Members are advised that a meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) will be held on Friday 13th November 2015 in the Ian Gilbert Room at Jerilderie Shire Council’s Civic Centre, following conclusion of the Annual General Meeting.
Mayors and Delegates
Councillors Terry Hogan AM (Chairman), Henk van de Ven, Paul Miegel, Leigh Byron, Norm Brennan, Ashley Hall, Peter Laird, Heather Wilton, Bill Sheaffe, John Pocklington, Neil Gorey, Bernard Curtin, Peter Nunan, John Dal Broi, Austin Evans, Paul Maytom, Jenny Clarke and Patrick Bourke
General Managers
Rowan Perkins, Aaron Drenovski, Frank Zaknich, Chris Gillard, Barry Barlow, Des Bilske, Steven Pinnuck, Allen Dwyer, Craig Moffitt, Margot Stork, Bruce Graham, Peter Kozlowski, Jackie Kruger, Brett Stonestreet, Kerry McMurray, Judy Charlton, Adrian Butler and Ken Murphy.
MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
MRRR 1 WELCOME
MRRR 2 APOLOGIES
MRRR 3 MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST 2015 (pages 2 to 7)
MRRR 4 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 5TH AUGUST 2015 MEETING (page 7)
MRRR 5 PRESENTATIONS (page 7)
Item 5.1 - Murray RDA and Riverina RDA – Each RDA will provide a short overview on their Board structure and current activities (RDA Murray Chair Jennifer Weller and Deputy Chair Des Bilske) and Riverina RDAExecutive Officer Mark Ritchie
Item 5.2 – Trudi McDonald - Regional Co-ordinator Department of Premier and Cabinet will provide a short overview of her new role with DP&C based in Wagga
MRRR 6 FIT FOR THE FUTURE DISCUSSIONS, follows topics (page 8) :-
· IPART’S FFTF Assessments Report to Government – October 2015
· Government’s call for merger proposals – Due by 18TH November
· Outcomes of RAMROC Roundtable Meeting – 4TH November 2015
· Outcomes of Joint Pilot JOs and ROCs Meeting - 6TH November
· Joint Organisations – MAMJO Proposal – RAMROC submission to the Emerging Directions Paper (see separate attachment)
· Final Report of Upper House Standing Committee Inquiry (see separate attachment)
MRRR 7 BERRIGAN SHIRE ITEM – ESSENTIAL ENERGY JOB LOSSES (page 8) - (see separate attachment
MRRR 8 EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT (pages 8 to 13 inclusive)
MRRR 9 MINUTES OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS – as follows: (pages 13 to 26):-
9.1 RAMROC Engineers Group – 7th August 2015
9.2 RAMROC Riverina Waste Management Group – 9th September 2015
9.3 RAMROC Procurement Steering Committee –7th October 2015
9.4 RAMROC Murray Waste Management Group – 7th October 2015
9.5 RAMROC Planners Group – 24th September 2015 (to be tabled)
MRRR 10 GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS (page 26)
AGENDA ITEM 3 - MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC), HELD IN THE IAN GILBERT ROOM AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL, ON WEDNESDAY 5TH AUGUST 2015 AT 10.00 AMPRESENT
Albury City:
Balranald: / Apology
Cr Leigh Byron
Mr Aaron Drenovski
Berrigan: / Cr Bernard Curtin
Cr Brian Hill
Mr Rowan Perkins
Carrathool: / Cr Darryl Jardine
Mr Robert Rayner
Conargo: / Cr Norm Brennan
Mr Barry Barlow
Corowa: / Cr Fred Longmire
Chris Gillard
Deniliquin: / Cr Ashley Hall
Mr Des Bilske
Greater Hume: / Cr Heather Wilton
Mr Steven Pinnuck
Griffith City:
Hay: / Apology
Cr Bill Sheaffe
Mr Allen Dwyer
Jerilderie: / Cr Ruth McRae
Cr Terry Hogan (RAMROC Chair)
Mr David Tamlyn
Leeton: / Ms Jackie Kruger
Mr Ray Pluis
Murray: / Cr Tom Weyrich
Ms Margot Stork
Murrumbidgee: / Mr Kerry McMurray
Narrandera: / Cr Jenny Clarke
Mrs Judy Charlton
Urana Shire / Cr Patrick Bourke
Wakool: / Cr Neil Gorey
Wentworth: Apology
RAMROC Mr Ray Stubbs Executive Officer
MEETING GUESTS: / Ms Alison Morgan – Senior Regional
Co-ordinator NSW Premier and Cabinet Wendy McPherson – Premier and Cabinet
John Pocius – Manager Greater Western Region Australian Red Cross
Jody Broun – Executive Director Red Cross
Annie Harvey – Migrant Support Officer Red Cross
Tony Gibbs –Community Relations Adviser NBN Fixed Wireless
Lani Houston – Executive Officer Riverina RDA
MRRR 1 - WELCOME TO MEETING
The RAMROC Chairman Cr Terry Hogan welcomed the meeting guests and presenters, as well as delegates attending their first meeting. He also welcomed the new General Manager of Leeton Shire Jackie Kruger to her first meeting and he congratulated Jackie on her appointment.
MRRR 2 - APOLOGIES:
Cr Kevin Mack and Mr Frank Zaknich – Albury City
Cr Peter Laird and Mr Ken Croskell – Carrathool Shire
Cr John Dal Broi and Mr Brett Stonestreet – Griffith City
Cr Peter Nunan and Mr Peter Kozlowski – Wentworth Shire
Cr Paul Maytom – Leeton Shire
Cr Lindsay Renwick – Deniliquin Council
Cr Austin Evans – Murrumbidgee Shire
Cr Mick Rutledge – Hay Shire
Mr Bruce Graham – Wakool Shire
Mr Craig Moffitt – Jerilderie Shire
Mr Adrian Butler – Urana Shire
RESOLVED that the apologies be received and accepted
(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Berrigan)
MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON 6TH MAY 2015
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 6th May 2015 be received and confirmed.
(Moved Berrigan and seconded Jerilderie)
MRRR 4 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 6TH MAY 2015 MEETING
There were no matters arising from the Minutes of the previous meeting
MRRR 5 – PRESENTATIONSThe presentations to the meeting were deferred until after consideration of Agenda Items MRRR 6, MRRR 7 and MRRR 8
MRRR 6 –PRESENTATION BY EXECUTIVE OFFICER – FIT FOR THE FUTURE – JOINT ORGANISATION OPTIONS (INCLUDING CONSIDERATION OF EO’S REPORT ITEM 8.2 AND PRESENTATION BY ALISON MORGAN DEPARTMENT OF PREMIER AND CABINET ITEM MRRR 5.1)
The Executive Officer gave a Powerpoint presentation in relation to current status and timetable for finalisation of the five Pilot joint Organisations. He pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of a range of options for the establishment of one or more Joint Organisations across the RAMROC region. He spoke of the importance of RAMROC being on the front foot as the Government progresses the formal establishment of Joint Organisations by September 2016.
The Executive Officer spoke in support of the recommendations emanating from the General Managers Group that RAMROC should now re-affirm its policy position proposing the establishment of a Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO), which would comprise 14 Councils with potential for Associate Membership status of 4 other Councils (Greater Hume, Urana, Balranald and Wentworth)
The Executive Officer’s presentation was followed by an address from Alison Morgan Senior Regional Coordinator for the Riverina Murray Region of the Department of Premier and Cabinet (Item MRRR 5.1), who reported on the outcomes of the mid-July workshop of the Pilot Joint Organisations in relation to legislative options, accountability and governance arrangements, mandated functions of planning, advocacy and engagement with State and Federal Governments and other external stakeholders such as RDAs.
RESOLVED that RAMROC affirm its preferred Joint Organisation model as being in accordance with Option 1A set out in the report 8.2 and Powerpoint presentation by the Executive Officer, that being an overarching 14 Member Council Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation, with provision for three sub regional groupings (Upper Murray, Mid Murray and Murrumbidgee), which will have the flexibility at any time to adjust the make-up of the sub regional groups, taking into account the outcomes of any LGA mergers or boundary changes
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Officer make a presentation to the Regional Leadership Network meeting in Wagga on 13th August, with the objective of seeking feedback and the support of State Government Agencies for RAMROC’s preferred Joint Organisation model
(Moved Berrigan and seconded Narrandera)
MRRR 7 –NOTICE OF MOTION – LEETON SHIRE – TRAFFIC ACCIDENT REPORTING
Consideration was given to a Notice of Motion lodged by the Mayor of Leeton Shire Cr Paul Maytom, together with background information, in relation to legislative changes introduced by the NSW State Government in October 2014 whereby reporting of traffic accidents is now only required under circumstances of death or injury, or where a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or where parties fail to exchange particulars.
RESOLVED that RAMROC provide support the following resolution of Leeton Shire Council:-
“ that the NSW Police be contacted in regard to the changes in reporting/recording and investigation of vehicle crashes in NSW that were implemented on 15th October 2014 and request that NSW Police reconsider these changes”
(Moved Leeton and seconded Jerilderie)
MRRR 8 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT
8.1 – Fit for the Future – Upper House Inquiry into Local Government
The NSW Legislative Council has established a General Purpose Standing Committee to conduct an Inquiry into Local Government in New South Wales, with a focus on the Government’s Fit for the Future Reform Program. The Executive Officer has forwarded a formal submission and the RAMROC Chairman and Executive Officer have been invited to give evidence to the Standing Committee at Wagga on 17th August 2015.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s submission be endorsed and that the Chairman and Executive Officer accept the invitation to present evidence to the Standing Committee Hearing at Wagga on Thursday 17th August 2015
(Moved Greater Hume and seconded Jerilderie)
FURTHER RESOLVED that RAMROC recommend to the NSW State Government that the Innovation Fund for smaller Councils be increased from $ 4 million to $ 16 million
(Moved Urana and seconded Jerilderie)
FURTHER RESOLVED that RAMROC recommend to the NSW State Government that the cost of granting rate concessions by Councils to eligible pensioners under the Local Government Act should be funded in full by the State Government, with Councils to be reimbursed at 100% of the cost involved by the Government
(Moved Corowa and seconded Berrigan)
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Minister for Local Government be formally requested that there be full prior consultation with Councils and communities in relation to any proposed mergers and that the State Government be also responsible for the commissioning of independent external Business Cases in relation any such merger proposals, and that this matter be drawn to the attention of the Upper House Standing Committee
(Moved Urana and seconded Jerilderie)
8.2 - Fit for the Future – Joint Organisation Options for the RAMROC Region
This matter was dealt in conjunction with Item MRRR 5.1 and MRRR 6 above
8.3 – Commonwealth Government Select Committee on the Murray Darling Basin Plan
The Commonwealth Government has established a Senate Select Committee to inquire into the positive and negative impacts on regional communities of the Murray Darling Basin Plan and associated Commonwealth programs. Terms of Reference have been announced and the appointment of the Committee Chair and Members is about to be finalised. RAMROC will be making a submission based on its strategic policy positions relating to the 2007 Commonwealth Water Act and the Murray Darling Basin Plan.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officers Report be adopted
(Moved Berrigan and seconded Conargo)
8.4 – Riverina RDA and Murray RDA – Chair, Deputy Chair and Committee Appointments
The Executive Officer reported that the Commonwealth and NSW Governments have recently announced the new Chairs and Deputy Chairs of RDA Committees. He advised that Riverina RDA has also appointed its Board Members, although the Board positions are yet to be finalised at Murray RDA.
The EO also reported that Riverina RDA Executive Officer Lani Houston and Murray RDA Executive Officer Barbara Hull have both decided to leave their RDA positions. The new EO at Riverina RDA will be Mark Ritchie commencing in late August and the new EO at Murray RDA is Gary Saliba.
The Chairman congratulated Lani Houston on a job well done at Riverina RDA and he wished her all the best for her future career.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted
(Moved Berrigan and seconded Greater Hume)
8.5 - Murray Darling Regional Economic Diversification Fund (MDREDF)
The Executive Officer reported that twenty two projects have been approved for funding under the MDREDF, with those projects attracting grants funding of around $ 18 million, out of a total NSW allocation of $32.5 million. The EO reported on project description and employment details of the 22 approved projects and advised that at this point of time, no timetable for Round 2 applications has been announced.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted
(Moved Greater Hume and seconded Hay)
8.6 – Jerilderie Shire Council Motions to LGNSW Conference – Council Governance
Jerilderie Shire Council has written seeking RAMROC and Member Councils support for the following
Motions which are being submitted to the LGNSW Annual Conference in October:-
· That Local Government NSW (LGNSW) advocate to establish more meaningful and timely support from the Office of Local Government and the Minister for Local Government to assist the good governance of Councils in circumstances where Councillor behaviour causes severe disruption to Council and Work Health and Safety issues for staff and Councillors
· That Local Government NSW (LGNSW) advocate for changes to the Local Government Act to ensure that the management of Work Health and Safety issues resulting from Councillor behaviour are dealt with through a process that aligns with that of Work Cover NSW
RESOLVED that RAMROC and Member Councils provide support to the two motions being submitted by Jerilderie Shire Council
(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Urana)
MRRR 5 – PRESENTATIONS
5.1 – Alison Morgan – Senior Regional Co-ordinator NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet
Alison’s presentation was delivered in conjunction with consideration of MRRR 6 and MRRR 8.2 (Joint Organisation Options – refer to details on page 3 of these Minutes)
5.2 – John Pocius Regional Manager Greater Western Region Red Cross Australia, together with Jody Broun Executive Director NSW and Annie Harvey Manager Migrant Support NSW – in relation to the Australian Government’s new refugee legislation and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV)
Consideration was given to a Powerpoint presentation delivered by Jody, Annie and John in relation to current refugee employment programs in the region, particularly in Griffith and Leeton, with emphasis on the new Safe Haven Enterprise Visas which came into effect in June 2015. The new Visas will provide opportunities for regional communities which could lead to permanent residency for refugees from other countries who are currently on bridging visas. The support of regional communities for the SHEV program is being strongly encouraged by the Commonwealth Government and Red Cross Australia and John invited interested Councils to make contact with him.