Agenda of Council Meeting

ORANGE CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE

Ordinary Council Meeting

HELD IN Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange

ON 16 July 2019

COMMENCING AT 7.00pm

Attendance

Cr R Kidd (Mayor), Cr S Romano (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr J Hamling, Cr J McRae, Cr T Mileto, Cr S Nugent, Cr M Previtera, Cr G Taylor, Cr R Turner, Cr J Whitton

Acting General Manager (Waddell), Acting Director Corporate and Commercial Services (Freeman), Acting Director Development Services (Hodges), Acting Director Community, Recreation and Cultural Services (Richards), Director Technical Services, Communications Officer.

1.1 APOLOGIES

RESOLVED - 19/366 Cr K Duffy/Cr S Nugent

That the apology be accepted from Cr S Munro for the Council Meeting of Orange City Council on 16 July 2019.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

1.2 LIVESTREAMING AND RECORDING

The Mayor advised that the meeting was being livestreamed and recorded.

1.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Mayor conducted the Acknowledgement of Country.

1.4 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests

Nil

2 Mayoral Minutes

Nil

THE MAYOR DECLARED THE ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL ADJOURNED FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE OPEN FORUM AT 7.03PM

OPEN FORUM

Item 5.4 – Development Application – DA 91/2019(1) – 5 Lily Pilly Place

Kerrie Ferguson spoke against this item.

Brett Grant spoke against this item.

Chris Wood spoke against this item.

3 Confirmation of Minutes of Previous Meeting

RESOLVED - 19/367 Cr J Hamling/Cr S Romano

That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 2 July 2019 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Council meeting held on 2 July 2019.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

4 Notices of Motion/Notices of Rescission

Nil

5 General Reports

5.1 Recommendations and Resolutions from Policy Committees

TRIM Reference: 2019/1419

RESOLVED - 19/368 Cr S Nugent/Cr R Turner

1 That the resolutions made by the Planning and Development Committee at its meeting held on 2 July 2019 be noted.

2 That the resolutions made by the Employment and Economic Development Policy Committee at its meeting held on 2 July 2019 be noted.

3 That the resolutions made by the Infrastructure Policy Committee at its meeting held on 2 July 2019 be noted.

4 That the resolutions made by the Environmental Sustainability Policy Committee at its meeting held on 2 July 2019 be noted.

5 That the resolutions made by the Finance Policy Committee at its meeting held on 2 July 2019 be noted.

6 That the resolutions made by the Services Policy Committee at its meeting held on 2 July 2019 be noted.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

5.2 Update on Outstanding Resolutions of Council including Questions Taken on Notice and Notices of Motions.

TRIM Reference: 2019/1420

RESOLVED - 19/369 Cr J Hamling/Cr K Duffy

That the information provided in the report by the Manager Corporate Governance on Outstanding and Completed Notices of Motion, Questions of Notice and Matters arising be acknowledged.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

5.3 Statement of Investments - June 2019

TRIM Reference: 2019/1398

RESOLVED - 19/370 Cr K Duffy/Cr G Taylor

That Council resolves:

1 To note the Statement of Investments as at 30 June 2019.

2 To adopt the certification of the Responsible Accounting Officer.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

QUESTION TAKEN ON NOTICE

Cr S Nugent requested a report be provided to Councillors on the processes and criteria considered in making investments.

5.4 Development Application - DA 91/2019(1) - 5 Lily Pilly Place

TRIM Reference: 2019/1405

MOTION

That Council resolves to issue consent to development application DA 91/2019(1) for Multi Dwelling Housing (six dwellings) and Subdivision (two lot Torrens title and five lot community title) at Lot 100 DP 1248945 - 5 Lily Pilly Place, Orange pursuant to the conditions of consent in the attached Notice of Approval.

AMENDMENT Cr J Hamling/Cr K Duffy

That the item be deferred and discussions take place with the applicant as to a potential redesign.

THE AMENDMENT ON BEING BUT TO THE MEETING WAS CARRIED AND BECAME THE MOTION

THE MOTION ON BEING PUT TO THE MEETING WAS CARRIED

RESOLVED - 19/371 Cr J Hamling/Cr K Duffy

That the item be deferred and discussions take place with the applicant as to a potential redesign.

Division of Voting
Voted For	Cr R Kidd (Mayor), Cr S Romano (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr J Hamling, Cr J McRae, Cr S Nugent, Cr M Previtera, Cr G Taylor, Cr R Turner, Cr J Whitton
Voted Against	Cr T Mileto
Absent	Cr S Munro

6 Closed Meeting

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, and the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, in the opinion of the General Manager, the following business is of a kind as referred to in Section 10A(2) of the Act, and should be dealt with in a Confidential Session of the Council meeting closed to the press and public.

In response to a question from the Mayor, the General Manager advised that no written submissions had been received relating to any item listed for consideration by the Closed Meeting of Council.

The Mayor extended an invitation to any member of the public present at the meeting to make a presentation to the Council as to whether the meeting should be closed for a particular item.

RESOLVED - 19/372 Cr R Turner/Cr K Duffy

That Council adjourn into a Closed Meeting and members of the press and public be excluded from the Closed Meeting, and access to the correspondence and reports relating to the items considered during the course of the Closed Meeting be withheld unless declassified by separate resolution. This action is taken in accordance with Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act, 1993 as the items listed come within the following provisions:

6.1 Invest in Orange Region Project [Item deferred]

This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (d)iii information that would, if disclosed, reveal a trade secret.

6.2 Tender - Collection and Processing of Used Mattresses

This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

6.3 Sale of 61 Casey Street, Orange

This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

6.4 Lease of Hangar W Orange Airport

This item is classified CONFIDENTIAL under the provisions of Section 10A(2) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to (c) information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business.

The Mayor declared the Ordinary Meeting of Council adjourned for the conduct of the Closed Meeting at 7.46pm.

The Mayor declared the Ordinary Meeting of Council resumed at 7.58pm

7 Resolutions from Closed Meeting

The Acting Director Corporate and Commercial Services read out the following resolutions made in the Closed Meeting of Council.

6.1 Invest in Orange Region Project

TRIM Reference: 2019/1367

deferred

This item is deferred until a Councillor briefing has occurred.

For:

Against:

Absent:

6.2 Tender - Collection and Processing of Used Mattresses

TRIM Reference: 2019/1407

RESOLVED - 19/373 Cr R Turner/Cr S Nugent

That Council resolves:

1 To confirm its acceptance and involvement in a regional contract with JLW Services for the Collection and Processing of Used Mattresses.

2 To indicate its preference for Ancillary/Innovative Option-Collection and Recycling of Mattresses using Cages.

Division of Voting
Voted For	Cr R Kidd (Mayor), Cr S Romano (Deputy Mayor), Cr K Duffy, Cr J Hamling, Cr J McRae, Cr T Mileto, Cr S Nugent, Cr M Previtera, Cr G Taylor, Cr R Turner, Cr J Whitton
Voted Against	Nil
Absent	Cr S Munro

6.3 Sale of 61 Casey Street, Orange

TRIM Reference: 2019/1409

RESOLVED - 19/374 Cr J Whitton/Cr R Turner

That Council resolves:

1 To sell 61 Casey Street, Orange for the sum of $640,000 (incl GST) on the terms contained in this report.

2 That the proceeds be transferred to the Drainage Budget and Drainage Reserve (Stormwater Management Program).

3 That permission be granted for the use of the Council Seal on any relevant document if required.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

6.4 Lease of Hangar W Orange Airport

TRIM Reference: 2019/1275

RESOLVED - 19/375 Cr J Whitton/Cr J McRae

That Council resolves:

1 That Council enter into a lease of Hangar W for a term of 15 years.

2 That approval be granted for the use of the Council Seal on all relevant documents.

For: Unanimous

Against: Nil

Absent: Cr S Munro

The Meeting Closed at 8PM

This is Page Number 7 and the Final Page of the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of Orange City Council held on 16 July 2019.

Council Meeting 6 August 2019

5.2 National General Assembly - Report by Cr Joanne McRae

RECORD NUMBER: 2019/1475

AUTHOR: Joanne McRae, Cr

EXECUTIVE Summary

I recently attended the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association at the National Convention Centre in Canberra 17-19 June 2019 with fellow Councillors Kidd, Mileto and Duffy. I provide this report to Council as a summary of speakers and workshops attended.

Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan

The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “16.1 Collaborate - Work in partnership with other Councils, regional organisations and State and Federal Governments”.

Financial Implications

Nil

Policy and Governance Implications

Nil

Recommendation

That the report by Cr Joanne McRae on attendance at the National General Assembly of the Australian Local Government Association on 17-19 June 2019 be noted.

further considerations

Consideration has been given to the recommendation’s impact on Council’s service delivery; image and reputation; political; environmental; health and safety; employees; stakeholders and project management; and no further implications or risks have been identified.

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Monday 17 June 2019

Acting Prime Minister’s Address - The Hon Michael McCormack MP

Pools and libraries cost a lot of money. LG as first tier of government is important.

Discussion of swings and roundabouts - parks and roads being important in Local Government planning —> infrastructure development across the nation.

Local Government should be recognised in the Constitution; referendum required; ability to fund directly from Federal Government.

Federal Assistance Grants - reductions, some contribution from Roads to Recovery funding but ability of Federal Government to fund directly.

Parkes, Temora, Gwydir and Nth Queensland mentioned in his talk, flood support and drought funding, along with individual projects funded by Federal Government in recent times. Some talk of the proposed National Water Grid.

ALGA President’s Address - David O’Loughlin, ALGA President

Reviewed 12 point program for support as advocated during federal election campaign.

Extra 25% in Roads to Recovery. Black spot funding $160M.

Bridges program increased from $25M to $80M.

Limited success in additional road safety funding (eg. truck stops).

$26M for disaster resilience is a small increase, much less than the $200M/year requested.

Some funding support for healthier communities and for Indigenous housing in remote communities, but still short term and limited impact.

Discussion on circular economy and recycling, but still limited in real funding. Some focus on energy efficiency as well as product stewardship for some products.

Climate change: not a lot of action.

Limited access on equitable access for community services.

FAGS continue at 0.55% of Commonwealth revenue, proposed that there should be acknowledgement of funding in budget to say ‘thank you’ to Federal Government.

“Celebrate and share what we do well, challenge and change what we don’t”.

Potential vision for Local Government:

o “The most efficient and effective level of Government”.

o “The safest road network in the country”.

o “More trusted than the Red Cross”.

o “Greatest Council Ever”.

Reminded of “A fairer share” focus in ALGA communications and promotions. Acknowledgement of the Federal funds already provided in developing new funding requests.

Keynote Address – The Federal Election and Local Government

Karen Middleton, Chief Political Correspondent, the Saturday Paper

Caution advised in the interpretation of election information and predictions of election results or polls: mood and inclinations should be heeded. Market segmentation, targeting to strategic geographic locations and social media methodologies increasingly important in assessing political progress. Beware of echo-chamber of social media. Niche policy resonance (e.g. franking credits) broader than those directly affected by the policy, including broad community impressions and misinformation; scare campaigns.

Constitutional recognition of Local Government requires clear messaging regarding benefits, if the referendum is to be successful.

Continued relationship building suggested for Local Government or other stakeholders, in light of changes to Federal Government in terms of electoral cycles and changes. Example used was Keating Government v Hewson GST.

Post Election Opportunities for Local Government

Panel of Mayors from Parkes NSW, Gawler SA, Diamantina QLD discuss the implications for Local Government of incoming Federal Government policy:

Roads, climate change, sport and recreational facilities, retaining population in regional and rural areas, education access.

Examples of 3-way cooperation to support communities: targeting of senators from your state who will champion projects in your communities, building relationships and maintaining focus; examples include sport & recreation, transport, communication.

Keynote Address – Crowd Powered Communities

Steve Sammartino, Australian Futurist, Author, Technologist and Speaker (Steve Sammartino.com)

Exploring a future in which the technology of design and production are in the hands of our communities, including individualisation of devices, programming and malleability of products. Crowdfunding as a way to develop infrastructure for communities, including crowdsourcing as a way to engage the community to invest in and connect with their own communities.

Challenge legacy thinking in addressing challenges of commuting traffic, best use of technology, and running experiments to prove what works. Including, for example, charging for electric vehicles wherever vehicles stop.

Solar now outperforms fossil fuels in every measure. Glass solar panels are emerging technology which should replace windows.

Drone landing pads need to be built in local communities as drone delivery and transportation improves in cost-ratio.

Focus areas:

· Invest 10 minutes every day in understanding emerging technologies

· Side project which you assist or contribute to, advancing progress

· ‘Humans first’ as a focus for technologies that serve human needs and put humans first

Technology is an equaliser as devices are affordable across human population, rather than being only accessible to the wealthy. This is unique to our time.

Councils using Technology to Excel

Lifesaving Communications During Natural Disasters

Eileen Deemal-Hall, CEO, Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council

Using predictive data to be able to provide community facilities and readiness for disasters, future focus for impact on the next 5 generations.

Priorities: water security, energy security, food security, culture

Partnerships and alliance with Army Reserve in developing micro-grids for energy security.

Australia Day: 13.5m rain in 4 hours, showed scenario mapping and 3D overlay; technology was critical for communication to manage safety and survival issues; how to ensure communication is maintained during critical incidents.

Important to build adaptive capacity of communities when there is change and change is unavoidable. Climate and country is changing and so must we. Resource management, food security and innovative solutions to secure needs for communities. Ensure your planning embraces technological opportunities to manage building and construction (eg. repair of roofing damaged by cyclones by 3D printing rather than transportation from main centres).

“The culture of community is reflected in the culture of leadership”

“Learn to fail beautifully so you can get back up again” “Do not fear failure, embrace it, get stronger and do not stay on the ground too long”.

Bundaberg Region’s Intelligent Community

Ben Artup, Executive Director, Strategic Projects and Economic Development, Bundaberg Regional Council

Intelligent Community Strategy, digital opportunities for a future-fit region. Using digital technologies across infrastructure, services, economic opportunities and problem solving. Open data is valuable to various stakeholders, and making data and information available, plus systems to disseminate, create better decision making for the community and businesses.

Case studies: urban glow in Bundaberg; lighting impacts on turtle population. Recent implementation of a sensor network which can assess light data and urban glow information with data collection, informing real time change to manage light pollution. Similarly, this may link to smart street lighting with sensor activated LED lighting or other opportunities. Funded over Smart Cities and Suburbs Program ($1.3-2M project).

Case study: Intelligent energy management in developing a data analytics platform to identify energy consumption and utilisation across council sites.

Case study: Intelligent water meter pilot, using new technology across residential and commercial properties for water consumption, applicable to other utilities in the community.

Case study: Challenger Learning Centre with STEM mission focus based around NASA, engaging school communities around the world for citizen scientists.

Let’s Talk About 21st Century Government

Colin Fairweather, CIO, City of Melbourne

Daniela Mazzone, Principal Lead, IT Capability and Partnerships, City of Melbourne

Discussion of challenges to traditional thinking, 19C thinking on 21C technology. Prepare for a future that it digitally centric and increasingly technology centric. Delivering a technology platform for the 21st century is a challenge in local government.

1 Know your customer interfaces and communications (how customers want to engage) eg. Self-service digital, easy and quick, deliver on promises, support with a human when it is needed;

2 Digital human centred design;

3 Data is under control but also accessible.

Unlocking the Treasure of Australia’s First Languages

Melinda Holden, Director, First Languages Australia

Karina Lester, Director, First Languages Australia

Geoff Anderson, Director, First Languages Australia

www.firstlanguages.org.au

2019 is the International Year of Indigenous Languages.

Consider the opportunity to look at what Parkes has been doing for Wiradjuri language, and embedding and supporting language and culture in the wider community. Parkes Wiradjuri language group; Parkes Elders group meet quarterly, with meetings held in the Council Chamber.

Consider opportunities to name festivals or events using local language, and incorporate opportunities for celebration of local Indigenous language.

Day 2:

Housing, Infrastructure and Population

Australia’s Future Infrastructure Challenges: The 2019 Australian Infrastructure Audit and What it Means for Local Government — Romilly Madew AO, Chief Executive, Infrastructure Australia

Independent with 2 Ministers: Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack (regional), Alan Tudge (urban, cities population & housing).

Local Councils have an important role to play in housing planning in communities, considering liveability and connection with existing resources.

Access, quality & cost are the priorities for Australians in infrastructure. More than 70% of GDP growth has occurred in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth & Brisbane.

Australia is growing faster than global averages.

Transport infrastructure needs to keep up with growth in cities, including infill development focus and growth in the urban fringe.

Audit will address transport, telecommunication, energy, water and social infrastructure (paths, waterways, arts and culture). It will address issues in funding and financing services as well as maintenance of services (which often falls to local government). Focus on places - categorises various sized communities in addressing opportunities.

The Role of Local Government in Housing Australians in the 21st Century - Professor Andrew Beer, Dean of Research and Innovation, UniSA Business School

Local Government as stewards of the community; UTS and UniSA research project with local councils across NSW, VIC and SA.

Local Governments are taking a new role, leading in initiatives to address housing crisis in Australia; social housing not able to meet demand.

In some cases statutory requirements from State or Federal are pushing local government to take on this role.

Pressures on Local Government including: AirBnB as opportunity or threat; population decline in rural areas; unaffordable housing; pressures on infrastructure funding. Cost shifting impacts on Local Councils (eg. rate exemptions for housing associations) or other forms of revenue forgone to support affordable housing; tensions between being the regulators/approval authority and opportunities to be more active and proactive in the housing space.

Councils respond in different ways to these challenges, depending on the leadership Councillors offer their communities.

Consider the opportunity to promote the assistance Local Government provides to housing: supporting community organisations, ensuring supply of land, engaging with other tiers of government, development and implementation of planning schedules, and co-ordination of social services. Also opportunities to share good practice in housing as different local government areas take a role in housing. Perhaps this is mediated by fear of further cost-shifting by other tiers of government.

Opportunities to address homelessness through active Council engagement, population growth and housing market, or affordable land provision.

Why and How Local Government and the Private Sector Should Work Together to Increase Affordable Housing

Robert Pradolin, Founding Board Member, Housing All Australians

Housing and homelessness issues - private sector taking leadership in addressing the increasing issues in housing access for all. “An Australia where everyone has a stable place to call home; no matter if they are rich or poor”.

Local Government are left to solve a problem that other tiers ignore as there are no votes in it. “To harness the ability of the private sector and collaborate to address the chronic shortage of low income housing.”

This includes using existing housing stock to provide pop-up or short term housing for groups at risk, as well as longer term solutions.

Public housing v affordable housing; addressing the perceptions of value and shift in management attitudes from the private sector. Shifting attitudes of users to understand profit and purpose in private sector developers taking on social and affordable housing.

Argued that opportunity to develop trust and deliver results, without interference of state or federal government.

Gary Spivak, Housing Development Officer, City of Port Phillip

Private rental affordable housing delivery model. Inner Melbourne Action Plan addresses housing issues, exploring different options under the PRADS model: rent to buy, shared equity housing, community land trusts, NRAs, and affordable build to rent.

Where people move up and down the housing models, there is increasing demand for housing flexibility to meet their needs; low income wage earners need to be accommodated in close proximity to employment. This is a focus on eliminating the bottle neck in housing, where those moving from privately owned or rented housing, through more affordable housing, to social housing.

Opportunity to include mandatory planning mechanisms, for example: Amendment C70 City of Melbourne; Model s173 Agreements for affordable housing.

PWC investigating IMAP project on a pro-bono basis, considering the modelling, types of housing products and opportunities most applicable to the model, defining the minimum necessary development margin for development viability, and the incentives necessary to bridge the gap between market & discounted rent.

Project is expected to conclude in September with report and modelling available in public domain, available to interested parties.

Disasters – Are You Ready?

Naomi Westwood, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Business Registry, Australian Taxation Office

Free service available for assistance in managing disasters 24/7, also useful in procurement and service delivery, planning and economic development and compliance.

Disaster Management: Mitigation and prevention, preparedness, response, recovery cycle

What can be used, where and what businesses are at greater risk.

Eg. Hazardous and flammable materials held within community (ie. sites in industrial areas).

Use the ABS data to contact directly, either for assistance or information. Case study of floods in Townsville QLD, providing an event footprint as a map, or other forms of information provision as needed to assist with management of the event.

Other opportunities could be for monthly newsletters, industry sector forums, retail shopping engagement or new businesses and engagement opportunities.

Concurrent Sessions:

Reducing Community Harm – attended by Cr Mileto

Alcohol and other drug harms are prevalent in our communities. To provide insights into the benefits of preventative initiatives, international expert and council experiences will be explored.

Working With Local Government in Alcohol and Drug Misuse in Youth – A Preventative Approach from Iceland — Dr Jón Sigfússon, Director, Planet Youth, Icelandic Center for Social Research and Analysis, Reykjavik University

An Australian Community Led Approach to Alcohol and Drug Misuse — Dr Erin Lalor, CEO, Alcohol and Drug Foundation

Blue Mountains Local Drug Alcohol Team — Lead organisation: Blue Mountains City Council, Representative: Cr Don McGregor

Murray Bridge Safe Drug Action Team — Lead organisation: Rural City of Murray Bridge, Representative: Cr Brenton Lewis

Moree Local Drug Action Team —

Lead organisation: Moree Plains Shire Council, Representative: Mark Connolly, Economic and Community Development Manager

Your Community, Your Environment – attended by Cr Kidd

Recycling and Climate Change are the two biggest environmental issues facing Local Government.

How the Australasian Recycling Label will Assist Local Government in Reducing Recycling Contamination Rates — Peter Brisbane, Government Partnership Manager, APCO

Ryan Collins, Head of Sustainable Resource Programs, Planet Ark

Developing Australia’s Circular Economy — Rose Read, CEO, National Waste Recycling Industry Council

Promoting Regional Circular Economy through use of Glass Sand and Recycled Organic Compost in Council Projects — Tony Farrell, Deputy CEO, Lake Macquarie City Council

Climate Change Action in Alice Springs — Damien Ryan, Mayor, Alice Springs Town Council

Housing your Community – attended by Cr McRae

Australia is confronted by escalating housing challenges. This has fuelled a search for new policy solutions and a new range of actors, including local governments.

Australia’s Local Governments: Comparing Sydney and Melbourne with Other Metro, Regional and Rural Centres — Professor Alan Morris, University of Technology Sydney

ARC linkage - research on gentrification of metropolitan areas and impact on housing affordability. Investigation of data from 178 Local Councils, presenting data on responses to perceived affordability, workers and housing cost, housing policy around affordability, Council priorities and attention to housing affordability and barriers impacting on council focusing on the topic. Also inquired into overcrowding and homelessness.

The Impact of Airbnb on Housing Markets — Laura Hodgson, PhD Scholar, UniSA

3rd Year PhD Student looking at NSW housing markets in case studies; form of disruption to traditional commercial markets with various stakeholders.

Questions the impact on housing, where housing stock previously rented is now AirBNB and reduces available housing stock. ‘New state spaces’ as the underlying theoretical framework, where 3 levels of government are involved and may have competing interests. AirBNB is considered a global actor in local markets.

In general, viewed across Australian states as an asset for economic growth.

Case studies: Northern Rivers, Lismore, Ballina, Byron; Sydney: City of Randwick, City of Sydney; “inside AirBNB” provision of data = 27,360 listings in Sydney

Interviews were conducted with Local Council staff and Councillors, real estate agents in each location. Questions regarding monitoring and enforcement of 180-day limits, as well as adherence to code of conduct for visitor management.

How Councils Can Assist With Affordable Housing — Lenka Thompson, PhD Scholar, UTS

ARC Linkage Project LP150100160

Housing as a commodity: increasing housing costs and housing stress, increasing homelessness, longer public and social housing waiting lists, increasing insecurity, and risk of homelessness applicable to anyone.

It may not be an issue that council hears about directly from those affected - concerns raised by others in the community.

Case study:

A) surplus Council land sold to housing provider for specific designated target group (at risk women and children), where greater weight allocated to applications related to social housing.

B) gift Council land to housing provider for at risk youth, 6 bed home for young mums & babies with a carer 24/7 (funded by housing provider, charity and provider developer + Council’s gift of land).

C) Land swap for 26 units for people at risk of homelessness; council negotiated with private landlord for a property exchange to provide 3 blocks adjacent (Federal Government, housing provider as leaders, but Council facilitated the swap).

D) Ageing community hall had 59 new dwellings developed for low-moderate incomes; item transferred to the housing provider on condition of renovation of the hall while units being developed, ended with council leasing back for 99-year lease (philanthropic fund, housing provider + Council as lessee).

E) A company (limited by guarantee) developed land assets with housing providers or philanthropic entities to deliver projects in specific area. Council’s role was to set up and register the company, develop constitution in line with council aims and assist with first board being developed and staffed;

F) Car parks: airspace above Council carpark was provided to develop housing stock for affordable housing. Maintained car parking with additional housing available by providing the housing provider with the airspace rights (27 studio apartments).

One challenge in local government is whether the ideas are lost as varied opinions, changeover of Local Councillors and staffing segregation.

Affordable Housing in Waverley LGA: Challenges and Ideas — Tim Sneesby, Manager Strategic Planning, Waverley Council

Local housing strategy in a high density metropolitan council, where there are many young urban professionals and high percentage of renters. Need to ensure that the key industry workers (retail, health, education) can afford to live near their work. Being able to live nearby reduces geographic isolation and marginalisation.

Consideration of the percentage of AirBNB penetration in the local market, as Waverley also has the highest in Australia; with redevelopment leading to the loss of affordable rental stock (eg. 58 dwellings lost in 2017/18). Low cost affordable housing is being lost as inter-war flats are demolished to build large, luxury developments.

Commented “increasing the housing supply would not ‘trickle down’ to create more affordable housing”.

3 streams to the council affordable housing:

a) Affordable housing: 25 units paying 70% of market rent, with 3 year term.

b) Over 55s: 47 units, 25% of income + rent assistance

c) Housing for people with disability: 3 units, limited terms as transitional housing

Housing stock was captured in the planning controls initially, but has now transitioned to Voluntary Planning Agreements (5% in effect).

Funding ideas presented, including VPA, Affordable Rental Housing SEPP, Inclusionary Zoning (SEPP 70), and contributions review (2-3% for all, higher % for uplift impacted, or contribution offsetting the loss of affordable housing).

Innovative approach to subsidising rents by using VPA contributions to purchase commercial floor space, renting this at market rates and subsidise rental dwellings to subsidise units.

Questions which arose:

May need to consider language used for social or affordable, as perceptions of community may impact on acceptance and approval from neighbours; consider key worker housing, liveable housing.

Issues with monitoring of actual ‘days online’ advertising and impacts on how much housing is available in a community.

Should Council consider being the land developer: can Council do it well and at lower cost than private developers?

The Hon Jason Clare MP, Shadow Minister for Regional Services, Territories and Local Government

Spoke to the challenges of the current economic climate, employment and economic growth. He spoke of the Labour Opposition viewing local government as partners rather than stakeholders.

Reinforced that every MP receives $150,000 for funding in their electorate.

Day 3:

Engaging with your Community into the Future

Kylie Cochrane, Community Engagement Specialist, Aurecon

Priorities will vary amongst community members, social change, change in community trust ‘death of community trust’, what community activism look like and key community engagement trends that Local Councils face at present.

Democracy definition and 4 key principles. Democracy is being impacted by WIIFM, NIMBY, and skewed definition of consultation (eg. Petitions, vote); social triangle theory: self, religion, community (friends, family, neighbours)

In the last decade, $20Billion of road projects have been cancelled, delayed or mothballed due to community opposition.

Key trends faced in community engagement:

1 Meaning is a critical social motivator (feeling belonging and purpose)

2 Community = people and place

3 Social media is a game changer (seek, source and share information)

4 All projects are political

5 Protestors anyone and everyone

“Yes in my backyard”: YIMBYs I want the services, easy access, and will support projects - within reason, and want to be involved. They are supportive, as long as they can see community benefit. Co-Design and shared power are critical to maintaining effective community engagement.

Dealing with Disaster – New Zealand Perspective

Samantha Kennedy, Head of Australia, New Zealand and Asia Pacific, Pivotel

Satellite technologies enabling communities in critical and remote environments: remote and isolated workers, environmental management and bio security, remote sites and communities, disaster and event response.

Andrew Howe, Emergency Management Advisor, Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Canterbury

Civil Defence Emergency Management:

· Reduction, readiness, response and recovery (4Rs).

· Managing all hazards (natural and non-natural).

· Functional based planning

· Coordination, or integration of agencies

· Everyone playing their part

Provided an overview of emergency management in Christchurch applied to earthquake, flooding, disease and terrorism.

Six Layers of Intentional Leadership

David Pich, Chief Executive, Institute of Managers and Leaders

Discussion of leadership, will present at individual Councils as required.

Accidental manager v intentional leader

6 Layers of intentional leadership, focus on 3:

1 Self-awareness is crucial (trumps authenticity hands down) with recommendation to complete 360 degree reviews on an annual basis

2 Decision making: make time to think before you act and plan before you act, safe and healthy workplace

3 Reflection, adjusting and acting are integral to change; assessing what you will do differently in the future.

‘Thank you’ is important, and leaders need to be aware of gratitude to team.

Minister for Regional Services, Decentralisation and Local Government

The Hon Mark Coulton MP

Discussion on breadth of Local Government, specific examples from rural Councils. Proposed that there will be improved communication through local government networks set up by Federal Government.

Advocated for projects that address local concerns as a priority, particularly connecting young people and employment opportunities. Example of Sterling WA Kaleidoscope project, winner for National LG award 2019.

Smart Cities: $50M competitive program for technology based projects addressing liveability issues across Australia. Industry, research, technology and manufacturers partnering with Local Government to build capability.

Answered questions regarding Federal Assistance Grants, delays in citizenship applications, recycling/waste levy.

Keynote Address – Overcoming the Odds Kurt Fearnley, Paralympic Champion

Discussion of strength and belief in achieving set goals, reflections on achievements and experiences, access for people with disabilities. Challenging public policy to deliver to the community, addressing employment issues for people with disabilities, and challenging stereotypes and expectations. Education, employment and sport as critical ways to give people with disabilities opportunities, and setting new expectations for individuals.

His experience growing up in Carcoar - of being told he was strong, and valued. That reinforcement on a regular basis, and in actions shown by others, set an expectation for him for life. Ensure we pass on the message to be strong and valued for all people in our community, including people with disabilities.

Encouraged Local Councils to listen, build and invest in disabled voices in your home town.

Council Meeting 6 August 2019

5.6 Southern Lights Project Update

RECORD NUMBER: 2019/1554

AUTHOR: David Waddell, Acting General Manager

EXECUTIVE Summary

This report provides an update on the progress of the Southern Lights Project and seeks Council’s endorsement to proceed with the conversion of Orange’s street lighting network to Light Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures.

Staff are recommending in this report that OCC accepts Essential Energy’s offer for the replacement of all Orange City street lighting fixtures with the equivalent LED technology. The benefits of this option include the immediate realisation of environmental and financial outcomes, reduction in ongoing operating costs for street lighting by approximately $500K, minimising initial investment through aligning the conversion to LED fixtures with the scheduled Bulk Lamp Replacement and enhancing community safety.

Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan

The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategies “3.2 Live - Partner with key stakeholders to deliver infrastructure and activities that improve the safety and security of the community” and 7.2 Preserve - Ensure best practice use of renewable energy options for Council and community”.

Financial Implications

It is anticipated that Council will fund the full cost of the LED bulk replacement through a $2,500,000 loan facility. Essential Energy has the ability to fund the capital cost up front on Council’s behalf but given their required rate of return compared to the current low interest rate environment, it is proposed that Council fund the full cost of replacement over a five year period. The cost of the replacement will be substantially offset by savings in energy and maintenance expenditure. It is estimated that the annual savings resulting from the conversion will be in the order of $500,000.

Policy and Governance Implications

Nil

Recommendation

That Council resolves to:

1 Note the report by the Acting General Manager;

2 Request Essential Energy to convert all Orange Street lights to LED fixtures as part of the upcoming Bulk Lamp Replacement program;

3 Grant permission to the General Manager or nominee to do such things as may be necessary or convenient to give effect to this decision, including affixing the Council Seal to all relevant documents if required; and

4 Adjust future operating budgets to reflect initial project outlay and ongoing savings through the quarterly budget review process.

further considerations

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

The Southern Lights Project commenced in 2016 with a number of interested Councils and ROCs collaborating to drive the conversion of street lighting to LED lighting in order to save Councils up to 50% of the costs associated with the provision of street lighting and to be more environmentally responsible. This project proposes to deliver LED street lights, coupled with digital enabling infrastructure through 83,000 street lights across southern NSW. The consortium of Councils is represented by Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils (REROC), Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO), Central NSW Joint Organisation (Central NSW JO), Canberra Region Joint Organisation (OCBRJO) and Broken Hill City Council. A working party was established with the RAMJO representative being Deputy CEO Infrastructure Planning an Environment at Orange City Council.

From the initial focus on LEDs, the project has grown to encompass smart street lighting with the street lighting network being the vehicle for smart controllers that will lead and support digital technology advancement throughout regional and rural NSW. This project is one of the largest proposed deployment, by geographical area, of smart enabled LED street lighting and encompasses 41 Local Government Areas across a significant portion of the State as indicated below.

Through the respective ROCs/JOs, the Working Party engaged a specialist energy consultant, NextEnergy, to assist with the development of this project. Essential Energy was recognised as a major stakeholder in the project being the owner and provider of the majority of street lighting across the area. The Working Party has liaised closely with NextEnergy and Essential Energy to:

· Develop a business case, both globally and for individual Councils;

· Develop specifications and procurement of LED street lighting;

· Develop specifications and procurement of associated smart technology;

· Develop a communications backbone that will support the deployment of other smart communities’ technology; and

· Lobby State Government for funding for an immediate rollout of smart street lighting.

The most advantageous timing for the roll out of LED street lighting is to coincide with the respective Council’s Bulk Lamp Replacement schedule. Under the current service agreement, Essential Energy is required to replace existing lamps (non LED) every four years. Initially, Essential Energy had scheduled Orange’s Bulk Lamp Replacement for October 2018. In mid-2018, Orange requested a deferral of the lamp replacements until April 2019 to take advantage of the Southern Lights Project which was subsequently granted. Since April 2019, Council has been awaiting a specific proposal from Essential Energy to convert our street lighting stock to LED as part of the scheduled Bulk Lamp Replacement. The proposal was recently received.

The implementation of the Southern Lights Project will deliver significant advantages to regional and rural NSW through the following mechanisms:

· A reduction in street lighting energy consumption of up to 57%, based on the conversion to LED technology;

· The improved lighting reliability of the LEDs will reduce maintenance demands via more efficient fittings;

· Safer communities with brighter streetscapes and potentially less crime as LED lighting delivers high quality white light, with much improved colour rendition than is found in the current lighting;

· Improved customer service when accompanied by smart controls with real time failure detection; and

· Environmental benefits with the removal of mercury and lead contained products.

Furthermore, the provision of smart lighting creates a building block and introduces NSW rural and regional communities to smart technology. Communities can value add and smart street lighting networks are increasingly recognised as the likely backbone of smart community developments and once installed can support a range of other devices in the public domain at low marginal cost. For example, commonplace smart city technology can enhance services such as parking, traffic management, pedestrian movements, water usage/measurement, waste management and noise/pollution monitoring.

Primarily there are three components to the project:

· Light fixtures – an LED lighting specification has been finalised. The preferred fixture is dual port; being one port for the smart lighting system and the other port for individual Councils to value add with smart city devices. Essential Energy has presented this tender to market (November/December 2018) and a suite of suitable lights will be available by late 2019 within Essential Energy’s product offer list;

· Smart Lighting System – this is the desirable smart meter that controls the lights. An Expression of Interest process was undertaken by Essential Energy in the latter half of 2018 to determine product availability which received extremely strong market responses. A formal tendering process will be completed mid-late 2019, with smart lighting meters available in 2020; and

· IT Platform – this is the communication backbone for operating the smart technology and is typically provided through an open low to medium bandwidth communication network. This component is currently being developed, ensuring device compatibility and aligning with the above lighting and smart meter procurement processes. This is a reasonably straightforward activity and will be available and align with the estimated project roll out, if funding is achieved.

At a local level Orange City has been a leader in this space, actively progressing and promoting this project through various networks. As part of considerations for the recent 2019/20 budget, Council resolved to apply a contingency approach to the project to replace all street lights within our Local Government Area with LED as part of the next scheduled Bulk Lamp Replacement.

As indicated above, Orange’s Bulk Lamp Replacement for October 2018 was deferred to take advantage of the Southern Lights Project. Recently Essential Energy has reviewed their asset health and rescheduled Orange’s changeover at the earliest possible convenience based on increased lamp failures, non-compliance with standard lighting levels and a deterioration in customer service and response times.

Orange’s street lighting network consists of approximately 4,987 lights. Lighting of residential streets (Category P) includes 4,185 lights and the remaining 752 fixtures service our arterial road network (Category V). Since the introduction of LED fixtures into the Essential Energy product list, all new subdivisions have been specified with this preferred LED fitting.

Timing of the roll-out of the Southern Lights Project (during 2020) is an immediate consideration for Orange City. Undertaking an LED conversion that coincides with Orange’s Bulk Lamp Replacement will reduce the overall conversion cost by approximately $378K. Essential Energy has advised that due to poor asset health, increased lighting failures and potential non-compliance with regulated performance, the Orange Bulk Lamp Replacement cannot be deferred any further. Accordingly, Essential Energy has provided an indicative LED conversion proposal based on commencing the Bulk Lamp Replacement from October 2019.

From a financial perspective, Essential Energy has provided a summary estimate of costs associated with the conversion of all (Category P and Category V) Orange’s street lighting assets to LED technology. The upfront capital contribution for Council will be in the order of $2.5M, which is in line with previous estimates and extrapolating budgets across both Category P and Category V lighting. Council will be eligible to claim one off Energy Savings Certificates through the NSW Energy Saving Scheme with an estimated value of $274K.

Therefore, the net capital contribution for Council is in the order of $2.5M. Based on the existing fixtures and proposed replacements, the estimated annual savings through energy consumption and maintenance is $500K. Therefore, the project payback is approximately 5 years and provides great value. It should also be noted that the available technology is smart-ready LED lighting fitted with a standard photoelectric (PE) cell and without the optional port (not currently available). As smart control devices become available in the future, conversion of the PE cells to smart controllers is a relatively straightforward process.

Attachments

1 Southern Lights - Copy of report from ESPC 4 June 2019, D19/43603 ⇩

Reference	Update
General	· Updates to Tendering Limits in accordance with the Local Government Amendment Act 2019


Political	Council is provided an opportunity to raise matters of importance at the annual conference through this process. Motions must be relevant to Local Government, and fall within the categories identified in this report.