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Summary of Entries for Westpool Risk Management Award 2003
Council:
Blacktown City Council
Project Title:
Fleet Safety CD Project – ‘Drive Another Day’
Project Description
An interactive CD and Handbook developed by Blacktown City Council as an award
recipient from the Motor Accidents Authority and Institute of Public Works and Engineers
Australia.
The CD comprises a ten minute multimedia PowerPoint presentation that outlines common
crash causes, correct stopping distances, care of vehicle, council fleet rules etc. with support
from a 21 page handbook and knowledge test.
Project Outcome
The primary goal is to reduce injury and damage claims and workers compensation costs.
In addition, this project assists in establishing Council as a model fleet owner and contributor
to the overall benefit of pooling through the sharing of the training aid with other Westpool
Members.
----------------------------------------------------------Council:
Hawkesbury City Council – Submission 1
Project Title:
Wastewater’s Approach to Risk Management & Occupational
Health & Safety (OH&S) Strategies
Project Description
This project was designed by Council’s Wastewater Operations Branch to implement the risk
management system adopted by Hawkesbury City Council to ensure safety of the public and
of the staff.
Project Outcome
This approach to Risk Management and OH&S has born a safety minded awareness amongst
staff which inturn has reduced incidents within the workplace by 70%, it has also reduced
time loss due to injuries, thereby improving productivity and moral.
The underlying factor to our success is the consultation and involvement of staff in preparing
and implementing safety systems and strategies that ensure a safe environment for all.
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Council:
Hawkesbury City Council – Submission 2
Project Title:
Building & Development Practice Manual
Project Description
The Building & Development Branch carries out a number of functions including approvals
and customer service.
The Manual was born out of the need for up to date information to be at the fingertips of
every staff member. Topics such as zoning information, privacy and new legislation are
included. The Manual is a living document, which has regular additions.
Project Outcome
With a Branch staff of twenty seven, accuracy and consistency in information given to the
public is of paramount importance. The Manual is used daily by all staff members. It has
improved productivity and is a very effective risk management tool as information is clear
and easy to find. The risk of misinformation is now much lower.
----------------------------------------------------------Council:
Parramatta City Council
Project Title:
Lake Parramatta Aquatic Recreation Risk Assessment
Project Description
Council and the community have been working towards making Lake Parramatta a
recreational resource for the public. A cornerstone to this is the promotion of “Swim
Towards 2005”. Unfortunately, no risk assessment was undertaken prior to developing and
promoting this program.
The purpose of the Lake Parramatta Aquatic Recreation Risk Assessment Project was to:
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Determine and analyse the risks associated with various options for aquatic recreation
at Lake Parramatta Reserve;
Determine the controls required to manage the risks associated with each aquatic
recreation option;
Work with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate consideration of these risks
so as to determine the future for aquatic recreation at the lake.
A cross Council project control group steered the project and a specialist risk management
consultant, RiskChase facilitated the process. Key external stakeholders were informed and
provided valuable input through workshops. These stakeholders included NSW Scouts
Association and local Scout Groups, Canoeing NSW, Upper Parramatta River Catchment
Trust and Parramatta Canoe Polo Club.
The project commenced in December, 2002 and was completed in June, 2003.
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Project Outcome
The project was highly successful in that the following desired outcomes were realized:A. A firmer understanding of stakeholder needs and issues relating to aquatic recreation
in Lake Parramatta Reserve.
B. An understanding of the breadth of risks and the resources required for their control
associated with a range of possible aquatic recreation activities at Lake Parramatta
Reserve.
C. An effective tool that has and will continue to aid decision making with respect to
appropriate types of water-based recreation at the Lake.
D. Improved community safety and reduced potential financial and legal implications to
Council.
E. An understanding of the generic risks associated with all of Council’s waterways.
F. A pilot risk assessment process enabling swift refinement for future Council risk
assessment projects and a model for other Councils with open waterbodies.
G. Resolution of key community issues on recreation in Lake Parramatta.
Stakeholders have been informed of the output and the decision made by Council, assisted by
the result of the risk assessment that only non powered watercraft and catch and release
fishing will be permitted at the Lake in the near future. Actions already undertaken include
executive and stakeholder agreement to alter the “Swim Towards 2005” promotion and
obtaining external funding for new safety signage and designing and installing safe boating
access.
The project was a success as measured by the feedback from key external stakeholders and
the cross Council project control group. Copies of the risk assessment report have been
provided to other Councils and organizations to assist them in risk management capacity
building.
----------------------------------------------------------Council:
Penrith City Council – Submission 1
Project Title:
Risk Management Manual
Project Description
Develop a user friendly multi purpose document that contains:
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Policies
Training Material
Examples of Risk Management & Risk Management Tools
Claims Procedures
Background information on Insurance
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Project Outcome
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A Manual has been developed and tested. Consistent management of claims has
facilitated the identification of trends and improved client services.

The Manual is to be placed in Council’s Corporate Drive and access is through an
index system that allows individuals to browse for relevant sections and information.
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Staff serving customers are better equipped and trained to respond to liability claims.
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Foundation laid for improved risk management culture.
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New employees are provided with a consistent approach to risk management
----------------------------------------------------------Council:
Penrith City Council – Submission 2
Project Title:
Property Protection – Industrial Special Risk
Project Description
Reduce the risk exposure to Council buildings through a combination of fencing, security
lighting, security patrols, close circuit TV monitoring and wheelie bin security. Roll out of
security improvements to be based on frequency of incidents.
Project Outcome
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Reduced cost of minor incidents
Reduced frequency of vandalism at sites with improved security
Net reduced risk exposure to property
Improved appreciation of practical security measures available to ensure continuity of
service