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Our Vision

Our Organisation

A financially sustainable, proactive and responsive customer focused organisation which meets and exceeds

the diverse needs and expectations of our stakeholders in an efficient and effective manner.

Through team work, co-operation and continuous improvement, and by fostering creativity and developing

our valued employees, we will grasp the challenges and capture the opportunities for the benefit of all, to

ensure our respected position at the leading edge of our industry is maintained.

Our Council

A dynamic, skilled and representative elected body respected and recognised at the local, regional, state and

national levels for its advocacy and positive leadership of all sectors of its Communities, with a strategic

focus on policy and effective decision making.

Our Communities

With enviable facilities and services, growing populations and thriving and sustainable economies, our

vibrant and diverse Communities are safe, secure, friendly and welcoming to all. Community spirit, co-

operation and a sense of belonging are fostered by our determined, hardworking people with positive vision

and initiative to make our Communities exceptional places to live, visit, work and do business.

Our Mission

Council will accept the challenges of, and excel in the provision of, Local Government services to our

district, enhancing and preserving the unique character of our communities, maintaining a safe and secure

environment for our residents, whilst retaining and promoting the quality lifestyle and amenity of country

living. Council will continually promote open communication, accountability, and efficient and effective

leadership, governance and service delivery by:

acting as a representative, informed and responsible decision maker;

providing and coordinating services, facilities and programs that are adequate, appropriate and

equitably accessed;

developing the Community, its resources and its infrastructure in a socially just and sustainable

manner;

ensuring that Council resources are used fairly, effectively and efficiently;

encouraging and developing initiatives within the Community for improving the quality of life and

amenity of the Community;

managing, developing and protecting the environment in an ecologically sustainable manner;

planning at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of the

Community;

promoting the area and providing an attractive climate and location for the development of business,

commerce, industry and tourism;

ensuring a proper balance between economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations

within the Community;

developing its capacity and professionalism to undertake a growing range of leadership, advocacy and

service delivery challenges; and

exercising, performing and discharging the power, functions and duties of the Local Government Act

1999 and other relevant legislation.

Our Values

As a results oriented organisation, Council is committed to its core values of:

pro-active and effective communication

honesty and transparency

accepting and pursuing challenges

creative, positive and energetic workforce and leadership

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COUNCIL PROFILE

Administration Office 3 Stuart Street

PO Box 94, Melrose SA 5483

Tel: (08) 8666 2014 and 1300 726 252

Fax: (08) 8666 2169

Works Depot 5 Giles Street, Melrose SA 5483

Tel: (08) 8666 2014 Fax: (08) 8666 2297

The area of the District Council of Mount Remarkable is located in the Southern Flinders Ranges of South Australia.

The Council Office is situated in the township of Melrose, which is at the foot of Mount Remarkable and is 380m

above sea level. The Council borders the upper reaches of the Spencer Gulf, and is predominantly agricultural

including mixed farming

The district is 3,413 sq. kilometres in area and has a population of 3,027 people. The major townships within the area

are Booleroo Centre, Melrose, Port Germein, Weeroona Island, Wilmington and Wirrabara. Additionally, smaller

towns and settlements are located throughout the Council area, including Appila, Bangor, Baroota, Booleroo Whim,

Bruce, Hammond, Mambray Creek, Moockra, Murraytown, Nectar Brook, Telowie, Terka, Willowie, Winninowie,

Wongyarra & Yandiah.

Much of the area north and east of Wilmington consists of large pastoral holdings. There are also small pockets of

apiarists, orchards, market gardens, wineries and a forestry area in the southern portion of the Council district around

Wirrabara. The district is also attracting alternative energy generators with solar farms, a wind farm and pump-hydro

operations either planned and/or ready to commence the building phase. There are three National Park properties in

the district namely the Mount Remarkable National Park (16,149ha Telowie Gorge Conservation Reserve (1,946ha)

and a newly declared conservation park west of Wirrabara along the ranges (information yet to be advised). The jetty

at Port Germein is also a significant item of State history and heritage.

If you require any further information on the facilities and services within the area of the District Council of Mount

Remarkable, please do not hesitate to call in at the District Council Office Stuart Street Melrose, or, contact 8666 2014

or 1300 726 252 during normal office hours, the Tourist Information Office (Melrose Caravan Park, 8.00 am - 8.00

pm - telephone 8666 2060), or visit the Council website mtr.sa.gov.au . You can also follow us on Facebook

facebook.com/mountremarkable/

ROLES AND OBJECTIVES OF COUNCIL

The Local Government Act 1999 specifies the roles and objectives of Council. The Mission Statement within

Council’s Strategic Management Plan substantially mirrors these and reads:

Council will accept the challenges of, and excel in the provision of, Local Government services to our

district, enhancing and preserving the unique character of our communities, maintaining a safe and

secure environment for our residents, whilst retaining and promoting the quality lifestyle and amenity of

country living. Council will continually promote open communication, accountability, and efficient and

effective leadership, governance and service delivery by:

• acting as a representative, informed and responsible decision maker;

• providing and co-ordinating services, facilities and programs that are adequate, appropriate and

equitably accessed;

• developing the Community, its resources and its infrastructure in a socially just and sustainable

manner;

• ensuring that Council resources are used fairly, effectively and efficiently;

• encouraging and developing initiatives within the Community for improving the quality of life

and amenity of the Community;

• managing, developing and protecting the environment in an ecologically sustainable manner;

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• planning at the local and regional level for the development and future requirements of the

Community;

• promoting the area and providing an attractive climate and location for the development of

business, commerce, industry and tourism;

• ensuring a proper balance between economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations

within the Community;

• developing its capacity and professionalism to undertake a growing range of leadership,

advocacy and service delivery challenges; and

• exercising, performing and discharging the power, functions and duties of the Local Government

and other Acts.

COUNCIL REPRESENTATION

As at 30 June 2018 there were 2,162 House of Assembly electors, this provides an elector representation of 308

electors per Council Member.

In comparison, the representations in neighboring Councils are:

101 in Orroroo/Carrieton;

130 in Flinders Ranges;

135 in Peterborough;

380 in Northern Areas;

957 in Port Augusta; and

1,303 in Port Pirie. [Source: LGA Representation Quotas 2017-2018, derived from information provided by the Electoral Commission of SA at 28/02/2018]

COUNCIL COMPOSITION AND WARD STRUCTURE

The District Council of Mount Remarkable is divided into two (2) Wards. The Council currently comprises seven (7)

Council Members or Councillors elected by the electors of the respective Wards [Willochra Ward has 4 Councillors

and Telowie Ward has 3 Councillors]. The members of the Council from amongst their own number choose the

Principal Member or Chairperson, whom they determined to have the title of Mayor. Council met on the third Tuesday

of every month at 9.30am in Melrose.

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COUNCIL MEMBERS – (AS AT 30 JUNE 2018)

Mayor

Cr Colin Nottle - Willochra WardMelrose Caravan Park Management Committee

Northern Passenger Transport Network CommitteeAudit Committee

Cr Vicki Morley - Telowie Ward

Deputy Chairperson

Cr Lyall Arthur - Willochra Ward

Airstrip Committee

Northern Passenger Transport Committee

Cr Peter Blieschke - Willochra Ward

Audit Committee

Flinders Mobile Library

Melrose Carvaan Park Management Committee

Cr Phillip Heaslip - Telowie Ward

Building Fire Safety Committee

Cr Sandra Wauchope - Telowie Ward

Cr Jan Woolford - Willochra Ward

Audit CommitteeFlinders Mobile Library

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Councillors are part of the incorporated body handling the responsibility for carrying out the duties and exercising the

powers conferred on the Council by the Local Government Act 1999(the ‘Act’) and other relevant State legislation.

The Act specifies that Council members:

Represent the interests of ratepayers and residents;

Provide community leadership and guidance; and

Facilitate communication between the community and the Council.

The role of a Council member involves:

Participating in the deliberations and civic activities of the Council;

Keeping the Council’s objectives and policies under review so as to ensure that they are appropriate and

effective; and

Keeping the Council’s resource allocation, expenditure and activities, and the effectiveness and efficiency of

its service delivery, under review.

COUNCIL COMMITTEES (AS AT 30 JUNE 2018)

Melrose Caravan Park Management Advisory Committee

Booleroo & District Community Airstrip Management Committee

Northern Passenger Transport Network Management Committee

Audit Committee

Flinders Regional Development Assessment Panel

Building Fire Safety Committee

Workplace Health & Safety Committee

These committees meet on an as needs basis to make recommendations to Council on issues in their respective policy

areas.

OTHER COMMITTEES & OUTSIDE BODIES (AS AT 30 JUNE 2018)

Other committees and outside bodies with which Council is involved include:

Mount Remarkable CFS Group

Local Government Association of SA

Central Local Government Region of SA (Legatus Group)

Local Government Finance Authority of SA

Flinders Mobile Library (Sec 41 Committee Northern Areas Council)

Zone Emergency Management Committee

Mount Remarkable Community Road Safety Committee

FYMN Regional Bushfire Management Committee

COUNCIL MEMBERS’ TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT Pursuant to the provisions of Section 80A of the Local Government Act 1999, Council has in place an Elected

Members Training and Development Policy which is available for inspection or purchase by the public from the

Council office. Council Members undertook various mandated and in-house training. All Councillors have completed

all mandated training modules.

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MEETING ATTENDANCES

The following table provides a summary of the attendances of Council Members at various Council and Committee

Meetings during the financial year ending 30 June 2018:

COUNCIL MEMBERS ALLOWANCES Allowances are determined pursuant to Section 76 of the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government

(Members Allowances and Benefits) Regulations 2010. The level of allowances (minimum and maximum amounts)

are determined by the Remuneration Tribunal which is appointed by the State Government and outside of the control

of Council. Allowances are set prior to each periodic election (2014) and are indexed annually. Allowances as at 30

June 2018 were:

Mayor $23,772.00 per annum

Deputy Chairperson $ 8,914.50 per annum

Councillor $ 5,943.00 per annum

Audit Committee Independent $ 250.00 per meeting (plus travel when required)

Members are also reimbursed for prescribed out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst representing Council on official

duties.

SENIOR OFFICER REMUNERATION (AS AT 30 JUNE 2018) Chief Executive Officer (WA Hart) - Contract Position

LG Super Scheme 9.5% of salary, provision of personal computer, internet, mobile telephone, telephone rental, full

private use of vehicle.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (J White) - Contract Position

LG Super Scheme 9.5% of salary, provision of mobile telephone and laptop, subsidised telephone rental, subsidised

internet access, full private use of vehicle.

Director Works & Technical Services (J Hadley) - Contract Position

LG Super Scheme 9.5% of salary, provision of mobile telephone and laptop, subsidised telephone rental, subsidised

internet access, full private use of vehicle.

Manager Passenger Transport (L Forster) - Contract Position

LG Super Scheme 9.5% of salary, provision of mobile telephone

COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS 1 JULY 2017 TO 30 JUNE 2018

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Total Meetings for

Year12 6 2 1 2 4 0 4 4 %

Councillor

Cr Lyall Arthur 12 6 n/a 1 n/a n/a n/a n/a 3 96%

Cr Peter Blieschke 12 6 2 n/a n/a 4 n/a 3 n/a 96%

Cr Phillip Heaslip 11 4 n/a n/a 2 n/a n/a n/a n/a 85%

Cr Vicki Morley 12 6 n/a n/a n/a n/a 0 n/a n/a 100%

Cr Colin Nottle 12 6 2 n/a n/a n/a n/a 4 4 100%

Cr Sandra Wauchope 11 4 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 83%

Cr Jan Woolford 12 6 2 n/a n/a 3 n/a n/a n/a 96%

Councillor Attendance

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STRATEGIES AND PERFORMANCE

FINANCIAL RATIOS

Council is committed to ensuring its long term financial sustainability. Council’s financial sustainability is dependent

on ensuring that, on average over time, its expenses are at least matched by its revenue. In addition, capital

expenditure on existing infrastructure and other assets should be optimised (in accordance with the Infrastructure and

Asset Management Plan) so as to minimise the whole-of-life-cycle costs of assets. The following measurements

strongly indicate that Council are working towards achieving it financial sustainability.

OPERATING SURPLUS RATIO

The Operating Surplus Ratio expresses the operating surplus (deficit) as a percentage of total operating income. Council

made a small percentage surplus for the year ending 30 June 2018 of 12.8%, (a slightly better than breakeven result),

offsetting part of the draw down for the accelerated capital works program.

NET FINANCIAL LIABILITIES & NET FINANCIAL LIABILITIES RATIO

Net Financial Liabilities is a comprehensive measure of the indebtedness of the Council as it includes items such as

employee long-service leave entitlements and other amounts payable as well as taking account of the level of Council's

available cash and investments. Specifically, Net Financial Liabilities equals total liabilities less financial assets, where

financial assets for this purpose are current cash and cash equivalents, current trade and other receivables, current other

financial assets and non-current financial assets, but excludes equity held in Council businesses.

The negative result, -33%, for the year ending 30 June 2018 indicates that Council is in a net financial assets position

and has sufficient capacity to continue its operational and accelerated capital expenditure programs and allows for any

major project contingency.

ASSET SUSTAINABILITY RATIO

The Asset Sustainability Ratio indicates whether the Council is renewing or replacing existing non-financial assets at

the same rate as its overall stock of assets is wearing out. The ratio is calculated by measuring capital expenditure on

renewal and replacement of assets relative to its Infrastructure and Asset Management Plans (IAMP). Council attained

a result of 157% for the year ending 30 June 2018. This means that Council is spending more than the IAMPs expenses

on asset renewal, reflecting the continued commitment of the last 5 years to an accelerated capital works program.

-100%

-50%

0%

50%

100%

150%

200%

2013/2014 2014/2015 2015/2016 2016/17 2017/18

Financial Indicators by Ratio

Operating Surplus Ratio Net Financial Liabilities Ratio Asset Sustainability Ratio

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FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE

The following graphs show the Council’s financial performance over the past five years.

$8,216,000

$6,914,374 $6,930,488

$9,330,410

$7,929,917

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Operating Income

$7,002,463 $6,846,178

$6,494,973

$7,755,257

$6,913,222

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Operating Expenditure

$-

$200,000

$400,000

$600,000

$800,000

$1,000,000

$1,200,000

$1,400,000

$1,600,000

$1,800,000

2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

Operating Surplus

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EXPENDITURE BY FUNCTIONS

Council is responsible for delivering a large range of functions (detailed in other sections of the Annual Report). The

following graph shows the 2017/2018 financial expenditure per function.

DEVELOPMENT

The following table illustrates the number and value of development approvals by category for the 2016/2017 and

2017/2018 financial years, with the graph showing activity over the past five years.

2016/2017 2017/2018

Type of Development Number Value Number Value

New Work 61 $4,163,795 78 $ 12,582,520

Alterations/Additions 31 $1,351,366 20 $ 862,627

Total 92 $5,515,161 98 $ 13,445,147

65

73

30

61

78

23

14

67

31

20

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Development Applications

Alterations New Work

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TARGETS AND OUTCOMES - 2017/2018 NON-FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE MEASURES

The following table shows the 2017/2018 non-financial performance measure targets and outcomes for the financial

year ending 30 June 2018:

Target Measure Outcome

Update and Monitor the Long Term Financial

Plan and Asset Management Plans

Completed.

Continue the ongoing review of Council policies

and procedures

Continued. All mandatory policies in place and

scheduled reviews of all policies on track

Continue the Rebranding of the Council and the

promotion of “Remarkable Experience”

Website and Promotional material under development

Continue Council’s Monthly Newsletter,

Facebook posts and Website updates for public

communication

Continued

Review Council’s Strategic Management Plan Continued

Resheet 15.1 kms of category 1, unsealed roads 15.3km Completed:

3.9km Wirrabara Appila Road (Horrocks Highway

to Greyhound Track Road)

3.5km Booleroo Road (Willowie to Greig Road)

3.3km Charcoal Road (Horrocks Highway to Lynch

Road)

2.8km Piggott Road (to Mount View Road)

1.8km Amyton Road (Pengilly Road to Creek

Crossing)

Resheet 23.4 kms category 2, unsealed roads 23.4kms Completed:

5km Yandiah Road (Creek to Snake Gully Road)

Baroota Road (Augusta Highway to Cattle Track)

Sweets Road (Appila Road to Arwakurra Road)

Carey Road (Spring Creek to Mulberry Road)

Peroomba Road (Closed Landfill to Bastian Road)

McCallum Road (Piggott Road to RPA 2157)

Reichstein Road (Arthur to Bishop Road)

Windy Plains Road (McCallum Road to resheet)

Resheet 1.7kms category 3 unsealed roads 1.7kms Completed:

Yapoona Road (From Gunyah Road west)

Road Rubble - Operations Fully utilised in operational works to patch numerous

roads throughout the district.

Finalise 2016/17 flood damage works Completed

Construct and Seal roads in Melrose, Port

Germein, Wilmington and Wirrabara

Completed

Upgrade Drainage in Wilmington, Wirrabara,

Melrose, Booleroo Centre and 3 x Rural Roads

Completed

Install Culverts and/or Kerbing in Melrose,

Booleroo Centre

Completed

Reseal in Booleroo and verges on

Wirrabara/Laura Road

Completed

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Undertake drainage works in Wilmington

Cemetery

Completed

Replace shelter at Wirrabara Cemetery Completed

Install a new Niche Garden in Port Germein

Cemetery

Completed

Carry out footpath refurbishment in Melrose,

Booleroo Centre, Wilmington, Wirrabara and

Port Germein

Ongoing

Commence Phase 4 works on the Wilmington to

Melrose Rail Trail

Completed

Continue Playground Upgrades Completed

Continue Public Amenities Upgrade Completed

Complete closure of old Landfills Melrose Landfill Capped and Closed

Wilmington Landfill - preliminary works completed

(final capping works October 2018)

Melrose Council Office Amenities Upgrade Delayed due to availability of contractor.

Relocate part of, and upgrade Walking Trail on

Weeroona Island

Completed

Continue the Community Assistance Grants Continued

Continue Membership with the Regional

Development Board

Continued

Provide and subsidise Rural Doctors consulting

rooms in Wilmington and Wirrabara

Provided

Provide Annual School Awards Continued

Continue membership to the Flinders Mobile

Library

Continued

Work with agencies for the continuance of the

Northern Passenger Transport Network

Continued - Funding secured for a further 2 years until

June 2020

Facilitate Annual Australia Day Awards Completed

Continue to be an active member in the Legatus

Group

Continued

Continue support for StarClub Program Continued – New Contract signed

Continue the Leases of Community and

Sporting Facilities

Continued

Continue to Encourage Growth or New

Businesses within the region

Continued

Investigate the construction of Rail Trail

between Wirrabara and Melrose along the rail

corridor.

Council was successful in a grant to conduct a

feasibility study for the Rail Trail, and obtained a

formal licence for the use of the land.

Continue to investigate a Wirrabara Cabin,

Camping and Caravan Park

3 Options investigated. On hold

Continue works to develop the Bluff Lookout Council obtained a grant to partially fund the

development of Bluff Road, Go-Kart Track and build

a lookout. Scoping completed. Awaiting DEWNR

decision (new owner of land).

Continue working with DEWNR and other

parties to progress ‘Around the Mount’ bike trail

Continued

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REGISTERS & CODES OF CONDUCT & MANDATORY POLICIES

REGISTERS

Members Register of Interest

Member Register of Allowances and Benefits

Officers Register Salaries

Officers Register of Interest

Fees and Charges

Community Land

Public Roads

By-Laws Register of Internments

Register of Internment Rights

Campaign Donation Returns

Development Applications Register

Gifts and Benefits Register

CODES

Code of Conduct for Council Members

Access to Council Meetings, Council Committees and Council Documents

Code of Conduct for Council Employees

POLICIES Annual Business Plan and Budget including the Rating Policy Building Inspection

Caretaker Policy

Complaints Process under Member’s Code of Conduct

Complaints Handling Policy and Procedure

Tender Opening and Evaluation Policy

Members Allowances and Support Policy

Council Members Training & Development Policy

Freedom of Information Procedure

Informal Gatherings Policy

Internal Financial Control Policy

Internal Review of Council Decision

Policy for the Selection of Public Place and Road Names

Order Making Policy

Prudential Policy

Public Consultation Policy Request for Services Policy and Procedures Selection of Road Names and Public Places Policy Development Assessment Panel Complaints Handling Policy Disposal of Land and Assets Policy

Fraud and Corruption Prevention Policy Protocol – Ombudsman Enquiry Procedure Risk Management Policy Records Management Policy

Safe Environment Policy

Enforcement Policy Procurement Policy Rates Remission and Hardship Policy Community Wastewater Management Scheme and Water Supply Hardship Policy Volunteer Management Policy & Procedure

Election Signs Policy

Whistleblowers Protection Policy Various Other Council Policies included in the Policy Manual Various Other Work Health & Safety Policies and Procedures

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OTHER COUNCIL DOCUMENTS

Freedom of Information Statement

Assessment Records

Voters Roll

Long Term Financial Plan

Strategic Management Plan

Asset Management Plans

Annual Business Plan and Budget

Annual Reports

Dog and Cat Management Plan

Health Plan

Better Development Plan

Roadside Vegetation Management Plan

Road RACK Plans (Rural and Urban)

CONFIDENTIALITY PROVISIONS

During the 2017/2018 financial year the Council utilised the confidentiality provisions Section 90(2) of the Local

Government Act 1999 on a total of twenty two (22) occasions, namely:

18/07/2017 - Second Hand Tipper Tender

30/08/2017 Crown Land

19/09/2017 Crown Land

21/11/2017 Confidential Report (Tender)

19/12/2017 Annual Performance Review Process

19/12/2017 Citizen of the Year Awards

19/12/2017 Road Sealing Tenders

16/01/2018 Order of Australia Report

16/01/2018 Confidential Report (Sport Event)

16/01/2018 Floodway Tender

20/02/2018 Confidential Report (Sport Event)

20/02/2018 Surplus Government Land

20/02/2018 Offer to Purchase/Lease Council Land

06/03/2018 Surplus Land

27/03/2018 CEO Annual Review

27/03/2018 Surplus Land (Council)

20/03/2018 Surplus Government Property

20/03/2018 Melrose CWMS (Tenders)

20/03/2018 Confidential Report (Sport Event)

20/03/2018 CEO Annual Review

17/04/2018 Confidential Report

17/04/2018 Renewal SA

12/06/2018 Confidential Report

Consisting of:

Section 90(3)(a) – 3 occasions

Section 90(3)(b) – 15 occasions

Section 90(3)(d) – 4 occasions

During the 2017/2018 financial year the Council made orders pursuant to Section 91(7) on the same date,

on twenty (20) of the matters listed above.

During the 2017/2018 financial year twenty three (23) orders expired, ceased to apply or were revoked.

As at 30 June 2018, seven orders only remained operative, namely:

16/05/2017 Confidential Advice

16/05/2017 Confidential Review

15/11/2016 Confidential Review Report

16/01/2018 Confidential Report (Order of Australia )

20/03/2018 Melrose CWMS (Tenders)

20/03/2018 CEO Annual Review

27/03/2018 CEO Annual Review

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COMPETITIVE TENDER ARRANGEMENTS

Council has prepared and adopted a ‘Procurement Policy’ in accordance with Section 49 of the Local

Government Act 1999. Copies of this document are available for inspection or purchase at the Council

Office during normal business hours.

COMMUNITY LAND MANAGEMENT PLANS

All land, except roads, held as at 1st January 2000 is classified as ‘community land’ unless Council resolved

to exclude it from that classification. The intention behind the legislation is that Council, in consultation with

the community, should determine which land should or should not be classified as community land. Where

the land is under the care, control and management of a Council, but is not owned by the Council, the

Council cannot resolve to exclude the land from classification as community land without the approval of the

relevant Minister.

Management Plans are required for land that is, or is to be, occupied under a lease or licence or land that has

been, or is to be, specifically modified or adapted for the benefit or enjoyment of the community. Such plans

were required to be prepared for land held as at 1st January 2000, and land acquired after 1st January 2000, as

soon as practicable after the requirement for the plan arises. A person must not use community land for a

business purpose unless the use is approved by Council. The Council cannot approve the use of community

land for a business purpose contrary to the provisions of the management plan.

Copies of the Council’s Community Land Management Plans are available for inspection or purchase at the

Council Office during normal business hours.

COUNCIL AUDITOR

Section 128(9) of the Local Government Act 1999 requires Council to disclose, as part of its Annual Report,

the remuneration payable for the annual audit. During the 2017/2018 financial year, Council’s auditors,

Galpins Accountants Auditors and Business Consultants, were paid a total of $24,860 (including GST). This

amounts were entirely in relation to the annual audit of Council’s financial statements.

REVIEW OF COUNCIL DECISIONS

Section 270 of the Local Government Act 1999 requires that Council must establish grievance procedures for

the review of decisions of the Council, employees of the Council and other persons acting on behalf of the

Council. Council has a formal Policy Document in this respect entitled “Internal Review of Council

Decisions” which is available for inspection or purchase by the public from the Council office and on

Council’s website.

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RATES

In 2017/2018 Council had a five (5) per cent increase in general rate revenue and a $14.50 increase in the

fixed charge.

PUBLIC & ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

The District Council of Mount Remarkable employs an Environmental Health Officer for health inspections,

safe water testing, a raft of regulatory functions and community health training as required throughout the

year. The compliance workload on local government has increased markedly with the introduction and

changes to various legislation such as the South Australian Public Health Act in 2011, Safe Drinking Water

Act 2011, Food Act 2001, Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 and the Environment Protection (Air

Quality) Policy 2016. Inspections of food handling and preparation premises are undertaken with the overall

aim to ensure that all such premises are operating to the required standards, along with water, legionella and

other testing regimes.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Council financially supports the Flinders Mobile Library (FML), which services 16 towns once each

fortnight. Costs are shared between the Northern Areas Council, the Port Pirie Regional Council and the

District Council of Mount Remarkable. Council had 558 borrowers registered with FML during the

2017/2018 year. FML also visits local schools in Melrose, Wilmington and Booleroo Centre.

SPORT & RECREATION

Council’s policy is to assist sporting clubs with the provision of Council reserves at a minimal lease fee with

an expectation that the club or community group maintain the facility as best they can. Council assists with

sponsor costs and in-kind support in grant application to improve sport and recreation facilities. Council has

in recent years been a strong advocate for cycling throughout the various communities.

Council jointly employs a STARCLUB Field Officer with neighboring Councils and the State Government.

The Officer provides assistance to schools, clubs and other organisations in various recreation and sport

matters.

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WASTE MANAGEMENT

Council presently operates a major landfill facility at Willowie and two smaller transfer sites at Port Germein

and Wirrabara. All former landfill facilities have been rehabilitated and closed with the exception of

Wilmington and Melrose sites which are only awaiting EPA final inspection in January 2019.

NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Council is within the Northern and Yorke Natural Resources Management Region. For more information

visit the Board’s website at www.naturalresources.sa.gov.au/northernandyorke.

COMPETITIVE NEUTRALITY

The primary objective of the ‘National Competition Policy’ is to ensure that local businesses gain an

opportunity to compete for the provision of Local Government business. Complaints must be received in

writing detailing the nature of the complaint and how they believe such activity by the Council is

disadvantaging the complainant. The complaint will be processed in accordance with Council’s Complaint

Handling Policy. Copies of this document are available for inspection or purchase at the Council Office

during normal business hours.

Council is required to include in its Annual Report, specific information related to significant business

activities, competitive neutrality, by-laws and complaints. In relation to this: Council has three significant business activities in the form of the Melrose Caravan Park, the

Melrose Post Office and the Weeroona Island Water Supply.

There has been no change in the application of competitive neutrality since the last return.

Council presently has no by-laws in force that would restrict competition, and none have been

repealed in the past 12 months.

No complaints about competitive neutrality were received during the preceding 12 months.

EEO & HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

The Council has a responsibility to all members of its community to create an employment environment

which is free of discrimination and which reflects the diversity and needs of the community it serves. The

Council is firmly committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment for all employees and

potential employees. Council acknowledges its legal obligations under The SA Equal Opportunity Act

1984, the Local Government Act 1999 and Federal Equal Opportunity laws.

As part of this Council: Ensures that recruitment, selection, promotion, transfer and training are based solely on the merit

principle

Ensures that services provided to residents will be delivered in a fair and equitable manner.

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FREEDOM OF INFORMATION (FOI) - INFORMATION SUMMARY

The District Council of Mount Remarkable publishes this Information Summary in accordance with the

requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 1991, as amended. A FOI Information Statement can be

found at Appendix A.

CERTIFICATES ISSUED

One (1) Freedom of Information application was received by Council in the 12 months to 30 June 2018.

POLICY AND ADMINISTRATIVE DOCUMENTS

The District Council of Mount Remarkable policy and administrative documents are as follows:

Ordinary Council Meeting Agendas

Ordinary Council Meeting Minutes

The Annual Business Plan and Annual Budget

Annual Financial Statements

The Annual Report

Assessment Records

Better Development Plan

Dog and Cat Management Plan

Health Plan

Long-Term Financial Plan

Asset Management Plans

Policy Manual

Work Health & Safety Manual

These documents are available for public inspection at the Council Office between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm

Monday to Friday. Members of the public may purchase copies of these documents. The documents are

also available on the Council website.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 4 of the Local Government Act 1999, Council’s Audited Financial

Statements for the financial year ending 30 June 2018 form part of this Annual Report and are included at

Appendix B.

REGIONAL SUBSIDIARIES

As at 30 June 2018, Council had two regional subsidiaries that fall within the provisions of Section 43 of the

Local Government Act 1999. These are the Central Local Government Region of SA Inc. (trading as the

Legatus Group) and the Flinders Regional Development Assessment Panel.

These regional subsidiaries produce their own individual Annual Reports. The Local Government Act 1999

provides that each constituent Council must incorporate the annual report of each regional subsidiary into its

own annual report and these are included at Appendix C.

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PROJECTED TARGETS FOR THE 2018/2019 FINANCIAL YEAR

An operating surplus of $209k has been targeted in the 2018/2019 budget. The operating surplus measures the

difference between operating revenue and expenses for the period. The Council’s long-term financial

sustainability is dependent on ensuring that, on average over time, its expenses are less than its revenue.

Council’s revenue in 2018/2019 includes $3.77M proposed to be raised from general rates and service charges.

This is based on an increase of 5%. There is little forecast growth expected for the region accordingly no

increases to rates revenue has been factored in for growth. Other sources of proposed revenue for the Council

are:

User Charges and Commercial Revenue

Statutory Charges set by State Government

Grants and subsidies

Investment Income

Other Revenue

The following proposed non-financial performance measures for the 2018/2019 financial year are linked to

Our 2020 Vision, District Council of Mount Remarkable Strategic Management Plan

2008 - 2020, namely:

Coordinate the Local Government Elections (and briefing of new Councillors)

Undertake a revaluation of all Council Assets

Continue the ongoing review of Council policies and procedures

Review Council’s Strategic Management Plan with the incoming Council following the 2018

periodic elections

Continue the Rebranding of the Council and the promotion of “Remarkable Experience”

Continue Council’s Monthly Newsletter, Facebook posts and Website updates for public

communication

Resheet 7.3 kms of category 1 unsealed roads

Resheet 24.2 kms category 2 unsealed roads

Resheet 1.2 kms category 3 unsealed roads

Partial re-sheeting (patching) of various roads

Construct and Seal roads in Melrose, Wilmington, Weeroona Island, Port Germein, Wirrabara

and Harris’ Hill

Reseal roads in Melrose, Wirrabara and Booleroo Centre

Install Floodways at Wilmington

Undertake drainage works in Wilmington and Murray Town

Upgrade the Niche Wall area at Wilmington Cemetery

Complete the Bluff Lookout at Wirrabara

Complete works to Wilmington Main Street Upgrade

Carry out footpath refurbishment in Melrose, Booleroo Centre, Wilmington, Wirrabara and

Port Germein

Continue works on the Wilmington to Melrose Rail Trail

Complete the 4 yearly CWMS desludging program

Investigate suitable Rubble Pits throughout the District for Resheeting of Roads

Continue the Community Assistance Grants

Continue Membership with the Regional Development Board

Provide and subsidise Rural Doctors consulting rooms in Wilmington and Wirrabara

Provide Annual School Awards

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Continue membership to the Flinders Mobile Library

Work with agencies for the continuance of the Northern Passenger Transport Network

Facilitate Annual Australia Day Awards

Continue to be an active member in the Legatus Group

Continue support for StarClub Program

Continue the Leases of Community and Sporting Facilities

Continue to Encourage Growth or New Businesses within the region

Continue to work with the LGA for a new CWMS scheme for Port Germein and upgrade of

the Wilmington CWMS

Continue working with DEWNR and other parties to progress ‘Around the Mount’ bike trail

concept.

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APPENDIX A

District Council of Mount Remarkable

Freedom of Information (FOI)

Information Statement

The District Council of Mount Remarkable publishes this Information Statement in accordance with the

requirements of Section 131 of the Local Government Act 1999, and Section 9 of the Freedom of

Information Act 1991.

Council is pleased to comply with the legislation and welcomes inquiries. An updated Information Statement

will be published at least once every 12 months.

1 STRUCTURE & FUNCTIONS OF THE COUNCIL

1.1 Full Council

Full Council, currently consisting of seven (7) Ward Councillors including the Mayor, is the decision

making body on all policy matters. Ordinary meetings of the full Council are held on the third

Tuesday of every month, commencing at 9.30 am in Council Chambers, 3 Stuart Street Melrose.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.

1.2 Committees & Advisory Groups

Committees and Advisory Groups have been established by Council to discuss/administer Council

and Community business. These groups meet as required, and members of the public are welcome to

attend. These Committees and Advisory Groups are:

Melrose Caravan Park Management Advisory Committee

Booleroo & District Community Airstrip Management Committee

Northern Passenger Transport Network Management Committee

Audit Committee

Flinders Regional Development Assessment Panel

Building Fire Safety Committee

Workplace Health & Safety Committee

Farmers Roads Reference Group

1.3 Agendas and Minutes

Agendas of all Ordinary Council and Committee meetings are placed on display no less than three

days prior to those meetings. Minutes of the meetings are placed on display within five days of the

meeting. Agendas and Minutes are also available for viewing on Council’s website

www.mtr.sa.gov.au .

1.4 Delegations

The Chief Executive Officer and other Officers have delegated authority from Council to make

decisions on a number of specified administrative and policy matters. These delegations are listed in

the Delegations Register and are reviewed by Council in keeping with legislative requirements:

To determine policies to be applied by Council in exercising its discretionary powers;

To determine the type, range and scope of projects to be undertaken by the Council; and

To develop comprehensive management plans, budgets, financial controls and performance

objectives and indicators for the operations of the Council.

The Council makes the strategic decisions which determine its activities and functions. Such

decisions include the approval of capital works to be undertaken and services provided, and the

resources which are to be made available to implement such works and services.

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2 SERVICES FOR THE COMMUNITY

All councils have basic responsibilities under the Act and other relevant legislation. These include:

numerous regulatory activities (increasing each year)

supporting the elected Council;

setting rates, preparing an annual business plan and budget, and determining longer-term strategic

management plans for the area;

management of basic infrastructure including roads, footpaths, public open spaces;

street lighting and storm-water drainage;

street cleaning, rubbish collection, recycling and waste management;

Development planning and control, including building safety assessment;

various environmental and public health services

Council also provides, performs or contributes to a range of additional services and programs in response

to community needs, including (but not restricted to):

Mobile Library Service Asset Management

Cemeteries Animal and Plant Control

Booleroo Centre Airstrip Walking and Riding Trails

Melrose Licensed Post Office Parking

Community Wastewater Mgt Schemes x 4 Playgrounds

Community Bus Property Searches

Community Development Public Toilets

Community Grants Opal Program

Community Engagement and Information Recreation and Sporting Facilities

Community Passenger Transport Road Construction and Maintenance

Community Halls and public venues Leases

Abandoned Vehicles StarClub Program

Council Newsletters Rural Road Signs

Customer Service Urban Street Signs

Caravan Parks Street Trees and Gardens

Dog and Cat Management Swimming Pool (Public)

Economic Development Tourist and historical sites

Fire Prevention Traffic Control

Food Act Administration Waste Management Transfer Stations

Health Act Administration Willowie Landfill Management

Safe Drinking Water Act Administration Jetty management

Safe Food Handling Training Waste Collection

DrumMuster Recycling Collection

Desludging Programs Council Website

Environmental Health Kerbing Watertable Footpaths Floodways

Litter and Nuisance Tourism information and promotion

Building Approvals Weeroona Island Water Supply

Planning Approvals Regional Development

Boat Launching Facility Coastal Protection

Tidy Towns Citizenship Ceremonies

Immunisation Medical Facility

3 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

3.1 Council Meetings

Members of the public have a number of opportunities to put forward their views on particular issues

before Council. These are:

(1) Deputations - with the permission of the Mayor, a member of the public can address the

Council or a Committee personally or on behalf of a group of residents.

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(2) Presentations to Council - with prior notification and permission of the Mayor, a member of

the public can address the Council on any issue relevant to Council.

(3) Petitions - written petitions can be addressed to the Council on any issues within the Council’s

jurisdiction.

(4) Written Requests - a member of the public can write to the Council on any Council policy,

activity or service.

(5) Council Members - members of the public can contact a Councillors to discuss any issue

relevant to Council.

3.2 Community Consultation

The District Council of Mount Remarkable regularly consults with local residents and ratepayers on

particular issues that affect their neighbourhood. Examples of such situations include:

(1) Community Information Forums- all residents and electors are eligible and encouraged to

attend meetings.

(2) Residents are notified of some Development Applications requiring the approval of Council.

When an application is publicly notified, residents have the opportunity to both write to

Council expressing their view of the application, and to subsequently personally address the

Council before a decision is made.

(3) Advertised Public Consultations seeking written submissions on a range of policies and other

matters either mandated or informing the Council of public views.

4 ACCESS TO COUNCIL DOCUMENTS

4.1 Documents Available for Inspection

There are a range of documents mandated to be available for public inspection at the Council Offices

free of charge. Members of the public may purchase copies of these documents (at the charges

indicated):

Photocopies - 1 copy $0.30 per A4 sheet

Minutes $7.50

4.2 Other Information Requests

Requests for other information not included in Clause 4.1 above will be considered in accordance

with the Freedom of Information provisions of the Local Government Act 1999.

Under this legislation, an application fee and a search fee must be forwarded with the completed

request form, unless the applicant is granted an exemption. Should the applicant require copies of

any documents inspected pursuant to a Freedom of Information request, the charges set in Clause 4.1

will apply.

Freedom of Information Request Forms should be addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer

District Council of Mount Remarkable

PO Box 94

MELROSE SA 5483

Forms are available at the Council office. Applications will be responded to as soon as possible

within the statutory thirty (30) days of Council receiving the properly completed Freedom of

Information Request Form, together with the application and search fees.

5 AMENDMENT OF COUNCIL RECORDS

A member of the public may gain access to Council documents to make amendments concerning their

personal affairs by making a request under the Local Government Act. A member of the public may then

request a correction to any information about themselves that is incomplete, incorrect, misleading or out

of date.

To gain access to these Council records, a member of the public must complete a Freedom of Information

Request Form as indicated above, outlining the records that he/she wishes to inspect.

APPENDIX B

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - District Council of Mount Remarkable

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the members of the District Council of Mount Remarkable

Opinion

We have audited the accompanying financial report of the District Council of Mount

Remarkable (the Council), which comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 June

2018, the statement of comprehensive income, statement of changes in equity and cash

flow statement for the year then ended, notes comprising a summary of significant

accounting policies and other explanatory information, and the Council Certificate of the

District Council of Mount Remarkable.

In our opinion, the accompanying financial report presents fairly, in all material aspects, the

financial position of the Council as at 30 June 2018, and its financial performance and its

cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with the Australian Accounting Standards,

Local Government Act 1999 and Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations

2011.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Our

responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s Responsibilities

for the Audit of the Financial Report section of our report. We are independent of the Council

in accordance with the ethical requirements of the Accounting Professional and Ethical

Standards Board’s APES 110 Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (the Code) that are

relevant to our audit of the financial report in Australia. We have also fulfilled our ethical

responsibilities in accordance with the Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have

obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Council’s Responsibility for the Financial Report

Council is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial report in

accordance with Australian Accounting Standards (including the Australian Accounting

Interpretations), the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial

Management) Regulations 2011 and for such internal control as Council determines is

necessary to enable the preparation of the financial report that is free from material

misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial report, Council is responsible for assessing the Council’s ability to

continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and

using the going concern basis of accounting unless Council either intends to liquidate the

Council or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so. Those charged

with governance are responsible for overseeing the Council’s financial reporting process.

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT

To the Members of the District Council of Mount Remarkable Independent Assurance report on the Internal Controls of the District Council of Mount Remarkable Opinion

We have audited the compliance of the District Council of Mount Remarkable (the Council) with

the requirements of Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal

Controls established by the Council to ensure that financial transactions relating to the receipt,

expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property and incurring of

liabilities for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 have been conducted properly and in

accordance with law.

In our opinion, the District Council of Mount Remarkable has complied, in all material respects,

with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation to Internal Controls established by

the Council in relation to the receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and

disposal of property and incurring of liabilities so as to provide reasonable assurance that the

financial transactions of the Council have been conducted properly and in accordance with law for

the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018.

Basis for Opinion

We conducted our engagement in accordance with applicable Australian Standards on Assurance

Engagements ASAE 3100 Compliance Engagements, issued by the Australian Auditing and

Assurance Standards Board, in order to state whether, in all material respects, the Council has

complied with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 in relation only to the Internal

Controls specified above for the period 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018. ASAE 3100 also requires us to

comply with the relevant ethical requirements of the Australian professional accounting bodies.

We believe that the evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for

our opinion.

The Council’s Responsibility for Internal controls The Council is responsible for implementing and maintaining an adequate system of internal

controls, in accordance with Section 125 of the Local Government Act 1999 to ensure that the

receipt, expenditure and investment of money, acquisition and disposal of property, and incurring

of liabilities have been conducted properly and in accordance with law.

Our Independence and Quality Control

We have complied with the independence and other relevant ethical requirements relating to

assurance engagements, and apply Auditing Standard ASQC 1 Quality Control for Firms that

Perform Audits and Reviews of Financial Reports and Other Financial Information, and Other

Assurance Engagements in undertaking this assurance engagement.

APPENDIX C

ANNUAL REPORT – REGIONAL SUBSIDIARIES

1

2017/2018 ANNUAL REPORT

This report was adopted at the Legatus Group Annual General Meeting of Friday 17 August 2018.

The Legatus Group Charter clause 6.3 Annual Report

6.3.1 The Legatus Group must each year, produce an Annual Report summarising the activities, achievements

and financial performance of the Legatus Group for the preceding Financial Year.

6.3.2 The Annual Report must incorporate the audited financial statements of the Legatus Group for the

relevant Financial Year.

6.3.3 The Annual Report must be provided to the Constituent Councils by 30 September each year.

The Legatus Group is a regional subsidiary of:

Adelaide Plains Council

Barunga West Council

Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council

Copper Coast Council

District Council of Mount Remarkable

District Council of Orroroo/Carrieton

District Council of Peterborough

Light Regional Council

Northern Areas Council

Port Pirie Regional Council

Regional Council of Goyder

The Barossa Council

The Flinders Ranges Council

Wakefield Regional Council

Yorke Peninsula Council

The Central Local Government Region was established in 1998 under Section 200 of the Local Government Act 1934 as

a controlling authority. It now continues in existence as a regional subsidiary of its member Councils under Part 2 of

Schedule 2 of the Local Government Act 1999 by the provisions of Section 25 of the Local Government

(Implementation) Act 1999. In 2016 the Central Local Government Region of South Australia adopted the name of

Legatus Group to which it is referred. The Legatus Group is established to:

undertake co-ordinating, advocacy and representational roles on behalf of its Constituent Councils at a regional

level

facilitate and co-ordinate activities of local government at a regional level related to community and economic

development with the object of achieving improvement for the benefit of the communities of its Constituent

Councils

develop, encourage, promote, foster and maintain consultation and co-operation and to strengthen the

representation and status of local government when dealing with other governments, private enterprise and the

community

develop further co-operation between its Constituent Councils for the benefit of the communities of the region

develop and manage policies which guide the conduct of programs and projects in the region with the objective of

securing the best outcomes for the communities of the region

undertake projects and activities that benefit the region and its communities

associate collaborate and work in conjunction with other regional local government bodies for the advancement of

matters of common interest.

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The Legatus Group is a body corporate and is governed by a Board of Management which has the responsibility to

manage all activities of the group and ensure that they act in accordance with its Charter.

Contact Details: Address: 155 Main North Road CLARE SA 5453 PO Box 419 CLARE SA 5453 Telephone: 08

88422222 Email: ceo@legatus.sa.gov.au Website: www.legatus.sa.gov.au

Legatus Group Board of Management: The Board consists of all principal members of the Constituent Councils

which for 2017/2018 were:

Council Delegate

Adelaide Plains Council Mayor Tony Flaherty

Barunga West Council Mayor Cynthia Axford

Clare & Gilbert Valleys Council Mayor Allan Aughey OAM

Copper Coast Council Mayor Paul Thomas AM

District Council of Mount Remarkable Mayor Colin Nottle

District Council of Orroroo Carrieton Chairman Kathie Bowman

District Council of Peterborough Mayor Ruth Whittle OAM

Light Regional Council Mayor Bill O’Brien

Northern Areas Council Mayor Denis Clark

Port Pirie Regional Council Mayor John Rohde

Regional Council of Goyder Mayor Peter Mattey

The Barossa Council Mayor Bob Sloane

The Flinders Ranges Council Mayor Peter Slattery

Wakefield Regional Council Mayor Rodney Reid

Yorke Peninsula Council Mayor Ray Agnew OAM

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Office Bearers for 2017/18

Chairman: Mayor Peter Mattey

Deputy Chairs: Mayor Denis Clark

Mayor Bob Sloane

Delegate to the LGA Board

representing the Central Region

of the LGA Constitution

Mayor Denis Clark

Mayor Peter Mattey

Cr Michael (Bim) Lange (Deputy Member)

South Australian Regional

Organisation of Councils

Mayor Peter Mattey

Mayor Denis Clark

Mayor Bob Sloane (Deputy Member)

Chief Executive Officer: Mr Simon Millcock

Auditor: Mr Ian G. McDonald FCA

Meetings of the Legatus Group

The following meetings of the Board of Management were held during the 2017/18 year:

Special Meeting 22 August 2017

Annual General Meeting 8 September 2017

Ordinary Meeting 8 September 2017

Ordinary Meeting 17 November 2017

Ordinary Meeting 16 February 2018

Ordinary Meeting 25 May 2018

2

There were three committees in 2017/2018

Committee Members Meeting Dates

Audit Committee Mayor Ray Agnew (Chair)

Chair Kathie Bowman

Mayor Colin Nottle

Dr Andrew Johnson (till 25/5/18)

Mr Colin Davies

Mr Peter Ackland (from 25/5/18)

10 August 2017

1 February 2018

20 April 2018

Management Group (Council

CEOs) Mr Colin Byles (Northern Areas)

(Chair)

Mr James Miller (Adelaide Plains)

Mr Martin McCarthy (Barossa)

Mr Andrew Cole (Barunga West)

Mr John Coombe replaced Mrs Helen

Macdonald (Clare & Gilbert Valleys)

Mr Peter Harder (Copper Coast)

Mr Colin Davies (Flinders Ranges)

Mr David Stevenson (Goyder)

Mr Brian Carr (Light)

Mr Wayne Hart (Mt Remarkable)

Mr Stephen Rufus replaced by Mr

Kristen Clark (Orroroo/Carrieton)

Mr Peter McGuiness (Peterborough)

Dr Andrew Johnson replaced by Mr

Peter Ackland (Pirie Regional)

Mr Jason Kuchel (Wakefield)

Mr Andrew Cameron (Yorke

Peninsula)

4 August 2017

3 November 2017

2 February 2018

5 May 2018

Road & Transport Infrastructure

Advisory Committee: Lee Wallis (Goyder)

Peter Porch (Northern Areas)

Colin Davies (Flinders Ranges)

Jo-Anne Buchanan (RDA Yorke Mid

North)

Steve Kaesler (Barossa)

Trevor Graham (Yorke Peninsula)

Martin Waddington replaced by Tom

Jones (Adelaide Plains)

Steve Watson (Clare & Gilbert

Valleys)

Mike Wilde (Department of Planning,

Transport and Infrastructure)

13 March 2018

30 April 2018

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Chairman’s Report

It has been my pleasure to serve as Chairman in 2017/18 and I would like to take this opportunity to report

on some of the highlights of the year.

We developed reports on a series of key regional state-wide issues including rubble royalties, rating equity,

coastal inundation and impacts of the NDIS on local government. These have all been progressed to the

South Australian Regional Organisation of Councils (SAROC). Legatus is seen as leader in regional SA having

gained support across the state on these topics and ensuring that local government is taking a collaborative

evidence-based approach. It is an example of how the LGA can work closely with regions in a support role.

Whilst yet to see the tangible results, the ground work undertaken has ensured that the LGA have the

material required to represent the interests of regional SA councils. I am pleased to see that they have

engaged with the new State Government to remove the rubble royalties that have been a major impost to

many councils.

This year has seen us actively involved in the issues around LGA membership fees and the LGA

constitutional changes. It should be noted that Legatus has been active in representing members; as we

raised ours concerns to both SAROC and to the LGA Board. Given the amount of time and expense for

regional councils to attend meetings in Adelaide; I was unsatisfied with the outcome in relation to

membership fees, and extremely disappointed at the limited consultation afforded to the regions.

Whilst it was disappointing to see that the Regional Procurement Business Plan was not adopted I

acknowledge that this is the current thoughts of members. This led to a review of our strategic plan and we

adopted an updated strategic plan and 3-year action plan.

The Road and Transport Infrastructure Advisory Committee developed a robust assessment of this years

SLRP funding applications, and their work on prioritising and providing feedback has resulted in just under

$2m being allocated for five projects.

The region has been proactive in supporting the challenges and changing environment though the release of

the Climate Change guide for South Australia councils, and the signing of the Sector Agreement for the

Climate Change Adaptation Plan.

Our effort to encourage and foster closer working relationships with the three Regional Development

Australia (RDA) organisations and Natural Resource Management Boards in our region; resulted in the

development of the Yorke and Mid North Regional Road Map, Yorke Regional Planning Forum and the South

Australian Regional Development Conference. The progress of the three emerging leader programs

undertaken in partnership with RDA Yorke Mid North was heartening to see and I am sure several projects

will result from these emerging leaders in our region.

Our Charter was reviewed, and there were minor amendments made, and I’m pleased that the Audit and

Risk Management Group Committee through the development of a work plan have assisted us in improving

our governance. There has been valuable feedback gained from the Legatus Group Management Group

meetings that have included a series of workshops and information sharing opportunities by and for the

CEOs.

Phase 1 of the Regional Transport Plan 2030 was completed, and this work has formed the basis of phase 2

and that is to undertake the road deficiencies report of the significant regional local road. Securing funding

for the 2-year Joint CWMS program has commenced with some positive results for the region, and I am

looking forward to following the progress of this project.

Following the State Government election, we commenced dialogue with the six State Government Members

of Parliament, and will continue to undertake greater interaction, given that two of these MPs are also

Ministers.

In closing I would like to thank everyone who has taken a proactive role in progressing the region, and thank

both Mayor Denis Clark and Mayor Bob Sloane for your roles as Deputy Chairs and your contributions at

SAROC and the LGA.

Mayor Peter Mattey Chairman Legatus Group

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CEO Report

In 2017-2018 the Legatus Group CEO undertook a more sub-regional approach to operations and support,

due to geographical size and the number of constituent councils, this approach included both geographical

and communities of interest. Along with the Legatus Group Board meetings which involved topical

presentations, the Legatus Group CEOs meet for training and networking sessions coordinated through the

Legatus Group CEO.

Meetings were held with each constituent council during the year on at least one occasion, and this took the

form of either one on one meetings with Mayor and CEO, presentations at full council meetings or

workshops with full councils.

The Legatus Group was active in consultation around the new fee structure for LGA membership, the

changes to the LGA constitution and efforts to progress a regional approach for the Murray Darling

Association. This included securing funding from the LGA to Regional LGAs for outreach and capacity

building programs to continue in 2018/2019.

The Legatus Group took a leadership role in developing state-wide approaches through working with

SAROC, constituent councils and other regional bodies including:

1. Regional LGAs:

a. Coastal Council Alliance

b. Shorebird Alliance

c. Rating Equity for Commercial and/or Industrial Land Uses Outside Towns in South

Australia

d. Socio-Economic impacts from the NDIS on regional local governments

e. Rubble Royalties

2. Regional Development Australia (RDA) Yorke Mid North:

a. 3 x Emerging Leaders Program

b. RDSA Conference

3. Yorke Mid North Alliance:

a. Yorke Mid North Regional Forum

b. Climate Change

c. Yorke Mid North Regional Roadmap

This report does not provide the detail on these reports, but copies can be found on the Legatus Group

website.

In July 2017 a Legatus Group Procurement Business Plan was developed and distributed to all constituent

councils. This resulted in the Legatus Group Special General meeting of 22 August 2017 and decision that

the Legatus Group Procurement Business Plan not progress.

A significant amount of the Legatus Group CEO’s time was taken up with planning, as there had been no

business plan developed for 2017/2018 in line with the Legatus Group Charter. Upon commencing

employment in June 2017, the Legatus Group CEO developed a draft business plan which was distributed to

all constituent councils. Following recommendation from the Audit and Risk Management Committee the

Legatus Group September meeting sought a review of this draft business plan.

The CEO was requested to undertake a review of the Legatus Group Future Directions (strategic plan). This

included a comprehensive review of the Long-Term Financial Plan, and in partnership with the Constituent

Councils to develop a 10-year Strategic Plan, including a 3-year Action Plan. The review was to include an

external facilitator for workshops with the Board and the Constituent Councils CEO’s on the future

direction of the Legatus Group.

The 2017/2018 business plan was subsequently endorsed by constituent councils and the review of the

Strategic Plan was completed. The Legatus Group endorsed a Legatus Group Strategic Plan 2018-2028 and 3-

year Action Plan July 2018 - June 2011 and the 2018/2019 budget and business plan.

The Legatus Group continues to be in a healthy financial position with the accumulated surplus and reserves

at 30 June 2018 of over $820,000. This matter was discussed by both the Audit and Risk Management

5

Committee and the Legatus Group February meetings noting that an allowance for the accumulated surplus

and reserves be set as a minimum of $480,000.

Consideration on these funds should wait upon the decisions of the LGA regarding the new constitution and

SAROC budgets for funding of Regional LGAs which is not yet clear. There may be the opportunity for

utilising some of these funds to securing funding from other sources and for projects aligned with Legatus

Group strategic directions. Due to the levels of uncertainty this was not factored into the 2018/2019

business plan for constituent council’s consideration.

All grants were acquitted, and all reporting provided.

Summary of Outcomes

Education and Training

Workshops held in various locations following consultation with Legatus Group Board, Chair, CEO’s and Officers and

included:

1. Regional Business Incubators, Enterprise Centre and Co-Working Space Workshop

2. Community Wastewater Management workshops – resulted in an allocation of $50,000 from the LGA for 2 years

for a Joint CWMS Service Arrangements and contracting of part time project officer

3. Climate Change Adaptation - resulted in launch of Climate Change guide for South Australia councils to develop

regional climate change adaptation plans

4. State Planning Commission

5. Brand SA Regional Showcase

6. Yorke and Mid North Regional Planning Day – held in Port Pirie with over 120 attendees

7. Regional Development South Australia Conference and master class on population growth – held in Kadina with

over 130 attendees

8. National Disability Insurance Scheme – resulted in $23,100 grant LGA R&D

9. State Public Health Plan – assisted with regional health plans and EOI for well being progressed by the LGA for

Community Wellbeing Alliance Trials

10. Local Government Professionals

11. Benchmarking Project, Code of Conduct and Governance Panel

12. Small Business Friendly Local Government Charter Program

13. Data gathering

14. Digital maturity local governments – resulted in LGA R&D application being developed

Board Governance and Operations

1. Review of the Legatus Strategic Plan resulting in a new Strategic Plan, 3-year action plan and long term financial

plan

2. Charter reviewed and amended

3. Annual work plan developed and adopted

4. Website updated

Local Government Leadership and Sustainability

1. Lead taken in:

a. Rubble Royalties report with recommendations to LGA Board adopted – letter sent by LGA to

Treasurer and other Ministers for exempting councils from this payment

b. Coastal Council Alliance report with recommendations to LGA Board adopted – R&D project application

developed

c. Socio-economic impacts of NDIS report with recommendations to LGA Board adopted

d. Rating Equity for Commercial and/or Industrial Land Uses Outside Towns in South Australia – secured

$21,700 from LGA R&D and Regional LGAs

2. Meetings held with 5 of the 6 Local State MP’s after the 2018 State Govt Election

6

3. Signed and implemented Sector Agreement for the Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Yorke & Mid North

Region including employing a project officer

4. Formal alliance with RDA Yorke and Mid North and Northern and Yorke NRM and informal working partnerships

with RDA Far North and RDA Barossa, Light, Gawler and Adelaide Plains

5. Supported the LGA with the Emergency Management Planning funding allocation and expressed interest in hosting

a regional emergency management officer – result workshops being held for council ready workshops

6. Supported the LGA for a regional wellbeing officer and expressed interest in hosting a regional wellbeing officer –

resulted in EOI’s being sought from LGA for Community Wellbeing Alliance Trials

7. Supported the development of a State-wide Shorebird Alliance including Terms of Reference

8. Developed a Regional Procurement Business Plan which ultimately was not adopted

Regional and Community Sustainability

1. Development and release of the Yorke and Mid North Regional Plan as a collaboration with RDA Yorke Mid

North and Northern and Yorke NRM

2. Delivered in partnership with DSD and RDA YMN 3 Emerging Leadership programs – result over 50 participants

and the development of a Legatus Group LGA R&D grant application for a Youth Volunteering project

3. Finalised phase 1 of the Legatus Group Regional Transport Plan and commenced on phase 2

4. Undertook prioritising of the SLRP for the Legatus Group region – securing just under $2m for 5 of the 9 projects

5. Managed the inundation mapping project with the Yorke Peninsula and Barunga West Councils

6. Developed regional Legatus Group – community, transport, wastewater and climate change committees or

working groups

7. Release of the regional climate change action plan and the development of an implementation plan

8. Working partnerships have been formed with:

a. Yorke Mid North Disability Workforce Hub – resulted in the development of a regional forum

b. Mid North Knowledge Partnership (Flinders University and Charles Darwin University) – resulted in MoU

being progressed

c. Country Health SA PHN

Benefits to constituent councils:

Identify training needs for the Legatus Region Constituent Councils.

Regional collaboration and priority setting and sharing of knowledge and resources in the areas

outlined above.

Delivery of regional strategic and business plans and annual work plans.

Operate Legatus Group in accordance with legislative requirements and board policies and

procedures.

Well regarded by members and stakeholders as valid and relevant through regional collaboration

and undertaking or supporting actions on identified priorities.

Identify regional priorities through collaboration with members and stakeholders and develop

agreed actions and/or support.

Advocate with a single and united voice and in partnership with other Regional LGA’s.

Fostering of economic, environmental and social sustainability through pro-active, innovative,

efficient and collaborative approaches to priority issues.

Benefits across the local government sector:

Assistance with coordinating workshops and consultation sessions and improved regional delivery of

LGA services.

Identified and aided with regional and longer-term outcomes for Constituent Councils.

Facilitates stronger regional collaboration on projects and areas for sharing of knowledge and

services.

Being able to undertake research projects on the needs specific to regional councils.

7

Observation:

There is still a need for continued regional collaboration support and a recognition that the Regional LGAs

can assist the LGA on regional issues. This will help reduce the perceptions of the LGA being too Greater

Adelaide focussed, which appears to be slowly reduced by having informed and data driven understandings

on regional issues.

There could be greater use of the Legatus Group CEO as a resource and use of skill sets including that of

other regional LGA EO’s across the various regional partnerships.

It is noted the complexity of gaining consensus from the constituent councils is that it is a time-consuming

process and that there is desire to progress with sub-regional programs and projects, whilst being able to

allow the full 15 constituent councils to be united voice and advocate.

Simon Millcock CEO Legatus Group

The Legatus Group Audit and Risk Committee summary of activities undertaken, and

recommendations made during 2017-2018.

The committee met on 3 occasions during 2017-2018 with the following attendance:

Date No of Members

Attending

10-Aug-17 5

1-Feb-18 4

20-Apr-18 3

Committee Member No of Meetings

Attended

Mayor Ray Agnew 2

Chairman Kathie Bowman 3

Mayor Colin Nottle 3

Colin Davies 3

Andrew Johnson

1

(following resignation as CEO Port

Pirie Council)

8

The following table sets out the principal issues addressed by the Committee for 2017-18 year:

Principal Issues Examined Recommendations to Legatus Group

Financial Report 2016-2017 No issues, unqualified audit, adopt

Review of budget against actuals

Noted the need for Legatus Group to endorse

2016-2017 adopted budget against actuals for annual

financial report

Review of work plan, internal controls Work planned developed

Charter Variations to charter noted, recommended and

adopted

Strategic Plan Requested a review including of long term financial

plan undertaken with recommendations for adoption

Budget

Noted the development of 2017-2018 budget did

not comply with charter and ensured that 2018-

2019 did

Mayor Ray Agnew Chairman Legatus Group Audit and Risk Management Committee

Annual Financial Report

The Legatus Group Annual General Meeting adopted the attached audited Legatus Group annual financial

report statement for the year ending 30 June 2018.

tements 2017-2018.pdf

CENTRAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT

REGION of SA

trading as

LECATUS GROUP

Annual Financial

Statements

For the financial year

July 1st 2017 - June 30th 2018

Page 1

Ian G McDonald FCA

www.creativeauditing.com.au

Ian 0419 620 906 PO Box 75, Henley Beach SA 5022 Nancy 0408 832 848 ianmcdonald@creativeauditing.org ABN 13 550 494 869 nancytran@creativeauditing.org

Legatus Group Independent Auditor’s Report

We have audited the attached financial statements, being a general purpose financial report, of Legatus Group, for the year ended 30 June 2018. Opinion In our opinion, the financial statements of the Authority are properly drawn up:

a) to present fairly the financial position of the Authority as at the 30 June 2018 and the results of its operations for the period then ended, and;

b) according to Australian Accounting Standards. Basis for Opinion For the audit of the Authority we have maintained our independence in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements of APES 110 Section 290. We believe that the audit evidence that we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. Other Information – Basis of Accounting and Restriction on Distribution Without modifying our opinion, we draw attention to Note 1 to the financial report, which describes the basis of accounting. The financial report is prepared to assist the authority to meet the requirements of Local Government Act 1999 together with the Local Government (Financial Management Regulations 2011. As a result, the financial report may not be suitable for another purpose. Our report is intended solely for the members. Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Report The Board of Management is responsible for the preparation of the financial report in accordance with Local Government Act 1999 together with the Local Government (Financial Management Regulations 2011 and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of a financial report that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. Auditor’s Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Report Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial report based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with Australian Auditing Standards. Those standards require that we comply with relevant ethical requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the schedule is free from material misstatement. An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial report. The procedures selected depend on the auditor's judgment, including the assessment of the risks of material misstatement in the financial report, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor considers internal control relevant to the association's preparation of the financial report in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the association's internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial report. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion. Ian G McDonald FCA Registered Company Auditor Dated at Grange this 8th day of August 2018

Legatus Group

ANNUAL FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 June 2018

STATEMENT BY AUDITOR

I confirm that, for the audit of the financial statements of the Legatus Group for the year ended 30 June 2018, I have maintained my independence in accordance with the requirements of APES 110 – Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants, Section 290, published by the Accounting Professional and Ethical Standards Board, in accordance with the Local Government Act 1999 and the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011 made under that Act.

This statement is prepared in accordance with the requirements of Regulation 22 (5) Local Government (Financial Management) Regulations 2011.

Ian G McDonald FCA

Dated this 24 day of July 2018

FLINDERS REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT PANEL

ANNUAL REPORT

For the Financial Year ending 30 June 2018 The Terms of Reference for the Flinders Regional Development Assessment Panel (“the Panel”) requires that the Panel, through the Public Officer, to report in writing to the Constituent Councils on an annual basis, detailing:

The level of attendance of Panel Members at Panel Meetings;

The Panel’s activity and performance in making decisions; and

Comment on or an analysis of policy or process that are relevant to the Panel’s assessment functions and suggesting improvements.

During the course of the financial year ending 30 June 2018, there were nil (0) applications referred to the Panel, and the Panel did not meet on any occasion.

As required, the following tables summarise the level of attendance of Panel Members at meetings and the activity and performance of the Panel in decision making.

Panel Member Attendance

Mem

ber

Meetings

Eligible to

Attend

Present

Apology

Absent

without

Apology

Ms. Shanti Ditter 0 0 0 0

Cr. Vicki Morley (DCMR) 0 0 0 0

Mr. John Brak 0 0 0 0

Panel Activity - Applications

Constituent Council

Referred

to Panel

Approved

Refused

Appealed

Withdrawn

by

Applicant

Deferred

The Flinders Ranges Council 0 0 0 0 0 0

District Council of

Mount Remarkable 0 0 0 0 0 0

District Council of

Orroroo Carrieton 0 0 0 0 0 0

District Council of

Peterborough

0 0 0 0 0 0

Totals 0 0 0 0 0 0

Wayne Hart Public Officer and Assessment Manager

Flinders Shared Services - Professional Service Delivery for our Rural Communities