yarrabah aboriginal shire council annual...
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Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council Annual Report
Y a r r a b a h A b o r i g i n a l S h i r e C o u n c i l
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w w w . y a r r a b a h . q l d . g o v . a u
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2014/2015 Report
An informative financial year overview of the
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council operations.
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Contents
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 3
Yarrabah Shire profile….…………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 4
Shire information………..…………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 5
Community Demographics
Services and Facilities
Annual community celebrations
Message from the Mayor………………………….……………………………………………………………..Page 6
Message from the Councillors desk………………………………………………………………………….Page 9
Chief Executive Officer’s Report………………………………………………………………………………..Page 11
Annual highlights……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 12
Yarrabah Precinct Artist
Vision statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………Page 13
Councillors………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 14
Councillor Portfolios
Councillor Meeting Attendance
Elected Members Report
Elected members remuneration & particulars…………………………………………………………Page 15
Provided facilities
Elected members remuneration
Elected members Fringe Benefit Tax expenses and reimbursements
Particulars
Organisation snapshot…………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 17
CEO’s assessment on Implementation of Corporate and Operational Plan
Organisational structure
Employee Statistics
Equal Employment Opportunity
Workplace Health and Safety
Remuneration of Senior Contract Employees…………………………………………………………..Page 19
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Contents Cont…
Complaints management…………………………………………………………………………………………..Page 19
Conduct and Performance of Councillors
Administrative action complaints
Special Expenditure reporting category…………………………………………………………………….Page 22
Overseas travel
Expenditure on grants to community organisations
Capital Works and joint government activity
Levied special rates and charges
Concession rates and charges summary
Commercial business units ……………………………………………………………………………………….Page 24
Annual Operations Report
Beneficial enterprises
Significant business activities
Competitive neutrality complaints
Invitation to change tenders………………………………………………………………………………………Page 24
List of Registers………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 24
Internal Audit…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Page 25
Community Financial Report…………..………………………………………………………………………...Page 26
Appendix A Financial Statements………………………………………………………………………………Page 30
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Introduction
Welcome to the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council’s 2014/2015 Annual Report.
The report is a transparent record of Council’s legislative requirements which is to be declared and
highlighted to the public, its stakeholders and other interested parties under Local Government
Legislation regarding its operational performance, financial decision making and other important
information for the financial year 2014/2015.
The Yarrabah Council is strongly committed to transparency of its operations and has ensured the
report provides you with as much information as possible to leave you with a clear understanding of
the Yarrabah Council’s current status in accordance with its legislative requirements.
Copies of this report can be obtained by contacting the Council on (07) 4056 9120 or visiting our
website at www.yarrabah.qld.gov.au
Yarrabah Council welcomes any feedback on the report which can be provided by writing to the
address below:
Yarrabah Council Reception
56 Sawmill Road, Yarrabah, QLD, 4871
Phone: 07) 4056 9120
Fax: 07) 4056 9167
Email: [email protected]
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Yarrabah Shire Profile
The Yarrabah Shire is an aboriginal community which is situated on approximately 159 square
kilometres of land which runs east from False Cape around the Mission Bay area extending past Cape
Grafton and Kings Point east of the Cairns inlet.
The geographic’s of Yarrabah in size is about 30 kilometres in length and 2.5 kilometres wide for
most parts, but then it broadens to approximately 8 kilometres in the northern section.
Although Yarrabah is great in size, most of the area occupied is within the established township area
located around the mission bay area with a population of 2,409 as per the 2011 census report. The
population however is believed to be slightly more as residents tend to travel in and out of the
community for extended periods for education, work and family reasons hence the reason to believe
the population is greater than the report states.
The area was originally occupied by 2
dominant groups the Gunggandji and
Yidinji people, where they lived their day
to day traditional lifestyle until it was
established as an Anglican Mission in
1892. The Church appointed a tribal
elder of the Gunggandji to be King for the
whole church mission. King Menmuny
was known to say ‘this is the new way”
The first Aboriginal Council was
established in the 1960’s, however
appointed persons principally acted as an
advisory body.
Also a mark in time in the Yarrabah history is when the community received its Deed of Grant in
Trust (DOGIT) land tenure in 1986 which paved the way for the community council of the day who
were the trustee holders to then become self-governed under the Community Services (Aborigines)
Act 1984. In its own right Yarrabah is now a Shire under the Local Government Act 2009.
In 2010 the original traditional owners the Gunggandji people received their determination for (as
the locals know it) the top half of the Yarrabah boundary which was then followed by a second
determination in 2013 for the bottom half which was a joint claim by the Gunggandji / Mundingalbay
Yidinji clan groups.
Since these determinations Yarrabah Council have been working closely together in partnership with
the Traditional Owner Working Groups.
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Shire Information
Community Demographics
Area: 159.4 square kilometres
Population: 2,409 (Census 2011)
Median Age: 22 years
Housing: 365
The Yarrabah Shire has mandatory alcohol
restrictions which apply to everyone residing
or visiting the Yarrabah Shire. Without a
licence the carriage limit is 30 cans of light/
mid strength beers or one bottle of non-
fortified wine per individual/vehicle.
Available Services
Post Office
Commonwealth Bank Agency
Bendigo Bank Agency
Gindaja Treatment and Healing
Rehabilitation Centre
Gurriny Yealamucka Primary Health
Centre
Women’s Shelter
Mutkin Aged Care Hostel
PHaMs – Personal Helpers and Mentors
service
Local State Emergency Services & Rural
Fire Service
Centrelink
Job network services –QITE
Island & Cape Service Station
Supermarket
Micro Businesses – Gilpul Takeaway
Dilliger Takeaway, Gindaja catering
service, Landscape and Gardening Service,
Car Washing & Detailing
Queensland Police Service
Correctional Services
Justice Group
Black Star Radio
Yarrabah Co-operative
Education Facilities
Daycare
Kindergarten
Primary School Campus
High School Campus
Arts Precinct
RATEP
Indigenous Knowledge Centre
Sports and Recreation Facilities
Jilara Football Oval
Aquatic Centre
James Noble Sports Centre
Community Groups & Clubs
Traditional Owners Groups
Church Groups - Anglican, Living Waters,
Jehovah’s Witness, Seven Day Adventist
R.S.L – Yarrabah Chapter
Play Group
PCYC
Youth Group
Women’s Group
Men’s Group
Elder’s Group
Yarrabah Seahawks Junior Rubgy League
Yarrabah Seahawks Senior League
Annual community events and
celebrations
Survival Day ( Australia Day)
ANZAC Memorial Service
Foundation Day
NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Queensland Music Festival
Opera Australia
Yarrabah Rodeo
Carols By Candle Light & Christmas
Nativity play
New Year’s Fireworks
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Message from the Mayor Errol ‘Mala’ Neal
Hi to all, countrymen/women, friends, families and residence.
Firstly most importantly I give honour & praise and thanks to Our
Creator Lord Jesus for his guidance, direction and protection.
Within the local Government shire in which the Yarrabah
Aboriginal Shire does its business, I acknowledge and pay my
respect to the two Traditional owner groups past and present that
has native title rights as determined Gunggandji Nation 6013, and
6016 which is jointly shared between the Gunggandji Nation &
Mandingulpi Idinji clan.
I also acknowledge Traditional owners past and present from other parts of Queensland and Australia that
have been forcibly removed and played a significant role in helping to building this great proud Aboriginal
Shire of Yarrabah “Paradise by the Sea “and for this I thank them.
Once again we received for 2014/2015 an unqualified audit report which is always a relief and welcome news.
I thank the hard work of the administration staff in particular our Executive Manager Corporate Services, Mrs
Jemma Lichtenfeld and her team.
With so many highs and lows this Council has faced since elected, with the makeover and restructuring of this
organisation while a difficult decision this has paid off to ensure the future of the Council and I stand by this.
Making change is never an easy task, but it was inevitable and someone had to do it. It took a big and very
brave step in doing so and quite frankly our people weren’t ready or prepared for it, simply because no one
likes changes. In my view it couldn’t be helped, what with the pressure from previous State Governments and
reduction of SGFA funding. The challenge was on and we stood and welcomed it and proved that no matter
what negative impact it might have, YASC in its resilient fashion stood up and simply got on with the job and as
the Yarrabah moto says ”NEVER SAY DIE- WE WILL SURVIVE”.
Our Vision, Our Story concept - Building into the future “ DEEP SEA WATER PORT “ in collaboration with
Gunggandji Nation Traditional Owners certainly got tongues talking and ruffled a few feathers. This was part
of the strategy of getting both tiers of Government to look at us and take note (ABS reports our
unemployment rate as one of highest and states we are the most disadvantaged community in the country.)
Our perseverance and the strategy worked, we managed to secure for Yarrabah a $7 Million Jetty Project
included in this year’s Queensland State Budget. This will be one of our biggest infrastructure investments to
date, this will commence very soon with public consultation enabling the community to have their say on
possible locations. This will most definitely improve easier access for those wanting to get into Cairns a lot
faster (not to mention a lot more fishing on the jetty) and the opportunities for visitors that may want to come
and visit this most beautiful country “ Home of Guyala “
I also take great pleasure of highlighting some of our many achievements.
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Employment, this is the most challenging, this Council under my leadership has looked at creating
opportunities, jobs, training and employment. We started to target the investment from Governments that’s
coming into the YASC, infrastructure, housing, roads and environment.
In the past and more so since transition, over the last decade with Yarrabah becoming a Shire in its own right.
The privileges of the past with everyone engaged in some sort working activity, working to beautify Yarrabah,
and recently we have witnessed losing a lot benefits and programmes. Eg CDEP, the local canteen. This almost
decapitated our uniqueness, all of a sudden lot of our people were left with nothing to do anymore leaving
most in a confused state of mind.
This council under my leadership will never let this happen to us the “ Yarrabeans” again and see the long
history of struggle die before for our eyes. NO and NO WAY will we stand for this - so we took a stand.
In order to take advantage of the investment coming in we needed to align our policies so we adopted
Procurement Policies enabling us to become Principle Contractors. In the past we have seen lots of investment
$$$ and jobs going outside and over the hill so our people were missing out. This Council has decreased that.
By way of increasing our capacity creating more employment and training in this area we now see more locals
in work, with creation of six more Apprenticeships, and also not forgetting the creation of small business such
as, Chuckan Painters , Prior Plumping Services, Mossman Cabinets and Shatner’s Tiling.
We are now building five of the new houses and only four have gone to contractors from outside. This puts
YASC in very good position to build the next allocation of nine new social housing in 2015/16. We now have a
commitment from outside contractors to employing locals in the areas of electrical, plumbing and upgrade
subdivision civil works.
Highlights are:
Home Ownership Leases.
Let’s not forget this council’s brokering agreement funding for the Gunggandji Rangers programme.
We have also been instrumental after so long some fifteen years in waiting to getting the Mariah Jackson’s
Women Shelter up and running.
The Dual Carriage Bridge at Reeves Creek should be open very soon.
The new Yarrabah Indigenous Knowledge Centre,
Our own Yarrabah Radio Station and Studio
The first Aboriginal RSL in a Community
EDUCATION - We are working with Yarrabah State School addressing attendance hopefully in the New Year
with the help and assistance from community we can adopt the Community Connectedness (community
Raising A Child).
Working for the Dole; we see more interest from locals setting up their own businesses like Brent Pearson &
Sons participating in working for the dole, Seahawks Junior Rugby League on a similar scheme and Percy
Neal Work Solutions creating opportunity in civil works machinery training.
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Disability and homelessness - in collaboration with Mutkin, YASC as set aside and allocated the old Potters
House which is already active.
Men’s Group - YASC has allocated the green shed down at the Museum. Still a work in progress.
Sport and Recreation and Cultural investment.
Yarrabah Rodeo
QMF Musical Festival for the past three years.
Sponsoring local athletes at sporting carnivals.
Supporting locals Seahawks Rugby League Club celebrating bit of history winning for the first time two
premiership.
Supporting Nighthawks Netball team.
Yarrabah Annual sporting day.
Survival day
And as the Festive Season is nearing there will be New Year Fireworks.
Last and foremost on behalf of Mayor and Councillors we wish All Countrymen the very best and wish for a
safe and Happy Festive Season. Blessing to all.
Cheers
Mayor Errol Neal
YASC working hard & working for you.
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Message from the Councillors Desk
Councillor Mark Wilson
Firstly I would like to say thank you to the Yarrabah people for giving me the
opportunity of being a councillor for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council
where we call paradise by the sea. How time flies we are back again with the
Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council’s Annual Report for 2014/2015. The
councillor's faced many changes and challenges to develop and implement
improved policies. With an updated organizational chart and the operational
plans for what it's mean to have good governance and systems in place to be
able to make good decisions for the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council and the
Yarrabah people to be sustainable and efficient within the local government. I
believe that the council has established a good executive's management team
and work force and receiving an unqualified audit. To all the staff thank you,
the aim is to bring self- determination and self-control in to local government
and back to the people of Yarrabah.
Councillor Henry Miller
It has been another busy year in Yarrabah. The highlight for me this year was our recent trip to Toowoomba for the annual LGAQ conference. This was a great learning curve and an eye opening experience. It enabled me to meet with like-minded people from other Communities and regional Councils around Queensland. I thank the Community for having faith in me as a Councillor. It has been a difficult term with some tough decisions to make. However I believe we have set up the Council to be able to be sustainable into the future. I would like to try to encourage the younger generation to get behind their Community and
become a Councillor to take Yarrabah into the future and continue the good work this Council has achieved
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Councillor Bevan Walsh
I would like to take this opportunity to submit my final report for 2015. The last
14 months have been busy with the construction of infrastructure. These
include the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, double lane for Reeves Creek Bridge,
housing and finally after 20 years the construction of the Women’s Shelter
which is a great achievement considering the circumstance surrounding the
allocation of funding. Another achievement for this council is the allocation of
$7m for the consultation and construction of a long awaited jetty for the
community. This will give our community members, organisational staff and
tourist the opportunity to travel to and from Yarrabah for work and leisure once
a future ferry service becomes operational.
Another highlight I would like to touch on is the Queensland Music Festival
which has been running now for the past three years in our community. I was fortunate to be involved as a
coordinator and honoured to be a member of the Yarrabah Brass band. This event is very significant to our
community due to the establishment of the Yarrabah Brass Band and it brings our community together.
2014, saw the re-introduction of the Yarrabah Rodeo for the first time in 52 years. This event was a success
with crowd numbers totally around 2000 people. It was great to see the community getting involved and
enjoying themselves and hearing the positive feedback. The Yarrabah Rodeo was held for its second year in
2015, but unfortunately this year’s event saw the numbers were down due to other events occurring
simultaneously the same weekend.
I would also like to acknowledge our new council employees who have joined our organisation in the last 7 to
12 months. Although they have faced many challenges since taking on their new positions they have managed
to work with us through these challenges and have given valuable contribution to the Yarrabah Shire Council.
Leading into the Christmas period, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy, safe and
enjoyable festive season. I look forward to a productive 2016 where collectively we can continue to grow and
work together to get better outcomes for our community.
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Message from the Councillors Desk Cont….
Councillor Malcolm Canendo
I would firstly like to thank the Yarrabah Community for your constant support
over these four years and to all of our YASC staff (both Senior and Junior) for
their continuous effort in servicing the Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire especially our
Chief Executive Officer Janelle Menzies. We are at the last stage of our term
with the elections coming up in March 2016 and it is hoped that all that has
been achieved can be beneficial for our people e.g. New Knowledge Centre,
Two lane Reeves Creek Bridge, New Houses, New Subdivision, 99 years Home
Ownership Leases etc.
I would like to give acknowledgement to Simon Cotton who has left Yarrabah
late in the third term and thank him for his commitment to the Yarrabah State
School and Community and wish him all the best in all future endeavours. In saying that I would like to
congratulate the incoming Principal Jason Evert who has been in the community over the last 10 years and I
believe is going to be an asset in this role. I would also like to acknowledge Graham “Buzzy” Burridge (retiring)
for the tremendous work he has done for the community from the Yarrabah PCYC and support he has given to
the Yarrabah Community, providing assistance with local activities, services, in kind and financial sponsorship.
Thanks Buzzy and I wish him all the best with the retirement.
I apologise that I haven’t been as involved in my portfolio areas of Education, Sport and Recreation and
Community Services this year due to some personal commitment with studying. I hope that over this term of
Council I have had an impact within my portfolio areas.
In conclusion I would like to thank my fellow Councillors Errol Neal (Mayor), Bevan Walsh, Mark Wilson and
Pop Henry Miller for their support and effort in the council term and wish them all the best if they are
contesting for elections next year or with any future endeavours. Wish the new set of Council that is sworn in
from 2016 best of luck in progressing Yarrabah over the next four years of their term.
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Chief Executive Officers Report
Thank you to the Mayor, Councillors and Staff for your warm welcome and
support since I started as the Chief Executive Officer in Mid-December, 2014.
During 2014-2015 the Council started two major projects the construction of the
Yarrabah Indigenous Centre and the construction of a dual carriage bridge over
Reeves Creek. Both of these projects will be completed during the 2015-16 year.
We also completed our 2013 NDRRA projects on time and within budget.
Council has also begun planning to build 9 new houses in Djhenji and a new
subdivision as Principal Contractor which has not been done by council for a
number of years, I hope this will also increase local employment and industry to the community.
Our Executive Management team is now stabilised with the appointment of a new Executive Manager
Infrastructure and Work and a new Executive Manager Community Services. The position of Governance
Manager has also been filled which was vacant for a couple of years.
Thanks to the commitment to our finance team, I am pleased to advised that the Council’s 2014-15 financial
audit was again an unqualified result this year showing a very healthy surplus which is quite a different picture
from 2013-14 where the council had quite a large deficiency mainly attributed to the divestment of the Aged
Care facility and their assets.
During the year we also started some training and workforce development which will continue into 2015-16.
I am looking for to the 2015-16 year as we see some projects complete and new ones about to begin. I would
like to acknowledge all the staff for their efforts during 2014-15 and we will continue on our business
improvement process through 2015-16 and beyond.
Janelle Menzies
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Annual highlights for 2014-15
Rodeo & Festival
Queensland Music Festival
Opera Australia
Art Centre Open Day
$1.4M Yarrabah Knowledge Centre completed
Work started on Reeves Creek Dual Carriage Bridge $1.2M
Secure Funding and begin planning for the construction of 9 new houses $1.8M
Secure Funding and begin planning for Djenghi 6A M$1.2
Finalise 2013 NDRRA works $4.2M
Complete 26 Housing Upgrades $3M
Complete Water Treatment upgrade $0.3M
Complete Water Pipes Upgrade $1M
Unqualified Audit for 2014-15
Visits by Officials Bob Katter MP, Senator Nigel Scullion, Senator Glen Lazarius, Leeanne Enoch MP,
Treasurer Curtis Pitt
1st 99 Year Home Ownership Lease signed following by another 3.
Procurement Policy promoting local indigenous businesses and employment
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Vision statement
‘Burri Cummin’ –
One People, One Place, One Fire
To improve unity and inspire to a better quality of
life
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Councillors
The Yarrabah Shire Council has 5 elected Councillors who are currently serving their 4th year since being
elected Councillors. Whilst serving as the elected members of their community each Councillor is bound by
the Local Government Act 2009 and Local Government Regulation 2012.
Integral to leading their community, each of the Yarrabah Shire Councillors are committed to;
Being transparent in terms of their decision making in the public and organisations best interests,
Ensuring that all Councillors are complying legally and ethically as per the Councillors Code of Conduct,
Providing good governance
Ensuring that community are kept informed on all aspects of community development and progress
and given the chance to have their say and representation through meaningful community
engagement and feedback processes,
Providing community driven direction to help better the services which community receive
Providing sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure
Reaching targets with effective outcomes efficiently.
Improving unity to inspire all to a better quality of life
In order to achieve these principles the councillors have specific duties and responsibilities as part of their
roles and portfolios which they are responsible for.
Council meetings are scheduled for the third Thursday of every month. These dates are adopted by resolution at the first Council meeting of the calendar year.
Councillor Portfolios Councillor Portfolio
Mayor Errol Neal Local disaster Management Land & Development Native Title Media Overseer of all Councillor portfolios
Councillor Henry Miller Environment Law & Order Youth & Elders
Councillor Mark Wilson Housing Municipal Works & Infrastructure Employment & Training
Councillor Bevan Walsh Arts & Culture Health Transport
Councillor Malcolm Canendo Education Sports & Recreation Community Services Communications
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Councillor Meeting Attendance
Elected Member Ordinary Council Meetings Attended
Special Council Meetings Attended
Total Meetings Held
Total meetings Attended
Cr. Errol Neal 13 2
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15
Cr. Henry Miller 12 2 14
Cr. Mark Wilson 12 3 15
Cr. Bevan Walsh 12 3 15
Cr Malcolm Canendo 12 3 15
Councillors’ remuneration & particulars
Provided Facilities
Each Councillor of the Yarrabah Council is provided with specific facilities as agreed to by resolution as outlined
below;
Mayor
Separate office accommodation
Secretarial and administrative support in accordance with the staff structure
Deputy Mayor
Separate office accommodation
Other Councillors
Shared office accommodation
Fully maintained boardroom and kitchen amenities
Other Facilities
Each Councillor have been provided a single standard laptop, portable Wi-Fi Internet access and
mobile phone to be used both at the Council work location and at the Councillors home office which
will be loaded with the Microsoft Office Suite and email software for the use of duties associated with
their positions.
Within the work location, a networked printer, access to a shared landline and fax. Council will provide to each Councillor the necessary stationery and the cost of postage for the
undertaking of duties directly associated with their position.
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Elected Members Remuneration
The remuneration of all Councillors is a fixed amount as set out by the Local Government Remuneration
Tribunal and is reviewed and adopted by the Council on an annual basis.
Councillors acting in the position of Deputy Mayor are further remunerated in accordance with the extra
responsibilities required of the position.
Each Councillor (except the Elected Mayor) is given the opportunity to sit as Deputy Mayor over their 4 year
term as elected Councillors of the Yarrabah Council.
The remuneration & superannuation contributions of the Elected Members are as outlined below
Elected Members Fringe Benefit Tax Expenses and Reimbursements
The Councillors Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) is what a Councillor must pay for the use of a Council packaged
vehicle/use of a council vehicle for the annual year, in this case between 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
Councillors In accordance with the Local Government Guidelines for Councils, Councillors may use a vehicle by
Council for official Council business.
If a Councillor uses a private vehicle to conduct Council business then a reimbursement may be claimed, based
on a log book to substantiate the relevance of travel to Council business and paid in accordance with the rates
prescribed in the Queensland Local Government Officers Award (Federal).
If a councillor uses a Council owned vehicle for private purposes then the Councillor must reimburse Council
based on the vehicles log book record of use in accordance with the rate prescribed by the Australian Taxation
Office.
The table below provides the total Councillors’ Fringe Benefits Tax expenses for the 12 month period from 1
April 2014 to 31 March 2015.
Elected Members Remuneration, Fringe Benefits Tax Expenses and Reimbursements
NAME POSITION REMUNERATION SUPERANUATION EXPENSES CLAIMED
FBT TOTAL PACKAGE
Errol Neal Mayor $95,329.71 $11,439.57 $0.00 $20,907.63 $127,676.91
Mark Wilson Deputy Mayor $54,997.57 $6,599.71 $0.00 $0.00 $61,597.28
Bevan Walsh Councillor $48,578.98 $5,829.48 $0.00 $0.00 $54,408.46
Henry Miller Councillor $48,578.98 $5,829.48 $0.00 $0.00 $54,408.46
Malcolm Canendo Councillor $48,578.98 $5,829.48 $0.00 $0.00 $54,408.46
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Particulars
The annual report must contain a copy of the resolutions made during the financial under s250 (1) and s206(2). s250(1) outlines that ‘A local Government must adopt an expenses reimbursement policy’ and s206(2) outlines that ‘The Local Government must, by resolution, set an amount for each different type of non-current physical asset below which the value of an asset of the same type must be treated as an expense’
4.12 Chief Executive Office Approval of Mandatory Policies as required under the Local Government Act
Summary/Purpose: Approval of Mandatory Policies as required under the Local Government Act
Part 4 of the Local Government Regulations 2012 – Financial Policies
1. Investment Policy (Section 191) 2. Debt Policy (Section 192)
II. Part 6 of the Local Government Regulations 2012 – Spending 1. Advertisement Spending (Section 197) 2. Procurement Policies (Section 198)
III. Expenses Reimbursement Policy required under Division 2 – Reimbursement of Expenses and Provision of Facilities
RESOLUTION 13: 20/04/2015 – That the Council – adopt the Approval of Mandatory Policies as required
under the Local Government Act.
MOVED: Cr. Malcolm Canendo CARRIED.
SECONDED: Cr. Mark Wilson
A copy of the Expenses Reimbursement Policy is available on the Council’s website.
The council did not make any resolutions setting an amount for each different type of non-current physical asset below which the value of an asset of the same type must be treated as an expense.
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Organisation snapshot Implementation of Councils community plan
The Yarrabah Council adopted its community plan in December 2011.
Organisational Structure
The Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council currently employs 106 people, with Council being the largest employer
in the Yarrabah Community. With the communities current unemployment rate the Yarrabah Council feel
strongly about encouraging local employment with 98% of its workforce being local residents.
As per the established organisational structure, the Councils operations are sectioned into 4 functions which
are;
Office of the Chief Executive Officer: This comprises the support functions for the Mayor and Councillors,
Council and committee meetings, statutory requirements, human resources and construction
Corporate Services: This comprises all the administrative functions of Council including financial management
and information technology
Community services: This comprises of all council operated community services and facilities
Works and Infrastructure: This comprises the functions of all aspects of community municipal works, repairs
and maintenance, plant and equipment handling and maintenance and environmental protection
The council is committed to ensuring through its structure that each of its services is providing an accessible
and quality service to each of its community members.
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Organisational Chart
Roads & Maintenance Financial Management Swimming Pool
Water & Sewerage Commonwealth & Bendigo Daycare Centre
Environment, Parks & Gardens Banks Social Housing Management
Cleaners Post Office & QGAP Indigenous Community Links
Fleet Management Information Technology Family Income Support Program
Fabrication Arts & Culture Prescient
Stores Bus
Solid Waste Collection
Employee Statistics
EMPLOYMENT STATUS FEMALE MALE TOTAL
Full Time 32 50 82
Casual 11 13 24
TOTAL: 43 63 106
Equal Employment Opportunity
The Council are committed to ensuring that all employees and potential employees are given and have access
to equal opportunities in the workplace regardless of age, race or gender. Council has adopted the practice as
part of it policy.
Workplace Health and safety
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
(Office of the CEO)
PA to CEO & Mayor
Governance Manager
Human Resources, Risk & Regulation
Manager
Workplace Health & Safety
Works & Infrastructure
Corporate Services
Community Services
Mayor Councillors
Building Construction Maintenance
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Council is highly dedicated to ensuring the highest quality of workplace health and safety practices and
procedures are followed. To help ensure that practices and procedures are followed, upon commencement of
employment, all staff are given a workplace health and safety induction.
Staff are regularly updated on changes and pending changes and/or persons affected it may require further
training or study which council fully supports and may cover costs associated with it.
Council currently employs 2 Workplace Health and Safety Officers.
Remuneration of Senior Contract Employees
AS per the established organisational structure the Yarrabah Council currently employs 4 Senior Contract
Employees.
In accordance with the Local Government Act 2009 requirements it is required that the number of senior
contract employees with remuneration packages exceeding $50,000.00 must be recorded for the period of 1
July 2014 to 30 June 2015.
A senior contract employee refers to the Chief Executive Officer and all senior executive employees of the
Local Government Council. The table below is a record of the number of senior contract employees whose
salary exceed $50,000.00
Package range Number of senior contract employee within package range
$50,000 - $99,000 0
$100,000 - $200,000 4
Complaints management
As per s306 of the Local Government Regulation 2012, the Yarrabah Shire Council is committed to ensuring
there is an effective complaints management process which covers both administrative complaints and the
conduct and performance of Councillors which we strictly adhere to, to effectively manage complaints in a
sensitive yet transparent way and within the prescribed timeframe.
A copy of Council’s complaints management process can be obtained from the Human Resources Manager or
Chief Executive Officer.
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Conduct and Performance of Councillors
The annual report must contain;
ITEM
RESULT
the total number of the following during the year--
Orders and recommendations made under section 180 (2) or (4) of the Act.
Nil
Orders made under section 181 of the Act. Nil
each of the following during the year--
The name each councillor in relation for whom an order or recommendation was made under section 180 of the Act or an order was made under section 181 of the Act.
Not applicable Not applicable
A description of the misconduct of inappropriate conduct engaged in by each of the Councillors.
Not applicable
A summary of the order or recommendation made for each Councillor.
Not applicable
the number of each of the following during the year--
Complaints about the conduct or performance of Councillors or which no further action was taken under s176c(2) of the Act.
3
Complaints referred to the department’s Chief Executive Officer under section 176c(3) (a) (i) of the Act.
1
Complaints referred to the Mayor under section 176c(4)(a) of the Act.
Nil
Complaints referred to the departments chief executive officer under s176c(4) (a) of the Act
2
Complaints assessed by the Chief Executive Officer as being about official misconduct
Nil
Complaints heard by the tribunal Nil
Complaints to which s176c(6) of the act applied
3
Administrative Action Complaints
S187 of the Local Government Regulations 2012 requires the annual report for a financial year must contain a statement about how the local government has implemented its complaints management process, including an assessment of the local government’s performance in resolving complaints under the process.
A copy of the Council’s Administrative Action Complaints Policy and Procedure can be located on the Council’s
website at www.yarrabah.qld.gov.au.
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ITEM
RESULT
The number of the following during the financial year;
the number of administrative action complaints made to the local government.
During this financial year through its complaints management process there have been 1 administrative action complaint lodged to the Yarrabah Council.
the number of administrative action complaints resolved by the local government under the complaints management process.
1 out of 1 complaint have been resolved through the councils complaints management process this financial year.
the number of administrative action complaints not resolved by the local government under the complaints management process.
Nil of the complaints have not been resolved through the councils complaints management process.
the number of administrative action complaints under paragraph (a)(iii) that were made in a previous financial year
1 of the complaints resolved during the financial year was made in the previous financial year.
Special expenditure & charges reporting categories
Overseas travel
Under section 188 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 the council must contain in the report any
overseas travel expenditure covered by the Council.
This financial year there was no overseas travel.
Assessment of Corporate Plan and Operational Plan
Council’s Corporate Plan 2011-2016 and Operational Plan for 2014/15 was reviewed throughout the
year with the majority of actions completed. Information was fed back to Council through regular
management reports and specific Operational Review reports.
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Expenditure on grants to community organisations
Under section 189 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 Council must contain in the report a list of
expenditure on grants given to community organisations. The grants received from Council by community
organisations and members are as outlined below.
Name of recipient Purpose Amount received
Yarrabah Seahawks Snr Rugby League Team bus registration $2,222.45
Pyramid Power Australian Rules Sporting Club Oval lights $2,000.00
Elsa Dabah Grade 11 interview in Townsville $400.00
Menmuny Murgha Fiji Self Development Fund $200.00
Theeran Pearson Fiji Self Development Fund $200.00
Greg Fourmile Fitness Project $400.00
Florence Barber Funeral assistance - Cherbourg $500.00
Linda Sexton 8 Girls - Qld Indigenous School Netball side $1,200.00
Yarrabah Seahawks Snr Rugby League Fuel $74.77
Paula Neal Boarding school D Wilson $400.00
EM Cedric Funeral assistance - Townsville $500.00
Murray Street Funeral Funeral assistance $441.32
Delise Ambrym Funeral assistance - Albury $478.34
Jason Fourmile Funeral assistance $100.00
Rohannie Yeatman Tamale Yeatman U12's rugby $250.00
Brent Pearson Kellyanne Pearson Reds Leadership Program $250.00
Bobby Patterson Funeral Assistance Palm Island $200.00
$9,816.88
Capital Works and Joint Government Activity
Council’s capital works for this year included Range road improvements, community house repairs, housing
upgrades, water and sewerage upgrade.
Majority of these projects were financed by grants from the state and federal government. (see Appendix A
Financial statements)
Levied special rates or charges
No special rates or charges were granted for the financial year 2014/15
Concession rates and charges summary
No concessions have been granted for the financial year 2014/15
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Commercial business unit s
Commercial Business Unit Annual Report
Council possesses no commercial business units.
Beneficial enterprises
The Yarrabah Council does not have any beneficial enterprises
Significant business activities
There were no significant business activities this financial year.
Competitive Neutrality Complaint
There has been no competitive neutrality complaints received this financial year.
Invitation to change tenders
There has been no invitation to change any tenders this financial year.
Controlled Roads
The Yarrabah Council fully controls and maintains all roads within the Yarrabah boundaries.
List of Registers
The Yarrabah Council holds the following registers;
Name of Register
Register of Interests of a Councillor and their Related Persons
Register of Interests of Chief Executive Officer and Senior Executive Employees and their Related Persons
Register of Delegations
Register of Roads
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Internal audit
Council’s internal audit function is undertaken by Pacifica Pty Ltd. There has been 1 visit this financial year
covering the following:
Tender evaluation and contract management
With the increase in housing upgrade and maintenance works Council felt this was an area we could improve
and make more efficient.
Internal audit assists with streamlining and improving Council’s business processes. It ensures compliance
with legislation and identifies any areas of operational risk and offers recommendations for improvement.
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Community Financial Report
Our Community Financial Report contains a summary and analysis of our financial performance and position for the financial year. This community report will focus on our two key financial statements that will provide clarity and make it easier for readers to understand our financial management and performance as shown in the financial statements.
The performance over the past three years will be reviewed to highlight areas of improvement.
Results Highlights of 2014/2015
First Surplus since 2011
Increase in Own-Source Revenue (Sales) by $1.6 Million
Reduction in Expenditure (M&S) by $600,000.
Unqualified Audit
Snapshot of the Financial Statements for Year Ended 30 June 2015
Council has finished with a $2.5M surplus, our first surplus since the financial year ending 2011. Our financial results are reflective of a strong economic base and our commitment to increasing our own-source revenue while decreasing non-essential expenditure. Our long-term financial forecast provides a plan to address the challenges and demands associated with providing economic sustainability within an uncertain future.
• How did we perform in relation to making a profit over the past year?
Comprehensive Income
• What do we owe and what do we own at year end?
Financial Position
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Statement of Comprehensive Income This statement measures how Council has performed in regards to income and expenses during this financial year showing the profit/loss.
The Year in Review
Our financial results of a $2.5M profit are the result of Council’s commitment to increase our own- source revenue while maintaining strict budget control with the focus on utilising local staff while decreasing Council’s reliance on contractors.
While the result is positive, the profit does not necessarily mean extra monies for Council’s general use. Some grant funds received are tied for use in future years and revenue such as capital income can be non-monetary as it can be donated assets by various government bodies.
Where Our Money Comes From
As shown in the above chart, 39% of our income is grant funded for various operating and capital projects, this has reduced from 2014 results where 53% of Council total revenue was grants from the government and other bodies that finance the day to day operations of our services. This has to continue to drop for Council to be sustainable into the future. In 2014, Council’s own-source revenue has increased from $1.5M to $7.7M, which is just over 40% of Council’s total revenue this financial year. The increase in own-source revenue has mainly been driven by the increase in the number of housing maintenance and upgrade contracts being serviced. Where We Spend It
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Employee benefits were $5.5M (33%) of our total expenditure. Materials and services were $4.9M (29%) that was closely followed by the expense of Council’s assets depreciating $4.1M (25%). In 2015, Council has enacted a workforce strategy with the focus on attracting, upskilling and retaining local skills in our building and assets services, thus reducing the need for external contractors. In conjunction with the increase in new housing contracts, our workforce strategy has driven the reduction of costs in materials and services by $587,363 with only a slight increase in employee benefits.
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Income & Expenditure by Council Function
Corporate services are responsible for 34% ($6.5M) of Council’s total revenue, followed closely by housing at 33% ($6.3M), community services at 20% ($3.8M) and transport infrastructure at 8% ($1.6M). Making up the revenue in corporate services is $3.9M in donated assets and $2.4M in grants, subsidies, contributions and donations. Housing revenue is from $3.8M in maintenance contracts and $2.5M in upgrade contracts, while income in community services is mostly made up of grants from various funding bodies which fund the ICL and Daycare type activities.
Statement of Financial Position Our statement of financial position measures what Council owns (assets) and what is owed (liabilities) to relevant stakeholders at the end of the financial year. By viewing what Council owns, reduced by what we owe shows Council’s net wealth (equity) as at the 30th of June. Most of Council’s assets, $96.5M are classified as infrastructure. Our infrastructure consists of social houses, buildings, roads, water and other assets which will require considerable investment in the future to maintain for the community of Yarrabah. The bulk of Council’s liabilities, $2.3M are trade and other payables. This represents monies owed by Council but was not due to be paid.
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The Past Three Years in Review The following graphs display our revenue streams over the past three years:
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The last three years in review highlight Council’s commitment to reducing expenditure while working to increase areas of revenue.
The year of 2014 brought further decreases in the amount of external government funding available for operations. Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire Council was able to absorb some of the reduction by focusing on increasing its own-source revenue streams and reducing non-essential expenditure. This financial year demonstrates our current Councillor’s commitment to increasing capacity to take on a larger amount of building and assets contracts while reducing overall expenditure. Our commitment to employees, the community and continuous improvements will continue to increase our strengths into the future.
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Appendix A
Financial Statements