NGSC Council Plan 2008

Northern Grampians Shire Council
COUNCIL PLAN 2008-2012

“Proud Past - Vibrant Future”
Adopted by Council on
1
Table of Contents
The Affirmation 3
Our Vision 3
Our Core Values 3
Welcome by the Mayor, Cr Bryan Small 4
Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer, Glen Davis 7
Councillors 2008 9
Council Demographic Profile 10
This Council Plan responds to 5 significant Opportunities

and Challenges 12
Attachment 1 - Community Planning

—Consulting the communities, township
planning, longer term .
Attachment 2 - Strategic Resource Plan
2
The Affirmation
”We honour those whose land we all now share;
The pioneers whose toil inspires us still;
And those who gave their lives, that we may now
On this proud past a vibrant future build.”
Our Vision
“Proud Past - Vibrant Future”

Our communities will be prosperous, inclusive and welcoming.
We encourage a diverse and innovative economy, respecting
our natural and built environment.
A great place to live, work, visit and invest.
Our Core Values

Northern Grampians Shire Council is committed to:
• Delivery of services that support our community now and

into the future
• Accountability to our community and stakeholders under-
pinned by ethics and integrity
• Engagement of community members and involvement in
key decisions
• Encouragement of leadership, innovation and initiative
• Communicating and reporting on our achievements and
services
• Reviewing our performance and continually seeking to
improve our service delivery
3
Welcome by the Mayor,

Cr Bryan Small
Our Council Plan documents the decisions made by our communities.
It describes the vision for each location and each community in the
Shire and records the priorities the communities have set for the next
four years.
For the first time, we have embarked this year on community plan-
ning. This consultative process is also place-based, but is not con-
fined to the statutory 4-year period of the Council Plan. Our commu-
nity planning processes encompass different engagement models,
some of which were in place in previous years. In Stawell, for exam-
ple, the Focus Group has been working for a year on the design of
land use, economic factors and social changes following the planned
future closure of Stawell Gold Mine. In St Arnaud, the merger of
DATA and the Implementation Committee has allowed the formation
of a community summit, SCAN, with scope to advise on all planning
issues. In Halls Gap, the formation of Halls Gap Tourism provides a
consolidated planning body for the town’s largest industry. Council’s
close relationship with resident and ratepayer associations supple-
ments the specialized sources of advice.
It is with pride that together we present our Council Plan which is,
more than ever before, the plan of our communities within the entire
municipality.
The 2007-2011 Council Plan builds on the 2006-2010 plan that was
developed through extensive consultation and a series of planning
workshops for community members and groups. A number of the ob-
jectives and strategies that were identified at those workshops are of
a long term nature and continue through this Plan to accompany the
new initiatives.
There is a whole of Shire approach with a very capable team that de-
livers services to customers that are responsive to the needs of our
community.
The plan includes a range of activities and recognises the broad role
undertaken by local government in the twenty first century. It specifi-
cally identifies a range of initiatives that Council intends to undertake
and the achievement of these initiatives will measure whether the plan
is being addressed.
Improved communication between Council and the community has

been, and remains, a priority for Northern Grampians Shire Council.
The Shire delivers a range of services to the community that affects

the daily life of every member of the community.
4
More than ever, Northern Grampi-

ans Shire is unique and offers a
natural environment and lifestyle
that meets the demands of our
vibrant, ageing and changing
community.
Our tourism and business devel-

opment activities are supporting
growth and attracting new people
to our towns. We provide high
levels of service and ensure ac-
cess to good education, childcare
and aged care. We also know
that our buildings, roads and other
infrastructure create great value
for our ratepayers and residents.
Our economy is continuing to come forward in leaps and bounds.

A heritage from gold combined with Australia’s richest footrace, the
Stawell Gift, and two beautiful National Parks, is the basis of the
Northern Grampians as a successful international tourist destina-
tion. The Shire’s retail sectors are continually being revitalised,
growing and improving to service our communities and visitors
alike.
Primary production is a strong contributor to our economy and

while this sector has seen its challenges over the past decade, it
remains the backbone of our community. Our agricultural industry
is diverse and rich and includes sheep, crops, cattle, viticulture,
olives and organic produce.
Northern Grampians is home to

some of the greatest wineries in
Australia, famous sheep studs
and Victoria’s largest operating
gold mine.
5
However the two major events of the bushfires through the south of the
municipality in summer of 2005/06 and the ongoing drought have created
some considerable challenges for both Council’s resources and the liveli-
hoods of our rural communities. Our work on bushfire recovery is now
diminishing, though the lessons remain with us for future seasons. Our
work on drought continues to command priority because of dramatically
diminished water storage reserves. Climatic trends will oblige new re-
sponses from our adaptive agricultural producers, from our modernizing
tourism industry and our emergency services agencies.
This Council Plan continues the preparations for the eventual closure of
Stawell Gold Mine, a task started last year. Stawell Gold Mine is the
State’s biggest gold mine and the Shire’s biggest single employer, so its
eventual closure will have an impact on the economy which must be off-
set by growth in other enterprises. The worst-case remaining life of the
mine is now under 3 years. The mine’s owners and staff continue to
make every effort to extend the economic life of the mine. While they
have been assisted by increases in the gold price and by successful ex-
ploration, the best prospects continue to be that the closure of the mine
cannot indefinitely be postponed. The first task for the Stawell community
is to identify the best use of the land, the mine site and its many assets.
Economic and social objectives are also to be ranked. Council staff will
research the feasibility and the benefits and costs of favoured proposals
to inform Council decisions on the planning of Stawell after gold mining
ceases. The Council and the mine are cooperating with the community to
ensure that Council’s planning decisions reflect what local people want
for Stawell.
This Council Plan is the last to be prepared by the present Council. Un-
der the Local Government Act, the Council to be elected in November
2008 will prepare the next Plan. That will be a different Council, follow-
ing recent decisions by the State of Victoria to reduce the representation
of Northern Grampians residents to seven Councillors, to be elected
from four new wards. This Plan seeks to provide as much continuity as
possible in these circumstances. To that end, Council will review the Mu-
nicipal Strategic Statement during 2008. A key part of our Planning
Scheme, the MSS will be reviewed to ensure it represents the current
view of Council for the development of land in the Shire.
6
Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer,

Glen Davis
The Council Plan 2008-2012 outlines the role Council will play in
improving our economy, our society and our environment.
The plans of Northern Grampians Shire for a vibrant future are al-
ways built upon a proud past. It is important to record here some of
the important achievements of the past year because they are
foundations for further growth.
The achievements of the Northern Grampians shire in commission-

ing bores and sourcing alternative water supplies during the
drought were most successful. Our measures to use water eco-
nomically included planting parks with drought-tolerant species and
have led the development of best practice. The Stawell Gift was run
for the 127th time on a Central Park that the competitors loved yet
again and the world, viewing on television, could hardly believe had
suffered protracted drought. The people behind these achieve-
ments, our staff, have turned their mind to the challenges of
Climate Change.
Again, we find
ourselves with
remarkable
strengths. Few
Councils in Western
Victoria bury so
much carbon and
Wimmera farmers
are renown for
adaptability. The
early introduction
of carbon trading will
favor us.
The current year has seen improved ratings for the Shire in Com-
munity Satisfaction, Community Indicators and Community
Strength, all measured in a standard way by the State to allow
Councils to compare with their peers and with their own past per-
formance.
We are well placed to manage the changes of the future. Trends

evident already include further emphasis on sustainability (of land
use practices, management of emissions, financial management
and aspects of community engagement). They include a different
emphasis by State and Federal governments on regionalism which
will require us to collaborate in more ways with nearby Councils.
7
Economic Development has been a priority focus for the past year fol-
lowing prior shortcomings in meeting community expectations. In our
major industries, agriculture, mining and tourism, we have significant
achievements already.
Farmers toughened by the drought years are better qualified to manage

a better season, following record numbers of changes of ownership of
farms. New mining exploration is at record levels for gold and sand-
borne minerals. We have a Regional Tourism Partnership (an objective
sought for more than ten years) with the charter and the resources to
grow Grampians Tourism faster than competing destinations. Manufac-
turing industry has long been a strength in the Shire. While national
trends in manufacturing industry are in decline and we cannot resist the
exporting of some industry, the mining and agriculture machinery sectors
are growing while textiles and auto industries decline.
The Focus Group created jointly by the Council and the Stawell Gold
Mine has been very innovative in addressing the future of Stawell after
gold mining. The group has been quick and effective in exploring the way
we live, work and invest to ensure that we maintain a resilient and sus-
tainable economy that continues to attract and retain diversified indus-
tries.
Employment in Northern Grampians Shire is highly diversified. That di-

versity provides a strength that is uncommon in rural Victoria. We are no
island and we are not immune from national downturns, when they come
in car manufacturing, pig processing, textiles or housing construc-
tion. But our diversity makes us better able to ride the bumps.
Following eleven years of drought, a Shire with Agriculture as its major

industry could be expected to be suffering from reduced farmer spend-
ing. That has occurred. But Stawell, St Arnaud, Marnoo, Navarre, Calla-
wadda, Emu, Joel Joel are all holding up and are well placed to benefit
from an economic resurgence in a better season.
The staff of the Northern Grampians Shire provide a source of ongoing

strength. Younger than their neighbouring counterparts by an astonish-
ing 13 years, many have long service histories which speak of loyalty.
They are remarkably familiar with the communities they serve, the Coun-
cil assets they maintain and the police, fire, health and other emergency
services with which they work so often. They continue to be a daily
source of inspiration to me. During the past year, every one has had
their own plan for their professional development. Every one is better
trained to assist or to relieve their colleagues and for the tasks they will
undertake in future career. The benefits to residents are many. Emer-
gencies are well managed because contacts and trust are sound. Value
for money is high because the culture of the staff is to seek economies
avoid waste. Results include insurance premiums far below state aver-
ages because we have good procedures and low incidence of claims.
The Auditor General has reported favourably to the State on our financial
management while some others have not fared so well. I am proud to
lead the staff in serving the communities of the Shire.
8
Councillors Focus on 2007/2008

Cr Ross Clementson
Portfolio Councillor: Community Care
Elected: 27 January 2006
Term Expires: 29 November 2008
Mayor
Cr Greg Earle
Cr Bryan Small
Portfolio Councillor: Economic Development, Portfolio Councillor:
Finance and Assets Heritage
Elected: 26 November 2005
Term Expires: 29 November 2008 Elected: 26 Nov 2005
Tem Expires: 29 Nov 2008
Cr Kevin Erwin
Portfolio Councillor: Economic Development and
Environment
Cr Ray Hewitt
Portfolio Councillor: Economic Development, Youth
and Recreation
Cr Ian Nicholson
Portfolio Councillor: Transport/Roads/Plant
Cr Dorothy Patton
Portfolio Councillor: Economic Development and
Heritage
Cr Wayne Rice
Portfolio Councillor: Economic Development
Cr Robyn Smith
Portfolio Councillor: Open space
9
Council Demographic Profile

Northern Grampians Shire is a large rural municipality incorporating
a number of small communities, based around the two major towns
of Stawell and St Arnaud. Bisected by the Western and Sunraysia
Highways, the Shire is the gateway to Western and North Western
Victoria and to South Australia.
Population - approximately 13,150
Major townships - Stawell @ 8,000; St Arnaud @ 2,700
Other communities - Halls Gap, Great Western, Navarre, Marnoo,

Stuart Mill and Glenorchy.
Land area - 5,903 square kilometers
Road Length - (local roads under Council management)
Tourist Numbers – (Visitation)
10
5,455 households (DSE projection).
Population density - 2.23 people per square kilometre.
Population trends – the population of the shire is projected to

progressively age over the next 20 years. The following
projected changes are sourced from the Department of
Infrastructure in Victoria in the Future 2004;
Age Group Change 2001 – 2026 % change

Under 15 -587 -21.0%
15 to 25 -142 -10.5%
25 to 55 -1,414 -27.0%
55 to 65 393 26.7%
Over 65 1,709 77.7%
Contact us

PO Box 580
STAWELL VIC 3380
email: ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au
web: www.ngshire.vic.gov.au
Customer Service Centres
Town Hall, Main Street, Stawell – 5358.8700

Napier Street, St Arnaud – 5495.1500
11
Council responds to its core values through

the following 5 significant objectives which will
provide the strategic direction over the next
four years.
1 Manage transport, economic, social and cultural infrastructure

and environment by
• maintaining and renewing transport and roads infrastructure and
building assets
• facilitating social, environmental and cultural improvements to en-
hance the livability of our communities
• facilitating a vibrant and sustainable business environment
2 Plan for growing, safe, and vibrant communities ensuring the

engagement of communities to give long term sustainability by
• ensuring that we plan with the community for a sustainable future, to
assist the communities achieve their aspirations and priorities
• delivering and monitoring progress on existing plans and strategies
3 Promote the Shires attractions, attributes and development by

• engaging the community and key stakeholders in the activities of
Council
• advocating to State, Federal and Local organisations for their sup-
port of the Shire’s attractions
• raising the profile of Council as an innovative, vibrant organisation
4 Deliver transparent and strong governance by

• ensuring the community is aware of how decisions are made and
resources are allocated
• conforming to a framework for strong accountable decision making
5 Develop and sustain our organisational capabilities by

• continuing to develop and sustain our staff, resources and delivery
capabilities to respond to changing needs
• supporting leadership from within the organisation
This Council Plan presents a range of key results for the objectives over
the life of the Plan, together with the following strategies within 2008/09
to meet our vision.
12
A transport network that supports community and business needs
STRATEGY FOR 2008/09 MILESTONE

Implement and monitor the Road Manage- Internal Audit of RMP completed twice per
ment Plan. year and reported to the Roads Commit-
tee
Ongoing use of Roads Committee to over- Roads Committee to meet a minimum of
see implementation of roads management 4 times a year.
activities.
Advocate for changes to the Western Continued membership of Western High-

Highway that will support business, indus- way Action Committee (WHAC)
try and community growth, including the
strategic development of truck stops.
Advocate for the development of the rail Continues membership of the Alliance of
network for freight transportation. Council’s for Rail Freight Development
Finalise the Stawell Transport Plan. Plan completed and reported to Council
by March 2009.
Maintain the Community Satisfaction Sur- Index score greater than 60.
vey rating for overall performance in the
provision of roads and footpaths.
Seek improvements in commuter transport Continued membership of the Grampians

through the Transport Connections pro- Pyrenees Regional Development Board.
gram initiated by the Grampians Pyrenees
Regional Development Board.
Enhanced beauty and livability of our communities
Community Access Advisory Group Attendance at CAAG meetings at least

(CAAG) to inform and guide Council on four times per year.
opportunities to improve access for all
community members.
Continue implementation of Urban Design Urban infrastructure improvements deliv-

Frameworks. ered through Council’s capital works pro-
gram.
Maintain the community satisfaction rating Index score greater than 76.
for overall performance in the appearance
of public areas.
13
Maintain the community satisfaction rating Index score greater than 73.
for overall performance in the provision of
recreation facilities.
Implement and monitor the Arts & Culture Report on implementation of strategy to
Strategy. Council by June 2009.
Improved safety and security of our communities
Actively participate in and support Police Officer attendance at four meetings /

and Community Safety Committees. events per year.
Facilitate the Municipal Emergency Man- Meetings held at least twice per year.
agement Planning committee meetings.
Actively Participate in and support Liquor Attendance at Liquor Accord group meet-
Accord groups. ings at least three times per year.
Support for the needs of an aging population
Implementation of the Aged Care Plan. Report on the implementation of the Plan
to council by April 2009.
Identify the degree of satisfaction with Survey undertaken by Aged and Disability
Council’s HACC services. Services by April 2009 on client satisfac-
tion and improvement opportunities.
Improved health and wellbeing of our communities
Implementation of the Municipal Early Report on the implementation of the Plan

Years Plan. to Council by April 2009.
Maintain the community satisfaction rating Maintain a score higher than those ob-
for overall performance in the provision of tained by comparable Councils.
health and human services.
Support and maintain contact with relevant Report on health and wellbeing of the
agencies to monitor and improve the health community through the Community Indi-
and wellbeing of the community. cators Wellbeing and Indicators of Com-
munity Strength to Council by April 2009.
14
Young people are engaged in the life of our communities
Youth Grants Program delivered twice dur- September 2008 and March 2009.
ing the year.
Council to maintain active participation Membership of Youth Options Guarantee

within the Youth Options Guarantee committee and North Central and Central
program. Grampians LLEN Boards.
Maintain recreation facilities which sup- Funds for the maintenance of recreation
port youth activities. facilities are allocated.
Support youth in schools. Maintain contact and open channels from

groups such as SRC.
Effective planning which supports the future of our communities
Facilitate the implementation of Community Report to Council on progress of priorities

Planning for identified communities. by June 2009.
Support feasibility studies that assist to Grant applications sought to implement

achieve the priorities identified by the group priorities by May 2009..
Stawell Focus Group for the future of
Stawell after gold mining.
Undertake review of Northern Grampi- Report to Council on the review findings

ans Planning Scheme including the Mu- by June 2009.
nicipal Strategic Statement.
Maintain or improve the community sat- Index score greater than 62.
isfaction rating for overall performance
in the provision of town planning poli-
cies and approvals.
Prepare and undertake a Planning Amendment adopted by council by May

Scheme amendment to implement the 2009.
Northern Grampians Heritage Study.
15
Increase sustainability of our communities
Participate in the Grampians Regional Waste Participate in a minimum of four group

management group activities. meetings per year.
Maintain or improve the community satisfac- Index score greater than 71.
tion rating for overall performance in the pro-
vision of waste management services.
Participate in Central Victorian Green House Ongoing membership.

Alliance activities.
Complete and implement new resident at- Plan complete and report on implemen-
traction plan in line with the Northern Gram- tation to Council by June 2009.
pians Shire Marketing Plan.
Continue to develop a vibrant business environment to support business

retention and growth and to attract new investment.
Implement and monitor the Economic Devel- Report on implementation of Strategy to

opment and Tourism Strategy. Council by June 2009.
Secure access to water, power and telecom- Lobby for improvements to infrastructure.
munications to enable business expansion Take part in projects to achieve improve-
and attractions. ments to the business environment.
Undertake capital projects to support busi- Completion of Stage 1 of the Halls Gap
ness growth. Community Hub and Stawell Gift Hall of
Fame and commencement of Stawell
Airport Redevelopment.
Support state-wide and regional economic Participate in the regional programs.

development programs.
Undertake activities that aim to improve iden- Provide opportunities for business ac-
tified skill shortages in the Northern Grampi- cess to train and participate in regional
ans Shire. programs.
Implement Investment Plan Stage 2, focusing Support provided through Council atten-
on identified growth industries. dance at 3 meetings with identified
growth industries clusters.
Improve the community satisfaction rating for Index score greater than 55.
overall performance in the provision of eco-
nomic development services.
16
Develop and implement a marketing Plan for Marketing Plan complete and marketing
the Shire. material produced and distributed.
Review and implement the Stawell, Halls Stawell, Halls Gap and St Arnaud Busi-
Gap and St Arnaud business and marketing ness and Marketing Plans (Village Well
Plans (Village Well Plans). Plans) reviewed and progress report to
Council by December 2008.
Increase tourism activity and repeat visits to the region
Support establishment of the Grampians Re- Regional Tourism partnership estab-

gional Tourism Partnership. lished and supported by Council.
Support and encourage the development Financial support provided to eligible

existing and new events in the Shire. events in accordance with Council’s
Event Assistance Police.
Strengthen community networks and services
Provide two information sessions to the com- Complete by May 2009.

munity on all grant and support opportunities
available within the Shire.
Provide administrative support and training Council officers will have met with all
to facilitate community boards of manage- Boards of Management by March 2009.
ment for Council’s recreation facilities.
Strong resource management and governance systems are utilised
Develop and implement purchasing guide- Purchasing guidelines developed and

lines. adopted by Finance Committee by Feb-
ruary 2009.
Review and update the information Services Plan reviewed following implementation
Strategy. of core system by 30 December 2008.
Review of the Governance Principles. Updated Code of Conduct signed off by

Council by March 2009.
Foster good governance and accountability Audit committee to meet at least four
times per year.
17
Development of a Staff Training and Devel- Corporate training plan developed by

opment Plan. September 2008.
Continued development of an internal web- Internal website updates undertaken.

site to replace existing information storage
systems..
Our community is aware of available services and outcomes
Provide information to the community about Information distributed to local media and
Council activities and services. through Council’s Community newsletter.
Communities engaged through presenta-

tions and attendance at meetings such
as Chamber of Commerce, Ratepayers
and Progress Associations.
Monitor the effectiveness of an integrated Report to council on first year of system

customer service management system. implementation by November 2008.
This Council Plan is supplemented by the Strategic Resource Plan which includes the finan-
cial and non-financial resources required to achieve the Council Plan.
18
19

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Northern Grampians Shire Council

COUNCIL PLAN 2008-2012

Our Core Values 3

Welcome by the Mayor, Cr Bryan Small 4

Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer, Glen Davis 7

Council Demographic Profile 10

This Council Plan responds to 5 significant Opportunities

Attachment 1 - Community Planning

“Proud Past - Vibrant Future”

Our Core Values

• Delivery of services that support our community now and

Welcome by the Mayor,

Improved communication between Council and the community has

The Shire delivers a range of services to the community that affects

More than ever, Northern Grampi-

Our tourism and business devel-

Our economy is continuing to come forward in leaps and bounds.

Primary production is a strong contributor to our economy and

Northern Grampians is home to

Introduction by the Chief Executive Officer,

The achievements of the Northern Grampians shire in commission-

We are well placed to manage the changes of the future. Trends

Farmers toughened by the drought years are better qualified to manage

Employment in Northern Grampians Shire is highly diversified. That di-

Following eleven years of drought, a Shire with Agriculture as its major

The staff of the Northern Grampians Shire provide a source of ongoing

Councillors Focus on 2007/2008

Council Demographic Profile

Population - approximately 13,150

Major townships - Stawell @ 8,000; St Arnaud @ 2,700

Other communities - Halls Gap, Great Western, Navarre, Marnoo,

Land area - 5,903 square kilometers

Road Length - (local roads under Council management)

Tourist Numbers – (Visitation)

5,455 households (DSE projection).

Population density - 2.23 people per square kilometre.

Population trends – the population of the shire is projected to

Age Group Change 2001 – 2026 % change

Northern Grampians Shire Council

Customer Service Centres

Town Hall, Main Street, Stawell – 5358.8700

Council responds to its core values through

1 Manage transport, economic, social and cultural infrastructure

2 Plan for growing, safe, and vibrant communities ensuring the

3 Promote the Shires attractions, attributes and development by

4 Deliver transparent and strong governance by

5 Develop and sustain our organisational capabilities by

A transport network that supports community and business needs

STRATEGY FOR 2008/09 MILESTONE

Advocate for changes to the Western Continued membership of Western High-

Seek improvements in commuter transport Continued membership of the Grampians

Enhanced beauty and livability of our communities

STRATEGY FOR 2008/09 MILESTONE

Community Access Advisory Group Attendance at CAAG meetings at least

Continue implementation of Urban Design Urban infrastructure improvements deliv-

Improved safety and security of our communities

STRATEGY FOR 2008/09 MILESTONE

Actively participate in and support Police Officer attendance at four meetings /

Support for the needs of an aging population

STRATEGY FOR 2008/09 MILESTONE

Improved health and wellbeing of our communities

STRATEGY FOR 2008/09 MILESTONE

Implementation of the Municipal Early Report on the implementation of the Plan

Young people are engaged in the life of our communities