|
Hornsby Shire Council |
Attachment to Report No. CC100/08
Page 0 |
Corporate performance for the first quarter of 2008/09
Welcome to the September
quarter for 2008/09.
Local Government elections were held at the
end of the quarter. The Mayor, Councillor Nick Berman, and Councillors McMurdo,
Browne and Evans returned for a further term of office. Six newly elected representatives assumed
office for the new term of Council until September 2012.
Council’s community donations program
provides financial assistance to support community development, and in August council
provided just over $64,000 to 55 community groups or organisations based in the
Hornsby Shire or groups who provide assistance and support to residents of the
shire. Council also supports community
groups and organisations by subsidising or foregoing rental of its community
centres, halls and other facilities including sportsfields and it is estimated
this equated to over $2.5 million in 2007/08.
In this quarter council’s
Epping Library was announced as winner of the 2008 Northern District Times True
Local Business Awards.
Epping Library
was nominated for the award by the general public and gained sufficient votes
to be one of the finalists. The Library then completed a questionnaire covering
services, teamwork, attracting customers, green footprint, future plans
etc. The Library was also visited by a
mystery customer to test the level of customer service. The highest combination
of scores from votes, questionnaire and mystery customer determined the winner. It is very gratifying to know that the
staff’s hard work in providing a customer focussed service is appreciated by
the public.
Council continued
its commitment to sustainability by joining the “Sustainable Choice” program,
an initiative of the Local Government and Shires Association to promote the purchase
of products and services that are more sustainable. The program provides support and guidance to
councils on products and services that save water or energy, contain recycled
content, are non toxic, have greenhouse or biodiversity benefits or advance
social objectives. The purpose is to
‘mainstream’ the level of sustainable purchasing by integrating it into
everyday purchasing systems.
Last year council undertook a major project
to conserve
Financial performance for the first quarter of 2008/09
The Net Operating and Capital Result after
internal and external funding for the three months to 30 September 2008 was a
positive result of $36,521,868 which was $718,291 better than budget. The
reason for the large positive figure is the recognition of the total rates and
charges as they are levied. Consequently during the year, this income (as
opposed to the cash received) remains relatively constant while expenditure
increases throughout the year. The positive variance to budget reflects timing
differences in the phasing of the budget and accruals not reflected in the
actuals.
All Divisions reviewed their full year
budgets in September and this has resulted in requests for funding totalling $216,218
for circumstances that have changed since the original budget for 2008/09 was prepared
then adopted over six months ago. This would take our revised budget to a deficit
of $310,018.
Despite the volatility in the financial
markets, Council has not had to lower its investments returns this quarter however
the economic situation remains a concern and will be monitored closely.
Every effort is being made to reduce the
budget deficit. Potential cost savings
are being investigated and any confirmed savings will be brought to account in
the December budget review.
ROBERT BALL
GENERAL MANAGER
Strategic Themes – performance indicators
Indicators with a
|
Working with our community |
Target |
Result |
|
% of respondents at
public meetings satisfied with the level of engagement in matters of
discussion - |
85% or more |
No
public meeting surveys were undertaken in the quarter |
|
The number of people supported through the home modification and maintenance service |
700 or more people per year |
582
people supported this quarter |
|
The number of young people contacted by Youth Services |
3,000 per year |
750
young people contacted |
|
Donations to community,
civil society and cash-in-kind– · Subsidised and foregone property
rental - $541,198 · Sporting ground subsidies =
$1,883,068 · Donations to community groups =
$64,269 · Pensioner rates write offs =
$762,864 |
Information, no target |
Annual
Indicator – from 2007/08 Annual
Report total donations as per column on left = $3,251,399 |
|
The number of people
addressing Council at its meetings - |
Information indicator, no target |
150 people addressed Council in the September 08 quarter |
|
The number of community members participating in council sustainability activities or related education |
1,500 people or more per year |
Gardens for Wildlife = 52 participants 14
Bushland events = 515 participants 550
plants sent to 21 schools for planting, plus 125 volunteers planted 1,110
plants at 3 sites for National Tree Day |
|
The number of community
panels convened and topics researched – (The Community Consultation Database currently has over 1170 registered
participants. Of these, some 750 have
an e-mail address registered) |
Information indicator, no target |
The database was not used for the conduct of on-line, random telephone
or postal surveys during the reporting period. It was used to: -remind participants about
the local government elections and advise them of their voting rights and
obligations. -advise participants about
the Hornsby Council 2008 Country and Garden Fair at Galston. |
|
The type of events and attendance at events hosted through the Aboriginal Community Facilitator Project |
4 events per year |
Reporting will commence in the second quarter of 2008/09 |
|
Conserving our natural environment |
Target |
Result |
|
Percentage of water consumption reduction achieved through council’s initiatives for its own operations (compared to council’s average annual consumption from 1999 to 2002) – GR1 EN10 |
20% by 2011 |
This
indicator will be reported in 2011 |
|
Percentage of water consumption reduction achieved through council’s initiatives for the community (compared to the shire’s average annual consumption from 1999 to 2002) – GR1 EN10 |
18% by 2011 |
This indicator will be reported in 2011 |
|
Percentage of area of
bushland in the active care of council and the community compared to total
bushland under council management – |
12.2% |
Annual Indicator - from 2007/08 Annual Report 10.8% in 2007/08 |
|
Percentage of greenhouse
gas reduction achieved, compared to 1995/96 levels, through council’s
initiatives for its own operations – |
30% by 2010 |
Annual Indicator - from 2007/08 Annual Report 29% reduction on 95/96 levels |
|
Percentage of greenhouse
gas reduction achieved, compared to 1995/96 levels, through council’s
initiatives for the community – |
5% by 2010 |
Annual Indicator - from 2007/08 Annual Report 4% reduction on 95/96 levels |
|
Percentage of domestic
waste material, by weight, collected by council going to landfill – |
42% or less |
46.8%
of waste to landfill this quarter |
|
Tonnes of recycling
diverted from landfill – |
18,492 tonnes |
4,398
tonnes of recycling diverted this quarter |
|
Tonnes of green waste
diverted from landfill – |
14,340 tonnes |
3,484
tonnes of green waste diverted this quarter |
|
Percentage of monitored
healthy waterways within the shire - Council
monitors representative creeks across the shire. This target aims for half of the shire’s
waterways to be classified as healthy |
50% |
Annual Indicator – from 2007/08 Annual Report 50% in 2007/08 |
|
Number of programs
implemented in progression to sustainable corporate governance – |
30 programs |
Annual Indicator – from 2007/08 Annual Report More
than 30 programs |
|
Contributing to community
development through sustainable facilities and services |
Target |
Result |
|
The number of incidents and removal expenditure for vandalism and
graffiti compared to same time previous year –* new indicator, target
comparisons will be included when sufficient data available |
*Less incidents than previous year |
Graffiti – 339 incidents costing $19,200 to remove Vandalism – 61 incidents costing $22,400 to repair |
|
The maintenance expenditure on sealed roads, unsealed roads,
footpaths and drains · Sealed roads = $8,100 per year · Unsealed
roads = $11,500 per year · Footpaths
$2,200 per km per year · Drainage
$3,600 per km per year |
Completion
within budget |
Year
to date · Sealed roads = $1,390 · Unsealed roads = $2,940 · Footpaths = $500 · Drainage = $770 |
|
Fulfilling our community’s vision
in planning for the future of the Shire |
Target |
Result |
|
The net area of bushland
on private land and agricultural land lost to development – |
No net loss of bushland |
Annual Indicator – from 2007/08 Annual Report, 3.083 hectares of land lost to development |
|
The percentage of planning projects completed on time and within budget |
90% |
Annual Indicator – will be reported June 2009 |
|
The number of commercial buildings approved in the Hornsby Shire achieving a 4 star rating or better, assessed against the BCA’s green star rating |
4 star = best practice 5
star = Australian excellence |
Information not available to report this data |
|
The number of community
group grant applications assisted – (During the reporting period
six new clients were registered on the Inquiry Database. In
total fifty five clients are registered as interested in receiving assistance
to secure grant funding for projects.) * A
number of clients have indicated an application would be submitted for grants
suggested. Outcome to be followed up. |
Information indicator |
Current status of
clients: · Twenty two actions
pending* · Twenty six
regarded as inactive at present · Six applications
submitted have been successful · Three applications
submitted – result unknown. · One application
submitted – unsuccessful |
|
Number of service requests relating to health and building matters that are received and investigated per year |
1,200 per annum |
475 matters in the Sept quarter |
|
Supporting our diverse economy |
Target |
Result |
|
The median processing times for category one and category two development applications |
Category One – 60 days Category Two – 40 days |
Category One = 25 days Category Two = 54 days |
|
Unemployment rates in Hornsby local area compared to same time previous year (Source:
Small area labour markets smoothed series Dept of Employment and Workplace
Relations) |
Less than same time previous year |
June 2007 Hornsby unemployment rate 3% June 2008 Hornsby unemployment rate 2.6% |
|
The amount of Section 94 contributions collected in the year |
$1.8 million pa |
$460,479 collected year to date |
|
Growth in gross regional product per annum |
Information indicator, no target |
Annual Indicator – will be reported in June 2009 |
|
Percentage of the population that live and work in the shire |
27% or more |
Annual Indicator – from 2007/08 Annual Report, the
2006 |
Indicators with a
|
Maintaining sound corporate and
financial management |
Target |
Result |
|
The number and time
spent on requests for information using Section 12 and FOI – |
Trends over time |
Period
26 July to 25 Sept 08 186
applications under Section 12 legislation with 225 hours of processing time 9
applications under FOI legislation with 112 hours of processing time |
|
% of action correspondence completed or acknowledged within target days |
90% |
2,874 pieces of correspondence received and 85% closed within time |
|
Absenteeism and staff
turnover |
Less than same time previous year |
Absenteeism = 4.66% (8,661 hours) Sept 08 compared to 4.85% (12,509 hours) Sept 07 Staff turnover = 4% Sept 08 (20 people compared to 6.25% Sept 07) |
|
Council’s green
procurement – stages of development - |
100% |
Council joined the “Sustainable Choice” program which promotes the purchase of products and services that are more sustainable. The program provides support and guidance to councils on products and services that save water or energy, contain recycled content, are non toxic, have greenhouse or biodiversity benefits or advance social objectives. |
|
Return on invested funds greater than benchmark Bank Bill Swap Rate (Council’s investment strategy recognises the desire-ability of ethical and socially responsible investments and has invested in such products) |
Year to date (July to August) benchmark 8.03% |
Total Investments year to date return after fees = 7.51% |
Indicators with a
Utilisation of Consultants – July to September 2008
The 2008/09 annual budget for
consultancies is $1,280,742 which equates to $320,185 per quarter. In the period from July to September council
expended $317,009 as payment to consultants covering 36 consultancy projects,
which is 1% favourable variance.
The value of individual
consultancy payments in the quarter ranged from $330 (Parks and Landscapes) to
$37,856 (Hornsby Quarry Geotech Report/EOI).
Of the 36 consultancies, 32 were less than $15,000 and 4 were greater
than $15,000.
The four consultancy payments
greater than $15,000 were:
|
Branch or Division |
Value |
Purpose of consultancy |
|
Development
Contributions |
$23,342 |
Demographic profiling
of the shire |
|
Reception |
$30,000 |
PABX :evaluation of
technology inclusions in tender documents |
|
Works |
$37,856 |
Hornsby Quarry
Geotechnical Report/EOI |
|
Property Development |
$18,000 |
Geographic Information
Systems |
Notes
“A consultant generally
provides expert analysis and advice which facilitates decision making, performs
specific one-off or set of tasks and that task involves skills or perspectives
that would not normally be expected to reside within the department of which
need to be undertaken independently for policy or probity reasons” (Victorian
Government August 2003).
From time to time Council will
contract and utilise the services of consultants in order to benefit from their
specialised expertise, independent advice and/or to manage Council’s resources
in the most effective and efficient manner possible.
The selection, engagement and
use of consultants at Hornsby Shire Council is in accordance with Council’s
policy titled ‘Consultants – Engagement and Selection’ and/or ‘Council Policy –
Tenders’ as well as Council’s Procurement and Tendering Procedures.
General Manager’s Division
Performance
measures
|
|
Achievement |
Target |
|
% and number of branches operating within
budget |
80% (3 of 4) |
100% |
|
% of speech notes provided to Mayor at
least 2 days before event |
90% |
90% |
|
Number of complaints upheld by regulatory
bodies – |
Nil |
Nil |
Indicators with a
Service
comment
With Local Government
elections taking place on 13 September, the period from July to September 2008
was a busy time for Council's Community Relations team. Major media issues in
this period included the community campaign to save Glenowen, a heritage-listed
property in Castle Hill, and Telstra's Development
Application to install a mobile phone tower and equipment shelter
at
Community Relations also
worked to ensure the news, web spotlight and events sections of Council's
website were regularly updated to encourage regular visitation by the community.
The team prepared more than twenty sets of speech notes for Mayor Nick
Berman and facilitated school visits for more than 250 local primary
school students in this period.
As
part of the ongoing events calendar, council ran a number of successful events
for the community this quarter. Events include the Photo Competition, Fagan
Park Playground Opening, Great Debate, Country & Garden Fair, opening of
the serpent mosaic at Hornsby Station, Garden Competition, Knit in at Hornsby
Library and two Citizenship Ceremonies (one was cancelled due to the September
election).
Council
also established an Australia Day event committee with community group input
and support to ascertain the grounding for successful community events for next
Australia Day. Community Relations established contact with Koala Park and is
working on an Australia Day 2009 event within the allocated budget.
The newly created position of
Graphic Designer went through a testing period to establish the viability and
cost-effectiveness of producing design in-house. The role is being advertised
as a permanent full time position in late October, which serves as a testament to
the success this role brings to Council. Major achievements include updating the
corporate style guide for Council and the creation of professional and
consistent publications and promotional material.
The Annual Report and
Sustainability Report 2007/08 is on-track to be delivered on time and within
budget, despite the financial details being one month behind schedule (due to
the cancellation of the September meeting of Council). The relationship with
Transurban continues to flourish and the Manager Community Relations is
actively involved in the Councillor and Community Engagement Working Party and
the Vibrant Hornsby Mall Group where she is looking to assume the role of
Chairperson at the next meeting.
The progress of the first quarter of the 2008-2009
Internal Audit Plan has been partially influenced by the completion of audits
brought forward from the previous year and assistance in additional
investigation tasks. The Internal Auditor and the other syndicate internal
auditors have been involved in a third system audit conducted by the Internal
Audit Bureau at another of the syndicate Councils. The associated report will
be reviewed by the Internal Auditor and the Information Systems Branch in
relation to Hornsby Shire Council.
Objectives in the Management
Plan and Service Plan have generally been achieved for the first quarter and
performance overall has been pleasing.
Financial comment
The 2008-2009 financial year has commenced well,
with operations within the General Manager’s Division working substantially in
line with allocated budget resources.
General Manager’s Division -explanation of material variances in $000
YEAR TO DATE VARIANCES
TO BUDGET
|
VARIANCE |
NARRATIVE |
Net Operating Result
|
+77 |
Timing difference due to late billing by suppliers
to the Garden Fair in Fagan Park |
Net Capital Result
|
0 |
|
Internal Funding
|
0 |
|
Net Operating and Capital Result after Internal
Funding
|
+77 |
|
Robert Ball
General Manager
Strategy Division
Performance measures
|
|
Achievement |
Target |
|
Value of
Development Contributions collected compared to the value estimated to be
collected (for more detail see table below) |
$460,479 collected ytd |
$1,800,000
in 2008/09 |
|
% and number of
branches operating within budget |
100% (4 of 4) |
100% |
|
Staff turnover
(full time equivalent) compared to same time previous year – |
4% Sept 08 (20
people) |
6.25% Sept 07 |
|
Absenteeism
i.e.% and number of lost hours through
sick leave compared to same quarter previous year – |
4.66% (8,661
hours) Sept 08 |
4.85% (12,509
hours) Sept 07 |
|
Number of workers compensation claims registered in
the quarter – |
8 claims lodged and $47,618 paid in claims in the quarter |
Information
only, no target |
|
Number of
internal training programs delivered
in the quarter – |
83 classes delivered with 1,568 participants |
Information
only, no target |
|
Number of staff
attending external courses and seminars in the quarter – |
59 external courses attended |
Information
only, no target |
Indicators
with a
|
Development
Contributions – Summary of contributions 2008/09 per category (the closing
balances will be adjusted as journals are processed) |
|||||
|
Development Contributions major categories |
Opening Balance $ |
Contributions received $ |
Interest earned during the
year $ |
Expended during the qtr $ |
Held as a restricted asset
$ |
|
Drainage |
443,408 |
17,049 |
6,579 |
|
467,036 |
|
**Roads |
1,851,358 |
39,769 |
27,019 |
|
1,918,146 |
|
Traffic
facilities |
144,959 |
23,199 |
2,403 |
|
170,561 |
|
*Parking |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
0 |
|
Open Space |
4,583,844 |
223,180 |
56,871 |
826,541 |
4,037,355 |
|
Community
facilities |
7,241,628 |
105,219 |
104,046 |
64,578 |
7,386,315 |
|
Civic
improvements |
2,132,206 |
38,070 |
30,447 |
39,262 |
2,161,461 |
|
Other
(Bushfire facilities and plan administration) |
-1647 |
13,993 |
-861 |
72,587 |
-61,102 |
|
SUB TOTAL
– Development Contributions under plans |
16,395,756 |
460,479 |
226,504226,504 |
1,002,968 |
16,079,772 |
|
Development Contributions not under plan |
577,119 |
|
8,245 |
|
585,364 |
|
TOTAL
CONTRIBUTIONS |
16,972,876 |
920,958 |
234,750 |
2,005,936 |
16,665,137 |
The format
used to display this information has changed from previous quarters to align to
the DLG reporting requirements
*The zero balance is due to two factors:
§ Contributions only commenced in the new plan in
November 2007
§ No funds have been received as at 30 September 2008
** The
Roads funds include contributions levied against extractive industries and is
for RTA use on the regional road network
Current
development trends suggest that insufficient funds will be collected to fund
the works program identified in the new plan.
Service comment
Achievements
for the first quarter of 2008/09 include
§ The development and delivery to 620 staff
of a training package regarding staff responsibilities relating to alcohol and
other drugs in the workplace
§ The development of specifications for the
major manual handling programme
§ The development and implementation of an
improved suite of management performance indicators
§ Securing major film production houses as regular uses
of shire locations, which has resulted in increased revenue streams
§ Substantial progress on the compliance plan as an
auditable document of processes and procedures to minimise operational risks
§ Contribution to the Annual Report and Sustainability
Report 2007/08, including the use of the Global Reporting Initiative
Financial comment
Controllable expenses
were $131,000 (24%) below budget in this first quarter, due largely to a
combination of salary savings and consultancy projects not yet commenced.
Development contributions
collected in the quarter were marginally above the budgeted level, however
multi-unit development remains subdued and the budget expectation has been set
at a low level to reflect the slow-down in the industry.
Strategy Division explanation of material variances – in $000
YEAR TO DATE VARIANCES
TO BUDGET
|
VARIANCE |
NARRATIVE |
Net Operating Result
|
+143 |
Mainly due to unfilled
staff position in HR +50 and below budget expenditure on consultants +25 and
timing differences on other expense items |
Net Capital Result
|
+9 |
Above budget S94
development contributions |
Internal Funding
|
-18 |
Offset to above budget S94
income and below budget expenses in development contributions |
Net Operating and Capital Result after Internal
Funding
|
+134 |
|
JULIE WILLIAMS
MANAGER CORPORATE
STRATEGY
Corporate and Community Division
Performance measures
|
|
Achievement |
Target |
|
Number of requests for information
using FOI legislation Number of requests for information
using s12 Local Govt Act |
9 283 |
40 per annum 950 per annum |
|
Number and value of tenders completed
by the Procurement Department each quarter |
3 |
3 |
|
Number of library visits per capita
(annualised) |
6.8 |
6 |
|
Time to complete Council Minutes |
2 days |
2 days |
|
Occupancy Rate for Council’s Long Day
Care Centres |
98.36% |
97% |
|
% and number of branches operating
within budget |
100% (6 of 6) |
100% |
Financial Services
· Upgrade of
financial reporting software tested and roll-out to budget managers commenced.
Added functionality has been developed to include drill down to transactions.
· System generated
aged debtors trial balance developed.
· E-tendering
software implemented and training provided to relevant staff.
· Fair Value
accounting requirements gathered for inclusion into the 2007/08 financial
statements. Valuation of Council’s buildings and operational land completed by
Scott Fullerton Valuations.
Administration Services
· A fantastic milestone was reached in
September with the registration of the 1 millionth document into TRIM -
council’s electronic document management system. Achieved in only four years, it
illustrates the successful adoption of electronic recordkeeping throughout the
organisation and a growing awareness of the importance of recordkeeping to
support business, allow instant access
to information and provide protection to Council. A
thorough training and assistance programme offered by the Records Management
Team, an active TRIM User Group and exceptional management and staff
support has been instrumental in this corporate success story and has made
Hornsby one of the most successful sites in the country for TRIM
implementation.
§ The Administration Services Branch assisted
the NSW Electoral Commission with the conduct of the local government elections
which were held on 13 September by providing support to the Returning Officer
allocated to the Hornsby Shire for the election. This included the
identification and fit out of a suitable returning office, provision of
facilities and equipment, assistance with enquiries and advice to members of
the public, the collection, collation and distribution of various
documentation, and liaison with the Electoral Commission.
Information Systems
§ Councils Online continues to be improved with the following systems
to be implemented during this year:
- Electronic Business Paper System
installed and going live in October 2008.
- Property Enquiry with Waste Management
Collection Calendars - available on the
- Council Policy Register – available on
the
- Property Enquiry with Waste Management
Collection Calendars(Public View) - available on the
- Delegations Register – to be released
later this year
- Forms Register – to be released later
this year
- Grants Register – to be released later this
year
- Section 53 - Land Register – to be
released later this year
- HSC Phone Book – to be released later
this year
- HSC staff email available via the
internet from any location.
§ Telecommunications review including tender for mobiles, land
lines, internet, remote sites and PABX now completed. The report to Council of
the preferred tenderers was endorsed at the Ordinary Meeting held on 13 August
2008. Contracts are now signed and the implementation project to be scheduled.
The PABX replacement is scheduled to complete by June 2009.
§ Information Systems Steering Committee has reviewed the IS
Strategic Plan (June Quarter) in July 2008 to provide direction and
prioritisation of technology projects.
§ COL hardware infrastructure being replaced for all five Councils
in the Syndicate. This replacement is scheduled to complete by end of October
2008. Note this will also include an upgrade to the Council Syndicate corporate
systems business recovery solution.
§ A review of the upgrade options for the Oracle (eBusiness Suite)
corporate applications currently underway. This work is being completed by the
Council Syndicate with results to be provided to the General Manager’s Steering
Committee in December 2008.
Community Services
§ Following a period of community consultation, Council
adopted a Statement of Reconciliation with Aboriginal people. following the
Prime Minister's Apology to the Stolen Generations in February 2008. This Statement will appear on Council's
website and be displayed in Council buildings and facilities throughout the
Shire.
§ In partnership with Mission Australia, Council’s Youth
Services Team is providing direct support to young people and their families at
Hornsby Court. This is the first time that Council has been involved in the
provision of services to young offenders. The project is designed
to assist young people who have never been to court before. Workers and
volunteers are at the courthouse door and are able to direct young people to
legal advice or refer them to local services to encourage positive
integration and support within the community with the view to stopping
them re-offending.
§ Over 200 people participated in Council’s
Over 55 Expo on 6 August. The Expo was organised in partnership with Parramatta
City Council and provided an opportunity for older people to connect with their
community and to gain information about local services that they can
access.
§ The Community Centres and Halls Team began
the implementation of the Finance and Procedures Manual for Community Centre
and Halls Section 377 Management Committees. These manuals were produced in
response to a Council resolution which supported a model of management of
community facilities that involves Section 377 Management Committees but with
“significantly improved performance”.
§ Stage
One of the Cherrybrook Community and Child Care Centre Project is nearing
completion. The renovated Cherrybrook Community Centre is scheduled for
reopening in mid November 2008.
Library and Information Services
§ Epping Library won the category for Community Services/Non Profit
in the Northern District Times True Local Business Awards
§ Library services and programs were promoted at the Fagan Park
Country and Garden Fair and the Council Seniors Expo at Epping Leisure and
Learning Centre. Successful Knit In held
at Hornsby Library, in conjunction with the
§ Readers Week celebrated during the month of September. Borrowers
given the opportunity to nominate their top three favourite books. Promotion
well supported by community. Customers using other people’s selections to find
new titles to read.
Corporate and Community Division explanation of material variances – in $000
YEAR TO DATE VARIANCES
TO BUDGET
|
VARIANCE |
NARRATIVE |
Net Operating Result
|
+1,058 |
A positive variance of
2.29% when compared to the 1st quarter budget. This is a result of
budget phasing issues, greater than budget investment returns (which will be
offset by lowering of the cash rate) and employee leave entitlements not
accrued. Any corporate savings against budget will be assessed as part of the
December 2008 or March 2009 Budget Reviews. |
Net Capital Result
|
-281 |
Due to timing differences
in the changeovers of Council’s fleet. |
Internal Funding
|
-27 |
Timing differences. |
Net Operating and Capital Result after Internal
Funding
|
|
Gary
Bensley
Executive Manager
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Environment Division
Performance measures
|
|
Achievement |
Target |
|
Amount of gross pollutants removed from
gross pollutant devices each quarter - gross pollutant devices capture litter
before it pollutes waterways |
329 |
450 tonnes per year |
|
Tonnes of litter collected from
residential street sweeper per week |
30 |
35 tonnes |
|
The number of ratepayers receiving free
plants from council’s nursery during ‘plant giveaway’ days |
No plant giveaway days this
quarter |
1,000 per year |
|
Number of street trees planted per
annum |
300 |
500 per year |
|
Number of review of on site sewerage
management systems per quarter |
81 |
70 per quarter |
|
Percentage of public health reviews of
high and medium risk businesses undertaken |
30% |
90% of high and medium risk
businesses |
|
Percent and number of branches
operating within budget |
67% (6 of 9) |
100% |
Service
comment
· Planted 1,110 trees at three
sites on National Tree Day
· Completed new area of
walking track in Beecroft Reserve with boardwalk sections
· Completed installation of
new fire trail gates
· 52 participants in Gardens
for Wildlife workshops
· Distributed 550 plants to 21
schools for SCHOOLS National Tree Planting Day
· Vegetation and Restoration
Plan Management Guidelines completed and on website
· Installed 16 new streetscape
style litter bins in west side of Hornsby
· Collected 73 fridges through
Fridge Buyback program, resulting in
savings of $427,100 in electricity and 2,817 tonnes of greenhouse gases
· Opened regional adventure
playground facility at Fagan Park
· Commenced Secondhand
Saturday initiative, in which approximately 60 participants per week take part
· Significant progress made on
the Rural Sports Facility and Galston Skate Facility
· Installed three water
quality probes on the Hawkesbury Estuary
· Upgraded the Kangaroo Point
boat effluent pumpout facility
· Installed fish cleaning
table at Berowra Waters
· Installed 400,000 litre rainwater
tanks at Greenway Park for irrigation of the ovals
Awards
· NSW Sustainable
Water Challenge 2008 (Commendation in the Community Engagement Category) for
Tankscape – Schools Rainwater Tank Program
· Awarded the
Excellence in Stormwater Software Development by the Stormwater Industries
Association for developing a stormwater harvesting model
Financial
comment
The
Environment Division achieved a $141k favourable variance versus the Original
Budget for the 1st quarter.
Major
variances are highlighted below:
· Favourable variance in
Commercial Waste due to timing and expenditure not yet accrued
· Favourable variance in
Hazard Reduction and Mitigation due to timing
· Savings in Employee Expense
attributable to vacant positions
The
Division requested the following budget changes:
· New contracts for grass
cutting $25k
· Construction of a pedestrian
link through Chilworth Reserve $9k
Environment Division explanation of material variances – in $000
YEAR TO DATE VARIANCES
TO BUDGET
|
VARIANCE |
NARRATIVE |
Net
Operating Result
|
1779 |
Favourable variances: · Domestic Waste $1,517k* expenditure not yet accrued,
offset by Waste Reserve Account · Commercial Waste $82k expenditure not yet accrued · Catchment Remediation Rate $74k* due to timing of
expenditure · Property Cleansing $79k due to timing of expenditure · Parks & Landscape Team $83k mainly timing of
expenditure for Parks Asset Group & Streetscape Maintenance Unfavourable variances: · Fire Control -$145k mainly due to reimbursements not
yet received from NSW Rural Fire Service * offset by funding adjustments |
Net
Capital Result
|
-835 |
Favourable variances: · Timing of Bushland s94 Projects $83k*, offset by
Funding Unfavourable variances: · Timing of Parks s94 Projects -$808k*, offset by
Funding · Timing of Catchment Remediation Projects -$44k*,
offset by Funding · Fire Control Centre -$36k*, offset by Internal Loan * offset by funding adjustments |
Internal Funding
|
-803 |
* offset major variances
from Net Operating and Net Capital Results above: · Domestic Waste -$1517k* · Catchment Remediation Rate – Operating -$74k*,
Capital +$44k* · Parks s94 Projects +$808k* § Bushland s94 Projects -$83k* § Fire Control Centre +$36k* |
Net Operating and Capital Result after Internal Funding
|
141 |
|
Robert
Stephens
Executive
Manager
Works Division
Performance measures
|
|
Achievement |
Revised
Target |
|
Recreation
Centre % utilisation per available hours |
60.1% Sept 2008 56.3% Sept 2007 |
Favourable
variance compared to same time last year |
|
Maintenance
expenditure on sealed roads per kilometre Maintenance
expenditure on un - sealed roads per kilometre Maintenance
expenditure on footpaths per kilometre Maintenance
expenditure on drainage per kilometre * based on 3 months expenditure |
$1,390* $2,940* $500* $770* |
$8,100 pa $11,700
pa $2,700 pa $3,600 pa |
|
Percentage of
design and construction projects completed compared to percentage scheduled
for completion in the quarter |
83% |
80% |
|
Percentage of
building projects completed compared
to percentage scheduled for completion in the quarter |
100% |
100% |
|
Value of
building projects completed in the quarter |
$100,000 ytd |
$400,000
pa |
|
Number of
graffiti incidents responded to in the quarter |
339 this quarter |
Information
indicator |
|
Number of
volunteer hours provided by Hornsby SES |
933 ytd |
5,000
hours per annum |
|
Number of
schools visited on road matters |
5 this quarter |
51
per annum |
|
Number of
traffic matters investigated and actioned |
269 ytd |
1,200
pa |
|
Percent and
number of branches operating within budget |
56% (5 of 9) |
100% |
Service
comment for the quarter
Indicators for the September Quarter confirm
continuing delivery and completion of maintenance, upgrading works and special
project works by the Works division, generally in accordance with Council’s
adopted program
Financial
comment
The
Works Division completed the Quarter with a net operating and capital result
some $374K more
than budgeted for this period – primarily due to Capital project budget
phasing. All projects are proceeding in
accordance with estimates.
Principal
factors impacting Divisional financial performance this quarter were:-
· Essential work on Council’s Cadastre
Verification project. $35K is requested in this Review, to enable the project
to proceed to completion.
· A request for $80K is included in this
Review to fund urgent structural repairs to Hornsby Aquatic Centre. Council will be further advised of the extent
of repairs required, and the implications for this service.
· Additional funding of $35K (net) will be
required in a later Budget Review to fund the costs of acquisition of the
various rights-of-way at Quarry Road Hornsby, in order to provide access to the
Hornsby Quarry and associated lands.
· Ongoing investigations into management of
water and geotechnical issues and actions regarding the future use of the
Hornsby Quarry pit, as previously resolved by Council, will require additional
funding in a later Budget Review.
· Budget provision for ongoing safety and
security issues in and around the Quarry site proved to be adequate this
quarter.
· Increased allocation ($90K) for upgrading
of Air Conditioning at Epping Library offset by restricted funding.
· A new allocation of $68K for purchase of
new Aerial Photos of the Shire has been included in this Review, offset by
contributions from Works Division ($25K – currently in Restricted Asset
Account), and future contributions from Environment Division ($25K) and
Planning Division ($18K) which will be reported in the December Budget Review.
· Traffic Infringement income for this
quarter was generally as budgeted. Progress will be reviewed and reported in
the December Budget Review.
Works Division explanation of material variances – in $000
YEAR TO DATE VARIANCES
TO BUDGET
|
VARIANCE |
NARRATIVE |
Net Operating Result
|
438 |
Assets: · Less
Drainage and Unsealed Road Maintenance, and Pavement Rehabilitation than
forecast for this quarter. Partly
offset by more Shoulder Maintenance and Pavement Resurfacing work. Also, less Road Restoration Concrete and AC
than forecast for this quarter. Engineering: · Delay
in Mechanical Services plant hire transfers.
Transfers will be processed in the next quarter. Property Development: · Receipt
of road closure income - offset by funding items. Budget changes have been
included in this review. |
Net Capital Result
|
(744) |
Design: · Capital
works out of phase with budget. Budget adjustments have been included in this
review. Engineering Services: · Capital
works out of phase with budget – Hornsby Library re-roof. · Purchase
of major plant out of phase with budget - offset by restricted asset funding. Traffic: · Capital
works out of phase with budget. Budget adjustments will be included in the
December Budget review. |
Internal Funding
|
(68) |
· Funding
movements in accordance with project expenditure. · Net
release of mechanical services funds from restricted asset to cover purchase
of major plant during the year. |
Net Operating and Capital Result after Internal
Funding
|
(374) |
Unfavourable variance |
Maxwell Woodward
Executive Manager
Planning Division
Performance measures: July – September
2008
|
|
Achievement |
Target |
|
Median processing times for development
applications |
25
days 54
days |
Category
One 60 days Category
Two 40 days |
|
Median processing times for construction
certificates |
6
days |
7
days |
|
Number of
Development Applications received and determined as per service agreements · Category One · Category Two |
28 72 |
180
applications per officer pa |
|
Number of service requests relating to
health, building and planning matters that are received and investigated per
officer per year |
95 |
200
matters per officer pa |
|
Percentage of building and planning correspondence
determined and resolved within 60 days |
98% |
95% |
|
Percent and number of branches operating
within budget |
75%
(3 of 4) |
100% |
Budget comment
As a result of the down turn in the
building industry the income generated within the Competitive Services Team and
Assessment Team 2 is 10% below target.
This reduced income will be offset by a reduction in the staff
complement. This reduction will be
achieved by not filling two vacant positions.
Service comment
Development and
CC applications were determined within service delivery targets for the first
quarter. The Comprehensive LEP is progressing in accordance with the programme
adopted by Council and the Department of Planning.
Financial comment
The Planning
Division achieved a minor surplus of approximately $40K in the first quarter
owing to salary and operational savings and the advance of grant funds for
Council’s Housing Strategy, and Employment Lands Study.
Planning Division -explanation of material variances in $000
YEAR TO DATE VARIANCES
TO BUDGET
|
VARIANCE |
NARRATIVE |
Net Operating Result
|
-10 |
Lower than budget income from fees and charges -165,
offset by labour savings +99 and other savings in mainly advertising,
consultants and legal expenses +66 |
Net Capital Result
|
0 |
|
Internal Funding
|
0 |
|
Net Operating and Capital Result after Internal
Funding
|
-10 |
|
SCOTT PHILLIPS
Executive Manager