Supplementary Agenda of Ordinary Council Meeting

3.1 Environmental sustainability

Council has implemented many programmes to ensure it has effectively managed its own dealings in terms of environmental performance. Initiatives actioned to facilitate sustainable corporate governance include: Green Procurement, Carbon Neutral Feasibility Study, Climate Change Adaptation Programme, Triple Bottom Line decision making, Fleet Management Study, Business Energy Savings Programme, Sustainable Total Water Cycle Management, waste minimisation and Stage 2 of the Energy Performance Contract.

The aim of the Hornsby Business Energy Savings Programme is to help Council meet its community reduction target of five percent by 2010. This programme intends to work with 200 businesses over an 18 month period to achieve a total greenhouse gas reduction of 3,000 tCO2e annually.

Through an extensive Expression of Interest process, Council challenged the private sector to deliver a new approach to existing business engagement models, one that had more focus on business needs and actual implementation, rather than behavioural change and auditing. Council also wanted to improve interdivisional working relationships and identified the pressing need to focus on collaboration between the Environment and Economic Development Units to fight climate change and minimise the impacts our local businesses are having on the environment.

In the first two months alone, 79 businesses joined the programme. The programme is on track to deliver a forecasted $1.4m contribution of investment into the local economy and 3,000 tonnes CO2e in the first year alone. Other outcomes of the programme include:

· Improved energy efficiencies within the business sector.

· Increased broad community participation in decision-making, actions and practices for a sustainable future.

· Strengthened partnerships and learning between Council and the wider business community towards sustainability.

· Opportunities for local infrastructure investment and opportunities.

The ‘earthwise at home – low carb living’ is an education programme with rebates to assist residents reduce their individual carbon and water footprints. Major activities of this programme include a series of workshops to assist with the installation of three low-emission technologies: photovoltaics, solar hot water and insulation. Nineteen workshops were held across the shire where topics correlated to the rebates funded by the Low Emission Technology Abatement (LETA) programme and administered by the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA).

The Footprints and Rebates workshop introduced the concept of ecological foot-printing and ways in which people can reduce their negative impacts on the planet. The three technical workshops (Savings from Hot Water, Savings from Heating and Cooling and Demystifying Solar Power) provided participant access to specialists, the opportunity to learn more about low emission technologies and to ask questions of guest speakers.

Arguably the greatest achievement was the provision of financial assistance to 112 households to install:

· insulation ($500 x 50 households),

· solar hot water ($750 x 52 households), or

· solar power ($4,000 x 10 households).

Participants received a detailed home assessment by a service provider as part of their rebate conditions which provided them with an action plan to make savings on their water and energy bills and involved a refit of lights and showerheads to energy saving ones.

3.2 Human settlement

The challenges presented by sustainable planning include balancing conflicting land use issues. For example, in the provision of housing, Council must consider the shire's environmental and community needs. Consideration must be given to issues such as appropriate urban form and design, conserving environmentally sensitive areas, accommodating population growth and catering for community desires. Additionally, recent years have shown a relatively weak local demand for commercial and industrial development and a high demand for residential housing. This has meant increased pressure to redevelop or rezone commercial and industrial land entirely for residential purposes, thereby sterilising future local employment opportunities.

3.3 Heritage

This year, Hornsby Shire Council won the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award 2008 for Heritage Management by a Metropolitan Council. Council has a strong commitment to heritage conservation and is proud of its most recent achievements involving the identification, documentation, promotion and conservation of heritage assets within the shire.

Hornsby Shire Council has a strong commitment to the conservation of natural, built and Aboriginal heritage. In order to conserve and protect the heritage of the shire, Council has conducted heritage studies, listed heritage items and heritage conservation areas for ongoing protection, and offers heritage conservation assistance to property owners. Council’s comprehensive heritage initiatives and programmes aim to provide a holistic approach to heritage conservation and education.

Heritage review (stage 4) - In 2007, Council undertook its fourth review of heritage items to ensure the accuracy and relevancy of its heritage list. The review involved an independent heritage assessment of numerous properties and identified additional potential heritage listings. The review will guide the management of heritage listed trees and ensure their protection for the benefit of the community and future generations.

Bar Island conservation work - During 2007, Council undertook the Bar Island Aboriginal and European Heritage Conservation Project. Bar Island contains the remains of a State-significant cemetery, church, school and Aboriginal midden. The project involved the repair of broken headstones and memorial, as well as path construction and re-routing of the track to protect the midden and a European rock inscription. The project also involved an archival recording of the site, Aboriginal site survey and removal of weeds. The works included assistance from the Department of Planning under the Heritage Incentives Programme.

Adaptive re-use of “The Browsery” - The Council-owned heritage listed property, known as “The Browsery”, is located on Jersey Street at Hornsby. The Federation Queen Anne building was the first permanent home of Hornsby Shire Council (1907) and is the sole surviving cottage representative of the houses built near the Hornsby railway station at the turn of the century. The building’s restoration was launched during the Royal Australian Historical Society (RAHS) State History Conference, held in Hornsby during October 2006. The building has since been renovated internally and provided by Council to a local community group dedicated to youth services, Fusion Australia, on a nominal lease. The project ensures the adaptive reuse of the building and promotes awareness of heritage conservation amongst young members of the community.

Spatial information mapping - To conserve and protect the heritage of the shire, Council undertook to accurately identify the location of over 800 items of heritage significance across the 510 square kilometres of its operations. The task incorporated the use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to identify the location of items in the field. The project also employed extensive use of aerial photography, from 1930 to 2005, and historical subdivision and development plans. Heritage items were subsequently mapped on Council’s Geographic Information System (GIS). The project has developed an accurate and consistent record of heritage items. The project helps inform development decisions and assists the provision of efficient information to our customers. In 2007, Council was a finalist in the NSW Awards for Excellence in Surveying and Spatial Information in relation to the work.

Local heritage assistance fund increased - This year, Council increased the value of its local heritage assistance fund to $60,000. Council’s assistance fund is amongst the highest valued of NSW Councils. In 2007, the funds were allocated towards 15 separate projects and provided the kick-start assistance for works to the total value of over $240,000. The projects encourage the maintenance of heritage items and enhance the shire’s built environment.

3.4 Waste

Over the past year, Hornsby Shire's population has increased by 0.57% and total waste to landfill has reduced from 47.7% to 46.53% Although total waste to landfill has decreased slightly, comingled and greenwaste diverted from landfill has increased at a higher rate. Consequently, waste to landfill per capita has increased slightly however recycling of comingled and particularly greenwaste has increased per capita. This has been achieved through a variety of strategies including:

· Holding frequent free workshops on recycling, non-toxic solutions for a chemical free home, no-dig gardening composting and worm farming.

· Giving talks to community groups on request, such as Joeys, Gardening Clubs and TAFE.

· Presenting displays regularly at shopping centres and community events.

· Hosting recycling tours to Kimbriki and Chullora to show residents how their green waste and co-mingled recycling is recycled and reused.

· Conducting battery recycling trials in schools (to continue by promoting a drop off centre at the Thornleigh depot).

· Managing e-waste recycling where 25 tonnes of computer equipment has been collected and diverted from landfill.

· Managing ‘Chemical Cleanouts’ for Council and the Department of Environment and Climate Change, which have processed 64 tonnes of toxic and hazardous materials.

· Presenting a ‘Unit Block Expo’ at Waitara.

· Facilitating 18 free chipping days.

· Participating in drumMUSTER, a programme for rural business to get rid of empty chemical drums. Hornsby is the only metropolitan Council to offer this service. More than 750 drums were diverted from landfill.

· Creating a permanent drop-off facility at Thornleigh Waste Depot, following a successful recycling trial, for incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs.

· Purchasing and fitting out an Education Van to be used for displays, events and school visits.

During 2007/08 Council adopted the Onsite Sewage Management Strategy and Greywater Policy. The strategy outlines the requirement for routine inspections on onsite sewage management systems and lobbying of State government for the provision of sewers in unsewered areas. Work commenced in Brooklyn during 2007 and Dangar Island in early 2008. Progress to date has resulted in 82% of properties being connected at Brooklyn and 45% at Dangar Island. Environmental Officers have been involved with coordinating the sewer connections for the Brooklyn and Dangar Island Sewerage Scheme constructed by Sydney Water. This has involved inspections of septic systems and site visits to most of the 600 or so properties involved. Council is continuing to encourage the safe reuse of onsite wastewater in unsewered areas of the shire and minimising the impact on the potable water supply.

3.5 Water

Council has maintained its commitment to water consumption reduction and water quality improvement by successfully completing milestones 1 to 5 of the Sydney Water Every Drop Counts Business Programme for effective water management. The milestones serve as a progressive benchmark as to how well local governments achieve their objectives and goals for water conservation and water quality management in the corporate and community sectors.

Hornsby Shire Council was one of the first Council’s in NSW to achieve a five star rating accreditation for its water saving initiatives. Council has maintained last year’s significant water consumption reductions of 21% in its own operations and 20% through initiatives for the community. Council is pleased to be working in partnership with the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, Sydney Water and Department of Environment and Climate Change in developing water savings initiatives and sustainability programmes.

The success of the water saving initiatives can be credited to Council programmes such as: Sustainable Total Water Cycle Management Strategy, Sustainable Water Development Control Plan, the Catchment Remediation Rate Programme, Stormwater Catchment Management Plans and environmental education.

An ongoing commitment to improve stormwater quality and to instigate water savings and water reuse for all Council assets has led to initiatives such as: stormwater harvesting at Council’s Nursery and parks, reverse osmosis to treat Council’s swimming pools’ backwash water, gross pollutant and nutrient trapping, sediment and erosion control, and reduced herbicide, pesticide and fertiliser use.

3.6 Atmosphere

As of June 2008, Council had further reduced its own greenhouse gas emissions by 29% and assisted the community to reduce its emissions by 4% from 1995/96 emission levels. The ‘earthwise at home – low carb living’ programme assisted 112 households to install low emission technologies, reducing emissions by 407 tonnes per year (plus 155 tonnes from light bulb and shower head refits). Further reductions are highly likely due to behavioural changes (over 330 residents attended energy saving workshops).

Council commenced a project to review climate change adaptation. The project will help Council decision makers understand and apply information provided on climate change scenarios to assess risks related to: resource management, land use planning, infrastructure and transport planning, local economic development, environmental management, community issues and emergency services.

Hornsby Shire Council, in partnership with Manly Council, was successful in securing an Accelerated Action Grant from the Department of the Environment and Water Resources. A component of the funding was to engage a consultant to undertake a feasibility study in achieving carbon neutrality for existing and future greenhouse gas emissions.

The success of Council’s Business Energy Savings Programme will result in reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the business community and has identified new projects that will assist businesses. All improvements help the community progress towards sustainability and Council’s fulfilment of its strategic intent of ‘creating a living environment’.

Council has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions through the:

· Purchase of 10% GreenPower for large sites and all streetlights.

· Purchase of 6% GreenPower for all other sites.

· Use of GreenPower for Council-run community events.

· Cogeneration system at Hornsby Library.

· Increased collection, mulching and recycling of green waste.

· Increase in the proportion of more fuel-efficient 4 cylinder vehicles to 6 cylinder vehicles in Council’s fleet.

· Energy efficient office equipment.

· Continuation of Stage 1 and Stage 2 Energy Performance Contract to reduce energy and water consumption.

· Investigation of renewable energy and energy efficient technologies for new and existing buildings/facilities.

· Implementation of projects identified in the Energy Savings Action Plan.

· Formation of Sustainable Procurement Committee and Policy.

3.7 Bushland and biodiversity

Hornsby Shire is known as the Bushland Shire. Over 69% of the shire is covered bushland in the form of pockets of reserves and the Berowra Valley Regional Park. Hornsby Shire Council is committed to protecting and improving its local natural environment through its Biodiversity Strategy, on-ground bush regeneration work and a large volunteer ‘Bushcare’ programme of 820 volunteers. Council also provides free native plants to residents twice a year and is working to encourage local nurseries to provide local native stock to residents for their gardens.

Council has managed the nursery site for over 10 years, transforming it into a community nursery providing local native stock for a range of community projects and is now accredited through the Nursery and Garden Industry Accreditation Scheme. Hornsby Community Nursery is the first and only government-owned nursery in NSW to receive this accreditation.

The nursery aims to showcase best practice operations across the wider community. This is achieved through many initiatives including a full water recycling system capturing onsite runoff rainfall, solar power, minimal waste production, recycling of materials and a low chemical reliance.

To emphasise this commitment to environmental sustainability, the nursery received the prestigious Environment Category Award for NSW in the Yates Nursery and Garden Industry Awards (2008).

Awareness of the nursery facility across the broader Hornsby Shire community has increased markedly in the past financial year. This is highlighted by the increase in the numbers of plants given out at the Community Nursery and Environmental Information Open Days during this timeframe. Numbers this year were up 80% on the previous year to a total of 3,522 plants distributed to residents.

Other popular community events have also increased considerably; National Tree Day this year saw 49% more plants go into the ground over the previous year.

3.8 Soil landscape

The shire’s soil landscape is an important aspect of land management and development. Acid sulphate soil, land contamination and erosion continue to be serious problems. To ensure that minimal damage occurs to the environment, Council continues to manage the soil landscape through the development application and onsite sewage management approval processes.

In the shire, construction and land clearing represent the most common causes of soil erosion. Continued enforcement of development consent conditions pertaining to sediment and erosion control, ensuring best practice is adhered to on construction and development sites throughout the shire, is undertaken on a regular basis.

However, illegal land clearing continues to be a major challenge. Illegal removal of vegetation has negative impacts on soil and water quality and impacts on local biodiversity. Council continues to investigate illegal land clearing matters.

3.9 Noise

In today's society, noise levels are increasing and continuing to impinge on our work, recreation and personal lives. Tolerance to noise is subjective, depending on circumstances and individual sensitivity. Council aims to address noise issues and complaints on their merit, and attempts to resolve situations through ensuring that all reasonable and feasible measures to control the noise are considered.

Council has identified air-conditioning (AC) units as a noise issue which commonly causes a nuisance in residential areas. As they are often approved in concept as part of the BASIX assessment for new dwellings, their exact location is often not identified on plans. The units are then located in positions where they cause a nuisance to the adjoining residents.

To try to reduce the incidence of ACs causing a nuisance, Council has developed a new condition of development consent requiring the AC units of new dwelling houses to be located a minimum of three metres from the property boundary or alternatively the applicant is required to submit a report from an acoustic engineer confirming that the unit does not create noise greater than five dBA above background levels at night. It is envisaged that this condition will reduce the number of complaints about new AC units.

Noise complaints have increased significantly from 276 in 2006/07 to 537. Council received 211 general noise complaints, 326 complaints about barking dogs and 20 complaints about aircraft noise.

3.10 Bushfire hazard

s428(2)(i1)

A number of strategies have been implemented throughout 2007/08 to minimise damage from bushfires. These include:

· 641 permits to burn issued to residents within the shire to facilitate preparing homes for bushfire events by reducing the amount of fallen vegetation on private property.

· 17 specific sites treated manually to manage fuel loads along the bushland/urban interface (1ha).

· 6km of fire trails maintained for fire fighting access through slashing works.

· 300m of fire trail upgraded and sealed.

· 24 bushfire hazard complaints referred to the NSW Rural Fire Service for assessment.

· 34 hazard reduction certificates issued under the Bushfire Environmental Assessment Code by the NSW Rural Fire Service for residents to undertake prescription burning or clearing activities to facilitate vegetation and fuel management.

· 14 prescription burns undertaken within the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Bushfire Management Committee area as part of the 2007/08 Fuel Management Programme.

· 165 hectares of land area covered by prescription burns under the aforementioned fuel management programme and manual hazard reduction works.

Pressure to undertake broad area prescription burns continues to increase given continuing challenges posed by climatic and local weather conditions. Manual works are continuing as a result of environmental constraints restricting the prescription burn programme. Investigations into alternative strategies to hazard mitigation activities such as prescription burning are being undertaken e.g. targeted community education.

5. Our economy

Hornsby Shire Council, as an organisation, has a large economic impact on the shire as an employer, procurer and a user of goods and services. Council is a major employer in the area providing more than 900 jobs in a mix of permanent, part time and casual roles. Staff are located at various centres around the shire including in Hornsby town centre, Thornleigh depot site, the libraries and childcare centres, as well as swimming pools and community centres. Local jobs, including Council jobs, have a direct economic impact by keeping pay packets in the area, thereby stimulating expenditure and profitability for other businesses in the shire.

Council directly and indirectly provides and supports festivals and events in the shire, and these play a role in local tourism attracting income to the area. Visitor spending on food and entertainment while in the shire has flow-on effects on employment and the supply of goods.

Land use planning has an economic impact both in terms of how the land can be used and how our suburbs are shaped. While the impacts are often long-term, this affects housing affordability, jobs and the viability of our town centres.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics data below shows that government administration in Hornsby Shire, of which Hornsby Shire Council is a major component, had a total output of over $189 million in 2006. Other government administrations included in this figure are State Government roles such as police, teachers, health and justice.

5.1 Economic development

In 2007 Council established an Employment and Economic Development Taskforce to provide strategic direction, guidance and coordination for all activities relating to economic development. One of the first tasks of the group was to prioritise the key strategic actions in the Economic Development Strategy and implement those actions.

Quarterly business forums have been held with various businesses and industry groups. One such event launched the Hornsby Business Energy Savings programme, Stage 2 of the Sustainable Business Strategy. Council has a target of 200 businesses participating in the programme by 2009.

Council has acquired community profiles, community atlases, and population projections/forecasts which are accessible via Council’s website. This useful data set provides comparative information between census periods and across suburbs within the shire.

Work has continued in partnership with the Department of Environment and Climate Change in implementing the Sustainability Advantage Programme. Modules delivered to date include: Vision, Commitment and Planning; as well as Resource Efficiency. Key outcomes have included increased awareness of energy consumption, business planning, and green marketing as a competitive advantage.

Council was instrumental in establishing effective strategic alliances across LGA boundaries within the region. This has fostered renewed interest in regional tourism and is now being driven by industry operators. Hornsby Council continues to maintain a strategic working relationship with other Councils and Tourism NSW.

5.2 Development contributions

Council raises revenue by way of development contributions which are charged on new developments to assist in the provision of the additional services and facilities required by the new population.

Council estimated collection of development contributions in 2007/08 was $1.5 million based on the prevailing downward trend in the development industry and previous income receipts. The actual income from development contributions in 2007/08 was $1,761,613 which was $261,613 in excess of expectations.

Development contribution funds must be used to provide new services and facilities or improve existing services. In 2007/08 over $5.816 million of development contributions were expended on capital works. Some of the projects funded by development contributions included:

· Improvements to the Hornsby CBD streetscapes.

· Upgrading of various ovals and reserves.

· Construction of the rural sports facility at Galston.

· Improvements to Fagan Park.

· Books for Library Services.

· Augmentation of the Cherrybrook Community Centre.

5.3 The Housing Strategy

Council is currently preparing a Housing Strategy which aims to identify areas suitable for the provision of additional housing to meet its housing obligations into the future.

To facilitate the State Government’s Metropolitan Strategy for the North Subregion (Hornsby Shire and Ku-ring-gai Councils), Council is responsible for providing 11,000 new dwellings over 25 years. In selecting suitable areas for consideration, Council has adopted a process of investigation including consideration of all lands within Hornsby Shire based on agreed criteria, including proximity to commercial centres and transport nodes, economic feasibility, existing dwelling mix, and the absence of environmental constraints. Council has engaged consultants in the areas of urban design, economic feasibility, traffic modelling, and environmental analysis to assist with the preparation of the Housing Strategy, which is expected to be placed on public exhibition in early 2009.

5.4 Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby Subregional Employment Study

In 2007/08 Council commissioned a study of local land strategies to identify opportunities to meet the State Government employment targets for the region and describe the potential for economic growth to complement population growth. The study assessed both the ‘supply side’ of the region’s employment lands and the ‘demand side’ needed to meet the State Government target of 13,500 new jobs in the Ku-ring-gai and Hornsby local government areas by 2031, with Hornsby town centre expected to accommodate 3,000 of those new jobs.

The primary recommendations of the study are:

· Reinforce Hornsby Town Centre's role as the major town centre.

· Strengthen the role of Epping as a Town Centre.

· Strengthen the local service role of Villages, Small Villages and Neighbourhood Centres

· Protect and promote existing strategic industrial and employment centres.

The study is expected to be placed on public exhibition for comment by the end of 2008.

6. Governance

6.1 Hornsby as a workplace

Hornsby Shire Council is a major employer in the area providing more than 900 jobs in a mix of permanent, part time and casual roles. The workforce gender balance is 53% male and 47% female, and the average age is 44 years.

Women are under-represented at management level, with 75% of management role being filled by males and 25% by females. Council prides itself on providing a flexible and productive workplace, and an employee opinion survey undertaken in November 2007 confirmed that Council employees value the fair and attractive work conditions offered by the organisation.

The survey also indicated that employees want better communication within and across the organisation. Council is developing an HR Strategic Plan which takes account of the results of the employee survey and prepares the organisation for its future workforce needs.

A new human resources management system was implemented early in 2006 and over the past two years its data shows staff turnover to be 14%. This is approximately 2% above the industry benchmark (median Public Sector rate reported in Inform HR survey 2008), which is not considered an unreasonable level. Staff turnover is an important indicator of cultural health in an organisational and we will continue to measure and report this data each year.

In 2007/08 the Learning and Development team conducted 146 internal training events with 1,691 participants attending. Council also offers external training and in 2007/08 301 staff undertook training from an external provider.

6.2 Occupational Health and Safety

Council's Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) team continue to strive towards continual improvement of Council's OH&S Management System with ongoing development and implementation of various OH&S determinations, procedures and programmes. In addition, improved reporting tools were implemented within this period enabling better review and monitoring of OH&S performance. Claims for workers compensation reduced by 46% in comparison to the 2006/2007 year. All claims were processed within 48 hours of lodgement and 98% of all ‘return to work’ plans were completed and implemented within 24 hours of an employee returning to work following an occupational injury/illness.

6.3 Equal Employment and Opportunity

Section 428(2)(n)

The Equal Employment and Opportunity (EEO) committee was reactivated in 2007/08. Its primary task was to review the constitution and content of the EEO Committee and the EEO Management Plan and implement actions identified in the Management Plan. In 2007/08 Council’s recruitment and selection processes were reviewed to ensure EEO compliance. Another key focus was on highlighting the value of diversity in the workplace and ensuring all staff are aware of the requirement to comply with the anti-discrimination legislation.

In 2007/08 Council joined the Australian Employers Network on disability because Council is committed to the inclusion of people with disability in employment.

Work experience was supported by the placement of four work experience students from TAFE and local high schools in Council’s libraries. Another six work experience students have been accommodated in the administration area, the environment division, corporate strategy and Council’s works area. Council was recognised for its support for the vocational education of local high school students by the Hills Schools Industry Partnership programme.

6.4 Fraud and corruption prevention

Council has a Fraud and Corruption Prevention Strategy and an internal audit function to undertake risk analysis and instigate processes to prevent fraud and corruption. The work of the internal audit service is reported to Council bi-annually, and the report for 2007/08 titled ‘Review of Internal Audit Plan 2007/08’ (as at 30/06/08) - GM10/08 can be viewed online as a business report for the Council meeting of 13/08/2008.

6.5 Catchments Remediation Rate and Hornsby Quarry Loan Rate

Catchments Remediation Rate

The Catchments Remediation Rate (CRR) is levied at five percent of Council’s ordinary rate income on properties throughout the shire. All modified catchments impact on water quality and benefit from the environmental and water quality improvements, in terms of improved quality of life for ratepayers. In 2007/08, income received from the CRR special rate was $2.47 million.

The Catchments Remediation Programme for 2006/07 identified locations across the shire where water quality improvement structures and devices were to be constructed and installed. In 2007/08, 16 catchment remediation capital works projects were completed at a total cost of $957,000. These works involved the construction and/or installation of 11 sediment basins, four end-of-pipe gross pollutant traps, eight stream remediation projects, one bioremediation basin and six stormwater gardens.

The programme also supports a number of pollution prevention initiatives such as environmental education, industrial auditing, street sweeping, emergency spill response, and pollution regulation. In addition to the pollution treatment and prevention initiatives, the CRR funds ongoing works associated with the maintenance and monitoring of these assets and the receiving waterways. In 2007/08 the total cost to Council to maintain its water quality assets and adjacent landscaped areas was $354,000 with 1600 tonnes of sediment, litter and organic matter being removed from the shire’s drainage system and waterways.

Hornsby Quarry Loan Rate

In 2002, Council was required under the Hornsby Local Environmental Plan prepared in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, to acquire the Hornsby Quarry site. The amount of compensation was determined to be approximately $25 million, in accordance with notice given under the Land Acquisition (Just Term Compensation) Act 1991. Consequently there was a need to borrow the funds to pay for this acquisition plus initial interest paid, and this borrowing took place in early 2004.

In order to fund the repayments, this rate was approved by the Minister for Local Government on 10 June 2005 for a ten year term and is based on an increase to Council’s 2004/05 notional general rate income, increased by the annual rate pegging increases as announced by the Minister for Local Government commencing 1 July 2005 and continuing until the 2014/15 financial year.

On 14 June 2006 Council resolved to restructure the loan to align the loan term to that of the rate. On 19 June 2006, Council repaid the $26 million existing loan by drawing down $19.7 million on the (new) restructured loan and applying $6.3 million including the part proceeds from the sale of the old George Street Hornsby depot site. Repayments on the new loan include principal and interest.

The balance owing was $16.839 million at 30 June 2008 and is expected to be approximately $15.169 million at 30 June 2009.

6.6 Hornsby Shire Council’s approach to Triple Bottom Line

Underpinning Hornsby Shire Council’s strategic planning is a framework that integrates service planning and decision-making based on the principles of the triple bottom line (TBL) and aligned to Council’s strategic themes of:

· Conserving our natural environment

· Contributing to community development through sustainable facilities and services

· Fulfilling our community’s vision in planning for the future of the shire

· Working with our community

· Supporting our diverse economy

· Maintaining sound corporate and financial management

Each theme addresses aspects of TBL and has performance indicators to demonstrate progress towards achieving Council’s overall aim of ‘creating a living environment’. Council adopted its TBL Sustainability Policy in July 2007.

In this way TBL is applied through two integrated ‘streams’: the decision making process and the reporting process. Council has a TBL decision making tool (the TBL Checklist) that incorporates TBL considerations into the Business Paper system. This approach was comprehensively evaluated by the University of Western Sydney (UWS) during 2005.

The development of reporting mechanisms is the other side of TBL. The evaluation undertaken by UWS identifies that Council has developed a leading reporting culture with significant expertise and investment in sustainability indicators. However, the gap for the Council lies in the development and use of TBL measures that assess the impacts of the organisation itself rather than external conditions and is consolidated in one corporate reporting process.

6.7 Statutory write-offs

Clause 132

During 2007/08 the following rates and charges were written off under the Local Government (Rates and Charges) Regulation 1993:

Pensioner Rates	$1,556,822 (55% recovered from the State Government)
Pensioner Rates (Quarry Rate)	$62,294
Non-pensioner rates (postponed)	$6,376
Interest (postponed)	$2,411

Hornsby Shire Council

Attachment to Report No. ST14/08 Page 40

6.8 Status of 2007/08 actions in Management Plan

Section 428(2)(b)

The annual Management Plan details the activities of Council for that year. This table summarises the status of 2007/08 activities and initiatives as at 30 June 2008.

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Working with our community
Provide opportunities at Council meetings for the community to participate in decision making.	In 2007/08 365 people spoke at Council meetings, which equates to more than 18 hours of speaking time.
Undertake community consultations to elicit the views of the ‘silent majority’.	Consultations continue via community panels (1,170 registered members) and an online, independently moderated, website.
Review the contents of Council’s website.	Project not undertaken, has been deferred to 2008/09.
Develop a calendar of major events and list on website.	A ‘What’s On’ calendar developed and updated biannually. Available on web and hard copy.
Develop a cultural plan for the shire.	Draft cultural plan on public exhibition in June 2008.
Identify opportunities to provide cultural facilities and resources across the existing Community Centres network and report to Council.	Options reported to Council in September 2007. Project responsibility now with the Community, Cultural and Recreation Facilities Taskforce.
In partnership with Community Drug Action Team undertake the ‘Message in a Bottle’ project with Alcohol Education Research funding.	Filming and post production completed. Resource launched in April and now widely distributed.
Enhance the Social Plan 2005-2010 to include services/support for children aged six to 12 years and their families.	Draft completed. Awaiting NSW Government information about the proposed initiatives in their Northern Sydney Plan.
Enhance the Social Plan 2005-2010 to include a chapter pertaining to Community Centres and Halls Strategic Planning.	Project underway and progressing according to schedule.
With the assistance of an internal working party commence community consultations to consider the provision and funding of a community hall in Brooklyn.	Community consultations completed and way forward resolved as per CC78/07.
Continue to ‘road-show’ significant issues in the rural areas.	Community Fun Day held in Galston in May 2008.
Expand Council’s calendar of events and develop a five-year forward plan of events.	Community surveyed to elicit types of events desired. Survey information being reviewed to inform forward plan.
Using Section 94 funds, purchase a vehicle to road show youth programmes in urban, rural and remote locations.	Vehicle purchase deferred to 2008/09.
Use the grant from the Federal Attorney-General’s Department, under the National Community Crime Prevention Programme, to implement the ‘Including and Involving Young People in Public Malls’ project.	Project implemented as per funding guidelines.
Commence a comparative study of information technology services in libraries.	Project delayed due to workload in the libraries systems area.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Working with our community
Complete the review of the Home Library Service.	Underway. Users of the service surveyed to ascertain usage needs and patterns. This data will be part of the review.
Review and update the Library Strategic Plan.	Deferred until 2008/09.
Investigate establishing a ‘Friends of the Library’ group.	Book groups are being extended to include Berowra and Galston Libraries.
Assist community groups to locate and apply for grants to fund their aspirations.	Uptake of this service has been modest despite shire-wide advertising. In 2007/08 47 community groups contacted, 7 funding applications submitted with 2 being awarded and the remainder not known or unsuccessful.
Conduct four open forums for community members to raise issues with Councillors.	Five open forums held in 2007/08. Forum outcomes reported at the Council meeting following each forum.
Participate in public policy development and lobbying (regarding the number of people addressing Council at its meetings).	365 people addressed Council at its meetings during the year and 418 people visited the online consultation hosted by Bang the Table.
Ascertain respondent satisfaction with the level of engagement in matters of discussion (target 85% +) or more.	Open Forum in A Ward and Hornsby Quarry Geotechnical Report information session at the RSL: opportunity for involvement = 90% satisfaction and appropriate meeting conduct = 83% satisfaction.
Convene community panels and research topics.	Two panels convened in the June quarter – one about use of Community Centres and Halls, and the other pertaining to the Over 55s service.
Describe community research results.	Over 55s: 225 people participated in the survey, with Hornsby being the most popular venue for facilities. The majority of respondents were aged 65 years or less and they favoured a modest activity fee without annual membership. Transport and easy access to facilities was considered important by many respondents. Community Centres and Halls: Most respondents think of community centres as places of fun and celebration, linking them to social harmony and participation in community life. Affordability of hire and location were important considerations. Participants overwhelmingly support a two tiered pricing structure with higher fees for corporate customers.
Monitor the number of new subscribers to Council’s email information service.	1,400 people subscribe to Council’s email information service.
Observe the number of community members participating in Council sustainability activities or related education - target more than 1,500.	Activities include earthwise workshops, Solar house day, Schools network, Schools presentation, SAC and Hornsby Schools Speech Competition. Sustainability Month - Eco festival (~3500), Business Summit Dinner (50), Hornsby 2020 Forum (150), earthwise at home (270).

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Conserving our natural environment
Implement initiatives determined by the Bushland Management Advisory Committee.	The committee determined not to implement initiatives this year. Ongoing advice provided to the committee.
Promote the Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Action Plan.	Top priorities implemented, including noxious weed inspections on private property.
Provide incentives/resources for biodiversity conservation on private property (Target — 40 participants per year).	Rural lands incentives programme continued (45 participants) and an urban lands programme about to commence.
Develop earthwise cottage as a functional workshop space for Council workshops/meetings (Indicator — number of events run from earthwise cottage p.a.).	11 bushcare workshops and 21 community events held at the cottage in 2007/08.
Continue the Gardens for Wildlife Workshop series.	75 workshop participants this year.
Manage Service Level Agreement with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service for the prevention, mitigation and suppression of rural fires.	Service Level Agreement managed as per its terms and conditions.
Develop the Lower Hawkesbury Estuary Management Plan.	Reported to Council for public exhibition.
Develop water conservation and reuse schemes in consultation with Council’s Parks service.	Current projects are at Greenway Park and Foxglove Oval.
Progress Hornsby Creek Restoration Strategy.	Business plan completed. Project granted a six month postponement by the EPA.
Continue update of the GIS database for Environment Division.	Updating has continued as requested by the Division.
Implement the Catchments Remediation capital works programme for 2007/08.	The programme has been implemented as per the capital works programme in the Management Plan.
Continue to implement Council’s 24-hour environmental emergency response service.	All incidents responded to in a timely manner. Continued to coordinate the Environmental Health and Protection Incident Response Plan.
Maintain the water quality monitoring programme, including recreational water quality.	Monitoring maintained over the critical summer months only.
Continue operation of early warning algal bloom monitoring station.	Continuous monitoring for algal bloom.
Implement the recommendations from the Sustainable Fleet Management Study.	Fleet sustainability strategy completed. Recommendations reviewed by management and to be implemented in 2008/09.
Continue to implement Council’s Sustainable Business Programme and the Sustainable Business Strategy.	11 businesses signed up to the sustainability Advantage Programme. Diagnostics and Action Planning sessions completed. Business Energy Savings Programme delivery and training developed in January 2008. 10 businesses have joined the programme and 79 businesses completed the registration questionnaire.
Continue supporting actions recommended by Council’s Sustainability Action Committee (SAC).	The Committee continues to meet regularly. SAC also participated in the OneWorld Festival during November 2007 and supported the Hornsby 2020 talk in April 2008.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Conserving our natural environment
Continue to develop, deliver and evaluate the suite of programmes delivered through Hornsby earthwise.	Finalised earthwise at home programme - 112 rebates allocated in total (50 – insulation, 52 – solar hot water, 10 – PV). All workshops have been conducted with good attendance and very positive feedback from residents.
Continue the Waste Education Strategy and Programme.	More than 3,000 people attended waste education workshops throughout the year.
Implement the Energy Performance Contract Stage 2 for water and energy conservation measures to meet greenhouse abatement targets by 2010. Measure and verify savings.	Stage 2 implemented. Monitoring and verification being undertaken by ECS Pty Ltd.
Adopt and deliver green procurement practices within Council.	Council is an active participant in ‘Sustainable Choice’ an LGSA initiative. Sustainable procurement actions include recycled paper for printing letterhead and business cards, and a recycle programme for mobile phones and toner cartridges.
Implement short and medium term priorities within Sustainable Energy Strategy.	Short and medium term priorities being implemented in accordance with Council’s Sustainable Energy Strategy. Actions include the Sustainable Fleet Management Study, Carbon Neutral Feasibility Study and EPC Stage 2.
Contribute to the cost of a replacement vehicle for the local SES.	Vehicle purchased - (Council contributed $25,000).
Investigate options for street sweeping waste and implement.	Trials of composting the material undertaken. Results demonstrate suitability as a landscaping material, however all material is still being sent to landfill due to lack of an available facility to process.
Implement a trial project to collect waste from river settlement properties that currently do not receive a waste collection service.	A study of the properties and issues by Council and an independent consultant concluded the provision of this service to be inappropriate at this time.
Provide at least one e-waste collection weekend.	E-waste collection held February 08, with 22 tonnes of material collected.
Develop a waste education programme with a focus on climate change.	Not commenced. Changed emphasis to correct recycling methods and contamination problems. Waste audit results highlight need to focus on steel cans and aerosols.
Seek funding to implement public place and public event recycling programmes.	No appropriate funding sourced.
Use Sydney Coastal Councils grant to undertake study into climate change and its impact on Council facilities.	Work continues in partnership with CSIRO and Sydney Coastal Councils.
Implement on site sewerage management programme in Brooklyn and Dangar Island.	Onsite Sewage Management Strategy and Greywater Policy adopted by Council. Connections commenced to the Brooklyn and Dangar Island Sewerage Scheme, and over 250 properties connected to date. Inspections being undertaken of decommissioned systems.
Construction of new headquarters for Rural Fire Service at Berowra Toll Gates.	Development application approved. Construction to commence in 08/09.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Conserving our natural environment
Develop Council’s Sustainability Strategy, in consultation with key community stakeholders, to provide a forward-looking framework for Council’s decision-making and activities.	Consultation undertaken with Council’s Sustainable Action Committee. Second round of community consultation to occur during late 2008.
Implement the Hornsby earthwise at home community greenhouse abatement programme.	All workshops have been conducted with good attendance and very positive feedback from residents. All solar power and insulation rebates have been allocated, 10 solar hot water rebates are still to be allocated.
Performance indicators
Reduce percentage of water consumption, through Council’s initiatives, for own operations - target 20% reduction by 2011 (compared to Council’s average annual consumption in the years from 1999 to 2002).	Council has significantly reduced the amount of water used for its own operations by increased efficiencies over recent years. Increasing Council services may however see total consumption escalate in the future. This indicator will be reported in 2011.
Reduce percentage of water consumption, through Council initiatives, with the community - target 18% by 2011.	As the shire’s population increases there is a corresponding increase in water consumption, however individuals and households are becoming much better at conserving water and therefore this target, set in 2004, may still be achievable. This indicator will be reported in 2011.
Manage the percentage of area of bushland (ha) in the active care of Council and the community compared to the total bushland in the shire under Council’s management - target 12.2% or more.	10.8% of bushland is in the active care of Council.
Protect / restore habitats – number of bushcare volunteers.	The numbers of bushcare volunteers is increasing with over 820 now participating in the bushcare programme.
Reduce percentage of greenhouse gas, compared to 1995/96 levels, through Council’s initiatives for its own operations - target 30% by 2010.	29% reduction on 1995/96 emission levels.
Reduce percentage of greenhouse gas, through Council’s initiatives, for the community - target 5% reduction on 1995/96 levels by 2010.	4% reduction on 1995/96 emission levels.
Manage percentage of domestic waste material by weight collected by Council going to landfill - target 42% or less.	43.1% to landfill.
Manage tonnes of recycling diverted from landfill - target 18,492 tonnes or more.	22,540 tonnes of recycling diverted.
Manage tonnes of green waste diverted from landfill - target 14,340 or more.	17,632 tonnes of green waste diverted.
Manage the percentage of monitored healthy waterways in the shire - target 50%.	Council monitors representative creeks across the shire. This target aims for half of the shire’s waterways to be classified as healthy. 50% of monitored waterways rated as healthy.
Manage the number of programmes implemented in progression to sustainable corporate governance - target 30 programmes.	Programmes: Sustainable Business Energy Savings, Sustainability Advantage, earthwise at home, onsite sewage management inspection, EPC and CCP Adaptation. Studies: Green Procurement and Fleet Management and Carbon Neutral Feasibility.
Inspect properties for declared noxious weeds.	810 properties inspected for noxious weeds, and 90% complied with Noxious Weeds Act. The remaining 10% actively followed up for compliance.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Contributing to community development through sustainable facilities and services
Determine priorities and undertake asset improvements at community centres.	Asset maintenance programme for 2007/08 completed at all community centres.
Prepare a new Section 94 Plan including review and amalgamation of previous plans.	New Section 94 Plan and policy on Planning Agreements adopted by Council October 2007.
Adopt the Strategic Financial Plan, including the place of borrowings as a mechanism for funding the asset management plan.	An additional $1 million borrowed to fund asset maintenance in 2007/08.
Continue the young people outreach programme.	45 organisations participate in the Youth Network and 14 groups use the youth facility.
Continue the enhancements to the Over 55s services.	‘Mature Matters’ newsletter produced 5 times this year, workshop on positive ageing held, Seniors Advisory Committee supported and Seniors Festival held.
Continue the works to upgrade the Cherrybrook Community Centre to a multi-purpose facility to be used by a wide range of people and include a childcare facility.	Tender for building work offered and accepted. Works to commence July 2008.
Implement works within Crosslands Reserve Masterplan.	Works under Council’s control completed.
Continue implementing the Hornsby Mall Strategic Plan.	One key action finalised during the June quarter. Other key actions to be implemented on an ongoing basis during 2008/09.
Review the Hornsby Mall Code and Outdoor Seating Code and align with the Hornsby Mall Strategic Management Plan.	Undertaken in line with the relevant 12 Operational Plans associated with the Hornsby Mall Strategic Management Plan.
Benchmark the operation of Hornsby Mall against other Local Government-operated malls	Ongoing.
Investigate establishing protocols for private property owners who wish to establish and maintain fuel breaks and report to Council.	Financial impacts being investigated at Councils with similar programmes.
Implement a bushfire hazard risk management programme after adoption of Council’s prescribed burn proposal by the Hornsby Kuring-Gai Bushfire Management Committee.	Ongoing. Fire Unit Strategy being implemented.
Oversee the progress of the Berowra Aquatic Centre.	Further options being explored. Report to Council WK51/08 August 2008.
Continue the refurbishment of the Hornsby Aquatic Centre including asset improvements.	Asset maintenance and improvement programme for 2007/08 completed.
Implement asset improvements at Galston and Epping Aquatic Centres.	Asset maintenance and improvement programme for 2007/08 completed.
Identify efficiency gains in park maintenance.	Substantial efficiency gains have been made in the Parks Service Unit over recent years. Little further progress was possible in 2007/08 without sacrificing service delivery.
Progress proactive street tree management subject to available funds.	No funds available to progress this initiative, currently being absorbed in part by existing resources.
Finalise construction of Stages 1 and 2 of the Rural Sports Facility, Galston.	Civil works completed and building works progressed substantially.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Contributing to community development through sustainable facilities and services
Progress the design of a sportsground on a school oval in accordance with the Sports Facility Strategy.	Schools agreement finalised and awaiting signature. Sketch design completed and traffic study, lighting design and acoustic studies commenced.
Finalise the development of an Unstructured Recreation Strategy.	Draft document completed.
Design a shire-wide park at Galston Recreation Reserve including a skate facility.	Skate park commenced. Masterplan design commenced.
Progress implementation of Fagan Park Plan of Management including regional playground.	Ready for opening in August 2008.
Improve the entry to Hornsby Library and install new carpet.	Completed.
Performance indicators
The number of people supported through the Home Modification and Maintenance Service - target 700 or more. (Home modification aids the elderly or those with a disability to remain comfortably accommodated in their own homes).	810 people used this service in 2007/08.
The number of young people contacted by Youth Services - target 3,000 or more. (Youth Services provide intervention and support services to a diverse range of young people on a variety of issues).	4,000 young people contacted and/ or supported.
Donations to community, civil society and other groups in terms of cash and in-kind donations - Community donations programme - $64,269 - Foregone rental and rental subsidies - $541,198 - Sports ground subsidies - $1,883,068 Plus - Pensioner statutory rebate (45% of $1,556,821) - $700,569 - Additional Quarry rebate for pensioners - $62,295	As per report CC76/07 $2,488,535 Plus Pensioner rebate of $762,864 Total $3,251,399
The number of community group grant applications assisted - information indicator, no target.	47 groups have registered with the service. 6 funding applications submitted and awaiting outcome. 11 applicants currently being assisted.

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Fulfilling our community’s vision in planning for the future of the shire

Continue to support the conservation of local heritage through the Heritage Assistance Fund.	Council’s support of local heritage acknowledged by being awarded the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Cities Award 2008 for Heritage Conservation.
Implement programmes for Heritage Week.	2007/08 programme implemented including the popular Hawkesbury River Boat Trip.
Monitor sediment and erosion control by undertaking compliance inspections of new construction sites.	Ongoing.
Complete the Open Space Land Acquisition Review.	Completed.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Fulfilling our community’s vision in planning for the future of the shire

Complete the River Settlements Controls Review.	Completed.
Complete the Development Control Plans Review for Recreation Controls.	Underway.
Progress the formulation of Council’s Housing Strategy.	Draft Housing Strategy endorsed by Steering Committee. For consideration by new Council.
Work with Councillors to minimise litigation associated with planning decisions.	2007/08 legal expenses class 1 appeals = $713,877. 2006/07 legal expenses class 1 appeals = $756,006.
Continue to progress options for the Hornsby Quarry site, having regard to the findings of the geotechnical study.	Community consultations continue via focus groups, public meetings and online consultations.
Complete the Hornsby Quarry and Environs Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.	Draft LEP and DCP deferred for further community consultation and the expressions of interest process for use of the site.
Undertake water management and site monitoring at the Hornsby Quarry site.	Ongoing.
Undertake the local road improvements programme as per the three year rolling programme.	Improvements completed according to adopted programme.
Undertake the footpath reconstruction and improvement programme as per the three year rolling programme, including the upgrade/construction of 50 footpath access ramps.	Improvements completed according to adopted programme.
Implement the strategy for sealing unsealed roads (Year 2 of 9).	Works programme completed according to revised schedule.
Undertake a review of parking at Brooklyn and Oxford Street, Epping.	Brooklyn – currently monitoring existing arrangements Epping – scheme prepared but deferred because of railway works.
Develop mid week morning and Saturday peak traffic models for Hornsby CBD.	On hold pending Housing Strategy modelling.
Review options for metered parking at appropriate locations in the shire.	A policy being prepared for the Hornsby town centre which may be portable to other centres.
Undertake a review of equitable access to transport modes.	Not yet commenced. Will be progressed with recommendations of the Integrated Land Use Transport Strategy.
Prepare Development Control Plan amendments to implement the findings of the Childcare Centres Review.	Draft DCP amendments prepared for presentation to Council in September 2008.
Connect sewer for Council properties at Brooklyn and Dangar Island.	Council properties connected as per schedule.
Undertake a strategic review of Council’s properties in the Hornsby Town Centre.	Deferred for consideration until after September 2008.
Prepare Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan amendments to implement Heritage Review Stage 3 and undertake Heritage Review Stage 4.	Review stage 3 completed. Review stage 4 consultant’s report exhibited.
Performance indicators
The net area of bushland on private land and agricultural land lost to development - target no net loss of bushland.	0.3 hectares of land lost to development.
The percentage of planning projects completed on time and within budget - target 90%.	90% of projects completed on time and within budget.
The number of service requests relating to health, building and planning matters that are investigated - target 1,200 pa.	1,433 complaints were received and investigated.
The number of aboriginal sites identified for conservation - information indicator, no target. (As at 2006, 235 sites had been identified).	Bar Island Aboriginal and European heritage conservation project stage 1 completed. Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council undertook the Aboriginal site survey and the path was upgraded to minimise erosion of the Aboriginal midden. 235 aboriginal sites identified.
The number of heritage items and conservation areas protected in the shire - information indicator, no target. (In 2006, 814 heritage items and 5 conservation areas protected).	814 heritage items and 5 heritage conservation areas: Beecroft/Cheltenham, Barker College area, Hornsby West Side, The Crescent Pennant Hills, and Wahroonga.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Supporting our diverse economy

Investigate alternate sustainable funding sources for local economic and business development.	Potential funding sources reviewed but unable to fit criteria.
Complete the Tourism Review Local Environmental Plan (LEP).	In preparation as part of Council’s comprehensive LEP and annual LEP amendments 2008.
Complete the Tourism Review Development Control Plan (DCP).	See above comment.
Commence the preparation of Council’s comprehensive Local Environmental Plan as part of the Metropolitan Strategy.	In preparation.
Establish regular business forums in the shire.	Two meeting of ‘Captains Table’ held.
Provide access to an online comprehensive regional profile of the shire.	Community profile and atlas updated on web site. Economic modelling software purchased.
Support the Hornsby and District Chamber of Commerce in developing a business directory of the shire.	Additional business directory software purchased to complement that used by the Chamber of Commerce.
Implement the actions in the Economic Development Strategy Action Plan.	Employment and Economic Development Taskforce established and a 12 – 18 month work programme and funding approved.
Complete Town Centre Masterplans for the Berowra Commercial Centre, Pennant Hills Commercial Centre and Carlingford Commercial Centre.	Deferred by Council report April 2006.
Complete the Outdoor Advertising Review.	60% completed as at June 2008.
Complete the Galston Village Masterplan Development Control Plan amendments.	Not yet completed. Council to convene a meeting of the Working Party to discuss the Masterplan.
Review the future of the Hornsby Library site and develop a concept plan.	Consideration of this site and other sites deferred until after September 2008.
Develop a development strategy for Council’s four strategic property holdings in the Hornsby CBD.	Consideration of these sites deferred until after September 2008.
Investigate the interest in improving some Council lands to support economic development.	Major investment houses contacted; little interest at this stage in market cycle.
Initiate an interdivisional taskforce to develop a Strategic Development Plan for the West Precinct.	Interdivisional taskforce working on planning for the precinct.
Investigate capital works funding for building extensions to the CWA building to facilitate expansion of visitor information services.	No budget capacity at this stage. Traffic management issues would need resolving before proceeding.
Performance indicators
Unemployment rates compared to same time previous year - source: Small Area Labour Market Smooth Series, Dept of Employment and Workplace Relations - target less than same time previous year.	June 2007 Hornsby unemployment rate = 3%. June 2008 Hornsby unemployment rate = 2.6%.
The median processing times for category one and category two development applications - target category one 60 days, category two 40 days.	Category One = 43 days. Category Two = 53 days.
The amount of section 94 Development Contributions collected in the quarter compared to the amount estimated to be collected - target $1.5 million p.a.	$1,761,613 ( $261,613 better than estimated).
The number of businesses participating annually in Council’s Sustainable Business Programme - information indicator, no target.	11 businesses in the Sustainability Advantage Programme and 10 businesses in the Energy Savings Business Programme.
The percentage of the population who live and work in the shire - target 27% or more.	The 2006 ABS Journey to Work statistics demonstrate that 50.5% (20,902) workers live and work in the shire.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Strategic themes
Maintaining sound corporate and financial management

Encourage objective community debate by providing balanced information in an open and consistent manner.	Ongoing.
Maintain the viability of the Development Assessment business unit.	The Planning Division achieved a surplus of $15K during the financial year due to restrained labour costs and reduced legal expenses. Revenue is declining with increased interest rates which have frustrated development activity.
Prepare annual report to Council on the Mt Kuring-gai Materials Handling Facility.	Annual report (WK13/08) presented to Council in March 2008.
Review the Federal WorkChoice legislation’s implications for Council’s workforce.	Ongoing. Awaiting details of new Labor Government’s industrial relations legislation change and impact on Local Government.
Develop a Human Resources Strategic Plan that takes a longer term view of Council’s future workforce needs.	Organisational wide staff focus groups run in February/March 08. Draft Strategy developed in May 2008.
Review the corporate induction programme.	Corporate induction is continually reviewed to meet the needs of new staff and statutory and regulatory requirements.
Continue implementing a management and supervisors’ development programme.	Stage 1 completed. Proposal with Executive Managers to extend and improve course content.
Investigate the use of e-learning as one of Council’s training tools.	E-learning licence has been renewed and e-workshops will commence in late 2008.
Implement the five-year Strategic Financial Plan.	Components of the Strategic Financial Plan included in the 2008/09 Management Plan.
Implement the Councils Online (COL) asset management module.	Module not yet implemented.
Undertake a review of the local government ward boundaries within the shire.	Review completed, proposed boundaries adopted by Council November 2007.
Coordinate and assist in the 2008 Local Government elections.	Council is liaising with the NSW Electoral Commission.
Review the currency of the counter disaster plan for Records.	Counter disaster plan reviewed. To be signed off by Council’s Risk Manager.
Finalise development and implementation of Council’s new electronic business paper system as part of the Councils Online project.	Training on new electronic business paper system underway. System to commence in October 2008.
Expand knowledge and use of Green Procurement within Council.	Cross divisional team working on expanding green procurement. A recycled product expo held to showcase outdoor furniture etc.
Introduce electronic tendering and evaluation software.	Electronic tendering documents are to be available on Council’s web site. Proposal submitted and approved in principle by Executive Management.
Continue to implement the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for organisational sustainability reporting.	GRI used as basis for Council’s first Annual Sustainability Report. Also continued use of GRI in Council’s Management Plan.
Review the processes associated with requests from the public for access to Council information.	Processes reviewed in March 08. Additional staff (part time) employed to assist this service.
Review Council’s internet and intranet sites.	Project not undertaken, has been deferred until 2008/09.
Review and renegotiate expired lease/licence agreements of properties occupied by community groups in line with the adopted Code for Lease/Licence of Council Land and Buildings to Community Groups.	Specimen application form prepared. Specimen draft leases currently being formulated. Application forms sent to community groups where the lease/licence has expired.

Management Plan - status of actions

Action	Status
Performance indicators
Maintaining sound corporate and financial management

Return on invested funds - target >benchmark compared to relevant financial indices Note: the interest on Section 94 funds is required to be allocated to those funds.	The 2007/08 overall return was 4.96% ($1,804,000) compared to benchmark of 6.6%. 46% of this relates to Section 94 funds held by Council.
Percentage of Department of Local Government statutory reporting requirements completed and submitted on time - target 100%.	All statutory reporting completed and lodged on time.
Percentage of telephone calls answered and not abandoned - target 95%.	Council received an average of almost 700 calls per day in the June quarter and 93% were answered and not abandoned.
Description of policy and management systems for handling complaints - information indicator, no target.	Council’s complaints handling policy was reviewed and adopted by Council in November 2007.
Extent of training and risk analysis to prevent corruption - information indicator, no target.	Monthly induction training for new and existing staff includes awareness of fraud and corruption.
The stages achieved in the rollout of Council’s Green Procurement Policy - information indicator, no target In 2007/08 Council’s Sustainable Procurement Committee oversaw the introduction of: · Recycled paper for letterhead, business cards, printing and photocopying. · A recycle programme for old unusable mobile phones. · Recycled toner cartridges. · Recycled plastic outdoor furniture .	Draft Green Procurement Policy developed. The draft policy will be incorporated into Council’s overall sustainability strategy which is currently being developed.
Percentage of contracts arranged by Finance Branch that were paid in accordance with agreed terms - target 100%.	90% of all contracts paid as per agreed terms.

GRI G3
indicator number

Location / page number

Performance indicators

Economic (EC) performance indicators

EC1

Total income broken down into capital and operating revenue

EC1

Cost of all goods, materials and services purchased

EC1

Percentage of contracts developed by Financial Services Branch that were paid in accordance with agreed terms

EC1

Donations to community, civil society and other groups in terms of cash and in-kind donations (community donations programme, pensioner rebate and foregone rental)

EC4

Income derived from development contributions (Section 94)

EC9

The organisation’s indirect economic impacts

PA8

Gross expenditures by type - documented in the Financials section

PA10

Management Plan page 41

Capital expenditures by type - documented in Capital Works section of Council’s Management Plan 2007/08

Environmental (EN) performance indicators

EN10

% of water consumption reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for its own operations
% of water consumption reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for the community

EN11

Area of bushland (ha) in the active care of the community and Council compared to the total bushland under Council’s management

EN13

Area of bushland (ha) on private land lost to development

EN13

Habitats protected or restored – Number of Bushcare volunteers

EN14

Biodiversity management plans

EN18

% of greenhouse gas reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for its own operations

% of greenhouse gas reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for the community

EN22

% of domestic material by weight collected by Council going to landfill

EN22

Tonnes of recycling diverted from landfill

Tonnes of green waste diverted from landfill

EN25

% of monitored healthy waterways within the shire

EN26

Impact of environmental initiatives (number of programmes implemented in progression to sustainable corporate governance)

Social performance - Labour (LA) practices indicators

LA1

Total workforce by employment type

LA2

Total number and rate of employee turnover by age, gender and region

LA7

Rates of injury and number of claims for workers compensation

Absenteeism and staff turnover

LA10

Average hours of training per year per employee

LA11

Programmes for skills management and lifelong learning that support employability and career endings

LA14

Breakdown of Councillors and Council employees by gender

GRI G3
indicator number

Location or page number

Performance indicators

Social performance – Society (SO) performance indicators

SO2

Extent of risk analysis to prevent corruption

SO3

Percentage of employees trained in anti-corruption policies and procedures

SO5

Participation in public policy development and lobbying (opportunities to participate)

Social performance – Product responsibility (PR)

PR5

Description of policy and management system for handling complaints

PR5

Number of community panels convened, topics researched and results

PR6

Voluntary code compliance, product labels or awards with respect to social or environmental responsibility

PA11

The stages achieved in the rollout of Council’s Green Procurement Policy

Social performance - Administrative efficiency

PA15

Description of assessments of the efficiency and effectiveness of services provided by Council and actions taken to improve either the efficiency or effectiveness of services

Hornsby Shire Council

Attachment to Report No. ST14/08 Page 76

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Administration branch (risk and insurance)

Location / File / Type	Action date	Status	HSC paid in 2007/08	Comments
File Ref: F2005/01033 Location: Storey Park, Hornsby Type: Public Liability	Ongoing	No court proceedings. FOI demands and legal advice only.	$1,820.60	Youth allegedly jumped from roof of sporting field amenities block sustaining injuries.
File Ref: F2008/00250 Location: Hornsby CBD Type: Public Liability	Ongoing	No court proceedings. Letter of intent received and information requests only.	NIL to date	Claimant alleged tripped on Telstra utility pit lid

Environment Division litigation summary:

Case	Court	Costs 07/08	Results
Amanda Benson and Alan Devaney Illegal Land Modification	Land and Environment Court	$9,306.30	Court orders granted
Mr T Y Chin Illegal Land Modification	Land and Environment Court	$2,914.11	Court orders upheld
Yelena Udy Illegal Land Modification	Land and Environment Court	$19,360.39	Court orders granted
Mr Jack Fatouleh Illegal Land Modification	Hornsby Local Court	$11,849.34	Court orders issued
Total		$43,430.11

Human Resources

Dispute in the NSW IRC (Matter 1836 of 2007) with depa, LGEA, USU and Unions NSW re development of ‘Management of Alcohol and Other Drugs in the Workplace Determination and Procedures’ for Council - legal costs to Council $16,032.37.

LIZ, please number the appendix starting at Appendix 2-p1, Appendix 2-p2, Appendix 2-p3 etc

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Traffic and Road Safety Branch Litigation Summary 2007/08

Name/Court reference/offence	Court date/ Officer	Results
Van Hien LE Light traffic	Mention 03.07.07	Fine $400 CC $70
Total Hoardings Pty Ltd Disobey no stopping	Mention 03.07.07	S 10 dismissed
Total Hoardings Pty Ltd Disobey no stopping	Mention 03.07.07	S 10 dismissed
Joe Leatigaga Light traffic	Mention 03.07.07	Fine $400 CC $70
Julie Anne Norman Stop on path/strip in built up area	Mention 03.07.07	Fine $100 CC $70
Nakuljit Singh Stop in bus zone	Mention 03.07.07	Fine $200 CC $70
Harvey Richard Jones Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 05.07.07	S 10 dismissed
Mirgregar Pty Ltd Disobey no stopping sign TB	Mention 31.07.07	Fine $150 CC $70
Ghaiaath Ahmad Atieh Abu Matar Disobey no parking sign	Mention 07.08.07	S10 dismissed CC $70
Joe Leatigaga Light traffic	Mention 07.08.07	S10 dismissed
Sean Patrick Tohill Not park rear to kerb	Mention 07.08.07	Fine $77
John Arthur Tanner Stop in taxi zone	Mention 07.08.07	S10 dismissed
Peter Raymond Long Double park	Mention 07.08.07	S10 dismissed
Robert Frith Stop in parking area without displaying disabled permit	Mention 07.08.07	Withdrawn
Darren Charles Clark Light traffic	Mention 07.08.07	Fine $200 CC $70
Alan Donald Gilligan Disobey no parking sign	Mention 07.08.07	S10 dismissed
Fauzia TokhI Stop in taxi zone	Mention 07.08.07	Withdrawn
Hendvitharana Jayalath Doubled park	Mention 07.08.07	Withdrawn
Matthew Maclure Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 14.08.07	Fine $100 CC $ 70
Margaret Elizabeth Dobbin Parking continuously for longer then permitted.	Mention 21.08.07 Hearing 11.10.07	Withdrawn
Jigna Khimani Disobey no parking sign	Mention 21.08.07	S10 – dismissed CC $70
Pei Sun Parking continuously for longer then permitted.	Mention 21.08.07 Hearing 08.10.07	Fine $77 PC $275
Jane Frances Richter Stop on strip in built up area	Mention 28.08.07	Fine $77 CC $70
Amber Louise Shepherd Park continuously for longer then permitted	Mention 28.08.07 Hearing 28/09/07	S10 Dismissed
Suzanne Hemil Mead Park continuously for longer then permitted	Mention 28.08.07	S10 dismissed CC $70
Mohammad Taghi Razaz-Rahmati Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 24.07.07	Fine $179 CC $70
Jacqueline Louise Brigstocke Stop in bus zone	Mention 28.08.07	S10 dismissed
Jitendra Singh Stop near intersection	Mention 28.08.07	S10 dismissed CC $70

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Name/Court reference/offence	Court date/ Officer	Results
Food Fore Us Pty Ltd Exceed laden mass	Mention 10.07.08	S10 dismissed
Leos Used Cars Stop in loading zone	Mention 07.08.07	Fine $125 CC $70
Hendavitharana De Silva Double park	Mention 07.08.07	$50
Luke Stanton Breach weight limit road	Mention 18.09.07	Fine $200 CC $70
Trevor Cotherill Breach weight limit road	Mention 18.09.07 Hearing 21.12.07	Fine $743 CC $70
Paul Maatouk Breach weight limit road	Mention 18.09.07	Fine $300 CC $70
Trevor Cottrill Breach weight limit road	Mention 18.09.07 Hearing 21.12.07	Fine $743 CC $70
John Bartrop Park longer than permitted	Mention 03.07.07 Hearing 22.08.07	S10 dismissed
James Edward Gough Park in loading zone	Mention 10.07.07 Hearing 24.08.07	S10 dismissed CC $50
Robert John McFarlane Breach weight limit road	Mention 10.07.07	Fine $900 CC $70
Tracey Anne Davis Double park	Mention 10.07.07	Fine $150 CC $70
James Grouse Exceed laden weight	Mention 10.07.07 Hearing 27.08.07	Fine $743
Parviz Moradi Stop on/near intersection	Mention 02.10.07	PG Fine $179
Kerry May Bliss Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 02.10.07	Fine $200 CC $70
Greg Dowden Exceed laden weight	Mention 02.10.07 Hearing 16/11/07	Fine $743
Nicholas Patsidis stop in loading zone	Mention 04.09.07	S10 dismissed
Halil Kandas Exceed laden weight	Mention 11.10.07	Fine $200
Ali R Jeyranpour Stand vehicle in area longer than allowed	Mention 09.10.07 Hearing 26.11.07	Fine $77 CC $70, PC $165
Desmond P Sinha Exceed laden weight	Mention 04.12.07	S10 dismissed CC $70
Mario Robert Dolfo Exceed Laden Weight	Mention 11.09.07	S10 dismissed
Johnathan Mathew Seidel Park longer than permitted	Mention 11.09.07	Fine $150 CC $70
Elizabeth Mary Button Not Park rear to kerb	Mention 04.09.07	Withdrawn
Ruben Martinez Park longer than permitted	Mention 19.06.07 Hearing 18.09.07	Withdrawn
Ian Jason Bright Stop in loading zone	Mention 18.09.07	Fine $60 CC $70
Mark James Osborne Stop in loading zone	Mention 18/09/07	S10 withdrawn
Therese Kendirjian Stop on path/Strip in built-up area	Mention 18/09/07	S10 – withdrawn
Adam Socha Stop in taxi zone	Mention 18/09/07	S10 – withdrawn
Karen Lynnette Clair Weeden Stop in loading zone	Mention 23/10/2007	S10 - PG
Gordon Kentish Exceed laden weight	Mention 30.10.07	PG $743 CC $70

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Name/Court reference/offence	Court date/ Officer	Results
Julie Kay Ryan Stop in loading zone	Mention 09.10.07	S10 withdrawn
Gregory Lynn Dezius Breach weight limited road	Mention 06.11.07	Fine $ 450
Jeremy Joseph Weglewski Stop in bus zone	Mention 13.11.07	Fine $185 CC $70
Manisha Arora Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 20.11.07 Hearing 17.01.08	S10
Mohamed Marzook Stop in disabled parking area	Mention 25.09.07 Hearing 12.10.07	Fine $300 CC $70, PC $100
Van Nghi Le Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 20.11.07	Fine $400 CC $70
Cagin Gucel Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 20.11.07	Withdrawn
Barry Francis Williams Park continuously for longer than permit	Mention 20.11.07	Withdrawn
Thomas Szolnoky Stand vehicle longer than allowed	Mention 25.09.07 Hearing 22.10.07	Withdrawn
Musa Kacanic Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 20.11.07 Adjourned 11.12.07	Fine $923 CC $70
Cagin Gucel Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 20.11.07	Withdrawn
Isobel Ann Curran Park in area longer than allowed	Mention 27.11.07 Hearing 17.01.08	Fine $200
Shampa Acharya Stop in bus zone	Mention 27.11.07	Withdrawn PG $50 (no cost)
Paul Cole Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 27.11.07	S10
David James Hamilton Hooper Stop on path/strip in built up area	Mention 4.09.07 Hearing 6.11.07	Fine $77 CC $70
David James Hamilton Hooper Stop on path/strip in built up area	Mention 18.09.07 Hearing 6.11.07	Fine $70 CC $70
Raymond John Snelgrove Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 4.11.07 Hearing 17.1.08	Fine $300 CC $100
Ammar Al Hasani Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 4.11.07	Fine $500
Floyd Brown Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 4.11.07	S10 CC $70
Andrew Jaffrey Park in area longer than allowed	Mention 25.09.07 Hearing 07.11.07	Fine $77 CC $75
Ammar Al Hasani. Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 4.12.07	Fine $500
Yu Chen Stop in Bus Zone	Mention 11.12.07 Hearing 01.02.08	Withdrawn
Alister Pearson Let article be exposed at road without approval	Mention 11.12.07 Hearing 01.02.08 Adjourned 17.03.08	Withdrawn
Christopher Vanderland Stop on/across driveway	Mention 18.09.07 Hearing 16.11.07	Fine $77
Christopher John Redman Parked to long	Mention 8.1.08	Sec 10 No cost
George Rapheal Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 8.1.08	Fine $185 CC $70
Nathan James Campbell Parked to long	Mention 8.1.08	Fine $20
Stewart Gordon Parked to long	Mention 25.9.07 Hearing 5.12.07	Fine $100 CC $70
Sadegh Valipour Goudarzi Stop in loading zone	Mention 25.9.07 Hearing 28.11.07	Fine $128 CC $70 PC $165

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Name/Court reference/offence	Court date/ Officer	Results
Michael James Griffin Not parallel park in direction of travel	Mention 8.1.08	Sec 10
Mark Merrin Exceed laden mass	Mention 27.11.07	Sec 10 1(A)
Paul Francis Joseph Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 06.11.07 Hearing 12.12.07	Dismissed
Maria E C Linssen Stop in work zone	Mention 05.02.08	S10 dismissed CC $70
Ravi Walia Stop in taxi zone	Mention 05.02.08 Adjourned 03.04.08 Hearing 07.05.08	S10 dismissed
Alister Pearson Let article be exposed at road without approval	Mention 05.02.08	Withdrawn
John Larke Landon Not park rear to kerb where indicated	Mention 12.02.08	S10 dismissed
John Masih Exceed Laden mass of road	Mention 04.03.08	Fine $200 CC $70
Keith Zammit Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 04.03.08	Fine $200 CC $70
Fatima A Hussien Park continuously for longer than allowed	Mention 15.5.08	S10 dismissed
George Raphael Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 8.1.08	Fine $185 CC $70
Adam Bilsborough Exceed laden mass	Mention 29.05.08	Fine $200 CC $70
Paul C Tuffin Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 17.04.08	Fine $300 CC $70
Peter Glen Robinson Exceed laden mass of road	Mention 17.04.08	S10 CC $70
Kim Murhall-Griffith Disobey no parking	Mention 17.04.08	Fine $79
Ma Lynette Nonato Koopmans Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 29.04.08 Hearing 14.07.08	Withdrawn
Michael Steven Migdoll Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 15.04.08	Fine $100 CC $70
Aminul Haque Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 29.04.08	S10 CC $70
Attila Juhasz Disobey no parking sign	Mention 17.04.08	Fine $79 CC $70
Reece Joel Lawrence Park longer than permitted	Mention 15.04.08	Fine $79 CC $70
Aldo Gino Jose Bayona Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 12.06.08 Hearing 4.08.08	Council withdrawn
Mohamad El Dahbi Exceed laden mass limit	Mention 08.04.08	Fine $ 200 CC $70
Liane Maree Martin Stop in work zone	Mention 26.06.08	S10 dismissed CC $70
Andrew Kulibab Exceed laden mass limit	Mention 26.06.08	S10 dismissed CC $70
Zabiullah Azimi Disobey no stopping sign	Mention 12.06.08	S10 dismissed

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Planning Division litigation summary 2007/08

Class 1. Land and Environment Court

Project	Case	Expenditure	Income	Result/Status
10721	J. W. HEPBURN PTY LTD DA/2172/2004	$15,792.00		Appeal upheld 12/3/07
	32 Palmerston Road, Waitara. Appeal against refusal to issue development consent for demolition of structures and erection of child care centre.
10709	ARDEN ANGLICAN SCHOOL DA/1804/2005	$472.00		Appeal upheld 25/5/07
	37 - 41 Oxford Street, Epping. Appeal against refusal to issue development consent for use of existing premises as an educational establishment for Arden Anglican School.
10697	PHILIP JOHN DALY DA/1007/2005 3 & 5 Turner Road, Berowra. Appeal against refusal to issue development consent for demolition of existing structures and erection of eleven multi-unit dwellings.	$32,926.00	Paid $900.00	Appeal upheld 31/10/07
10722	MR RAJALINGAM MAHALINGAM DA/992/2006 5 Sussex Street, Epping. Appeal against refusal of demolition of existing dwelling and construction of new dwelling	$10,729.00	$10,728.56	Appeal dismissed 22/6/07
10698	LENA ANNE D'SOUZA DA/2025/2002/C 18 Wentworth Avenue, Waitara. Appeal against refusal of Section 96(2) modification of consent to increase the number of childcare centre places from 16 to 24	$40,645.00		Appeal upheld. Section 96 application approved 29/11/07
10688	MINTER ELLISON LAWYERS DA/2233/2004 93 - 103 Pacific Highway, Hornsby. Appeal against refusal of demolition of existing building and erection of a mixed use development (9 storeys)comprising 38 multi-unit dwellings and commercial floor space	$62,862.00		Appeal upheld. Consent granted 2/11/07
10699	MR LES CHILVERS DA/1986/2006 9 Canoelands Road, Canoelands. Appeal against refusal of use of the southern part of the site as a wholesale plant nursery and ancillary works	$133,504.00		Appeal upheld. Consent granted 13/12/07

10689	SOLIMAN & SONS PTY LTD DA/1021/2003/B 444 Galston Road, Dural. Appeal against refusal of section 96(2) application to vary condition No. 71 (hours of operation)	$40,274.00		Appeal Upheld 30/8/07

10693	MR EDDIE TAKCHI DA/1676/2006 27 Loftus Road, Pennant Hills. Appeal against refusal of erection of a second dwelling to create a multi-unit housing development and subdivision of one lot into two	$40,924.00		Appeal dismissed 20/9/07
10710	DOMAIN APARTMENTS (SYDNEY) PTY LTD DA/2187/2002/C 6X Station Street, 1 & 3 Thornleigh Street & 295-299 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh. Appeal against refusal of Section 96(A) application to amend the boundary retaining wall and the carpark wall	$21,452.00		Appeal discontinued 10/8/07


10687	MEPSTEAD & ASSOCIATES DA/1887/2006	$18,315.00		Appeal upheld. Consent granted 23/10/07
	8-20 Mundowi Road, Mount Ku-ring-gai. Appeal against refusal of torrens title subdivision of three lots into twelve
10686	JOHN DREWITT-SMITH DA/1718/2006	$23,745.00		Appeal dismissed 20/1/08
	202-206 Somerville Road, Hornsby Heights. Appeal against refusal of subdivision of three lots into 15 lots

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Class 1. Land and Environment Court

Project	Case	Expenditure	Income	Result/Status
10685	TRUECLAD AS TRUSTEE TO THE GALEA FAMILY TRUST DA/902/2007 124 Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills. Appeal against deemed refusal of community title subdivision of one lot into six residential lots and one accessway lot and the construction of two two-storey dwellings	$26,035.00		Appeal upheld and consent granted 26/2/08

10682	JOSEPH PHILIP LOICANO DA/1915/2006	$7,238.00		Consent Orders issued 21/1/08
	3 Maida Road, Epping. Appeal against refusal of strata subdivision of an existing building containing 6 units
10683	JOHNSON & JOHNSON DA/1941/2005	$18,731.00		Appeal upheld. Consent granted to amended plan 14/2/08
	1 Roper Lane, Hornsby. Appeal against refusal of demolition of garage and carport - Torrens title subdivision of one allotment into two and erection of a second dwelling
10681	MINH TUYEN HOANG & THI HANH HOANG DA/636/2007 8-10 Florence Street, Hornsby. Appeal against deemed refusal of change of use from supermarket to restaurant including alterations and fitout	$7,612.00		Appeal upheld. Consent granted 10/12/07

10718	THE SCOUTS ASSOCIATION OF NSW DA/843/2007 29 & 31 York Street, Beecroft. Appeal against deemed refusal of demolition of an existing scout hall	$4,796.00		Consent Orders issued 21/11/07

10736	B WEBB DA/481/2007 32 Alberta Street, Cown. Appeal against refusal of alterations and additions to existing dwelling and freestanding double garage and carport	$9,513.00		Appeal upheld. Consent granted subject to amended plans 8/11/07

10737	JIAHANG LIN DA/1855/2006 41 Chester Street, Epping. Appeal against refusal of dwelling and retaining walls - proposed Lot 2	$8,860.00	Paid $452.00	Appeal upheld. Amended plans lodged 19/12/07
10720	MR OMER TIMUR OTARAN DA/141/2006 12 & 14A Brucedale Avenue, Epping. Appeal against refusal to issue development consent for subdivision of two lots into three lots and erection of two single storey dwellings.	$1,910.00	Paid $5,000.00	Discontinued by applicant. Agreed costs of $5,000 paid to Council 18/5/07
10768	PS GRAHAM & ASSOCIATES DA/626/2007 23 Excelsior Road, Mount Colah. Appeal against refusal to conversion of existing dwelling into a multi unit development comprising two units	$14,535.00		Appeal upheld 6/3/08

10769	ROGER KEITH BROOKES DA/1322/2006 16-24 Robert Road, Cherrybrook. Appeal against refusal of a torrens title subdivision of one lot into fifteen lots and the construction of a public road	$17,209.00		Section 34 conference held 18/3/08. Agreed conditions prepared. 3/7/08

10714	TELSTRA CORPORATION LIMITED DA/1514/2004 60-74 The Crescent, Cheltenham. Appeal against refusal to issue development consent for installation of telecommunication equipment on existing building and new equipment cabin.	$62,728.00		Appeal upheld 3/8/07


10805	MR K & MRS T BROWN DA/1370/2007 43 Carters Road, Dural. Appeal against refusal of establishment of a home industry, construction of fencing and installation of rainwater tank	$10,564.00		Appeal upheld 28/5/08

10818	MR K & MRS T BROWN DA/168/2007/A 43 Carters Road, Dural. Appeal against deemed refusal of Section 96(2) application for approved addition - garage, inground swimming pool, cabana, tennis court and retaining walls	$7,169.00		Section 34 conference held 9/4/08. Agreed conditions prepared. Matter finalised 6/6/08.

Appendix 2 Litigation summary

Class 1 Land and Environment Court

Project	Case	Expenditure	Income	Result/Status
10811	WALDORF AUSTRALIA GROUP PTY LTD DA/616/2004/E 2 City View Road, Pennant Hills Appeal against deemed refusal of Section 96AA(1) application for variation of condition 2(b) to remove limitation of hours of operation and consequential amendments to conditions Nos. 83, 84 and 85	$6,750.00		Appeal upheld 28/3/08
10838	MR BRADLEY BOWERMAN DA/1392/2005	$2,500.00		Consent orders issued 12/3/07.
10838	22 Singleton Road, Wisemans Ferry. Appeal against refusal of erection of a dwelling	$2,500.00		Consent orders issued 12/3/07.

Class 4 Land and Environment Court

	Project	Case	Expenditure	Income	Result/Status
10702		MR LES CHILVERS DA/2235/2004 9 Canoelands Road, Canoelands Appeal against unauthorised use of land and illegal landfill	$19,551.00		Class 1 appeal upheld 16/8/07. Class 4 adjourned to March 2008 to ensure works undertaken.
10692		MULTISTRUCTURE ENGINEERS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT DA/903/2006 24 Derby Street, Epping Appeal against non-compliance with development consent	$2,800.00	$19,000.00	Defendant order to pay Court costs and fined $19,000 20/7/07.
10703		DOMAIN APARTMENTS (SYDNEY) PTY LTD DA/2187/2002 295 - 299 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh Appeal against non-compliance with Order No. 15	$2,828.00		Agreement reached between parties. Consent Orders issued 23/11/07
10691		IGS ENTERPRISES PTY LTD P2007/01521 Lot 1 DP 925054 & Lot 1 DP 925055 Fisherman’s Point, Hawkesbury River Appeal against alleged unauthorised building works	$26,930.00		Draft consent orders prepared and with applicant for review.
10705		AMY DE CERBO P2006/00307 525 Pennant Hills Road, West Pennant Hills Appeal against premises not in healthy or safe conditions	$7,518.00	$3,500.00	Costs awarded. $3,500.00 to be paid in 60 days.
10730		PETTIGREW DA/585/1998 5 Coppabella Road, Middle Dural Appeal against non compliance with Order No. 15	$453.00	$452.50	Order complied with.
10747		Mrs T FRAUNFELTER P2007/00205 12-14 Charltons Creek Road, Berrilee Appeal against non-compliance with Part 2, Section 23 Order	$763.00		Written undertakings provided. Fence erected.
10787		POOLWERX PYMBLE P2006/01480 43 Orana Street, Hornsby Appeal against unauthorised storage of pool chemicals			Chemicals removed. Order complied with.

Class 5 Land and Environment Court

Project

Case

Expenditure

Income

Result/Status

10716 &

10717

MR IAN CREAK DA/74/2006/A & P2006/00451

24 Welham Street, Beecroft

Appeal against Penalty Infringement Notice to Local Court - Development without consent (Notice 7600792861).

$2,332.00

Paid

$6,500.00

Appeal dismissed. Offence proved. Deed of Agreement entered into by both parties.

Local Court

Project	Case		Expenditure		Income		Result/Status
10731	SEMANN, AZIZ P2007/01430 50 Station Street, Thornleigh. Development without consent		$361.00		$5,300.00		Found guilty of offence: Fine $4,500, Court Costs $70, Legal Costs $800.
10735	SYDNEY METRO PROJECTS P2006/0036 295-299 Pennant Hills Road, Thornleigh. Working outside of hours		$2,666.00		$31,500.00		Found guilty of offence. Fine $30,000. Legal costs $1,500.
10732	DAMIEN DE-SOUZA P2006/01300 20 Ashford Road, Cherrybrook. Development without consent		$361.00		$14,350.00		Found guilty of offence. Fine $14,000. Court Costs $70, Legal Costs $350.
10733	MR P L RYMAN P2007/0200 21 Eyre Place, Mount Colah. Development without consent		$431.00		$3,850.00		Found guilty of offence: Fine $3,500, Court Costs $70, Legal Costs $350.
10734	MR MP WILICKRAMASURIYA P2007/01826 17 Forest Close, Cherrybrook. Development without consent		$ 624.00		$5,550.00		Found guilty of offence: Fine $5,00, Court Costs $70, Legal Costs $550.
10749	INDUSTRIAL PARKS OF AUSTRALIA PTY LTD P2007/00968 22-24 Beaumont Road, Mount Kuring-gai. Undertaking prohibited development.		$1,396.00		$16,200.00		Found guilty of offence: Fine $15,000, Professional Costs $1,200, Court Costs $70.
10757	MRS MB HOLM & MR SE HOLM P2007/03292 1431-1433 Old Northern Road, Glenorie. Unlawful erection of three (3) sheds.		$7,098.00		$20,000.00		Defendant pleaded guilty. Fine issued $20,000, Court Costs $7,000.
10774	ROHOLLAH MORTEZALYAN P2006/03592 79 Appletree Drive, Cherrybrook. Development without consent		$2,206.00				Found guilty of offence: Fine $3,500, Legal $1,500, Court Costs $490.00.
10816	MR C J PERRIN and MRS J C PERRIN P2005/01605 14 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills. Non-compliance with DA/1755/2006 - garage erected not as per approval		$2,111.00		$5,000.00		Found guilty of offence: Fine issued $5,000.
10827	COMMERCIAL & HOUSING ADVANCES AUSTRALIA PTY LTD P2008/00063 7 Rosella Street, Dural. Undertaking development without consent - unauthorised driveway and fill		$3,966.00		$10,000.00		Found guilty of offence: Fine issued $10,000.
10817	MIN-BIN WASTE CONTRACTORS PTY LTD DA/1386/2007 & P2008/00232 7-9 Brennan Close, Asquith. Breach of development consent - condition No. 14		$1,684.00		$400.00		Found guilty of offence. Fine issued $400.00
		TOTALS		$733,869.00		$158,683.06

Appendix 3 Freedom of Information Report

There were no major issues relating to compliance with Freedom of Information (FOI) applications. Council continued to administer a Document Access Policy to facilitate access to information under Section 12 of the Local Government Act 1993. In the financial year, 1,023 Document Access applications and 41 FOI applications were processed by Council. Two of the FOI applications were carried forward into the next financial year. This represents a significant increase in applications to access information when compared with the 2006/07 financial year in which there were 619 Document Access applications and 21 FOI applications. This increase is a result of a general growth in demand for information and a change in Council’s procedures for dealing with applications to access information. Council has incurred considerable legal costs with respect to the processing and review of some FOI applications.

Since 1 January 2007, the processing of applications under council’s Document Access Policy has been progressively moved from Council’s Planning Division to the Administration Services Branch. Information requests are now dealt with as individual requests to the Administration Services Branch or by direct access to documents via Council’s website.

The legal requirements for the provision of information to the community and the preservation of privacy in relation to information that Council holds are competing priorities which can sometimes be in conflict. Council’s Document Access Policy and published Privacy Notification give important criteria on the procedures adopted by Council to balance these competing priorities.

Council did not receive any new applications for amendment of personal records during the year. Three internal reviews were, however, completed in the year. In each case the original determination was upheld and no amendments to Council records were made.

FOI Statistics

Section A Number of new FOI applications - How many FOI applications were received, discontinued or completed?

FOI Requests	Personal		Other		Total
FOI Requests	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
A1 New	1	-	20	40	21	40
A2 Brought forward	-	-	-	1	-	1
A3 Total to be processed	1	-	20	41	21	41
A4 Completed	1	-	15	30	16	30
A5 Discontinued	-	-	4	9	4	9
A6 Total processed	1	-	19	39	20	39
A7 Unfinished (carried forward)	-	-	1	2	1	2

Appendix 3 - Freedom of Information report

SECTION B Number of discounted FOI applications - Why were FOI applications discontinued?

Result of FOI requests	Personal		Other		Total
Result of FOI requests	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
B1 Request transferred out to another agency (s.20)	-	-	-	-	-	-
B2 Applicant withdrew request	-	-	1	3	1	3
B3 Applicant failed to pay advance deposit (s.22)	-	-	3	3	3	3
B4 Applicant failed to amend a request that would have been an unreasonable diversion of resources to complete (s.25(1)(a1))	-	-	-	3	-	3
B5 Total discontinued	-	-	4	9	4	9

SECTION C Number of completed FOI applications - What happened to completed FOI applications?

Result of FOI request	Personal		Other		Total
Result of FOI request	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
C1 Granted / available in full	-	-	6	14	6	14
C2 Granted / available in part	1	-	3	8	4	8
C3 Refused	-	-	-	1	-	1
C4 No documents held	-	-	6	7	6	7
C5 Total completed	1	-	15	30	16	30

SECTION D Number of FOI applications (granted or otherwise available in full) - How were the documents made available to the applicant?

Method of FOI provision	Personal		Other		Total
Method of FOI provision	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
D1 Provided to the applicant	-	-	-	14	-	14
D2 Provided to the applicant’s medical Practitioner	-	-	-	-	-	-
D3 Available for inspection	-	-	-	-	-	-
D4 Available for purchase	-	-	-	-	-	-
D5 Library material	-	-	-	-	-	-
D6 Subject to deferred access	-	-	-	-	-	-
D7 Available by a combination of any of the reasons listed in D1D6 above	-	-	6	-	6	-
D8 Total granted or otherwise available in full	-	-	6	14	6	14

Appendix 3 - Freedom of Information report

SECTION E Applications granted or otherwise available in part - How were the documents

made available to the applicant?

Method of FOI availability	Personal		Other		Total
Method of FOI availability	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
E1 Provided to the applicant	-	-	-	8	-	8
E2 Provided to the applicant’s medical Practitioner	-	-	-	-	-	-
E3 Available for inspection	-	-	-	-	-	-
E4 Available for purchase	-	-	-	-	-	-
E5 Library material	-	-	-	-	-	-
E6 Subject to deferred access	-	-	-	-	-	-
E7 Available by a combination of any of the reasons listed in E1-E6 above	1	-	3	-	4	-
E8 Total granted or otherwise available in part	1	-	3	8	4	8

SECTION F Refused FOI applications - Why was access to the documents refused?

Reason for refusal	Personal		Other		Total
Reason for refusal	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
F1 Exempt	-	-	-	1	-	1
F2 Deemed refused	-	-	-	-	-	-
F3 Total refused	-	-	-	1	-	1

SECTION G Number of FOI applications refused or otherwise available in part only – Why were the documents classified as exempt? (Only one reason identified).

Refusal / part availability reason	Personal		Other		Total
Refusal / part availability reason	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
Restricted documents: G1 Cabinet documents (Clause 1)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G2 Executive Council documents (Clause 2)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G3 Documents affecting law enforcement and public safety (Clause 4)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G4 Documents affecting counter terrorism measures (Clause 4A)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Documents requiring consultation: G5 Documents affecting intergovernmental relations (Clause 5)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G6 Documents affecting personal affairs (Clause 6)	-	-	-	4	-	4
G7 Documents affecting business affairs (Clause 7)	-	-	-	1	-	1
G8 Documents affecting the conduct of research (Clause 8)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Documents otherwise exempt: G9 Schedule 2 exempt agency	-	-	-	-	-	-
G10 Documents containing information confidential to Olympic Committees (Clause 22)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G11 Documents relating to threatened species, Aboriginal objects or Aboriginal places (Clause 23)	-	-	-	-	-	-

Appendix 3 - Freedom of Information report

Refusal / part availability reason	Personal		Other		Total
Refusal / part availability reason	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr	previous yr	current yr
G12 Documents relating to threatened species conservation (Clause 24)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G13 Plans of management containing information of Aboriginal significance (Clause 25)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G14 Private documents in public library collections (Clause 19)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G15 Documents relating to judicial functions (Clause 11)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G16 Documents subject to contempt (Clause 17)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G17 Documents arising out of companies and securities legislation (Clause 18)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G18 Exempt documents under interstate FOI Legislation (Clause 21)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G19 Documents subject to legal professional privilege (Clause 10)	-	-	1	3	-	3
G20 Documents containing confidential material (Clause 13)	1	-	-	-	-	-
G21 Documents subject to secrecy provisions (Clause 12)	-	-	1	-	-	-
G22 Documents affecting the economy of the State (Clause 14)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G23 Documents affecting financial or property Interests of the State or an agency (Clause 15) G24 Documents concerning operations of agencies (Clause 16)	-	-	-	1	-	1
G25 Internal working documents (Clause 9)	-	-	-	-	-	-
G26 Other exemptions (e.g., Clauses 20, 22A and 26)	-	-	1	-	-	-
G27 Total applications including exempt documents	1	-	3	9	4	9

SECTION H Number of Ministerial Certificates issued (S.59)

	Previous year	Current year
H1 Ministerial Certificates issued	0	0

SECTION I Formal consultations – Number of requests requiring consultations (issued) and total number of formal consultations:

	Number consulted
	previous year	current year
I1 Number of applications requiring formal consultation	-	5
I2 Number of persons formally consulted	-	10

Appendix 3 - Freedom of Information report

SECTION J Amendment of personal records - How many applications for amendment of personal records were agreed or refused?

	Number of applications for amendment of personal records
	previous year	current year
J1 Agreed in full	-	-
J2 Agreed in part	-	-
J3 Refused	3	-
J4 Total	3	0

SECTION K Notation of personal records Section M – fee discounts - How many applications for notation of personal records were made (s.46)?

	Number of applications for notation
	previous year	current year
K1 Applications for notation	0	0

SECTION L FEES AND COSTS - What fees were assessed and received for FOI applications processed (excluding applications transferred out)?

	Assessed costs		Fees received
	previous year	current year	previous year	current year
L1 All completed applications	$2640	$6240	$630	$3863.50
Council’s legal costs associated with FOI applications	-	$37,750.78	-	$Nil

SECTION M FEE DISCOUNTS - How many fee waivers or discounts were allowed and why?

	Personal		Other		Total
	previous year	current year	previous year	current year	previous year)	current year
M1 Processing fees waived in full	-	-	-	-	-	-
M2 Public interest discounts	-	-	-	-	-	-
M3 Financial hardship discounts – pensioner or child	-	-	-	3	-	3
M4 Financial hardship discounts – non profit organisation	-	-	-	-	-	-
M5 Total	0	0	0	3	0	3

Appendix 3 - Freedom of Information report

SECTION N FEE REFUNDS - How many fee refunds were granted as a result of significant correction of personal records?

	Number of refunds
	previous year	current year
N1 Number of fee refunds granted as a result of significant correction of personal records	0	0

SECTION O DAYS TAKEN TO COMPLETE REQUEST - How long did it take (in calendar days) to process completed applications?

	Number of completed FOI applications
	Personal		Other		Total
	previous year	current year	previous year	current year	previous year	current year
O1: 0-21 days – statutory determination period	-	-	12	15	12	15
O2: 22-35 days – extended statutory determination period for consultation or retrieval of archived records (S.59B)	-	-	-	3	-	3
O3: Over 21 days – deemed refusal where no extended determination period applies	-	-	3	11	3	11
O4: Over 35 days – deemed refusal where extended determination period applies	1	-	-	1	1	1
O5: Total	1	0	15	30	16	30

SECTION P – PROCESSING TIME: HOURS - How long did it take to process completed applications?

	Number of completed FOI applications
	Personal		Other		Total
	previous year	current year	previous year	current year	previous year	current year
P1 0-10 hours	-	-	15	24	15	24
P2 11-20 hours	1	-	-	5	1	5
P3 21-40 hours	-	-	-	-	-	-
P4 Over 40 hours	-	-	-	1	-	1
P5 Total	1	0	15	30	16	30

Appendix 3 - Freedom of Information report

SECTION Q NUMBER OF REVIEWS - How many reviews were finalised?

	Number of completed reviews
	previous year	current year
Q1 Internal reviews	4	2
Q2 Ombudsman reviews	-	-
Q3 ADT reviews	1	1

SECTION R RESULTS OF INTERNAL REVIEWS - What were the results of internal reviews finalised?

Grounds on which the internal review was requested	Number of internal reviews
Grounds on which the internal review was requested	Personal		Other		Total
	Original agency decision upheld	Original agency decision varied	Original agency decision upheld	Original agency decision varied	Original agency decision upheld	Original agency decision varied
R1 Access refused	-	-	-	-	-	-
R2 Access deferred	-	-	-	-	-	-
R3 Exempt matter deleted from documents	-	-	-	-	-	-
R4 Unreasonable charges	-	-	-	-	-	-
R5 Failure to consult with third parties	-	-	-	-	-	-
R6 Third parties views disregarded	-	-	-	-	-	-
R7 Amendment of personal records refused	3	-	-	-	3	-
R8 Total	3	0	0	0	3	0

-- end --

Community Centres – maintenance and upgrade	$150,000
Brooklyn / Dangar Island council properties – sewer connections	$50,000
Aquatic Centres – maintenance	$155,000
Foxglove Oval – settlement reconstruction	$460,000
Crosslands Reserve – water supply	$80,000
Hornsby Library – recarpeting	$100,000

1.View	Draft Annual Report and Sustainability Report
2.View	General Purpose Financial Report
3.View	Special Purpose Financial Reports
4.View	Special Schedules
5.View	Income Statement - Business Activities

Shire area	510 sq km
Population (2006 Census – estimated population)	157,387
Number of rateable properties (commercial and residential)	56,000
Suburbs/localities	41
Libraries	5
Parks	186
Playing fields	55
Playgrounds	135
Households	Over 51,000
Households with internet connection	Over 30,000
Sealed roads	610 km
Unsealed roads	44 km
Paved footpaths	405 km
Council childcare facilities	5
Public wharves	5
Floating pontoons	6
Boat launching ramps	3

Community Centres: maintenance and upgrade	$150,000
Brooklyn / Dangar Island Council properties: sewer connections	$50,000
Aquatic Centres: maintenance	$155,000
Foxglove Oval: settlement reconstruction	$460,000
Crosslands Reserve: water supply	$80,000
Hornsby Library: recarpeting	$100,000

GRI Indicator	Environmental Performance Indicators	2007/08 Result	Trend
EN10	% of water consumption reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for its own operations – Target 20% by 2011 % of water consumption reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for the community – Target 18% by 2011	These figures will be reported in 2011	▬ ▬
EN11	% area of bushland (ha) in the active care of the community and Council compared to the total bushland under Council’s management – Target 12.2%	10.8%
EN13	Area of bushland (ha) on private land lost to development – Target, no net loss of bushland	2.083 ha
EN13	Habitats protected or restored – number of bushcare volunteers	820
EN18	% of greenhouse gas reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for its own operations – Target 30% by 2010 % of greenhouse gas reduction achieved through Council’s initiatives for the community – Target 5% by 2010	29% 4%
EN22	% of domestic material by weight collected by Council going to landfill – Target 42% or less	46.53%
EN22	Tonnes of recycling diverted from landfill – target 18,492 tonnes or more Tonnes of green waste diverted from landfill – 14,340 tonnes or more	20,540T 17,632T
EN25	% of monitored healthy waterways within the shire – Target 50%	50%
EN26	Impact of environmental initiatives (number of programmes implemented in progression to sustainable corporate governance) – Target 30 programmes	32

ACTION	STATUS
Pound data report lodged to Department of Local Government	Data report lodged with department in July 2008.
Data relating to dog attacks lodged with department	Data lodged with department during 2007/2008 – Total number lodged: 31
Amount of funding spent on companion animal management and activities	Total amount spent: $434,673.86
Companion animal community education programmes carried out	Council information sheets provided on microchipping and registration, responsibilities of dog owners, controlling nuisance barking, noise nuisance from barking dogs, cat information and wildlife protection areas. Updated school education session – ‘Dog Safety’ provided as part of programme on local government for Years 3 and 4. The session is an introduction to identifying dog behaviour, how to behave around dogs, what not to do around dogs and how to safely meet and greet a dog that is under effective control with a handler. Students are provided with opportunities to practice ‘meeting’ a dog and scanning for microchips. Promotion visits to pet shops and veterinary surgeries with the provision of information/education packs to be given to new owners. Chip’s (Chip the dog) education resources and the Scoop Up the Poop programme: letterbox leaflets, stickers, reward and warning cards. Council branded pooch pouches are provided free of charge.
Strategies in place to promote and assist in the desexing of dogs and cats	· Information sheets · Council’s website · Encouraging desexing prior to registration – allowing extra time to have animals desexed to enable owner to receive benefit of reduced registration fee · National Desexing Network
Strategies in place to comply with the requirement under Section 64 to seek alternatives to euthanasia for unclaimed animals	Strategies undertaken by Council Pound Tender – Thornleigh Veterinary Hospital: · Thorough investigation using all available data bases to find owner · Contacting animal rescue organisations · Sending animals to welfare organisations
Off leash areas provided	Hornsby Shire has five full-time off leash areas for exercising and training of dogs. The areas are fully fenced and have waste bins, dog waste bags and water. These areas are: · Asquith Park, Rotherwood St, Asquith · Crossroads Reserve, Cnr Turner and Berowra Waters Rds, Berowra Heights · Greenway Park, Shepherds Dr, Cherrybrook · Rofe Park, Galston Rd, Hornsby Heights · Ruddock Park, Eucalyptus Dr Westleigh. Two other sites are available. At both of these sites dogs must be kept on a leash during organised sport and games. · Epping Oval, Norfolk Rd, Epping (Penalties apply for dogs running onto turf wicket square) · Woods St Reserve, Woods St, North Epping
Use of Companion Animals Fund money	Salary and Wages Other Employee Expenses Materials and Equipment Legal Expenses Pound Contract Expenses Internal Corporate Costs TOTAL EXPENDITURE:	$215,810.56 $1,571.10 $9,019.47 $750.00 $155,338.94 $52,183.79 -------------------- $434,673.86

Public Works Report			Section 428(2)(d)(i) - (iii)
Category	Condition at end of 30/6/08		Estimate of cost to bring to satisfactory standard s428(2)(d)(i)	Estimate of cost to maintain standard s428(2)(d)(ii)	Maintenance programme for 2007/08 s428(2)(d)(iii)
Transport assets
1. Roads Urban and rural local sealed	Satisfactory. Pavement reconstruction works required for approximately 1.0% of the 577km road network.		$3,200,000 - pavement reconstruction only	$4,465,000	$4,843,000
Regional sealed	Satisfactory. Pavement upgrading works required for approximately 1.0% of the 37km road network.		$1,321,000	$360,000	$183,000
Rural - unsealed	Satisfactory for the 42 km unsealed road network.		Nil	$350,000	$515,000
2. Footpaths	Generally satisfactory with reconstruction works required for about 1% of the 413km paved footpath network annually.		Nil	$854,000	$863,000
3. Car parks	Satisfactory.		Nil	$18,000	$19,000
4. Bridges and *culverts*	Satisfactory.		Nil	Included in urban sealed local road maintenance.	Included in urban sealed local road maintenance.
5. Wharves and *jetties*	Generally satisfactory.		$600,000 – Reconstruction or upgrading of Jetties and Pontoons at Brooklyn, Dangar Island, Kangaroo Point, Wisemans Ferry and Berowra Waters and construction of a new jetty at Bar Island.	$150,000	$238,000
Drainage assets
*Stormwater drainage systems*		System capacity upgrading required for known problem locations. Structural condition of pits and pipelines currently being determined; 10% (preliminary assessment) unsatisfactory.	$6,200,000 for system capacity upgrade. $12,000,000 for pits and pipelines upgrade.	$1,203,000	$1,200,000
Building assets
Public buildings		Building Maintenance System has been developed and is now being applied progressively to building assets across the shire.		$2,000,000	$1,520,000

Road condition
Year	Very poor		Poor		Fair		Good
Year	Length	%	Length	%	Length	%	Length	%
2007/08	6.3 km	1.0	17.9 km	2.9	109.7 km	17.9	479 km	78.2

Facility	Cost
Provision of dedicated office equipment allocated to Councillors	Nil
Telephone calls made by Councillors, including mobile phone expenses (includes equipment and line costs)	$19,237.82
Attendance of Councillors at conferences and seminars	$19,675.09
Training of Councillors and provision of skill development	Nil
Interstate visits by Councillors, including transport, accommodation and other out of pocket travelling expenses	Nil
Overseas visits by Councillors including transport, accommodation and other out of pocket travelling expenses	Nil
Expenses of any spouse, partner or other person who accompanied a Councillor	$330.00
Expenses involved in the provision of care for a child or an immediate family member of a Councillor	Nil

Position	Total Remuneration Package
General Manager	$273,615.00
Executive Manager Corporate and Community	$176,300.00
Executive Manager Planning	$186,960.00
Executive Manager Environment	$178,965.00
Executive Manager Strategy	$162,442.00
Executive Manager Works	$178,965.00

Contractor	Details of Contract	$ Amount pa	Term of contract
Leech Harmon Architect	Documentation for construction of additions and alterations to Cherrybrook Community Childcare entre	$157,000	1 year
Active Tree Services Pty Ltd, Hornsby Tree Services Pty Ltd Bolans Tree Services Pty Ltd	Tree services and associated activities	$216,000	2 years
Downer EDI Works	Supply and lay of asphaltic concrete	$2,250,000	2 years
Furnass Landscaping Enterprises	Stage 1 Playground Construction – Fagan Park	$489,696	1 year
Foster Civil Contracting South West Kerbing Pty Ltd De Vries Concreting and excavations	Concreting form and finish	$240,000 for all contracts	1 year
Wade Civil Engineering Pty Ltd	Construction of civil engineering and infrastructure works for the Rural Sports Facility at Bayfield Road, Galston	$1,811,354	1 year
Boral Asphalt	Patching of pavements in full depth asphalt	$270,000	2 years
Envirolands Pty Ltd, The Gardenmakers, The Green Horticultural Group, Luhrmann Environment Management	Grass cutting parks and reserves	$176,254	3 years
Hanson Construction Materials	Supply and deliver road materials	$237,000	1 year
Hanson Construction Materials Metromix Pty Ltd	Supply and delivery of concrete	$360,000	1 year
Aston and Burke Pty Ltd De Vries Concreting and Excavation Pave-Rite Excavation Pty Ltd	Construction and reconstruction of vehicular crossings and footpaths	$650,000	1 year
Classic Group Pty Ltd	Construction of alterations and additions to community centre and 72 place childcare and multipurpose facility at Greenway Park	$3,574,323	1 year
Sami Pty Ltd	Sprayed bitumen surfacing	$760,000	1 year
Jakin Constructions	Construction of amenities building and store for the Rural Sports Facility Galston	$247,272	1 year
DJB Tank and Drainage	Construction of underground storage tanks, Greenway Park, Cherrybrook	$214,060	1 year
Zalem Pty Ltd	Construction of Galston Skate Park	$257,870	1 year
Conergy Pty Ltd	Wind Turbine Project, Berowra	$140,768	I year
Furnass Landscaping Enterprises	General grounds maintenance	$106,556	3 years

Organisation	Amount
North Shore Filipino-Australian Association	$132.00
Normanhurst Combined Playgroup	$250.00
Hornsby and District TPI Social and Welfare Club	$250.00
Hornsby Legacy Widows Club	$250.00
Hornsby Rosemary Legacy Club	$250.00
Epping Church of Christ	$400.00
Hornsby Heights Neighbourhood Centre	$400.00
Hornsby Ku ring gai Domestic Violence Network	$500.00
Benowie District Scouts - Scout Association of Australia NSW	$500.00
Galston Long Day Care Centre	$500.00
Wisemans Ferry and Districts Community Health and Resource Centre Inc.	$500.00
1st Hornsby Heights Scout Group	$500.00
Berowra Toy Library	$500.00
Shack Youth Outreach	$500.00
Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation	$500.00
Galston District Eisteddfod	$500.00
Waitara Girl Guides	$500.00
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Hills Multiple Birth Association	$520.00
Co. As. It (Italian Association of Assistance)	$720.00
Epping YMCA YouthLinx	$800.00
Lifestart Co-operative Ltd	$800.00
Parkinson's NSW Inc Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Support Group	$800.00
Fairholme Quilters Inc.	$844.00
Deerubbin Island Film Society	$945.00
Disabled Alternative Road Transport Service	$1,000.00
Hornsby Computer Pals for Seniors Inc.	$1,000.00
Baby Bumps Support Group	$1,000.00

Organisation	Amount
Assistance Dogs Australia	$1,000.00
SHHH Australia Incorporated - Self Help for Hard of Hearing People	$1,000.00
Pennant Hills Neighbour Aid Inc.	$1,000.00
Epping Carols Committee	$1,000.00
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Volunteer Coordinators’ Forum	$1,000.00
Seniors Group of Cherrybrook Chinese Community Association Inc.	$1,000.00
Ku-ring-gai Male Choir Inc	$1,050.00
Reece Bancell Memorial Assoc. Inc.	$1,100.00
Hills District Triton User Group Inc.	$1,159.00
Chinese Elderly Welfare Association Inc.	$1,200.00
Wisemans Ferry Pre School	$1,352.00
St Bernard's School	$1,500.00
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Association for Mental Health	$1,500.00
Brooklyn Community Theatre	$1,500.00
Low Impact Exercise Group	$1,500.00
Constant Companion	$1,635.00
Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation	$1,700.00
TADNSW (Technical Aid to the Disabled)	$1,900.00
Easy Care Gardening Inc.	$2,000.00
Studio ARTES Northside Inc.	$2,100.00
All Saints Waitara English Classes	$2,312.00
Farsi Speaking /Writing Group	$2,500.00
Mayor's Youth Trust Fund	$3,000.00
Hornsby Arts Council Inc.	$3,000.00
Emergency Relief Fund	$5,000.00
Hornsby Art Society Inc.	$5,900.00

Vision and strategy
1.1	Council’s vision relating to sustainability, including Mayor’s statement describing key elements of the report
1.2	Key impacts, risks and opportunities for Council
Profile
2.1	Council’s name
2.2	Core functions
2.3	Operational structure and major divisions
2.4	Location of operations	Inside front cover
2.6	Legal form of Council
2.7	Nature of operations
2.8	Scale of the organisation
2.10	Awards received in the reporting period
Report parameters
3.1	Reporting period
3.2	Date of most recent report
3.3	Reporting cycle
3.4	Feedback - contact details
3.5	Policies and internal practices Council relies on	Summary of Affairs 2008
3.6	Report boundary
3.7	Decisions why not to apply all GRI principles
3.11	Significant changes to reporting mechanisms from last year
Governance, commitments and engagement
4.1	Governance structure of Council
4.4	Mechanisms for the community to engage with Councillors	Statement of Affairs 2008*
4.8	Organisational values and approach to reporting social, environmental and economic performance
4.9	Processes for overseeing Council’s identification and management of economic, environmental and social risks and opportunities
PA2	Sustainable development definition
4.16	Approaches to stakeholder consultation
4.17	Type of information generated by stakeholder consultations and indicators developed as a result of the information gathered
PA3	Major sustainable development strategies and policies

GRI indicator legend
MP	Management Plan	EC	Economic indicator	PA	Public Agency indicator
GRI G3	Global Reporting Initiative G3 Reporting Guidelines 2006	EN	Environmental indicator	PR	Product Responsibility indicator
GRI G3	Global Reporting Initiative G3 Reporting Guidelines 2006	LA	Labour practices indicator	SO	Social indicator