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DIRECTOR Corporate Services – Marianne Di Giallonardo
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DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN
2017-2021 AND PROPOSED BUDGET 2017/18
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Item 1
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Purpose
To provide Council with information regarding the draft
Maroondah Council Plan 2017-2021 and proposed Budget 2017/18; and to seek
Council endorsement for the public exhibition in accordance with
Council’s Community Engagement Policy 2015 and the Right to Make
Submission (S.223) under the Local Government Act 1989 (“the
Act”). This commences the legislative procedure for the formal adoption
by Council.
This procedure incorporates the period of public inspection
and invitation to the community to make submissions in accordance with the
provisions of the Act.
Strategic /
policy issues
The following directions contained in Maroondah 2040:
Our Future Together and the Council Plan 2013-2017 (Year 4: 2016-2017) provide
the strategic framework that underpins the purpose of this report.
Outcome Area: A well governed and
empowered community
Our Vision: In 2040, Maroondah will
be an empowered community that is actively engaged in Council decision making
through processes that consider the needs and aspirations of all ages and
population groups. Council will provide strong and responsive leadership, ensuring
transparency, while working with the community to advocate for and
‘champion’ local needs.
Key Directions 2016 –
2017:
8.1 Provide
enhanced governance that is transparent, accessible, inclusive and accountable.
8.2 Ensure
responsible and sustainable management of Maroondah’s resources, assets,
infrastructure and natural environment.
8.3 Provide
community inspired leadership in democratic governance.
Priority Action 2016-2017:
Not applicable
Background
DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN
The Council Plan together with Maroondah 2040: Our future
together, the Annual Budget and Annual Report, are Council’s high
level strategic documents which draw together the community aspirations,
preferred outcomes and key directions for the future. These high level
strategic documents and associated processes form an integral part of the
Maroondah City Council’s Integrated Planning Framework (shown below).
Figure 1: Council’s Integrated Planning Framework
The draft Council Plan 2017-2021 has been prepared in
accordance with requirements of the Local Government Act 1989. The Act
requires the Council Plan 2017-2021 to include the strategic objectives of the
Council (community outcome areas), strategies for achieving the objectives for
at least the next four years (key directions), strategic indicators for
monitoring the achievement of these objectives (Council Plan indicators) and a
Strategic Resource Plan describing financial and non-financial resources.
The draft Council Plan 2017-2021 reflects the preferred
future outcomes and key directions as identified by the community in the
development of Maroondah 2040: Our future together.
The draft Council Plan has been prepared in
response to stakeholder input received at two Council Plan stakeholder
workshops held in February 2017. Community engagement inputs from a range of
other Council strategic projects have also informed the draft Council Plan.
These strategic projects include:
· Maroondah Health and Wellbeing Plan (still underway)
· Youth Strategy 2017-2021 (still underway)
· Maroondah Housing Strategy (completed in 2016)
· Sustainability Strategy 2016-2020 (completed in 2016)
· Open Space Strategy (completed in 2016)
· Active and Healthy Ageing Initiative (completed in 2015)
· Water Sensitive Cities Strategy (completed in 2015)
· Children’s Plan (completed in 2015)
· Arts and Cultural Development Strategy (completed in 2014)
· Maroondah 2040: Our future together (completed in 2014)
The Council Plan identifies a range of
proposed ‘Priority Actions’ for the next four years – 2017/18
to 2020/21. These proposed priority actions have been aligned with the outcome
areas identified in Maroondah 2040: Our future together.
Reporting against the Council Plan and Annual Budget is
undertaken quarterly to Council and the Audit and Risk Advisory Committee.
Reporting on annual achievements is undertaken through the Annual Report and
the ‘Our Achievements’ document.
At Maroondah, the Council Plan is refreshed annually to
ensure identified priority actions meet emerging community needs and
aspirations, and provide an updated strategic resource plan.
PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET
The proposed Budget for 2017/18 is one of Council’s
high level strategic documents. The community’s aspirations for
Maroondah’s future direction and development are set out in Maroondah
2040: Our future together and this forms the foundation from which Council
shapes its medium term plans for the municipality. The 2017/18 Proposed
Budget then addresses the provision of financial resources for the next 12
months as well as articulating how those resources are to be spent in
delivering services to the community.
It is a critical planning and resource tool of Council and
is vital to the ongoing operational and financial viability of Council.
It sets out the expected income and expenditure for the coming year and also
incorporates Council’s rating strategy as well as estimating the net
worth of the municipality at the end of the year. It is the culmination
of Councillor Briefings (including discussions at the Councillor Conference)
and detailed preparation by employees.
Issue /
discussion
DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN
To respond to the long-term objectives (outcome areas) and
medium-term strategies (key directions) outlined in the Council Plan, a range
of priority actions are identified for the forthcoming 2017/18 to 2020/21
period.
The following are the proposed Council Plan priority actions
for Council in the forthcoming 2017/18 financial year:
· Commence construction of the $4.0m Jubilee Sporting Pavilion
redevelopment (**Subject to external funding)
· Commence construction of the $2.0m HE Parker Sporting Pavilion
redevelopment
· Develop a Gender Equity Policy/Statement
· Finalise a new Gaming Policy and commence preparation of a planning
scheme amendment to incorporate the policy into the Maroondah Planning scheme
· Complete the design works, undertake operational readiness planning
and construct the $13.5m HE Parker Multi Sports Complex
· Undertake works to implement CCTV in Croydon Town Centre, including
detailed design and documentation, along with the supply and installation of
cameras
· Prepare and commence implementation of a new Maroondah Health and
Wellbeing Plan 2017-2021
· Participate in the South East Melbourne Council’s Alliance
(SEMCA) Alcohol Density Project to strengthen decision making capabilities of
Councils regarding packaged liquor outlets
· Commence construction of the $2.5m Silcock Sporting Pavilion
redevelopment
· Commence sportsfield reconstruction works at Jubilee Park in
Ringwood
· Undertake pedestrian and vehicle access improvement works at
Heathmont Shopping Precinct - Canterbury Road, Heathmont
· Commence Regional Service Partnerships at Realm
· Work in partnership to finalise development of the Ringwood
Metropolitan Activity Centre Masterplan
· Work in partnership to implement the Bayswater / Bayswater North
Industrial Precinct Strategy
· Work in partnership to facilitate appropriate development within the
Ringwood Metropolitan Activity Centre and Croydon Activity Centre
· Develop the Croydon Town Centre, including community engagement,
completion of detailed design and construction works.
· Implement innovative and engaging arts events and outcomes in
Ringwood Town Square arts precinct
· Commence implementation of the Eastern Organics Contract
· Develop a Climate Change and Risk Mitigation Strategy
· Undertake preliminary works to rehabilitate the waterway and
infrastructure at Yanggai Barring in Warranwood
· Undertake a major upgrade of the playground at Ringwood Lake Park
· Finalise the Maroondah Vegetation Review
· Advocate for grade separation of the Lilydale railway line at
Coolstore Road in Croydon
· Commence Hughes Park carpark improvement works
· Work in partnership to implement intersection improvement works at
the corner of Maroondah Highway and Dorset Road in Croydon North
· Accelerate Council's footpath construction program
· Advocate to the Commonwealth and Victorian Government for provision
of new and upgraded major transportation infrastructure in Maroondah; including
freeway connections, upgrade to arterial roads and intersections, and major
public transport enhancements
· Continue the upgrade of drainage including flood mitigation works in
Acacia Court catchment in Ringwood and the Scenic Avenue catchment in Ringwood
East
· Continue the construction of Lincoln Road, east of Dorset Road
· Undertake a municipal wide review of Council’s neighbourhood
character and heritage controls
· Develop a Council policy position on affordable and social housing
· Monitor the federal National Disability Insurance Scheme and My Aged
Care reform agenda and implement transitional arrangements for relevant areas
of Council service delivery
· Develop a Female Participation Strategy for physical activity
· Investigate and implement additional female changing facilities at
local sporting venues
· Progress Council’s innovative digital services transformation
The draft Council Plan 2017-2021 is aligned with Maroondah
2040: Our future together that was adopted by Council in June 2014. This
alignment ensures that the Council Plan continues to form part of an integrated
approach to planning that is informed by community aspirations for
Maroondah’s future.
The draft Council Plan has been informed by
stakeholder input received at two Council Plan stakeholder workshops held in
February 2017, along with community engagement inputs from a range of other
Council strategic projects.
There is further opportunity for revisions to be proposed by
community members during the public exhibition period, which will run for the
statutory period of 28 days, in this instance, 15 May to 9 June 2017.
It is intended that a final report be submitted to Council
following this consultation period prior to submission of the final Council
Plan 2017-2021 to the Minister for Local Government by 30 June 2017.
PROPOSED ANNUAL BUDGET
The Proposed Budget document as presented and to be placed
on exhibition contains:
· High level schedules
· Tables
· Comments on significant aspects of budget input and outcomes
· Linkages to the Council Plan
· Listing of Council Services and Service Performance Indicators
· Capital Works Information
· Budgetary process information and Statutory Disclosures
Its contents are consistent with the Strategic Resource Plan
component of the proposed Council Plan 2017-2021 and demonstrates the provision
of adequate resources to achieve the Plan’s objectives and activities for
the next 12 months. Overall it is a balanced, sustainable, and
responsible way forward to ensure Maroondah continues to be a vibrant city with
an active community, strong local economy and a diverse cultural life in a
prosperous and sustainable environment. It provides for the capacity to
deal with the challenges of the future and includes 15 major initiatives
(priority actions) and 20 initiatives which were identified in the Council
Plan.
In 2015 the Local Government (Fair Go Rates) Act was passed
in Parliament. The Act introduced a rate cap based on CPI plus or minus any
adjustment and allows for multiple caps to be set by the Minister and
variations to the cap should Council obtain approval to raise rate revenue by a
greater amount than that imposed by the cap. The Minister has determined that
the rate cap for 2017/18 is set at an increase of 2.0% over the average
property rate of a Council. The average property rate is derived by dividing
the total rate revenue adjusted for the annualisation of supplementary rate
income by the number of rateable properties as at 30 June. In essence, the
increase under the rate cap applies to rate revenue after growth in the
previous year has been taken into account.
The key aspects of the revised
LTFS include:
· Rate revenue increases within the rate cap framework with no
variation request required;
· Services and service levels maintained;
· Asset renewal expenditure to be at least at the level of
depreciation each year;
· No new borrowings;
· Provision of a cash backed defined benefits superannuation fund
reserve of $5 million;
· Provision of a growing cash backed major capital projects reserve to
fund as yet unidentified and new major project(s);
The adjusted underlying budget surplus, which is a measure
of financial sustainability, shows an underlying surplus being achieved
annually over the ten-year period of the strategy. The Budget for 2017/18
proposes an underlying surplus of $4.656 million and Council’s cash and
cash equivalents (including Financial Assets) projected to be $34.012 million
at June 2018.
Council is required to conduct a two yearly General Property
Valuation. The most recent General Valuation was carried out with levels
of value set as at 1 January 2016. The General Valuation was undertaken in
accordance with best practice standards set by the State Valuer-General. These
valuations are used for rating purposes to equitably spread the total of
Council’s own source revenue across Maroondah’s total assessment
base. Hence, the higher the property value the higher the associated individual
property general rates; the lower the property value, the lower the associated
individual property general rates.
The 2017/18 rating strategy is based upon the Capital
Improved Value basis, the use of a differential rate for vacant land and the
continuation of assistance to ratepayers who qualify under Council’s
financial hardship provisions. It is proposed to raise $72.520 million in
general rates which has been derived within the rate cap framework legislated
by the State Government.
The next General Valuation will be conducted in 2018 and
will be carried out with levels set as at 1 January 2018.
Further, Council’s established policy regarding
garbage services is for all waste and recycling costs to be fully recovered
through the application of a Garbage Charge in accordance with Council’s
contractual arrangements. In accordance with this policy, garbage charges
will increase in 2017/18 to $255.50 for a 120-litre bin, and $213.00 for an
80-litre bin. Should members of the community wish to reduce their
service from a 120-litre bin to an 80-litre bin, they are encouraged to contact
Council. Similarly, should residents wish to increase their recycling
capacity they are able to secure a second bin at no extra cost. Again,
residents are encouraged to contact Council on 1300 88 22 33.
In addition to the rating strategy, the Proposed Budget also
includes strategy documents on borrowings and infrastructure and other
assets. These documents confirm that borrowings of $24.2m were drawn down
in 2014/15 to partly fund the new regional aquatic and leisure centre -
Aquanation at Ringwood with repayment of principal and interest over 15 years
and that Council’s 10-year capital works program reflects the Total Life
Cycle Asset Management framework which provides the basis for the capital
renewal and upgrade component associated with infrastructure assets.
The Budget provides for a Capital Expenditure program
totalling $27.254m. The program is funded externally via grants and
contributions to the extent of $3.201m and the balance internally
through general rates and cash reserves. Expenditure on asset renewal and
asset upgrade is $23.765m whilst new projects total $3.489m.
The net result for the 2017/18 year is planned at a $6.590m
surplus which is an increase from the 2016/17 Budget. It is anticipated
that net surpluses will continue for the life of the Long Term Financial
Strategy.
The planned financial position as at 30 June 2018 reveals
Council will continue to be financially sound with projected net assets of
$1.467b, a working capital ratio of 1.66:1, adequate
cash and investments to meet its cyclical cash flow requirements, and
borrowings in line with agreed loan repayment schedules. It is submitted
that the Budget paints a picture of prudent financial management that will
underpin and facilitate the application and attainment of the future outcomes,
key directions and priority actions detailed in the Council Plan and
beyond. Hence the 2017/2018 Budget has ensured financial sustainability
across Council’s entire areas of operations and responsibility and in
accordance with its long term financial strategy, has kept its own source
revenue levels realistic.
COUNCILLOR AND MAYORAL ALLOWANCES
It is proposed that Mayoral and Councillor allowances be
paid at the levels determined by the Minister for Local Government in
accordance with section 73B Local Government Act 1989 – as at 1 July 2017
Councillors $27,079 and Mayor $83,790; incorporate an amount for a sum equivalent
to the Superannuation Guarantee Contribution currently 9.5% as per advice by
Local Government Victoria within Circular 42/2016 and increase both the
Councillor and Mayoral allowances for the remainder of the Council terms
– and up until the next Council review in the year 2020 - in accordance
with section 74 Local Government Act 1989, by the levels determined within the
annual review of allowances carried out by the Minister for Local Government.
Financial /
economic issues
The resources required to implement the draft Council Plan
priority actions are contained within the current annual budget and strategic
resource plan, except where identified that an action is ‘subject to
funding’.
Environmental / amenity issues
These are contained within the Council Plan and Budget and
articulate the Council’s current directions.
Social /
community issues
These are contained with the Council Plan and Proposed
Budget and articulate Council’s current directions.
Community
consultation
To inform development of the draft Council Plan
2017-2021, two stakeholder workshops were held at Karralyka in February 2017
involving a range of key community, business, education and government leaders
in Maroondah. A total of 47 people attended the first workshop and 24 attended the
second workshop. These workshops were facilitated by Lisa Smith from Minds at
Work, with representatives from Council’s Integrated Planning,
Communications and Marketing and Corporate Management Team leading table
discussions. A range of Maroondah City Councillors were also involved in these
workshops to hear the perspectives of community members.
During these workshops, participants were encouraged to
have facilitated table discussions that considered:
· What are the key issues facing Maroondah in the future?
· What can Council do to help resolve these issues?
· What are the key priorities that Council should focus on?
Community engagement inputs from a
range of other recent Council strategic projects have also informed the draft
Council Plan.
To seek feedback on the draft Council Plan 2017-2021
and Proposed Annual Budget 2017/18, a public exhibition process will be
undertaken in accordance with Section 223 of the Act.
The process will involve:
· Public
exhibition of the draft Council Plan and Proposed Budget on Council’s
website as well as at all Council Service Centres and local libraries.
· Advertisements
in the local papers seeking comments or feedback from the community on the
Draft Council Plan and Proposed Budget.
To this end, an advertisement will be placed in ‘The
Age’ newspaper on Thursday 11 May 2017 advising the community that
documents are available for viewing on Council’s website, and will also
be available from any of Council’s Service Centres and Libraries on this
date. A copy of the advertisement will also be placed in the Maroondah Leader
on Tuesday 16 May 2017.
Both written and online comments on both documents will be
received at the Civic Centre up until 5pm, 9 June 2017.
The process will be formalised through public submissions
under Section 223 of the Act. A meeting to hear submissions will take place at
7.00pm on Wednesday 14 June 2017 at Maroondah City Council Offices. Anyone
wanting to make a submission to the Council should advise of this requirement
in their written submission, giving a name and contact number.
Written submissions should also be addressed to:
Mr Steve Kozlowski
Chief Executive Officer
PO Box 156
RINGWOOD VIC 3134
During the public consultation period (i.e. 12 May to 9 June
2017), residents and property owners may obtain further information about the
Proposed Budget by appointment.
Once the community feedback is considered, the documents
will be amended as appropriate and be brought back to Council for formal endorsement.
At this stage, this is planned for the Council Meeting on 26 June 2017.
Conclusion
The draft Council Plan 2017-2021 and Proposed Budget 2017/18
have been prepared for community consultation. They reflect Council’s
commitment to pursue excellence, good governance and responsible management of
resources for the community within the City of Maroondah.
Given Council’s legislative obligations it is
appropriate to place the draft Council Plan 2017-2021 and Proposed Budget 2017/18
on public exhibition before they are formally considered for adoption.
Attachments
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1.⇩
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Draft
Council Plan 2017-2021
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2.⇩
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MCC
Proposed Budget 2017-2018
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CONFIDENTIALITY
Not Applicable
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RECOMMENDATION
That council
1. provisionally endorses the DRAFT
COUNCIL PLAN 2017-2021 AND PROPOSED BUDGET 2017/18, THAT HAVE BEEN PREPARED
IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTIONS 125 AND 127 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989
2. proposes that Mayoral and Councillor
allowances:
i. be paid at the levels determined
by the Minister for Local Government in accordance with section 73B Local
Government Act 1989 – as at 1 July 2017 Councillors $27,079 and Mayor
$83,790;
ii. incorporate an amount for a sum
equivalent to the Superannuation Guarantee Contribution currently 9.5% as per
advice by Local Government Victoria within Circular 42/2016; and
iii. increase both the Councillor and
Mayoral allowances up for the remainder of the Council term and - until the
next Council review in the year 2020 - in accordance with section 74
Local Government Act 1989, by the levels determined within the annual review
of allowances carried out by the Minister for Local Government
3. AUTHORISE THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
OFFICER TO GIVE PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE PREPARATION OF THE PROPOSED PLAN AND
BUDGET
4. authorise the release of the
DRAFT COUNCIL PLAN 2017-2021 AND PROPOSED BUDGET 2017/18 on public exhibition
from 12 May to 9 June 2017 AND receive SUBMISSIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION
223 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989
5. APPOINT A COMMITTEE OF
COUNCILLORS COMPRISING COUNCILLORS ___________, __________ and __________ TO
CONSIDER ANY SUBMISSIONS AND HEAR FROM ANY PERSON/S WHO HAS/HAVE REQUESTED TO
BE HEARD IN SUPPORT OF THEIR SUBMISSIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF
SECTION 223 OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 1989
6. DETERMINE THAT SUCH COMMITTEE
WILL CONSIDER ALL SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED AT A MEETING TO BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL
CHAMBERS ON WEDNESDAY 14 JUNE 2017 AT 7PM
7. follOWING EXHIBITION AND
CONSIDERATION OF ANY SUBMISSIONS received, THE FINAL COUNCIL PLAN AND/OR
aNNUAL BUDGET WILL BE PRESENTED TO cOUNCIL FOR formal consideration at a
meeting to be held ON MONDAY 26 JUne 2017 AT 7.30PM
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