Achieving Improvements for the benefit of the Murray Mallee Community Berri Barmera Council, Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, District Council of Loxton Walkerie,

Mid Murray Council, Renmark Paringa Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, Southern Mallee District Council

55 Excelsior Parade, Hindmarsh Island SA 5214 Postal: PO Box 1014, Goolwa SA 5214

Phone: 08 8555 3929 Fax: 08 8555 0451

Mob: 0429 862 669 Email: ceo@mmlga.com.au

Website: www.mmlga.sa.gov.au ABN: 78 714 181 490

AGENDA for the

M&MLGA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 1st June, 2012

at the

Community Meeting Centre, at the rear of the Tailem Bend Town Hall (pictured),

93A Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend, SA.

commencing at

9.30am for a 10.00am start.

Coffee served from 9.30am.

A light lunch will be provided.

The Meeting is open to the Public.

Advice to the Chief Executive Officer regarding attendances by phone or email, is requested by the 25th May, 2012

as per the Notice of Meeting.

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AGENDA

Agenda of the Annual General Meeting of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association (M&MLGA) commencing at 10.00am on Friday 1st June, 2012 at the Community Meeting Centre, at the rear of the Tailem Bend Town Hall, 93A Railway Terrace, Tailem Bend, SA. (Coffee will be served from 9.30am.)

DELEGATE LIST: Berri Barmera Council (BBC): Mayor Peter Hunt, Deputy Mayor Rhonda Centofanti and David Beaton, CEO (proxy). Coorong District Council (CDC): Mayor Roger Strother, Michael Boyd, CEO, Cr. Sharon Bland (proxy), Deputy Mayor Neville Jeansch (proxy) and Tim Tol, Deputy CEO (proxy). District Council of Karoonda East Murray (DCKEM): Mayor Kevin Burdett, Deputy Mayor Colin Zadow (proxy) and Peter Smithson, CEO. District Council of Loxton Waikerie (DCLW): Mayor Leon Stasinowsky, (President), Peter Ackland, CEO and Deputy Mayor Mark Ward (proxy). Mid Murray Council (MMC): Mayor David Burgess, Deputy Mayor Kevin Myers, Cr. Inez Bormann (proxy), Russell Peate, CEO (proxy) and Robin Bourne, Deputy CEO (proxy). The Rural City of Murray Bridge (RCMB): Mayor Allan Arbon, OAM, Deputy Mayor Barry Laubsch, Cr. Jerry Wilson, (proxy) and Peter Bond, Acting CEO (proxy). District Council of Renmark Paringa (RPC): Mayor Neil Martinson, Deputy Mayor Maria Spano, Tony Siviour, CEO (proxy) and Nathan Haynes, Director Corporate and Community Services (proxy). Southern Mallee District Council (SMDC): Mayor Gordon Hancock, Deputy Mayor Robert Sexton and Rod Ralph, CEO (proxy). 1. OPEN and WELCOME.

1.2 Open and Welcome – Mayor Roger Strother, Coorong District Council. 2. APOLOGIES. An attendance list will be circulated. Members and Attendees are asked to record any additional apologies. Mark Goldsworthy MP, Member for Kavel, John Dawkins MLC.

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3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES. The Minutes of the M&MLGA General Meeting held on Friday, 30th March, 2012 held at the District Council of Karoonda East Murray Council Chamber, Railway Terrace, Karoonda, SA has been electronically circulated, and uploaded to the Association’s website at www.mmlga.sa.gov.au under the “Minutes” tab. Draft Motion: That the Minutes of the General Meeting held Friday, 30th March, 2012 be accepted as a true and correct record. 4. BUSINESS ARISING.

Item 4.1 – (4.1 – 3/12) & (4.1 – 2/12) - & (4.1 – 12/10) & (4.1 – 10/11) & (4.1 – 8/11) & (4.1 – 6/11) & (4.1 – 4/11) & (4.1 – 2/11) & (5.1 – 12/10) & (4.1 – 10/10) & (4.1 – 8/10) & (4.1 – 6/10) & (4.6 – 4/10) & (4.8 – 2/10) etc. - Ensuring Local Government Services Provision Project (ELGSPP) - Local Government Research and Development Fund (LGR&D Fund). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications √ Budgeted × Via the LGA, the Association has received written confirmation advice from Leon Mills, State Director SA, Dept. of Regional Australia of the Federal Government’s opinion of the RISE Model, and the use of input/output modelling: “Here is the response from our policy team to your enquiry about the RISE Input/Output model;

The Department has a strong focus on ensuring we have a robust evidence base to support policy. As part of this processes I don’t think we are in a position to provide any overarching advice about certain tools or approaches rather we will need to carefully consider how well any particular data or methodology fits the question or issue being explored. That is we really need to consider fit for purpose on a case by case basis. That said, I asked Ian Byron, Director, Policy and Coordination and Madhumita Iyengar, Assistant Director, Policy and Coordination (who has good experience with economic models) to have a look at the RISE approach. As far as such models go Madhumita felt the methodology was good and the approach sound. It is a dynamic model that incorporates a number of factors such as population, unemployment and tourism. One of the difficulties with these models is that they make a range of assumption that are often very hard to test that could greatly affect the

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accuracy of output. That is while they can be very useful they need to be used and interpreted with some care”. Given the Federal Government’s response, it is important that Member Councils be aware and trained in modelling inputs, such that modelling outcomes can more accurately assist with Councils’ submissions and for other informed decision making purposes. The CEO has arranged a RISE Economic Modelling Tool Regional Workshop to be held on the 16th July, 2012. A detailed “flyer” is attached as APPENDIX 1. Recommendation: That the Report be received and that appropriate Member Council staff be encouraged to attend. Item 4.2 – (4.3 – 3/12) & (4.4 – 2/12) & (10.1 – 12/11) - Lifting of the ban on fishing for catfish in the River Murray – Renmark Paringa Council on behalf of the Riverland Councils. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan × Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × The Association has not received a reply from PIRSA re the above. A follow-up letter was forwarded on the 4th May, 2012. A follow-up brief will ensue. Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 4.3 – (8.1 – 3/12) - Development (Trusses) Variation Regulations 2011 – Mid Murray Council (MMC) – Notice of Motion – Late Correspondence. Following consideration of this Item at the Association’s March, 2012 General Meeting, the CEO prepared a Report for consideration by the SAROC Committee, a copy of which is attached as APPENDIX 2. The SAROC Committee resolved in accordance with the Recommendation made. Recommendation: That: !) The Report be received, 2) The actions of the CEO be endorsed. Item 4.4 - Any other Business Arising.

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5. President’s Annual Report, Election of Office Bearers, President’s Allowance, Policy Business of the General Meeting, Appointment of Elected Member/Staff Council Representatives to Committees, Working Parties, Outside Organisations and Auditor appointment.

Item 5.1 – President’s Annual Report 2011-2012. Now in my fifth term as President of the Association, I have the greatest of pleasure in providing the following President’s Annual Report for the period 2011 to 2012. This Report focuses on the activities outlined in the Association’s Annual Business Plan 2011-2012. Again increased imposts on the Association and local government in general by the State Government’s increasing regulations and provisions, with associated cost shifts, ultimately affect ratepayers in the region. The Association has a continuing desire to ensure activities undertaken result in ultimate benefits to the community. NRM: Funding support provided for eradication of weeds on unallocated lands. Initiation of further support through SAROC for weed eradication funding extension beyond ends of financial years. The raising of issues on a regular basis with NRM re pest eradication. Strengthening Basin Communities Project: Milestone 3 completed, with the inclusion of excerpts from the Association’s Ensuring Local Government Services Provision Project. Waste Management: Promulgation of ZWSA 2012 funding round and facilitation of Assessment Committee and taking part in same. Murray Darling Basin: Provision of submission to the draft MDB Plan. Attendance at various forums. Input provided for LGA SA submission. Community Waste Water Management: Association facilitation of a CWMS Management forum on 28th Feb, 12 at Berri. Climate Change: Support provided for the DPC’s Climate Adaptation Program and facilitation of workshops and provision of Love Energy presentation to Councils. Ensuring Local Government Services Provision Project: Project completed (under budget by $7.5k). Report distributed – Modelling tools made available on Association website – LGR&DF acquittal completed. RISE Workshop scheduled for 16th July, 2012. Regional Roads Funding: $2.03m funding gained – representing 22.17% of funding pool. 2012-2013 SLRP funding round submissions called, considered

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by RTS Committee, endorsed by Delegates & SLRP Regional Submission completed. Infrastructure: Draft Regional Infrastructure Plan completed and awaiting Cabinet sign-off. Broadband: Monitoring of the completion of projects and provision of a presentation re NBN availability and Council awareness of responsibilities. Promotion of Telecommunications Review – Public Meeting 11th Nov, 11.Submission to Federal Government for NBN to Loxton – subsequent approval in NBN roll-out. Education: Support provided as required for the Murraylands Education Precinct proposal and for Flinders Uni medical training at Renmark. Community Transport: New community transport arrangements between Mid Murray and Murray Bridge with city connections completed. Support provided for project and coordinator position. Regional Development: Association ensured that provision for RIS is and was included in the LGA’s Strategy for Regional SA policy document – now endorsed by LGA General Meeting. South Australian Strategic Plan: Regional input provided into the SASP. Population: Increased population issues addressed in the LGA’s Strategy for Regional SA for which input has been provided. Governance: Bi-monthly Meetings undertaken – Annual Report produced – website maintained with timely commentary changes. Follow-up with OLG re Charter clauses re external audit committees. Zone Emergency Management Committees: Adequate funding achieved to date. Bi-monthly reports received through the Chair. I take this opportunity to sincerely thank Vice President Mayor David Burgess, Member Council Mayors, Delegates, both past and present and Member Council CEO’s and staff, all of whom have provided local government representation to the Association, internal and external committees and working parties. Timely information has again been provided to the Association from the Local Government Association of SA. I especially recognize the efforts of Wendy Campana, LGA SA Executive Director, Chris Russell, Strategic Advisor, Policy & Communications and David Hitchcock, Director, Environment and Infrastructure. I recognise their support, advice and well researched recommendations provided. I would again thank our CEO Peter Campbell for his continued commitment and support provided to me and the Association over the past year. I have a continuing sense of pride on the achievements of the Association during my terms and thank all Delegates for the opportunity afforded to me being your President.

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Mayor Leon Stasinowsky.

President, 2011 – 2012. Murray and Mallee Local Government Association.

Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 5.2 - Election for the position of President. In accordance with the provisions of the Association’s Charter for a Regional Subsidiary, the annual term of office for the elected President and Vice President will be until this Association’s Annual General Meeting. The President will vacate the Chair, to be assumed by the LGA SA representative who will call for nominations for President for an annual term of office. In the event that more than one (1) nomination is received, a secret ballot will be conducted. Should a tied vote occur the names will be placed in a hat with the name drawn being the loser. The newly elected President will assume the Chair. Item 5.3 - Election for the position of Vice President. The President will call for nominations for the position of Vice President for an annual term of office. In the event that more than one (1) nomination is received, a secret ballot will be conducted. Should a tied vote occur the names will be placed in a hat with the name drawn being the loser. Item 5.4 - President’s Annual Allowance. CEO comment: The draft budgeted President’s Allowance for 2012-2013 is $2,500 pa payable quarterly in arrears. Recommendation: That the Association confirms that the annual President’s Allowance be $2500.00 (two thousand five hundred dollars), payable quarterly in arrears, in accordance with the draft M&MLGA Annual Budget 2012-2013.

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Item 5.5 - Policies of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association. The Policies of the Association, APPENDIX 3 (also available on the Association’s website at www.mmlga.sa.gov.au under the “Policies” tab) are presented for amendment for the forthcoming year. In concurrence with increased Financial Regulations provisions, the CEO has provided suggested alterations to Policy nod: 1 and 6 as marked in “red”. Delegates will note that determination and recording of cheque signatories of the Association’s Banking Account maybe required depending on outcomes of preceding Items Nod’s 5.1 and 5.2. Recommendation: That the Association affirms the Policies established as presented at APPENDIX 3 with noted changes (and subject to any further noted alterations). Item 5.6 - Representation - Association Committees and Working Parties and Outside Organisations. The Association’s Charter provides for the Association to review its representation on Committees, and Working Parties at an Annual General Meeting for an ensuing 12 month period. There are also a number of outside body representatives. Delegates are provided by APPENDIX 4 an updated list. CEO comment: 1) Historically, both the President and Vice President and a further nominated proxy are appointed to the LGA State Executive and the SAROC Committee. 2) The President re-confirmation as ex-officio member of all Association Committees is required to be re-confirmed. 3) The list provided as APPENDIX 4 has been edited to include only currently operational Committees etc. as well as those which the CEO is aware of potential activity in the short term. Recommendation: That: 1) The President and Vice President be endorsed as the Association’s representatives to the LGA State Executive and the SAROC Committee, and 2) The President be confirmed as ex-officio member of all Association Committees, and 3) That the Association’s Committee Members, Working Party Members and representation on outside Organisations as per the list at APPENDIX 4, with any noted alterations, be endorsed.

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Item 5.7 – Appointment of Auditor. In accordance with the Association’s Purchasing Policy, over the past years the CEO has requested quotations from other auditing firms with experience in Local Government financial requirements. Some firms in the past did not bother to respond and other’s previous verbal quotations were far in excess of that which the Association has historically paid. The CEO has checked with WHK Thomsons who have agreed to provide their services on the same basis as that provided over the past years, viz: current rate plus CPI plus a small extra allowance for extra reporting requirements as required under the Local Government (Financial Regulations) Act 1999. A further fee of approximately $600 ++ (depending on the complexity of the Deloitte/LGA Internal Controls Framework) may apply for an external review of financial internal controls, as requested by the Minister prior to potential extension of time for exclusion from forming an external audit committee. In accordance with the Association’s Purchasing Policy (1st part) the CEO makes the following Recommendation: Recommendation: That WHK Thomsons be appointed as the Association’s Auditors for the period 1st July, 2012 to 30th June, 2013. 6. REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS. Item 6.1 – Report(s) from Representative(s) of the Local Government Association of SA (LGA SA). Chris Russell, LGA SA, will provide a verbal Report and speak to a handout, a copy of which will be retained for the Minutes. Item 6.2 – Report(s) from Representative(s) of the Office of State/Local Government Relations – (OSL/GR). Should a representative be present, a verbal Report will be provided. Item 6.3 - Report(s) from Representative(s) of the Dept. Planning, Transport and Infrastructure - (DPTI). David Storey, DPTI will provide a verbal Report. Recommendation: That the Reports at Items 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 be received.

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Item 6.4 – Reports of Delegates. (other than those applicable to Strategic Issues - Environmental, Economic, Social and Governance). Item 6.4.1 – SAROC. A SAROC Meeting, attended by the Vice President David Burgess, Mayor Allan Arbon (proxy) and the CEO, was held on the 16th May, 2012 in Adelaide. President, Mayor Leon Stasinowsky was an apology. The Meeting’s Key Outcomes Summary is attached as APPENDIX 5. Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 6.4.2 – Murraylands and Riverland Regional Coordination Network (RCN). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan × Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × The CEO advises that there is nothing of substance to report on the Item. Item 6.4.3 – Murray and Mallee Zone Emergency Management Committee (ZEMC). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × The following Report has been provided by Pippa Pech, Zone Emergency Management Project Manager: “On 27 March 2012, the Murray and Mallee Zone ‘Establishing the Overview’ workshop was held at Karoonda. The workshop was well attended with all Murray and Mallee Councils represented and many other agencies present. The aim of the workshop was to provide context for those hazard leaders who will be assisting us with the future risk assessments, as well as to create an overview of the Zone for the Zone Emergency Management Plan. Prior to the workshop I created a presentation based on existing plans, reports and ABS statistics that I had collated from visits with councils and other research. The following topics were addressed for the Zone:

• Geography – council by council; • Climate and Weather; • Demographics; • Community Capacity; • Industry; • Public Buildings, Spaces and Events; • Significant Infrastructure; • Essential Services; and • Hazardous Sites

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The attendees of the workshop were presented with this information, which they validated and expanded on. We were very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable group and the feedback received was that this was a successful process. On 4 June 2012, I attended a ZEMC Executive meeting. At the meeting we refined the scope and objective for the project and clarified what major and catastrophic meant for the Murray and Mallee Zone. The Executive also provided feedback on the first draft of the Zone overview. The output from both of these processes was collated and the Zone overview was created. This was disseminated to all councils and other relevant stakeholders as a draft of Chapter 3 of the Murray and Mallee Zone Emergency Management Plan and feedback has been called for by Friday 1 June 2012. The Riverbank Collapse risk assessment workshop was held on 11 May 2012 for the Murray and Mallee Zone in Murray Bridge. This was the first risk assessment for the state, and as South Australia is the pilot for this project, was actually the first one for the nation! Jai O’Toole, the Acting Manager for the Department for Water Hazards Team, guided participants through an overview of the Riverbank Collapse Hazard and confirmed the scope and overview for this risk assessment. He then presented the workshop with a list of risk scenarios which the participants rated based on their consequence and likelihood levels. This information will be collated and further documents disseminated to participants for feedback and clarification in the near future. A special thank you to the District Council of Karoonda East Murray and Rural City of Murray Bridge for hosting the workshops and to all participants for their assistance.” Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 6.5 – Chief Executive Officer’s Report. Strategic Plan × Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × The Chief Executive Officer’s Report is attached as APPENDIX 6. Recommendation: That the Report be received. 7. FINANCIAL MATTERS. Item 7.1 –Financial Statements as at 30th April, 2012. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted √ Attached as APPENDIX 7 are the Association’s Financial Statements to the 30th April, 2012 which includes the Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss Statement,

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Operational Actual Expense/Budget Statement, and Account Transactions list. All accounts have been reconciled. In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999, the budget and budget/actual expenditures are provided for review purposes. Recommendation: That the Financial Accounts Report be noted. 8. STRATEGIC ISSUES – Legend: General, Environmental, Economic, Social and Governance. 8.1 STRATEGIC ISSUES - GENERAL. Item 8.1.1 – 2011-2012 Annual Business Plan - Interim Status. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted √ In accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 and the Association’s Charter for a Regional Subsidiary, attached as APPENDIX 8 is a Report on the present status of the strategic issues and actions previously determined in the Association’s Annual Business Plan 2011-2012. Recommendation: That the Status Report be noted. Item 8.1.2 –Annual Business Plan 2012/13 and Annual Budget 2012/13. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications √ Budgeted × As per the provisions of the Association’s gazetted Charter, the draft Annual Business Plan 2012/13 and draft Annual Budget 2012/13, attached as APPENDIX 9 and APPENDIX 10, were circulated for referral to Member Councils and Delegates more than one month prior to this AGM. The draft Annual Business Plan 2012/13 has been extracted from the Association’s Strategic Plan 2011-14 (adopted February 2012). Comment has been made by Mid Murray Council of the “ongoing” nature of a majority of actions in the draft Annual Business Plan. As a matter of clarification, the “ongoing” comments refer to the continuing efforts over previous Plans and serves to validate Association budgetary expenditure on these items, as per the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999 Schedule 2 - 24 – Business Plans 6 (a), (b) and (c).

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Following discussions and agreement with MMC, an additional Annual Business Plan column indicating appropriate activity timelines will be provided at the next Association General Meeting. Recommendation: That: 1) The draft Annual Business Plan 2012/13 as presented in APPENDIX 9 (subject to any noted alterations) be adopted and that in accordance with the Association’s Charter, reviews of progress against the Annual Plan be conducted six monthly, and 2) That the draft Annual Budget 2012/13 as presented in APPENDIX 10 (subject to any noted alterations) be adopted and accordingly that Member Council contributions to the Association for 2012-2013 be as historically apportioned and that the accounts for such be forwarded for payment. Item 8.1.3 - (7.1.3 – 3/12) & (7.1.3 – 2/11) & (7.1.1 – 12/11) & (7.1.1 – 10/11) & (7.1.1 – 8/11) & (8.1.3 – 6/11) & (7.1.1 – 4/11) - Strategy for Regional South Australia. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × In March 2011, following advice from SAROC, the State Executive Committee endorsed a series of actions under a regional development portfolio. The cornerstones of this work are the development of Local Government policies on regional development and growing country communities, and the delivery of a Discussion Paper on Partnering with Local Government to Deliver Regional Outcomes. A first draft of the Discussion Paper was circulated to SAROC members and Regional LGA’s for the purpose of providing out of session feedback. The Discussion Paper provides commentary and recommendations with respect to achieving a more coordinated approach to regional development and in doing so considers the following aspects of government operations:

• Policy; • Agreements; • Structure; • Planning; • Programs, funding and budgets; and • Delivery and Decision Making.

The role for the LGA in the delivery of the paper is to advocate on behalf of its members to seek arrangements with the State and Federal government that will facilitate better outcomes for Regional LGA’s and Councils in the future. Assistance was sought and gained from SAROC to develop a final draft of the paper that will be distributed to LGA members, RDA’s and Federal and State

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government departments for comment. A working group consisting of each Regional LGA CEO was formed to develop the final draft. The proposed process for finalising the Discussion Paper is as follows: May 2012 SAROC working group is formed to develop a second draft

of the paper. May/June 2012

Second draft of the paper is sent to all LGA members, RDAs and relevant Federal and State Government departments (as determined by the working group) for feedback.

June 2012 Feedback is considered by the working group and incorporated into the paper.

July 2012 The third draft of the paper is presented to the SAROC meeting on 18 July 2012.

July – Aug 2012

Working group develops a final version of the paper.

September 2012

The final version of the paper is presented to the SAROC meeting on 19 September 2012 and forwarded to the State Executive Committee for endorsement.

September 2012

The final version of the paper is endorsed at the 20 September 2012 State Executive Committee.

October 2012 The paper is adopted at the LGA Annual General Meeting on 25 October 2012.

Recommendation: That the Report be received. 8.2 STRATEGIC ISSUES – ENVIRONMENTAL. Item 8.2.1 – (ongoing) - SA MDBNRM Board Delegate Representative Report. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Cr. Inez Bormann, MMC will provide a verbal Report. Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 8.2.2 – (ongoing) - SA MDBNRM Board – Board Representative Report. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × On the 18th April, 2012 the SA Murray Darling Basin NRM Board hosted a workshop with local government from across the region to discuss how they could better work together and share opportunities. The meeting brought a number of people together, who looked at how it was possible to obtain the most from the relationship from both parties. A large

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part of the discussion centered on common issues and the shared vision for our communities. From that meeting, a paper has been put together that outlines the agreed actions, attached as APPENDIX 11. Over the next couple of months, the SA MDB NRM Board will continue a process of getting in touch with each regional Council, confirming how Councils wish work with the Board. The CEO has been advised by Hugo Hopton, Regional Manager, SA MDB NRM Board that a SA MDB NRM Board Member, along with a staff member will be present at the Meeting to provide comment as required. Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 8.2.3 - (7.2.4 – 3/12) & (7.2.4 – 2/12) & (7.2.5 – 10/12) - SA Murray Darling Basin Plan (Plan) Report – CEO, M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Following consultation with Various Member Councils, the Association provided a generalised submission to the Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) in response to the Draft Murray Darling Basin Plan. A copy of the submission is attached as APPENDIX 12. The MDBA received nearly 12,000 submissions on the proposed Basin Plan from a range of individuals, organisations, companies and governments. The MDBC is still finalising the publishing of the submissions on their website. Once published they will be available at http://www.mdba.gov.au/have-your-say/view-submission The MDBA is currently considering the submissions received and are preparing a public document that will:

• give a broad outline of any changes the Authority has made to the proposed Basin Plan, and

• summarise the submissions received, how they have been addressed and any alterations made as a result.

The Authority will be providing a copy of the report to each member of the Legislative and Governance Forum of the Murray–Darling Basin (previously called the MDB Ministerial Council), along with a copy of the revised proposed Basin Plan. After considering the Basin Ministers' response to the revised plan, the Authority will submit the revised plan to the Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities, the Hon Tony Burke MP, for his consideration. The Minister may then approve the plan or request further changes and only when satisfied, will present the Basin Plan to the Australian Parliament. Craig Knowles recently addressed the Farm Writers' Association of NSW. In his speech he encouraged governments to provide the leadership needed to

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progress major water reform. Mr. Knowles also outlined three key assertions in developing the Basin Plan:

• The worst possible outcome is that there is no plan - that is, the status quo prevail,

• The risks associated with what we propose in our Draft Plan will be far less than the uncertainty and risks associated with no plan,

• The need to make a start and do it in a way that allows checking along the way.

Recommendation: That: 1) The Report be received, and 2) The actions of the CEO be endorsed. 8.3 STRATEGIC ISSUES – ECONOMIC. Item 8.3.1 – (0ngoing) - Regional Development Australia, Murraylands and Riverland Board Inc. (RDA Board) – Regional Update Report. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × Brenton Lewis, CEO, RDA (Murraylands and Riverland) Board will address Delegates and provide a verbal Report. Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 8.3.2 – (7.3.2 – 3/12) & (7.3.2 – 2/11) & (7.3.2 – 12/11) & (7.3.2 – 10/11) & (8.3.2.2 – 6/11) & (7.3.2.2 – 4/11) - Special Local Roads Program (SLRP) Funding Applications – 2011-2012 Funding Round – CEO, M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × Attached as APPENDIX 13 is a summary of Member Council submissions received for the SLRP 2012-2013 funding round, indicating the ranking of the submissions in accordance with the Association’s Regional Transport Strategy Plan and funding requests. The applications were provided to the LGTAP, along with a regional submission on the 30th April, 2012. The Minister’s announcement of successful applications may be known during August/September, 2012. Recommendation: That the Report be received.

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Item 8.3.3 – (7.3.3 – 2/12) & (7.3.3 – 12/11) & (7.3.3 – 4/11) & (7.3.3 – 2/11) & (8.3.3 – 12/10) & (7.3.3 – 10/10) & (7.3.2 – 8/10) & (8.3.2 – 6/10) & (7.3.2 – 4/10) & (7.3.2 – 2/10) etc. – Broadband Development - Regional Enhancement. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × The CEO recently received correspondence from Agile Communications, attached as APPENDIX 14 confirming their sale of SA regional communication towers to Crown Castle. Agile state that ownership of the towers is not core business for Agile. While the towers have been sold to Crown Castle, the equipment on the towers owned by Agile has not been sold and the current services provided to the respective regions will continue as normal. Agile will continue to own, maintain, manage and operate the wireless and microwave equipment on the towers. Agile Communications has a number of site agreements with councils and private landowners for the towers and will be working with each of them and Crown Castle on the assignment of those site agreements to the new owners of the towers. Where councils have their own equipment on the towers, as part of an agreement with Agile, they will continue to have rights to that space as part of a long term agreement negotiated with Crown Castle during the sale process. That agreement provides councils with a thirty-year licence to occupy their current space on the towers at no annual cost. From a regional perspective on the continuation and or improvement of broadband services, the CEO sought comment from various agencies, including the Office of the Chief Information Officer and DFEEST who saw no negatives and were generally comfortable with the situation. Recommendation: That the Report be received. 8.4 STRATEGIC ISSUE – SOCIAL. Item 8.4.1 – (7.4.1 – 3/12) & (7.4.1 – 2/12) & (7.4.1 – 12/11) & (7.4.1 – 10/11) & (7.4.1 – 8/11) & (8.4.1 – 6/11) & (7.4.1 – 4/11) & (7.4.1 – 25/11) & (8.4.1 – 12/10) & (7.4.1 – 8/10) & (8.4.1 – 6/10) & (7.4.1 – 4/10) & (7.4.1 – 2/10) etc. – Community Transport Needs and Access (Status Report). Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications × Budgeted × Peter Smithson, CEO, DCKEM advises that he has nothing further of substance to Report.

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8.5 STRATEGIC ISSUE – GOVERNANCE. Item 8.5.1 – (7.5.1 – 3/12) & – (7.5.3 – 2/12) - Regional Subsidiary Executive Officer training proposal – CEO, M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan × Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications √ Budgeted × combined with: Item 8.5.2 - (7.5.2 – 3/12) & (7.5.1 – 10/11) & (8.5.2 – 6/11) & (7.5.3 – 8/10) & (8.5.1 – 6/10) & (7.5.1 – 4/10) & (7.5.3 – 10/09) & (8.5.1 – 6/09) & (7.5.1 – 4/09) etc. - Changes to M&MLGA Charter. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed √ Budget Implications √ Budgeted √ The CEO attended a Council Section 42 and 43 Subsidiary Board Member Training workshop in Adelaide on the 27th April, 2012. Subsequently, the CEO provided a brief of matters considered pertinent to the Association to the President and Vice President, a copy of which is provided as APPENDIX 15. Given the number, and in some cases, the complexity of some of the issues raised, the CEO advises that work will commence during the coming year in addressing these issues in turn, with subsequent reports to be provided. Delegates may note that it is the opinion of Wallmans that Regional Subsidiaries are, or are becoming a significant impediment to the operations of Regional LGA’s, as detailed in their Charters. Recommendation: That the Report be received. Item 8.5.3 - (7.5.3 – 3/12) & (7.5.2 – 8/11) & (8.5.1 – 6/11) & (7.5.1 – 4/11) & (7.5.1 – 2/11) - Council Performance Improvement Program – CEO – M&MLGA. Strategic Plan √ Annual Business Plan √ Gov’t Imposed × Budget Implications × Budgeted × Following the CEO’s input provided at the LGA’s Local Government Reform Fund (LGRF) Working Group, the Association has awaited advice on assistance(s) available to Member Councils for the Council Performance Improvement Program. Email advice and details of the assistance available was received on the 16th May, 2012, a copy of which is attached as APPENDIX 16. Further information pertinent to this Item will be provided by our Guest Speaker, Sandie Starr. Recommendation: That the Report be received.

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9. BUSINESS/AGENDA ITEMS SUBMITTED. (including CORRESPONDENCE, NOTICES OF MOTIONS, DISCUSSION ITEMS etc.) – other than those dealt with separately. Item 9.1 - Proposed Alteration to M&MLGA General Meeting Dates – Coorong District Council (CDC) – Notice of Motion. DISCUSSION (as provided): The meetings of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association are generally are held on the first day of the even month throughout the year. Exceptions are made from time to time to assist either the Association or an individual Council to time the meeting with a local event. The Coorong District Council also has observer status at SELGA, a similar Section 43 Committee incorporated by the South East Councils. Both Committees currently meet on the same day and the Council's Delegates to both meetings are the Mayor and CEO. While proxies have been appointed by Council to both MMLGA and SELGA, it is preferable that the Mayor and CEO, where possible, attend both meetings. Informal discussions with some of the other Council Delegates at the last M&MLGA meeting indicated they were receptive to the Association considering addressing the problem. The M&MLGA CEO has indicated that if the Association Delegates supported the proposal to shift the M&MLGA meeting date (to resolve the issue), his preference is for the second Friday of the even months, due to report preparation of SAROC and LGA State Executive meeting outcomes coupled with the Association agenda/meeting timelines. MOTION: That the meeting dates for M&MLGA be altered to the second Friday of the even months. Item 9.2 - Proposed Alteration to the Murray Mallee Regional Transport Strategy (RTS) Committee Terms of Reference – Coorong District Council (CDC) – Notice of Motion. DISCUSSION (as provided): The Murray and Mallee Local Government Association has set up an RTS Committee that provides advice to the Association concerning the regional priority setting for Special Local Roads Program grant applications. Cr. Strother is the current Chairperson of that Committee. The Association also has set up (CEO note: in lieu of set-up – “facilitated”) a Transport Advisory Committee (TAC) that looks at regional community passenger transport issues but not higher level regional transport corridor road and rail issues impacting on the member Councils and the region

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generally. It appears that the higher level issues are not addressed by the M&MLGA apart from considerations by the RTC for priority setting of SLRP funding applications. Informal discussions with some of the other Council Delegates at the last M&MLGA meeting indicated that it is more desirable for the M&MLGA Committee addressing the SLRP grant applications also address the higher level regional transport issues rather than altering the MMTAC which looks at regional passenger transport issues. Additional agencies such as RDA, DPTI, Transport SA, Police, etc could also be invited to participate in the Committee's deliberations. CEO comment: Delegates may wish to note the following:

• The M&MLGA currently has a RTS Committee with membership from all Member Councils, Transport SA (2 nominees) and the RDA.

• Consultations, when updating the M&MLGA Regional Transport Strategy Plan (last updated January 2011), include planners, police etc.

• The RTS Plan has been historically restricted to determinations of “roads of regional significance”, rather than encompassing a wider range of transport options such as rail and air.

• The Association supports the efforts of the Adelaide Rail Freight Movements Working Group with Delegate representation. The last report to the Association from this group via the RDA was “that all that could be done to forward the project has been done. The project was not fully supported by the State Government and as such, Federal support was not forthcoming. It was suggested at the time that this Item will remain in abeyance until the next Federal election.”

• The matter of expansion of regional air services has not been addressed by the Association, rather has been the province of the RDA in their economic development role.

Delegates may consider that when the RTS Committee next meets, that altered/expanded Terms of Reference be determined and presented to the Association for adoption. LGA Mutual Liability Scheme comment received indicates that without Association formal adoption of Committees’ Terms of Reference that Association insurance coverage provided by the LGAMLS for Committee Members may not necessarily apply. MOTION: That the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association’s Regional Transport Strategy Committee’s Terms of Reference be altered so that the Committee additionally addresses higher level regional transport corridor issues.

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Item 9.3 – Attracting Skilled Workers to Regional Councils – Dream Australia and Immigration SA Project – CEO M&MLGA. On the 14th May, 2012 the CEO emailed each Member Council CEO providing details of the Project and encouraged participation. The email advised that Mr. Paul Butler would contact each Council to seek confirmation of participation and commitment from each Council for the sum of $1060. The Project was subsequently discussed by Regional LGA CEO’s at a Meeting held on the 16th May, 2012 when it was agreed that each Regional LGA should take up the lead role and commit funding on behalf of Councils on the basis that the LGA provide $ for $ for the “Attracting Skilled Workers to Regional Councils” segment of the project. Given this 50% saving, the CEO agreed to the proposal subject to confirmation of the LGA’s contribution. The resultant amount, not exceeding $1500 plus GST, to be allocated to the Association’s Discretionary Projects line, current balance being $21,946.56. Detail of the package proposal is presented as APPENDIX 17. Recommendation: That: 1) the Report be received, and 2) the actions of the CEO be endorsed, and 3) the Association commits an amount not exceeding $1500, plus GST from the Discretionary Projects line for the “Attracting Skilled Workers to Regional Councils Project” subject to confirmation of matching funding across all Regional LGA areas from the LGA. 10. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED LISTING. Item 10.1 – Correspondence received – Listing – other than that dealt with separately. (Many of these will have been received by Member Councils through their mail stream. Should any Delegate wish to access one or more of the Items, they will be on hand on the day. Correspondence covers the period 17th March, 2012 to 18th May, 2012. Eco-Time – Product Flyer. Criterion Conferences – Invitation – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Conference, Sydney. Heart Foundation – Healthy Community Awards Flyer. ALGA Focus Magazine – April and May 2012 editions.

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Waste and Water Management Magazine – March/April 2012 edition. ARRB – Briefing Magazine – Issue 133 – March, 2012. KESAB – Beverage Container Recycling Grants flyer. RDA Murryalands and Riverland – Invitation – Agriculture and Associated Industry Mid Murray to Coorong Report launch – 21st May, 2012 – Murray Bridge. Recommendation: That the Correspondence Listing be noted. 11. GENERAL BUSINESS: An opportunity for Members to raise items of general interest or significant issues that have arisen since the Agenda was formulated. 12. GUEST SPEAKERS. Item 12.1 - Sandie Starr – Starr Solutions – Council Performance Improvement Program. 13. CLOSE AND DATE OF NEXT MEETING: General Meeting – 3rd August, 2012 - District Council of Loxton Waikerie area. (or subject to Resolution Item 9.1).