Members are advised that a meeting of the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils
(RAMROC) will be held on Wednesday 25th February 2015 in the Ian Gilbert Room at Jerilderie Shire
Council’s Civic Centre.
Mayors /
Delegates
General
Managers
Councillors Terry Hogan AM (Chairman), Kevin Mack (Deputy Chairman), Fred
Longmire, Leigh Byron, Norm Brennan, Lindsay Renwick, Peter Laird, Heather
Wilton, Bill Sheaffe, Tom Weyrich, Neil Gorey, Bernard Curtin, Peter Nunan,
John Dal Broi, Austin Evans, Paul Maytom, Jenny Clarke and Patrick Bourke
Messrs Rowan Perkins, Aaron Drenovski, Frank Zaknich, Chris Gillard, Barry
Barlow, Des Bilske, Steven Pinnuck, Allen Dwyer, Craig Moffitt, Margot Stork, Bruce
Graham, Peter Kozlowski, John Batchelor, Brett Stonestreet, Matt Glover, Judy
Charlton, Adrian Butler and Ken Croskell.
MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
MRRR 1
WELCOME
MRRR 2
APOLOGIES
MRRR 3
MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON WEDNESDAY 12th
NOVEMBER 2014 (pages 2 to 7)
MRRR 4
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 12TH NOVEMBER 2014 MEETING (page 7)
MRRR 5
DISCUSSIONS WITH CR KEITH RHOADES AFSM - PRESIDENT LGNSW AND SHAUN
McBRIDE SENIOR STRATEGY MANAGER LGNSW (pages 7 and 8)
MRRR 6
EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT (pages 8 to 14 inclusive)
MRRR 7
FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2014 - AS PER
SEPARATE ATTACHMENTS – (page 14)
MRRR 8
MINUTES OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS - AS FOLLOWS (pages 15 to 27):8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Engineers Group – 5th November 2014
Records Management Group – 11th November 2014
Murray Waste Management Group – 17th December 2014
Engineers Group – 11th February 2015
General Managers Group – 13th February 2015
MRRR 9
MINUTES OF RAMROC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – 30TH JANUARY 2015
(PAGE 27-28)
MRRR 10
GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS (page 28)
MRRR 11
CONFIDENTIAL – EXECUTIVE OFFICER CONTRACT - Chairman to report (page 28)
Ray Stubbs
Executive Officer
1
MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF THE RIVERINA AND MURRAY
REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS (RAMROC), HELD IN THE IAN GILBERT
ROOM AT JERILDERIE SHIRE COUNCIL, ON WEDNESDAY 12 TH NOVEMBER 2014 AT
10.20 AM
PRESENT
Albury City:
Cr Kevin Mack
Mr Frank Zaknich
Balranald:
Cr Leigh Byron
Mr Aaron Drenovski
Berrigan:
Cr Bernard Curtin
Cr Brian Hill
Mr Rowan Perkins
Carrathool:
Cr Peter Laird
Mr Ken Croskell
Conargo:
Mr Barry Barlow
Corowa:
Cr Paul Miegel
Mr Chris Gillard
Deniliquin:
Cr Lindsay Renwick
Mr Des Bilske
Greater Hume:
Cr Heather Wilton
Mr Steven Pinnuck
Griffith City:
Cr John Dal Broi
Mr Max Turner
Hay:
Cr Mick Rutledge
Mr Allen Dwyer
Jerilderie:
Cr Ruth McRae
Cr Terry Hogan
Mr Craig Moffitt
Leeton:
Cr Paul Maytom
Murray:
Cr Tom Weyrich
Ms Margot Stork
Murrumbidgee:
Cr Austin Evans
Mr Mathew Glover
Narrandera:
Cr Graham Eipper
Mr Martin Hiscock
Urana Shire
Cr Patrick Bourke
Mr Adrian Butler
Wakool:
Cr Neil Gorey
Mr Paul O’Brien
Wentworth:
Mr Peter Kozlowski
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RAMROC
Mr Ray Stubbs Executive Officer
MEETING GUESTS:
Mr Graeme Brittenden
Mrs Jennifer Brittenden
Ms Lani Houston – Riverina RDA
MRRR 1 - WELCOME TO MEETING
The RAMROC Chairman Cr Terry Hogan welcomed newly elected Mayors Cr Leigh Byron (Balranald), Cr
Ruth McRae (Jerilderie) and Cr Austin Evans (Murrumbidgee). He also welcomed the Guest Speaker
Graeme Brittenden from Sandstone Point Queensland.
MRRR 2 - APOLOGIES:
Cr Jenny Clarke and Mrs Judy Charlton (Narrandera), Cr Fred Longmire
(Corowa), Cr Bill Sheaffe (Hay), Cr Norm Brennan (Conargo), Cr Peter
Nunan (Wentworth), Mr Brett Stonestreet (Griffith), Mr John Batchelor
(Leeton) and Mr Bruce Graham (Wakool)
RESOLVED that the apologies be received and accepted
(Moved Albury and seconded Wakool)
MRRR 3 - MINUTES OF RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON 6 TH AUGUST 2014
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the General Meeting held 6th August 2014 be received and
confirmed.
(Moved Griffith and seconded Berrigan)
MRRR 4 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 6TH AUGUST 2014 MEETING
There were no matters arising
MRRR 5 – MINUTES OF SPECIAL RAMROC MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE ON 8 TH OCTOBER 2014
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Special Meeting held on 8 th October 2014 be received and
confirmed
(Moved Albury and seconded Berrigan)
MRRR 6 – MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 8TH OCTOBER 2014 MEETING
There were no matters arising
MRRR 7 - PRESENTATION
Mr Graeme Brittenden of Sandstone Point, Queensland addressed the meeting in relation to his concept
for a permanent 30 minute advancement of Australian Eastern Standard Time (A.E.S.T) and he outlined
the logic and benefits of the concept known as “It’s About Time”. The change in time zones would require
legislative change by agreement of the States. Graeme has lobbied Commonwealth and State
Governments and has proposed that the matter be considered by COAG
RESOLVED that RAMROC provide in-principle support to the proposal being advocated and that
letters be written to both the Federal and State Local Members in the RAMROC region suggesting
that the issue be referred at the NSW level to a Parliamentary Standing Committee and that it also
be listed for discussion at a forthcoming COAG meeting as a matter of national economic
importance and benefit
3
(Moved Carrathool and seconded Hay)
MRRR 8 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT
8.1 – Local Government Reform – “Fit for the Future” Program
The Executive Officer reported on the current status of proposals by the State Government in relation to
the Fit for the Future (FFF) Program, with particular reference to the RAMROC Expression of Interest to be
established as a Pilot Joint Organisation and in relation to the recent OLG workshops into the
establishment of the “Rural Council” model.
RESOLVED that RAMROC write to OLG proposing that a Council General Manager level
experienced LG practitioner be allocated a seat at the table to assist OLG in the final development
of the “Rural Council” model
(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Carrathool)
FURTHER RESOLVED that the NSW Office of Local Government be requested to convene future
workshop relating to the FFF Program at Jerilderie, as being the most appropriate location for
Councils in the Riverina and Murray regions
(Moved Deniliquin and seconded Greater Hume)
FURTHER REOLVED that the region’s Local State Members the Hon Adrian Piccoli MP (new Murray
Electorate Councils) and Greg Aplin MP (new Albury Electorate Councils) be requested to meet with
RAMROC Mayors and General Managers in each of those two new State Electorates, in order to
discuss the ongoing concerns of Councils and their communities about the Government’s Fit for
the Future reform proposals, with a view to ensuring that the best interests of councils and
communities are maintained into the future; and further that contact be made with REROC
proposing similar action for Council and Local State Member discussions within the REROC region
as well
(Moved Albury and seconded Urana)
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Executive Officer write to the NSW Premier and to the Minister for
Local Government (with copies to local State Members), proposing that State and Local
Governments in New South Wales need to co-operate and work collaboratively to ensure long term
guaranteed funding for State and Local Government service delivery, through broadening of the
GST base or other assured sources of taxation and revenue income
(Moved Corowa and seconded Albury)
8.2 – RAMROC Submission and Presentation – Review of the 2007 Commonwealth Water Act
The Executive Officer reported that the Commonwealth Government has commissioned a comprehensive
review of the 2007 Commonwealth Water Act. RAMROC presented a submission in June 2014 and then
participated in the Expert Panel Roundtable in Melbourne on 21st August 2014
A Report by the Expert Panel is expected to be released by the end of 2014
RESOLVED that the Executive Officers report be received and noted and that the actions taken be
endorsed
(Moved Griffith and Albury)
8.3 – Coal Seam Gas Workshop – Wednesday 26th November 2014 at Narrandera
The Executive Officer reported that arrangements are in hand for a Coal Seam Gas Forum to be held in
Narrandera on 26th November. The NSW Land and Water Commissioner Jock Laurie and other
Government and private sector CSG and water experts will be addressing the Forum, with particular
reference to community concerns about the potential for groundwater contamination.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted and that Councillors and
Senior Officers be encouraged to attend
(Moved Leeton and seconded Narrandera)
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8.4 – New South Wales Street Lighting Electricity Distribution and Transmission Regulatory
proposals
Consideration was given to a report by the Executive Officer in relation to proposals submitted by Essential
Energy (EE) to the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) for very substantial increases in street lighting
infrastructure and annual maintenance charges, which are scheduled to take effect in July 2015. The
preliminary AER Report is scheduled for November, with its Final Report by March 2015
Arising from roundtable meetings between AER, EE and Councils across the State, Essential Energy has
proposed the establishment of a Street Lighting Consultative Committee, the purpose of which would be to
ensure far better engagement and monitoring between EE and Local Government, with AER proposed to
have an observer role.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted and that the Albury City
Director of Engineering Brad Ferris be nominated as a representative on the Street Lighting
Consultative Committee
(Moved Griffith and seconded Leeton)
8.5 – RAMROC Grant Programs – Status Report
The Executive Officer provided a status report on the Roadside Vegetation Improvement Program
($250,000 State Government grant), the Woodsmoke Reduction Program ($75,000 State Government
grant), the Management of Contaminated Sites Program ($450,000 over 3 years State Government grant –
a RAMROC/REROC Joint Program for 26 Council areas), the Household Hazardous Chemical Collection
($30,000 State Government grant for Albury, Greater Hume, Corowa and Murray Councils) and the Litter
Control Program ($60,000 State Government grant for Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera Councils)
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted
(Moved Deniliquin and seconded Murray)
8.6 – Murray Local Land Services – Establishment of a Community Advisory Group (MLCCAG)
An invitation has been received from the Chair of Murray Local Land Services Ms Alex Anthony for
RAMROC to nominate a person to the new Murray LLS Community Advisory Group currently being
established to help guide the way that LLS collaborates with and supports communities
RESOLVED that RAMROC nominate the Chairman Cr Terry Hogan to the new Murray LLS
Community Advisory Group
(Moved Greater Hume and seconded and seconded Griffith)
8.7 – State Government Response to the Report and Recommendations of the Joint Standing
Committee into the 2012 Local Government Elections
The NSW Government has formally released its response to the Joint Standing Committee Report issued
in March 2014. The Executive Officer drew attention to some of the issues contained in the response,
including Universal Postal Ballots, filling of Casual Vacancies and the timetable for Councils to formally
engage the Electoral Commissioner or resolve to make alternative arrangements for conduct of the 2016
elections
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer’s report be received and noted
(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Griffith )
MRRR 9 – RAMROC FINANCIAL REPORT FOR PERIOD ENDED 30TH SEPTEMBER 2014
The Executive Officer submitted the first quarter Financial Statements for the year 2014-2015 and reported
that the income and expenditure items for the financial year to date are in line with the Budget estimates for
the following accounts
 Balance Sheet – all Funds
5
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




General Account Summary
Murray Waste Account Summary
Riverina Waste Account Summary
RAMROC Regional Waste Strategy Account Summary
RAMROC Roadside Vegetation Implementation Program Account Summary
RAMROC Woodsmoke Reduction Program Account Summary
Litter Prevention Program Account Summary
RESOLVED that the financial reports of RAMROC’s activities for the 2014-2015 period to 30th
September 2014 be received and noted
(Moved Carrathool and seconded Hay)
MRRR 10 - REPORTS OF RAMROC WORKING GROUP MEETINGS
The reports of the following Working Group meetings were submitted for information and consideration:10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
RAMROC Engineers Group Meeting – 6th August 2014
RAMROC Planners Group Meeting – 18th September 2014
RAMROC Murray Waste Group Meeting – 1st October 2014
RAMROC General Managers Group Meeting – 17th October 2014
RAMROC Riverina Waste Group Meeting – 29th October 2014
RESOLVED that the reports of the Working Group Meetings be received and noted and that the
actions taken therein be endorsed.
(Moved Jerilderie and seconded Hay)
MRRR 11 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS
11.1 – Fit for the Future – RAMROC EOI for Pilot Joint Organisation
Albury City General Manager Frank Zaknich referred to RAMROC’s EOI to be selected as a Pilot Joint
Organisation. He suggested that if the EOI is unsuccessful that there will still be an opportunity for
RAMROC to undertake its own Pilot Study.
It was agreed that this matter be the subject of a scoping analysis and report to the February 2015
RAMROC Meeting
11.2 – Lake Coolah Off – River Water Storage Project
The Mayor of Leeton Cr Paul Maytom advised that Narrandera, Leeton and Griffith Councils had met on
site with the Agriculture Minister the Hon Barnaby Joyce on 6th November to inspect and discuss the
potential to establish a major water storage at Lake Coolah north of Narrandera.
RESOLVED that the Executive Officer write to the Minister for Agriculture the Hon Barnaby Joyce
MP acknowledging his interest in the proposed water storage project at Lake Coolah and advising
of RAMROC’s support of the actions now being taken by Leeton, Griffith and Narrandera Councils
to progress analysis of the project’s feasibility
(Moved Griffith and seconded Leeton)
11.3 – LGNSW Annual Conference and Invitation to LGNSW President
Cr Lindsay Renwick reported on the outcomes of the recent LGNSW Annual Conference and suggested
that RAMROC extend an invitation for President Cr Keith Rhoades to attend the February 2015 RAMROC
Meeting
The Executive Officer advised that this matter has been discussed earlier this year with LGNSW and that a
letter of invitation will be forwarded to Cr Keith Rhoades inviting him to attend the February 2015 Meeting..
6
11.4 – Fit for the Future Local Government Reform – Council Financial Sustainability
Rowan Perkins raised the issue of the OLG criteria which are specified to determine whether Councils
meet the test of being financially sustainable, and he drew attention to the fact that water and sewerage
revenue and other income sourced from the delivery of a range of community services (e.g. HACC and
Early Intervention services) and single invitation contracts (e.g. RMCC contracts for RMS) do not fall within
the definition of “own source revenue”. It was agreed that these issues need to be drawn to the attention of
the Office of Local Government.
There being no further business, the RAMROC meeting concluded at 12.50 pm
MRRR 4 - MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 12TH NOVEMBER 2014 MEETING
MRRR 5 - DISCUSSIONS WITH CR KEITH RHOADES AFSM – PRESIDENT LGNSW
The President of LGNSW Cr Keith Rhoades AFSM and Senior Strategy Manager Shaun McBride will be in
attendance at the meeting.
The following matters of importance to RAMROC Councils have been conveyed to Cr Rhoades as
discussion suggestions.
Cr Rhoades will address the meeting in relation to the above matters and other LGNSW policy issues and
actions:1. Fit for the Future –
 What actions are being taken by LGNSW at the LG Minister and OLG level to address the
concerns of councils and communities about the likely adverse impacts of FFF (see
attached letter from RAMROC Chairman to LGNSW President Cr Rhoades)
 Clarification by LGNSW Industrial Division regarding the LG Act provisions in relation to
“Maintenance of staff numbers in rural centres” as per Section 218CA of the Act and the
adverse rationale for financial savings arising from mergers
 Lack of response from OLG regarding representations by the Country Mayors Association
and RAMROC in the development of the Rural Council model – i.e. request for an
experienced General Manager to assist in the development of the final model. Was there
also an approach by LGNSW for more substantial experienced General Manager input into
the Rural Council Model process
 The difficulties associated with Councils meeting FFF criteria, specifically the requirement
for 60% own source revenue and the refusal by OLG for water and sewerage rate revenue
to be taken into account – what action is being taken by LGNSW to restore common sense
into these requirements
 What is the LGNSW position with the State Government regarding the proposed new Local
Government Act, or alternatively appropriate amendments to provide for implementation of
Fit for the Future, noting that FFF is scheduled for full implementation by 30 th September
2016
2. Water and sewerage services – regional and rural councils critically need to ensure retention of
W&S functions at the local council level – what is the LGNSW policy position
to support Councils in this issue
3. Federal freeze on Local Government Assistance Grants – what is being done by ALGA and
LGNSW in relation to a national strategy which has been proposed to request removal or
relaxation of the Federal Government’s 3 year indexation freeze and the restoration of the FAG
grant base when the freeze is terminated
7
4. What is currently being done by ALGA and State Associations to pursue a fair share of the national
taxation pool for security of Local Government funding into the future – “Fix the Funding First” must
surely be the highest priority for Local Government at both State and National levels
5. What is the view of LGNSW regarding concerns that are being expressed by Councils in regional
and rural NSW about the performance of LGNSW in adequately representing the NSW Local
Government industry at the National and State level
6. What is the LGNSW Current advocacy policy position in relation to pensioner rate concessions,
noting that the NSW State Government funding support to Councils is lower that all other States
7. What was the purpose of increased LGNSW fees last year given the increasing surplus, and is it
proposed to increase Councils’ subscription fees in the next financial year.
Separate attachment – RAMROC Chairman’s letter to LGNSW President 5th January 2015
MRRR 6 – EXECUTIVE OFFICERS REPORT
6.1 - Fit for the Future – Status of current discussions regarding potential Voluntary Mergers, Joint
Organisations and Rural Councils
At the RAMROC Board Meeting held on 12th November, which was prior to the announcement of the
selected Pilot Joint Organisations), discussion was held by Councils as to what options might be open to
RAMROC, if the Expression of Interest for a Murray and Murrumbidgee Joint Organisation (MAMJO) Pilot
was eventually unsuccessful.
Albury City General Manager Frank Zaknich suggested to the meeting that if the RAMROC EOI was not
selected as a Pilot that there may still be an opportunity for RAMROC to consider undertaking its own Pilot
Study. It was agreed by Councils that a report on the matter be brought back to this February 25 meeting.
In the meantime, there have been quite a few developments at various levels, both in information that has
come from OLG on the five Pilot Joint Organisation progress and more recently the release by OLG of the
Rural Council template.
Within the region, there are a number of discussions and actions being taken at a local level, which
include: Narrandera and Leeton Shire have had facilitated discussions regarding the potential for merger
and have each approved the commissioning of a Shared Business Case
 Greater Hume and Urana Shires have been included in the Riverina Pilot Joint Organisation, which
is now progressing
 Deniliquin, Conargo, Murray, Wakool, Berrigan and Jerilderie participated in a facilitated workshop
in early February looking at merger options for the Central Murray area. The Councils are now
considering whether to participate in a Business Case analysis of identified merger options
 Jerilderie and Berrigan have ruled out being part of the Central Murray merger or a Mid Murray
Joint Organisation – their preferred direction is focused on the Upper Murray region
 Councils in the Upper Murray region are scheduled to meet for discussions in Albury on 19 th
February to discuss potential FFF status and Upper Murray JO options. Berrigan and Jerilderie
Shires will take part in those discussions
 An OLG Rural Council workshop is being held in Wagga on 17th February 2015, which is being
attended by some RAMROC Councils
 Wentworth and Balranald Shires are participating in OLG workshops looking to progress the
proposed Western Region initiative
 Other informal discussions are taking place across the region regarding potential FFF options
Following the November RAMROC meeting, I engaged with OLG about the potential for RAMROC to fund
and commission its own Pilot Joint Organisation Study, which would need to analyse various options,
ranging from the overall MAMJO proposal (still the preferred position of some Councils) through to the
three separate Upper Murray, Mid Murray and Murrumbidgee JOs (favoured by some Councils), or
potentially other alternative options.
8
In that regard, OLG advised that it would not be in a position to provide any financial assistance towards an
independent RAMROC study, although it would be prepared to assist and provide advice wherever
possible, and to make available information on the progress of the five Pilots, so that the RAMROC
processes would generally be along the same lines as the five Pilot Joint Organisations.
At OLG’s suggestion, I made contact with a highly regarded company Elton Consulting, which is Sydney
based and is doing excellent work in the Pilot JO processes and with other NSW regions also looking to
undertake their own analyses of JO options.
An Options Study has the potential to assist Councils in formulating their FFF proposals and would be also
useful as information to support Councils in their community engagement processes. At the present time,
there are differing Council positions about the establishment of one or more Joint Organisations across the
region, but there has been no substantive analysis carried out to justify any specific option, or assisting in
the decision making process towards achieving the optimum outcome.
The other main advantage of such a Study is that it would likely identify an optimum JO option. In turn, that
would place RAMROC in a strong position to be selected in the OLG second round Expressions of Interest
for extra Pilot Joint Organisations, which is likely to be announced by the Minister in the second half of
2015.
Elton Consulting has submitted a proposal for RAMROC’s consideration. It proposes a study that will
engage with RAMROC Councils and key stakeholders to gather critical information, explore options and
build consensus. Issues to be analysed would include: Key aspirations and hopes for the future of the region
 Expected outcomes from future Joint Organisation/s
 Boundaries for Joint Organisation/s
 Core and other functions to be undertaken
 Membership and decision making processes
 Framework for identifying key regional strategic priorities
 Approaches to, and requirements for JO resourcing
Elton Consulting have proposed a three (3) stage process, generally along the following lines:1. Background knowledge and key documentation, on-line surveys with Mayors, General Managers
and other key stakeholders. To then develop and present a number of options in a brief and
effective Options Paper;
2. Design and facilitate a composite workshop with representatives of RAMROC Councils,
undertaking a SWOT analysis of the options, critical issues and questions that arise. The aim
would be to build consensus agreement for the third phase
3. This proposes RAMROC decision whether to decide on a preferred option, or to pursue further
investigation of other options, which may require the delivery of sub-regional workshops. This
phase includes the preparation and delivery of a Final Report
Based on the proposal, the total cost of the Study including travel, accommodation and printing is likely to
be in the order of $45,000 to $55,000, depending upon whether the additional sub=regional workshops are
required. The options for funding the project would be as follows: For the project to be funded entirely from RAMROC funds on hand and not committed for other
purposes, bearing in mind that the final establishment of Joint Organisations is proposed by
September 2016, which will probably result in the phasing out of ROCs (approx. $140,000
currently uncommitted and in hand)
 For Member Councils to meet the cost on an agreed shared contribution basis
 A combination of available RAMROC funds and contributions by Councils
These FFF issues were discussed by the RAMROC Executive Committee on 30 th January and further at
the General Managers Group meeting on 13th February in conjunction with the Elton Consulting proposal,
which the GMs Group is supportive of and recommends that it should proceed.
Recommendations
1. That RAMROC proceed to engage Elton Consulting to undertake a comprehensive analysis
of Joint Organisation options, generally in accordance with the proposal and that the cost
of the Study be met from uncommitted RAMROC funds currently on hand
2. That pending final determination of the Joint Organisation/s structure and functions for the
region, that the current operations of RAMROC continue pending the State Government
planned Joint Organisations establishment and commencement date of September 2016
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6.2 - Fit for the Future Discussions with Local State Members
On 11th and 17th December 2014 respectively, RAMROC Councils held discussions in Griffith with the State
Member for Murrumbidgee the Hon Adrian Piccoli MP and in Albury with the Member for Albury Greg Aplin
MP, in relation to a number of Fit for the Future issues.
Notes of the outcomes of both of those meetings are separately attached for information of Councils,
Delegates, Mayors and General Managers.
The meetings resulted in a number of questions being raised with the State Members, with a request that
they bring back responses from the Premier the Hon Mike Baird MP and/or the Minister for Local
Government the Hon Paul Toole MP.
As set out in the meeting summaries, the key questions were as follows:-

Will the Coalition retain its current policy of no forced Local Government amalgamations post 2015
State Election?

Please provide evidence that Council mergers as recommended by the ILGRP will result in
substantiated benefits to Councils and communities particularly in relation to financial sustainability,
improved levels of service, improved capacity for professional recruitment and capacity and reduce
infrastructure backlogs.

There is no clear definition of what a Rural Council model will be. How can Councils engage with
communities and prepare a submission without this detail? (note that the final Rural Council model
and template was released by the Office of local Government at the end of January 2015)

Please have Fit for the Future benchmark of 60% own source revenue amended to include water and
sewer revenue.

Councils should have the flexibility to take on loans at their discretion and not as a criteria for FFF
status. Will the Government be more flexible with this criteria?

Please remove existing legislative provisions relating to staff retention post amalgamations such that
Councils have the flexibility to reduce costs.

What are the likely impacts of mergers on small communities? Is the Government prepared to consider
each merger recommendation from the ILGRP Report on its merits rather than blindly accepting each
recommendation?

How will mergers provide greater financial capacity for Councils to cope with future decline in State and
Commonwealth Funding.

What funding support will be available to Councils which decide not to make a submission by 30 June
2015?
These matters will again be the subject of discussion with the State Members on Friday 27th February at
the McCaughey Memorial Institute for Rice Research.
Other matters proposed to be discussed at that meeting include a number of State Government issues set
out in Item 3 below, for which RAMROC will be seeking the assistance of the region’s State Members in
arranging delegations to State Ministers following the 28 March State Government election outcomes
Recommendation
For information
Separate attachments – Summaries of meetings of 11th and 17th December 2014
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6.3 - RAMROC Issues to be taken to NSW State Government Ministers following the March State
Election
Following the outcomes of the NSW State Elections to be held on 28th March 2015, there will be a number
of State Government issues that RAMROC will need to pursue with the newly elected Government and
subsequent announcement of Ministerial portfolios.
The following matters provide an interim suggested list, and the purpose of this report is for Mayors and
General Managers to bring forward additional issues that they would like to be added:1. Retention of water and sewerage services at the existing Local Government
2. Fit for the Future issues
3. Funding of Local Government – Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants restored, Grants
Commission formula amended to provide additional resources to regional and rural Councils,
pursue long term guaranteed share of the national taxation pool, removal of State rate pegging
4. Infrastructure funding – roads, bridges, water and sewer, recreational facilities
5. Economic development and investment attraction to regions – partnership funding
6. Establishment of Government Agencies in regional NSW
7. Restoration of the red gum timber industry in National Parks
8. National Parks - infrastructure and tourism
9. Local Government input into the process of distributing funds from the long term lease of electricity
distribution infrastructure “Poles and Wires”
10. The need for an assured future and funding resources for HACC related community services in
regional and rural NSW
11. Cross border issues and working with the Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish
12. Nimmie Caira Project – land management, development and rating issues
13. Narrandera/Leeton/Griffith Councils proposal for Murrumbidgee off-river water storage at Lake
Coolah
14. Murray River Bridges – route selection and funding commitments
15. Police and Emergency services – community drug issues, police station infrastructure, operational
hours, liaison with regional and Local Area Commands
16. Rural Fire Services
17. High Security and General Security Water Allocations
18. Regional Growth Plans and population Projections – Department of Planning
19. Regional Action Plans – Department of Premier and Cabinet
20. Local Government Elections – legislation for Universal Posting Voting and Electronic Voting
options for Councils
21. Coal Seam Gas Exploration and Mining issues
At the Federal Government level, issues which will continue to be pursued include:1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
National Broadband Network rollout – locations and timing
Poor Digital TV reception in some areas
Mobile phone blackspot programs
Commonwealth Water Act and Murray Darling Basin Plan issues
Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants – lifting of indexation freeze and changes to
Commonwealth Grants Commission formula
Recommendation
For discussion and additional matters to be included for RAMROC representations
6.4 - New South Wales Cross Border Commissioner
In July 2014, the NSW Government appointed a new Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish who is
based in Wagga Wagga. Delegates will remember that James attended the August RAMROC meeting and
spoke briefly about his new role.
James was formerly with the Australian Defence Force and more recently was the Riverina Murray
Regional Controller for State Emergency Services. His appointment as Cross Border Commissioner follows
on from Steve Toms who was the first CB Commissioner appointed by the NSW Premier in 2012.
11
In November 2014, the NSW Government established a Cross Border Business Advisory Committee –
Southern Region, which is an initiative of the Government in conjunction with the NSW Business Chamber.
The Committee is chaired by the Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish and the Committee
comprises a range of government and non-government business stakeholders from both NSW and
Victoria.
The Committee’s primary role is identify and/or review a range of cross border anomalies and to
recommend appropriate and achievable actions. Specifically the Committee will provide advice to both the
NSW and Victorian Governments on anomalies that have high priority, including advice on the impacts that
the anomalies have on the region and ways in which solutions can be achieved.
I have been appointed to the Advisory Committee to represent local Government and communities across
the Riverina and Murray region and to refer specific matters to the Committee. The first meeting of the
Committee was held in Albury on 9th December 2014 and resulted in the following key areas being
identified for priority examination1. Vocational Training and Education – for example cross border access to training providers
2. Taxation – for example differing thresholds and reporting for Payroll Tax and Workers
Compensation
3. Trades and Industry Licensing – for example mutual recognition still not available for some trades,
and opportunities for dual tourism industry operator licences
4. Policing and emergency management – jurisdictional issues, for example where offences occur in
one state and offender resides in the other
5. Transport – for example differing road rules and log book requirements for transport drivers
6. Business grants and Regional promotion – for example grant funding availability for clubs
associated with interstate sport, lack of joint economic development/tourism related projects
between states, Local Government opportunities to leverage planning and resources from State
Governments and resolving anomalies that deter investment projects
I would really welcome feedback from Councils at this RAMROC meeting or at any time on specific areas
of concern that should be referred to the Chairs that have been nominated for each of those priority areas
and other priority issues that I can take to the next Advisory Committee meeting which will be held on 14th
April.
Recommendation
For Council input into priority examples of cross border anomalies that should be referred to the
Advisory Committee
6.5 – Commonwealth Government Ministerial and Parliamentary Secretary Appointments
On 23rd December 2014, Prime Minister announced the appointment of the Member for Farrer the Hon
Sussan Ley MP as Minister for Health and Minister for Sport. The Chairman conveyed congratulations to
Sussan on behalf of RAMROC councils and communities.
At the same time, the PM announced the appointment of the Hon Bob Baldwin MP (Federal Member for
Paterson) as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Environment, which embraces important
responsibilities for the Commonwealth Water Act, the Murray Darling Basin Authority and the Basin Plan.
Mr Baldwin replaces the former Parliamentary Secretary, Senator the Hon Simon Birmingham who has
been promoted to the portfolio of Assistant Minister for Education and Training.
The Chairman has extended an invitation for Parliamentary Secretary Baldwin to visit the region to meet
with RAMROC councils and with communities impacted by the Basin Plan. I am currently liaising with Mr
Baldwin’s office regarding arrangements for a one or two day visit in the near future.
On 22nd January 2015, the Commonwealth Government also announced the appointment of the Hon Neil
Andrew AO as the new Chair of the Murray Darling Basin Authority, following the retirement of the former
Chair Craig Knowles.
Neil Andrew AO was born and lives in South Australia. He has a life long association with the irrigation
industry, particularly irrigated horticulture and viticulture. He was a member of the House of
12
Representatives for the SA seat of Wakefield from 1983 to 2004 and in 1996 he was elected as Speaker
of the House of Representatives.
Chairman Cr Hogan has also extended an invitation for Mr Andrew to visit the region and if possible to
attend the 6th May RAMROC meeting to meet with Council Mayors, Delegates and General Managers.
In relation to the implementation of the Murray Darling Basin Plan, Cr Hogan and I were invited by
Southern Riverina to participate in a recent meeting at Deniliquin with Federal Independent Senator John
Madigan (Victoria). The Senator has an extremely passionate interest in food and fibre production and
holds serious concerns about the Commonwealth Water Act and Murray Darling Basin Plan, particularly in
relation to impacts on food production capacities and adverse social and economic impacts on Basin
communities..
RAMROC and other stakeholders were each given an opportunity to brief Senator Madigan at the meeting
and following his extensive tour of the Basin system he addressed the Senate on 12 th February. A
transcript of his speech is attached and it certainly encapsulates a lot of the concerns of irrigation
communities, food producers and associated processing and transport industries.
Senator Madigan has invited Southern Riverina Irrigators to arrange a small delegation to address other
Independent Members in Canberra in the near future. The Senator’s objective is for the Independents to
endeavour to influence the Coalition Government to legislate appropriate amendments to the Water Act to
better provide for much better triple bottom line environmental, economic and social outcomes and to
enshrine those improved outcomes through definitive limits on water entitlement buybacks and other
appropriate measures.
Recommendation
For information and discussion
6.6 - RAMROC’s Water4Food Program – Potential Action Plan and Program in 2015
The following report was discussed at a meeting of the RAMROC Executive Committee on 30th January
2015:“Chairman Terry and I have discussed whether 2015 provides an appropriate opportunity for RAMROC to
again advocate to the Federal and State Governments about the global food security crisis that exists with
rapidly increasing population levels and lack of food in Indonesia, South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.
We must continue to stress on Governments the crucial role that Australia and particularly the RAMROC
region provides in food and fibre production and which will continue to contribute greatly towards
addressing the food security challenges that lie ahead in the next 50 years. Of utmost importance it is
essential that politicians and bureaucrats understand the vital importance that water plays in food
production and hence the need to ensure that this region has ongoing access to irrigation water resources
to increase food production into the future
The 2008 to 2011 RAMROC Water4Food campaign, established against a background of “swiss cheese”
style water buybacks, was a council/business/community driven and self funded educational program that
targeted Federal and State Governments and aimed to educate school children and young people about
water security and food security issues. It also provided a counter balance to the demands of some
extreme groups for diversion of productive water for increased environmental watering.
It should be borne in mind that organisations such as the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists were
seeking environmental water diversions of 7,000 GL per annum (compare this to the eventual 2,750 GL to
3,200 GL targets now provided for in the Basin Plan). However, some environmental alarmists are
continuing their global warming, climate change, severe droughts, never-rain-again, basin degradation
claims and they are vocal and very well funded to maintain their environmental lobby.
Chairman Terry suggests that we need to enlist the support of our Local federal and State Members, with a
view to lobbying: Federally the Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss, Agriculture
Minister Barnaby Joyce, Environment Minister Greg Hunt and Water Parliamentary Secretary Bob
Baldwin
13

At State Government level the Premier Mike Baird and Deputy Premier Troy Grant, Primary
Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson, Water Minister Kevin Humphries and Education Minister
Adrian Piccoli

Industry Leaders such as Australian Farmers Association, Irrigator Organisations, Food Retailers
such as the Chairs of Coles and Woolworths
In the previous Water4Food Campaign we developed a lot of good marketing and educational collateral.
Since then we have developed in partnership with the Murray Darling Association two additional DVDs to
educate young people in primary and secondary schools, these being a Water Cycle DVD and a Food
production DVD. We also commissioned the support of Professor Julian Cribb, a Canberra based world
renowned expert on global food security, who launched the campaign to Federal politicians and who
authorised RAMROC to utilise a lot of his collateral in other briefings and presentations. His participation in
a new program would be invaluable but it would come at some cost.
The Executive Committee agreed that as a first step RAMROC might convene a roundtable meeting with
our local Federal and State Members to canvass the issues and potential actions and expected outcomes
in more detail, and particularly as to whether we could then progress to the next step of meeting with the
appropriate Federal and State Ministers responsible, for example agriculture, regional development and
investment, water and education.
An initial meeting might also include Professor Jim Pratley, an eminent research Professor at Charles Sturt
University, who carried out a comprehensive review commissioned by Education Minister Adrian Piccoli
MP and Primary Industries Minister Katrina Hodgkinson MP in 2012 in relation to agricultural research and
training programs in the NSW secondary and tertiary education sectors. Also Federal Senator Fiona Nash,
who has extensive experience in agriculture, water and education matters.
Action to convene an initial meeting would follow the results and outcomes of the NSW State election on
28th March 2015. However in the meantime, it is very important at this meeting to receive feedback from
other Mayors and General Managers about the worthiness, practicability and effectiveness of the concept
as a key RAMROC initiative for 2015.
An important aspect to consider is that of cost. Obviously this would depend upon the nature and scale of
the program and whether RAMROC would be able to again attract corporate, community and stakeholder
organisation funding
Recommendation
For discussion and feedback from Mayors, Delegates and General Managers.
MRRR 7 – FINANCIAL REPORTS FOR PERIOD ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2014
Attached separately are the half year financial reports for the following RAMROC programs as at 31st
December 2014:








Overall Balance Sheet of all Funds
General Account - Summary Income and Expenditure
Murray Waste Group Account Summary
Riverina Waste Group Account Summary
Contaminated Land Management Project Account Summary (Joint RAMROC and REROC project)
RAMROC Regional Waste Strategy Program Summary (program is now finalised)
Roadside Vegetation Implementation Project Summary (program is now finalised)
Woodsmoke Reduction Program Summary (program is now finalised)
Litter Prevention Program Summary (Riverina Waste Group project)
I have to report that the financial statements indicate that the Budget items are on track, with no significant
variations at this stage
Recommendation
That the financial reports of RAMROC General Account and other programs for the period ended
31st December 2014 be received and adopted
14
MRRR 8 – MINUTES OF WORKING GROUP MEETINGS AS FOLLOWS:8.1
8.2
8.3
8.4
8.5
Engineers Group – 5th November 2014
Records Management Group – 11th November 2014
Murray Waste Management Group – 17th December 2014
Engineers Group – 11th February 2015
General Managers Group – 13th February 2015
8.1 Engineers Group Meeting – 5th November 2014
MINUTES OF THE RAMROC ENGINEERS MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE
5 November 2014 at 10.00am
Meeting opened: 10.00am
Present:
David Tamlyn
Brad Ferris
Matthew Clarke
Ken Thompson
Dallas Bibby
Jerilderie Shire (Chair)
Albury City
Berrigan Shire
Carrathool Shire
Griffith City
Greg Stewart
Denis Gelle
Barry Heins
Leigh Robbins
Joseph Bianchini
Krishna Shrestha
Simon Pradhan
Hay Shire
Jerilderie Shire
Leeton Shire
Murray Shire
Murrumbidgee Shire
Narrandera Shire
Wentworth Shire
Apologies;
Andrew Lawson
Myles Humphries
Manjit Chugha
Penny Craig
Brian Ebery
Stephen Joyce
Greg Blackie
Chris Lashbrook
Brodie Godsell
Frank Dyrssen
Albury City
Berrigan Shire
Griffith City
Urana Shire
Wakool Shire
Carrathool Shire
Greater Hume Shire
Leeton Shire
Murray Shire
Narrandera Shire
Guests
Karin Summerfield
Craig Gibbins
Jonathon Crocker
Col Honeyman
Roads & Maritime Services
Roads & Maritime Services
Roads & Maritime Services
Roads & Maritime Services
Apologies accepted.
Moved Joseph Bianchini and seconded Leigh Robbins that the apologies as listed be accepted.
Confirmation of Minutes of the meetings held 6 August 2014 moved Ken Thompson and seconded Leigh
Robbins that the minutes of these meetings be accepted.
15
Business Arising:
Fixing Country Roads
- Some Council’s successful in progressing to next round of approval process.
- Letters of support from trucking companies and neighbouring councils useful.
- Application process is very resource hungry.
Streetlighting
- Ray Stubbs is submitting a report and making a nomination for Brad Ferris, Albury City Council to
be the RAMROC representative on the Essential Energy Streetlighting Consultative Committee.
This Committee endorses the nomination of Brad Ferris, Albury City Council to the
Essential Energy Streetlighting Consultative Committee.
-
PSPs
-
Dallas Bibby advised that he had attended a Workshop on sustainable streetlighting where they
were looking at LED lighting. It was suggested that a group of Councils would have more influence;
there are 19,500 streetlights in the RAMROC area. A trial of LED lights has been suggested.
Some councils are working together to produce a usable generic PSP that meets the criteria of the
RMCC.
Agenda Items
1. RAMROC Infrastructure Project – email from Greg Blackie (attached to these minutes)
Deniliquin and Balranald have not provided any data for the project.
Constraints still to be identified.
A completed Infrastructure Project Report will lead to increased opportunities for funding.
2. Grain Harvest Management Scheme 2014/2016
All councils have agreed to the scheme for either 1 or 2 years.
Several issues were raised regarding the scheme including:
Overloaded trucks still being accepted, not all receival points are registered under the scheme,
review of previous years not available, some councils may not support the scheme in coming
years.
3. Return Water Credits update – Joseph Bianchini
Riverina Water is still pushing for a meeting on this issue. Affects councils using bore water for
town supply. No testing of water being returned to the aquifer – concern regarding quality,
contaminants including chemical.
Joe will pass on any information he receives from Riverina Water.
Presentations
Col Honeyman – Traffic Operations Manager
Jonathon Crocker – Traffic Operations Co-Ordinator
Col will email his presentation to David for distribution to the group.
-
Could you Incident Management as a lever for grant applications.
An incident was raised where TMC & Council were never alerted to the incident – communication
issue. Could be raised at Regional Emergency Management meetings.
Traffic Controllers are able to pass messages to truck drivers – assist with keeping heavy traffic off
roads where incidents have occurred.
Salvage of vehicles is an issue as there are only a small number contracted to Police and could be
2-3 hours from the incident.
Karin Summerfield – Network and Safety Manager
Karin explained the new funding arrangements for PAMPs and Cycleways. The new program “Active
Transport Program” was explained.
There are six funding streams; three walking & three cycling:
16
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Walking Communities - Council partnership funding (50/50)
Walking Communities - NSW Government priority funding (100%)
Pedestrian Bridges (100%)
Connecting Centres - Cycleways Council partnership funding (50/50)
Priority Cycleways - NSW Government priority funding (100%)
Cycling Towns- NSW Government priority funding (100%)
Guidelines and submission scoring sheets were emailed to Councils today.
The proposal form needs to be completed online by 12 December 2014.
Some discussion re the funding – please call Karin if you have any issues. Neil Irons may be able to assist
with any bike plan issues.
Craig Gibbins – Heavy Vehicle Access Co-ordinator
Discussion regarding the workshop scheduled for Road Managers on 17 November 2014 at Wagga
Wagga. New guidelines will be presented by ARB.
- Need a Council contact at NHVR.
- Pre-approvals are not updated on NHVR maps / info.
- Gazettal applications are taking too long – NHVR don’t have a process for gazettals.
- Need to be able to make blanket assessments for vehicles like cranes which would need access in
emergency situations.
- NHVR are pressuring to get irrigation structures approved.
- Please email any questions to David to pass to Craig before the meeting.
- Councils should be represented at NHVR liaison meetings.
- If funding is available irrigation structures need to be assessed.
- Some routes being approved on State Roads with no consultation to Council.
- Even when councils reject applications NHVR can go to RMS to override.
- Councils don’t want to stop access but need to be able to assess routes and take local issues into
account.
4. Department of Primary Industries – Office of Water – Seminar in Wagga 11 & 12 December 2014.
Several Councils attending.
5. Workers on Foot Training.
David is attempting to organize training in this region.
6. Ron Dillion will attend the February meeting to speak about the new Mines Regulation.
7. Lindsay Tanner has advised there will be a forum in Wagga Wagga on 19 November 11.00am to
1.00pm for RMCC Councils. Many councils not available to attend on this date. Suggest hold this
forum after the meeting on 17th November.
8. Playground Inspectors Maintenance Course. Could hold one in this area if anyone interested. Most
already completed the training. Too expensive.
General Business
1. Dallas
Has been speaking to Jessica at LGP regarding tenders for power. Would like to attend the
February meeting.
2. David
StateCover has provided “Toolbox Talks” guidelines, very good resource.
3. Ken asked about the RAMROC GPS system. One held at Murray – speak to Brodie or Leigh.
Meeting Closed 2.30pm
Next meeting Wednesday 11 February 2014
17
8.2 Records Management Group – 11th November 2014
Records Management Networking Group
held on Tuesday, 11th November 2014, commencing at 11am
In the Jerilderie Shire Council
PRESENT:
Roger Fraser – Albury (in the Chair), Sandy Paterson - Wakool, Lisa Bryce – Jerilderie, Annette
Trethowan – Urana, Lyndall Ireland - Narrandera and Ray Stubbs- Albury (RAMROC).
APOLOGIES:
Leanne Mark-Berrigan, Jane Griffith-Hay, Annette Dankert - Deniliquin, Kim Harvey & Amanda
Watson- Murray, Kerrie Jennings-Conargo, Kim Parker-Urana and Michelle Pumpa- Greater
Hume.
PREVIOUS MINUTES:
Moved L Ireland, Seconded L Bryce, that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 1st July
2014, as printed and circulated be confirmed. Carried.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES:
NSW Chapter Seminar- 23rd -24th July 2014
R Fraser presented a brief report of the recent Chapter Seminar which was held in Albury.
Included was:
Update from NSW State Records - Peter Bisley
-New Standards
-Born Digital
-Review of GA36 Imaged Records- Rolling the date range back to1980 for State Archives
-Cloud storage
-Digital disposal
-The ‘Keep Everything’ solution
-Automation
Social Media, Risk Management & Records- Josh Keech
Some things mentioned included: although it can be useful for advertising events it may not be
the ideal forum for works requests. Perhaps keep responses to a minimum and ideally refer the
requester back to the Council website to complete the correct forms.
Big Classification - Andy Carnahan (Wingecarribee Council)
Discussion around Context vs Content indexing. Lots of new software coming through that
certainly worth having a look at.
2nd Day:
GIPA – Megan Carter
This presentation was apparently a good one and some key points that came out of this included
-internal house plans are subject to copyright and cannot be copied without the architect or the
builders permission (owner of the house is not the owner of the copyright). Indemnity applies
only during the submission period for development applications.
-providing adjoining owners details (eg: for fencing boundaries) is allowed if it states that
information will be disclosed in the Council policy.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
VITAL RECORDS:
Members discussed the use of Vital Records Registers. It seems most Council’s don’t have a
specific register although the Standard on Counter Disaster Strategies for Records and
Recordkeeping Systems (Standard No.6) requires that Vital Records are identified and protected.
OFF-SITE / ON-SITE SHREDDING:
Discussion on various ways of keeping up with the never ending disposal of paper records. Most
Councils use the services of professional shredding companies, where bins are provided that are collected
at regular intervals. Destruction certificates are required for compliance purposes so one idea was to keep
18
an itemised list of what files went into the shredding bins and keep track of batch numbers so the
certificates can be matched up after the disposal takes place.
FIT FOR THE FUTURE:
Members discussed the possible implications of the Fit for the Future process- including the
possibility of Rural Councils and Joint Organisations and how this could affect recordkeeping.
The possibility of shared resources, a centralised EDRMS, shared repository of knowledge and
backend services ran remotely, were some of the suggestions mentioned. Staff would still be
required at each office to open mail, scan documents etc.
DIGITAL RECORDKEEPING CONCERNS:
It’s important IT and Records work together to tackle the various issues facing recordkeeping,
particularly the digital side. Microsoft Outlook Emails- be careful as these can be edited. This
feature can be turned off by the ‘Edit Message’ button- perhaps see your IT Department to
discuss your concerns regarding this.
NEXT MEETING:
The next meeting is scheduled for the 3rd March 2015 at 11am at the Jerilderie Shire Council. The meeting
was closed at 12.53pm.
8.3 Murray Waste Group Meeting – 17th December 2014
10.40am:
WELCOME
Group chair, Myles Humphries, declared the meeting open and welcomed members and the guest
presenters.
PRESENT
Myles Humphries, Chair, Berrigan; Andrea Baldwin, Rohan Smith, Albury; David Carroll, Corowa; Andrew
Shaw, Greater Hume; Mark Cook, Jon Stammers, Deniliquin; Adam Garland, Wakool; David Kerslake,
Conargo; Phil Ruddick, Hay; Simon Arkinstall, Murray; Gustavo Iragorri, Andrew Ward-Harvey, NSW EPA;
Nigel Taylor, RAMROC Murray.
APOLOGIES
Geoff Pitt, Conargo; Mark Dalziel, Deniliquin.
Moved Adam Garland, 2nd Jon Stammers, that the apologies be accepted.
Carried.
MINUTES PREVIOUS MEETING
Moved Andrea Baldwin, 2nd David Carroll, that the minutes of the previous meeting be accepted.
Carried.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES
None.
1: PRESENTATION: POEO Waste Regulations 2014
Gustavo Iragorri and Andrew Ward-Harvey, senior policy officers, NSW EPA, delivered an informative and
well-received presentation on the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014,
which became effective on November 1, 2014.
They also outlined the recently-gazetted Waste Levy Guidelines, which contain specific legal requirements
that occupiers of licensed waste facilities must meet in addition to their obligations under the Protection of
the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014.
A Q & A session followed the presentation.
19
There was consensus among members that each should make their respective councils aware of the
minimum standards required of those operating small unlicensed landfills:
(a) Covering asbestos waste in accordance with Regulatory requirements;
(b) Managing clinical and related waste in accordance with Regulatory requirements;
Taking all reasonable steps to:
(c) Minimise odour or offensive noise beyond the boundaries of a landfill site;
(d) Avoid discharges from the landfill site causing water pollution;
(e) Maintain plant (used for moving, disposing, controlling pollution);
(f) Securing the site against uncontrolled public access;
(g) All reasonable steps are to be taken to minimise the emission of dust beyond the boundaries of the
landfill site;
(h) Minimise the tracking of dust or mud from the site on to any public road; and
(i) Minimise the risk of fire at the landfill site.
There are NO specific requirements for cover (if above steps followed).
At the conclusion of the discussion, the co-ordinator advised a copy of the presentation would be forwarded
to each member.
The chair, Myles Humphries, thanked Gustavo and Andrew for their willingness to address the meeting,
and invited them to rejoin the group for the lunch break.
2: PRESENTATION: Illegal dumping - REFLECT data collection tool
Simon Arkinstall, Murray Shire, gave a presentation on the REFLECT data collection tool and associated
spreadsheet he has developed to capture data on illegal dumping incidents.
It is proposed to develop a tool based on an existing technology platform to reduce cost outlays, which will
be quick and simple for council rangers to use.
RAMROC Murray waste group previously resolved to develop an illegal dumping register to meet
RAMROC’s commitment to establish a baseline, if possible, for 2014-15 and aim to reduce the incidence of
illegal dumping in the region by 10 per cent by 2017.
It is proposed the spreadsheet include information around the site location (GPS co-ordinates),
composition of material dumped and volume to facilitate the development of illegal dumping maps for each
council that can be then aggregated into a regional map.
Additional fields that could be built in include the cost of cleaning up and disposing of the material dumped
to assist in formulating an annual illegal dumping remediation budget that each council could use if they
wished.
It would also indicate what further action needed to be taken and the timeframe.
The co-ordinator also noted the NSW EPA was about to launch its RIDonline project, a Statewide Illegal
Dumping Information Management System to be released in early 2015.
The EPA RIDonline project planned to incorporate:

Location, waste type and weight of dumped items/incidents

Photographs

Cost of clean up

Prosecution information to assist with identifying repeat offenders

Local Government Authority details

Land owner information
 Infrastructure such as cameras, gates and fences.
The co-ordinator suggested he liaise with the RIDonline project manager, Nina Sheer, when she returned
from annual leave in January.
Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Andrea Baldwin, that:
1. Members indicate to the co-ordinator by COB Friday 19/12 who has access to the REFLECT
platform; (Berrigan, Corowa, Murray, Greater Hume, Conargo, Deniliquin and Wakool to date);
2. Each member to indicate the recording fields they believe need to be incorporated to facilitate the
establishment of a standardised database that can be used to aggregate regional data (to be
completed for discussion at the February 11, 2015, meeting);
20
3. That the co-ordinator liaise with Nina Sheer, NSW EPA, on the EPA’s RIDonline illegal dumping
information system project; and
4. The co-ordinator email to members the RIDonline project information sheets circulated at the
meeting.
Carried.
3: SCRAP METAL COLLECTION PERFORMANCE REVIEW
The co-ordinator reported on recent discussions with OneSteel in relation to the company’s performance
under the RAMROC regional scrap metal contract.
As a result, the following response was received from Bruce Abernethy, Ferrous Trading Manager,
OneSteel Victoria:
“As the Ferrous Trading manager, Victoria, I am writing to you to confirm OneSteel’s sentiments regarding
our contractual arrangements.
“Firstly, I would just like to say that we will 100 per cent continue to honour our contract with RAMROC.
“We came to you to see if we could get some pricing relief under the extenuating market conditions.
“Never was it our intention to try to break the contract, and I apologise if you felt that was the case.
“We look forward to continuing to work RAMROC for a long time.”
Members indicated they were generally satisfied with OneSteel’s delivery of the actual metal collections
from their sites, but several expressed concerns around payment frequency, contamination rates being
claimed and the use of sub-contractors.
The co-ordinator reminded members the contract was an individual contract between each council and
OneSteel, and it was their responsibility to ensure One-Steel performed in accordance with the terms and
conditions of that contract.
The co-ordinator would assist at a regional level if an issue arose that was common across a number of
councils.
Noted.
4: HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL COLLECTION
ToxFree conducted one-day collections at Albury, Culcairn, Corowa and Moama from November 26 to
November 28.
A total of 6948kg of material was collected at the four sites.
An invoice totalling $42,658.95 (inc GST) to conduct the collection and process the deposited chemicals
has been received.
RAMROC Murray obtained a $30,000 grant from the NSW EPA to conduct the collection.
The co-ordinator said the EPA program manager, Ann Trofa, had indicated a supplementary application
could be made for additional funding to cover the shortfall.
The application should accompany the project acquittal and final report, which would be completed when
the four participating councils provided details of their in-kind contribution and ToxFree forwarded full data,
including the total number of attendees at each site.
The co-ordinator requested the four councils forward their details before the end of the week.
Noted.
5: ENVIROMENTORS SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Keep Australia Beautiful delivered 47 EnviroMentors school education workshops across the RAMROC
Murray region from November 3 to November 21.
The summary and evaluation reports were circulated to members on December 5.
RAMROC Murray met the full cost of conducting this year’s round of workshops - $16,518.
Members were asked to consider participation in next year’s program, which would include a new
module, “Lunches Unwrapped”.
It focused on waste reduction and minimising litter through packing a low-waste lunch, and was the
indicated preferred option of participating schools in the feedback summary.
There were several schools in the region already on next year’s waiting list, and the EnviroMentors
program manager had advised the co-ordinator bookings were required as soon as possible to obtain
preferred program delivery dates.
21
Moved Andrew Shaw, 2nd Simon Arkinstall, that all RAMROC Murray waste group member councils
participate in the 2015 EnviroMentors school education program, which would be fully-funded by RAMROC
Murray.
Carried.
6: E-WASTE COLLECTION
Moved Jon Stammers, 2nd Andrew Shaw, that members who wished to make a submission to the Federal
Government’s Operational Review of the National TV and Computer Recycling Scheme do so before the
closing date of February 6, 2015.
Carried.
At the suggestion of the co-ordinator, the Items 7 and 8 (below) were deferred due to time constraints:
7: LANDFILL CONSOLIDATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENTS PROGRAM
8: GENERAL BUSINESS
UPDATE ON WLRM GRANTS PROGRAMS:





Aboriginal Land Clean-Up & Prevention Program;
Organics Infrastructure (large and small);
Love Food Hate Waste (Food Avoidance) Education grants;
Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvement grants;
Community sharps management.
CO-ORINATOR’S LEAVE
The co-ordinator advised he would be on leave from December 24 to Tuesday, February 3, 2015, which
should be taken into consideration when determining the meeting schedule for next year.
Noted.
MEETING SCHEDULE
Moved Adam Garland, 2nd Phil Ruddick, that:



The RAMROC Murray waste group meet on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at Deniliquin;
That the group continue with six meetings a year; and
Further consideration be given at the February 11 meeting to selecting at least one venue next
year away from Deniliquin.
Carried.
9: ELECTION OF GROUP CHAIR
Myles Humphries, RAMROC Murray Voluntary Waste Management Group chair, declared the position
vacant and stood down.
The co-ordinator called for nominations for the position for the next two-year term.
Andrea Baldwin nominated Simon Arkinstall, which was seconded by Andrew Shaw.
Simon accepted the nomination, and was elected unopposed.
Moved Simon Arkinstall, 2nd Mark Cook, that a vote of thanks be recorded for Myles Humphries’ service to
the group as chair for the past two years.
Carried.
Meeting close: 1.50pm.
NEXT MEETING: 10.30am, Wednesday, February 11, 2015, Deniliquin Council Chambers.
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8.4 – Engineers Group Meeting – 11th February 2015
MINUTES OF THE RAMROC ENGINEERS MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE
11 February 2015 at 10.00am
Meeting opened: 10.00am
Present:
David Tamlyn
Brad Ferris
Andrew Lawson
Simon Overland
Fred Exton
Matthew Clarke
Ken Thompson
Greg Blackie
Dallas Bibby
Graham Gordon
Denis Gelle
Chris Lashbrook
Joseph Bianchini
Steve Goodsell
Krishna Shrestha
Frank Dyrssen
Shane Squires
Penny Craig
Brian Ebery
Jerilderie Shire (Chair)
Albury City
Albury City
Balranald Shire
Berrigan Shire
Berrigan Shire
Carrathool Shire
Greater Hume Shire
Griffith City
Griffith City
Jerilderie Shire
Leeton Shire
Murrumbidgee Shire
Murrumbidgee Shire
Narrandera Shire
Narrandera Shire
Narrandera Shire
Urana Shire
Wakool Shire
Apologies;
Ray Stubbs
Myles Humphries
Stephen Joyce
Greg Stewart
Leigh Robbins
Barry Heins
Simon Pradhan
RAMROC
Berrigan Shire
Carrathool Shire
Hay Shire
Murray Shire
Leeton Shire
Wentworth Shire
Guests
Chris Nisbet
Gary Byford
Peter Ledwos
Marie Talevska
Jessica Jones
Ron Dillon
Mike Sheen
Byford Equipment
Byford Equipment
Office of Water Regional Manager
Local Government Procurement
Local Government Procurement
Senior Mines Safety Officer
Mines Safety Officer
Confirmation of Minutes of the meetings held 6 August 2014 moved Ken Thompson and seconded
Joseph Bianchini that the minutes of these meetings be accepted.
Greg Blackie – Infrastructure Project.
Greg presented a base document for the Infrastructure Project. No data has been received from Balranald
Shire or Deniliquin Council. Simon from Balranald Shire advised he would send info to Jerilderie asap.
The Draft RAMROC Infrastructure document will be presented at the May meeting with adoption expected
at the August meeting.
Councils need to send their modal points and constraints to Greg as soon as possible.
Thanks to Greg and the Greater Hume Shire GIS Team for the time put into this plan.
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Presentation – Gary Byford & Chris Nisbet; Byford Equipment , Moama.
Gary and Chris presented a video and explanation on their new 20m & 26m A-B Double combinations. The
presentation showed swept path, turning circles and improvements which reduce the damage to roads at
property entries and intersections. At this stage there is no approval for these combinations from RMS
South Western Region, Byford have scheduled meetings with RMS to present the new vehicle
combination.
Each Council was given a copy of the presentation. Engineers meeting discussed the new vehicle
combination and all feel that the concept would be appropriate for use on council road networks.
Brad Ferris – Streetlighting
Brad gave a rundown on the determination regarding increased costs for streetlighting.
- Essential Energy have resubmitted their submission with calculation errors fixed.
- Looking to introduce LED lighting for new sub divisions – if replacing old lights, Council to pay.
- Final decision to be handed down 30/4/15. Council submissions accepted until 13/3/15 Ray Stubbs
has updated the RAMROC submission.
- Expect a small increase in streetlight rates.
Presentation – Peter Ledwos – Regional Manager (Southern NSW Region); Urban Water Branch,
Office of Water
Peter outlined the need and the process for producing Integrated Water Cycle Management Plans (IWCM)
that all Councils are now required to produce, and explained the funding available for the preparation of the
documents.
Some RAMROC Council have plans in place and may need updating, many will need to be produced.
Meeting discussed the idea to have the Management plans produced as a collective, in conjunction with
the Office Of Water.
Presentation – Marie Talevska & Jessica Jones Local Government Procurement
Marie and Jessica outlined LGP’s role and how they can assist LG’s with tendering and management of
contracts.
Presentation – Ron Dillon & Mike Skeen Senior Mine Safety Officers
Outlined the changes to the NSW Mining Legislation. The new Work Health & Safety (Mines) Bill and
Regulations came into effect 1 February 2015.
- Activities that do not apply were explained.
- Decisions can be challenged.
- If a function is not covered under the Roads Act it is covered by the mining legislation.
- Risks should be identified and treated on a location basis.
- Suggest daily risk assessments / tool box meetings etc to back up generic SWMS.
- Keep a mine record book – suggestion keep in loader.
- Notify when commencing / recommencing using a pit – email Ron or Mike – this includes
contractors, dozer, crushing etc NOT when loading out.
- New accident / incident form on website.
- Quarterly reports.
- Incidents to be advised to Ron or Mike as soon as possible.
- Contractors can use Council’s Safety Management Plan.
- Need a system in place for Contractors Working Alone.
- Production Manger’s course – Wagga - $100 per Council.
General Business
-
Training – Mine Safety – Production Manager
Traffic Control Training – Jerilderie, Murrumbidgee, Berrigan
Telstra Cable Location, legislation has changed need a new training provider.
PEG meeting to be confirmed.
Grain Harvest Management Scheme to be reviewed in March 2015.
HML Bridge Assessments; who does them? GHD; SKM
IPWEA Forum – Corowa & Fit for the Future Forum – Jerilderie.
Suggestion of RAMROC Engineer’s Golf Day.
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-
What will happen to this group re Fit for the Future / further discussion required.
PSP Sealing document.
Drinking Water Meeting/ NSW Health / Wagga 25th Feb 2015
-
Meeting closed at 2.30pm.
Next Meeting 6th May 2015
8.5 – General Managers Group Meeting – 13th February 2015
MINUTES OF THE RAMROC GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING HELD AT JERILDERIE SHIRE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON FRIDAY 13TH FEBRUARY 2015 AT 10.00AM
PRESENT: Barry Barlow (Conargo Shire), Ken Croskell (Carrathool), Brett Stonestreet (Griffith City),
Bruce Graham (Wakool), Allen Dwyer (Hay), Craig Moffitt (Jerilderie), Chris Gillard (Corowa), Des Bilske
(Deniliquin), Judy Charlton (Narrandera), Matt Glover (Murrumbidgee), Margot Stork (Murray) and Adrian
Butler (Urana)
RAMROC: Ray Stubbs - Executive Officer
GUESTS:
1.
Ron Barnes - General Manager Public Sector Jardine Lloyd Thomson Pty Ltd
Naamon Eurell - Executive Officer Statewide Mutual
Jessica Jones - Business Manager Local Government Procurement
Jacqui Bright - Project Officer Contaminated Land Management Project (CLMP)
Matthew Dudley – Team Leader Sustainability Albury City and Project Manager CLMP
WELCOME
The Executive Officer welcomed guests to Jerilderie and to the General Managers Group Meeting
2. APOLOGIES
Frank Zaknich (Albury), Peter Kozlowski (Wentworth), John Batchelor (Leeton), Steve Pinnuck (Greater
Hume), Aaron Drenovski (Balranald) and Rowan Perkins (Berrigan)
RESOLVED that the apologies be accepted.
3.
MINUTES OF THE GENERAL MANAGERS GROUP MEETING – 17th October 2014
RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting held on Friday 17th October 2014 be confirmed.
4.
MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 17TH OCTOBER 2014
There were no matters arising from the October meeting.
The EO reported that the Federal and State Governments have recently announced the names of the new
Chairpersons for most of the Regional Development Australia Committees including Diana Gibbs as Chair
of Riverina RDA. The current Murray RDA Chairperson will hold office until June 2015.
5.
PRESENTATIONS
5.1 - Statewide Mutual
Ron Barnes and Naamon Eurell updated the meeting on the current role and functions of Statewide Mutual
which commenced in 1993 and which provides a range of insurance protection covers for Councils across
the State.
A copy of the Powerpoint presentation will be provided to all RAMROC Councils and General Managers.
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5.2. - RAMROC and REROC Contaminated Land Management Project
Jacqui Bright Project Officer for the Contaminated Land Management Project (CLMP) addressed the
meeting.
The CLMP is a 3 year project funded by NSW EPA through to June 2017, which will develop the capacity
of 27 Councils across the RAMROC and REROC regions to manage non-regulated contaminated lands
within their respective Council areas.
6. “FIT FOR THE FUTURE” – STATUS OF DISCUSSIONS REGARDING MERGERS, RURAL
COUNCILS AND JOINT ORGANISATIONS
Consideration was given to the Executive Officer’s report on the current status of Fit for the Future
discussions taking place across the region.
Specifically the EO referred to potential options for the establishment of Joint Organisations and to the
resolution of the RAMROC Meeting in November 2014 that RAMROC consider undertaking its own Pilot
Study into JO options.
The EO is to report back to the February Board Meeting on the matter and in this regard he has liaised with
the Office of Local Government and as a result has sought and received a proposal from Elton Consulting
to carry out a study into Joint Organisation options.
The meeting concluded that such as Study would certainly add value to current discussions and assist
Councils in developing their Fit for the Future proposals which are due to be lodged with OLG by the 30 th
June deadline.
RESOLVED that the General Manager’s Group recommend to the RAMROC meeting that Elton
Consulting be engaged to carry out a study into options for the establishment of one or more Joint
Organisations across the RAMROC region and that the EO report to the Board on the components
and costs of a Study and on options for funding of the Consultant’s Study
7. PROPOSAL FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A RAMROC PROCUREMENT WORKING GROUP
The Executive Officer reported on the outcomes of a RAMROC / Local Government Procurement
workshop held at Narrandera on 12th December 2014 to canvass the potential establishment of a
RAMROC Procurement Working Group. The principal objective of the Group would be to co-ordinate LGP
contracts which will in turn will generate significant income returns for RAMROC and Councils.
The Business Manager Southern Region for Local Government Procurement Jessica Jones addressed the
meeting and spoke on the benefits of establishing a Working Group and responded to questions raised in
discussion on the matter.
RESOLVED that the General Managers Group supports in principle the establishment of a RAMROC
Procurement Working Group and that a Taskforce comprising an officer delegate from Albury,
Griffith, Deniliquin, Narrandera, Jerilderie and Corowa Shires be formed to progress the concept
with Local Government Procurement and to report back to the April GMs Group meeting for final
consideration.
8. WORKING GROUP MINUTES
The Meeting Minutes of the following RAMROC Working Groups were submitted to the meeting:8.1 Engineers Group – 5th November 2014
8.2 Records Management Group – 11th November 2014
8.3 Murray Waste Management Group – 17th December 2014
RESOLVED that the minutes of the Working Groups be received and noted
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9. GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS
9.1 Items for reference to RAMROC Meeting 25.2.2015



State Government Issues – matters that RAMROC intends to pursue with the NSW State
Government following the State Election on 28th March 2015
Federal Government Issues – matters that need to be taken up include poor free to air digital TV
reception and lack of information and progress regarding the NBN rollout
Executive Officer’s Employment Contract – Chairman to report to the Board meeting
There being no further business the meeting concluded at 1.16 pm
MRRR 9 – MINUTES OF RAMROC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING – 30TH JANUARY 2015
MINUTES OF THE RAMROC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING HELD AT BERRIGAN SHIRE
COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON FRIDAY 30TH JANUARY 2015 AT 10.00AM
PRESENT: Cr Terry Hogan AM (Chairman), Margot Stork (Secretary Treasurer) and Ray Stubbs
(Executive Officer)
Cr Bernard Curtin Mayor of Berrigan Shire also took part in the meeting
APOLOGY: Cr Kevin Mack (Deputy Chairman)
EC 1 – “FIT FOR THE FUTURE” LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORM – JOINT ORGANISATIONS AND
WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR RAMROC’S FUTURE
The Executive Committee considered a Discussion Paper prepared by the Executive Officer in relation to
the State Government’s Fit for the Future reform program, including details of current actions being taken
across the RAMROC region regarding mergers and Joint Organisations. The Executive Committee also
discussed the potential effects of FFF and establishment of Joint Organisations on the future of RAMROC’s
operations.
The Executive Officer reported that he is proposing to report to the February 25 RAMROC meeting in
response to the decision taken at the November meeting to consider the potential for RAMROC to fund and
undertake a Pilot Study into the establishment of one or more Joint Organisations for the region.
In this regard, the Executive Officer has engaged with the Office of Local Government and consequently on
the recommendation of OLG has requested Elton Consulting to provide a proposal to undertake a Joint
Organisation Study.
The Elton Consulting proposal when received will be discussed initially at the General Managers Group
meeting on 13th February and then referred to the RAMROC Board meeting for consideration
The Executive Committee agreed with the actions taken and as proposed for the GMs Group and
RAMROC Board meetings
The Executive Committee also agreed that the operations of RAMROC should continue during the
FFF processes and leading into the State Government’s target for establishment of Joint
Organisations by September 2016.
In this regard the Chairman will report to the RAMROC Committee proposing that the Executive
Officer’s contract be extended through to that time subject to an appropriate period of notice as
FFF circumstances and progress dictate
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EC 2 – RAMROC STRATEGIC AND OPERATIONAL PLAN - REVIEW OF 2011-2015 PLAN
The Executive Committee briefly discussed the current Plan and noted that the Executive Officer will be
developing a new Draft Plan for consideration at RAMROC’s May meeting, pending further developments
towards the proposed establishment of Joint Organisations by September 2016.
EC 3 – WATER4FOOD – POTENTIAL FOR A RENEWED PROGRAM IN 2015-2016
Consideration was given to a report by the Executive Officer concerning the potential for RAMROC to
undertake a further program on the critical national and global importance of food and fibre production
The Executive Committee agreed that a first step in considering the feasibility of a program would be to
convene a roundtable meeting with the local Federal and State Members and possibly including Professor
Jim Pratley of CSU and Senator Fiona Nash.
It was agreed that the Executive Officer report to the RAMROC meeting on 25th February for further
discussion and consideration.
There being no further business the meeting concluded at 12.20 pm
MRRR 10 – GENERAL BUSINESS ITEMS
MRRR 11 – CONFIDENTIAL ITEM – EXECUTIVE OFFICER CONTRACT (Chairman to report)
End of agenda items
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