Late Reports Agenda of Ordinary Council

Community Vision A sustainable high quality of life for all

Community Mission Building the future together

People Place Health Education Technology

Council’s Corporate Values é Sustainability

é Excellence in Service Delivery

é Consultation and Communication

é Openness and Accountability

é Community Advocacy

Community Themes é Leadership and Governance

é Your Community Life

é Your Business and Industry

é Your Natural and Built Environment

Under Clause 3.23 Statement of ethical Obligations in the Code of Meeting Practice as adopted by Council at the Extraordinary Meeting of Council held on 23 June 2022 (Item 6.04), business papers for all ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the council and committees of the council must contain a statement reminding councillors of their oath or affirmation of office made under section 233A of the Act and their obligations under the council’s code of conduct to disclose and appropriately manage conflicts of interest.

Councillors are reminded of the oath or affirmation which was taken by each of them on 10 January 2022.

Oath Of Councillor

I swear that I will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and that I will faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in me under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of my ability and judgment.

Affirmation Of Councillor

I solemnly and sincerely declare and affirm that I will undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of Port Macquarie-Hastings local government area and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council and that I will faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in me under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of my ability and judgment.

Councillors have the opportunity to declare any interests in items on the agenda and inform the Council and public if they will be leaving the Chambers during the debate and voting on the item.

Item: 07.02

Subject: MAyORAL Minute - Recognition of the Late Allan Gordon

Mayor, Peta Pinson

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the contribution to the local business community of the late Allan Gordon.

Discussion

Mr Allan Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of the Hastings Co-operative, passed away on 6 March 2023.

Mr Gordon was appointed as CEO in 2012 and was highly respected by the Co-op staff and the local business community and leaves behind a lasting legacy.

Our condolences and deepest sympathy are extended to Allan’s family, friends and work colleagues.

I now ask that we observe one minute’s silence in memory of Mr Gordon.

Attachments

Nil

Item: 07.03

Subject: MAyORAL Minute - Independent Report on the Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall by Angus Gordon

Mayor, Peta Pinson

RECOMMENDATION

That Council note the independent report on the Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall by Angus Gordon which was funded by members of “Save Our Breakwall”.

Discussion

Local group “Save Our Breakwall” commissioned Angus Gordon, a Coastal Engineer, to conduct an on-site visual breakwall inspection and produce an assessment report.

The report, based on inspections and available information, states the breakwall is in reasonable condition but is in need of some targeted repairs. The report does not support a major upgrade.

A copy of the report is attached for information and has been presented to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister, the Hon Sam Farraway by a representative of “Save Our Breakwall”. The Minister advised that he would pass the report onto Transport for NSW Secretary, Mr Rob Sharp.

Attachments

1 ⇩. Assessment of Port Macquarie Southern Breakwall - Angus Gordon

ATTACHMENT

Ordinary Council

16/03/2023

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Late Reports Ordinary Council

16/03/2023

What we are trying to achieve

A community that works together in decision making that is defined as ethically, socially and environmentally responsible.

What the result will be

We will have:

• A community that has the opportunity to be involved in decision making

• Open, easy, meaningful, regular and diverse communication between the community and decision makers

• Partnerships and collaborative projects, that meet the community’s expectations, needs and challenges

• Knowledgeable, skilled and connected community leaders

• Strong corporate management that is transparent

How we will get there

1.1 Inform and engage with the community about what Council does using varied communication channels

1.2 Maintain strong partnerships between all stakeholders - local, state and federal — so that they are affective advocates for the community

1.3 Demonstrate leadership

1.4 Use innovative, efficient and sustainable practices

1.5 Ensure strong corporate and financial management that is transparent and accountable

Late Reports Ordinary Council

16/03/2023

Item: 10.08

Subject: Overseas travel approval for Mr Danny Roberts, Water Treatment Technical Officer to attend the 2023 Operators Tour of New Zealand

Presented by: Community Utilities, Jeffery Sharp

Alignment with Delivery Program

1.3.4 Manage our workforce to deliver community outcomes.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the attendance of Mr Danny Roberts to the 2023 New Zealand Water Operations Group Annual Conference and study tour to be held during May 2023.

Executive Summary

At the 2019 WIOA (Water Industry Operators Association) NSW conference, Mr Danny Roberts, Council’s Water Process Coordinator, was awarded the NSW ‘Operator of the Year” Award.

This report seeks Council’s endorsement to support Mr Roberts attendance at the 2023 New Zealand WIOG (Water Industry Operators Group) conference, which is the prize awarded to the winner.

Attendance at the conference and inspections of various treatment plants in New Zealand is an excellent opportunity for a local operator to see first- hand how technology is being utilised elsewhere and also gives an opportunity to share ideas with other operators.

Discussion

The Australian Water Industry Operators Association (WIOA) is a water industry group that provides networking opportunities, training and resources for the professional development of operational staff. PMHC is a corporate member of WIOA. WIOA presents an annual ‘Operator of the Year’ award for each state at the corresponding annual conferences.

This is the most prestigious award presented at WIOA NSW conference annually. The award is presented to operators of water or wastewater treatment facilities to recognise excellent performance, initiative and all round attention to detail.

In 2019, Mr Danny Roberts was nominated for the award by Council’s Process Engineer. Ultimately, the nomination was successful and the award was presented at the 2019 WIOA conference in Orange NSW.

The winner receives a perpetual trophy for his or her organisation to keep for 12 months plus a personal trophy to keep permanently. The winner also receives a trip to New Zealand to join a study tour and participate in the WIOG NZ conference.

Like many things recently, attendance at the conference as part of the prize has been significantly impacted by COVID, however Mr Roberts has recently been made aware that the 2023 WIOG conference is going ahead in May 2023.

The NSW Water Directorate are award sponsors and pay all costs involved with attendance.

The criteria for the determination of the winner of NSW operator of the Year, is that nominees should be employed in New South Wales and should have direct responsibility for operational decisions at community water and wastewater treatment plants/ or industrial water or wastewater plants.

The following features are taken into account in considering worthy recipients:

1. Continuing education/training achievement;

2. Overall plant or system management and condition;

3. Demonstrated attention to Occupational Health and Safety and other regulatory responsibilities;

4. Initiative and innovation, demonstrating improved treatment and efficiency

The completed applications are judged by an independent panel and the winner of the Water Directorate NSW Operator of the Year Award is announced at the Awards Dinner at the WIOA NSW conference annually.

Options

Council has the option to approve or decline the recommendation.

Planning & Policy Implications

Council’s Travel and Reimbursement of Expenses operational policy currently requires Council approval for overseas travel for staff. This travel will be reported in Council’s Annual Statement for 2022-2023 as per reporting requirements.

Financial & Economic Implications

Given the attendance and travel are sponsored by the NSW Water Directorate as a prize, there are no cost implications to Council other than wages for normal week hours.

If approved, departure date is Friday 12 May 2023, return Saturday 20 May 2023.

Attachments

Nil

date of meeting:		Thursday 16 March 2023
location:		Wauchope
time:		3:00pm