ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

More documents

Recommendations

Info

GEELONG: COAST, COUNTRY AND SUBURBS - THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE CITY OF GREATER GEELONG ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 7 From the early beginnings to now Geelong certainly has been through some challenging times and exciting changes. Today, our region offers a diverse and exceptional lifestyle. There are wide expanses of open space and diverse waterways to enjoy, many kilometres of walking and bike tracks, cultural experiences, great sporting facilities, world class major events and fine dining and entertainment. We have a strong economy with quality education facilities, a cosmopolitan and vibrant community, and a sustainable future outlook. Qualities that all contribute to our city being the best place to live. But our city isn’t standing still. The landscape is changing right before our eyes with unprecedented levels of investment and major construction underway. Our economy remains strong with the transition from a reliance on manufacturing as a source of employment and wealth, to one where knowledge and services are becoming strong contributors to growth. Changing Economy Council’s Economic Development Strategy 2005-2010 encourages the pursuit of industries that will maximise the region’s competitive advantages, and in doing so encourage investment and secure employment opportunities in the future. The strategy recognises that manufacturing industries such as Textiles, Clothing and Footwear, Petrochemicals and Utilities are experiencing declining employment, and identifies the growth sectors that will drive modern dynamic economies such as Knowledge, Innovation and Research, Advanced Manufacturing, Health, Tourism, Food and Horticulture. The City is emerging as a leader in several of these dynamic industries, and we are beginning to reap the benefits. Despite rising interest rates, increased petrol prices and severe drought conditions the region’s economy has continued to perform well. In the past year unemployment in our region decreased, median house prices increased, non-residential building activity increased markedly and a record number of tourists visited the area. Add to this a number of major investments and our economy is looking very healthy. Investor confidence in Geelong continues to be at an all time high. Projects recently completed include the Westfield redevelopment, Waurn Ponds Plaza development, the five-storey Harrison Place office building, the State’s first Rural and Regional Medical School at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus and the new all-weather racetrack at the Geelong Racecourse. Further examples of investor confidence are the number of cranes that currently occupy our skyline with many construction projects in progress. These include the construction of the Transport Accident Commission headquarters, the Edgewater development on Geelong’s Waterfront, Deakin University’s redevelopment of Dennys Lascelles Wool Store to house its health precinct, Barwon Health’s new Emergency Department at the Geelong Hospital, St John of God Hospital expansion, Bellarine Aquatic and Sports Centre development and the Pakington Strand construction. Future developments that will continue to drive our economy include the Indian ICT Company Satyam Computer Services Software Development and Learning Centre at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds Campus, the Skilled Stadium refurbishment of the Ross Drew Stand, the Bayside Tower complex and Mercer Street Silo development in the Western Wedge precinct, and the construction of the new Leisurelink Aquatic Centre in Waurn Ponds. Tourism continues to grow as an important economic industry for our region. The establishment of a base for Qantas off-shoot airline Jetstar at Avalon Airport - only 20 minutes from Geelong - has been a significant asset for the region. Geelong also has a proven track record in attracting major national and international events. Our calendar of events includes the Australian International Airshow, Skandia Geelong Week, and the Australian qualifier the the Ironman 70.3 World Championships. In the coming years we will also host the 2010 UCI Road Cycling World Championships and the 2009 Australian Masters Games. These will bring huge economic benefits to the region. Investment in innovative and smart industries will drive Geelong’s future. Fundamental to this is the creation of an environment to attract and retain dynamic and creative people to facilitate this investment and generate business activity. Community Wellbeing Community wellbeing is an important issue faced by all Councils. Council activities play a key role in supporting community wellbeing and in determining future directions and priorities to meet community needs. Taking a lead on key community issues, developing partnership
approaches to address key issues and advocating to State and Federal Government, organisations and groups to influence their activities are key roles for Council. Trends such as changing demographics as the population ages, risk of social isolation as more people live alone and emerging chronic health issues including obesity, mental health and substance abuse are having an impact on all communities. Building community strength for the socially disadvantaged through local activities that provide them with the skills, information and long-term support to build their capacity is a priority of this Council as is managing concerns around community safety and security. The City has and will continue to address these areas through the implementation of strategies such as the Geelong Strategic Health Plan, Municipal Strategic Statement, Youth Strategy, Geelong Community Safety Strategy, Municipal Early Years Plan, Disability Action Plan, and numerous township structure plans. All of these plans have involved extensive community consultation to ensure they reflect residents’ needs and aspirations. Successful community building initiatives in Whittington, Corio and Norlane, award winning child care and early learning services, comprehensive home and community care services and upgraded community facilities have played a major role in improving the wellbeing of our community. These projects and initiatives help encourage social cohesion, improved health, deliver better educational outcomes, increase tolerance and reduce crime. Built and Natural Environment The impact of climate change is far reaching. It is no longer just a phenomenon that is occurring in other parts of the world but in fact happening in our own backyard. Low rainfall and warmer seasonal weather have had an adverse effect on the region’s recreation reserves, parks and gardens and water storage levels. Greenhouse emissions are a major concern, whilst urban growth is putting pressure on traffic management and also on our natural environment. The City has undertaken many actions to alleviate these impacts, and will continue to plan for the future through the implementation of a number of strategies and actions plans including: > The Environment Management Strategy 2006-2011, which addresses issues such as council policy, programs and planning, education and partnerships, biodiversity management, sustainable agriculture, coastal and marine, waterways and wetlands, air quality, resource use, waste, recycling and reuse and urban settlements. > The Sustainable Water Use Policy, which aims at balancing the need for greater efficiencies in water use with the service needs of the community. Council is aiming at a 25 per cent reduction in potable water consumption by 2015 and 30 per cent by 2030. > Drought recovery initiatives including the conversion of major sporting fields to drought tolerant turf, and major water harvesting initiatives. > The Greenhouse Reduction Strategy, which sets minimum reduction targets for Council’s greenhouse emissions of 30 per cent by 2010 and 60 per cent by 2025. > The Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Plan, which aims to become a model of sustainable living where natural and cultural features are enhanced and community interaction encouraged. > The Municipal Strategic Statement, which ensures that land development and growth within the region balances the short and long term needs of the community. This will ensure the growth of Geelong is managed in a sustainable way. > Encouraging walking, cycling and use of alternative modes of transport through the creation of more bike paths and walking tracks, a Park and Ride service, the Walking School Bus program and implementing the Greater Geelong Cycle Strategy. Delivering safe and accessible linkages within and between townships is the ultimate aim which in turn will reduce the reliance on vehicles. > Working towards a total waste management system that maximises the recovery of material and minimises the region's reliance on landfill. The Future With the region growing at such a rapid pace it is important we consider the social, environmental and economic aspects of every issue and balance short to medium term interests with the long term, to ensure our community continues to grow in a sustainable way. Sustainable communities are places where people want to live and work, now and in the future. They meet the diverse needs of existing and future residents, are sensitive to their environment, and contribute to a high quality of life. They are safe and inclusive, well planned, built and run, and offer equality of opportunity and good services for all. The City of Greater Geelong is working hard with the community to ensure we act responsibly and secure the future for the youth of today and beyond. Council recognises that for a sustainable future we need to protect and enhance our built and natural environment, strengthen our communities and encourage new investment in sustainable industries. 8
Page 1 and 2: ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GRE
Page 3 and 4: THE YEAR’S HIGHLIGHTS Satyam Tech
Page 5 and 6: OVERVIEW Welcome to the City of Gre
Page 7 and 8: OUR HISTORY - FROM JILLONG TO GEELO
Page 9: THEN NOW Eastern Beach 6
Page 13 and 14: Emily Benstead South Geelong Primar
Page 15 and 16: MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF
Page 17 and 18: Port Phillip Bay Victoria Corio Bay
Page 19 and 20: Port Phillip Bay Port Phillip Bay P
Page 21 and 22: Port Phillip Bay Port Phillip Bay C
Page 23 and 24: PLANNING AND REPORTING FRAMEWORK Ho
Page 25 and 26: THE YEAR IN REVIEW At Council we pr
Page 27 and 28: The City of Greater Geelong commits
Page 29 and 30: CUSTOMER SERVICE COMMITMENTS AND AC
Page 31 and 32: Requests for Service In addition to
Page 33 and 34: COUNCIL FUNDING PRIORITIES Council
Page 35 and 36: SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL RESULTS FOR 20
Page 37 and 38: Loans Council took out a loan of $3
Page 39 and 40: Victorian Local Government Indicato
Page 41 and 42: BEST VALUE Council’s Best Value P
Page 43 and 44: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The main purpo
Page 45 and 46: Consultation events 2007-2008 Depar
Page 47 and 48: Department Project Project Objectiv
Page 49 and 50: OUR PEOPLE The knowledge, skills, i
Page 51 and 52: VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS The City of G
Page 53 and 54: DIVISIONAL OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE
Page 55 and 56: Development Sustainability Kate Sul
Page 57 and 58: Community Services Irene McGinnigle
Page 59 and 60: HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Staff are
Page 61 and 62:
STAFF PROFILE As at June 30, 2008 t
Page 63 and 64:
EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE AWARDS This pro
Page 65 and 66:
OUR VOLUNTEERS Volunteering is inte
Page 67 and 68:
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE To enhance com
Page 69 and 70:
INTERNAL AUDIT The internal audit f
Page 71 and 72:
Minutes of meetings of special comm
Page 73 and 74:
COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEES
Page 75 and 76:
THE PILLARS: HIGHLIGHTS AND ACHIEVE
Page 77 and 78:
HEALTH AND WELLBEING Objective To h
Page 79 and 80:
Health and Wellbeing - Outcomes Out
Page 81 and 82:
Tamie Baljak Bell Park North Primar
Page 83 and 84:
Jayco Bay Cycling Classic, Eastern
Page 85 and 86:
Delivering on our Commitments: 2007
Page 87 and 88:
Implementing the Local Action Plan
Page 89 and 90:
Page 91 and 92:
Challenges Drought conditions in th
Page 93 and 94:
TRANSPORTATION Objective To enhance
Page 95 and 96:
Transportation - Outcomes Outcome M
Page 97 and 98:
Bellarine Rail Trail 94
Page 99 and 100:
Future Directions Main construction
Page 101 and 102:
Page 103 and 104:
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH Objective To
Page 105 and 106:
Education and Research - Outcomes O
Page 107 and 108:
ARTS CULTURE AND HERITAGE Objective
Page 109 and 110:
Arts, Culture and Heritage - Outcom
Page 111 and 112:
TELECOMMUNICATIONS Objective To pro
Page 113 and 114:
THEME 1: DEMOCRACY Objective To pro
Page 115 and 116:
Page 117 and 118:
Challenges The objective to provide
Page 119 and 120:
Best Value - Outcomes (Cont’d) Ou
Page 121 and 122:
PILLARS - Key Strategic Activity Ta
Page 123 and 124:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG COUNCIL APP
Page 125 and 126:
Kazuki Izumitani Ocean Grove Primar
Page 127 and 128:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG VICTORIAN L
Page 129 and 130:
UNDERSTANDING THE FINANCIAL REPORT
Page 131 and 132:
Standard Statements Basis of prepar
Page 133 and 134:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG STANDARD ST
Page 135 and 136:
Page 137 and 138:
Page 139 and 140:
Page 141 and 142:
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT CONTENTS FI
Page 143 and 144:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG BALANCE SHE
Page 145 and 146:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG CASH FLOW S
Page 147 and 148:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG NOTES TO TH
Page 149 and 150:
Page 151 and 152:
Page 153 and 154:
Page 155 and 156:
Page 157 and 158:
Page 159 and 160:
Page 161 and 162:
Page 163 and 164:
Page 165 and 166:
Page 167 and 168:
Page 169 and 170:
Page 171 and 172:
Page 173 and 174:
Page 175 and 176:
Page 177 and 178:
Page 179 and 180:
Page 181 and 182:
Page 183 and 184:
Page 185 and 186:
Page 187 and 188:
Page 189 and 190:
Page 191 and 192:
CITY OF GREATER GEELONG COUNCIL APP
Page 193 and 194:
Tiarnee Cornwill South Geelong Prim
Page 195 and 196:
7 Cat Empire in Concert, The Geelon
Page 197 and 198:
I Internal Audit 66 L Learning and
Page 199 and 200:
CONTACT COUNCIL Many of the City’
Page 201 and 202:
This Annual Report is printed on Mo
show all

ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008 CITY OF GREATER GEELONG

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?