Annual Report 07/08 - Lithgow City Council

Lithgow City CouncilAnnual Report2007/2008

ContentsIntroduction by the General Manager 3Summary Principal Activity AchievementsSummary Financial Position 7Principal Activity Achievements 13Community 13Transport 20Employment 23Heritage 26Education 27Health 30Environment 33Arts and Culture 38Youth 40Growth 41Governance and Administration Services 42Statements Against Reporting Requirements 51Appendix A 65Appendix BAppendix CFinancial Statements and Auditors ReportPayment of Expenses and Provision ofFacilities to Councillors PolicyCompetitive Neutrality Policy4________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 1

The Lithgow City Council Annual Report was tabled at the Ordinary Meeting of Councilon the 18 November 2008.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 2

Message from the General ManagerRoger BaileyIn recent years Lithgow Council has undertaken some major reform of its managementplanning processes as well as the organisation. Through this process Council has identified itsVision for the City to be:A centre of Regional excellence that:• Encourages community growth and development• Contributes to the efficient and effective management of the environment,community and economy for present and future generations.The Vision was developed in collaboration with the community. This laid the foundation for thedevelopment of vision statements for the Principal Activities of Council.Through its Management Plan, Council ensures that the organisation stays on track to deliverthe annual program, is publicly accountable, and continues to provide services andinfrastructure to the community.During the year the Department of Local Government issued its report on its Better PracticeReview Program for Lithgow City Council. The Program recognised that the Council was anorganisation in transition. This transition has continued during the year with the resultsshowing benefits for the Council and for the community.The Review Report also recognised that “The Council faces significant challenges in respect toits financial position.” The Council, through hard work, has continued to improve its financialposition with another favourable financial outcome for the year. Council is now moving to aposition to provide for future needs and improvements within the Council area.Long-term asset management needs to become a high priority for the Council. To becomeproactive in the way in which the assets are managed the Council needs to develop an assetmanagement policy, strategy and asset management plans for each asset class. This needs tobe integrated with the longer-term financial plan to ensure that the asset management plansfit within the Council budget or that any shortfalls can be identified and solutions sought.This annual report outlines the Council's achievements of the performance targets set in the2007/08 – 2009/10 Management Plan for the 2007/08 financial year and provides financialstatements of income and expenditure for the year as required under the Local GovernmentAct 1993 and Local Government (General) Regulations 2005.Acknowledgement must go to the former General Manager Mr Paul Anderson who resignedfrom the Lithgow City Council on the 20 June 2008 to take up the position of General Managerwith Eurobadalla City Council. Mr Anderson was instrumental in the development andimplementation of activities for the 2008/09 financial year. Mr Anderson was replaced by aninterim General Manager who acted in the position until I commenced on 22 September 2008.Roger BaileyGENERAL MANAGER________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 3

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Summary Principal Activities AchievementsSummary Principal Activities AchievementsThe following provides a summary of achievements in terms of the key performance indicatorsfrom the Management Plan 2007/08 – 2009/10 for the period of 2007/2008.Community• Extensive consultation took place with the community as part of the development of asubmission for a special rate variation for the indoor aquatic centre.• Plans for the construction of new toilet facilities at Cullen Bullen were developed.• Consultations took place for the development of a Crime Prevention Plan.• Preparation of a brief and tendering for a comprehensive Lithgow Local EnvironmentalPlan was completed.• The Portland Swimming Pool was relined.• Provision of disabled access and concourse replacement to the Lithgow Swimming Poolwas completed.Transport• Major road improvement works were completed to Wolgan Road, Dark Corner Road,Glen Davis Road, Sodwalls/Tarana Road, Range Road and Sandford Avenue.• Guard rail improvements to McKanes Falls Road were provided.• The Mayor and General Manager participated in the Bells Line Expressway Groupwhich aims to make the Bells Line M2 Extension a reality.• Council joined forces with Mid-Western Regional Council to provide a road safetyprogram with the employment of a Road Safety Officer.Employment• Council's new corporate structure was completed.• Regular meetings were held with the Lithgow Business Association and the Future ofLithgow group to identify options for economic development.Heritage• Site stabilisation works at the Blast Furnace continued.• The Heritage Study was all but completed with a major focus on matters for thecomprehensive Lithgow Local Environmental Plan incorporating the former Lithgow,Rylstone and Evans heritage studies as appropriate.Education• A donation was provided to each local school for their annual awards presentation.• The Lithgow Forum as a quarterly exchange of ideas on areas of topical interest wascommenced at the Lithgow Library.• Staff exchanges and inter-library co-operation with Mudgee, Oberon, Bathurst, andBlue Mountains Libraries took place.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 5

Summary Principal Activities AchievementsHealth• The Healthy Local Government Grant Projects for Bowenfels and Lake Pillans wascompleted.• Planning for a new drinking water reservoir and associated reticulation system atSouth Bowenfels commenced.• Council’s responsibilities with regard to food premises inspections, including educationwas reviewed.Environment• The River Lett Improvement Grant Program was completed and resulted in on theground improvements to Hartley Reserve, Hyde Park and Londonderry Reserves.Improvements to Hassans Walls Reserve will take place in 2008/09.• Council continued to provide an Alternate Fuel Rebate Program to residents in theurban areas of Lithgow, Lidsdale, Portland and Wallerawang who replace their coalheaters with a cleaner alternative such as electricity or gas.• Mobile phone recycling with drop-off points at each local library was implemented.• Onsite Wastewater Management Strategy, including education and inspections wasimplemented.• Trade Waste program including inspections, approvals and education wasimplemented.• Planning commenced for the introduction of a program for the closure of existinggarbage depots, the upgrade and/or establishment of waste transfer stations and thedesign and construction of the Blackmans Flat Waste Management Facility.• Planning commenced for the construction of stage 2 augmentation of the LithgowSewage Treatment Plant to produce a better quality of effluent discharge into FarmersCreek.• Stage 2 flood mitigation works to Farmers Creek was commenced.• A financial contribution was provided to the Upper Macquarie County Council forweeds management.Arts and Culture• Consultation took place with the community for a cultural plan.• Financial contribution was provided to the board of Arts Out West.• Donations and sponsorship were provided to community groups and organisations.• Visitation increased by 43% at Eskbank House & Museum for the 2007/08 financialyear.• Australia Day Festivities at Eskbank House & Museum were conducted and assistancewas provided with promotion of festivities throughout the Local Government Area.• Regular exhibitions were provided of:- Council Art Works- Waste to Art- ‘Roses from the Heart’ – An exhibition by the Lithgow & District Family HistorySociety- ‘Backyard Frontline – Australia Under Attack’ - Travelling Exhibition from theAustralian War Memorial at Eskbank House & Museum throughout the yearYouth• Funding was provided for Youth Council and youth week activities.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 6

Summary Principal Activities AchievementsGrowth• Advertising for auction of Cary Gardens dwelling allotments took place in June 2008.Governance and Administration Services• Council staff participated in activities of the Central Tablelands Alliance.• A long term financial plan and strategies to improve Council's current financial ratioswas prepared.• Operational plans for each Division were prepared.• Reports were provided to Council and the community on management planachievements every quarter.• The 2008/09 – 2010/11 Management Plan which is fully integrated with the StrategicPlan, Social Plan and other key documents was prepared and adopted by the Councilon 10 June 2008.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 7

Summary Financial PositionSummary of Financial Position2007/08 General Purpose Financial Reports – OverviewNet Operating ResultCouncil's final result for the 2007/008 financial year, including capital income andcontributions, is a surplus of $4,859,000 (2006/07 surplus of $3,347,000). Total assetsheld are valued at $237,265,000 and liabilities at $18,607,000, resulting in a total equityof $218,658,000.Net Operating Result Before Capital Grants & ContributionsThe 2007/08 operating result, before abnormal and capital items, is a surplus of $676,000(2006/07 surplus of $162,000)Capital grants and contributions of $4,183,000 contributed to the result and aresummarised as follows:• Capital grants and contributions in summary:Lithgow STP Augmentation $134,000Wolgan Rd: Emirates, State & Fed $1,650,000Forests NSW Dark Corner $380,330Roads to Recovery $24,000Croquet Club $16,000SES Vehicles (2008/09) 70,000Flood Mitigation $312,000Sec 94 & Planning Agreements $591,000Headwork Contributions $578,000• Acquisitions or improvements to assets of $8,881,000 and a summary of the largeritems follows:Plant $2,130,000Road & Ancillary Works $3,632,000Drainage (Inc Flood Works) $595,000Sewerage Infrastructure $1,023,000Water Infrastructure $983,000Buildings $199,000Other Structures $227,000• Sale of plant assets for $754,000 cash, and write off of the book value of those assetsof $621,000 to produce a nett profit of $133,000.• Operating revenues increased by $2,656,000 to $30,269,000 compared to the2006/07 result of $27,613,000 (includes capital grants and contributions of$4,183,000)________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 8

Summary Financial PositionRevenue comparatives:FINANCIAL YEARVALUE2007/08 $30,269,0002006/07 $27,613,0002005/06 $24,871,0002004/05 $21,518,0002003/04 $23,580,0002002/03 $20,390,0002001/02 $18,024,000• Operating expenditure increased by $1,144,000 to $25,410,000 and comparedfavourably with the 2006/07 result of $24,266,000Expenditure comparatives:FINANCIAL YEARVALUE2007/08 $25,410,0002006/07 $24,266,0002005/06 $23,912,0002004/05$24,767,000(Adjusted AIFRS*)2003/04 $23,668,0002002/03 $22,168,0002001/02 $21,841,000* Australian International Financial Reporting StandardsDepreciationCouncil's assets have been depreciated by $4,240,000 for the 2007/08 financial year.Building and infrastructure assets have depreciated by $3,070,000 which is favourable incomparison to infrastructure assets improvements of $5,233,000, equivalent to an assetrenewal percentage of 170.46% and disclosed on Note 13.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 9

Summary Financial PositionInvestmentsLoansCouncil's cash and investment portfolio decreased in 2007/08 by $785,000 to $14,929,000and generated interest of $1,137,000. In comparison the 2006/07 investment portfoliowas $15,714,000 with interest of $778,000.Investment comparatives:FINANCIAL YEARVALUE2007/08 $14,929,0002006/07 $15,714,0002005/06 $10,091,0002004/05 $11,154,0002003/04 $10,222,0002002/03 $8,714,0002001/02 $7,813,0002000/01 $6,957,000For 2007/08 end of year financial reporting purposes the Commonwealth Bank of Australia(CBA), has advised that the structure of a $500,000 Ethical Note purchased by Council on06 November 2006, and which will mature on 06 November 2011, is exposed to thecurrent Collateralised Debt Obligations (CDO) market. The effect of this is that theprincipal value of the note is .44c in the dollar of its original value and Council has acurrent book value of $220,000. This entry has been adjusted and reported in the2007/08 General Purpose Financial Reports and as per Department of Local GovernmentInvestment Order of 31 July 2008 it will be held until maturity and adjusted annually asthe future economic climate dictates.The nature of this product requires Council to report and adjust the written down value asat 30 June 2008.Principal amounts outstanding on loans at the end of the year were $6,386,000 withrepayments during the year of $412,000. As per Council resolution no loans were drawndown in the 2007/08 financial year.Cash and ReservesNote 6 of the General Purpose Financial Reports, discloses cash and investments of$14,929,000 (2006/07 $15,714,000).Externally restricted assets $9,915,000Internally restricted assets $3,361,000Unrestricted cash $1,653,000________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 10

Summary Financial PositionFinancial RatiosIn summary the ratios reveal:‣ Unrestricted Current Ratio:Current Assets$7,467,000 2.57:1 2006/07 3.17:1(Less Ext Rest)Current Liabilities $2,901,000‣ Debt Service Ratio:Debt Service Cost $831,000 3.41% 2006/07 2.79%Current Liabilities $24,393,000‣ Rate Coverage Ratio:Rates & Annual Charges $15,735,000 51.98% 2006/07 54.96%Current Liabilities $30,269,000‣ Rates & Annual Charges outstanding percentage:Rates & Annual Charges$1,235,000 7.18% 2006/07 8.24%O/SCurrent Liabilities $17,210,000Valuation of Assets to Fair ValueDepartment of Local Government Circular 06-75 required Council to report on therevaluation of the following classifications of non current assets to ‘fair value':• 2006/07 - Water and Wastewater: Completed• 2007/08 - Plant and Equipment: Completed• 2007/08 - Buildings and Operational Land: Completed (Community Land to Fair Valuehas been deferred at this stage)The revaluation of assets to fair value in 2007/08 applies to the entire class of plant andequipment, buildings and operational land carried in the asset register. The valuecomprises the revaluated amount less accumulated depreciation and accumulatedimpairment costs.For 2007/08 the revaluation of plant and equipment, operational land and buildings sawthe recognition of $25,665,000 in an Asset Revaluation Reserve.To ensure compliance with Department of Local Government requirements Councilcontracted the services of two licenced valuers, one to revalue operational land and theother to revalue buildings. Both completed an onsite inspection at all locations andconsidered the following criteria:________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 11

Summary Financial PositionLandOperational land was considered at fair value after identifying all elements that would betaken into account by buyers and sellers in setting the price including but not limited to:• the land's description, area and / or dimensions,• planning and other constraints on development, and• the potential for alternative useBuildingsBuildings (non-specialised and specialised) consist of separately identifiable componentsthat have different useful lives into depreciable components as follows:• the roof,• fire services such as sprinkler systems• transportation services such as lifts and escalators• mechanical services such as air conditioning, hot water systems• floor coverings such as carpets, tiles etc• the 'structural shell' of the buildingComplianceThe following information is in regard to Council's compliance with the Local GovernmentAct 1993:• Council's financial reports were prepared and audited within 4 months after the endof the reporting year.• As per Sec 428 (2) (a) the audited financial reports are included in Council's AnnualReport.• Public meeting to be held 18 November 2008, as per Sec 418 and submissions fromthe public sought• Copies of Council's audited financial reports together with the auditors report areavailable for inspection at Councils Administration centre, all Libraries and on thewebsite at www.council.lithgow.com________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 12

Principal Activity Achievements1. CommunityStatement of intent for principal activityWe retain, respect and strengthen both our overall sense of community, and the unique linkedcommunities of groups, rural areas, villages and towns that make up the Lithgow LGA.2007/08 Program of Works – CommunityObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsCompanion AnimalsTo provide for theeffective and responsiblecare and management ofcompanion animals.Maintain animal control inaccordance with legislation andpolicy.Maintain the Lithgow Pound.No. ofanimalsimpoundedNo.animalsreturned toownersNo.animalsdestroyedNo.animalssold2006/07 2007/08268 265107 158136 15716 48Feeding and exercising of impoundedanimals and cleaning of the poundkennels was undertaken daily.To provide a respectfulcemetery service.To maintain clean andsafe community buildingsin a cost effectivemanner.To foster communityengagement with theimplementation ofparticipatory practices.CemeteriesMaintain and operate cemeteries No complaints were received in theat:2007/08 financial year about• CaperteeCouncil’s cemetery service.• Cullen Bullen• Dark Corner• Glen Alice• Hartley• Lithgow (3 cemeteries)• Lowther• Meadow Flat• Palmers Oakey• Portland• Rydal• Wallerawang.Community Buildings and StructuresClean and maintain communitybuildings and structures.Community InformationDevelop and implement acommunity engagementprocedure.All buildings were cleaned inaccordance with the currentschedule.Community Consultation wasundertaken for the proposed indoorAquatic Centre, Council’sManagement Plan, Cultural Plan and________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 13

Principal Activity AchievementsTo disseminate conciseand effective informationto the community aboutCouncil's programs,policies and activities.To provide informationabout community activitiesand facilities.To provide access totelevision.To support the activities ofcommunity groups andorganisations.Survey the Resident FeedbackRegister regarding theeffectiveness of Council's currentinformation disseminationpractices.Develop and implement a publicrelations policy.Produce and deliver to residentsCouncil Connection Newsletters.Provide information throughCouncil's and the Mayor's Columnin the Lithgow Mercury.Produce media releases.Provide information through theMayor's radio spot on 2LT.Redesign the website to improveaccess to information.Provide community information onthe notice board in Cook StreetPlaza.Maintain the Federally fundedblackspot television transmissionequipment.Community SupportParticipate in approvedcommunity groups and activities.Prepare policy guidelines forCouncil's Financial AssistanceProgram.Provide and promote Council'sFinancial Assistance Program.Crime Prevention Plan during2007/08.A survey was carried out using theResident Feedback Register.This activity was not achieved during2007/08 and has been rescheduledfor 2008/09 financial year.Five editions of Council Connectionswere prepared and delivered during2007/08.48 Council and 16 Mayor’s Columnswere printed in the Lithgow Mercuryduring 2007/08.An average of 48.75% of mediareleases were published.48 radio segments were recordedduring 2007/08.This activity was not achieved during2007/08 and has been rescheduledfor 2008/09 financial year.The community notice board wasremoved and relocated during200708. Council staff updated thenotices on a weekly basis for amajority of the year.Maintenance payments were madeand complaints were referred to thecontractor within 2 days.The following meetings and activitieswere attended during 2007/08:• 2 meetings of the LithgowCommunity Projects• 2 meetings of the LithgowInformation and NeighbourhoodCentre• 2 meeting of the Police andCitizens Youth Club• 2 meetings of Uniting Care• Launch of the Active CommunityProject at Lake Pillans• Active Bowenfels workshop• Community Services Interagencymeeting• Multicultural meeting at TAFE• Opening for Galloping GumnutCouncil developed and adopted aFinancial Assistance Program Policyduring 2007/08.Applications for financial assistancewere called, received and collated forthe Draft Management Plan 2008/09– 2010/11.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 14

Principal Activity AchievementsTo promote a safecommunity.To provide an effectiveand efficient customerservice.Provide advice and assistance tonot-for-profit community groupsand organisations in identifyingappropriate funding sources andpreparing grant applications.Provide a LGA clean up service topublic areas on behalf of the TidyTowns Committees.Provide support for specialcommunity events.Crime PreventionMaintain street lighting.Participate in the Police ActionCommunity Team forum and theLithgow Correctional CentreCommunity ConsultativeCommittee.Participate in the Local LiquorAccord.Remove graffiti from public places,update Council's graffiti registerand liaise with Police.Customer ServiceOperate the one stop customerservice counter including:• works requests• bookings for communityfacilities• cashiering• certificate production• customer enquiries• daily mail and accounts• maintaining registers• registration ofdevelopment applications,construction certificatesand complyingdevelopment applications.Provide responses tocorrespondence.Councillors received information onthe requests for donations and a listof successful recipients wereincorporated into the DraftManagement Plan 2008/09 –2010/11.20 groups were assisted with fundingapplications and a grant writingworkshop was conducted during2007/08.14 grant applications were submittedfor Council to consider throughoutthe year.One clean up service was conductedthroughout the LGA.In addition to grants, in-kind supportwas provided to Lithgow ShowSociety, Ironfest, Celebrate Lithgowand other local events.No maintenance requests werereceived.One meeting of the Police ActionCommunity Team Forum and 4meetings of the Lithgow CorrectionalCentre Community ConsultativeCommittee were attended.A number of meetings throughoutthe year were attended by Councilstaff.All graffiti on public places underCouncil’s ownership was removedwithin five working days.No complaints were receivedregarding the service.5269 were received135 bookings including halls andstreet stallsAll cashiering completed daily andbalanced2489 certificates issuedPeriod fluctuated in relation to thequantity, those periods of arrears,water restrictions etcThe daily mail and monthly accountswere all completed on time.Animal registry is now completely upto date and all other registers are upto date378 applications received andregisteredAll correspondence was completedwithin 7 days by staff.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 15

Principal Activity AchievementsTo plan and assist foremergencies.To undertake privateworks.To provide qualityrecreational facilities forthe community.To provide a forum forsporting groups to discussmatters relating to localsport.To provide equipment toassist in healthy livingEmergency ServicesParticipate in emergency servicescommittees including the BushfireAdvisory Committee and the LocalEmergency ManagementCommittee in accordance with theirterms of reference.Contribute towards the NSW FireBrigade Service.Provide annual and discretionarycontributions to the NSW Rural FireService and fulfil responsibilitiesunder the Memorandum ofUnderstanding.Private WorksTo provide quotations and/orundertake private works.Recreation FacilitiesMaintain gardens, parks, reserves,street trees and other publicspaces.Manage and prepare playing fieldsincluding:• Conran Oval• Glanmire Oval• Kremer Park• Marjorie Jackson Oval• Tony LuchetiiSportsground• Wallerawang Oval• Watsford Oval.Operate the Lithgow SwimmingPool.Maintain the Lithgow Golf Course.Review all Council owned land andprepare community lands plans ofmanagement.Organise the Sports AdvisoryCommittee meetings in accordancewith the terms of reference.Installation of exercise equipmentat Lake Pillans as part of an ActiveLithgow grant.The following meetings wereattended in 2007/08:• 3 meetings of the LithgowVolunteer Bush Fire AdvisoryCommittee• Lithgow District LiaisonCommittee• 2 meetings of the LocalEmergency ManagementCommittee• Lithgow District Bush FireManagement Committee• 2 meetings of the CombinedBrigades2007/08 $107,9362007/08 $202,750A 20% profit margin is listed in theFees and Charges and is beingchanged accordingly unless the workis for a charity or not for profitorganisation.Recreation facilities were maintainedeffectively and requests wereresponded to in a timely manner.All playing fields were available foruse, except during exceptional wetweather periods.The Lithgow Swimming Pool openedon 29 September 2007 and recorded31,842 visitors. The pool closed forthe winter period on 30 March 2008.The course was open each week in apresentable condition.Community Land Plans ofManagement will be completed in2008/09.11 meetings of the Sports AdvisoryCommittee were arranged andattended by Council Staff during2007/08.Exercise equipment was installed atLake Pillans.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 16

Principal Activity AchievementsTo implement the SocialPlan 2006-2011.To identify premises.Social PlanReview the profiles within theSocial Plan 2006-2011 in light ofthe Census 2006 data.Consider Social Plan actions in thedraft Management Plan 2008/09 –2010/11.Street NumberingTo provide street and ruralnumbers to premises upon requestand at subdivision stage.The activity was commenced and isscheduled for completion in 2008/09.Social Plan actions have beenidentified in the Management Plan2008/09 – 2010/11.Street numbers have been issuedduring 2007/08 for all subdivisionsand upon request.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – CommunityCapital Work or InitiativesQuarterly AchievementsCommunity Buildings and StructuresConstruct new or replace public toilet facilities at Cullen Bullen Commenced in 2007/08Improvements to Littleton HallCommenced, further investigationscarried forward.Provide additional chairs for community buildingsCompletedProvide disabled access and toilet facilities to Hermitage Hall Commenced but not completed asat 30 June 2008.Upgrade toilet facilities at the Civic Ballroom (subject to grantfunding)Carried over with additional fundsto 2008/2009SES building works Carried forward to 2008/2009Crime PreventionProvide additional CCTV cameras in Main Street, LithgowCompletedDevelop a crime prevention planConsultations undertaken with planto be completed in 2008/09Disability AccessDevelop a disability access plan Carried forward to 2008/09CemeteriesNew columbarium for Lithgow CemeteryCompletedProvide lawn beams at Lithgow Cemetery Carried over to 2008/2009PlanningStrategic planning program:Assessment of community and operational landCompletedBiodiversity strategy (subject to grant funding)Not commenced subject to grantfunding.Economic and retail strategies Carried forward to 2008/09Completion of the outstanding issues for theMarrangaroo Local Environmental StudyPopulation modellingTo be considered in developmentof Council’s Local EnvironmentalPlan in 2008/09To be considered in developmentof Council’s Local EnvironmentalPlan in 2008/09Preparation of the Land Use Strategy Tender advertised 24/06/08Preparation of the comprehensive Lithgow LocalTender advertised 24/06/08Environmental Plan________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 17

Principal Activity AchievementsPreparation of development contributions plansCommenced and will be finalised in2008/09Preparation of new development control plansCommenced and will be finalised inline with new Local EnvironmentalPlanRadio BroadcastingProvision of SBS FM radio service to the LGA Carried out to 2008/09Recreation FacilitiesCamp site improvements to Lake LyellCompletedContribution towards the Lake Lyell CaretakerCompletedLithgow Swimming Pool:Remove and replace trees Carried over to 2008/2009Provide irrigation system to the Lithgow Golf Course (subject togrant funding)Portland Swimming Pool refurbishment (financed by loan)Top dress Kremer Park, Marjorie Jackson and Wallerawangsporting fieldsUpgrade the croquet club houseCarried over to 2008/2009 toenable additional grant fundingCompletedCompletedCompleted to the extent of budgetallocation additional works stillrequiredCompletedUpgrade overhead electrical installations at Kremer ParkUpgrade play equipment and seating at Andrew Street Park Rescheduled for 2008/09Hermitage Oval investigation Carried over to 2008/09Seating improvements to the Ashley Grandstand Carried over to 2008/09Installation of barbeques in parksBarbeques procured. However,sites proposed for installation arebeing reviewedStreet TreesProvide street trees in towns and villagesCompletedRemove and replace street trees in Main Street, Wallerawang CompetedTelevision BroadcastingProvision of SBS television to Hartley Carried over to 2008/09________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 18

Principal Activity Achievements2007/08 Donations – CommunityDonationsAboriginal and Torres Strait Islander brochureAir League celebrationsContribution to the Lithgow ShowDads and kids day activitiesDomestic Violence Liaison Committee supportFamily friendly community initiativesFamily fun day activitiesLifeline contributionNAIDOC week activitiesPersonal development courses at Bowenfels CottageProduction of the multi-cultural newsletterSenior citizens week activitiesSupport to the Josephite FoundationRental Assistance to the Lithgow Information and NeighbourhoodCentreAnnual training camp for the Western Region Academy of SportWhite ribbon day activitiesLithgow SESPortland SESLithgow, Portland, Wallerawang and Cullen Bullen Tidy TownsCommitteesCullen Bullen Progress Hall general rateFirst Australian Muzzleloading Gun Rifle and Pistol Club's generalrateLithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre's DisabilityService discosLithgow Poultry Club's Annual All Breed ShowGeneral rates for the Country Women’s Association of NSWPayment of account for the removal of rubbish from the Lithgowand District Community NurseryGarden improvements to the Capertee Memorial HallCapertee's Blue Light UnitDevelopment application and construction certificate fee for theproposed rotunda at Saville ParkPortland Swimming AssociationGreater Lithgow Region DiaryKidney Health Kar RallyPortland District Motor Sport Club sponsorshipRydal Show Society sponsorshipState Mine Railway for the difference between residential andbusiness ratesQuarterly PaymentsCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedWallerawang completed.CompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 19

Principal Activity Achievements2. TransportStatement of intent for principal activityProviding a choice of effective public and private transport options for those who live, workand visit our community.2007/08 Program of Works – TransportObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsAbandoned ArticlesTo improve safety andamenity of theneighbourhood.To lobby for improvedaccess to and from Sydneyover the Blue Mountains.To provide plant andequipment to undertakeworks.Impound abandoned articles andvehicles from public places.Bells Line and M2 ExtensionParticipate in the Bells LineExpressway Group.Council Plant and EquipmentMaintain Council's fleet of plant andequipment.Parking EnforcementThe Impounding Act wascomplied with in relation to theimpounding of 18 vehicles and 1forklift during 2007/08.Meetings were attended andlobbying at State and Federallevels was undertaken. A $20Melection promise was made forthe Bells Line and M2 Extension.Plant serviced in accordance withmanufacturer’s recommendationsand repairs conducted in a timelyand efficient manner.To provide available parkingfor residents and visitors.To provide a forum forcommunity and governmentauthorities to discuss issuesrelating to local traffic.To improve access to publictransport in the LGA.To provide safe and servicedroads within the LGA.To develop and deliver theroad safety message.Conduct on street parkingenforcement in the CentralBusiness District of Lithgow.Transport GroupsOrganise the Traffic Authority LocalCommittee in accordance with theterms of reference.Participate in Transport WorkingParty forum.Roads and Associated InfrastructureMaintain roads, bridges, footpaths,cycleways, drainage, roadsidevegetation, carparks and kerb andguttering.Clean footpaths and streets inLithgow, Portland andWallerawang.Maintain traffic signs and otherassociated furnishings.Road Safety ProgramTo host the Roads Safety Officerfor Lithgow and Mid-WesternRegional Councils.178 patrols were undertakenduring 2007/08.5 meetings of the TrafficAuthority Local Committee wereorganised and attended byCouncil staff in 2007/08.3 meetings of the TransportWorking Party forum wereattended by Council staff in2007/08.Maintenance was carried outwithin budget to an acceptablestandard.Footpath and street cleaningundertaken within budget to anacceptable standard.Traffic facilities renewed andmaintained within budget.The Road Safety Officercommenced duties at Council inJuly 2007 and has continued to________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 20

Principal Activity AchievementsDevelop and implement road safetystrategic and actions plans.implement the Road SafetyProgram throughout the LGA.The 2007/08 Road Safety ActionPlan was implemented andcompleted.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – TransportCapital Work or InitiativesQuarterly AchievementsRoad and Associated InfrastructureDrainage improvements to roads:Arden/Macauley Streets, LithgowCompletedBayonet Street/Curtin Place, LithgowCarried over to 2008/2009 dueto extraordinary works programMarsden Swamp Road CulvertCarried over to 2008/2009 dueto extraordinary works programRydal streetsCompleted in the first quarter.Kerb and gutter at:Cook Street, Main Road 531 and Railway Avenue, Portland CompletedLime Street, PortlandCompletedAuslink Strategic Road Program upgrade to Wolgan RoadStage 1 CompletedContinuation of upgrade works to Dark Corner RoadConstruction CommencedResealing of streets and lanes:Jamison Street, PortlandCarried over to 2008/2009 dueto extraordinary works programLane Street/Lyon Parade, WallerawangCompletedSandford Avenue, Lithgow (Coalbrook to Tank Streets) CompletedUndertake assessment of lanes to determine priorities and Completedcommence implementation with Clwydd Street Lane,LithgowRoads to Recovery Program including upgrades to:Sodwalls/Tarana Road Carried over to 2008/2009 –Roads to RecoveryWallerawang/Rydal RoadCompletedWolgan Road Carried over to 2008/2009Mills Street FootbridgeDesign completed works carriedover to 2009/10Undertake assessment of roads to determine projects CompletedRTA Blackspot Improvements to Sodwalls/Tarana RoadCompletedRTA Regional Roads Construction to Range RoadCompletedRTA Regional Roads Repairs to Range RoadCompletedRTA Traffic Facilities guard rail improvements to McKanes Falls Road CompletedUndertake assessment of bridges to determine priorities and Completedcommence implementation.Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Scheme:Taxi rank upgrade, Eskbank Street, Lithgow Carried over to 2008/2009Installation of new bus shelters and signageCommenced but not completedConstruct roundabout in Lithgow Street/Kirkland Link, Lithgow Deferred due to impact ondesign by proposed works toValley Shopping Centre. Carriedover to 2008/2009________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 21

Principal Activity AchievementsUpgrade Jerry Meadows Road, SodwallsPurchase and sell vehicles and plantUndertake road safety projectsPrepare pedestrian access mobility planPlantRoad SafetyCompletedCompleted7 programs completedScheduled for 2008-2009 byRoad Safety Officer________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 22

Principal Activity Achievements3. EmploymentStatement of intent for principal activityDeveloping and embracing diverse job opportunities for all ages and abilities.2007/08 Program of Works – EmploymentObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsEconomic DevelopmentTo facilitate economicdevelopment in the LGA.To foster tourism in theLGA through promotionalactivities.Continue to work with thecommunity to generate economicdevelopment in the LGA.Provide an advisory service tobusiness and industry regardingthe LGA.Provide opportunities for businessthrough the leasing of Councilowned retail and office space.Regularly meet with the LithgowBusiness Association.TourismOperate the Lithgow VisitorInformation Centre including theprovision of tourism marketingservices such as:• Tourism AmbassadorProgram• 'What's in your Backyard'campaign• Support of local tourismevents including Ironfest,Daffodils at Rydal,Hartley's Big Backyard,Celebrate Lithgow andother events assupported by Council.Meetings were participated in asrequired.Preliminary advice was provided on anumber of occasions.85% of Council properties with theproperty agent were leased during2007/08.Meetings of the Lithgow BusinessAssociation were attended.No. visitedVisitorsInformationCentre47,235 peoplevisited the LithgowVisitor InformationCentre during2007/08Month Visitors who bookedaccommodationthrough the VICduring 2007/08Total accommodationbookedJuly 07 $6,950.50Aug 07 $5,030.00Sept 07 $5,847.50Oct 07 $13,068.00Nov 07 $4,642.00Dec 07 $2,781.00Jan 08 $5,005.00Feb 08 $3,356.00Mar 08 $8,074.00April 08 $10,447.00May 08 $7,227.00June 08 $6,541.00Value of retailsales 2007/08$47,075.77________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 23

Principal Activity AchievementsOperatormembershipof LithgowTourism2006/07 2007/0864 65To provide a forum fortourism operators todiscuss matters relating tolocal tourism.To promote filming in theLGA.Undertake assessment of existingsignage to determine priorities forupgrade program and commenceimplementation.Investigate the feasibility of anonline booking system.Organise the Tourism AdvisoryCommittee meetings inaccordance with the terms ofreference.Participate in the activities ofCENTROC's Film Central.Interpretive signage was installed atthe Lithgow Visitor InformationCentre for the Greater Blue MountainsWorld Heritage Drive.Design of town entrance signs forLithgow has commenced.Feasibility investigations wereundertaken and a merchant numberis being investigated to allow foronline transactions.5 meetings of the Tourism AdvisoryCommittee were organised andattended by Council staff during2007/08.• Meetings of CENTROC’s FilmCentral were attended during2007/08.• Various locations throughout theLGA featured in 5 separateproductions for national andinternational exposure.• Participation in numerousteleconferences was undertaken.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – EmploymentCapital Work or InitiativesCouncil EmploymentCouncil to complete the implementation of the new corporatestructure.Land DevelopmentGroundwater monitoring of the former gasworks siteTourismAdding iconic images of the LGA to the photographic libraryAdvertising and promotion of the LGA in a range of media suchas television, magazines, maps etcQuarterly AchievementsCompletedConsultant engagedUnderwayDuring 2007/08 advertising wascarried out in the followingpublications:• Blue Mountains “I” magazine• Blue Mountains Life• Blue Mountains Wonderland• Great Outdoors (Channel 7)• Sydney Morning Herald – VisitingJournalist• Discover Blue Mountains and theCentral West• Local media via Press Releasesincluding radio, newspaper andtelevision________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 24

Principal Activity AchievementsAttendance at trade shows promoting the LGADuring 2007/08 Council staffattended the following trade shows:Collaborative partnership strategies across LGAs including touristdrives and activities of the Central Tablelands AllianceImplementation of the Regional Strategy including:Promotion of the Lithgow product in the development ofthe Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage DriveProviding a program of product familiarisation for staffWorking with local tourism operators to facilitate productdevelopment within the attractions sector, including theidentification of grant fundingDevelop authentic indigenous heritage experiences withlocal indigenous groupsMemberships of:Auroa, the Accredited Visitor Information CentreNetworkBlue Mountain Tourism LimitedAustralasian Performing Right Association, music for thevisitor information centre• ATE – Generic marketing of theGreater Blue Mountains WorldHeritage Drive to inbound touristoperators• Rosehill Caravan and CampingConsumer Show• Doctors Conference – Tradedisplay in Lithgow• Science Teachers Conference –Trade display in Sydney• Promotion of Lithgow product toBlue Mountains Tourism LtdOperators – Trade display at ZigZag RailwayDuring 2007/08 Council staffcommenced working with TheTablelands Way Committee todevelop themed stories on theLithgow region. Stories for Lithgowwill focus on the nature element andwill be promoted through TablelandsWay marketing collateral.This activity commenced during2007/08 with the promotion ofLithgow product in the marketplace.UnderwayCouncil staff worked with Zig ZagRailway and continues to completeThe Hospital Train Programme withATDP funding.UnderwayCompleted in the first quarter.Completed in the first quarter.Completed in the first quarter.Development of a planner for international and school operators Planner completed during 2007/08.Provision of tourism signage in the LGAThis activity commenced during2007/08.Badge and lighting the Lithgow Visitors Information Centre Badge fabricated and about to beplaced on building2007/08 Donations – EmploymentDonationsBusiness awards and Celebrate Lithgow sponsorship to theLithgow Business AssociationQuarterly PaymentsCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 25

Principal Activity Achievements4. HeritageStatement of intent for principal activityCelebrating, protecting and sustaining our unique industrial and natural heritage, its culturallandscapes and its built heritage.2007/08 Program of Works – HeritageObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsProvide a heritage advisor program. Council engaged a heritageadvisor during 2007/08.To promote theconservation of the LGA'sheritage.Develop criteria and sponsor thepresentation of the John WellingsHeritage Award.Review the Evans, Lithgow andRylstone heritage studies andcombine to inform thecomprehensive Lithgow LocalEnvironmental Plan.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – HeritageThe criteria for the John WellingsHeritage Award commencedduring 2007/08.Councils Heritage Advisorcommenced reviewing theheritage studies for Evans,Lithgow and Rylstone to formpart of the new Lithgow LocalEnvironmental Plan.Capital Work or InitiativesQuarterly AchievementsSite stabilisation works at Blast Furnace Park Item not actioned during 2007/08and will be reviewed by the newlyappointed heritage advisor.State Mine Old Power Station site worksCompleted.Install interpretive signageCompleted.Local Heritage FundA number of inspections werecarried out by Council’s HeritageAdvisor during 2007/08.2007/08 Donations – HeritageDonationsState Mine Heritage Park and Railway's general rate for theMuseum siteQuarterly PaymentsCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 26

Principal Activity Achievements5. EducationStatement of intent for principal activityProgressing to a “learning city of excellence” with a broad range of formal and non-formaleducation services.2007/08 Program of Works – EducationObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsLearning CityTo provide thecommunity withopportunities todevelop knowledgeand skills throughLearning CityPrograms.Review the Learning CityAction Plan and identifyopportunities to furtherdevelop the LocalGovernment Area as aLearning City.Implement activitiesidentified in the LearningCity Action Plan accordingto priorities.Maintain membership of theAustralian LearningCommunity Network.The Learning City Action Plan was reviewedand a Draft Action Plan was prepared andreported.A large number of activities were achievedduring 2007/08 these included:• Promotion of adult learners week• Expressions of Interest, interviews andappointment of Eskbank House Volunteersundertaken and collections established• New volunteers commenced at theLithgow Library Learning Centre• Homework centre operated at the LithgowLibrary Learning Centre• Environmental Advisory Committeemeetings were held• Staff training was conducted• Landcare and Greecorps undertookenvironmental improvement activities atLake Pillans in association with Council’sActive Community Grant Project.• Lithgow Health Scholarship for aphysiotherapist/radiologist was advertised• Participated in the selection of the AlliedHealth (Paramedic Recipient) Scholarship• Applied in partnership with Sydney WestArea Health Service for the Live Life Wellin Lithgow project which involves theemployment of a health worker in Councilfor a year to implement strategies aimedat promoting healthy behaviour• The Lithgow Forum was held twice at theLithgow Library Learning Centre on waterand energy security and the localenvironment.• Apprentices/trainee positions wereadvertised, interviewed and appointed inthe areas of geographic informationsystems, green keeping, mechanics andplanning• Trainee at the Visitor Information Centrewon the regional award for trainee of theyearCouncil renewed its membership of theAustralian Learning Community Network.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 27

Principal Activity AchievementsOperate the Lithgow LibraryLearning Centre, thePortland, Rydal andWallerawang Libraries andthe technology centre.No. of libraryloansNo. people usinglibrary service(estimate)No. of newmembersNo. children atstory time andactivitiesNo. children athomework centreNo. of bookings:TechnologyCentre (estimate ofpeople)2006/07 2007/0894,164 93,366119,378 123,402597 7151,195 1,767169 17423,903 23,792Meeting Room187200Conduct exhibitions anddisplays in the LithgowLibrary Learning Centre.The following exhibition and displays werestaged at the Lithgow Library Learning Centreduring 2007/08:• Lithgow Woollen Mills exhibition• @ your library displays included:o sport,o treasure,o escape• author displays included:o Di Morrisseyo Tom Claneyo Susan Howatcho Alexander McCall-Smitho Doris Lessingo Matthew Reillyo Victor Canningo James Pattersono Stephen Kingo Virginia Andrewso Phil McCutchano Victor Canningo Dennis Wheatley• Mine subsidence• Noxious Weeds• On the Run exhibition• Disability Arts exhibition• National Parks – Weeds• Roosters• Christmas• Reading superheros• Teddy bear storytime• Holiday fun @ our library• Library lovers @ your library• Smartest card @ your library• Community Health exhibition• Exhibition in association with EskbankHouse & Museum – Backyard wasconducted• Frontline: Australia Under Attack – The________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 28

Principal Activity AchievementsBowenfels Gun Emplacements• Cultural Plan and Crime Prevention PlanComments board and display set up forcommunity input• Tea plates and pots display• Railway display• Health @ our library• Sensational Seniors @ your library• Drug Information @ your library• Staff exchanges and co-operative activitieswith Mudgee and Oberon Libraries.Sharing library resourceswith other communities. 2006/07 2007/08Provide a community andeducation informationservice through events,displays and the LearningShop at the Lithgow LibraryLearning Centre and thePortland, Rydal andWallerawang Libraries.No. of InterlibraryloansNo. ofReciprocalborrowers352 4352,711 2,926The community and education informationdisplay areas were updated twice weekly.An estimated 7,860 people attended theWoollen Mills exhibition, the NationalSimultaneous Storytime, Harry Potter event,On the Run exhibition, Cartoon Dave,Storytime with Santa and the Disability Artsexhibition.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – EducationCapital Work or InitiativesLearning CityEnhance the adult, children, DVD, large print and teenagesections of the Library collection and provide kits for the books forbabies programReplace shelving at Portland and Wallerawang librariesQuarterly AchievementsThis activity was ongoingthroughout 2007/08Not commenced.Undertake children reading activities during the school holidays • Dr Seuss on the Loose(reading competition)• Craft and Story time activities.2007/08 Donations – EducationDonationsDonations to schools for award presentationsContribution towards a sign at Cullen Bullen SchoolMathew Sharp Scholarship FundQuarterly PaymentsSt Patricks, Wallerawang, La Salle, ZigZag, Portland Central, St Josephs andCooerwull Schools were presented withdonations towards their end of yearpresentations.CompletedCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 29

Principal Activity Achievements6. HealthStatement of intent for principal activityCreating a healthy community providing opportunities and facilities for a healthy lifestyle.2007/08 Program of Works – HealthObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsCommunity Health CommitteeTo provide a forum for thecommunity to discussmatters relating to health.Organise the Community HealthCommittee meetings in accordancewith the terms of reference.The Terms of Reference for theHealth Advisory Committee wereendorsed by Council andExpressions of Interest were callfor membership of the CommitteeTo provide safe drinkingwater.Drinking WaterProvide drinking water to residentswithin the reticulated supply system.All samples taken from theFarmers Creek Water Supplycomplied with the AustralianDrinking Water Guidelines exceptfor 13 samples for total coliformsof which 1 also included pH andaluminium.All samples taken from Fish RiverWater Supply complied with theAustralian Drinking WaterGuidelines except 23 samples fortotal:• 13 coliforms• 2 e coil• 1 turbidity• 4 aluminium• 1 iron• 1 true colour• 1 pHPurchase water from State Water tosupply:• Cullen Bullen• Glen Davis• Lidsdale• Portland• Wallerawang.Maintain the Clarence WaterTransfer System.Use excess allocation, withinreasonable limits, to trade with otherFish River Water Supply customersfor financial benefit of Council, usingfunds for water saving initiatives.Review and implement the DroughtManagement Plan.The water supply from StateWater servicing the LGA was100% maintained during 2007/08During 2007/08 the ClarenceWater Transfer System wasavailable 100% of the time.Trading of part of Councilsallocation to Delta Electricityceased on 28 November 2007.No further agreement wasentered into.The Drought Management Planwas reviewed and waterrestrictions were implementedand enforced________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 30

Principal Activity AchievementsTo provide activities andprograms to improve thehealth of the community.Health Activities and ProgramsAdminister the healthy localgovernment grants for the Bowenfelscommunity and Lake Pillans.Council administered the healthylocal government grants byundertaking community activitieswithin the Bowenfels communityand completing works within theLake Pillans precinct.To provide effective andefficient complianceservices to protect thehealth of the community.Health EnforcementConduct inspections of foodpremises and provide ongoingeducational material.Conduct inspections of skinpenetration premises and provideongoing educational material.Conduct routine monitoring ofCouncil's reticulated drinking watersupplies.Conduct commercial swimming poolsand spa inspections and provideeducational material.Conduct inspections of coolingtowers and associated systems.Maintain a register of water coolingand warm water systems.Undertake routine monitoring ofFarmers Creek, Lake Lyell, PipersFlat Creek and Lake Wallace for bluegreen algae.Undertake inspections of caravanparks.Undertake inspections of places ofpublic entertainment and ifcompliant issue approvals.The acquittals for these projectswere completed.82 food inspections wereundertaken at random during2007/08.This activity was not completedduring 2007/08 and has beenscheduled to take place duringthe 2008/09 financial year.197 samples from Council’sreticulated drinking water supplieswere undertaken during 2007/08.Comprehensive inspections ofcommercial spas and pools werecompleted during 2007/08 inconjunction with NSW Health.This resulted in Councilpurchasing it’s own equipment tocontinue conducting theseinspections.Council conducted 2 inspectionsduring 2007/08.The register was updated andsupplied to NSW Health asrequired.60 samples were analysed during2007/08.Council staff carried out 1inspection of a caravan parkduring 2007/08.2 approvals were issued during2007/08.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 31

Principal Activity Achievements2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – HealthCapital Work or InitiativesDrinking WaterCleaning of reservoirsConstruction of South Bowenfels Reservoir and the reticulationsystemConstruction of infrastructure for a bulk water supplierUpgrades to water reservoirs at Cook and Shaft Streets, SouthBowenfels and Wallerawang.Water mains and services renewalWorks on the Clarence transfer systemContinuation of backwash diversion works at the Oakey Park WaterTreatment PlantQuarterly AchievementsCompletedContracts for the construction ofthe reservoir were signed during2007/08Carried over to 2008/2009 toenable Federal Grant Funding tobe obtained and utilisedCompletedCompletedCarried over to 2008/2009 toenable Federal Grant Funding tobe obtained and utilisedCompletedFinalisation of flood earthquake study Rescheduled for 2008/20092007/08 Donations – HealthDonationsRadiologist/physiotherapist scholarship in conjunction with SydneyWest Area Health Service.Quarterly PaymentsTo be reviewed________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 32

Principal Activity Achievements7. EnvironmentStatement of intent for principal activityBalancing, protecting and enhancing our diverse environmental elements, both natural andbuilt, for the enjoyment and support of both current and future generations.2007/08 Program of Works – EnvironmentObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsEnvironmental EducationTo improve thecommunity's knowledgeof environmental issues.To provide a forum forenvironmental groups todiscuss matters relating tothe environment.To seek opportunities toenhance the environment.Provide education onenvironmental matters to thecommunity.Environmental Advisory CommitteeOrganise the EnvironmentalAdvisory Committee meetings inaccordance with the terms ofreference.Environmental Improvement GrantsPrepare grant applications forfunding of environmentalimprovement works.Undertake weed removal,revegetation, soil stabilisationworks, site interpretation andconstruction of walking tracks at:• Hartley Reserve• Hassans Walls• Hyde Park• Londonderry Reserveas part of the River LettImprovement Program.Council staff conducted the followingeducational activities during2007/08:• Visit to Capertee Public School• Council’s website was enhancedwith the placement ofinformation on the SepticSafeProgram and weeds information• Completion of a successfulGreencorps partnership withLithgow Oberon LandcareAssociationDuring 2007/08 Council stafforganised and attended 6 meetingsof the Environmental AdvisoryCommittee.Lithgow in partnership with BlueMountains City Council successfullyreceived grant funding for a “ SaveOur Swamps” project through theNSW Urban Sustainability GrantsProgram. Council in partnership withLOLA received funding for anotherGreencorps Team.$150,000 funding was expendedduring the 2007/08 financial year.Bush regeneration, soil conservationworks, signage and facilities at HydePark, Londonderry and HartleyReserves were completed.To recognise excellence inenvironmentalmanagement.To responsibly managescheduled activities toprotect the environment.Environmental AwardsDetermine criteria for theenvironment awards.Environment Protection LicencesComply with the environmentprotection licences for:The Environmental AdvisoryCommittee worked on establishingthe award parameters.There was no action taken inrelation to non compliance during2007/08.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 33

Principal Activity Achievements• Lithgow SewerageTreatment Plant• Lithgow Solid WasteFacility• Lithgow Water TreatmentPlant• Portland Garbage Depot• Portland SewerageTreatment Plant• Wallerawang SewerageTreatment PlantA licence variation application waslodged with the Department ofEnvironment and Climate Changeregarding the timeline for theupgrade of the Lithgow SewerageTreatment Plan.A Sewer Overflow InvestigationReport required under Lithgow andWallerawang SP Licence wassubmitted after the due date.To prevent harm tohuman health and theenvironment frompollution.To implement the on-sitesewage managementstrategy.To control environmentaland noxious weeds.Environmental RegulationTo fulfill Council's appropriateregulatory authority responsibilitiesunder the Protection of theEnvironment Operations Act.2 pollution incidents wereinvestigated, 3 clean-up notices and5 penalty notices were issued.Investigation and prosecution oflarge scale illegal dumping atWallerawang occurred.Approximately 1000 tonnes ofcontaminated building waste andmaterials at illegal dumping site inHartley were returned to the BlueMountains where it originated.On-site Sewage ManagementUndertake activities identified inthe on-site sewage managementstrategy.Weeds ManagementControl environmental and/ornoxious weeds and/or pests onpublic land through Council and/orservices provided by the UpperMacquarie County Council.Council employed a TradeWaste/On-site WastewaterManagement Officer and the on-sitesewerage management strategyreview took place in conjunctionwith Sydney Catchment Authority.298 licences for aerated wastewatertreatment systems were issued and9 inspections were conducted.Seasonal programs were completedwithin budget.Upper Macquarie County Council’sprogram of works in the LGAincluded:To provide a seweragesystem that is managedto provide environmentalWater QualityProvide a secure and reliablesewerage reticulation system toresidents of Lithgow, Lidsdale,• 283 property inspections• Aerial, private property androadside spraying• Attended the Hartley BigBackyard and Serrated TussockWorkshop• Inspection of Patterson’s Cursebiological control sites• Assistance provided to propertyowners for the completion ofproperty weed managementplans.There were two sewerage overflowincidents at sewerage pump stationswhich were reported and rectified________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 34

Principal Activity Achievementssecurity and systemreliability.To provide waste andrecycling collectionservices that encourage areduction in land filling.Marrangaroo, Portland andWallerawang.Implement the Trade Waste Policy.Waste ManagementCollect street and park litter bins inLithgow, Portland andWallerawang.Provide a kerbside garbage andrecycling collection service to allresidents within the collectionservice area.Provide garbage disposal facilitieswithin the LGA at:• Angus Place (until reachescapacity)• Capertee• Cullen Bullen (until reachescapacity)• Glen Davis• Lithgow• Portland• Wallerawang.urgently using all availableresources.Council’s Trade Waste/On-siteWastewater Management Officerreviewed and updated Council’sTrade Waste Policy. The policy wasalso reviewed by the Department ofWater and Energy.48 Trade Waste inspections wereconducted and 6 approvals wereissued.Business operators were keptinformed of procedures throughwritten correspondence and surveys.Litter was collected in accordancewith the current schedule.4,677 tonnes of waste and 777kilograms of recycling was collectedfrom the kerbside.GarbageDepot2006/07(tonnes)2007/08(tonnes)Lithgow 36,152 1 74,693Portland 1,692 1,916Prepare closure plans for thegarbage disposal facilities.Review waste managementfacilities and recycling serviceswithin the LGA.Provide a green waste collectionservice to residents in Lithgow,Lidsdale, Marrangaroo, Portland,Rydal and Wallerawang.Provide a clean up collectionservice to residents within the LGA.Assist the Sydney CatchmentAuthority with in kind contributionsfor a free chemical collectionservice for residents.Promote composting through thesale of compost bins and wormsfarms.Council engaged a consultant toundertake the preparation of closureplans for the garbage disposalfacilities.The activity was not achieved during2007/08 and has been rescheduledfor 2008/09.3 green waste collection serviceswere provided to local residents with131 residents participating.2 clean up collection services wereprovided to residents within the LGAwith 179 residents participating.No chemical collection services wasprovided during 2007/08.Value ofsales2006/07 2007/08654.58 658.63________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 35

Principal Activity AchievementsAttend meetings and participate inNetwaste activities.No meetings were attendedhowever, Council hosted a Waste toArt Exhibition at Eskbank Houseduring 2007/08.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – EnvironmentCapital Work or InitiativesAir QualityProvide the Alternate Fuel RebateGrantsUndertaking of environmental improvement grants including:LGAG NorthernLGAG SouthernFormer RylstonePlan of ManagementPreparation of a plan of management for Hyde ParkWaste ManagementClosure of waste facilities:Angus Place Garbage DepotCullen Bullen Garbage DepotConstruction of waste transfer station at TaranaDesign and construct Blackmans Flat Waste Management Facility(including funding through loan repayments)Education and promotion of Council's waste management facilitiesand servicesLeachate investigation and control at Lithgow Solid Waste FacilityWater QualityConstruct stage 2 augmentation of the Lithgow SewerageTreatment Plant including loan repaymentsDesludge the lagoons at the sewerage treatment plantsInstall new South Bowenfels main and pumping stationPrepare and implement an integrated water cycle managementstrategyReplace the hired amenity buildings at Portland and WallerawangSewerage Treatment PlantsLoad reduction agreement paymentReplace sewer vents according to priorities in vent shaftreplacement studyUndertake assessment of pumping stations to determine prioritiesfor upgrade program and commence implementationUndertake assessment of telemetry systems to determinepriorities for upgrade program and commence implementationFlood mitigation works to Farmers Creek for stage 2 anddetermine future stagesQuarterly AchievementsUnderwayUnderwayUnderwayUnderwayCompletedRescheduled projectRescheduled projectCarried over to 2008/2009 dueland ownership issuesCarried over to 2008/2009CompletedUnderway in association with STPStage 2 designUnderway – design substantiallycompletedCompletedConcept report commissioned withDepartment of CommerceUnderway – not completed as at30 June 2008Not commenced do to theinvestigation into options forSewerage Treatment feasibilitiesat Portland and Wallerawang andwill be considered in the contextof future STP upgrades.CompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCommenced but not completed asat 30 June 2008.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 36

Principal Activity AchievementsWater saving and reuse programUndertake a feasibility study for the combining of the Portland andWallerawang Sewerage Treatment PlantsCompletion of Gell Street, Lithgow sewer main extensionWeeds ManagementContribution to Upper Macquarie County CouncilA subsidy program for water tanksand water saving appliances wasundertaken during 2007/08.CompletedCompletedCompletedCapital Works or Initiatives Proposed Scheduling ReasonFuture project.Closure of Angus Place andCullen Bullen Garbage Depots.(Funding is being used toprepare landfill closure plans.)Add complete sewer overflowinvestigation report.Fourth quarter.Additional capacity has beenachieved through operationalactivities and it is necessary toplan for the closure of thedepots.Draft report submitted toDepartment Environment andClimate Change in the fourthquarter.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 37

Principal Activity Achievements8. Arts and CultureStatement of intent for principal activitySupporting, celebrating and expanding a diversity of cultural and creative adventures thatexplore and discover the richness in our society.2007/08 Program of Works – Arts and CultureObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsEskbank HouseTo develop and promoteEskbank House andMuseum as a culturalheritage venue.Operate Eskbank House andMuseum.Conduct exhibitions and displays.No. ofvisitors2006/07 2007/082027 2680The following exhibitions anddisplays were conducted:Improvements to the court yardspace to provide for exhibitions.• Waste to Art• Local Landmarks• Reflections of You and Me• Roses from the Heart –Convict Bonnets• Backyard Frontline: AustraliaUnder Attack 1942-1943• Glen Davis – Capertee Valley– Shale Oil History• HMAS Lithgow Collection• Local Landmarks II• What’s in your backyard –archaeological items forNational Archaeology WeekThe following improvements forexhibitions were undertaken:To celebrate the culturalheritage of the LGA.Provide an opportunity forour community to enjoyCouncil's art collection.To manage the Crystal andUnion Theatres.• Commencement of the designfor a glass floor• Installation of picture rail inthe court yardCultural Activities and FacilitiesCoordinate Australia Day activitieswithin the LGA.Develop a program for exhibitionsand conduct an exhibition of theCouncil art collection.Hold Crystal and Union TheatreCommittee meetings in accordanceApproximately 400 peopleattended the Australia Dayfestivities compared to 201 in2007.• The Local Landmarks andReflections of You and Mewere from Council’s ArtCollection• Inclusion of art works fromGlen Davis as part of theAustralian War MemorialExhibition – Glen Davis &Capertee Valley• Local Landmarks II Exhibitionat Eskbank House & MuseumOne meeting of the Union TheatreCommittee was held and________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 38

Principal Activity AchievementsTo develop local artists byoffering support.with the terms of reference.Operate the Union Theatre.Develop a program for support oflocal artists and implement.Expressions of Interest werecalled for membership of theUnion Theatre ManagementCommittee.Union Theatre/Civic BallroomBookings2006/07 2007/0870 95Council arranged and conductedan art exhibition including localartists at Eskbank House.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – Arts and CultureCapital Work or InitiativesQuarterly AchievementsArchival ActivitiesUndertake archival activities at Eskbank HouseCompletedCultural PlanningDevelop a cultural plan to identify and celebrate cultural diversity Draft preparedin the LGAUndertake the Hoskins building feasibility studyNot commenced.Building ImprovementsComplete the joining of the Hoskins Building and Union Theatre Carried over to 2008/2009Install shelving at Eskbank HouseCompletedProvide disabled toilet facilities at Eskbank HouseCompletedCrystal Theatre upgrade worksUnderway with the preparation ofarchitectural plans but delayeddue to the new FederalGovernment cancelling theprevious funding regime.However, funding was restored inthe Federal Budget.Carpeting and stage opening at Union Theatre Carried over to 2008/2009MembershipArts Out WestCompleted2007/08 Donations – Arts and CultureDonationsIronfest sponsorshipNew music for the Lithgow City BandPortland Art ShowScholarship to the Mitchell ConservatoriumUniforms and instruments for the Lithgow Highland Pipe BandHire of the Union Theatre for the exhibition of WallerawangphotographsLithgow Community Orchestra sponsorshipNewnes Hotel sponsorshipQuota for the hire of the Union TheatreQuarterly PaymentsCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedCompletedPostponed indefinitely by artistCompletedCompletedCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 39

Principal Activity Achievements9. YouthStatement of intent for principal activityProviding suitable entertainment and recreational facilities; education and employmentopportunities and lifestyle choices for our valuable community of young people.2007/08 Program of Works – YouthObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsYouth CouncilTo enable young people tohave a voice to Council.To improve youth servicenetworks.Coordinate and provide support tothe Lithgow Youth Council.Youth ServicesInvestigate the need and feasibilityfor a youth services network.2 meetings of the Youth Councilwere held before the YouthCouncil was suspended.The review commenced with thecompletion scheduled for2008/09.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – YouthCapital Work or InitiativesQuarterly AchievementsYouth council activitiesActivity not achievedYouth week activitiesCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 40

Principal Activity Achievements10. GrowthStatement of intent for principal activityProviding for sustainable and planned growth, while enhancing the existing rural and villageidentity.2007/08 Program of Works – GrowthObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsDevelopmentTo provide an assessmentservice for applicationsand constructions.Assess all applications including:• development applications• construction certificates• complying developmentapplications.No.applicationreceived2006/07 2007/08426 365Undertake all development relatedinspections where Council is theconsent authority and/or principalcertifying authority.Process and issue:• building certificates• planning certificates• subdivision certificates.Inspections undertaken within 24hours where requested.No. of Applications Received2006/07 2007/08Planning 382 420Certificates149(2)Planning 138 217Certificates149(5)BuildingCertificates38 36To ensure compliancewith legislativerequirements.Undertake a review of operationalconditions of development consentand enforce compliance.Investigate non compliance withthe Environmental Planning andAssessment Act.Statistics on the processing ofsubdivision certificates were notcollected.No notices or orders were issued andno actions were lodged in the Landand Environment Court.No notices or orders were issued andno actions were lodged in the Landand Environment Court.2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – GrowthSale of Cary Gardens allotmentsCapital Work or InitiativesPlanning and Paying for GrowthQuarterly AchievementsCouncil resolved to put allotmentsup for auction in July 08.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 41

Principal Activity Achievements11. Governance and Administration ServicesStatement of intent for principal activityDeveloping community confidence in the organisation by the way it is directed, controlled andmanaged.2007/08 Program of Works – Governance and AdministrationServicesObjective Activity Quarterly AchievementsCouncil MembershipsTo work together tointerweave and optimisethe coordination ofresources and sharing ofinformation.Attend meetings and support theCentral Tablelands Alliance.Implement the Business Plan for theCentral Tablelands Alliance.3 meetings of the CentralTablelands Alliance wereattended.Activities during 2007/08included:Contribute to CENTROC andparticipate in its activities.Participate in the activities of theLocal Government and ShiresAssociation.• appointed Grants Officer• appointed GeographicInformation System Trainee• Council chaired and wassecretariat of the Alliance• gap analysis for occupationalhealth and safety and riskmanagement proceededthroughout 2007/08• skills audit and review of thesalary system wasundertaken• disaster recoverycommunication commenced• investigated joint tenderingfor plant items andadvertised for water carts forLithgow and Oberon• Draft Road Safety StrategicAction Plans for Lithgowwere developed9 meetings of CENTROC and 4meetings of GMAC wereattended.The Mayor undertook activities asthe Chair and the GeneralManager as the ExecutiveSecretary of CENTROC.Membership subscriptions werepaid and the following activitieswere attended:• E Division Conference of theShires Association• Annual Conference of theShires Association• Local GovernmentAssociations Conference________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 42

Principal Activity AchievementsTo conduct the business ofCouncil in an open anddemocratic manner.To support Councillors intheir role.To provide a base forCouncil's operations.To ensure the integrity andsecurity of Council'srecords.Council MeetingsProduce business papers andminutes for Council Meetings,Committee Meetings andExtraordinary Meetings.Council and committee meetings areconducted regularly.Councillor SupportProvide information to Councillorsregularly.Provide Councillors with the paymentof fees, expenses and the provisionof facilities and support in relation todischarging the functions of civicoffice.Provide training to CouncillorsDepotProvide depot buildings for thehousing of stores, plant andworkshop.DocumentsRegister, collate, archive and disposeof Council's records.Business papers and minuteswere produced in accordancewith legislation and the Code ofMeeting Practice.The following meetings wereconducted during 2007/08:• 10 Council meetings• 11 Finance and ServicesCommittee meetings• 11 Policy and StrategyCommittee meetings• 2 extraordinary meetings ofCouncilInformation was provided toCouncillors in the form of:• meetings• memos• reports• emails• briefing sessions• lettersFees and expenses wereprovided and an update to theincrease as per Council’sresolution of 28 June 2007 (MinNo. 07-258)No training for Councillorsoccurred during 2007/08however, the Central TablelandsAlliance investigated a jointtraining program and Training forCouncillors has been included inthe Draft Training Plan 2008/09.Buildings were provided forCouncil’s store, plant andworkshop. The Wallerawangstore ceased operations inSeptember 2007 with itsrelocation to the Lithgow store.Minor improvements commencedat the Lithgow store.100% of incoming mail during2007/08 was tasked to officerson the day of receipt by 2pm,with 84.75% of incoming mailbeing tasked to officers within 4hours.Allocation and archival ofelectronic documents werecollated daily upon receiptaccording to State ArchivesRetention and DisposalSchedules.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 43

Principal Activity AchievementsTo provide access toCouncil's records.To ensure informationwhich Council collects isused lawfully and for thepurpose it was collected.To provide sound financialadvice and management ofCouncil's finances.Assess, determine and respond torequests for Council information.Provide training to staff.Assess, determine and respond tocomplaints.FinanceManage and monitor Council'sfinances.Model levy, issue and recover rates,annual charges and sundry debtorsincluding fees and charges.Two Freedom of Informationrequests were received during2007/08 and were responded towithin legislative timeframes.Applications under section 12 ofthe Local Government Act weredealt within Council’s standardtime for correspondence.Information was provided to newstaff at induction and formaltraining was scheduled.Privacy training was provided forselected staff, and training wasprovided to all Council Divisionsduring March 2008.Privacy complaints received wereresponded to in accordance withlegislation.The following reports werepresented throughout 2007/08:• draft 2006/07 GeneralPurpose Financial Reportspresented to Council• monthly budget reportspresented to the ExecutiveManagement Team• quarterly budget reviewstatements were reported toCouncil at is Finance andServices Committeemeetings and/or its Policy &Strategy CommitteemeetingsAudits of the 2006/07 FinancialStatements were carried out andreported to the Department ofLocal Government withinlegislative timeframe.Council issued all four rateinstalment notices within therequired timeframe. At 30 June2008:• 2% of properties were withthe external debt collectionagency i.e. 229 properties of11,000• 0.05% of properties hadmade arrangements to payi.e. 85 properties of 11,000• correspondence regardingmissed instalments wereissued within timeframe________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 44

Principal Activity AchievementsTo ensure high servicelevels of Council'sinformation andcommunications network.To comply with currentlicensing requirements.To enhance Council'sgeographical informationsystem.Value and report on current assetsat fair value in conjunction with thefinancial reporting requirements.Maximise and secure Council'sInvestment Portfolio through avariety of investment institutions,types and terms.Manage Council's loan portfolio.Assist in the external audit ofCouncil's financial records.Prepare a 10 year financial plan andinclude strategies to improveCouncil's current financial ratios.Prepare applications and administergrant funding.Information TechnologyManage and maintain thecommunications networks.Manage the leases for copying andprinting machines.Renew software licenses.Maintain and continue developmentof the geographical informationsystem to ensure integrity withCouncil's property system.The revaluation of water andsewerage assets at fair value wasincluded in the draft 2006/07General Purpose FinancialReports.Revaluation of land and buildingassets to Fair Value wereundertaken during 2007/08 andwill be included in GeneralPurpose Reports for 2007/08.Investing was conducted inaccordance with legislation andCouncil’s Policy.Investments as at 30 June 2008$14,712,344.38. Actual interestreceived to 30 June 2008$1,041,270.65Principal loan and interest paid inaccordance with loan conditions.No borrowings to be drawn downin 2007/08 (Min no. 07-562)An external audit of 2006/07General Purpose FinancialReports was conducted by theAuditors in Sept / Oct 07.Two interim audit visits werecarried out before the end of the2007/08 financial year.A draft 10 year financial plan wasprepared in conjunction with the2008/09 – 2010/11 ManagementPlan and reported to Council.Central West Alliance appointed aGrants Officer to be based atCouncil.6 grant applications weresubmitted and grant income andexpenditure was prepared inaccordance with grant conditions.The network was operational andaccessible an average of 98.25%of the time.Copying machines wereoperational an average 98% ofthe time.All software licensing was currentthroughout 2007/08.There was an average of 97%property match during 2007/08.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 45

Principal Activity AchievementsTo provide insurancecoverage of Council'sactivities and assets.InsuranceSecure adequate and cost effectiveinsurance coverage.A review of insurance optionswas undertaken with oneapplication for a new asbestoscoverage submitted.To implement internalauditing programs.To understand and manageCouncil's statutoryresponsibilities.To celebrate LocalGovernment Week.To plan and report onactivities of Council.To develop modern andlegislatively compliantpolicies.Liaise with the insurance companyregarding claims.Internal AuditingUndertake activities identified in theInternal Audit Plan.LegislationMonitor and pursue legislativechanges.Perform Council's legalresponsibilities under applicable actsand regulations.Local Government WeekUndertake activities focusing onCouncil in the community.Organisational Planning and ReportingReport the outcome of a quarterlyperformance review of themanagement plan and provide abudget review statement.Prepare management plan for2008/09 to 2010/11 in accordancewith the requirements of LocalGovernment Act and Regulations.Prepare operational plans for allDivisions.Prepare the annual report for2006/07 including the state of theenvironment report.PoliciesDevelop, review and implementpolicies.Insurance renewals werecompleted and submitted toinsurance company withpayment.Insurance claims were providedto the insurance company uponreceipt. Additional informationwas provided by Council whenrequested within Council’sstandard for correspondence.The Central Tablelands Allianceexplored a joint program andpurchased the InvestigatorsToolkit with further activitiesplanned in 2008/09.Appropriate staff were madeaware of legislative changes.No action for non-compliancewith legislation was commenced.Council conducted its Christmascard design competition.Quarterly reports were presentedto Council.Management Plan completed andresolved by Council at itsExtraordinary meeting of 10 June2008.This activity commenced during2007/08 and will continue during2008/09.The Annual Report 2006/07 andState of the Environment Report2006/07 were produced andwebsite link provided to theDepartment of Local Governmenton 30 November 2007.A review of Council’s policyregister was undertaken and thefollowing adopted by Council:• Policy Register (Min no. 07-501)• Enforcement Policy (Min no.07-546)________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 46

Principal Activity AchievementsTo implement proceduresand practices which foster adesirable place of work.To provide a workplace thatpromotes the principles ofequal employmentopportunity and is free ofdiscrimination.To provide a safe andhealthy workplace.EmployeesAttract and recruit staff on merit.Provide salary, benefits andfavourable working conditions inaccordance with the relevantindustrial legislation.Conduct annual performanceappraisals of staff.Provide a staff newsletter.Recognising long serving employeesthrough the recognition of serviceprocedure.Attitude and cultural survey of staffto determine levels of satisfactionwith current working conditions andpractices.Implement the equal employmentopportunity management planthrough:• communication of policiesand programs• collection and recording ofappropriate information• review of personnelpractices• evaluate and review.To implement, monitor and reviewthe Occupational Health and Safety,Rehabilitation and EnvironmentManagement System.Provide access to external supportand counselling service.• Records Policy (Min no. 07-546)• Change in Category forRating Purposes Policy (Minno. O08-10)• Tendering Policy (Min no.P08-18)• Donations Section 356 of theLGA Policy (Min no. P08-33)• Nature Strip MaintenancePolicy (Min no. P08-62)• Code of Meeting Practice(Min no. O08-39)Staff have been recruited inaccordance with relevantlegislation, procedures and theprinciples of equal employmentopportunity.Legislation and procedures havebeen complied with and a 3.4%increase was granted to allemployees in October 2007 withan increase in allowances alsogranted in November 2007.This activity was completedduring September/October 2007.9 staff newsletters wereproduced and distributed to staff.Council held a presentation torecognise long serving staff on18 March 2008.A staff satisfaction survey wascarried out in June 2008 with theresults to be returned 2008/09.Equal employment principles areintegrated into the day to dayactivities of Council in accordancewith the management plan.The following activities wereundertaken:• site and desktop audit• review of OccupationalHealth and SafetyRehabilitation andEnvironment SystemAccess to the employeeassistance program wasmaintained.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 47

Principal Activity AchievementsTo enhance the skills andknowledge of theworkforce.To manage Council's risk.To maintain an adequatelevel of stock for internalsupply to operationalprograms.Provide relevant immunisations toappropriate staff.Provide a rehabilitation program forinjured employees.The Occupational Health and SafetyCommittee meet and undertakeactivities.Implement the training plan.Prepare the draft training plan for2008/09.Risk ManagementDevelop and implement riskmanagement strategies.StoresOrder and issue stock items asrequired.Immunisations were undertakenas required in accordance withthe employee schedule.Return to work plans wereimplemented as required.8 meetings of the OccupationalHealth and Safety Committeewere held.The following training wasundertaken:• OHS Building andConstruction Induction• Traffic control stop/slow• Harassment prevention• Induction/orientation• Emergency management• Sediment and erosioncontrols• Chainsaw operations(crosscut and tree fell)• Chemcert Chemical Uses• Explosive power tools• Finance for Non FinanceManagers• First aid refresher• Privacy and PersonalInformation• Report writing• Tourism sales• Project Planning• Anti-corruption• Confined spaces• Water Treatment Operations• Asbestos awareness• Noise• Certificate III Horticulture• Certificate IV InformationTechnology• Cultural Event Management• Stress Management• Trade Waste Regulation• Playground safetyThe training plan was finalised.An assessment of a CentralTablelands Alliance wasapproached and a contract withthe Alliance and Echelon signed.Bi-annual stock takes wereundertaken at both the Lithgowand Wallerawang stores on 24January 08 and 17 June 08.$314,960.20 of stock held at 30June 2008.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 48

Principal Activity Achievements2007/08 Capital Works and New Initiatives – Governance andAdministration ServicesCapital Work or InitiativesBuilding ImprovementsContinued refurbishment of the Administration CentreCorporate PlanningDevelop corporate plansDepotInstall exhaust fumes eliminator in the Lithgow workshopQuarterly AchievementsMinor refurbishments undertakenCommencedFume Eliminator ordered andreceived. Installation to becarried out by Council’s Water &Wastewater plumbers.ElectionContribute funds to the local government election Election date 13 Sept 2008.Electoral information beingreceived and responded to asrequired. Shared Returning officerappointed to Lithgow &Katoomba. Election budget of$120,000 provided for in 2008/09Management Plan.Information TechnologyInvestigate and implement asset management systemInvestigation completed.Purchase Chem Alert softwareCompletedOngoing personal computer replacement programCompletedPrepare IT strategic planUnderwayUpgrade off site telephone networksCompletedUpgrade serversCompletedUpgrade software including:DatafuelInvestigated and deferred todepot reviewFinance One and People One Rescheduled for 08/09Ibis information system for rate modellingCompletedIT help deskCompletedUpgrade of remote access software and hardwareCompletedDataworks upgradeCompletedPersonnelProvide personnel with name tags and identification cardsName tags provided to allAdministration Building staff.Conduct staff hearing testsCompletedConduct occupational health and safety auditCompleted________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 49

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Statements Against Reporting RequirementsState of the Environment ReportPlease note that the supplementary State of the Environment Report 2007/08 is the subject ofa separate report which can be obtained from Council's Administration Centre or found on thewebsite www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au.Condition of Public WorksA condition index has been used to describe the condition of each type of asset. The conditiondescription is based on the following condition index:Condition DescriptionCondition IndexNear perfect 1Superficial deterioration 2Deterioration evident 3Requires major reconstruction 4Asset unserviceable 5Further details of the condition of particular assets are provided in Special Schedule 7 of theFinancial Statements within this Report. The following should be noted:• In 2007/2008 condition surveys were undertaken for timber bridges. No conditionsurveys were undertaken in relation to other assets and therefore the condition ofthose assets as at 30 June 2008 was estimated on the movement of the conditionstated from 30 June 2007.• The estimate of cost to bring public works up to a satisfactory standard is based onthe condition of the asset and an adjustment for the Consumer Price Index.• Council's management of its assets was based substantially on reactive rather thanstrategic principles. However, Council has subscribed to the NAMS.PLUS system.NAMS.PLUS, is an initiative of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, andis a program designed to assist in writing Asset Management Plans. This includesgeneration of expenditure projections for input into long term financial planning.Council is also committed to moving towards the implementation of a comprehensiveassets management system.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 51

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsLegal ProceedingsThe following table provides a summary of legal proceedings in which Council was a party to in2007/08:Matter Amount OutcomeAgonic Holdings v Council $87,169.51 No decision was forthcoming as at 30 June 2008Lilley v Council 46,007.81 The Land and Environment Court upheld theappeal.EPA v Council$29,165.08 Council’s Council convicted and finedlegal costs$48,250 Fines$20,000 EPA’s costsOther Legal $81,131.60 Sale/purchase of landRoad opening/closingDebt recovery not recoverableSubdivisions, etc.Fees, Expenses and Facilities Provided to the Mayor andCouncillorsFee, Expense or FacilityAmountMayoral allowance $18,000Councillor fees $68,150Provision of a mobile phone for the Mayor $780Telephone calls $1005Mayoral Vehicle$52,065NOTE: The Mayor paid $2,000 lease fee for private use during thereporting period which is the amount applicable from the date Counciladopted its policy on the payment of expenses and provision offacilities to Councillors.Attendance of councillors at conferences and seminars $16,126Training and skill development $2,999Interstate visits $0________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 52

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsOverseas visits $0Expenses of any spouse, partner or other person whoaccompanied a councillor$0Provision of care for a child or an immediate family member $0Miscellaneous$6,793NOTE: Includes service award, board membership, parking andmeals.Council at its meeting of 16 April 2007 adopted a policy regarding the payment of expensesand provision of facilities to Councillors. A copy of the Policy is provided in Appendix B.Overseas VisitsThere were no overseas visits undertaken during 2007/08.Senior StaffCouncil had 3 senior staff positions throughout the year. The total remuneration packages ofthe senior staff are provided in the following table:Item General Manager Group ManagerCommunity andCorporateTotal value of salary componentof packageTotal amount of any bonuspayments, performance or otherpayments that do not form partof salary componentEmployer compulsorysuperannuation or salarysacrificeGroup ManagerRegional Services$173,248.62 $94,177.25 $105,900.62$0 $0 $0$23,303.56 $11,928.12 $25,633.03Total value of non-cash benefits $10,455.46 $9,543.08 $8,000Total payable fringe benefits tax $0 $0 $0________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 53

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsContracts Awarded over $150,000Council resolved to award the following contracts in 2007/08 which were over $150,000:Contract Description Contractor Amount*Waste collection JR Richards $921,071.12Waste DisposalHenry Plant Hire$352,438.74Purchase water from Fish River WaterSupplyState Water $961,745.88Supply of mass blocs, Rocla PipelineproductsFarmers Creek Flood Mitigation $223,234Supply of road base, Wolgan Road Project Hy-Tec Industries P/L $327,500Portland PoolOcean Blue Pool Liners andCovers P/L$161,401.08South Bowenfels Reservoir Precision Pipelines P/L $1,351,900Lithgow Sewerage Treatment Plan liningof sludge lagoonNorthcote Construction P/L $229,750NOTE: * The amount of contract as awardedBushfire Hazard Reduction ActivitiesCouncil participated in several committees and provided support through the Service LevelAgreement with the Rural Fire Service.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 54

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsPrograms that Promote Services and Access for People withDiverse Cultural and Linguistic BackgroundsActivities and programs undertaken or participated in by Council in 2006/07 to promoteservices and access for people with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds included:Local Ethnic Affairs Priority StatementThe Social Plan 2006-2011 identified the development of a detailed Ethnic Affairs PriorityStatement as an action and as such a Statement was prepared and adopted by the Council atits Ordinary Meeting of 17 December 2007. (Minute 07-546).The Local Ethnic Affairs Priority Statement aims to:• Create an environment where people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgroundshave equitable access to Council services and are encouraged to participate inCouncil's planning processes.• Recognise, value and promote the community of diverse cultural and linguisticbackgrounds and its contribution to the community through increasing communityawareness of cultural diversity and promoting community harmony.Harmony Day 2008Council joined the Lithgow Information and Neighbourhood Centre and Bathurst Informationand Neighbourhood Centre in holding Harmony Day activities at Cook Street Plaza in March2008. The project involved school students and community groups from the LocalGovernment Area and the region.List of Multicultural ServicesA list of multicultural services on the community website was updated.Social Plan 2006-2011The Social Plan 2006-2011, adopted by Council on 20 November 2006 (Min No. 06-392),nominates people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as a target group. TheSocial Plan recommends a series of actions for Council to consider in the managementplanning process to address the identified issues.Activities to Develop and Promote Services and Programsthat Provide for the Needs of ChildrenThe following activities were undertaken and supported by Council relating to the developmentand promotion of programs and services that provide for the needs of children during2007/08:________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 55

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsActive Young Bowenfels ProjectThe Active Young Bowenfels Project was funded under the Healthy Local Government GrantsProgram and has been supported by Council, the Department of Housing, the LithgowInformation and Neighbourhood Centre, the NSW Police and the Sydney West Area HealthService. The project commenced in 2006/07 with the holding of a number of school holidayactivities in the Bowenfels community. These were completed in 2007/08.Children's Activities at the Lithgow Library Learning CentreThe following activities were held at the Lithgow Library Learning Centre for children duringthe year:• Visits by Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny with appropriate activities and goodies.• Summer Reading Program, concluding with a Superheroes party.• School holiday 'Pirate and Fairy' party and craft activities.• Two storytime sessions per week for pre-schoolers with book readings and craft activities.• 'Books for Babies' - every baby born in Lithgow receives a book to keep.• Delta Homework Zone operates 2 afternoons per week during term time, with a qualifiedteacher.• Book Week activities and visits by classes to the library as well as visits by library staff toschools.• Book launch by Cartoon Dave for his latest book with cartooning lessons for children andadults.Financial support for children's programs and servicesCouncil's Financial Assistance Program in 2007/08 provided funding to the followingorganisations which provide programs and/or services for children:• LINC Family Days• LINC Dads & Kids Days• St Patricks School• Zig Zag Public School• Portland Central School• St Joseph’s School• Cooerwull Public School•Social Plan 2006-2011The Social Plan 2006-2011 was adopted by Council on 20 November 2006 (Min No. 06-392)and nominates children as a target group. As a result of the target group consultation, theSocial Plan recommends a series of actions for Council to consider in the managementplanning process to address the identified issues.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 56

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsAccess and Equity ActivitiesActivities undertaken or participated in by Council in relation to access and equity haveincluded the following during 2007/08:International Day for People with a DisabilityInternational Day for People with a Disability was celebrated at the Lithgow Library LearningCentre with an art exhibition of intellectually disabled persons art.Social Plan 2006-2011The Social Plan 2006-2011 was adopted by Council on 20 November 2006 (Min No. 06-392)and nominates as target groups:• Children• Young people• Women• People with disabilities• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people• People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds• Older people• Men• Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people• Department of Housing residents• Sole parents.As a result of the target group consultation, the Social Plan recommends a series of actions forCouncil to consider in the management planning process to address the identified issues.Selected actions have been listed as activities in the Management Plan 2007/08 to 2009/10(Min No. 07-258).Transport Working GroupCouncil participates in the Transport Working Group along with the State Government andlocal transport providers. It aims to improve access to transport in the Local GovernmentArea.Youth CouncilThe Youth Council was reformed and members participated in training on running an effectiveyouth council. The Rock Up Competition for Youth Week was also conducted.Summary of Resolutions Concerning Work Carried Out onPrivate Land and any Subsidies Related to the WorkThere were no resolutions passed during 2007/08 in accordance with the provisions of section67(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993 relating to Council subsidising the cost of anyworks carried out on private lands.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 57

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsGrants and DonationsDuring 2007/08, Council made contributions/donations under section 356 of the LocalGovernment Act 1993 to the value of $103,400. The organisations who received fundingincluded the following:Organisations which Received FundingMitchell ConservatoriumZig Zag schoolLithgow Information & Neighbourhood Centre State Emergency Services(Various)Lithgow Business Association Celebrate Lithgow St Josephs SchoolWestern Region Academy Of SportRydal A H And PLithgow Show SocietyCapertee Progress AssociationLithgow Domestic Violence Liaison Group Lithgow State Mines RailwayWhite Ribbon DayQuota InternationalSolid Fuel Removal IncentiveEskbank HouseLithgow Senior Citizens CentreLifelinePortland Art ShowLithgow Community OrchestraArts Out WestWallerawang CWAInternational Women’s DaySt Patricks SchoolIronfestCullen Bullen Progress AssociationJosephite FoundationNewnes Hotel MuseumWaste To ArtPortland Swimming PoolTidy Towns Committees All AreasMathew Sharp Scholarship FundLithgow District Poultry SocietyWallerawang PubLa Salle AcademyCullen Bullen Tidy TownsRock UpCapertee Progress Association Blue Light DiscoPortland Central SchoolCooerwull Public SchoolHuman Resources Activities Undertaken by CouncilHuman resource activities for 2006/07 have included:• The appointment of 42 people to permanent positions• 15 people left permanent employment with Council.• The Occupational Health and Safety Committee meet every 6 weeks.• 10,726 hours of sick leave was taken by employees.• There were 43 incidents reported with 20 of these resulting in a workers compensationclaim.• The Consultative Committee meet every month.• Introduction of Staff Recognition of Service Award presentation.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 58

Statements Against Reporting Requirements• Training provided to employees during the year included the following:- OHS Building and Construction Induction- Traffic control stop/slow- Harassment prevention- Induction/orientation- Emergency management- Sediment and erosion controls- Chainsaw operations (crosscut and tree fell)- Chemcert Chemical Uses- Explosive power tools- Finance for Non Finance Managers- First aid refresher- Privacy and Personal Information- Report writing- Tourism sales- Project Planning- Anti-corruption- Confined spaces- Water Treatment Operations- Asbestos awareness- Noise- Certificate III Horticulture- Certificate IV Information Technology- Cultural Event Management- Stress Management- Trade Waste Regulation- Playground safetyActivities Undertaken to Implement Council’s EqualEmployment Opportunity Management PlanThe following activities were undertaken to implement Council's Equal EmploymentOpportunity Management Plan:• The integration of equal employment opportunity principles in recruitment andselection, annual performance reviews, the development of position descriptions, thedevelopment of the Training Plan, the ongoing maintenance of Council's trainingdatabase and requirements relating to progression through Council's SalaryManagement System.• All new employees were inducted and attended a training session on equalemployment opportunity and harassment prevention.• A review of employee work procedures continued to ensure that they conform to equalemployment opportunity principles.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 59

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsExternal Bodies Exercising Functions Delegated by CouncilThere were no functions delegated by Council to external bodies during 2007/08Companies in which Council held a Controlling InterestCouncil did not hold the controlling interest in any one company.Partnerships, Co-operatives or Joint Ventures to whichCouncil was a PartyCouncil was a party to the following partnerships, co-operatives or joint ventures:NamePurposeCentral Tablelands Strategic Alliance(Lithgow City Council, Mid-West RegionalCouncil and Oberon Council)An alliance to benefit from economies of scale andincrease the range and quality of services to residents,improve lifestyle and where possible to reduce the costof these services to ratepayers.Central West Regional Councils (CENTROC)An organisation of councils for the sharing of knowledge,bulk purchasing, provision of human resource servicessuch as training, promotion of the area for filming anddriver for improvements to the region.Delta ElectricityProvision of the tutor for the Homework Centre at theLithgow Library Learning Centre and sponsor of AustraliaDay celebrations.Lithgow Community Health and CentrelinkBooks for Babies Program which provides literacymaterial for each newborn.NetWasteAn organisation of councils for the purpose of sharingresources and knowledge, and co-ordinating theplanning of waste issues at regional and sub-regionallevels.State Library of NSWProvision of support service for the Lithgow LibraryService.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 60

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsCategorisation of Council Business and the Implementationof Competitive Neutrality PrinciplesCouncil operates the following businesses:Category 1• Wastewater• WaterCategory 2• Land DevelopmentCouncil has complied with the principles of competitive neutrality in relation to pricing, taxationequivalents, Council rates and charges and corporate taxation equivalents. No complaintshave been received in relation to competitive neutrality and Council on 16 October 2006resolved to adopt a policy to ensure that competitive neutrality complaints are dealt with in anefficient manner (Min No. 06-349). A copy of the Policy is provided in Appendix C and is alsoprovided on Council's website www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au.The Financial Statements for the Category 1 and 2 businesses are disclosed in Appendix A.Stormwater Management ServicesThe following table details the amount of income received from the stormwater charge andexpenditure on stormwater management services in 2006/07:Stormwater Management ServicesIncome from stormwater charge $194,016Expenditure on stormwater management services $284,499Further information on stormwater works is provided in the section of this report detailingCouncil's performance in terms of the functions listed in the Management Plan.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 61

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsCompanion AnimalsThe following information is provided on Council's activities during 2007/08 in relation toenforcing and ensuring compliance with the provisions of the Companion Animals Act 1998and the Companion Animals Regulation 1999:ActivityLodgement of pound data collection returns withthe Department of Local Government.Lodgement of data relating to dog attacks withthe Department of Local Government.The use of funding from the Companion AnimalsFund and the amount spent on companion animalmanagement and activities.AchievementThe pound data collection return for 2007/08 hasbeen provided to the Department of LocalGovernment.All dog attacks were reported to the Department ofLocal Government.The following table shows the amount of moneyreceived from the Department of Local Governmentfor companion animals and the amount of moneyexpended on companion animal management andactivities in 2007/08:Budget ItemIncomeDepartment of LocalGovernmentAmount22 424ExpenditureEmployee Costs 46 913Materials 27 050Plant 19 788Total 93 751The funding received from the Department of LocalGovernment has been used to cover a proportion ofCouncil's costs to undertake companion animalmanagement and activities.Companion animal community educationprograms.Strategies to promote and assist the de-sexing ofdogs and cats.Strategies to seek alternatives to euthanasia forunclaimed animals.Off leash areas provided.Community education program held at Council forschool children from St Patricks School on dogbehaviour and responsible handling of animals.Information was provided to the communitythrough Council’s websiteAn article featuring a companion animal from thepound looking for a new home is frequently placedin the local newspaper.A total of 4 off leash areas are provided in the LocalGovernment Area, being 2 in Lithgow and 1 in eachof Portland and Wallerawang.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 62

Statements Against Reporting RequirementsFreedom of Information and PrivacyThe following table provides a comparison of the number of applications received under theFreedom of Information Act 1989:2006/07 2007/08Freedom of Information Applications 0 3Planning AgreementsThe following planning agreements were approved by Council in 2007/08:Development ApplicationNo.Description of PlanningAgreement65/07 Contribution toward roundaboutin Lithgow StreetCompliance with PlanningAgreementContribution received.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 63

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Appendix AFinancial Statements and Auditors Report________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008 Page 65

Appendix BPayment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities to Councillors PolicyOBJECTIVE:To comply with the provisions of Section 252 of the Local GovernmentAct, 1993 and adopt policy concerning the payment of expensesincurred or to be incurred by, and the provision of facilities to, theMayor and Councillors in relation to discharging the functions of civicoffice.POLICY:1 EXPENSES1.1 Travelling Expenses (Outside the Lithgow City Council LGA)Councillors will be entitled to travel to State Government sponsored ad hoc committeesand official engagements and functions, where the Councillor has been authorised bythe Council by way of a resolution or is deputising for the Mayor, at the expense of theCouncil by the most practical conveyance.Where prior notice is given, Councillors will be provided with a motor vehicle whenrequired to attend conferences, seminars, meetings and official engagements andfunctions, where the Councillor has been authorised by the Council or is deputising forthe Mayor. The Councillor in charge of the vehicle at the time of any infringement noticeshall be responsible for all traffic and parking fines incurred.Councillors may only undertake overseas travel where travelling expenses where theCouncil has specifically authorised a councillor’s itinerary and specifically authorisedreimbursement by way of a Council resolution made prior to the trip being taken. Theresolution must specifically name any Councillor(s) authorised to undertake overseastravel, indicate the reason the travel has been deemed to be necessary and include adetermination of any reimbursement of expenses.Councillor(s) must have successfully supplied to Council (in an open session of a councilmeeting) details via a written report which illustrates the nexus of their trip with thepolicies and/or objectives of the Council and the report must illustrate the communitybenefit that will arise from the trip.The lack of a resolution to reimburse expenses that specifically names the Councillor(s)will preclude the approval of the reimbursement of any travel expenses.Reimbursements will be on items submitted as receipts or tax invoices only where proofof payment is provided and the appropriate claim form is completed.Advance payments for any expenses expected to be incurred will not be provided.Spouses, partners or accompanying persons shall not be entitled to any reimbursementof travelling expenses.Councillor(s) undertaking any travel outside the Lithgow City Council LGA are requiredto submit a written report to the next Council meeting via the Business Paper for thatmeeting.Reimbursement will be made available provided that travel is undertaken expediently, and bythe shortest practicable route, and reimbursement is subject to a formal claim being lodgednot later than three (3) months after the expense was incurred.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix B1.2 Travelling Expenses (Inside the Lithgow City Council LGA)Councillors will be reimbursed travel expenses in accordance with the AustralianTaxation Office approved rates for use of private motor vehicles to attend the following:• Council meetings;• Council Committee meetings;• Working Group meetings which the Councillor is the nominated delegate;• Section 355 Committee meetings;• External Organisations/Committee Meeting, which the Councillor is the nominatedDelegate, except where fees are paid to the Councillor by the external organisation;• Workshops convened by Council;• Public Meetings convened by Council;• Training programs relating to the role of the Council; and• Inspections within the area of the Council, undertaken according to a resolution ofCouncil.• To attend a formal function or meeting where a formal invitation to attend arisesonly as a result of their position as a Councillor.Reimbursement will be made available provided that travel is undertaken expediently, and bythe shortest practicable route, and reimbursement is subject to a formal claim being lodgednot later than three (3) months after the expense was incurred.Advance payments for any expenses expected to be incurred will not be provided.Spouses, partners or accompanying persons shall not be entitled to any reimbursement oftravelling expenses.1.3 Official Engagements and FunctionsCouncil will be responsible for the expenses of Councillors to attend meetings, officialengagements and functions where the Councillor has been authorised by the Council oris deputising for the Mayor within the Local Government Area. Expenses relating to aCouncillors partner will be the responsibility of the Councillor.1.4 Expenses Associated with Councillors Attending, At Their Discretion,Conferences, (including the Annual LGA or Shires Conferences) Seminars,Councillor Professional Development and Training Programs, Elected MemberCourses and Local Government and Shires Associations Industry WorkingGroups.Councillors will be responsible for payment of expenses, from their annual ProfessionalDevelopment Discretionary Vote, which is identified in the annual Management Plan(see next point), incurred for attending and participation in the following:• conferences (including the Annual LGA or Shires Conference) and seminars;• Councillor professional development and training programs;• elected member courses;• Local Government and Shires Associations Industry Working Groups.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix B1.5 Annual Councillor Professional Development Discretionary VoteAll Councillors will be allocated the sum of $2,000 annually, (subject to review byCouncil annually in conjunction with the Management Plan) to specifically provide forthe professional development of Councillors.Where a Councillor is required to attend conferences (including the annual LGA or ShiresConference) and seminars, professional development training programs, electedmember courses, and Local Government and Shires Associations Industry WorkingGroups outside the Lithgow City Council LGA, it will be necessary for the Council toauthorise the attendance of Councillors at these events to be affected by way of aresolution of an Ordinary Meeting of the Council. Payment for attendance shall be madefrom the Councillor Professional Development Discretionary Vote.Amounts remaining unexpended as at 30 June each year will expire and anyunexpended amounts will not be carried over or available for expenditure in successiveyears.The amount in the vote shall be reviewed annually as part of the creation of the budgetand management plan. Council will purchase the tickets to the annual Lithgow BusinessAssociation Awards for Councillors and partners wishing to attend and payment shall befrom this vote.Any Councillor who has special care needs shall be able to seek reimbursement ofreasonable costs. This includes child care expenses and the care of the elderly, disabledand/or sick immediate family members where a Councillor can illustrate the expensesenable the councillor to attend to official Council duties. Councillors must complete aclaim form for these expenses which shall be submitted to an ordinary meeting ofCouncil for approval as an increment to the Annual Councillor Professional DevelopmentDiscretionary Vote. The increment relating to special care needs shall be capped at$250 per annum.1.6 Legal and insurance expenses and obligationsCouncil shall maintain policies which contain provisions for legal expenses and insurance in theform of:• Councillors and Officers liability insurance• Personal Accidents insuranceWhere Council’s insurance policies do not cover a Councillor’s legal expenses in relation to amatter arising directly as a result of the Councillor’s actions in the civic office, Council willdetermine, by resolution, if the Councillor is to be re-imbursed for reasonable solicitor/clientcosts as long as they relate to:• Conduct arising from the execution of a councillor’s civic duties;• The matter is finalised;• Council authorises by specific resolution naming the Councillor and determining theamount to be reimbursed.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix B2 FACILITIES2.1 StationeryCouncil will provide, upon request, the following stationery to Councillors to be usedonly on Council business:• Writing pads• Letter Head stating "From the Desk of Councillor...."• Envelopes• Box Files• Business cards• Writing pens• Diary• Year Planner• Educational and promotional material and gifts.2.2 PostageCouncil will provide Councillors with postage facilities where the communication beingposted is in discharge of the Councillor's functions of civic office.2.3 CommunicationCouncil will provide the Mayor with a mobile phone or similar device for use directlyassociated with the role as Mayor of Lithgow City Council.Councillors are to be reimbursed for Council related calls that are charged to theirpersonal telephone accounts relating to their place of residency, Councillors are tosubmit a claim within three months following the payment of such accounts. An annualallocation of $50 per Councillor per financial year is available upon confirmation thattelephone calls can be related to Council business and charges appear on a Councillor’shome telephone account. Call charges demonstrated to be for the purpose ofconducting Council business shall be reimbursed to the Councillor with the amount beingdeducted from the Annual Councillor Discretionary Vote.Councillors will be provided with the appropriate communication, information andtechnology equipment to be connected to the Councillor’s area of the Lithgow CityCouncil Computer Network.2. 4 Secretarial ServicesCouncil will provide a secretarial service to all Councillors to facilitate the discharge offunctions of civic office. In addition, the following information and resources will beprovided:• Computer Based Central Diary of the dates of all meetings, civic functions andengagements;• Extracts from Council’s Computer Based Information/Records System containingand index of the availability of consultants reports and studies, infrastructurestrategies and other relevant resource material.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix B2.5 TrainingCouncil will conduct training programs for Councillors as is appropriate for the effectivedischarge of functions of civic office. Such training programs will be conducted byCouncil's own staff and external service providers will be engaged when and whererequired.2.6 Resource Centre and Office AccommodationThe Mayor’s/Councillors’ Room will be available to Councillors as a Resource Centre andto meet with residents and use telephone facilities where multiple calls may benecessary in the discharge of Councillors' functions of civic office. The followingresources will be provided in the Mayor's/Councillor’s Room to enable Councillors toundertake individual research:• Local Government Act 1993 and related legislation.• Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.• Lithgow City Council Code of Conduct.• ICAC and Ombudsman Reports.• Lithgow Local Environmental Plans• Copies of current consultancy reports and studies.• Industry management journals, publications and selected readings.• Lithgow City Council Code of Meeting PracticeAccess to the Resource Centre will be available during normal office hours and specialarrangements may be made for access outside normal office hours.2.8 Mayoral Motor VehicleThe Mayor will be provided with a prestige motor vehicle to discharge the functions ofcivic office and the performance of Council business. The vehicle will be made availableto the Mayor for private usage subject to the payment of $2000 Annually.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix CCompetitive Neutrality PolicyOBJECTIVE:To ensure Council deals with complaints regarding competitiveneutrality in an efficient manner.POLICY:1 IntroductionIn April 1995, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) ratified the NationalCompetition Policy. The Policy is aimed at increasing consumer and business choice,reducing production and transportation costs in an effort to lower prices for goods andservices, and creating an overall business environment in which to improve Australia’sinternational competitiveness.One of the major components of the National Competition Policy is the principlescontained in the Competition Principles Agreement. The Agreement is aimed atencouraging, efficient public sector (government) service provision by exposing public(government) business functions to competition, where appropriate. The Agreementprovides a policy framework that facilitates the creation of competitive markets forpublic sector goods and services, where appropriate.The Competition Principles Agreement requires the creation of an effective regime todeal with complaints that Council business activities are not competing in the marketagainst private businesses on a “level playing field” and are operating with competitiveadvantage.This document constitutes a formal mechanism established by Lithgow City Council forthe handling and management of competitive neutrality complaints. By establishingclear guidelines and procedures for the handling and management of competitiveneutrality complaints, the Council will be in stronger position to ensure:• non regulatory service functions operate under similar competitive pressures tothose experienced by the private sector; and• services provided are relevant, cost effective and operationally efficient.This document has a threefold purpose.• Firstly, it may be used by members of the public and the owners of businessescompeting in the same market as Lithgow City Council to submit complaints tothe Council alleging that the Council is operating with net competitive advantagesas a result of the Council’s ownership of a business activity or service.• Secondly, it will provide a formal mechanism for the investigation, determinationand advice of the outcome of a complainant alleging that non regulatory servicefunctions discharged or business activities operated by the Council are operatingwith competitive advantage over other private businesses.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix C• Thirdly, it will serve to ensure that Council staff continuously monitor nonregulatory services provided by the Council operate under the principles ofCompetitive Neutrality.2 The Competitive Neutrality PrincipleCompetitive neutrality is one of the principles of National Competition Policy which isapplied throughout Australia at all levels of Government, including Local Government.Competitive neutrality is based on the concept of a “level playing field” for competitorsin a market, be they public or private sector competitors. Government businessorganisations, whether they are Commonwealth, State or Local Government, shouldoperate without net competitive advantages over businesses as a result of their publicownership.Where Lithgow City Council competes in the market place with other private businesses,the Council will do so on the basis that it does not utilise its public position to gain anunfair advantage over private businesses who may be in competition with the Council.3 What is a Competitive Neutrality Complaint?A complaint regarding competitive neutrality IS:• A complaint Lithgow City Council has not met its requirements under the NationalCompetition Policy Statement of Pricing and Costing for Council Businesses - aGuide to Competitive Neutrality and includes concern that the Council has notestablished an effective Competitive Neutrality Complaints Management System.• A complaint that Lithgow City Council has not abided by the spirit of competitiveneutrality in the conduct of Council business activities.A competitive neutrality complaint is NOT:• A complaint regarding the level of service provided by a business activity such aswater quality inadequate, a mobile garbage bin not collected or the condition of aroad or footpath• A complaint regarding the cost of the service, unless it is that Lithgow City Councilhas not costed the service to take competitive neutrality into account• A complaint regarding the trade practices laws and their application to theLithgow City Council.4 Council Business Activities Subject to Competitive NeutralityCategory 1 Business ActivitiesThe following Lithgow City Council owned and operated activities have been categorisedas Category 1 Businesses and are subject to competitive neutrality. Each businessactivity has an annual gross operating income over $2M per year.WastewaterWater________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix CCouncil has adopted the following attributes in respect of Category 1 Business Activities:• A Corporatisation Model• Full cost attribution including- tax equivalent regime payments- debt guarantee fees, where the business benefits from Council’s borrowingposition by comparison with commercial rates- return on capital invested• Identified any subsidies paid to the business• Operate within the same regulatory framework as private businesses5 How to Lodge a Competitive Neutrality ComplaintA competitive neutrality complaint should be made in writing using a standard formavailable for that specific purpose from the Customer Service Centre at the Lithgow CityCouncil Administrative Headquarters, 180 Mort Street Lithgow.Complaints may also be made over the counter and by telephone. Council’s PublicOfficer will provide advice and assistance with the preparation and submission ofcompetitive neutrality complaints.5.1 Time LimitsCompetitive neutrality complaints will be acknowledged within 7 days andresponded to by Lithgow City Council within 30 days of the date of submission ofthe complaint.If the competitive neutrality complaint requires detailed investigation, thecomplainant will be informed of progress at regular intervals.5.2 RemediesCompetitive neutrality complaints which establish that Lithgow City Council:(i) has not met its requirements under the National Competition PolicyStatement or Pricing and Costing for Council Businesses - a Guide toCompetitive Neutrality;OR(ii) has not abided by the spirit of competitive neutrality in the conduct ofCouncil business activities,will result in changes to the Council’s business practice to ensure future andcontinued compliance with the principle of competitive neutrality.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008

Appendix C5.3 AlternativesAny complainant dissatisfied with Lithgow City Council’s determination of acompetitive neutrality complaint may refer the complaint to either the:• NSW Department of Local Government; or• NSW Ombudsman; or• NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC); or• Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).Alternatively, the competitive neutrality complaint may be referred direct to oneof these agencies and Lithgow City Council bypassed.6 Who will be dealing with the Competitive Neutrality Complaint?The Lithgow City Council Public Officer will diligently, fairly and honestly investigate allcompetitive neutrality complaints. The Public Officer will submit an investigation reportto the Council’s General Manager within 21 days of the competitive neutrality complaintbeing received. Where the complaint is justified, such report will containrecommendations for changes to the Council’s business activities practice to ensurefuture and continued compliance with the principle of competitive neutrality.A response to the competitive neutrality complaint will be provided by the GeneralManager within 30 days of the date of submission of the complaint.The Public Officer performs a role which is independent and separated from themanagement and control of Council business activities.7 ConfidentialityAll competitive neutrality complaints received will be determined by the Council in thestrictest confidence.8 Further InformationFurther information or advice may be obtained by contacting the Lithgow City Council PublicOfficer between 8.15 am and 4.30 pm on telephone (02) 6354 9999. All enquiries or requestsfor further information will be maintained in the strictest confidence.________________________________________________________________________________________________Annual Report – 2007/ 2008