July 2010
GENERAL NEWS
National Media Coverage of Yours2Take
Paw Pals Website Launch
Successful Inaugural Waste Management Conference
2010 Waste as Recycled Art Program (WRAP)
Strategic Directions Paper and Plan
Review of the Public Lighting Code
Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan
Pilot of EnviroSmart Event Recycling Bins
HR Group Formed
Youth Network
YouthROC Camp
FUNDING UPDATE
Urban Sustainability Grant
RLCIP Funding
Strengthening Basin Communities Funding
EVENTS
Build a Bridge and get over it!
Where on Earth?
Women in Local Government Forum
Working with Children Check Training
Women in Local Government Network Meeting
DIARY OF EVENTS
National Media Coverage of Yours2Take
June was an amazing month for the Yours2Take website. Due to the REROC's Trade Stand at the Shire's Association Conference, the website was covered by the Daily Telegraph with a feature story on a house to give away.
As a result of the article in the Daily Telegraph, and subsequent media coverage on ABC Statewide, WIN Television, Daily Advertiser, ABC Radio Riverina, the Brisbane Courier Mail and Perth Now, Yours2Take received more than 9000 hits on the website in June. REROC also received enquiries from Today Tonight and Take 5 magazine, who were interested in running stories about who acquired the house.
Yours2Take, an initiative of the REROC Waste Forum, was launched in March 2008. The aim of the project is to increase waste diversion from landfill by making it easier to dispose of items by giving them away rather than throwing them away.
The website currently has over 5000 registered users and it is envisaged registered users will increase significantly in response to the national media interest. Registered Users with Yours2Take can now follow items of interest with Twitter.
REROC councils are encouraged to include a link to Yours2Take on their Council website Check out the Yours2Take website at .www.yours2take.com.au
The REROC Team would like to thank Margot Mildren from Lockhart Shire Council for her support and patience in handling the multitude of media and general enquiries about the house she put on the site to give away which was the catalyst for all the media interest.
For further information contact tcornell@reroc.com.au
PawPals Website Launch
The Paw Pals website is now live. Paw Pals is an initiative dedicated to finding new homes for the thousands of unwanted dogs and cats that fall to council responsibility every year.
Thank you to S.M.A.R.T. (Snowy Mountains Animal Rescue Team) at Tumut who tested the Paw Pals website and have listed a number of animals, which has been great.
Councils are encouraged to support Paw Pals by featuring impounded dogs and cats on the site and promoting the initiative by placing a link on their Council website.
Councils who utilise an animal rescue service for animal adoptions and would like to list animals on Paw Pals, should contact REROC on 6931 9050 or email jbriggs@reroc.com.au The rescue service will be given a username and password so that they can upload details of impounded animals to the site.
Check out the new Paw Pals website at http://pawpals.org.au/
Successful Inaugural Waste Management Conference
The No Time to Waste Rural and Regional Waste Management Conference was a great success. The challenges facing the rural and regional waste management and resource recovery sector were the focus of the inaugural Conference held in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 9 June, 2010.
No Time to Waste drew speakers from across NSW to showcase innovative responses that have been implemented to create sustainable solutions to waste management and resource recovery with particular application to operations in rural and regional areas.
Mike Ritchie, WMAA National Vice President was key note speaker for the event which covered topics that include organic collection and processing, data collection for councils, landfill management and case studies drawn from local government and regional waste groups.
Eighty five people attended the Conference with some participants travelling from as far away as Tweed Head, Narrabri, Sydney and Ballarat. In addition the eleven trade stands were all booked out. REROC has received excellent feedback about the conference from participants with most of the trade stands expressing interest in returning next year.
Over 80 percent of conference evaluations indicating respondents would attend future conferences. Due to the success of the inaugural Conference, the REROC Waste Forum envisages making the Conference an annual event to be held in June each year. The date for 2011 is yet to be determined.
For further information contact tcornell@reroc.com.au
Waste as Recycled Art Project 2010
Years 3 and 4 students will be participating in the Waste as Recycled Art Project during class in August. WRAP aims to encourage students to consider their environment and the positive impact they can have by recycling and re-using products, through creating art from a box of clean waste purchased through Reverse Garbage.
WRAP is an initiative of the REROC Waste Forum and the Eastern Riverina Arts Project (ERAP) in conjunction with member councils and has been held annually since 2004. The project is designed to reinforce the "reduce, re-use, recycle" message while stimulating the creative minds and artistic talents of participating school students in the eastern Riverina region. It is the largest program of its type of primary-aged children in NSW with over 6828 children participating in the project since it began.
In a new initiative this year, REROC is facilitating a visit by an Environmental Educator to deliver a one hour session on practical ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle to participating schools. A total of 24 schools and 864 students will be participating in WRAP in 2010.
Students completed artwork will be displayed by their local council from 6 to 17 September and selected pieces will be exhibited at the regional exhibition to be held in Wagga Wagga during the October school holidays (5 - 8 October).
Prizes will be awarded at the regional exhibition to the winner, their school, two runners up and a peoples' choice. First prize for the participating school is a $500 artist's workshop to be held at the school, the winning student will receive a presentation case of Derwent Artist's pencils.
For further information contact tcornell@reroc.com.au
Strategic Directions Paper and Plan
The REROC Board's commitment to excellence in service delivery has resulted in the implementation of a new project that will consider future directions for the organisation. The last time a similar review was undertaken was 2004. This project will result in the development of:
1) A Discussion Paper that explores opportunities to increase council-based, cross-border co-operation on service delivery; and
2) A Strategic Plan that:
a) identifies regional strategic priorities that REROC should pursue on behalf of its members; and
b) provides a 4 year delivery plan for the identified regional priorities.
REROC advertised for Expressions of Interest to facilitate the development of the Plan. Eleven responses were received and the REROC Board has appointed the AEC Group to undertake the project. The project will be managed by the Board Executive. It is envisaged the project will be completed in time to be launched at the REROC AGM in October.
The consultants will be contacting member councils, councillors and senior staff to obtain input into the Plan. We ask that everyone please assist by with the project providing requested information and making the time to speak with the consultants, as it is only by getting input from all members that the Plan will be really reflective of members' needs.
For further information contact mmccauley@reroc.com.au
Murray Darling Basin Draft Plan
REROC has participated in two telephone conference meetings between all the ROCs in the Basin to discuss how the ROCs might deal with the Draft Plan as a group. There is a strong consensus that ROCs should lobby collaboratively, assuming of course that we can find a common stance.
The Draft Plan was due out in July however there will now be a Plain English Guide released in early August with the final Plan coming out in November. In order to develop an informed stance that represents a consensus REROC view, REROC will form a working party to review the Draft Plan from our perspective. For further information contact jbriggs@reroc.com.au
Review of the Public Lighting Code
Earlier this year REROC responded to the Department of Industry and Investment's review of the Public Lighting Code. The Code is a non-mandatory guide that sets the parameters for service delivery of public lighting by Country Energy, Energy Australia and Integral Energy.
The Review appears to have stalled and SSROC has written to REROC requesting that REROC writes to Minister Lynch about the Review to raise concerns about the apparent delay. REROC has resolved to support SSROC's initiative in pushing for a result from the Review and will write to the Minister reiterating the concerns that we raised in our response to the review which includes the need for the Code to be mandatory.
For further information contact jbriggs@reroc.com.au
Pilot of EnviroSmart Event Recycling Bins
The introduction of EnviroSmart recycling bins at the Barry Carne interstate water ski race challenge held in May, and the Kurrajong Waratah Race Day in June, was a successful. Recycling bins with signage are being piloted around Wagga Wagga to trial the recycling of bottles and cans at community events.
EnviroSmart Events is a regional program that is piloting the recycling bins at Wagga events before being rolled out across the region. REROC, Rotary, Wagga Wagga City Council and Kurrajong Waratah worked together to organise the resources.
The EnviroSmart Events program and recycling bins form part of REROC’s broader Waste Management Strategy. EnviroSmart Events aims to promote and implement environmentally sustainable practices at events by reducing waste and increasing recycling and organic collections, as well as the reducing energy and water usage.
REROC plans to develop EnviroSmart Events Kits which can be used by event organisers to plan sustainable events. The kit will cover water and energy as well as waste.
The public are coming to expect well organised events that are clean and tidy, and environmentally friendly. A recent survey of people at special events in NSW conducted by BIEC & Community Change found that eighty nine percent of people said recycling at events was a very important issue.
There are also significant benefits for event organisers. It is good economic and environmental sense to make all events waste wise. EnviroSmart Events benefit councils, event organisers, the public and the environment by reinforcing sustainable behaviour. Providing recycling and reducing litter generates goodwill and enhances the reputation of the event, making it more attractive to tourists and other visitors.
By encouraging recycling of bottles and cans and reducing the amount of waste sent to council landfills, event organisers can save money as well as benefit the environment. Event organisers are encouraged to utilise the recycling bins for their upcoming event. For more information regarding EnviroSmart Events or to arrange to utilise the bins for an event please contact REROC on 6931 9050 or email Tracey Cornell tcornell@reroc.com.au
HR Group Formed
The HR Interest Group met for the first time in June with seven HR staff attending. The meeting discussed the purpose of the group and the types of projects it would like to run. The group identified the following issues: workforce planning; benchmarking salaries, conditions and benefits; flexible working arrangements; recruitment issues; programs for partners; recruiting and branding; using Seek, LG Jobs online; salary systems and staff appraisals; leadership training and mentoring; common policy documents; and training plans.
Future meetings are being held to complement the LGSA HR group meetings, which Laurie Flack attends (Wagga Wagga City Council), and he will take feedback from the REROC HR Group to the LGSA meetings
For further information contact jbriggs@reroc.com.au
Youth Network
The Youth Network meeting was formed in last year and regular meetings are being held. The objective of the Youth Network is to:
- Provide professional development and support for council staff working with youth eg resource sharing and cross fertilisation of ideas, participating in regional events for youth, and professional support to ensure the sustainability of Youth Councils and council staff working with youth.
- Establish a regional youth network
- Develop a Youth Councils' sustainability toolkit, that will be available on the REROC website
A meeting was held in May to develop a Regional Youth Network, with the objective of bringing together people who work with youth on a regional basis. Representatives from member councils, ERAP, Compact, Sport and Recreation, Department of Education and Training, Mission Employment, St Vincent De Paul, Campbell Paige, and Legal Aid attended the meeting. The Regional Youth Network will meet on an annual basis. For further information contact jbriggs@reroc.com.au
YouthROC Camp
The YouthROC Camp was held at Borambola Sport and Recreation Centre from 12 - 14 April 2010 and was attended by 48 young people aged 12 to 17 years old.
The aim of the Camp is to bring young people from across the region together to have fun, participate in physical activities, try new experiences and encourage leadership. The Camp provided a wide range of active pursuits for young people to experience including Rock Climbing, Archery, Martial Arts, Body Balance, Cheerleading, Drama and Kayaking.
Eighty three percent (83%) of participants completed the evaluation with very positive feedback. Participants said the camp was fun, enjoyable, awesome, fantastic, amazing etc. Participants commented that "all leaders were kind and involved" and that they "met lots of great future friends".
For further information contact tcornell@reroc.com.au
Urban Sustainability Program
REROC Councils received $1,918,400.00 grant funding in September 2008 from the NSW Environmental Trust for the Total Urban Water Management in the Eastern Riverina project to complete 25 projects. The Urban Sustainability Program aims to facilitate projects of significant environmental benefit to be delivered by local government in partnership with other government agencies, local businesses, and community organisations.
Water access, quality, quantity and sustainability were identified by member councils of REROC as the most pressing issues and projects identified were categorised under five environmental themes; Water Harvesting, Water Conservation, Water Quality, Salinity Management, and Environmental Flows.
Ten of the twenty five projects have been completed to date, with the remaining to be completed by September 2011. The projects completed to date are:
To meet the Grant reporting obligations and complete the final report, REROC requires further information and data, and has developed a reporting template for participating Councils to complete. REROC will also be utilising this information in case studies for each of the projects to be displayed on the REROC website. Participating Councils are requested to complete and submit their template within a month of their project being completed.
- Boundary Rd to Muttama Creek drainage improvements, post construction of rock mattress and gabion structures.
Recycled Waste Water (Coolamon)
The project was for the construction of a 30 megalitre storage dam to capture the recycled water from the existing treatment plant, to be distributed onto sporting ovals within Coolamon township.
Boundary Rd to Muttama Creek Drainage Improvements (Cootamundra)
The project was for the installation of gabions and stone gross pollutant and silt trapping drainage structures to slow and direct water flows from an existing stormwater drain to Muttama Creek to reduce siltation and erosion of the creek bank.
Gross Pollutant Traps installation to Muttama Creek Stormwater Drain (Cootamundra)
The project was to install GPT's to existing stormwater drainage points along Muttama Creek.
Effluent Reuse Containment (Gundagai)
The project was for the construction of new effluent holding ponds to alleviate groundwater contamination.
Gross Pollutant Traps Punch Street Drainage (Gundagai)
The project is for upgrading the stormwater drainage outfall into Jones Creek.
Jindera Flood Management Plan (Greater Hume)
The project was for the preparation of a Stormwater Management Plan to improve the water quality of stormwater flowing into the Four Mile Creek at Jindera.
Concrete Lined V Drains (Junee)
Project to eliminate unnecessary infiltration to groundwater by capturing trickle flows via the installation of concrete drains in the base of grassed drains.
Stormwater Management at The Rock (Lockhart)
The project was for the construction of underground mains, kerb and gutter and pipe traps to disperse underground water.
Water Plant Reuse (Tumut)
The project was for construction of a pipeline from the Tumut Water Treatment Plant Backwash lagoon to the sedimentation basin located at the Tumut Water Treatment Plant.
Urana and Oaklands Stormwater Management Plan (Urana)
The project was to develop a Stormwater Management Plan for Urana and Oaklands.
To meet the Grant reporting obligations and complete the final report, REROC requires further information and data, and has developed a reporting template for participating Councils to complete. REROC will also be utilising this information in case studies for each of the projects to be displayed on the REROC website. Participating Councils are requested to complete and submit their template within a month of their project being completed.
For further information contact mmccauley@reroc.com.au
RLCIP Funding
REROC received $2.6 million from the first round of RLCIP (Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program) funding. The funding will be used to deliver the following projects which must be completed by December 2010:
Up-to-Date Learning Centre (Coolamon)
The Up-to-Date Cultural and Learning Centre is a multi-purpose facility servicing the needs of the Coolamon Shire. The Centre has been constructed around the historic Up-to-Date Store and includes a new library, a museum, creative arts & flexible exhibition space, cafe, visitor information service and community congregation space. The RCLIP funding will complete the Up-to-Date Store Cultural & Learning Centre that has been an ongoing project and commitment of the Coolamon Shire Council for the past 11 years.
Total Cost of the Project: $532,000
RLCIP Funding Contribution: $460,000
Jindera Village Green (Greater Hume)
The objective of the Jindera Village Green is to provide a multi-purpose outdoor facility in a centrally located community/civic area for the benefit of Jindera and district residents. It has been envisaged that the parcel of land, ideally located adjacent to churches, hall an shopping area, will become a place where the old and the young can come together, share each others' company and join in passing on skills of gardening and conversation. The project will enable the community to develop a focus for community spirit and volunteerism whilst raising awareness of conservation and climate change in a creative arts setting.
Total Cost of the Project: $282,325
RLCIP Funding Contribution: $224,500
Lockhart, The Rock and Yerong Creek Community Halls (Lockhart)
This project will result in the renewal of two community meeting places one in Lockhart and one at The Rock and the construction of a new facility at Yerong Creek.
The Lockhart Community Hall and The Rock Community Hall are major community meeting places in the Lockhart Shire. The halls host activities as diverse as school presentation nights, live theatre and dance performances as well as providing exhibition space for local artists and a meeting location for a wide variety of community groups. As a result of the project both Halls will benefit from air conditioning, disabled toilets end external and internal painting. The floors in both halls will be sanded to improve the surface, and fire safety equipment will be upgraded.
The community of Yerong Creek with a population of some 150 people does not have a community hall. Representations have been received by Council over many years to provide a facility which can cater for youth and aged activities as well as a general meeting space that will provide a gathering point for the local community. Council through its own planning processes has identified the need for a community hall as a priority issue for the Yerong Creek residents. This project will result in the construction of a modern facility capable of meeting the diverse needs of the community.
Total Cost of the Projects: $764,000
RLCIP Contribution: $728,000
Temora Rural Museum Visitor Reception and Exhibition Spaces (Temora)
The Temora Rural Museum Precinct is a substantial cultural, social and economic asset for the Temora community. It is both practical and visionary in its approach to preserving and presenting its considerable collection to the Australian community. The development of the proposed Visitor Reception and Exhibition Spaces project is pivotal to the ongoing vitality of the Rural Museum precinct. as well as exhibition space, thus increasing visitor numbers to the Museum precinct. Specifically the project will provide a reception area supported by staff office space, public toilets, a cafeteria area and paved terrace, suitable for coach parties, supported by a commercial kitchen, display space for contemporary art, and a dedicated Wiradjuri Keeping Place.
Total Cost of the Project: $450,000
RLCIP Contribution: $400,000
Urana Memorial Hall (Urana)
The Urana Memorial Hall is the major public space for Urana Shire residents. The Hall is the major venue in the Shire for concerts, social events, exhibitions and visiting artists. In addition it provides a venue for service and sporting clubs to meet and for school concerts and presentation evenings. Anzac celebrations, drought relief events and the Christmas carnival all utilise the Hall as the focus for their activities. The project will address the deterioration of the Urana Memorial Hall as a result of water penetrating the roof and building structures because the tin roof has reached the end of its useful life. This project will involve the removal of the existing tin roof from the Hall and the reroofing using colourbond, corrugated steel.
Total Cost of the Project: $80,000
RLCIP Funding Contribution: $40,000
Ashmont Community Hub (Wagga Wagga)
Meeting places are essential to the well-being and social cohesion of communities. This project addresses the high priority need for a community meeting place in the Wagga Wagga suburb of Ashmont. The Ashmont community is defined as an area of disadvantage and a community hub was defined as a high priority for the community over all levels of government. The Ashmont Community Hub will provide a non-denominational hub for outreach by service providers and also a community locale for the delivery of educational and community programs as well as a communal meeting place for a range of stakeholders especially youth within the community.
Rural Halls Renewal - Tarcutta, Mangoplah, Galore and Brookdale Community Halls (Wagga wagga)
The Wagga Wagga City Council Social Plan 2009 - 2013 and the Wagga Wagga City Council Community Strategic Plan 2008/2018 involved extensive community consultation and has identified the social, recreational and cultural siginificance of community halls. In rural areas community halls provide the venue for a wide variety of social, cultural and educational activities and they act as a gathering point in times of emergency. This project provides for the renewal of community halls at Tarcutta, Mangoplah and Galore and for the demolition and construction of a new community meeting facility at Brookdale.
Total Cost of the Wagga Projects: $1,305,000
RLCIP Funding Contribution: $700,000
An overview of each project can be viewed on the REROC website
For further information contact mmccauley@reroc.com.au
Strengthening Basin Communities Funding
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts has committed $200 million from Water for the Future to establish the Strengthening Basin Communities program. This program is implemented through two separate components: the Planning component and the Water Saving Initiatives component.
REROC received $1.6million in funding in late 2009 to explore the impacts of climate change and as a consequence of a future with less water on the operations of councils. Councils participating in the project are Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra, Goldenfields, Gundagai, Junee, Lockhart, Temora, Tumbarumba, Tumut, and Wagga Wagga.
The project will be implemented in (3) three stages:
- Identifying and mapping the water security impacts of climate change across the participating LGAs to build a regional picture
- Identifying and mapping water dependent industries across the participating LGAs to build a regional resource; and
- Preparation of plans and policies that are specific to each participating LGA in the following operational areas:
a. Infrastructure and asset management planning; and
b. development strategies and landuse planning
The project will build a picture of water security in the region and will be a vital tool in future planning for the participating councils.
REROC has advertised for tenders for Stages One and Two and is currently assessing the responses. To date 10 responses have been recieved, all of which are quite comprehensive. It is anticipated that the successful consultant/s will commence work by the end of July.
For further information contact mmccauley@reroc.com.au
Build a Bridge.... and get over it! Engineering Camp
Build a Bridge will be held on 24-26 August at Borambola.
Build a Bridge is a 3 day Camp at Borambola for students in Years 10, 11 & 12 who are interested in a career in Civil Engineering. The camp is organised by REROC in partnership with Compact.
Planning is well underway for this project, applications for entry closed on 2 July. Federal funding is no longer available for the project and REROC and the Compact have had to source external sponsors for the program, which the students participate in free of charge.
Sponsorship has been secured from the RTA ($5,000 each year for 3 years) and the NSW IPWEA ($5,000 each year for three years), and we are waiting to hear from other organisations that have expressed some interest in sponsoring the program as well.
REROC will again be approaching the engineers in each member council seeking assistance with mentoring the students. If you would like to register your interest in participating in the Build a Bridge program email jbriggs@reroc.com.au
There will be a presentation of certificates to participants on Thursday 26 August at 3.45pm - 4.45pm, and Councillors and Senior Staff are invited to attend the presentation. If you are interested in attending the presentation, please contact Tracey Cornell tcornell@reroc.com.au or phone 6931 9050.
Where on Earth?
This year Where on Earth? has been cancelled due to lack of numbers, only 4 students applied. We are instead looking for work experience opportunities for students who have expressed interest. The 4 students will also be invited to attend the Mapped Out Conference. At this stage we are considering running Where on Earth? as a biennial event.
Women in Local Government Conference
2010 is the Year of Women in Local Government.
The Women in Local Government Conference, Start local. Go global, 2010 Forum will be held at the Charles Sturt University Convention Centre on Tuesday 14 September. Country Energy is the major sponsor of the event.
Speakers with local, national and international experience will talk about their careers and journeys in Local Government. Speakers include keynote addresses from Kay Hull and Gabrielle Kibble. The Forum will also include a panel discussion on Media and Communications, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about how best to interact with the media.
The Forum includes separate professional development sessions for councillors and staff.
To register your interest in attending, email tcornell@reroc.com.au or phone 02 6931 9050. Registration details will be emailed to councils late July and can be downloaded from the REROC website.
Date:
Tues 14 September,
9am - 4pm
Venue:
Convention Centre, Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga
Cost:
$110.00 (including GST) Lunch and refreshments provided
Registrations close 7 September 2010
Working with Children Check Training
NSW Commission for Children and Young People has offered to provide training seminar on the recent changes to the Working With Children Check (WWCC).
At the workshop participants will gain an understanding of what their responsibilities are under the WWCC, how to use the new check forms and how to create child-safe child-friendly practices in their organisation.
REROC is arranging for a training seminar for member councils, the date to be advised.
Women in Local Government Network Meeting
The next Women in Local Government Network meeting will be held on 12 August in Wagga Wagga, at 10.30am. Guest speaker at the meeting will be Lillian Tiddy, Director of Workplace Solutions at the LGSA. Lillian will be speaking about the new Federal maternity leave provisions and how they will work with the Local Government Award.
For further information or to RSVP please contact Tracey Cornell on 6931 9050 or email tcornell@reroc.com.au
Diary of Events
List of Forthcoming Events
July
Wednesday 21 Waste Forum meeting
Thursday 22 Women in Local Government Steering Committee meeting
August
Thurs 12 Women in Local Government Network Meeting
Tues 24 - Thurs 26 Build a Bridge Program, Borambola
Wednesday 25 REROC Board Meeting
Monday 30 HR Interest Group
September
Tuesday 14 Women in Local Government Forum, CSU Wagga
October
Thursday 21 Mapped Out Conference, CSU Wagga
