Council Plan 2014/15
Performance Report
A report of Council’s performance against the 2014/15
actions from the City of Whittlesea Council Plan 20132017 ‘Shaping Our Future’
Table of Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................... 3
Background ................................................................................................ 3
Status ......................................................................................................... 3
Results ....................................................................................................... 4
Future Direction 1: Inclusive & Engaged Community........................... 5
Future Direction 2: Accessibility in, out and around our City ............... 9
Future Direction 3: Growing our Economy ........................................ 14
Future Direction 4: Places and Spaces to connect people ................. 16
Future Direction 5: Health and Wellbeing ......................................... 19
Future Direction 6: Living Sustainably ............................................... 24
Future Direction 7: Good Corporate Governance .............................. 26
2
Executive Summary
The purpose of this 2014/15 Council Plan Performance Report is to inform Council and
the community of our progress on delivering the City of Whittlesea Council Plan 20132017 ‘Shaping Our Future’. This report represents the second annual update on
Council’s progress in delivering projects and strategies committed to in the Council
Plan.
As per the requirements of the Local Government Performance and Reporting
Framework (LGPRF), the new LGPRF measures will be included in the City of
Whittlesea’s Annual Report for the 2014/15 financial year, rather than in this report.
Background
The 2013-2017 Council Plan ‘Shaping Our Future’ was developed in 2013 and
incorporates the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. Under the Local
Government Act and the Public Health and Wellbeing Act, both Plans are required to
be reported against. Council has made a commitment to the community, in line with
the statutory annual review requirements, that an annual Performance Report and
annual review of both Plans will be undertaken concurrently.
The annual Performance Report will provide a status of the indicators against each
Council Goal, together with a commentary about work completed. The annual review
must assess the Council Plan against the Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities
Act 2006. Results of the annual Performance Report and review shall inform the
annual budget and corporate planning direction.
Status
This Council Plan Performance Report has been prepared at the end of quarter 4 for
the 2014/15 financial year, in preparation for the Annual Report.
In the second year of the Council Plan, significant progress has been made towards
achieving actions that will contribute to the long term vision held by the community
for the City of Whittlesea in the year 2030.
3
The following graph highlights this progress:
26
52
Achieved
Work Ongoing
Not Achieved
34
Of the 112 actions listed in the 2014/15 Council Plan:

52 (46%) actions have been achieved in the 2013/14 financial year.

34 (31%) actions are still listed as Work Ongoing, most of these had significant
work undertaken on them during the past financial year and in some cases will
continue until complete, or will continue into the new financial year.

26 (23%) actions were not achieved and some explanations around the issues
contributing to these are given under each Future Direction.
Results
The current status of the actions from the second year of the Council Plan is identified
in the following way:
Status
Result
Explanation
Green
Achieved
This action was achieved during the
2014/15 financial year
Yellow
Work Ongoing
Progress has been made on this
action but work will continue into
following year(s)
Red
Not Achieved
This action was not able to be
completed during the 2014/15
financial year
4
Future Direction 1: Inclusive & Engaged
Community
Summary:
Council has spent the 2014/15 year working hard to develop clear strategies, policies
and tools to best support our community in coming together. In particular, our
advocacy for funding from State and Federal governments for community
infrastructure, the Community Gardens Policy and Guidelines and the review and
ongoing support of the Community Leaders Network have already been achieved. The
Arts Development Strategy, Disability Action Plan priorities and Multicultural
Engagement Tool has reached completion and the Community Building Strategy is well
into development and will continue to be shaped in 2015/16.
There are 16 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Inclusive and Engaged
Community Future Direction:
 10 actions have already been achieved
 Four actions are currently ongoing or are in various stages of completion
 Two action were not achieved
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan goal
Goal
No.
1.01
Council Goal
Council will work
to build a stronger
sense of community
within neighbourhoods
and across the
municipality, and create
new opportunities for
social networks and civic
engagement.
2014/15 Action
Develop a
community building
strategy
Develop a
comprehensive suite
of community health
and wellbeing
indicators and
determinants to
inform planning and
monitoring
Status
Comments
Work
Ongoing
Consultant engaged to
develop Community
Building Framework, work
well underway and
background paper,
framework and
recommendations drafted.
To be finalised in 2015/16
Work
Ongoing
Current at 50% complete
and with work well
underway, this will
continue into the 2015/16
year.
5
Goal
No.
1.01
Council Goal
Council will work
to build a stronger
sense of community
within neighbourhoods
and across the
municipality, and create
new opportunities for
social networks and civic
engagement.
2014/15 Action
Support
establishment and
sustainability of
community driven
community gardens
and increase local
social connection
opportunities
(through
implementation of
Community Garden
Policy and
Guidelines)
Status
Comments
Achieved
Discussions have occurred
with Whittlesea
Community Garden over
this period resulting in a
funding submission to
Council to support the
project worker into the
2015/16 year.
Support and review
the Community
Leadership Network
Achieved
Meetings have been held
with the Community
Leadership Network to
provide support and
assistance.
Implementation of
an arts development
strategy
Work
Ongoing
Draft Arts Development
Strategy listed for Forum in
September 2015.
1.02
Council will co-Ordinate
Arts and Cultural
programs to bring people
together
1.03
Council will take a
strategic approach to the
future needs of art across
the municipality
Conduct an arts and
cultural needs study
Not
Achieved
1.04
Co-Ordinate and review
the range of festivals
provided to bring people
together
Scope the
development of a
training program in
festival delivery
Work
Ongoing
1.05
Council will support local
volunteer groups to act as
advocates to other
government agencies
with a stronger voice
Develop a strategy to
build the capacity of
local volunteer
groups through an
identified number of
training sessions
Achieved
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Scoping of training needs is
underway as part of the
development of the Event
Approval Project which is
scheduled to be completed
at the end of 2016.
Consultation has been
undertaken with key
departments.
2 training sessions held to
build advocacy capacity of
local volunteer groups
6
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Action
Status
Comments
1.06
Align planning, policy and
practices to the
circumstances and
aspirations of the
community, as expressed
by the Community
Implement year 2
priority actions of the
Disability Action Plan
Achieved
Disability Action Plan on
track for completion of
most actions in this period.
1.07
Facilitate an effective
community engagement
process by providing
information to the
community about all
relevant factor for
consideration
Develop Multicultural
Engagement Tool
Achieved
Multicultural Engagement
tool has been developed.
Achieved
Planning applications are
assessed against the
provisions of the State
Planning Framework and
the Whittlesea Planning
Scheme. This ensures that
the cultural heritage of the
City is taken into account
when applications are
assessed and is one means
by which the cultural
heritage of our community
can be said to have been
shared, especially through
the identification and
preservation of significant
sites and features.
Achieved
Numerous meetings
conducted with Vic Roads.
Not
Achieved
Project not due to
commence this year. May
be considered in future
years.
1.10
Provide opportunities for
the sharing of cultural
heritage
1.11
Council actively advocate
for services and
infrastructure in our
growth areas
1.13
Provide programs to
engage diverse
community and address
race based discrimination
Implement heritage
overlay on locally
significant heritage
places.
Advocate to State
and Federal
Governments for
funding to improve
community
infrastructure for
connectedness
within the
community
Explore feasibility of
a university led study
to analyse
effectiveness of
Work Ready program
for newly arrived
migrant workers at
Council
7
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Action
Status
Comments
Develop four year
Strategy for LEAD
Achieved
Council's 4 year anti-racism
Strategy based on the LEAD
program findings was
presented to ELT and a
Council Forum it is
scheduled for the 4 August
2015 Council meeting
1.14
Council will partner with
Aboriginal communities
to achieve the best
possible opportunities
and outcomes
From Reconciliation
Action Plan,
implement the
adoption of
Aboriginal
Community
Engagement
Protocols
Achieved
Protocols have been
developed with the WRG
and wider community.
1.15
Develop
welcoming,
inclusive and healthy
sporting environment
program based on the
VicHealth Everyone Wins
& Healthy Sporting
Environment approach
Develop Strategy for
clubs engagement
and seek partner/
sponsors.
Achieved
Inclusive Clubs background
paper finalised.
8
Future Direction 2: Accessibility in, out and
around our City
Summary:
Accessibility continues to be one of the most pressing issues for our community and
Council has helped to create some significant improvements in this area in 2014/15.
The obvious success of the Access Denied campaign, bringing a promise of the rail
extension to Mernda and the building of the O’Hern’s Road interchange, has been just
one of a number of successful projects. Initiatives such as the shared path along
Darebin Creek and Edgar’s Road, upgrades to McKimmies Road, the Middle Years
Strategy to assist children to be engaged and supported, and the community
consultation around desired uses for the new community facility at University Hill are
further examples of Council’s work in this area.
There are 27 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Accessibility in, out and around
our City Future Direction:
 Nine actions have already been achieved
 Ten actions are currently ongoing or at various stages of completion
 Eight actions have not been achieved
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan goal
Goal
No.
Council Goals
2014/15 Actions
2.01
Work with
partners/stakeholders to
ensure hospital based
medical services are
provided to our
community
Advocate for funding
for existing and new
hospitals to service
the existing and
future northern
region of Melbourne
and the outlying rural
areas
2.02
Work with
partners/stakeholders to
ensure health, dental and
community services are
provided to our
community
Advocate for local
respite services
targeting 24-65 year
olds
2.03
Provide for expanded
library services
Incorporate strategic
land use planning for
future libraries into
growth area plans
Status
Comments
Work
Ongoing
The Hospital Advocacy is
new and still working with
Northern Health on what
the level of support is
required. Further work will
continue into the new
financial year.
Achieved
Respite advocacy factsheets
reviewed, continued
support for RAW (Respite
Alliance Whittlesea).
Work
Ongoing
Library Strategy not funded
in the 2014/15 year. This
has been superseded by the
development of a Library
Plan for Mernda and Epping
North in the 2015/16 year.
9
Goal
No.
2.05
2.07
Council Goals
Council will deliver capital
works construction of
new spaces
Facilitate access to
community and
supported playgroups to
enable social connections,
child development
activities and social
support
2014/15 Actions
Status
Develop a Municipal
Library Strategy to
inform future
planning
Not
Achieved
Feasibility study for
University Hill
completed
Achieved
Promotion of new
Community Activity
Centres to young
parents as possible
locations for new
playgrounds
Achieved
2.08
Deliver high quality
services and supports for
children, young people
and families
Implementation of
social capital and
service system plans
Work
Ongoing
2.09
Provide Council services
in a timely and effective
manner
Review service levels
of Council provided
services
Work
Ongoing
2.10
Work with other levels of
Government, developers
and stakeholders to
explore options for low
cost housing are available
to our community
Identify housing gaps
and housing
affordability through
Social and Affordable
Housing Strategy
2.11
Provide opportunities for
young people in the
municipality to be
engaged and supported
Implementation of
middle years strategy
Comments
Library Strategy not funded
in the 2014/15 year. This
has been superseded by the
development of a Library
Plan for Mernda and Epping
North in the 2015/16 year.
New Works program to be
undertaken in 2015/16 and
2016/17
Community engagement
activities promoted at Hazel
Glen, Jindi and Galada. For
example, promoting
Community Playgroups to
New Parent Groups
Growing Pains report
developed towards this
plan.
This is part of a broader
scope of work called People
Spaces and Places (PSaP). In
2015/16, PSaP work will be
reviewed and prioritised.
Work on defining services
has commenced, as has
participation in the Family
Day Care Service Review.
Recommendations on FDC
review have been presented
to Council and will inform
the next steps.
Not
Achieved
Feasibility study is required
to give us the tools to have
further discussions with
stakeholders, including
State Government.
Work
Ongoing
In April a combined
consultation/workshop with
primary and secondary
schools involved in 2013 and
2014 MDI Surveys and with
wider community
stakeholders/service
agencies was held.
Whittlesea has been
10
Goal
No.
Council Goals
2014/15 Actions
Status
Comments
registered to participate in
the 2015 MDI Survey as the
lead agent for Victoria.
To date we have had
interest from 8 schools (all
government schools). We
are exploring the possibility
of the MDI reporting to
include a distinction
between growth corridor
areas and established areas.
Work was undertaken on a
potential community
transport initiative, but the
development of a
framework was not
progressed. This action will
be progressed in the
2015/16 year.
This project has been rescoped to form part of Road
Asset Management Plan,
which will better align it
with related projects.
Bicycle Plan and Road Safety
Strategies have been revised
as part of the Integrated
Transport Strategy. A Green
Travel Plan has also been
developed. More work to
progress into the 2015/16
year.
2.12
Develop a
community
transport framework to
ensure a service is
provided to residents
Develop council's
community transport
policy in the context
of the agreed
municipal community
transport framework
Work
Ongoing
2.13
Develop a construction
strategy to support future
Council road upgrades
Consider
development of
future road
construction
strategies
Not
Achieved
2.14
Ensure our road network
integrates with other
transport elements
Develop an
implementation plan
for the Integrated
Transport Strategy
Work
Ongoing
2.15
Council will advocate to
the State Government for
improvements to major
roads within the
municipality
Advocate for
transport
improvements as per
Top 10 Advocacy
Priorities
Achieved
Priorities were delivered to
the Federal Government for
consideration in the
2015/16 budget.
2.15
Advocate to the State
Government for
improvements to major
roads within the
municipality
Advocate for
duplication of high
use roads such as
High Street and
Plenty Road
Achieved
At least two meetings had
occurred with Vic Roads.
11
Goal
No.
Council Goals
2014/15 Actions
Status
Comments
2.16
Maintain Council's road
network with capital
funding for rehabilitation
of roads, footpaths and
roadside infrastructure
Construction of
shared path along
Darebin Creek and in
Edgars Road
Not
Achieved
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future years
2.16
Maintain Council's road
network with capital
funding for rehabilitation
of roads, footpaths and
roadside infrastructure
Not
Achieved
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Not
Achieved
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Work
Ongoing
This project acquired the
required funding later than
anticipated and has now
been reallocated as a
priority for the 2015/16
year.
Not
Achieved
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Implement actions
from Walking
Strategy
Work
Ongoing
The Walking Strategy has
been reviewed and future
work will be undertaken to
integrate actions into the
Integrated Transport
Strategy.
Improvement to
bicycle network
Achieved
The Bicycle Plan, as per the
Integrated Transport
Strategy, has been revised.
Achieved
Cycling actions from
Integrated Transport
Strategy have been
implemented.
2.17
2.17
2.17
2.18
2.19
Deliver capital works
design and construction
programs for extra
carriageways, extension,
duplications on identified
Council Roads
Deliver capital works
design and construction
programs for extra
carriageways, extension,
duplications on identified
Council Roads
Deliver capital works
design and construction
programs for extra
carriageways, extension,
duplications on identified
Council Roads
Council will work
towards better
connectivity of safe
walking paths
Council will work towards
delivering safer cycling
options to the community
with State Government
and other stakeholders
Beautification works
in Scott Street
Design of Bush
Boulevard
Construction of
McKimmies Road
Construction of
Downs Road
Implement cycling
actions Bicycle plans
12
Goal
No.
2.20
2.21
2.22
Council Goals
2014/15 Actions
Status
Improve connectivity
of walking and
cycling paths to
public transport
consistent with
integrated Transport
Strategy
Achieved
Advocate for more
public transport and
expansion in growth
areas
Achieved
Work with partners and
stakeholders to address
access and promote use
of the NBN
Participate in the
implementation of
Regional Digital
Economy Strategy
Not
Achieved
Ensure a whole of Council
strategy guides our online
community engagement
Expand the number
of online
consultation
opportunities
through online
consultation portal
'Community Voice'
Work
Ongoing
Advocate to the State
Government for improved
public transport servicing
this municipality
Comments
Bicycle Tracks are identified
for inclusion in the 2015
Advocacy priorities.
Although complete, this
action will continue through
the remainder of the 2015
year.
Numerous meetings have
been held with the State
Government on the topic of
public transport in growth
areas.
This project was dependent
on external funding sources.
No external funding
opportunities available in
the 2014/15 year to enable
participation in the
program.
There have not been any
major consultations that
warrant a Community Voice
project site since early 2015.
13
Future Direction 3: Growing our Economy
Summary:
There has been solid contributions to this Future Direction, finalising actions such as
the Aboriginal Employment Strategy (including the employment of four Aboriginal
staff), the Procurement Strategy and strengthening relationships with communitybased non-profit education and training providers, agencies and networks.
Work is still underway on the Recruitment Strategy which is the precursor to informing
the Work Experience and Student Placement Strategy, which requires further inputs
over the 2015/16 year to finalise.
Council has finalised the Economic Development Directions Paper and draft Economic
Development Strategy documents have been prepared. This work will roll over into
the 2015/16 year which will see the development of the Economic Development
Strategy for the municipality.
There are 9 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Growing our Economy Future
Direction:
 Five have been achieved
 Two are currently being worked on, or are at various stages of completion
 Two has not been achieved
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan goal
Goal
No.
3.01
Council Goals
Facilitate the delivery
of more local jobs for
all with a focus on groups
who experience social
and health inequalities,
together with an
organisational
commitment to
employing locally
2014/15 Actions
Status
Deliver Aboriginal
Employment Strategy
Achieved
Review Council's
Recruitment
Strategy.
Work
Ongoing
Develop a work
experience and
student placement
strategy across
Council and NonGovernment
Organisations to
maximise
employment
pathways for local
students.
Not
Achieved
Comments
Four staff have been
employed through this
program.
Part of the overall review of
the Employment Strategy
due June 2016.
Part of the overall review of
employment strategy (due
June 2016) however we are
currently on-boarding
students in the absence of a
completed strategy. This
work is ongoing into the
2015/16 year.
14
Goal
No.
Council Goals
2014/15 Actions
3.02
Council will facilitate the
development of industry
to support local
employment
Finalise Economic
Development
Directions Paper and
utilise this to develop
an Economic
Development
Strategy Brief
Achieved
3.03
Council will build
internal capacity and
provide local positive
social outcomes with
social procurement
partners,
Develop a
Procurement
Strategy
incorporating social
procurement
Achieved
3.06
Ensure Council has
adequately zoned
industrial land
Scope a revitalisation
of land use project
Achieved
3.09
Investigate options for
using rural land for
agricultural production
Continue delivery of
Rural incentive
programs
Not
Achieved
Work with partners to
facilitate more learning
opportunities
Strengthen
relationships with
community-based
non-profit education
and training
providers, agencies
and networks
Achieved
3.10
3.11
Provide tools and support
for families to be strong
Develop a family
strengthening plan
Status
Work
Ongoing
Comments
Directions paper is now
complete. This now forms
part of the Economic
Development Strategy,
which will appear as a
Council Plan action for the
2015/16 year.
The Procurement Strategy
was launched in March
2015, which outlines
processes to support Social
Procurement and social
benefit deliverables in the
tendering process.
This has been achieved with
Thomastown Industrial
Review. The Draft Strategy
is now complete and will be
reported to Council Q1
15/16.
This project will be reviewed
in the 2015/16 year as part
of the Green Wedge
Management Plan 5 year
review.
Significant work has been
undertaken in 2014/15 to
strengthen relationships
with education and training
providers.
Progress towards this plan
has occurred through the
Epping North Family
Strengthening, Streamlining
and Right@Home projects.
This is scheduled for
completion in the 2015/16
year.
15
Future Direction 4: Places and Spaces to
connect people
Summary:
Open space within the City of Whittlesea was one of the most positive topics raised
during consultation with the community in 2012 and 2013. Residents love the green
parks, passive open space and the sporting facilities within the municipality.
The Open Space Strategy is in the final stages of being approved, and has been a very
extensive piece of work. This Strategy will inform long term open space planning, so it
is important this document is accurate and relevant before being presented to Council
for adoption. Significant community consultation has occurred to support this
Strategy.
Significant work has been undertaken on many of the actions in this Future Direction
which will help achieve better places and spaces into the future. There are nine
actions listed as Work Ongoing, all of which have completed a significant amount of
work to date. This work includes refinements to the draft Halls and Meeting Room
Strategy, working through year one actions from the Major Leisure & Aquatic Facility
Strategy and a scheduled review of the Shade Policy.
Of the four actions not achieved, there are two actions where tasks will be informed
by the Open Space Strategy which has not yet been endorsed by Council and is under
review.
There are 11 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Places and Spaces to connect
people Future Direction:
 Three actions have been achieved
 Four actions are currently being worked on, or at varying stages of completion
 Four actions are not achieved
Goal
No.
4.01
Council Goal
Continue to provide a
range of open spaces for
use by the community
2014/15 Action
Status
Develop a
Management Plan
for Darebin Creek
District Park
Not
Achieved
Develop action plan
to implement the
Open Space Strategy
Not
Achieved
Comments
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
This action plan is
dependent on adoption of
the Open Space Strategy
which is still in progress
with the Executive
16
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Action
Status
Comments
Leadership Team and
Council.
4.02
Develop improved
governance models for
community facilities
Implement new
governance model at
Whittlesea
Community Activity
Centre
Achieved
Refine community
facilities governance
model for Aurora
Community Activity
Centre and
Renaissance Rise
Family and Children's
Centre operations
Work
Ongoing
4.02
Develop improved
governance models for
community facilities
Conduct a feasibility
study for the long
term plan for PRACC
Not
Achieved
4.03
Ensure wide range of
community meeting
spaces are available
Implement Halls and
Meeting Spaces
Strategy
Work
Ongoing
4.04
Strengthen and
implement Council
planning tools to build
better connections
Ensure Urban Design
plays a lead role in
the Precinct
Structure Planning
process
Achieved
4.05
Council will develop and
implement a strategic
plan for future leisure
centres and aquatic
facilities that meet local
requirements
Implement Major
Leisure & Aquatic
Facility Strategy
Achieved
New governance model
developed and will be
applied (with required
contextual refinement) to
each new community
facility as they come online.
Governance models still
under development for
Jindi and Galada (formally
Renaissance Rise and
Aurora) and will be
documented by the end of
2015.
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Draft Study and
Implementation Plan
prepared awaiting Senior
Management
consideration. This project
has been included in the
Department's 2015/16
Business Plan to ensure it is
completed.
Urban Design is included as
part of all major projects
and Precinct Structure
Plans.
Year One action is to
undertake the Mill Park
Leisure Centre
Redevelopment Feasibility
Study. This has been
completed.
17
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Action
Status
4.06
Continue to provide a
high quality network of
local parks and
recreational facilities
across the urban and rural
areas which are managed
for community and
environmental benefits.
Using Open Space
Strategy criteria,
assess requirements
for suitable future
park sites
Not
Achieved
4.07
Implement Recreation
Strategy
Development of
Minor Sports
Strategy
Work
Ongoing
4.08
Assist with access for
everyone to play spaces
that are suitable for all
ages and abilities
Undertake review of
existing shade policy
Work
Ongoing
Comments
This project is dependent
on adoption of the Open
Space Strategy.
Some work has progressed
for the Minor Sports
Strategy in the 2014/15
year. This project has been
included in the
Department's 2015/16
Business Plan to continue
this work.
Project proposal endorsed
by the Executive
Leadership Team in April
2015 and review underway.
Further work is forecast for
the 2015/16 year.
18
Future Direction 5: Health and Wellbeing
Summary:
Incorporating the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan into the Council Plan
enabled Council to recognise the benefits of integrated planning across all seven
Future Directions which support a social determinants approach to community health
and wellbeing. Of the 26 actions identified under the Health and Wellbeing Future
Direction, Council has adopted the Family Violence Strategy, strengthened
partnerships to address identified cause of and contributing factors to family violence
in the local context and developed & delivered community recovery training.
Highlights include substantial work in the area of gender equity and prevention of
family violence, development of a Responsible Gambling Strategy, progress on the
application of the Heart Foundation’s "Healthy by Design” guidelines in council plans
and policies, and our analysis show that over 60,000 members of the local community
have been reached by the Healthy Together Program. A Community Safety Committee
has been established with active representation from key stakeholders, including
Victoria Police and Council, with agreed terms of reference and further work will
progress into the 2015/16 year.
There are 26 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Health and Wellbeing Future
Direction:
 16 actions have been achieved
 Seven are currently being worked on, or at varying stages of completion
 Three have not been achieved
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan goal
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Actions
5.02
Council will support
action to prevent
family violence and sexual
assault by addressing the
underlying causes of
gender- based violence
and promoting equal and
Embed gender equity
and primary
prevention strategies
into departmental
business plans
Status
Comments
Work
Ongoing
Actions listed within the
Gender Equity Strategy
will be incorporated within
relevant Business Plans by
the end of 2015.
19
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Actions
Status
Comments
respectful relationships in
the community
Implement gender
analysis training for
relevant key staff
5.02
5.04
5.05
Council will support
action to prevent
family violence and sexual
assault by addressing the
underlying causes of
gender- based violence
and promoting equal and
respectful relationships in
the community
Council leads regional
collaboration to develop
regional capacity to
respond to all emergency
events
Council will
incorporate
community resilience into
our emergency
management planning to
Achieved
Explore internal and
external funding
options
Achieved
Adopt Family
Violence Action Plan
Achieved
Identify actions and
partnerships to
address identified
cause of and
contributing factors
to family violence in
the local context
Achieved
Post impact
assessment tool
developed and
adopted
Achieved
Regional recovery
model developed
and adopted
Work
Ongoing
Community recovery
training developed
and delivered
Work
Ongoing
Gender Equity training
sessions held, including
with the Councillors.
Council support
Whittlesea Community
Connections in a
successful application to
"our Watch" for $150k for
primary prevention in
CALD communities.
Family Violence Strategy
endorsed in December
2014, and launched in
March 2015.
Considerable work has
been undertaken to build
partnerships and identify
opportunities for
interventions.
Impact tools have been
developed and adopted.
Training modules will be
delivered during the
2015/16 year.
The NWMR Collaboration
group will continue to
meet until the end of the
2015 calendar year. There
has been 70% of project
complete to date.
Training developed,
pending framework review
from Emergency
Management Victoria
(EMV).
20
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Actions
Status
build community capacity
Emergency exercise
developed and
delivered in
partnership with
Whittlesea
Community resilience
Committee.
Achieved
Exercises Noisy Miner,
Oliver Whistler, Pilotbird
and Quaker Parrot held.
Achieved
Memorandum of
understanding (MoU) has
been signed with
Adventist Disaster
Recovery Association
(ADRA).
Volunteer
partnerships
developed
Comments
Council will
integrate Crime
Prevention Through
Environmental Design
(CPTED) principles into
policy, Strategies, design
guidelines and capital
works to enhance
community safety and
address crime prevention.
CPTED principles
integrated into Urban
design framework
Achieved
CPTED principles are
addressed as part of our
broader urban design
considerations. Urban
Design matters are
discussed as part of the
development of all our
current Precinct Structure
Plans as a key focus.
5.07
Council will work with
State Government on a
staged plan for the
delivery of education
facilities in Whittlesea’s
growth areas
Manage joint City of
Whittlesea and
Department of
Education and Early
Childhood
Development,
Education and
Infrastructure
Forums
Achieved
All scheduled joint forums
were held in in the
2014/15 year.
5.09
Council will consider
health and wellbeing
outcomes and health
inequities perspective in
planning
HiAP tool developed
and piloted
Not
Achieved
5.10
Council will plan for
growth by supporting
the creation of liveable
socially connected
communities
Growth Areas Social
Planning Tool
(GASPT) process
adopted and used at
the City of Whittlesea
Achieved
5.06
This project has been
delayed pending findings
of the UNSW equity audit
of Healthy Together
Victoria which will inform
the approach moving
forward.
GASPT process adopted,
and Ashley Park
Community Activity Centre
has been developed
utilising GASPT.
21
Goal
No.
Council Goal
5.11
Council will support
the creation of
healthy active liveable
connected communities
via parks and open space
planning, transport
planning and urban
planning
5.12
5.13
5.14
Council will support
and encourage
health promoting settings
to reduce risk factors for
preventable chronic
disease via the Health
Together Whittlesea
federally funded program
Council will
develop healthy
sporting environment
programs based on the
VicHealth Healthy
Sporting Environment
approach.
Council will
increase access and
availability of healthy,
affordable food including
fresh fruit and vegetables
in areas of identified
need.
2014/15 Actions
Status
Comments
Work
Ongoing
Scoping completed and
background report done.
Work to continue into the
2015/16 year.
Progress
achievement
programs
Achieved
Council provided with
quarterly memo updates,
over 60,000 residents now
reached by the Healthy
Together Achievement
Program.
Implement health
champions program
Achieved
Over 70 health champions
have been recruited into
the Program.
‘Healthy by Design'
projects developed.
Deliver social
marketing campaign
Achieved
Develop strategy for
club engagement
Not
Achieved
Explore partner and
funding
options/sponsors
Not
Achieved
Implement a project
which increases
access to fresh fruit
and vegetables in
areas of identified
need. Explore
opportunities to
collaborate with the
Achieved
Linked to the State
Government’s Live Lighter
campaign, which is now
finalised.
Strategy is not developed,
however the Sports
Coordination Team have
further developed internal
and external partners to
continue to ensure Club
Engagement/Development
opportunities throughout
the 2014/15 year align
with Council's and the
community’s objectives.
This project was
dependent on external
funding. External funding
is not available from Vic
Health at this time.
Established a partnership
with Asylum Seeker
Resource Centre (ASRC) to
introduce the Food Justice
Truck project in
Thomastown. A successful
partnership was
developed with
22
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Actions
Status
wholesale fruit and
vegetable market to
address food
insecurity through
redistribution of fruit
and vegetables
Coordinate Food
Coalition
5.15
5.16
5.17
Council will develop
policy to support and
encourage health
promoting community
settings to reduce risk
factors for preventable
chronic disease.
Work in partnership
with community and
service providers to
reduce and minimise the
negative social, economic
and health impacts of
gambling
Older residents have
access to a range of
supports which improve
their wellbeing and
capacity to age positively
Develop an Alcohol
management policy
and amendments to
the Planning Scheme
to support
implementation of
the Policy
Implement the
Responsible
Gambling Strategy
action plans in
partnership with Key
stakeholders.
Continue to work
with other councils
across Victoria to
advocate for
responsible gambling
through the Victorian
local government
Associations' Local
Government Working
Group on Gambling
Adopt the Positive
Ageing Strategy
(Secure resources
and develop
strategy)
Achieved
Comments
“Foodbank” which
resulted in state
government funding to
establish a regional
distribution Hub in Epping
to provide for Emergency
Relief agencies.
Internal Food working
group set up and
background report done
on Local Food Systems.
Work
Ongoing
Project proposal endorsed
by the Executive
Leadership Team in May
2015, policy to be
developed by December
2015.
Work
Ongoing
Strategy was adopted by
Council in December 2014
and many of the year one
actions will require
funding allocations over
the coming years to
support implementation.
Achieved
Multiple meetings held
with other councils across
Victoria as part of the
Enough Pokies Campaign.
Work
Ongoing
A Positive Ageing Policy
Project Officer was
appointed in July 2015,
development of the
strategy to follow in the
2015/16 year.
23
Future Direction 6: Living Sustainably
Summary:
In 2013, Council adopted the Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which has driven
much of the success within this Future Direction. The target of 75% completion of
Environmental Sustainability Strategy (ESS) priorities has been exceeded this year, and
Council now has arrangements in place with a local company in Thomastown (SRS), as
part of the Waste Strategy, who recycle e-waste and employ people with disabilities.
Funding was not available to complete the Biodiversity Action Plan so this was not
achieved this year, nor will extending recycling services to commercial premises be
achieved for 2014/15.
There are 8 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Living Sustainably Future
Direction:
 Six have been achieved
 Two have not been achieved
Goal
No.
6.01
6.02
Council Goal
Continue to develop and
deliver community
education and
conservation programs
Continue to work on
strategies and plans that
are shaping the City of
Whittlesea to be
environmentally
sustainable
2014/15 Actions
Status
Deliver programs to
assist the community
transition to a low
emissions future
Achieved
Implement Waste
Strategy - working
with local business
that employs
disabled workers to
break down waste
components for
recycling
Achieved
Extending recycling
service to
commercial premises
(14/15)
Not
Achieved
‘SOW’ Workshop topics
included worm farms and
composting; saving energy
and water; growing
vegetables; safe garden
pest control techniques;
cooking seasonally
without waste; and
sustainability training for
early years’ services.
This strategy includes ewaste and the
employment of local
disabled workers - Council
has a contract with SRS
who employ local people
with disabilities to recycle
e-waste.
This action relates to
extending recycling
services to commercial
premises which requires
further scoping and
budget considerations in
coming years.
24
Goal
No.
6.03
6.04
Council Goal
Implement the Green
Wedge Management Plan
Implement actions
detailed within Council's
Environmental
Sustainability Strategy
(ESS)
2014/15 Actions
Status
Review the River Red
Gum Protection
Policy
Achieved
Implement short
term priorities in ESS
Achieved
Continue the
development and
implementation of
Emission Reduction
Plans
Achieved
Develop and
implement a
Biodiversity Action
Plan
Not
Achieved
Implement Native
Vegetation Strategic
Offset Plan
Achieved
Review undertaken no
further action required at
this stage. Will be
potentially reviewed again
in context of PSP
processes/outcomes in
15/16 by sustainability
Planning.
77% of Actions completed,
exceeding the target of
75%.
Emission Reduction Plans
complete and being
implemented.
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Plan endorsed by Council
early 2015.
Implementation has
commenced.
25
Future Direction 7: Good Corporate
Governance
Summary:
This Future Direction was formally added to the current Council Plan in 2013 to ensure
that the Community was aware of Council’s responsibilities to govern municipal
undertakings appropriately.
Implementation of the Centralised Customer Service Centre is a significant highlight
for the 2014/15 financial year. After only four months in operation, the Customer
Service Centre answered its 50,000th call and is currently taking an amazing 673 calls
per day. A further achievement in 2014/15 was the development of a 6 Green Star
rated Civic Precinct Master Plan.
There are a number of actions that will roll over into the next financial year, including
implementing the full Asset Management System, Service Level Agreement Reporting
which have both been identified as projects that will cross multiple financial years.
There are also a number of items that did not reach completion at the end of this
financial year. There have been several reviews to better align the work we are doing
which has resulted in some actions becoming superseded or re-prioritised to ensure
that we are focused on the right outcomes.
There are 15 actions for the 2014/15 year within the Good Corporate Governance
Future Direction:
 Three have been achieved
 Seven are currently being worked on and should progress well
 Five have not been achieved
Goal
No.
7.01
7.02
Council Goal
Develop and implement a
Customer Service
improvement program
Develop and implement
plan for population
growth
2014/15 Action
Implement
centralised Customer
Service Centre
Undertake research
to determine what
the capacity of
Council is to provide
services to a
culturally and
linguistically diverse
community
Develop a 6 star
Green Star rated
Civic Precinct Master
plan
Status
Comments
Achieved
New centralised customer
service centre in
operation.
Work
Ongoing
New Customer Service
Strategy on target to be
developed by September
2015.
Achieved
Civic Precinct Master Plan
developed.
26
Goal
No.
Council Goal
2014/15 Action
Status
Scenario planning
project
Not
Achieved
Review Whittlesea
Planning Scheme and
update Municipal
Strategic Statement
(MSS) and Local
Planning Policies
Work
Ongoing
7.03
Develop and implement a
financial sustainability
program
Develop growth
model for LTFP
Not
Achieved
7.03
Develop and implement a
financial sustainability
program
Develop Asset
Management Policy
Work
Ongoing
Continue to develop a
partnership approach for
working with agencies to
ensure service delivery
meets community need
Lead in inter Government
agreements with
Federal and State
Governments to
ensure that
government services
which are transferred
to Council have full
impact assessment
undertaken
7.04
7.05
Council services embrace
new technology
Implementation of
Asset Management
System
Comments
This project was
reprioritised for the
2014/15 year and may be
reconsidered in future
years.
Recently consulted the
Executive Leadership
Team on MSS content
amendment. It is now
ready to present to
Council for consideration.
This project has
undergone a review and
has been superseded by
Long Term Financial Plan
modelling assumptions
project.
The Asset Management
Policy has been finalised
and approved by the
Executive Leadership
Team and will be
presented to Council by
the end of 2015.
Not
Achieved
Further work is required
to properly scope the
requirements of this
action. This will be
addressed in more detail
in the coming years.
Work
Ongoing
Implementation of the
Asset Management
System will continue
through to 2017. Phase
one is well underway, with
the Artworks and Drainage
assets recorded and
uploaded into the syste,.
Open Space assets will be
uploaded by the end of
2015.
27
Goal
No.
7.06
7.07
Council Goal
Council builds and
maintains a competent
workforce and leadership
capability in order to
deliver efficient and
effective services to the
community
Council will integrate
planning for services to
ensure alignment to
community need
2014/15 Action
Status
Comments
Develop IT Strategy
Work
Ongoing
IT Strategy presented to
Information and
Communication Services
Committee, for approval
by the end of 2015.
Review Information
Management
Strategy
Achieved
Information Management
Strategy review complete.
Conduct workforce
and service plan
reviews to ensure
service delivery is
keeping pace with
changing demands
Work
Ongoing
Training session attended,
a draft workforce plan was
developed and is currently
under internal review.
Implementation of
draft Service Level
Agreements with
regular reporting
Work
Ongoing
Service Planning & Review
project has paused at this
stage but will continue
into the 2015/16 year.
Not
Achieved
This project is dependent
on the Service Level
Planning project (above)
and therefore has not
progressed at this stage.
Progress will be made in
the coming years.
Not
Achieved
The Green Purchasing /
EcoBuy Policy has been
superseded by the
Procurement Policy which
has significant content
regarding green
purchasing.
Implement best
value approach to
service delivery
Review Council’s
Green Purchasing
Policy/EcoBuy
28