ANNUAL REPORT
strong, efficient and responsive local government...
NORTHERNTERRITORYNORTHERNTERRITORY
GOVERNMENTGOVERNMENTLOCAL
THETHEASSOCIATION OF
2003 - 2004
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Official publication of the Local Government Association of the Northern Territory ©
About this Report 1
About the Association 2
Vision, Mission, Core Values and Goals 3
Membership 2003 – 2004 4 & 5
Local Governing Bodies in the Northern Territory 6
Executive Committee Members 7
Executive Profiles 8 & 9
Staff 10 & 11
Organisational Structure 12
Service Providers & Sponsors 13
President’s Report on Behalf of the Executive 14 - 23
Chief Executive Officers Report 24
Strategic Plan Achievements 2003/2004 25 - 41
Financial Statements for the Year Ended 30 June 2004 42
Independent Audit Report to the Members of the Local
Government Association of the Northern Territory
43
Statement of Financial Position as at 30 June 2004 44
Statement of Income and Expenditure for the Year Ended 30
June 2004
45 - 49
Statement of Cash Flows for the Year Ended 30 June 2004 50
Notes to, and Forming Part of, the Financial Statements for
the Year Ended 30 June 2004
51 - 55
Local Government Association of the Northern Territory
2003/2004 Actual Versus Budget to 30 June 2004
56
Pie Chart – Breakup of Total Actual Expenditure for the
2003/2004 Financial Year
57
Pie Chart – Breakup of Total Actual Income Received for the
2003/2004 Financial Year
57
Pie Chart – Source of Funding for the 2003/2004 Financial
Year
58
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
1
Members of the Association This report is the 13th Annual Report of the Local Government Association of the
Northern Territory and it is for the financial year 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.
This report is primarily for members of the Association but it also serves as
information for other persons and bodies that have an interest in the affairs of the
Association. The report details the financial position and performance of the
Association for the financial year, as well as background material on local
government in the Northern Territory, the Association’s membership, directions and
achievements during the year.
Clause 10 of the Association’s Constitution requires this report to be part of the
agenda for the Annual General Meeting. This meeting will be held in the function
room of the Darwin City Council on Thursday 14 October 2004.
If anyone has any queries about the report they can contact the Association. Contact
details are as follows:
Telephone: (08) 8936 2888
Facsimile: (08) 8941 2665
Fran Kilgariff
PRESIDENT
July 2004
2
The Local Government Association of the Northern Territory (the Association) was
first incorporated in 1992 as the single peak body representing local government in
the Northern Territory. The Association is established as an incorporated body by
section 224 of the Local Government Act of the Northern Territory.
Membership of the Association is voluntary and open to all local governing bodies
eligible to receive Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants. These are grants
paid to local governments throughout Australia. LGANT is also able to admit
associate members under Clause 6.4 of its constitution. During 2003 – 2004 the
Association did not have any associate members.
The office of the Association is housed on the first floor of the CML Building, 59
Smith Street, Darwin.
The Association provides a wide range of services of benefit to councils in the
Northern Territory, the details of which are included in this report.
The Executive and staff reviewed the Association’s strategic plan in February 2004
and this report includes feedback on achievements against the plan.
The Association, along with other State Local Government Associations and the
Government of the Australian Capital Territory form the Australian Local
Government Association.
The Association is a member-driven organisation. All policies and actions taken are
circulated to members on a regular basis largely by email (‘This Week at LGANT’) or
through the dissemination of Executive Committee minutes. Between meetings the
eight (8) person Association Executive elected by members has power to make
decisions.
The Chief Executive Officer has delegated authority for staff matters and reports
through the Executive and also general and regional meetings. A policy manual has
been prepared and is regularly updated.
The Association has chosen not to invest in property or significant assets and has no
loans outstanding.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
3
Vision
Our vision is for constitutional recognition of local government with jurisdiction over
the entire land mass of the Northern Territory and providing efficient, effective and a
sustainable range of agreed services for the entire population.
Mission
To provide a voice for, and services of benefit to, member councils and to facilitate
the development of strong, efficient and responsive Local Government in the
Northern Territory in partnerships with other spheres of government.
Core Values
To achieve the mission and vision identified, the guiding principle of the Association
is to be responsive to the needs of its members and, in doing so, the broad values to
be applied shall be:
Professionalism
Innovative
Transparency
Progressive
Honesty
Open Minded
Accountability Consultative
Goals
The Association’s goals are in its strategic plan. They are:
to develop and maintain strong, efficient and responsive local government in the Northern Territory
to effectively advocate for and represent member councils to promote communication amongst our members and between our members
and the community
assist members to deliver more responsive local government ensure the effective and efficient management of the Association’s resources
and services
pursue an equitable distribution of all forms of funding to local government.
4
There are 63 local governing bodies in the Northern Territory which were eligible to
join the Association as full members. Three councils were not financial for the
2003/2004 year.
Financial Members as at 30 June 2004:
Aherrenge Association Inc
Ali Curung Council Association Inc
Alice Springs Town Council
Alpurrurulam Community Government Council
Angurugu Community Government Council
Anmatjere Community Government Council
Aputula Housing Association
Areyonga Community Inc
Arltarlpilta Community Government Council
Belyuen Community Government Council
Binjari Community Government Council
Borroloola Community Government Council
Coomalie Community Government Council
Cox Peninsula Community Government Council
Daguragu Community Government Council
Darwin City Council
Elliott District Community Government Council
Galiwinku Community Inc
Gapuwiyak Community Inc
Imanpa Community Inc
Jabiru Town Council
Jilkminggan Community Government Council
Katherine Town Council
Kunbarllanjnja Community Government Council
Lajamanu Community Government Council
Litchfield Shire Council
Ltyentye Apurte Community Government Council
Maningrida Council Inc
Marngarr Community Government Council
Mataranka Community Government Council
Milingimbi Community Inc
Milyakburra Community Council
Minjilang Community Inc
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
5
Nauiyu Nambiyu Community Government Council
Nganmarriyanga Inc Council
Ntaria Council
Numbulwar Numburindi Community Government Council
Nyirranggulung Mardrulk Ngadberre Regional Executive Council
Nyirripi Community Inc
Palmerston City Council
Papunya Community Council
Peppimenarti Community Council
Pine Creek Community Government Council
Ramingining Community Council Inc
Tapatjatjaka Community Government Council
Tennant Creek Town Council
Thamarrurr Community Government Council
Timber Creek Community Government Council
Tiwi Islands Local Government
Umbakumba Community Council Inc
Urapuntja Council Aboriginal Corp
Walangeri Ngumpinku Community Government Council
Wallace Rockhole Community Government Council
Walungurru Council Inc
Warruwi Community Inc
Watiyawanu Community Government Council
Yirrkala Dhanbul Community Association Inc
Yuelamu Community Inc
Yuendumu Community Government Council
Yugul Mangi Community Government Council
Number of Local Governing Bodies in the Northern Territory as at 30 June 2003
Municipalities 6 Community Government Councils 30 Incorporated Associations 26 Special Purposed Towns 1 TOTAL 63
6
Local Governing Bodies in the Northern Territory
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
7
Clause 13.4 of the Constitution requires the Association’s Executive to be made up of
eight (8) members. Seven members are elected and one is appointed by the Darwin
City Council. Three members are elected and, along with one appointed member,
make up the representation from municipal councils and one special purpose town.
The other four members are elected from community government and association
councils.
As at 30 June 2004 the Executive consisted of the following members:
President Mayor Fran Kilgariff
Alice Springs Town Council (from June 2004)
Vice President Councillor Gibson Farmer
Tiwi Islands Local Government
Executive Members Alderman Kerry Moir
Darwin City Council
President Ray Wooldridge
Pine Creek Community Government Council
Councillor Vic Stow
Cox Peninsula Community Government Council
Councillor Peter Gunner
Urapuntja Council Aboriginal Corp.
Two positions were vacant.
Profiles of Executive members appear on pages 8 and 9 of this report.
The following members of the Executive vacated their positions during the year:
Councillor John Ingram
Coomalie Community Government Council
Executive Member to February 2004
Mayor Jim Forscutt
Katherine Town Council
Executive Member to May 2004
Alderman Cecil Black
Darwin City Council
LGANT President to May 2004
8
Mayor Fran Kilgariff
President of the Association’s Executive Committee
Fran was an Alderman on the Alice Springs Town Council for six
years before becoming Mayor in 2000. Fran was re-elected as
Mayor in May 2004. Fran was chair of several of Council’s
committees as well as being Deputy Mayor from 1999 to 2000.
Currently as a full time Mayor, Fran represents Council on many
committees and is heavily involved in the Alice Springs community.
Fran is also a member of the Northern Territory Local Government
Grants Commission.
Councillor Gibson Farmer
Vice-President of the Association’s Executive Committee
Gibson was a past President of the Milikapiti Community Government
Council. Gibson is now in his first term as an elected member of the
Tiwi Islands Local Government.
Gibson was Deputy Chair of the Tiwi Health Board from 1999 – 2000.
He has over thirteen years work experience and training in various
positions within the Department of Conservation and four years
constructing and repairing houses at Milikapiti and other communities.
Gibson lives at Milikapiti with his wife and family and enjoys hunting and fishing on
the traditional lands of the Tiwi people.
He ran with the Olympic flame at Nguiu in June 2000 and enjoyed the experience. He
is widely known and respected in the Tiwi Islands and the Darwin area.
President Ray Wooldridge
Ray served for two and a half years as a councillor with the Pine
Creek Community Government Council and is currently in his
second term as President. Ray has served on the Association’s
Executive since 2002. Ray is a chartered Chemist and principal of
North Australian Laboratories Pty Ltd in Pine Creek
.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
9
Alderman Kerry Moir
Kerry has been elected to serve on the Darwin City Council for 4 terms. In that time
Kerry has been Deputy Lord Mayor as well as Chairman of the Corporate Services
Committee.
Kerry has served on many committees including: Corporate and
Economic Development; Town Planning; Sister Cities Management;
Anchorage Community; CBD Car Parking Advisory; Disability
Advisory; Japan Sister City; Development Consent Authority NT;
Local Government Association of the NT; NT Settlement Planning and
Coconut Grove/Nightcliff Land Use Objectives.
Kerry is a strong supporter of local government because it is the closest to the
people it represents and can serve to persuade the Territory and Federal
governments to act in the interests of the community.
Councillor Vic Stow
Vic was elected to the Cox Peninsula Community Government
Council on 11 September 1999 at a bi-election following the
resignation of two council members. He has since been re-
elected to Council in the June 2001 and June 2004 elections.
Vic currently serves as the Council’s delegate on a number of local community
committees involving youth, school children, health and community sporting groups
and he is the current Chairman of the Cox Finnis Crime Preventative Committee.
Vic was elected to the Executive in May 2003.
Councillor Peter Gunner
Peter has been a member of the Urapuntja Council since 1990 and has
served as the Chairman for eleven years. During this time Peter also
served as the ATSIC Regional Councillor.
Peter has been a strong supporter of the Association during his time
on Council and is a regular attendee at General Meetings.
10
The Association employs a Chief Executive Officer, four divisional managers and 20
other professional staff as indicated in the organisational structure diagram on page
12.
In addition, there are consulting arrangements for the delivery of some services and
an affiliation agreement for the provision of the employee relation service to
members.
Tony Tapsell
Chief Executive Officer
Tony has been working in the Northern Territory since 1972 having served
in a range of fields, finance and senior manager position with the
Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments. Tony was the Chief
Executive Officer of Jabiru Town Council from 1993 – 2001. He was joint
Chief Executive Officer for the Jabiru and Kunbarllanjnja Councils from
1999 – 2001. Tony holds qualifications in Aboriginal Affairs, Accounting,
Local Government, Information Systems and Urban and Regional Planning.
Jill Hunt
Manger Human Resource Support & Development
Jill came to the Territory in 1997 and has worked in local government in two States
for over 20 years. Jill worked eight years for the Local Government
Association of South Australia with the latter couple of years being in the
industrial relations area and in particular assisting councils with
enterprise bargaining agreements and undertaking organisational reviews.
Jill worked for four years as the Human Resource Manager for Darwin
City Council.
Currently working for the Association, Jill’s responsibility is to supply human
resource support and development to all the councils in the Territory.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
11
Louise Fuller
Programs & IT Manager
Louise came to Darwin in 1985 with a background in sales and
marketing to work in the building industry. This expertise was then
linked with community group environmental project work when she
was appointed as Executive Director of the Keep Australia Beautiful
Council of the Northern Territory. Following the arrival of the first
of her 2 children, Louise accepted an invitation to join the Board of
KAB and has remained a Board Member for in excess of 12 years.
Her long term interest in environmental issues and knowledge of the Territory has
enhanced her ability to link Commonwealth policies to remote conditions and
resources of local government, and to develop networks to benefit stakeholders in
the NT. In 2001 Louise was appointed to also manage the Association’s information
technology projects.
Phil Maynard
Manager Information Services
Phil came to the Territory in 1955 and was educated at Darwin Primary
and Darwin High School. From 1967 to 1992 Phil travelled the
Territory as a surveyor with the Commonwealth and later the Northern
Territory Government. In 1992 Phil worked for a short stint as
Community Liaison Officer with the Katherine Town Council which gave
him a taste of local government. He then worked as a Field Officer with
the Department of Local Government in Katherine until July 1995 when he joined the
Association to fill the position of Aboriginal Policy Officer.
Peter McLinden
Manager Transport & Infrastructure
Peter has had 20 years experience working in local government in
Northern Australia. He has worked for the Nguiu Council, Bathurst
Island and Port Keats before being recruited to the Association from
the Christmas Island Shire Council, eight years ago. Peter’s
responsibilities at the Association are to lobby for funds and assist
members with issues relating to transport and infrastructure.
Peter is married with three children and lives on a rural block in Howard Springs.
12
As at 30 June 2004
Personal AssistantEve Chaloupka
CONSULTANTS
Manager InformationServices
Phil Maynard
Manager Transport &
InfrastructurePeter McLinden
Manager Programs and IT
Louise Fuller
Manager HR Support & Development
Jill Hunt
NTN ProjectConvergence
IR/TrainingWorkplace Solutions
NT ArchiveProject
Perry Morrison
Accounting & Payroll
Maree McLinden
Project Manager NT Connect
Juli Ann Menzies
Education, Training & Support
Debbie Curran
Executive AssistantSheridan Barnes
HR OfficerLeanne Rigby
CONSULTANTS
CONSULTANTS
CONSULTANTS
Network Desktop Support
Amanda CousinsJosh KraghtSanjay Muir
Finance OfficersAnnie Rees
Frank CampbellGeorgina SlessarMichelle BanksNarelle TaylorSimone CutlerStuart Rhee
AccountantsDean Tipping
Ray McDermottSusan McKenzie
Information ResearchOfficer
John Malley
WebmasterVenjie Diola
LGANT Member Councils
LGANT Executive Committee
Chief Executive OfficerTony Tapsell
Appoint
General MeetingsAnnual General Meeting
Special Meetings
Elect
Nominate delegates to
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
13
Auditor
Kevin Blacker & Associates
PO Box 38170
WINNELLIE NT 0821
Bankers
Westpac Bank
Smith Street
DARWIN NT 0800
Insurance
Jardine Lloyd Thomson
PO Box 2321
FORTITUDE VALLEY BC QLD
4006
Association Sponsors
The Association offers thanks and acknowledges the assistance provided to it
by its four major sponsors in the 2003/2004 year.
14
Dear Members,
As your President I welcome the opportunity to report on the Association's principal
activities during the 2003/2004 financial year.
Before alerting you to some of the major achievements the Association has
undertaken for the financial year, I would like to pay tribute to the work of Alderman
Cecil Black and Mayor Jim Forscutt. Cecil was your President until 31 May 2004
when he was declared unsuccessful in the Darwin City Council elections and Jim
decided not to seek election for the Katherine Town Council. Both served on the
Association's Executive until the above date.
Cecil and Jim have given significant contributions to local government. Altogether
they have served more than 40 years which is testament to their commitment and
resilience. There would be few who could match these efforts. On behalf of all
members I wish them all the very best for the future.
The Executive decided not to fill the above two vacant positions due to the closeness
of the next elections in October 2004. The Association's constitution requires that
vacancies on the Executive be filled at a General Meeting of the Association. As the
Association only holds two such meetings during the year and one month’s notice is
required in any case, the Association decided to leave the positions vacant until the
October 2004 elections.
At the April 2004 General Meeting in Alice Springs the Association elected Chairman
Peter Gunner, Urapuntja Council Aboriginal Corporation, to fill the position left
vacant by the resignation of Councillor John Ingram of Coomalie Community
Government Council in February 2004.
In many ways the 2003-2004 financial year was a milestone for the Association in
terms of achievements. During the year the Association delivered services to its
members in ways that exceeded previous years’ efforts. This was particularly so
with information and communications technology services and human resource
management and training.
The following pages contain some of the highlights for the year.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
15
Continued
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY
Using funds provided under the Commonwealth’s Networking the Nation program, the Association has:
• provided broadband infrastructure involving satellite or ISDN connections to 47 councils
• deployment of local information technology infrastructure in the form of personal computers and server network hardware to 47 councils
• developed Web page services for 37 councils (with 20 others in varying stages of development)
• provided a common business system (IT Vision) to support financial management in the Councils of Tiwi Islands, Cox Peninsula, Jabiru,
Urapuntja, Galiwinku, Mataranka, Pine Creek, Borroloola, Tennant Creek,
Alpurrurulam and Timber Creek including essential training and the use of
a centralised server in Darwin
• provided a customer service ‘helpdesk’ to support infrastructure, Web services and business systems (56 employees trained)
• provided information technology training in Email, Internet and Internet banking applications for 20 councils and communities (I’ve Got Email
Program)
• managed network services to full production mode handling 3000 emails per day for over 650 users.
Using funds provided by the Northern Territory Government the Association has:
• established community digital archives for the purpose of preserving and recording local community histories and cultures for the Councils of
Thamarrurr, Milingimbi, Elliot, Pine Creek, Borroloola, Anmatjere,
Arltarlpilta, Yirrkala, Ramininging and Pirlangimpi Councils.
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND SUPPORT
Using funds from member subscriptions, user charges and a grant provided by the
Northern Territory Department of Community Development, Sport and Cultural
Affairs, the Association provided human resource management and support services
and organised industrial relations services for member councils.
• provided recruitment services (including advertising, position descriptions, acknowledgements, recommendations, interview panel, interview
questions, reference checks, negotiations, notifying unsuccessful
candidates, drafting contracts) for 82 council positions
• carried out probationary assessments and performance appraisals for ten Chief Executive Officers of councils
16
Continued
• provided 311 contacts to councils over a range of industrial relations issues through the Western Australian Local Government Association (on
behalf of this Association)
• provided human resource management services (including organisational reviews, position descriptions and selection criteria, employment
contracts, Australian Workplace Agreements, performance management
and employee relations advice) to councils that do not employ personnel
with this expertise.
ROADS PROJECTS
• Assisted councils to project manage their Commonwealth Roads to Recovery Programs.
• Expended $590,000 of Commonwealth financial assistance grants on maintenance of the 2,172 km of roads the Association is responsible for.
• Expended $247,672 under the Commonweath Roads to Recovery Program on roads in the Borroloola, Katherine and Tennant Creek regions.
• Represented councils on the Northern Territory Road Safety Black Spot Committee of which five submissions were successful to the value of
$193,000.
ELECTED MEMBER AND STAFF TRAINING
Using funds from user charges and a grant provided by the Northern Territory
Department of Community Development, Sport and Cultural Affairs, the Association
organised elected member and staff training for member councils.
• 40 participants attended a workshop on ‘performance appraisals for CEOs’
• 150 participants attended 14 courses run by the Western Australian Local Government Association in a range of competency areas including:
letters and report writing in local government (twice) strategic planning policy development preparing agendas and minutes in local government (three times) change management (twice) customer service and complaints handling teamwork, communication and conflict getting started –newly elected members (twice) project management
• 30 participants attended a course on ‘dealing with the media’ in April 2004
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
17
Continued
• induction courses for persons considering nominating for the May 2004 municipal council elections were held in Darwin, Palmerston, Litchfield,
Katherine, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs (twice) during March 2004
• developed material for a one-day, on-site course on ‘elected member – your role’ and since December 2003 delivered the course for 110 participants incorporating learning outcomes to do with:
elected government in Australia roles and responsibilities of elected members and staff a code of conduct for elected members and staff how to work out conflicts of interest (utilising the video for some
courses ‘In Whose Best Interest’ from the NSW Independent
Commission Against Corruption on recommendation of the NT
Ombudsman)
and
why meetings are important.
• courses were held for the Yuendumu, Walungurru, Marngarr, Yirrkala, Angurugu, Milingimbi, Gapuwiyak, Umbakumba, Tiwi, Jabiru, Binjari,
Jilkminggan, Yugal Mangi, Daguragu and Lajamanu Councils.
MEETINGS AND NETWORKING
The Association uses meetings to action issues of relevance to member councils as
well as providing them with opportunities for networking. The most prominent
meetings the Association either facilitated, or participated in, are listed below.
• Attended all four Executive meetings of the Australian Local Government Association with outcomes to do with budget, corporate
strategy, National General Assembly, policy, as well as national agenda
to do with a host of matters including cost-shifting and Roads to Recovery
• attended the Federal Minister for Local Government’s ‘Roundtable’ meeting in Canberra in April 2004 with ALGA representatives and State
Local Government Ministers and delegates which resulted, amongst
other things, in the cost-shifting inquiry moving forward
• held monthly Executive meetings dealing with a full agenda of issues relevant to member councils and the Association, with minutes
circulated to members by email
• held general meetings in Darwin in October 2003 (90 delegates from 34 councils) and in Alice Springs in April 2004 (84 delegates from 28
18
Continued
councils) which included conference elements and resolutions on a wide
range of agenda items with minutes circulated to members
• held a regional meeting in Alice Springs in September 2003 (24 delegates from 11 councils) with outcomes recommended to the
Executive
• held two meetings of municipal councils, one in August 2003 at Darwin City Council and one in February 2004 at Litchfield Shire Council with
minutes circulated to members and outcomes recommended to the
Executive.
• met with the Minister for Local Government, the Hon John Ah Kit, MLA at Parliament House in May 2004 and discussed library funding,
partnership agreement and the review of the Local Government Act.
• met with Treasurer, the Hon Sid Stirling MLA, at Parliament House in April 2004 and discussed payment of rates and charges by
PowerWater.
REPRESENTATION AND ADVOCACY
The Association is represented in various forums in order to work on matters that
impact on local government activities. Highlights from the work of committees are
listed below. The Association also puts formal submissions to other spheres of
government. Matters dealt with by Association through committees and advocacy
work (with outcomes included in the agendas for meetings), include:
Transport and Infrastructure
• NT Transport Plan – submission completed September 2003. • Hosted workshop on Housing Management Systems and scoped council
system requirements – submission completed (IHANT) November 2003.
• Certificates of Occupancy – submission completed November 2003. • 50 Km Default Speed Limit – submission completed November 2003. • Roads of Regional Significance – survey completed June 2004.
Representation - Committees
Swimming Pool Grants Program Committee – met to plan for the construction
of swimming pools in remote areas.
Local Roads Committee – contributed to the organising of the 2004 National
Local Roads Congress.
Road Safety Council – met to plan road safety measures to reduce road toll.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
19
Continued
Environment
• Natural Resource Management Facilitator – submission completed May 2004.
• Review of Landcare – submission completed July 2003. • Environment Protection Objective – submission completed August 2003. • Waste Oil Management Strategy – submission completed September
2003.
• Native Animal Pests – submission completed March 2004.
Representation - Committees
Landcare – met to plan for natural resource management.
Legislation
• Container Deposit legislation – submission completed August 2003. • Amendments to the Local Government Act – submissions completed
October and December 2003.
• Review of Swimming Pool Fencing Act – submission completed January 2004.
Local Government Finances
• Community benefit fund – submission completed September 2003. • Member subscriptions – survey completed November 2003. • Public Benevolent Institution status – submission completed March
2004.
• Tax preferred entities – submission completed May 2004. • Review of National Competition Payments – submission completed June
2004.
Representation - Committees
Australian Local Government Association - met to advance recommendations
from the Federal Government’s cost-shifting inquiry.
Local Government Grants Commission – met to recommend grant allocations.
20
Continued
Information Technology
• National Local Government Community Services Conference – Digital Archives – presentation given at Townsville in July 2003.
• Business systems proposal for remote Indigenous Queensland councils – submission completed October 2003.
• IT Vision Users Conference –NT Connect Project – presentation given at Perth in March 2004.
• Telecommunications infrastructure upgrade between Wadeye and Daly River – submission completed May 2003.
Representation
Local Government Online Service Delivery Advisory Committee - met with
key outcome being information exchange of project materials between ALGA
and State/Territory Local Government Associations.
Governance
• Associate membership of the Association – survey completed November 2003.
• Indigenous Governance Conference - presentation Learning from Local Government Reform – Lessons from Interstate Jurisdictions – presentation given at Jabiru in November 2003.
• Draft partnership with Northern Territory Government – submission completed December 2003.
• Appointment to NT Grants Commission – submissions completed October 2003 and March 2004.
Representation
Top End Rural Region Steering Group - arranged for dissemination of
discussion paper on proposed boundary changes for Nauiyu Nambiyu, Pine
Creek and Coomalie Councils.
Employment
• Indigenous Employment Forum – Indigenous Employment in Local Government – presentation given at Darwin in September 2003.
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND POLICIES
The Association disseminates information to its members through a number of
mechanisms including email and Web pages. The Association also reviews policies
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
21
Continued
regularly at General and Executive Meetings. The Association’s main information
products, and policies reviewed and approved during the year, are as follows:
Information Products
1. This Week at LGANT – weekly email service to member councils and other interested parties which includes information of relevance to local government
in the Northern Territory.
2. So you want to be on Council? – publication prepared for prospective candidates for local government elections.
3. 2004 Directory of Local Governing bodies- provides contact and representation details for all 63 local governing bodies in the Northern
Territory.
4. Local Government Association of the Northern Territory, Annual Report 2002-2003 - provides details of achievements, strategy, staffing and annual financial statements.
5. Press clippings – weekly email service to member councils containing a summary of newsworthy items pertaining to local government.
6. Association Website – updated content management.
7. Media Releases 2003/2004
25/08/03 Need for partnership
25/11/03 LGANT comment on Cost-Shifting Report
13/01/04 Connecting Local Government Conference
22/01/04 More dollars for Territory roads
16/02/04 Local Government welcomes extra $1 million for local roads
18/02/04 Simplified pool laws
23/02/04 New law a threat to local government autonomy
23/02/04 LGANT welcomes commitment to Constitutional Recognition
17/03/04 Pine Creek to launch community digital archive project
21/05/04 Remote councils forced to continue to support community
policing
22
Continued
8. Power Point Presentations 2003/2004
Aboriginal Community Police Officers
National Packaging Covenant
Local Government Reform
Numerous I.T. Issues
Operational Subsidy
Public Benevolent Institutions
Payment of Rates by PowerWater
Roads to Recovery
NT Road Alliance
Policies reviewed and adopted
1. Partnership agreement with the Northern Territory Government
2. Association committees
3. ALGA representation
4. President as signatory to an intergovernmental agreement between the three spheres of government
5. Association councils
6. Incorporation of the Northern Territory into local government areas
7. Regional development plans
8. Regional authorities
9. Housing programs
10. Public library services
11. Remote zone rebates
12. Local roads transferred to local government
13. Roads alliance
14. Roads to Recovery
15. Telecommunications
16. Native animal pests
The above highlights show that the Association has been active on many fronts.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
23
Continued
The Association often has to pursue matters with other spheres of government,
sometimes this results in outcomes being achieved in a timely manner and other
times it is a ‘long drawn out’ process. The cost-shifting inquiry (with
recommendations that local government receive a ‘fair share’ of taxation receipts)
commenced in 2002 and is not likely to be concluded for some years yet.
The Association put a submission to the Northern Territory Government on its
review of the NT Planning Act in June 2003, yet it is unlikely legislation will be in
place before 2005. On the ‘big picture” items like local government finances, there
is no doubt the Australian Local Government Association has played a significant role
in helping this Association (as well as others) to ‘win ground’ on difficult
intergovernmental issues like cost-shifting and Roads to Recovery. As members
would know, these are vital issues for local government and warrant wholehearted
acknowledgement.
As my predecessor, Alderman Cecil Black reported last year, structural reform in
local government is perhaps the most pressing issue facing local government in the
Northern Territory. The Association considers the trend towards amalgamation of
councils is inevitable and the Association will be doing its best to assist councils to
plan for this change. The Association considers this development of plans is crucial
for councils to successfully make the transition to larger council activities.
Lastly, I want to thank you, the members, for your involvement and commitment to
the work of the Association. Your willingness to engage and participate in activities
is very much appreciated and goes a long way to making the Association perform and
be accountable.
Fran Kilgariff
PRESIDENT
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Mayor Fran Kilgariff
President LGANT
PO Box 4502
DARWIN NT 0801
Dear Madam President
I am pleased to present this 2003 – 2004 Annual Report to the Executive and member
councils.
The financial position and performance of the Association (both at 30 June 2004 and
for the financial year) are pleasing in that they confirm the Association’s capacity to
pay its debts as they fall due and generate a surplus from operations.
As with the 2002 – 2003 financial year, the surplus this financial year is largely made
up of ‘carried forward grants’, that is, grants that are committed. Most of the surplus
therefore, is made up of funds that are ‘tied’ to specific purposes. This is confirmed
on page 55 of this annual report. The Association estimates that its ‘true’ surplus
was in the order of $50,000.
The graph on page 58 of this annual report provides stark evidence of the
Association’s dependence on external funding from the Territory and Commonwealth
governments. It is very grateful for this support.
The Association recruited additional staff during the year to enable it to meet its
obligations with information and communications technology as well as human
resource management services for councils.
I congratulate staff on their efforts throughout the year. The results were
commendable and testimony to their professionalism and teamwork. The support and
guidance from the Executive was also much appreciated, especially from a political,
policy and strategic perspective.
The Association’s consultants once again provided valuable expertise in areas the
Association was not able to adequately cover from its own human resources. My
thanks go to Convergence, Collins Anderson, Maree McLinden, Dr Perry Morrison
and the Western Australian Local Government Association for their wonderful
support.
Tony Tapsell
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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GOAL 1: TO DEVELOP AND MAINTAIN STRONG, EFFICIENT AND RESPONSIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
Objective: 1.01 Ensure that appropriate support is provided to councils pursuing
structural reform
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
1.01.01 Provide input to the establishment of larger councils
•Funded and distributed a discussion paper on proposed amalgamations for the Top End Rural Region group of councils •Provided specific briefings at meetings on the trend and justification for establishing larger councils
•Assist councils to develop management plans for amalgamations •Support efforts to obtain financial resources from other spheres of government to allow plans to be developed
1.01.02 Assist councils in addressing structural reform issues
•Assisted the Timber Creek Council to establish a regional roads committee and take responsibility for the regional roads that were managed by LGANT •Circulated to members and delivered at meetings LGANT presentation on Learning from Local Government Reform – Lessons from Interstate Jurisdictions
•Provide ‘checklists’ of activities that need to be undertaken in order to better progress the transition to amalgamation
1.01.03 Develop a change management strategy for structural reform with key stakeholders
•Obtained Local Government Association of NSW publication, Managing Change and Uncertainty •Held two courses for members on change management
•Develop materials and circulate to members
Objective: 1.02 Develop and promote policies and procedures consistent with, and
conducive to strong and effective local government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
1.02.01 Review all existing LGANT policies and develop new policies where required
•16 policies reviewed or adopted during the year
•Continue to review and adopt policies
1.02.02 Develop model policies for councils on priority issues including equal employment opportunity, occupational health and safety and literacy and numeracy
•Model policies provided ‘online’ to members through the Western Australian Local Government Association’s website
•Enable members to access all Association policies online, through its extranet
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1.02.03 Establish procedures that can be used by member councils to satisfy the requirements of the Information Act
•Specific briefing sessions organised on procedures but none actually established
•Establish procedures
Objective: 1.03 Maximise the benefits of a partnership approach within all spheres of
government.
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
1.03.01 Develop draft partnership agreements with appropriate government agencies
•Paid $5,000 contribution to the drafting of a local roads management alliance between LGANT and the Northern Territory Government
•To have both parties sign the alliance and then enact the agreement •Agreement for shared use of NT Connect infrastructure for housing management system
1.03.02 Finalise a partnership agreement between Local Government and the Territory Government
•Draft partnership agreement provided to the Government in December 2003
•Seek endorsement from members to the agreement and work towards having agreement signed and implemented
1.03.03 Lobby for a clear definition of responsibilities with other levels of government that recognises Local Government as the primary agent for delivering services and maintaining facilities in local and regional areas
•Lobbied, in conjunction with ALGA, for Roads to Recovery to be paid directly to councils •Lobbied, in conjunction with ALGA, for an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) between three spheres of government
•Provide input to the IGA process and assist to have it finalised
Objective: 1.04 Maintain high standards of ethical conduct within local government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the
future?
1.04.01 Review the existing code of conduct for elected members and submit a revised code
•Obtained information from other State Local Government Associations about codes of conduct
•Survey councils about a new code of conduct incorporating suggestions from interstate
1.04.02 Incorporate a revised code of conduct into employment terms and conditions for council employees
•A code of conduct was incorporated into LGANT’s standard employment contract
•Review terms of current code
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
27
Objective: 1.05 Support the achievement of best practice in local government in the
Northern Territory
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
1.05.01 Promote continuous improvement and best practice for Local Government at General Meetings in the Northern Territory
•Promoted examples of best practice Roads to Recovery projects at Regional and General Meetings of the Association as well as to the Australian and Northern Territory Governments •Promoted and implemented best practice with councils using financial management software •Promoted and implemented best practice with councils on recruitment and performance appraisals of Chief Executive Officers
•Continue to demonstrate best practice examples at LGANT meetings
Objective:
1.06
Increase the capacity and skill of elected members and staff
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
1.06.01 Hold regular training courses in Alice Springs and Darwin for elected members and staff on identified areas
•Courses were offered in all the major centres utilising the expertise of the Western Australian Local Government (WALGA). These courses were given in 14 sessions with 150 participants from all councils •Other courses held included - Dealing with the Media (30 participants) and Performance Appraisals of CEOs (40 participants)
•Continue to provide existing and new courses. •Assist in the development of training program for a housing management system
1.06.02 Undertake introductory Local Government courses for newly elected members
•The WALGA course “Getting Started” was modified for use in the Northern Territory and offered to all municipal councils following their May 2004 elections. Alice Springs, Katherine and Palmerston Councils attended • “Elected Member – Your Role” was conducted for 11 remote community government councils with 110 councillors attending
•This course will not be offered again until after the next municipal elections in 2008 •Continue to offer “Elected Member – Your Role” to remote community government councils on request •Seek funding to develop further courses for remote communities
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1.06.03 Undertake induction courses for persons considering nominating for municipal council elections
•LGANT produced a booklet “So You Want To Be On Council” and information sessions were conducted in March 2004 for all municipal areas in conjunction with the NT Electoral Office and the Department of Community Development, Sport and Cultural Affairs
•Ensure publication is available for any elected member and provide information sessions on request
GOAL 2: TO EFFECTIVELY ADVOCATE FOR AND REPRESENT MEMBER COUNCILS
Objective: 2.01 Ensure adequate consultation with governments and the non
government sector is undertaken on all relevant issues
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
2.01.01 Consult with government and the private sector on relevant issues
•Consulted with NT Council for Social Services on use of telecommunications infrastructure •Consulted with Territory Cattlemen’s Association on funding for ‘beef roads’
•Work with the private sector and other peak bodies to improve the Northern Territory road network
2.01.02 Maintain regular meetings with NT and Commonwealth agencies on matters affecting local government
•In addition to those committees mentioned elsewhere in this report, participated in the activities of the following Committees: o Federal Road Safety Black
Spot o Top End Rural Region Group
of Councils o Auslink and Roads to
Recovery Programs o Swimming Pool Grants
Program Committee o Year of the Built
Environment Advisory Committee
o NT Floodplain Management Group
o NT Marine Pollution Management Committee
o NT Level Crossing Committee
o Darwin Regional Development Board
o Australian Road Rules Maintenance Group
•Continue to meet and communicate with Australian and Northern Territory Government agencies
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
29
Objective: 2.02 Fairly represent the diverse views of member councils
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
2.02.01 At each Executive and General Meeting of the Association ensure that the agenda drafted reflects the issues of interest to member councils
•Member councils were given the opportunity to request items be put on agendas
•Consider option of calling for motions from members
2.02.02 Conduct regular surveys of member councils to ensure views are incorporated into LGANT policy
•Surveys completed on: o 50kph default speed limit o Auslink o Strategic roads network o Housing management
system o Member subscription and
associate membership
•Examine option of canvassing surveys by email template
2.02.03 Review and undertake survey of member council’s satisfaction with the performance of LGANT
•A satisfaction survey of members was not undertaken during 2003/2004
•Plan to review and modify the satisfaction survey undertaken in 2002 and survey members during October & November 2004 - the results will be collated and incorporated into LGANT’s Strategic Plan to be reviewed in February 2005
Objective: 2.03 Achieve changes in government plans and legislation to reflect the
priorities of local government in the Northern Territory
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
2.03.01 Review the Local Government Act and prepare proposals to the NT Government for amendments
•Submissions sent in October and December 2003
•Forward submission on amendments wanted by local government but not enacted by the Territory Government •Provide input to foreshadowed legislative change to do with regional authorities
2.03.02 Review the Planning Act and prepare proposals to the NT Government for amendments
•Monitored progress with the review and advised members when legislative change was expected, that is, in 2005 •Kept members informed of Development Assessment Forum process
•Inform members of proposals once the Territory Government releases them
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2.03.03 Prepare proposals for legislative changes on behalf of member councils on an as needs basis
•Submission completed for Swimming Pool Fencing Act in January 2004 and container deposit legislation in August 2003
•Review legislation likely to impact on local government such as the Litter Act
Objective:
2.04
Maintain the capacity of the Association to nominate and remove directly its representatives on boards and committees
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
2.04.01 Identify those committees where the Association can determine membership and develop procedures for electing or appointing suitable representatives
•Members approved a change to the Constitution in April 2004 that allows the Executive to approve appointments to Committees
•Continue to pursue with the NT Government changes that will allow LGANT to determine its own membership of committees
2.04.02 Retain membership of the AMIAG committee and participate and report on its activities
•Jill Hunt was represented and attended one AMIAG committee meeting, which focussed on current industrial relations issues affecting local government
•Review membership of the committee
2.04.03 Retain membership of the LGODSDAC committee and participate and report on its activities
•Tony Tapsell and Louise Fuller represented LGANT on ALGA’s Board of Management and LGOSDAC (respectively). ALGA projects have focussed largely on high level issues, interoperability and development applications, Centrelink data exchange and information management programs. Opportunities for reuse of project materials from ALGA and State Association’s projects were realised when appropriate, including privacy statements on council and LGANT websites. Information exchange between the State LGAs has been a key outcome from the LGOSDAC process
•Cooperation in national approach to road asset data management project •Finalisation of national projects.
2.04.04 Retain membership of the Local Roads Committee and participate and report on its activities
•Peter McLinden was represented and attended meetings of the committee which focussed on:
o Continued R2R Program o National Road Asset Data
Set Project
•Finalise arrangements for the R2R strategic road component •Assist to finalise national road asset data set project for local government roads
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
31
2.04.04 Continued
Retain membership of the Local Roads Committee and participate and report on its activities
o Auslink o Heavy Vehicle Reform o Austroads o Safer Roads Campaign o Regional Airport Security
- Arrangements
•Assist with regional airport security arrangements and other activities of the committee
Objective: 2.05 Utilise the Australian local government Association to ensure the
interests of Local Government are promoted at the national level
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
2.05.01 Actively participate in ALGA activities
•President and CEO attended ALGA meetings in August and November 2003 and in February and May 2004 which included extensive agendas including 2004/2005 budget and corporate plan •Participated in deliberations of ALGA Transport Advisory committee •Attended the ALGA National Roads Congress and three meetings dealing with the national asset database on roads
•Continue to support ALGA on local government issues
2.05.02 Provide information and support to the ALGA where required
•Provided input to ALGA on variety of issues to do with local government finances, the environment, transport and infrastructure, information technology and community services. Input enabled ALGA to develop policy responses and submissions to the Australian Government
•Continue to respond where appropriate to ALGA
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Objective: 2.06 Achieve an increase in funding from Territory and Commonwealth agencies
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
2.06.01 Identify and prepare applications to relevant funding programs
•Submitted applications for funding for:
1. human resource management
2. information technology 3. natural resource
management 4. waste oil
1 and 3 were successful
•Follow up the review carried on the NT Road Safety Council and identify opportunities for LGANT and local government councils •Submit cooperative bid in second CCIF round for information technology
2.06.02 Facilitate discussions with Territory and Commonwealth agencies to ensure appropriate funding for Local Government priorities
•Held meetings with Australian Government on funds held for ‘inland towns’ •Conveyed LGANT policies to Territory Government on funding of public libraries •Participated in ‘Roundtable’ meeting with the Federal Minister for Local Government in April 2004 on cost shifting
•Finalise with Australian Government funding for ‘inland towns’ •Assist councils to come to some agreement with rail operators about interface of local roads and with rail crossings
GOAL 3: TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION AMONGST OUR MEMBERS AND BETWEEN OUR MEMBERS AND THE COMMUNITY
Objective: 3.01 Utilise various forms of media to inform the wider community of the
activities of local government
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
3.01.01 Prepare regular media releases on the activities of Local Government
•10 media releases were issued during the year and forwarded to members
•Continue to prepare media releases on issues of importance to local government
3.01.02 Maintain the Public Relations and Communications strategy
•A media release policy has been prepared
• “Local Government Week” will be held from 10 to 15 October 2004
3.01.03 Prepare and seek the publication of articles in Territory-wide publications
•Completed reports from the President in October 2003 and June 2004 for the Local Government Focus newspaper
•Submit articles for Local Government Focus
3.01.04 Hold radio and television interviews on relevant Local Government issues and activities
•President held numerous radio interviews throughout the year •CEO completed two radio interviews
•Continue to hold interviews about local government issues
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
33
3.01.05 Prepare a local government directory for the Northern Territory by March each year
•The 2004 directory was released and sent to all members in February 2004
•Councils will be asked to check and update their details in November 2004 for the 2005 directory released in 2005
Objective:
3.02
Keep members informed of issues relevant to them
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
3.02.01 Provide a weekly email service to members so that they can obtain current useful information about local government
• “This Week at LGANT” was sent to all councils, elected members and other on request as a means of keeping them informed on relevant issues and matters of interest •Contribute to the weekly newsletter informing members on transport and infrastructure issues
•To update the presentation of the newsletter and modify distribution procedures to comply with the “Spam” legislation
3.02.02 Utilise the Association's website in the dissemination of important information
•LGANT has successfully been advertising and recruiting through its website. The jobs site has received numerous hits from places all over the world •LGANT website upgraded in November 2003 with new content management system. Since then 34,370 visitors have used the website
•Improve ease of access to the site and to make it more user-friendly for persons wishing to apply for employment in local government •Continually review websites for content •Public website maintained •Make extranet capabilities available to LGANT members for more specific sectoral information
3.02.03 Prepare and distribute briefings to members on issues of significance
•Briefings prepared using ‘powerpoint’’ software on:
o Information and telecommunications technology
o Local government finances
o Community services o Transport and
infrastructure o Environment
•Update presentations and develop further presentations as the need arises. Eg.
o Airport security program
o New R2R program and administrative guidelines
o Housing management system
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3.02.04 Provide a weekly 'press clipping' service to members to highlight articles of importance to local government
•The “press clipping” service was provided to all member councils during the year. Most councils now receive this service by email with a scanned attachment
•It is planned to have this information posted to the extranet and phase out the email service by February 2005
3.02.05 Regularly visit council areas and consult with elected members and staff about their needs
•All member councils were visited during the year primarily for information technology purposes
•Increase visitation next year, with the Central Australian region a priority
3.02.06 Prepare an annual schedule of events detailing training courses and meetings of the Association and ALGA
•An annual schedule of events was prepared in January 2004 and sent to all members. It is also available on the LGANT website
•Prepare a schedule of events for 2005 and have it posted to the LGANT extranet
Objective: 3.03 Provide organised opportunities for networking amongst members
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the
future?
3.03.01 Organise two General Meetings of the Association each year
•There were record attendances at the 2003/2004 General Meetings. A General Meeting and AGM was held in Darwin in October 2003 with 90 delegates from 34 councils attending. 80 delegates from 28 councils attended the April 2004 General Meeting held in Alice Springs. The April 2004 meeting was brought forward from May due to May Municipal Elections
•Hold a General Meeting and AGM in Darwin in October 2004 and a General Meeting in Darwin in May 2005
3.03.02 Organise regular Regional Meetings to promote the discussion of region specific issues and strategies
•There was only one Regional Meeting held in 2003/04 due to the rescheduling of Regional Meetings to July/August 2004. The meeting was held in Alice Springs where 24 delegates from 11 councils met
•Continue, and possibly increase, the number of Regional Meetings
3.03.03 Provide specific briefing sessions for councils on particular topics so that they can assist in the development of responses
•Various workshops were held during 2003/2004, usually in conjunction with General and Regional Meetings. Meetings of Municipal Councils were held in August 2003 and February 2004
•Continue briefings and Municipal Meetings during 2004/2005
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
35
GOAL 4: ASSIST MEMBERS TO DELIVER MORE RESPONSIVE LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Objective: 4.01 Ensure that local government’s information technology needs are given adequate support
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
4.01.01 Maintain the electronic local government network in the Northern Territory
•Broadband infrastructure (satellite or ISDN connections) provided to 47 councils •Migration of local government network to full production after pilot testing. LGANT managed in excess of 650 users and 3,000 emails per day over a robust system •Equipment, telecommunications and training provided to councils. •Extranet capabilities developed and tested
•Continue to offer •Continue to offer technical maintenance of the network •Proposed to extend the network
4.01.02 Support common business applications for councils across the Northern Territory
•Development of a housing asset management module that compliments and interfaces with the IT Vision Business System •Intensive business support provided for migration to IT Vision to 11 councils. 56 council staff trained and supported in business system use and migration •Assisted councils with CDEP connectivity requirements •Facilitated implementation of municipal e-services capabilities for Civica users •Scoped requirements for housing management system (HMS) development
•Workshop and trial the housing asset management module •Ongoing support for IT Vision sites •HMS testing and deployment via ITVision sites •Coordinated approach with IHANT programs
4.01.03 Undertake archival projects at agreed locations subject to funding
•Establishment of 10 community digital archives to preserve community local history and culture •Equipment, training and support provided throughout 2004
•Seek Commonwealth funding to extend digital archives programs
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4.01.04 Provide on-going training and support to member councils in information technology usage including the LGANT ‘help-desk’
•Established a Help Desk at LGANT premises to support the infrastructure, web services and business system •Developed and published 37 council websites and provided training to council staff •Provided additional local IT infrastructure (PCs and network hardware) as needed, including on-site installations, with wireless networks established for councils •Continued the I’ve Got Email program and produced two training DVDs – online banking and internet search engines (eg. Google) •Finalised agreement with NetG for training resources (Word, Excel, Adobe, etc)
•Rollout of facilities to provide Internet access to people with disabilities in 10 regional and remote communities •Ongoing IT training in communities for email, Internet and Internet banking applications •Technical and business system support maintained •Test suitable technology options and potential opportunities for a sectoral approach to EFTPOS provision in remote communities
Objective: 4.02 Assist in meeting local government's human resource management
needs
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
4.02.01 Provide specialist recruitment services for key personnel for councils in the Northern Territory
•In the past year LGANT has recruited to 82 positions. The website has been visited frequently and the Association has provided a number of councils with proper processes and procedures to ensure that the right and best person for the position has been selected. It has not been an easy year but in its full year of operation LGANT has received good feedback on the service
•A workshop has been planned to discuss the issues of attracting staff and standardisation of terms and conditions of those staff
4.02.02 Provide advice regarding, or implement, human resource management projects for member councils
•Provided services such as: o Organisational reviews o Position descriptions o Selection criteria o Employment contracts o Australian Workplace
Agreements
•Seek further funding to assist councils with their preparations in this area for resource sharing, partnerships and alliances
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
37
4.02.03 Assist member councils to carry out performance appraisals of their senior personnel
•LGANT has developed along with its partner WALGA, a performance appraisal system •Probationary assessments and performance appraisals were completed for ten CEOs •Training sessions have occurred with elected members to ensure they understand the importance of these appraisals. One held in Alice Springs saw 40 people attend
•Continue to expand the delivery of this service and explain why it is essential for senior personnel to get feedback on their performance from the council
4.02.04 Assist councils in developing human resource management procedures that meet legislative requirements under the Local Government Act
•Continuing visits to councils means that educatory process has been undertaken in this area during the year. Access to WALGA’s site has assisted councils to adapt HR policies to suit the needs of their individual councils
•Continue to assist councils to understand and meet the legislative requirements under the Local Government Act
Objective:
4.03
Ensure that member councils are able to meet industrial relations requirements
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
4.03.01 Co-ordinate the provision of industrial relations services to member councils
•This year saw the changeover of industrial relations service provision from AMMA to WALGA for the last six months. This has given member councils greater access to professional industrial relations experts who are constantly working with local governments •WALGA had 311 contacts with councils over a range of industrial relations issues
•This service is to be reviewed and discussions will take place as to whether it needs enhancement or any changes •How this service fits in with what the HR Support and Development Service provides will also be reviewed
4.03.02 Develop materials to assist councils to comply with the industrial relations requirements of the Local Government Act
•WALGA distributed material to councils about Awards and the disseminated changes to them on a regular basis
•Materials developed will be placed on the extranet in the future
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Objective: 4.04 Provide advice and support to local government in the area of
environmental management
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
4.04.01 Identify and undertake environmental management projects for member councils
•Negotiated and worked through the appointment of a Local Government Natural Resource Management Facilitator with the Association •Developed waste oil strategic management project proposal and submitted it to the Australian Government
•Work with the NRM Facilitator in drafting the NT Natural Resource Management Plan including holding a workshop at the Annual General Meeting in October 2004 •Implement the project if funding proposal approved
4.04.02 Subject to funding, assist councils in developing environment management plans for their areas
•Did not undertake this strategy due to funding and human resource constraints
•With the NRM Facilitator develop a framework and sample environmental management plan for use by members
Objective: 4.05 Work with member councils to address transport and infrastructure
needs
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
4.05.01 Administer LGANT, and on request, member councils', transport and infrastructure contracts
•Maintained the regional road networks in the Katherine, Alice Springs, Borroloola, East Arnhem and Tennant Creek regions •Roads to Recovery Program expended $247,672 on four projects
•Continued to administer local roads funding on roads for which no council is responsible •Finalise Roads to Recovery Program
4.05.02 Develop an asset management system for use by member councils
•Through the ALGA lobbied for assistance and capacity to participate in the national data management project
•Through the Road Alliance and ALGA, develop a model asset database for local roads in the NT
4.05.03 Support and promote road safety initiatives in local government areas
•Participated in the review of the Road Safety Council •Represented local government on the Federal Road Safety Black Spot Committee •Received reports from LGANT nominee on Road Safety Council
•Continue to ensure local government obtains a fair share of the Federal Black Spot funds •Investigate opportunities from the review of the NT Roads Safety Council
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
39
4.05.03 Continued
Support and promote road safety initiatives in local government areas
•Assist councils in the implementation of the 50kph default speed limit •Assist councils in the development of a MOU with the rail operators on the management and responsibilities of the rail and road interface at rail crossings
4.05.04 Promote the development of regional road networks which will oversee the efficient maintenance and construction of local roads
•Development and implementation of the Timber Creek Regional Roads Board
•Continue to support the Timber Creek Regional Roads Board •Continue to assist East Arnhem Councils to collaborate on roads projects
Objective: 4.06 Investigate and report on joint scheme cost reduction proposals
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the
future?
4.06.01 Investigate the feasibility of a joint scheme to reduce insurance costs to councils
•Investigation revealed no feasibility due to small market and one large insurer
•Review strategy •Handle in conjunction with Tort Law Reform Group
4.06.02 Examine the methods for reducing purchasing and advertising costs to councils
•Negotiations have taken place between LGANT and the NT Government in an effort to access the NT Government contract, so far with little success
•Continue lobby efforts to access NT Government contracts
4.06.03 Identify alternatives to reduce accounting costs to councils
•Provided councils with financial management software courtesy of the Networking the Nation Program
•Investigate options for councils
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GOAL 5: MANAGEMENT OF LGANT RESOURCES AND SERVICES Objective: 5.01 Manage the implementation of the Strategic Plan
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the
future?
5.01.01 Report on performance against the LGANT Strategic Plan monthly
•Performance reported monthly to the Executive largely through officer reports
•Review report formats and content
5.01.02 Develop a performance appraisal system linked to the Strategic Plan
•Assessed software options for developing system
•Acquire software to facilitate easier reporting
5.01.03 Develop an annual financial plan, including funding opportunities linked to the Strategic Plan
•Financial plan (budget) developed for 2004/2005 with three year forecast on subscriptions
•Develop business plan in accordance with local government requirements
Objective: 5.02 Improve the delivery and management of the Association’s services
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the
future?
5.02.01 Develop and implement annual staff training and development plans
•Staff training identified following performance appraisals
•Provide greater linkage of plan with budget
5.02.02 Implement the agreed records management systems
•Records management processes improved following placement of files on server
•Implement records management system using IT vision •Review processes to ensure compliance with the Information Act
5.02.03 Review existing HRM policies and procedures
•Reviewed and implemented procedures to do with probations, position descriptions and employment contracts
•Review and adopt new procedures
5.02.04 Ensure that appropriate financial management systems are in place
•Processes involving internal controls and appropriate systems were in place
•Implement financial management system using IT vision •Review financial delegations
5.02.05 Provide regular financial reports to the Executive
•Managed the Roads to Recovery project with an independent audit and met administrative guidelines •Report provided monthly at Executive meetings
•Review financial reporting formats
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
41
GOAL 6: PURSUE AN EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF ALL FORMS OF FUNDING TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Objective: 6.01 Maintain the case for a more equitable distribution of funds to local
government in the Northern Territory
What is the Strategy? What was achieved? What is planned for the future?
6.01.01 Each year submit proposals for changing the interstate distribution of Commonwealth Financial Assistance Grants
•Submissions confined to oral input at meetings due to issue being part of outcomes of the Federal Government’s Cost-Shifting Inquiry
•Support case at national level for a review of the methodology
6.01.02 Develop scenarios and assess implications of the outcomes of the Federal Government's Cost-Shifting Inquiry by participating in relevant activities
•’Roundtable’ meeting with the Federal Minister for Local Government in April 2004 confirmed all parties’ commitment to working towards an intergovernmental agreement
•Participate in the development of an intergovernmental agreement
6.01.03 Develop a position in response to the AUSLINK White Paper on National Transport
•Developed a position with the assistance of ALGA •The Northern Territory is the only jurisdiction to receive an increase in the new Roads to Recovery program for the period 2005/2009
•Review the status of AUSLINK next financial year
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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2004
STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT
I, Fran Kilgariff, President of the Local Government Association of the Northern
Territory, state that in my opinion, the financial statements (as set out) are properly
drawn up so as to present fairly the state of affairs of the Association as at 30 June
2004 and of the results and cash flows of the Association for the year then ended.
August 2004 PRESIDENT
STATEMENT BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
I, Tony Tapsell, being the Chief Executive Officer of the Local Government
Association of the Northern Territory, state that to the best of my knowledge and
belief the financial statements (as set out) present fairly the state of affairs of the
Association as at 30 June 2004 and of the results and cash flows of the Association
for the year then ended.
August 2004 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 30 JUNE 2004
2004 2003 $ $ASSETS Notes Current Assets Cash (2) 6 119 706 3 506 414Debtors (3) 55 929 128 691Prepayments 17 463 5 526 6 193 098 3 640 631Non-Current Assets Motor Vehicles (4) 60 628 84 339Furniture and Fittings (4) 318 786 51 957 379 414 147 791Total Assets 6 572 512 3 776 927
LESS LIABILITIES
Current Liabilities Creditors 524 827 133 200Accruals 4 000 3 600Motor Vehicle Leases (5) 48 241 21 551Provision – Annual Leave 75 717 38 774 652 785 197 125 Non-Current Liabilities Motor Vehicle Leases (5) 0 48 241Provision – Long Service Leave 13 000 11 000 13 000 59 241 Total Liabilities 665 785 256 366 NET ASSETS 5 906 727 3 520 561 ACCUMULATED FUNDS Balance at the beginning of the year 3 520 561 2 235 235Surplus (Deficit) for the year 2 386 166 1 285 326Balance at the end of the year 5 906 727 3 520 561
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2004 INCOME Notes 2004 2003 $ $Local Government Development Member Skill Development
• Member Training Grant 60 000 160 000• Training Income 37 213 22 361
ALGA Business Plan (10) 10 000 0East Arnhem Business Development Funds 13 463 43 622Indigenous Governance Conference 85 909 70 000Building Stronger Regions Conference 80 000 0Total Local Government Development 286 585 295 983 Advocacy ALGA Reimbursements Travel 12 280 14 174Total Advocacy 12 280 14 174 Communication & Promotions Conference & Meeting Charges 15 837 11 510 Total Communication & Promotions 15 837 11 510 Assist Members with Services Information & Technology Networking the Nation NT Connect 2 998 481 1 277 406I’ve Got Email 205 436 97 31820/20 20 000 355 000 3 223 917 1 729 724 East Arnhem Images of Yolgnu 0 41 000 Accounting Services 5 782 0 Total Information & Technology 3 229 699 1 770 724 Human Resource/Industrial Relations Human Resource Grant 200 000 100 000Human Resource Recruitment Services 104 826 23 860
Human Resource/Industrial Relations Income 76 978 0Temporary Staff Services 29 657 0Total Human Resource/Industrial Relations 411 461 123 860
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STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2004 (continued)
INCOME Notes 2004 2003 $ $Environmental Projects Environment Resource Officer 0 57 713Natural Resource Faciltator 80 000 0Coomalie Bushcare Project 0 15 000Litchfield Wetlands 0 13 000Total Environmental Projects 80 000 85 713 Roads & Infrastructure Local Roads Grant 753 493 698 445Roads to Recovery 201 896 254 812Swimming Pool Funds (11) 2 550 000 0Roads Alliance Funding 5 000 0Total Roads & Infrastructure 3 510 389 953 257 Total Assist Members With Services 7 231 549 2 933 554 LGANT Management Subscriptions 479 068 422 634 Other Income Sponsorship 26 000 18 800Interest 48 336 9 240Sundry Income 2 925 4 081Reimbursement Commissioner Travel 0 8 777Conference Room Hire 0 4 050Management./Admin Fee 0 12 300 77 260 57 248 Total LGANT Management 556 328 479 882 TOTAL INCOME 8 102 579 3 735 103 Less Expenses (5 716 413) (2 449 777) Surplus(Deficit) for the year 2 386 166 1 285 326
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2004 (continued)
EXPENDITURE Notes 2004 2003 $ $Local Government Development Member Skill Development
• Member Training & Reform 103 473 87 008• Ethical conduct 850 0
Reform – Amalgamation 1 510 0Regional Development
• Yirrkala Plan 20 000 0• Indigenous Governance Conference 155 909 0
Business Planning Course 2 200 20 566Policy Development 12 222 0Partnership Agreements 4 991 0Autonomy & Best Practice 1 479 0Total Local Government Development 302 634 107 574 Advocacy Liaison with Governments 3 203 0Member Input 5 782 0Review Local Government Legislation 4 121 0Support Members on Committees 3 686 0Australian Local Government Association
• Subscriptions 42 365 38 342• Travel – executive meetings 28 667 26 229
Federal & Territory Funding 6 521 2 793Collaboration Across the North 0 492Total Advocacy 94 345 67 856
Communication & Promotions
Promote Local Government 8 488 0Member Information Networking & Consultations
3 147 0
• General Meetings Expenses 33 059 22 126• Regional Meeting Expenses 6 545 5 390• Municipal Meeting Expenses 6 983 0• Presidents Allowance 6 000 6 000• Executive Meeting Expenses 22 356 305
Total Communication & Promotions 86 578 33 821
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STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2004 (continued)
EXPENDITURE Notes 2004 2003
Assist Members With Services $ $
Networking the Nation NT Connect 3 389 374 993 228I’ve Got Email 2 107 709 117 99220/20 61 767 0 3 558 850 1 111 220Other Information Technology Projects Technology Dreaming 18 597 121 403East Arnhem Images of Yolgnu 6 530 34 462 25 127 155 865 Accounting Services 1 530 0Total Information & Technology 3 585 507 1 267 085 Human Resource/Industrial Relations Services Human Resource Management 182 212 29 663Member Recruitment/Human Resource Assistance 130 040 17 260 312 252 46 923 Industrial Relations Service - Subscription 69 503 90 021Industrial Relations Assistance 1 699 0 71 202 90 021 Temporary Staff Services 25 536 0Total Human Resource/Industrial Relations Service
408 990 136 944
Environmental Projects Environmental Resource Officer 718 46 792Natural Resource Facilitator 1 357 0Coastal Management 0 2 300Coomalie Bushcare 0 15 000Litchfield Wetlands 0 13 000Greenhouse Forum 133 0Total Environmental Projects 2 208 77 092 Transport & Infrastructure Local Roads Expenditure 726 039 339 018Roads to Recovery 247 673 137 307Total Transport & Infrastructure 973 692 476 325 Investigate Joint Schemes Expenditure 4 777 466 Total Assist Members With Services 4 975 174 1 957 912
LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY
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STATEMENT OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2004 (continued)
EXPENDITURE Notes 2004 2003
LGANT Management $ $
Strategic Plan 5 553 0 Staff Salaries 28 824 89 016Superannuation 19 396 20 293Staff Training & on Costs 6 279 5 743Motor Vehicle & Travel Expenses 17 704 15 771 Commissioner Travel Assistance 0 8 777 Outsourcing expenses 0 112Postage 2 414 1 620Photocopying 1 911 2 454Printing & Stationery 4 406 3 598Insurances 3 663 5 609Rent/Electricity/cleaning 49 190 35 850