Attachments of Ordinary Council

Item: 12.6.1

Attachment d.: Interplan report - February 2016

Technical Officers Working Group Meeting

Friday 18 March 2016

In-Person Meeting

Councillors Conference Room, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

MINUTES

CONTENTS

1. DECLARATION OF INTEREST. 3

2. OPENING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. 3

3. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE, APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE. 3

3.1 Attendance. 3

3.2 Apologies. 3

4. GUEST SPEAKERS/PRESENTATIONS (9.30am) 4

4.1 Mr Neil McGilp, Manager Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc. 4

5. MINUTES OF MEETINGS. 4

5.1 Minutes of a Meeting of the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) Technical Officers Working Group held Friday 4 September 2015 (Attachment) 4

5.2 Business Arising from a Meeting of the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) Technical Officers Working Group held Friday 4 September 2015. 4

5.3 Matters for Noting (Attachments) 4

6. GVROC BUSINESS. 6

6.1 Regional Traineeship Program.. 6

6.2 Appointment of an Auditor for the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils 9

6.3 Goldfields Records Storage Facility. 10

6.4 Meeting Locations for GVROC Council and Technical Officer Working Group Meetings 12

6.5 Proposed Digital Strategy for Goldfields Esperance Region. 14

6.6 Country Local Government Fund – 2012/2013 Regional Group Projects Applications – GVROC Solar PV Project and the GVROC LED Streetlight Project 15

6.7 Submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal 17

6.8 Meeting with the Chair and CEO of the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) 19

6.9 Meeting with Mr Neil McGilp, Manager Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc. 20

6.10 Changes to TAFE in Western Australia. 21

7. LATE ITEMS as notified, introduced by decision of the Meeting. 22

7.1 Proposed Re-establishment of the WA Police Livestock Squad. 22

7.2 Asset Management Project Report on NAMS Plus 3 Training held in Kalgoorlie 10-11 March 2016 (Attachments) 22

7.3 Development of a GVROC Strategic Plan. 22

8. FUTURE MEETINGS/FUNCTIONS. 22

9. CLOSURE OF MEETING.. 23

Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC)

An in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group held Friday 18 March 2016 commencing at 8.30am

AGENDA

1. DECLARATION OF INTEREST

Pursuant to the Code of Conduct, Councillors and CEOs must declare to the Chairman any potential conflict of interest they may have in a matter before the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils as soon as they become aware of it. Councillors, CEOs and Deputies may be directly or indirectly associated with some recommendations of the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils. If you are affected by these recommendations, please excuse yourself from the meeting and do not participate in deliberations.

2. OPENING AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Matthew Scott in his capacity as Acting CEO GVROC opened the meeting at 8.30am, welcoming John Walker, CEO City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, to his first Technical Officers Working Group Meeting.

The position of GVROC CEO was discussed; with Matthew Scott indicating he was happy to continue in the role of CEO if that was the wish of the meeting.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Steve Deckert Seconded: Paul Webb

That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group endorse Matthew Scott, CEO Shire of Esperance, as Acting GVROC CEO.

CARRIED

3. RECORD OF ATTENDANCE, APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

3.1 Attendance

Mr Matthew Scott (Acting Chair) CEO, Shire of Esperance

Mr Paul Webb CEO, Shire of Coolgardie

Mr Doug Stead CEO, Shire of Dundas

Mr John Walker CEO, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Mr Steve Deckert CEO, Shire of Laverton

Mr Jim Epis CEO, Shire of Leonora

Mr Pascoe Durtanovich A/CEO, Shire of Menzies

Mr Chris Paget CEO, Shire of Ngaanyatjarraku (via teleconference)

Mr Dean Taylor A/CEO Shire of Wiluna

3.2 Apologies

Mr Ian Fitzgerald, CEO Shire of Ravensthorpe

Mr B Wittber, Joint Executive Officer

3.3 Guests

Mr Neil McGilp, Manager Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc

4. GUEST SPEAKERS/PRESENTATIONS (9.30am)

4.1 Mr Neil McGilp, Manager Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc

The Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc. (GTNA) is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes and markets tourist attractions, trails and the tourism Industry in the Goldfields region on behalf of the stakeholders.

Eight of GVROC’s Member Councils are members of the GNTA – the Shires of Coolgardie, Dundas, Laverton, Leonora, Menzies, Ngaanyatjarraku and Wiluna and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, providing financial assistance to assist in the sponsorship of the Royal Show Goldfields District Display.

At the last GVROC Council Meeting for 2015, the then Manager of the GTNA, Ms Mandi Warry, provided an update to Member Councils on the success of the Goldfields Exhibits at the 2015 Perth Royal Show.

An invitation was extended to Mr Neil McGilp, the GTNA’s new Manager, to meet with GVROC Council at the Council Meeting held in Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016. Unable to meet with the GVROC Council at this time he has accepted an invitation to meet with the Technical Officers Working Group to explain the GTNA’s budget request for 2016/2017.

5. MINUTES OF MEETINGS

5.1 Minutes of a Meeting of the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) Technical Officers Working Group held Friday 4 September 2015 (Attachment)

Minutes of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group Meeting held Friday 4 September 2015 have been circulated to Member Councils.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group held 4 September 2015 be confirmed as a true and correct record of proceedings.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Dean Taylor Seconded: Jim Epis

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group held 4 September 2015 be confirmed as a true and correct record of proceedings.

CARRIED

5.2 Business Arising from a Meeting of the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils (GVROC) Technical Officers Working Group held Friday 4 September 2015

Nil

5.3 Matters for Noting (Attachments)

The following papers are presented for noting:

§ Various papers from a meeting of the South Coast Management Group held Friday 26 February 2016; and

§ Flyer for a forum to be in Kalgoorlie 3-4 May 2016.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the papers detailed in Item 5.3 be noted.

Noted

6. GVROC BUSINESS

6.1 Regional Traineeship Program

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 9 March 2106

Attachments: Nil

Background:

At the GVROC Council Meeting held Friday 27 November 2015, the Shire of Dundas raised the issue of traineeships. The potential for establishing regionally based traineeship program, whereby trainees would get experience across the region and not just in one local government was discussed with the meeting resolving as shown below.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Best Seconded: Cr Harris

That the Executive Officer prepare a report on the potential for a regionally focussed local government traineeship program for consideration at the GVROC Council meeting to be held on Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016.

CARRIED

When the Executive Officer provided an update on the report’s presentation to the meeting held on Friday 29 January it was further resolved that:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Rathbone Seconded: Cr Hill

1. That the GVROC Status Report, as presented, be received.

2. The Executive Officer contact the Shire of Esperance for additional information on its “graduate” program in preparing the report on a regionally focussed local government traineeship program.

CARRIED

This request was made because it was considered any traineeship program developed should be for university graduates rather for vocationally based occupations.

Executive Officer Comment:

Currently only the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder offer traineeships. Currently it offers 13 traineeships annually, across a broad range of the City’s activities.

The Shire of Esperance has advised that when it advertises certain positions, particularly those of Building Surveyor, Planner and Environmental Health Officer the advertisements note that graduates are encouraged to apply. Over the past twelve months, the Shire has appointed a graduate to each of these positions. Once the graduate is appointed, there always is a more senior officer who is able to supervise/mentor the new staff member as well as provide guidance in relation to the duties required.

This whilst not a traineeship program does offer an opportunity for newly graduated people to work within a country local government.

The Executive Officer contacted a number of country local governments to see what form of traineeships were being offered. Whilst a number of apprentice traineeships were available there seemed little for university students. The NEWROC Medical Scholarship is one, however, the Executive Officer has had some experience with.

The NEWROC Medical Scholarship program is a long term strategy to increase the number of qualified General Practitioners in the North Eastern Wheatbelt area of Western Australia. The Scholarship provides financial support to enable medical students to:

§ Complete their medical course at the University of Notre Dame Australia;

§ Form a long term relationship with a rural community in the North Eastern Wheatbelt of Western Australia; and

§ Secure employment in General Practice in a rural community.

NEWROC is the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils and for the purposes of the Scholarship includes the Shires of Trayning, Mukinbudin, Nungarin and Mt Marshall. NEWROC’s objectives are to strengthen regional cooperation and resource sharing to ensure a proactive approach to the delivery of community services in the relevant Shires. A recipient of this scholarship is required to undertake four consecutive years of service of General Practice within the boundaries of the Shires comprising NEWROC.

In addition to satisfying all relevant academic eligibility criteria, scholarship recipients must:

§ be an Australian citizen or permanent resident;

§ demonstrate a willingness to participate in and learn about rural and remote medical practices and communities;

§ demonstrate a desire to live in a rural or remote community; and

§ demonstrate an ability to be open minded, flexible, adaptable and proactive.

The scholarship was established in co-operation with the University of Notre Dame Australia. The process was quite lengthy and required legal assistance to prepare the various contracts required.

The establishment of a region-wide program has considerable merit but would require ongoing commitment, both in terms of the funding for such a program but also in terms of the supervision and mentoring that would need to be offered to participants, from those Member Councils that agreed to participate. Other issues that would need to be agreed upon before the program could be established are:

§ How many Member Councils are interested in developing a regional traineeship program;

§ What areas of Council’s activities would be the focus for the program; and

§ What University would GVROC look to securing support from for the program?

The Executive Officer is required to report back to GVROC Council when it next meets on Friday 22 April 2016. As such, she seeks comment from the Technical Officers Working Group on the various issues raised.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

Meeting Comment:

In further discussing the idea of regional traineeships CEOs agreed that the smaller Member Councils would have limited ability/resources to supervise and mentor trainees. There was also agreement that the costs associated with providing a scholarship would also need to be more closely considered.

Both the Shire of Esperance and the City of Kalgoorlie offered to provide support to smaller Member Councils should some form of sponsorship for trainees be developed for GVROC.

The Shire of Dundas also commented that in addition to graduate staff there also increasing difficulty in accessing health and building services staff.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Jim Epis Seconded: Doug Stead

That GVROC’s Member Councils work with the Shire of Esperance and the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder to further explore the establishment of a regional graduate program.

CARRIED

Neil McGilp entered the meeting at 9.37am.

The meeting then considered Agenda Item 4.1 at this point but the matter is recorded in chronological order for ease of reading.

The meeting adjourned for morning tea at 10.16am, resuming again at 10.30am.

Neil McGilp did not return to the meeting.

6.2 Appointment of an Auditor for the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 9 March 2016

Attachments: Nil

Background:

At the GVROC Council Meeting held in Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016 the appointment of an auditor for GVROC’s finance’s was discussed, with the meeting resolving as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Rathbone Seconded: Mayor Bowler

1. That GVROC approve the Draft Financial Report, Representation Letter and Draft Management Letter and authorise the President and Executive Officer to sign as indicated.

2. That consideration be given by GVROC to seek expressions of interest for the conduct of the annual audit from suitably qualified GVROC based organisations.

CARRIED

On Tuesday 9 February 2016 the Executive Officer emailed all CEOs re part 2 of the above resolution, with a request for the following information from each of the GVROC CEOs:

1. Contact details for accounting firms across the Goldfields Esperance region qualified to conduct the GVROC audit; and

2. Whether Council was using or had used any of the firms whose contact details had been provided; and

3. Contact details for the firm Member Councils had engaged to conduct their 2015/2016 audit.

Executive Officer Comment:

To date the information received has been limited, with only the Shires of Laverton, Leonora and Menzies providing information. Currently audit services across the three local governments are provided by:

§ AMW (Audit) Pty Ltd trading as Anderson Munro and Wyllie; and

§ Butler Settineri (Audit) Pty Ltd.

Both companies are Perth based.

The Shire of Leonora has also provided the Executive Officer with the contact details for an accountant who lives in Leonora, Mr Ross Norrie CPA. Mr Norrie is also a councillor on the Leonora Shire Council. The Executive Officer is unsure whether Mr Norrie undertakes audits as part of his practice.

Currently the GVROC uses AMD Chartered Accountant that is based in Bunbury but has branches in Mandurah and Geraldton. If expressions of interest are to be sought from auditing firms based in the region the Executive Officer will require more information than she currently has.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for consideration by Member Councils.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Pascoe Durtanovich Seconded: Dean Taylor

That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group recommend to the GVROC Council that the auditing arrangements be maintained.

CARRIED

6.3 Goldfields Records Storage Facility

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 9 March 2016

Attachments: Records Facility Report 2015

Business Case for the Archives and Records Management and Storage Facility

Archives and Records Management Agreement

Background:

At the GVROC Council Meeting held in Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016 it was resolved as follows:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Mayor Bowler Seconded: Cr Best

1. That the Statement of Financial Position for the period commencing 1 July and ending 31 December 2015, as attached, be received and a further copy be distributed to all Member Councils.

2. That a copy of the Business Case for the establishment of the Goldfields Records Storage Facility be circulated to all Member Councils and listed for discussion at the next Meeting of the GVROC Council.

3. That GVROC write a letter to the Eastern Regional Council of the Chamber of Minerals and Energy advising of the availability of a locally operating records storage service and encouraging consideration to use when storing records.

CARRIED

Executive Officer Comment:

A copy of the Business Case for the establishment of the Goldfields Records Storage Facility (the Facility) forms an attachment to the meeting agenda. A copy of the Agreement in relation to the Facility also forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

Whilst the matter will be listed for discussion at the April Meeting of the GVROC Council the Executive Officer believes discussion by the Technical Officers might be of benefit. In listing the matter for discussion it should also be noted that during the latter part of 2015 the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder reviewed the operations of the Facility, preparing a report for GVROC. The report, tabled at the GVROC Council Meeting held Thursday 8 October 2015 provided both an update on the facility and options to consider regarding its future.

A copy of the report forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

The report identified that the Facility was well managed, with income increasing and expenditure just below budget expectations.

The report provided four options regarding the future of the Facility, recommending Option 1 as the preferred option, recommending that GVROC continue to operate the Facility and for all Member Councils to allocate the required funds ($16,000 per Council as in previous years) for its continued operation in the 2015/2016 financial year. It also provided for a further review in 12 months time. Following discussion, GVROC Council resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Hill Seconded: Cr Harris

1. That GVROC continue to operate the Goldfields Records Storage Facility;

2. That the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder invoice GVROC’s Member Councils $16,000 each for the continued operation of the Goldfields Records Storage Facility for the 2015/2016 year;

3. That GVROC’s Member Councils look to include a further allocation of $16,0000 in their 2016/2017 Budgets; and

4. That a further review of the Goldfields Records Storage Facility be undertaken no later than 31 October 2016.

CARRIED

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Pascoe Durtanovich Seconded: Doug Stead

That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group recommend to the GVROC Council that:

1. A working party be established to conduct a review of the Goldfields Records Storage Facility, which will include the development of a business plan for the facility for the period 2017-2012; and

2. The working party’s membership consist of:

§ CEO Shire of Esperance;

§ CEO City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder;

§ A/CEO Shire of Wiluna; and

§ GVROC Executive Officer to provide executive support.

CARRIED

6.4 Meeting Locations for GVROC Council and Technical Officer Working Group Meetings

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 9 March 2016

Attachments: Nil

Background:

At the GVROC Council Meeting held in Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016 GVROC’s meeting schedule for the coming 12 months was considered with Member Councils resolving as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Best Seconded: Cr Rathbone

1. That the GVROC Council adopt the following meeting schedule for the coming 12 month period:

§ Friday 26 February 2016 – a teleconference to consider the WALGA State Council agenda for the State Council meeting to be held Wednesday 2 March 2016;

§ Friday 18 March 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 22 April 2016 - an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council at which the WALGA State Council Agenda for the State Council meeting to be held 7-8 May 2016 will also be considered (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 27 May 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 1 July 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council at which the WALGA State Council Agenda for the State Council meeting to be held Wednesday 6 July 2016 will also be considered (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 22 July 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Wednesday 3 August 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council in Perth (venue to be determined);

§ Friday 2 September 2016 – a teleconference to consider the WALGA State Council agenda for the State Council meeting to be held 8-9 September 2016;

§ Friday 30 September 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (venue to be determined);

§ Friday 4 November 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 2 December 2016 – a teleconference to consider the WALGA State Council agenda for the State Council meeting to be held Wednesday 7 December 2016;

§ Friday 9 December an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined); and

§ Friday 3 February 2017 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council in Esperance.

2. That the Technical Officers Working Group give consideration to the conduct of a GVROC meeting in a location other than Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Esperance.

CARRIED

Executive Officer Comment:

Meetings, for both the GVROC Council and the Technical Officers Working Group have been held in locations other than Kalgoorlie-Boulder, particularly those for the Technical Officers Working Group. Whilst some GVROC Council Meetings have been held in locations outside Kalgoorlie-Boulder, other than the annual meetings in Esperance (a long-held tradition that predates the establishment of GVROC), most in recent years have been held in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

The choice of Kalgoorlie-Boulder as a meeting destination has been largely due to its central location for GVROC’s Member Councils, an important consideration given the vast area covered by the group’s membership and the travelling time required to attend meetings.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Pascoe Durtanovich Seconded: Jim Epis

1. That the GVROC Executive Officer investigate the feasibility of a GVROC Council Meeting being held in Warburton during 2016.

2. That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group Meeting scheduled for Friday 27 May 2016 be hosted by the Shire of Coolgardie.

CARRIED

6.5 Proposed Digital Strategy for Goldfields Esperance Region

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 9 March 2016

Attachments: Nil

Background:

In April 2013 RDA Goldfields Esperance (RDAGE) in partnership with the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder held a meeting to discuss issues associated with the roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN). This resulted in a proposal to develop a digital strategy for the Goldfields-Esperance Region.

One of the outcomes from these discussions was the suggestion that RDAGE would make available an amount of $15,000 to assist in the preparation of a regional digital strategy. GVROC and the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC) would each be asked to contribute $15,000 to the project.

The GEDC was not in a position to make a contribution and it was determined that in order to develop a suitable strategy that both RDAGE and GVROC contribute $20,000 each. RDAGE paid its contribution of $20,000 to GVROC in July 2013 however nothing further has transpired with the project.

GVROC has funds available for the project if it were to proceed.

The matter was raised for discussion at the GVROC Council Meeting held in Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016, with the Executive Officer reporting that funds remained unspent, seeking direction from GVROC as to what should be done with the funds.

The meeting resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Williams Seconded: Cr Brown

That the matter lie on the table and be referred to the Technical Officers Working Group for further consideration.

CARRIED

Executive Officer Comment:

The resolution shown above was made following the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder advising its incoming CEO had considerable expertise in the area of digital technology and its application.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

Meeting Comment:

John Walker noted that he had been involved in the preparation of a digital strategy prior to coming to the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and was happy to assist in GVROC in the preparation of a strategy for the region.

RESOLUTION: Moved: John Walker Seconded: Paul Webb

That the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s CEO assist the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group in preparing a regional digital strategy.

CARRIED

6.6 Country Local Government Fund – 2012/2013 Regional Group Projects Applications – GVROC Solar PV Project and the GVROC LED Streetlight Project

Reporting Officer: Ryan Wilson, Sustainability Officer, City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder

Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 11 March 2016

Attachments: Nil

Background:

The need to develop renewable energy and energy efficient projects was recognised by Member Councils as early as 2012. At the GVROC Council Meeting held on Wednesday 1 August 2012 Member Councils resolved as follows:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Cullen Seconded: Cr Petz

That for the 2012/2013 round of regional CLGF funding, the Goldfields Voluntary Regional Organisation of Councils:

1. Submit an alternate energy project for the region with the pool of funding for the project to be determined by Member Councils, with Member Councils notifying the Executive Officer of their intention to participate in the project no later than Friday 31 August 2012;

2. That the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder be given delegate authority to commence preparation of a business case for the alternate energy project, with the business case to look at participating Member Councils using funds from both the 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 allocations of regional CLGF funds;

3. Request the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission provide funding for the preparation of a business cases for GVROC Member Councils for the following projects in the 2012/2013 regional CLGF round of funding:

a) Retro-fitting of lighting and renewable energy power generation;

b) Regional waste management;

c) Norseman gateway project; and

d) A project for the Shires of Laverton and Ngaanyatjarraku (still to be determined); and

4. Give delegated authority to the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group to prepare and submit business cases for projects, other than the alternate energy project, agreed to for the 2012/2013 round of regional CLGF funds.

CARRIED

The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has been the Lead Council for the projects developed, providing regular reports on the projects and undertaking the work associated with the projects’ implementation.

Following an update on the project at the GVROC Council Meeting held in Esperance on Friday 29 January 2016 Member Council resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Best Seconded: Cr Rathbone

That:

1. the Executive Officer’s report be noted;

2. a report on LED lighting tariffs be finalised for discussion at the next meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group;

3. that GVROC seek support from WALGA on the LED lighting tariffs, in particular GVROC’s efforts for better tariffs to be offered;

4. GVROC request the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder use some of the CEEP funding originally set aside for media coverage specific to the LED project in the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder for a Perth focussed media campaign that focuses on the LED project from a regional perspective;

5. GVROC write to the Treasurer and Minister for Energy, Hon Dr Mike Nahan MLA, seeking resolution to the issue of the imposition of a “gift tax” on the Shire of Ravensthorpe for the installation of LED lighting within their communities by Western Power, requesting that the “gift tax” be waived as was done for the installation of LED lighting in Member Councils where Horizon Power is the electricity service provider; and

6. The issue of the imposition of a “gift tax” by Western Power on the installation of LED lighting be referred to the WA Local Government Association.

CARRIED

Executive Officer Comment:

Latest tariff information has been received and is provided below.

Code	Capacity, Watt	1 July 2015 Price incl. GST c/day
Code	Capacity, Watt	Dawn Switch off (C)
ZE60	132	59.8570
ZE62	25	33.2389

Correspondence to Minister Nahan regarding the imposition of a “gift tax” on the Shire of Ravensthorpe for the installation of LED lighting within their communities by Western Power has been prepared.

The Executive Officer has also referred the matter of the tax to WALGA.

An update on the projects has also been prepared by Ryan Wilson, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Sustainability Officer.

LED Streetlights Project

§ Installations are now complete across all Horizon Power towns with final installations completed in Esperance in February 2016;

§ 36 Streetlights are still to be installed in Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie;

§ The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder is working on submission of the final milestone reports, final reports and acquittals for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science;

§ Streetlight invoices are set to be amended for all participating Member Councils by the end of March to ensure new LED tariffs are in place. Horizon Power will credit Councils for the time between installation and the change in the invoices.

Solar PV Systems

§ 30kW system in Menzies is due for completion in April 2016;

§ 100kW system in Kambalda is due for completion in May 2016;

§ Request for tender for 60kW system in Esperance will be released on 26 March 2016;

§ Request for tender for 2 x 60kW systems in Laverton will be released in late April 2016;

§ Request for tender for a96kW system in Kalgoorlie will be released in late April 2016;

§ Request for tender for a30kW system in Hopetoun will be released in June 2016; and

§ A variation to the project scope will soon be submitted to the Department of Regional Development to account for the change in solar PV systems in Esperance (50kw to 60kW), Laverton (2 x 50kW to 2 x 60kW), Kalgoorlie and Hopetoun as well as the streetlights for Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Executive Officer’s report be noted.

Noted

6.7 Submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 11 March 2016

Attachments: Isolation Spreadsheet

LGMA Submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal

SAT Discussion Paper

Background:

As Member Councils are aware, the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal (SAT) has the responsibility for both determining and recommending rates of remuneration for the Governor, Members of Parliament, Judges, Magistrates, the Parliamentary Inspector of the Corruption and Crime Commission, Clerks of the Parliament, Commissioners of the Western Australian Industrial Relations Commission, Local Government CEOs, Local Government Elected Members, Members of the Special Division of the Public Service and Prescribed Office Holders.

Currently it is reviewing the allowances made to Local Government CEOs and Elected Members and as part of this review is seeking comment from both CEOs and Elected Members.

GVROC Council met with SAT’s members in Esperance on Friday 29 July 2016. Following the meeting Member Councils resolved as shown below:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Mr Taylor Seconded: Cr Quadrio

That the opportunity for a joint submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal be referred to Technical Officers Working Group for consideration.

CARRIED

Executive Officer Comment:

During the discussion with SAT’s members the Shire of Wiluna suggested that a different measure for isolation should be used when determining the rates of remuneration. This follows on from an email that the Shire’s CEO sent GVROC’s other CEO’s on Saturday 23 January 2016. Details of the email are provided below:

Hi Guys

I note that the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal will be attending the GVROC in Esperance and one of the topics is the SAT Isolation allowance.

Being a newbie to the Goldfields region I have never had cause to really look at the Isolation Allowance previously but it strikes me that there does not seem to be much logic in the allowance determined by the SAT and reality!!

How can places like Geraldton ($25k) Kalgoorlie ($30k) Port Headland ($70k) Karratha ($70k) where they have all the facilities and benefits of a large regional city – be compared to Wiluna ($40k), Leonora ($40k), Laverton ($40k), Menzies ($30k) Dundas ($30k)

We recently had a visit from the WA Local Govt Grants Commission (WALGGC) who explained how they determined the Location/Isolation Factor when determining the FAGs grant allocation. The WALGGC use a method of determining the location factor based upon a ARIA+ index developed by the University of Adelaide. The Accessibility/Remoteness Index of Australia (ARIA) is used by the Bureau of Statistics, State and Federal Governments and is widely accepted as the more accurate determinate of remoteness.

If the SAT Isolation Allowance is analysed and compared to the ARIA index or the WALGGC Location factor the results are quite disparate.

Attached is a spread sheet which shows the Sat Isolation Allowance, the WALGGC Location Disability Factor and an analysis I have done which proposes how the Isolation Allowance would look if determined in a similar manner to the WALGGC method.

Given the difficulty we have in attracting the “right” staff – particularly senior staff and Chief Executive Officer’s I feel that it is important that councils have the ability to pay what ever is considered necessary to attract the right staff. Remembering always that there is no compulsion on Councils to pay any of the Isolation Allowance if they don’t wish to.

With the SAT attending the GVROC meeting it is an ideal opportunity to raise these concerns and ask for them to explain the rationale as to how they make the Isolation Allowance Determination.

Another potential issue for the Isolation Allowance is that I believe that it hasn’t been adjusted since its inception.

Apologies to Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie the calculation proposes a reduction in your Isolation Allowance but I believe the calculation is transparent and defendable.

I would be interested in your views?

Regards

Dean Taylor

Acting Chief Executive Officer

Shire of Wiluna

A copy of the isolation spreadsheet referred to in the email forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

A copy of the LGMA’s submission to SAT also forms an attachment to the meeting agenda as does a discussion paper distributed by SAT for its meeting with GVROC on Friday 29 January.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Dean Taylor Seconded: Steve Deckert

That GVROC prepare a joint submission to the Salaries and Allowances Tribunal, with the submission to be presented for endorsement at the GVROC Council Meeting to be held Friday 22 April 2016.

CARRIED

6.8 Meeting with the Chair and CEO of the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC)

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 11 March 2016

Attachments: Goldfields-Esperance Regional Investment Blueprint Executive Summary

Background:

The Goldfields-Esperance Regional Investment Blueprint (the Blueprint) was officially launched by the Minister for Regional Development, the Hon Terry Redman MLA, in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on 9 March 2016. A copy of the Blueprint’s Executive Summary forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

The Minister also announced the opening of tranche 2 of the Royalties for Regions Goldfields-Esperance Revitalisation Fund. Funding totalling $46 million is to be made available for strategic projects that will help to build a vibrant region with a strong economy. Projects will need to demonstrate a strong alignment to the Blueprint. The Goldfields Esperance Development Commission (GEDC), which will administer the fund, is now calling for Expressions of Interest.

Executive Officer Comment:

Following the Blueprint’s launch there was an email conversation amongst some of the GVROC regarding its content and funds available for implementation of the Blueprint.

The Executive Officer has listed the matter for discussion to determine what, if any, further action is required.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Jim Epis Seconded: Steve Deckert

1. That the Chair and CEO of the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission be invited to attend the GVROC Council Meeting to be held in Friday 22 April 2016.

2. That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group recommend to the GVROC Council that in future an open invitation be extended to the Goldfields Esperance Development Commission to attend future meetings of the GVROC.

CARRIED

6.9 Meeting with Mr Neil McGilp, Manager Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 11 March 2016

Attachments: Nil

Background:

Member Councils may wish to consider what further action, if any, is required following its meeting with Mr Neil McGilp, Manager Goldfields Tourism Network Association Inc.

Executive Officer Comment:

No further comment.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

Noted

6.10 Changes to TAFE in Western Australia

Reporting Officer: Helen Westcott, Executive Officer

Disclosure of Interest: Nil

Date: 11 March 2016

Attachments: Information Sheet on Changes to TAFE in Western Australia

Background:

As Member Councils are aware, the State Government recently announced a major restructure of the way in which vocational training will be delivered across Western Australia. An information sheet outlining these changes forms an attachment to the meeting agenda.

Executive Officer Comment:

A number of Member Councils have expressed concern over these changes and how they will impact upon those wishing to access vocational training across the region.

Consultation: Nil

Voting Requirement: Simple majority

The matter is presented for discussion.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Doug Stead Seconded: Dean Taylor

That the Executive Officer prepare a report on the restructure of vocational training in Western Australia for consideration at the GVROC Council Meeting to be held Friday 22 April 2016.

CARRIED

7. LATE ITEMS as notified, introduced by decision of the Meeting

7.1 Proposed Re-establishment of the WA Police Livestock Squad

At the GVROC’s last meeting for 2016 the Shire of Laverton and Leonora raised the requested that the matter of advocating for the re-establishment of the Police Livestock Squad be listed for discussion. Following discussion GVROC Council resolved as follows:

RESOLUTION: Moved: Cr Williams Seconded: Cr Rathbone

That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group prepare a report for consideration at a future meeting of the GVROC Council on:

1. the benefits of having the Police Livestock Squad reformed as well as other strategies that will assist in reducing stock theft across the Goldfields Esperance region; and

2. the training of all policer officers in order that they have a basic understanding of how to deal with livestock.

CARRIED

It was agreed that the matter be deferred until the next Technical Officers Working Group Meeting.

7.2 Asset Management Project Report on NAMS Plus 3 Training held in Kalgoorlie 10-11 March 2016 (Attachments)

On 17 March 2016 John O’Sullivan, the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder’s Manager Assets and Procurement, provided the Executive Officer with a report and feedback from the NAMS Plus 3 training held in Kalgoorlie the previous week.

The report and feedback are provided for noting by the Technical Officers Working Group.

Noted (Copies of both documents form attachments to the minutes of the meeting)

7.3 Development of a GVROC Strategic Plan

Dean Taylor, CEO Shire of Wiluna, raised the issue of the GVROC developing a strategic plan. In doing so GVROC would be in a position to develop a regional position on issues such as “fly-in fly-out” workers and advocate to both State and Federal Governments on issues of regional significance.

RESOLUTION: Moved: Dean Taylor Seconded: Jim Epis

That the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group recommend to the GVROC Council that GVROC develop a Strategic Plan.

CARRIED

8. FUTURE MEETINGS/FUNCTIONS

§ Friday 22 April 2016 - an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council in Kalgoorlie at which the WALGA State Council Agenda for the State Council meeting to be held 7-8 May 2016 will also be considered;

§ Friday 27 May 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 22 July 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Wednesday 3 August 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council in Perth (venue to be determined);

§ Friday 2 September 2016 – a teleconference to consider the WALGA State Council agenda for the State Council meeting to be held 8-9 September 2016;

§ Friday 30 September 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (venue to be determined);

§ Friday 4 November 2016 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined);

§ Friday 2 December 2016 – a teleconference to consider the WALGA State Council agenda for the State Council meeting to be held Wednesday 7 December 2016;

§ Friday 9 December an in-person meeting of the GVROC Technical Officers Working Group (in Kalgoorlie unless otherwise determined); and

§ Friday 3 February 2017 – an in-person meeting of the GVROC Council in Esperance.

Refer also to Agenda Item 6.4.

9. CLOSURE OF MEETING

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 12.13pm