2010-11 Annual Report
Department of Planning and
Community Development
1
Contents
Secretary’s foreword 3
Highlights 2010-11 5
Section 1 – About the Department 10
Who we are 10
Ministers 12
Executive team 12
Organisational chart 13
Whole-of-government priorities: DPCD contributions 14
Equity and diversity 19
Section 2 – Output performance 21
Changes to output structure 21
Planning communities for growth and change 22
Strengthening communities and promoting inclusion 34
Investing in community capacity and infrastructure 44
Section 3 – Financial statements 53
Section 4 – Appendices 188
Contacts 231
Disclosure index 234
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Secretary’s foreword
This has been an exciting year for the Department of Planning and
Community Development. Machinery-of-government changes following the
election of the Liberal National Coalition Government in late 2010 have
provided us with a stronger role in regional Victoria. This sits alongside our
continuing support for the efficient delivery and ongoing reform of the
planning system, strategic metropolitan and regional planning and
community development, including supporting Indigenous Victorians and
veterans.
This annual report outlines the progress the Department has already made in addressing
the Government’s priorities. It also recognises the ongoing work across our portfolios.
The Department continues to operate in a challenging environment. Victoria is
experiencing rapid population growth bringing change to many communities. At the same
time we are still dealing with the consequences of natural disasters.
All of our Ministerial portfolios contribute to planning communities that are great places to
live. This includes the new portfolio of Regional Cities which is an exciting opportunity to
address the needs of Victoria’s important regional centres in innovative and sustainable
ways.
Linking across the Department’s areas of responsibility are three predominant themes. In
urban planning and design we are working together to plan well-designed communities
that accommodate growth, foster employment opportunities, ensure affordability of
housing and create sustainable living environments. By strengthening Victoria’s regions
we are supporting regional Victoria to play a greater economic role as well as increasing
its share of projected population growth. Through community development and investment
in sport and recreation activities we are making sure Victorian communities are supported
by effective and integrated governance models, timely and appropriate infrastructure
provision, strong levels of participation and strong community organisations.
The Department has moved quickly to deliver on the Government’s priorities and election
commitments. We have established the Regional Growth Fund including new legislation, a
policy framework, and funding guidelines. The fund will strengthen the contribution that
regional cities and communities make to the future growth and prosperity of Victoria. This
will be further advanced by the Department’s work developing Regional Strategic Plans
over the past 12 months which will form an effective base for the development of Regional
Growth Plans in each region. This work provides a framework for communities to set their
own strategic priorities in partnership with government and industry.
The Department has commenced work on the Government’s new Metropolitan Planning
Strategy, including the audits identified by government as necessary inputs to inform the
strategy. These include audits into metropolitan liveability, government-owned land, green
wedge land use, population and coastal strategies and registers of significant public land
and infrastructure development. The Metropolitan Planning Strategy will be a key
mechanism for government to address population growth, housing affordability and
capacity, and will include a comprehensive process of community and stakeholder
consultation.
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The Department has undertaken key planning reforms over the past 12 months and will
now embark on further streamlining to provide greater certainty in the operation of the
statutory planning system. We have moved quickly to prepare legislation to establish the
new Urban Renewal Authority.
We deliver a range of community development programs including grants that enable local
communities to plan and build the community infrastructure they need. The importance of
volunteering across the state has been further enhanced this year by the launch of our
innovative online Volunteering Portal. In addition, the Department oversees a number of
major capital works designed to deliver long-term benefits to Victorians including major
upgrades to the Melbourne and Olympic Parks and construction of a new State Athletics
Centre.
We have implemented reforms to the planning and building systems following the 2009
Victorian bushfires including the early adoption of a national standard for bushfire
construction and the development of a performance standard for private bushfire shelters
(which has subsequently been adopted nationally). We have also introduced design and
construction requirements for government-funded non-residential buildings when no
Australian standard was available. In conjunction with other departments we have been
actively engaged with, or working with, communities to rebuild following the floods
experienced in late 2010 and early 2011.
DPCD continues to support Indigenous Victorians and the legacy of Victorian veterans.
The past year has seen the release of the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework 201013, continued collection of veteran stories and support for the preservation of war
memorials.
This has been a year of change. A number of organisational units previously under the
DPCD umbrella have been transferred to other departments. The Offices for Youth,
Disability and Women’s Policy transferred to the Department of Human Services (DHS)
and the Office of Senior Victorians moved across to the Department of Health. Staff
involved in community renewal have transferred across to DHS and Adult, Community and
Further Education has moved to the Department of Education and Early Childhood
Development. I thank the committed staff in each of these units for the high quality of their
work while in DPCD and the very real outcomes they produced for population groups and
communities.
I would also like to thank our many partners for their work over the past year and also our
Ministers, both past and present, for their support of the Department.
Accountable Officer’s Declaration
In accordance with the Financial Management Act 1994, I present the Report of
Operations for the Department of Planning and Community Development for the year
ending 30 June 2011.
Yehudi Blacher
Secretary
12 August 2011
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Highlights 2010-11
July 2010

The Urban Growth Boundary expansion, vital for Melbourne’s future housing
affordability, was passed by Parliament.

The Victorian Code of Conduct for Community Sport came into effect to ensure all
Victorians can participate in sport which is safe, welcoming and inclusive.

Regional Strategic Plans were launched to help Victoria’s regional communities
thrive in the face of change.

Infrastructure funding of $1 million was provided to Wannon Water to upgrade the
Camperdown Industrial Waste Water Treatment Plant, to benefit both the
Corangamite Shire saleyards in Camperdown and Aussie Farmers Direct.

The Melbourne Rebels super rugby facilities at Visy Park received a $1.5 million
funding boost to help build new office and administration facilities, a gymnasium
and locker rooms.

The $22.8 million phase 3 of the Transport Connections program started, helping to
improve local transport and access to services for transport disadvantaged
communities.
August 2010

The Building Amendment (Bushfire Safety) Regulations 2010 were developed to
ensure water supply for fire fighting purposes and access for emergency vehicles in
wildfire management overlay areas.

Trainshed Way, the extension of Bayley Street in central Geelong, was completed.
The new street will form part of a revitalised train station precinct development.

The Bendigo Chinese Precinct project was completed with support of a $1.6 million
infrastructure grant from Regional Development Victoria (RDV).

The 2010-13 Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework was released and provides a
structure for reviewing the way we engage with and address the needs of
Aboriginal people in Victoria.

A further $10 million of funding towards the Frankston Pool was announced on top
of the $2.5 million provided through the 2007-08 Community Facility Funding
Program.

The Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Competition for high school students attracted 174
entries, a 20 per cent increase on the previous year.
September 2010

Stockmans Bridge, a new western entrance to central Dandenong, opened
improving bicycle, pedestrian and vehicle access.

Sixteen students graduated from the pilot course of Australia’s first Certificate IV in
Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management, developed in partnership with La Trobe
University.
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
Victoria’s Volunteering Portal stage 2, and phase 2 of the “I can do that”
volunteering awareness and recruitment campaign, were launched.

The City of Greater Geelong’s $32 million Leisurelink Aquatic and Recreation
Centre was officially opened. Its construction was boosted with a $2 million
investment from the Community Facility Funding program.

More than 300 people from not-for-profit community organisations, local and state
government discussed current issues and new ideas at the Office for the
Community Sector’s Think Innovation Summit.

$1.5 million in funding was announced to redevelop Frankston Oval,
complementing the new grandstand built after the old one burned down in 2008.

A Common Funding Agreement was announced to help reduce the administrative
burden on not-for-profit community organisations that deliver State Governmentfunded services and projects
October 2010

Fifteen Heritage Grants totalling $1.2 million were announced, along with support
for local government heritage studies and heritage advisors.

The Victorian Bushfire Business Investment Fund projects were announced, to
encourage private sector investment and job creation in areas affected by the
bushfired.

The Aboriginal Inclusion Framework was released to embed within the processes
of government inclusive, consistent and accessible services to Aboriginal people.

The Premier signed the Overarching Bilateral Indigenous Plan between Victorian
and Commonwealth Governments, aimed at closing gaps in life expectancy, child
mortality, employment and education between Indigenous and non-Indigenous
Australians.

Social Procurement- A guide for Victorian Local Government was released to help
councils achieve positive social outcomes through their procurement.

The 2010 International Cycling Union Road World Championships were hosted in
Geelong and Melbourne attracting 545 cyclists from 53 countries and almost
300,000 spectators across five days of competition.
November 2010

The new five-year plan (2010-2015) for the Lake Tyers Aboriginal community was
completed, building on work of 18 local students from the community.

The 2010 JBWere Masters golf tournament, featuring former world number one
Tiger Woods, was held in Melbourne.

The Youth Parliament was held in Melbourne, including a delegation from TimorLeste’s Secretariat for Youth and Sports.
December 2010

Machinery-of-government changes were announced including the transfer of
Regional Development Victoria to DPCD. The Offices for Disability, Senior
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Victorians, Women’s Policy and Youth, as well as, Adult, Community and Further
Education were transferred to other departments.

The Loddon Malee Regionally Significant Trails Strategy was endorsed by the
Regional Management Forum, bringing together the region’s local governments
and State Government departments to develop a series of linked tracks and trails
for community and tourism purposes.

$500,000 in funding was announced towards establishing the Regional Hockey
Centre at Pedrina Park in Hamilton
January 2011

The establishment of the Fire Recovery Unit, which will oversee the rebuilding and
recovery effort after the planned wind-up of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction
and Recovery Authority, was announced.

The Emergency Volunteer Registration System was deployed through Victoria’s
Volunteering Portal in response to the January flood crisis.

The $4 million Floods Community Recovery Fund was announced to provide
support for flood-affected communities.

DPCD invested $3.8 million in the Doncaster Hill Civic Precinct Community Hub
development.

The $5 million Local Government Clean Up Fund was announced to assist
municipalities impacted by floods and storms between January and March 2011.
February 2011

$2.395 million in funding was announced for Australian Paper to implement major
water and energy reforms at its Maryvale mill in the Latrobe Valley.

A Victorian Regional Governance Framework was agreed between the State and
Commonwealth Governments.

The Premier endorsed the revised Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
National Indigenous Reform Agreement.

$1.26 million in funding was announced to employ 19 flood recovery officers to help
affected local governments manage the impact of the floods and coordinate the
recovery process.
March 2011

The Housing Affordability Unit was established to provide whole-of-government
advice on policy, legislative and procedural reform to make housing more
affordable.

Heritage Victoria’s artefact collection went online in partnership with Museum
Victoria.

The Peri-Urban Planning Unit was established to assist councils in managing
change and growth issues.

$12 million in infrastructure funding was provided to support higher education
opportunities in regional Victoria, including the University of Ballarat Student
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Accommodation project and the Deakin University Regional Community Health Hub
project.

Wayaperri, one of the Victorian Government’s key Aboriginal economic
development initiatives to support leadership and mentoring programs, was
launched.

The Mildura Riverfront Development was declared a project of state significance.

Work commenced on the Eastern Plaza at Melbourne Park, part of the $363 million
first stage of the Melbourne Park redevelopment project.

The Closing the Gap Statement of Intent was signed, a review of the Victorian
Indigenous Framework was announced as well as the requirement that all State
Government departments develop Departmental Action Plans.

Richmond Football Club moved into their new facilities with the assistance of a $4.5
million grant to the Punt Road Oval Development.

The Shrine of Remembrance’s legislative framework was modernised through the
passage of an amendment bill through Parliament.
April 2011

Stage 1 of the Larissa Avenue Lake to Creek Link project in the Ringwood Activities
Area was officially completed.

DPCD took over management of the Rebuilding Advisory Services from the
Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority.

The Latrobe Valley Advantage Fund was launched to support new investment to
create sustainable job opportunities in the Gippsland region.

The Taylors Hill Youth and Community Centre in the Shire of Melton, one of the
nation’s fastest growing municipalities, received $1 million funding towards building
the integrated youth, community and sports centre.

The Engineering Design and Construction Manual for Subdivision in Growth Areas
was released to provide greater certainty and consistency around providing
infrastructure for new developments.

A $25 million commitment was made to upgrade Geelong’s Skilled Stadium to a
34,500 seat stadium including the new Doug Wade Stand and Community and
Wellness Centre.

A $50,000 funding boost towards staging the 2012 Australian Masters Athletics
Championships in Melbourne was announced.
May 2011

Minimum building and plumbing standards for improved energy efficiency and
access for people with disabilities were updated through legislative amendments.

Heritage Victoria archaeologists assisted in recovering a time capsule in Ballarat
which had been buried to mark the fatal Burke and Wills expedition in 1860.

The Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund and the Flood Recovery Community
Infrastructure Fund were announced.
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
Nominations to the Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll, Australia’s first, were opened
by the Premier, who made the first two nominations of Pastor Sir Doug Nichols and
William Barak.

$2 million in funding was announced for the Morshead Park development in
Ballarat. A new pavilion will be built and used by the Ballarat Academy of Soccer
and the Ballarat Red Devils.

A $20,000 boost for hockey was announced through the Significant Sporting
Events Program, with Sale to host the 2011 Australian Open Indoor National
Championships in December 2011.

Phase 2 of the 2011 Country Action Grant Scheme and Victalent funding was
announced, with a $175,000 funding boost for 136 local sport and recreation
initiatives.
June 2011

Legislation was passed to establish Urban Renewal Authority Victoria, which will
manage the transition of strategic and large scale urban renewal sites to residential
and mixed use developments.

The new forecourts at Footscray Station were completed, complementing the new
footbridge and providing improved pedestrian flow and access to platforms.

The Communicating Data with Colour Guide was published online to ensure that
visual data created by, or for, DPCD are legible for people with colour blindness.

The iPhone app, PlanningVIC: Planning Property Report and the Planning Scheme
Histories Online Service were launched to improve access to the state’s planning
schemes.

The Victorian Planning Systems Ministerial Advisory Committee was established.

The Regional Growth Fund Act 2011 came into operation.

The Godfrey Hirst Stormwater Harvesting and Effluent Treatment, supported by
RDV, won the top honour at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards.

Construction started on the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal and Iluka Rail
Infrastructure projects. Infrastructure funding of $9.6 million was provided towards a
total $25.7 million investment.

The Victorian Government Indigenous Affairs Report 2009-10, which outlines
whole-of-government work to improve the lives of Aboriginal Victorians, was tabled
in Parliament, fulfilling a commitment to continue whole-of-government reporting on
Aboriginal affairs.

$4.6 million was delivered through the Community Infrastructure for Bushfireaffected Communities Fund to support organisations and Local Government
Authorities to build capacity and provide infrastructure.
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Section 1: About the Department
Who we are
Following the State Election in November 2010, the incoming government announced
changes to the structure of portfolios and organisational units within the Department of
Planning and Community Development (DPCD).
As a result of these changes, Regional Development Victoria was transferred into the
Department from the former Department of Innovation Industry and Regional
Development, now the Department of Business and Innovation (DBI), as was the
integrated transport planning function of the Department of Transport (DOT).
The Offices for Youth, Disability and Women’s Policy were transferred from DPCD to the
Department of Human Services (DHS), the Office of Senior Victorians transferred to the
Department of Health and Adult, and Community and Further Education transferred to the
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD). Community
development programs to address disadvantage were also transferred to DHS and the
administration of the Community Support Fund was transferred to the Department of
Treasury and Finance (DTF).
The structural changes are summarised in the following table:
Organisational Unit
Transferred to/from
Regional Development
Victoria
from DBI
Integrated Transport
Planning
from DOT
Adult, Community and
Further Education
to DEECD
Office of Senior Victorians to DH
Office of Women’s Policy to DHS
Office for Disability
to DHS
Office for Youth
to DHS
Community development to DHS
programs to address
disadvantage
Administration of the
to DTF
Community Support Fund
Please refer to the detailed organisational chart on pages 13.
The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) maintains a central
role in managing Victoria’s growth and development and building stronger communities.
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It achieves this by developing long-term plans for Victoria’s regions and cities, investing in
infrastructure and services, and supporting the development of local communities. The
Department also provides research, policy and planning advice, and administers
legislation and regulations.
DPCD is committed to engaging communities and businesses to plan for the future. It
facilitates partnerships across Victoria’s government, business and community sectors
and coordinates whole-of-government responses to a broad range of economic, social
and environmental issues at a local, regional and state-wide level.
The Department is structured around six organisational groups that work together to
support its Ministers and deliver the Victorian Government’s priorities. The Aboriginal
Affairs Taskforce and the Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate
are also located in the Department.
DPCD’s regional teams lead the Department’s programs in their local area. They play a
critical role in ensuring the Department is accessible and flexible in its response to the
different land use, planning, economic and social development needs of communities
across Victoria.
The Department also works with the Departments of Business and Innovation and Premier
and Cabinet to deliver their regional activities under DPCD’s regional model. These
departments administer programs of relevance to regional Victoria and require a regional
presence and strong collaboration with DPCD.
In addition, DPCD also works in conjunction with separate and independent statutory
bodies, regional development associations, Ministerial advisory committees and
administrative offices. These organisations and committees are important partners in
policy development, industry regulation and service delivery and are essential to the
achievement of the Department’s goals and outcomes.
Our goal:
Planning communities that are great places to live.
Our directions:
DPCD’s four directions articulate how the Department will achieve its goal and reflect work
undertaken across all DPCD portfolios:
1. Integrated planning and investment – working with government departments,
local government, business and communities to integrate planning, infrastructure
development and services.
2. Vibrant and self-reliant communities – partnering with local governments,
business and community organisations to build leadership and civic opportunities that
meet community needs.
3. Efficient and effective regulation – developing and maintaining a regulatory
system that minimises red tape and costs to business while protecting rights, heritage and
the environment.
4. Strong organisational performance – actively demonstrating collaboration and
innovation across the Department, and building a culture that enables the delivery of high
quality and responsive projects, programs and services.
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Ministers
Peter Ryan
Deputy Premier
Minister for Regional and Rural
Development
(Lead DPCD Minister)
Hugh Delahunty
Minister for Sport and
Recreation
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs
Matthew Guy
Minister for Planning
Denis Napthine
Minister for Regional Cities
Jeanette Powell
Minister for Local Government
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs
DPCD provides advice and support to the Victorian Government through the abovementioned Ministers as well as the following Parliamentary Secretaries:
Damian Drum
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and
Rural Development
David Morris
Parliamentary Secretary for Local
Government
Executive team
Yehudi Blacher
Secretary
Xavier Csar
Acting Deputy Secretary, Regional Development
Victoria
Prue Digby
Deputy Secretary, Planning and Local
Government
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Terry Healy
Deputy Secretary, Strategic Policy and Executive
Services
Peter Hertan
Deputy Secretary, Sport and Recreation Victoria
and Veterans’ Affairs
Louise Hill
Deputy Secretary, Corporate Services
Sue Jaquinot
Deputy Secretary, Community Development and
Regional Delivery
Jennifer Samms
Executive Director Aboriginal Affairs Taskforce
13
Department of Planning and Community Development
Yehudi Blacher
SECRETARY
Planning
Panels
Victoria
Prue Digby
Deputy Secretary
Peter Hertan
Deputy Secretary
Planning and
Local Government
Sport and
Recreation Victoria
Veterans’ Affairs
Heritage Victoria
 Operations
 Strategy and Policy
Regional
Development
Victoria
 Infrastructure
 Policy and Planning
 Delivery
 Melbourne and Olympic
Parks Trust
 Melbourne Cricket Ground
Trust
 Professional Boxing and
Combat Sports Board
 Shrine of Remembrance
Trustees
 Sport and Recreation Camps
Committee of Management
Inc.
 State Netball Hockey Centre
Advisory Committee
 State Sports Centres Trust
 Victorian Institute of Sport
 Victorian Veterans’ Council
 Yarra Park Advisory
Committee
 Regional Policy Advisory
Committee2
Planning Policy and Reform
 Housing and Building Policy
 Planning Policy
 Statutory Planning Systems Reform
Public Bodies
State Planning Services and Urban
Development
 Government Land Monitor
 State Planning Services
 Urban Development
 Architects Registration Board of Victoria
 Architects Registration Board of Victoria
Tribunals Panel
 Building Advisory Council
 Building Appeals Board
 Building Commission
 Building Practitioners Board
 Building Regulations Advisory Committee
 Growth Areas Authority
 Growth Areas Infrastructure Contribution
Hardship Relief Board
 Heritage Council
 Ministerial Advisory Council on Public Libraries
 Planning Panels Victoria
 Plumbing Industry Advisory Council
 Plumbing Industry Commission
 Victoria Grants Commission
 Victorian Planning System Ministerial Advisory
Committee
 Victorian Urban Development Authority
(VicUrban)1
 World Heritage Management Plan Steering
Committee
Sue Jaquinot
Deputy Secretary
Community Development and
Regional Delivery
 Community
Development
 Community Investment
 Office for the Community
Sector
Regional Services
 Barwon South West
 Gippsland
 Grampians
 Hume
 Loddon Mallee
 Metropolitan Melbourne
 Aboriginal Affairs
Victoria
Terry Healy
Deputy Secretary
Strategic Policy
and Executive
Services
 Cabinet and
Parliamentary Services
 Freedom of Information
 General Legal Counsel
 Planning Coordination
 Policy and Strategy
 Spatial Analysis and
Research
 State Strategy
Louise Hill
Deputy Secretary
Corporate
Services
 Corporate
Communications
 Corporate Finance
 Corporate Operations
and Technology
 Corporate Strategy
 Organisational
Leadership
 People and Culture
 Premier’s Aboriginal
Advisory Council
 Victorian Aboriginal
Heritage Council
Public Bodies
 Community Sport and
Recreation
 Major Projects and Events
 Veterans’ Unit
Jennifer Samms
Executive Director, Aboriginal Affairs Taskforce
Groups
Groups
Local Government Victoria
 Governance and Funding Programs
 Sector Development
Xavier Csar
Acting Deputy Secretary
Acting Chief Executive Officer
David Wolf
Chief Municipal Inspector, Local Government
Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate
1
Subject to Parliamentary
approval, VicUrban and its
corresponding legislation will
be replaced by the Urban
Renewal Authority Victoria.
2
This entity replaced the
Regional Development
Advisory Committee on 1 June
2011 with the introduction of
the Regional Growth Fund
Legislation.
14
Whole-of-government priorities:
DPCD contributions
DPCD’s central role in managing Victoria’s growth and development, and
building stronger communities sees the Department working in cooperation
with other government departments and agencies on a broad range of
issues.
These include responses to major events, such as the heavy rains and flooding that
caused extensive damage to many parts of Victoria in 2010-11 and ongoing challenges,
such as reducing the inequalities experienced by Victoria’s Indigenous communities.
Emergency response
Flood response and recovery
DPCD is contributing to ongoing whole-of­government efforts to assist Victoria’s floodaffected towns and communities.
At the height of the Victorian floods, Regional Development Victoria (RDV) was
responsible for sourcing and distributing information across government on a daily basis
on the changing impact on regional towns and communities. More recently RDV and the
Department have played a critical role in the operation of the Secretaries’ Flood Recovery
Group.
In 2010- 11 DPCD delivered a number of initiatives to support flood recovery including:

$5 million Local Government Clean Up Fund to assist flood-affected councils with
clean up costs, waste disposal and emergency services

$4 million joint Commonwealth and State Government Floods Community Recovery
Fund to provide payments to community groups for recovery activities and
community asset repairs

$5 million to help restore community infrastructure with councils and community
organisations

$1.26 million to employ flood recovery officers in flood-affected councils.
DPCD will continue to support recovery activities in 2011-12 through $30 million in funding
to help repair or rebuild flood-impacted community assets and $10 million to support
regional companies in flood-affected areas which demonstrate strong business growth or
investment potential.
Bushfire recovery
During 2010-11 DPCD continued to assist communities impacted by the devastating
bushfires in February 2009, working closely with the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and
Recovery Authority (VBRRA) and other Government agencies.
Thirty-one projects under the Victorian Bushfire Business Investment Fund were
announced in October 2010. The initiative, delivered in partnership with the Department of
15
Business and Innovation, aims to help generate business investments and create jobs in
fire-affected areas.
Scoping and planning also began for a new hotel and conference facility at Marysville. The
next phase of the project will include a market campaign and tender process in 2011-12.
DPCD took over management of the Rebuilding Advisory Service from VBRRA on 1 April
2011. Five building advisors provide information and assist on all aspects of rebuilding
homes destroyed by the 2009 bushfires. The advisors are based in community centres at
Marysville and Kinglake and provide a mobile service to other locations as required.
DPCD’s work in bushfire recovery will continue in 2011-12. From 1 July 2011, the Fire
Recovery Unit established within Regional Development Victoria (RDV) will provide
continuity of support and oversight for the reconstruction and recovery effort following the
closure of the VBRRA on 30 June 2011.
Regional and country Victoria
Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap
The Latrobe Valley Industry and Employment Roadmap is a long-term plan for future
industry and employment development in the Latrobe Valley currently being developed.
The roadmap aims to:

identify the challenges and opportunities facing the Latrobe Valley’s economy and
labour market

provide an evidence base for further investment in regional industry development
and employment growth

identify agreed investment priorities to support industry growth

establish a process to support coordinated regional infrastructure planning between
State Government and regional stakeholders.
The initiative also includes the Latrobe Valley Advantage Fund, established to address the
initial needs of workers and communities impacted by the planned introduction of a
national carbon pricing scheme, including funding for projects that leverage new
employment and investment in the Latrobe Valley.
DPCD is working to develop the roadmap with Skills Victoria and the Department of
Primary Industries on behalf of the Minister for Regional and Rural Development, the
Minister for Higher Education and Skills and the Minister for Energy and Resources.
Regional planning
Regional Strategic Plans provide a framework for communities to set their own priorities
and work in partnership with industry and governments to deliver initiatives and projects.
They identify strategies and priorities for industry and business development, transport,
community services, health, education, tourism, land use planning and improving the
amenity of towns.
16
Eight regional and subregional strategic plans were developed by communities across the
five non-metropolitan regions of Victoria in the second half of 2010: Geelong, Great South
Coast, Gippsland, Central Highlands, Wimmera Southern Mallee, Hume, Loddon Mallee
North and Loddon Mallee South. Each plan has been formally endorsed by key partners
including local government and Regional Development Australia Committees.
RDV contributes to the process by providing advice and leadership, strengthening
collaboration in implementing regional priorities and ongoing regional development and
offering support in leveraging Federal Government opportunities for investment.
Regional Growth Plans are a separate, but linked, initiative which will detail a broad
strategic land use plan for each region, with more detailed growth area frameworks for key
urban growth centres. Eight of the plans will be developed during the next two years in
partnership with local councils and other regional stakeholders.
Regional Growth Plans will provide the comprehensive land use planning needed in the
major regional cities and other growth centres. They will identify key regional
environmental, economic and cultural resources to be preserved, maintained or
developed, and provide land use direction for accommodating urban growth. This includes
land for residential and employment needs and industrial, commercial, agricultural and
rural activities.
Parliamentary Inquiry into the Extent and Nature of Disadvantage and
Inequity in Rural and Regional Victoria
In October 2010, the Rural and Regional Parliamentary Committee released its Report
into the Extent and Nature of Disadvantage and Inequity for Rural and Regional Victoria.
The report comprehensively explores policy and service delivery in the five nonmetropolitan regions (Hume, Gippsland, Barwon South West, Grampians and Loddon
Mallee) to improve quality of life for rural and regional Victorians.
Since the release of the report, DPCD has led a whole-of-government working group to
coordinate the Government’s response to the recommendations. Involvement includes the
departments of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Finance, Health, Human Services,
Education and Early Childhood Development, Transport, Justice and Business and
Innovation.
Metropolitan Melbourne
Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel
DPCD collaborated with the Department of Transport during 2010-11 in planning for the
construction of the Melbourne Metro Rail Tunnel. This is a project with city-shaping
potential for Melbourne and proposes a new rail connection linking Dynon and Domain,
five new central city stations and surrounding redevelopment.
The additional route through the central business district would provide additional capacity
for rail services operating on the city loop, and an increased capacity for services to and
from growth areas to the north, west and south-east of Melbourne.
17
Supporting local communities
Indigenous Victorians
DPCD works with many Victorian Government agencies to ensure a coordinated and
focused approach to addressing Aboriginal affairs and the inequalities experienced by
Indigenous Victorians – especially those relating to early childhood, education, economic
development, family violence and justice, land justice, Indigenous capacity, and
employment.
The Aboriginal Affairs Taskforce in DPCD facilitates the whole-of-government coordinated
approach and oversees implementation of the Victorian Indigenous Affairs Framework
(VIAF).
In 2010-11, the major components of this whole-of-government response included:

launching the VIAF 2010-13 Strategic Plan (August 2010)

launching the Victorian Government Aboriginal Inclusion Framework in October
2010 – critical to assist Victorian Government departments in preparing action
plans announced by the Premier in early 2011

chairing the Secretaries’ Group on Aboriginal Affairs, through which DPCD leads
whole-of-government strategies and action. The Secretaries’ Group is supported by
the Senior Officers’ Group chaired by the Executive Director, Aboriginal Affairs
Taskforce

coordinating implementation of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG)
National Indigenous Reform Agreement and the COAG National Partnership on
Indigenous Economic Participation across the Victorian Government

signing by the Premier of the Overarching Bilateral Indigenous Plan (OBIP)
between Victoria and the Commonwealth Government aimed at closing gaps in life
expectancy, child mortality, employment and education between Indigenous and
non-Indigenous Australians. An OBIP committee comprising membership of
Commonwealth and Victorian Government officials has been established to
coordinate all Commonwealth-Victorian Government efforts

facilitating delivery of the Victorian Aboriginal economic development agenda to
strengthen Aboriginal Victorians’ participation in education, training, work, business
and leadership.
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria contributes to the VIAF through its work with the Indigenous
community in governance, leadership and capacity building, strengthening cultural
heritage protection and social and economic participation.
In 2010-11 whole-of-government activities included:

implementing the Indigenous Family Violence Partnership’s ten-year plan and
providing secretariat support for the Partnership Forum, which brings together
senior representatives across the Indigenous community

chairing the Joint Agency Group which brings together state and federal
government agencies and Aboriginal peak bodies to build a better understanding of
community sector needs in Victoria and coordinate efforts to address them

continuing to partner with Aboriginal Traditional Owner organisations and Victorian
Government agencies on a range of capacity development and operational
sustainability initiatives.
18
Office for the Community Sector
The Office for the Community Sector leads Victorian Government activities to strengthen
the not-for-profit community sector which delivers an estimated $2.2 billion in community
services including providing opportunities to undertake further learning, participate in sport
and the arts and protect local heritage and the environment.
In 2010-11 the Office for the Community Sector contributed to whole-of-government
priorities through:

reducing the administrative burden on not-for-profit community organisations by
developing the foundations for a common funding agreement to be used across
government when funding organisations for service delivery and community
projects

designing the not-for-profit compliance portal, a single online resource for
community organisations which will provide access to all government compliancerelated information, forms and support material.
19
Equity and diversity
The DPCD Equity and Diversity Plan focuses on the way we work internally
with our managers and staff, and our practices with our partners and
stakeholders.
The plan outlines how DPCD will achieve the following four outcome areas:

access to goods, services and facilities

reduced barriers in obtaining and maintaining employment

tangible changes in attitudes and practices that promote rights

participation in, and by, the community.
Outcomes from the 2010-11 Equity and Diversity Plan are aligned against requirements
for Victorian public sector bodies under Section 38 of the Disability Act 2006 and other
legislation and policy requirements, including diversity and human rights reporting.
Selected achievements in 2010-11 include:
DPCD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy
DPCD’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy and Action Plan
outline immediate steps to be taken in order to deliver better outcomes for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees at DPCD. The strategy was developed through research
and engagement with a range of stakeholders to ascertain best practice approaches to
improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes.
The action plan was implemented during 2010-11 and focuses on the following key areas:

pathways to employment at DPCD for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

a supportive working environment for DPCD’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
staff through ongoing strategic support

pathways for professional development and career progression of Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander staff at DPCD.
The Aboriginal Inclusion Framework 2010-13
The Aboriginal Inclusion Framework, a whole-of-government approach to improving
Aboriginal Victorians’ access to programs and services across government, was released
in October 2010.
In March 2011, the Premier announced that all Victorian Government departments will
prepare departmental action plans as part of improving government services for Aboriginal
Victorians. The Secretaries’ Group on Aboriginal Affairs, chaired by the Secretary of
DPCD, will oversee the development of departmental action plan guidelines. The
guidelines will assist departments in meeting the requirement to produce action plans by
early 2012.
Sport and Recreation Victoria
During 2010-11 Sport and Recreation Victoria ensured that all new funding agreements
for major events required event organisers to comply with the Companion Card scheme.
The Companion Card is a tool to assist organisations that charge an admission or
participation fee to comply with existing anti-discrimination legislation. The Companion
Card is issued to people with a significant, permanent disability who can demonstrate that
20
they are unable to access most community activities and venues without attendant care
support.
Disability Employment Advisory Service (DEAS)
The service aims to increase opportunities for people with a disability to access and gain
employment. During 2010-11, all business units within DPCD supported the Department’s
program in promoting positions and employing job seekers with a disability through the
DEAS.
Victoria’s Volunteering Portal
The Volunteering Portal is an online community and information resource for Victorian
volunteers and volunteering organisations. The portal is designed to make it easier for
people to volunteer and easier for community organisations to recruit volunteers.
During 2010-11 an external accessibility audit of the portal was undertaken, resulting in
the introduction of BrowseAloud software to the portal website. This software serves as an
aid for any website visitor who requires online reading support, including those with
learning difficulties such as dyslexia, mild visual impairments and those for whom English
is a second language.
Communicating Data with Colour Guide
Under its colour accessibility policy, DPCD has committed to ensuring that all maps and
visual data created by, or on behalf of, the Department are legible for people with colour
blindness. This policy applies to all published or externally commissioned material in all
file types including documents, presentations and online information.
To support this policy, DPCD created the Communicating Data with Colour Guide to
explain the issues confronting people who are colour blind in accessing planning
information. The guide provides practical advice and tools for the preparation of planning
documents that meet colour accessibility requirements. The guide is available for viewing
and downloading on DPCD’s website.
Diversity reporting
DPCD actions addressing the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
communities and Indigenous Victorians are detailed in specific annual whole-ofgovernment reports. These reports summarise the activities of DPCD and other Victorian
Government departments. The reports are available on the following websites:
CALD communities
www.multicultural.vic.gov.au
Indigenous Victorians
www.aboriginalaffairs.vic.gov.au
Please note that the timing and release of the reports for the categories noted above may
differ, depending on when each report is collated by the respective government body.
21
Section 2: Output Performance
The following section provides details of the Department’s performance
against 2010-11 Budget Paper No. 3 (Service Delivery) outputs as at 30 June
2011, including results against annual targets.
Changes to output structure
Following machinery-of-government changes after the State Election in November 2010,
DPCD’s output structure for 2010-11 was amended as follows:
Outputs
Incoming/
Transferred to/from
Outgoing
Regional Economic
Incoming
Development, Investment
and Promotion
Department of Business and
Innovation
Regional Infrastructure
Development
Incoming
Department of Business and
Innovation
Adult, Community and
Further Education
Outgoing
Department of Education and
Early Childhood Development
Women’s Policy
Outgoing
Department of Human Services
Disability
Outgoing
Department of Human Services
Youth Affairs
Outgoing
Department of Human Services
Seniors
Outgoing
Department of Health
Details of performance for the outputs which left DPCD are included in the 2010-11
Annual Report of the relevant receiving department listed above.
DPCD’s output structure for 2010-11 at 30 June 2011 is therefore as follows:
Output Groups
Outputs
Planning communities for growth
and change
Planning
Regional Infrastructure Development
Regional Economic Development,
Investment and Promotion
Strengthening communities and
promoting inclusion
Veterans’ Affairs
Indigenous Community and Cultural
Development
Sport and Recreation Development
Investing in community capacity
and infrastructure
Community Development
Developing the Local Government Sector
22
Planning communities for growth and change
These outputs aim to:

implement government strategies for sustainable metropolitan and regional
development

deliver associated urban design and development programs

improve infrastructure, facilitiy and services in regional and rural Victoria

strengthen the economic base of regional Victoria to create more jobs and improve
career opportunities

streamline planning regulations and systems

administer the planning system and statutory responsibilities of the Minister of
Planning

protect and manage Victoria’s cultural and natural heritage.
These outputs contribute to ensuring that housing growth is occurring in priority areas,
heritage sites are valued and metropolitan, regional and rural Victorians have improved
access to services, infrastructure, community facilities and open space.
Planning
Performance in action
Bushfire Response Planning Unit
In December 2010, the Bushfire Response Planning Unit was established within DPCD to
assist land owners with planning issues in areas at risk of bushfire.
The unit works closely with the Country Fire Authority, the Building Commission, the
Department of Sustainability and Environment and local councils to assist land owners
looking to build for the first time in areas of identified fire risk. This includes providing
guidance for building within the Wildfire Management Overlay.
Planning Application Committees
In 2010-11, the Government committed to replacing Development Assessment
Committees. The Department has prepared for their replacement with new bodies to be
known as Planning Application Committees (PACs). The PACs will be triggered on an optin/opt-out basis via a vote by the relevant municipality, be able to apply to any geographic
area of any municipality and be able to form the responsible authority for any application
within a municipality.
Geelong Activities Area
Geelong’s newest street, Trainshed Way, opened in September 2010 as part of a program
of improvements to the Geelong Station Precinct. The new shared-access street linking
the station with the waterfront and central Geelong creates a civic space which will
23
improve visitors’ first impressions of Geelong, especially those travelling by train. Its
design improves safety, access, and water use and encourages walking and cycling.
Environment assessment
DPCD worked with the Department of Transport, VicRoads and other transport agencies
to address statutory processes applying to a range of priority projects, including the
Regional Rail Link, the Western Highway duplication from Burrumbee to Stawell and the
Princes Highway East duplication from Traralgon to Fulham.
DPCD administered assessment or delivery processes for several declared transport
projects under the Major Transport Projects Facilitation Act 2009.
A range of both transport and non-transport projects were assessed under the
Environment Effects Act 1978, either through an Environment Effects Statement (EES)
process or under conditions applied instead of an EES. Six new EESs were required out
of 14 decisions on referred projects, including for the Yallourn Gas-fired Power Station,
the Penshurst Wind Farm, the Stockman Base Metals Mine and three highway duplication
projects. In addition, a Ministerial Assessment of the Shaw River Gas Project was
prepared.
To support timely assessment and approval decisions for projects requiring impact
assessment and multiple approvals, DPCD developed memoranda of understanding with
other Victorian Government departments which coordinate respective roles and
responsibilities.
Wind farms
The first phase of the State Government’s wind farm policy was implemented on 15 March
2011 when changes to the Victoria Planning Provisions and local planning schemes were
gazetted through Amendment VC78.
The amendments include:

restoring local government as the responsible authority for all wind farm
applications

revising planning provisions including strengthened consideration of local amenity
impacts and adopting the best practice 2010 New Zealand wind farm noise
standard to set noise limits

updating Victorian wind farm planning and policy guidelines to incorporate more
comprehensive assessment of ‘whole of project’ impacts.
Better Planning for Housing and Employment Growth initiative
DPCD undertook a number of activities in 2010-11 which contributed to the Better
Planning for Housing and Employment Growth initiative. These include releasing Working
Melbourne, a report that examines changes in the employment location patterns of major
industry groups over the past 30 years and a report on the 2009 trial of the Victorian
Census of Land Use and Employment (VicCLUE).
A retail database detailing the locations and sizes of enclosed shopping centres was
developed and population projections, including projections of household numbers and
types, were completed for all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Statistical Local Areas
(SLAs) across Victoria. Housing development data and patterns of housing affordability
across Melbourne were also analysed. Each of these activities provided data and
24
evidence to inform decision-making for the provision of land, housing and employment
opportunities to meet Victoria’s growing population.
Heritage Victoria
Heritage Victoria continued to perform its role of identifying, protecting and interpreting
Victoria’s most significant cultural heritage resources in 2010-11. In October 2010,
Heritage Victoria announced 15 heritage grants totalling $1.2 million. Financial support
was also provided to local government for Heritage Studies and Heritage Advisor services.
In May 2011, Heritage Victoria archaeologists assisted in recovering a time capsule
interred at Ballarat in 1863 to mark the fatal Burke and Wills expedition in 1860.
During 2010-11 the Heritage Management Electronic System (HERMES) database
reached 150,000 entries on heritage places and precincts from 73 local councils. The draft
management plan for the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens World Heritage
site was also developed and released for public comment.
Future priorities 2011-12
Managing the growth of Melbourne will be a key priority in dealing with expected
metropolitan and regional growth, change and associated sustainability and environmental
issues. This will be done through facilitating development in Central Activities Areas,
planning the Werribee Employment Precinct and continuing to integrate delivery of
transport initiatives.
Over the next two years the Victorian Government will prepare a new metropolitan
planning strategy to manage Melbourne’s growth and change as it moves beyond a city of
four million people. The strategy will place Melbourne in a Victorian, national and global
context.
The strategy will consider all aspects of planning- where new housing and business
activities should be concentrated as well as transport connections, health services,
schools, sports grounds and parks. The metropolitan planning strategy will be developed
through extensive engagement with the community and stakeholders. It will be informed
by research into issues such as land supply and housing affordability, opportunities for
employment, transport and infrastructure provision and environment and risk.
Ongoing reform and streamlining of the planning system, management of Victoria’s
heritage and responding to natural disasters drive the following priorities:

Managing change in regional Victoria through:
- developing a planning framework to guide land use, development and
decision-making affecting Melbourne’s hinterland
- progressively implementing new approaches to wind farm development
- establishing a clear and consistent approach to managing coastal climate
change impacts through land use planning.

Reforming the planning system by:
- investigating and recommending ways to improve the planning system
through the newly established Victorian Planning System Ministerial
Advisory Committee
25
- Implementing the legislative changes required to remove Development
Assessment Committees from the Planning and Environment Act 1987 and
developing an implementation strategy for the roll-out of Planning
Application Committees
- supporting the transition of existing housing stock to an average five star
energy rating.
- Responding to bushfires and floods through implementing the planningrelated recommendations of the Victorian Bushfire Royal Commission and
updating the mapping of flood zones and overlays in planning schemes. The
Rebuilding Advisory Service will continue to provide help to victims of the
2009 bushfires who are rebuilding their homes.
- Continuing progress on rolling out electronic systems including Streamlined
Planning through Electronic Applications and Referrals (SPEAR) and the
Planning Permit Activity Reporting System (PPARS).
- Continuing to provide advice and core programs that support local
governments and community groups in managing Victoria’s heritage and
delivering high-quality statewide heritage services for the 2,250 places and
objects on the Victorian Heritage Register.
The following structural arrangements are also in place to support land use planning in
2011-12.

The newly established Urban Renewal Authority will work to manage the transition
of strategic and large scale urban renewal sites to residential and mixed use
developments

The Housing Affordability Unit, established in March 2011, will provide a whole-ofgovernment overview on state and local government policies, legislation or
procedures that could be reformed to help improve housing affordability.

The new Peri-Urban Planning Unit was established in March 2011 and will assist in
long-term strategic and structure planning, growth management and associated
environmental and biodiversity issues in the peri-urban region.

A ‘Flying Squad’ of experienced planners is being established to provide extra
planning support to rural councils in developing their long-term strategic plans.
26
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Planning
Implement government strategies to deliver urban design and development
programs; regulatory and statutory planning; administration of the planning system
and statutory responsibilities of the Minister for Planning; support heritage
conservation projects; assist local governments and community organisations; and
conduct environment effects assessments to achieve sustainable metropolitan and
regional development.
Quantity
Complete annual Urban Development
number
Program analysis of supply, demand and
adequacy of residential and industrial land
1
1
Co-ordination and implementation of
Victoria’s Heritage Strategy
per cent
100
100
Development Assessment Committees
established in priority activity centres to
make decisions on significant
development applications
number
7
11
Development facilitation priority projects
considered
number
50
n/a2
Environmental effects statements,
referrals and assessments completed in
accordance with Ministerial Guidelines
per cent
100
100
Implement a program to develop regional per cent
land use plans aligned with the
government’s regional priorities
100
853
Places or objects assessed for the
Victorian Heritage Register
number
80
73
Regional Urban Development Program
projects completed
number
5
24
1
Development Assessment Committees were abolished as a result of the change of
government.
2
The Development Facilitation Unit was abolished as a result of the change of
government and therefore no work or reporting occurred beyond December 2010.
3
Some delays were experienced due to the 2010 election and the subsequent change of
government. Governance issues associated with the program have been resolved and the
Regional Growth Plan project development is proceeding.
4
Data collections from external sources were delayed and were not available within the
2010-11 year. The remaining three projects are expected to be completed by September
2011.
27
Research bulletins on demographic trends number
and residential land published
5
5
Quality
Appeals lodged against heritage permits
per cent
5
2.885
Central Activities District projects
delivered against agreed project
implementation plans
per cent
80
81.67
Changes made to zoned land in
metropolitan areas consider housing
capacity needs
per cent
100
100
Creating Better Places and Expert
per cent
Assistance Program funding committed to
eligible projects
100
100
Heritage certificates issued accurately
and satisfactorily
per cent
100
100
Regional stakeholders effectively
engaged in informing and shaping
contents of regional land use plans
(RLUP)
per cent
100
100
Amendments completed in 30 days
per cent
80
79
Authorisations completed in 15 days
per cent
80
68.256
Heritage grants acquitted within the
timeframes specified in the terms and
conditions of the funding agreements
per cent
100
100
Owners notified of accepted nominations
to the Victorian Heritage Register within
14 days
per cent
100
100
Timeliness
5
There were no permit appeals lodged in the fourth quarter of the year, bringing the end
of year appeals to less than three per cent. This is a positive outcome.
6 Less authorisations were completed due to a higher than usual number of more complex
authorisations received. Due to a decision to reduce the time taken to complete
authorisations, made by the Government between the third and fourth quarters of the
year, this measure will in 2011-12 be reported on as 'Authorisations completed in 7 days'.
The number of authorisations completed in 7 days for Quarter 4 is 43 per cent. New
procedures are being implemented to adapt to the new 7-day timeline and this will
improve future results.
28
Report annually on housing development date
activity across metropolitan Melbourne to
inform planning strategies
Jun
2011
Jun 2011
State population projections reviewed and date
updated
Feb
2011
Feb 2011
154.07
165.5
Cost
Total output cost
$ million
7
All 2010-11 target total output cost figures refer to those published in the 2011-12 Budget
Paper No 3.
29
Regional Development Victoria
Performance in action
Flood recovery
Between August 2010 and February 2011, Victoria suffered major flooding across much of
the state, particularly in the north and west.
Regional Development Victoria (RDV) assistance in 2010-11 to communities impacted by
the floods included:

$5 million to help restore community infrastructure, working with councils and
community organisations

Funding to employ 19 flood recovery officers to help affected local governments
manage the impact of the floods and coordinate the recovery process

$100,000 for a business and tourism events package to assist flood-affected
councils in developing marketing campaigns and hosting events to encourage
visitors to their regions.
Support for flood recovery will continue in 2011-12 through the announcement of $30
million to help committees of management and local councils repair or rebuild floodimpacted community assets and a $10 million Business Flood Recovery Fund to support
regional businesses in flood-affected areas that are able to demonstrate strong business
growth or investment potential.
Regional Growth Fund
On 1 June 2011 the Regional Growth Fund Act 2011 came into operation. The Regional
Growth Fund will support major strategic infrastructure and community-led local initiatives
that improve both the competitiveness and liveability of regional and rural Victoria,
creating more jobs and better career opportunities.
In 2010-11 RDV completed the development of Regional Growth Fund guidelines and
processes and facilitated associated consultation with regional stakeholders.
Delivery of the Regional Growth Fund commenced on 1 July 2011.
Regional strategic planning
Eight Regional Strategic Plans were launched in 2010-11:

G21 (Geelong)

Great South Coast

Gippsland

Central Highlands

Wimmera Southern Mallee

Hume (including sub-plans)

Loddon Mallee North

Loddon Mallee South.
30
Regional Strategic Plans provide a framework for communities to set their own priorities
and work in partnership with industry and governments to deliver initiatives and projects
tailored to regional needs. RDV helps facilitate the planning and delivery processes for
Regional Strategic Plans and provides support to leverage federal government
opportunities for investment and facilitate linkages across stakeholder groups.
The plans are owned and endorsed by a range of local stakeholders and have all
identified strategies and priorities for industry and business development, transport,
community services, health, education, tourism, land use planning and improving the
amenity of towns.
Stronger regional communities
RDV continued to support regional communities to enhance the liveability of their local
area. Working with local government and communities, RDV:

supported 44 events in regional Victoria to increase visits and stimulate local
economic benefits, including sporting events and community awards

sponsored Regional Leadership Programs to support the development of local
leaders

provided funding for more than 50 infrastructure projects in small towns, including
the refurbishment of community halls, new pathways, multipurpose community
facilities and town centre improvements.
Regional infrastructure development
RDV continued to support infrastructure development in regional Victoria during 2010-11,
including:

$24.8 million towards tertiary education infrastructure to help regional Victorians
participate in higher education. Projects included:
 new student accommodation facilities for the University of Ballarat at its
School of Mines Ballarat (75 bed spaces) and Mt Helen (125 bed spaces)
campuses
 a new Regional Community Health Hub (REACH) at Deakin University’s
Geelong Campus that will introduce new teaching programs in clinical
optometry, clinical pharmacy and exercise and sports science, and a new elearning service – Deakin Health Online – which will link health services,
practitioners and educational institutions for clinical training of health
professionals

$5 million to improve access and safety at local port facilities, improving service to
local communities and ensuring that local ports play a strong role in regional
Victoria’s commercial fishing and tourism industries. Local ports supported include
Port Campbell and the Gippsland Lakes

More than $14 million towards infrastructure to support economic development and
job creation in regional Victoria, including improvements to Avalon Airport,
enhancing transport routes in North-West Victoria and providing recycled water
infrastructure in Gisborne.
31
Murray Darling Basin reform
In October 2010 the Murray Darling Basin Authority released its Guide to the Proposed
Basin Plan. RDV contributed to the Victorian Government response to the Guide to the
Proposed Basin Plan, with a focus on the social and economic impacts of Victorian
compliance with proposed reductions in consumptive water use. The response was
submitted to the Authority in January 2011.
In 2010-11 RDV continued to undertake a variety of activities to identify potentially
vulnerable communities, advocate regional issues and concerns across Victorian
communities and conduct research to increase understanding of the short, medium and
longer-term impacts of proposed reductions. As a member of a whole-of-government
working group, RDV will continue to work with other departments, industry and affected
communities in the development of a Basin Plan and strategies for mitigating social and
economic implications of proposed reductions.
Future priorities 2011-12
Projected population growth, the emergence of major new markets and improved
infrastructure and connectivity will offer Victoria’s regions significant opportunities to
capitalise on their competitive strengths. Nonetheless, regional Victoria faces challenges
in areas confronting economic adjustment and social disadvantage.
Priorities for 2011-12 include the following:

strengthening the economic base of regional Victoria through:
 investing in enabling infrastructure in line with local priorities identified in
Regional Strategic Plans
 providing direct support to communities facing economic challenges,
including the Latrobe Valley and Northern Victorian irrigation communities
 supporting the supply of reliable energy and water sources to regional
communities and industry, including through the $100 million Energy for the
Regions Program.

facilitating job creation and improved career options for regional Victorians in
partnership with the Department of Business and Innovation and Skills Victoria

supporting the resilience and sustainability of communities in regional Victoria
through measures including the first Regional Victoria Expo in 2012 and the
Regional Growth Fund’s Local Government Infrastructure Fund and Putting Locals
First Program

increasing the capacity of regional communities to drive development through:
 managing the five Regional Development Australia Committees
 establishing the Regional Policy Advisory Committee
 the Regional Community Leadership Fund.

supporting regional communities to recover from natural disasters through the Fire
Recovery Unit and the Victorian Business Flood Recovery Fund and the Flood
Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund.
32
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Regional infrastructure development
Supports infrastructure development that contributes to enhanced productivity,
liveability and sustainability in regional Victoria.
Quantity
number
0 (20)
238
Small town infrastructure projects funded number
0 (50)
539
90
1008
90
659
Regional Infrastructure Development
Fund (RIDF) projects funded
Quality
RIDF Committee recommendations
accepted by Ministers
per cent
Timeliness
Advice to RIDF applicants – after receipt days
of applications
Regional economic development, investment and promotion
Facilitates economic growth and revitalisation of regional cities and towns to
promote exports, create jobs and support companies and communities in regional
Victoria.
Quantity
Number of Regional Events, Economic
number
Development, Investment and Promotion
projects supported
85
9610
Rural councils participating in RCV
network
38
38
number
8
A total of 23 Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) projects were funded in
2010-11. The zero target set in the 2010-11 State Budget as originally published reflected
that the new appropriation for RIDF funding was not included in the output at the time.
The notional target of 20 reflects the budget subsequently provided.
9
The zero target set in the 2010-11 State Budget as originally published reflected that the
new appropriation for the Sustainable Small Towns Development Fund funding was not
included in the output at the time. The notional target of 50 reflects the budget
subsequently provided.
8
The Ministers endorsed all RIDF Committee recommendations.
9
The shorter time taken to advise RIDF applicants during 2010-11 reflects improved
processes.
10
A higher than anticipated number of Planning for Tomorrow projects were received and
approved in the fourth quarter of the year.
33
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Participant satisfaction with
implementation of RDV Programs
per cent
80
9211
Stakeholder satisfaction with RDV
support for Regional Strategic Planning
per cent
75
10014
$ million
55.0
99.412
Quality
Cost
Total output cost
11
The higher-than-target result reflects high satisfaction by participants in RDV-supported
leadership initiatives.
14
All respondents indicated satisfaction with RDV support.
12
The variance to the published budget reflects funding for the Regional Infrastructure
Development Fund approved post-budget.
34
35
Strengthening communities and promoting
inclusion
These outputs aim to:

lead and deliver whole-of-government policy on Indigenous Victorians
and veterans

provide funding and coordination to develop and extend sport and
recreation opportunities in Victoria
These outputs contribute to ensuring that Victorians have more opportunities
to participate in community, cultural and sporting activities and have an
increased say about the future of their communities.
Veterans’ Affairs
Performance in action
Commemoration of veterans and support for the ex-service
community
Commemoration of veterans’ service and sacrifice continues through the
delivery of grants to 50 community projects to restore community war
memorials around Victoria, to the value of more than $200,000. This
represents a 10 per cent increase in the number of projects approved from the
previous year with around 70 per cent of the projects in rural and regional
Victoria.
Students from high schools around the state explored the importance of
veterans’ contributions through their 174 entries in the Premier’s Spirit of
ANZAC Competition, representing a 20 per cent increase on the number of
entries received in the previous year.
In March 2011 a bill to improve the governance structure of the Shrine of
Remembrance was passed by Parliament following recommendations made
by a State Services Authority (SSA) review. The Shrine also began
implementing other aspects of the SSA review including establishing an
integrated business and financial planning framework and improving
fundraising capabilities.
Over $360,000 from the ANZAC Day Proceeds Fund was distributed to 28
veterans welfare projects statewide, while more than $300,000 was granted to
27 veteran community projects designed to educate and inform Victorians
about veterans’ service and sacrifice.
Planning for the Centenary of ANZAC
Victoria made a submission in September 2010 to the National Commission
on the Commemoration of the ANZAC Centenary. The submission’s
recommendations focused on educating younger generations and creating a
lasting legacy.
36
Preserving heritage
Workshops for Returned and Services League memorabilia officers and
volunteers from community organisations, such as historical societies and
community museums, who care directly for war-related heritage collections,
were held in August 2010 and February 2011. Planning for a regionally-based
event has also commenced.
A Victorian War Heritage Inventory, documenting war memorials and similar
veteran heritage sites, has been developed and is currently being prepared
for online publication. A selection of military unit histories from World War I
has been digitised, also for online publication, in collaboration with the State
Library of Victoria.
Sixty-two stories from veterans in Melbourne, Morwell, Warrnambool and St
Arnaud were collected as part of the In Our Words Digital Storytelling Project,
bringing the total number of stories recorded to date to 144.
Future priorities 2011-12
The veteran population is characterised by a high commitment and reliance
on volunteering, both in service delivery to its community and in the task of
commemoration and education. As the veteran population and its volunteer
numbers decline, DPCD has an important role in ensuring that veteran
commemoration, education and heritage preservation activities are sustained.
In 2011-12 the Victorian Government committed $3.4 million over four years
to a range of initiatives designed to ensure that the legacy of our veteran
community is not forgotten. This priority along with the need to prepare for the
commemoration of the upcoming Centenary of ANZAC has shaped the
development of the following future priorities.
Over 2011-12 the priorities for the Veterans’ Affairs portfolio are to:

continue the highly successful Restoring Community War Memorials
program

work with the Mitchell Shire Council on the development of stage 2 of
the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk in Seymour

improve promotion of the Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize to high
school students around Victoria

prepare for the Centenary of ANZAC, including research on Victoria’s
contribution to World War 1

develop a housing project that addresses the unique needs of the most
vulnerable members of our veteran community

upgrade the Shrine of Remembrance website.
37
Major outputs/Deliverables
Performance Measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
Target
2010-11
Actual
Veterans’ Affairs
Lead and coordinate whole-of-government policy and support for veterans to
assist their full participation and engagement in the community and
commemorate, honour and promote community understanding of veterans'
service.
Quantity
Digitised veterans’ histories completed
number
60
62
Premier’s Spirit of ANZAC Prize: number number
of entries received
150
17413
Restoring community war memorials
grants: projects approved
number
35
5014
per cent
100
100
Commemorative and Education program: per cent
Grants acquitted within the timeframe
specified in the terms and conditions of
the funding agreement
100
100
3.2
3.6
Quality
Commemorative and educative projects
meet agreed project objectives
Timeliness
Cost
Total output cost
$ million
13
A 16 per cent increase from the target was achieved due to more effective
marketing.
14
A larger number of smaller grants were provided in response to community
demand.
38
39
Indigenous community and cultural
development
Performance in action
Aboriginal Affairs Victoria (AAV) has continued to support cultural heritage
education through the successful delivery of Australia’s first Aboriginal
Cultural Heritage Management Certificate IV program with La Trobe
University. Sixteen students graduated though the pilot program in September
2010. A further 20 students are currently undertaking a refined program which
will finish in November 2011. Planning for the third Certificate IV program is
now underway, with the course to commence in early 2012. The Department
has also started scoping a diploma level course.
DPCD has continued to support governance education for communitycontrolled organisations through deliver of Certificate IV level governance
training to students from a range of Indigenous-controlled organisations
throughout Victoria. AAV also delivered a Chief Executive Officer
Development Forum in October 2010 focused on staff management and
strategic planning for Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations.
Work has commenced on a revised Diploma of Business (Governance) in
partnership with the Commonwealth Government and Victoria University. This
will incorporate recommendations from the recent Innovation and Business
Skills Australia review of the Certificate IV in Business (Governance) and
Diploma in Business Governance.
The web-based Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Registry and Information Service
(ACHRIS) was successfully launched, and Registered Aboriginal Parties and
cultural heritage advisors were able to access the register online from
February 2011. This has contributed to a reduction in time and cost for project
proponents in undertaking preliminary investigations and registering
Aboriginal Places associated with the preparation of Cultural Heritage
Management Plans.
Future priorities 2011-12
Working with Indigenous Victorians to achieve community aspirations
throughout the state will be a priority for 2011-12. This will involve greater
emphasis on activities to improve the recognition and respect of Aboriginal
culture and heritage. Opportunities for Indigenous Victorians to influence
policies and the delivery of services, particularly through Local Indigenous
Networks, will also be further refined.
The Indigenous Governance Training Program will continue to develop
Indigenous organisations’ and community members’ governance and
administrative capability. AAV will continue to work in partnership with
Victoria’s traditional owner community and their organisations to protect
Aboriginal cultural heritage while working with land managers and developers
on future land use and regional economic development.
40
Further priorities for 2011-12 are to:

support Reconciliation Victoria, which will work in partnership with the
Victorian Government to develop the Victorian Reconciliation
Framework and aid local governments and Victorian Government
departments in developing Reconciliation Action Plans

establish a Victorian Indigenous Honour Roll

review the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, examining the efficacy and
efficiency of the Act’s operation

progressing the parliamentary inquiry into the establishment and
effectiveness of Registered Aboriginal Parties.
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Indigenous community and cultural development
Work in partnership with Victorian Indigenous communities and their organisations
to protect and manage Aboriginal cultural heritage, build community infrastructure,
strengthen governance and leadership, and establish new representative
arrangements for Indigenous Victorians. These activities increase understanding
and respect for Indigenous culture and the role of Indigenous Victorians in the
protection and management of cultural heritage, and build capacity in Indigenous
communities and their organisations. This enhances social and economic
participation and improved life outcomes for Indigenous people, and contributes to
the long term goal of a fairer society that reduces disadvantage and respects
diversity.
Quantity
Cultural heritage management capacity
building activities undertaken with
community groups
number
16
17
Governance training programs
implemented
number
7
615
Increase in client service contacts for
per cent
members of the Stolen Generations with
Connecting Home Limited
5
>5
Participants who complete governance
training
120
number
116
Quality
15
An Introductory Workshop was held in May 2011 and a Certificate IV course
began in June 2011. The planned Introductory Workshop in June 2011
specifically targeting Indigenous youth has been postponed until September
2011 so the new training provider that came on board in the third quarter of
the year could revise training materials.
41
Governance training initiatives participant per cent
completion rate
80
80
Local Indigenous representation groups per cent
completed stage one of community plans
100
100
Proportion of Indigenous community
per cent
organisations receiving funding from
multiple departments on a single funding
agreement
20
516
Timeliness
Cultural heritage management plans
assessed by Aboriginal Affairs Victoria
(AAV) within legislative timeframes
per cent
100
99.5
$ million
22.1
22.9
Cost
Total output cost
16
The 2010-11 target was not achieved due to the need for the development
of a single IT platform to support single funding agreements across the
Victoria Government. The Office for the Community Sector is working on the
IT system for single funding agreements which is expected to be in place
before July 2013.
42
Sport and recreation development
Performance in action
Community facility grant approvals
In 2010-11 DPCD provided grants for community sport and recreation
facilities through new phases of the Community Facility Funding Program and
Country Football and Netball Program and the development of the new
Sustainable Sports Ground Program.
In 2010-11, 196 grants were approved, benefitting all parts of the state.
Grants included the $60,000 Phillip Island Leisure Centre change room
redevelopment and the $58,000 Murtoa Gold Club irrigation system upgrade.
Support for sport and recreation organisations
In 2010-11, 94 sport and recreation organisations undertook projects,
provided services or developed strategic advice that targeted increased
participant, volunteer and community involvement with funding support from
the Department.
This included 73 State Sporting Associations which were funded to deliver
more than a hundred projects throughout Victoria; nine Regional Sports
Assemblies which continued to play an important role in connecting
grassroots sport across rural and regional Victoria; and 12 key organisations
such as the Sports Federation of Victoria (VicSport), the Victorian Olympic
Council, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria and Parks and Leisure Australia
(Victoria).
Grants totalling $835,000 were provided to State Sporting Associations to
improve their business skills and governance through organisational support
grants.
Major sporting events
Thirteen major sporting events were facilitated within the Sport and
Recreation portfolio, exceeding the budget performance measure target of 10
to 12. Events included the 2010 International Cycling Union World Road
Championships, which is considered the second most important cycling event
in the world after the Tour de France, the 2010 Australian Masters Golf
Tournament featuring Tiger Woods and the 2011 Socceroos friendly match
against Serbia.
Significant sporting events
In 2010-11 more than $1.2 million in grants supported 52 events of
international, national or regional Victorian significance. These events
included the 2011 Australian Athletics Championships and the 2011 Ice
Hockey World Championships Division II (won by Australia)
These grants assist in attracting new, or retaining existing, events to Victoria,
enhancing skills of volunteers, increasing economic stimulus through visitation
43
to Victoria and providing ongoing benefits to junior sporting and community
programs.
Major sport facilities
A number of key facility projects were completed during 2010-11 including the
St Kilda Football Club development of Belvedere Reserve and the Melbourne
Rebels Rugby Union team’s administration and training facility at Princes
Park.
A number of other important projects progressed during the year including
stage 1 of the redevelopment of Melbourne Park, refurbishment of the Great
Southern Stand at the MCG, landscaping works at Yarra Park and the State
Athletics Centre.
Future priorities 2011-12
Continued population growth and increasing community demand for
opportunities to participate in sport and recreation, along with strong
competition from other cities to host major sporting events, have all influenced
the development of future priorities for the Sport and Recreation portfolio.
These factors, along with funding in the 2011-12 State Budget and an
enhanced emphasis on increasing participation, have led to the development
of the following priorities:

implement a new phase of the Community Facility Funding Program,
along with additional funding for minor sport and recreation grants and
funding for a range of sport and recreation infrastructure projects.

implement a raft of new programs such as the Community Support and
Recreational Sports Package, Maximising the Performance of Victorian
Athletes initiative, Active Sports Partnerships Program and the Vicswim
Summer Kidz Learn to Swim program

further enhance Victoria’s reputation as a major sports event capital by
delivering a range of high-profile events including the 2011 Presidents
Cup golf tournament and prestigious regional events such as the
Stawell Gift

continue to implement projects related to state-level facilities including:
 stage 3 of the redevelopment of Skilled Stadium in Geelong
 the redevelopment of Melbourne Park (Eastern Plaza)
 refurbishment of the Great Southern Stand at the MCG
 completion and opening of the State Athletics Centre
 landscaping works at Yarra Park.
44
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Sport and recreation development
Provide strategic leadership, funding and support to the sport and recreation
industry to improve facilities and increase community participation in sport and
active recreation.
Quantity
Athletes on Victorian Institute of Sport
(VIS) scholarships
number
>350
405
73817
Combat sports licences, registrations and number
permits issued
400-500
Community Facility Grants: number
approved
number
>160
196
International teams/sports: sports visits
facilitated
number
100-200
160
Key sport and recreation organisations
undertaking projects or activities, or
providing services or strategic advice
number
>85
94
Major events facilitated
number
10-12
13
Projects related to state level facilities in
progress
number
8-12
12
Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship
holders on national teams/squads
per cent
>55
70
Completion of an approved business
per cent
plan and ongoing operational and budget
reports for each event
100
100
Quality
17
The target has been exceeded due to continuing growth in the industry
including an increase in contestants registering in Victoria from interstate,
additional contestants moving from amateur to professional levels and an
increase in combat sport styles. The 2011-12 target for this measure has
been changed to >500 to reflect this growth.
45
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Government branding and promotion
requirements undertaken at each event
per cent
100
100
Outdoor recreation camps contract
per cent
management key performance indicators
met
>90
95
Timeliness
Awards conducted
date
Aug-Nov
2010
Oct-10
Completion of appropriate post event
reports and formal economic impact
assessment (where required) at the
completion of each event
per cent
100
100
Completion of capital works at the State
Sports Centres Trust facilities
date
qtr 4
qtr 4
Completion of pavilion and fields works date
and continuation of Lakeside Oval works
at the State Sports Facility project in
Albert Park
qtr 4
qtr 4
106.8
109.2
Cost
Total output cost
$ million
46
Investing in community capacity and
infrastructure
These outputs aim to:

provide support for volunteering, community information and
communication technology, community building, transport connections,
community infrastructure and for strengthening community sector
organisations

assist the local government sector to develop sustainable service
delivery and asset management policies and practices

encourage and support best practice and continuous development in
local council governance

support the Victoria Grants Commission.
These outputs ensure that Victorian communities and local councils are
valued and supported.
Community Development
Performance in action
Community grants
In 2010-11, 58 Victorian Community Support Grants were provided, totalling
more than $10.5 million. They supported 27 community infrastructure projects,
16 community strengthening initiatives and 15 project planning activities. Ten
Building Infrastructure for Growing Communities grants totalling $4 million
were also provided across six metropolitan growth area councils.
Community Infrastructure for Growth Areas grants totalling $300,000
delivered six planning studies from six growth area councils. These studies
are instrumental in planning for and delivering community infrastructure to
Victoria’s fastest growing areas in the short, medium and long term.
A $4 million Community Recovery Fund was announced in response to the
January 2011 floods as part of the 2011-12 State Budget. More than $2.6
million was approved for 111 community organisations, 26 Local Government
Areas and two peak bodies by the end of June 2011.
Office for the Community Sector
The Office for the Community Sector has completed the State Government’s
three-year action plan to strengthen Victoria’s not-for-profit community sector.
It also delivered an additional $2 million to support the sustainability of not-forprofit organisations in 2010-11.
Community information and communications technology
In 2010-11, more than $458,000 in Community ICT Skills Grants funding was
delivered to community organisations to establish 23 projects to develop and
47
build information and communication technology (ICT) use and skills for
digitally excluded individuals and groups in their communities.
The following activities were also achieved:

The Chelsea Seniors ICT Access Project was completed, providing
internet access and intensive ICT training and support to 20 socially
isolated and disabled seniors residing in the Chelsea area.

Community ICT demonstration projects at Carlton Online Opportunities
and Learning Community and Wired Community@Wattle Hill started,
providing internet access, community websites, support and training for
digitally excluded public housing estate residents.

The final evaluation of the Wired@Collingwood Project, released in
June 2011, highlighted the positive impact that internet access and
training has made on the lives of digitally excluded residents of the
Collingwood public housing estate.
Volunteering
Victorian Volunteer Small Grants provided $1.1 million in 2010-11 to over 300
community organisations to expand their volunteering opportunities and
attract more participants.
Stage 2 of Victoria’s Volunteering and Participation Portal was launched in
September 2010. New functions include the volunteer-matching service,
individual web presence for registered community organisations and a
comprehensive Best Practice Toolkit for volunteer-based community
organisations.
Supporting activities for the release of stage 2 included:

launching phase 2 of the ‘I Can Do That’ awareness and recruitment
campaign

announcing the Volunteer Organisational Change Support Grants
which provide $1.2 million to volunteer-based community organisations
in sport, youth, culturally and linguistically diverse communities and
environment sectors to help them use the portal to attract and manage
volunteers.
At the onset of the Victorian floods in January 2011, the portal’s Emergency
Volunteer Registration System was deployed as part of the Government’s
commitment to provide better coordination of volunteers during emergency
events.
Other support for volunteering relating to the floods included the Volunteer
Management Capacity Grants (March 2011), which provided $750,000 to the
16 most critically flood-affected Local Government Areas to build long-term
capacity of local communities and networks to recruit and manage volunteers
during emergencies.
48
Transport Connections
The Transport Connections program supports local people and organisations
to work together to improve local transport and access to services for
transport disadvantaged communities.
The allocation of $22.8 million for 2010-2014 (phase 3) has enabled the
extension of 34 local Transport Connections projects, servicing all rural,
regional and peri-urban municipalities. Under phase 3, regional partnerships
to coordinate government effort and maximise outcomes from strategic
regional initiatives have been established. A robust reporting and evaluation
framework has been developed to enhance program implementation and
outcome measurements. The Department is also implementing the
recommendations from the March 2011 Auditor-General’s review of the
program.
Future priorities 2011-12
Meeting the needs of communities experiencing growth and change,
addressing the disadvantage caused by market failure and natural disasters
and the need to strengthen communities through robust not-for-profit
community organisations are all vital in helping communities to become
vibrant and self-reliant. These factors, along with the importance of fostering
volunteering, will drive the following priorities for 2011-12:

implement the new Community Support Grants program, a $42 million
commitment over four years towards building resilient and adaptable
communities

support implementation of the $1 billion Regional Growth Fund to build
vibrant regional cities and rural communities

facilitate implementation of priorities identified through Regional
Strategic Plans including Regional Growth Plans, economic
development initiatives and place-based projects

strengthen community development and community infrastructure
planning in Melbourne’s growth areas

support sustainability of the not-for-profit sector by developing:
 a single common funding agreement
 a single web-based portal for access to government compliance
requirements
 new organisational models improving access to support and
services in growing areas and regional towns

extend and enhance Victoria’s Volunteering Portal and strengthen the
coordination of volunteering during emergencies

support 34 local Transport Connections projects

implement the Innovation Fund to support development of local and
regional transport and mobility solutions for rural and regional
communities
49

improve the opportunities, prosperity and quality of life in nine regional
and rural communities through the $9.4 million Advancing Country
Towns program.
50
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Community development
Implement whole-of-government strategies; administer investments; and provide
support for communities to build capacity for engaging effectively in decision making
on community needs and strengthen community sector organisations to increase
participation and to achieve confident and safe communities.
Quantity
Community enterprises supported
number
10
718
Projects funded through the Victorian
Community Support Grants program for
the purpose of planning, community
strengthening and infrastructure
number
90-100
5819
Respect partnership projects funded
number
5
n/a20
Transport connections initiatives
supported
number
32
34
Community foundation boards or advisory per cent
committees have completed financial
and/or governance training
100
100
Grant projects which are completed and
have successfully met their objectives
per cent
90
10021
Progress on implementation of actions in
Strengthening Community Organisations
Action Plan complies with agreed
performance targets in the Action Plan
per cent
100
100
Quality
18
The grants program was realigned to focus on regional and rural Victoria.
Grants will be made in the first half of 2011-12. Discussions are being held
with the Department of Treasury and Finance to carry forward the remaining
trust funds.
19 This program was fully committed in the second quarter of the year, due to
a higher than expected number of applications in October 2010 and less
funding being available in 2010-11 compared to previous years.
20 The Respect partnership program was discontinued as a result of the
change of government.
21 All grants acquitted in 2010-11 from programs reportable under BP3 have
successfully met their agreed objectives.
51
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Progress on implementation of actions in
the volunteering strategy complies with
agreed performance targets
per cent
100
100
Grant payments paid against completion
of funding agreement milestones
per cent
100
100
Grants acquitted within the timeframe
specified in the terms and conditions of
the funding agreement
per cent
>90
87.85
$ million
62.8
67.7
Timeliness
Cost
Total output cost
52
Developing the local government sector
Performance in action
Living Libraries Program
The 2010-11 Victorian State Budget provided $3 million for a one-year
extension of the Living Libraries Program. Under the extended program, all
councils and regional library services were eligible to apply for a grant of up to
$500,000 toward a new or refurbished library building or for a mobile library.
Fifteen projects received funding under the 2010 program. These comprised
four new or relocated libraries (including Southbank and Merbein), ten
refurbished or extended libraries (including Williamstown, Avoca and Torquay)
and one mobile library refurbishment project.
Bushfire and flood response
Through Local Government Victoria (LGV), DPCD delivered a range of
programs in 2010-11 that supported councils in responding to natural
disasters.
These included:

the Bushfires Municipal Resourcing Program, which deploys additional
emergency management capacity to councils in conjunction with the
Municipal Association of Victoria

the Community Assistance Gift Program, which administers payments
to councils made through the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund

the Murrindindi Assistance Package, which assists Murrindindi Shire
Council in rebuilding its capacity following the Black Saturday bushfires

the Building Permit Fees Reimbursement Program, which reimburses
building permit fees paid by property owners affected by the February
2009 bushfires

the $5 million Local Government Clean Up Fund, which provides
assistance to councils affected by the floods in early 2011.
Procurement Excellence Program
Through the Councils Reforming Business program, LGV delivered the
Procurement Excellence Program (PEP) for Victorian councils. The program
encouraged best practice procurement in councils, including greater levels of
standardisation and opportunities for collaboration. Results include more
efficient purchasing and less time and resources wasted by the private sector
in doing business with councils.
The PEP also developed and strengthened regional and sector networks. The
networks provide opportunities for council collaborative procurement and
strategic engagement with the private sector.
In addition, the PEP delivered Social Procurement: A Guide for Victorian
Local Government. The guide provides opportunities for councils to
collaborate with the private sector and the broader community to address
53
community issues through improved procurement practice and pathways to
employment.
Legislative reform
The Local Government and Planning (Amendment) Act 2010 came into effect
in September 2010. The legislation includes amendments to the conflict of
interest provisions in the Local Government Act 1989 and changes to the
provisions relating to local government electoral representation reviews. LGV
has also prepared and released a short guide for councillors on the conflict of
interest requirements in the Act and made comprehensive material available
on the Department’s website.
Strengthening councils’ capacity
LGV facilitated discussion between the State Government and local councils
on issues and priorities through the Local Government Ministerial and Mayors’
Forum in June 2011. This event attracted over 150 senior participants from
local government across Victoria and provided an opportunity for mayors and
chief executive officers to engage with ministers.
Future priorities 2011-12
LGV is focussed on ensuring Victorian communities are supported by a strong
and accountable local government sector. Capacity building efforts in the
sector support local government’s role as a partner in delivery of Government
policy priorities and contribute to the sector’s long term sustainability as well
as local government’s ability to deliver services and assets to their
communities. Both LGV and sector peak bodies deliver capacity building
programs, often in partnership.
The sustainability and resilience of councils, especially smaller rural councils,
remains an ongoing concern. The Auditor General in his Acquittal Report on
the 2009-10 Audits (which included an assessment of the financial
sustainability of councils), highlighted that only one council (Buloke Shire) was
rated as “high-risk” due to the deterioration of the council’s liquidity ratio. The
Auditor General commented that the financial sustainability of councils has
improved in 2009-2010 with the number of low-risk rated councils increasing
from 71 to 74, and the number of medium-risk rated councils decreasing from
eight to four.
While this is an improvement over previous years, the Auditor General also
commented that the local government sector needs to continue addressing
the challenge of spending to maintain existing assets and the level of debt
that may need to be incurred to sustain current service levels.
LGV is committed to delivering the following priorities:

establish a Ministerial-Mayors’ Advisory Panel to provide high level
advice on issues impacting local government

give residents and ratepayers of Greater Geelong the opportunity to
directly elect their mayor

bring forward local government elections from November to October.
54
LGV will deliver major budget initiatives included in the 2011-12 State Budget,
such as:

the Green Light Plan to support councils and their communities to
reduce their carbon footprint by replacing old, energy-intensive street
lighting

the Public Libraries Capital Works Program to support local councils
and regional libraries to provide high quality and accessible public
library facilities

the Premiers’ Reading Challenge Book Fund, which will assist libraries
to purchase materials designed to encourage young people to read.
LGV is also committed to continuing to work with the sector to ensure councils
become more sustainable, resilient and responsive by:

Working collaboratively with the local government sector to improve
asset and financial management practices

continuing its capacity-building work with the sector to support
programs and build sustainable local government improvements
related to building site management and amenities

developing an improved partnership with local government

targeting assistance to improve accountability and sustainability in
councils

continuing legislative and regulatory reform.
Major outputs/deliverables
Performance measures
Unit of
measure
2010-11
target
2010-11
actual
Developing the local government sector
Local Government Victoria (LGV)
LGV works in partnership with the local government sector to encourage and
support best practice and continuous development in local governance; administer
programs that assist in delivering public library services; and support the Victoria
Grants Commission to achieve more accountable government, sustainable
service delivery and asset management policies and practices; and stronger
democracy.
Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate (LGI)
Conduct compliance audits and make recommendations for improvement to
ensure the local government sector meets the highest standards of accountability
and transparency in governance and administration.
Quantity
55
Audits undertaken as part of the LGI
planned audit program
number
27
27
Councils participating in practices to
number
reduce administrative and regulatory
burden to business in response to LGV’s
Reducing the Regulatory Burden
initiative
79
79
LGI newsletters provided to local
government sector
4
4
LGI recommendations accepted by local per cent
council
90
93.75
LGV’s Living Libraries grants provided to number
improve public library services
8
1522
number
Quality
LGV’s legislative and regulatory change
considers stakeholder feedback and
consultation with local government
per cent
100
100
LGV’s policy and program development
considers stakeholder feedback and
consultation with local government
per cent
100
100
Complaints received by the LGI
assessed and actioned within five
working days of receipt
per cent
100
100
Funding paid by LGV to local
government within agreed timeframes
per cent
100
100
Victoria Grants Commission allocations
determined and consultation program
completed within agreed timeframes
per cent
100
100
$ million
58.2
64.323
Timeliness
Cost
Total output cost
22
LGV worked closely with Library Services and was able to fund more
projects than previously anticipated (due to a decrease in the average amount
of funding per project).
23 The variance to the published budget reflects additional funding for Bushfire
and Flood Recovery programs approved post-budget.
56
Section 3: Financial Statements
Contents
Financial summary and future outlook
Financial report
Budget portfolio outcomes
Grants and related assistance
57
Financial summary & future outlook 2010-11
The Department of Planning and Community Development’s financial
summary for the last four years is provided in the following table. Specific
financial details are included in the financial statements.
Financial summary
(controlled)
Revenue from government
2010–11
2009–10
$’000
$’000
2008–09
$’000
2007–08
$’000
611,503
577,639
585,710
553,219
Other revenue
7,732
4,182
5,572
6,466
Total revenue
619,235
581,821
591,282
559,685
(602,914)
(598,115)
(593,846)
(551,115)
Net result from operating
activities
16,321
(16,294)
(2,564)
8,570
Net cash flow from operating
activities
23,886
(9,583)
7,734
14,268
631,359
345,193
328,484
335,323
98,832
80,329
80,031
102,996
Total expenses
Total assets
Total liabilities
The Department’s operations are funded through revenue received from
annual parliamentary appropriations for the delivery of outputs, as well as a
percentage of gaming machine revenue paid into the Community Support
Fund for the first six months of the financial year.
For the financial year ending 30 June 2011 the Department produced an
operating surplus of $16.3 million, largely due to the receipt of Growth Area
Infrastructure Contributions.
Total assets increased by $286.2 million which is mostly related to the transfer
of Regional Development Victoria to the Department.
Summaries of revenue, payments for outputs and asset investment are shown
in the following tables. More detailed financial information on each of the
Department’s outputs is provided in Note 2 to the financial statements.
58
Total revenue 2010–11
$m
Revenue from government
Other revenue
Total
%
611.5
98.8
7.7
1.2
619.2
100.0
Payments for outputs 2010–11
$m
%
Planning Communities for
Growth and change
242.6
40.2
168.9
28.0
Infrastructure
191.4
31.8
Total
602.9
100.0
Strengthening Communities and
Promoting Inclusion
Investing in Community Capacity and
Asset Investment Program 2010–11
$m
%
31.2
28.5
77.5
70.6
1.0
0.9
109.7
100.0
Planning Communities for
Growth and change
Strengthening Communities and
Promoting Inclusion
Investing in Community Capacity and
Infrastructure
Total
Future outlook
The government has approved new output and asset funding of over $696
million over the next four years. The initiatives funded include:

$500.0 million for Regional Growth Fund

$42.2 million for Community Support and Recreational Sports Package
$25.0 million for Skilled Stadium Stage 3 Redevelopment

$20.0 million for Green Light Plan to save money and cut emissions
59

$17.2 million for Public Libraries Capital Works Program
Full details of new initiatives are provided in Budget paper No.3 of the 2011-12 State
Budget.
60
61