Report*^

^ At the time of printing these documents were not yet available for circulation. Once available, they will be placed

on Council’s website for viewing.

http://www.coorong.sa.gov.au/page.aspx?u=1862

COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL

2016-2020 Strategic Management Plan:

Draft Adherence Report & Project Updates as at July 2017

2

Theme: Community Wellbeing1

Objective (1) A caring, healthy and resilient community

Strategies Adherence/Status/Achievements

(comments by staff)

Future Opportunities

(suggested by staff or consultant)

1.1. Advocate to government agencies and

relevant organisations to increase

services/programs that will improve the well-

being of the community and foster resilience.

Elected members, CEO and Directors advocated on behalf of the

community to Ministers, MPs, government departments and

authorities.

Examples of interaction include:

Local Government Canberra delegation;

MDBA – clarification re: Murray Darling Basin Plan;

DPTI – planning, infrastructure, service delivery and

regulation;

SATC – tourism development and marketing;

DEWNR – water security and riverbank slumping;

LGASA, MRLGA & RDAMR – regional collaboration and

lobbying;

EPA - Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act;

DCSI – assistance for the aged;

Attorney General - Abolition of Proclaimed Shopping District

- Tailem Bend; and

Boating Industry Association – strategic plan.

Opportunity to develop an election

platform document for State Election

17 March 2018 to indicate issues and

projects.

1.2. Enhance the quality of life of our communities

by advocating, supporting and/or undertaking

health, recreation development, ageing in

place, library services, community

development (including arts), safety and

transport initiatives.

Council is very active in the Community Development space

through its investment in human resources, services and

infrastructure. Activities carried out in 2016/2017 include:

Health & Recreation

The OPAL and Starclub programs were key drivers of activity

in this area. Over the life of the OPAL program, which

Continual improvement around

community grants assessment

processes and the community

database.

Consider needs of youth to a greater

degree in future planning.

1 Notations in red indicate where improvements to strategies could be made with respect future re-iterations of the Strategic Management Plan.

3




(comments by staff)



finished in June 2017, officers engaged with over 3,0000

participants, attended 90 events, partnered with over 50

organisations and assisted with 16 infrastructure projects.

Key features of the program included: Coorong Healthy

Highways, the River, Road, Rail Trail and Nature Play

activities.

Council appointed a Senior Community Development Officer

to continue aspects of the OPAL program and to build the

capacity of local community and sporting groups. In

2016/2017, this Officer commenced preparations for a future

open space/sport and recreation facilities strategy, continued

the Murray Coorong Trail Project , commenced the Canoe

Trail project, assisted with the declaration of a dry area in

Meningie, issued community grants and developed a pilot

leadership/mental health project at the Tailem Bend Football

Club.

Ageing

Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) is

supporting 400 clients with general building maintenance

and improvements as well as social activities.

Library Services

Libraries Forward Plan – Council is working with local

school/community libraries to develop a service that

represents the current and future needs of the community.

4




(comments by staff)



The forward plan is based around four key areas: (1)

sustainable structures and systems, (2) engaging the

community, (3) better access to new technologies and (4)

economic development.

Community Development

Council’s Community Development team actively supported

local residents through the following:

Community Event support: Meningie 150, displays at local

shows and festivals, Australia Day and Youth Week.

Projects: Creating Coonalpyn

Infrastructure: OPAL games and activities, free bike loans at

Tailem Bend and Meningie, and the mobile skate park

delivered to Raukken, Meningie, Coonalpyn and Tintinara.

Group Support: Tintinara Men’s Shed, Coorong Suicide

Prevention Network, Communities for Children C4C, Tailem

Bend History Group, schools and sporting clubs.

Funding: Council provided $112,368 to the community

through the Community Donations Fund in 2016/2017.

Arts

Council staff have initiated, assisted with or facilitated the

following projects:

Group support: formation of an arts group in Tintinara;

Exhibitions: Texture, Captured at Coorong, Handheld, Cedric

Varcoe; Food for Thought, Artist in Residence Meningie,

5




(comments by staff)



Drawing our Country, Magic of the Music Hall and Over the

Water;

Projects: Coonalpyn Silo Art, mosaic murals, Eyes on the Road,

community arts projects with indigenous students (play

spaces), Long Story Short, Moorundi Aboriginal Health Service

building - Ngarrindjeri artist Damien Shen mentored by

Guido van Helten, hospital murals and silk painting at

Raukkan; and

Performances, displays and screenings: Our Corka Bubs, Sista

Girl, Aboriginal Diggers film residency at Raukkan,

Blackscreen, NAIDOC week celebrations, Storm Boy screening.

Safety

Council secured funding through DPTI for zebra crossings at

Tintinara.

1.3. Through leadership and the sharing of

knowledge, build the capacity of communities

to sustain their ownership of facilities and,

where appropriate, renovate or expand their

facilities to meet community needs.

Capacity Building

Council set up the Lake Indawarra Precinct Advisory Group

with a view to improving infrastructure in the Precinct in

collaboration with the community.

Assistance is being provided to the sporting clubs in Tailem

Bend to investigate efficiencies through combined

governance arrangements and co-location.

Support and advice was provided to the Culburra community

in combining their facilities.

Continue to explore combined

facilities.

Prepare an Open Space Plan.

Improve community database.

6




(comments by staff)



Ownership

Council purchased a parcel of land in Meningie that could be

used to house a community centre. Community need/use

and ownership/governance structures are to be determined.

Renovation or Expansion

Council is assisting sporting clubs in Tailem Bend to consider

a strategy to combine and expand sporting facilities.

1.4. Increase multi-cultural and indigenous

engagement & collaboration.

Council staff assisted with the following activities:

Hosting a Reconciliation Week event;

Supporting NAIDOC Week Celebrations;

Arts projects at Raukkan involving local artists and students;

and

Collaboration on environmental/landscape projects.

Cultural awareness training.

Review/renew alliance with Raukkan

Community Council.

Build on LAP engagement with

indigenous groups.

1.5. Promote volunteering and encourage, value &

support community volunteers.

Officers have reported strong volunteer support.

Volunteers are recognised through an annual event.

Council staff organised and assisted with the following

training for volunteers: Facebook, grants, tourism 101, IPad

use, trip advisor and customer service.

Tourism volunteers participated in regular familiarisation

tours with the assistance of Council staff.

Further formalise induction and training

process for volunteers.

Develop a calendar of events for

training relevant to volunteer needs.

Review relevance and purpose of

Section 41 Committees. Consider

transitioning them to advisory

committees.

1.6. Promote active and healthy lifestyles for our

communities.

Per 1.2 Health & Recreation, the majority of activity in this area

occurred under the OPAL program. Notable projects included:

The Mayor’s pedometer challenge;

7




(comments by staff)



Completion and launch of the River, Rail and Road Trail;

Successful funding application for the Murray River Canoe

Trail;

Engagement with primary schools to promote healthy eating;

Garden video competition in conjunction with SAMDB –

promoting sustainable school gardening;

Installation of basketball rings at Raukkan;

Coorong Healthy Highways – rebranding, collateral

development, menu development and launch;

Engagement with local parents around healthy eating and

physical activity;

Presence at AC Care Fun Day;

Event support and infrastructure funding; and

Development of concept plans for nature play spaces at

Sherlock and Tintinara.

1.7. Achieve or implement the statutory and core

responsibilities of Council.

Council has recently re-structured its operations and appointed

further staff in the planning, building, environmental health and

WHS areas to better achieve its statutory and core

responsibilities.

There is continued pressure on Council’s operations from the

further shifting of responsibilities from the SA Government to

local government and more enquiries and applications with

respect to development activities/proposals.

The growing responsibilities and reporting requirements of

Council is a significant impost on its resources. Keeping up with

8




(comments by staff)



statutory and core responsibilities often leaves little time to

consider and implement system improvements such as reducing

Section 41 committees, undertaking GIS improvements/layers,

investigating new software etc.

Over 200 planning approvals processed in the 16/17 FY.

Infrastructure implemented a more robust (award winning)

IAMP.

A level of service for waste delivery services was defined and a

policy developed.

9

Community Wellbeing

KEY ACTIONS & HIGH LEVEL PROJECTS/PROGRAMS Action Strategy Year Adherence/Status

1. Implement the recommendations of the

Coorong District Council Arts & Culture

Report, which include part funding an

Art & Cultural Officer position.

1.2, 1.4 2015/16 (subject to

annual review)

Cultural Programming Manager (partnership

with Country Arts SA and Raukkan) appointed.

Arts and Cultural Officer (0.4) appointed by

Council. Report being implemented with priority

in Coonalpyn.

2. Appointment of a part-time (0.6FTE) Senior

Community Development Officer role focussing

on grant administration, engagement with

youth, aged & the dis-advantaged, knowledge-

sharing, implementing the Libraries Forward

Plan, recreation development and forming

partnerships with community & government

organisations to minimise at risk behaviours

(such as Ice/drug use).

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 2016/17- 2020/21 Senior Community Development Officer position

has been appointed and commenced January

2017.

3. Continue to auspice funding for the

Commonwealth Home Support Programme.

1.1 2015/16-2020/21 Achieved.

4. Continue auspicing the Obesity, Prevention &

Lifestyle Program (OPAL).

1.1, 1.6 2015/16-2016/17 OPAL funding ceased June 2017. A Community

Development Officer position is to commence in

September 2017 and will help to support the

facilitation of services and key partnerships

previously delivered within the OPAL program.

The Community Development Officer role will

also undertake broader community development

work.

5. Maintain Council’s commitment to the Murray

Mallee Community Transport Scheme (MMCTS)

1.1, 1.2 2015/16- 2020/21 Council continued to manage the finances of the

MMCTS.

6. Continue to support and assist with the

administration of the Tintinara Men’s Shed.

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 2015/16-2020/21 Ongoing.

7. Identify a suitable site for a Community Centre 1.1, 1.2, 1,3 2015/16- 2020/21 Land has been purchased.

10

Community Wellbeing


at Meningie. Waiting on the community to determine and

communicate their needs to Council.

8. Advocate for a suitable large group venue/hall

space in Meningie.

1.3 2015/16- 2020/21 Waiting for outcome regarding community

centre.

9. Establish a Coorong Suicide Prevention

Network, and develop a related Action Plan.

1.1, 1.2, 1.6 2015/16-2020/21 Coorong Suicide Prevention Network

established. Action plan has been developed for

three Council wards and is being implemented.

10. Update the 2013 Social Plan and determine the

most appropriate alliance or agreement with

indigenous communities.

1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6 2015/16-2017/18 The 2013 Social Plan has not been reviewed or

updated. It is anticipated that this will be

undertaken (an addendum created) when the

Census figures are analysed. An Addendum will

be drafted in the 17/18 financial year.

Engagement with RCC has increased in the arts

area through sharing the Country Arts SA

Cultural Programming Manager.

Engagement with indigenous communities has

also occurred through CTLAP projects.

11. Implementation of initiatives contained in the

Libraries Forward Plan.

1.2 2016/17 Work is ongoing to implement the initiatives in

the Forward Plan. Consistent and coordinated

signage and marketing is the current priority.

12. With our regional partners, update the Murray

and Mallee Regional Public Health Plan 2013-

2018. Reflect the importance of the Tailem Bend

Community Centre, the Coonalpyn Hub and

Tintinara Men’s Shed to community

participation, well-being & resilience, and the

need for a community centre space at

Meningie.

1.2 2017/18-2018/19 A commitment of $5,000 (17/18 budget) has

been made by the Coorong District Council to

update the Murray & Mallee Regional Public

Health Plan. A meeting will occur in August

2017 to progress the update.

11

Community Wellbeing


13. Advocacy, projects and/or grant fund

applications that assist with long term water

security and reduce costs for Council in

maintaining green spaces will be a high priority.

1.2, 1.6 2015/16-2020/21 Council’s LAP staff have dedicated significant

resources to investigating and advocating for

water security initiatives. Hosted 4 water

security workshops and a water security tour.

Secured $10K for Coorong Water Transportation

Project through PIRSA.

12

Theme: Infrastructure and Township

Objective (2): A strong sense of civic pride and well-maintained townships.


(comments by Staff)



2.1 Improve the appearance and functionality of our

townships with a focus on connecting key

precincts with footpaths, and creating welcoming

entrances, some permanent green spaces and

attractive town centres

The implementation of the Meningie Town Centre Master Plan

has been underway for more than five years. A storm water and

main street upgrade is now underway.

The Princes Highway Tailem Bend Landscaping Study has

commenced and will concentrate on town entrance

improvements and how treated or non-potable water network

can be extended to facilitate improved landscaping in the

highway corridor.

Footpaths have been replaced or created in Meningie,

Coonalpyn and Tailem bend to connect public spaces.

Extensive irrigation upgrades and lawn care work have occurred

in the region bringing the grade of parks and gardens from

level 1 up to level 4.

2.2 Re-inforce country town character by respecting

local history and using appropriate streetscape

elements & landscaping.

When assessing development applications, planning staff take

into account the amenity of the locality to ensure aesthetics is

maintained and enhanced positively.

Council’s staff and our community groups often use elements

from the surrounding landscaping in their streetscape works

(such as limestone rock and reclaimed wood). Council staff

concentrate on delivering consistency in paver use and footpath

treatments.

13




(comments by Staff)



Interpretive signage promoting Tailem Bend’s historical railway

industry have been installed and are linked to the River, Road

Rail trail.

2.3 Promote the use of public art in our main streets

& major community spaces, which is consistent

with established township themes or will create a

key point of difference in non-active areas.

The Creating Coonalpyn Initiative, Raukkan Murals and public

art planned through Long Story Short project are revitalising

public spaces.

See 1.2 Community Development and Arts for a list of projects

relevant to this strategy.

2.4 Foster the development of local skills to create

appropriate streetscape elements for inclusion in

main streets and key public areas.

Partnerships brokered by Council Arts staff have provided the

opportunity for the skills development and the delivery of public

art. One example is the Moorundi Aboriginal Health Service

building where local Ngarrindjeri artist Damien Shen was

mentored by Guido van Helten to produce a mural.

2.5 Activate public open space areas adjacent to

water bodies in townships/settlements.

Dickson Reserve Master Plan was completed and is being

implemented in stages and where funding permits (an

activity identified in the Long Term Financial Plan). Work has

progressed, with the concrete underpinning of the bank, and

the commencement of laying the board planks for the wharf

upgrade.

Meningie Playground was completed and officially opened.

Hunter Park Fishing Deck is now completed.

Repairs were made to the Narrung jetty.

Construction of the Wellington Boat ramp will commence in

August.

Discuss the priority of Dickson Reserve

project relative to other challenges and

projects. Determine an end point for

the project in light of funding

constraints or competing demands on

funding.

14




(comments by Staff)



2.6 Implement street lighting of footpaths and trails in

townships, which are frequently used at night-

time by significant numbers of people.

Roll out of solar lighting has commenced in Meningie, 6 have

been installed with 12 more to go.

2.7 Maintain and develop assets, infrastructure &

buildings in accordance with Infrastructure &

Asset Management Plans, Roadside Vegetation

Management Plans and Capital Works programs.

Building renewals program has been implemented and capital

Works program for 16/17 completed.

Roadside Vegetation Management

Plan needs to be updated. This is

currently on hold as Council staff wait

for DEWNR to release new standards

for Local Government with respect to

roadside vegetation.

2.8 Where specific Asset Management Plans are still

under development, maintain a standard for

infrastructure that is commensurate with its level

of use and minimises risk to life & property.

Adhered to.

2.9 Where financially feasible, and supported by

health/environmental standards, use treated/

recycled water or non-mains water to increase

public green spaces in townships and reduce

operating costs of community facilities.

CWMS at Wellington East has been upgraded.

All CWMS are ESCOSA and SA Health compliant.

Three town ovals in the region are now being treated with

waste water along with the Tailem Bend and Meningie golf

courses.

Council staff have formed a CWMS Operators Group with

neighbouring Councils to share knowledge and discuss

resource sharing and potential cost savings via joint

procurement.

There is a need to develop a “Waters

AMP” to include – CWMS, waste water,

stormwater etc.

Investigate ways in which industry can

use treated water.

2.10 Improve the maintenance and cleanliness of

public toilets.

Maintenance/Repairs: replaced old cisterns at Coomandook,

Coonalpyn and Tailem Bend.

New toilet facility was installed at Pangarinda Botanic

Gardens.

Investigate 3rd

party contractor for

toilet cleaning.

Build new toilet block at Tailem Bend.

15




(comments by Staff)



2.11 Implement programs and policies for the

management of waste throughout the district.

Defined a new level of service for waste removal which resulted

in the closing of Jabuk and Yumali transfer stations and

implementation of a bin bank service for out-of town

customers.

Better management of green waste.

16

Infrastructure & Township


14. Increased budget lines for street

lighting (solar where appropriate) and

toilet upgrades/maintenance.

2.6, 2.10 2016/17-2020/21 Council introduced a dedicated street lighting budget in

2016/17 and have maintained this budget line in 2017/18. Roll

out of Solar Street Lights has commenced in Meningie. Grant

funds were attracted for the lighting project in Meningie.

15. Increased budget line for parks &

gardens operation/maintenance to

assist with improvements to smaller

townships and settlements.

2.1 2016/17-2020/21 A budget line of $50,000 has been allocated in 17/18 to

facilitate further improvements and greater maintenance

towards smaller townships. This may involve contracting out

some maintenance elements to enable Council’s facilities and

garden staff to concentrate on aspects that improve the

amenity of townships.

16. Building AMP finalised. 2.7 2015/16 Draft completed and will be presented to Council.

17. Stormwater AMP finalised. 2.7 2016/17 Draft completed and will be presented to Council.

18. Water Supply AMP (Peake &

Wellington East) finalised.

2.7 2015/16-2016/17 Draft completed and will be presented to Council.

Peake and Wellington East non potable water supply scheme,

CWMS, and Stormwater AMP will be rolled into a “Waters

AMP”.

19. Resolve whether an alternative water

supply for Coonalpyn’s recreation

facilities/ areas is financially feasible,

and if so implement.

2.1, 2.9 2015/16-2020/21 Completed. Cost for a bore water and pipe scheme is high

and this scheme is not being furthered at this stage. Council is

contributing towards the cost of watering the football oval

and bowling club. Water usage for Coonalpyn will need to be

monitored as there has been more resources directed towards

improving the look of parks in the township.

20. Finalise the Princes Highway Tailem

Bend Landscaping Study and

implement.

2.1, 2.2, 2.3 2015/16-2020/21 A consultant will be appointed to deliver the Study/Plan with a

view to enhancing the township entrance (Adelaide side) and

implementing signage/banners (subject to DPTI consent) in

the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years (dependent on LTFP

and any external funding commitments).

21. Improve the appearance of Coonalpyn.

This action can be removed once

completed.

2.1, 2.2, 2.3 2015/16-2020/21 Creating Coonalpyn rural renewal through the arts program

almost complete. Currently awaiting the completion and

installation of the mosaic panel.

17



22. Increase road works in line with the

Road AMP, capital works program and

the additional external funding

received.

2.7 2016/17-2020/21 Council is currently going through the process of modernising

its roads practices. A review of patrol grading is occurring in

line with recent community comments.

Road hierarchy to be developed and challenged by criticality.

Potential to reduce the road network by 200km and improve

service levels.

23. Continue Dickson Reserve upgrade. 2.1, 2.2, 2.5 2015/16-2017/18 The wharf has been upgraded and new shelter, bbq & seating

installed. A Master Plan has been completed for Dickson

Reserve to address other elements in the reserve that require

external funding support.

A Places for People grant to DPTI, to assist with funding

detailed design documentation, has not been successful as

there was more onus placed on projects that were

construction ready. The investigations and construction level

drawings are an expensive component in their own right.

Council I&A staff will meet in August 2017 to work through

the next stage of works in the Master Plan, which is the

remaining section of slumped bank and boat moorings.

24. Develop a Concept Plan for enhancing

the Lake Indawarra Precinct and

implement.

2.3, 2.4, 2.5 2015/16-2020/21 A Precinct Plan for the Lake Indawarra Precinct has been

completed. Funds have been provided to the Tintinara Action

Club for water improvement infrastructure. Other funds have

been spent on signage, shelter and bbq unit. Shelter and BBQ

units have arrived and will be installed. Other infrastructure is

dependent on the likely progression of an offer from DPTI to

take control of former rail land.

25. Continued implementation of the

Meningie Town Centre Master Plan.

2.1, 2.2, 2.3 2.5 2016/17-2020/21 The latest project of the Meningie Town Centre Master Plan is

the Stormwater and Streetscape Upgrade Project. This project

is currently underway and is a major investment ($2m) in the

township.

18



26. Audit of missing “link” sections of

footpaths.

2.7 2017/18 The audit of missing sections have been identified and

mapped. There is no dedicated budget line for new footpaths

or to implement missing sections.

27. Conduct an audit of sport and

recreation facilities in the district.

2.7 2016/17-2017/18 Waiting on a funding stream for planning projects to be

opened by the Office for Recreation and Sport (anticipated

this will be in July 2017) to apply for an Open Space and Sport

and Recreation Facilities Strategy.

28. Update the Roadside Vegetation

Management Plan.

2.7 2015/16-2016/17 To be progressed in line with the new DEWNR portal. Waiting

on advice from DEWNR & DPTI.

29. Engage with SA Health and the

Environment Protection Authority on

the application of recycled water within

in the 1956 flood line.

2.9 2016/17 Investigations still to commence and Council is awaiting the

appointment of an Environmental Health Officer (expected by

September 2017).

30. Investigate procedures or policies that

would assist with the reduction of costs

for community groups that maintain

community-owned buildings of a

“landmark” nature or have significant

historic value.

2.2 2016/17 Completed.

19

Theme: Prosperity & Sustainability

Objective (3): A prosperous and sustainable district.


(comments by staff)



3.1 Plan for a variety of housing and accommodation

options that will increase population, grow tourist

visitation and assist with business sustainability.

Drafting of a Tourism and Economic Development Strategy

commenced.

The Town Centres, Townships and Environs DPA proposes

additional retail-zoned and home industry zoned land at

Meningie to provide for growth in tourist enterprises.

A proposed airfield zone at Tintinara also supports an alternative

living option where a dwelling and aircraft hangar can co-exist on

one allocation.

Additional rural living land is also proposed at Tintinara,

Coonalpyn and Tailem Bend. Policy changes are proposed to the

Motorsport Park Zone to facilitate occasional accommodation

units where vehicles can be stored in a garage space and

temporary living occurring on top of the garage area.

Strategic investigations into the tourism and living opportunities

between Wellington East and Tailem Bend will commence

towards the end of the calendar year.

3.2 Plan for employment-generating land uses to satisfy

projected demand or to support industry

innovation.

The draft Town Centres, Townships and Environs DPA has

proposed the expansion of land for industrial and commercial

(non-retail) development. This is most notably proposed in and

on the environs of Tailem Bend where the solar farm proposal has

acted as a catalyst for focussing on other potential energy

generation activities.

The proposed Urban Employment Zone also provides for logistics

and transport terminals, which responds to strategic directions in

a number of SA Government documents.

3.3 Encourage increased tourist visitation by ensuring

volunteers at VIOs provide helpful & correct

Visitation to, and stopping of through traffic in Coonalpyn, has

increased significantly as a result of the Creating Coonalpyn project.

Current budget for signage could be

re-directed to tourism development

20




(comments by staff)



advice, developing RV-friendly towns, helping

businesses with their digital presence, increasing

accessibility to water bodies, expanding recreation

trails and implementing signs/public art that

interprets heritage, directs people to attractions &

promotes a sense of arrival.

The response to strategy 1.5 details the training provided to VIO

volunteers.

The following activities occurred under the tourism portfolio during

2016/2017:

Installation of town branded signs and business signs;

Launch of historic rail trail interpretive signs;

Upgrade to the Coonalpyn information bay;

Narrung RV Friendly Status achieved;

Tailem Bend RV Friendly Status achieved;

Coonalpyn applied for RV friendly status but was unsuccessful;

Assistance provided to businesses seeking advice on tourism

product development and grant applications;

Assistance provided to the Tailem Bend Business & Tourism

Association;

Council staff coordinated the “Silo Sights RV Basecamp” event;

and

A promotional brochure for Meningie was developed.

and broader programs.

3.4 Encourage businesses to invest and locate within

the district through a strong relationship with RDA

Murraylands & Riverland, timely & helpful

development/planning advice and advocating to

government agencies.

Council staff have identified this as an important area of work for the

future.

A tourism and economic development strategy/prospectus has

commenced in 16/17 and will be further towards the end of the

calendar year.

Consider applying some criteria,

principles or KPIs around funding

contribution to RDA and the Tourism

Alliance to ensure value for Council’s

investment.

3.5 As part of a regional tourism alliance, promote the

significant natural and built attractions of the

Council staff are awaiting the completion of the River Murray, Lakes

& Coorong website. Once this body of work is completed (some

As above.

21




(comments by staff)



district under the River Murray Lakes & Coorong

brand, whilst respecting individual township &

cultural identities.

glitches currently being worked on) then the Council will link its new

Council website to the regional tourism website.

3.6 Advocate to government agencies for roads, water,

waste water disposal and communication

infrastructure that supports primary production,

tourism development and employment growth.

Council staff engaged with PIRSA on the second stage of a 90 Day

Transport Plan to advocate for funds to seal first and last mile access

on routes frequently used by heavy vehicles for the transport of

commodities.

Council development staff often make suggestions to government

agencies to streamline development assessment to support tourism

development and primary production.

3.7 Maintain a local road network that satisfactorily

supports primary production, tourism

development and other employment generating

activities.

Council continued with its program of maintenance and renewal

including re-sheeting, patching and grading.

Total kilometres graded in 2016/2017 = 3494.5km

Council has put greater rates-derived funds towards the maintenance

and renewal of its road network in line with its Roads Asset

Management Plan. It has been working to modernise its roads

practices and is currently undertaking a review of its patrol grading

activities.

Hierarchy of roads to be reviewed

and service levels to be based on

use. Aim to reduce road network

by 200km by selling or closing of

disused or low-use roads. There is

potential to engage road users in

this review and have them assist

Council to identify strategic road

networks taking into account

future use.

Update traffic counts.

3.8 Ensure Council finances and assets are managed to

support changing community needs in a

sustainable and cost-effective manner.

Council staff anticipate the update to the Long Term Financial Plan

will be presented to Council in January 2018.

Council has an adopted Road Asset Management Plan (AMP) and has

a draft Water Management AMP and a draft Buildings AMP. The

Open spaces, parks, gardens and

structures to be progressively built

into the AMP.

Audit of irrigation infrastructure to

be included in the AMP.

22




(comments by staff)



RAMP and draft BAMP stipulate the funding amounts for these

activities in the Annual Business Plan. The adoption of the draft

Water Management AMP will stipulate the funding levels for relevant

activities in the 2018/19 Annual Business Plan.

Council was recognised for its efforts in this area through an award

for Excellence in Sustainable Infrastructure and Asset Management

for its Unsealed Road Improvement Program.

Opportunity to hire a trainee in

the outdoor area.

Purchase of upgraded asset

management software would

assist in future management of

assets.

Approach capital improvements to

outdoor areas in a planned

manner – master planning.

3.9 Facilitate environment, land care and water-

related initiatives to support primary production,

tourism development & local employment or to

restore/conserve significant habitats.

Council’s Local Action Planning team continues to provide leadership

in this area. Activities during the 16/17 FY include:

Two dry land salinity workshops at Coomandook (60 people) and

Meningie (31 people);

Successful grant application to SAMDBNRM Connecting

Communities to address local NRM priority issues ($80K);

Supervision of the Coorong/Tatiara Green Army Team who

conducted revegetation, maintenance, weed control, mulching

and feral/cat trapping across the region;

Working with local schools on NRM education and practical

activities such as introducing biological controls and nature play

workshops;

Field days, guided walks and information displays at local events;

Receipt of Australian Government Drought Funding via NRMSE

for land managers;

Coordination of African Boxthorn Control;

Coordination and delivery of regional Water Security Tour;

Successful funding application to Regions SA for development of

23




(comments by staff)



a Coorong Water Transport Scheme feasibility study;

Successful application to SAMDBNRM for $22K towards

Coomandook Saltland Redemption projects;

Assistance provided to Orana for their Bush Tucker garden; and

Preparation of NRM fact sheets.

3.10 Access government funding streams that support

economic growth, environmental sustainability,

the sustainable use of water/treated effluent and

respond to climate change challenges.

Council regularly applies for grant applications in the environment,

on-ground agricultural works, arts, township amenity, water-related

infrastructure, community development, history, recreation and

township beautification areas.

Successful grant applications are listed in Appendix (2)

3.11 Encourage town-based community, environment,

government and tourism information activities to

be consolidated, where appropriate, in multi-

purpose spaces to reduce long term maintenance

costs of under-utilised sites.

Council has a considerable number of buildings under its ownership

or control that require ongoing maintenance and upgrade. There is

also pressure from community groups to upgrade or contribute

funds to maintenance of buildings it leases from the SA Government

and then sub-leases to community groups for use.

There has been a concerted push to not create standalone spaces,

particularly given the small membership numbers of some groups,

the ageing of our population and our population losses in a number

of townships.

Per 1.3 Council is assisting Tailem Bend sporting clubs to consider

co-location. Established the Tailem Bend Combined Sporting Clubs

working group.

Council building maintenance and improvement activity in

Future resourcing for building

maintenance needs examination.

Potential to develop a set of

principles for Council involvement in

building maintenance and ownership.

Need full review of community land

management plans (statutory

requirement), last adopted in 2004.

24




(comments by staff)



2016/2017 included:

Moorlands hall- replastering

Maintenance to railway building

Point Malcolm Lighthouse repairs and re-rendering.

Tintinara Health and Rec centre works – painting.

Repairs to ceiling of Coonalpyn institute supper room.

With respect to community land Council sold parcels of land in

Washpool estate and is planning to close portions of unmade public

road in Wellington East – proceeds will go towards the development

of Wellington East facilities.

3.12 Advocate for the removal of Long-Nosed Fur

Seals from water bodies in the Coorong

District Council to support the sustainability of

the local fishing industry and to protect our

native fauna & flora.

Council’s Mayor sits on the relevant SA Government working party to

advocate for the removal of Long-Nosed Fur Seals from the water

bodies of the Coorong and lower lakes.

The Mayor wrote to Minister Hunter on this matter.

3.13 Control large numbers of Little Corellas in

townships to support business prosperity and

the sustainability of parks & gardens.

Council pro-actively controls Little Corella flocks in its townships and

settlements to control damage to its infrastructure and parks &

gardens. It is activity that may need a regional approach in the

future as the flocks will move around depending on the threat levels.

3.14 Proactively address weed and feral pest issues

on Council land and foster a strong

relationship with the local NRM Boards.

Council works regularly with the NRM boards on weed and pest

issues.

Refer to 3.9 for more information on LAP activities in this area.

3.15 Undertake a proactive approach to fuel

reduction and fire prevention activities and

community education across the district.

Inspections and load reductions were conducted.

Fire notices and permits issued.

25

Prosperity & Sustainability


31. Maintain budget line for tourism signs. 3.3, 3.5 2016/17-2020/21 The budget line for signage was increased in 2016/17 and the

funding has been maintained for 2017/18. Council staff will

explore the need for further signage and other initiatives in order

to prepare for the opening of The Bend Motorsport Park and

expected increased visitation.

32. Determine the level & cost of

maintenance of the Tintinara office, and

decide if an alternative option is

warranted.

3.11 2015/16-2017/18 A building report has been completed that ascertained a number

of structural issues that would be expensive to fix. It has not yet

been determined whether the existing building will be upgraded or

other options will be costed. Council staff have put forward a

number of options for discussion in the past. It is also likely that

Council-owned land and spaces will be again reviewed to

determine cost savings. Electricity and water use may also be part

of a cost-savings review.

33. Sign a Memorandum of Understanding

with SA Water to ascertain whether

cheaper water distributed through their

infrastructure can be made available to

support primary production and assist

with the cost of maintaining

community facilities.

3.6, 3.9, 3.10 2015/16 The MOU has been signed and the draft Coorong Water

Transportation Scheme Report has been completed. At this stage it

does not look likely that a cheaper water solution will eventuate

through engagement with SA Water. Other options are currently

being explored.

34. Economic Development Strategy

finalised and ongoing implementation.

3.1-3.10 2015/16-2020/21 The 2011 Tourism and Economic Development Plan has been

reviewed. The development of the new Strategy/Prospectus is

underway, with the compilation of statistics & trends and updated

photography. Contact has been made with the Investment

Attraction Unit of the State Department and new staff at the South

Australia Tourism Commission who are working in the investment

space. It is anticipated that a draft will be completed in the next

three months.

35. Apply for grants for tourism & boating

infrastructure at Wellington East &

3.3 2015/16-2020/21 Planning and Infrastructure & Assets staff have been involved with

boat ramp proposal at Wellington East, and were successful in

26

Prosperity & Sustainability


Meningie. attracting grant funds.

36. Maintain Council’s commitment to the

Coorong Local Action Plan and staff.

3.9, 3.10, 3.14, 2015/16-2020/21 The LAP team, in consultation with a facilitator, will progress a

separate strategic planning exercise for updating the Coorong

Local Action Plan in July/Aug 2017. Strategic planning will consider

the resolution of a key funding program and the progression or

application to other funding sources in order to develop actions in

the agriculture, environment and sustainability areas.

MoU was developed between CDC and Tatiara District Council for

the delivery of LAP activities in the two regions.

37. Seek grant funding for continual design

and construction of Murray-Coorong

Trail as per the Feasibility Report.

3.3 2015/16-2020/21 Ongoing – Staff are planning to apply for further ORS funding in

2018. Currently acquitting a grant received in 2016. Working on

Stages 1 & 4.

38. In consultation with DPTI and

neighbouring councils, determine

future strategic land use opportunities,

and the most appropriate manner for

amending region-level plans for

development and infrastructure.

3.1, 3.2 2015/16-2020/21 An expression of interest has been submitted to DPTI to consider a

One River Planning Authority, and it is understood a business case

template will be developed. DPTI has appointed Jeff Tate and a

Transition Manager (Daniel Pluck) to work through the business

case and other matters associated with Planning reforms. It is

understood high level discussions are currently occurring with

respect to progressing to a region-level planning document.

39. Implement Development Plan

Amendments (DPAs) as contained in

the Strategic Directions Report and

investigate the potential for strategic

housing & tourism accommodation

growth in the Wellington East to Tailem

Bend area.

3.1, 3.2 2015/16-2020/21 The Town Centres, Townships and Environs DPA will complete

public consultation on 28 July 2017, and should be forwarded to

the Minister for Planning before caretaker mode. The Rural Lands

DPA was not progressed as this will be dealt with through Code

changes as part of regional planning and Planning Reforms.

Council has engaged a consultant to prepare background and

strategic investigations for the Wellington East to Tailem Bend

corridor. This background work will inform future regional

planning processes.

27

Theme: Leadership & Collaboration

Objective (4): Collaborative and respectful relationships amongst community, Elected Members and Council Staff.


(comments by staff)



4.1. Build a strong relationship between Elected

Members and staff, working together on the

behalf of the community, to meet our legislated

requirements and to meet the aspirations of our

communities where funding permits.

The restructuring of Council staff and appointment of

an Executive Team is facilitating better

communications.

Bi-monthly briefing sessions are helping to keep

Elected Members informed of Council activities.

4.2. Through leadership and the sharing of

knowledge, build the capacity of the community.

Creating Coonalpyn is a joint Council/community

initiative that connects community, builds capacity and

creates opportunities for mentorships and skills

development.

Council staff assisted with the formation of the Tailem

Bend Business and Tourism Association and they are also

represented on many local committees around the

region.

Development of guiding principles for the level of

service provided by Council to community groups.

Building the capacity of community groups should

be a priority.

4.3. Implement innovative techniques for distribution

of information and engaging with the

community, but still respecting the

communication needs of older people.

Council has a large following on Facebook and also

posts updates on its capital works activities to

Instagram.

Council uses Facebook to re-unite lost animals, cross-

link to legislated public notices on its website,

promote tourism & community initiatives/events etc.

Council sends out a fortnightly e-newsletter (In-touch)

to subscribers, to remind people of information

posted to social media and connect to those that

don’t use social media.

Council planning staff will continue to monitor and

engage on planning reforms to identify resource

Review current communication methods to

ensure all stakeholders are receiving updates.

Development and implementation of a

Communication Strategy (including digital

communications) covering legislated

community engagement, promotional activities

and general council updates/news.

Review cost of communications and how this

can be done better.

Update community databases.

28




(comments by staff)



implications regarding future community engagement

processes (expected to focus heavily on digital

approaches in the future).

4.4. Provide a safe, supportive and caring work

environment where staff are comfortable to

express their concerns and are encouraged to

suggest ideas for administration improvements.

McArthur LIFE APP survey tool recently implemented.

Survey will enable confidential and instant feedback

from employees where they will rate work satisfaction,

level of engagement etc.

FAWT – fun at work team implemented to improve

workplace enjoyment.

Council’s Corporate Health Membership continues to

deliver benefits for employees (eg: flu shots).

Council’s Co-ordinator Development maintains a list

of suggested improvements from staff to advocate for

and implement change in a progressive manner.

Improvements have been made to Authority,

templates and conditions.

Ensure all staff have position descriptions and a

performance management process in place.

4.5. Make sound decisions based on need, evidence,

research and the aspirations of our communities.

Council has a number of documents that capture and

analyse community feedback such as the Strategic

Management Plan, Community Needs Analysis and Social

Plan. Council also contributes funding to the Regional

Health Plan, which will be updated this financial year.

Council will also update its population profile information

this financial year.

Update social plan.

Conduct community needs analysis based on

new ABS data.

Develop consistent project/business case

template that provides justification for

spending and considers long term financial

implications of projects over a certain value.

Develop a consistent project management

template and hold project management

training for key staff.

29




(comments by staff)



4.6. Influence other levels of government on behalf

of the wider Coorong District community.

See 1.1

4.7. To continuously strive for administrative

improvements and to achieve our Customer

Charter commitments.

Council officers are encouraged to identify and

implement administrative improvements in-line with the

customer service charter. For example: Fleet

management – Council recently moved from owning

vehicles to leasing them to save money and time.

Carry out customer satisfaction survey.

Review, develop and implement new customer

service charter based on feedback.

4.8. To continuously strive for open and accountable

administration practices.

The recent staff restructure and hiring of finance and

WHS staff will assist in making sure administration

practices are up-to-date.

Council information sessions and meetings are open to

the public and Council has reduced the number of in-

camera sessions.

Review and update relevant policies.

Review internal controls.

Improve staff induction processes.

30

Leadership & Collaboration


40. Update the Council LGA Pop. & Economic

Profile with ABS 2016 data.

4.4, 4.5 4.7, 4.8 2017/18 The first tranche of ABS 2015 statistics have been recently

released. Council staff are determining the most

appropriate manner to update the Profile, such as

training for community members to use ABS website

tools and the development of a succinct summary

document of key changes/trends. Other alternatives to

consider are purchasing the id.profile software products

that provide easy to use statistics reporting tools and

whether this could be cost-shared with the RDA and

other councils in the region.

41. Create and implement a procedure for

accessing and distributing grant info.

4.4, 4.5 2015/16 Council staff regularly distribute grant information

through its databases and by ringing prospective

community groups (if it is known that groups are

specifically looking to progress works or an initiative).

Council’s community grants program and information

was reviewed in 2016/17. The Community Development

Officer is working to improve the Community Database

to make dissemination easier.

42. Finalise the Risk Management Framework

(based on improving current risk

policies).

4.6 2015/16-2016/17 Postponed to 2018/19. Will be developed under the

guidance of a Principal WHS & Risk Advisor (new

position to be appointed in 17/18) and to align with new

risk evaluation cycle as stipulated by Local Government

Association Mutual Liability Scheme (i.e. risk evaluations

were undertaken annually, now the scheme is reverting

to a biannual evaluation).

43. Finalise the Volunteer Management Plan. 1.5, 4.5 2016/17 Postponed to second half of 2017/18 due to other

pressures.

To include a training needs analysis, current skill set and

improvement to induction process.

44. Monitor social media levels to determine 4.4 2016/17-2020/21 Council planning staff will continue to monitor the

31



if additional software is warranted. progression of DPTI’s Community Engagement Charter

and SA Government’s digital first approach. This may

guide Council on whether to pursue the Your Say

software that was previously considered too expensive

for Council’s needs. This could potentially be another

resource-sharing area with neighbouring councils.

Community Development determined there is no current

need for additional software.

45. Update Council’s By Laws 4.1, 4.2 2015/16-2016/17 The bylaws were reviewed last financial year and will not

be due for renewal until 2023.

46. As the Planning Reform Bill progresses,

determine associated costs.

4.4, 4.5 2015/16 - 2017/18 Known areas of costing are transferring the DAP to the

CAP, levy towards e-planning system and payment likely

towards the appointment of a consultant to create a

regional plan at some stage. The full costs to be incurred

are unknown and are being monitored and raised as

more information is released by DPTI.

47. Undertake the Rate Review. 4.1, 4.3, 4.7 2015/16-2016/17 The Rate Review was completed in 2015/16. All of the

findings were implemented. Potential to review again in

6 months.

48. Review IT services linked to NBN rollout. 4.2,4.4 2017/18-2018/19 Council is continuing to work proactively with Internode

regarding the existing Coorong Network.

49. Implement, Review and Update the IT

Long Term Development Program

2014/15-2017/18

4.2, 4.4 2015/16-2020/21 Will be renewed this financial year.

50. Review IT Services Agreement. 4.2,4.3,4.4 2017/18 Extended with Fourier for another 12 months.

51. Monitor IT needs of Council departments. 4.2, 4.4 2015/16-2020/21 Trim will be upgraded to the latest version (Content

Manager). Authority upgrade will also occur this

financial year. Mobile CRM app will be rolled out to

Council’s workforce this FY.

32



Council’s Co-ordinator-Development is compiling a

list of improvements that are required. The

forthcoming appointment of an EHO is also likely to

identify needs. Areas currently identified include

minor alterations/additions to Authority which can

be done in house. Exponare (mapping) which is

likely to require outsourcing to add additional layers

to support our day-to-day operations. Also

investigating the possibility of going fully electronic

for the development application process, this would

require one additional software program and some

modifications to TRIM/Authority.

An app-based hazard identification tool was

implemented which provides better reports and

minimises duplication.

Purchase of Council minute and agenda software is

being considered.

33

APPENDIX (1) COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE, PARKS & GARDENS

ACTIVITIES 2016/2017 Wide spread mowing across the district, parks, streets and verges

Management of Abandoned vehicles

Aged homes inspections and maintenance

Airfield maintenance

BBQ installation Coonalpyn

BBQ installation Tailem Bend

Building inspections

Burials and ashes internment at Coonalpyn, Meningie, Tailem Bend and Tintinara

Cemetery maintenance

Community event and tourism banner infrastructure

Community event support Peake, Narrung, Tailem Bend, Meningie, Tintinara, Coonalpyn

Coonalpyn tree removal at silo

Coonalpyn car park landscaping

CWMS maintenance and upgrades

DrumMuster Coordination

Electrical test and tag of council equipment

Fire prevention

Footpath maintenance

Graffiti removal

Growing Coonalpyn arts project

Health centre maintenance

Herbicide application across the district by staff and contractors

Management of Illegal dumping

Irrigation maintenance and repair

Kerb and gutter maintenance

Lawn topdressing

Lions Park Playground installation

Installation of long term accommodation building at Coonalpyn Caravan park

Assistance/clean up from minor flooding

Moorlands Hall maintenance

Oval maintenance

Park bin installation Tailem Bend

Park furniture installation

Peake water scheme maintenance

Playground construction Meningie

Playground safety audits

Pool operations

Pool season preparations

Roadside bin delivery

Roadside slashing

Rose pruning

Skate ramp transfers

Storm damage

Remediation works - storm damage across district

Remediation works - storm damage Meningie Jetty

Stormwater system maintenance

Tailem Bend bike rack installation

Tintinara cemetery tree planting

Tintinara oval tree removal

Tree pruning and planting across the district

Vandalism - Sherlock

Various building maintenance

Waste transfer station maintenance

Waste water lagoon maintenance Tailem Bend

Water supply maintenance Wellington East

34

APPENDIX (2) SUCCESSFUL GOVERNMENT GRANT APPLICATIONS

2016/2017

Provider Grant Name For Amount

Grants Commission Financial Assistance

Grants

Infrastructure and

Assets

$2,405,329.00

State Government OPAL Health OPAL projects $28,367.92

State Government Country Arts &

Regional Arts

Creating Coonalpyn $21,637.00

Commonwealth

Government

Roads to recovery Tauragat Well Road $1,237,745.00

LGASA Trainee Subsidies Trainees $19,334.00

Grants Commission Special Local Roads Roads $642,123.00

Grants Commission Additional Road

Support

Roads $1,568,972.00

SAMDBNRM Volunteer Grant Volunteers $850.91

Tintinara Men’s Shed $38,838.00

Landcare LAP LAP $829,500.00

SAMDBNRM LAP LAP $139,215.00

SAMDBNRM LAP LAP $12,676.36

DEWNR Coorong Unregulated

Water

LAP $51,500.00

35

APPENDIX (3) COUNCIL AWARDS

2016 Local Government Professionals Australia, SA, Leadership Excellence

Winners:

Excellence in Local Economic Development, SA Motorsport Park project


Finalists:

Emerging Leader of the Year, Tracey Strugnell

Leadership in Community Services, Coorong Healthy Highways

Innovative Management Initiatives, Accidental Art Gallery

Excellence in Sustainable Infrastructure & Asset Management, Unsealed Road Project


Winners:

Innovative Management Initiatives, Accidental Art Gallery

Excellence in Sustainable Infrastructure & Asset Management, Unsealed Road Project

2017 Federation Australia Awards

Finalists:

Accidental Art Gallery

2017 Other Awards

Winners:

National Awards for Local Government 2017, Creating Coonalpyn in the Arts Animates

category

Minister for Health, 2017 Excellence in Public Health Award, Coorong Healthy Highways

Walking SA, Local Government Organisation category

2017 state National Heart Foundation Award