Annual Report 2005/2006 - Port Augusta - SA.Gov.au

The Port Augusta City Council is happy to present its Annual Report for 2005/2006. The 

content of this report will provide the community and other prescribed bodies an overview of 

Council’s activities throughout this financial year. 

The Annual Report is not only a historical record of Council’s activities; it is also used as a 

promotional tool to acknowledge the achievements of our great community and to attract 

investment into the area. 

Under the Local Government Act 1999, this report must include information on Council’s 

accountability, its performance against strategic management plans, financial performance 

and staffing. Council also has an opportunity to include other information of relevance and 

interest to varied and specific readers. 

The format of the Annual Report is structured as follows: 

Section 1 - Executive Overview (Mayors and City Manager’s Report) 

Section 2 - The Council 

Section 3 - Strategic Plan & Performance 

Goal Area 1 - Community Development 

Goal Area 2 - Image of City 

Section 4 - Compliance Report 

Section 5 - Accountability Report 

Goal Area 3 - Economic Development 

Goal Area 4 - Infrastructure & Resource Management 

Goal Area 5 - Environmental Management 

Goal Area 6 - Organisational Effectiveness 

Section 6 - Community Acknowledgement 

- 1 -

Port Augusta is situated at the head of Spencer Gulf and is commonly referred to as the 

Cross-roads of Australia, as traffic travelling north or south, east or west, pass through the 

City, though our Mayor, Her Worship Mrs Joy Baluch fondly refers to our great City as “The 

Centre of the Universe”. As Port Augusta also lies at the foot of the Flinders Ranges, the 

City offers a great base for visitors and tourists who are looking to visit the Flinders Ranges 

while in the area. 

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A harmonious, unique, vibrant community and environment 

To create and sustain a safe and vibrant community where people 

want to live, work, play and visit. 

Respect, Social Justice, Equal Opportunity, Inclusiveness and Accessibility 

- 3 -

Section One: 

Section Two: 

Section Three: 

Executive Overview 

Mayors & City Manager’s Report………………………………………….. 

The Council 

Elected Members Information 2005/2006……………………………. 

Meeting Attendance Record…………………………………………………… 

Elector Representation Review……………………………………………… 

Council’s Representation Quota…………………………………………….. 

Elected Members’ Allowances and Benefits………………………….. 

Elected Members’ Training and Development………………………. 

Management & Staffing (including Organisational Chart)……. 

Staffing Overview…………………………………………………………………… 

Senior Executive Officer’s Allowances and Benefits…………….. 

Strategic Plan & Performance 

Goal Area 1: Community Development 

1.1: Our Community feels safe…………………………………………. 

1.2: Recognise & value the diverse needs 

& culture of our community………………………………………. 

1.3: Best practice in community programs……………………… 

Goal Area 2: Image of City 

2.1: A positive & progressive image of our City……………… 

Goal Area 3: Economic Development 

3.1: Economic growth for long-term benefit……………………. 

Goal Area 4: Infrastructure & Resource Management 

4.1: Optimise use & management of the City’s 

Financial & Physical Resources………………………………….. 

Audited Financial Statement……………………………………………. 

4.2: Effective maintenance, management & 

enhancement of the City’s infrastructure assets……… 

Goal Area 5: Environment Management 

5.1: Effective management & maintenance of the 

City’s unique environment…………………………………………. 

Goal Area 6: Organisational Effectiveness 

6.1: A professional effective, efficient & customerfocused 

organisation responsive to the needs 

of the community……………………………………………………… 

Page 

6 

7 

8 

9-10 

10 

11 

11 

12-13 

13 

13-14 

15 

15 

16 

17-18 

19-21 

22-31 

32-34 

35-38 

39-40 

41-66 

67-69 

70-72 

73-75 

Section Four: 

Compliance Report 

Information Statement…………………………………………………………… 

76 

77-88 

Section Five: 

Accountability Report 

Rating Policy 2005/2006………………………………………………………… 

Rate Rebates…………………………………………………………………………… 

National Competition Principles……………………………………………… 

Community Land Management Plans……………………………………. 

Competitive Tendering Statement………………………………………… 

Human Resource Management……………………………………………… 

89 

90-100 

101 

101-102 

102 

102-103 

103 

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Section Six: 

Community Acknowledgement 

Australia Day Awards……………………………………………………………… 

Port Augusta Junior Sports Assistance Foundation Awards…. 

Academic Achiever Award……………………………………………………… 

Christmas Lighting Festival……………………………………………………. 

Christmas Pageant…………………………………………………………………. 

Council Awards………………………………………………………………………. 

Page 

104 

105 

106-107 

108 

108-109 

109 

110-111 

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s e c t i o n o n e 

Mayors & City Manager’s Report 

Section 

1 

- 6 -

Mayor 

& 

City Manager’s 

Report 

Another very busy year has gone by without a lot of “fan fair”, but the fact is, 2005/2006 has 

indeed been another progressive and successful year for the City of Port Augusta. This 

extensive Annual Report provides an excellent insight of the broad range of activities and 

services that are provided by the Port Augusta City Council to its growing community. 

The major Organisational & Services Review undertaken during the year, highlighted no less 

than 43 services provided by Council to its community. Managing an organisation of 300+ 

staff providing these services is no easy task; and I thank and commend the Directors and 

Managers (and indeed all staff) for their commitment and dedication to the numerous tasks. 

Social Reform and Economic Development continue to head the list of priorities for Council; 

and these matters will continue to be resourced as Council now enters another phase in 

pursuing its backlog of outside work and infrastructure. The management of assets is 

emerging as a key issue for Local Government as it considers the future financial viability and 

sustainability which is being driven Statewide through the Local Government Association of 

South Australia. 

Our 6 key goals remain very relevant and it is pleasing to see Council scoring well in the 

annual Comparative Performance Review. Council is achieving in all areas as we look to take 

full advantage of the “resources boom” which is expected to have tremendous positive 

impacts in terms of population growth, attraction of new skills and new business 

opportunities. 

Clearly the two emerging challenges for Council over the next few years will be 1) to attract 

new people and skills into the region to fill the jobs that will be generated from the 

“resources boom” on our “northern doorstep” and 2) the need to attract and provide housing 

opportunities (and associated infrastructure including recreational facilities etc). 

Council can be proud of its achievements during this reporting year; and we personally look 

forward to the next 3 to 4 years which will go down in history as a special period when Port 

Augusta will evolve as a Regional Service Centre with negativity, bad image and a declining 

economic situation, well and truly behind us. 

Finally, we place on record our appreciation and thank you to all Members and Staff for 

making Port Augusta a better place. 

N J Baluch 

Mayor 

J G Stephens 

City Manager 

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s e c t i o n t w o 

Elected Member Information 2005/2006 

Council and Committee Structure 

Meeting Attendance Record 

Elector Representation Review 

Council’s Representation Quota 

Elected Members’ Allowances and Benefits 

Elected Members’ Training & Development 

Management & Staffing (including Organisational Chart) 

Staffing Overview 

Senior Executive Officers’ Allowances and Benefits 

Section 

2 

- 8 -

2.1 ELECTED MEMBER INFORMATION 2005/2006 

The Port Augusta City Council has 10 Members, comprising Her Worship the Mayor, 

Mrs Nancy Joy Baluch and nine (9) Councillors. 

Elected Member Contact Details Representation 

Nancy Joy Baluch 

Her Worship the Mayor 

Mrs Nancy Joy Baluch (Joy) 

76 Stirling Road 

PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700 

P: 8642 3795 

F: 8641 1126 

E: jbaluch@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Ex-officio Member of every 

Council Committee 

• Provincial Cities Association 

• Upper Spencer Gulf Common 

Purpose Group 

• Outback Areas Development 

Trust 

• Regional Communities 

Consultative Council 

• Flinders Ranges Area 

Consultative Committee 

• SA Multicultural & Ethnic Affairs 

Commission 

• Local Government Association 

vice President. 

Colleen Hutchison 

Deputy Mayor 

Cr Colleen Hutchison 

PO Box 340 


P: 8642 2217 (h) 

P: 8647 1508 (b) 

E: chutchison@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Members Portfolio Responsibility – 

Sub Goal 3.1 

Economic growth for long-term 

benefit 

• City Management, Social Vision 

& City Image Committee 

• Infrastructure, Environment & 

Corporate Services Committee 

• Development Assessment Panel 

• Port Augusta Junior Sports 

Assistance Foundation 

• Murray Darling Association 

Geoff Clark 

Phil Greagen 

Councillor 

Cr Geoff Clark 

PO Box 1781 


P: 8642 2050 

M: 0401 752 778 

F: 8642 2050 

E: gclark@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Councillor 

Cr Phil Greagen 

PO Box 1705 


M: 0419 665 106 

E: pgreagen@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Members Portfolio Responsibility - 

Sub Goal 4.1 

Optimise use & management of 

the City’s financial and physical 

resources 






• Animal Management Plan 

Committee 


Sub Goal 4.2 

Effective maintenance, 

management & enhancement of 

the City’s infrastructure needs 






• Pontoon Management Reference 

Group 

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Tony Mitchell 

Alan Morris 

Fran Paynter 

Mick Penglase 

Chris Pycroft 

John Veen 

Councillor 

Cr Tony Mitchell 

PO Box 310 


P: 8641 0900 

M: 0409 428 246 

E: tmitchell@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Councillor 

Cr Alan Morris 

PO Box 2269 


P: 8641 0369 (h) 

P: 8648 7888 (b) 

M: 0427 600 279 

E: amorris@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Councillor 

Cr Fran Paynter 

24 Sanderson Street 


P: 8642 2597 

M: 0419 422 592 

E: fpaynter@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Councillor 

Cr Mick Penglase 

PO Box 660 


P: 8642 4268 

M: 0407 139 225 

E:mpenglase@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Councillor 

Cr Christene Pycroft 

7 Woodroffe Court 


P: 8642 2787 

F: 8642 4106 

E: cpycroft@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

Councillor 

Cr John Veen 

Po Box 2057 


M: 0428 855 639 

E: jveen@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 


Sub Goal 3.1 

Economic growth for long-term 

benefit 







Sub Goal 2.1 

A positive and progressive image 

of our City 







Sub Goal 1.3 

Best Practice in community 

programs 






• Pontoon Management Reference 

Group 


Sub Goal 1.1 & 1.2 

Our community feels safe; and 

Recognise and value the diverse 

needs and culture of our 

community 






Sub Goal 5.1 

Effective management & 

maintenance of the City’s unique 

environment 







Sub Goal 6.1 

A professional, effective, efficient 

& customer focused organisation, 

responsive to the needs of the 

community 






- 10 -

2.2 COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE STRUCTURE 

The Port Augusta City Council has two Key Committees; City Management, Social 

Vision & City Image Committee and Infrastructure, Environment & Corporate Services 

Committee. These Committees meet at 5.30pm on the 2 nd and 3 rd Monday of each 

month respectively and are attended by all Councillors. The Chairperson for each 

Key Committee is rotated, via an election process, on a three monthly basis between 

Councillors. The Mayor is ex-officio of these Committees. Decisions of these 

Committees are forwarded to Council on the 4 th Monday of the month in the form of 

recommendations. All meetings are held in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 

Mackay Street, Port Augusta and are open to the public. 

2.3 MEETING ATTENDANCE RECORD 

The graphs below provide a record of attendance by Elected Members for the 

2005/2006 financial year for Council and its Key Committee Meetings: 

12 

10 

10 

12 

10 

11 11 

12 

10 

11 

12 

10 

11 11 

10 

10 10 

8 

8 

8 8 

8 

6 

4 

5 

2 

0 

City Management, Social Vision & City 

Image Committee 

Infrastructure, Environment & Corporate 

Services Committee 

Mayor Baluch Cr Hutchison Cr Clark Cr Greagen Cr Mitchell 

Cr Morris Cr Paynter Cr Penglase Cr Pycroft Cr Veen 

17 

15 

13 

11 

9 

7 

5 

3 

1 

-1 

15 15 16 

17 

14 14 

13 

Council Meeting 

14 

12 

15 

In addition to the 12 Council Meetings held during 2005/2006, 5 Special Meetings of 

Council were also held to discuss specific issues. 

- 11 -

2.4 ELECTOR REPRESENTATION REVIEW 

Pursuant to Section 12 (4) of the Local Government Act, Council must ensure that all 

aspects of the composition of the Council, and the issue of the division, or potential 

division, of the area of the Council into Wards, is comprehensively reviewed at least 

once in every 8 years. Council undertook an Elector Representation Review in 

2002/2003 and will initiate the next review during the 2010/2011 financial year. 

2.5 COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATION QUOTA 

The Port Augusta City Council’s total representation quota (the number of electors per 

Councillor) is as detailed below. As indicated, Port Augusta’s representation quota for 

each Elected Member is higher than that of similar sized councils. 

Council 

Number of 

Electors 

Elected Members 

including Mayor and Area 

Councillors 

Ratio Elected 

Members to 

Electors 1:00 

PORT AUGUSTA 9780 10 1:978 

Mid Murray 10532 12 1:877 

Light Regional 10150 11 1:922 

Wattle Range 10364 12 1:863 

Port Lincoln 10547 11 1:958 

The Port Augusta City Council does not have a ward structure but is represented by 

10 Elected Members including the Mayor. The Councillors are elected by voters 

across the entire City area and have a responsibility to the City as a whole. Each 

Councillor has a responsibility for a specific portfolio as identified within the 6 goal 

areas of the Port Augusta City Council’s Strategic Management Plan. The Mayor does 

not have a specific portfolio, but is responsible for providing support to Councillors as 

required. 

2.6 ELECTED MEMBERS’ ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS 

Members of Council are entitled to receive an annual allowance for performing and 

discharging official functions and duties. The Local Government (Members Allowances 

and Benefits) Regulations 1999 provide a range of minimum and maximum 

allowances for Council Members, who then have an opportunity to adopt an annual 

allowance within this range. 

Council at its meeting held on the 23 rd May 2005, adopted the following Allowances 

and Benefits for the 2005/2006 financial year: 

2.6.1 Members’ Allowance 

a) Mayoral allowance - $29,170 pa (payable monthly in arrears); and 

b) Deputy Mayor and Presiding Member (Chairperson) of either of Council’s 

Key Committees - $9,100 pa (payable monthly in arrears); and 

c) Elected Members’ allowance - $7,280 pa (payable monthly in arrears). 

In 2005 the Local Government Association commissioned an independent review of 

Member’s Allowances and Benefits however this review was not completed as at the 

30 th June 2006. It is anticipated that the new regulations in relation to Allowances 

- 12 -

and Benefits will be available prior to the conclusion of the Local Government Elections 

in November 2006. 

2.6.2 Members Reimbursement of Expenses 

a) In addition to the above allowances, Elected Members are also entitled 

to receive reimbursement for expenses incurred in the use of a 

telephone or facsimile and for travelling to official functions or activities 

on Council business, including attending conferences, seminars and 

training courses. 

b) A register is maintained by Council, pursuant to Section 79 of the Local 

Government Act 1999, of all allowances and benefits paid to Elected 

Members on an annual basis. 

2.7 ELECTED MEMBERS’ TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT 

Port Augusta City Council is committed to providing training and development 

activities for its Elected Members to assist them in carrying out their official duties and 

functions. An Elected Members’ Training & Development Policy (1.1.12) was adopted 

by Council on the 30 th January 2006. 

Elected Members were surveyed in January 2006 to ascertain the types of training 

they would be interested in attending, and arrangement will also be made to provide 

specific training to the new Council at the conclusion of Elections in November 2006. 

Council has commenced developing a specific in-house training session focussing on 

Electronic Communications, to ensure Elected Members are provided with appropriate 

training in this area. This training will be incorporated as part of the new Council’s 

Orientation Program. 

An access database has also been established to record all training and development 

activities for Elected Members, which they will be able to access upon request. 

2.8 MANAGEMENT & STAFFING 

2.7.1 Organisational Structure 

Council at its meeting held on the 25 th July 2005, resolved that a total review 

be undertaken of the Port Augusta City Council’s services and organisation. 

As a result of the findings from the above review (which is fully reported on 

within Section 3 – Goal Area 6 of this report) and inline with an organisational 

structure review, which was also due to be undertaken at the time, the City 

Manager who has the ultimate responsibility for the day to day management of 

the City, to ensure Council’s policies and directions are implemented by staff, 

made a number of staffing and organisational structure changes. 

It was determined that the Social Vision Unit, which had been formed to 

implement Port Augusta’s Social Vision and Action Plan, had been successful in 

completing this project and therefore the employment contract for the position 

of Director – Social Vision & City Image, which was due to expire in June 2006, 

would not be renewed. 

- 13 -

Taking into consideration the changes that would be required to the 

Organisational Structure once the Director – Social Vision & City Image’s 

employment contract was finalised, the City Manager in consultation with the 

Director – Corporate Services and Director – Infrastructure & Environment 

made a number of staffing/departmental changes within the Organisational 

Structure. The new organisational structure became effective as from the 20 th 

June 2006. 

PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL’S ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 

CITY MANAGER 

Executive Services 

Mr John Stephens 

DIRECTOR 

Corporate Services 

Mr Michael Dunemann 

DIRECTOR 

Infrastructure & Environment 

Mr John Hogg 

 

Reporting Officers 



Anne O’Reilly 

Manager – Aged & Children’s 

Services 

Anthony McCoy 

Human Resource Manager 

Kylie McKerlie 

Animal Control 

Cindy Veen 

Volunteering Resources 

Centre 

Dave McRae 

Youth Activities Co-ordinator 

Departments 

• Information Technology 

• Aged Care 

• Childcare Services 

• Special Needs 

• Payroll 

• Customer Services 

• Finance 

• Rates 

• Human Resource 

• Records Management 

• Animal Control 

• Volunteering Resource Centre 

• Youth Activities 

Lee Heron 

Manager – Governance & 

Economic Development 

Tina Dunemann 

Manager – Library & Community 

Information 

Pauline Hedger 

Manager – Wadlata/AALBG 

Marie Williams 

Manager – Community Harmony 

Heather Miller 

Outdoor Adventure Centre 

Sam Yates 

Arts/Fountain Gallery 

Tung Pham 

Community Planner 

Cristy Seymour 

Projects & Events Co-ordinator 

Carly Sharp 

Learning Communities 

Heather Sweeting 

Tourism Product Development 

Officer 

Departments 

• Governance 

• Economic Development 

• Tourism – Wadlata & 

Australian Arid Lands Botanic 

Gardens 

• Library & Information Services 

• Learning Communities 

• Community Harmony 

• Planning 

• Projects & Events 

• Outdoor Adventure Centre 

• Arts/Fountain Gallery 

Hayden Hart 

Manager – Infrastructure 

& Environment 

Scott Parsons 

Manager – Environmental Health 

Services 

Sylvia Hogg 

Manager – Ryan Mitchell Swim 

Centre 

Graham Woodforde/Nick Heron 

Building 

Craig Dearlove 

Active Field Officer 

Rieck Shine 

Strategic Co-ordinator AALBG/Parks 

Departments 

• Parks/Gardens 

• Works/Road Construction 

• Works – Technical Support 

• Health 

• Building 

• Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre 

• Recreation & Sport 

- 14 -

2.7.2 Staffing overview as at the 30 th June 2006 

The Port Augusta City Council employed 389 staff as at the 30 th June 2006. 

Council’s Management Group including the City Manager, Director – Corporate 

Services, Director – Infrastructure & Environment, Manager – Aged & 

Children’s Services and Manager – Governance & Economic Development meet 

on a weekly basis to review activities undertaken by all departments of the 

Council. 

180 

160 

140 

161 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

55 

49 

Full Time 

Part Time 

Casual 

20 

0 

29 

10 

32 

Executive 

Services 

24 

Corporate 

Services 

0 

29 

Infrastructure & 

Environment 

2.7.3 Senior Executive Officers – Allowances & Benefits 

The Port Augusta City Council has three Senior Executive Officers, who are the 

responsible officers for each of the three Directorates within Council. As at the 

30 th June 2006, the Senior Executive Officers received the following summary 

of allowances, bonuses and benefits: 

a) Fixed term contract of employment - 1 SEO 

b) Over Award Salary - 1 SEO 

c) Private use of a Council vehicle - 1 SEO 

d) Reimbursement of “out of pocket’ expenses - 3 SEO’s 

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s e c t i o n t h r e e 

2 Humpback whales frolic & tail slap in the 

calm waters of the Spencer Gulf 

Photos provided by Mr Aaron Morgan, 

Augusta Water Cruises 

Strategic Plan & Performance 

Goal Area 1 – Community Development 

Goal Area 2 – Image of City 

Goal Area 3 – Economic Development 

Goal Area 4 – Infrastructure & Resource Management 

Goal Area 5 – Environment Management 

Goal Area 6 – Organisational Effectiveness 

3 

Section 

- 16 -

GOAL AREA 1: 

Community Development 

Sub Goal 1.1: Our Community feels safe 

Various projects are initiated by 

Council each year in an endeavour to 

assist in making our community a 

safer place to live and visit. 

1. Total City Dry Areas 

Council had been concerned for 

sometime in relation to the increasing 

levels of public drunkenness and antisocial 

behaviour during the summer 

period, which was mainly a result of 

excessive use of alcohol. 

At its meeting held on the 26 th 

September 2005 Council resolved to 

make application to the Liquor & 

Gambling Commissioner for the total 

Port Augusta City Council area to be 

declared a “Dry Area” on a twelve 

month trial period. 

The Total City Dry Area came into 

effect on the 1 st December 2005 and 

Council has sought feedback from the 

community via a public meeting which 

was held in March 2006 and written 

submissions have also been 

encouraged throughout the trial 

period. 

A State Government Steering 

Committee has also been established 

to monitor the impact and affect of 

the Total City Dry Areas and this 

Committee will undertake an 

evaluation of the affect the 

introduction of this initiative has had 

on the City and community. 

The aims of the Total City Dry Areas 

are to: 

a. Reduce the incidence of 

intoxication amongst drinkers 

b. Enhance public safety and amenity 

at all times and in places where 

alcohol is consumed. 

c. Improve health outcomes among 

individuals and communities 

affected by alcohol consumption. 

d. Facilitate safer and healthier 

drinking culture by developing 

community understanding about 

the special properties of alcohol 

and through regulation of its 

availability. 

2. Freecall 1800 Crime Reporting 

Council introduced a “Freecall 1800 

Crime Reporting Number” (1800 623 

836) to enable residents to register crime 

that they witnessed occurring in the City, 

including vandalism, damage to the 

foreshores, graffiti and street crime, to 

enable Council to gather statistics in this 

area. Callers are asked to give the date 

and approximate time of the offence as 

well as the location and a brief 

description. This number is used only for 

statistical purposes, not for where the 

police or any of the emergency services 

are needed. 

There are many measures being put in 

place by Council and other organisations 

to reduce the incidence of crime in our 

City and it is hoped that initiatives such 

as the Freecall 1800 Crime Reporting 

Number, will continue to support the 

reduction of crime within our community. 

4. Closed Circuits TVs (CCTVs) 

Council purchased 4 CCTVs which were 

commissioned in October 2005 to 

improve security within the CBD and 

foreshore area of the City. 

Investigations are now underway to 

ascertain if additional external funding 

can be sourced to enhance the current 

system by purchasing 2 portable units 

that can be placed in specific locations 

where crime is being experienced. 

- 17 -

5. Bike Patrol Program 

The initial Bike Patrol Program ended 

in June 2005. Council in September 

2006, supported seeking 

Registrations of Interest for the 

provision of security patrols in the 

CBD Area during the summer period, 

however due to other initiatives that 

had been put in place by Council, 

including the total City Dry Areas, 

Council resolved not to continue with 

the Bike Plan. 

PERFORMANCE IN RELATION TO THE 

PROGRESS OF PROJECTS 

SCHEDULED IN THE 2005/2006 

BUSINESS PLANS FOR SUB GOAL 1.1: 

There were 8 projects scheduled in the 

05/06 Business Plans, with 5 being 

completed and 3 ongoing 

70% 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

63% 

37% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 

GOALS & TARGETS FOR 2006/2007: 

In addition to the ongoing projects from 

2005/2006, the following project/s are 

listed in the 2006/2007 Business Plans: 

1. Review Risk Management activities 

– Footpaths, Substance Misuse, 

Cameras etc. 

- 18 -

GOAL AREA 1: 


Sub Goal 1.2: Recognise & value the diverse needs and culture of our community. 

Activities and Highlights for 

2005/2006: 

VOLUNTEER RESOURCE 

CENTRE 

The Volunteer Resource Centre 

encourages community citizens to 

provide voluntary support to Community 

Groups and Organisations within Port 

Augusta and the Region. Activities 

during 2005/2006 included: 

Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, 

Lifeline Central, Uniting Care Wesley, 

Port Augusta Hospital Wildflower 

Volunteers, Port Augusta Garden 

Club, RSL Women’s Auxiliary, Lions 

Club, Fountain Gallery Volunteers, 

Port Augusta Learning Community, 

Men’s Shed, Port Augusta Scout 

Group, State Emergency Service, 

Knights of the Southern Cross, 

Outback Riders Social Club, 

Curdnatta Art Gallery & Make a Wish. 

1. Training Program 

During 2005/2006, free training for 

volunteers was presented by 

Specialist Lecturer Cecilia Woolford. 

A series of 7 weekly training sessions 

were delivered in Port Augusta, 

Whyalla and Port Pirie. Topics 

delivered included: Making the most 

of your Contribution, Interpersonal 

Skills, Funding, Managing Volunteers, 

Conflict Management, Planning and 

Leadership. This project is supported 

by a grant from the South Australian 

Government and is a Volunteering SA 

Inc and State Government joint 

program which is proudly supported 

by the Port Augusta & Region (Upper 

Spencer Gulf) Volunteer Resource 

Centre. 

2. National Volunteers Week 

Celebrations 

National Volunteers Week (15-21 May 

2006) was celebrated in Port Augusta 

on Thursday 18 May 2006 at the Port 

Augusta Yacht Club. Volunteers 

were invited to a light luncheon, 

which included information stalls and 

entertainment by the John Sharp 

band. City Manager, Mr John 

Stephens, presented nominated 

volunteers and organisations with 

framed awards of recognition. 

Organisations represented at the 

celebration included: Royal Society 

for the Blind (Talking Trans), 

City Manager, John Stephens presenting Port Augusta Coast Guard 

representative, Ms Janet McDonald with a Certificate of Appreciation 

ABORIGINAL CONSULTATIVE 

GROUP 

The Aboriginal Advisory Committee 

ceased to operate during 2005/2006, and 

to ensure the aboriginal community are 

represented within the Port Augusta 

Council area, registration of interest were 

called in May 2006, for anyone interested 

in being apart of a proposed Aboriginal 

Consultative Group. 

The Aboriginal consultative body will fully 

represent all Aboriginal family groups 

within Port Augusta, and will provide 

feedback and advice to Council on issues 

that may have an impact on the 

Aboriginal community. 

- 19 -

YOUTH ACTIVITIES 

2005/2006 has been an exciting time for 

the Youth Activity Service. With the Coordinators 

Office returning to The Club, 

52 Commercial Road and the repairs that 

have been completed to the hall 

including new carpet, new life and energy 

to both the venue and its users has been 

achieved. 

A new name for the program was also 

implemented in 2005/2006, so after 10 

years as operating as Youth Activity 

Service, we welcome the new name of 

Youthlinx Activity Services. There 

are also changes to the operating 

guidelines for the service, with the focus 

not only on the young person but with 

families as well. The service is also 

involved with Action For Youth meetings 

and the Strategic Youth Partnerships 

Group. 

The Music Program participants have 

been involved in performances 

throughout the year and also have 

completed a small tour of the region and 

have worked with musicians from 

Carclew Youth Arts. 

Youth Advisory Committee has been 

involved with many activities such as the 

Relay For Life, YACFEST, Summer Music 

Tour and the Christmas Pageant. They 

have also run activities for Outside 

School Hours Care and for Stirling North 

Primary School. 

Drug Action Week - working with other 

agencies to provide information and 

awareness on the hazards and realities of 

drug and alcohol use. 

School Holiday Activities have 

included Sandboarding, Bushwalking, 

Art, Sport Pool Nights, Kayaking and 

Movie Nights. Many of these activities 

have been held in conjunction with other 

agencies and have been formulated into 

a community calendar of youth activities. 

Australian Rally Car Driver Mark Butcher 

held a Driver Education Course for 

young people followed by Hot Laps at 

Port Augusta Dirt Circuit Course in a 

Group A Subaru Rally car. 

Blah Blah Blah Youth Forum was held 

with young people from the region 

coming to Port Augusta to talk about 

their vision and thoughts of the issues 

that are affecting them now. 

Directing the Hero Within - young 

people were involved in documentary 

film making. Producing short films about 

their environment and life. The program 

has now become a stand alone program 

in Port Augusta. 

Crocfest - 3500 young people came 

together under the motto of Respect 

yourself, Respect your Culture. The 

festival was made up of 3 days of 

personal development and fun activities. 

The Gamers Republic is a group of 

young people who have formed a club for 

both Traditional and Electronic Games. 

They hold games evenings every second 

Monday. 

National Youth Week - Celebrating 

Youth Culture each year on a National 

Level. This is a multi agency approach 

and Port Augusta becomes part of the 

National calendar of activities. 

RECREATION & SPORT 

Regional Disability Games 

In April 2006 the Disability Sports 

Network held the Inaugural Regional 

Disability Games at Carlton Primary 

School. The network which is made up of 

representatives from Port Augusta City 

Council, Interwork, Community Bridging 

Services, Australian Sports Commission 

& Office for Recreation & Sport, realised 

that there was a lack of structured 

sporting activities in this region. The aim 

of Regional Games is to provide avenues 

for athletes of all abilities to be involved 

in Sports & Recreational activities outside 

their normal daily routine and to create 

- 20 -

awareness of the network and possibly 

go on to bigger events such as the Tri 

State Games, which is held annually in 

selected towns across the State. 

The activities that were selected for 

these games include 

• 50m & 100m walk 

• 50m Run 

• Standing Long Jump 

• Tennis Ball Throw 

• Basketball Throw 

• Bean Bag Accuracy 

• High Jump 

Each activity was completed by the 

athletes with the High Jump & Bean Bag 

Accuracy proving to be the most popular. 

It is envisaged that another Regional 

Games will be held in November 2006 

based on the comments received from 

the athletes and their carers on the 

success of this event. 

10 group leaders in Port Augusta with 

approximately 40 registered walkers 

involved. 





There were 35 projects scheduled within 

the 2005/2006 Business Plans for this 

Sub Goal with 17 being completed and 

18 projects carried over to the 

2006/2007 Business Plans. 

60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

49% 51% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 


In addition to the ongoing projects from 

2005/2006, the following projects are 

listed in the 2006/2007 Business Plans: 

Bean Bag Accuracy 

1. Finalise review into the Port Augusta 

Football League. 

2. Conduct a Sports Audit of the City’s 

facilities and options to assist future 

planning of sports & recreation plans. 

3. Finalise implementation of Aboriginal 

Consultative Group. 

Just Walk It 

High Jump 

In conjunction with the Flinders & Far 

North Community Health Service, “Just 

Walk It” was introduced to Port Augusta. 

“Just Walk It” is a community based 

walking program that uses volunteer 

walk organisers to lead small groups of 

people to walk in their local area. 

Walkers are eligible for incentives at 

particular milestones. Currently we have 

4. Continued liaison with the APY Land 

Council. 

5. Continue to provide Film Making 

opportunities for Young People. 

- 21 -

GOAL AREA 1: 


Sub Goal 1.3: Best Practice in Community Programs 

AGED CARE SERVICES 

Port Augusta City Council operates two 

aged care facilities – Nerrilda Nursing 

Home and A.M. Ramsay Village which 

provide high and low quality aged care 

respectively. Council also operates two 

other aged services; Health Focus and 

the Men’s Shed. 

Below is an overview of activities that 

have taken place within each of the 4 

aged care programs: 

1. Nerrilda Nursing Home 

a) A full site audit by the Aged 

Care Standards and 

Accreditation Agency was 

undertaken in August 2005 with 

all 44 standards fully met. 

b) Nerrilda was assessed against 

the Commonwealth Department 

of Health and Ageing’s 1999 

Building Certification Instrument 

and achieved a high score in all 

areas. 

c) The Knights of the Southern 

Cross donated funds to enable 

the restructure of the Palliative 

Care Room to be undertaken. 

The Room has been completed 

and is being utilised. 

d) Council’s Registered Nurse 

Bursary for 2006 was not 

awarded due to lack of 

applicants. The 2005 recipient, 

Ms Christine Boyer is currently 

in the 2 nd year of her 

Undergraduate Degree in 

Nursing and the 2004 recipient, 

Ms Janice Scott will complete 

her Degree in December 2006. 

e) Council was successful in 

gaining grant funding from the 

Department for Health & Ageing 

in its 2004/2005 Aged Care 

Approval Round and building 

work on the 5 bed extension for 

Nerrilda commenced on the 26 th 

June 2006. The work is 

expected to be completed by 

March 2007. 

2. A.M. Ramsay Village 

a) Ramsay Village was 

assessed against the 

Commonwealth 

Department of Health and 

Ageing’s 1999 Building 

Certification Instrument 

and achieved a high score 

in all areas. 

b) Final plans were developed 

and tenders received for 

building work to extend 

and upgrade the facility. 

c) An additional staff member 

was introduced to the 

night shift to improve 

outcomes for residents and 

staff. Additional lifters and 

an electric bed were 

purchased to facilitate 

ageing in place where 

possible. 

d) Kristy Sterlson was the 

recipient of Ramsay Village’s 

2006 Enrolled Nursing 

Bursary. 2 staff completed 

the Certificate IV in Health 

and Leisure through the 

Spencer TAFE and 4 staff are 

currently completing their 

Diploma in Enrolled Nursing. 

- 22 -

These courses were 

Federally funded by the 

Department of Health and 

Ageing. All senior care staff 

were credentialed in 

medication management, 

simple 

dressings, 

management of diabetic 

emergencies, oxygen 

therapy and vital sign 

assessment. 

e) An agreement was made 

with SAHT enabling Council 

to provide input regarding 

prospective tenants at 

Jubilee Court. These tenants 

are able to access Ramsay 

Village for pre-ordered meals 

and to join in social 

activities. 

f) The purchase of a motorised 

medication trolley has 

assisted the return of an 

employee from a long term 

workers compensation plan. 

g) The introduction of 

“Comprehensive Medical 

Assessments” to aged care 

residents was achieved due 

to a Federally funded GP 

initiative to service aged 

care resident in Australia. 

h) A qualified Dentist attended 

Ramsay Village on a 

voluntary basis to carry out 

examinations and simple 

procedures and make 

referrals as required. 

3. Health Focus 

a) The Department of Health 

and Ageing funding for the 

Health Focus Day Therapy 

Centre has been extended 

until 30 th June 2007, whilst 

the Department determines 

future directions for Day 

Therapy Centres nationally. 

b) The number of clients 

participating in programs 

continued to rise during 

2005/2006. 

c) Staff and 18 clients visited 

the Barossa Valley for 4 days 

in May 2006 for the Centre’s 

annual supported client tour. 

d) Various health promotion 

activities and seminars were 

conducted during the year 

including the Lively Legs 

Program aimed at falls 

prevention, foot care, use of 

mobility aids and care and 

use of hearing aids. 

4. Men’s Shed 

a) The Men’s Shed won first 

prize in the Port Augusta 

Pageant in December 2006 

for their entry “Willy 

Wonka’s Chocolate Factory”. 

b) Regular health promotion 

activities were undertaken at 

the Men’s Shed based on 

client requests for 

information. 

CHILDCARE CENTRE 

The Port Augusta City Council’s Childcare 

Facility provides 75 quality care places 

for children aged between 6 weeks to 5 

years of age. Holiday care for children 

up to the age of 8 years is also provided 

on a needs basis. 

Activities undertaken during 2005/2006 

at the Childcare Centre include: 

1. Painting of the interior of the 

Childcare Centre was completed in 

January 2006 giving the Centre a 

much needed facelift. 

2. Average utilisation of the Centre has 

increased slightly during 2005/2006. 

3. Due to the difficulties attracting 

Trained Childcare workers, an 

exemption from the Department for 

Education and Children’s Services 

Licensing Branch for one Trained 

Worker has been utilised during the 

year. 

- 23 -

4. Assessment and Performance Reports 

required to obtain Sustainability 

funding through the Department for 

Families and Communities have been 

completed on a 6 monthly basis with 

the next report due in October 2006. 

5. Repairs were carried out to the 

roofing and guttering of the Centre to 

prevent further flood damage. 

6. Various training courses were 

presented to staff during the year 

including; Team building, First Aid, 

Manual Handling, Fire and Evacuation 

Training, Anaphylaxis, Autism, Picture 

Exchange Communication System 

and Recognising Children with 

Additional Needs. 

7. Childcare, Special Needs and the 

Library held a joint information stand 

at the Communities for children Early 

Years Expo at Cooinda Hall on 3 rd 

August 2005. 

MIRIAM HIGH SPECIAL NEEDS 

CENTRE 

1. The Outreach Program covering areas 

within the boundary of the Northern 

and Far Western Health Region 

continued with up to 40 families 

being supported in a variety of ways. 

2. On the 2 nd and 3 rd of May 2006 the 

Centre was audited against the HACC 

National Service Standard and 

achieved an excellent result. 

3. Staff at Townsend House, Novita 

Children’s Services, Downs Syndrome 

Association and Autism SA continued 

to support families and staff with 

regular visits to the Centre. 

4. The Police Charity Golf Day raised 

$5,000 and the disbanded Just Rock 

‘N’ Roll Club donated $4,500 and a 

quilt donated by the Quilters Guild 

raised $1,340. 

5. It is a requirement that staff working 

with children in agencies funded 

through the Disability Services Office 

complete a minimum of Certificate 3 

in Disability Studies by 2008. During 

2005/2006, five staff completed 

Certificate 3 in Disability Studies and 

Ms Carmel Boscence completed the 

Diploma in Disability Studies. 

PORT AUGUSTA LIBRARY & 

COMMINTY INFORMATION 

SERVICE 

The Port Augusta Public Library aims to 

be inspiring, entertaining, informative 

and dynamic and to be involved and 

responsive to the community of Port 

Augusta. 

It offers a wide range of services and 

resources to the community and 

activities undertaken during 2005/2006 

included: 

1. Toy Library Service 

The Library Service has been 

operating a Toy Library service since 

2003 with 149 families now enrolled 

as members. This year 1,830 toys 

and puzzles were borrowed. 

2. The Little Big Book Club and 

Storytime 

An exciting initiative, “The Little Big 

Book Club” (TLBBC) was launched on 

Friday 3 rd February 2006 to promote 

literacy with children and families. A 

joint venture between the State 

Government, The Advertiser 

Newspaper, SA Public Libraries and 

the publishing industry, TLBBC aims 

to distribute 17,000 book packs 

across the State to babies aged 6-12 

months. 

As well as giving packs, we supported 

the Club with the introduction of 

regular “Storytime” sessions for preschoolers 

on Wednesday mornings. 

3. Wireless Access 

In May 2006 the Library was included 

in Stage One of the Wireless Internet 

Access Project to allow for the use of 

laptops in accessing the public 

internet at the Library. The benefits 

of Wireless Internet Access include: 

- 24 -

a) Flexible connection to the Public 

Library Internet Network. 

b) Extended Internet access without 

the need for purchase of 

additional desktop PCs for 

libraries. 

c) Increased access to online 

resources (databases). 

d) Provision of access to library 

catalogues using wireless 

accessed handheld devices. 

4. Regional Collaboration Grants 

a) Lights! Cameras! Libraries! 

The Library was successful in 

applying for a Public Libraries 

Collaboration Grant in conjunction 

with Port Pirie, Kadina, Port 

Lincoln, Whyalla, Quorn and 

Flinders Mobile Libraries to 

produce a television 

advertisement promoting libraries 

in our region. The advertisement 

was produced and screened in 

March 2006. 

a) Children’s Expo – August 2005. 

b) Peter Temple – Author visit 

September 2005. 

c) Teddy Bear Picnic – October 2005. 

d) Mental Health Week launch. 

e) Christmas Pageant. 

f) Regular Storytime with Frozzled. 

g) Easter and School Holiday 

Activities. 

h) Community Fair – June 2006. 

i) Community Information available 

on Internet. 

b) Reading @round the region 

The Library participated in a 

project with several metropolitan 

and country libraries across the 

State to develop and promote 

reader advisory services in public 

libraries. The project provided 

staff training and resources to 

allow each library to customize 

the service to their community. 

5. Simultaneous Storytime in Port 

Augusta 

The Library organised for all primary 

schools, pre-school centres and 

childcare centres in Port Augusta to 

join together in reading the picture 

book Wombat Stew to children. The 

National Simultaneous Storytime has 

been organised to build on the 

success of the event last year. 

THE ARTS 

1. SICAD Project 

Community Fair 

On the 7 th & 8 th September 2005 

Felicity Wright ran a workshop at 

Bungala Arts and Crafts on 

marketing and pricing indigenous 

artwork. This workshop was 

attended by artists from Port 

Augusta, Hawker, Copley, Iga 

Wata, Nepabunna, Marree and 

Coober Pedy. It was a huge 

success and there has been some 

real movement since the 

workshop, in the Indigenous Arts 

in Port Augusta. 

6. Other programs and promotional 

activities: 

- 25 -

Following on from this, more 

workshops were held in the 

communities of Port Augusta, 

Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta in 

March 2006. 

The outcomes that the SICAD 

Project endeavours to achieve is: 

a) Mapping Indigenous Arts 

activities and needs; 

b) Delivering support and 

resourcing for Aboriginal 

Artists; 

c) Networking arts projects and 

Aboriginal artists around the 

State. 

2. ARID – a sculptural collaboration 

ARID is well underway for their 

exhibition planned for 1 September 

until 6 October 2006. So far the 

majority of funding has come 

through; we are just waiting on SATC 

to confirm either way for their 

support of the event. Gordon Darling 

Foundation has committed over 

$8,000 towards a publication of ARID 

and SA Water has committed $5,000 

towards sponsoring the event. As 

part of ARID this year we have an 

artist in residence at the Port Augusta 

Secondary School, an artist in 

residence at Baxter Immigration 

facility, a workshop for Indigenous 

artists in sculpture, and an artist 

coming from Adelaide to work with 

community on a permanent sculpture 

in the garden. 

3. Arid Lands Desert Blooms 

This project involves art workshops, 

for clients with artistic ability, being 

conducted in Port Augusta, Oodndatta 

and Copley/Nepabunna. The clients 

have been invited to produce 

artwork, of any medium (e.g. 

painting, photography, carving) and 

have these exhibited through the 

region and the Fountain Gallery in 

Port Augusta. The photographs 

produced by clients will be displayed 

via a rolling powerpoint presentation 

as well as individual framed pieces. 

The workshops will be conducted by 

an Artist in Residence which will be 

John Turpie. The end result will now 

be exhibited at the Fountain Gallery 

in April 2007. 

4. APY Lands Trip 

A visit was made to the Anangu 

Pitjantjatjara Lands with the coordinator 

of KU ARTS, Mr Colin Koch, 

Ms Charmaine Wilson (Co-ordinator – 

Bungala Arts and Crafts) and Jodie 

Warren (Artist - Bungala Arts and 

Crafts). We spent 3 nights in the 

Lands, attended the KU ARTS AGM 

and met with co-ordinators of the 

different art centres. It was 

extremely rewarding for the women 

from Port Augusta to go to the Lands 

and see how the Centres are 

operating and was well worth the trip. 

5. Foreshore Poles 

Consultant, Margaret Worth was in 

Port Augusta for one week in April 

2006 to run the community 

consultation process for the design of 

artworks for the top of the foreshore 

poles. As well as undertaking 

consultation, Margaret worked with 

mentoring two local artists, Deb 

Byron and Lavene Ngatoura in 

community consultation. 

All up nine workshops were held 

covering a wide range of 

representative ideas and opinions. 

The workshops produced drawings 

and notes expressing what people 

value in Port Augusta. Two public 

displays were organised one at 

Woolworths and the other at the 

Public Library with the opportunity for 

people to vote about what they felt 

would be most important to them. 

A report was prepared by Margaret 

Worth on the outcome of the 

consultation process and this will be 

considered by Council in due course. 

6. Performing Arts 

The Port Augusta Performing Arts 

(PAPA) has been hugely successful 

- 26 -

with all their presentations in the past 

year. 

They now have a fantastic mailing list 

and huge support network of people 

that come to all their shows. The 

following performing arts touring 

shows were presented in Port 

Augusta during 2005/2006: 

a) 18 February 2006 – Kransky 

Sisters 

b) 22 March 2006 – PLUCK 

c) 9 April 2006 – Jazz in the 

Barracks 

d) 18 June 2006 – Little Black Dress 

7. Fountain Gallery - Exhibitions 

The Fountain Gallery saw 17 

exhibitions during 2005/2006. 

Throughout this time the gallery was 

open for 270 days to the public with 

3,512 people passing through. The 

exhibitions included: 

a) July 05 

• Time and Tide by Suzzanne 

Brierly-Westall 

b) August 05 

• Cello’ Flame by Craig Ellis – 

SALA Week; and 

• Erotica Explored by Riverland 

Textile Artists and Fibrespace 

c) September 05 

• Country Arts – by Ethan Koch 

d) October 05 

• Genesis – A New Era by 

Munyaradzi Nyandoro (DJ) 

e) November 05 

• Australiana by Tony Cafarella; 

and 

• Look no more than Science by 

Port Augusta Secondary 

School Year 12; and 

• Pichi Richi Artists Studio 

f) December 05 

• Versatility by Painters of the 

Flinders Ranges 

g) January 06 

• ABC Australian Snapshots 

h) February 06 

• Nunga Visions 

i) March 06 

• End the Cycle 

j) April 06 

• Reflections/Ruth Klee 

k) May 06 

• Narbrlinaha by Noblelene 

Stuart-MacKenzie; and 

• Year 12 Art Show by SSABSA 

l) June 06 

• Open Borders; and 

• Tall Ships….The Working Port 

PROJECTS AND EVENTS 

2005/2006 saw the staging of many 

events organised, facilitated, sponsored 

or with in-kind support from the Port 

Augusta City Council, for the enjoyment 

of the Port Augusta community, visitors 

and tourists. 

Some of the major events during 

2005/2006 were: 

1. 2005 Croc Festival 

Port Augusta hosted its 3 rd Croc Festival 

in 2005 at Braddock Oval and Central 

Oval on the 30 th August and 1 st 

September. The Port Augusta Festival 

was the biggest in Australia with over 

3,500 students from 57 schools 

participating. 

- 27 -

Two fantastic Community Concerts were 

held at night at Braddock Park on the 

31 st of August and 1 st of September. 

Several schools performed on stage each 

night. The Festival came to an end with a 

spectacular fireworks display. 

2. City of Port Augusta Surf Boat 

Super Series Carnival 

Saturday November 19 th 2005, saw surf 

boats and crews involving almost 250 

competitors and supporters from around 

South Australia converge on Port 

Augusta to compete at the Eastside 

Foreshore in the City of Port Augusta 

Surf Boat Super Series Carnival. 

A great day was had by all - competitors, 

tourists and locals alike. The event was 

well supported by the Port Augusta 

Community with service clubs operating 

food and drink stalls at the carnival. 

Both the mens and ladies novelty 

categories were dominated and won by 

teams from Port Pirie, they were just far 

too strong for the Port Augusta teams to 

beat. All teams had a great day, and 

entertained the crowd in their fancy 

dress costumes. 

d) Wharfest 2005 – Port Augusta 

Show Day 

e) Seagrims’s Outback Surf Boat 

Carnival was held in conjunction 

with the City of Port Augusta Surf 

Boat Super Series Carnival 

f) Mayoral Christmas Party 2005 

g) Port Augusta Christmas Pageant 

h) Australia Day Breakfast 2006 

i) NRG Flinders Tennis Tournament 

j) George Copley Swim 

k) Port Augusta Kid’s Crabbing Day 

l) Port Augusta & Districts Country 

Music Festival 

m) Welcome to Port Augusta BBQ 

n) Port Augusta Community Fair 

RYAN MITCHELL SWIM 

CENTRE 

The Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre offered 

the following programs during the 

2005/2006 financial year: 

1. SOS (Sink or Swim) Classes 

2. Aerobics in Water Classes 

3. Education (Term Time) Swimming 

4. Vac Swim 

5. Port Augusta Swimming Club 

6. Aussi Masters 

7. Four week Kayak Course 

8. Baxter weekly visits 

The Swim Centre attracted 37,792 

people through their gates during 

2005/2006 financial year compared to 

34,208 for the previous year. 

LEARNING COMMUNITIES 

2005/2006 saw various courses and 

workshops of learning developed through 

Learning Communities. 

3. Many other events celebrated 

during 2005/2006 were: 

a) Port Augusta Racing Carnival 

b) Pichi Richi Marathon & Half 

Marathon 

c) Port Augusts Jacob’s Creek Golf 

Classic 

1. Adult Learner’s Awards Presentation – 

September 2005 

The Port Augusta City Council in 

partnership with the Adult 

Community Education Unit of DFEST 

proudly presented the 2005 Learner 

of the Year Award Presentation 

Ceremony on 7 th September 2006. 

- 28 -

Nominations were received from Port 

Augusta community members who 

would like to give recognition to 

learners who have demonstrated a 

commitment to learning. 

The 2005 Major Award Winners were: 

Overall Learner of the Year Award 

Janine Denham 

Janine is currently the Co-ordinator of 

“Our House”, a facility set up to 

support people with mental illness. 

She has continued to learn over a 

number of years and has gained a 

Certificate in Business Office 

Administration, a Social Work Degree 

as well as Certificates in Community 

Services, Domestic Violence and First 

Aid. 

Learning as a Volunteer 

Leanne Napier 

Leanne works with the Delta Society, 

taking pets for therapy into local 

hospitals to visit patients. She has 

undertaken extensive study both in 

animal welfare and health and has 

demonstrated a commitment to learning 

in her capacity as a volunteer. 

Outstanding Tutor 

Kylie Grover 

Kylie received a few nominations in this 

category and has demonstrated 

innovation and creativity in her teaching 

methods. Kylie provides training in the 

basics of digital photography for Port 

Augusta and the surrounding community 

at the Gateway Camera Centre. 

Outstanding Individual Learner 

Carmen Dadleh 

Learning with a Disability 

Ana Spooner 

Ana completed a Certificate IV in Youth 

Work with a focus to begin studying a 

degree in Social Work. She was also 

recently awarded the Sir Charles Bright 

Scholarship which is annually presented 

to a disabled person undertaking post 

secondary education. 

PORT AUGUSTA OUTDOOR 

ADVENTURE CENTRE 

The Port Augusta Outdoor Adventure 

Centre opened its doors to the general 

public in November 2005. This Centre is 

an initiative of the Council and works in 

closely with the Port Augusta Aquatic 

Centre and Port Augusta Secondary 

School through the hire of equipment. 

Office for Recreation and Sport (ORS), 

and Regional Partnership supported the 

Centre during this period, assisting 

financially with the implementation and 

initial setup of the programs. 

ORS will be continuing their support into 

2006/2007 and this funding will assist in 

providing alternative opportunities for 

people to access a variety of physical 

activities. 

Over the last 8 months the Centre has 

provided the following activities to the 

equivalent of 1,600 general public: 

• Weekly lessons in windsurfing, 

sailing, kayaking and canoeing 

• Two Come ‘n’ Try days 

• Sailing for the disabled 

• Programs for community 

organisations and schools in rock 

climbing, abseiling, orienteering, 

bushwalking, team/initiative games, 

shelter building/stretcher making. 

Carmen is currently studying for a 

certificate in Aboriginal Primary Health 

Care. She was a member of the Rotary 

Indigenous Group Study Exchange that 

visited California. 

- 29 -

Council funded the construction of an 

office area within the Port Augusta 

Outdoor Adventure Centre facility and a 

paved and lawned area is currently being 

undertaken. 

SUBSTANCE MISUSE SERVICES 

PROGRAM 

Port Augusta Substance Misuse Services 

in funded by the Federal Government 

(Department of Health and Ageing), 

State Government (Department of 

Health), and managed by the Port 

Augusta City Council. It has recognition 

as a “Whole of Government” approach to 

addressing social issues within the 

community of Port Augusta. The services 

provided are the Sobering Up Unit, 

Mobile Assistance Patrol, and a Clean 

Needle Program. The main emphasis of 

the services which are provided, are 

PREVENTION, MONITORING, and 

COUNSELLING. 

The Centre has also provided the above 

activities during the school holiday 

periods. The water-based activities are 

initially proving to be the most popular. 

During the past year training and 

education was delivered to the Port 

Augusta Prison, CDEP participants, 

Transitional Housing Project Staff, 

Schools and Rural and Remote areas. 

Education and Training programs for the 

community are made available to 

agencies and others on request. 

To achieve positive outcomes for the 

community, Port Augusta Substance 

Misuse Services staff members work in 

close liaison with the Police, Drug Action 

Team, Pika Wiya Health Service, 

Hospital, Wami Kata Old Folks Home, 

South Australian Housing Trust, other 

agencies and the general public. 

There was a reduction in statistics for all 

services during the past year, which may 

have been as a result of the Council’s 

Five Point Plan which was established to 

address “Anti Social Behaviour” within 

the community. A Transitional 

Accommodation facility has now been 

established, and the whole of Port 

Augusta is a Total Dry Area for a trial 

period of one year which commenced on 

December 1 st 2005. 

- 30 -

A Committee has been set up by the 

State Government to monitor the total 

Dry Area, with Meetings being held 

fortnightly during the trial period. 

Port Augusta Substance Misuse Services 

staff are actively involved in all local 

social issue committees, and also State 

and National alcohol and other drug 

issues, with representation on the 

National Local Government Drug and 

Alcohol Committee. 

5. Co-ordinate and organise events. 

Assist with promotion and 

advertising. 

6. Purchase equipment and implement 

technology to improve public Online 

Web Catalogue. 








25 projects being carried over to the 


60% 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

60% 

40% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 


1. Review existing Public Library and 

Aged Care Policies. 

2. Commence planning to create 

another ARID sculpture. 

3. Source funding from external bodies 

to continue to offer and expand 

programs offered by the Port Augusta 

Outdoor Adventure Centre. 

4. Formulate Bike Routes within the Port 

Augusta township to enable 

appropriate self and guide bike tours 

to be offered by the Outdoor 

Adventure Centre. 

- 31 -

GOAL AREA 2: 

Image of City 

Sub Goal 2.1: A positive and progressive image of our City 

WADLATA OUTBACK CENTRE 

The Wadlata Outback Centre is a multi 

tourism award winning, major local and 

regional visitor attraction that entices the 

visitor to Port Augusta, encourages them 

to stay in the City, increases visitor 

nights and maximises visitor spending. 

The attraction itself and the Visitor 

Information Centre provides an 

informative, educational and entertaining 

experience which gives the visitor a taste 

of what they can see and experience 

within the City and Region. 

Wadlata’s primary role is to provide a 

multi-functional Visitor Information 

Centre that is the “Shop Window” of Port 

Augusta. It influences the visitor to stay 

in the City, by selling/promoting local 

accommodation, tours, products and free 

referrals to other businesses and 

attractions in Port Augusta and the 

immediate Region, in order to maximise 

expenditure and to increase employment 

opportunities in the City. 

1. Visitation 

Although many regional operators 

had reported a decline in visitor 

numbers and visitor spending, 

Wadlata recorded 100,515 visitors 

into the building, highlighting a 2.1% 

increase in numbers, which 

represents an additional 2067 visitors 

compared to 2004/2005. 

A large proportion of this increase is 

attributed to the increase in business 

activity associated with the sale of 

Pichi Richi Railway tickets, which has 

positively impacted on the point of 

sale transactions and revenue raised 

through commissions. 

2. National Tourism Accreditation 

Program 

In June 2006, the Wadlata Outback 

Centre, the attraction and the Visitor 

Information Centre were successfully 

audited against the guidelines and 

criterion program. Considerable work 

has also taken place during the past 

twelve months towards the pending 

accreditation of the Australian Arid 

Lands Botanic Garden. 

3. Facility Upgrades 

a) A new industrial dishwasher was 

installed in April 2006 to the 

Outback Tuckerbox Kitchen. 

b) Stage 2 – Interpretive Centre 

Considerable planning took place 

during 2005/2006 for this 

upgrade. The entire Interpretive 

Centre has been evaluated to 

identify which displays are and 

which are not relevant to the 

current and projected tourism 

needs of Port Augusta and the 

Region. The Working Party, 

consisting of representatives of 

the South Australian Tourism 

Commission, Council, Projects 

Manager, Media Co-ordinators and 

specific professional consultants 

have finalised designs and 

costings. The work associated 

with this upgrade is scheduled to 

be completed by December 2006. 

Additional product specific display 

panels have been ordered and will 

be positioned within the new 

information area. Adequate space 

will be available to extensively 

promote all tourism products and 

accommodation within Port 

Augusta. 

- 32 -

c) On-Line Retail Shop 

A new initiative being developed 

during the 05/06 financial year 

was the new Wadlata Website 

containing an on-line retail shop 

and facilities to make on-line 

accommodation and tour bookings 

through ConnectSA. 

The site will promote and 

internationally expose local and 

regional Aboriginal artists and 

their works of art, which will lead 

to a regular revenue stream and 

the sustainability of the artist’s 

businesses. 

The new website is expected to go 

live early in 2006/2007. 

AUSTRALIAN ARID LANDS 

BOTANIC GARDEN (AALBG) 

2005/2006 saw the completion of the 

installation of the Australian Arid Lands 

Botanic Garden promotional DVD. The 

DVD covers a broad range of subjects 

including, Naturalist Robert Brown's 

finding of the eremophila in this region in 

1802, through to the diverse range of 

plants found in the arid environment and 

how they have adapted to survive in our 

harsh environment. The plants featured 

in the DVD can all be found within the 

garden. 

This year also saw AALBG in conjunction 

with Adelaide Botanic Gardens begin 

trials in developing a tissue culture 

process for Capparis (Native Orange). 

This plant is recognised as having high 

value in the bush food industry with 

commercial and economic qualities. 

The Friends of Australian Arid Lands 

Botanic Garden continued with their 

excellent work in educating the broader 

community in the many facets of aridland 

horticulture and to accompany their 

aridland plant sales, it was necessary to 

extend their current depot facilities 

within the Gardens. 

A review of “Friends” activities and their 

locations within the garden will take 

place in conjunction with the AALBG 

Master Plan review in 2006/2007 to focus 

on maximising their future objectives. 

FORESHORE REDEVELOPMENT 

During 2005/2006 Council’s Works and 

Parks staff commenced Stage 1 of the 

Westside Foreshore Redevelopment. The 

carpark component of the redevelopment 

which is to be located on the northern 

side of Mellor Street will be completed 

during 2006/2007. 

The Westside Foreshore along Crocker 

Street has been transformed from this: 

to this: 

Development in the Garden throughout 

the year saw Austin Steel Cut-outs 

installed at the entrance of the AALBG, 

garden bed and infrastructure installation 

at the Flinders Redcliff Lookout. The first 

of the Gardens permanent sculpture 

displays were installed in the Eremophila 

section of the Gardens. 

- 33 -

ENTRANCEWAYS 

Council has committed funding to 

support, in conjunction with Transport 

SA, the beautifician of the Southern 

Entranceway (Adelaide approach) into 

Port Augusta. 

for the Blind, commenced a review of 

signage within the City. 

It is anticipated that during 2006/2007 a 

draft Policy and Guidelines in relation to 

signage will be developed for the City 

and a plan adopted to implement the 

recommendations from the Signage 

Reference Group. 

The aim of this project is to develop a 

signage strategy for the City of Port 

Augusta to improve directional and 

tourism signage leading into and 

throughout the City. 

This project was deferred during 

2005/2006 due to the fact that the 

Works and Parks Depot Staff were 

heavily involved in the Westside 

Foreshore Redevelopment and other 

routine maintenance programs, and were 

unable to allocate time to commence this 

project. 

A commitment has been made by the 

Infrastructure Section to undertake this 

project during 2006/2007. 

TOURISM PRODUCT 

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER 

The Port Augusta City Council committed 

funding in 2005/2006 to employ a 

Tourism Product Development Officer, on 

a two year contract, to assist in 

identifying and developing new tourism 

products for the City. 

Ms Heather Sweeting commenced in this 

position in September 2005 and she 

works out of the Northern Regional 

Development Board’s Office. 

SIGNAGE 

Council, in conjunction with 

representatives from the Department for 

Transport, Energy & Infrastructure, 

Business Port Augusta and Royal Society 







Sub Goal with 18 being completed and 9 

projects being carried over to the 


79% 

66% 

53% 

40% 

26% 

13% 

0% 

67% 

33% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 


1. Investigate 3 possible artwork images 

for the Welcome to Port Augusta 

Promotional Signs. 

2. Complete upgrade to the Southern 

Entranceway. 

3. Complete Signage Strategy for the 

City. 

4. Co-ordinate production and 

distribution of Calendar of Events. 

- 34 -

GOAL AREA 3: 

Economic Development 

Sub Goal 3.1: Economic growth for long-term benefit 

2005/2006 has been another busy year in 

relation to economic development within 


The mining boom in the north of the state 

is having a major impact in the region, and 

development in Port Augusta is well 

underway to accommodate the various 

needs of the mining industry. 

A number of developments have been 

completed in recent years, with others 

already underway or in the planning 

stages. It is anticipated that many of the 

developments will significantly change the 

appearance of the City. 

Developers, Beverley Industrial 

Development has already secured two 

tenants, Bridgestone Tyres and 

Landmark, for the first stage of this 

project. Stage one of this project 

covers 8000 sq metres and is expected 

to open in October 2006 and is suited to 

bulky goods, home wares or automotive 

related and service trade centre. 

1. Betta Electrical Store and Specialty 

Shops 

An electrical discount store commenced 

construction during 2005/2006 adjacent 

to Port Augusta’s Eastside Foreshore, 

which is Stage one of a two stage 

development totalling $5 million. 

Stage One is estimated to be completed 

by the end of October 2006. 

Stage two is subject to pre-commitment 

from major tenants and would cover 

11,0000 sq metres, with access from 

Power Station Road, which is a B- 

Double access road. 

3. New Courthouse 

Construction of the new Courthouse on 

Flinders Tce also commenced in the 

reporting period, and is due to be 

completed by the middle of 2007. The 

estimated cost of this project is 

between $9m-$10m and the building 

when completed will be one of the most 

spectacular and important buildings in 


The second stage of this development 

comprises 17 luxury Townhouses which 

will overlook the Port Augusta Eastside 

Foreshore. 

2. Flinders View Business Centre 

Another major project commenced in 

2005/2006 on the southern entrance to 

Port Augusta on the former Caltex site. 

- 35 -

4. Westside Townhouses 

This development incorporates the 

construction of 14 luxury townhouses 

along the Westside Foreshore. Stage 

One, included the construction of the 

first six townhouses and was completed 

in February 2006. The construction of 

the remaining 8 townhouses 

commenced in April 06 and is due to be 

completed in April 2007. 

5. Lawrie Wallis Aerodrome 

The Aerodrome is set to receive a major 

upgrade worth several million dollars, 

with the new RFDS headquarters to be 

built at the site. Port Augusta City 

Council is also upgrading infrastructure 

at the site, including security and 

fencing, and has received up to 

$750,000 in Grants to assist with the 

work. 

6. Proposed Solar Powered Water 

Desalination Facility (Point 

Paterson) 

The salty waters of the Upper Spencer 

Gulf could supply clean drinking water 

for up to a quarter of a million South 

Australians, in a combined solar power 

and water desalination project proposed 

for Port Augusta, by Acquasol Pty Ltd. 

A site at Point Paterson on Port 

Augusta’s southern outskirts is the 

proposed located for the plant, which 

will initially produce 10,000 megalitres 

of clean, fresh drinking water daily. 

The desalination process would be 

powered by solar energy, with 50 

megawatts of “green” electricity 

generated by 1.7km of solar trough 

mirrors harnessing the sun’s energy. 

Continuous electricity would also be 

provided to the National Power Grid 

network. 

The Acquasol Solar/Hybrid Plant and 

Water Desalination Facility would be the 

most environmentally friendly power 

and water facility ever built and would 

be the largest solar and electricity water 

production facility in the Southern 

Hemisphere. 

Construction is planned for 2007. 500 

jobs will be created during the two year 

construction stage and a further 60 full 

and part time jobs will be required to 

operate the Acquasol’s Facility. The 

plant would initially operate as a twoyear 

proof of concept with an offer 

during this period of 2 gigalitres of free 

water to the City of Port Augusta. 

7. Australian Technical College – 

Spencer Gulf & Outback 

The Port Augusta City Council as the 

official proponent and the Northern 

Regional Development Board were 

jointly involved in submitting an 

Expression of Interest in February 

2005 and later an abridged proposal 

to the Australian Government in May 

2005 for this project. 

The Port Augusta City Council was a 

signatory to the Interim Funding 

Agreement that was signed with the 

Australian Government in November 

2005, as the agreement needed to be 

signed by an incorporated body. This 

funding was to provide some 

resources to develop the Business 

and Financial Plan. 

The original concept was to develop 

an Australian Technical College that 

was local and collaborative, involving 

industry, education and training 

providers across the Spencer Gulf and 

Outback region and to have nodes 

located in Port Augusta, Whyalla, Port 

Pirie, Roxby Downs and Port Lincoln. 

Department of Education, Science & 

Training (DEST) advised that all the 

ATC’s were required to have the 

Australian Technical College as the 

first part of their name and they 

- 36 -

would then carry the name of the 

nominated region. 

The Steering Committee decided that 

the name of this ATC should be more 

inclusive of the region it sought to 

service – hence the new name the 

Australian Technical College – 

Spencer Gulf & Outback (ATC- 

SG&O). 

The Board of the ATC-SG&O was 

formed in February 2006. It has 8 

industry members, who have 

experience in the metal and 

engineering, automotive, electrotechnology, 

building and construction 

and commercial cookery industries. 

The Board Chair is Mr. Greg Clothier, 

General Manager, Action Engineering 

Pty Ltd, and the Deputy Chair is Mr. 

Andre Kuys, Acting Station Manager, 

NRG Flinders. The remaining Board 

Members have been drawn from the 

Catholic and Government schooling 

sectors, TAFE SA Regional and the 

Development Boards. The ATC-SG&O 

Inc will be incorporated as a not for 

profit association in the July 2006 and 

will be governed by the Board. 

The Port Augusta, Port Pirie and 

Whyalla nodes will commence 

operations in 2007 with the 

establishment of the Port Lincoln and 

Roxby Downs nodes being delayed. 

The principal node of the ATC-SG&O 

will be co-located at the TAFE SA 

Regional campus in Port Augusta. 

The Whyalla node will be co-located 

at the University of South Australian 

Whyalla campus, and the Port Pirie 

node will be located at the former, 

Port Pirie Regional Council Services 

Depot in Wandearah Road. The 

College is to be registered as a nongovernment 

school and will operate 

from all three sites from 29 January 

2007. 

The Principal’s position has been 

advertised and interviews undertaken 

and it is expected that the 

appointment of the successful 

applicant will be made in July 2006. 

8. Sale of Council Surplus Land 

There has been a huge growth in the 

number of new homes built in Port 

Augusta Council area over the past 

five years with just 20 applications 

for new homes submitted in 

2001/2002 compared to a staggering 

108 applications for new dwellings in 

2005/2006. 

Council is gradually undertaking a 

review of all of its vacant land 

holdings, to ascertain if any of this 

land is surplus to requirement, and 

can be sub-divided and sold via 

auction to further support the 

residential growth the City is 

experiencing. 

Three land divisions have been 

completed on Simmons Crescent, 

Elsie Street and Hurcombe Crescent, 

which will result in a further 21 

residential allotments being created. 

It is anticipated that the Simmons 

Crescent blocks will be available for 

auction in September 2006, with the 

Elsie Street and Hurcombe Crescent 

allotments being sold prior to the 

30 th June 2007. 

Proceeds from all sales will be 

deposited into Council’s Special 

Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose 

of funding special community 

projects. 

9. Upper Spencer Gulf Business 

Incubator Network Inc (Port 

Augusta Business Centre) 

The Port Augusta Business Centre 

was officially opened on Wednesday 

21 st December 2005 and is now 

supporting 3 local businesses and 

also houses two anchor tenants 

being the Northern Regional 

Development Board and AusIndustry 

and Export Hub. This facility will 

also accommodate on a temporary 

basis the Australian Technical 

College Administration Offices. 

- 37 -

The Centre is proving attractive for 

firms large and small wishing to use 

the conference/training room. Daily 

use of a separate office for visiting 

and local businesses is also proving 

popular. 

The aim of the Port Augusta Business 

Centre (Incubator) is to encourage 

and assist start-up and growing 

businesses in their early 

development. 










10. Wind Farm 

Another project receiving 

development approval during the 

2005/2006 financial year, is the 

Lincoln Gap Wind Farm estimated to 

cost $250m. 

Wind Energy Solutions, a Sydneybased 

company, will commence 

construction of the 59 turbines, 

which will be around 80m tall and 

3m wide in early 2007. It is 

anticipated that the wind farm will be 

online in early to mid 2008. 

This project will create up to 60 full 

time jobs during the construction 

phase and 6 full time permanent 

positions on completion. Wind 

Energy Solutions has also given a 

commitment to use as much local 

industry expertise as possible. 

11. Other proposed projects 

a) Twelve single story dwellings and 

extension to the gymnasium on 

McSporran Crescent, estimated at 

$8m. 

79% 

66% 

53% 

40% 

26% 

13% 

0% 

67% 

33% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 


1. Promote Town Hall to attract a 

suitable development for this 

building. 

2. Finalise Section 30 Development Plan 

Review 

3. Prepare a plan for the implementation 

of a possible marina/commercial 

operation pontoon. 

4. Facilitate the development of a 

Foreshore Restaurant on Council 

Land. 

b) Lifestyle Village 

c) Residential Development, Mathews 

Street 

d) Industrial Estate – Port Augusta 

West 

e) Wharf Restaurant 

- 38 -

GOAL AREA 4: 

Infrastructure & Resource Management 

Sub Goal: 4.1: Optimise use and management of the City’s financial and 

physical resources 

Council receives numerous requests each year for Community Grants, to support 

members of the community who are organising events within the City or have excelled in 

their chosen sporting field, shown outstanding ability in an academic field or are seeking 

assistance to attend various sporting events, carnival etc which they are participating in. 

During the 2005/2006 financial year Council made the following donations: 

B Grebenshikoff - SA Hockey Team $100.00 

Flinders & Pastoral Rural Counselling Service $300.00 

Hayley HcGeever - Lions 6 week exchange (gifts from Wadlata) $180.28 

Augusta Party Hire - Our House Clubhouse opening (04/05) $170.00 

2005 World Youth Day (Lauren Hill) $500.00 

Pt Augusta Tennis Association - 2006 Open Tournament $500.00 

Lifeline Central (SA/NT) Inc. - annual donation $2,500.00 

International Child Sponsorship $468.00 

LifeFM Xmas Party for Special Children $681.82 

Vietnam Veterans Walk for Charity - dinner at Pt Augusta Yacht Club $500.00 

Rotary - Xmas float $4,281.77 

Kenneth Adams - Harness Racing Training Centre $500.00 

Curdnatta Art Gallery - Our House Clubhouse (approved in 2004/05) $60.00 

Royal Flying Doctor Service $1,500.00 

Port Augusta Junior Basketball Committee - 2005 Junior Carnival $500.00 

Casey Whitaker - Pacific School Games & National All Schools 

Championships 

PAJSAF 

Port Augusta Secondary School Year 12 Award $100.00 

Port Augusta Police Charity Golf Day $100.00 

TS Augusta - Right of Freedom of Entry & 30th birthday celebrations $400.00 

Trinity Time Out $500.00 

Harrison Family $5,000.00 

Arthritis Australia $100.00 

Charlene Grantham - Rotary Exchange (12 months) $180.10 

PECS Intensive Workshop $1,500.00 

Port Augusta Swimming Club - Annual Carnival $500.00 

Alisa Hodgson - 2005 Academic Achiever Award $500.00 

State Rally - Harley Owners Group $500.00 

Carols by the Roadside - Hire of chemical toilet $181.82 

Donation to Miriam High Special Needs Centre re Craig Ellis Serpent 

at Arid Lands $600.00 

Country Music Festival - cost of backing band for Sat Night and 

Sunday competition $1,200.00 

Gladstone Factory Blast Appeal $1,000.00 

2006 George Copley Challenge Open Water Swim - Hire of Kayaks & 

Staff for event $330.00 

Port Augusta Caledonian & Pipe Band Inc - 45 year reunion $500.00 

Flinders University - short film "The Swimming Lesson" $500.00 

$26,433.79 

- 39 -

The Port Augusta City Council adopted its 

initial Strategic Management Plan in 

2002 and undertook a review of the Plan 

in early 2004. The Plan expires in 2007 

and a comprehensive review of the City’s 

Strategic Management Plan will be 

implemented in January 2007 with the 

new Council. 

Council made a major commitment to 

Economic Development, Social Vision and 

City Image in its first Plan, and has been 

successful in achieving many great 

outcomes since 2002. 

Council annually participates in the 

Comparative Performance Measurement 

Report which incorporates a Community 

Survey undertaken by Roy Morgan 

Research. The community survey 

provides an opportunity for the 

community to provide feedback to 

Council on their perspective of Council’s 

performance in 7 areas. The areas 

evaluated include: 

1. Strategic Directions 

2. Community Consultation 

3. Council Services 

4. Quality of Life 

5. Public Access to Information 

6. Asset/Infrastructure Management 

7. Safety & Security 

The results of the 2006 Comparative 

Performance Measurement Report, 

showing comparisons to previous years 

are included within Section 4 of this 

report. 

Budgets and Business Plans are 

developed each year outlining projects 

that will be undertaken and which reflect 

the aspirations and intent of the 

Strategic Management Plan. 

Council included within its 2005/2006 

budget: $2.74m for upgrades to 

accommodate 13 new aged care beds 

and Nerrilda Nursing Home and A.M. 

Ramsay Village, $285,000 for stormwater 

infrastructure and $145,000 for 

community programs and events, which 

are only a few of the projects that were 

implemented during the reporting period 

for the benefit of the community. 










53% 

40% 

26% 

13% 

0% 

50% 50% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 


1. Undertake “Self-Assessment” of the 

LGA developed Financial 

Sustainability Program. 

2. Review Property valuations. 

3. Consolidate new asset data into Asset 

Management System. 

4. Build Five Year Operating Cost Model. 

5. Investigate and implement an 

appropriate financial reporting 

system. 

AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENT 

A copy of Council’s audited financial 

statement for 2005/2006 is provided on 

the following pages of this report for the 

reader’s information. A copy is also 

available on Council’s Website 

www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

- 40 -

CITY OF PORT AUGUSTA 

OPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE, 2006 

OPERATING REVENUE 

Note 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Rates 

General 6,553,000 6,010,673 

Other 313,110 282,910 

Statutory Charges 227,492 258,551 

User Charges 2,817,437 2,394,703 

Operating Grants and Subsidies 8,438,119 8,092,138 

Investment Income 176,888 168,439 

Reimbursements 535,198 273,233 

Gain on Sale of Non-Current Assets 239,601 308,038 

Other 814,978 593,298 

TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE 20,115,822 18,381,984 

OPERATING EXPENSES 

Wages and Salaries 3 9,441,369 8,634,924 

Contractual Services 4 3,329,895 2,871,326 

Materials 5 2,546,039 2,312,707 

Finance Charges 336,739 338,938 

Depreciation 6 2,443,205 2,454,695 

Loss on Disposal of Non-Current Assets 

Other 7 2,560,210 2,072,203 

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 20,657,457 18,684,793 

Operating (Loss)/Surplus before 

Capital Revenues (541,634) (302,809) 

CAPITAL REVENUES 

Capital Grants, Subsidies and 

Monetary Contributions 255,620 435,094 

Operating Surplus 

after Capital revenues and before 

Extraordinary items (286,014) 132,284 

CHANGE IN COMMUNITY WEALTH 

RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS (286,014) 132,284 

The above operating statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

- 41 -


STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2006 


$ $ 

CURRENT ASSETS 

Cash and Cash Eqivalents 8 3,849,858 2,590,259 

Trade and Other Receivables 9 849,201 1,017,214 

Inventories 10 135,540 136,442 

TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS 4,834,599 3,743,915 

CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Short Term Borrowings 8 97,955 

Short Term Provisions 12 60,000 40,000 

Trade and Other Payables 11 2,764,388 2,277,532 

Current portion of Long Term Borrowings 13 1,685,241 1,561,583 

TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES 4,509,629 3,977,070 

NET CURRENT ASSETS 324,970 (233,155) 

NON-CURRENT ASSETS 

Land 14 5,578,500 5,608,500 

Buildings, Structures & Reserve Infrastructure 14 22,287,020 21,599,973 

Infrastructure 14 27,938,284 28,712,554 

Equipment 14 1,940,336 1,860,159 

Furniture and Fittings 14 1,440,545 1,196,082 

Trade & Other Receivables 9 32,838 37,894 

Capital Works in Progress 14 374,826 53,650 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT ASSETS 59,592,349 59,068,812 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Aged Care Bed Licences 15 1,692,000 2,760,000 

TOTAL INTANGIBLE ASSETS 1,692,000 2,760,000 

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 

Long Term Provisions 12 911,703 788,785 

Long Term Borrowings 13 5,177,733 3,932,975 

TOTAL NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES 6,089,436 4,721,760 

NET ASSETS 55,519,883 56,873,897 

EQUITY 

Accumulated Surplus 3,809,365 4,095,379 

Reserves 51,710,518 52,778,518 

TOTAL EQUITY 55,519,883 56,873,897 

The above statement of financial position should be read in conjunction 

with the accompanying notes. 

- 42 -


STATEMENT OF CHANGE IN EQUITY FOR THE 30 JUNE, 2006 


$ $ 

ACCUMULATED SURPLUS 

Balance at beginning of period 4,095,379 3,963,095 

Change in financial position resulting from 

operations (Deficit)/Surplus (286,014) 132,284 

Balance at end of period 3,809,365 4,095,379 

ASSET REVALUATION RESERVE 

Balance at beginning of period 52,778,518 37,299,409 

-Revaluation increment (1,068,000) 15,479,109 

-Revaluation decrement 

Balance at end of period 51,710,518 52,778,518 

TOTAL EQUITY 55,519,883 56,873,897 

The above statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

- 43 -


OPERATING STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE, 2006 

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2006 


CASH FLOWS FROM $ $ 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

Inflows 

(Outflows) 

Receipts 19,785,272 18,148,393 

Interested Receievd 176,888 168,439 

GST Collected 493,718 458,504 

GST Received 1,049,674 965,181 

Payments (17,433,711) (15,706,253) 

Interest on Loans (324,000) (333,829) 

GST Paid (1,005,764) (844,557) 

GST Remitted (594,875) (505,829) 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES 8 2,147,202 2,350,049 

CASH FLOWS FROM 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

Receipts 

Loans Received 2,930,000 1,534,500 

Loan Repayments from Community Groups 5,779 5,422 

Accommodation Bonds 478,148 449,686 

Payments 

Principal on Loans (1,561,584) (1,552,301) 

Accomodation Bonds (245,286) (256,870) 

Loans to Community Groups (50,090) 

NET CASH PROVIDED BY 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES 1,607,057 130,347 

CASH FLOWS FROM OTHER ACTIVITIES 

Receipts 

Capital Grants, Subsidies 255,620 435,094 

Sale of Equipment 440,229 486,452 

Sale of Land 310,167 517,145 

Payments 

Purchase of Land 

Purchase of Buildings (1,493,439) (1,343,839) 

Purchase of Infrastructure (480,460) (626,063) 

Purchase of Equipment (722,840) (826,681) 

Purchase of Furniture and Fittings (331,156) (116,726) 

Purchase of Capital Works in Progress (374,826) (53,650) 

NET CASH USED IN 

OTHER ACTIVITIES (2,396,705) (1,528,268) 

NET INCREASE(DECREASE) 

IN CASH HELD 1,357,554 952,128 

CASH AT BEGINNING OF 

REPORTING PERIOD 2,492,304 1,540,176 

CASH AT END OF 

REPORTING PERIOD 8 3,849,858 2,492,304 

The above statement of cash flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes. 

- 44 -


NOTES TO AND FORMING PART OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE, 2006 

NOTE 1 SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial 

report are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all 

the years presented, unless otherwise stated. 

1.1 Basis of Preparation 

1.1.1 Compliance with Australian equivalents to International 

Financial Reporting Standards 

This general purpose financial report has been prepared in accordance 

with Australian equivalents to International Financial Reporting 

Standards (AIFRS) as they apply to not-for-profit entities, other 

authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards 

Board, Urgent Issues Group Interpretations (UIGs) and relevant South 

Australian legislation. The financial report was authorised for issue by 

the Council by certificate under clause 11 of the Local Government 

(Financial Management) Regulation 1999 dated 26 th November, 

2006). 

1.1.2 Compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards 

AIFRS include certain specific provisions relating to not-for-profit 

entities that are not included in the International Financial Reporting 

Standards. In addition, Australian Accounting Standard AAS 27 

Financial Reporting by Local Governments also applies. Except to the 

extent that these special provisions require, these financial statements 

comply with International Financial Reporting Standards. 

The principal areas of non-compliance relate to the recognition of nonreciprocal 

revenues, the definition of value in use for the purposes of 

AASB 116 Impairments and the offsetting of revaluation increments 

and decrements within classes of assets, and are detailed more 

particularly below. 

1.1.3 Application of AASB 1 First-time Adoption of AIFRS 

These statements are the first Port Augusta City Council Financial 

Statements to be prepared in accordance with AIFRS and AASB1 Firsttime 

Adoption of AIFRS has been applied in their preparation. 

Previous financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 

the former Australian Generally Accepted Accounting Principles 

(GAAP) which differ in certain respects from AIFRS. When preparing 

these financial statements, Council has amended certain accounting 

and valuation methods applied in the AGAAP financial statements to 

comply with AIFRS. With the exception of financial instruments, 

where Council has taken the exemption available under AASB1 to only 

apply AASB 132 and AASB 139 from 1 July 2005, the comparative 

figures have been restated to reflect these adjustments. 

1.1.4 Historical Cost Convention 

Except where stated below, these financial statements have been 

prepared in accordance with the historical cost convention. 

- 45 -



1.1.5 Critical Accounting Estimates 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with AIFRS 

requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates, and requires 

management to exercise its judgement in applying Council’s 

accounting policies. The areas involving a higher degree of judgement 

or complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are 

significant to the financial statements are specifically referred to in the 

relevant sections of this Note. 

1.1.6 Rounding 

All amounts in the financial statements have been rounded to the 

nearest dollar ($0). 

1.2 The Local Government Reporting Entity 

The Port Augusta City Council is incorporated under the SA Local 

Government Act 1999 and has its principal place of business at 4 

Mackay Street, Port Augusta, South Australia. These financial 

statements include the consolidated fund and all entities through 

which Council controls resources to carry on its functions. In the 

process of reporting on the Council as a single unit, all transactions 

and balances between activity areas and controlled entities have been 

eliminated. 

Trust monies and property held by Council but subject to the control 

of other persons have been excluded from these reports. A separate 

statement of moneys held in the Trust Fund is available for inspection 

at the Council Office by any person free of charge. 

1.3 Revenue recognition 

Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or 

receivable. Revenue is recognised when the Council obtains control 

over the assets comprising the revenue, or when the amount due 

constitutes an enforceable debt, whichever first occurs. 

Where grants, contributions and donations recognised as revenues 

during the reporting period were obtained on the condition that they 

be expended in a particular manner or used over a particular period, 

and those conditions were undischarged as at the reporting date, the 

amounts subject to those undischarged conditions are disclosed in 

these notes. Also disclosed is the amount of grants, contributions and 

receivables recognised as revenues in a previous reporting period 

which were obtained in respect of the Council’s operations for the 

current reporting period. 

1.4 Cash Assets and other Financial Instruments 

Cash Assets include all amounts readily convertible to cash on hand at 

Council’s option with an insignificant risk of changes in value with a 

maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition. 

- 46 -



Receivables for rates and annual charges are secured over the subject 

land, and bear interest at rates determined in accordance with the 

Local Government Act 1999 (as amended). Other receivables are 

generally unsecured and do not bear interest. 

All receivables are reviewed as at the reporting date and adequate 

allowance made for amounts the receipt of which is considered 

doubtful. 

All financial instruments are recognised at fair value at the date of 

recognition. 

1.5 Inventories 

Inventories held in respect of stores have been valued by using the 

weighted average cost on a continual basis, after adjustment for loss 

of service potential. Inventories held in respect of business 

undertakings have been valued at the lower of cost and net realisable 

value. 

1.5.1 Other Real Estate held for resale 

Properties not acquired for development, but which Council has 

decided to sell as surplus to requirements, are recognised at the 

carrying value at the time of that decision. 

Certain properties, auctioned for non-payment of rates in accordance 

with the Local Government Act but which failed to meet the reserve 

set by Council and are available for sale by private treaty, are 

recorded at the lower of the unpaid rates and charges at the time of 

auction or the reserve set by Council. Holding costs in relation to 

these properties are recognised as an expense when incurred. 

1.6 Property, Plant & Equipment 

1.6.1 Transitional Provisions 

Council has elected not to recognise land under roads in accordance 

with the deferral arrangements available under AASB 1045. 

All non-current assets purchased or constructed are capitalised as the 

expenditure is incurred and depreciated as soon as the asset is held 

“ready for use”. 

1.6.2 Initial Recognition 

All assets are initially recognised at cost. Cost is determined as the 

fair value of the assets given as consideration plus costs incidental to 

the acquisition, including architects’ fees and engineering design fees 

and all other costs incurred. For assets acquired at no cost or for 

nominal consideration, cost is determined as fair value at the date of 

acquisition. The cost of non-current assets constructed by the Council 

includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on 

the project and an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed 

overhead. 

- 47 -



Capital works still in progress at balance date are recognised as other 

non-current assets and transferred to infrastructure, property, plant & 

equipment when completed ready for use. 

1.6.3 Materiality 

Assets with an economic life in excess of one year are only capitalised 

where the cost of acquisition exceeds materiality thresholds 

established by Council for each type of asset. In determining (and in 

annually reviewing) such thresholds, regard is had to the nature of the 

asset and its estimated service life. Examples of capitalisation 

thresholds applied during the year are as follows. No capitalisation 

threshold is applied to the acquisition of land or interests in land. 

Office Furniture & Equipment $1,000 

Other Plant & Equipment $1,000 

Buildings - new construction/extensions $10,000 

Park & Playground Furniture & Equipment $2,000 

Road construction & reconstruction $10,000 

Paving & footpaths, Kerb & Gutter $2,000 

Drains & Culverts $5,000 

Reticulation extensions $5,000 

Sidelines & household connections $5,000 

Artworks $5,000 

1.6.4 Subsequent Recognition 

Certain asset classes are revalued on a regular basis such that the 

carrying values are not materially different from fair value. For 

infrastructure and other asset classes where no active market exists, 

fair value is determined to be the current replacement cost of an asset 

less, where applicable, accumulated depreciation calculated on the 

basis of such cost to reflect the already consumed or expired future 

economic benefits of the asset. 

1.6.5 Depreciation of Non-Current Assets 

Other than land, all property, plant and equipment assets recognised 

are systematically depreciated over their useful lives in a manner 

which reflects the consumption of the service potential embodied in 

those assets. Depreciation is recognised on a straight-line basis. 

Major depreciation periods for each class of asset are shown below. 

Depreciation periods for infrastructure assets have been estimated 

based on the best information available to Council, but appropriate 

records covering the entire life cycle of these assets are not available, 

and extreme care should be used in interpreting financial information 

based on these estimates. 

Plant, Furniture & Equipment 

Office Equipment 

Office Furniture 

Vehicles and Road-making Equip 

Other Plant & Equipment 

5 to 10 years 

10 to 20 years 

5 to 8 years 

5 to 15 years 

- 48 -



Building & Other Structures 

Buildings – masonry 

Buildings – other construction 

Park Structures – masonry 

Park Structures – other construction 

Playground equipment 

Benches, seats, etc 

Infrastructure 

Sealed Roads – Surface 

Sealed Roads – Structure 

Unsealed Roads 

Bridges – Concrete 

Paving & Footpaths, Kerb & Gutter 

Drains 

Culverts 

Flood Control Structures 

Bores 

Reticulation Pipes – PVC70 

Reticulation Pipes – other25 

Pumps & Telemetry 

Other Assets 

Library Books 

Artworks 





5 to 15 years 











to 80 years 

to 75 years 



indefinite 

1.6.6 Impairment 

Assets that have an indefinite useful life are not subject to 

depreciation and are reviewed annually for impairment. Assets that 

are subject to depreciation are reviewed for impairment whenever 

events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount 

may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised for the 

amount by which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 

amount (which is the higher of the present value of future cash 

outflows or value in use). 

For assets whose future economic benefits are not dependent on the 

ability to generate cash flows, and where the future economic benefits 

would be replaced if Council were deprived thereof, the value in use is 

the depreciated replacement cost. In assessing impairment for these 

assets, a rebuttable assumption is made that the current replacement 

cost exceeds the original cost of acquisition. 

1.7 Payables 

1.7.1 Goods & Services 

Creditors are amounts due to external parties for the supply of goods 

and services and are recognised as liabilities when the goods and 

services are received. Creditors are normally paid 30 days after the 

month of invoice. No interest is payable on these amounts. 

- 49 -



1.7.2 Payments Received in Advance & Deposits 

Amounts received from external parties in advance of service delivery, 

and security deposits held against possible damage to Council assets, 

are recognised as liabilities until the service is delivered or damage 

reinstated, or the amount is refunded as the case may be. 

1.8 Borrowings 

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 to which it relates, and is recorded 

as part of “Payables”. 

1.9 Employee Benefits 

1.9.1 Salaries, Wages & Compensated Absences 

Liabilities for employees’ entitlements to salaries, wages and 

compensated absences expected to be paid or settled within 12 

months of reporting date are accrued at nominal amounts (including 

payroll based on-costs) measured in accordance with AASB 119. 

Liabilities for employee benefits not expected to be paid or settled 

within 12 months are accrued at nominal amounts (including payroll 

based on-costs) measured in accordance with AASB 119. 

No accrual is made for sick leave as Council experience indicates that, 

on average, sick leave taken in each reporting period is less than the 

entitlement accruing in that period, and this experience is expected to 

recur in future reporting periods. Council does not make payment for 

untaken sick leave. 

1.9.2 Superannuation 

The Council makes employer superannuation contributions in respect 

of its employees to the Local Government Superannuation Scheme. 

The Scheme has two types of membership, each of which is funded 

differently. 

Accumulation Fund Members 

The accumulation fund receives both employer and employee 

contributions on a progressive basis. Employer contributions are 

normally based on a fixed percentage of employee earnings in 

accordance with Superannuation Guarantee Legislation (9% in 

2005/06; 9% in 2004/05). 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. 

Defined Benefit Members 

Council makes employer contributions to the defined benefits 

categories of the Scheme at rates determined by the Scheme’s 

Trustee. Employees also make member contributions to the Fund. As 

such, assets accumulate in the Fund to meet the member’s benefits, 

as defined in the Trust Deed, as they accrue. 

- 50 -



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 allocate benefit liabilities, assets and 

costs between employers. As provided by AASB 119.32(b), Council 

does not use defined benefit accounting for these contributions. 

1.10 Construction Contracts 

Construction works undertaken by Council for third parties are 

generally on an agency basis where the third party reimburses Council 

for actual costs incurred, and usually do not extend beyond the 

reporting period. As there is no profit component, such works are 

treated as 100% completed. Reimbursements not received are 

recognised as receivables and reimbursements received in advance 

are recognised as “payments received in advance”. 

1.11 Leases 

Lease arrangements have been accounted for in accordance with 

Australian Accounting Standard AASB 117. 

In respect of operating leases, where the lessor substantially retains 

all of the risks and benefits incident to ownership of the leased items, 

lease payments are charged to expense over the lease term. 

1.12 GST Implications 

In accordance with UIG Abstract 1031 “Accounting for the Goods & 

Services Tax” :- 

1.12.1 Receivables and Creditors include GST receivable and 

payable. 

1.12.2 Except in relation to input taxed activities, revenues and 

operating expenditures exclude GST receivable and 

payable. 

1.12.3 Non-current assets and capital expenditures include GST 

net of any recoupment. 

1.12.4 Amounts included in the Statement of Cash Flows are 

disclosed on a gross basis. 

1.13 Comparative Information & Transition to AIFRS 

Comparative information has been reclassified to be consistent with 

the current year disclosure of equivalent information in accordance 

with AIFRS. 

1.14 New Accounting Standards 

Certain new accounting standards have been published that are not 

mandatory for the 30 June, 2006 reporting period. 

- 51 -



1.14.1 AASB 2005-8 Amendments to AASB 4, AASB 1023, AASB 

139 & AASB 132 

1.14.2 AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and AASB 2005- 

10 Amendments to AASB 132, AASB 101, AASB 114, AASB 

117, AASB 133, AASB 139, AASB1, AASB4 AASB 1023 & 

AASB 1038 

1.14.6 AASB 2005-6 Amendments to AASB 121 


139 & AASB 132: Financial guarantee contracts 

1.14.4 AASB 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures 


114, AASB 117, AASB 133, AASB 139, AASB 1, AASB 4, 

AASB 1023 & AASB 1038: consequential amendments arising 

as a result of the release of AASB 7 

1.14.6 AASB 2006-1 Amendments to AASB 121: clarification 

regarding monetary items forming part of the net investment 

in a foreign operation. 

Council is of the view that none of the above new standards or 

interpretations will affect any of the amounts recognised in the 

financial statements, but that they may impact certain information 

otherwise disclosed. 

- 52 -



NOTE 2 FUNCTIONS/ACTIVITIES OF COUNCIL 

a) Expenses, revenues and assets have been attributed to the following 

functions/activities. These descriptions are set out in Note 2 (b). 

b) The activities of the Council are categorised into the following broad 

functions :- 

Administration: Operation and maintenance of the Civic Centre including 

Council Chamber, Mayor’s Parlour and plant and equipment. Operation of 

resources for the efficient administration of Council’s functions. 

Public Order & Safety: Supervision of various By-laws, fire prevention, 

dog control, crime prevention and state emergency services. 

Health: Health Inspection, Nerrilda, Substance Mis-Use Service, Sobering 

Up Centre, Immunisation Services. 

Social Security & Welfare: Contributions for aged care and children’s 

services. 

Operation of A.M. Ramsay Village, the Childcare Centre, Special Needs 

Program and maintenance of the L.G. Riches Centre. 

Housing; & Community Amenities: Maintenance of housing rented to 

tenants, including Council Houses, Poinsettia Village and Julia Lodge. 

Provision of rubbish collection services and operation of the rubbish dump. 

Administration of town planning services. Maintenance of sewage services, 

stormwater drainage, protection of environment, cemeteries, public 

conveniences and other community development amenities. 

Recreation & Culture: Maintenance of the Town Hall and Institute 

Building. Maintenance of parks and gardens, recreation reserves, 

foreshores, ovals, playgrounds. Operation of the Public Library and 

Community Information Service. 

Agricultural Services: Contribution to Animal & Plant Control activities. 

Mining, Manufacturing & Construction: Administration of Building Act 

and the Development Act. 

Transport: Construction and maintenance of roads, drainage works, 

footpaths, parking facilities and signs. Maintenance of the Community Bus 

Service and cleaning of streets. Management of the aerodrome and boat 

ramps. 

Economic Affairs: 

Wadlata, Arid Lands, other tourism. 

Other Services NEC: Operation of Works Depot, maintenance of Plant and 

Machinery 

- 53 -

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE, 2006 (Cont'd) 

Full Cost Attributed Revenues and Expenses by function or activity 

EXPENSES REVENUES Change in 

Salaries & Contractual Materials Finance Depreciation Other Full Cost Total Grants Grants User Contrbutions Reimb Statutory Total Community 

Wages Services Charges Attribution Operating Capital Charges & Donations Charges Wealth 

& Other (operations) 

Administration 1,080,730 400,430 76,502 117,439 465,958 -974,222 1,166,837 2,823,391 33 34,506 7,003,502 9,861,432 -8,694,595 

Public Order & Safety 

Fire Protection 

Other 114,554 5,168 19,960 71,613 12,074 223,369 4,726 145,568 150,294 73,075 

Health 

Health Inspection 74,514 3,166 649 20,957 7,854 107,139 107,139 

Nursing Homes 2,911,466 527,306 385,741 208,523 259,881 306,858 4,599,775 2,809,872 1,095,815 25,420 118,296 4,049,403 550,373 

Other 820,872 65,107 30,880 128,835 86,517 1,132,211 982,212 2,185 5,385 9,994 999,776 132,434 

Social Security & Welfare 

Aged & Disabled Services 818 5,306 1,586 2,277 86 10,073 10,073 

Families & Children 927,284 59,071 74,952 48,111 124,466 97,732 1,331,617 649,743 5,620 291,903 21,304 13,472 982,043 349,574 

Other 78,609 12,609 20,853 27,048 8,285 147,405 97,582 24 8,947 106,554 40,851 

Housing & Community Amenities 

Housing 5,329 9,344 10,189 5,424 562 30,847 43,008 43,008 -12,160 

Tow n Planning 71,483 17,087 12,588 7,534 108,692 65,400 65,400 43,292 

Other Community Development 

Sanitation & Garbage 1,077 514,895 15,170 31,498 113 562,754 562,754 

Sew erage 2,728 16,012 137,509 55,293 164 288 211,994 211,994 

Urban Stormw ater Drainage 20,728 60,204 18,836 78,653 3,477 2,185 184,082 184,082 

Other Community Amenities 499,489 175,271 350,181 32,010 563,463 52,644 1,673,059 133,190 152,721 308,495 60,935 655,341 1,017,718 

Protection of the Environment 25,780 17,473 7,491 15,116 2,717 68,577 68,577 

Recreation & Culture 

Libraries 305,019 6,183 20,750 65,020 32,148 429,119 60,056 3,806 786 6,759 71,407 357,713 

Other Cultural Services 13,944 141,790 85,710 158,890 64,874 1,470 466,677 3,000 21,297 7,525 12,499 44,321 422,356 

Sport & Recreation 336,993 356,197 417,947 233,230 81,265 35,518 1,461,150 70,395 164,247 4,802 1,065 240,508 1,220,642 

Fuel & Energy 

Agricultural Services 2,318 8,992 11,310 11,310 

Mining Manufacturing Construction 

Building Act 147,014 7,991 38,712 15,495 209,211 49,991 49,991 159,220 

Other 

Transport & Communication 

Road Construction and Maintenance 

Sealed Roads 185,466 185,052 67,073 1,153,167 83,718 19,547 1,694,023 387,157 269,976 1,068 172,688 830,889 863,134 

Formed and Surfaced Roads 

Natural Surface Formed Roads 110,493 90,656 62,190 34,812 11,646 309,797 309,797 

Natural Surface Unformed Roads 

Bridges 265 6,553 5,120 25,974 28 37,941 37,941 

Footpaths 25,004 127,155 30,356 1,015 2,635 186,166 186,166 

Aerodromes 26,093 22,408 8,480 10,690 8,906 2,750 79,327 200,000 37,077 520 5,696 243,293 -163,966 

Parking 1,263 4,095 5,624 9,810 42 133 20,967 20,967 

Bus 42,671 82,903 16,475 4,497 146,546 50,413 22,797 73,210 73,336 

Other Transport 

Economic Affairs NEC 854,850 325,320 320,144 131,438 600,397 183,139 2,415,287 111,055 250,000 564,677 97,081 200,203 1,223,016 1,192,271 

Other Purposes NEC 

Public Debt Transactions 336,739 336,739 176,888 176,888 159,851 

Other Purposes NEC 756,833 82,825 372,147 205,951 -442,359 79,767 1,055,165 60,053 147,895 23,556 33,564 265,068 790,097 

TOTALS 9,441,370 3,329,895 2,546,039 336,739 2,443,205 2,320,608 20,417,856 8,438,119 255,620 2,817,437 535,198 8,085,468 20,131,841 286,015 

- 54 -



NOTE 3 EMPLOYEE COSTS 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Salaries and Wages 7,698,428 7,298,964 

Superannuation Expenses 760,160 704,470 

Leave Entitlements 1,236,514 910,843 

Training 27,806 27,803 

Less 9,722,908 8,942,080 

Amounts Capitalised 

Non-Current Assets Constructed 

By Council 281,539 307,156 

9,441,369 8,634,924 

NOTE 4 

CONTRACTUAL SERVICES 

Contractual services involve payments or liabilities for 

the external provision of services. They include: 

Consultants 122,198 58,538 

Contractors 3,207,697 2,812,788 

3,329,895 2,871,326 

NOTE 5 

MATERIALS 

Materials are payment or liabilities for physical goods 

including energy. They include: 

Electricity 493,272 424,609 

Water 475,240 460,851 

Fuel/lubricants 237,818 193,430 

Other 1,339,709 1,233,817 

2,546,039 2,312,707 

NOTE 6 

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTISATION EXPENSE 

Depreciation and amortisation expenses for the year 

were charged in respect of: 

Buildings 536,813 609,094 

Structures 168,837 32,159 

Reserves Infrastructure 154,391 165,230 

Infrastructure 1,302,213 1,350,971 

Furniture and Equipment 119,081 89,022 

Plant and Machinery 161,870 208,219 

2,443,205 2,454,695 

- 55 -



NOTE 7 OTHER EXPENDITURE 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Other Expenses includes: 

Insurances 600,259 500,186 

Plant and Machinery Hire (Internal) 292,790 337,452 

Plant and Machinery Hire (External) 3,560 

Elected Member Expenses 163,214 137,733 

Communications 138,199 151,781 

Subscriptions 61,299 58,121 

Contributions 228,716 156,846 

Travel and Accommodation 69,231 78,894 

NOTE 8 

CASH 

Cash on Hand 5,521 4,721 

Cash at Bank 267,368 

Deposits at Call 3,576,969 2,583,538 

For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, cash 

includes, cash on hand and in bank and investments 

in money market instruments, net of outstanding bank 

overdrafts. Cash at the end of the reporting period as 

shown in the statement of cash flows is reconciled to 

the related items in the statement of financial position 

as follows 

Balance Cash at Bank and in hand as above 3,849,858 2,590,259 

less: Bank Overdraft - 97,955 

Balance per Statement of Cash Flows 3,849,858 2,492,304 

Reconciliation of net cash provided by operating 

activities to change in financial position from operating 

activities for the year. 

Change in Community Wealth resulting from 

(286,014) 132,284 

Operations 

Depreciation 2,443,205 2,454,695 

Increase (Decrease) Employee Entitlement 305,036 172,403 

Loss (Gain) on disposal of Assets (239,601) (308,038) 

(Increase)Decrease Provision for Doubtful Debts (28,372) 20,103 

Accomodation Bonds recognised as income (83,066) (47,400) 

Decrease (Increase) Debtors 185,790 273,488 

Decrease (Increase) in Prepayments 9,873 20,279 

Capital Grants treated as Capital Revenues (255,620) (435,094) 

Increase (Decrease) in Creditors and Accruals 95,069 84,642 

(Increase) Decrease in Inventory 902 (17,313) 

Net Cash used in Operating 

Activities 2,147,202 2,350,049 

- 56 -



NOTE 9 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Current 

Rates Receivable 495,629 479,872 

Less Provision for Doubtful Debts 78,123 78,123 

417,506 401,749 

Prepayments - 9,873 

Loans and Advances to Community Groups 6,051 6,774 

GST Debtor 80,623 66,348 

Other Debtors 393,496 552,573 

Less Provision for Doubtful Debts 48,475 20,103 

431,695 615,465 

Total Current Receivables 849,201 1,017,214 

Non Current 

Loans and Advances to Community Groups 32,838 37,894 

Total Current Receivables 32,838 37,894 

NOTE 10 

INVENTORIES 

Stores 21,111 20,074 

Souvenir Stock Wadlata and Arid Lands 114,429 116,368 

135,540 136,442 

NOTE 11 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES 

Current 

Goods & Services 702,759 497,373 

Accruals Interest on Loans 140,958 146,067 

Accruals Annual Leave 813,947 651,829 

Nursing Home Bonds 718,073 568,277 

Accruals Other 348,453 328,127 

Amounts Received in Advance 40,198 85,859 

Total Current Trade and Other Payables 2,764,388 2,277,532 

- 57 -



NOTE 12 PROVISIONS 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Current 

Employee Benefits 60,000 40,000 

Non Current 

Employee Benefits 911,703 788,785 

971,703 828,785 

NOTE 13 

BORROWINGS 

Current 

Bank Overdraft - 97,955 

Loans - Local Government Finance Authority 1,685,241 1,561,583 

1,685,241 1,659,538 

Non-Current 

Loans - Local Government Finance Authority 5,177,733 3,932,975 

5,177,733 3,932,975 

Total Borrowings 6,862,974 5,592,513 

- 58 -



NOTE 14 PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Land 

at Independent Valuation as at 30 June 2005 * 5,578,500 5,608,500 

at Cost 

Total Land 5,578,500 5,068,500 

Buildings 


at cost 105,181 

less accumulated Depreciation 536,813 

15,722,202 15,617,021 

Total Buildings 15,185,389 15,617,021 

Structures 


at cost 


2,975,266 2,975,266 

Total Structures 2,806,429 2,975,266 

Reserves / Infrastructure 


at cost 1,441,907 


4,449,593 3,007,686 

Total Reserves / Infrastructure 4,295,202 3,007,686 

Total Buildings Structures & Reserve 

Infrastructure 22,287,020 21,599,973 

- 59 -



NOTE 14 PROPERTY, PLANT & EQUIPMENT 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Plant and Equipment 

at Council Valuation as at 30 June 2005* 1,692,845 1,774,140 

at cost 295,118 


Total Plant and Equipment 1,857,063 1,774,140 

Minor Plant 

at Council Valuation as at 30 June 1997 

at Council Valuation as at 30 June 2005* 86,019 86,019 

at cost 28,225 


114,244 86,019 

Total Minor Plant 83,273 86,019 

Total Plant, Equipment and Minor Plant 1,940,336 1,860,159 

Office Furniture and Equipment 

at Independent Valuation as at 30 June 2005* 1,196,082 1,196,082 

at cost 363,544 


1,559,626 1,196,082 

Total Office Furniture and Equipment 1,440,545 1,196,082 

- 60 -



NOTE 14 INFRASTRUCTURE ASSETS 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Roads Bridges and Footpaths 


at cost 319,118 

less accumulated Depreciation 1,153,167 

23,785,844 23,466,726 

Total Roads Bridges and Footpaths 22,632,677 23,466,726 

Stormwater Drainage 


at cost 145,047 


2,878,019 2,732,972 

2,799,366 2,732,972 

Effluent Drainage/Water Assets 


at cost 969,726 905,948 


2,576,634 2,512,856 

2,506,241 2,512,856 

Total Infrastructure Assets 27,938,284 28,712,554 

* All valuations for Land, Buildings and Infrastructure have been undertaken by Andrea J 

Carolan B App Sc PRM, AAPI and Jamahl D Waddington Bach Bus Property GAPI, of 

Maloney Field Services, Licenced Valuers. 

- 61 -



NOTE 14 CAPITAL WORKS IN PROGRESS 2006 2005 

$ $ 

Infrastructure Works 

at cost 374,826 53,650 

Total Capital Works in Progress 374,826 53,650 

NOTE 15 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Aged Care Bed Places 

at Council valuation as at 30 June 2005* 2,760,000 

at Council valuation as at 30 June 2006* 1,692,000 

Total Capital Works in Progress 1,692,000 2,760,000 

- 62 -



NOTE 

16 

AMOUNTS HELD IN CASH OR OUTSTANDING AT 

BALANCE DAY 

2006 

$ 


$ 

The following amounts have been advanced subject to 

certain conditions. They are to be 

expended/(recouped) in future years but are currently 

held in cash. 

Substance Misuse Services - Subsidy (793) 13,821 

Sobering Up Unit 39,176 19,711 

Loan Funding Nerrilda Project 1,098,722 135,000 

Wadlata Interpretive Centre 150,000 146,259 

Capital Grants 96,066 66,000 

Volunteers Program 55,035 98,258 

Learning Communities Program - 16,585 

NOTE 

17 

COMMITMENTS FOR EXPENDITURE 

Operating Leases 

Commitments for minimum lease payments in 

relation to non-cancellable operating leases are 

payable as follows: 

140,465 67,869 

Not later than one year 

Later than one year but less than five years 359,424 20,176 

Capital Commitments 

Not later than one year – Wadlata Upgrade 150,000 146,259 

Not later than one year – Aged Care 96,066 66,000 

- 63 -



NOTE 18 

SUPERANNUATION 

The Council contributes to the Local Government Superannuation Scheme (the 

scheme) in respect of its employees to a defined benefit Superannuation Scheme 

established in respect of all municipalities in the State. In accordance with 

statutory requirements, the Council contributes to the scheme amounts 

determined by the scheme actuary. As such, assets accumulate in the scheme to 

meet members’ benefits as they accrue. If the assets of the scheme were 

insufficient to satisfy benefits payable to its beneficiaries, the Council would be 

required to meet its share of the deficiency. The audited general purpose financial 

report of the scheme as at 30 June 2005, which was not subject to any audit 

qualification, indicates that the assets of the scheme are sufficient to meet the 

accrued benefits. No liability of the Council has been recognised as at the 

reporting date in respect of Superannuation benefits for its employees. The 

general purpose financial report of the scheme discloses that the most recent 

actuarial assessment of the scheme was undertaken as at 30 June 2002 by L.C. 

Brett, BSc., FIA, FIAA, and that the actuary indicated that without improvements 

to benefit conditions, or other unanticipated events, current contribution rates are 

sufficient to meet members benefits as they accrue. 

The amount of Superannuation contributions paid by the Council during the year 

was $760,160 (2004/2005 $704,470). 

NOTE 19 PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 2006 2005 

Debt Servicing Ratio 9.39% 10.22% 

Ratio of debt servicing costs to total revenue 

This is the ratio of the cost of servicing all debenture loans 

against total operating revenue 

Debt Commitment Ratio 27.48% 29.85% 

Ratio of debt servicing to total rate revenue 

This ratio provides an indication of how much of Council's 

rate revenue is used to service it's debt. 

Revenue Ratio 34.16% 34.24% 

Ratio of total rate revenue to total revenue 

This ratio is used to give an indication of what percentage 

of total revenue is comprised of rates. It is also an 

indicator of the extent to which Council is leveraging the 

rates raised to achieve greater service outcomes 

Working Capital Ratio 1.07 0.95 

Ratio of Current Assets to Current Liabilities 

This ratio provides an indication of Council's current 

position. A figure less 1 to 1 means that Council's current 

assets are less than it's current liabilities 

- 64 -



NOTE 20 

ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS DISCLOSURE 

(a) 

Interest Rate Risk Exposure 

The Councils exposure to interest rate risk and the effective weighted 

avaerage interest rate for classes of financial assets and financial 

liabilities is set out below. Exposures arise predominantly from assets 

and liabilities at variable interest rates as Council intends to hold fixed 

rate assets and liabilities to maturity. 

Weighted 

Avge 

Interest 

Rate 

Floating 

Interest 

Rate 

Fixed Rate 1 

year or less 

Fixed Rate 1 

to 5 years 

Non Interest 

Bearing 

Total 


Financial Assets 

Cash & Bank 5.00% 267,367 5,521 272,888 

Deposits 5.50% 3,576,969 3,576,969 

Receivables 6.50% 6,051 32,838 843,150 882,039 

Financial Liabilities 

3,844,336 6,051 32,838 848,671 4,731,896 

Bank Overdraft 

Borrowings 6.29% 1,685,241 5,177,733 6,862,974 

Creditors & Accruals 2,046,315 2,046,315 

NHA Bonds 718,073 718,073 


Financial Assets 

1,685,241 5,177,733 2,764,388 9,627,362 

Cash & Bank 0.50% 55,901 4,721 60,622 

Deposits 5.25% 2,529,637 2,529,637 

Receivables 6.50% 6,774 37,894 1,010,440 1,055,108 

Financial Liabilities 

2,585,538 6,774 37,894 1,015,161 3,645,367 

Bank Overdraft 9.90% 97,955 97,955 

Borrowings 6.11% 1,561,583 3,932,975 5,494,558 

Creditors & Accruals 1,709,255 1,709,255 

NHA Bonds 568,277 568,277 

97,955 1,561,583 3,932,975 2,277,532 7,870,045 

- 65 -



NOTE 20 

CONTINUED 

(b) 

Credit Risk Exposure 

Credit risk represents the loss that would be recognised if other 

parties failed to perform as contracted. 

The credit risk on financial assets, excluding investments, of the 

Council which have been recognised in the Statement of Financial 

Position, is the carrying amount, net of any provision for doubtful 

debts. 

The Council does not have significant exposure to any concentration 

of credit risk. The net fair value of other monetary financial assets 

and financial liabilities is based on market prices where a market 

exists or by discounting expected future cash flows by the current 

interest rates for assets and liabilities with similar risk properties. 

Cash flows are discounted using standard valuation techniques and 

the applicable market yield having regard to the timing of the cash 

flows. The carrying amount of term deposits, accounts receivable, 

accounts payable and bank loans approximate net fair value. 

(c) 

©Net Fair Value of Financial Assets and Liabilities 

The net fair value of cash and cash equivalents and non-interest 

bearing monetary financial assets and financial liabilities 

approximates their carrying value. 

Due to the nature of the financial instruments held by Council, the 

costs associated with their settlement would not be material and 

therefore have not been considered. 

- 66 -

GOAL AREA 4: 

Infrastructure & Resource Management 

Sub Goal: 4.2: Effective maintenance, management & enhance of the City’s 

infrastructure assets. 

ROADS 

Port Augusta City Council has 

approximately 172km of sealed roads 

and 148km of unsealed roads which are 

maintained during the financial year. 

The sealed roads are patched and 

Council has increased its reseal program 

by 45% from 2004/2005. Unsealed 

roads are graded on an ‘as needs’ basis 

and with very little suitable material for 

sheeting, grading of the more trafficable 

roads is undertaken on a more regular 

basis. During 2005/2006 Council 

undertook the following road construction 

and maintenance of road infrastructure: 

1. Ongoing construction of the Shack 

Road which is partly funded by Roads 

to Recovery Funding. 

2. Construction of Michael Avenue, 

Stirling North with associated 

stormwater drainage systems. 

3. Repairs to concrete bridge structures 

on Old Whyalla Road. 

4. Funds were obtained from Transport 

SA to re-sheet sections of Yorkeys 

Crossing Road. 

STORMWATER 

The rising main from the Seaview Road 

stormwater ponds has been replaced 

with a larger capacity pipe to 

accommodate the increased output from 

the new stormwater pumps which were 

installed last year. This financial year 

stormwater drainage infrastructure was 

installed from Michael Avenue/Quorn 

Road, along Michael Avenue, into the rail 

corridor and discharging into the 

deviation drain at McConnal Road. This 

drain will intercept all stormwater from 

the constructed roads north of the Quorn 

Road and delivered to the deviation 

drain. 

FORESHORE REDEVELOPMENT 

Stage 1 of the Westside Foreshore 

Redevelopment works has begun on the 

section between the two bridges. 

Earthworks and retaining walls were 

completed with further work 

programmed for next financial year. 

PARKS/GARDENS/OVALS: 

Some of the initiatives that Council has 

undertaken to improve the City’s ovals 

include: 

1. Commitment to a new fertilisation 

program to assist in obtaining better 

playing surfaces. 

2. Irrigation systems on both ETSA and 

Chinnery Ovals audited by a 

consultant. 

3. Seeking external grant funding to 

assist with the installation of new 

irrigation systems and getting the 

reclaimed water to both ETSA and 

Chinnery Ovals. 

4. Council is also looking at undertaking 

works to address the undulations of 

the oval surfaces. 

DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES 

1. Building Assessments 

The cost of developments in Port Augusta 

has almost quadrupled over the past five 

years and predictions are that it will only 

continue to rise. 

- 67 -

Recent building statistics show that the 

estimated cost of development has 

increased by 70% since the 2001/2002 

financial year. 

The estimated cost of progressive 

building for the 2005/2006 financial year 

was $268,886,500 and the total amount 

of development fees for the same period 

was $99,478.76. Plans were submitted 

for a wind farm west of the City, the total 

cost of this proposal was $230,000,000. 

Even taking into account this huge 

development, the cost of development 

rose by $17,612,058 compared to the 

2004/2005 financial year. 

During the reporting period, Council’s 

Development Section received a total of 

512 applications, 467 were for full 

development approval, 45 were for 

Planning Consent only. 

To break down these figures further, 

there were: 

• 145 Class 1a and 1b applications 

– House or similar development. 

• 302 Class 10a applications – 

Carport, Garages etc. 

• 30 Class 10b applications – 

Fence, swimming pools, retaining 

etc. 

• 31 Class 5,6,7 & 9 applications – 

Office buildings, shop and retail 

premises etc. 

• 4 Class 8 applications – Factory, 

workshop. 

There were 108 new dwelling 

applications received during 2005/2006 

compared to just 73 in 2004/2005. 

2. Building Inspections 

During the reporting period sixteen (16) 

Class 1 and various 10a developments 

were inspected, some only once and 

some at more frequent intervals and 

generally there were no major concerns. 

Class 10a applications rarely require an 

inspection, and of the thirty five (35) 

applications received for Class 2-9 

buildings, four (4) received an inspection 

of some sort. 

3. Building Maintenance (Council 

owned buildings) 

Council owned buildings undergoing 

improvements for 2005/2006 include: 

3.1 Continued upgrade of Poinsettia 

Village and Julia Lodge 

independent living quarters. 

3.2 Council’s Building Officer was 

involved in design and supervision 

of the refurbishment of the old 

Ways & Works Building which now 

houses the Port Augusta Business 

Centre. 

3.3 Upgrade to A.M. Ramsay Village 

and Nerridla Nursing Home. 

3.4 Refurbishment of Civic Centre 

(Upstairs) for new Executive 

Service Department and Mayoral 

Office. 

4. Asbestos Registers 

Council maintains “Asbestos Registers” 

for all Council owned buildings. As part 

of Council’s Asbestos Register program, 

all buildings located on Council land will 

be required to adhere to Council’s 

obligations in regard to asbestos 

registers. Council is committed to 

raising the awareness of building users to 

identify asbestos and safe handling 

procedures of asbestos. 

5. Building Fire Safety 

Committee 

Council’s Building Fire Safety Committee 

is continuing to review fire safety 

(accommodation establishments) within 

the City. The Committee negotiates with 

owners of premises where current fire 

safety standards are not being met, to 

ensure these services are upgraded for 

the benefit of their patrons. 

- 68 -










8. Extend the open cut stormwater 

drainage system at Stirling North in 

the rail corridor. 

9. Complete Stage 1 of the foreshore 

redevelopment on the Westside. 

10. Complete the upgrade of the water, 

power and telecommunications to the 

Lawrie Wallis Aerodrome (Port 

Augusta Airport). 

66% 

53% 

40% 

26% 

13% 

0% 

55% 

45% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 

11. Reseal the runway and construct 

further plane parking areas in 

conjunction with the RFDS 

Development. 

12. Install infrastructure for the security 

upgrade at the airport. 

13. Replace retaining walls in Mildred 

Street and Argyle Street. 


14. Ongoing replacement of Council’s 

fleet of machinery and equipment. 

1. Prepare an integrated 5 year rolling 

capital works program for: 

a) Footpath construction and 

maintenance 

b) Road construction and 

maintenance 

c) Parks construction and 

maintenance 

2. Installation of Pedestrian Crossing on 

El Alamein Road/ Tassie Street 

3. Revegetate Larkin Crescent by 

upgrading Tree Plantation 

4. Further Construction of the Shack 

Road 

5. Construction of Daws Road, 

Engelsman Road and French Drive. 

6. Construction of several roads in the 

Loudon Area. 

7. Construct sealed car-park Stirling 

North Garden Cemetery Upgrade. 

- 69 -

GOAL AREA 5: 

Environment Management 

Sub Goal: 5.1: Effective Management and Maintenance of the City’s unique 

environment 

WASTE MANAGEMENT 

Council will be engaging a consultant in 

2006/2007 to assist with a complete 

review of Council’s waste management 

strategies, the outcome of which will 

consider opportunities to reduce the 

amount of landfill and the promotion of 

recycling within the City. 

AIR QUALITY 

1. There were 4 complaints received 

during the reporting period regarding 

fugitive coal dust/smoke or fly ash 

dust from disposal area. 

The increasing height of the fly-ash 

storage area at the Power Station and 

the difficulty associated with keeping 

the surface wet, will inevitably result 

in fly-ash lift-off during moderate to 

high winds unless adequate control 

measures are implemented. 

Although there has been some action 

taken by the Power Station to control 

excessive fly-ash lift-off, all enquiries 

were forwarded onto the EPA for 

licensing requirements and to ensure 

parameters were being met. 

2. There were no complaints received 

during the reporting period regarding 

smoke emissions from domestic 

combustion heaters. 

PUBLIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL 

HEALTH ACT 

1. During the 2005/2006 financial year 

no notices under the Public and 

Environmental Health Act were 

served. 

animals, birds and insects which were 

resolved on site or by letter, 

negotiation, notice or direction. 

FOOD ACT 

There are approximately 104 commercial 

food outlets in operation within the City. 

All food premises are inspected and 

Council is finding more and more, that 

notification has not been received from 

businesses advising that they are 

operating. 

During the reporting period 18 food 

complaints were investigated and 

satisfactorily resolved. 

IMMUNISATION 

The 2005/2006 school based program 

was administered within the Schools and 

Council foyer based clinics for Year 8 and 

9 students for Boosterix and Hepatitis B 

were held, with Chicken Pox vaccine 

being introduced targeting Year 8 

Students. 517 Children were 

vaccinated, with an 80% overall 

coverage. 

Meningococcal C program has been 

extended till 30/6/2007, 1414 children 

have been vaccinated as part of this 

program during 2005/2006. 

A Cervical Cancer vaccine will also be 

introduced to the school based program 

within the next 12 months. This is a 3 

needle vaccination. 

Council staff were again offered free flu 

vaccinations this year, with 65 

employees taking up the opportunity to 

be immunised. 

2. 48 complaints requiring inspections of 

in230sanitary and other general 

conditions were attended to, mainly 

involving accumulations of refuse, 

- 70 -

VECTOR CONTROL 

1. Mosquitoes 

5 complaints or infestations were 

detected in Port Augusta during 

2005/2006. Regular surveillance of 

known breeding areas is undertaken 

throughout the year and affected 

areas treated. 

2. Midge Flies 

Midge Flies in the Lakes on the 

southern entrance to the City 

continue to be controlled effectively 

by salinity manipulation. Monitoring 

of ground water salinity to the west 

of the Lakes indicates that ground 

water salinity has increased over the 

past ten years but has stabilised and 

is confined to the east of Hospital 

Creek. 

Lake salinity testing and water inflow 

adjustment to manipulate water 

levels and salinity are undertaken on 

a weekly basis throughout the year. 

3. European Wasps 

Throughout the previous 12 months 

there were 38 sightings of European 

Wasps. From this there were 6 nests 

that were destroyed. 

Three of these nests were quite 

substantial in size and this would 

account for the high numbers of 

sightings. 

MANAGING OUR NATURAL 

RESOURCES 

1. Waste Water Treatment Plant and 

Associated Works 

The Port Augusta City Council Waste 

Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) was 

opened by the Premier of South 

Australia (The Hon. Mike Rann, MA, 

JP, MP) in October 2005 and 

commenced distributing reclaimed 

water out onto Port Augusta 

parklands at that time. 

The overall quality of water produced 

at the plant has been of a very high 

standard and is now used to water 

over 55,500 square metres of turf 

and garden beds within the City; a 

further 28,000 square meters in 

planned to come on-line in 

2006/2007. 

Investigation into expanding the use 

of reclaimed water within the City 

commenced in early 2006 and will 

continue into 2006/2007. If 

successful outcomes are achieved, 

this will further increase the use of 

reclaimed water resulting in better 

management of our natural resources 

and assist with economic outcomes 

for the City. 

Since the inception of the Waste 

Water Treatment Plant, Port Augusta 

City Council has been successful in 

achieving environmental outcomes by 

reducing the amount of effluent water 

going into Spencer Gulf by 45,000kl 

and this will further increase as more 

parklands come on-line. 

2. Managing the City’s Water Use 

Managing the application of reclaimed 

water out to the field from the WWTP 

is carried out by Council’s Irrigation 

Central Control Unit; this unit is 

proving its worth as staff skill levels 

increase with the management of the 

system. The Irrigation Central 

Control unit along with the 

installation of new subsurface 

irrigation systems in parklands is 

achieving Council’s long term goals of 

addressing environmental and 

economic outcomes. Recent 

successful community water grant 

applications will enable the further 

expansion of this successful program. 

3. Volunteers 

Individual volunteers, groups and 

service clubs again played a very 

significant part in assisting Council to 

achieve many of its goals in 

managing the natural environment 

and other key community 

development and management 

activities. 

- 71 -










66% 

53% 

66% 

40% 

26% 

13% 

0% 

34% 

Status % 

Completed 

Ongoing 


1. Investigate the continuous water flow 

into both sides of the Lake. 

2. Review of Waste Management 

Strategies. 

3. Review further options for use of 

effluent water on Parks & Reserves. 

- 72 -

GOAL AREA 6: 

Organisational Effectiveness 

Sub Goal: 6.1: A professional effective, efficient and customer-focused 

Organisation responsive to the needs of the Community. 

SERVICES AND 

ORGANISATION REVIEW 

Port Augusta City Council has grown and 

developed over the past 10 years and is 

now providing a wide range of services 

and activities to meet the social, 

economic and environmental needs of its 

community. Some of the service 

changes that have occurred over this 

time has resulted from Council 

responding to the changing 

demographics of its local area, the 

withdrawal of government services and 

the Council having to “step in” to 

respond to community demands. 

The changes to service mix and 

consequential demands on resources 

being experienced by the Port Augusta 

City Council are not necessarily unique to 

the City, but rather represent the 

changing roles and responsibilities 

expected of Councils by local 

communities. These expectations are 

often created by the nature of the 

“transfer of responsibilities” directly (eg. 

via legislation) or indirectly (short-term 

grant programs) being advocated and/or 

determined by the other spheres of 

government. 

Many Councils are starting to “take 

stock” of what they can reasonably 

provide to their local communities. In 

considering “reasonableness” Councils 

are increasingly starting to assess and 

determine matters such as: 

• appropriate roles and responsibilities 

of a Local Government authority ie: 

getting the balance right between 

direct service delivery, 

facilitating/promoting the delivery of 

a service; advocating for local needs 

to the other spheres of government; 

or participating in partnerships with 

the private sector; and 

• the relationship required to be 

developed between the spheres of 

government in local service delivery 

to ensure appropriate (longterm)resource 

allocations by the 

parties; and 

• opportunities for resource sharing 

among Councils whether this be via 

regional collaboration or whether the 

opportunity exists for Local 

Government as a whole to provide a 

service (eg. via the LGA using the 

MLS/Workers model of service 

delivery); and 

• the services that are just not 

appropriate for delivery by Local 

Government ie. Councils don’t have 

the technical/professional expertise; 

the matter is one for another sphere 

of government to respond to; better 

or more efficient delivery of the 

service via the private sector or a 

community based organisation. 

Ultimately Council recognises that the 

nature, number and approach to direct 

service delivery by the Port Augusta City 

Council needs to be consistent with its 

strategic plan objectives and revenue 

raising capacity. 

With this in mind, Council resolved on 

the 25 th July 2005 to conduct a service 

delivery and organisation review. 

Expressions of Interest were invited with 

Mr Terry Bruun, Management Consultant, 

Sustainable Solutions and Ms Janet 

Binder, Janet Binder Consulting Pty Ltd 

being selected as the successful 

Consultants to undertake the review. 

Extensive consultation took place 

between Staff and Elected Members by 

the Consultants and the Final Report was 

completed in January 2006. 

- 73 -

A Special Confidential Council Meeting 

was held on Monday 6 th March 2006 to 

enable Elected Members to consider the 

Council’s Services & Organisation Review 

Report. After consideration of the 

Report, Council resolved to release the 

final draft copy of the Port Augusta City 

Council Services & Organisation Review 

document for perusal and comment by 

the Port Augusta City Council Staff as 

well as the public. 

Arrangements have been made for ongoing 

sessions to be scheduled to enable 

Council to consider the recommendations 

in a methodical way, calling on the 

respective Directors/Managers for their 

written comments/reports on each 

recommendation made within the Report. 

ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE 

REVIEW 

The City Manager, after considering 

Council’s Services & Organisation Review 

Report, undertook a review in June 2006, 

in consultation with other Directors, of 

the Organisational Structure of the 

Council. 

The Organisational Structure is of course 

always susceptible to change and it is 

acknowledged that further refinements to 

the Organisational Structure may be 

required as Council works through 

scheduled reports from various Managers 

and Directors in relation to the Services 

& Organisation Review. 

RECORDS 

REVIEW 

MANAGEMENT 

The Port Augusta City Council is an 

agency under the State Records Act 1997 

and as such, is required to practice 

adequate records management as 

defined by the “Across Government 

Adequate Records Management 

Standard”. 

Outcome 7 of the Standard “The 

management of official records is 

planned” requires that Council develops a 

records management plan to direct 

current and future development of 

records management initiatives and 

practices. 

The development of a “Records 

Management Strategy” for the Port 

Augusta City Council will involve: 

a) the analysis of current records 

management practices by conducting 

interviews and reviewing 

documentary evidence; 

b) a gap analysis of adequate practices; 

c) identification of what processes and 

tools require development; 

d) identification of the risks to the Port 

Augusta City Council of deficient 

practices; and 

e) recommendation of remedial action. 

Consultant, Wendy Fewsdale of Info- 

Osmosis was engaged during 2005/2006 

to undertake the review of Council’s 

“Record Management Systems”. 

Council employed a Records Co-ordinator 

and Assistant in January 2006, who will 

be specifically responsible to 

management all of Council’s records 

management. 

It is acknowledged that adequate records 

management practices can help Council 

meet its statutory obligations and 

accountability requirements, improve 

productivity and service delivery, 

minimise risk exposure, increase quality 

and client satisfaction and underpin 

knowledge management through the 

creation, management and retention of 

accurate, reliable and accessible records. 

RECOGNITION TO SERVICE BY 

EMPLOYEES 

A staff function was held at the Ryan 

Mitchell Swim Centre’s Entertainment 

Area to acknowledge staff’s contribution 

over the years. The following staff 

received certificates and a small gift in 

recognition of their service to the Port 

Augusta City Council: 

- 74 -

1. 10 Year Service Employee Award 

Guy Skillen (Special Needs Centre) 

Christine Boyer (Nerrilda) 

Genny Collinson (Nerrilda) 

Julie Pepall (Childcare) 

Terry Hardy (Parks & Gardens) 

2. 20 Year Service Employee Award 

Estelle Sharpe (Civic Centre) 

Isabel Blinman (Ramsay) 

3. Traineeship Award 

Zoe Lathbury (Childcare/Miriam High 

Special Needs Centre) 

4. Local Government Association 

Award – Contribution by Elected 

Members 

Cr Phil Greagen (10 years Service) 

Cr Chris Pycroft (15 years Service) 

Mayor Joy Baluch, City Manager Mr John Stephens 

and Staff (L-R) Linda Mannion, Marlene Foote and 

Yantel Mundy at the 2005 Local Government Expo 










53% 

40% 

50% 50% 

26% 

13% 

Completed 

Ongoing 

0% 

Status % 

(L-R): Estelle Sharpe, Zoe Lathbury, Julie Pepall, 

Guy Skillen, Terry Hardy, Cr Chris Pycroft, John 

Stephens (City Manager). 

LOCAL GOVERNMENT EXPO 

In October 2005 Port Augusta City 

Council attended the Local Government 

Expo held at the Convention Centre in 

Adelaide, to showcase projects that had 

been undertaken in Port Augusta, such 

as the Waste Water Treatment Plant and 

the Eastside Foreshore Redevelopment. 


1. Undertake a Service Quality Audit on 

Customer Services. 

2. Investigate appropriate software and 

hardware to support Records 

Management upgrade. 

3. Undertake an audit of IT Hardware, 

Software and Security Access on 

Council IT Network. 

4. Liaise with surrounding Councils to 

cost effectively provide identified 

training to Elected Members. 

- 75 -

s e c t i o n f o u r 

INFORMATION STATEMENT 

Decision Making Structure and Functions of the Council 

Delegations 

Public Participation 

Confidentiality Provisions 

Community Consultation 

Public Access to Council Documents 

4 

Section 

- 76 -

INFORMATION STATEMENT 

4.1 DECISION MAKING STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE 

COUNCIL 

4.1.1 The Port Augusta City Council’s decision making structure consists of two 

Key Committees, each represented by all Elected Members. These 

Committees receive reports from officers of the Council and make 

recommendations to full Council on each of the reports received. 

4.1.2 The first Key Committee meets at 5.30pm on the 2 nd Monday of every 

month and is known as the City Management, Social Vision & City Image 

Committee. The second Key Committee meets at 5.30pm on the 3 rd 

Monday of every month and is known as the Infrastructure, Environment & 

Corporate Services Committee. 

Full Council meet at 7pm on the 4 th Monday of every month (except public 

holidays when meetings are held on the following evening). 

4.1.3 Council also has a “Management Group” who meet on a weekly basis to 

peruse all reports prior to them being placed on the agenda for the 

appropriate Key Committee, to ensure they are kept abreast of all staff 

activities within the organisation. The Officers who are included within the 

Management Group are the City Manager, Director – Corporate Services, 

Director, Infrastructure and Environment Services, Manager - Aged Care 

and Children’s Services, and Manager – Governance and Economic 

Development. 

4.1.4 Agendas for all Council and Key Committee Meetings are placed on display 

on the Thursday preceding the Monday Meeting and Minutes for all 

meetings are placed on display in the Civic Centre. Copies are also 

available on Council’s Website – www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au. If copies of 

Agendas and Minutes are required, they can be obtained from the Civic 

Centre at a charge, as outlined in the Fees & Charges Register. 

4.1.5 Other Committees/Advisory Committees 

a) The Local Government Act 1999 provides that Council may establish 

Committees consisting of, or including, persons who are not Members of 

the Council for the purpose of enquiring into the reporting to the Council 

on any matters within the Council’s responsibilities (i.e. Advisory 

Committees). 

The following Committees and/or Advisory Committees reported to 

Council on a range of issues during 2005/2006: 

i) Aboriginal Advisory Committee – this Committee disbanded in early 

2006. 

ii) Development Assessment Panel (assessment of development 

applications). 

iii) OHS&W Working Committee 

- 77 -

iv) Fire Safety Committee (established pursuant to the provisions of the 

Development Act 1993 and makes its own decisions) 

v) Port Augusta Junior Sports Assistance Foundation. 

b) Sitting Fees – Aboriginal Advisory Committee Members 

Council approved setting the following level of sitting fees for members 

of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, which were paid monthly while 

the Committee operated: 

i) Chairperson or Acting Chairperson $40 per meeting; and 

ii) Other Members $30 per meeting. 

4.2 DECISION MAKING STRUCTURE 

COUNCIL 

Mayor and 9 Elected Members 

Meetings held 4 th Monday of each month 

Open to the public 

City Management, Social 

Vision & City Image 

Committee 

Meeting held 2 nd Monday of 

each month 

Open to the Public 

Infrastructure, 

Environment & Corporate 

Services Committee 

Meetings held 3 rd Monday of 

each month 

Open to the Public 

Development 

Assessment Panel 

Consisting of 9 


Management Group 

(City Manager, 2 Directors and 2 Managers) 

Advisory & Other Committees 

• Aboriginal Advisory Comm. 

• OHS&W Working Comm. 

• Fire Safety Comm. 

• PA Junior Sports Assistance 

Foundation 

Council Directorates 

(Refer Organisational Chart 

Section 2 of this report) 

Community 

Consultation 

on 

Development 

Applications 

4.3 DELEGATIONS 

The Chief Executive Officer and other Officers of Council have the delegated 

authority of Council to make decisions on a number of specified administrative and 

policy matters. A Delegated Authority and Authorised Officers Manual has been 

developed which outlines any limitations and conditions imposed by Council when 

approving delegations along with a list of schedule of delegations. 

- 78 -

4.4 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

4.4.1 Public involvement in Council Meetings: 

Meetings of Council or Council Committee/s are conducted in the Council 

chambers, Centre Council, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta. This venue is 

open to the public and community members are encourage and welcome to 

attend all Council/Council Committee Meetings. 

4.4.2 Members of the public have a number of opportunities to put forward their 

views on particular issues before Council. These include: 

a) Elected Members 

Members of the public can contact Elected Member/s of Council to 

discuss any issues relevant to Council. 

b) Written Submissions 

A member of the public can write to the Council on any Council practice, 

procedure, activity or service. All written submissions should be 

forwarded to the City Manager, Port Augusta City Council, PO Box 1704, 

Port Augusta 5700 or by email to admin@portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

c) Petitions 

Written petitions can be addressed to the Council on any issue within 

the Council’s jurisdiction. 

d) Deputations 

A request to appear before Council or Council Committee must be in 

writing to the City Manager and should include a statement of the 

reasons why the deputation wishes to appear. 

e) Community Consultation 

The Port Augusta City Council consults with local residents on particular 

issues that affect their neighbourhood in accordance with its “Public 

Consultation Policy” (2.1.03). 

4.5 CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS 

Pursuant to Section 90 (2), a Council or Council Committee may order that the 

public be excluded from attendance at a meeting for a variety of reasons: 

a) The table below indicates the reasons that a matter may be considered under 

the confidentiality provisions and the number of occasions during 2005/2006, 

each of these provisions were enforced: 

Section of the Local Government Act 

Section 90(3)(a) – information the disclosure of which would involve the 

unreasonable disclosure of information concerning the personal affairs of any 

person (living or dead) 

Section 90(3)(b) – information the disclosure of which: 

(i) could reasonably be expected to confer a commercial advantage on a 

Number of 

times 

used 

8 

14 

- 79 -

person with whom the council is conducting, or proposing to conduct, 

business, or to prejudice the commercial position of the council, and 

(ii) would, on balance, be contrary to the public interest. 

Section 90(3)(c) – information the disclosure of which would reveal a trade - 

secret. 

Section 90(3)(d) – commercial information of a confidential nature (not being a 5 

trade secret) the disclosure of which: 

(i) could reasonably expected to prejudice the commercial position of the 

person who supplied the information, or to confer a commercial 

advantage on a third party; and 


Section 90(3)(e) – matters affecting the security of the council, members or 9 

employees of the council, or council property, or the safety of any person. 

Section 90(3)(f) – information the disclosure of which could reasonably be - 

expected to prejudice the maintenance of law, including by affecting (or 

potentially affecting) the prevention, detection or investigation of a criminal 

offence, or the right to a fair trial. 

Section 90(3)(g) – matters that must be considered in confidence in order to 1 

ensure that the council does not breach any law, order or direction of a court or 

tribunal constituted by law, any duty of confidence, or other legal obligation or 

duty. 

Section 90(3)(h) - legal advice 1 

Section 90(3)(i) – information relating to actual litigation, or litigation that the 2 

council or council committee believes on reasonable grounds will take place, 

involving the council or an employee of the council 

Section 90(3)(j) – information the disclosure of which: 

- 

(i) would divulge information provided on a confidential basis by or to a 

Minister of the Crown, or another public authority or official; and 


Section 90(3)(k) – tenders for the supply of goods, the provision of services or - 

the carrying out of works 

Section 90(3)(l) - deleted - 

Section 90(3)(m) – information relating to a proposed amendment to a - 

Development Plan under the Development Act 1993 before a Plan Amendment 

Report relating to the amendment is released for public consultation under the 

Act. 

Section 90(3)(n) – information relevant to the review of a determination of a - 

council under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 

b) During the reporting period, there were 30 instances where Council considered 

an item under the confidentiality provisions, however in 7 of the 30 cases, 

either two or more of the above sections of the Act were attributed to a single 

issue. 

c) Where an order is made to exclude the public, a note must be made in the 

Minutes of the making of the order and of the grounds on which it is made, as 

well as, the duration of the order. 

d) Of the 30 confidential items, 3 items did not have the confidentiality provisions 

preserved, 8 items remained confidential for a period of 3 months or less, 10 

items were for a period of 3-6 months, 9 items were for a period of 6-12 

months and 11 items remain under the provisions of confidentiality as at 30 th 

June 2006. 

e) Contracts with Confidentiality Clauses 

Pursuant to Clause 13 (2) of Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 

1991, Council has an opportunity to include a clause within a contract 

document outlining a schedule of confidentiality provisions within the contract. 

Council must also regularly report to the Minister administering the Act, the 

number of contracts containing confidentiality clauses that have been entered 

into by council. Council did not have cause to include these provisions within 

any contract documents during the 2005/2006 financial year. 

- 80 -

4.6 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION 

Council annually seeks feedback from the community on a range of issues (e.g. 

By-law reviews, leasing proposals for Council land, revocation of the classification 

of Community Land Status, proposed sale of council land etc) to enable the 

Council to make informed decisions on issues that are before them. 

Furthermore, residents are also notified of some development applications that are 

to be assessed by the Development Assessment Panel (a requirement of the 

Development Act 1993). When an application is publicly notified, residents have 

the opportunity both to write to Council expressing their view of the application 

and to subsequently address the Council before a decision is made. It should be 

noted however, that a number of applications are exempted from public 

notification by the Development Act. 

In addition to the above types of community consultation, the Port Augusta City 

Council since 2002 has also been involved in the Comparative Performance 

Measurement Report which includes a Community Survey undertaken by Roy 

Morgan Research. 

The survey provides Council with valuable feedback from the community on their 

perception of Council’s performance in the following areas: 

a) Strategic Directions 

b) Community Consultation 

c) Council Services 

d) Quality of Life 

e) Public Access to Information 

f) Asset/Infrastructure Management 

g) Safety & Security 

The Comparative Performance Measurement Project provides a foundation for 

identifying areas of continuous improvement and assists Council to measure and 

analyse its performance over time. 

The following graphs outline the ongoing results of the surveys undertaken for Port 

Augusta, which are also compared to the State Comparison and other Provincial 

Cities. The results continue to be very pleasing, however Council acknowledges 

the importance of always endeavouring to improve the services and programs that 

are provided to the community and strives to meet their expectations wherever 

possible. 

- 81 -

Strategic Directions 

Performance Index Score of 100 = Satisfactory 

Council Rating Score of 7 = Satisfactory 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

97.65 

97.89 

100.61 

87.2 

94.75 

93.72 

81.08 

94.08 

88.97 

81.93 

82.4 

6.84 

6.85 

7.04 

6.63 

0 

2002 2004 2005 2006 

Port Augusta State Comparison Provincial Cities Port Augusta Rating out of 10 

Community Consultation 



120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

96.6 

94 

94.29 

93.87 

91.2 

84.42 

90.11 

83.44 

82.14 

82.73 

0 6.73 

6.58 

6.6 


91.62 

6.57 


Council Services 



130 

110 

90 

70 

50 

30 

10 

-10 

105.72 

108.58 103.12 110.65 104.02 110.35 

101.62 

106.2 

107.05 

108.42 

104.53 

7.4 

7.6 

7.75 

0 

7.72 


Port Augusta Performance Index Score 

State Comparison 

Provincial Cities Port Augusta Rating out of 10 

- 82 -

Quality of Life 



140 

120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

126.65 

118.08 

121.3 

109.2 

111.96 

110.16 

96.03 

89.84 

97.44 

94.34 

95.32 

6.29 

8.27 

8.49 

0 

8.87 



Public Access to Information 



120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

96.62 

96.38 

97.9 

97.65 

94.06 

95.49 

88.54 

91.2 

87.8 

86.3 

87.86 

6.76 

6.75 

6.85 

0 

6.84 



Asset/Infrastructure Management 



120 

100 

80 

60 

40 

20 

0 

111.15 112.4 

115.1 

111.01 

109.05 

108.74 

107.05 

105.82 

108.08 

108.11 

107.22 

7.63 

7.78 

7.61 

0 

7.41 



- 83 -

Safety & Security 

Performance Index: Score of 100 = Satisfactory 

Council Rating: Score of 7/10 = Satisfactory 

120 

100 

94.4 

93.03 

105.7 

102.05 

108.21 

109.98 

108.6 

80 

79.77 

94.08 

92.11 

94.55 

60 

40 

20 

0 

0 5.58 

6.51 

7.14 


Port Augusta Performance Index Score 

State Comparison 

Provincial Cities Port Augusta Rating out of 10 

7.7 

4.7 PUBLIC ACCESS TO COUNCIL DOCUMENTS 

The Port Augusta City Council’s Annual Report and Information Statement is 

available free of charge upon request at the front counter of the Council Office, 4 

Mackay Street, Port Augusta or the Public Library. A copy is also available on 

Council’s website – www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

The public also have access to the following documents, some of which are 

available free of charge via Council’s website, while others can be viewed at the 

Council Office. Alternatively, copies may be obtained at a charge as outlined in 

Council’s Fees and Charges Register. 

4.7.1 Registers/Manuals 

a) Policy Manual 

b) Delegated Authority & Authorised Officers Manual 

c) By-Law Manual 

d) Public Roads Register 

e) Elected Members – Register of Allowances & Benefits 

f) Elected Members – Register of Interest 

g) Officers’ Register of Remuneration, Salaries and Benefits 

h) Officers’ Register of Interest 

i) Register of Campaign Donations Returns 

j) Community Land Register 

k) Fees and Charges Register 

4.7.2 Policy/Procedure Manual 

A review of all Council’s Policies has been undertaken in relation to the 

format of the policies, accuracy of the content of current policies and to 

identify any new policies that need to be adopted within the Manual. The 

Policy Manual has been divided into 4 specific Manuals – Executive Manual, 

Operational Units Manual, Human Resource Manual and Emergency Manual. 

Following is a list of the various Policies and Codes of Practice that Council 

have available. These documents are able to be accessed via Council’s 

- 84 -

Website www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au under the heading The Council and 

sub-heading Council Documents: 

Policy documents that directly affect the community are developed in 

consultation with the community. Council will establish a “Working 

Committee” and will call for registrations of interest from community 

members who have an interest in a particular issue, to encourage them to 

become involved during the development stage of a Policy. During 

2005/2006 an “Animal Management Reference Group” and “Pontoon 

Management Reference Group” which comprised community members, 

Elected Members and Council Officers, developed draft Policies for Dog and 

Cat Management and Pontoon Management. Draft Policies once developed 

by the “Working Committee” are then forwarded to Council for perusal and 

comment. After Council has had an opportunity to view the draft Policies 

they are then made available to the entire community for comment, prior 

to being formally adopted by Council. 

Executive Manual 


1.1.01 Voters’ Roll 1.1.02 Supplementary elections 

1.1.03 Election of Deputy Mayor 1.1.04 Portfolio Allocation 

1.1.05 Committees and Panels 1.1.06 Council Representatives on 

Boards and Organisations 

1.1.07 Deleted 1.1.08 Statutory Code of Conduct – 


1.1.09 Elected Members Initiating Action 1.1.10 Statutory Code of Practice – 

Access to Council Meetings 

1.1.11 Elected Members’ Expenses, 

Facilities & Support 

and Documents 

1.1.12 Elected Members’ Training and 

Development 

Public Relations 

1.2.01 Public Statements 1.2.02 Residents Newsletter 

1.2.03 Public Consultation 1.2.04 Statutory Procedure Internal 

Review of Council Decisions 

1.2.05 Customer Service Charter 

Administrative Services 

1.3.01 Port Augusta City Council – 

Appropriate Naming 

1.3.03 Crown Land under Council’s 

Care, Control & Management 

1.3.02 Sale of Council Land 

1.3.04 Reporting of Hazards 

(Potential injury to members 

of the public) 

1.3.05 Making of Orders 1.3.06 Processing of Limited Liquor 

Licence Applications 

Operational Units Manual 

Corporate Services - Financial 

2.1.01 Rating Policy 2006/2007 2.1.02 Rate Rebates 

2.1.03 Rating – Recoveries 2.1.04 Fees & Charges 

2.1.05 Purchasing, Contracts & Tendering 2.1.06 Bank Signatories 

2.1.07 Petty Cash 2.1.08 Special Capital Reserve Fund 

2.1.09 Community Donations 2.1.10 Port Augusta Junior Sports 

Assistance Fund 

Corporate Services – Information Technology 

2.2.01 Electronic Communications 

Management 

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Corporate Services – Aged Care/Health Focus 

2.3.01 Admission & Discharge Nerrilda 

Nursing Home and A.M. Ramsay 

Village 

2.3.03 Community Assistance Program 

(Men’s Shed) 

2.3.02 Admission & Discharge Health 

Focus 

Corporate Services - Child Care/Special Needs 

2.4.01 Admission to Childcare Centre 2.4.02 Admission to Miriam High 

Special Needs Centre 

Infrastructure & Environment – Parks & Gardens 

2.6.01 Street Tree Policy 2.6.02 AALBG –Environmental 

Protection 

2.6.03 AALBG – Living Collections Policy 

Infrastructure & Environment – Planning & Building 

2.7.01 Pre-used Transportable 

Dwellings/Buildings – Land 

Management Agreement 


Dwellings/Buildings – Development 

Application Requirements 


Dwellings/Buildings – 

Asbestos Removal 


Dwellings/Buildings – Owners 

Obligations 

2.7.05 Building Inspections 2.7.06 Objects on Public Footpaths 

Infrastructure & Environment – Works 

2.8.01 Common Effluent Drains 2.8.02 Street Names 

2.8.03 Excavation & Reinstatement of 

Council Roads, Footpaths or 

Properties 

Infrastructure & Environment – Environmental Services (Health) 

2.9.01 Pigeon Keeping 

Infrastructure & Environment – Animal 

2.10.01 Dog Management 2.10.02 Cat Management 

Infrastructure & Environment – General 

2.11.01 Machinery Air-conditioning 2.11.02 Plant, Machinery & Equipment 

– Use by Sporting & 

Community Bodies 

2.11.03 Cemetery Management 2.11.04 Council Oval Hire 

2.11.05 Event Bookings on Council Land 2.11.06 Pontoon Management (being 

drafted) 

2.11.07 Entry to Julia Lodge & Poinsettia 

Village (Aged Cottage Homes) 

Infrastructure & Environment - Ryan Mitchell Swim Centre 

2.12.01 Unattended Children at Ryan 

Mitchell Swim Centre 

Executive Services - Library 

2.13.01 Library Security 2.13.02 Unattended Children in Library 

Executive Services – Wadlata & AALBG 

2.14.01 Unattended Children at Wadlata & 

AALBG 

Emergency Manual 

3.1.01 Emergency Facilities & Procedures 3.1.02 Fire Evacuation – Civic Centre 

& Library 

- 86 -

Human Resource Manual 

4.1.01 Statutory Code of Conduct – 

4.1.02 Equal Employment 

Council Employees 

Opportunity 

4.1.03 Risk Management 4.1.04 Recruitment & Selection 

4.1.05 Staff Appointments (Interview) – 

Cost Reimbursement 

4.1.06 Probationary Appointment & 

Assessment 

4.1.07 Employees – General Grievance 

Procedures 

4.1.08 Discipline/Termination of 

Employees 

4.1.09 Council Volunteers 4.1.10 Apprentices 

4.1.11 Australian Reserve Forces 4.1.12 Sexual Harassment 

4.1.13 Employee Assistance Program 

OHS&W Policy Manual 

The OHS&W Policy Manual is made up of an OHS&W Injury Management 

Policy Statement, Aims & Objectives, Responsibilities, Responsible Officers, 

Constitution and Rules, Framework for Resolution of OHS&W problems and 

relevant policies as listed below: 

POLA0097 Accident Investigation & 

POLA0122 Asbestos 

Reporting 

POLA0102 Blood Spill Mop Up POLA0099 Confined Space Policy & 

Register of Confined Spaces 

& Checklist 

POLA0073 Drug & Alcohol POLA0101 Electrical Safety 

POLA0135 Employee Assistance Program POLA0106 Evacuation 

POLA0104 Eye Protection POLA0100 Hazardous/Dangerous 

Substances & Procedures 

POLA0111 Hire/Lease of Plant & Equipment POLA0120 Immunisation Clinic – 

Emergency Action 

POLA0107 Inclement Weather & Procedures POLA0130 Injury Management Policy & 

Procedures 

POLA0109 Manual Handling & Risk 

POLA0091 Needle Stick/Sharps 

Identification Form 

POLA0105 OHS&W & First Aid in the 

Workplace 

POLA0103 Personal Protective 

Equipment 

POLA0096 Plant Management POLA0087 Purchasing of Plant & 

Equipment 

POLA0140 Reporting of Hazards (Potential POLA0136 Risk Management 

Injury to Members of the Public) 

POLA0118 Safe Working Environment POLA0079 Smoking in the Workplace 

POLA0108 Staff training POLA0078 Sun Protection 

POLA0080 

Workers Compensation Video 

Surveillance 

POLA0146 

Workplace Bullying & Report 

Form 

4.7.3 Freedom of Information Requests 

a) Requests for other information not included above will be considered 

in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 

1991, which may also involve the payment of search fees and other 

costs. Enquiries relating to FOI issues should be directed to: 

Ms Lee Heron 

Manager – Governance & Economic Development 

Port Augusta City Council 

PO Box 1704 


Phone: (08) 86419100 

- 87 -

) FOI Activities for 2005/2006: 

In the 12 months to 30 th June 2006, Council received 4 Freedom of 

Information requests. Full release of documents was provided for 3 

requests, and 1 request was denied pursuant to Section 18 (3) of 

the Freedom of Information Act, for non payment of advance fee. 

c) A member of the public may gain access to Council documents to 

make amendments concerning their personal affairs by making a 

request under the Freedom of Information Act 1991 (Section 31). A 

member of the public may then request a correction to any 

information about themselves that is incomplete, incorrect, 

misleading or out of date by completing a Freedom of Information 

Request Form, identifying such information that should be amended 

to bring their personal information up-to-date. 

- 88 -

s e c t i o n f i v e 

ARID – A Sculptural Collaboration 

Rating Policy 2005/2006 

Rate Rebates 

National Competition Principles 

Community Land Management Plans 

Competitive Tendering Statement 

Human Resource Management 

5 

Section 

- 89 -

5.1 RATING POLICY 2005/2006 

PORT AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL 

2. OPERATIONAL UNITS POLICY AND PROCEDURES 

2.1 CORPORATE SERVICES - FINANCIAL 

POLICY 

NUMBER: 

2.1.01 PAGES: 14 

SUBJECT: 

RATING POLICY 2005/2006 

COUNCIL 

MEETING 

MICA0232 

ISSUE 

DATE 29/6/05 

REVIEW 

DATE 

DELETED 

DATE 

EXTERNAL LEGISLATION: 

INTERNAL REFERENCES: 

Local Government Act 1999 Rating Policy Summary 2005/2006 

RELATED POLICIES: 

Rebate of Rates Policy 2.1.02 

Rating – Recoveries Policy 2.1.03 

Purchasing, Contracts & Tendering – 2.1.05 

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER: 

Director – Corporate Services 

SECTION A 

1.0 POLICY STATEMENT 

1.1 The Rating Policy sets out the guidelines the City of Port Augusta adheres 

to, for setting and collecting rates from it’s community. 

1.2 The policy covers :- 

a) method used to value land 

b) adoption of valuations 

c) business impact statement 

d) differential general rates 

e) minimum rate 

f) maximum rate 

g) service rate charge 

- 90 -

h) pensioner concessions 

i) unemployed persons concessions 

j) payment of rates 

k) late payment of rates 

l) remission and postponement of rates 

m) rebate of rates 

n) sale of land for non-payment of rates 

1.3 STRATEGIC FOCUS 

In setting its rates for the 2005/2006 Financial Year, the Council has given 

consideration to the following:- 

1.3.1 The Strategic Plan 

a) Council has recently undertaken an internal review to assess 

the success of our Strategic Plan. Only minor changes were 

identified as being necessary to ensure Council continues to 

provide the best possible outcomes for its community within 

its budget constraints. 

b) The Strategic Plan continues to be one of the main driving 

factors during budget deliberations to ensure that Council’s 

identified goals and objectives are able to be fulfilled. 

c) The current budget and those of recent years reflect the 

Strategic Plan’s goals of lowering long term indebtedness, 

maintaining a measured approach to pavement and 

infrastructure management and providing impetus for regional 

economic development. 

d) The Strategic Plan maintains, as one of its major focuses over 

the coming years, its commitment to community safe and City 

image initiatives. 

1.3.2 Strong Leadership 

The determination that strong leadership is required if it is to 

overcome many of the issues confronting the City. To that end it has 

resolved to:- 

a) maintain its commitment to deliver the recommendations of 

the Social Vision and Action Plan; 

b) improve the economy of the City by fostering regional 

development initiatives such as the proposed business 

incubator; 

c) continue the development of a significant Capital Works 

Program such as the foreshore redevelopment and the 

construction of the Shack Road; 

- 91 -

d) retain community based programs that attract visitors to the 

City and the Region; 

e) enhance existing trainee/apprentice programs that support 

young people in the community; 

f) Support for a Tourism Product Development Officer to oversee 

all aspects of marketing and product development for Port 

Augusta; 

g) Support the expansion of the Miriam High Special Needs 

Centre to provide essential services to disabled children in the 

north and western region of South Australia. 

1.3.3 Budget Implications 

a) The budget for the 2005/2006 financial year. 

1.3.4 Rates Reference Group 

a) The recommendations and observation of the “Rates 

Reference Group” which was formed to review Council’s rating 

policy. This Group was comprised of members from various 

community groups and members of the City Council. 

1.3.5 Impact of rates on community 

a) The impact of rates on the community, including:- 

i) householders, businesses and primary producers; 

ii) 

iii) 

iv) 

the broad principle that the rates collected from the 

different program groups should rise equally and 

equitably each financial year. Where there is clearly a 

different level of services available to ratepayers or 

some other circumstance which warrants variation 

from the broad principle a differential rate will be 

applied (refer section on Differential General Rates); 

issues of equity arising from circumstances where 

ratepayers are not provided with the level of 

infrastructure or services of other areas; 

the levy of an effluent drainage charge for properties 

connected to the effluent drainage system 

1.3.64 Rate Increases 

a) The need to increase rate revenue for the 2005/2006 financial 

year of the Council by 8.0%. 

1.4 The Strategic Plan documents and the Council's budget are available for 

inspection at the Front Counter of the Council Office, and the Public Library, 

4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta and via the internet at 

http://eservice.portaugusta.sa.gov.au/eservice. 

- 92 -

1.5 The Council conducts public consultation on a broad range of issues relating 

to the future directions of the area. These meetings are always advertised in 

local papers and on television. Ratepayers and interested parties are 

welcome to attend. The Council also encourages feedback at anytime and 

such comments may be sent to:- 

John Stephens 

City Manager 

Port Augusta City Council 

PO Box 1704 


1.6 ANNUAL ADOPTION OF THE POLICY 

1.6.1 Section 171 of the Local Government Act requires a Council to 

prepare and adopt each year, in conjunction with settling the rates, a 

“Rates Policy”. The policy must be available at the principal office of 

the Council and a summary version must be distributed with the rate 

notice. 

This policy is available for inspection at the Front Counter of the 

Council Office, 4 Mackay Street, Port Augusta SA 5700. 

2.0 PURPOSE 

2.1 To provide a clear understanding of the process of determining rates on an 

annual basis. 

3.0 RESPONSIBILITY & REVIEW 

SECTION B 

3.1 Director – Corporate Services 

3.2 Reviewed annually in May of each year. 

4.0 FLOWCHART 

4.1 Not applicable in this instance. 

SECTION C 

5.0 PROCEDURE 

5.1 METHOD USED TO VALUE LAND 

5.1.1 The Council may adopt one of three valuation methodologies to value 

the properties in its area. They are:- 

a) Capital Value - the value of the land and all of the 

improvements on the land; 

- 93 -

) Site Value - the value of the land and any improvements which 

permanently affect the amenity of use of the land, such as 

drainage works, but excluding the value of buildings and other 

improvements; 

c) Annual Value – a valuation of the rental potential of the 

property. 

5.1.2 The Council has decided to continue to use site value as the basis for 

valuing land within the council area. 

a) Site value methodology of rating will be reviewed over the 

next twelve months, to determine if it provides a fairer 

method of distributing the rate burden across all ratepayers. 

5.1.3 Council must comply with the provisions of the Local Government Act 

as amended, which stipulates that Council can only levy the minimum 

rate to less than 35% of rateable properties. The distribution of 

property values is widely varied and the requirements set out above 

will mean variations in rates levied can be significant. 

5.2 ADOPTION OF VALUATIONS 

5.2.1 The Council adopted the valuations made by the Valuer-General on 

the 29 th June 2005. If a ratepayer is dissatisfied with the valuation 

made by the Valuer-General then they may object to the 

Valuer-General in writing, within 60 days of receiving this notice of 

the valuation, explaining the basis for the objection - provided they 

have not:- 

a) previously received a notice of this valuation under the Local 

Government Act, in which case the objection period is 60 days 

from the receipt of the first notice; or 

b) previously had an objection to the valuation considered by the 

Valuer-General. 

5.2.2 The address of the Office of the Valuer-General is “Office of the 

Valuer-General, GPO Box 1354, ADELAIDE SA 5001”, and the 

telephone number is 1300 653 345. 

NOTE - The Council has no role in this process. It is also important to note that 

the lodgment of an objection does not change the due date for payment 

of rates. 

5.3 BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT 

5.3.1 The Council has considered the impact of rates on business and 

associated activity in the area. In considering the impact, Council 

assessed the following:- 

a) Council’s policy on “Rebates of Rates” (2.1.02). 

- 94 -

) The support provided to the Northern Regional Development 

Board Inc., which in turn supports small business operations in 

the City and adjoining areas. 

c) Council’s Purchasing, Contracts & Tendering policy (2.1.05), 

which provides preference for any supplier in the region where 

price and quality offered by two (2) or more suppliers are 

equal. 

d) Council’s commitment to the continuing development of Port 

Augusta as a transport interchange and important regional 

service centre (Plan Amendment Report Review to be 

completed 2005/2006 ). 

e) The equity of the distribution of the rate burden between 

classes of ratepayers. 

f) Issues of equitability that exist because of high land values in 

Commercial Road. 

5.4 DIFFERENTIAL GENERAL RATES 

5.4.1 All land within a council area, except for land specifically exempt 

(eg. crown land, council occupied land and other land prescribed in 

the Local Government Act), is rateable. The Local Government Act 

provides for a Council to raise revenue for the broad purposes of the 

Council through a general rate which applies to all rateable 

properties. At its meeting of 29 th June 2005 the Council resolved to 

raise rate revenue of $6,682,000 in a total revenue budget of 

$20,407,900. As a result of this decision the Council has set general 

rates in the dollar to raise the necessary revenue by way of utilising 

the land code categories adopted by the Valuer-General of, ie:- 

a) Residential 

b) Commercial – Shop 

c) Commercial – Office 

d) Commercial – Other 

e) Industry Light 

f) Industry Other 

g) Primary Production 

h) Vacant Land 

i) Other Use 

5.4.2 The use to which the land is put may govern the differential rate. If 

a property owner is of the opinion that the description is incorrect, 

he/she may object. The objection must be in writing and lodged 

within 21 days of the date of the notice and addressed to “The City 

Manager, Port Augusta City Council, PO Box 1704, PORT AUGUSTA SA 

5700”. 

- 95 -

Category Land Use Rate in $ Minimum Maximum 

Urban Residential .051 695.00 1,825 

Commercial - Shop .067 695.00 - 

Commercial - Office .067 695.00 - 

Commercial - Other .067 695.00 - 

Industry - Light .067 695.00 - 

Industry - Other .067 695.00 - 

Primary Production .004312 - - 

Vacant Land .051 695.00 **1,825 

Other Use .051 695.00 - 

Non-Urban Residential .357 695.00 1,369 

Commercial - Shop .067 695.00 - 

Commercial - Office .067 695.00 - 

Commercial - Other .067 695.00 - 

Industry - Light .067 695.00 - 

Industry - Other .067 695.00 - 

Primary Production .004312 - - 

Vacant Land .01785 - - 

Other Use .0357 695.00 - 

Shacks Residential .0357 695.00 695.00 

Primary Production .004312 695.00 - 

Vacant Land .01785 695.00 - 

Other Use .0357 695.00 - 

5.5. MINIMUM RATE 

5.5.1 A Council may impose a minimum amount payable by way of rates, 

provided that it has not imposed a Fixed Charge. Where two or more 

adjoining properties have the same owner, and are occupied by the 

same occupier only one minimum rate is payable by the ratepayer. 

Where a Council imposes a minimum rate it must not apply to more 

than 35% of properties in the council area including the % of 

properties affected by tiered rating. 

5.5.2 The Council has decided to impose a minimum rate of $695.00. The 

reasons for imposing a minimum rate are:- 

a) Council considers it appropriate that all rateable properties 

make a contribution to the cost of administering the Council’s 

activities and creating and maintaining the physical 

infrastructure that supports each property 

b) Minimum rates have been applied for many years and their 

continuation together with the rating impacts/trends that 

apply provide a consistent approach to rating levels 

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5.5.3 The minimum rate will affect 33.16% of rateable properties and will 

raise 22.96% of the total rate revenue. The imposition of a minimum 

rate raises an additional $310,976 which is 4.65% of the total rate 

revenue. 

5.6 MAXIMUM RATE & RATE CAPPING 

5.6.1 Council has determined that a maximum rate be applicable to 

properties that have a land use code of residence and vacant land for 

residential properties only. The maximum rate payable is $1,825 for 

urban properties, $1,369 for non-urban properties, and $695 for shack 

sites. 

In setting these maximum rate levels, Council took into account:- 

a) The very wide range of values applied to residential properties 

in the municipality. 

b) The unreasonable rate impost that would be applied to a 

number of properties, without a maximum rate. 

5.6.2 Council will provide a rebate to limit the maximum increase in rates 

payable due to increase in valuation to 12% for residential properties 

and 20% for business properties over the rates levied for 2004/2005. 

5.7 SERVICE RATE / CHARGE 

5.7.1 The Council provides a septic tank effluent disposal system (STED) to 

1330 properties within the Council area. A service charge of $210.00 

will apply to properties connected to the STED schemes installed in 

the Willsden, Augusta Park, Hospital Road, Zanuckville, Conwaytown, 

Transcontinental Estate and Stirling North Railway Siding areas. 

5.8 PENSIONER & SELF FUNDED RETIREES CONCESSIONS 

5.8.1 If you are an eligible pensioner or self funded retiree, you may be 

entitled to a rebate on your rates, if you do not currently receive 

one. Application forms, which include information on the 

concessions, are available from the Council’s Civic Centre at 4 Mackay 

Street, Port Augusta SA 5700. They are also available from the SA 

Water Corporation and its District Offices and the State Taxation 

Office. An eligible pensioner or self funded retiree must hold a 

Pension Card, State Concession Card or be a T.P.I. Pensioner. You 

must also be responsible for the payment of rates on the property for 

which you are claiming a concession. 

5.8.2 Applications are administered by the State Government. Payment of 

rates should not be withheld pending assessment of your application 

by the State Government as penalties will apply to unpaid rates. A 

refund will be paid to you immediately Council is advised that a 

concession applies and the rates have already been paid. 

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5.8.3 Council will also provide a rebate of up to $160 to eligible pensioners 

and self funded retirees whose net rate levy after deduction of the 

State Government concession exceeds $900. Pensioners with a net 

rate levy between $900 and $1,060 will receive a rebate to limit the 

maximum net rate levy payable to $900. Pensioners with a net rate 

levy greater than $1,060 to receive a rebate of $160. 

5.9 UNEMPLOYED PERSONS CONCESSIONS 

5.9.1 The Department of Family & Youth Services (FAYS) may assist with 

the payment of Council rates for your principal place of residence 

(remissions are not available on vacant land or rental premises). 

Please contact your nearest Department of Family & Youth Services 

Office for details. 

5.10 PAYMENT OF RATES 

5.10.1 Rates levied for the year may be paid in four quarterly instalments, 

due and payable by 1 st September 2005, 1 st December 2005, 1 st 

March 2006 and 1 st June 2006. Separate notices relating to 

instalments due in December 2005, March 2006 and June 2006 will be 

issued to property owners in October 2005, January 2006 and April 


5.10.2 However, payment of the total rates levied on a property for the 

2005/2006 financial year by the 1 st September 2005, will attract a 

discount equivalent to 5% of the total rates declared on the property. 

5.10.3 Rates may be paid at the Civic Centre, 4 Mackay Street Port Augusta 

between the hours of 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. EFTPOS 

facilities are available. 

5.10.4 Rates may also be paid via the internet www.portaugusta.sa.gov.au 

(select eServices button) or by telephone on 1300 303 201 (ANZ Bank 

bill pay, Council’s info pay number is 4321). Payments by post can be 

made to PO Box 1704 Port Augusta SA 5700. 

5.10.5 Any ratepayer who may, or is likely to, experience difficulty with 

meeting the standard payment arrangements is invited to contact 

Phyllis Robinson, Rates Administrator on 86419100 to discuss 

alternative payment arrangements. Such inquiries will be dealt with 

in the strictest confidence. 

5.10.6 The Council has adopted a policy that where the payment of rates 

will cause a ratepayer demonstrable hardship, the Council is prepared 

to make extended payment provisions or defer the payment of rates. 

5.11 LATE PAYMENT OF RATES 

5.11.1 The Local Government Act provides that Councils impose a penalty of 

2% on any payment for rates, whether instalment or otherwise, that is 

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eceived late. A payment that continues to be late is then charged 

an interest rate set each year according to a formula in the Act for 

each month it continues to be late. The purpose of this penalty is to 

act as a genuine deterrent to ratepayers who might otherwise fail to 

pay their rates on time, to allow Councils to recover the 

administrative cost of following up unpaid rates and to cover any 

interest cost the Council may meet because it has not received the 

rates on time. 

5.11.2 The Council allows a further two working days after the due date for 

payment as a grace period. The Council remits the late payment 

penalties allowed by the Local Government Act if payment is received 

within the grace period. 

5.11.3 The Council is prepared to remit fines/penalties for late payment of 

rates for a limited range of circumstances such as financial hardship 

due to unemployment or sickness, sudden hospitalisation and similar 

situations. Written applications for remission of fines are to be 

forwarded to the Rates Department. 

5.11.4 The Council issues an overdue account for payment of rates when 

rates are overdue ie. unpaid by the due date. Should rates remain 

unpaid for more than 30 days after the issue of the overdue account 

then the Council refers the debt to a debt collection agency for 

collection. The debt collection agency charges collection fees that 

are recoverable from the ratepayer. When the Council receives a 

payment in respect of overdue rates the Council applies the money 

received as follows:- 

a) first – to satisfy any costs awarded in connection with court 

proceedings; 

b) second – to satisfy any interest costs; 

c) third – in payment of any fines imposed; 

d) fourth – in payment of rates, in chronological order (starting 

with the oldest account first). 

5.12 REMISSION AND POSTPONEMENT OF RATES 

5.12.1 Section 182 of the Local Government Act permits a Council, on the 

application of the ratepayer, to partially or wholly remit rates or to 

postpone rates, on the basis of hardship. 

5.13 REBATE OF RATES 

Where a ratepayer is suffering hardship in paying rates he/she is 

invited to contact a Rates Administrator, on 86419100 to discuss the 

matter. Although arrangements for late payment of rates are 

negotiable, remission of rates in whole or part is rarely approved due 

to the inequitable situation for the rest of the community. 

5.13.1 The Local Government Act requires Councils to rebate the rates 

payable on some land. Specific provisions are made for land used for 

health services, community services, religious purposes, public 

cemeteries, the Royal Zoological Society and educational institutions. 

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5.13.2 Discretionary rebates may be applied by the Council under Section 

166 of the Act. Council currently provides discretionary rebates for 

council owned land that is leased or licensed such as that used by 

sporting bodies and community organisations. 

5.13.3 Council will consider all applications for rebate under Section 166 of 

the Act on merit. 

5.13.4 Council will provide a “small business rates” of 10% to small business 

in the “District Centre” zone. (The area bounded generally by Tassie 

St, El Alamein Rd, Young Street, Flinders Tce). The rebate will be 

provided to small business operators only, with large business 

excluded. Full details of the rebate is yet to be submitted to Council, 

but will be based on land use codes provided by the Valuer-General. 

5.14 SALE OF LAND FOR NON-PAYMENT OF RATES 

5.14.1 The Local Government Act provides that a Council may sell any 

property where the rates have been in arrears for three years or 

more. The Council is required to provide the principal ratepayer and 

the owner (if not the same person) with details of the outstanding 

amounts, and advise the owner of its intention to sell the land if 

payment of the outstanding amount is not received within a given 

time. 

5.14.2 Except in extraordinary circumstances, the Council begins the sale of 

land for arrears of rates after 4 years. A copy of the Council’s policy 

is available from our Rates Administrator (Phyllis Robinson) on 

86419100, or by writing to the Rates Administrator, Port Augusta City 

Council at PO Box 1704, Port Augusta SA 5700. 

5.15 APPLICATION OF THE POLICY 

5.15.1 Where a ratepayer believes that the Council has failed to properly 

apply this policy it should raise the matter with the Council. In the 

first instance contact a Rates Administrator on 86419100 to discuss 

the matter. If, after this initial contact, a ratepayer is still 

dissatisfied they should write to the City Manager, Port Augusta City 

Council, PO Box 1704, Port Augusta SA 5700. 

5.15.2 A rate cannot be challenged on the basis of non-compliance with this 

policy and must be paid in accordance with the required payment 

provisions. 

6.0 STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES 

6.1 Director – Corporate Services. 

6.2 Rating Administrator. 

7.0 AUDITS 

7.1 Annual financial audit by John D Ewen & Associates. 

SECTION D 

8.0 FORMS AND ATTACHMENTS 

8.1 Rating Policy 2.1.01 - Summary 2005/2006 

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5.1 RATE REBATES 

The Local Government Act 1999 requires Councils to rebate the rates payable on 

some land. Specific provisions are made for land used for health services, 

community services, religious purposes, public cemeteries, the Royal Zoological 

Society and educational institutions. Discretionary rebates may also be applied for 

pursuant to Section 166 of the Local Government Act 1999. 

The Port Augusta City Council has adopted a “Rate Rebate” Policy 2.1.02 which 

outlines the procedures that must be followed by businesses, groups or 

organisations when applying for a rate rebate. 

Applications for rebates should be received on or before the 1 st May each year for 

the following financial year, to enable consideration of the application prior to the 

distribution of rate notices in July. Council reserves the right to refuse any 

application made after the 1 st May. 

Rate Rebates approved during the 2005/2006 financial year totalled $63,240. 

Council also supported various sporting bodies and community groups who occupy 

Council sporting grounds/facilities, by granting rate rebates for these areas. 

Furthermore, Council provides a 5% discount for rates paid in full before the due 

date of the first instalment. A further $185,253 was discounted on rate payments 

using these provisions. 

5.2 NATIONAL COMPETITION PRINCIPLES 

5.2.1 The main aims of the National Competition Policy are to: 

a) develop an open and integrated market for goods and services by 

removing unnecessary barriers; 

b) prevent anti-competitive conduct; 

c) ensuring government business activities do not enjoy any net 

advantages solely as a result of their public ownership; 

d) regulation of business activities which restrict competition. 

5.2.2 Part 7 of the Clause 7 Statement on the application of “competition 

principles” requires Council to include in its Annual Report, wherever 

relevant, information in relation to: 

a) commencement or cessation of significant business activities; 

b) the competitive neutrality measure applied to each significant 

business activity control by the Council; 

c) the review and reform of by-laws which restrict competition, 

including proposed by-laws; 

d) complaints received alleging a breach of competitive neutrality 

principles; and 

e) the structural reform of public monopolies. 

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5.2.3 Council activities during 2005/2006: 

Council completed a review of its by-laws during 2004/2005 with the 

following By-laws being adopted on the 27 th June 2005: 

• By-Law #1 – Permits and Penalties 

• By-Law # 3 – Local Government Land 

• By-Law # 4 – Roads 

• By-Law # 5 – Dogs 

• By-Law # 6 – Waste Management 

• By-Law # 7 – Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden 

and the following by-law was adopted by Council on the 22 nd August 2005: 

• By-Law # 8 – Cats 

Section 249 (5) of the Local Government Act 1999 provides that a by-law 

comes into operation four months after the day on which it is published in 

the Gazette. Therefore, those by-laws adopted by Council on the 27 th June 

2005 were published in the Government Gazette on the 14 th July 2005 and 

came into operation on the 14 th November 2005 and the Cat By-Law was 

published in the Government Gazette on the 1 st September 2005 and came 

into operation on the 1 st January 2006. 

5.3 COMMUNITY LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS 

Council’s “Community Land Management Plans” have been completed and are 

amended with Council approval on a needs basis. Processes are being formulated 

to ensure that all Community Land is managed in accordance with the 

Management Plans. 

5.4 COMPETITIVE TENDERING STATEMENT 

When well managed and structured in a most efficient manner, the contracting and 

purchasing activities within Council have the potential to make a major 

contribution to the effectiveness of the organisation and to reduce costs of 

operations. 

Whether internal or private operators are selected to provide a Council service, 

competition has been identified as a means of improving performance and 

enhancing customer satisfaction. 

During the 2005/2006 financial year, Council utilised a competitive tendering 

approach for the provision of the following goods and services: 

1) Port Augusta Airport - Chainmesh Fencing 

2) Port Augusta Airport – Tubular Modular Security Fencing 

3) Port Augusta Airport – Upgrade to Water Supply 

4) Port Augusta Airport – CCTV Cameras 

5) Port Augusta Airport – Provision of Apron and Car Park Lighting 

6) Highway 1 Westside – Pedestrian Safety Fencing 

7) Parks and Gardens – Maintenance Contract 

8) Parks and Gardens – Supply of Water Truck 

9) Works Deport – Supply of Skid Steer Loader 

10) Nerrilda Nursing Home/AM Ramsay Village – Building Extensions 

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11) Nerrilda Nursing Home/AM Ramsay Village – Pharmacy Contract 

12) Planning – Development Plan Review 

13) Council’s Vehicle Fleet – Management of Vehicle Fleet 

14) Information Technology – Upgrade to Telephone System 

15) Salvage Activities – Tendering for Surplus Plant & Equipment 

5.5 HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT 

5.5.1 Equal Employment Opportunity 

a) All recruitment and selection of staff within the sections of Council are 

processed in accordance with the provisions of the Equal Opportunity 

Act. 

All selections are based on the merit system. The interview process is 

conducted by a Panel with a minimum of 3 persons. The Panel is to 

include both male and female members when necessary. Council’s 

Recruitment & Selection Policy (4.1.04) is reviewed on a regular basis. 

b) Council’s Human Resource Manager has delegated authority as Panel 

leader on all appointments within Council. The Human Resource 

Manager (Mr Anthony McCoy) and Manager – Governance & Economic 

Development (Mrs Lee Heron) are Council’s Equal Opportunity 

Employment Officers. 

c) Council’s commitment to employ indigenous trainees, continues through 

the adoption of a further 3 year “STEP” initiative “Utyavarra” 

Programme (changing direction). 

5.5.2 Risk Management 

a) The Port Augusta City Council seeks to manage its risk exposure to an 

optimum standard. Council’s commitment to risk management as such 

remains ongoing with review and training a regular feature. 

The 5 hierarchies of control remain the basis of Council’s management 

within this area: 

i) substitution; 

ii) elimination; 

iii) engineering; 

iv) administration; 

v) personal protective equipment (PPE) 

Council currently enjoys the top level of rating within the Local Government 

Association exempt employer Work Cover Status of Level 3. 

5.5.3 Enterprise Bargaining Agreements: 

Local Enterprise Agreements negotiated during 2005/2006 for ASU, AWU 

and ANF (Nerrilda Aged Care Services) employees remain in force until a 

decision has been handed down in the latest I.R. challenge through the 

High Court. 

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s e c t i o n s i x 

Australia Day Celebrations in Gladstone Square 

Australia Day Awards 

Port Augusta Junior Sports Assistance Foundation 

Academic Achiever Award 

Christmas Lighting Festival 

Christmas Pageant 

Council Awards 

Community Contributions to Council 

6 

Section 

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The “Community” is the sole of any great City and the Port Augusta City Council 

recognises the community’s input into day to day activities that support and make our 

City a better place to live. Council presents a number of awards each year to members 

of the community as a thank you for their outstanding service, personal achievements 

and noteworthy contribution to our City. 

6.1 AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS 

Port Augusta commences its Australia Day celebrations with a breakfast in 

Gladstone Square, which is provided by community service clubs; Rotary Club, 

Lions Club, Apex Club and the State Emergency Services. 

Community and various community organisations are nominated each year to 

receive one of the Australia Day Awards – Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the 

Year and Community Event of the Year. The nominees for each of these awards 

and the winners for 2006 are detailed below: 

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 

Nominees: Arnold Dodd, Pam Faber, Katrina McMahon and Pamela Webb 

Winner: Mr Arnold Dodd 

Arnold was recognised for his contribution in relation to aboriginal issues, through 

working in liaison with Justices and Magistrates to set up the court circuit in the 

APY Lands which is still currently in operation. 

YOUNG CITIZEN OF THE YEAR 

Nominees: Stephanie Thomas and Jason Prentis 

Winner: Stephanie Thomas 

Stephanie is congratulated for her voluntary participation and effort to the Stirling 

North Country Fire Service. She is a current member of the Stirling North Country 

Fire Service and past member of the Stirling North Country Fire Service Cadet 

Brigade. Stephanie is 16 years of age and has been involved in the Fire Service 

since the age of 13 as a Cadet and reaching the rank of Captain. 

COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR 

Nominee: TS Augusta Australian Navy Cadet Unit – “Freedom of Entry to the City 

of Port Augusta March” 

Winner: TS Augusta Australian Navy Cadet Unit 

70 South Australian Cadets marched from the Eastside Foreshore to the Council 

Office building before returning to the foreshore via Commercial Road. The March 

was led by Lt Muir representing TS Augusta and they were accompanied by the 

South Australian Navy Reserve Band. The event was co-ordinated by the staff and 

volunteers from TS Augusta. TS Augusta began in Port Augusta on the 1 st April 

1975 and in 2005 celebrated their 30 th Anniversary. 

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6.2 PORT AUGUSTA JUNIOR SPORTS ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION 

The Port Augusta Junior Sports Assistance Foundation was formulated to enable 

the sporting achievements by members of the community who have excelled 

and/or shown leadership in their chosen sport to be acknowledged. 

The Foundation’s Management Committee meet on a monthly basis to assess 

nominations and present awards for the following categories: Sportsperson of the 

Month, Achiever Ward and Incentive Award. 

In August each year a Presentation Evening is also held to acknowledge all 

monthly winners and to award the following three annual awards: Sportsperson of 

the Year (chosen from the monthly Sportsperson recipients), Special Achiever 

Award (chosen from the monthly Achiever Recipients), Special Incentive Award 

(chosen from the monthly Incentive recipient). 

The following sports people received awards during 2005/2006: 

Sportsperson of the Month Incentive Award Achiever Award 

July 2005 

James Nistico (Judo) Ben Lindner (Judo) James Nistico (Judo) 

August 2005 

Jordan Dodman (Basketball) 

September 2005 

Ellen Menzies (Judo) 

October 2005 

Matthew Freeman (Judo) 

November 2005 

n/a 

Libby Harrison (Basketball) 

James Nistico (Judo) 


Rebecca Francis (Netball) 

Phoebe Todonai-Groth (Netball) 

Kristie Vater (Netball) 

Chloe Martin (Netball) 

Alesha Johnston (Netball) 

Bree Watson (Netball) 

Amy Taylor (Netball) 

Kelly O’Grady (Netball) 

Claire Schupelius (Netball) 

Shirley Waye-Hill (Netball) 

Jaimee Trewartha (Netball) 

Amber Elley (Netball) 

Anna Collinson (Netball ) 

Courtney Hannigan (Netball) 

Paige Rozee (Netball) 

Ryan Harrison (Golf) 

James Leahy (Golf ) 

Lachlan Hinds (Golf) 

Craig Rowbottom (Golf ) 

Mitchel Hinds (Golf) 

Joshua Martin (Golf) 

Chloe Johnson (Golf) 

Nathan Freeman (Judo) 

Callum Sires (Judo) 

Greg Shirley (Tennis) 

Darcy Noll (Tennis) 

Daniel Noll (Tennis) 

Brett Harvey (BMX) 

Susan Kirkham (BMX) 


Shaun Horgan (Judo) 

Sophie Burch (Judo) 



Nathan freeman (Judo) 


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Sportsperson of the Month Incentive Award Achiever Award 

December 2005 

Nathan freeman (Judo) 


Claire Schupelius (Basketball) 

Matt Phillips (Basketball) 

Ricky Elley (Basketball) 

Simon Nowak (Basketball) 

Hannah Miklavec (Judo) 

Johnathan Arbon (Judo) 

Hannah Miklavec (Judo) 

January 2006 

Casey Whitaker (Athletics) 

Kaitlyn Williams (Basketball) 

Mikala Fuller (Basketball) 

Mia-Brooke Grantham (Basketball) 

Libby Harrison (Basketball) 

Simon Nowak (Basketball) 

Taylor Ritenberg (Swimming) 

Jay Dalla Santa (Swimming) 

Amy Noll (Swimming) 

Caleb Ritter (Swimming) 


Damon Shirley (Tennis) 

Thomas Hombsch (Tennis) 

Craig Shirley (Tennis) 

Darcy Noll (Tennis) 

Jay Dalla Santa 

(Swimming) 

February 2006 

Casey Whitaker (Athletics) n/a n/a 

March 2006 


April 2006 


May 2006 


June 2006 



Craig Shirley (Tennis) 

Amy Noll (Tennis) 

Matthew McCarthy (Athletics) 

Jesse Pratt (Athletics) 


Ellen Packard (Athletics) 

Alice Klingberg (Athletics) 

Alycia Rabig (Athletics) 


Zarraar Zia (Judo) 

Hayden Smyth (Judo) 

Callan Niedorfer (Judo) 

Nerissa Pool (Softball) 

Jasmyn Hewett (Softball) 

Alex Miklavec (Judo) 

Daniel Morris (Judo) 


Kagen Miklavec (Judo) 

Jayden Freeman (Judo) 

Jack Menzies (Judo) 

Shaun Horgan (Judo) 



James Nistico (Judo) 

Hayden Smyth (Judo) 



Ben Lindner (Judo) 

Alice Klingberg (Athletics) 

Alex Miklavec (Judo) 

Daniel Morris (Judo) 

Jack Menzies (Judo) 

SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR 2005/2006 – JORDAN DODMAN (BASKETBALL) 

SPECIAL INCENTIVE AWARD 2005/2006 – TAYLOR RITENBERG (SWIMMING) 

SPECIAL ACHIEVER AWARD 2005/2006 – MATTHEW FREEMAN (JUDO) 

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6.3 ACADEMIC ACHIEVER AWARD 

The Port Augusta City Council recognises the effort and commitment made by the 

youth of this community in their endeavours to achieve their ultimate goals and 

dreams for their futures through their academic studies, and presents an award 

annually to Port Augusta’s top honours student. 

The Award is presented to the student who receives the highest Tertiary Entrance 

Ranking (TER) as a result of the Year 12 Exams. 

The 2005/2006 Academic Achiever Award was presented to Ms Alisa Hodgson who 

achieved an overall TER score of 98.15. Alisa was a student of Caritas College and 

although keeping her options open, stated that she hopes to study physiotherapy 

at Uni SA in 2007. 

6.4 CHRISTMAS LIGHTING FESTIVAL 

The ‘Port Augusta Christmas Lighting Festival’ encourages all residents and 

businesses of Port Augusta to ‘light–up’ their homes or business premises with 

Christmas Lights and decorations, to contribute to making Port Augusta the ‘City of 

Lights’ at Christmas and to celebrate the festivities of Christmas as a Community. 

The festival launch was held in the main street (Commercial Road) of Port Augusta 

on Thursday 17 th November, 2005. One block of Commercial Road was closed off 

to traffic to allow the street festival to take place, featuring live musical 

entertainment and callisthenic performances. Mayor Joy Baluch officially launched 

the festival and ‘flicked the switch’ for the arbour Christmas lights. Giveaways 

such as flashing candles were a great hit with the kids, as were the donuts kindly 

cooked by the Rotary Club of Port Augusta. 

The presentation ceremony was held at the Port Augusta Yacht Club on Monday 

19 th December 2005 from noon, with the winners for each category being 

announced. 

Businesses and community members are congratulated on their commitment to 

the Christmas Lighting Festival which is very well supported each year. A total of 

366 businesses and residences participated in the 2005 festival by ‘lighting-up’; 

this was a dramatic increase from 236 businesses and residences in 2004. 

The successful winners of the 2005 Christmas Lighting Festival were: 

SAHT Winner: 3 Webb Court (Ms Leanne Gow) received a $500 cheque donated 

from the South Australian Housing Trust. 

Best Residential Display: 48 Addison Road (Ian & Jocelyn Richards) received a 

$500 cheque donated by the Transcontinental 

Best Street Display: Was awarded to Holder Avenue (residents at no. 3, 4, 5, 6, 

7, 8, 9, & 11). Each resident received a $50.00 cheque donated by the Port 

Augusta City Council. 

Best Business Display: Jetset Travel won a $500 advertising package from 

Central Television/Southern Cross Television and Radio 5AU/Magic 105.9 

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Senior Citizens Club of Port Augusta were 

the Runners-up for the Best Business Category 

Youth Advisory Committee: 

73 Edinburgh Terrace 

Encouragement award: (Marissa Watkins) received a $100 cheque donated 

by the Port Augusta Youth Advisory Committee. 

6.5 CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 

Each year the Port Augusta City Council in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Port 

Augusta hosts the Christmas Pageant which is always strongly supported by the 

community. The Central Business District, particularly Commercial Road, burst 

into life on the first Friday night in December each year to celebrate the festive 

season and enjoy a great family night out. 

Celebrations and activities continued into the evening after the pageant with the 

Mayoral Christmas Party, hosted by the Port Augusta City Council being held in 

Gladstone Square. Entertainment includes live music and an assortment of free 

amusement rides for children and a fireworks display to add to the festive 

atmosphere. An array of food and drink stalls were operated by community 

organisations and service clubs, this ensured that no-one went hungry. It was 

another successful family night enjoyed by all who attend. 

Clowns and a float from the 2005 Christmas Pageant, 

held on Friday 2 nd December. 

The winners of the Best Float Awards were: 

Best Float Overall: Port Augusta Men’s Shed received a $250 donation for their 

efforts. Their float was ‘Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory’. 

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Best School Float: Port Augusta West Primary School received a $150 donation 

for having the best school float for their ‘Recycled Christmas Tree’. 

The runner-up school was Stirling North Primary School, with ‘Aussie Jungle Bells’ 

receiving a $20 voucher from Target Country. 

Best Recreation, Youth & Sport Float: Port Augusta Callisthenics received a 

$150 donation for their efforts. 

Best Public/Private Business/Organisation Float: Mitre 10 – Better Home 

Supplies received a $150 donation for their ‘Shrek’ float. 

Encouragement Award: Apex Club of Port Augusta received a donation of 

$100 for their ‘Simpson’s Christmas’ float. 

6.6 COUNCIL AWARDS 

In December 2005, the Port Augusta City Council was awarded KESAB’s top Award 

for the Beach, Sand and Surf category, in the Annual Tidy Towns Competition. 

The Award was received for the transformation of Port Augusta’s Eastside 

Foreshore, from a baron and unused area, into a fantastic parkland with great 

facilities that is now used by both locals and visitors. 

Winning this award meant that Council was then a participant for a National Award 

in the same category of the Australian Clean Beach Challenge, with the winners 

being announced in Brisbane in April 2006. 

The Australian Clean Beach Challenge was introduced in 2003 as a way of 

recognising the fantastic work local communities undertake to protect and 

maintain Australia’s beautiful beaches. 

Judging takes into account every beach’s geographic, environmental and economic 

circumstances, and assess how efficiently and effectively the community uses the 

resources available to it against a range of criteria. The criteria includes; tidiness 

and litter abatement, visitor friendliness and hospitality, fauna and flora 

management activities, community interaction, youth activities, resource 

conservation and waste management and local government leadership. 

The Port Augusta City Council was successful in being awarded the National 

Australia’s Clean Beach Award for the Port Augusta Eastside Foreshore 

Redevelopment. 317 beaches from the five participating states (Queensland, New 

South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania) took part in the Beach 

Challenge. 

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Council also won the Local Government category of the KESAB Tidy Towns Award 

Murray Care Award for its foresight and innovation to reduce the City’s reliance on 

River Murray Water. The project undertaken by Council in achieving this Award 

was for the Waste Water Treatment Plant, sub-surface irrigation systems and tap 

timers installed in parklands. 

A number of KESAB commendations were also awarded to Council for: 

a) Stirling North Garden Cemetery 

b) Gladstone Square 

c) Council’s Outside Works Program 

d) Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden 

e) Wadlata Outback Centre; and 

f) Off Centre Work Gang who do work for Council. 

6.7 COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS TO COUNCIL 

The Port Augusta City Council receives numerous donations on an annual basis 

from individuals and community organisations who support the various 

programs that are run by Council, for the benefit of the Community. All 

donations are greatly appreciated, and although the donations are too 

numerous to list, Council acknowledges the community’s support to the various 

programs each year. 

- 111 -

Annual Report 2005/2006 - Port Augusta - SA.Gov.au

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