Bega Valley Shire Councilbegavalley.nsw.gov.au/cp_content/resources/state_shire_report(1).pdf ·...

Bega Valley Shire Council State of the Shire Report

Zingel Place. PO Box 492. Bega NSW 2550 Ph: 9499 2222 Fax: 6499 2200

ContentsIntroduction 03

Section 01: Community Snapshot 05

Section 02: Our People 11Learning Community 12

Health and Wellbeing 14

Culture 16

Section 03: Our Place 19Water Management 20

Vegetation and Biodiversity 22

Land Use 24

Waste Management 26

Section 04: Our Work 29Local Economy 30

Employment 32

Affordability 34

Infrastructure 36

Section 05: Our Council 39Council Technology and Workforce Capacity 40

Council Finances – Capacity 42

Civic Leadership and Participation 44

Council Assets 46

Designed to be an informing document to the initial CSP in 2011, the State of the Shire Report reflects key aspirations of the 2006 20 Year Plan and progress against key actions from that Plan. The Report will be prepared every four years as a ‘report card’ and statement of progress with the CSP by Councillors at the conclusion of each Council term. It should identify the challenges, issues and projects proposed to continue into the next Council term.

The ‘community snapshot’ will be updated with each Census and may be extracted as a source document for the community, visitors, investors and educators. Council’s website regularly updates demographic and economic data under I.D Profiler.

The State of the Shire Report aims to clarify for the community the role Council plays in various services and issues, in partnership with government, business and community. Generally, Council’s role may be described as ‘Provider’ (direct funder and provider of service or infrastructure); ‘Advocate’ (lobbies to other governments for policy, services or infrastructure – often in conjunction with other Council organisations); ‘Facilitator’ (brings various parties together to achieve particular outcome or project); ‘Regulator’ (implements laws and rules by or on behalf of government); ‘Purchaser’ (buyer of services or product); or ‘Broker’ (sources public or private funds to provide service or infrastructure).

Throughout the Report, reference is made to relevant excerpts from the 2009 Community Survey. Bega Valley Shire residents found that the top ten priorities for Bega Valley Shire in the next five to ten years were attracting commercial and industrial development (20%), maintaining roads and paths (19.3%), improving health services (17.5%), protecting the environment and heritage (17.2%), promoting tourism (17.1%), Youth/child services and facilities (13.6%), planning for growth and expansion (12.2%), increased parking and traffic management (10.6%), water and waste management (10.2%) and increasing employment opportunities (6.1%).

Progressively, Council will establish its ‘position’ on various issues such as health, transport, growth and ageing, and make statements in this report and the Community Strategic Plan. Key performance measures, and in some cases targets, will be amended or developed through the preparation and consultation for the Community Strategic Plan. If not known or completed at time of this Report, those measures are marked ‘N/A’. Those measures will reflect high level community outcomes, from which organisation performance indicators can be derived.

Introduction

The 2009/10 State of the Shire Report has identified key themes to progress the Community Strategic Plan (CSP), i.e. liveability, accessibility, affordability and sustainability. It is the first report produced to provide a snapshot of Bega Valley Shire in terms of the ‘condition’ and ‘pressures’ on the natural, built and social environments, drawn from the more comprehensive State of the Environment (SoE), Social Plan and Condition of Public Works reports produced in the previous year.

03

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Bega Council Property - Community (579 Ha - 0.09%)

Bega Council Property - Operational (700 Ha - 0.11%)

Rural Land (204268 Ha - 32.6%)

State Forests (160616 Ha - 25.5%)

National Parks (252396 Ha - 40.1%)

Crown Land (3310 Ha - 0.5%)

•

Population 2,278

Children 347

Youth 202

Family 737

Senior 992

Population 7,282

Children 1,427

Youth 946

Family 2,554

Senior 2,355

Population 9,636

Children 1,438

Youth 934

Family 3,173

Senior 4,091

Population 3,397

Children 624

Youth 410

Family 1,225

Senior 1,138

*Bermagui & Wallaga Lake

*Bega, Tathra & Kalaru

*Merimbula, Tura Beach & Pambula

*Eden

















Rural Land (204268 Ha - 32.6%)




•

Population 2,278

Children 347

Youth 202

Family 737

Senior 992

Population 7,282

Children 1,427

Youth 946

Family 2,554

Senior 2,355

Population 9,636

Children 1,438

Youth 934

Family 3,173

Senior 4,091

Population 3,397

Children 624

Youth 410

Family 1,225

Senior 1,138




*Eden

















Rural Land (204268 Ha - 32.6%)




•

Population 2,278

Children 347

Youth 202

Family 737

Senior 992

Population 7,282

Children 1,427

Youth 946

Family 2,554

Senior 2,355

Population 9,636

Children 1,438

Youth 934

Family 3,173

Senior 4,091

Population 3,397

Children 624

Youth 410

Family 1,225

Senior 1,138




*Eden

Bega Valley Shire Population and Land Areas

















Rural Land (204268 Ha - 32.6%)




•

Population 2,278

Children 347

Youth 202

Family 737

Senior 992

Population 7,282

Children 1,427

Youth 946

Family 2,554

Senior 2,355

Population 9,636

Children 1,438

Youth 934

Family 3,173

Senior 4,091

Population 3,397

Children 624

Youth 410

Family 1,225

Senior 1,138




*Eden

Section 01 Bega Valley Shire Community Snapshot

606 BEGA VALLEY SHIRE – COMMUNITY SNAPSHOT

OUR SHIREThe Bega Valley Shire is located at the south-eastern extremity of New South Wales approximately half way between Sydney and Melbourne. At 6,279 square kilometres our Shire is the largest coastal Council in the State.

Despite the size of our Shire our population is relatively small and dispersed amongst several population centres. Only 25% of our Shire’s area is rateable. The remaining 75% comprises National Park and State Forest.

The Bega Valley Shire is renowned for its dairy industry, timber and fishing heritage. Unspoilt natural beauty and a valued ‘clean and green’ image make it a prime holiday destination for both domestic and international tourists.

OUR POPULATIONOn Census night 2006 our Shire’s population was 31,060. This was an increase of 536, or 1.7% per year since the 2001 Census.

Of our population, 7,879 or 25.3% live in rural areas outside identified towns or villages.

07OUR HOUSEHOLDSIn 2006, the Bega Valley Shire had some 11,958 households, an increase of 958 since 2001. The following pie-chart shows the percentage of households with between one and six individuals.

Of all people aged over 15, 53.7% are married, 12.7% are separated or divorced, 7.3% widowed and 26.1% have never married.

OUR TOP 5 OVERSEAS BIRTHPLACES

OUR TOWNS AND VILLAGESOur Shire has six main towns/residential areas and 12 smaller villages and hamlets. This diversity creates a rich social mix as well as facility and service issues for government.

The percentage increase or decrease in population since the 2001 Census is also provided.

Town 2006 Male Female %

Bega 6,125 2,936 3,189 +2.7

Merimbula 3,850 1,888 1,962 -21.1

(Tura Beach) 2,740 1,312 1,428 +30.1

Eden 3,009 1,490 1,519 -4.6

Tathra 1,621 790 831 -1.5

Bermagui 1,299 637 662 -1.5

Pambula 1,030 507 524 +11.5

Village 2006 Male Female %

Bemboka 250 128 122 +2.4

Candelo 389 196 193 +11.1

Cobargo 427 201 227 +5.9

Kalaru 310 157 152 +13.1

Pambula Beach 650 335 315 -10.7

Quaama 140 62 78 -11.3

Sth Pambula 381 185 191 +14.4

Towamba

Wallaga Lake 500 251 249 +8.2

Wollumla 378 194 196 +4.1

Wonboyn

Wyndham 79 39 40 -23.3

OUR HOMESFigures show that accommodation costs in the Bega Valley Shire are approximately 25% cheaper than the State average.

OwnershipOf houses in the Bega Valley Shire, 47% are fully owned, 20% are rented, 30% being purchased and 2.4% are public housing.

MortgagesThe average mortgage repayment in the Bega Valley Shire in 2006 was $1,010 a month, 33% lower that the State average of $1,517 a month.

Rental CostsAmongst renters the average rental was around $169 per week ($742 a month). This was 19.5% under the State average of $210 per week. 61% of rentals were under $180 per week.

25.5

40.5

13.4

12.4

5.3

2.6

Persons %

Country

65

4

3

2

1

OUR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITYAt the time of the 2006 Census there were 815 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Bega Valley Shire. This is an increase of 198 or 32% on the 2001 figures. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders constitute 2.6% of the Bega Valley Shire’s population.

The following chart shows the age distribution of our Indigenous population.

177244

12683

6656

29

94

64 Plus55 to 6445 to 5435 to 4425 to 3415 to 245 to 140 to 4

Age

USA

GER

NED

NZ

UK

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Bega Valley Shire

25015050 2001000

0

0.2

0.7

0.7

1.1

5.3

2 41 3 5 6

08

OUR AGE PROFILEThe following chart shows how the age profile of our Shire has changed between 2001 and 2006. Essentially the chart shows the continuing loss of adults and the continued ageing of our population. Indeed statistics show that we have 40.6% more people in the 70-74 age group than the State average, 52% more in the 65-69 bracket and 32% more in the 75-79 bracket.

Industry

Employment in industries, Bega Valley

Construction

Manufacturing

Health & Comm Services

Accommodation

Retail Trade

Bega Valley 2006

Bega Valley 2001

9

9

11

11

14

Percentage of Workforce Employed %

0 6 123 9 15

25% 15% 5% 5% 15% 25%

workforce in each industry % of males% of females

% Bega V female w’force

% NSW female w’force

% Bega V male w’force

% NSW male w’force

Retail Trade

Accommodation & Food

Health & Social Care

Manufacturing

Rural Production

Education & Training

Construction

Public Service

Technical Services

Transport, Post & Storage

OUR ECONOMYIn 2006, the Bega Valley Shire provided a total labour force of around 13,400 people, an increase of 8% since 2001. The rate of unemployment for the Shire was 6.9% compared with the State rate of 5.9%.

Of employed people, 67% of men and 33% of women are employed full-time. 34% of men and 66% of women are employed on a part-time basis.

The following chart shows the top five employing industries for the Bega Valley Shire.

The average gross male income in the Bega Valley Shire was $559 per week and $403 per week for women. This is 24.2% and 19.5% below the NSW average respectively.

The average family income in 2006 was approximately $898 per week or $46,963 per annum. This is 24%, or $1,181 lower than the State average.

0 to

4

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

0

5 to

9

10 t

o 14

15 t

o 19

20 t

o 24

30 t

o 34

35 t

o 39

40 t

o 44

45 t

o 49

50 t

o 54

55 t

o 59

60 t

o 64

65 t

o 69

70 t

o 74

75 t

o 79

80 t

o 84

85 t

o 89

90 t

o 94

95 t

o 99

100+

12%

10%

5%

14%

11%

5%

11%

6%

4%

6%

18%

14%

18%

6%

5%

11%

2%

4%

4%

2%

09

OUR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

HospitalisationThe Greater Southern Area Health Service (GSAHS) compiles figures on reasons for people being hospitalised. For our Shire in 2003-4 the four main causes for hospitalisation were: digestive disease, factors influencing health (e.g. admissions for rehab, respite care, nursing home and liveborn infants), accidental injury and cancer.

Death by Cardiovascular DiseasesGSAHS also provides data on cause of deaths. Between 2002 and 2006 GSAHS reported that cardiovascular diseases were the leading cause of death in the Bega Valley Shire at 34.9%. This was slightly below the GSAHS ‘Eastern sector’ average of 38.4%.

DisabilityThe ABS figures in 2006 revealed that 1,511 persons identified a need for assistance with core activities. This represented 4.9% of the Bega Valley Shire population.

OUR MALE – FEMALE RATIO

103 women for every 100 menSince 2001 the number of women has risen by 261 or 1.7% while the number of men has risen by 275 or 1.7%.

OUR SCHOOLING AND EDUCATIONIn 2006 there were 474 pre-schoolers, 2,755 primary students, 2,370 high school students and 1,135 tertiary students. These figures revealed slight decrease in primary and tertiary students and a slight increase of 88 high school students over 2001 figures.

Schooling Choices

Secondary

Primary

Public

Catholic

Private

Other Inst.

TAFE

University

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

Percentage %

80706050403020100

Section 02 Our People

12

What challenges exist?Fewer people in Bega Valley Shire complete school (Year 12) and substantially fewer people have post school qualifications, compared with the NSW average. These challenges are magnified for Indigenous people. The availability of education and employment opportunities outside Bega Valley Shire, particularly in Canberra and Sydney, causes many young people to migrate away and slows the pace of creating and maintaining economic growth because of the absence of their skills. Hence, keeping people at school longer and creating accessible local post-school education opportunities are key challenges. Education providers play a crucial role in developing the Bega Valley Shire workforce. It is important to link economic development strategies with the skill development opportunities available through education providers including traineeships, apprenticeships, occupational education, re-skilling and further education.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents placed increased importance on services and facilities for young people than they had in 2006. Satisfaction with library and children’s services was high. Services and facilities for young people were a higher priority, but had lower satisfaction ratings.

Key issues Councils Role

Post-school and adult education options AdvocateAccess to affordable learning opportunities for children 0-5

Advocate/Provider

Access to technology, particularly high speed broadband internet

Advocate

Resources for the Bega Valley Shire Library Service Provider/Advocate

Key Performance Indicators Measures Target Actual

Improved access to internet Proportion of households with access to internet

50% by 2012

40% (2006)

Residents with post school qualifications

Proportion of residents > Year 12 qualifications compared to NSW average

75% N/A

Learning Community

As work and leisure experiences and expectations change, so too does the manner in which people want to engage with learning.

There is a growing desire for lifelong learning which coincides with changes in technology that provide opportunities for informal and self directed learning. In addition, the economic development of the Bega Valley Shire is increasingly linked to our capacity to attract and retain industries and individuals capable of ‘knowledge work’ in the global economy. Creating and maintaining ‘knowledge workers’ also requires a continuing focus on lifelong learning.

13What Council does / Council’s provision of library services is critical to supporting learning and education in Bega Valley Shire. Libraries play an

essential role in developing and supporting lifelong learning communities.

/ Council also provides and manages pre-school and long day care facilities in Bega, Eden, Candelo and Bemboka.

What Council agreed to do about the key issues

Source/adopted position of Council What Council has done so far

Strengthen the Bega Valley Shire Library Service as a centre for lifelong learning

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Developed the Indigenous Knowledge Centre in Eden Library.

Facilitate lifelong learning in the Bega Valley Shire

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Plan yet to be developed.

Develop Bega Valley Shire Council as a learning organisation

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Developed a comprehensive corporate, specialist and safety training program for Council staff.

/ Introduced opportunities for cadetships and traineeships for young people.

Support regional Universities (Wollongong, Canberra and Australian National University) to expand options in the Bega Valley Shire

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / The University of Wollongong established a campus in Bega.

/ Increased the capacity of the Wollongong University collection within Bega Valley Shire Library Service.

Support the Sapphire Coast Marine Centre development

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Assisted grants and redevelopment of building in Snug Cove to house the Marine Discovery Centre.

What remains to be done / Further develop the Bega Valley Shire Library Service as learning centres.

/ Advocate for increased opportunities for post school and adult education options.

14 The health and wellbeing of residents is an important indicator of the quality of life experienced by the community as a whole. Health and wellbeing can also affect residents’ ability to participate in community life.

Factors that impact a community’s wellbeing include social and economic conditions such as access to education, transport and sustainable employment opportunities.

The health and wellbeing of a community is best achieved by the cooperative efforts of government agencies and everyone that lives and works in that community.

NSW Health have prepared a Clinical Services Plan and are planning a new regional hospital for the Shire to be located in Bega.

What challenges exist?Challenges for maintaining and improving the wellbeing of the community in Bega Valley Shire include addressing the needs of a population spread across a large area, some of whom live in isolated rural areas with limited services available. While the Shire is reasonably well represented by primary care health providers, specialists and two hospitals, its relative isolation from city tertiary care services can mean dislocation of families, or relocation to major centres for health care.

Further challenges include addressing the needs of an ageing population; access to services by older people, Indigenous people and people with disabilities; limited recreation facilities and crime prevention - particularly assaults on individuals and a significant incidence of domestic violence.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents rated services and facilities for the elderly and child services as extremely important. Residents’ satisfaction with both areas increased significantly between 2006 and 2009 and remains in the medium range. Council’s social and cultural planning was highly valued, achieving a medium satisfaction rating. This was significantly increased from 2006.


Access to access to health services Advocate

Physically accessible public facilities Advocate/Provider

Safer Communities Advocate/Provider

Leisure and Recreation options Advocate/Provider


Access to Council facilities, services and information is improved

Disability discrimination or EEO complaints

0 0

Increased health facilities and services

Rate of patient outflow from Shire for health care

N/A N/A

Recreation opportunities improved

Length of walkable trails and bike tracks

50km 21 km (2008/09)

Community safety improved Reportable crime rates reduced (assaults, accidents)

N/A N/A

Health and Wellbeing

15What Council does / Council plays a direct role in the health and wellbeing of our community through its planning and development assessment

services. It also directly provides some community facilities including parks, sporting grounds, walking/bike tracks, footpaths and public toilets.

/ Council provides potable water and sewerage service to most urban settlements, monitors food, beach and air quality and promotes a non-smoking workplace and public domain.

/ Council also plays an advocacy and facilitation role through working with other levels of government and the community to instigate healthy community strategies and actions.


Source/adopted position of Council

What Council has done so far

Supporting the development of a centralised and well-resourced hospital for Bega Valley Shire

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Participated in the initial consultation and planning stages for the new hospital for Bega Valley Shire and active support for delivery of new hospital.

Improve access for all residents to Council facilities services and information

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Resourced the Access Advisory Committee as a key consultation mechanism on access issues and commenced work on the Disability Inclusion Plan.

/ Website upgraded to include more information on services and applications.

/ Introduced a rate levy to improve disabled access to grounds and facilities.

Develop a Community Safety Plan Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / A draft Community Safety Plan was developed in 2006.

/ Introduced ‘Police Liaison Committee’ to keep abreast of local safety issues and plan for events.

Recreation opportunities enhanced Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Council has built an estimated 15 kms of walking tracks and 10 kms of footpaths since 2006.

/ Council introduced rate variation to improve sporting and recreation facilities.

What remains to be done / Foster the partnership with Southern Area Health Service, the ACT Government and other key stakeholders in creating a

healthy community.

/ Continue to work with local police through ‘safer by design’ public domain, and general police liaison.

16 Culture has been defined by UNESCO as the ‘set of distinctive spiritual, material, intellectual and emotional features of society or a social group, and it encompasses, in addition to art and literature, lifestyles, ways of living together, value systems, traditions and beliefs’.1 Bega Valley Shire has cultural elements from Indigenous, European and other cultures in its broad mix. These cultural elements, and culture ‘inherited’ from those who have chosen to live in the Shire by ‘sea change’ and ‘tree change’, has created a rich and diverse sense of place and character.

What challenges exist? Cultural services and programs supported by Council in the Bega Valley Shire are provided under resource constraints and rely on significant contributions from volunteers and the not for profit sector. Council has very few resources available to support cultural activities, particularly any new initiatives.

Also the culture of Bega Valley Shire extends well beyond the responsibility and resources of Council. In the immediate future, Council’s role will be to act as a resource for consultation and in developing partnerships with the extensive regional, state and national community network currently engaged in cultural issues.

Availability of public transport to attend events and the scarcity of training opportunities are also significant challenges to the provision of cultural services.

The 2009 Community Survey In the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents said that the operation of the library service was of higher importance than in 2006. Satisfaction with the library service was also high. This was a significant increase from 2006.

Other culture elements including protecting European heritage and values, protecting Aboriginal heritage and sites and operating the Bega Art Gallery remained of medium importance between 2006 and 2009. Satisfaction with these three elements increased significantly, but remained in the ‘medium’ level.


Provide opportunities for cultural expression and celebration Advocate/Provider

Encourage strong and diverse creative communities Advocate/Provider

Respect, preserve and promote our Indigenous and European cultural heritage

Advocate


A community that actively participates in creative activities

Community festivals and exhibitions each year

N/A N/A

An increased understanding of the history and heritage of the Bega Valley Shire

Heritage listings preserved in LEP

N/A N/A

Implementation of the spirit of the Memorandum of Understanding

Attendance at Indigenous

Knowledge Centre, Eden DA referrals to LALCs

4000

500

3500

400

Culture

1 UNESCO (2002), Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, accessible at http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001271/127160m.pdf

17What Council does / Council provides Bega Valley Shire Library Service through four library locations, a mobile outlet and a ‘home delivery’

service.

/ The Bega Valley Regional Gallery operates an exhibition calendar and public participation program, facilitates cultural development in Bega Valley Shire and supports an Arts Officer for the region.

/ Council also recognises Indigenous culture through Welcome to Country, work with the National Aboriginal Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC), commissioning Indigenous archaeological assessments for its work or through private developments.




Increase the variety of cultural venues around Bega Valley Shire

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Developed plans for a new cultural and civic centre in Bega.

/ Developed new Merimbula Library facility.

Continue to foster and promote reconciliation with Indigenous communities

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Established the Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Eden.

Maintenance of significant examples of our European heritage villages, buildings for future generations

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Included ‘Heritage listing’ in the LEP.

A sustainable community that actively participates in community activities and development

Social Plan and 20 Year Plan / Assisted coordination and sponsors some community festivals.

/ Supported the Transition Towns movement.

What remains to be done / Develop a strategy to support local moveable cultural heritage initiatives and activities.

/ Further develop the Indigenous Knowledge Centre.

/ Complete development of Bega Civic Centre.

/ Complete an Indigenous heritage study to inform new LEP.

/ A cultural plan will be prepared examining the needs and availability of suitable venues for performance and display space.

Section 03 Our Place

20 Bega Valley Shire enjoys drinking water of a very high standard. There is generally good water quality within our rivers, estuaries and near shore marine waters. Effectively managing these water supplies is critical for agricultural production, domestic and business use and environmental health. Prolonged declines in average rainfall across the Bega Valley Shire mean that managing our water resources will remain a key challenge for decision makers and residents. Variable rainfall requires a focus on land use planning, natural resource and demand management to protect the quality and quantity of water. Council undertakes a limited, but targeted environmental water quality program which focuses on recreational water bodies and effluent reuse environments.

What challenges exist?Council supplies water to over 12,000 households through an extensive network of reservoirs, mains and pipe systems. In summer there is also a major influx of holidaymakers to the area, which temporarily triples the population of the coastal towns. Treated effluent from Council’s ten secondary treatment sewage plants is generally disposed of via beneficial reuse schemes to minimise the use of approved ocean outfalls. The complexity, extent and age of Council’s water and sewage infrastructure and (relatively small) number of connections will be an ongoing challenge. The proximity of our urban areas to sensitive water bodies means that stormwater management is a major focus for Council in an attempt to protect the quality of our water bodies. Measures to secure water supply, mitigate episodes of drought, monitor and promote water quality, maintain national health standards for drinking water of the potable water supplies, and maintain NSW EPA licences for sewage treatment and effluent reuse, are also a challenge.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents said that water services were highly important, and had increased in importance since 2006. Satisfaction with water services was also high and in the top five of satisfaction scores for Council services. Satisfaction had increased significantly since 2006.

Key issues Councils Role Catchment Protection RegulatorPotable water consumption Provider, RegulatorEffluent Management Provider, RegulatorEnvironmental Water Quality RegulatorStormwater Management Provider, Regulator


Drinking water quality maintained

Compliance with NHMRC standards

100% 100% (499 samples)

Volume of beneficial effluent reuse increases

% treated effluent reused across all STPs

40% 35%

Beachwatch water quality maintained

NSW standards compliance in summer months

100% 98% (120 samples)

Water Management

21What Council does / Council has a role in all aspects of the water management cycle. In partnership with State agencies, Council regulates

catchment land use to protect the quality and quantity of our water resources and undertakes targeted environmental rehabilitation.

/ Council supplies water for drinking, maintains some storage dams and reservoirs, pipeline networks, monitors water quality on a weekly basis and regulates water usage. These are currently operated as four independent systems.

/ Council operates ten sewage plants via contract, maintains and monitors sewerage networks, effluent reuse schemes and administers the septic tank program.

/ Council has implemented treated effluent reuse schemes associated with each of the sewerage schemes and is planning to phase out ocean outfall discharges at Eden, Bermagui and Merimbula.

/ Environmental monitoring of ocean swimming beaches confirms that recreational marine swimming waters are of a very high standard. Recreational water quality is monitored over summer through the Beachwatch program.




Provide drinking water quality compliant with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines across Bega Valley Shire

Council Resolution / Undertaken all required NSW Health water quality monitoring.

Expand the sewerage schemes for Kalaru, Cobargo, Wolumla, Candelo and Wallaga Lake

Council Resolution / All schemes associated with the Bega Valley Sewerage Scheme have been commissioned.

Phase out ocean outfall discharges Council Resolution / Maximised beneficial reuse of treated effluent.

Better resource stormwater management Council Resolution / Adopted a Stormwater Levy to specifically fund stormwater infrastructure works.

Resource environmental monitoring Council Resolution / Received Ministerial approval for an ongoing Environmental Levy.

What remains to be done? / As population growth continues, drinking water supply security is critical, especially in the southern part of Bega Valley Shire

where it is sourced from the Kiah – Tantawangalo supply.

/ To improve water supply security to the south, a water pipeline will be constructed from the Bega aquifers to Yellowpinch dam.

/ Extension of fluoridation of all water supply systems will be considered.

/ Studies to improve reuse of treated effluent at Merimbula STP and lobby for government subsidy to upgrade STP works.

/ Better resourcing and expansion of the environmental water monitoring program is required to ensure that water quality standards remain high.

22 Bega Valley Shire is rich in biodiversity. Three quarters of the Bega Valley Shire is National Park, State Forest or public reserve. NSW Government agencies share responsibility with Council for managing the vegetation and biodiversity in these areas.

The majority of private lands within Bega Valley Shire have been cleared of vegetation and habitats have been disturbed to some extent since European settlement for the purposes of agriculture, timber getting or housing development.

What challenges exist?Habitat removal, disturbance and fragmentation through vegetation clearing and/or modification are major threats to native species and ecosystems in the Shire area. Population increases (and the resulting demand for urban development) within the Shire puts pressure on native species and communities, particularly in lowland and coastal areas. Disturbances such as urban development, fires and drought may lead to further degradation or loss of ecological communities.

Invasive plants and animals continued to exert further pressure on ecological communities and species. Within the Bega Valley Shire there are endangered ecological communities and threatened or endangered plant and animal species. Council and the NSW Government have responsibility for protecting and managing threatened plant and animal species and their habitats on private lands and aim to identify remaining corridors that provide linkages between larger protected areas. Landscape scale revegetation programs are focused on the cleared rural basins in the western sections of Bega Valley Shire and are undertaken in partnership with the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, landowners and industry partners such as Bega Cheese.

Private lands in the coastal zone retain the most significant remnant vegetation and habitat outside of reserved areas. The greatest pressures on these areas are from clearing for new development and bushfire hazard management, illustrating the bushland/ reserve interface. Illegal vegetation removal and fire hazard management are ongoing challenges. Council also has responsibility for weed species management to reduce impacts on agricultural production, natural ecosystems and the overall environmental value of Bega Valley Shire. For more information visit: http://www.envcomm.act.gov.au/soe/rsoe2008/begavalley/issues/biodiversity.shtml

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents continued to highly value protecting natural bush land and weed control, a result that is unchanged from 2006. Resident satisfaction with protection of natural bush land increased significantly from 2006 and achieved a medium score, while satisfaction with weed control increased significantly from 2006, and achieved a low score.

Key issues Councils Role Vegetation Cover RegulatorVegetation Rehabilitation Broker, ProviderThreatened Plants and Animals RegulatorBushfire Hazard Management Regulator, Provider Weeds Management Regulator, Agent, Advocate

Vegetation and Biodiversity

23Key Performance Indicators Measures Target ActualLand managed specifically for conservation increased hectares under Council or voluntary conservation 100ha 53ha

Number of Endangered Ecological Communities (EEC’s)

stabilise quantity EECs 13 13 (2008/09)

Land zoned for conservation or environment protection

HA zoned under CLEP as environment or coastal protection

N/A N/A

Conservation areas subjected to wildfire Area managed by controlled burn per year N/A N/A

Noxious weeds under plan of management Plans endorsed and operating with government 5 5

Bushfire management plan and fire management plans Plans on conservation reserves 10 5

What Council does / Council’s role in vegetation management and biodiversity conservation management occurs through land use planning,

development controls, tree preservation and environmental management functions.

/ Bushfire prevention planning is a key function of Council’s development control process and is complimented by our reserve bushfire hazard management program and contributions to Rural Fire Service programs.

/ Noxious weed management, control and education are also a significant area of work for Council.



Fund key works through the environment levy

Resolution of Council / Environmental studies, estuarine and Landcare works supported.

Support and action fire management works

Policy / Hazard reduction and emergency response in conjunction with the Rural Fire Service.

Support the Vegetation Recovery Program Resolution of Council / Government grant and Council funded program in place.

Tree Preservation Order Policy / Policy implemented and enforced as required.

What remains to be done / The new comprehensive LEP will assign suitable environmental zones and nominate developments appropriate to those

zones. The LEP will map biodiversity and vegetation areas. The Environmental Levy implementation plan requires review to ensure it is directed at high priority actions. In addition, policy work to better direct the funding of environmental works for vegetation and biodiversity protection is required.

/ Continue to support and encourage community involvement in biodiversity conservation and monitoring through maintenance of collaborative arrangements with other land management agencies within the Region. Areas targeted will be: ensuring ongoing effectiveness with pest animal and plant control, fire management and developing awareness of new land management principles, innovations or approaches.

/ Work closely with the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority to help ensure consistency in approach to biodiversity conservation and complementary actions, and minimise requirements for dual consents for bushfire and vegetation management.

/ Advocate for government assistance in weeds biological research and classification of fireweed as weed of national significance.

24 The way land in Bega Valley Shire is used over time effects many aspects of the life of the community. Economic development and provision of essential services, to transport and health care all rely on access to appropriate land. In addition, the health of our ecosystems and potentially our quality of life rely on effective land use rules. The community expects Council to undertake considered planning about what can be built where, and which parts of a town or village can be used for what purposes.

This planning if formalised by Council in the Local Environmental Plan (LEP). The South Coast Regional Strategy forecasts over 8000 new dwellings are anticipated in Bega Valley Shire by 2031, some of which will be for non-owner occupied or tourist use.

Land use that exceeds capabilities can place significant pressure on the land leading to land degradation and community conflict.

What challenges exist?Changes in the patterns of land use over time can be caused by pressures such as population increases, employment, access to transport and climate change. Changes to land use rules such as increasing land use density, competing and conflicting land use demands, and increasing the amount of employment land available can lead to impacts such as vegetation loss, land contamination and erosion and water quality deterioration. Matching household sizes to dwelling size, and managing community attitudes to size of lots and level of infrastructure servicing, may also influence land use.

Challenges in managing land use can often take long periods of time to become evident, so land use management needs careful consideration and planning.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents highly valued commercial centre planning and long term Shire land use planning. Value of long term Shire land use planning had increased from 2006. The satisfaction of residents with commercial centre planning was low. Information about this question was gathered for the first time in 2009. Resident satisfaction with long term Shire land use planning was medium. This had increased significantly from 2006.


Land use planning RegulatorLand restoration and rehabilitation RegulatorLand contamination. Regulator


Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan

Exhibited and Gazetted 2010 N/A

Consolidating Development Control Plan

Exhibited and Adopted 2010 N/A

Land Use

25What Council does / Council regulates land use through land zoning strategy and plans. Land zoning in the Bega Valley Shire is underpinned

by local structure plans and environmental and economic studies. Council develops land use plans in collaboration with residents and business owners, the NSW Department of Planning and the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) process/policy and regulates land use proposals through relevant legislation. Applications for development or construction of buildings are assessed by Council. Inspections and certification of developments during construction may be undertaken by Council or private certifiers. Certificates are required to ensure compliance with DA conditions and the Building Code of Australia.

/ Council leads and manages land restoration and rehabilitation programs by providing funding, undertaking remediation works and using its legal authority as a regulator. Often land restoration actions are sponsored by government grants to Council or the community.



Complete the LEP and DCP Council Resolution / The LEP and DCP have been drafted and are likely to be subject to community consultation and a formal exhibition process before the end of 2010.

Manage soil and water Policy / Soil and water management are Council’s key goals. Council’s policy relating to developments and works is currently being reviewed.

Rehabilitate degraded lands Council Resolution / Council administers legislation about land contamination and rehabilitation. A register of known contaminated lands will be prepared.

What remains to be done / The LEP and consolidated DCP represent a significant review of land use planning in Bega Valley Shire. The exhibition and

ultimate gazettal of this plan will see land use planning in Bega Valley Shire well placed for the future.

26 Bega Valley Shire’s 2020 Waste Vision is an ongoing plan first developed in 2001. It is regularly revised by Council and is directed at past, current and future waste management practices. The 2020 Waste Vision is aimed at reducing the impact of waste on the environment and the costs of managing waste.

What challenges exist?Council’s key objective is to reduce the amount of waste generated and to promote reuse and recycling. Kerbside solid waste collection, garden organics and recycling services are provided for residents. In addition, hazardous waste drop off, landfills and transfer stations are provided. The large increase in the Bega Valley Shire population during holidays places volume pressure on waste collection, recycling and regulatory services. Further, issues of longer term capacity and compliance with the operation of current landfills and the development of a new central waste facility are key challenges.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents rated general waste collection and recycling collection among the top five most important Council’s services. Residents generally were highly satisfied with both waste and recycling collection.

There was no change in resident’s assessment of the importance of waste collection between 2006 and 2009 however recycling collection was rated as much more important in 2009 than in 2006. There was no change to satisfaction with general waste collection 2006 and 2009, but there was a significant increase in satisfaction with recycling collection during this period.

Key issues Councils Role Policy Implementation Advocate, ProviderWaste Disposal Advocate, ProviderLandfill Capacity Advocate, ProviderWaste Minimisation Advocate, Provider


Reducing waste to landfill Waste to landfill per household/year

< 500kg N/A

Increasing waste recycled Tonnes collected from kerbside

N/A 3899

Hazardous Waste contained Kilograms diverted from landfill

N/A 10176

Waste Management

27What Council does / Council manages landfills sites at Merimbula, Eden and Bermagui as well as transfer stations where waste, garden organics

and recyclables can be delivered. Council also has responsibility for the closure and rehabilitation of old landfills across Bega Valley Shire.

/ Council provides kerbside collection services including fortnightly collection of 240 litres of co-mingled recyclables, weekly collection of 120 litres of domestic waste and monthly collection of 240 litres of garden organics per household. Council also provides a number of hazardous waste drop-off facilities and regulates the illegal dumping of waste and littering.




Long term strategic planning Adopted Waste Plan / 2020 Vision on Waste has been adopted and reviewed regularly.

/ Worked with Southern Councils Group to identify resource sharing and alternate waste technology opportunities.

Landfills at Eden, Bermagui and Merimbula are licensed and regulated by NSW Department of the Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)

EPA Licence / Resourced waste management, extended waste and recycling into several rural/village areas and met DECCW licensing requirements.

What remains to be done / Further work in education to encourage waste minimisation behaviours is required to ensure that Council waste

management goals can be achieved and so that contamination of recycling is minimised.

/ Optimising access and sales to a recycled product market is difficult, due in part to distance and saturation from metropolitan supply. Opportunities to ‘mine’ waste and utilised for construction or manufacturing may be explored in conjunction with other councils.

/ Additional long term disposal options for waste currently going to landfill is required as landfill facilities at Eden, Bermagui and Merimbula are nearing capacity.

Section 04 Our Work

30 The strengths of our local economy and its capacity for employment are based on traditional industries including agriculture, fishing, forestry, tourism, retail, and the construction and building industry. In recent years there has been significant restructure in our local dairy, fishing and forestry industries resulting in fewer permanent jobs and more casuals in our workforce. Other significant trends in our economy include the growth of home based businesses, development of environmental tourism and a newly emerging sustainable energy sector.

What challenges exist?Environmental and quality of life (strengths of Bega Valley Shire) such as its physical position surrounded by extensive National Parks, State Forests and bounded by the ocean, and its proximity to capital cities are challenges for the local economy. These challenges are most evident in transport infrastructure including the Princes Highway and other roads, ports, the airport and public transport that need continued investment and development. Access to telecommunications, in particular high speed broadband and mobile phone coverage, is also a challenge.

The seasonality of the tourism sector in Bega Valley Shire presents both opportunities and challenges. Employment of significant numbers of residents is a positive trend but a factor in the increased number of casuals in the workforce and significant numbers of seasonal visitors impact on Bega Valley Shire infrastructure. There is an opportunity to develop a shared strategic framework for economic development for the Bega Valley Shire.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents rated Council’s promotion of tourism and recognition of the ‘Bega’ brand as highly important. Attracting commercial and industrial development was among the top ten priorities for Bega Valley Shire in the next five to ten years.

Satisfaction with Council’s promotion of tourism and recognition of the Bega brand has improved significantly since 2006 and remains in the medium range.

Key issues Councils Role Highway and Telecommunications improvements AdvocatePublic transport throughout Bega Valley Shire FacilitatorAir and sea infrastructure development (Merimbula and Eden) Provider /AdvocateTourism hierarchy and responsibilities Facilitator

Key Performance Indicators Measures Target ActualPort of Eden (Snug Cove) investigations/upgrades

Port of Eden wharf/transport designs

Snug Cove business case/feasiblity study

2009

2010

2009

2010

Airport capacity improved Airport strategy adopted Runway pavement renewed

2010 2010

N/A N/A

Alignment of Sapphire Coast into Australia’s Coastal Wilderness brand and local provider frameworks

Tourism review plan adopted Visitor numbers increased

2010

10%

2010

N/A

Local Economy

31What Council does / Council acts as a planning agent in development of the local economy, as an owner or manager of infrastructure and as an

advocate on behalf of the local community for improvements by both other levels of government and the private sector.

/ Council sponsors tourism by provision of some tourism infrastructure and financial support of the independent Tourism Board.



Telecommunications Council Resolution / Submissions made to Federal Governments Nation Broadband Initiative.

/ Telecommunication Project Research Group; participation in the Learning Communities Project, provision of Council Wi-Fi to main towns centres and Council support of the Community Technology Centres in Bermagui and Eden.

Transport Southern Councils Group Inc, 20 Year Plan and Council Resolution

/ Participated in PHocus and SEATS initiatives (advocacy groups working to improve funding for road infrastructure in south eastern NSW).

/ Initiated a Home Based Business forum.

/ Participated in the Public Transport working group

/ Review of the Eden Port Master Plan and review of the Merimbula Airport plan.

Tourism Council Resolution and Management Plan

/ Participated as a member of Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Steering Committee.

/ Endorsed Sapphire Coast Tourism Business Plan and Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Tourism Master Plan and restructured Council’s role in local tourism.

Support retail, maritime, agriculture and timber industries

20 Year Plan / Advocated for training to be provided to support employment, land use planning support development for employment. Submission to National Ports Strategy and partnership with LPMA and chambers of commerce promoting development of Eden Port.

What remains to be done / Further work is required to complete the Master Strategy for Eden Port, including designs for breakwater wharf, wave

attenuator and freight transport into Snug Cove. Similarly, as the Merimbula Airport lease expires in 2012, a Precinct Strategy examining all land uses in and adjacent to the airport is required, as a precursor to a Master Plan and new development lease. The facilitation of public or private investment in the Eden port and Merimbula airport are considered key catalysts to visitor and business growth.

/ A Business Growth Strategy is scheduled.

/ Implementation of the branding and signage actions from the Australia’s Coastal Wilderness Tourism Master Plan is subject to funding.

/ Council will continue to liaise with Federal Government on the National Broadband Initiative and to apply pressure to Government for improvements to the Princes Highway, public transport and courier services in conjunction with Southern Councils Group.

32 Ratepayers and communities expect Council business growth planning to support pragmatic actions to build resilience in the local economy. Supporting the growth of employment, through promoting opportunities for people to participate in the labour market, is a core part of building resilience. Employment provides social and economic benefits to people that are impossible to deliver in any other manner. Participation in employment strengthens a sense of community and grows the pool of income available to support the local economy. The South Coast Regional Strategy forecasts that 4,700 new jobs are required to sustain the 6,400 new households expected in Bega Valley Shire by 2031.

What challenges exist?Recent restructuring and adjustments have occurred in the dairy, forestry and fishing sectors which are having an impact in the Bega Valley Shire. An increasingly large proportion of employment in the retail, hospitality, agriculture and fishing industries is casual or part time which creates financial uncertainty.

The local economy has only a limited number of larger businesses, limited value adding industries producing goods and limited manufacturing. The range and quality of health, education and retail services in the Shire influence relocation and investment decisions of business and professionals. The local workforce has a relatively narrow skill base which creates challenges in attracting employees for certain professional roles and presents barriers to participation in the knowledge economy.

The workforce is ageing at greater rate than the NSW average, noting the youth cohort looks outside the Shire for employment and education.

The casual nature of the workforce and the seasonality of the tourism industry are creating a challenge of under employment. It is expected early retirees may continue to seek part time or volunteer work, potentially displacing opportunities for employment for youth.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents rated Council’s promotion of economic development as highly important. Resident’s satisfaction with Council’s economic development activity improved significantly since 2006, with a score in the medium range.

Key issues Councils Role Increased numbers of casuals in the workforce AdvocateBelow average household incomes FacilitatorAttraction of skilled workers and knowledge industries AdvocateBuilding and diversifying the local economy. Facilitator


Growth in employment Labour participation rate Unemployment rate Average household income

>50% <10%

>75% regional average

N/A N/A N/A

Tertiary and trade education growth

Enrolments at local University & TAFE.

N/A N/A

Employment

33What Council does / Council provides a land use planning framework for the development and location of new businesses including identifying

areas for commercial and industrial expansion, monitoring the take up of employment generating lands and regulating the further allocation of such land as demand requires. Council advocates on behalf of local business sectors as part of its economic development activity. Council advocates for further education and training opportunities as well as direct support to the tourism industry.




Education opportunities Council Resolution and 20 Year Plan

/ Partnership with University of Wollongong for the expansion of their campus and library facility.

Health Services Council Resolution, 20 Year Plan and Position Statement

/ Advocating for the provision of a new regional hospital and service support for the Pambula Hospital

/ Support of existing residential aged care and approval of new aged care developments.

Land use plan South Coast Regional Strategy Resolution

/ Preparation of draft Local Environmental Plan and Development Control Plan.

Tourism industry review Resolution Management Plan Position Statement

/ Implementation of Operational Examination Review of Bega Valley Shire Council, establishment of Sapphire Coast Tourism Ltd and agreements for provision of premises for Visitor Information Centres in Eden, Merimbula and Bermagui.

New and emerging industries Resolution 20 Year Plan

/ Provision of support for Sapphire Coast Marine Discovery Centre and the cluster developments for emerging sustainable energy through Clean Energy for Eternity and Pyramid Power.

What remains to be done / Consolidation and expansion of the health, education and retail sectors is considered important to reduce the retail and

service ‘leakage’ from the Shire, and minimise the extent to which residents leave the Shire by necessity to access higher level health, education and retail facilities.

/ Additional aged care places should be facilitated to accommodate the rising number of aged persons in the Shire, in turn building additional employment in that sector.

/ Completion of land use plans to support economic development is important to signal where and to what scale commercial and other investments may be made.

34 The cost of living and doing business in Bega Valley Shire are key measures used to describe ‘affordability’. This includes the costs of housing and development, fuel and utility costs, transport and freight, telecommunications, rental costs and availability of commercial premises. Affordability also includes the cost and availability of health care, education and community/aged care.

Affordability issues can be a factor influencing where people choose to live. This is particularly true in the Bega Valley Shire where incomes are generally lower than the NSW average. The higher costs and relative lack of social housing in coastal communities means that low-income households are more likely to need to live inland where housing is cheaper by comparison and more options are available. A combination of factors including growth limits caused by physical development constraints and the increasing demand for coastal living are likely to further increase costs of housing, development and commercial activity. The level of investment by successive State and Commonwealth Governments in health, housing, transport and telecommunications infrastructure has also hindered private investment, increased the cost of accessing services either through travel/attracting the providers to Bega Valley Shire and indirectly caused dislocation costs to households and businesses needing to leave Bega Valley Shire to access services.

What challenges exist?The key challenges are to meet the needs of a growing numbers of residents on fixed or retirement incomes, addressing the social implications of land use and development across the region and increasing the number and mix of housing options across Bega Valley Shire. Affordability is a challenge for those living on fixed incomes (including Council itself) when utility, telecommunication and transport costs are increasing each year.

The cost of doing business is heavily influenced by the scale of government regulations, some of which are administered by Council.

Finally, stimulating greater diversity in the retail sector (as the Global Economic Crisis) recedes through economic development activities and the development approval process will increase competition and provide greater choice for those choosing to buy local.

Key issues Councils Role Land Use Planning ProviderHousing Diversity Advocate/ProviderHealth services AdvocateTransport and freight AdvocateEnergy and Utilities Advocate/Provider


Diversity and affordability in new housing increased

Demographic and land mapping

New LEP gazetted

2010

2010

2010

N/APatient referrals outside Bega Valley Shire decreased

Patient outflow N/A N/A

Affordable housing Dwelling size matched to household occupancy size

N/A N/A

Affordability

35What Council does / Council can impact the nature, quality, timing, supply, amenity, and the cost, of housing and development within Bega Valley

Shire through land use definitions, rating policy and the development consent process.

/ Council may work in partnership with other government agencies and local organisations to advocate for increased social housing options, increased health service resources and increased education resources and options.

/ In addition, through its economic development activity Council it promotes increased retail competition to deliver a diverse base for buying local options.




Provision of affordable housing 20 Year Plan, Social Plan and Local Environmental Plan (LEP)

/ Implemented mechanisms into Councils development assessment processes that promote the delivery of affordable housing.

Expansion and facilitation of commercial activity

20 Year Plan, LEP and Council Resolutions

/ Approved several major retail and commercial projects including Bega Cheese, and Merimbula, Tura, Eden and Bega supermarket or discount department store developments.

Health and education services 20 Year Plan, Social Plan and Council Resolutions

/ Supported the University of Wollongong Access Centre, University of Canberra Rural Medicine Program, Bega Regional Hospital development and the maintenance of services at the Pambula Hospital and Sapphire Coast Learning Communities program.

Transport and freight 20 Year Plan and Social Plan / Summer bus project, travel vouchers, support of community transport, homebound library service, home based business and cluster program.

/ Advocates with SCG and SEATS for improvement to highways.

What remains to be done / Identify suitable lands and refine development control policy to promote diversity of housing stocks.

/ Identify a process to assist construction of affordable housing in major residential developments.

/ Continue several programs relating to government improvements to social housing, health and education, transport and freight.

36 The physical location of the Bega Valley Shire includes desirable rural and urban landscapes bounded by significant National Parks, State Forests and the ocean. These characteristics mean significant road infrastructure is necessary to access Bega Valley Shire and presents challenges in equitable provision of services and opportunities to the four town centres and many smaller settlements.

What challenges exist?Access to transport is a key issue identified in Council-community consultation, particularly because the combination of distance and a lack of affordable transport options (public, community and private) for residents. The transport needs of the community are affected by the relative remoteness of some areas, access to existing infrastructure and the particular needs of different groups within the community. Lack of access to, and the high cost of, transport mean people are not able to access important health, training, work, education or recreational activities and appointments.

While the Shire is blessed with abundant natural and developed recreation facilities, participation in recreation for families can involve significant journeys which can be expensive. A key challenge is to balance resource investment with the relative needs of small communities, in the context of limited resources.

There is also a challenge of bringing goods and services online for communities sooner rather than later through advocacy and identifying and securing external funding. Examples include the Merimbula boardwalk project or the Pambula Swimming Pool renovation project.

Communications advocacy has included mobile phone reception and broadband access.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents placed higher importance but were less satisfied with: adequacy of public toilets, maintenance of sealed roads and availability of car parks than in 2006. The top ten priorities for Bega Valley Shire in the next five to ten years included increased parking and traffic management (10.6%) and water and waste management (10.2%).

Key issues Councils Role Transport infrastructure Advocate/ ProviderCommunity recreation and facilities ProviderPort and airport Advocate/ ProviderFishing wharf/jetty and boat ramps Provider


Local road transport infrastructure improved

Pavement failures/km Condition complaints reduced

N/A >5%

N/A N/A

Accident levels MVA on local roads reduced Insurable risk events on Council property

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Infrastructure – transport, recreation, public domain, facilities and communications

37What Council does / Council has a direct role in the provision of transport infrastructure, in partnership with Commonwealth and State

Government agencies, including roads, footpaths, bike paths and bus shelters.

/ Council is an advocate for increased access to communications infrastructure and services.

/ Council leads investment and planning for wharves, jetties and the airport and advocates investment in the port. This infrastructure is critical for economic growth, industry development and tourism.




Transport network supports economic development

20 Year Plan / Maintain Council roads, paths and cycleways, and wharf and jetty upgrades.

Promote and support Bega Valley Shire as a tourism destination

20 Year Plan / Sapphire Coast tourism campaign.

Support emerging industries (e.g. alternative energy)

20 Year Plan / Partnership with a community group to explore sites for development of solar farm.

What remains to be done / Review and refine standards and levels of service for road, path and water transport infrastructure, based on financial

capacity.

/ Facilitate highway bypass for Bega to remove interstate and local trucks from the town centre.

/ Provide for Merimbula CBD alternate route and improved car parking.

/ Upgrade Merimbula main jetty and ramp.

/ Revise and update tourism and community facility signage.

Section 05 Our Council

40 Council’s employees and their skills combined with business processes and technology to form the basis of our capability to deliver the services, programs and support required by the residents and communities of Bega Valley Shire and the local economy. Workforce planning is important to ensure Council has educated and experienced staff available to provide high quality services. As the local population ages, so too does Council’s workforce, and so support for succession planning, to maintain skill and experience levels within Council’s workforce, is critical as existing staff retire. Continuous improvement of business processes and investment in new technology are critical factors to ensure that Council can continue to provide competitively priced services that satisfy the needs of its ratepayers. Together these elements support Council’s capability and delivery capacity.

What challenges exist?Council has limited financial capacity; also its relative size, location, industry/community reputation and the size of the Bega Valley Shire workforce are issues in recruitment and retention of staff with appropriate skills and experience. These factors, particularly financial resources, geographical features (including for example mobile phone or mobile internet reception) and the relative technology skills and experience in the local workforce impact on Council’s capacity to adopt new technology in a timely and cost effective manner. The local government industry generally suffers a shortage in key professional resources such as planning and engineering.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents said that Council responsiveness to community needs was very important. Residents’ satisfaction with Council services had increased significantly since 2006, but remained in low. A 2009 staff survey recognised gains in productivity, skills and performance.

Key issues Councils Role Ageing workforce PurchaserSkill shortages in identified areas PurchaserCosts of new or upgraded technology, equipment and communications

Purchaser


Succession planning for planned retirement of key staff

Cadet/Traineeships per year. Phased retirements/mentored staff

15

N/A

12

N/A

Technology investment supported through skilled people and rigorous processes

Online availability for client enquiry (DA, property, complaint, application)

Business process/transactions reduces governance cost

50% by 2010

> 5%

50%

N/A

Council Workforce and Technology Capability

41What Council does / Council develops and maintains an appropriately skilled and experienced workforce and purchases and implements

technology to support delivery of its services through effective business processes.




Ageing workforce Council Resolution and Management Plan

/ Commenced implementation of a ‘Workforce Strategy for Council’ introducing traineeships and cadetships.

Procurement Council Resolution and Management Plan

/ Reviewed procurement policy and procedures, resource sharing between Southern Councils Group and Councils in SE NSW.

/ Explored joint technology procurement project with other Councils (Civica) and participated in the ‘Business Treading Lightly’/’Sustainable Advantage’ program.

Skills shortages Management Plan / Developed a Training Plan following the conduct of a Skills Audit across the workforce.

/ Adopted Workforce Strategy and increased use of consultants/contractors.

What remains to be done / Develop workforce requirements as part of the resourcing strategy under the proposed Community Strategic Plan.

/ Expand contracting of services and equipment to other Councils and investigate potential outsourcing opportunities.

/ Build capacity through the provision of agency services such as an agency call centre.

/ Build on our reputation as a leading employer.

/ Provide employment opportunities and career pathways that ensure optimal recruitment and retention.

42 Council has a responsibility to ensure adequate service provision now and to guarantee services into the future through delivering long term financial viability. Council levies a rating on properties in order to fund its services and to ensure infrastructure is maintained to acceptable standards. The NSW Government shifts some of its services to local government and controls the amount by which rates can be raised through rate pegging, and as fixed costs and utility costs rise, Council increasingly has to manage a complex financial viability picture.

What challenges exist?General rates and fixed annual charges for water and sewer provide less than half of Council’s annual income. Access to government grants is subject to other government policies and often involves a competitive bidding process for programs and projects. Many fees and charges associated with services provided by Council are also regulated by government, and do not fully cover the cost of those services. Local government is moving from a property-based service such as providing infrastructure and facilities operation (funded by rates/taxes on property), to more ‘person-based’ services such as community, cultural and environmental services (funded by grants and contributions). Alternative funding sources are required.

To ensure that financial viability Council must sometimes make difficult decisions in order to ensure its long term survival. Council must be clear in its communication with ratepayers and others in the community about what it can and can’t provide with its limited income in both services and standards of infrastructure and maintenance.

The 2009 Community Survey In the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents were asked to consider how Council should fund investment in its four key areas of community, economy, environment and infrastructure. 27% of respondents said Council should seek additional grants, 13% said Council should make better use of its existing resources, 8% said Council should increase rates and 6 % said Council should seek additional funding from State or Commonwealth governments. Around 3% of respondents suggested each of the following as possible strategies private enterprise/local business contributions, cut Council administration costs, community events and fundraisers, and develop/sell land. Less than 2% each said Council should promote tourism or borrow money.

Key issues Councils Role Delivery of water and sewerage services ProviderMaximise non rating income FacilitatorImpact of existing rate pegging legislation Advocate


Increase income from commercial, regulatory and grant activities

% increase in grant /fees revenues.

>CPI 5%

Move progressively to Group 4 rating averages

% differential to Group Average – residential % differential to Group Average – business

0%

0%

-5%

-30%

Council Finances – Capacity

43What Council does / Council manages a multi-million dollar, diverse budget, providing wages, materials supply and contracts into the local

economy. It optimises returns from its real estate assets and cash investments and sources grants and contributions to cover relevant infrastructure and organisational costs.




Water and Sewer Business Plans Council Resolution and Management Plan

/ Implemented two part tariffs and development servicing plans.

Financial Strategy Council Resolution / Adopted financial strategy and is currently exploring alternate revenue sources from real estate assets, caravan parks and development activity.

Special Rate Variations Council Resolution and Management Plan

/ Council has successfully applied for a series of special rate variations to generate additional revenue for identified projects.

What remains to be done / Realise returns from water and sewer activities, real estate sales and leases, commercial and development activities.

/ Review most cost effective means of service delivery and review pricing of services subject to fees and grants.

44 Civic leadership and participation involves community and stakeholder engagement and communication to set a vision, strategy and policy for Bega Valley Shire and its communities. A key element of civic participation is the involvement of individuals and their elected representatives in making decisions about issues that affect them and their lives.

Council should also act as a responsible employer and engage in ethical practices at all times.

What challenges exist?Broad based community engagement on identified issues and projects are key challenges, as well as promoting recognition and understanding of Councillors’ roles in civic leadership and in Council.

Another challenge is actively advocating (to other levels of government) for services and facilities outside the scope of Council.

The 2009 Community Survey In the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents rated their satisfaction with Council’s performance overall as high (36%) or medium (44%). This represents a significant improvement on 2006.

Residents placed great value on Council’s actions to inform the community of its decisions, consult the community and its responsiveness to community requests. Satisfaction with Council responsiveness to community needs increased significantly since 2006, but remained in the low range (overall) for these three keys areas. Residents who expressed great dissatisfaction in this survey said Council was simply not informing them or consulting the community.

Key issues Councils Role Community engagement FacilitatorGovernment relationships AdvocateStrategy and Policy framework ProviderConduct Regulator


Broad range of consultation and engagement

Number of individuals, groups and organisations consulted in key plans

N/A N/A

Behaviour of Councillors and staff

Reduced referrals to Conduct review

0 1

Civic Leadership and Participation

45What Council does / Council operates within a policy and legal framework prescribed by the NSW Government through the Local Government

Act. These requirements include behaviour standards for Councillors and the staff of Council.

/ Currently this area is subject to significant change through both the implementation of a standard Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and the new Integrated Planning and Reporting Guidelines which designate the form and scale of public consultation.




Behaviour of Councillors and staff Council Resolution and Code of Conduct

/ 2009 Review of Codes of Conduct and Meeting Practice.

Community engagement Council Resolution and Management Plan

/ The 2006 and 2009 Community Surveys measured ratepayer satisfaction and priorities.

/ Council uses online forums for community engagement including the ‘Bang the Table’ website. It provides tailored engagement processes including focus groups, stakeholder roundtables and public meetings for development of major policy and plans including the 20 Year Plan, the Social Plan, the new LEP, the Cultural Plan, the annual Management Plan and the Water and Sewer Development Servicing Plans.

Strategy and Policy frameworks Council Resolution / Council adopted the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework and has undertaken major policy review, commenced development of position statements on current issues.

What remains to be done / Development of Community Engagement Strategy and consultations on LEP, location of the Central Waste Facility, the

future of the Port of Eden

/ Development of a Community Strategic Plan and review of the Social and Cultural plans.

46 Council is responsible for maintaining assets worth around $990 million. These assets include roads, bridges, sewerage pipes, pumping stations and treatment works, drainage, water supply including dams, pipes, reservoirs, pumping equipment and delivery infrastructure, community facilities including libraries, community halls, swimming pools, surf life saving clubs, cemeteries, car parks, wharves, jetties, the airport, waste facilities, land fill sites, and Council properties and buildings. In addition Council has the care and control of both urban and rural Crown land and reserves including beaches to the high water mark.

What challenges exist?In simple terms, the annual cost of maintaining these assets exceeds the revenue available to undertake the work. Delays in maintenance and renewal lead to higher costs of rehabilitation or replacement, while discerning an appropriate share of cost to be borne by current ratepayers is difficult. Decisions are also required to manage risk and the potential impacts of climate change. The governance challenge of making Council’s assets safe for all to enjoy comes with a significant price tag. This is known as the ‘asset renewal gap’ and poses a potential challenge for the long term financial viability of Council.

The 2009 Community SurveyIn the 2009 Community Survey, Bega Valley Shire residents said that Council had improved management of its own assets since 2006 but there were significant areas where satisfaction was low. The five services with the highest satisfaction in 2009 were Merimbula Airport, general waste collection, sewerage and septic services, recycling collection and water services.

The five areas with the lowest satisfaction were the appearance and adequacy of public toilets and their cleanliness and maintenance, the maintenance of sealed and unsealed roads and provision of car parking in town centres.

Key issues Councils Role Asset performance and serviceability ProviderManagement and prioritisation of available resources

Facilitator

Asset purchase and maintenance meet community expectations

Provider/Broker


Infrastructure design and construction meets standard

Council and development infrastructure construction compliance with standards, assessed via WAE

100% N/A

Reliability of water supply Supply disruptions. nil N/A

Sewer untreated surcharges into public waters declines

Volume of notifiable surcharges.

<500Kl 209KL

Council Assets

47What Council does / Council builds and maintains local roads, bridges, water supply and sewerage treatment systems, buildings and facilities to

meet the needs of local residents, communities and tourists, and may maintain other government infrastructure under contract.




Safe transport infrastructure 20 Year Plan / Roads maintenance program investment and the timber bridge replacement program involving all bridges.

Settlement and streetscape infrastructure 20 Year Plan / Capital investment program including five public toilet upgrades and footpath extensions.

Recreation infrastructure 20 Year Plan / Upgrade to Bega Recreation Ground and other local sporting facilities.

Water, storm drainage and waste water and waste management infrastructure

20 Year Plan / Scheduled water and sewer renewals and augmentations undertaken each year, including Yellow Pinch water pipeline.

/ Central waste facility awaiting development determination.

Meet annual tourism driven demand 20 Year Plan / Continual support for Sapphire Coast Tourism Visitor Centres and investment in tourism public infrastructure.

/ Council investment in community and tourist events such as the New Years Eve Fireworks Spectacular.

What remains to be done / Develop asset strategy and hierarchy plan with minimum asset conditions and provision standards by town centre or urban

settlement.

/ Prepare asset management plans to develop and maintain those assets to adopted standards.

/ Review asset and financial sustainability of Council to renew or replace existing assets, as well as our capacity to provide new assets for growing and ageing population.

/ Partner with community groups and utility providers to facilitate renewable energy supply and reduce asset operating costs.

/ Consolidate partnerships with community groups in managing and maintaining some community assets, such as halls and sporting grounds.

48 Asset Type Quantity Value ($,000)

Airport 1 $3,076

Saleyards 1 $484

Offices 5 $740

Information Centres 2 $882

Childcare/Preschool 4 $1,865

Caravan Parks 3 $3,576

Gallery 1 $481

Libraries 4 $1,667

Museums 4 $3,014

Cemeteries 13 n/a

Halls 33 $7,546

Playground equipment 56 $840

Wharves 2 $2,520

Jetties 6 $900

Pontoons 5 $600

Boat ramps 13 $520

Sportsgrounds 25 $750

Sport and recreation ground structures

17 $3,100

Swimming pools 6 $7,700

Skate parks 6 $200

Courts 54 $324

Boardwalks 3 $1,500

Walking trails 17km $160

Civic centre 1 $3,400

Emergency services/Rural Fire Service

32 $1,370

Depots 4 $2,513

Sports stadiums 2 $1,697

Toilets 64 $4,800

Bridges

Timber local 56 $8,257

Timber regional 7 $2,676

Non-timber local 104 $4,032

Non-timber regional 59 $17,588

Causeways 47 $1,245,250

Asset Type Quantity Value ($,000)

Drainage

Pits 5,950 $8,925

Pipes 109km $24,015

Waste

Landfills 4 $7,000

Transfer stations 7 $3,000

Bins 43,000 $2,150

Water

Dams - structures 6 $35,045

Reservoirs/tanks 68 $56,250

Treatment works 99 $3,915

Pumping stations and bores

11 $13,320

Reticulation water mains 347km $35,168

Trunk water mains 268km $26,641

Sewerage and reuse

Sewer treatment works 10 $64,124

Pumping stations 70 $61,065

Manholes 6,652 $16,630

Roads

Sealed pavement

Urban local 1,624.3km $56,849

Rural local 1,969.2km $49,231

Regional 1,961.4km $49,036

Unsealed pavement

Urban local 83.1km $401

Rural local 3,370km $8,520

Regional 160.2km $721

Sprayed seal

Urban local 1,624.3km $5,685

Rural local 1,875.5km $6,565

Regional 1,958.2km $6,855

Kerb and gutter 281.8km $56,356

Footpath 81km $7,772

Roadside furniture 7,338* $48,780

Cycleway 159km $13,865

Total $758,765

Council’s major assets

* includes signs, lights and bus shelters. Additional 33.3km of guardrail not included....

Council’s major assets

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