Pittwater Council Annual Report - Pittwater Council - NSW ...

Leading an Effective and Collaborative CouncilPittwater 2020, Pittwater’s first strategic planDeveloped with the Pittwater community over two years beginning in 2006, the Strategywas adopted by Council in 2008. Pittwater 2020 is the Council’s first strategic plan, witha vision of Pittwater that is ‘…a vibrant sustainable community of connected villagesinspired by bush, beach and water.’ Pittwater 2020 underpins the Council’s operationsthrough five key directions, with an overarching theme of sustainability.Management Plan & organisational realignmentDuring 2008 the organisation’s structure was realigned to match the desired outcomesof Pittwater 2020. In 2009 the Management Plan for 2009-2013 was also revised, tobring the Council’s operations into line with strategic outcomes. Quarterly reporting andannual budgeting have been refined to integrate fully with both the Management Planand Pittwater 2020.Long-term financial strategy (LTFS)Prepared in 2009, the draft LTFS is a 20-year model to assess the financial sustainabilityof the Council by forecasting its operating and capital positions, cash and infrastructureasset base based on a range of scenarios. Once adopted, the LTFS will provide robustinformation to drive the goals of Pittwater 2020.Councillor intranetA Councillor intranet was introduced in October 2008. The intranet is a repository ofinformation for Councillors, including a calendar of meetings, information on motions,rescission motions, delegations and pecuniary interests, links to other relevant websites,plus direct access to business papers and minutes and the policy register. Councillors arealso able to lodge a request to staff via the intranet.Asset Management StrategyThe Council prepared a draft asset management strategy in June 2009. The strategy forecastsmaintenance and renewal needs for all public assets, including drainage, roads, reserves andbuildings. The strategy will be advertised for public comment later this year.Integrated web-based reporting & budgetQuarterly management plan reporting and the annual budget was integrated through an online portalduring 2008. As a result the budget and reports are fully aligned to Pittwater 2020, enabling staff tocomplete online performance reports and accurately track outcomes.Workforce planning strategyBetween 2008 and 2009 the Council developed a strategy to address succession planning, skill gapsand trends in the local labour market. The strategy focuses on innovative recruitment techniques,knowledge management and training for relevant staff.Pittwater aspiring leaders programIn 2008 the Council created a 26-week Women In Leadership program for female managementcandidates, of which 16 completed the course. In 2009 the Council hosted a Pittwater AspiringLeaders course for both men and women which will be completed in October.Other highlights in 2008-2009• Freedom of Information & Section 12 legislation training for customer and records staff.• Introduction of e-tendering and sustainable purchasing practices.• Full review of Customer Service & Records sections for a more professional focus.• Relaunch of the quartlerly residents newsletter “The Pittwater Report”.• Online events calendar for community groups and online customer request form introduced.65