The Council Acknowledges All Language Groups of the Kulin Nationas the Traditional Owners

Acknowledgements

The Council acknowledges all language groups of the Kulin Nationas the traditional owners of these municipal lands.We recognise the first people’s relationship to this land and offer our respect to their elders past and present.

January 2016

Introduction

This quarterly report provides a snapshot of Council’s performance against its Annual Action Plan for Quarter 2 (October to December 2015).

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The overarching vision for Hobsons Bay, bringing together the aspirations of residents, Councillors, and stakeholders is to ensure we are:

• valuing the wellbeing of our people and our place, now and into the future

• a safe, clean, accessible and connected municipality, which values diversity, protects its heritage and environment, fosters a strong sense of community and provides opportunities to achieve the best possible health and wellbeing

• a place that people are proud to call home

In order to accomplish its responsibilities,Council’s strategic framework allows the organisation to identify community needs and aspirations over the long term (via the Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2013-17) and operationalise these via the Council Plan 2013-17.

Each year Council identifies a number of initiatives that form the basis of its Council Plan Annual Action Plan which is implemented by all Council departments.

This second quarter report (October, November, December) indicates Council’s progress against the current action plan.

Reporting on the progress of these actions is a legislative requirement. It also assists Council to ensure initiatives are on track throughout the financial year.

Table of Contents

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Overall Performance Summary

GOAL 1:

An Inclusive, Resilient and Healthy Community

GOAL 2:

A Well Planned, Vibrant and Sustainable Place

GOAL 3:

Quality Community Infrastructure and Public Open Spaces

GOAL 4:

An Innovative, Proactive and Leading Organisation

Legislated Performance Indicators

Half Yearly Results

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Council’s Performance

The Council Plan 2013-17 articulates Council’s strategic direction for the next four years. It is prepared in accordance with legislative requirements in the Local Government Act 1989 and is based on a planning framework that aligns the community’s vision to our strategies, activities and financial resources.

The Council Plan 2013-17 is structured around four key goals, which describe how Council will serve the community to deliver on the community’s vision for Hobsons Bay. Each goal area identifies the objectives that, as an organisation, we will work towards achieving from 2013 to 2017. The figure below shows the spread of all initiatives across Council departments and directorates.

When reading this report, the following key will be applied to show the extent of progress on major initiatives and actions.

Key
Not Started /  / Work on this initiative has not yet commenced
Deferred /  / Work on this initiative has been deferred to another time
Behind Schedule /  / Completion of this initiative is behind schedule and at risk of not being completed
On Schedule /  / Progress of this initiative is on schedule
Completed /  / The initiative is fully completed
No Longer Relevant /  / The initiative is no longer relevant

Overall Performance Summary

This section provides a snapshot of the performance achieved this quarter.

The Council Plan Annual Action Plan 2015-16 includes nine major initiatives and 58initiatives.

Overall Progress

Overall, 73per cent(49) of all initiatives are progressing on schedule. A further 16per cent(11) have been completed.

Progress of Major Initiatives

Out of thenine major initiatives, 89 per cent (8) are progressing on schedule and one has been completed.

Progress of Initiatives

Out of the 58initiatives,71 per cent(41) are progressing on schedule and ten have been completed.

Further details on the progress of the major initiatives and initiatives can be found in the report against each of the four Council Plan goal areas.

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GOAL 1:

An Inclusive, Resilient and Healthy Community

Engaging with local communities and stakeholders to plan for, and provide access to, the services, cultural and recreational experiences, and economic opportunities that enhance health and wellbeing.

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Whilst many Hobsons Bay residents experience good health, just under a quarter rate their health as fair or poor (higher than the average for Victoria).

Data shows that diabetes, cancer and asthma are particular health concerns for Hobsons Bay residents, along with mental health issues particularly for young people. In fact, more young people in Hobsons Bay experience psychological distress and psychiatric hospitalisations than anywhere in the Western Metropolitan Region and Victoria.

In line with these concerns, our community told us that improving the provision of health related services should be a priority for Council’s work.

Council contributes directly to protecting and promoting the health of its community through a range of traditional services ranging from immunisation, food safety, communicable disease prevention, aged, family, youth and children’s services, as well as emergency recovery and response.

In addition, the provision and maintenance of recreational facilities, libraries, community facilities, support of cultural facilities, access to arts and events, building accessible footpaths, roads and open space, all foster both physical and mental wellbeing.

However, Council is not able to do it all therefore partnerships are formed with other organisations and levels of government to collaboratively work together and advocate for the needs of the current and future community.

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Council will:

1.1 Provide a range of accessible, high quality services and social supports

1.2 Foster community wellbeing, capacity and sense of belonging

1.3 Protect and promote public health and community safety

1.4 Provide a range of opportunities that support people to engage in healthy and active lifestyles, the arts, recreation and sport

1.5 Foster cultural expression and lifelong learning

1.6 Work in partnership with key stakeholders to attract and advocate for the services needed in Hobsons Bay.

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Progress of Major Initiatives

Within this goal area, out of the twomajor initiatives,one is completed and one is now on schedule.

Major Initiative / Q2Comment / Quarterly Status
Q1 / Q2 / Q3 / Q4
Concept plans developed for the new Altona Early Years Hub / A feasibility study regarding early years services in the Altona /Seaholme precinct was tabled at the Ordinary Council meeting in November. The study proposed an Early Years Integrated Hub on the P-9 Altona school site. Council resolved at the meeting to undertake community consultation on early years services and facilities in the area before committing to a final position. Community consultation commenced late November with a report to go to Council in March 2016. /  / 
Participate in the 2015 Review of the Municipal Emergency Management plan / The review of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan has been completed by the State Emergency Services (SES). Hobsons Bay City Council has achieved 100 per cent best practice. The SES presented Council with a certificate at its Ordinary Council Meeting on 27 October 2015. It should be noted that Council has achieved the same rating for the past two years. / 

Progress of Initiatives

Within this goal area, out of the 17initiatives, fourhave been completed, 12 are on schedule,and one is no longer relevant.

Major Initiative / Q2Comment / Quarterly Status
Q1 / Q2 / Q3 / Q4
Implementation of a new state-wide Maternal and Child Health IT system / The new Maternal and Child Health IT system (CDIS) is in operation. All staff have been trained in its application and are using the program for all consultations. Use of the calendar component of the system will commence in first quarter of 2016 when calendar set up issues will be rectified by program administrators. /  / 
Develop new 'Still Talking' facilitated playgroup site / Three new supported playgroups have commenced to support families either exiting Smalltalk playgroups or having not met Smalltalk playgroup eligibility criteria. The playgroups are being provided in Altona North (Eastona Park), Altona Meadows and Laverton. / 
Review and redevelop the service delivery model for Youth Services / The Youth Services team have continued to progress the development of a new service delivery model in preparation for relocating to the new Newport Youth, Library, Seniors facility. Works have included ongoing regular meetings with all staff to discuss the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a co-located service with higher street visibility. The team have been actively developing a model that responds to a co-located service which has capacity to deliver programs on site while maximising the strengths and opportunities of the new facility. It is anticipated the model will be finalised next quarter. /  / 
Rollout online payments for Libraries / Online payments for library fines, fees and charges is in place and testing has been completed. A marketing campaign for customers will be prepared and launched once live trial is completed.
Proposal for online payment gateways for Council fees and charges including rates to be scoped with IT through governance model with a view to trialling at Williamstown Library or the new Newport Library. This is in line with the Customer Service strategy which aims to expand direct customer service for Council business into other Council sites beyond Civic Centre. /  / 
Develop a strategy which provides the Council with direction around Learning Communities / Brief completed and contractor appointed. Work commenced with staff consultation scheduled for third quarter. /  / 
Finalise the implementation of Consumer Directed Care for the Home Care Packages program / Compliance has been achieved with a small number of clients with further refinement of practices required. /  / 
Implementation of short term case management program for consumers accessing HACC and NRCP / Program has commenced. Nine (9) clients currently receiving short term case management and those who require will be supported.. / This action was not reported on during the quarter. / 
Development of a Hobsons Bay community wellbeing and participation guide / Out and About booklet distributed to all residents and community outlets and many businesses across the municipality with positive reception and feedback received. /  / 
Develop a Liquor Licensing Policy Statement / The Liquor Licensing Background Paper and the recommendations to develop a Liquor Licensing policy Statement was endorsed by Council on the 15December 2015 Council Meeting. The development of the draft Liquor Licensing Policy Statement has began and is scheduled to be drafted by June 2016. /  / 
Explore the feasibility of returning wandering micro chipped and registered animals directly to owners / Investigating this option in line with the review of the scope of services by Lost Dogs Home. /  / 
Implement the year one actions of the Events and Festivals Plan / The Hobsons Bay Events and Festivals Plan was endorsed by Council in December 2015 and the action plan is ready for implementation in quarter three. In the interim, event and festival support included the 2015 ParaWorlds, Around the Bay in a Day, several Christmas and cultural events. /  / 
Review the Hobsons Bay Arts and Culture Plan 2011-2015 / The Hobsons Bay Arts and Culture Plan review and report is underway. /  / 
Finalise and implement the Active Community Volunteer Strategy / Active Volunteering Strategy endorsed by Council. Recruitment of a Community Capacity Building Officer position underway to lead implementation of the strategy. /  / 
Implement the endorsed Sport and Recreation Strategic Plan / Sport and Recreation Policy review commenced. /  / 
Undertake three cultural activities in Laverton around Woods Street Arts space that help activate Lohse and Woods Street park and retail/business precinct / Activities included the Artist In Residence Program and Co-Working Wednesdays for creative industries. /  / 
Development of a 2015-2017 action plan which provides a basis for strategies and actions to be delivered as identified in the Reconciliation Policy Statement / Draft Reconciliation Policy Statement feedback received and action plan being finalised for implementation with timelines. Staff member resigned to take up another role. Replacement appointed and will pick up this task on commencement. /  / 
Expand the homework help program / The funding for this program is externally granted through the Operational Library Grant made available via the State Government.
Other external funding will need to be sought to offer the program beyond June 2016, or a continued offer will be explored through the implementation of a volunteer network once the Community Capacity Building Officer commences. This will not necessarily involve an expansion of the current offer. /  / 

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GOAL 2:

A Well Planned, Vibrant and Sustainable Place

Fostering safe, attractive and connected neighbourhoods that provide social and economic opportunities for all and are resilient to climate change; while caring for our precious heritage, coast and natural resources for future generations.

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Hobsons Bay residents identify strongly with their neighbourhood and Hobsons Bay as a place with many recognising the municipality as close to their ideal place to live.

Above all else, the community values the coastal location of the municipality, along with its many parks and quality open spaces, and would like the Council to continue to protect these community and environmentally significant areas for future generations to enjoy.

This includes ensuring the impacts of climate change are considered. Climate change presents many challenges for Hobsons Bay including higher average temperatures, reduced rainfall, extreme weather events and sea level rise.

Council has a role in planning healthy communities, not only through its land use and social planning functions, but also through the provision of infrastructure including walking and cycling connections for physical activity and active transport.

Council also has a role in planning to accommodate the changing nature of our population and in ensuring development is appropriate and accessible for all.

Tourism and cultural industries provide identity as well as visitor attraction and community benefits, as do a number of retail precincts. Local job creation is important now and into the future.

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Council will:

2.1 Contribute to creating an accessible, well connected city

2.2 Enhance neighbourhood character, while respecting local heritage and open space

2.3 Contribute to initiatives that encourage economic opportunities through local employment, business, industry and tourism

2.4 Plan for a well designed urban environment and public spaces that enhance safety for all community members and contribute to the life of the city

2.5 Reduce the Council’s ecological footprint and ensure our community has the capacity to adapt to the effects of climate change

2.6 Ensure opportunities for residents to enhance their health and wellbeing are delivered upon through strategic integrated planning, social research, community consultation and evaluation.

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Progress of Major Initiatives

Within this goal area, allthree major initiativesare progressing on schedule.

Major Initiative / Q2Comment / Quarterly Status
Q1 / Q2 / Q3 / Q4
Develop a Hobsons Bay business investment prospectus to attract new and diverse business investment / Work has commenced including meeting with State agencies, convening an Investment and Attraction Facilitation Working Group and scoping materials. /  / 
Prepare a new tourism strategy in consultation with relevant stakeholders / Review of the prior strategy is underway in preparation for Council review and endorsement of a new framework. /  / 
Develop the Multicultural Policy 2016-2020 in consultation with community and stakeholders / Community and stakeholder consultations are now complete with the final report being written. Findings within this report will be used to support the draft policy. /  / 

Progress of Initiatives

Out of the eight initiatives within this goal area, sevenare progressing on schedule and one has been completed.

Major Initiative / Q2Comment / Quarterly Status
Q1 / Q2 / Q3 / Q4
Finalise the review and rewrite of the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS) / Work is continuing on the review of the Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS). A final draft is almost complete which proposes to incorporate recently adopted Council Strategies and Policies into the Planning Scheme. It is anticipated that a draft will be place out for public comment by mid May. /  / 
Finalise the Neighbourhood Character Study / Draft brochures have been developed for consideration which identified the key components of neighbourhood character that should be protected. The brochures also provide guidance for the implementation of the new residential zones. A review of the information collected to date is being reviewed. Once reviewed they will be amended and presented to Council by the end of the financial year. /  / 
Deliver the Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards / The Hobsons Bay Business Excellence Awards were held, with more than 100 business entries received, a short list of finalists with site visits undertaken by a specialist and independent panel of judges, and a sold out gala dinner event to announce and celebrate the winners at the Williamstown Town Hall in October 2015. /  / 
Finalise the Activity Centre Strategy / A draft Activity Centres Strategy is currently being finalised. It is expected that the findings from the Activity Centre Strategy will be used to inform the residential zones work. Due to workloads this project has stalled, it is likely that this project will be completed in the next financial year. /  / 
Finalise the Public Art Strategy / A draft strategy is prepared and ready for Council review in quarter three. /  / 
Finalise the Newport Structure Plan / The establishment of the Major Hazard Facilities Advisory Committee will provide much needed direction on the Major Hazard Facility that affects parts of Newport. It is expected that the outcomes of this Committee will inform the future of the Newport Structure Plan.
Other elements of the Structure Plan are continuing, however the structure plan will be unable to be finalised until the findings of the Major Hazard Facility Advisory Committee are made. Council will be making a submission to the Committee. It is likely that this project will be completed by the end of this financial year to early next financial year. /  / 
Undertake works to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Council buildings / Altona library lighting renewal and natural ventilation works tender complete. Works expected to be completed first quarter in 2016. /  / 
Finalise the Housing Strategy / The Housing Strategy is reliant upon the development of the Activity Centres Strategy and the Neighbourhood Character Study which are still being developed. As mentioned above work on the Activity Centre Strategy has stalled due to competing workloads. Irrespective of this, work is continuing on other elements of the Housing Strategy, including work on the affordable housing policy statement, a housing affordability report, review of population projection.It is likely that this project will be completed by the end of this financial year to early next financial year. /  / 

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