i am extremely proud to see the growth that has occurred€¦ · • reviewed cash handling...

On behalf of the Glenelg Shire Council, it is my pleasure to

present the Annual Report of the Glenelg Shire Council for

the 2007/08 financial year. This Annual Report highlights

many Council achievements during the past 12 months.

I am extremely proud to see the growth that has occurred in

our Shire. What an incredible year it has been, with so many

major projects proposed, underway or completed.

A broad range of new and existing industries and

businesses are considering a number of exciting

development initiatives for our Shire.

Important strategic planning projects included:

• Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure Plan

• Municipal Public Health Plan

• Glenelg River Foreshore Master Plan

• Positive Ageing Strategy

• Youth Strategy

• Disability Action Plan 2006-2008

• General Local Law 2008

• Casterton Saleyards Business Plan

• Domestic Animal Management Plan

The Council is always mindful of the responsibility vested in

us to spend the Shire’s funds wisely for the maximum benefit

of the community.

The allocation of funds across the entire operations of the

Glenelg Shire requires much planning and deliberation - from

building our roads, planning for our future development,

protecting our environment, securing our economic viability

to supporting community spirit and enhancing our total way

of life. This achievement is a testament to the hard work of

our Councillors and staff.

In recent years the Council has proactively addressed many

issues and we will continue to boldly face future challenges.

Providing solutions to these challenges will be rewarding and

lead to developing important objectives and projects.

I am extremely proud to see the growth that has occurred

in our Shire. What an incredible year it has been, with so

many major projects proposed, underway or completed.

The Council looks forward to working with the Federal

and State Governments, business, industry, community

organisations, residents and volunteers in a consultative

partnership for the betterment of the whole Shire.

A broad range of new and existing industries and

businesses are considering a number of exciting

development initiatives for our Shire.

1glenelg shire annual report 07-08

2 glenelg shire annual report 07-08

On behalf of the Council and the community, I extend

my sincere thanks to all our volunteers for their efforts

during the year.

Every year we reflect on the vital contribution the many

volunteers who serve our community so well make.

Many generous people give so much of their time,

hard work and expertise to keep us safe and enrich our

community.

During my Mayoral term I have been greatly assisted by

my fellow Councillors who are dedicated to achieving

the expectations and needs of residents, businesses

and visitors in all areas of our large Shire.

I also thank Mayoress Aileen, the Council’s Chief

Executive Officer, Mr Stuart Burdack, as well as the

senior management team and staff for their considerable

support, guidance, assistance and advice throughout

the year.

I am honoured to serve as Mayor for the people of our

Shire. The role brings many pressures and challenges,

but is also very rewarding.

We commend our community’s commitment, passion

and pride in our Shire and gratefully acknowledge our

citizens’ considerable efforts.

Cr Geoff White

Mayor

This has been a year of planning for the future, working

with our community to provide relevant services and

consolidating the strong position of the Shire. The 2007/08

Annual Report outlines the activities undertaken and

outcomes achieved to meet the strategic objectives of

Glenelg Shire Council.

FINANCIAL POSITION

Throughout the year, Glenelg Shire Council consolidated its

strong financial position. In the 2007/08 financial year we

achieved:

• an operating surplus of $2.739 million

• our target of reducing loan debts to $2.4 million

• delivery of a $8.799 million capital works program which

focuses on renewing our one quarter of a billion dollars

of assets

• planning targets for new infrastructure to support our

diverse community

A number of independent reviews of the financial position of

the Council confirmed that we have a sound financial basis

for the future. The independent Strategy Plus Report again

concluded that the Glenelg Shire was the most financially

sustainable large Shire in Victoria and that our average rates

are amongst the lowest in the State.


WORKING WITH THE COMMUNITY

We have focused on ensuring we are listening to, planning

with and supporting the range of valuable organisations and

groups within the community. Major projects include:

• developing the Casterton Saleyards Business Plan which

provides a blueprint for its future

• gaining broad community support of Portland Bay

Coastal Infrastructure Plan

• making significant progress on the planning of Portland’s

Children’s and Family Complex

• advocating strongly on issues regarding rail freight and

transport as we prepare for the blue gum timber harvest

• continuing support of our townships with community

planning

GOVERNANCE

The Council, together with the invaluable support from our

Audit Committee, continues to review and evaluate our

internal policies, practices and operations. This continuous

improvement program ensures that services remain relevant

and responsive to our citizens while providing good value for

money.

To reflect best practice and value, in particular we have:

• conducted major reviews of our information technology

back up and implementation strategy

• reviewed contract management and procurement

practices and guidelines

• reviewed cash handling practices and payroll operations

We have focused on ensuring we are listening to,

planning with and supporting the range of valuable

organisations and groups within the community

The Council is proactive in ensuring our citizens have input

into decision making processes. Numerous town meetings

including the Casterton Saleyards Business Plan meeting

and the Heywood Police Station Residence meeting

highlighted active citizen participation.

It is pleasing to see good attendances at our Council

meetings indicating an interest and desire to participate in

the democratic decision making process of our Council.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Over the past 12 months, the Council has developed a

range of important and significant economic development

opportunities. We continue to work closely with industries

associated with the blue gum timber harvest and visited the

Albany region of Western Australia to review impacts of the

timber industry.

We have considerable interest from a range of businesses

connected with the timber industry seeking to commence

operations in the Shire and the Port of Portland continues to

upgrade facilities to accommodate an anticipated trebling of

woodchip exports.

The Council has continued to lobby for and work with other

levels of government with respect to planning for improved

freight task movements within our region and there is

continued interest in our Shire for a range of renewable

energy sources.

rich in history and diverse in landscape


This report also reflects on the many activities and inputs

that we have undertaken as an organisation to achieve

our goals of:

• quality engagement with our citizens

• strong teamwork

• providing accountable leadership

• being a progressive and modern organisation

With general council elections planned for November

2008, I would like to acknowledge and thank the outgoing

Councillors for their commitment to their role for the

Glenelg Shire.

I also acknowledge and thank the Glenelg Shire Council

staff for their commitment and dedication to their work.

I welcome feedback on the performance of Glenelg Shire

Council for the 2007/08 financial year.

Stuart Burdack

Chief Executive Of!cer

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

In February 2008, a restructure of our organisation was

implemented to provide four departments which include:

• Asset and Infrastructure Department - plans and

maintains our quarter of a billion dollars of infrastructure

• Community Development Department - supports and

works in partnership with the hundreds of community

organisations and groups within the Shire

• Corporate Services Department – provides governance

and operational services to our organisation

• Planning and Economic Development Department

- focuses on the important issues of land use planning

and facilitating economic development within the Shire

The Annual Report presents a record of achievements

and continued commitment from the Council to providing

responsive, relevant and cost effective services to the

citizens of the Glenelg Shire.

commitment, passion and pride

I would like to acknowledge and thank the

outgoing Councillors for their commitment to

their role for the Glenelg Shire.


Population:

Area:

Number of employees:

Rateable properties:

Rate revenue:

Total revenue:

Municipal charge:

Garbage charge per rateable property:

Length of sealed local roads:

Length of unsealed local roads:

Bridges and major culverts:

19,758 (ABS LGA Pop. Stats. as at 30 June 2006)

6,212 square kilometres

199 (EFT)

13,680 (30/06/08)

$16,710m (30/06/08)

$34,385m

$Nil (30/06/08)

$141.50 (2007/08)

1,108 kilometres

1,523 kilometres

205

OUR REGION

Strategically located between Adelaide and Melbourne in

Victoria’s South West, the Glenelg Shire region services

a large hinterland including the south east of South

Australia, south west Victoria and the Wimmera Mallee.

The Glenelg Shire is an ideal location for business and

industry offering an extensive interstate and local road

network, including the Princes and Henty Highways,

and access to the national standard rail network.

The Shire’s largest city, Portland, has a deep water

international port that is a major shipping hub for the

south west of Victoria, the Wimmera Mallee and the

south east of South Australia.

Taking our name from the mighty Glenelg River which

flows from the Grampians through to Nelson on

Victoria’s Discovery Coast, the Glenelg Shire embraces

an area of approximately 6,212 square kilometres.

The majestic Glenelg River was named after British

Administrator, Lord Glenelg in the 1830s.

The natural beauty of the Shire features expansive

beaches, scenic and rugged coast, large national

parks, extensive wildlife and provides the western

access to the world renowned Great Ocean Road.

The natural beauty of the Shire

features expansive beaches, scenic

and rugged coast, large national

parks and extensive wildlife.


OUR HISTORY

The Glenelg Shire is in the traditional lands of the

indigenous Gunditjmara and Bunganditj people.

In 1800 Lieutenant James Grant was the first European

to chart of Victoria’s south western coastline. From his

ship ‘Lady Nelson’ he sighted and named Portland

Bay after the English Secretary of State, the Duke of

Portland.

Grant was followed in 1802 by the French explorer

Captain Nicholas Baudin but it was Captain Matthew

Flinders who provided suitable navigation charts.

In 1829 William Dutton established a shore based

whaling industry in Portland Bay.

Edward Henty and his brothers established Victoria’s first

permanent settlement by Europeans and turned the first

piece of soil on 6 December 1834. Primarily farmers,

the Henty family also had a share in the whale industry.

The Hentys commenced Victoria’s agricultural

development and explored far inland to establish various

thriving sheep and cattle stations. In time exploration

and settlement extended into the Heywood, Dartmoor

and Casterton areas.

The Glenelg Shire is proud to be Victoria’s birthplace

for the first permanent European settlement and is

also equally proud to be part of the traditional land of

the Gunditjmara and Bunganditj people and their rich

indigenous history.

TODAY

With a total population of over 19,750, the Glenelg Shire

includes the City of Portland, Townships of Heywood

and Casterton and many small townships and localities.

The Glenelg Shire features a diverse range of strategic

advantages including:

• considerable water reserves in deep aquifers

• ocean currents suitable for generating electricity by

wave energy

• geothermal energy reserves and reticulation system

• one of regional Victoria’s best airports, with daily

flights to and from Melbourne and aircraft

maintenance facilities

• access to the South Eastern Australia Pty. Ltd gas

pipeline carrying gas from the Port Campbell gas

fields to Adelaide

• a deep-water sea port between Adelaide and

Melbourne

• access to the standard gauge national rail network

• wind velocities suitable for generating electricity from

wind power

• access to the interstate electricity network between

South Australia and Victoria

The Glenelg Shire is proud to be Victoria’s birthplace

for the first permanent European settlement and is

also equally proud to be part of the traditional land of

the Gunditjmara and Bunganditj people and their rich

indigenous history.


We have a vibrant and diverse commercial and industrial sector including:

• primary production – predominantly cattle, sheep and dairy

• significant hardwood and softwood timber plantations, predominantly pine and

blue-gums with timber processing facilities at Heywood and Portland

• Portland Aluminium - the largest aluminium smelter in the southern hemisphere

and an acknowledged world leader in environmental sustainability and best

practice operation.

• one of the deepest international ports in southern Australia, with a fast access

time from the southern sea-lanes

• Victoria’s largest commercial fishing fleet which supplies the majority of fish to the

Victorian market

• a large mariculture facility supplying abalone to national and international markets

• boutique industries – wine, gourmet food, orchards, horticulture, retail

OUR FUTURE

The Shire offers a great lifestyle combined with growing

opportunities for employment, recreation, education and

cultural activities.

The Council continues to concentrate and capitalise on

its strategic positioning as the major shipping hub for

south west Victoria. The Port of Portland is undergoing

a staged major expansion to accommodate forecast

increases in export/import activities.

We are focussed on developing opportunities for

business, community and tourism, including:

• considering various locations for a diverse range of

multi million dollar developments

• facilitating the Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson

sections of the Portland Wind Energy Project, one of

the largest in Victoria

ideal location for business and industry

• working with companies who are considering

establishing multi million dollar timber related

industries in the Shire including a wood chip mill at

Myamyn

• promoting development in the Portland-Heywood

industrial corridor

The Green Triangle Regional Committee and timber

plantation companies estimate the timber industry in the

region will create 1,000 direct positions and up to 1,000

downstream employment opportunities during the next

five years.

The State Government and the Council view Heywood

as a strategic location to establish pulp and wood chip

mills. Together with the State Government, we will

continue to advocate establishing timber and associated

industries in the Shire with particular focus on Heywood.


CR. BILL MCINTYREDutton Riding

Elected: 27 November 2004

Retires: 29 November 2008

CR. GEOFF WHITEFlinders Riding

Elected: 27 November 2004Retires: 29 November 2008

CR. GILBERT WILSONHenty Riding



CR. FRANK ZEIGLERFawthrop Riding



CR. TOM MUNROMitchell Riding



CR. NEIL KERRCobboboonee Riding



CR. JOY BENBOWMt. Clay Riding



CR. KAREN STEPHENSGilmore Riding



CR. ROBERT HALLIDAYGrant Riding




LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Constitutional Recognition of Local Government

The Victorian Constitution recognises local government as a distinct and essential tier of government consisting of

democratically elected Councils having the functions and powers the Parliament considers are necessary to ensure

the peace, order and good government of Victoria’s 79 municipalities.

Role of Local Government in Victoria

The Victorian Local Government Act 1989 contains a Preamble that describes the place of local government in the

Australian system of local government. In addition the Act includes a Charter that describes the purpose of local

government, how it is constituted, the objectives of a Council, the role of a Council; the functions of a Council and

the powers of a Council.

Objectives of Local Government

The Act specifies that the primary objective of a Council

is to achieve the best outcomes for the local community

having regard to both the long term and cumulative

effects of decisions. In meeting this objective the

Council must have regard to:

• promote the social, economic and environmental

viability and sustainability of the municipality

• ensure that resources are used efficiently and

effectively and services are provided in accordance

with the Best Value Principles to best meet the needs

of the local community

• improve the overall quality of life of people in the local

community

• promote appropriate business and employment

opportunities

• ensure that services and facilities provided by the

Council are accessible and equitable

• ensure the equitable imposition of rates and charges

• ensure transparency and accountability in Council

decision making

The primary objective of a Council is to

achieve the best outcomes for the local

community having regard to both the long

term and cumulative effects of decisions.

Role of Council

The Act also specifies the role of Councils as:

• acting as a representative government by taking into

account the diverse needs of the local community in

decision making

• providing leadership by establishing strategic

objectives and monitoring their achievement

• maintaining the viability of the Council by ensuring

that resources are managed in a responsible and

accountable manner

• advocating the interests of the local communities to

other communities and governments

• acting as a responsible partner in government by

taking into account the needs of other communities

• fostering community cohesion and encouraging

active participation in civic life

Functions and Powers of Council

The Act also specifies that a Council has the range of

powers contained in the Act.


Electoral Representation Reviews

Every eight years, Council is required to undertake a

public review of its electoral structure to determine:

• whether the number of Councillors and the electoral

structure provides a fair and equitable representation

for the persons who are entitled to vote at a general

election of the Council

• whether the number of voters represented by each

Councillor is within 10 per cent of the average

number of voters per Councillor for the whole

municipality

The Minister for Local Government appointed the

Victorian Electoral Commission to undertake an electoral

representation review of the Glenelg Shire on the

11 July 2007. The Review was completed on the

1 October 2007 and the Minister for Local Government

accepted the VEC recommendations. In summary, the

proportional voting system will replace the preferential

voting system and the nine single member ridings will be

replaced with seven Councillors being elected from an

un-subdivided municipality. The Review outcomes will

apply to the November 2008 Council Election.

Council Function

The Council provides over 100 services to citizens of all

ages and at all stages of life throughout the Shire.

A comprehensive list of Council services is provided

on page 47 of this Annual Report. In some cases, the

services and facilities are delivered by the Council in

partnership with the Federal and Victorian Governments.

Council Electoral Structure

The Glenelg Shire is divided into nine Ridings, with an

elected Councillor representing each Riding.

The last Council election was held on the 27 November

2004 and all Councillors will retire on the 29 November

2008.

Commencing in November 2008, all Council elections

in Victoria will be held simultaneously every four years

on the last Saturday in November with each Councillor

serving a fixed four year term.

On 29 November 2008, seven Councillors will be

elected in an un-subdivided municipality whereby

proportional representation will now apply for the

first time.

The Mayor is elected annually by Councillors at the

Statutory Meeting of Council. Cr Geoff White is the

current Mayor.

A contract has been awarded to the Victorian Electoral

Commission to provide independent election services for

the 2008 Council Election to be held in November 2008.

The VEC is recognised world wide for their professional

approach to elections and their electoral management

and voting software.

professional approach to elections

On 29 November 2008, seven Councillors will be elected

in an un-subdivided municipality whereby proportional

representation will now apply for the first time.


Councillors Remuneration

In 2001, the State Government specified the maximum

annual allowances that Councils can set for Mayors

and Councillors based on categories determined

according to their size and revenue base. The Glenelg

Shire Council is classified as a category one Council.

In 2007/08 Councillors were paid an allowance

of $12,000 and the Mayor received an allowance

of $36,000. Councillors were also provided with

phone/fax/printing equipment, and were able to claim

reimbursement for Council related expenses such as

travel, accommodation, car parking and out of pocket

expenses. The incumbent Mayor has full private use

of a car.

Council Meetings

Council Meetings were held on the fourth Tuesday of the

month at 7.00pm in the Council Chambers, Cliff Street,

Portland unless otherwise advertised. Special Council

Meetings were occasionally held for specific matters.

All Council and Special Council Meetings are advertised

and are generally open to the public. The Local

Government Act enables the Council to close meetings

for specified purposes. To ensure public transparency

and accountability, the Council endeavours to consider

most agenda items in the public section of Council

Meetings.

Council Meetings are conducted in accordance with the

provisions contained in the Governance Local Law and

the Council’s Meeting Procedure.

During 2007/08 12 Ordinary Council Meetings, one

Special Council Meeting and two Special Emergency

Council Meetings were held.

Nine Councillors complied with the statutory requirement

to submit pecuniary interest returns by 30 July 2008.

Councillor

Cr White

Cr Wilson

Cr Stephens

Cr Munro

Cr Kerr

Cr Halliday

Cr Zeigler

Cr McIntyre

Cr Benbow

Council Meetings

Held

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

15

Meetings Attended

15

15

15

11

13

14

13

14

13

Leave of Absence granted

0

0

0

4

2

1

2

1

2

Note: These figures include Special Meetings and Special Emergency Meetings

To ensure public transparency and accountability,

the Council endeavours to consider most agenda

items in the public section of Council Meetings.


Stuart Burdack Chief Executive Officer

Syd Deam Group Manager Planning and Economic Development

Adele Kenneally Group Manager Community Development

Peter Gall Group Manager Assets and Infrastructure

Trevor Hornby Group Manager Corporate Services

ORGANISATIONAL CHART

Chief Executive Officer

• Organisation Development (HR)

• Communications

• Executive Support

CorporateServices

CommunityDevelopment

Assets &Infrastructure

Planning & Economic

Development

• Finance

• Records Management

• Governance Support

• Rates/Valuations

• Customer Service

• Risk Management

• Local Laws

• Children’s Crossings

• Payroll

• Information Technology

• Cleaning

• Quality Systems

• Community Development

• Children’s & Family Services

• Recreation & Youth

• Library Services

• Aged & Disability

• Environmental Health (contract)

• Arts & Culture (including Art Collection)

• Maternal & Child Health (contract)

• Asset Management

• Contracts (including aquatic centres)

• Construction & Maintenance

• Design Services

• Parks & Gardens

• Building Services

• Waste Management & Saleyards

• Airport

• Statutory Planning

• Strategic Planning

• Tourism (VIC’s & Caravan Parks)

• Economic Development

• Business Liaison & Support

Cross Functional Project Teams

progressive, accountableteamwork, quality engagement,


CHALLENGES

Our organisation is challenged by a rapidly changing

work environment and increasing expectations by our

citizens, other levels of government and organisations

- people expect fast responses to their questions and

requests.

We need to plan for and manage significant future

challenges such as:

• climate change

• an ageing community that will require greater support

• the demands of a geographically large Shire

• diverse and widely spread communities

We have important natural and cultural heritage assets to

look after and need to ensure our citizens are provided

with adequate buildings, facilities and services.

It is important that the Council functions as a high

performing organisation in order to meet these

challenges and complexities.

The Council’s employees are at the forefront of dealing

with future challenges. Our human resources are an

asset and we support our staff to develop and grow by

encouraging participation in appropriate training and

professional development opportunities and making

sound decisions.

RECOGNITION OF LONG SERVING STAFF

This year 18 employees were recognised for service

to the Shire including one employee with 25 years of

service and one with 30 years of service. The Council

acknowledges and greatly values the contribution staff

make to the organisation.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

(EEO) & CHARTER OF HUMAN RIGHTS &

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Council is committed to providing a workplace

free of all forms of discrimination and harassment.

It aims for equality of opportunity for all employees and

is consistent with our policy of merit-based selection

and fairness.

This year most employees were required to participate

in workshops to emphasise their responsibilities in

relation to equal opportunity, discrimination, harassment

and bullying. Employees were also informed of their

responsibilities regarding the Charter of Human Rights

and Responsibilities Act 2006.

The Council has three trained contact officers and our

formal induction process for new employees emphasises

the importance of the policy and the commitment of the

Council to equal employment opportunity and human

rights principles.

We have important natural and

cultural heritage assets to look

after and need to ensure our

citizens are provided with adequate

buildings, facilities and services.


NEW POSITIONS WITHIN COUNCIL

Environmental Sustainability Officer

The new Environmental Sustainability Officer will provide

specialist services and advice across a broad range

of areas including climate change, biodiversity, water

management, development management, air quality,

coastal management and waste issues. Initially the role

will involve developing and implementing policies and

strategies and in future will include grant management,

on ground project management and provision of

sustainability related advice across the organisation and

to the wider community.

Cadet Building Surveyor

The Council secured partial funding for a Cadet Building

Surveyor. This new position will assist in the delivery of

statutory building regulation services across the Shire.

There is a shortage of building surveyors and building

inspectors in rural and regional areas and this role is part

of succession planning.

Senior Statutory Planner

Progress has been made towards the appointment of

an overseas candidate for the role of Senior Statutory

Planner to complement the Planning Unit. In conjunction

with the Warrnambool City Council, we are seeking

an overseas planner under the Regional Sponsored

Migration Scheme.

Cadet Planner

To help address the shortage of local government

Planners a Cadet Planner has been recruited. The

Cadet Planner will continue study for a tertiary

qualification in planning while providing planning services

under the direction of our qualified planners.

Construction and Graduate Engineers

A graduate Assistant Engineer and a replacement senior

Construction Engineer have been appointed to assist in

the delivery of a large infrastructure works program.

Economic Development and Tourism Manager

The organisational restructuring created the Planning

and Economic Development Department resulting in the

appointment of an Economic Development and Tourism

Manager. This role focuses on facilitating and promoting

economic development by attracting new business

investment and assisting existing businesses throughout

the Shire to maintain viability and sustainable growth and

to create and promote tourism opportunities.

Recreation Officer

To assist in implementing the Recreation and Open

Space Plan a second Recreation Planner has been

appointed. Council recognises the importance of

assisting the community in taking part in physical activity

to increase the health and well-being of its residents.

The main focus of the role is to work with the wider

community, encouraging participation and assisting in

gaining funding for activities.

The new Environmental Sustainability Officer will

provide specialist services and advice across a broad

range of areas including climate change, biodiversity,

water management, development management, air

quality, coastal management and waste issues.


EMPLOYEES BY OCCUPATION

DESIGNATED GROUPS

Managers & Administrators

Professionals

Associated Professionals

Tradespersons & Related

Advanced Clerical & Service

Intermediate Clerical

Labourers & Related

Other

Total

2003/04 (EFT)

5

6.1

2

6

37.1

25

146.3

8.7

236.2

2004/05 (EFT)

5

10

10.7

6.2

29

25.9

120.4

11.4

218.6

2005/06 (EFT)

5

13

14

5

25.5

29.8

79.8

18.1

190.2

2006/07 (EFT)

6

11.5

15.7

4

26.9

30.1

79.4

23.8

197.4

2007/08 (EFT)

5

15

17

4

32

29.5

73.5

23

199

EMPLOYEES BY GENDER

The majority of part-time employees are in the Home Care, Home Respite, Home Maintenance, Childcare and Senior

Citizens Adult Day Activity areas. As totals fluctuate due to a range of reasons, the best measure for staff composition

is the number of Equivalent Full Time (EFT) staff.

Gender

Male

Female

Total

Full Time (EFT)

98.8

44.0

142.8

Part-time (EFT)

4.3

33.8

38.1

Casuals & Temporary

(EFT)

5.8

12.3

18.1

Total (EFT)

108.9

90.1

199.0


AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONS

Australia Day was celebrated on the 26 January 2008

with well attended celebrations in Portland, Heywood

and Casterton. Casterton hosted Australia Day

Ambassador Brian Wenzel, and Portland and Heywood

hosted acclaimed journalist and author Tony Wright.

Mr Keith Wilson OAM of Portland was awarded the

Glenelg Shire Citizen of the Year 2008 Award and

Mr Jackson Tozer of Portland was awarded the Glenelg

Shire Young Citizen of the Year 2008 Award, for their

exceptional contribution to our local community.

Six new Australian Citizens were conferred by the

Mayor at the Portland Ceremony.

AUSTRALIAN CITIZENSHIP

The Glenelg Shire Council takes pride in its new citizens.

We recognise that the decision to become an Australian

Citizen is very important to each individual. Each year

we welcome many new Citizens by hosting individual

and group ceremonies. Becoming an Australian Citizen

is an important way of showing pride in being part of

Australia’s dynamic and diverse society.

In 2007/08 the Council welcomed 35 new Citizens into

the Shire from countries including:

• Fiji

• New Zealand

• Scotland

• South Africa

• United Kingdom

• United States of America

• Zimbabwe

VOLUNTEERS WEEK

The Council values the important role volunteers play in

the Shire. We acknowledge our communities are vibrant,

active places due to the efforts of these dedicated people.

This year the Shire hosted a Volunteers Recognition

Reception in Casterton, Heywood and Portland, to

coincide with Volunteers Week from May 12 – 18.

294 volunteers from 82 different organisations attended

the functions. The events acknowledged the valuable

efforts our volunteers provide, in bringing continuous

benefits for individuals and our community.

The Sustaining Volunteerism Initiative introduced a

Volunteer’s Tree. Volunteers wrote their messages about

volunteering onto a leaf-shaped piece of paper were then

attached to the tree. The vibrant and colourful trees were

displayed in each Customer Service Centre as a tangible

demonstration of the number of volunteers in our region.

Messages from the tree were then removed and recorded

by the Sustaining Volunteerism Initiative.

ANZAC DAY COMMEMORATIONS

This year, Portland’s ANZAC Day floral display

commemorated the 90th Anniversary of the recapture of

Villers-Bretonneux by Australian troops on 25 April 1918

in WWI. The floral display has been a highlight of ANZAC

Day commemorations in Portland for 70 years.

Around 10,000 individual flowers were used to replicate the

Villers-Brettoneux logo which is proudly displayed by the

people of Villers-Bretonneux in recognition of the ANZAC

troops whose heroic actions heralded the end of the

German advance of March-April 1918 in the Somme area.

The events acknowledged the valuable

efforts our volunteers provide, in bringing

continuous benefits for individuals and

our community.


RESCUE HELICOPTER

As a strong supporter of the campaign for many years,

the Council is very pleased with the State Government

announcement to fund a community based, all weather,

multi function emergency helicopter service for south

west Victoria.

This essential life saving ambulance and important

search and rescue service will greatly benefit the south

west community. A total of over 20,000 signatures were

collected during the lengthy campaign.

CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

The Council successfully achieved the following for local

children’s and family services:

• enrolments are at full capacity

• accreditation Status under the Quality Improvement

and Accreditation System for Family Day Care,

Mitchell Park Children’s Centre and Henry House Day

Care Centre

• Mitchell Park Children’s Centre celebrated 20 years of

operation

• Glenelg based Early Years Network Group formed

with the aim of strengthening local agency networks

to ensure services delivery and positive outcomes for

all children and families throughout the shire

• major building renovations and upgrades completed

to some buildings

• Portland Child & Family Complex received $140,000

funding announcement from the Department of

Planning and Community Development

• Casterton Child Care Action Group met regularly to

develop strategies to raise community awareness

and funds for the proposed Casterton Child & Family

Complex

• Dartmoor Children’s Centre is actively involved in

the Smiles 4 Miles program, promoting healthy and

hygiene through eating nutritious foods and drinking

plenty of water

• Inclusion Support program continues to build the

confidence and capacity of staff/care - providers

to include children with all abilities and cultural

backgrounds in the services program

AGED AND DISABILITY

In partnership with the Federal and State Government,

the Council provides a diverse range of aged and

disability services across the Shire. The Council delivers

the Home and Community Care (HACC) program and

identifies and works towards reducing and eliminating

gaps in service delivery within the Shire. Client

contributions are based on their ability to pay.


L.I.F.E (Life is a Fulfilling Experience)

The Council initiated a pilot program entitled L.I.F.E (Life

Is a Fulfilling Experience) for people in the community

suffering from a mental illness to increase their

participation in meaningful activities in a non-threatening

environment.

The program offers participants activities tailored to

their age and preferences. The pilot group has already

participated in music groups, woodwork and social

outings. Each activity is designed to increase access to

the community and encourage full participation.

Home & Community Care (HACC)

The program aims to increase client independence

and enables them to remain in their homes as long as

possible, reducing the pressure on hospitals and nursing

homes. The Council provides the following HACC

services:

• planned activity group

• Meals on Wheels

• home modification

• property maintenance

• respite care

• home care

In 2007/08 the HACC program achieved:

• 61,911 hours of service - over 9% increase on last

year

• assessment or reassessment of 735 clients – over

10% increase on last year

• improvements in the quality of lawn mowing and

edge trimming with purchase of new improved

equipment

• introduction of spring mowing trial resulting in

increased client satisfaction

• HACC services brochure production and distribution

to improve awareness of the HACC program

• successful bid to provide assessment services

for the entire Glenelg Shire leading to greater

collaboration with other HACC service providers, a

smooth pathway to services and a ‘one-stop shop’

for enquiries and assessment

ARTS AND CULTURE

Capital Works

We received a Regional Infrastructure Development Fund

(RIDF) Grant of $570,000 to support the implementation

of capital works in the four main performance venues

in the Shire. This grant supplements the $365,000

committed by the Council. This funding allows for

significant technical upgrades in these venues and the

improvements will be beneficial for touring productions

and numerous community events.

designed to increase access to the community


Arts Program

The Arts Program continues to provide a wide variety of

high quality touring performances (41) at very reasonable

cost to audiences and a diverse array of exhibitions (13).

Standout events were ‘Possum Magic’, seen by 1200

school children, and the ‘Walk’ exhibition, which began

a national tour in Portland. We conducted a survey

of patrons in December 2007 which indicated a high

level of satisfaction with the arts program content and

delivery.

Cultural Collection

There have been a number of major developments this

year with respect to the cultural collection:

• the restored Admella plaque is now permanently on

display in the Maritime Discovery Centre alongside

the Portland lifeboat

• we received a grant from Public Records Office to

display ‘Our Shire, Our Past’ in the Casterton Town

Hall

• significant objects were donated to the cultural

collection

• we have adopted a Conservation Management Plan

for Guns and Cannon

• a volunteer group formed to assist with identifying

details in photographs from the Port of Portland

Collection

The Arts Company

We have appointed an Arts Program Coordinator at The

Arts Company. We now offer a diverse program of arts

workshops to the community on a regular basis. These

have been well received with many workshops proving to

be very popular.

LIBRARIES

Glenelg Libraries provides services across the Shire with

achievements including:

• a continuing program for local arts exhibitions

recognised for innovation and excellence in

community building and involves community artists

and works

• two travelling visits of artefacts and memorabilia

presented by State Library of Victoria –

Memories Victoria and the Travelling Treasures

Roadshow

• a new “Environment” collection incorporating

sustainability, water wise, conservation,

recycling and other titles of current environmental

concern. This collection was a cooperative purchase

with the Portland Sustainability Group and a grant

from Portland Aluminium.

• development of Internet Literacy and Reading Literacy

programs incorporating a range of activities and

events designed to increase awareness and raise

community skills level in these areas

• a continuing program of children’s events and

activities during school holidays and as part of

regular story times at all library locations

• an increase of over 1,000 members across the Shire,

with a 16.8% increase at the Heywood library.

• total loans of over 128,000 items for the year with

over 19% increase in Casterton loans

• review of Outreach Services and design of an

alternative cooperative solution which better

caters for needs of isolated communities with

decreasing populations

• increased online help available through “Your Tutor”

and “Computer Teacher” programs available from the

Libraries or from home

We conducted a survey of patrons in December

2007 which indicated a high level of satisfaction with

the arts program content and delivery.


RECREATION

The Council began action on the Recreation and Open

Space Plan by implementing 27 recommendations of the

198 scheduled over 10 years.

Major achievements included the appointment

of a second Recreation Services Officer and the

development of the Recreation e-News which enables

the Council to communicate more effectively with

community groups and organisations.

To encourage health and improved management of

clubs and organisations we presented the following new

programs:

• Have A Go Week

• Responsible Serving Of Alcohol Forums

• Strategic (Business) Planning Workshops in Portland

and Casterton

• Walk to School Day

• Funding Seminars

All planning applications for new land sub-divisions are

now assessed for open space connectivity within the

proposed subdivision and with adjoining subdivisions

and neighbourhoods.

Cycle Safe City Project

Portland Aluminium generously provided $50,000 to

assist in the completion the bicycle path link to St. Johns

Primary School in Trangmar Street, to develop a Cycle

Safe City strategy plan and to purchase bike racks for

the central business district, Portland.

The strategy will assist the Council, Schools, industry

and our community to promote the benefits of cycling,

increase cycling participation rates, improve existing

cycle tracks and routes and establish guidelines for

planning future tracks, trails and routes.

Capital Projects

Our application to the Victorian State Government for

$41,564 to fund the resurfacing of the Casterton Netball/

Tennis Courts was successful.

We completed the following projects from successful

funding applications with a total of $345,360:

• Portland Bowling Club Water Wise Project - $27,694

• Westerns Football Netball Clubrooms Extensions

- $46,666

• Alexandra Park Portland Irrigation System - $46,000

• Sandford Recreation Reserve Water Harvesting

System - $43,000

• Island Park Casterton Irrigation System - $46,000

• Heywood Recreation Reserve Irrigation System

- $46,000

• Henty Park Portland Irrigation System - $46,000

• Tyrendarra Recreation Reserve Water Harvesting

System - $44,000


The Council supported the following projects from the

Minor Recreation Projects Fund with a total of $38,275

allocated:

• Portland Netball Association - erect safety fences at

ends of netball courts - $2,000

• Casterton Polocrosse Club Inc. - complete

Polocrosse pavilion - $1,950

• Portland Hockey Club - install lights at the east end

of Flinders Park - $3,325

• Portland Little Athletics Centre - rebuild and upgrade

the triple jump pit and runways - $5,000

• Glenelg Pony Club Inc. - line floor, walls and ceilings,

install windows and doors in clubrooms

- $5,000

• Sandford Football Netball Club - reseed, super and

soil oval - $1,000

• Westerns Football Netball Club - pavilion extensions

(Council commitment to Sport & Recreation Victoria)

- $5,000

• Far Western District Swimming Assoc - promote of

the Victorian Country Swimming

Championships - $5,000

• Portland Heywood Field & Game - purchase new

automatic clay target trap - $2,295

• Merino Progress Association - purchase a ride on

lawn mower - $949

• Casterton & District Netball Assoc - concreting

around Pavilion at Island Park - $1,756

• Bolwarra Hall & Recreation Reserve COM - resurface

two existing tennis courts - $5,000

Glenelg Junior Sports Trust

The Glenelg Junior Sports Trust is funded by the Council

to provide financial support for young individuals and

groups who are striving to achieve at regional, state,

national and occasionally at international level.

Financial support was provided to the following groups:

• Portland Hockey Club

• Portland Swimming Club

• Portland Secondary Collage

• Heywood Consolidated School

• Portland Calisthenics Club

• North Portland Primary School

School Holiday Program

The Council continued its working relationship with

Portland YMCA and the Casterton Old Courthouse

Community Centre in the delivery of holiday programs.

Our community was also fortunate in having Scripture

Union Family Mission (SUFM) return again for their New

Year holiday program.

provide financial support for young individuals

The strategy will assist the Council, Schools, industry and our community

to promote the benefits of cycling, increase cycling participation rates,

improve existing cycle tracks and routes and establish guidelines for

planning future tracks, trails and routes.


Pacific Hydro 2007 South West Games

The Council hosted the 25th Anniversary South West

Games and welcomed Pacific Hydro as the new games

naming sponsor.

A record 71 sporting events were registered. Of these

two were cancelled due to the equine flu, two due to

inclement weather and two due to lack of entries. The

65 events attracted 6,174 participants and approximately

6,300 spectators over the four weeks.

The economic benefit to the Shire is estimated to be

in excess of $237,000 based on Tourism Victoria’s

‘Domestic Overnight Visitor Expenditure in Victoria’ and

the Australian Bureau of Statistics ‘the Australian Bureau

of Tourism Research.’

2008 Victorian Country Swimming

Championships

The Far Western District Swimming Association

Committee hosted the State Level Championship at the

Portland Leisure and Aquatic Centre on the Australia Day

weekend.

The economic benefit to the Shire is estimated to be

in excess of $300,000 based on Tourism Victoria’s

‘Domestic Overnight Visitor Expenditure in Victoria’ and

the Australian Bureau of Statistics ‘Australian Bureau of

Tourism Research.’

South West Academy Of Sport

The Council continues its successful partnership with

the South West Academy of Sport for the third year.

The Academy creates pathways between regional and

state/national level participation for emerging regional

athletes through training and education. These services

are also provided at no charge to regional coaches with

the intent of providing a positive flow on effect to grass

roots sports.

The Council promotes an environment

where positive relationships with young

people are encouraged and supported.


YOUTH

The Council promotes an environment where positive

relationships with young people are encouraged and

supported. The Council is developing a Youth Strategy

2008-2012 to encourage young people to meaningfully

engage in their community, their Council and their future.

A Project Steering Committee was formed to draft the

Youth Strategy and Action Plan and consultants engaged

to conduct research and assist in strategy development.

The strategy and plan aims to communicate Council’s

commitment to the delivery of Youth Services within the

municipality.

The Council continued to provide a range of activities

and services to support young people aged 12 to 25

inclusive, including:

FReeZA

Glenelg Shire Youth Services worked collaboratively with

Secondary Colleges within the Shire to form FReeZA

Youth Committees in Heywood, Portland and Casterton

and develop the FReeZA in Schools program. Portland

Secondary College Year 10 Personal Development class

developed a Youth Music event as one of five FReeZA

events held in 2007. The event was a resounding

success and attracted 200 young people. The FReeZA

in Schools program was also trialled at Heywood and

District Secondary College and Casterton Secondary

College.

Youth Participation And Access Program

The Our PlaYce Youth Leadership Program for 2007/08

was launched in November 2007. The Our PlaYce

Program is a joint initiative of Moyne Shire Council,

Corangamite Shire Council, Warrnambool City Council,

Glenelg Shire Council, Youth Biz Hamilton and Terang

Resources. The program has expanded to encourage

participation of young people throughout the Shire.

Stencil Art Project

Two professional Stencil Artists from Melbourne

facilitated a two-day Stencil Art Workshop in June 2008.

Twenty young emerging artists worked with the artists to

develop their skills and produce vibrant artwork which

will be displayed in an exhibition in late 2008.

Musical Equipment Grant

With a grant of $10,000 from the Department of Planning

and Community Development the Council purchased

music equipment for people less than 26 years of age to

support their skills development and participation in the

music industry.

YMCA Drill Hall Agreement

The Council entered into a cooperative licence

agreement with Portland YMCA to use the Portland Drill

Hall to deliver their youth programs while still providing

access for existing user groups.

encourage participation of young people


HEALTH

Childhood Immunisation Rates Improving

Infants up to the age of four years of age receive a range of vaccinations to protect them from childhood infectious

diseases.

These vaccinations start at birth and are administered at two, four, six, 12 and at 18 months, with the pre school

vaccinations being administered at four years of age.

In the Shire there are different vaccination providers accessible to parents and guardians including local medical

practitioners (GPs) and the Council’s Maternal and Child Health nurses.

As at 31 March 2008, the Australian Infant Immunisation Register reported the average immunisation rates within this

Shire was 92.70%. This is an excellent rate and demonstrates the commitment by parents and guardians to ensure their

children are effectively immunised.

12 – 15 months 24 -27 months 60 -63 months 72 -75 months Average for all

months months months months age groups

89.09% 94.64% 93.10% 94.00% 92.70%

As well as providing 60% of all infant immunisations the

Council coordinates the secondary school immunisation

sessions. These vaccinations are administered in years

seven, nine and 10.

This is an excellent rate and

demonstrates the commitment by

parents and guardians to ensure their

children are effectively immunised.


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The Council continued to actively pursue and attract

State and Federal funding opportunities for the

Council, businesses, industries and community based

organisations.

Grant funded projects that were successfully completed

this financial year include:

Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure Plan

The Council has adopted the Portland Bay Coastal

Infrastructure Plan. Funded through a partnership

between Regional Development Victoria, the Department

of Sustainability and Environment and the Council,

the plan provides the strategic direction to implement

positive changes to the foreshore environment.

The Council prepared the plan with extensive community

and stakeholder engagement and consultation.

Dartmoor Village Green Revitalisation Project

Funded through a partnership between Regional

Development Victoria, the Dartmoor and District

Progress Association, the Council and Portland Eco

Trust, several large cypress trees in Dartmoor’s Village

Green were transformed into magnificent carvings

- the largest being the now widely acclaimed Nursery

Rhyme Tree.

The historic watering trough and flume used to draw

water from natural springs in the early 19th Century has

been restored. The area was landscaped, revegetated

and a new BBQ installed with seating, tables and a

shade shelter.

Installation of interpretative signage completed the

revitalisation project which has improved the visual

appeal and amenities of the Village Green for locals

and visitors.

The project enhances the existing Avenue of Honour

tree carvings and helps promote Dartmoor as a unique

tourist attraction.

Merino Renewal & Walking Track Project

Funded through a partnership between Regional

Development Victoria, the Merino Progress Association,

Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority, the

Council and Portland Eco Trust, this project was officially

opened in February 2008.

It included extensive resurfacing of an 800 metre track

along the Merino Creek which follows the designated old

stock route – one of the oldest in Victoria and still in use.

Along the track there is seating and photos from the past

which highlight significant sites and emphasise areas of

interest to locals and visitors.

The Council completed Landcare activities which

included significant tree planting. The creation of the

public artwork ‘The Drovers Nightmare’ aroused the

most interest.

actively pursue and attract funding opportunities


Dartmoor Quality Water Supply

Upgrade Project

An elevated water storage standpipe to provide

appropriate pressure and security of supply to Dartmoor

in the event of power outages and fire related events is

now available. The project will reduce pumping costs

and greenhouses gases.

We facilitated the funding arrangements for Wannon

Water on behalf of Regional Development Victoria.

Grant funded projects that were in progress or being

investigated this financial year included:

Heywood Fitzroy River Precinct

Community Grant

Work continued on seeking funding for the Heywood

Fitzroy River Precinct Community project involving the

construction of a footbridge, ramps and surrounds over

the Fitzroy River to provide a pedestrian link between the

reserves on each side.

Board walks and multiuse tracks will also be built. Other

components of the project include the construction of

a ‘pioneer’ display shelter for historic log wagons, tools

and associated timber milling memorabilia dating back

to the 1860s. Landscaping, outdoor furniture and

interpretive signage will also compliment the area.

The Council looks forward to the completion of this

project in late 2008. Funding partners include Regional

Development Victoria, Promoting Heywood Committee

(which includes Wood, Wine & Roses) and the Portland

Eco Trust.

Nelson River Foreshore Master Plan

The Council is working closely with the Nelson Reserves

Committee of Management and representatives from

Regional Development Victoria on the implementation of

first stage priorities of this Plan. Portland Eco Trust has

also agreed to a partnership arrangement.

Grant Seeking

To assist in community groups seeking funding, the

Council also provided grant seeking booklets, advice,

guidance, letters of support and assistance with grant

seeking applications.

TOURISM

Record Visitations To Shire’s Accredited Visitor

Information Centres (VICs)

Enquiries and walk-in visitors to the three accredited

Visitor Information Centres totalled 115,914. This is the

highest number of visitors ever recorded through our

VICs and represents an overall increase of 8.2% for the

Discovery Coast region. This strong growth in visitation

figures was achieved in an extremely competitive

domestic tourism environment.

To assist in community groups seeking funding, the

Council also provided grant seeking booklets, advice,

guidance, letters of support and assistance with grant

seeking applications.

strong growth in visitation figures


Although Nelson recorded a decline in visitation of

10%, Casterton’s figures were steady with a growth

of 1.5%, and Portland experienced unprecedented

growth of 16.2%.

Portland’s visitation resulted from a strong summer

period and importantly, a lengthening of visitation

patterns through to the traditional ‘off-peak’ season.

The winter marketing campaign registered growth of

8% during the winter months and the visit of the Ocean

Patriot Oil Rig during January / February was a catalyst

to increased daytrip visitation from neighbouring regions.

Increased awareness of both blue whale and southern

right whale watching opportunities also attracted visitors

to Portland.

Portland’s results stand out in comparison to other Great

Ocean Road VICs, where visitation trends have been

static. Nelson’s result may be affected by the increasing

repeat usage of the national park, with visitors not

necessarily using the VIC on their return visits.

New Regional Marketing Initiatives

& Achievements

Niche marketing activities included:

• implemented Winter Marketing Campaign 2007

• exhibited at Adelaide Caravan & Camping Show

• continued promotion to Trade Travel Wholesalers

program – directly marketing the Discovery Coast to

touring Probus Clubs nationally

• hosted Channel 9 Getaway program during January,

which focused national attention on Blue Whale

watching opportunities in Portland and on Discovery

Bay, Nelson and the Lower Glenelg National Park for

adventure tourism activities

• substantial Southern Right and Blue Whale watching

generated national attention

• Herald Sun winter advertising

• Destinations Magazine

• Great Southern Tourist News

• Western District Holiday News

• Portland Visitor Guide

• Discovery Coast Touring Map

• Volcanoes Discovery Trail

• increased involvement with Great Ocean Road

Marketing (GORM)- which promotes the region

into key interstate markets in partnership with

Tourism Victoria

• involvement in Tourism Australia’s new international

marketing initiative: National Landscapes – Great

Ocean Road.

• Kanawinka Geopark - the Council is a founding

municipal member of the Volcanoes Discovery Trail

committee, which as the Kanawinka Geopark Board

has just gained status for the region as Australia’s

first Global Geopark.

• continued to support the implementation of the

Lake Condah Sustainable Tourism Development Plan,

an exciting new and highly significant indigenous

tourism product.


Discovery Coast Events

Through the Discovery Coast tourism grant program,

the Council provided $40,000 of on-going support to

19 local community and tourism events and projects.

The Shire’s ‘iconic’ tourism events continue to grow with

the Casterton Kelpie Festival, Heywood’s Wood, Wine

& Roses Festival and the VIC Bream Classic Titles in

Nelson recording strong attendances. Despite inclement

weather, the Portland Bay Festival continues to cement

its place as a major tourism event for the region.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

This service managed numerous enquiries and

visits from investors, delivered business events and

information and enhanced the Council’s business

communication methods. A significant majority of

enquiries were from the timber industry as a result of the

forthcoming increase in timber harvesting.

To assist potential investors the Council has

provided hospitality, detailed information packages,

presentations and key networking opportunities. We

have also provided letters of support for a number of

local businesses who sought grants and assistance

from State and Federal governments for business

development programs.

The Council continued to offer its Business Assistance

Scheme and access to the suite of services including

regular emails, invitations to business events,

notifications of legislative changes and pertinent local

statistics and information.

We look forward to continued business growth across

the Shire and will provide assistance and support to

both established and new investors.

Ocean Patriot Oil Rig

The Ocean Patriot Oil Rig berthed in the Port of

Portland in January to undertake a $13 million routine

survey, maintenance and refit. The visit had an

enormous impact on the local economy with hundreds

of contractors staying in local accommodation and

thousands of visitors flocking to Portland to see the

massive rig. The rig returned to exploration projects in

Bass Strait in February.

Committee for Portland

The Council gained State Government funding of

$25,000 to establish a Committee for Portland.

The Committee for Portland is an initiative of leading

businesses, industries, community leaders and the

Council. Its mission is to make Portland a leading

destination in Victoria to live, work and do business.

An interim Board has been established and an Executive

Officer appointed in March 2008. The Board has

developed its Charter and a governance structure. The

Committee is also incorporated under the Associations

Incorporations Act, making it an independent legal entity.


Foundation membership of the Committee for Portland

was determined and there is strong community,

business and industry interest in membership.

The Committee for Portland is preparing a business

plan which will outline the key issues and projects for

the Committee during the next three years.

Blue Gum Timber

The Shire is on the cusp of unprecedented timber

industry activity. In April 2008 the Council undertook

a study tour to Albany in Western Australia to see the

progress of and impacts on the Albany region as a

result of the blue gum timber industry. The Albany

region is significantly similar to the Shire and the Study

tour identified a number of important opportunities for

the Glenelg Shire.

Significant economic growth will be generated as a

result of the blue gum harvest. Conservative estimates

by the Green Triangle Regional Plantation Committee

indicate that by 2011 an additional 941 direct jobs will

be required within the timber industry to accommodate

the harvest. It is also estimated for every one direct

job created, 0.65 indirect jobs will be created, which

equates to 600 indirect jobs within the Green Triangle

Region.

A range of businesses have expressed an interest in

relocating to the Shire to support the blue gum industry

- these include biomass fuel, transport body building

and transport haulage companies.

Economic Development & Tourism Structure

A refocusing of the Economic Development and Tourism

Department was implemented at the end of 2007.

New roles of Economic Development and Tourism

Manager, Project Development Officer, Visitor Services

Co-ordinator, Events Officer and another permanent

part-time Visitor Services Officer, have strengthened

the unit’s ability to respond effectively to the specific

business and community challenges across the shire.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

The Council is increasing its commitment to

environmental sustainability with the appointment

of an Environmental Advisory Committee and an

Environmental Sustainability Officer. The main

focus will be to implement a strategic framework for

sustainable environmental management across the Shire

and for maximising Council, community and private

sector opportunities for partnerships in sustainable

environmental projects.

The Committee for Portland is preparing

a business plan which will outline the key

issues and projects for the Committee

during the next three years.

continued business growth across the Shire


PLANNING

The planning unit conducted the following:

• received 235 planning permit applications

• received 15 planning appeals

• initiated and completed two planning scheme

amendments

• prepared various reports to assist in the development

of the Glenelg Strategic Futures Plan

• assessed 26 timber harvesting plans

• processed 19 Liquor Licence requests from the

Department of Justice

• processed 13 Works on Waterways licences

ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

The Assets and Infrastructure Department provided

a wide range of services that are associated with the

responsible management of major assets that include

– roads, bridges and footpaths, stormwater drains,

community buildings, aquatic and recreation facilities,

parks and reserves, waste management facilities, major

plant, Portland Airport and Casterton Airstrip, as well as

a host of smaller asset groups.

In managing these assets, the Assets and Infrastructure

Unit undertakes inspections, surveys, designs,

construction and project management, as well as

the important function of customer service relating to

infrastructure enquiries.

The major projects delivered during 2007/2008 included:

Road Upgrades under the Auslink Strategic

Regional Program

• construction of Chaffeys Lane 6km west of Casterton

• construction of widening to Cape Nelson Road,

south from Portland

Other Projects

• construction of Casterton Skate Park

• construction of asphalt paths at Ploughed Fields,

Portland

• re-alignment of Condah Hotspur/Radcliffe Road

intersection

• construction of concrete footpaths in Casterton,

Heywood and Portland

• construction of Dutton Way erosion protection rock

wall

• construction of East St, Nolan St and The Esplanade,

Narrawong

• asphalting of Narrawong Footpaths

• construction of underground main drain Beavis St,

Heywood

• construction of Border Road South, Nelson

• construction of shared bicycle footpath in Trangmar

St, Portland

• construction of traffic improvement works in Nelson

CBD

• construction of Mailings Road, Portland

• construction of Public Toilets in Dartmoor

• undergrounding of Powerlines in Percy St, Portland

• construction of the Heywood Transfer Station

• delivery of second year of the Building Asset

Management Program works

responsible management of major assests

We are developing and adopting

individual asset management plans

for all key asset groups.


Road and Street Maintenance

Maintenance of the Shire’s extensive road and street

network included:

• gravel road grading (approximately 2,000km)

• road resheeting (approximately 25.5km)

• sealed road rehabilitation (approximately 11.5km)

• sealed road resealing (approximately 310,000m2)

In addition, asset condition inspections are undertaken

on an annual basis to ensure that we can be pro-

active and forward plan works. Our response team

and inspectors also respond to public enquiries and

customer requests for a variety of issues ranging from

road grading, vegetation issues through to damaged

signs and footpaths.

This year they responded to more than 3,751 formal

customer requests in addition to a large number of

internal requests. Staff also responded to a number of

storm events which caused significant damage.

Asset Management

The Council has adopted an Asset Management Policy

and Strategy to effectively manage all assets under its

control and improve organisational performance. We are

developing and adopting individual asset management

plans for all key asset groups.

Building Asset Management Plan (BAMP)

The BAMP recognises the high value of Councils

building assets which represent a significant past

investment by the community and has a current

replacement value estimated at over $60million.

During 2007/08 $1.5 million was allocated to 165 work

tasks over 108 buildings. Ageing assets now have a

new life and will continue to serve the community.

Major tasks undertaken in this year’s program include:

• redevelopment of the Portland Botanical Gardens

Depot

• refurbishment works at the Portland, Heywood and

Casterton Football clubrooms and facilities

• refurbishment works at the Jaycees Pre-School

Centre

• roof replacements at the Casterton and Heywood

Civic Halls

• renovations to various toilets blocks

• internal and external cyclic painting of many buildings

• development of conservation management plans for

various heritage buildings


Road Asset Management Plan (Ramp)

The Council developed and adopted the RAMP and

established a financial and operational framework around

all Council’s activities relating to road management.

The RAMP provides financial projections to 20 years,

based on the current condition of the road assets and

the anticipated deterioration of these assets over time.

A high correlation between asset deterioration and the

value of depreciation of the asset stock is expected.

Annual programs for road maintenance, road renewal

(rehabilitation) and road upgrades (new) were prepared

to ensure that the service levels provided across

the Glenelg Shire road network are maintained in

accordance with the framework established by the

RAMP.

The RAMP complements the Road Management Plan

and sets the operational service levels of managing the

road network and the associated risks. This Plan is

currently being reviewed.

The Council also initiated a process for the protection

of its road assets from reckless damage occurring

during adjacent building works. Under this process, the

costs of repairing damage to roads, footpaths and other

Council assets within a road reserve will be recovered

from those responsible for the damage.

Waste Management

The Council provides a best practice kerbside waste

and recycling service that services all the townships in

the Shire, as well as rural and rural residential properties

on designated routes. The kerbside recycling program

recovers in excess of 1300 tonnes of recyclable

materials from homes and businesses each year and

allows them to be separated and returned for re-

manufacturing. The collection of household waste every

week ensures that public health standards in populated

areas are protected.

The recent commissioning of the Heywood Transfer

Station complements the range of waste and recycling

drop-off facilities across the Shire and will enable the

closure and eventual rehabilitation of the Heywood

Landfill.

We are continuing to investigate ways of meeting the

Victorian “Towards Zero Waste” policy and to this end,

we have worked co-operatively with the Brotherhood of

Saint Lawrence, various community groups and Future

Employment Opportunities to establish the Portland

Recycling Shop based on a community enterprise

model. This initiative will not only minimise the quantity

of hard waste going to the Portland Landfill, but also

provides valuable employment opportunities for a

number of long term unemployed people.

With the cooperation and support of Portland Aluminium,

Sustainability Victoria and the Portland, Heywood and

Casterton Football Clubs, Public Place Recycling was

established at these sporting ovals to recover a waste

stream that would previously go to landfill.

established a financial and operational framework


We have undertaken investigation and design work for

the rehabilitation of the older Portland Landfill areas.

We are also considering Methane gas extraction. We

have begun design work on the development of a Best

Practice Landfill operation at the Portland site. However,

we are considering other alternative waste disposal

technologies prior to commitment to a landfill solution.

Casterton Saleyards

As a result of a Best Value Review of the Casterton

Saleyards in 2006/07, the Council completed a

Casterton Saleyards Business Plan (Phase One). The

Business Plan considered all the financial, environmental

and social issues that relate to the operation of the

Casterton Saleyards and the inevitable rationalisation

of saleyards in Victoria. The Council has committed to

continue the saleyards for at least the next three years,

subject to ongoing performance measures such as

average stock throughput.

The Casterton Saleyards provide an opportunity for local

producers to market their stock in an historic setting.

The annual weaner cattle sales at Casterton have a

reputation across Australia for the ability for buyers to

purchase large lots of premium young stock that are

well presented in the yards that have natural soft floor

material.

A maintenance plan, combined with some upgrades

to meet safety and environmental requirements are

programmed to allow this unique facility to continue to

operate for the medium term.

During 2007/2008, 11,595 head of cattle and 37,734

head of sheep were sold through these livestock

saleyards.

Quarries

The Council operates four limestone quarries across the

Shire which provides significant savings in material costs

that enables more works to be undertaken than if the

material was purchased from commercial quarries. The

Council also sells quarry material to private industry and

individuals.

Emergency Response

The Council provided equipment and recovery staff to

assist in a number of emergencies including fires and

landslides during the year.

We received funding of $116,600 from Emergency

Management Australia for a substantial upgrade of

Council’s Municipal Emergency Co-ordination Centre

(MECC) equipment and the development of a GIS

platform to provide vital and timely information during

emergencies. The funding also provided the MECC

with portable emergency back up power (generator), so

that the MECC can continue to operate during power

blackouts throughout an emergency.

safety and environmental requirements

A maintenance plan, combined with some upgrades

to meet safety and environmental requirements are

programmed to allow this unique facility to continue to

operate for the medium term.


Statutory Building Regulation

We have focussed on conducting inspections

on fire service and essential safety measures for

accommodation premises to update owners on

current requirements and assist them in meeting

safety requirements.

Building statistics for 2007/08 indicate a decrease

in building activity in the Shire. However, 2006/07 was

a boom year for building activity throughout Victoria.

While the number of permits issued overall has

decreased, we note that the number of building permits

issued for commercial activity has increased.

The level of building activity in the Glenelg Shire resulted

in a total of 376 building permits being issued with an

estimated value of $39,385,109. The approvals include

90 new house/units, 39 extensions, 71 commercial

works and 176 minor works.

RISK MANAGEMENT

The number of reported injuries for the year marginally

exceeded the injuries reported for 2006/07 but

remains consistent with previous years. The number of

WorkCover claims incurred increased with 19 claims

lodged and five of these matters resulted in standard

claims. The WorkCover premium decreased for the

seventh year in a row with the current remuneration rate

being 1.56%. This is lower than the local government

industry average and sets a new record as the lowest

rate since the creation of the Glenelg Shire in 1994.

The total number of liability or professional indemnity

Insurance claims lodged decreased with 12 matters

reported, all of which were minor and under the excess.

This contributed to a 36% reduction in the public liability

premium.

The annual Civic Mutual Plus audit on risk management

practices resulted in a slight reduction in the overall

score to 63%, partially due to a new audit structure.

The risk audit score for Council building risk

management remained consistent with a 75% score.

LOCAL LAWS

The Council reviewed the General Local Law due to

legislative changes, current issues and areas identified

for improvement. The review included an extensive

community consultation.


Animal Management Plan

Following an amendment to the Domestic Animal (Feral

and Nuisance) Animals Act 1994, the Council’s first

animal management plan was endorsed in principle

by Council with further funding to be considered in

future years. As part of continuous improvement, the

Local Laws Unit will consider options for implementing

the initiatives in the Plan that do not involve additional

funding. The Plan will be reviewed annually by local laws

staff with a major review scheduled in three years.

In The Community

The Local Laws Unit was heavily involved in animal

welfare promotion with Senior Rangers coordinating

the discount animal micro chipping days in Portland,

Heywood & Dartmoor. The service was also provided

to assist the RSPCA in the Annual PAWS walk early in

2008. There are in excess of 4000 dogs and 1300 cats

registered throughout the Shire.

During 2007/08 the Council impounded over 800

roaming animals comprising 370 dogs, 100 cats, 200

cattle, 150 sheep and 10 horses which were in breach

of the local law. The Local Laws staff responded to over

380 callouts for emergency assistance after hours, with

over 250 of these relating to roaming stock at large on

Council roads. 140 infringements were issued as a result

of roaming and unregistered animals while 15 offences

were lodged against the local law and in excess of 700

parking fines were issued. Fire prevention inspections

were also conducted over the period leading up to

summer with over 550 fire notices issued to property

holders to maintain their property.

MEDIA LIAISON

Keeping its citizens informed about Council activities,

services, projects and issues is an important function

of the Council. We used a number of communication

methods to convey our messages in an easy to

understand format:

• Media releases – distributed widely throughout south

western Victoria, Ballarat and Mount Gambier and at

times at the national and state level

• Community News – quarterly 16 page publication

delivered to all residents in the Shire

• Radio and television interviews on specific topics and

issues

• Mayor on Air weekly breakfast radio interview on

Mixx FM

• Your Council Working For You – weekly column in the

Portland Observer and Casterton News

• On the Agenda – a summary of the Council’s

Ordinary Meeting agenda which is published in the

Portland Observer prior to the Council meeting

• Advertisements in selected newspapers

• Glenelg Shire website

• Answering media requests and enquiries.

All media releases, Mayor On Air interviews and

Community News issues can be found on the Council’s

website www.glenelg.vic.gov.au.

essential safety measures

Keeping its citizens informed about Council activities, services,

projects and issues is an important function of the Council.

We used a number of communication methods to convey our

messages in an easy to understand format.


ONLINE MAPPING AND AERIAL IMAGERY

A new gateway into Council’s publicly available data

bases became available in November 2007, with the

launch of an innovative new online mapping service.

The new service works on a similar principle to

Google Earth but has additional, more detailed and

comprehensive information specific to the Glenelg Shire.

The Glenelg Shire Council is leading the way in making

property related information available to the public. Only

a small number of municipalities in Australia provide this

type of information direct to the public.

The new service has a wide range of applications for

businesses, farmers, real estate agents, developers and

the public generally. Access to the state digital map

base for the Glenelg Shire is available together with a

diverse range of additional layers, high resolution aerial

imagery and contours.

There are various ways of looking up information

including the ability to zoom in to a specific property or

area via aerial photography or via the state digital map

base with precise detail and high resolution. A tool is

also available to measure distances.

Through user feed back further enhancements and

improvements to the service will be considered and

implemented where possible.

The new service can be accessed by going to Council’s

website www.glenelg.vic.gov.au and clicking on Glenelg

Online Mapping (which can be found in the listing of

Council services on the left hand-side of the page).

The site is also linked to the Department of

Sustainability’s website.

PROPERTY VALUATIONS INCREASE

A revaluation of all rateable properties as required by

the Victorian Government under the Valuation of Land

Act and the Valuation Best Practice Guidelines was

completed. The objective of state wide two yearly

revaluations is to ensure that both the Council and State

Government regularly recognise the changes that occur

in the property market, both positive and negative, and

that these changes are reflected in the level of rates or

land tax a property owner will pay.

The new valuations for the 14,905 rate assessments

in the Shire are calculated on the levels of value that

applied in the real estate market as at 1st January 2008.

The new valuations will be used to calculate rates for the

2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years.

The total value of all rateable properties in the Glenelg

Shire is $4.5 billion according to Council’s contract

valuer, Southern Cross Property Services. This is an

increase of $497 million or an average increase of 10%

on the previous valuation undertaken in 2006. This

reflects the buoyant real estate market throughout parts

of the Shire during the past two years.

detailed and comprehensive information


Due to market demand, primary production and timber

plantation land had reasonable increases with the total

farm land valuation increasing by an average 18% and

the total timber plantation land valuation increasing by

an average 15%. The actual percentage increase for

individual properties varied depending upon the location

of properties.

Average valuation increases for commercial/industrial

properties in Portland (-0.2%) and outside Portland (7%);

rural residential properties (5%) and Portland residential

properties (9%) were less than the Shire average of 10%.

Valuations for major townships in the Shire also

resulted from increases in market prices with Heywood

increasing by an average 20%. Casterton’s average

valuation increased by 6%.

Increased property values do not increase the total

amount of money the Council collects in rates, it merely

redistributes the amount of rates paid between individual

properties. Some ratepayers will pay more and some

will pay less, depending on the new value of their

property relative to other properties in the Glenelg Shire.

The Council Budget determines how much it collects in

rates – not property valuations.

The Council budget adopted on Tuesday 24 June 2008

was based on an average 5% increase in total

rate revenue.

For 2008/09, it is estimated that approximately 9,572

properties will have rate decreases, 2,953 properties

will have rate increases between 1% and 5% and 2,380

properties will have rate increases greater than 5%.

The next two yearly general valuations have

commenced and will be delivered to Council prior to

31 March 2008.

An active ongoing supplementary valuation process

continues to maximise additional rate income that

helps fund additional services and projects. Significant

building, subdivision and development activity took place

in the Shire during the year.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Council continues to place great emphasis on the level

of service that it provides its customers. We continue

to strive to meet the commitment we have made in our

Customer Service Charter.

We are a diverse Shire spread over a large geographical

area which leads to many challenges as. We aim to

meet the needs of the customers. The Council continues

to prioritise and allocate available resources where they

are most needed.

The Council aims to ensure that all customers are

satisfied with our service and that we have heard and

understood their issues. While we complete many of the

requests received, if for any reason the Council cannot

carry out requests, we strive to communicate clearly the

reasons for our decision.

Significant building, subdivision and

development activity took place in the

Shire during the year.


Good governance has a key role in ensuring that we

achieve the highest standards of integrity, transparency,

accountability.

The Council’s approach to good governance includes

policy development, community engagement in the

development of Strategic Plans, adherence to legislation

and open and transparent reporting.

We constantly monitor and progressively implement

changes resulting from federal and state legislation to

ensure statutory compliance.

CODE OF GOOD GOVERNANCE

The Council has adopted the Code of Good

Governance, which was prepared by representatives

of local government throughout Victoria. The purpose

of this Code is to establish standards and principles

for local government to ensure the highest level of

governance and community leadership.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct for Councillors adopted by the

Council on 25 January 2005 was reviewed in February

2006. The Code affirms a common understanding

among Councillors with regard to their responsibilities to

comply with the rules of conduct and the expectations of

conduct when representing the Council in their dealings.

DELEGATIONS

Not all powers and functions of the Council are executed

directly by the Council. The Chief Executive Officer is

appointed by the Council for the purpose of managing

the organisation. Some of these powers are further

delegated to Senior Officers and Staff. The Council

reviewed the powers delegated by the Council and

the Chief Executive Officer during the year to update

legislative, organisational and staff changes.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

The Audit Committee has delegated responsibility for

assisting the Council in ensuring that financial and

operating procedures and systems are adequate,

that risks are identified and managed and that the

organisation complies with all laws affecting it.

The Committee has a strong focus on risk management

and completed a number of reviews during the year.

The Audit Committee consists of three Councillors and

three independent persons as voting members. The

Chief Executive Officer and Group Manager Corporate

Services are non voting members. The Audit Committee

met on four occasions during 2007/08.


INFORMATION PRIVACY

The Council has committed to information privacy

principles and has adopted policies on information

privacy and health records to comply with the

requirements of the Information Privacy Act 2000 and

Health Records Act 2001. Considerable training and

work has been undertaken during the past two years by

staff throughout the organisation to ensure compliance

with the two Acts. The Council has an Information

Privacy Policy and a comprehensive privacy manual is

available to guide staff.

During 2007/08 the Council did not received any

complaints relating to information privacy directly or via

the Victorian Information Privacy Commissioner or Health

Records Commissioner. A copy of the Council policy

can be downloaded from the Glenelg Shire website

www.glenelg.vic.gov.au or obtained from the Council’s

Customer Service Centre.

WHISTLEBLOWERS PROTECTION ACT

The Whistleblowers Protection Act 2001 became law in

Victoria in January 2002.

It is designed to encourage and facilitate the disclosure

of information about improper conduct by Councillors

and Council Staff. The Act protects people who

disclose information and provides a framework for the

investigation and rectifying action.

As required by the Act, the Council has adopted a policy

and a set of procedures relating to Whistleblowers. A

copy can be downloaded from the Glenelg Shire website

www.glenelg.vic.gov.au or obtained from Council’s

Protected Disclosure Coordinator.

During 2007/08 no disclosures were made to the

Council or to the Ombudsman. Accordingly no

matters were substantiated, nor any actions taken or

recommendations made.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

The Freedom of Information Act 1982 provides members

of the community a legally enforceable right of access

to specified Council ‘documents’. Where possible,

and subject to legislative requirements, the Council

may provide information to potential applicants without

requiring a formal Freedom of Information Application as

part of our general commitment to openness in decision

making.

In 2007/08 four requests were made to access the

Council documents and access was granted in all four

cases. No other requests were made.

Good governance has a key role in ensuring

that we achieve the highest standards of

integrity, transparency, accountability.


VICTORIAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT INDICATORS 2007/08

The Victorian Local Government Indicators are a set of measures that the Victorian Government requires all

79 Victorian Councils to report on. The nine indicators are:

Item

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

Description

Community satisfaction rating for overall performance

generally of the Council

Community satisfaction rating for Council’s advocacy

and community representation on key local issues

Community satisfaction rating for Council’s

engagement in decision making on key local issues

Average rates and charges per assessment

Average residential rates and charges per assessment

Average operating expenditure per assessment

Average capital expenditure per assessment

Average liabilities per assessment

Operating result per assessment

Result

2005/06

57

58

54

$1,057.15

$618.03

$2,160.58

$619.29

$926.72

$267.68

Result

2006/07

56

58

53

$1,154.84

$666.81

$2,199.96

$653.50

$946.29

$361.24

Result

2007/08

60

58

57

$1,222.00

$697.00

$2,364.00

$643.00

$924.00

$200.00

The positive outcomes from the ‘Best

Value Reviews’ completed to date include

efficiencies, improved business practices

and enhanced service delivery.


BEST VALUE VICTORIA ANNUAL REPORT

The positive outcomes from the ‘Best Value Reviews’

completed to date include efficiencies, improved

business practices and enhanced service delivery.

The Council recognises the importance of community

consultation and feedback as part of the Best Value

program, and various methods for obtaining feedback

have been used since the inception of Best Value.

Consultation is a valuable link between the Council and

the community and has included community workshops,

customer surveys and advertising in local media.

A copy of the full report for each completed Service

Review is available from Shire Customer Service

Centres.

Service Reviews Completed During 2007/08:

• Environmental Health

• Meals on Wheels

• Maternal and Child Health


The Reviews were completed during the year and

presented to Council.

Service Reviews Previously Completed:

• Aquatic Based Leisure Facilities


• Environmental Health


• Local Laws

• Parks & Gardens

• Tourism

• Cleaning Services

• Maternal & Child Health

• Road Works

• Statutory Planning

• Rates and Valuations

• Airport Management

• Children’s Services

• Engineering Design

• Home & Community Care

• Recreation Services

• Meals on Wheels

• Caravan Parks

• Council Quarries

• Casterton Saleyards


LOCAL GOVERNMENT IMPROVEMENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM STATEMENT 2007/08

Glenelg Shire Council

Certification by Chief Executive Officer

Glenelg Shire Council has complied with the requirements of the Local Government Improvement Incentive Program.

Glenelg Shire Council has complied with the requirements of the National Competition Policy (NCP) for the period

1 July 2007 to 30 June 2008, in accordance with the requirements outlined in National Competition Policy and

Local Government – A Revised Statement of Victorian Government Policy (January 2002) as set out below:

A. Trade Practices Compliance

State whether the Council is compliant or non-compliant. If non-compliant,

justify or cite actions to redress.

B. Local Laws Compliance

State whether the Council is compliant or non-compliant. List any local laws

made or remade during 2007-08 which impose a restriction on competition:

C. Competitive Neutrality Compliance

State whether the Council is compliant or non-compliant for all significant

businesses. List any significant businesses that are non-compliant:

Compliant

Compliant

Compliant

I certify that:

a) this statement has been prepared in accordance with the 2007-08 National Competition Policy guidelines

issued in May 2008 for reporting on National Competition Policy in accordance with National Competition Policy

and Local Government – A Revised Statement of Victorian Government Policy (January 2002); and

b) this statement presents fairly the Council’s implementation of the National Competition Policy.

Signed:

Stuart Burdack

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Date: 30 June 2008


INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR

PUBLIC INSPECTION

(As required by Part 5, Clause 11 of the Local Government

(General) Regulations 2004)

The following information is available for public inspection

at the Glenelg Shire Council, Municipal Offices, Cliff

Street, Portland:

(a) details of current allowances fixed for the Mayor, Lord

Mayor (if any)and Councillors under section 74 or 74A of

the Act;

(b) details of senior officers’ total salary packages for

the current financial year and the previous year including

the gross salary, the amount of the Council or employer

contribution to superannuation, the value of any motor

vehicle provided by the Council and the total value

of any other benefits and allowances provided by the

Council;

(c) details of overseas or interstate travel (with the

exception of interstate travel by land for less than three

days) undertaken in an official capacity by Councillors or

any member of Council staff in the previous 12 months,

including the names of the Councillors or members of

Council staff and the date, destination, purpose and total

cost of the overseas or interstate travel;

(d) names of Council officers who were required to

submit a return of interest during the financial year and

the dates the returns were submitted;

(e) names of Councillors who submitted returns of

interest during the financial year and the dates the

returns were submitted;

(f) agendas for and minutes of ordinary and special

meetings held in the previous 12 months kept under

section 93 of the Act except if the minutes relate to parts

of meetings which have been closed to members of the

public under section 89 of the Act;

(g) a list of all special committees established by

Council and the purpose for which each committee was

established;

(h) a list of all special committees established by the

Council which were abolished or ceased to function

during the financial year;

(i) minutes of meetings of special committees

established under section 86 of the Act and held in the

previous 12 months except if the minutes relate to parts

of meetings which have been closed to members of the

public under section 89 of the Act;

( j) a register of delegations kept under sections 87, 88

and 98 of the Act, including the date on which the last

review under section 98(6) of the Act took place;

(k) submissions received in accordance with section

223 of the Act during the previous 12 months;

(l) agreements to establish regional libraries under

section 196 of the Act;


(m) details of all property, finance and operating

leases involving land, buildings, plant, computer

equipment or vehicles entered into by the as lessor or

lessee, including the name of the other party to the

lease and the terms and the value of the lease;

(n) a register of authorised officers appointed under

section 224 of the Act;

(o) a list of donations and grants made by the Council

during the financial year, including the names of

persons or bodies which have received a donation or

grant and the amount of each donation or grant;

(p) a list of the names of the organisations of which

the Council was a member during the financial year

and details of all membership fees and other amounts

and services provided during that year to each

organisation by the Council;

(q) a list of contracts valued at $100 000 or more

which the Council entered into during the financial

year without first engaging in a competitive process

and which are not contracts referred to in section

186(5) of the Act.

RECREATION GRANTS

Portland Bowling Club $27,694

Casterton Secondary College $6,350

South West Academy of Sport $6,000

Far Western District Swimming Association $5,000

Glenelg Pony Club Incorporation $5,000

Portland Little Athletics Centre $5,000

Portland Surf Life Saving Club Incorporation $3,530

Portland Soccer Sports & Recreation Club $2,650

South Coast Drags Assocociation Incorporation $2,500

Portland Heywood Field & Game $2,295

Heywood Pony Club $2,000

Portland Netball Association $2,000

Casterton Polocrosse Club Incorporation $1,950

Casterton & District Netball Association $1,756

South West Sports Assembly $1,100

Sandford Football & Netball Club $1,000

Portland Secondary College $300


TOURISM GRANTS

Promoting Heywood & District Committee Incorporation $8,370

Portland Tourist Association Incorporation $5,500

Casterton Kelpie Association Incorporation $5,000

Heywood Wood Wine & Roses Festival $5,000

Casterton Business & Tourism Association Incorporation $4,000

Casterton & District Historical Society Incorporation $3,000

South Coast Drag Racing Association Incorporation $3,000

Southern 500 Speedway Club Incorporation $2,700

Nelson Tourist Association Incorporation $2,200

Tyrendarra P & A Society Incorporation $2,000

Karnkendi Campside Incorporation $1,940

Dartmoor & District Progress Association $1,250

Digby Hall Committee $1,090

Casterton Motor Enthusiasts Club Incorporation $1,000

Portland Dahlia Festival $1,000

Dartmoor Football & Netball Club $850

Lions Club of Portland Incorporation $200

PUBLIC HALL GRANTS

Bolwarra Hall & Recreation Reserve $6,000

Dartmoor & District Memorial Hall $4,106

Strathdownie Memorial Hall & Recreation Reserve $4,000

Mechanics Hall Narrawong $1,606

Bahgallah Memorial Hall Incorporation $1,533

Drumborg Hall & Recreation Reserve Incorporation $1,000

Hotspur Hall $825

Homerton Hall & Recreation Reserve Incorporation $814

Condah Mechanics Institute & Recreation Reserve $393

ARTS GRANTS

Music Glenelg $3,000

Aspire: A pathway to mental health $900

Anglican Mission District of Lower Glenelg $550

Bahgallah Memorial Hall Incorporation $500

Brenton Sharp $500

Josh Rawiri $500

The Arts Company Incorporation $500

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SCHEME

Wotta Hide $438

Portland French Hot Bread $417

Drew Gleeson Legal $358

The Oasis Café & Juice Bar $357

SES SUBSIDIES

Dartmoor SES $10,460

Heywood SES $10,460

Portland SES $10,460

SPONSORSHIPS

South West Sports Assembly $16,500

Portland Callisthenics Club $300

Heywood Consolidated School $150


COMMUNITY GRANTS

Portland North Primary School $1,600

Australian Breast Feeding Association Portland Group $1,200

Casterton & District Historical Society Inc. $1,000

Casterton New Public Cemetery $1,000

Casterton RSL Sub Branch $1,000

Casterton Winter Christmas Dinner Committee $1,000

Sandford Recreation Reserve $1,000

Portland Secondary College $800

Heywood Kindergarten Inc. $760

Heywood Secondary College $735

Henty Group of CWA Vic. $600

St John’s Lutheran Primary School $560

Nelson Progress Association Incorporation $500

Portland Citizens Brass Band $500

Koori Kids; NAIDOC Week School Initiative Competitions $495

3RPC Inc. $428

Portland Primary School - Healthy Breakfast $368

Portland RSL Sub Branch $350

Narrawong District Primary School $158

Merino Consolidated School $141

Victorian Safe Communities Network Incorporated $55

CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS

Corangamite Shire $11,000

Moyne Shire $11,000

Warrnambool City Council $4,400

Great South Coast $4,000

Mildura City Council $3,550

Colac Otway Shire; Regional Trails Masterplan Contribution $3,300

Dartmoor & District Progress Association $2,718

Nelson Reserve Committee of Management Incorporation $2,296

Casterton Business & Tourism Association Incorporation $2,200

Promoting Heywood & District Committee $2,200

Shire of Corangamite $2,200

Portland Tourist Association Incorporation $1,100

Condah Mechanics Institute & Recreation Reserve $175

donations and contributions to the Shire


Council provides over 100 services to people of all ages

and stages of life around the Shire.

Home and Community Care & Aged &

Disability Services

• Planned activity groups for seniors

• Delivered meal services

• Home & Personal Care Services

• Senior Citizen Centres

• Respite Care

• Property maintenance

Libraries

• Books, CDs, videos, DVDs, magazines &

newspapers to borrow and browse

• Internet and photocopying

• Online resources

• Preschool story time

• School holiday activities

• Internet and computer classes

• Spaces to read, relax and study

• Community meeting rooms

• IT training

• Travelling Library

Planning & Building

• Planning – Statutory & Strategic

• Heritage Advisor


Economic Development & Business Support

• Business support & advice

• Business Assistance Scheme

• Business visits

• Marketing of municipality

• Business & community liaison

• Assistance to new industries

• Major project facilitation

• Grants admin, assistance, management

• Foreshore development

• Provision of caravan parks

Infrastructure

• Maintenance & upkeep on 211 Shire buildings

• Maintenance on 2,500kms of local roads and bridges

• Grading of 1,523kms unsealed or gravel roads

• Car parks

• Contract management

• Major project construction management

• Emergency management & planning

• Street lighting

• Engineering design

• Cleaning the Shire’s public BBQs & toilets

• Maintenance Portland airport

• Street sweeping in main shopping areas

• Footpath provision and maintenance

• Kerb & channel provision

• Storm water pit maintenance

• Sign replacement & maintenance Shire wide

• Casterton sale yards

• Provision of swimming pools

• Recreational boating & parking facilities – boat ramps

Council provides over 100 services

to people of all ages and stages of

life around the Shire.


Waste & Recycling

• Collection and disposal of general household

garbage

• Recycling service

• Transfer stations and landfill sites for disposal

and recycling services

Public Health

• Immunisation programs

• Assessment of businesses to ensure compliance

with Food Act 1984

• Registration of premises, food safety programs, food

complaints, temporary events, safety standards,

labelling requirements

• Registration and assessment of other premises such

as accommodation & caravan parks, beauty salons,

hairdressers and body piercing parlours to ensure

correct hygiene & safe practices

• Monitoring for noise, smells & smoke, pest control

• Preventing the spread of infectious diseases

• Advice including pests with a potential health impact

• Approving individual domestic septic systems in

unsewered areas

• Monitoring compliance with tobacco laws, including

tobacco sale & smoking in public places

Local Laws

• Parking

• Animal registration and control

• School Crossing Supervisors

• Fire restriction enforcement

• Impounding stock on roads & enforcement of

state legislation

• Monitoring the keeping of domestic animals on

private property

Children’s Services

• Family Day Care

• Long Day Care Services

• Maternal & Child Health

• Inclusion Support Facilitator – supports staff who

care for children with additional needs

• Dartmoor Preschool & Occasional Care

• In-Home Care

Youth Services

• Support of youth music & leadership programs

• Glenelg National Youth Week

• Community orientated youth, children and family

events & activities

• Youth Action Groups

• Youth Mentoring Project/Program

• Youth referral services

• Linkages to local, regional and federal networks

and developments

• Counselling services

• Drug & alcohol services

• Skate parks

• Youth orientated festivals & events

• Youth based advisory councils


Arts & Culture

• Support for projects and events initiated by the local

community

• Management of the Shire’s Cultural Collection

• History House & Maritime Discovery Centre

– Cultural Collection displays

• Coordination of an Arts Program

Parks & Gardens

• Parks and gardens maintained including mowing

of 11 recreation reserves and playing fields

• Portland Botanic Gardens

• Maintain all public municipal areas in the Shire

Community

• Australia Day celebrations in Casterton, Heywood

and Portland

• Volunteer functions

• Senior Citizens Week celebration

• Recognition of special birthdays and anniversaries

• Community meetings

• Community grants

• Citizenship ceremonies

• Community directories

Advocacy

• Seek to secure federal and state grants for the

Shire and community groups

• Advocate on a diverse range of issues on behalf

of the community, Council and the region

Rural Access

• Supports the community to plan and develop

strategies which will increase community participation

for people with a disability. Projects include:

- Physical access

- Health and wellbeing

- Business and tourism

- Recreation and leisure

- Education and training

- Information provision

Recreation

• Provision and development of sporting grounds

around the Shire

• Club development and administrative advice to all

sporting organisations

• Development of playgrounds

• Provide financial assistance to sporting and hall

groups through grants

• Provide advocacy and assistance for club projects

• Fund school holiday programs

• Home of the South West Games

Tourism

• Tourism information and advice through the Visitor

Information Centres in Portland, Casterton & Nelson

• Promotion of the region

supporting the community to plan and develop

Council provides over 100 services to people

of all ages and stages of life around the Shire.


PORTLAND MUNICIPAL OFFICES

Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm

(except public holidays)

Location: Cliff Street, Portland, Victoria

Postal: Glenelg Shire Council

PO Box 152

Portland Victoria 3305

Telephone: (03) 5522 2200

Facsimile: (03) 5522 2290

Email: [email protected]

Internet site: www.glenelg.vic.gov.au

CASTERTON CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE



Location: 67 Henty Street, Casterton, Victoria

Telephone: (03) 5554 2444

Facsimile: (03) 5581 2216

HEYWOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE CENTRE



Location: 77 Edgar Street, Heywood, Victoria

Telephone: (03) 5527 0666

Facsimile: (03) 5527 1099

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Understanding the Audited Financial Statements 52

Financial Indicators & Sustainability 54

Standard Statements 55

Standard Income Statement 56

Standard Balance Sheet 58

Standard Cash Flow Statement 60

Standard Capital Works Statement 62

Notes to Standard Statements 64

Certification of the Standard Statements 65

Financial Statements 66

Performance Statements 105

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The Financial Statements are prepared by Council to

meet the requirements of the Local Government Act

1989, Local Government (Finance and Reporting)

Regulations 2004 and Australian Accounting Standards.

The Financial Statements format is based on the Model

Financial Statements which was developed by the

Department for Victorian Communities.

The statements are audited by the Auditor General’s

agent before being approved in principle by the Council.

The Financial Statements are then forwarded to the

Auditor General for final approval. For 2007/2008 Council

has received a clear audit of its Financial Statements.

The Financial Statements consist of four key financial

reports with explanatory notes supporting the reports.

The four reports include:

1. Income Statement

2. Balance Sheet

3. Statement of Changes in Equity

4. Cash Flow Statement

1. Income Statement

The Income Statement measures Council’s performance

over the financial year and shows if a surplus or deficit

has been made in relation to service provision.

The statement includes all sources of revenue, less

all operating expenses incurred in providing Council

works and services to residents, businesses, industries

and visitors. Expenses include the item depreciation,

which is the estimated value of assets used during the

year in providing Council assets and services. Costs

associated with capital expenditure are excluded from

this statement, but are depreciated as they are used.

When the net result for the reporting period is a

surplus, this would indicate that revenue is greater than

expenses. If the net result is a deficit, revenue would

be less than expenses. For the year end 30th June

2008, Council made a surplus of $2.739 million which

is compared to the budgeted surplus of $3.377 million.

This surplus includes cash and non cash items.

2. Balance Sheet

The Balance Sheet indicates Council’s financial position

at a point in time (being 30 June 2008). It summarises

the assets that Council owns and the liabilities that it

owes against these assets. Assets and Liabilities are

listed into current and non-current categories. Current

includes those assets which could be converted to

cash within the next 12 months or liabilities which are

expected to be paid within the next 12 months.

The Balance Sheet indicates that Council is in a sound

financial position as at 30 June 2008 with a Working

Capital Ratio of 289% (i.e. Council has $2.89 of current

assets for every $1.00 of current liabilities).

The bottom line to this Statement is “Net Assets”,

and represents the net accumulated financial worth

of Council (i.e. the difference between the value of

Total Assets and Total Liabilities). As at 30 June 2008,

Council’s Net Assets was $274,400 million. In relation

to Infrastructure assets, it is important to note that many

of these assets will never be sold or converted into

cash but is included to enable better management of

Council’s assets.

3. Statement of Changes in Equity

The Statement of Changes in Equity summarises the

change in Council’s net worth or equity. Council’s net

worth can only change from a “Surplus” or “Deficit” from

the Income Statement, adjustments made directly to

retained earnings or from a revaluation of Council’s

non-current assets.

understanding the audited financial statements


4. Cash Flow Statement

The Cash Flow Statement summarises Council’s cash

receipts and cash payments for the financial year,

and shows the net cash movement in cash reserves.

The net cash movement, together with the cash and

cash equivalents held at the beginning of the financial

year must balance to the cash and cash equivalents

reserves shown in the Balance Sheet as at the 30 June

each year.

The Cash Flow Statement differs from the Income

Statement by:

• Excluding non cash expenses such as depreciation

and written down value of assets sold;

• Excluding accruals taken up in the Income Statement

(eg. goods or services received but not paid for by

30th June);

• Including payments or receipts in relation to capital

items; and

• Including payments or receipts in relation to Financing

Activities such as loan principal repayments or new

loan borrowings.

The Cash Flow Statement has three sections, including:

• Cash Flows from Operating Activities – Includes

all income and expenses in relation to Council’s daily

operations. It is essential that Council has a cash

surplus in this area to ensure continued service

provision and funds available for capital works.

• Cash Flows from Investing Activities – Includes

expenditure on capital works and receipts from the

sale of Council’s assets.

• Cash Flows from Financing Activities – Includes loan

principal repayments, interest and other finance

charges and any receipts from new loan borrowings.

In the Cash Flow Statement for the year ended

30th June 2008, Council had a net increase in cash

reserves of $0.772 resulting in total cash reserves of

$12.309 million.

Although total cash reserves are $12.309 million,

Council has imposed restrictions on cash and

investments of $4.071 million to cover statutory and

discretionary reserves; and employee entitlements and

$1.216 million in Government Grants received for future

works. The balance of $7.022 million cash is required to

fund un-completed Capital works and finance working

capital requirements.

Notes to the Financial Statements

The Notes to the Financial Statements provide further

information in relation to the rules and assumptions

used to prepare the Financial Statements. It also gives

additional information regarding specific items within the

Statements, or advises the reader if there have been any

changes to Accounting Standards, Policy or Legislation

which may impact how the Statements are prepared.

In each of the Financial Statements, there is a “Note”

column which indicates what note to refer to for

additional information.


During the 2007/2008 budget process, Glenelg Shire

Council used financial indicators to determine the

financial sustainability of the Council. The indicators

included:

• Council’s ability to meet its current commitments,

• Maintenance of adequate cash reserves,

• Minimising outstanding debtors and greater debt

recovery, and

• Debt management and reduction.

The following charts illustrate Council’s performance in

relation to these financial indicators.

financial indicators & sustainability

Cash and Investments at 30 June

-

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

14,000

$'0

00

2001/

2002

2002/

2003

2003/

2004

2004/

2005

2005/

2006

2006/

2007

2007/

2008

Debt Outstanding at 30 June

-

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

2001/ 2002 2002/2003 2003/2004 2004/2005 2005/2006 2006/2007 2007/2008

$'0

00

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

Debt Outstanding at 30 June

% of Debt Outstanding to Rate Income

General Debtors Outstanding at 30 June

-

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

3,500

$'0

00

2001/

2002

2002/

2003

2003/

2004

2004/

2005

2005/

2006

2006/

2007

2007/

2008

Rates Outstanding at 30 June

-

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

$'0

00

2001/

2002

2002/

2003

2003/

2004

2004/

2005

2005/

2006

2006/

2007

2007/

2008

(to access Council’s ability to meet current commitments)

0%

50%

100%

150%

200%

250%

300%

350%

Working Capital Ratio

2001/2002

2002/2003

2003/2004

2004/2005

2005/2006

2006/2007

2007/2008

The Working Capital Ratio assesses Council’s ability to meet

its financial commitments over the next twelve months. This

ratio has improved since 2001/2002 and is currently 289% at

30 June 2008.

The level of cash and cash equivalents has increased

significantly since 2001/02. The objective has been to improve

this result allowing Council to meet its future cash commitments

whilst maintaining a strong liquid position throughout the year.

Outstanding rates are extremely low in comparison to rates

raised per year. In 2002/03, the result included unpaid rates

from a large ratepayer for one instalment.

Council’s general debtors fluctuate each year depending on

the level of accruals for revenue due for large projects at 30

June. Debts are strictly managed to ensure that Council’s risks

in this area are minimised.

In accordance with Council’s objectives, Council’s debt levels

are reducing. Council has factored $300,000 of borrowings

into the 2008/09 Budget as part of the funding strategy for the

Portland Child & Family Complex.


CONTENTS

Standard Statements Page

Standard Income Statement 56

Standard Income Statement

- Variance Explanation Report 57

Standard Balance Sheet 58

Standard Balance Sheet


Standard Cash Flow Statement 60

Standard Cash Flow Statement


Standard Capital Works Statement 62

Standard Capital Works Statement


Notes to the Standard Statements 64

Certification of the Standard Statements 65

standard statements

INTRODUCTION

The Annual Report shows the actual

results for the year.

The following four Standard Statements

and explanatory notes for the Annual

Report (the Comparison Report) form

a special purpose financial report

prepared specifically to meet the

requirements of the Local Government

(Democratic Reform) Act 2003 relating to

Standard Statements.

The Standard Statements in this report

each provide information in relation

to an aspect of Council’s financial

management. They should be read in

conjunction with one another to obtain

an overall understanding of Council’s

financial position and management.

The Standard Statements of Income

Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flows

and Capital Works for the Annual Report

are consistent with the Budget and are

prepared on bases consistent with the

Financial Statements.

This report is a summary of the

information found in the Budget and the

Financial Report and as such cannot

be expected to provide as full an

understanding of financial performance

as the complete reports from which it

is derived. The Budget and Financial

Report together with their detailed notes

should be examined for further detailed

information.


Note Budget Actual 2008 2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 %

Revenues

Revenue from ordinary activities

Revenue from operating activities

Rate Income 15,630 15,659 29 0.2

User Fees and Charges 4,338 4,385 47 1.1

Operating Grants and Subsidies 7,736 8,222 486 6.3

Investment Income 1 448 835 387 86.3

Other Income 2 2,076 2,675 599 28.8

Revenue from outside the operating activities

Capital Grants, Subsidies and Contributions 3 4,179 2,555 (1,624) (38.9)

Total Revenue 34,407 34,331 (76) (0.2)

Expenses

Expenses from ordinary activities

Employee Expenses 12,002 12,285 283 2.4

Contract Expenses 4 8,058 9,122 1,064 13.2

Material Expenses 3,041 3,276 235 7.7

Finance Fees and Interest 230 230 0 0.0

Other Expenses 2,500 2,486 (14) (0.6)

Depreciation and Amortisation 6,025 6,461 436 7.2

Internal Cost Allocations Capitalised 5 (1,285) (1,516) (231) 18.0

Total Expenses 30,571 32,344 1,773 5.8

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets 6 (459) 68 527 (114.9)

Recognition of Previously Unrecognised Non-Current Assets 7 - 380 380 100.0

Share of net profits (losses) of associates and joint ventures accounted for by the equity method - - - -

Assets Written Off 8 - (106) (106) 100.0

(Increment) Decrement in Fair Values of

Investment Properties - 409 409 -

Net result for the reporting period 3,377 2,739 (638) (18.9)

standard income statementfor the year ended 30 june 2008

Variances


standard income statementVARIANCE EXPLANATION REPORT

Note Item Explanation

1 Investment Income Investment income received was greater than budget due to

the increased cash reserves throughout the year and the

timing of cash flows.

2 Other Income Increased income primarily due to additional Vic Roads

income for maintenance works.

3 Capital Grants, Subsidies Lower income realised due to the grant for the Portland Family

and Contributions and Children’s Services Complex not being received due to

the delay in the commencement of the Project and lower than

anticipated capital road funding.

4 Contract Expenses Additional expenditure in the areas of waste management;

aquatic centres; limestone quarry and special projects relating

to the receipt of ‘one off’ Government Grants including some

projects that were undertaken on behalf of Community Groups.

5 Internal Cost Allocations Capitalised The level of internal plant hire, gravel resources and salary

oncosts used on capital works was greater than original

estimates.

6 Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets This represents net gain on the disposal of plant & equipment.

The budgeted net loss related to the sale of a Council

property which did not occur.

7 Recognition of Previously Unrecognised Represents Assets not previously recognised, resulting from

Non-Current Assets a review of the value of Council’s Asset base.

8 Assets Written Off During 2007/2008, adjustments were made for asset

write-offs. No provision in the budget was made for this

adjustment.

The Standard Income Statement for the Annual Report indicates the results during the year in terms of revenue, expenditure and other adjustments from all activities. The Income Statement requires revenues to be separately disclosed where the item is of such a size, nature or incidence that its disclosure is relevant in explaining the performance of the Council.


Note Budget Actual 2008 2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 %

Assets

Current assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents 9 6,704 12,309 5,605 83.6

Trade and Other Receivables 10 2,294 1,862 (432) (18.8)

Inventory 11 214 193 (21) (9.9)

Prepayments 12 248 649 401 161.5

Other 13 256 195 (61) (23.7)

Total current assets 9,716 15,208 5,492 56.5

Non-current assets

Trade and Other Receivables 14 5 13 8 164.3

Investments in Associates 13 13 0 0.9

Investment Properties 15 1,644 2,168 524 31.8

Land 15 19,769 20,466 697 3.5

Buildings 15 31,612 33,560 1,948 6.2

Infrastructure - Roads 16 124,331 130,943 6,612 5.3

Infrastructure - Other 16 59,631 70,911 11,280 18.9

Other Structures 3,431 3,461 30 0.9

Plant and Equipment 4,742 4,775 33 0.7

Furniture and Fittings 17 447 376 (71) (15.8)

Heritage 3,148 3,152 4 0.1

Works in Progress 18 11,215 2,000 (9,215) (82.2)

Total non-current assets 259,988 271,838 11,850 4.6

Total Assets 269,704 287,046 17,342 6.4

Liabilities

Current liabilities

Trade and Other Payables 19 1,576 2,348 772 49.0

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings 600 579 (21) (3.5)

Provisions 20 1,779 2,338 559 31.4

Total current liabilities 3,955 5,265 1,310 33.1

Non-current liabilities

Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings 21 2,108 1,829 (279) (13.2)

Provisions 22 5,160 5,552 392 7.6

Total non-current liabilities 7,268 7,381 113 1.6

Total Liabilities 11,223 12,646 1,423 12.7

Net Assets 258,481 274,400 15,919 6.2

Represented by:

Accumulated Surplus 129,032 128,565 (467) (0.4)

Asset Revaluation Reserve 23 129,449 145,835 16,386 12.7

Equity 258,481 274,400 15,919 6.2

standard balance sheetfor the year ended 30 june 2008

Variances



9 Cash and Cash Equivalents The closing cash position is higher than budget due to delayed

expenditure for capital and other projects during 2007/2008.

10 Trade and Other Receivables Current receivables are lower than budget as it was not necessary

to raise accounts in June for capital and other projects that had

been projected.

11 Inventory Inventory was lower than budget due to the lower that budgeted level

of fuel and gravel & limestone stock piles.

12 Prepayments Council processed an insurance payment for the 2008/09 financial year.

13 Other Other current assets were lower than expected due to reduced revenue

accruals for 2007/2008.

14 Trade and Other Receivables This item has increased as a result of a new Council loan to a

community group.

15 Investment Properties; Land Increased value due to revaluation of these Asset Classes.

and Buildings

16 Infrastructure - Roads and Other Increased value due to revaluation of these Asset Classes.

17 Furniture and Fittings Decreased value due to depreciation charge greater than budgeted.

18 Works in Progress The budget represents the movement in total assets, and is not

distributed over the asset classes. The actual asset adjustments have

been distributed to the correct asset class as at 30 June 2008.

19 Current Trade and Other Payables Current trade and other payables are higher than budget due to higher

expenditure accruals for payroll; capital and other projects.

20 Current Provisions Increase in employee entitlements and the gravel pit restoration

provisions.

21 Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings Correct classification to non-current liability.

22 Non-current Provisions Increase in employee entitlements and landfill rehabilitation provisions.

23 Asset Revaluation Reserve The increase relates to the re-valuation of the majority of the Council’s

Asset Classes and the budget was set before any asset revaluation

adjustments were known .

The Standard Balance Sheet for the Annual Report shows the closing position of Council’s assets, liabilities and equity. The information in the Balance Sheet assists users in the assessment of the Council’s ability to meet financial commitments as they fall due including the servicing of borrowings, and retention of the net asset position.

standard balance sheetVARIANCE EXPLANATION REPORT


Budget Actual

Inflows/ Inflows/

(Outflows) (Outflows)

2008 2008

$’000 $’000 $’000 %

Cash flows from operating activities

Payments

Employee Costs (12,002) (12,220) (218) 1.8

Contract Costs 24 (8,059) (9,295) (1,236) 15.3

Material Costs (3,041) (3,276) (235) 7.7

Other Expenses 25 (2,499) (1,959) 540 (21.6)

Less Expenses Allocated to Investing Activities 26 1,285 1,516 231 18.0

GST on Payments 27 (1,500) (2,130) (630) 42.0

Total Payments (25,816) (27,364) (1,548) 6.0

Receipts

Rate Receipts 15,630 15,643 13 0.1

User Fees and Charges 28 4,338 6,572 2,234 51.5

Interest 29 448 835 387 86.3

Government Grants - Operating 7,736 7,822 86 1.1

Government Grants - Capital 30 4,178 2,210 (1,968) (47.1)

Other Receipts 2,076 2,275 199 9.6

GST on Receipts 31 600 699 99 16.5

Net GST Refunded 32 900 1,431 531 59.1

Total Receipts 35,907 37,487 1,580 4.4

Net cash provided by operating activities 10,090 10,123 33 0.3

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for

Property, Plant and Equipment 33 (14,330) (8,772) 5,558 (38.8)

Proceeds from

Land and Building Sales 34 509 - (509) (100.0)

Plant and Equipment Sales 35 331 195 (136) (41.0)

840 195 (645) (76.7)

Net cash used in investing activities (13,490) (8,577) 4,913 (36.4)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of Borrowings (545) (545) (0) 0.0

Proceeds from Borrowings 36 300 - (300) (100.0)

Interest and other Finance Charges (230) (230) (0) 0.0

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (475) (775) (300) 63.2

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37 (3,875) 771 4,646 (119.9)

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 10,579 11,537 958 9.1

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 6,704 12,309 5,605 83.6

standard cash flow statementfor the year ended 30 june 2008

Variances


standard cash flow statementVARIANCE EXPLANATION REPORT


24 Contract Costs Additional expenditure in the areas of waste management; aquatic

centres; limestone quarry and special projects relating to the receipt

of ‘one off’ Government Grants including some projects that were

undertaken on behalf of Community Groups.

25 Other Expenses Other expenses are less due to lower than budgeted expenditure and

the re-classification of some expenditure items.

26 Less Expenses Allocated to The level of internal plant hire, gravel resources and salary oncosts used

Investing Activities on capital works was greater than original estimates.

27 GST on Payments Higher than budgeted GST payments due to additional expenditure.

28 User Fees and Charges Higher than budget due to a decrease in debtor receivables.

29 Interest Investment income received was greater than budget due to the

increased cash reserves through out the year and the timing of cash flows.

30 Government Grants - Capital Lower cash realised due to the grant for the Portland Family and

Children’s Services Complex not being received due to the delay in the

commencement of the project and lower than anticipated capital

road funding.

31 GST on Receipts and Net GST The original budget was based on historical figures and higher than

and Refunded budgeted GST payments on expenditure.

32

33 Payments for Property, Plant and Capital expenditure not incurred relates to buildings, local road projects,

Equipment parks and gardens and plant and equipment.

34 Land and Building Sales Council has not completed its land and building sales as stated in the

budget, due to the deferral of the construction of the Portland Children’s

and Family Services Complex.

35 Plant and Equipment Sales Plant & Motor Vehicle sales were not completed and are offset by

capital expenditure savings for plant purchases.

36 Proceeds from Borrowings Council has not taken up the budgeted loan due to the deferral of the

construction of the Portland Children’s and Family Services Complex.

37 Net increase (decrease) in cash held The net variance resulted from the combination of variances

24 to 37 above.

38 Cash and cash equivalents at the The opening cash position is higher than budget due to delayed

beginning of the year expenditure for capital and other projects during 2006/2007.

The Standard Cash Flow Statement for the Annual Report shows what has happened during the year in terms of cash. It explains what cash movements have resulted in the difference in the cash balance at the beginning and the end of the year. The net cash flows from operating activities shows how much cash remains, after paying for the provision of services to the community, which may include things such as capital works. The information in the Standard Cash Flow Statement assists users in the assessment of the ability to generate cash flows, meet financial commitments as they fall due including the servicing of borrowings, fund changes in the scope or nature of activities and obtain external finance.


Budget Actual

2008 2008

$’000 $’000 $’000 %

Capital Works

Bridges and Major Culverts (8) (4) 4 (48.7)

Buildings 39 (3,296) (992) 2,304 (69.9)

Drainage 40 (100) (73) 27 (27.4)

Local Roads; Kerb and Channel and Footpaths 41 (8,016) (5,841) 2,175 (27.1)

Other Works 42 (558) (230) 328 (58.7)

Public Open Space and Urban Design 43 (836) (652) 184 (22.0)

Plant and Equipment 44 (1,010) (493) 517 (51.2)

Swimming Pools (365) (375) (10) 2.7

Waste Management (141) (124) 17 (12.3)

Total Capital Works (14,330) (8,785) 5,545 (38.7)

Capital Works represented by:

New Assets 45 (4,113) (1,898) 2,215 (53.9)

Upgrade Assets 46 (4,916) (3,469) 1,447 (29.4)

Asset Renewals 47 (5,301) (3,418) 1,883 (35.5)

Total Capital Funding (14,330) (8,785) 5,545 (38.7)

Capital Funding

Capital Grants/Contributions 48 4,178 2,555 (1,623) (38.8)

Asset Sales 49 840 195 (645) (76.7)

Loan Borrowings 50 300 - (300) (100.0)

Council Contribution 51 9,012 6,034 (2,978) (33.0)

Total Capital Funding 14,330 8,785 (5,545) (38.7)

standard capital works statementfor the year ended 30 june 2008

Variances


standard capital works statementVARIANCE EXPLANATION REPORT


39 Buildings Capital expenditure on buildings was less than budget primarily due

to the Portland Children’s and Family Services Complex not being

completed. This has been re-budgeted in the 2008/2009 financial year.

40 Drainage Drainage expenditure is lower than budget due to delays in projects,

which have been carried forward to 2008/2009.

41 Local Roads; Kerb and Channel Expenditure on various projects is lower than budget due to delays in

and Footpaths projects, which have been carried forward to 2008/2009.

42 Other Works Expenditure on various projects is lower than budget due to delays in

projects, which have been carried forward to 2008/2009.

43 Public Open Space and Urban Design Expenditure on various projects is lower than budget due to delays in

projects, which have been carried forward to 2008/2009.

44 Plant and Equipment Plant & motor vehicle purchases were not completed and will be

carried forward to the 2008/2009 financial year.

45 New Assets The major reason for less expenditure than budget relates primarily to

the delay in the construction of Portland Children’s and Family Services

Complex. This has been re-budgeted in the 2008/2009 financial year.

46 Upgrade Assets Expenditure for asset upgrades is lower than the budget due to the

delays in various Projects.

47 Asset Renewals Expenditure for asset renewals is lower than the budget due to the

delays in various Projects.

48 Capital Grants/Contributions Lower income realised due to the grant for the Portland Family and

Children’s Services Complex not being received due to the delay in

the commencement of the project and lower than anticipated capital

road funding.

49 Asset Sales Property and Plant & Motor Vehicle sales were not achieved in

accordance within the budget period.

50 Loan Borrowings Council has not taken up the budgeted loan due to the deferral of the

construction of the Portland Children’s and Family Services Complex.

51 Council Contribution Council’s contribution to the Capital program is lower due to the delay

in the delivery of various projects.

The Standard Capital Works Statement for the Annual Report shows the expenditure on various capital projects. The information in the Capital Works Statement assists users in the assessment of the Council’s ability to complete a wide range of capital works within the financial year stipulated and within budget constraints.


1 Basis of preparation of Standard Statements

Council is required to prepare and include audited Standard Statements within its Annual Report.

These statements and supporting notes form a special purpose financial report prepared to meet the

requirements of the Local Government Act 1989 and Local Government (Finance and Reporting)

Regulations 2004.

The Standard Statements have been prepared on accounting bases consistent with those used for the

General Purpose Financial Statements and the Budget. The results reported in these statements are consistent

with those reported in the General Purpose Financial Statements.

The Standard Statements are not a substitute for the General Purpose Financial Statements, which are included

on pages 55 to 65 of the Annual Report. They have not been prepared in accordance with all Australian

Accounting Standards or other authoritative professional pronouncements.

The Standard Statements compare Council’s financial plan, expressed through its Budget, with actual

performance. The Local Government Act 1989 requires explanation of any material variances. The Council has

adopted a materiality threshold of $500,000 variance or where the percentage is greater than ten per cent.

Explanations have not been provided for variations below the materiality threshold unless the variance is

considered to be material because of its nature.

The Budget figures included in the Statements are those adopted by Council on 24 July 2007. The Budget

was based on assumptions that were relevant at the time of adoption of the Budget. The Council set guidelines

and parameters for revenue and expense targets in this Budget in order to meet the Council Plan and financial

performance targets for both the short and long term. The Budget did not reflect any changes to equity resulting

from asset revaluations, as their impacts were not considered predictable.

Detailed information on the actual financial results are contained in the General Purpose Financial Statements

on pages 66 to 104. The detailed Budget can be obtained by contacting Council or through the Council’s

website. The Standard Statements must be read with reference to these documents.

notes to the standard statements


In my opinion the accompanying standard statements have been prepared on accounting bases consistent

with the financial statements and in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and the Local Government

(Finance and Reporting) Regulations 2004.

Linda MacRae

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER

Date: September 11, 2008

In our opinion the accompanying standard statements have been prepared on accounting bases consistent

with the financial statements and in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989 and the Local Government

(Finance and Reporting) Regulations 2004.

As at the date of signing, we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars in the standard

statements to be misleading or inaccurate.

We have been authorised by the Council on 9 September 2008 to certify the standard statements in their final form.

Geoff White

COUNCILLOR


Gilbert WilsonCOUNCILLOR


Stuart BurdackCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


certification of the standard statements


Financial Statements

Income Statement 67

Balance Sheet 68

Statement of Changes in Equity 69

Cash Flow Statement 70

Notes to Financial Statements

Introduction 71

Note 1 Significant accounting policies 71

Note 2 Change in Accounting Policy 78

Note 3 Rate Income 79

Note 4 User Fees and Charges 79

Note 5 Operating Grants and Subsidies 79

Note 6 Other Income 80

Note 7 Capital Grants, Subsidies and

Contributions 81

Note 8 Employee Expenses 81

Note 9 Contract Expenses 81

Note 10 Material Expenses 81

Note 11 Finance Fees and Interest 81

Note 12 Other Expenses 81

Note 13 Depreciation and Amortisation 82

Note 14 Internal Cost Allocations (Capitalised) 82

Note 15 Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets 82

Note 16 Recognition of Previously

Unrecognised Non-Current Assets 82

Note 17 Investments in Associates 82

Note 18 Cash and Cash Equivalents 83

Note 19 Trade and Other Receivables 83

Note 20 Investment Properties 83

Note 21 Land 84

Note 22 Buildings 84

Note 23 Infrastructure - Roads 84

Note 24 Infrastructure - Other 84

General Purpose Financial Statements

table of contents

Note 25 Other Structures 84

Note 26 Plant and Equipment 85

Note 27 Furniture and Fittings 85

Note 28 Heritage 85

Note 29 Works in Progress 85

Note 30 Fixed Asset Movements 86

Note 31 Trade and Other Payables 87

Note 32 Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings 87

Note 33 Provisions 88

Note 34 Reserves 89

Note 35 Adjustments directly to Equity 89

Note 36 Reconciliation of result from ordinary

activities with net cash from operations 90

Note 37 Commitments for Expenditure 91

Note 38 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent

Assets 91

Note 39 Superannuation 91

Note 40 Financial Instruments 93

Note 41 Related Party Transactions 97

Note 42 Revenues, Expenses and Assets

by Function/Activity 99

Note 43 Financial Ratios 100

Certification of the Financial Report 102

Auditor-General’s Report on Financial Report 103


Note 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Revenues

Revenue from ordinary activities

Rate Income 3 15,659 14,929

User Fees and Charges 4 4,385 4,142

Operating Grants and Subsidies 5 8,222 7,781

Investment Income 835 629

Other Income 6 2,675 2,005

Capital Grants, Subsidies and Contributions 7 2,555 4,539

Total Revenue 34,331 34,025

Expenses

Expenses from ordinary activities

Employee Expenses 8 12,285 10,925

Contract Expenses 9 9,122 7,848

Material Expenses 10 3,276 3,087

Finance Fees and Interest 11 230 274

Other Expenses 12 2,486 2,551

Depreciation and Amortisation 13 6,461 6,274

Internal Cost Allocations Capitalised 14 (1,516) (1,406)

Total Expenses 32,344 29,553

Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets 15 68 186

Recognition of Previously Unrecognised Non-Current Assets 16 380 359

Share of net profits (losses) of associates and joint ventures

accounted for by the equity method 17 - -

Assets Written Off (106) (142)

Increment (Decrement) in Fair Values of Investment Properties 409 -

Surplus (Deficit) for the reporting period 2,739 4,876

The above statement should be read with the accompanying notes.

income statementfor the year ended 30 june 2008


Note 2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Assets

Current assets Cash and Cash Equivalents 18 12,309 11,537 Trade and Other Receivables 19 1,862 3,232 Inventory 193 106 Prepayments 649 273 Other 195 315

Total current assets 15,208 15,463

Non-current assets Trade and Other Receivables 19 13 3 Investments in Associates 17 13 13 Investment Properties 20 2,168 1,743 Land 21 20,466 19,763 Buildings 22 33,560 31,227 Infrastructure - Roads 23 130,943 127,653 Infrastructure - Other 24 70,911 59,282 Other Structures 25 3,461 3,566 Plant and Equipment 26 4,775 5,093 Furniture and Fittings 27 376 470 Heritage 28 3,152 3,152 Works in Progress 29 2,000 845

Total non-current assets 271,838 252,810

Total Assets 287,046 268,273

Liabilities

Current liabilities Trade and Other Payables 31 2,348 2,372 Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings 32 579 545 Provisions 33 2,338 2,244

Total current liabilities 5,265 5,161

Non-current liabilities Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings 32 1,829 2,408 Provisions 33 5,552 5,204

Total non-current liabilities 7,381 7,612

Total Liabilities 12,646 12,773

Net Assets 274,400 255,500 Represented by: Accumulated Surplus 128,565 125,826 Asset Revaluation Reserve 34 145,835 129,674

Equity 274,400 255,500


balance sheetas at 30 june 2008


statement of changes in equityfor the year ended 30 june 2008

AssetRevaluation

Reserve2007

$’000

129,449

-

225

129,674

AssetRevaluation

Reserve2008

$’000

129,674

-

16,161

145,835

AccumulatedSurplus

2007 $’000

120,950

4,876

-

125,826

AccumulatedSurplus

2008 $’000

125,826

2,739

-

128,565

Total2007

$’000

250,399

4,876

225

255,500

Total 2008

$’000

255,500

2,739

16,161

274,400

Notes

34

Balance at beginning of

the financial year

Surplus (deficit)

for the year

Net asset revaluation

increment(decrement)

Balance at end

of the financial year



Inflows/ Inflows/ (Outflows) (Outflows) 2008 2007 Notes $’000 $’000

Cash flows from operating activities

Payments

Employee Costs (12,220) (10,794)

Contract Costs (9,295) (7,202)

Material Costs (3,276) (3,087)

Other Expenses (1,959) (2,021)

Less Expenses Allocated to Investing Activities 1,516 1,406

GST on Payments (2,130) (1,646)

Total Payments (27,364) (23,344)

Receipts

Rate Receipts 15,643 14,669

User Fees and Charges 6,572 3,935

Interest 835 629

Government Grants - Operating 7,822 7,381

Government Grants - Capital 2,210 5,421

Other Receipts 2,275 1,934

GST on Receipts 699 702

Net GST Refunded 1,431 944

Total Receipts 37,487 35,615

Net cash provided by operating activities 36 10,123 12,271

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for

Property, Plant and Equipment (8,772) (8,821)

Proceeds

Land and Building Sales - -

Plant and Equipment Sales 15 195 432

195 432

Net cash used in investing activities (8,577) (8,389)

Cash flows from financing activities

Repayment of Borrowings (545) (888)

Interest and other Finance Charges 11 (230) (274)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (775) (1,162)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 771 2,720

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year 11,537 8,817

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 18 12,309 11,537

Financing Arrangements 32

Restrictions on Cash Assets 18

cash flow statementfor the year ended 30 june 2008



Introduction (a) The Glenelg Shire Council was established by an Order of the Governor in Council on 23 September 1994 and is a body corporate. (b) The purpose of the Council is to: - provide for the peace, order and good government of its municipal district; - to promote the social, economic and environmental viability and sustainability of the municipal district; - to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively and services are provided in accordance with the Best Value Principles to best meet the needs of the local community; - to improve the overall quality of life of people in the local community; - to promote appropriate business and employment opportunities; - to ensure that services and facilities provided by the Council are accessible and equitable; - to ensure the equitable imposition of rates and charges; and - to ensure transparency and accountability in Council decision making. This financial report is a general purpose financial report that consists of an Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Statement of Changes in Equity, Cash Flow Statement, and notes accompanying these financial statements. The general purpose financial report complies with Australian Accounting Standards, other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board, the Local Government Act 1989, and the Local Government (Finance and Reporting) Regulations 2004. The Council is an entity to which AAS 27 “Financial Reporting by Local Governments” applies and the entity has applied a requirement in that Standard that overrides the requirements in an Australian equivalent to IFRS. Except to the extent that these special provisions require, this financial report complies with the Australian equivalents to IFRS (AIFRS). The Council has elected not to restate comparative information of financial instruments within the scope of AASB132 “Financial Instruments Disclosure and Presentation” and AASB139 “Financial Instruments Recognition and Measurement”, as permitted on the first time adoption of AIFRS.

Note 1 Significant accounting policies (a) Basis of accounting

This financial report has been prepared on the accrual and going concern basis. This financial report has been prepared under the historical cost convention, except where specifically stated in notes 1(f), 1(h), and 1(j). Unless otherwise stated, all accounting policies are consistent with those applied in the prior year. Where appropriate, comparative figures have been amended to accord with current presentation, and disclosure has been made of any material changes to comparatives. All entities controlled by Council that have material assets or liabilities, such as Special Committees of Management, have been included in this financial report. All transactions between these entities and the Council have been eliminated in full.

notes to the financial reportfor the year ended 30 june 2008


Note 1 Significant accounting policies (cont.)

(b) Revenue recognition

Rates, grants and contributions Rates, grants and contributions (including developer contributions) are recognised as revenues when the Council obtains control over the assets comprising these receipts. Control over assets acquired from rates is obtained at the commencement of the rating year as it is an enforceable debt linked to the rateable property or, where earlier, upon receipt of the rates. A provision for doubtful debts on rates has not been established as unpaid rates represents a charge against the rateable property that will be recovered when the property is next sold. Control over granted assets is normally obtained upon their receipt (or acquittal) or upon earlier notification that a grant has been secured, and are valued at their fair value at the date of transfer. Income is recognised when the Council obtains control of the contribution or the right to receive the contribution. It is probable that the economic benefits comprising the contribution will flow to the Council and the amount of the contribution can be measured reliably. Where grants or contributions recognised as revenues during the financial year were obtained on condition that they be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period and those conditions were undischarged at balance date, the unused grant or contribution is disclosed in note 5. The note also discloses the amount of unused grant or contribution from prior years that was expended on Council’s operations during the current year. A liability is recognised in respect of revenue that is reciprocal in nature to the extent that the requisite service has not been provided at balance date.

User charges, fees and fines User charges, fees and fines (including parking fees and fines) are recognised as revenue when the service has been provided, the payment is received, or when the penalty has been applied, whichever first occurs.

A provision for doubtful debts is recognised when collection in full is no longer probable.

Sale of property, infrastructure, plant and equipment

The profit or loss on sale of an asset is determined when control of the asset has irrevocably passed to the buyer.

Interest and rents

Interest and rents are recognised as revenue on a proportional basis when the payment is due, the value of the payment is notified, or the payment is received, whichever first occurs.




(c) Depreciation and amortisation of non-current assets Buildings, infrastructure, plant and equipment, and other assets having limited useful lives are systematically depreciated over their useful lives to the Council in a manner which reflects consumption of the service potential embodied in those assets. Estimates of remaining useful lives and residual values are made on a regular basis with major asset classes reassessed annually. Depreciation rates and methods are reviewed annually. Where infrastructure assets have separate identifiable components that are subject to regular replacement, these components are assigned distinct useful lives and/or residual values and a separate depreciation rate is determined for each component. Straight line depreciation is charged based on the residual useful life as determined each year. Road earthworks are not depreciated. Due to the appreciating nature of heritage assets, no depreciation is charged in relation to these items. Major depreciation periods used are listed below and are consistent with the prior year unless otherwise stated: Period Buildings Buildings 50 to 100 years Plant and equipment Plant and equipment 5 to 10 years Furniture and fittings 5 to 20 years Infrastructure Roads 15 to 50 years Other structures 10 to 100 years (d) Repairs and maintenance Routine maintenance, repair costs, and minor renewal costs are expensed as incurred. Where the repair relates to the replacement of a component of an asset and the cost exceeds the capitalisation threshold the cost is capitalised and depreciated. The carrying value of the replaced asset is expensed. (e) Borrowing costs Borrowing costs are recognised as an expense in the period in which they are incurred, except where they are capitalised as part of a qualifying asset constructed by Council. Except where specific borrowings are obtained for the purpose of specific asset acquisition, the weighted average interest rate applicable to borrowings at balance date, excluding borrowings associated with superannuation, is used to determine the borrowing costs to be capitalised. Borrowing costs include interest on bank overdrafts, and interest on borrowings.




(f) Recognition and measurement of assets Acquisition The purchase method of accounting is used for all acquisitions of assets, being the fair value of assets provided as consideration at the date of acquisition plus any incidental costs attributable to the acquisition. Fair value is the amount for which the asset could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arm’s length transaction. Where assets are constructed by Council, cost includes all materials used in construction, direct labour, and an appropriate share of directly attributable variable and fixed overheads. The following classes of assets have been recognised in note 30. In accordance with Council’s policy, the threshold limits detailed below have applied when recognising assets within an applicable asset class and unless otherwise stated are consistent with the prior year. Threshold Limit Class of asset Land and buildings Land 1,000 Buildings 1,000 Heritage assets Heritage assets 1,000 Plant and equipment Plant and equipment 1,000 Furniture and fittings 1,000 Infrastructure Roads 10,000 Other Infrastructure 10,000 Other structures 10,000 Revaluation Subsequent to the initial recognition of assets, non-current physical assets, other than plant & equipment, other structures and furniture & fittings, are measured at their fair value, being the amount for which the assets could be exchanged between knowledgeable willing parties in an arms length transaction. At balance date, the Council reviewed the carrying value of the individual classes of assets measured at fair value to ensure that each asset materially approximated its fair value. Where the carrying value materially differed from the fair value at balance date the class of asset was revalued. In addition, Council undertakes a formal revaluation of land, buildings, and infrastructure assets on a regular basis ranging from 3 to 5 years. The valuation is performed either by experienced council officers or independent experts. Where the assets are revalued, the revaluation increments are credited directly to the asset revaluation reserve except to the extent that an increment reverses a prior year decrement for that class of asset that had been recognised as an expense in which case the increment is recognised as revenue up to the amount of the expense. Revaluation decrements are recognised as an expense except where prior increments are included in the asset revaluation reserve for that class of asset in which case the decrement is taken to the reserve to the extent of the remaining increments. Within the same class of assets, revaluation increments and decrements within the year are offset.




(f) Recognition and measurement of assets (cont.)

Land under roads The Council has elected not to recognise land under roads as an asset in accordance with AASB 1045 Land under Roads, which extends the requirement to recognise and measure land under roads as an asset of Council until 30 June 2008.

(g) Cash and cash equivalents For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits at call, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, net of outstanding bank overdrafts. (h) Other financial assets Managed funds are valued at fair value, being market value, at balance date. Any unrealised gains and losses on holdings at balance date are recognised as either a revenue or expense. (i) Investments Investments, other than investments in associates, are measured at cost. ( j) Accounting for investments in associates Council’s investment in associates is accounted for by the equity method as the Council has the ability to influence rather than control the operations of the entities. The investment is initially recorded at the cost of acquisition and adjusted thereaft er for post-acquisition changes in the Council’s share of the net assets of the entities. The Council’s share of the financial result of the entities is recognised in the income statement. (k) Tender deposits Amounts received as tender deposits and retention amounts controlled by Council are recognised as payables (trust funds) until they are returned or forfeited (refer to note 31). (l) Employee benefits Wages and salaries Liabilities for wages and salaries and rostered days off are recognised and are measured as the amount unpaid at balance date and include appropriate oncosts such as work cover charges.

Annual leave Annual leave entitlements are accrued on a pro rata basis in respect of services provided by employees up to balance date. Annual leave expected to be paid within 12 months is measured at nominal value based on the amount, including appropriate oncosts, expected to be paid when settled. Annual leave expected to be paid later than one year has been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for these accrued entitlements. Commonwealth bond rates are used for discounting future cash flows.



Note 1 Significant accounting policies (cont.) (l) Employee benefits (cont.)

Long service leave Long service leave entitlements payable are assessed at balance date having regard to expected employee remuneration rates on settlement, employment related oncosts and other factors including accumulated years of employment, on settlement, and experience of employee departure per year of service. Long service leave expected to be paid within 12 months is measured at nominal value based on the amount expected to be paid when settled. Long service leave expected to be paid later than one year has been measured at the present value of the estimated future cash outflows to be made for these accrued entitlements. Commonwealth bond rates are used for discounting future cash flows. Classification of Employee Benefits An employee benefit liability is classified as a current liability if the Council does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least 12 months after the end of the period. This would include all annual leave and unconditional long service leave entitlements.

Superannuation A liability is recognised in respect of Council’s present obligation to meet the unfunded obligations of defined benefit superannuation schemes to which its employees are members. The liability is defined as the Council’s share of the scheme’s unfunded position, being the difference between the present value of employees’ accrued benefits and the net market value of the scheme’s assets at balance date. The liability also includes applicable contributions tax of 17.65%. The superannuation expense for the reporting year is the amount of the statutory contribution the Council makes to the superannuation plan which provides benefits to its employees together with any movements (favourable/unfavourable) in the position of any defined benefits schemes. Details of these arrangements are detailed in note 39.

Retirement gratuities Retirement gratuities were provided to certain employees who joined the Council prior to December 1994. The liability represents a set proportion of accumulated sick leave that is payable on retirement. At balance date, the liability is measured at the present value of estimated future cash flows to be made for this entitlement. (m) Leases Operating leases Lease payments for operating leases are recognised as an expense in the years in which they are incurred as this reflects the pattern of benefits derived by the Council. (n) Allocation between current and non-current In the determination of whether an asset or liability is current or non-current, consideration is given to the time when each asset or liability is expected to be settled. The asset or liability is classified as current if it is expected to be settled within the next twelve months, being the Council’s operational cycle, or if the Council does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of a liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date.




(o) Agreements equally proportionately unperformed The Council does not recognise assets and liabilities arising from agreements that are equally proportionately unperformed in the balance sheet. Such agreements are recognised on an ‘as incurred’ basis. (p) Web site costs Costs in relation to websites are charged as an expense in the period in which they are incurred. (q) Impairment of assets

At each reporting date, the Council reviews the carrying value of its assets to determine whether there is any indication that these assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the assets carrying value. Any excess of the assets carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the income statement.

(r) Joint ventures Glenelg Primary Care Partnerships The Council recognises its interest in the Glenelg Primary Care Partnership by recording an investment in its financial statements at a value based on the Council’s underlying interest in the net assets of the Partnership as disclosed in the unaudited annual financial statements of the partnership. Annual adjustments are credited/debited to the balance sheet in line with equity accounting principles.

(s) Rounding Unless otherwise stated, amounts in the financial report have been rounded to the nearest thousand dollars. (t) Non-current assets held for sale

A non-current asset held for sale is measured at the lower of its carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell. (u) Investment property

Investment property, comprising freehold office complexes, is held to generate long-term rental yields. All tenant leases are on arms length basis. Investment property is measured initially at cost, including transaction costs. After initial recognition, investment property is carried at fair value, determined annually by independent valuers. Changes to fair value are recorded in the income statement. (v) Inventories

Inventories held for distribution are measured at cost adjusted when applicable for any loss of service potential. Other inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. (w) Financial guarantees

Financial guarantee contracts are recognised as a liability at the time the guarantee is issued. The liability is initially measured at fair value, and if there is material increase in the likelihood that the guarantee may have to be exercised, at the higher of the amount determined in accordance with AASB 137 Provisions, Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation, where appropriate. In the determination of fair value, consideration is given to factors including the probability of default by the guaranteed party and the likely loss to Council in the event of default.



Note 2 Change in Accounting Policy The following Australian Accounting Standards have been issued or amended and are applicable to the Council but are not yet effective. They have not been adopted in preparation of the financial statements at reporting date.

AASB amendment

AASB 2006-3Amendments to AustralianAccounting Standards

AASB 1004 Contributions

AASB 1051Land Under Roads

AASB 1052Disaggregated Disclosures

AASB 2007-9Amendments to Australian Accounting Standards arisingfrom the Review of AASs 27, 29 and 31

Standards affected

AAS 27 Financial Reportingby Local Governments AASB 1045 Land Under Roads:Amendments to AAS27A, AAS 29A andAAS 31A AAS 27 Financial Reportingby Local Governments AAS 27 Financial Reportingby Local Governments AAS 27 Financial Reportingby Local Governments AAS 27 Financial Reportingby Local Governments Amendments to: AASB 3, AASB 5, AASB 8, AASB 101, AASB 114, AASB 116, AASB 127, AASB 137

Outline of amendment

From the beginning of the reporting period to which this Standard is first applied, until the end of the first reporting period ending on or after 31 December 2007, transitional provisions shall apply. Under those provisions, local governments, while encouraged to apply the full provisions of this Standard, may elect instead not to recognise land under roads as an asset in the balance sheet.

As this Standard broadly reproduces the requirements relating to contributions contained in AAS 27, there will be no direct impact on the financial report.

In respect to land under roads acquired before 30 June 2008: allows a Council to elect to recognise or not to recognisean asset; requires any adjustment upon recognition to be made against accumulated surplus; requires a Council to disclose its accounting policy; allows a Council to elect to adopt the fair value or a previous revaluation; requires any above elections to be made effective as at 1 July 2008. Requires that land under roads acquired after 30 June 2008 is accounted for in accordance with AASB 116. The impact of any changes that may be required cannot be reliably estimated and is not disclosed in the financial report.

As this Standard broadly reproduces the requirements relating to disaggregated disclosures contained in AAS 27, there will be no direct impact on the financial report.

As this Standard broadly reproduces the requirements relating to certain relevant requirements contained in AAS 27, there will be no direct impact on the financial report.

Application date of

Standard

October 2006

1 July 2008

1 July 2008

1 July 2008

1 July 2008

Application date for Council

1 July 2008

1 July 2008

1 July 2008

1 July 2008

1 July 2008




2008 2007 $’000 $’000 Note 3 Rate Income Council uses Capital Improved Value as the basis of valuation of all properties within the municipal district. The valuation base used to calculate general rates for 2007/2008 was $4,125 million (2006/2007 $4,104 million). Residential 4,103 3,880 Industrial - Agreement 4,057 3,901 Commercial 1,047 1,001 Farm/Rural 4,690 4,550 Timber Developed 1,746 1,582 Cultural and Recreation 16 15 15,659 14,929 The date of the last general revaluation of land for rating purposes within the municipal district was 1 January 2006, and the valuation first applied to the rating period commencing 1 July 2006. The date of the next general revaluation of land for rating purposes within the municipal district is 1 January 2008, and the valuation will be first applied in the rating year commencing 1 July 2008. Note 4 User Fees and Charges Animal Registration Fees 79 77 Application/Licence/Permit Fees 416 367 Parking Fines 11 16 State Government Levy 10 16 Public Open Space Levy 40 128 Other Fines 36 28 Garbage Fees 1,052 987 Property Lease/Rental Fees 135 131 Service Fees 2,505 2,306 Booking Fees 14 17 Other Fees and Charges 87 69 4,385 4,142 Note 5 Operating Grants and Subsidies Victorian Grants Commission - General Purpose 2,960 2,850 Victorian Grants Commission - Local Roads 2,499 2,401 Operating Subsidy Income 461 387 Operating Grant/Subsidy Income - Other 2,302 2,143 8,222 7,781



Note 5 Operating Grants and Subsidies (cont.)

Conditions on Grants (a) Grants recognised as revenue during the year that were obtained on condition that they be expended in a specified manner that had not occurred at balance date were: Coastal Spaces Landscape Study 20 - Youth Services - Music Grant 10 - Cultural Strategy 31 - Health Promotion 56 - Library 10 - Arts & Cultural 240 - Road Furniture 37 - Aged Care 41 - Roads to Recovery - Supplementary Program (Capital) - 1,005 Local Infrastructure Works Program - Water Saving Projects (Capital) - 300 Auslink Funding - Westlakes Road and Cape Nelson Road ( Capital - 490 Portland Bay Coast Infrastructure Plan - 65 Great South West Walk Arts Project - 48 445 1,908 (b) Grants which were recognised as revenue in prior years and were expended during the current year in the manner specified by the grantor were: Roads to Recovery - Supplementary Program (Capital) 661 427 Glenelg Strategic Futures Plan - 33 Great South West Walk Arts Project 48 21 Local Infrastructure Works Program - Water Saving Projects (Capital) 300 - Waste Water Management Plan - 12 Auslink Funding - Westlakes Road & Cape Nelson Road (Capital) 490 - Portland Bay Coast Infrastructure Plan 65 - 1,564 493 (c) Grants which were recognised as revenue in prior years and were unexpended in the manned specified by the grantor, in addition to those specified in (a) above, were: Roads to Recovery - Supplementary Program (Capital) 344 - Portland Family and Children’s Services Complex 427 - 771 - Note 6 Other Income Cash Sponsorships 5 - Cash Contributions - Operating 238 21 Reimbursement - Insurance Claims - 1 Reimbursement - Work Cover 93 90 Reimbursement - Debt and Legal Costs 103 82 Reimbursement - VIC Roads 1,363 1,073 Reimbursement - Private Works 445 396 Other Income 429 342 2,676 2,005

2008 2007 $’000 $’000



Note 7 Capital Grants, Subsidies and Contributions Capital Grants and Subsidies 2,120 4,534 Special Charge Scheme Contributions - - Cash Contributions - Capital 435 5 2,555 4,539 Note 8 Employee Expenses Wages and Salaries 10,690 9,361 Salary Superannuation 907 829 Salary Other Expenses 1,309 1,251 Salary Expenses Capitalised (621) (516) 12,285 10,925 Note 9 Contract Expenses Consultant Expenses 855 897 Operating Lease Expenses 146 170 Software Licence Expenses 280 299 Contract Expenses 7,224 6,283 Contract Labour Expenses 617 199 9,122 7,848 Note 10 Material Expenses Material Expenses - General 1,410 1,496 Material Expenses - Gravel/Limestone 21 25 Utility Expenses 816 663 Stationary Expenses 124 153 Other Material Expenses 905 750 3,276 3,087 Note 11 Finance Fees and Interest Finance Fees and Charges 51 50 Interest Expenses 179 224 230 274 Note 12 Other Expenses Insurance 572 659 Advertising 305 284 Seminars and Training Course Fees 195 140 Travel and Accommodation 99 132 Communication Expenses 281 235 Statutory Expenses 209 195 Councillor Allowances 132 132 Auditor Remuneration 36 29 Bad Debts 12 6 Contributions and Donations 367 317 Landfill Provision Rehabilitation Adjustment - 133 Landfill Provision Finance Expense 221 243 Other 57 46 2,486 2,551

2008 2007 $’000 $’000



Note 13 Depreciation and Amortisation Buildings 972 986 Infrastructure - Roads 2,646 2,607 Infrastructure - Other 1,382 1,306 Other Structures 115 109 Plant and Equipment 1,220 1,154 Furniture and Fittings 126 112 6,461 6,274 Note 14 Internal Cost Allocations (Capitalised) Vehicle and Machinery Allocations (947) (866) Staff Allocations (191) (276) Other Internal Cost Allocations (378) (264) (1,516) (1,406) Note 15 Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets Plant and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Assets 195 432 Written Down Value of Assets Sold (127) (246) Gain (Loss) on Sale of Plant and Equipment 68 186 Summary Proceeds from Sale of Assets 195 432 Written Down Value of Assets Sold (127) (246) Net Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Assets 68 186 Note 16 Recognition of Previously Unrecognised Non-Current Assets Land 11 1 Infrastructure - Roads 128 111 Infrastructure - Other 232 243 Heritage Assets - 4 Buildings 2 - Other Structures 7 - 380 359 Note 17 Investment in Associates Investments in associates accounted for by the equity method are: - Glenelg Primary Care Partnership 13 13 13 13 Represents Glenelg Shire Council contributing share of the net assets of the unaudited financial statements of the above associates for the financial year ended 30 June 2008. The services are established under joint agreements between participating councils who contribute on a cost sharing formula basis.

2008 2007 $’000 $’000


Note 18 Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash at Bank and On Hand 4,505 2,933 Term Deposits 7,804 8,604 Balance per Statement of Cash Flows 12,309 11,537 (a) Council has imposed the following restrictions on Cash at Bank: Cash - Restricted (Car Parking) 17 76 Cash - Restricted (Public Open Space Levy) 168 128 Cash - Restricted (Annual Leave) 1,355 1,121 Cash - Restricted (Pits Restoration) 540 510 2,080 1,835 (b) Term deposits carry the following restrictions imposed by regulations or other externally imposed restrictions: Investments - Committee Deposits * 187 174 Investments - Long Service Leave ** 1,800 1,600 Investments - MAP Shares 4 4

1,991 1,778 * Deposits held on behalf of various committees comprising Kurrajong elderly citizens fundraising, youth and Heritage advisory board deposits. ** These monies are required by legislation to fund employee long service leave entitlements. Note 19 Trade and Other Receivables Current Receivables - Rates 267 238 Receivables - Special Schemes 18 28 Receivables - General 1,168 2,634 Less Provision for Doubtful Debts (20) (11) Net GST receivable 429 343 1,862 3,232 Non-current Loans - Unsecured (Sporting and Community Groups) 13 3

13 3

Total 1,875 3,235 Note 20 Investment Properties Investment Property - Land 1,888 1,174 Investment Property - Buildings 280 569

2,168 1,743 Valuation of investment property has been determined in accordance with an independent valuation by Southern Cross Property Services (Shane Irwin, AAPI) who has recent experience in the location and category of the property being valued.


2008 2007 $’000 $’000


Note 21 Land Freehold Land at Fair Value 20,452 17,113 Freehold Land at Cost 14 2,650 20,466 19,763 Freehold land was valued at fair market value based on existing use in June 2008, by Southern Cross Property Services (Shane Irwin, AAPI). Note 22 Buildings Buildings at Fair Value 77,740 66,885 Buildings at Cost 119 1,236 Less Accumulated Depreciation (44,299) (36,894) 33,560 31,227 Buildings were valued at depreciated replacement cost at June 2008, by Southern Cross Property Services (Shane Irwin, AAPI). Note 23 Infrastructure - Roads Infrastructure - Roads at Fair Value 196,053 159,267 Infrastructure - Roads at Cost 1,593 6,011 Less Accumulated Depreciation (66,703) (37,625) 130,943 127,653 Infrastructure - Roads were valued at their depreciated replacement cost at June 2008 by Glenelg Shire Council staff including Peter Gall, B.Eng and Stuart Ferrier, B.Eng. Note 24 Infrastructure - Other Infrastructure - Other at Fair Value 112,521 93,091 Infrastructure - Other at Cost 3,104 1,405 Less Accumulated Depreciation (44,714) (35,214) 70,911 59,282 Infrastructure - Other was valued at their depreciated replacement cost at June 2008 by Glenelg Shire Council staff including Peter Gall, B.Eng and Stuart Ferrier, B.Eng. Infrastructure - Other includes bridges, drains, war memorials, historical markers and various other minor structures controlled by the Council. Note 25 Other Structures Other Structures at Cost 5,864 5,856 Less Accumulated Depreciation (2,403) (2,290) 3,461 3,566


2008 2007 $’000 $’000


Note 26 Plant and Equipment Plant and Equipment at Cost 11,285 10,501 Less Accumulated Depreciation (6,510) (5,408) 4,775 5,093 Note 27 Furniture and Fittings Furniture and Fittings at Cost 1,557 1,538 Less Accumulated Depreciation (1,181) (1,068) 376 470 Note 28 Heritage Heritage Assets at Valuation 2,597 2,597 Heritage Assets at Cost 555 555 3,152 3,152 Heritage assets have been valued at either current cost or market value, depending on the nature of the asset. This asset class is non-depreciating. Heritage assets were valued in June 2005 by Leonard Joel Valuers. Note 29 Works in Progress Works in Progress at Cost (Various Projects under Construction) 2,000 845 2,000 845


2008 2007 $’000 $’000


Note 30 Fixed Asset Movements 2008 Land Buildings Infrastructure Infrastructure Other -Roads - Other Structures Balance at beginning of financial year: 19,763 31,226 127,654 59,282 3,566 Acquisition of assets - 608 4,337 1,578 7 Recognition of assets 12 1 128 231 7 Reclassifications and write-off of assets - (24) (24) (54) (4) Revaluation increments/(decrements) (note 34) 692 2,720 1,494 11,255 - Depreciation (note 13) - (972) (2,646) (1,382) (115) WDV of disposals (note 15) - - - - - Impairment losses recognised in Income Statement - - - - -

Balance at end of financial year 20,467 33,559 130,943 70,910 3,461

Plant Furniture Heritage Works Total and and Assets in $’000 Equipment Fittings Progress Balance at beginning of financial year: 5,092 470 3,152 845 251,050 Acquisition of assets 1,030 32 - 14 7,606 Recognition of assets - - - - 379 Reclassifications and write-off of assets - - - 1,141 1,035 Revaluation increments/(decrements) (note 34) - - - - 16,161 Depreciation (note 13) (1,220) (126) - - (6,461) WDV of disposals (note 15) (127) - - - (127) Impairment losses recognised in Income Statement - - - - -

Balance at end of financial year 4,775 376 3,152 2,000 269,642

2007 Land Buildings Infrastructure Infrastructure Other -Roads - Other Structures Balance at beginning of financial year: 19,768 31,612 124,331 59,631 3,431 Acquisition of assets - 641 5,900 727 19 Recognition of assets 1 - 111 243 - Reclassifications and write-off of assets (6) (41) (81) (13) (0) Revaluation increments/(decrements) (note 34) - - - - 225 Depreciation (note 13) - (986) (2,607) (1,306) (109) WDV of disposals (note 15) - - - - - Impairment losses recognised in Income Statement - - - - -

Balance at end of financial year 19,763 31,226 127,654 59,282 3,566

Plant Furniture Heritage Works Total and and Assets in $’000 Equipment Fittings Progress Balance at beginning of financial year: 4,742 447 3,148 1,297 248,407 Acquisition of assets 1,750 135 - 845 10,018 Recognition of assets - - 4 - 359 Reclassifications and write-off of assets - - - (1,297) (1,438) Revaluation Increments - - - - 225 Depreciation (note 13) (1,154) (112) - - (6,274) WDV of disposals (note 15) (246) - - - (246) Impairment losses recognised in Income Statement - - - - -

5,092 470 3,152 845 251,051

(a) Impairment Losses Impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement under Other Expeneses. Reversals of impairment losses are recognised in the Income Statement under Other Revenue.



2008 2007

$’000 $’000

Note 31 Trade and Other Payables

Creditors - General 98 69

Creditors - Goods Received Not Invoiced 1,714 1,631

Creditors - Refundable Deposits 311 367

Creditors - Interest Accrual 46 56

Creditors - Other 2 25

Net GST payable 177 224

2,348 2,372

Note 32 Interest-bearing Loans and Borrowings

Current Borrowings - Secured 579 545

Non-Current Borrowings - Secured 1,829 2,408

2,408 2,953

The bank loans are secured over the rates of the Council.

The maturity profile for Council’s borrowings is:

Not later than one year 579 545

Later than one year and not later than five years 1,742 2,096

Later than five years 87 312

2,408 2,953

Aggregate carrying amount of interest-bearing loans and borrowings:

Current 579 545

Non-Current 1,829 2,408

2,408 2,953

Financing Arrangements

Unrestricted access was available at balance date to the following lines of credit:

Bank overdraft 4,000 4,000

Bank loan facilities 2,408 2,953

6,408 6,953

Facilities used at balance date:

Bank loan facilities 2,408 2,953

Facilities available at balance date 4,000 4,000

The bank overdraft facilities may be drawn at any time and may be terminated by the bank without notice.

Interest rates on loan facilities are fixed. Interest rates on overdraft facilities are variable.




Note 33 Provisions Long Annual Service Landfill Other Total Leave Leave Restoration $’000

2008

Balance at beginning of the year 1,121 1,328 4,429 570 7,448

Additional provisions 944 282 221 35 1,482

Amounts used (769) (265) - (6) (1,040)

Balance at the end of the year 1,296 1,345 4,650 599 7,890

2007

Balance at beginning of the year 1,090 1,200 4,053 596 6,939

Additional provisions 770 335 376 63 1,544

Amounts used (739) (207) 0 (89) (1,035)

Balance at the end of the year 1,121 1,328 4,429 570 7,448

2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Current

Provision Gravel (Limestone) Pit Restoration 540 510

Employee Benefits 1,798 1,734

2,338 2,244

Non-current

Employee Benefits 902 775

Provision Landfill Rehabilitation and Aftercare 4,650 4,429

5,552 5,204

Total 7,890 7,448

Employee benefits

The aggregate employee benefit liability consists of:

Current

Annual Leave 777 687

Employee Gratuity Scheme 18 24

Long Service Leave 1,003 1,023

1,798 1,734

Non-current

Annual Leave 518 434

Employee Gratuity Scheme 41 36

Long Service Leave 342 305

901 775

Total 2,699 2,509

Aggregate carrying amount of employee benefits:

Current 1,798 1,734

Non-Current 901 775

2,699 2,509

Total Actual Employees 329 329

Total Equivalent Full Time Staff Numbers 199 197


Note 34 Reserves Asset revaluation reserve Land Buildings Infrastructure Infrastructure Roads Other 2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance at beginning of reporting period 15,273 22,989 66,724 23,855

Increment (decrement) 692 2,720 1,494 11,255

Balance at end of reporting period 15,965 25,709 68,218 35,110

Plant & Furniture Heritage Total Equipment & Fittings Assets 2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance at beginning of reporting period 456 365 12 129,674

Increment (decrement) - - - 16,161

Balance at end of reporting period 456 365 12 145,835

Asset revaluation reserve Land Buildings Infrastructure Infrastructure Roads Other 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance at beginning of reporting period 15,273 22,989 66,724 23,630

Increment (decrement) - - - 225

Balance at end of reporting period 15,273 22,989 66,724 23,855

Plant & Furniture Heritage Total Equipment & Fittings Assets 2007 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Balance at beginning of reporting period 456 365 12 129,449

Increment (decrement) - - - 225

Balance at end of reporting period 456 365 12 129,674

Note 35 Adjustments directly to equity

There were no Adjustments directly to Equity




Note 36 Reconciliation of result from ordinary activities with net cash from operations 2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Result from Ordinary Activities 2,739 4,876

Items not involving cash:

Depreciation and amortisation 6,462 6,274

Asset recognition (380) (359)

Assets written off 106 142

(Increment) Decrement in fair values of investment properties (409) -

5,779 6,057

Investing activities:

(Profit)/loss on disposal of fixed assets (67) (186)

Financing activities

Interest and other Finance Charges 230 274

Change in assets and liabilities:

(Increase)/decrease in current trade and other receivables 1,372 (938)

(Increase)/decrease in non current trade and other receivables (10) 2

(Increase)/decrease in other operating assets (341) 882

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables (23) 795

Increase/(decrease) in other liabilities - -

Increase/(decrease) in provisions 444 509

Increase/(decrease) in equity - -

1,442 1,250

Net cash inflow/(outflow) from operating activities 10,123 12,271



Note 39 Superannuation

Council makes employer superannuation contributions in respect of its employees to the Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (the Fund). Obligations for contributions are recognised as an expense in profit or loss when they are due. The Fund has two categories of membership, each of which is funded differently. The Fund’s accumulation category, Vision Super Saver, receives both employer and employee contributions on a progressive basis. Employer contributions are normally based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings (9% required under Superannuation Guarantee Legislation). No further liability accrues to the employer as the superannuation benefits accruing to employees are represented by their share of the net assets of the Fund. From 1 July 2008, employers are required to pay superannuation contributions based on Ordinary Time Earnings (OTE) which may put upward pressure on contribution levels. The Fund’s Defined Benefit Plan is a multi-employer sponsored plan. As the Fund’s assets and liabilities are pooled and are not allocated by employer, the Actuary is unable to reliably allocate benefit liabilities, assets and costs between employers. As provided under Paragraph 32 (b) of AASB 119, Council does not use defined benefit accounting for these contributions. Council makes employer contributions to the defined benefit category of the Fund at rates determined by the Trustee on the advice of the Fund’s Actuary. On the basis of the results of the most recent full actuarial investigation conducted by the Fund’s Actuary as at 31st December, 2005 the Trustee has determined that the current funding arrangements are adequate for the expected Defined Benefit Plan liabilities. Council makes the following contributions. - 9.25% of members’ salaries (same as previous year); - the difference between resignation and retrenchment benefits paid to any retrenched employees, plus contribution tax (same as previous year);

Note 37 Commitments for Expenditure Capital Commitments Total capital expenditure contracted for at the reporting date, but not recognised in the financial statements as liabilities: Not later than one year 187 241 Operating Leases At the reporting date, the Council had the following obligations under non-cancellable operating leases for the lease of equipment and land and buildings for use within Council’s activities (these obligations are not recognised as liabilities): Not later than one year 157 135 Later than one year and not later than five years 111 91 Later than five years 117 79

385 305 Note 38 Contingent Liabilities and Contingent Assets The Council has provided guarantees in respect of loans and overdrafts. The details and extent of the Council’s exposure at the reporting date is as follows: Heywood Football Netball Club Bank Loan 21 18

21 18 Council currently has no contingent assets.



Note 39 Superannuation (cont.)

The Fund’s liability for accrued benefits was determined in the 30 June 2007 actuarial review pursuant to the requirements of Australian Accounting Standard AAS25 as follows: 30-Jun-07 $’000

Net Market Value of Assets 4,102,154

Accrued Benefits (per accounting standards) 3,923,436

Difference between Assets and Accrued Benefits 178,718

Vested Benefits 3,572,589 The Accrued Benefits liability has been determined by the Actuary at 30 June 2007 outside of the full actuarial review which is normally undertaken every three years and most recently performed as at 31 December 2007. This liability is calculated to satisfy the requirements of AAS 25 and is not reflected in the audited financial statements of the Fund at 30 June 2007. The financial assumptions used to calculate the Accrued Benefits for the defined benefit category of the Fund were:

Net Investment Return 8.0% p.a.

Salary Inflation 5.5% p.a.

Price Inflation 3.0% p.a. Details of contributions to superannuation funds during the year and amounts payable at 30 June 2008 are as follows: 2008 2007 $’000 $’000 Employer contributions to Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (Vision Super) - Accumulation Funds 621 589

Employer contributions to Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (Vision Super) - Defined Benefit Plans 278 229 Due to a provision in Council’s prior Enterprise Bargaining agreement, new employees had the option of selecting a superannuation fund rather than Local Authorities Superannuation Fund (the Fund). Council has made employer superannuation contributions to the following funds.

2008 2007 $’000 $’000

Employer contributions to AMP - Flexible Lifetime Super 4 4

Employer contributions to Rest Superannuation 4 4

Employer contributions to First Quest Retirement Service - 3



Note Accounting Policy

18 Cash on hand and at bank are valued at face value. Interest is recognised as it accrues.

Investments and Bills are valued at face value.

Investments are held to maximise interest returns of surplus cash.

Interest revenues are recognised as they accrue.

19 Footpath, kerb and channel debtors are

carried at nominal amounts due plus interest. Footpath, kerb and channel debts are a charge attached to the rateable property and are recoverable on sale, therefore, no provision for doubtful debts is made. Interest rates are reviewed annually.

19 Receivables are carried at nominal amounts due less any provision for doubtful debts. A provision for doubtful debts is recognised when collection in full is no longer probable. Collectibility of overdue accounts is assessed on an ongoing basis.

19 These loans are carried at the principal

amounts outstanding. Interest is recognised as it accrues.

0 Liabilities are recognised for amounts to be paid in the future for goods and services provided to Council as at balance date whether or not invoices have been received.

32 Loans are carried at their principal amounts, which represent the present value of future cash flows associated with servicing the debt. Interest is accrued over the period it becomes due and recognised as part of payables.

32 Overdrafts are recognised at the principal amount. Interest is charged as an expense

as it accrues.

Terms and Conditions

On call deposits returned a floating interest rate of 5.4% to 7.15% (4.9% to 5.4% in 2006/2007). The interest rate at balance date was 7.15% (5.4% in 2006/2007).

Funds returned fixed interest rate of between 6.58% (6.16% in 2006/2007), and 8.39% (6.71% in 2006/2007) net of fees.

Footpath, kerb and channel debts are payable by one lump sum or by four instalments per year for up to five years. Interest rate charged for instalment debtors is 12% (12% in 2006/2007).

General debtors are unsecured and interest free. Credit terms are generally based on 30 days.

Loans to community organisations are unsecured. Loans are payable by instalment (ie. monthly or 3 monthly). Interest returns between 6.00% and 10.65%.

General Creditors are unsecured, not subject to interest charges and are normally settled within 30 days of invoice receipt.

Borrowings are secured by way of mortgages over the general rates of the Council. Interest rates for loans are in the range of 5.875% to 7.40%. (Range was 5.875% to 7.40% in 2006/2007).

The overdraft is subject to annual review. It is secured by a mortgage over Council’s general rates and is repayable on demand. Interest rates on utilised overdraft was 9.15% to 10.65% during 2007/2008 (9.15% in 2006/2007). The interest rate as at balance 10.65% (9.15% in 2006/2007).

Recognised Financial Instruments

Financial Assets

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Trade and Other Receivables

Footpath, Kerb and Channel Debtors

General Debtors and Infringement Debtors

Loans to Community Organisations

Financial Liabilities

Trade and Other Payables

Interest Bearing Loans and Borrowings

Bank overdraft

Note 40 Financial Instruments

(a) Accounting Policy, Terms and Conditions


Note 40 Financial Instruments (cont.) (b) Interest Rate Risk The exposure to interest rate risk and the effective interest rates of financial assets and financial liabilities, both recognised and unrecognised, at balance date are as follows:

2008 Floating 1 year Over 1 More than Non-interest Total Interest or less to 5 years 5 years bearing rate

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents - Note 18 12,309 - - - - 12,309 Trade and other receivables - Note 19 - 18 - - 1,578 1,596

Total financial assets 12,309 18 - - 1,578 13,905 Weighted average interest rate 7.94% 7.55% Financial liabilities Trade and other payables - Note 31 - - - - 2,348 2,348 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - Note 32 - 579 1,742 87 - 2,408

Total financial liabilities - 579 1,742 87 2,348 4,756 Weighted average interest rate 10.65% 6.30% 6.46% 6.26% Net financial assets (liabilities) 12,309 (561) (1,742) (87) (770) 9,149

2007 Floating 1 year Over 1 More than Non-interest Total Interest or less to 5 years 5 years bearing rate

$’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial assets Cash and cash equivalents 11,537 - - - - 11,537 Other financial assets - - - - - - Trade and other receivables - 28 - - 3,204 3,232

Total financial assets 11,537 28 - - 3,204 14,769 Weighted average interest rate 6.38% 11.31% Financial liabilities Trade and other payables - - - - 2,372 2,372 Interest-bearing loans and borrowings - 545 2,096 312 - 2,953

Total financial liabilities - 545 2,096 312 2,372 5,326 Weighted average interest rate 9.15% 6.30% 6.42% 6.38% Net financial assets (liabilities) 11,537 (517) (2,096) (312) 832 9,444


Fixed interest maturing in:

Fixed interest maturing in:



Note 40 Financial Instruments (cont.) (c) Net Fair Values The net fair values of the above assets and liabilities are not material different to that disclosed. (d) Credit Risk The maximum exposure to credit risk at balance date in relation to each class of recognised financial asset is represented by the carrying amount of those assets as indicated in the Balance Sheet. (e) Risks and mitigation The risks associated with our main financial instruments and our policies for minimising these risks are detailed below. Market risk Market risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of our financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market prices. The Council’s exposures to market risk are primarily through interest rate risk with only insignificant exposure to other price risks and no exposure to foreign currency risk. Components of market risk to which we are exposed are discussed below. Interest rate risk Interest rate risk refers to the risk that the value of a financial instrument or cash flows associated with the instrument will fluctuate due to changes in market interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from interest bearing financial assets and liabilities that Council uses. Non derivative interest bearing assets are predominantly short term liquid assets. Council’sinterest rate liability risk arises primarily from long term loans and borrowings at fixed rates which exposes it to fair value interest rate risk. Council’s loan borrowings are sourced from major Australian banks by a competitive process. Council’s Overdraft facility is arranged with a major Australian bank. Council manages interest rate risk on its net debt portfolio by: - ensuring access to diverse sources of funding; - reducing risks of refinancing by managing in accordance with target maturity profiles; and - setting prudential limits on interest repayments as a percentage of rate revenue.

Council manages the interest rate exposure on its net debt portfolio by appropriate budgeting strategies and obtaining approval for borrowings from the Australian Loan Council each year.

Investment of surplus funds is made with approved financial institutions under the Local Government Act 1989. Council manages interest rate risk by adopting an investment policy that ensures: - conformity with State and Federal regulations and standards, - adequate safety, - appropriate liquidity, - diversification by credit rating, financial institution and investment product, - monitoring of return on investment, - benchmarking of returns and comparison with budget.

Maturity is staggered to provide for interest rate variations and to minimise interest rate risk.



Note 40 Financial instruments (cont.) Credit risk Credit risk is the risk that a contracting entity will not complete its obligations under a financial instrument and cause Council to make a financial loss. Council has exposure to credit risk on all financial assets included in its balance sheet. To help manage this risk: - Council has a policy for establishing credit limits for the entities we deal with; - Council may require collateral where appropriate; and - Council only invests surplus funds with financial institutions which have a recognised credit rating specified in its investment policy. Trade and other receivables consist of a large number of customers, spread across the consumer, business and government sectors. Credit risk associated with the Council’s financial assets is minimal because the main debtor is the Victorian Government. Apart from the Victorian Government, Council does not have any significant credit risk exposure to a single customer or groups of customers. Ongoing credit evaluation is performed on the financial condition of Council’s customers and, where appropriate, an allowance for doubtful debts is raised. Council may also be subject to credit risk for transactions which are not included in the balance sheet, such as when it provides a guarantee for another party. Details of Council’s contingent liabilities are disclosed in note 38. Liquidity risk Liquidity risk includes the risk that, as a result of our operational liquidity requirements: - Council will not have sufficient funds to settle a transaction on the date; - Council will be forced to sell financial assets at a value which is less than what they are worth; or - Council may be unable to settle or recover a financial assets at all. To help reduce these risks Council: - has a liquidity policy which targets a minimum and average level of cash and cash equivalents to be maintained; - has readily accessible standby facilities and other funding arrangements in place; - has a liquidity portfolio structure that requires surplus funds to be invested within various bands of liquid instruments; - monitors budget to actual performance on a regular basis; and - set limits on borrowings relating to the percentage of loans to rate revenue and percentage of loan principal repayments to rate revenue. The Council’ss exposure to liquidity risk is deemed insignificant based on prior periods’ data and current assessment of risk. (f) Sensitivity disclosure analysis Taking into account past performance, future expectations, economic forecasts, and management’s knowledge and experience of the financial markets, the Council believes the following movements are ‘reasonably possible’ over the next 12 months (Base rates are sourced from Federal Bank of Australia): - A parallel shift of +2% and -1% in market interest rates (AUD) from year-end rates of 8%.



Note 41 Related Party Transactions (i) Names of persons holding the position of a Responsible Person at the Glenelg Shire Council during the reporting year are:

Councillors Councillor Geoff White (Mayor 6/12/07 to current)

Councillor Gilbert Wilson(Mayor 29/11/06 to 5/12/07)

Councillor Karen Stephens

Councillor Bill McIntyre

Councillor Frank Zeigler

Councillor Joy Benbow

Councillor Neil Kerr

Councillor Robert Halliday

Councillor Tom Munro Chief Executive Officer Stuart Burdack

Note 40 Financial instruments (cont.)

(f) Sensitivity disclosure analysis

The table below discloses the impact on net operating result and equity for each category of financial instruments held by the Council at year-end, if the above movements were to occur. Interest rate risk

Market risk exposure Carrying amount subject to interest -1% 2% 100 basis points 200 basis points

Profit Equity Profit Equity

2008 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents - Note 18 12,309 (123) (123) 246 246

Trade and other receivables - Note 19 1,596 (16) (16) 32 32

Financial liabilities:

Trade and other payables - Note 31 2,348 (23) (23) 47 47

Interest-bearing loans and borrowings

- Note 32 2,408 (24) (24) 48 48


(ii) Remuneration of Responsible Persons The numbers of Responsible Officers, whose total remuneration from Council and any related entities fall within the following bands: 2008 2007 No. No. $10,000 - $19,999 5 5 $20,000 - $29,999 4 4 $40,000 - $49,999 - 1 $200,000 - $210,000 1 1

10 11 $’000 $’000 Total Remuneration for the reporting year for Responsible Persons included above amounted to 343 326 (iii) No retirement benefits have been made by the Council to a Responsible Person. - - (iv) No loans have been made, guaranteed or secured by the Council to a Responsible Person during the reporting period. - - (v) Other Transactions No transactions other than remuneration payments or the reimbursement of approved expenses were entered into by Council with Responsible Persons, or Related Parties of such Responsible Persons during the reporting year. - - (vi) Senior Officers Remuneration A Senior Officer other than a Responsible Person, is an officer of Council who has management responsibilities and reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer or whose total annual remuneration exceeds $100,000. The number of senior officers other than the Responsible Persons, are shown below in their relevant income bands: 2008 2007 Income Range: No. No.

$60,000 -$70,000 1 -

$80,000 - $89,999 - -

$90,000 - $99,999 1 -

$100,000 - $109,999 1 1

$110,000 - $119,999 1 4

$120,000 - $129,999 1 -

5 5 $’000 $’000 Total Remuneration for the reporting year for Senior Officers included above, amounted to 499 557

Note 41 Related Party Transactions (cont.)



Note 42 Revenues, Expenses and Assets by Function/Activity The Local Government Regulations require the following program based disclosures: Assets Attributed

Actual 2008 Revenues Expenses Surplus to Function $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Functions/Activities

Chief Executive Department 88 833 (745) 476

Community Development Department 4,079 6,391 (2,312) 6,372

Corporate Services Department 20,452 10,411 10,041 29,575

Assets and Infrastructure Department 6,477 12,291 (5,814) 243,607

Planning and Economic Development Department 679 2,417 (1,738) 7,016

Capital Revenue and Asset Disposals 3,201 106 3,307 -

Total 34,976 32,449 2,739 287,046 Assets Attributed

Actual 2007 Revenues Expenses Surplus to Function $’000 $’000 $’000 $’000

Functions/Activities

Chief Executive Department 381 2,132 (1,751) 499

Citizen Services Department 3,583 5,177 (1,594) 5,040

Corporate Services Department 18,676 9,033 9,643 27,246

Development Services Department 1,066 3,130 (2,064) 7,021

Engineering Services Department 5,781 10,082 (4,301) 228,467

Capital Revenue and Asset Disposals 5,331 388 4,943 -

Total 34,818 29,942 4,876 268,273 * Assets have been attributed to functions/activities based on the control and/or custodianship of specific assets. The activities of the Council are categorised into the following broad functions: During 2008, Council’s Departments were restructured for functional purposes Chief Executive Department Chief Executive includes Chief Executive Office, Human Resources, and Media Liaison.

Community Development Department Community Development includes such services as Home Support Services, Aged & Disability Services, Pre School Centres, Family Day Care, Child Care Centres, Environmental Health, Maternal & Child Health, Libraries, Recreation and Youth Programs, Arts and Culture and Heritage.

Corporate Services Department Corporate Services is responsible for the operation of Council’s internal services, incorporating Finance, Purchasing, Information Technology, Administration and Governance, Audit, Customer Services, Records Management, Rates & Valuations, Commercial Activities. Planning and Economic Development Department Planning and Economic Development includes Economic Development, Industry Attraction, Planning Services, Tourism & Promotions, Caravan Parks, and Tourist Information Centres.

Assets and Infrastructure Department Assets and Infrastructure is responsible for the operation of Council’s Assets and Works programs, incorporating Local Road Maintenance, Main Road Maintenance, Depot Operations, Airport Management, Design, Building Maintenance, External Works, Drainage, Fire Protection, Beaches & Foreshores, Parks & Reserves, Public Halls, Swimming pools, Cleaning, Street Cleaning, Sanitation, and Street Lighting.



Note 43 Financial Ratios (a) Debt servicing ratio (to identify the capacity of Council to service its outstanding debt)

Debt servicing costs Total revenue Debt servicing costs refer to the payment of interest on loan borrowings, finance lease, and bank overdraft. The ratio expresses the amount of interest paid as a percentage of Council’s total revenue.

(b) Debt commitment ratio (to identify Council’s debt redemption strategy) Debt servicing & redemption costs Rate revenue The strategy involves the payment of loan principal and interest, finance lease principal and interest. The ratio expresses the percentage of rate revenue utilised to pay interest and redeem debt principal.

(c) Revenue ratio (to identify Council’s dependence on non-rate income) Rate revenue Total revenue The level of Council’s reliance on rate revenue is determined by assessing rate revenue as a proportion of the total revenue of Council.

230 = 0.7%

274 = 0.8%

331 = 1.0%

34,711 34,384 32,213

775 = 5.0%

1,162 = 7.8%

1,405 = 10.6%

15,659 14,929 13,292

15,659 = 45.1%

14,929 = 43.4%

13,292 = 41.3%

34,711 34,384 32,213

2008$’000

2008(%)

2006(%)

2006$’000

2007(%)

2007$’000



9,221 = 12.0%

5,249 = 6.7%

5,287 = 7.0%

76,789 78,172 75,632

15,208 = 288.9%

15,463 = 299.6%

12,686 = 299.0%

5,265 5,161 4,243

15,208 = 333.4%

15,463 = 348.4%

12,686 = 323.5%

4,562 4,438 3,921

(d) Debt Exposure Ratio (to identify Council’s exposure to debt) Total indebtedness Total realisable assets For the purposes of the calculation of financial ratios, realisable assets are those assets which can be sold and which are not subject to any restriction on realisation or use. Any liability represented by a restricted asset (notes 18 & 33) is excluded from total indebtedness. The following assets are excluded from total assets when calculating Council’s realisable assets: Land and buildings on Crown land; restricted assets; heritage assets; total infrastructure assets; and Council’s investment in associate. This ratio enables assessment of Council’s solvency and exposure to debt. Total indebtedness refers to the total liabilities of Council. Total liabilities are compared to total realisable assets which are all Council assets not subject to any restriction and are able to be realised. The ratio expresses the multiple of total liabilities for each dollar of realisable assets.

(e) Working Capital Ratio (to assess Council’s ability to meet current commitments) Current assets Current liabilities The ratio expresses the level of current assets the Council has available to meet its current liabilities.

(f) Adjusted Working Capital Ratio (to assess Council’s ability to meet current commitments) Current assets Current liabilities The ratio expresses the level of current assets the Council has available to meet its current liabilities.

Current liabilities have been reduced to reflect the long service leave that is shown as a current liability because Council does not have an unconditional right to defer settlement of the liability for at least twelve months after the reporting date, but is not likely to fall due within 12 months after the end of the period.

Note 43 Financial Ratios (cont.)

2008$’000

2008(%)

2006(%)

2006$’000

2007(%)

2007$’000



In my opinion, the accompanying financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Local Government Act 1989, the Local Government (Finance and Reporting) Regulations 2004, Australian Accounting Standards, and other mandatory professional reporting requirements.

Linda MacRaePRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING OFFICER


In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements present fairly the financial transactions of Glenelg Shire Council for the financial year ended 30 June 2008 and the financial position of the Council as at that date.

As at the date of signing, we are not aware of any circumstances which would render any particulars in the financial statement to be misleading or inaccurate.

We have been authorised by the Council on 9 September 2008 to certify the financial statements in their final form.

Geoff White

COUNCILLOR


Gilbert WilsonCOUNCILLOR


Stuart BurdackCHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


certification of the financial report


auditor - general’s reporton the financial report


performance statements

INTRODUCTION

Glenelg Shire Council has prepared

and adopted a Council Plan for the

four financial years immediately

following the municipal elections held in

November 2004. During 2007, Council

has reviewed the Plan and adopted

amendments to this Plan to form a new

Council Plan for implementation from

1 July 2007 to 30 June 2009.

This Council Annual Plan for Glenelg

Shire Council presents the key activities

that the Glenelg Shire will pursue during

the 2007/08 financial year to deliver the

commitments in the Council Plan 2005

– 2009. We believe that these activities

represent significant steps towards the

achievement of the commitments and

intentions outlined in the Council Plan.

The Council Annual Plan has activities

and actions together with performance

indicators linked to objectives and goals

of the Council Plan.

We will report on our progress of these

activities through regular updates to

Council through Council meetings

and we will report on our performance

measures and targets through a detailed

Performance Statement in the Annual

Report for 2007/08.

OBJECTIVES

a Shire that achieves

sustainable growth 106

a Shire that embraces good

governance, makes sound decisions,

looks after its many assets and

property, manages its financial

and human resources, and speaks

up for the community 109

a Shire that provides value for

money services that meet residents’

needs and create a vibrant, caring,

healthy community 116

a Shire that grasps economic and

social opportunities that enable its

citizens to lead fuller lives 123


OBJECTIVE a shire that achieves sustainable growth

GOAL: We will restore public confidence in the Shire’s planning processes by:

Activity/Action

Reducing the number of

undetermined planning permit

applications by 30% by

30 June 2008.

Completing a review of heritage

sites across the Shire (excluding

Portland which is already completed),

consulting with our community about

sites recommended for protection

and preparing an amendment to the

Glenelg Planning Scheme to provide

heritage protection for appropriate

sites by 30 June 2008.

Continuing to reform planning

processes so that all participants in

the permit application process are

better informed and are provided with

more effective means of expressing

their views.

Seeking State Government and

regional local government support for

Council to establish a free advisory

service pilot project aimed at helping

planning process participants access

sound planning advice.

Reviewing planning workflow

processes with a view to making

efficiency gains.

Performance Indicator

By 30 June 2008, undetermined

planning permit applications will

be less than 90.

Glenelg Strategic Futures Plan

completed and preparation

commenced for Planning Amendment

by 30 June 2008.

Development of a communications

strategy and implementation of

this strategy to inform applicants

and citizens generally on progress

regarding the Glenelg Strategic

Futures Plan and DPO7 structure plan

by 31 December 2007.

Prepare and submit a project

brief and funding application to

the Department of Sustainability

& Environment and the Municipal

Association of Victoria by

31 December 2007.

Review workflow systems and

responsibilities and document

findings and recommendations by

31 December 2007.

Outcome

Achieved. As at 30 June 2008,

25 applications are undetermined

and waiting officer reports.

Completion of Glenelg Strategic

Futures Plan postponed to November

2008 due to lack of requisite flooding

data.

Preparation of Stage 2 of the Glenelg

Heritage Study completed. Funding

allocated to implement the study in

the 2008/09 budget.

Communications Strategy completed.

This included regular reports to

Councillors workshops and a Land

Management Plan forum held on

18 June 2008.

Achieved. In principle funding

approval for the pilot project was

provided in May 2008. This was

subsequently replaced by the June

State Government announcement to

employ 15 planners across the State

to assist local government.

Completed. Processes were reviewed

at a Departmental workshop on

6 February 2008. This resulted in

an improved workflow for planning

applications.



GOAL: We will complete the strategic planning study known as “Glenelg Strategic Futures Plan” according to the following schedule:

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVEOBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE

Activity/Action

Stage One – 31 August 2007

Completion of aerial photography,

digital terrain modelling, flooding

and drainage mapping and

incorporation into the Council’s

geographic information system.

Stage Two – 28 February 2008

Completion of all components of

the Glenelg Strategic Futures Plan,

which incorporates:

• Policy development within the

local planning policy framework

for Settlement and Housing,

Environment, Economic

Development, Infrastructure, and

Particular Uses and Development,

• Preparation of Scheme

Amendments to effect changes

required.


Incorporation of aerial photography

and Lidar mapping data into GIS by

31 August 2007.

Draft GSFP presented to Council,

including policy development

for Settlement and Housing,

Environment, Economic

Development, Infrastructure, and

Particular Uses and Development.

Draft Scheme Amendments to

effect the changes prepared by

30 June 2008.

Outcome

Completed. Aerial imagery and

Lidar (contour) mapping data was

progressively installed on the GIS

system.


Futures Plan postponed to

November 2008 due to lack of

requisite flooding data.

• Developed land management

plan tools in March 2008.

• Applied to Minister for Planning

for interim planning scheme

amendments in April 2008.

See comment above.

sustainable growth



GOAL: We will seek the Minister for Planning’s support to remove the requirement for the preparation of Development Plans in the Glenelg Planning Scheme:

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE

GOAL: We will join the Victorian Local Sustainability Accord and we will prepare an Environmental Strategic Framework which will guide our future actions to create a sustainable Shire.

Activity/Action

For those areas currently subject

of Development Plan Overlays

1, 2, 4 and 6 by preparing Structure

Plans and Local Structure Plans

as part of the Glenelg Strategic

Futures Plan and incorporating

them into the Planning Scheme

by amendment.

For the coastal area around

Dutton Way and Narrawong,

known as DPO7 by seeking funding

and government assistance for the

preparation of a Development Plan

for the area.


Draft Structure Plans and

Local Structure Plans completed

by 30 June 2008.

Completion of Brief and funding

confirmed by 31 December 2007.

Outcome


Futures Plan postponed to November

2008 due to lack of requisite flooding

data.

• Developed land management plan

tools in March 2008.

• Applied to Minister for Planning

for interim planning scheme

amendments in April 2008.

Planning scheme amendment

prepared and submitted in

April 2008 to address part of the

DPO7 area. Funding has been

obtained for a Coastal Engineering

and Planning Study.

Activity/Action

Develop a Sustainability Accord

Priority Statement.

Council to join the Sustainability

Accord Partnership.

Council to develop the Environmental

Strategic Framework for the Shire.


Statement adopted by Council

July 2007.

Council signed as an Accord partner

June 2007.

Council to adopt the Environmental

Strategic Framework in November

2007.

Outcome

Local Environmental Sustainability

Priority Statement adopted by

Council 24 July 2007.

Victorian Local Sustainability Accord

signed by Council at the Council

meeting 22 May 2007.

The Draft Environmental Sustainability

Framework has been prepared

for consideration by Council at its

meeting on 23 September 2008.


OBJECTIVE a Shire that embraces good governance, makes sound decisions, looks after its many assets, property, manages its financial and human resources, and speaks up for the community.

GOAL: We will ensure that the impacts of prolonged drought are taken into account when the Shire establishes rating levels for 2007/2008 and 2008/2009.

Activity/Action

Deliver a responsible but considered

budget that keeps 2007/08 rate

increases below local government

industry standards.


Keep rates for 2007/08 below the

Municipal Association of Victoria cost

of living rise estimated at 5 – 6%.

Outcome

A net rate revenue increase of 4%

was adopted for 2007/08.

speaks up for the community


GOAL: We will maintain the highest standards of financial stewardship by:

Activity/Action

Present detailed monthly financial

reports to the Council.

Undertaking a range of internal

audits, in accordance with an

internal audit plan under the

supervision of an Internal Audit

Committee.

Maintaining the Shire’s sound

overall financial viability based

on moderate rating levels, low

levels of debt, surplus budgeting,

appropriate levels of retained cash,

very high levels of debt collection

and growing levels of asset

reinvestment and renewal.

Review the Rate Strategy following

the receipt of the 2008 municipal

revaluation.

The 2008 revaluation of all

rateable properties is completed

in accordance with the Valuer

General’s valuation best practice

guidelines.


Monthly Income Reports presented

to Council.

Internal audits listed in the Audit

Plan for 2007/08 completed.

Adoption of a budgeted surplus

for 2007/08.

Level of retained cash at

1 July 2007 ‘v’ level of retained

cash at 30 June 2008.

Amount of rates outstanding

as at 30 June 2008 to be < 2%

of total rates.

Submit the review to Council

for adoption with the 2008/09

Council budget.

Valuation contract dates achieved.

Receipt of Valuer General’s

verification certificates for each

stage of the revaluation.

Outcome

Completed – refer to Council Meeting

Minutes.

Confirmed by Audit Committee.

Internal audits are listed in the Glenelg

Shire Audit Plan 2005-2009 adopted

by Council. A progress report was

submitted to and adopted by the

Audit Committee at the meeting held

on 29 April 2008 (Item 9).

Completed. Budget adopted at the

Council Meeting held on 24 July

2007. Budget contained a budgeted

surplus of $3,377,125 for 2007/2008

(refer to Budgeted Standard

Operating Statement on page 50).

On target. Level of retained cash as

at the 30 June 2008 is forecast to

exceed the level as at 30 June 2007.

Actual level cannot be determined

until the completion of the 2007/08

annual financial statements and

external audit after 30 June 2008.

On target. Amount of outstanding

rates is forecast to better the

performance indicator. Actual result

cannot be determined until 30 June

2008.

Completed. Review completed and

presented to the Councillors Budget

Workshop held on 6 May 2008. No

change to existing rating differentials

for 2008/09.

Completed.

Completed. New valuations have

been received for all rateable

properties in the Glenelg Shire.

Stage 5 certification from the Valuer

General has been received.


GOAL: We will reduce long term indebtedness by $545,000 in 2007/2008 and $579,000 in 2008/2009.

Activity/Action

Reduce Council loan principal

and interest payments.


Debt level as at 30 June 2008

(principal closing balance) is

$2,408,020.

Outcome

Achieved.

GOAL: Any new debt will be accompanied by a Business Plan or Economic Impact statement which justifies new borrowings.

Activity/Action

Preparation of business plan or

economic impact statements for

every new loan proposal.


Adoption of each loan proposal.

Outcome

Council has adopted a Business Plan

for the proposed Portland Family

and Childrens’ Centre (The Hub).

Budgeted loan of $300,000 not taken

up as project has not received all

necessary federal and state funding.

GOAL: We will determine the future of the Casterton Saleyards by developing a detailed understanding of the works required to enable the saleyards to operate safely and by evaluating the overall economic and social benefits which the operation of the saleyards bring to the Casterton area.

Activity/Action

Develop a Casterton Saleyards

Business Plan.


Draft business plan presented

to Council and then released

for public comment by

27 November 2007.

Public comments received and

considered at January 2008

Council meeting.

Final business plan reviewed giving

consideration to public comments

and presented to the January 2008

Council workshop.

Business plan formally considered

by Council at the February 2008

Council meeting.

Outcome

Council adopted Draft Business

Plan at Council meeting on

27 November 2007.

Community meeting 23 January in

Casterton. Submissions received

and referred to the 25 March 2008

Council meeting.

Business Plan adopted at the

Council meeting held on

25 March 2008.

Service Improvement Plan adopted

at 25 March 2008 Council Meeting

in Casterton.


GOAL: We will develop asset management strategies for the Shire’s drainage systems and parks and recreation areas so that we can invest in and renew these assets in the most cost effective way.

Activity/Action

Develop and implement a Drainage Asset Management Plan (DAMP).

Develop and implement a Parks and Recreation Reserve Asset Management Plan (PRRAMP).


Condition assessments and network mapping completed by June 2008.

Asset assessments and valuation review completed by December 2008.

Draft Drainage Asset Management Plan to Council and public for comment by March 2009.

Condition assessments and network mapping completed by June 2008.

Asset assessments and valuation review completed by December 2008.

Draft Parks and Recreation Reserve Asset Management Plan to Council and public for comment by March 2009.

Outcome

Works commenced on project in March 2008. Network mapping of 86 km of drains has been completed.

Review of asset condition and valuation is programmed for August to October 2008.

Preparation of Draft Drainage Asset Management Plan has commenced.

Parks asset mapping completed March 2008.

Asset assessments and valuation review programmed for October 2008.

Preparation of a Draft Parks and Recreation Reserve Asset Management Plan is programmed for commencement in November 2008.



GOAL: We will implement the asset management strategies for buildings and transport.

Activity/Action

Implement the Building Asset Management Plan (BAMP).

Develop and implement the Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP).

Develop an Integrated Transport Plan (ITP) bringing together all aspects of transport within the Shire into a single plan.


Establish annual maintenance programs (April annually).

Establish annual building upgrade programs

Complete draft for Council and public comment (November 2007).

Establish annual maintenance programs (April annually).

Establish annual road upgrade programs (April annually).

Complete the draft plan by July 2008 for Council and Public comment.

Complete the final plan by December 2008 for adoption by Council.

Outcome

Project successfully implemented and works substantially completed throughout 2007/08.

Annual maintenance and upgrade program completed for inclusion in the 2008/09 budget.

Transport Asset Management Plan adopted by Council 27 November 2007.

2008/09 maintenance plan completed for implementation in the 2008/09 budget.

2008/09 road upgrade program completed for implementation in the 2008/09 budget.

CBD Parking Strategy will be presented to Council in July 2008. Bicycle Strategy is currently being prepared under the guidance of the Bicycle Strategy Committee. Draft ITP will incorporate theses documents when adopted by Council.

Programmed for completion by December 2008.


GOAL: We will remain fully committed to tapping the potential of the Shire’s geothermal resources for producing clean, efficient, cost-effective energy, and we will complete a report which canvasses all options available to our community to do so.

Activity/Action

Investigate further development of

either a new bore or a new heat

source (Wannon Water).


Geothermal options report to

Council’s 27 November 2007

Council meeting.

Outcome

Geothermal Options report presented

to Councillors workshop on

11 December 2007. Meeting with

Hot Rocks Pty Ltd held in February

GOAL: We will be vigorous advocates for our community and always speak up when necessary. We will fulfil our responsibilities as democratically elected representatives of our community.

Activity/Action

We will continue to advocate

for improvements to the Princes

Highway.

We will respond to the issues of

concern to our community as they

arise with strong advocacy.

Meet with relevant government

officers and ministers to lobby for

enhanced services for families and

children across the Shire.

Advocate and lobby on behalf of the

key community issues.


Continue to implement the

Great South Coast Municipalities

advocacy strategy including press

releases, promotional campaigns

and funding submissions.

Lobby strongly on at least

three important issues through

delegations and/or submissions

throughout 2007/2008.

A minimum of three (3) meetings

to be held.

Continued membership of the

Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight

Development.

Presentation to Rail Freight Network

Review Committee on importance

of rail infrastructure to the Port on

3 October 2007.

Outcome

Council has continued to

proactively participate in the Princes

Highway Alliance Working Group.

Commitments for State & Federal

Government funding to duplicate

the highway from Waurn Ponds to

Winchelsea have been obtained.

The Alliance is now focusing on

improvements between Warrnambool

and Mount Gambier.

Council has undertaken campaigns

around the Portland Bay trawler

wharf, the Heywood Police Station

(retaining the residence), the South

West rescue helicopter and the rail

network in Victoria.

Achieved. Three meetings held -

with Regional Development Victoria -

6 February 2008, Dept of Transport &

Regional Services – 25 February 2008

and Dept of Planning & Community

Development – 7 May 2008.

Membership continues. Mildura

City Council now administers the

secretariat.

Completed. Presentation made

by Glenelg Shire Council on

3 October 2007.


GOAL: We will participate in a review of the Shire’s electoral system and argue for electoral arrangements that help create informed and interested voters.

Activity/Action

Advocate Council’s position on

municipal electoral boundaries for

the Glenelg Shire to the Victorian

Electoral Commission’s review.


Submissions to be lodged with the

VEC by their specified dates.

Outcome

Completed. Submissions presented

to the Victorian Electoral Commission

and acknowledged in its preliminary

and final reports.

GOAL: We will develop a range of innovative programs which will help Council attract, train and retain skilled employees.

Activity/Action

Develop and send out a Work

Balance and Family Friendly

focused survey.


Report on results to the

Chief Executive Officer by

30 September 2007.

Outcome

Survey completed & results

evaluated. Results discussed

with Chief Executive Officer on

7 May 2008.



OBJECTIVE a Shire that provides value for money services that meet residents’ needs and create a vibrant, caring, healthy community.

GOAL: We will provide important services to the community to ensure that all citizens are catered for.

Activity/Action

We will monitor and maintain our

sealed and unsealed roads.

We will provide accessible and

valued recreation facilities.

We will provide a comprehensive

waste collection and disposal

service in the Shire.

We will deliver quality visitor

information services through

our 3 accredited Visitor

Information Centres.

We will ensure that the provision

of meals on wheels is equitable

and value for money.


Implement the Road Management

Program for 1,140km of sealed

roads and 1,480 km of unsealed

roads in the Shire.

Achieve 120,000 visits to the

Shire’s aquatic centres at Portland,

Heywood, Merino & Casterton.

Collect waste and recycling

products from over 7,300

households.

Provide excellent customer service

to over 100,000 visitors annually in

order to increase visitor length of stay

and dispersal throughout the region.

Provision of 30,000

meals on wheels.

Outcome

Program included in the 2007/08

budget and implemented.

108,000 visits recorded to 30

June 2008. Planned shutdowns

at The PLACE to undertake major

maintenance works throughout the

year may result in the target not

being achieved.

Achieved through weekly waste

collections and fortnightly collections

from 7,400 tenements.

Achieved. Approximately, 104,000

recorded visitors attended the Shires’

information centres.

30,400 meals provided to

Home & Community Care Clients

to 30 June 2008.

value for money services


GOAL: We will seek Federal and State Government assistance to establish “The Portland Child and Family” complex as an integrated cluster of early childhood services from a central Portland location, and we will explore the feasibility of a similar project in Casterton.

Activity/Action

Develop and submit applications for

funding for the Portland Child and

Family Complex.

Work with the Community Liaison

Committee to submit funding

applications to philanthropic

organisations.

Prepare and implement a community

engagement strategy for the Portland

Child and Family Complex.

Develop a Business Plan for the

redevelopment of the Casterton

Kindergarten as an integrated child

and family facility.


Applications for DOTARS

and DVC funds submitted by

31 August 2007.

A minimum of three (3) applications

submitted by 31 December 2007.

Community Engagement

Strategy competed by

30 October 2007.

Draft Business Plan considered

by Council by 31 October 2007.

Outcome

Completed. Applications submitted

to both DOTARS and Dept Victorian

Communities (now Dept Planning &

Community Development).

Business Plan has been adopted by

Council and discussions commenced

with philanthropic trusts regarding

application guidelines and processes.

Completed. Community engagement

strategies completed and submitted

to Council for endorsement:

• Portland Child and Family

Complex : Council meeting

27 November 2007; and

• Casterton Child and Family

Complex: Councillors Workshop

9 October 2007.

Business Plan completed and

submitted to Council for endorsement

at Council meeting 23 October 2007.


GOAL: We will provide vital services to the community and ensure that all citizens receive relevant services in a timely, fair and efficient manner.

Activity/Action

We will provide home and

community care services to

frail aged (over 70) and people

with disabilities.

We will provide quality child care

programs and support services for

children with additional needs.

We will deliver environmental

health services to ensure the

wellbeing of the community.

We will provide equitable access

to expressions of knowledge,

creative thought and intellectual

activity through Glenelg Libraries.


Provide 10,000 hours of frail

aged services to 700 clients to

30 June 2008.

Provide care for 350 children and

their families to 30 June 2008.

Provide 1,200 immunisations

and undertake 500 inspections

to 30 June 2008.

Achieve 50% of population

registered as members, 100,000

loans and 96,000 visits to libraries

to 30 June 2008.

Outcome

Total hours of service provided

01 July 2007 – 30 June 2008:

• 742 Clients

• 25,552 hours of services

282 families and 380 children have

received this service over the past

12 months.

1,489 immunisations and 580

inspections have been completed to

30 June 2008.

Achieved. Current membership

= 11,156

Visitors (July 2007 – June 2008)

= 150,683

Loans (July 2007 – June 2008)

= 121,379

GOAL: We will prepare and adopt a Municipal Public Health Plan aimed at improving the health and well-being of the Shire’s citizens, giving particular attention to the health needs of our indigenous community.

Activity/Action

Municipal Public Health Plan

Steering Committee appointed

and Terms of Reference adopted.

Council adopts final version of

Municipal Public Health Plan.


Steering Committee appointed and

Terms of Reference endorsed by

Council by 30 November 2007.

Plan adopted by Council by

30 May 2008.

Outcome

Steering Committee and Terms of

Reference endorsed by Council

at Ordinary Council Meetings: 28

August and 27 November 2007.

Not completed. Final workshop

held 13 June 2008. Draft plan will

be completed 30 June 2008 for

adoption by Council in July 2008.


GOAL: We will address disadvantage in the Glenelg Shire through the development of a social plan that: • Understands where and how disadvantage impacts on the lives of our citizens; • Draws the Government’s attention to those in our Community who need more help and; • Makes sure that our “human services” are tailored to helping those in most need.

Activity/Action

Social Plan Steering Committee

appointed and Terms of Reference

adopted.

Issues Paper, including mapping

of existing services and relevant

research presented to Council.


Steering Committee appointed and

Terms of Reference endorsed by

Council by 31 March 2008.

Issues Paper presented to

Council by 30 June 2008.

Outcome

This plan has been deferred until

completion of the Municipal Public

Health Plan, Positive Ageing Strategy

and the Youth Strategy are completed

(all due for completion by June 2009).

These plans will significantly reform

the Social Plan for the Shire.

Issues Paper not completed.

Consultant contracted to

undertake research for Issues

Paper 30 June 2008.

GOAL: We will establish an Aged Care Working Party in conjunction with aged care facility providers to develop an “Ageing in Place” plan for Glenelg Shire.

Activity/Action

Prepare a report for Council on

Aged Care in the Glenelg Shire.

Develop Terms of Reference

for Aged Care Working Party for

consideration by Council.

Present Draft Ageing In Place Plan to

Council for approval.


Report presented to Council

by 30 July 2007

Terms of Reference adopted

by Council by 31 January 2008.

Presented to Council by

30 June 2008.

Outcome

Reports on Aged Care considered

by Council at Council meeting held

on 24 July 2007.

Positive Ageing Strategy Terms of

Reference for Steering Committee

endorsed by Council at Council

meeting held on 18 December 2007.

Strategy not completed due to

extended consultation process.

Deferred to July 2008 Council

meeting. Steering Committee

endorsed and Research Report

received by Council at Council

meeting held on 26 February 2008.


GOAL: We will create an active, healthy Shire by implementing the recommendations of the Shire’s Recreation and Open Space Strategy.

Activity/Action

Develop appropriate staffing structure with the Recreation Unit.

Complete Recreation and Open Space Strategy key projects and actions for current year.

Prepare progress report for Council on implementation of Strategy.


Restructure completed and advertised by 30 September 2007.

75% of key projects and actions completed by 30 June 2008.

Report presented to Council in June 2008.

Outcome

Restructure completed. Recreation Services Officer commenced on 5 November 2007.Recreation & Youth Services Co-Coordinator Position filled August 2007.

75% of key actions and projects for 2008 completed.

Progress Report listed for presentation to July 2008 Council meeting.

value for money services


GOAL: We will create an inclusive Shire by implementing the Shire’s Disability Action Plan.

Activity/Action

Undertake a review of the Glenelg

Shire Council Mobility Map and

provide input regarding accessibility

into the Car Parking Review.

Support and assist with the

organisation of events to celebrate

International Day of People with a

Disability and Mental Health Week.

Provide a Progress Report on

the implementation of the Disability

Action Plan to the December

Council Meeting.


Mobility Map reprinted by

30 December 2007

Events are well supported

and promoted.

Report completed and

submitted to December

Ordinary Council meeting.

Outcome

Mobility Map reviewed and reprinted

June 2008. Disability Advisory

Committee provided comment on

Car Park Review at meeting held

on 7 April 2008.

Following events held and well

supported:

• To celebrate Mental Health Week,

the exhibition “Feeling Blue,

Seeing Red” was launched and

shown in the DiscoverIT Centre

over the months of October and

November 2007. A calendar of

the exhibition was produced with

support from Aspire, United Way

Glenelg and Southwest Health

Care.

• ‘Wild Westerlies’ (program that

provides people with a disability

the opportunity to participate

in cultural and artistic activities)

Dance Party was held on 8

December 2007.

• “One and All Festival Beach

Party” held 3 December 2007 to

celebrate IDPD – 80 attendees.

Progress report provided to Ordinary

Council meeting on 22 January 2008.


GOAL: We will create a vibrant Shire by providing and supporting a wide range of festivals, celebrations and cultural activities, which will entertain and engage a broad cross-section of our community.

Activity/Action

Support and fund key

projects/events across the Shire.


A comprehensive schedule of events

and activities covering recreation,

tourism, cultural and special purpose

themes developed and publicly

available by 30 June 2008.

Outcome

Events calendar updated weekly and

posted on Council’s website.

GOAL: We will strengthen the community by seeking government support to identify and develop practical ways of encouraging and supporting volunteer participation across the Shire.

Activity/Action

Develop and prepare a Volunteer

Policy and Information Kit for the


Develop a list of volunteer

opportunities in the Glenelg Council

for Customer Service Staff and the

Glenelg Shire Council website.

Organise an annual event to

recognise volunteerism in the



Draft Policy and Kit to be

considered by Management

Group by December 2007.

List compiled and printed by

31 December 2007.

Annual event to be held in Portland,

Heywood and Casterton is well

promoted and attended.

Outcome

Draft Policy and Information Kit

considered by Senior Management

Team at meeting held on 24 June

2008.

List compiled and printed for

customer service staff by 30 May

2008 made available on website.

• Heywood – 12 May 2008 at

Council’s Customer Service

Centre with 63 acceptances.

Guest Speaker – Elaine Evans.

• Casterton – 12 May 2008 at the

Town Hall with 55 attendees.

Guest Speaker – Helen Bayne

• Portland – 15 May 2008 at the

Civic Hall.

Guest Speaker – Keith Wilson,

Glenelg Shire Citizen of the Year

2008. 122 acceptances.


OBJECTIVE a Shire that grasps economic and social opportunities that enable its citizens to lead fuller lives.

GOAL: We will help to provide certainty for the Shire’s fishing industry by adopting a preferred position about the best arrangements for wharf facilities in Portland harbour.

Activity/Action

Complete Portland Bay Coastal

Infrastructure Plan.


Adoption by Council of PBCIP

with a consultation and

communication strategy in place

by 31 December 2007.

Outcome

Completed and adopted by

Council on 27 November 2007.

GOAL: We will boost prospects for the Shire’s tourism industry by committing to foreshore improvements and infrastructure which are a consequence of the recommendations in the Shire’s “Portland Coastal Infrastructure Plan”.

Activity/Action

Implementation of strategic actions

and recommendations identified

in the Portland Bay Coastal

Infrastructure Plan.


A budget commitment for

implementation of strategic

actions endorsed by Council

by 30 June 2008.

Outcome

Prioritised works program adopted

by Steering Committee with budget

allocation provided in the 2008/09

budget.

GOAL: We will seek the State Government’s assistance to establish a South West Timber Industry Consultative Council which will co-ordinate all of the local and regional work that will be necessary if we are to grasp the opportunities and properly manage the impacts of the timber industry on our Shire in the near future.

Activity/Action

Establish a South West Timber

Industry Consultative Council to

co-ordinate local and regional

impacts of timber industry

development.


Completion of scoping document

for the development of the timber

industry and discussions held with

funding bodies by 30 June 2008.

Outcome

Scoping paper has been developed

and discussed with Regional

Development Victoria executives

on 6 February 2008. Funding not

forthcoming at this stage.


GOAL: We will work with the Victorian State Government, through Regional Development Victoria, to optimise the planning work already completed for a pulp mill at the Heywood location, and seek to attract investor interest in that project.

Activity/Action

Promote investor opportunity for

timber value adding ventures.


Completion of a Business

Opportunity Statement for

timber industry development

and presentation to Regional

Development Victoria by

30 June 2008.

Outcome

Statement completed for discussion

with Regional Development Victoria

on 6 February 2008. A study tour

was undertaken to Albany, WA in April

2008 by a Council group consisting

of the Mayor, three Councillors and

the CEO. The study tour report was

presented to Council on 27 May

2008 and an action plan for timber

industry opportunities adopted.

GOAL: We will examine the potential to help local stakeholders establish a “Committee for Portland” as a diverse, multi-skilled organisation that can act as a unifying force to enable the Portland community to continue to grow and prosper.

Activity/Action

Liaise with Portland based

companies to explore the interest

and possible funding models and

structures for the Committee for

Portland.

Prepare funding strategy and

applications to establish the

Committee for Portland.

Pending funding availability,

establish a governance structure,

membership and work plan for the

Committee for Portland.


Establish interest and incumbent

membership for the Committee for

Portland by 30 October 2007.

Funding applications submitted

to Regional Development Victoria

and in principle commitment

from member organisations by

31 December 2007.

Terms of reference developed

together with workplan and

membership commitments by 30

June 2008.

Outcome

Inaugural board and governance

structure was established by

December 2007. Public launch

conducted 22 February 2008

with Executive Officer appointed

in May 2008.

Funding application prepared

and submitted. A $25,000 State

Government grant for the Committee

for Portland was announced on

3 October 2007 by the Minister

for Regional & Rural Development,

the Hon. Jacinta Allen.

Terms of reference and governance

structure were adopted by the Board

in December 2007.


GOAL: We will finalise a Memorandum of Understanding with the Shire’s indigenous communities as a basis building for sound working relationships.

Activity/Action

CEO and Mayor to attend NAIDOC

event in Portland.

Chief Executive officer and

Group Manager Community

Development to meet with DWEC

Board to discuss MOU.

Preparation of MOU for signing.

Review Terms of Reference

and Membership of Indigenous

Consultative Committee.


Attendance at NAIDOC event.

Meeting held by

31 December 2007.

MOU prepared by

28 February 2008.

Report to Council meeting

by 30 March 2008.

Outcome

CEO, Mayor and Group Manager

Community Development attended

flag-raising and BBQ lunch for

NAIDOC Week at DWECH 9 July

2007.


Development met with the CEO

of Gunditj Mirring on 28 March

2008 to discuss Town signage and

Memorandum of Understanding.


Development met with the CEO of the

Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly Citizens

to discuss Reconciliation Week event

and Memorandum of Understanding

on 5 May.

Not completed. New Memorandum

of Understanding currently being

developed. Process discussed and

agreed by Council and indigenous

community.

Delays in the Memorandum

of Understanding have flowed

through to this action. Constructive

discussions with the Indigenous

community around the matter are

continuing.

GOAL: We will continue to support and provide leadership for the Alliance of Councils for Rail Freight Development as it advocates for the development of a competitive, connective rail freight network for South East Australia.

Activity/Action

Make a submission to the

State Government’s Rail Freight

Network Review.


Lodge submission with the

Taskforce by 17 August 2007.

Outcome

Completed. Submission lodged

in August 2007 and receipt

acknowledged (Refer DWS 560943

& 561502).


GOAL: We will encourage specific communities to play a more active role in establishing local aspirations and priorities by conducting community planning processes at Portland, Casterton, Heywood, Narrawong/Tyrendarra, Dartmoor and Nelson in 2007/2008 and Merino, Digby, Bridgewater and Dutton Way/Maretimo in 2008/2009. We will integrate community plans into subsequent Council Plan processes.

Activity/Action

Lead and facilitate community

planning activities in the Shire’s

communities.


Advanced level of community

planning undertaken in Portland,

Casterton, Heywood, Narrawong/

Tyrendarra, Dartmoor and Nelson

by 30 June 2008.

Outcomes of community planning

process documented and referred

to Management Group and Council

for incorporation into Council

planning and budget process,

by 31 March 2008.

Outcome

Completed. Draft Plans considered

by communities for endorsement in

June 2008.

Reported to Council 22 April 2008.

Funds have been allocated in the

2008/09 budget to implement

community plans.

GOAL: We will further investigate opportunities using geothermal energy in the aquaculture sector.

Activity/Action

Continue to liaise with Regional

Development Victoria to promote

the opportunity and use of

geothermal energy for industry

and in the community.


Promotion of the geothermal

opportunity to a prospective

developer.

Outcome

Meeting held with Hot Rocks Pty Ltd

which holds the exploration licence

within the Shire. Hot Rocks Pty Ltd

has indicated it will proceed with the

exploratory work.

economic & social opportunities


GOAL: We will seek to entrench the Shire as an investment location for a range of renewable energy projects.

Activity/Action

Promote Glenelg Shire as an

investment location for renewable

energy ventures.


Development of a Business

Opportunity Statement for

renewable energies and

presentation to Governments

and industry by 30 June 2008.

Outcome

Opportunities Statement prepared

and presented to Regional

Development Victoria on

6 February 2008. Also presented

on 20 February 2008 to Member

for Western Victoria, the Hon. Gail

Tierney. Constructive and ongoing

dialogue continues with Oceanlinx,

Hot Rocks Pty Ltd and biofuel

energy providers.

GOAL: We will work with young people to develop a planning framework that will engage them in community activities and increase opportunities for them to reach their potential.

Activity/Action

Develop a Youth Charter and Plan.

Continue to provide FReeZA events

for young people across the Shire.


Policy and Plan adopted by

Council by 30 June 2008.

A minimum of four (4) FReeZA

events provided over year.

Outcome

Steering Committee endorsed at

Council meeting on 22 April 2008.

Research paper considered at

Council meeting 28 May 2008.

FReeZA events held in 2007/08 at:

30 June 2007 - Hardwired Music

Festival - The Arc Stadium,

Warrnambool. Attendance: 1000

16 November 2007 - Breakfest

FReeZA Event - Foreshore, Portland.

Attendance: 550

21 January 2008: Dartmoor and

Nelson Fun Day - Bus Trip to Mount

Gambier. Attendance: 20

1 February 2008: Heywood FReeZA

Event - Community Hall, Heywood.

Attendance: 32


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