New England Tablelands County Council Trading as New ... · The Annual Report focuses on...

New England Tablelands County Council

Trading as

New England Weeds Authority

Annual Report 2013-2014

Our Environment

Our Community

Our Council

Our Responsibility

Adopted by Council 28 October 2014

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1. CONTENTS

2. CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE ............................................................................................... 3

3. GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE ................................................................................. 4

4. INTRODUCTION – ANNUAL REPORTING ON PROGRESS ............................................... 6

5. NEW ENGLAND WEEDS AUTHORITY REGION – PROFILE ............................................... 7

a. Area .......................................................................................................................................................... 8

b. Climate ...................................................................................................................................................... 8

c. Population breakdown ............................................................................................................................. 8

d. Landuse patterns ...................................................................................................................................... 9

6. COUNCIL’S VISION, MISSION AND VALUES ................................................................ 10

a. Council’s Vision ....................................................................................................................................... 10

b. Council’s Mission .................................................................................................................................... 10

c. Council’s Corporate Values .................................................................................................................... 10

7. COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES .................................................................................... 11

8. MEMBERS OF COUNCIL 2013-2014 ............................................................................ 13

a. Facilities provided to Councillors ............................................................................................................ 14

b. Councillor attendance at Council Meetings 2013-2014 ......................................................................... 14

9. OUR ORGANISATION ................................................................................................. 15

10. THE BUSINESS ACTIVITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2013 – 2023 OVERVIEW ............................ 16

11. THE DELIVERY PLAN REPORT 2013-2014 .................................................................... 17

12. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................ 20

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - P.A.1. CIVIC LEADERSHIP/GOVERNANCE / ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE / RISK MANAGEMENT ............................................................................................................................................... 20

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY- P.A.2 ENVIRONMENT - NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL .................. 20

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY- P.A 3 ECONOMIC AFFAIRS – PRIVATE WORKS AND OTHER BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS ................................................................................................................................................................ 21

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY- P. A 4 NSW WEEDS ACTION PROGRAM – NIWAC ....................................................... 21

13. OTHER PROJECTS ....................................................................................................... 29

14. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) .............................................................. 30

15. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS ............................................................................................... 30

16. MISCELLANEOUS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS .......................................................... 31

a. Major Contracts and Tenders awarded by Council 2013 - 2014 ............................................................ 31

b. Legal costs incurred by Council .............................................................................................................. 31

c. Work carried out on Private Land ........................................................................................................... 31

d. External Bodies exercising functions delegated by Council .................................................................... 31

e. Partnerships, Corporations, Trusts or other Joint Ventures ................................................................... 31

f. Remuneration of General Manager ........................................................................................................ 31

g. Requests made to Council under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 .................... 32

h. Public Interest Disclosures Report .......................................................................................................... 32

i. Code of Conduct ..................................................................................................................................... 32

17. STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT ...................................................................... 33

18. GENERAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014 ............... 34

ABBREVIATIONS BASP Business Activity Strategic Plan CAP Catchment Action Plan CLR Councillor DPI Department of Primary Industries DWO District Weeds Officer EEO Equal Employment Opportunity GIPA Government Information (Public Access Act) 2009 GM General Manager NEWA New England Weeds Authority NIWAC Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee PO Project Officer SOE State of the Environment SWO Senior Weeds Officer UNE University of New England WO Weed Officer WoNS Weeds of National Significance

2. CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE I am very honoured to have represented the New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council as Chairman during 2013–2014 and I am delighted to present Council’s 2013-2014 Annual Report. With the local government elections held in September 2012 it has been pleasing to see that the previous representatives from our constituent member Councils of Walcha, Uralla, Armidale Dumaresq and Guyra being re- elected, allowing for the continuation of the strategic direction and good work of the previous Council continuing into the new term of this Council. There has been a comprehensive review of Council’s previous 10 Year Business Activity Strategic Plan and the adopting of the New England Weeds Authority Business Activity Strategic Plan 2013 – 2023, in June 2013. The Plan includes our Four Year Delivery Program 2013 – 2017, the Annual Operational Plan and the Resourcing Strategy. Our success is measured on how well we achieve the objectives and operational tasks set out in the Business Activity Strategic Plan, Delivery Program and Annual Operational Plan. Our Plan was developed being mindful of the processes our member Councils of Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha undertook in developing their Community Strategic Plans and of the significance of community consultation. This year has not been without its challenges from an operational viewpoint as the region has experienced severe and prolonged drought conditions. However, in implementing the first year of our Delivery Program and Annual Operational Plan I am pleased to report that our Council has preformed very well, being proactive in approaching and meeting the objectives of the programs for weed management and control in the New England region. In meeting the challenges of the past year I would like to thank Council’s General Manager and our staff for their support of Council, and for their dedication and commitment to their work in delivering weed management and control services to Council’s area. During the reporting year Council has been proactive in the ongoing external issues it faces from the Independent Local Government Review Panel’s investigation into a program of review and reform of local government in NSW. Coupled with this has been the release of the Final Report and recommendations by the Natural Resources Commission into the Review of Weed Management in NSW. Council was well represented at forums in relation to both these reviews and made comprehensive submissions. The outcomes of these reviews are unknown at this time. The finalisation of both these processes could see a significant impact on the future of our County Council. Our Council has taken the strong view that we play a vital role in weed management and control throughout the State and should remain under the responsibility of local government.

Council will closely scrutinize the outcomes of these reviews and will look to strongly advocate for the best services for our community in regard to weed management and control in the New England region. Finally, I extend my sincere thanks to my fellow Councillors for their support and work both within this and their constituent Councils as well as in the community. I am proud to introduce the New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council Annual Report for 2013 – 2014.

Clr Maria Woods Chairperson

3. GENERAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE I am pleased to present the 2013-2014 Annual Report on behalf of the New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council trading as New England Weeds Authority (NEWA). In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 and following the ordinary election of Councillors in September 2012, Council developed its new 10 Year Business Activity Strategic Plan 2013 -2023 under the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. This Plan highlights Council’s commitment to carrying out effective and efficient weed management and control on behalf of our constituent member Councils of Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra, Uralla and Walcha, covering an area of some 18,255 km². The Plan identifies Council’s and the communities’ main priorities and aspirations for the future, by taking action to address weeds on behalf of our member Councils to improve agricultural sustainability, primary industry productivity and to deliver broad environmental outcomes for the New England region. As mentioned in the Chairman’s Message our region has for much of the past twelve months experienced severe drought conditions. Council has taken an empathetic approach to some of its operational activities, particularly in regard to not carrying out further property inspections during the drought, so as not to add to the stressful situations already experienced by many property owners. However, our roadside control program remained extremely effective again over the reporting period due in the main to the dedication of our staff, which is one of the reasons why NEWA is so highly regarded throughout the region. Concentrated efforts have continued in relation to a number of noxious weeds found in our area with a focus on Tropical Soda Apple and Serrated Tussock, both of which pose a significant threat to the agricultural viability of the region. An extensive control program has been supplemented by planned extension and education programs which have been well received by landholders and the wider community. We have also taken a proactive approach to carrying out weed management and control programs outside our area for other local control authorities and agencies. This work has compensated for a reduction in core operational areas as a result of the drought conditions. These activities together with a significant increase in grant funds for the Tropical Soda Apple control program in the Upper Macleay Valley have resulted in a very sound financial outcome for the reporting year, as evidenced in the annual Financial Statements. NEWA works closely with other like Authorities including the two newly formed (from 1st January 2014) Local Land Services (LLS) authorities of the North West and Northern Tablelands as well as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, covering our region. NEWA through its close working relationships with the LLS and with a reputation for good management, as well as getting the job done, has been able to secure further funds from both the new LLS organisations. The Authority continues to act as Lead agency on behalf of the ten member Councils of the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (NIWAC) for the implementation of the State Government’s (through the NSW Dept. of Primary Industries) NSW Weeds Action Program. The third year objectives, activities and funding allocations have been achieved in accordance with the measurable outcomes under the regional Weeds Action Program and the NIWAC Weeds Action Business Plan 2010-2015.

The Authority continues to seek improvement in its administration and operational areas with a concerted effort in the past twelve months in regard to reviewing, updating and preparing new policies and procedures. In addition the organization has embarked on a risk management action program that will lead to further enhancing the co-ordination of activities towards an organisation wide approach to risk management. The Authority’s staff structure has remained stable over the reporting period with Weeds officers operating in each of the constituent Council areas. My appreciation is extended to Council’s officers for their continued hard work, dedication and professional approach to their many duties. The Authority continues to be recognized as a leader in the management and control of noxious and invasive weeds not only in the region in which it operates but throughout the State, and all looks well for the future viability of the organisation. However, as indicated in the Chairman’s message, there still remain many concerns within local Councils for the future of weed management and control as a result of the recommendations of the Natural Resources Commission report into the Review of Weed Management in NSW and the Independent Local Government Review Panels review and reform of Local Government in NSW. Whilst the results of both these reviews are yet to be known, it is considered that no matter what the outcomes may be, our Council is in a stable and sound financial position to meet the challenges of the future and to continue to provide the best possible service to our member Councils and the wider community in regard to weed management and control. In conclusion, I would like to express my gratitude to Councillors for their leadership and the staff for their professionalism, valued efforts and commitment that have made the 2013-2014 achievements possible.

Wayne Deer General Manager

Typical New England grazing property.

4. INTRODUCTION – ANNUAL REPORTING ON PROGRESS

Annual reporting to the community is an important part of transparent and accountable local government. Council is required under the legislation to prepare an Annual Report as one of the key points of accountability between Council, its member Councils and the community. The Annual Report focuses on Council’s implementation of the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. The report also includes information that is prescribed by the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, including provisions relating to the content of Council’s annual statement of revenue policy. The Business Activity Strategic Plan must be reviewed every four years. From 2012, each newly elected Council must complete the review by 30 June in the year following the local government elections and roll the planning period forward by at least 4 years so that it is always a 10 year minimum plan. A report on the progress on implementation of the Business Activity Strategic Plan must be presented at the final meeting of an outgoing Council, relating to the effectiveness of the Plan in achieving its environmental, economic, social and civic leadership/governance objectives over the past four years.

Walcha township

5. NEW ENGLAND WEEDS AUTHORITY REGION – PROFILE The New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council (trading as the New England Weeds Authority) area comprises the constituent member local government areas of Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra Shire, Uralla Shire and Walcha Council which forms part of the Great Dividing Range and New England Plateau.

The following Map 1 indicates the County Council’s member councils and adjoining council areas.

Map 1: NSW Local Government regions and Member Councils of the New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council

a. Area

The New England Tablelands (Noxious Weeds) County Council area covers some 18,255 km� (Armidale Dumaresq 4,235km², Uralla 3,215 km², Walcha 6,410 km² and Guyra 4,395 km²) stretching from Ben Lomond in Guyra Shire in the north to Nowendoc in the Walcha Council in the south, west to Bundara in Uralla Shire and east to Ebor in the Armidale Dumaresq Council area.

b. Climate

Climatic conditions in the region range from sub humid temperate to cool temperate climates with snow falling on some occasions. Elevation ranges from just below 1,000m to just over 1,300m above sea level, with pleasant warm summers, extended spring and autumn seasons and a long cold winter period. Rainfall in the region ranges from 700mm to 1,200mm annually with approximately 60% falling in the summer and 40% falling in the winter.

c. Population breakdown

The total population for the County Council’s area is 39,1951 which is broken down into member Council areas of Armidale Dumaresq 25,270, Guyra 4,543, Uralla 6,260 and Walcha 3,122.

Armidale city

1 2011 Census

d. Landuse patterns

The following chart summarises the landuse patterns according to the Australian Natural Resources Atlas for the County Council region. The majority is devoted to livestock grazing (53.6%) and dryland agriculture (18%), reinforcing the significance of the regions economy being based on agricultural pursuits and highlighting the importance to the area of weed management and control. Only a small portion of this land area (0.1%) is devoted to urban and residential use.

Guyra township

nature conservation (1.1%)

other protected areas including indigenous use (0.1%)

minimal use (17.9%) *

livestock grazing (53.6%)

Chart 1: Land use patterns in the New England Weeds Authority area.

*Minimal use: encompasses reserved crown land (stock routes, defence reserves and mine reserves) and vacant and institutional crown land. Also includes private land with open or closed native forest with unknown use (most likely remnant native cover).

6. COUNCIL’S VISION, MISSION AND VALUES

a. Council’s Vision

To protect the natural environment, agricultural activities, the economy and community from the impacts of noxious and invasive weeds within the New England and Northern Tablelands region of NSW.

b. Council’s Mission

To be recognised as a leader in the weed management and control industry by our member Councils and the community.

c. Council’s Corporate Values

Our Business & Partnerships – managing all aspects of our business in a transparent and sustainable manner while providing best value for money to our member Councils, the community and partners. Our Community – providing a weed management and control service in a way that is accountable to the community/stakeholders and supports our constituent Councils’ regional community plans in natural resource management. Our Employees – developing staff committed to quality, professional team work and safety, while striving for continuous improvement and accepting personal responsibility. Our Customers – meeting the needs and expectations of our customers. Our Relationships – being open, supportive and constructive in all our relationships. Our Environment – conserving resources, protecting and enhancing our agricultural and natural environment.

A regional rapid response to Tropical Soda control work in the Macleay, 2014

7. COUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITIES

As an organisation the County Council is constituted under the Local Government Act 1993 and is specified as a local control authority under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993. It is a single purpose authority formed to administer and control declared noxious and invasive weeds, and has been operating since 1947. The County Council is fundamentally responsible for weed control of gazetted or declared noxious weeds including:

Ensuring landholders/occupiers of private land fulfil their obligations under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993.

inspection of land within their area in connection with noxious and invasive weeds;

enforcing the control of noxious weeds as per the control class;

weed management on land occupied by the council and on roads in their area;

publicity about weeds declared in the area;

proposing changes to noxious weed declarations;

developing, implementing and co-ordinating local strategies and policies;

providing on-going approved training and professional development for weed staff and

providing adequate resources to implement noxious and invasive weed programs.

Uralla township

In addition, the County Council is the lead agency on behalf of the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (NIWAC) for the implementation of the NSW Weeds Action Program funded by the State Government through the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). This region covers the 10 member local government areas of the NIWAC region (Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, NEWA [Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra Shire, Uralla Shire and Walcha Council], Tamworth Regional, and Tenterfield), comprising some 100,000 km� of the New England and North West region of NSW, as detailed in the NIWAC Weed Action Business Plan 2010 -2015, these duties have been extended within the region to build a capacity to:

identify and manage high risk weed species and entry pathways;

develop and implement early weed detection capabilities;

assist in the timely detection of new weed incursions;

affect a quick response to eradicate or contain new weeds;

identify and prioritise weed management programs to where benefits are greatest;

provide effective and targeted on-ground weed control;

increase community acceptance of, and involvement in effective weed management;

integrate weed management into education programs;

improve the knowledge base for weed management Officers by providing current educational material and opportunities and by setting a public example;

monitor progress of the NSW Invasive Species Plan’s implementation and

encourage the use of cost-sharing arrangements.

Central to meeting the abovementioned duties and responsibilities is the implementation of a consistent, co-ordinated and co-operative approach to regional weed inspection and control programs.

Northern New England Grazing Property

8. MEMBERS OF COUNCIL 2013-2014

The New England community is represented by five Councillors from the constituent Councils of Armidale Dumaresq (2 members), Guyra Shire (1 member), Uralla Shire (1 member) and Walcha Council (1 member), under the leadership of an annually elected Chairperson. The Councillors have provided strong leadership in the development of the County Council’s Business Activity Strategic Plan 2013 - 2023 as part of their commitment towards achieving the strategic objectives contained within the Plan.

ARMIDALE DUMARESQ COUNCIL: Councillor Herman Beyersdorf Councillor Andrew Murat GUYRA SHIRE COUNCIL: Councillor Dean Heagney URALLA SHIRE COUNCIL: Councillor Mark Dusting

WALCHA COUNCIL: Councillor Maria Woods

Authority Chair: Councillor Maria Woods Deputy Chair: Councillor Mark Dusting

Councillors of the New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council 2013-2014 From left: Clr Dean Heagney, Clr Andrew Murat, Clr Herman Beyersdorf, Clr Mark Dusting, Clr Maria Woods (seated).

a. Facilities provided to Councillors

The following fees and expenses with regard to the Chairperson and Councillors were paid during 2013-2014:

Fees and Expenses Amount

Chairpersons Allowance $5,384.00

Councillor Fees $11,865.68

Miscellaneous expenses (conferences, accommodation & catering)

$3,728.39

Interstate and Overseas Travel 0

Total $20,978.07

All costs associated with attendance at conferences and seminars are in accordance with Council’s adopted Payment of Expenses Policy.

No vehicle, equipment or communication expenses were incurred by the Chairperson or Councillors during the reporting period.

b. Councillor attendance at Council Meetings 2013-2014

Councillor Ordinary Meetings

(5 held)

Clr Maria Woods 5/5

Clr Mark Dusting 4/5

Clr Herman Beyersdorf 4/5

Clr Dean Heagney 4/5

Clr Andrew Murat 5/5

9. OUR ORGANISATION

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Chart 2: Organisational Structure

New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council trades as the New England Weeds Authority (NEWA). The General Manager, whose position is part-time, is the most senior employee of Council. The General Manager is selected and appointed by Councillors on a renewable fixed-term performance based contract for a maximum of three years.

The following chart shows the organisational structure.

Walcha Council (1 Councillor)

Uralla Shire Council (1 Councillor)

Armidale Dumaresq Council (2 Councillors)

Guyra Shire Council (1 Councillor)

New England Tablelands (Noxious Plants) County Council Trading as New England Weeds Authority

Council Chairperson

Council Committees

General Manager

Senior Weeds Officer

Weeds Officer/ Admin

Armidale District

Weeds Officer Uralla District

Weeds Officer Walcha District

Weeds Officer Guyra District

Control Supervisor

Casual Spray Seasonal Staff

10. THE BUSINESS ACTIVITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2013 – 2023 OVERVIEW

The Business Activity Strategic Plan (the Plan) identifies Council’s and the communities main priorities and aspirations for the future, addressing strategies for achieving the objectives in relation to noxious and invasive weeds management and control across our constituent member Council areas, so as to improve agricultural sustainability, primary industry productivity and to deliver broad environmental outcomes for the New England region for the next ten years. The Plan is the foundation for the Annual Operational Plan, Four Year Delivery Program and Resourcing Strategy comprising the Ten Year Financial Plan, Workforce Strategy and the Asset Management Plan. In meeting the outcomes of our Plan, Council has a long term focus that addresses issues about environmental, economic, social and civic leadership objectives as well as reflecting the community engagement processes that have been undertaken by our constituent Councils. Early on in their processes, formal approaches were made to each Council to be involved in their respective community engagement activities and appropriate input to the environment sections in the development of their Community Strategic Plans. This partnering in the community engagement process has been most helpful in developing Council’s Strategic Business Plan. Council, as a small single purpose organisation has been mindful of its resource capacity and has acted prudently to deliver the outcomes identified in the first year of its plan. Annual reporting to the community is an important part of transparent and accountable Local Government. Council is required under the legislation to prepare an Annual Report as one of the key points of accountability between Council, its member Councils and the community. Council undertook a review of its Business Activity Strategic Plan after the Council elections held in September 2012 and the revised Plan was finalised and adopted by Council on 26 June 2013.

New England Weeds Authority 10 Year Business Activity Strategic Plan 2013 - 2023

11. THE DELIVERY PLAN REPORT 2013-2014 The dynamic nature of noxious and invasive weed species means that Council’s approach to weed management and control is constantly evolving. Through its strategic objectives and principal activities, Council will continue to improve the services it provides to the community in a range of ways including effective governance, strategic planning, environmental management and economic sustainability. Council’s approach to weed management and control also reflects the objectives of the NSW Invasive Species Plan 2008 – 2015 and NSW Weed Action Program. As a result, the Business Activity Strategic Plan provides the following direction as to how our resources will be employed to achieve the following four strategic objectives:

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE S.O.1 PREVENTING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW WEED SPECIES IN OUR REGION - EXCLUDE

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE S.O.2 ELIMINATE OR PREVENT THE SPREAD OF EXISTING AND NEW WEED SPECIES IN OUR REGION – ERADICATE OR CONTAIN

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE S.O.3 REDUCE THE IMPACTS OF WIDESPREAD INVASIVE WEED SPECIES – EFFECTIVELY MANAGE

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE S.O.4 ENSURE COMMUNITY, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT STAKEHOLDERS HAVE THE ABILITY AND LONG-TERM COMMITMENT TO MANAGE INVASIVE SPECIES – BUILD CAPACITY To achieve these strategic objectives our actions are centered on the following strategies:

identification and management of high-risk weed species and the pathways they utilize within our region; formulation of weed detection systems to improve our capacity to find new weeds early; ensuring we have the resources and procedures in place to undertake strategic weed control measures and rapid response against new weed incursions; continual analysis of our weed management programs to ensure we are directing resources to where benefits will be the greatest and increasing the community commitment and involvement in proactive weed management and control approaches.

Our approach to weed management and control has strong linkages with the Australian Weeds Strategy, the NSW Biodiversity Strategy, NSW Invasive Species Strategy and the NSW Weeds Action Program. At a regional level our Business Activity Strategic Plan is interconnected with the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee Weed Action Business Plan 2010 – 2015 and regional Management Plans developed for specific weeds. Our regional Weed Action Program has established a co-ordinated approach with the Local Government areas of the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (Glen Innes Severn, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Liverpool Plains, Moree Plains, Narrabri, NEWA [Armidale Dumaresq, Guyra Shire, Uralla Shire and Walcha Council], Tamworth Regional, and Tenterfield).

Our Council acts as the lead agency for NIWAC in the implementation of the NSW Weed Action Program. Successful weed management relies on co-ordinated effort, strong partnerships and pro-active approaches. Our Council is working in unison with other organisations to ensure our limited resources are utilized more efficiently and effectively. Leading this approach are our staff who are committed towards achieving success in a wide range of integrated weed management and control programs.

Chart 3: Weed Invasion Curve2 The diagram above shows the application of these goals to a stylised weed invasive curve, demonstrating that return for investment is highest in the early stages of weed invasion when management is focussed on prevention and eradication. For example, there is an estimated return on investment of $100 for every $1 spent in the prevention stage of management.

2 NSW DPI

Helicopter aerial spraying

Serrated Tussock St Johns Wort

Nodding Thistle Blackberry

Chilean Needle Grass Tropical Soda Apple

Salvinia Bridal Creeper Some of the noxious weeds in the NEWA region

12. PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES The Business Activity Strategic Plan principal activities provide a framework for the co-ordinated and co-operative management and control of noxious and invasive weeds across our County Council area for the ten year period of the Plan 2013 – 2023. The Strategic Objectives are translated into actions through the principal activities to be undertaken by the Council to implement the strategies established by the Plan within the resources available under the Resourcing Strategy. A summary of principle activities undertaken by Council and the objective/s under each are detailed as follows.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY - P.A.1. CIVIC LEADERSHIP/GOVERNANCE / ADMINISTRATION / FINANCE / RISK MANAGEMENT

Civic Leadership/Governance To provide effective, relevant civic leadership and local governance through community consultation, availability of information to the public and Council, public assess to Councillors and liaison with member Councils and relevant government agencies. Administration To implement financial and administrative policies and procedures to allow the management of all Council activities in a manner that ensures the economic sustainability of the Council and protects Council and community assets. Finance To provide the framework for Council to undertake its activities in a financially responsible and economically sustainable manner that protects Council and community assets. Risk Management To minimise Council’s exposure to risk and provide a safe working environment for staff, contractors and for county landholders.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY- P.A.2 ENVIRONMENT - NOXIOUS WEED MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL

Noxious Weed Management and Control To act in a regulatory and advisory role to stakeholders and landholders to improve the agricultural and natural environment through a reduction in noxious and invasive weeds species.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY- P.A 3 ECONOMIC AFFAIRS – PRIVATE WORKS AND OTHER BUSINESS UNDERTAKINGS

Private Works To provide a contract spraying and inspectorial service to generate revenue and to assist landholders and government agencies to control noxious and invasive weeds. Other Business Undertakings To promote the interests of County Council stakeholders through active interaction and participation with other authorities (such as Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee, Local Government NSW and Local Land Services) through advocacy and political pursuits.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITY- P. A 4 NSW WEEDS ACTION PROGRAM – NIWAC To act as the lead agency for the implementation of the NSW Weeds Action Program for the member Councils of the Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee (including NEWA) region.

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rs a

chie

ved.

A

ttend

ance

at f

ield

days

, agr

icultu

ral s

how

s, La

ndca

re a

nd re

gion

al ev

ents

exc

eede

d ta

rget

s. Co

uncil

offi

ce in

Arm

idale

man

ned

durin

g bu

sines

s hou

rs.

Med

ia re

lease

targ

ets e

xcee

ded.

St

aff d

irect

ly in

volv

ed in

impl

emen

ting

regi

onal

Loca

l Lan

d Se

rvice

s pr

ojec

ts w

ith c

omm

unity

.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Ad

min

istr

atio

n)

To

wor

k w

ith

ele

cted

mem

ber

s an

d s

taff

to

ensu

re t

he

dev

elop

men

t an

d e

ffec

tive

imp

lem

enta

tion

of

Cou

nci

l’s B

usi

nes

s A

ctiv

ity

Stra

tegi

c P

lan

, pol

icie

s an

d

dec

isio

n m

akin

g.

St

rate

gic

Tas

ks:

To p

rovi

de w

ell in

form

ed C

ounc

illor

s, Co

uncil

staf

f and

com

mun

ity in

relat

ion

to C

ounc

il’s b

usin

ess a

ctiv

ities

, pol

icie

s and

stra

tegi

c di

rect

ions

. Su

mm

ary

of M

easu

rab

le O

utc

omes

ach

ieve

d 2

013

- 20

14

Revi

ew o

f Cou

ncil’

s pol

icie

s und

erta

ken

as id

entif

ied

by re

view

pro

cess

with

new

pol

icies

ado

pted

by

Coun

cil.

Ann

ual O

pera

tiona

l Plan

, Fou

r Yea

r Deli

very

Pro

gram

and

Lon

g Te

rm R

esou

rcin

g St

rate

gy re

view

ed a

nd u

pdat

ed.

Busin

ess A

ctiv

ity S

trate

gic

Plan

201

3 -2

023

adop

ted.

Pu

blic

not

ifica

tion

of re

leva

nt p

olic

ies.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Ad

min

istr

atio

n)

To

mai

nta

in a

sta

ble

, sec

ure

ad

min

istr

ativ

e st

ruct

ure

wit

h s

up

por

tin

g in

tern

al c

ontr

ols,

rep

orti

ng

syst

ems,

tra

inin

g p

lan

s, r

ecor

d k

eep

ing

and

doc

um

enta

tion

to

en

sure

th

at h

um

an a

nd

ph

ysic

al r

esou

rces

nee

ded

to

del

iver

Cou

nci

l’s s

ervi

ces

are

avai

lab

le a

nd

acc

oun

tab

le.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: To

pro

vide

ong

oing

train

ing

for C

ounc

il st

aff t

o ra

ise th

e st

anda

rd o

f ser

vice

pro

vide

d to

the

com

mun

ity a

nd to

enh

ance

their

wor

king

exp

erie

nce.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

Co

rpor

ate

Train

ing

Plan

revi

ewed

, upd

ated

and

impl

emen

ted.

M

onth

ly st

aff m

eetin

gs h

eld.

Wor

k H

ealth

and

Saf

ety

Proc

edur

es a

nd sy

stem

s rev

iew

ed a

nd u

pdat

ed.

Wor

k H

ealth

and

Saf

ety

Man

agem

ent P

olic

y an

d ha

ndbo

ok re

view

ed a

nd u

pdat

ed.

Coun

cil’s

Wor

kfor

ce st

rate

gy re

view

ed a

nd u

pdat

ed.

Risk

Man

agem

ent A

ctio

n Pl

an o

b jec

tives

ach

ieved

.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

es:

(Fin

ance

) T

o en

sure

fin

ance

, acc

oun

tin

g an

d a

dm

inis

trat

ion

req

uir

emen

ts a

re p

erfo

rmed

in a

pro

fess

ion

al a

nd

tim

ely

man

ner

. T

o en

sure

th

e p

rovi

sion

of

fin

ance

s to

th

e C

oun

cil a

re r

ecei

ved

fro

m r

elev

ant

sou

rces

.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: A

ccou

ntin

g pr

actic

es c

arrie

d ou

t to

mee

t sta

tuto

ry re

quire

men

ts a

nd re

levan

t acc

ount

ing

stan

dard

s.

Ong

oing

fina

ncial

supp

ort i

s pro

vide

d fr

om m

embe

r Cou

ncils

and

oth

er a

ppro

priat

e ag

encie

s. Su

mm

ary

of M

easu

rab

le O

utc

omes

ach

ieve

d 2

013

- 20

14

Stat

utor

y Fi

nanc

ial P

lans a

nd re

turn

s com

plet

ed a

nd lo

dged

by

due

date

in a

ccor

danc

e w

ith a

ccep

ted

acco

untin

g st

anda

rds.

Cons

titue

nt m

embe

r Cou

ncils

pro

vide

d w

ith A

nnua

l Rep

ort a

nd F

inan

cial S

tate

men

ts.

Ann

ual g

rant

fund

ing

secu

red

from

NSW

Dep

artm

ent o

f Prim

ary

Indu

strie

s und

er th

e N

SW W

eeds

Act

ion

Prog

ram

. A

nnua

l Fin

ancia

l Sta

tem

ent a

nd A

cqui

ttal d

ocum

ents

pro

vide

d to

DPI

with

in se

t tim

e fr

ame.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

es:

(Ris

k M

anag

emen

t)

To

min

imis

e th

e ri

sk a

ssoc

iate

d w

ith

all

fun

ctio

ns

of C

oun

cil.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: M

anag

emen

t of C

ounc

il's ri

sks i

n or

der t

o co

ntro

l, m

inim

ise o

r elim

inat

e all

form

s of p

oten

tial l

oss.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

Ent

erpr

ise R

isk M

anag

emen

t Pol

icy a

nd S

trate

gy re

affir

med

by

Coun

cil a

nd E

nter

prise

Risk

Man

agem

ent M

atrix

revi

ewed

and

upd

ated

for o

rgan

isatio

n.

Coun

cil’s

Inve

stm

ent a

nd L

ong

Term

Fin

anci

al St

rate

gies

revi

ewed

and

upd

ated

.

DE

LIVE

RY P

ROGR

AM 2

013

– 20

17

Pr

inci

pal A

ctiv

ity- P

.A.2

Env

ironm

ent -

Nox

ious

Wee

d M

anag

emen

t and

Con

trol

F

un

ctio

nal

Ob

ject

ive:

(N

oxio

us

Wee

d M

anag

emen

t &

Con

trol

)

To

insp

ect

pri

vate

pro

per

ties

for

nox

iou

s an

d in

vasi

ve w

eed

s an

d s

up

por

t p

rop

erty

ow

ner

s an

d m

anag

ers

to e

nco

ura

ge t

hem

to

wor

k w

ith

Cou

nci

l to

iden

tify

an

d c

ontr

ol n

oxio

us

wee

ds.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: To

impr

ove

natu

ral r

esou

rce

man

agem

ent w

ithin

the

regi

on re

latin

g to

nox

ious

and

inva

sive

wee

ds a

nd m

ainta

in th

e vi

abili

ty o

f agr

icultu

ral a

nd h

igh

cons

erva

tion

valu

e lan

d.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

Ann

ual I

nspe

ctio

n an

d w

eed

cont

rol p

rogr

am h

ampe

red

by se

vere

dro

ught

con

ditio

ns th

roug

hout

the

regi

on re

sulti

ng in

pro

perty

insp

ectio

n ta

rget

s not

bein

g ac

hiev

ed.

As p

art o

f the

Aut

horit

y’s th

ree

year

rolli

ng in

spec

tion

prog

ram

insp

ectio

ns o

f hig

h ris

k sit

es, h

igh

risk

path

way

s and

hig

h ris

k in

spec

tions

wer

e ca

rried

out

ove

r one

th

ird o

f the

Aut

horit

y’s a

rea.

As a

resu

lt no

new

wee

d in

curs

ions

wer

e fo

und,

how

ever

, ne

w in

fest

atio

ns o

f hig

h ris

k sp

ecie

s alre

ady

pres

ent w

ithin

the

Aut

horit

y’s

area

wer

e th

e su

bjec

t of

ongo

ing

cont

rol p

rogr

ams (

eg T

ropi

cal S

oda

App

le in

the

Mac

leay

Vall

ey).

Chair

man

’s A

nnua

l tou

r con

duct

ed.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Nox

iou

s W

eed

Man

agem

ent

& C

ontr

ol)

To

ensu

re t

hat

pro

per

ty o

wn

ers

app

reci

ate

the

imp

orta

nce

of

wee

d c

ontr

ol a

nd

rei

nfo

rce

Cou

nci

l’s r

esol

ve t

o ac

hie

ve p

rop

erty

ow

ner

su

pp

ort

for

wee

d c

ontr

ol.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: Th

roug

h co

mpl

iance

with

the

prov

ision

s of t

he N

oxio

us W

eeds

Act

199

3 be

pro

activ

e in

redu

cing

the

thre

at o

f nox

ious

wee

ds to

agr

icul

tura

l lan

d an

d hi

gh c

onse

rvat

ion

area

s. Su

mm

ary

of M

easu

rab

le O

utc

omes

ach

ieve

d 2

013

- 20

14

Coun

cil a

gain

ado

pted

a p

olic

y of

eng

agem

ent,

educ

atio

n an

d co

-ope

ratio

n w

ith la

ndho

lder

s and

land

man

ager

s to

have

wor

k ca

rried

out

on

their

land

to

man

age

wee

ds, t

his h

as re

sulte

d in

ther

e be

ing

no re

quire

men

t to

issue

Not

ices

, on

the

spot

fine

s or i

nstig

ate

legal

proc

eedi

ng.

Ther

e w

ere

8 Co

ntro

l rep

orts

issu

ed d

urin

g th

e re

porti

ng p

erio

d an

d 37

Sec

tion

64 C

ertif

icat

es w

ere

issue

d.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Nox

iou

s W

eed

Man

agem

ent

& C

ontr

ol)

To

use

eff

icie

nt

reco

rd k

eep

ing

and

rep

orti

ng

tech

niq

ues

th

at s

up

por

t C

oun

cil’s

wee

d in

spec

tion

an

d c

ontr

ol o

per

atio

ns

and

fu

lfill

Cou

nci

l’s g

ran

t p

erfo

rman

ce-t

arge

t ob

ligat

ion

s.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: To

max

imise

the

use

of c

urre

nt a

nd n

ew so

ftwar

e an

d IT

har

dwar

e to

reco

rd a

nd m

ap w

eed

insp

ectio

ns.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

Coun

cil c

ontin

ued

to ta

ke a

dvan

tage

of t

he e

xist

ing

Wee

d tra

cer s

oftw

are

to re

cord

elec

troni

cally

wee

d m

anag

emen

t, in

spec

tions

and

con

trol d

ata.

U

pgra

de o

f Wee

d tra

cer s

oftw

are

was

car

ried

out d

urin

g th

e ye

ar.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Nox

iou

s W

eed

Man

agem

ent

& C

ontr

ol)

To

rais

e th

e sk

ill &

kn

owle

dge

bas

e of

lan

d o

wn

ers

so t

hat

th

ey u

nd

erst

and

th

e im

por

tan

ce o

f w

eed

con

trol

an

d a

re m

ore

com

pet

ent

in t

he

iden

tifi

cati

on a

nd

co

ntr

ol o

f n

oxio

us

wee

ds.

To

fin

d e

ffec

tive

way

s to

man

age

and

con

trol

nox

iou

s w

eed

s.

To

inve

stig

ate

and

dev

elop

bet

ter

way

s to

man

age

and

con

trol

nox

iou

s w

eed

s.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: To

incr

ease

land

owne

r kno

wle

dge

and

awar

enes

s of n

oxio

us w

eed

issue

s in

the

regi

on th

roug

h ex

tens

ion

base

d ac

tiviti

es.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

NE

WA

staf

f car

ried

out l

andh

olde

r cap

acity

bui

ldin

g an

d ex

tens

ion

activ

ities

at:

4 ag

ricul

tura

l sho

ws i

n th

e ar

ea;

5 fie

ld d

ays;

1

Land

care

eve

nt;

2 sc

hool

visi

ts;

Pres

enta

tions

to U

nive

rsity

of N

ew E

nglan

d a

nd T

AFE

stud

ents

; A

gqui

p.

Th

ere

wer

e 34

0 co

ntac

ts m

ade

with

Lan

dhol

ders

to g

ive

advi

ce a

nd in

form

atio

n in

relat

ion

to w

eed

man

agem

ent a

nd c

ontro

l mat

ters

. F

un

ctio

nal

Ob

ject

ive:

(N

oxio

us

Wee

d M

anag

emen

t &

Con

trol

) T

o d

evel

op p

lan

s, p

olic

ies,

pro

ced

ure

s an

d g

uid

elin

es f

or n

oxio

us

wee

d m

anag

emen

t an

d c

ontr

ol t

hat

are

in k

eep

ing

wit

h in

du

stry

bes

t p

ract

ice,

mee

t St

ate

Gov

ern

men

t re

qu

irem

ents

an

d p

rovi

de

staf

f w

ith

a s

tan

dar

d a

nd

con

sist

ent

pro

cess

for

wee

d m

anag

emen

t.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: To

iden

tify

area

s of C

ounc

il’s o

pera

tion

and

proc

esse

s tha

t nee

d to

be

revi

ewed

or w

here

doc

umen

tatio

n ne

eds t

o be

writ

ten.

Su

mm

ary

of M

easu

rab

le O

utc

omes

ach

ieve

d 2

013

- 20

14

A re

view

of C

ounc

il’s w

eed

man

agem

ent p

lans,

polic

ies a

nd p

roce

dure

s man

ual w

as u

nder

take

n, w

ith u

pdat

ing

of sa

fety

dat

a sh

eets,

eng

agem

ent o

f con

tract

ors

and

safe

wor

kplac

e m

etho

d st

atem

ents

.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Nox

iou

s W

eed

Man

agem

ent

& C

ontr

ol)

To

trea

t w

eed

s on

Cou

nci

l con

trol

led

or

man

aged

lan

d in

a p

rogr

amm

ed m

ann

er.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: To

impr

ove

the

natu

ral e

nviro

nmen

t and

agr

icul

tura

l viab

ility

of l

and

thro

ugh

a re

duct

ion

in n

oxio

us w

eeds

. Su

mm

ary

of M

easu

rab

le O

utc

omes

ach

ieve

d 2

013

- 20

14

The

follo

win

g ac

tiviti

es w

ere

carr

ied o

ut w

ithin

the

Aut

horit

y’s a

rea:

The

insp

ectio

n of

65

Hig

h Ri

sk S

ites;

346

Hig

h Ri

sk In

spec

tions

com

plet

ed c

over

ing

145,

278

hect

ares

; 49

0 Pr

ivat

e Pr

oper

ty In

spec

tions

com

plet

ed c

over

ing

207,

333

hect

ares

; 2,

540

kms o

f Hig

h Ri

sk R

oads

ide

insp

ectio

ns c

ompl

eted

cov

erin

g 12

,700

hec

tare

s; 12

Hig

h Ri

sk W

ater

way

insp

ectio

ns c

ompl

eted

cov

erin

g 2,

940

hect

ares

; 3,

953

kms o

f Roa

dsid

e in

spec

tions

com

plet

ed c

over

ing

19,7

65 h

ecta

res a

nd

32 in

spec

tions

of N

atio

nal P

arks

, Rail

way

s, Tr

avell

ing

Stoc

k Ro

utes

, Rec

reat

iona

l are

as w

ere

carr

ied o

ut c

over

ing

6,58

2 he

ctar

es.

The

Aut

horit

y’s re

gion

al in

spec

tion

prog

ram

fully

supp

orte

d th

e N

SW W

eeds

Act

ion

Prog

ram

to e

radi

cate

or c

onta

in h

igh

risk

spec

ies w

ithin

the

Aut

horit

y’s

area

. Th

e fo

llow

ing

high

light

s the

ong

oing

wee

d co

ntro

l act

iviti

es c

arrie

d ou

t with

in th

e A

utho

rity’s

are

a du

ring

the

perio

d:

All

know

n N

oddi

ng T

hist

le sit

es tr

eate

d in

Nov

embe

r; A

ll kn

own

Chile

an N

eedl

e G

rass

road

way

s tre

ated

in N

ovem

ber;

All

know

n St

John

s Wor

t roa

dway

s tre

ated

in N

ovem

ber/

Dec

embe

r; 4,

000

kms o

f roa

dway

s tre

ated

for B

lackb

errie

s; Th

e M

aclea

y V

alley

, Tro

pica

l Sod

a A

pple

road

way

s tre

ated

eve

ry tw

o m

onth

s; A

ll kn

own

Gian

t Par

ram

atta

Gra

ss si

tes t

reat

ed a

nd

Cool

atai

and

Afr

ican

Love

gras

s con

trol p

rogr

ams c

arrie

d ou

t on

road

way

s whe

re th

ese

spec

ies a

re n

ot w

idely

est

ablis

hed.

Th

e se

vere

dro

ught

con

ditio

ns d

urin

g th

e re

porti

ng p

erio

d ha

d a

signi

fican

t in

fluen

ce su

ppre

ssin

g de

nsity

and

ger

min

atio

ns.

DE

LIVE

RY P

ROGR

AM 2

013

- 201

7

Prin

cipa

l Act

ivity

- P

.A 3

Eco

nom

ic A

ffairs

– P

rivat

e W

orks

and

Oth

er B

usin

ess U

nder

taki

ngs

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

es:

(Pri

vate

Wor

ks)

To

gen

erat

e ad

dit

ion

al r

even

ue.

T

o m

axim

ise

the

use

of

Cou

nci

l’s r

esou

rces

whe

n n

ot r

equ

ired

for

cor

e b

usi

nes

s ac

tivi

ty.

To

pro

vid

e ow

ner

s of

sm

all h

old

ings

wit

h a

n a

ffor

dab

le o

pti

on f

or n

oxio

us

wee

d c

ontr

ol.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

:

To c

arry

out

con

trol w

orks

that

redu

ces n

oxio

us a

nd in

vasiv

e w

eeds

on

priv

ate

prop

erty

. To

inve

stig

ate

and

deve

lop

way

s to

incr

ease

the

reve

nue

of C

ounc

il fr

om so

urce

s oth

er th

an th

e an

nual

Stat

e G

over

nmen

t Gra

nts.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

Dur

ing

2013

– 2

014

the

Aut

horit

y w

as su

cces

sful

in fu

ndin

g ap

plica

tions

to th

e N

orth

ern

Tabl

elan

ds L

ocal

Land

Ser

vice

s am

ount

ing

to a

tota

l of $

150,

000

(refe

r O

ther

Pro

ject

s pag

e 29

for a

det

ailed

bre

akdo

wn)

. Pr

ivat

e w

orks

wer

e ca

rried

out

on

beha

lf of

Con

stitu

ent m

embe

r Cou

ncils

, Nat

iona

l Par

ks a

nd W

ildlif

e Se

rvice

and

small

er p

rope

rty o

wne

rs w

ho a

re n

ot o

ther

wise

eq

uipp

ed to

car

ry o

ut th

e sp

ray

cont

rol p

rogr

ams.

The

tota

l of p

rivat

e w

orks

for 2

013

– 20

14 p

erio

d am

ount

ed to

$40

6,31

6, w

hich

exc

eed

budg

et e

xpec

tatio

ns.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

e: (

Oth

er B

usi

nes

s A

ctiv

itie

s)

To

faci

litat

e in

ter-

gove

rnm

enta

l rel

atio

ns

to e

nsu

re m

axim

um

coo

per

atio

n b

etw

een

th

e C

oun

ty C

oun

cil,

Fed

eral

, Sta

te a

nd

Loc

al G

over

nm

ents

an

d t

hei

r ag

enci

es.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: Pr

omot

e an

d de

velo

p re

latio

nshi

ps w

ith c

onst

ituen

t Cou

ncils

, Fed

eral,

Sta

te a

nd o

ther

age

ncie

s and

com

ply

with

stat

utor

y re

quire

men

ts.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

Co

nstit

uent

mem

ber C

ounc

illor

s pro

vide

d w

ith C

ounc

il Bu

sines

s Pap

ers,

Age

ndas

and

Min

utes

. G

ener

al M

anag

er’s

of e

ach

cons

titue

nt C

ounc

il pr

ovid

ed w

ith m

inut

es o

f Cou

ncil

mee

tings

. Co

nstit

uent

Cou

ncils

pro

vide

d w

ith B

usin

ess A

ctiv

ity S

trate

gic

Plan

201

3 –

2023

. Co

nstit

uent

Cou

ncils

pro

vide

d w

ith d

raft

Ann

ual O

pera

tiona

l Plan

for c

omm

ent.

Cons

titue

nt C

ounc

ils p

rovi

ded

with

Ann

ual R

epor

t. A

pplic

atio

ns to

Loc

al La

nd S

ervi

ces A

utho

rities

for n

atur

al re

sour

ce m

anag

emen

t pro

ject

s. Le

tters

to S

tate

and

Fed

eral

Mem

bers

on

wee

d m

anag

emen

t and

con

trol i

ssue

s. Le

tters

to S

tate

Mem

ber a

nd N

SW G

over

nmen

t com

men

ting

on W

eed

Man

agem

ent i

n N

SW a

nd L

ocal

Gov

ernm

ent r

evie

ws.

Inpu

t to

Cons

titue

nt m

embe

r Cou

ncils

Sta

te o

f Env

ironm

ent r

epor

ts.

Parti

cipat

ed in

join

t sta

ff tra

inin

g ac

tiviti

es w

ith C

onst

ituen

t Cou

ncils

whe

re a

ppro

priat

e.

D

ELIV

ERY

PRO

GRAM

201

3 - 2

017

P

rinci

pal A

ctiv

ity-

P. A

4 N

SW W

eeds

Act

ion

Prog

ram

– N

IWAC

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

es: (

NSW

WA

P)

To

wor

k w

ith

inte

r an

d in

tra

regi

onal

org

anis

atio

ns

that

are

invo

lved

in w

eed

man

agem

ent

and

con

trol

to

min

imis

e th

e im

pac

t of

nox

iou

s an

d in

vasi

ve w

eed

s w

ith

in t

he

regi

on.

Stra

tegi

c T

asks

: Im

plem

ent t

he N

IWA

C W

eeds

Act

ion

Busin

ess P

lan 2

010

– 20

15 a

s it r

elate

s to

Coun

cil’s

resp

onsib

ility

.

Sum

mar

y of

Mea

sura

ble

Ou

tcom

es a

chie

ved

201

3 -

2014

A

ll fu

nctio

nal a

ctiv

ities

, sup

port

and

ausp

icin

g of

the

NIW

AC

Wee

ds A

ctio

n Pr

ogra

m a

nd P

roje

ct O

ffice

r wer

e co

mpl

eted

in a

ccor

danc

e w

ith th

e ou

tcom

es se

t fo

r 201

3 –

2014

. Re

port

to th

e N

SW D

PI o

n N

IWA

C W

AP

activ

ities

com

plet

ed o

n tim

e.

Fu

nct

ion

al O

bje

ctiv

es:

(NSW

WA

P)

To

act

as L

ead

Age

ncy

in t

he

imp

lem

enta

tion

of

the

NSW

Wee

ds

Act

ion

Pro

gram

for

mem

ber

cou

nci

ls f

or t

he

NIW

AC

reg

ion

St

rate

gic

Tas

ks:

Ove

rsee

the

oper

atio

n an

d im

plem

enta

tion

of th

e N

SW W

eeds

Act

ion

Prog

ram

in th

e N

IWA

C re

gion

.

As p

art o

f the

NIW

AC

Wee

ds A

ctio

n Pr

ogra

m a

ll hi

gh ri

sk w

eeds

spec

ies a

nd h

igh

risk

path

way

s hav

e be

en d

ocum

ente

d an

d in

spec

ted

with

in th

e N

ew E

nglan

d W

eeds

Aut

horit

y ar

ea.

The

follo

win

g ac

tiviti

es w

ere

carr

ied o

ut w

ithin

the

NIW

AC

regi

on:

The

insp

ectio

n of

556

Hig

h Ri

sk S

ites o

ver 2

,442

hec

tare

s 2,

358

Hig

h Ri

sk P

rivat

e Pr

oper

ty In

spec

tions

com

plet

ed c

over

ing

1,46

9,75

1hec

tare

s 2,

774

Priv

ate

Prop

erty

Insp

ectio

ns c

ompl

eted

cov

erin

g 64

0,12

0 he

ctar

es

17,9

44 k

ms o

f Hig

h Ri

sk R

oads

ide

insp

ectio

ns c

ompl

eted

cov

erin

g 89

,721

hect

ares

5

46 H

igh

Risk

Wat

erw

ay in

spec

tions

com

plet

ed c

over

ing

529,

866

hect

ares

27

,978

km

s ro

adsid

e in

spec

tions

com

plet

ed c

over

ing

156,

910

hect

ares

55

6 in

spec

tions

of h

igh

prio

rity

sites

inclu

ding

Nat

iona

l Par

ks, R

ailw

ays,

Trav

ellin

g St

ock

Rout

es, R

ecre

atio

nal a

reas

cov

erin

g 2,

442

hect

ares

13. OTHER PROJECTS

The New England Weeds Authority continues to work closely with the NSW Department of Primary Industries, local Landcare and Local Land Services Authorities in regards to weed control projects within the region. During 2013 – 2014 the following projects were carried out to the value of $391,925:

Reducing Priority Weed Species threats to ecosystems and species with Northern Tablelands Local Land Services and NIWAC - $150,000. Upper Macleay Vine Weeds Stage 2 in conjunction with Macleay Valley Landcare - $30,000. Weeds Tour for Northern Inland Weeds Advisory Committee in partnership with North West and and Northern Tablelands Local Land Services - $14,925. Production of a WONS/Environmental/Noxious Weeds Educational DVDs in partnership with North West Local Land Services $8,000. Production of a Weeds DVD to educate the community about key emerging weeds species in partnership with the Northern Tablelands Local Land Services - $12,000. Lead Agency for the NSW DPI funded NIWAC Innovative Project “Integrated aerial surveillance, thermal imaging and mapping pilot project” - $177,000 over 2 years.

Photo:NSW DPI announcement of successful Innovative Projects – Armidale September 2013 Professor Salah Sukkarieh - The University of Sydney, Hon Katrina Hodgkinson – Minister for Primary Industries,

Mr Adam Marshall - MP Northern Tablelands, Clr Maria Woods, Chair – New England Weeds Authority.

Page 29

14. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)

Council is committed to the principles of equal opportunity for all of its employees and this is reflected in its Equal Employment Opportunity Policy (EEO Policy).

The EEO Policy recognises the right of employees to be treated fairly and without discrimination in the workplace. This includes situations such as applying for a position, selection for a position, training, promotion, transfers and dismissal. It provides that people should be selected on merit, regardless of race, sex, marital status, disability or sexual preference.

15. EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

New England Weeds Authority seeks to encourage a co-operative and harmonious working environment for its staff. Interactive staff meetings deal with a wide cross section of issues relating to work and management practices, risk management, education and extension programs, and matters arising from the implementation of the Local Government State Award and the Work Health and Safety Act.

The Corporate Training Program was reviewed in 2013 so as to allow staff to continue to develop to a highly competent and professional standard.

Staff training included risk assessment, community based social marketing, recognising water weeds, biological weed control, Chemcert refresher course, senior first aid and traffic control programs.

Photo: Weed Officer Tours are an integral component of the Corporate Training

Serrated Tussock Field Day with local graziers and landholders

16. MISCELLANEOUS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

a. Major Contracts and Tenders awarded by Council 2013 - 2014

There were no contracts of service or contracts awarded by Council during the reporting year.

b. Legal costs incurred by Council

There were no legal proceedings either taken by or against the Council in 2013 – 2014.

c. Work carried out on Private Land

Council undertook various private works in relation to weed control on private land in 2013 – 2014, with all costs being borne by the property owner.

Council sets out separate charges for private works that are outlined in Council’s fees and charges schedules. These rates are generally similar to contractor rates as Council does not wish to unfairly compete with private enterprise.

d. External Bodies exercising functions delegated by Council

Council did not delegate the exercise of functions to any external body during the reporting year.

e. Partnerships, Corporations, Trusts or other Joint Ventures

Council did not participate in or hold any controlling interests during the year in any Corporation, Partnerships, Trust or Joint Venture.

f. Remuneration of General Manager

The General Manager, whose position is part-time, is the only senior staff member and remuneration for the period 2013 – 2014 was $ 33,248.

The General Manager’s responsibilities include:

Efficient and effective operation of the Council organisation and day to day management. This includes ensuring Council’s decisions and policies are implemented; Appointing, directing and dismissing staff in accordance with the organisation structure and resources approved by the Council; Exercising other functions as delegated by the Council and The General Manager may, in turn, delegate functions to other staff.

g. Requests made to Council under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009

Council did not receive any requests for the release of information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA) during the 2013 – 2014 reporting period.

h. Public Interest Disclosures Report

The six monthly and annual reports were provided to the NSW Ombudsman in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosures Act 1994.

There were no public interest disclosures either made or received during the reporting period 2013 – 2014.

i. Code of Conduct

Council adopted a new Model Code of Conduct and Procedures in early 2013 based on the Division of Local Government’s new Model Code of Conduct.

There were no Code of Conduct complaints made about Councillors or the General Manager during the reporting period 2013 – 2014.

Winter in the New England

17. STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT REPORT

State of the Environment (SoE) reporting is a key mechanism for assessing progress towards sustainability and implementing Ecologically Sustainable Development Principles, as Councils play an important role in environmental management.

Our Council in its 10 Year Business Activity Strategic Plan has recognised the importance of ecologically sustainable development principles in its principle activities relating to the management and control of noxious and invasive weed species.

As required by legislation, each of our constituent Councils has prepared a comprehensive SoE report addressing the eight environmental sectors of land, air, water, biodiversity, waste, noise, Aboriginal heritage and non-Aboriginal heritage on a four year basis with supplementary SoE reports in intervening years.

Whilst our Council does not prepare a comprehensive SoE report, it does however, have direct connections with each of our constituent member Council’s SoE reports and provides information on an annual basis for their reporting requirements in relation to the management of noxious and invasive weed species.

Macleay Valley, Armidale Dumaresq Council

18. GENERAL PURPOSE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014

New England Tablelands County Council Trading as New ... · The Annual Report focuses on...

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