Brimbank

Annual Report

2018-2019

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Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019 I

3

About this Annual Report

2

Welcome to the Report of Operations 2018-2019

4

Snapshot of Council

5

Snapshot of service delivery

8

Highlights of the year

14

Challenges and opportunities

18

Message from the Mayor

19

Chief Executive Officer’s message

20

Financial summary

21

Description of operations

23

Significant service achievements 2018-2019

24

Strategies, policies and plans adopted

29

Major changes

30

Our Council

31

About the Councillors

32

Executive Management Team at 30 June 2019

37

Organisation structure at 30 June 2019

38

Workforce profile

39

Other staff matters

41

Planning and Accountability Framework

44

Council Plan Goals and Strategic Objectives

45

46

52

57

60

Governance and Management

64

Governance and Management Checklist

71

Statutory information

73

Infrastructure and development contributions

77

2019 Community Satisfaction Survey

78

Advocacy, consultation and community engagement

80

Volunteering in Brimbank

82

Sustainability

84

Awards

88

Description of municipality

91

Sustainable Capacity Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2019 91

Service Performance Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2019 92

Financial Performance Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2019 96

Other Information

98

Certification of the Performance Statement

99

Independent Auditor’s Report

100

A Plain English Guide to the Annual Financial Report

104

Certification of the Financial Statements

107

Independent Auditor’s Report

108

Financial statements

110

Acronyms

155

Index

156

Brimbank City Council’s 2018-2019 Annual Report details

Council’s performance during that financial year and includes

a report against the objectives set out in Brimbank’s Council

Plan 2017-2021.

The Brimbank City Council Annual Report 2018-2019 aims

to fulfil Council’s statutory responsibilities under the

and

.

To obtain a copy of this document, please contact Council’s

Customer Service Centre on

or view a copy

online at

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Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019

01

Council is transparent

and accountable

in reporting to the

community. The Report

of Operations 2018-

2019 explains in detail

Council’s operations and

performance during the

financial year.

About Brimbank

Who we are

Brimbank is a vibrant, growing community in the

heart of Melbourne’s west. Diversity is central

to our identity – we are proudly multicultural,

embracing people from around the world and

weaving their stories into our own. Brimbank’s

estimated resident population of 208,714

in 2018 makes it the fifth most populous

municipality in Greater Melbourne.

Where we came from

The City of Brimbank was established in 1994,

uniting the former Keilor and Sunshine Councils.

It was named after Brimbank Park in Keilor,

which gained its name from the practice of

farmers driving livestock ‘around the brim of the

bank’ of the Maribyrnong River.

The land the municipality now occupies has

a human history that began with Aboriginal

traditional custodians, the Kulin Nation, more

than 40,000 years before European settlement.

The area was originally occupied by the Kurung

Jang-Balluk and Marin-Balluk clans of the native

Wurundjeri people.

The first European settlements were established

at Keilor in the late 1840s, Sunshine (then known

as Braybrook Junction) in the mid-1880s, and

St Albans in the late 1880s. Many suburbs grew

around the original settlements after World War

II to house the influx of migrants. More recently,

areas that were once industrial hubs have been

transformed into new residential suburbs that

are continuing to grow rapidly.

Our place

Brimbank spans an area between 11 and

23 kilometres west and north-west of

Melbourne’s CBD.

It is bound by the City of Hume in the north, the

Cities of Maribyrnong and Moonee Valley in the

east, the Cities of Hobsons Bay and Wyndham in

the south, and the City of Melton in the west.

Fifteen per cent of Brimbank’s total area is

classified as open space, including natural

treasures such as Organ Pipes National Park

and Mount Derrimut Grasslands, as well as

Green Gully Reserve, Brimbank Park and Iramoo

Wildflower Grassland Reserve.

Our strategic position at the heart of

Melbourne’s west has been cemented with

major infrastructure commitments that continue

to transform the region.

The Victorian and Commonwealth governments

have committed up to $5 billion each to deliver

the Melbourne Airport Rail. This will involve

construction of the Sunshine Super Hub and

will support the development of the Sunshine

National Employment and Innovation Cluster,

building upon its well established facilities

and services. Sunshine’s railway station was

completely rebuilt during the Regional Rail Link

project, while the removal of level crossings

in Furlong Road and Main Road has drastically

improved safety, amenity and access. The

Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital

in Sunshine was officially opened in May 2019

and offers world-class maternity and paediatric

services, honouring the legacy of Victoria’s first

female Premier.

Our suburbs are as diverse as our people – from

the hustle and bustle of Sunshine and St Albans

to historic Keilor, each has its own flavour and

personality.

Sunshine: A designated metropolitan activity

centre, Sunshine’s profile is rising due to its

proximity to the city and its mouth-watering

food scene. It includes a Victoria University

campus, the Brimbank Community and Civic

Centre and significant retail and commercial

activities. It is also close to the growing

Sunshine Hospital. Sunshine services suburbs

which include Albion, Sunshine North, Sunshine

West and part of Brooklyn.

St Albans: St Albans is a designated major

activity centre that includes a Victoria University

campus, the St Albans Community Centre and

Bowery Theatre, and a thriving restaurant and

retail precinct. St Albans services neighbouring

suburbs Albanvale, Kings Park and Kealba.

Deer Park: Servicing the nearby suburbs of

Ardeer, Derrimut and Cairnlea, Deer Park has

a rich array of restaurants and shops. Major

features of the area include the Hunt Club

Community and Arts Centre, Black Powder Mill

and Brimbank Central Shopping Centre.

Sydenham: A significant major activity centre

that will continue to grow and develop.

Sydenham services suburbs including

Sydenham, Calder Park, Taylors Lakes, Delahey

and parts of Hillside. Watergardens Town Centre

is the jewel in its crown, while Calder Park

Motorsport Complex is another landmark.

Keilor: Keilor is set among rolling hills and

national and state parks, including Organ Pipes

National Park, Brimbank Park and Green Gully

Reserve. It services suburbs including Keilor

North, Keilor Park and Keilor Downs as well as

parts of Keilor, Keilor East and Tullamarine.

Our people

Brimbank has a rich Indigenous history,

going back to when the Wurundjeri people

first inhabited the region, thriving in the

Maribyrnong Valley.

Brimbank is one of the most culturally diverse

municipalities in Australia, with almost half of

our residents born outside Australia.

Brimbank’s suburbs boomed after World War II,

when migrants from southern Europe flowed to

the area. More recently, newly arrived Asian and

African communities have developed alongside

the more established European communities.

More than half of our residents speak a

language other than English at home, with more

than 160 languages represented. The top 10

languages other than English are Vietnamese,

Maltese, Italian, Greek, Macedonian, Filipino,

Cantonese, Arabic, Punjabi and Croatian.

Brimbank is increasingly becoming a major

employment hub for Melbourne’s west.

Manufacturing is the key employer in Brimbank,

followed by retail, health care and social

assistance.

Brimbank is home to a range of established

businesses, including Aldi, ARC, Australia Post,

Boral, Bunnings, Caterpillar, FedEx, Ferguson

Plarre, Fisher and Paykel, Hunter Leisure, John

Deere, Lombards, Schweppes, Schiavello and

Sims Metal.

In more recent times companies such as

IBM, Metronode, Digital Realty, Rand Group,

Preshafruit, Sleepyhead, VicRoads and

Vistaprint have also chosen to settle in

Brimbank.

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Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019 I

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Reconciliation and Indigenous

information

Council acknowledges the Kulin nation of people

as the traditional owners of the land and their

continuing spiritual connection to the land, and

renews its commitment to respect Indigenous

beliefs, values and customs.

It is estimated 440 Registered Aboriginal Places

exist in the Brimbank Local Government Area. The

oldest artefacts found in the City are over 30,000

years old.

On 26 February 2008, Council adopted the full

motion passed by the Federal Government on

13 February 2008 in saying sorry to the Stolen

Generations on behalf of the Australian Parliament

and people, and extended an apology to those

Stolen Generations on behalf of the people of

Brimbank.

Since July 2011, Council has flown both the

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags

alongside the Australian national flag every day

outside its Municipal Office.

Each year Brimbank City Council hosts a broad

range of activities during Reconciliation and

NAIDOC Week, such as Aboriginal cultural

heritage tours, Sorry Day events, Indigenous art

exhibitions, library story-telling sessions and

NAIDOC flag raisings.

On 17 April 2012, Council endorsed a

Reconciliation Statement of Commitment and

officially signed the Statement on 29 May 2012,

committing it to learning from the past and

seeking new ways to build relationships with the

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,

and to developing a Reconciliation Action Plan.

It was committed that the Reconciliation Action

Plan would be developed in consultation with

internal and external stakeholders including

Council staff, Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander residents and local Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander service providers and

community groups.

In May 2013, Council adopted its first

Reconciliation Action Plan that demonstrates its

commitment to reconciliation for all Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander people with a second

Reconciliation Plan planned for adoption in

2019-2020.

In September 2016, a

(MOU) between Brimbank City

Council and the Wurundjeri Tribe Land and

Compensation Cultural Heritage Council was

signed, marking an important step toward

reconciliation and reaffirming the genuine

connection, pride and belonging for our

Indigenous community.

Brimbank at a glance

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Area

123 square kilometres

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Population count

208,714

(estimated resident population, June 2018)

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Males

50.0%

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Females

50.0%

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Residents aged under 18 years 22.1%

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Residents aged between

18 and 59 years

58.9%

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Residents aged 60 years and over 19.0%

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Indigenous population

816

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Residents who speak a

non-English language at home 58.3%

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Median house price for 2018 $659,510

(June 2018)

Vision, Principles, Goals,

Strategic Objectives and Values

Brimbank’s Council Plan 2017-2021 sets

out Council’s Vision, Principles, Goals and

Strategic Objectives and Values as follows:

Vision

Brimbank – vibrant, harmonious and welcoming,

a great place to live, work and grow.

Principles

The following principles underpin the core of

Council’s work and frame the decisions made

now and into the future.

Building community resilience to survive,

adapt and grow during the fast paced

challenges of the 21st century will be

essential to help communities prepare for

change and whatever the future may hold.

Council will draw on the strengths of our

diverse communities and geographies, to

pursue our shared interests, embrace our

differences and be stronger together.

Serving the Brimbank community is why we

exist. Every decision we make and every dollar

we spend is with the aim of continually improving

the lives of the people who live in our city. In our

decision-making and delivery of Council business

we will place our community first.

Council is committed to access, equity,

community participation and human rights for

all citizens. By working in partnerships with local

groups, community agencies and government

departments, Council aims to build upon our

existing community assets, strengths and

capabilities to achieve social change, fairness

and better outcomes for disadvantaged groups.

Council seeks to build a legacy which enables an

engaged and resilient community that supports

a sustainable environment containing rich social,

economic and environmental characteristics.

‘Sustainability’ means our actions meet current

needs without compromising the prospects of

future generations. In achieving this Council

will incorporate environmental considerations

alongside social and economic values in our

decision-making processes and support our

community to become sustainability stewards.

Goals and Strategic Objectives

• Goal: An inclusive community

- Our community members are safe,

healthy and well

- People have opportunities to

participate in community life

- Services and facilities are fit-for

purpose and well-run

- Our community belong and are proud of

where they live

• Goal: A liveable community

- Public and open spaces are safe, clean

and well-maintained

- People can get around easily on foot, by

bike, car or public transport

- Our community lives sustainably

- The natural environment supports

thriving biodiversity that is protected

and well connected

- The urban environment supports a

growing population in designated

areas while respecting neighbourhood

character and heritage where

appropriate

• Goal: A prosperous community

- People are able to access quality

education and lifelong learning

opportunities

- People are able to find and maintain

jobs that provide income security

- The local economy is strong and

provides opportunities for the

community to thrive

- Housing is of good quality, well located

and affordable

- Brimbank is a leading destination for

business, working, learning, recreation

and living

• Goal: An innovative & responsive

‘community first’ Council

- Council is fair, honest and transparent

- Council advocates and works in the

interests of our community

- Council manages our assets and

finances sustainably and responsibly

- Council staff are high performing and

community-focused

Values

At Brimbank all our roles impact and support the

diverse needs of our community. Our values and

behaviours demonstrate what is important to us:

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we show

RESPECT

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we act with

INTEGRITY

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we work

TOGETHER

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we

COMMUNICATE

openly

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we strive for

EXCELLENCE

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Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019 I

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Council plans, develops and delivers a range of sport and recreation, health and fitness, and community meeting opportunities to encourage the

community to be physically active at sports grounds, leisure centres, major sports facilities and community halls for hire. Council also plans and implements

community infrastructure such as community hubs and sport and recreation facilities to strengthen local communities.

What we delivered

• Successful in receiving $344,826 funding

from Sports Australia to contribute to the

conversion of two en tout cas tennis courts

at Keilor Park Tennis to synthetic grass with

LED lighting

• 28 capital works projects to improve sports

facilities for community benefit valued at

$7 million

• 75 capital works community facility

improvement projects to 51 community

facilities for community benefit with a total

contribution of $1.77 million

• 596,288 visits across both Sunshine and St

Albans leisure centres

• Delivered six Sports Club Development

Network meetings and training sessions for

Brimbank sports clubs

• 138 sports clubs volunteers attended Council

delivered volunteer training sessions

• Successfully delivered the Female Football

Festival in partnership with Football Victoria

and Melbourne City FC

• Delivered In2Tennis to over 400 Brimbank

community members with support from

sponsor ANZ

• 2,159 Brimbank residents involved in the

Active Premiers Challenge

• Supported 13 Heart Foundation Walking

groups attended by more than 150

community members

• Supported the continued development of

the Community Soccer Hub providing a place

for newly emerging communities to come

together through soccer

• Continued to deliver Sons of the West and

Daughters of the West – a mental and physical

health program run in partnership with the

Western Bulldogs Community Foundation

• Coordinated White Ribbon events at three

Brimbank cricket clubs

• Partnered with Tennis Victoria to deliver

Melbourne Tennis Month

• Online community space bookings for Keilor

Meeting Place – Old Shire Hall, John McLeod

Pavilion and Arthur Beachley Pavilion made

available for residents and community

members

• 63,144 learn to swim visits across both

St Albans and Sunshine leisure centres

• 87,821 casual aquatic visits across both

leisure centres

• Managed 79 sports clubs using more than

130 sports facilities

• Supported sports clubs to provide more than

500 children and adults with ongoing sports

participation opportunities

• Adopted the Community Services and

Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

• Finalist in Parks and Leisure Australia Vic/Tas

Awards for Sports Facility Development Plan

• Provided In2Sport program funding for 363

children to play sport at Brimbank Clubs. Of

the total approved – 32 per cent had never

registered at a Brimbank sports club before

• Adopted the Physical Activity Strategy

• Successful in receiving $5000 funding from

Football Federation Victoria for the In2Sport

Program

• Successful in receiving $65,000 for Sport

Australia to plan, deliver and evaluate

In2Active Brimbank program starting in

July 2019

• Successful in receiving $30,000 from

VicHealth to run co-design sessions with

South Sudanese and Pasifika communities

on how they’d like to see physical activity

run in their communities, and to develop a

project plan

• Successful in receiving $887,145 funding

from Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV)

and $100,000 from AFL Vic to contribute

to female-friendly change room upgrades

at Lionheart, Keilor Park and John McLeod

reserves. SRV funding also contributed

to multipurpose sports court at Errington

Reserve and lighting upgrade at Churchill

Reserve

• Facilitated 379,660 visits to the Keilor

Basketball and Netball Stadium – increasing

visits by 66,000 visits compared to the

previous year

• The Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium held

the Go Grey in May raising more than $3000

for the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation

• The Keilor Basketball Netball Stadium hosted

45 Big V basketball games in March-June

• 41,978 visits to the Keilor Public Golf Course

• 36 community facilities managed available for

regular, casual and function hire

• A total of 345,637 people visiting community

facilities

• 7,892 bookings across community facilities

halls for hire

• 655 casual bookings of community facilities

halls for hire

• 192 functions held in community facilities

halls for hire

• 81 regular group bookings of community

facilities halls for hire

• 23 minor work community facility

improvement projects for community benefit

• 3,627 members at Brimbank Leisure Centre

• Signed Joint User Agreement with Taylors

Lakes Secondary College to formally

have access to the use of their oval for

community/sport club use

Council is responsible for planning permit approvals, providing building permit services,

and conducting inspections of building works and fire safety audits.

• Online services on Council’s website

to apply for:

- a planning permit

- an amendment to a planning permit

- amendments to plans via secondary

consent

- plans subject to conditions

- extension of time to a planning permit

- planning advice

- copies of planning permits and/or

endorsed plans

- demolition request

- a Development Contributions Plan invoice

• 1,024 planning application decisions made

• 634 planning-related property information

requests received

• 246 subdivision applications received

• 33 VCAT appeals relating to planning

applications

• 461 investigations resulting from planning

compliance complaints

• 1,043 inspections resulting from planning

compliance complaints

• 20 Magistrates’ Court prosecutions for

planning compliance

• 3 VCAT enforcement order applications

• 79 Planning Infringement Notices issued

What we delivered

• Online services on Council’s website

to apply for:

- a building permit or request a quote

- a report and consent

- copies of building documents

- Registering a Building Permit – Private

Surveyors

- Request to Vary or Extend the Time of a

Building Permit

- property information

• $593 million total value of new building

projects requiring building permits

• 268 report and consent requests received

and processed for buildings

• 304 mandatory building inspections

• 1,942 building-related property information

requests

• 257 requests for copies of plans received

• 516 building notices and orders served

• 42 inspections of illegal rooming houses

• 110 swimming pool barrier inspections

• 37 essential services maintenance

inspections

• 33 emergency after-hours call outs

• 503 investigations resulting from building

related complaints

• 250 illegal building works identified

• 63 matters referred to Council’s solicitors for

legal action

Council delivers a range of services

for families and young children, and

opportunities for young people to develop

skills and contribute to community life.

What we delivered

• Coordinated home-based child care with 136

equivalent full-time child care places and 830

monitoring visits to 43 active Family Day Care

Educators, contributing 244,601 hours of

care

• Conducted 2,675 Maternal and Child Health

first home visits

• Completed 22,599 key age stage visits, 3,334

additional appointments and 1,554 telephone

consultations

• Provided youth support and counselling

services to 130 young people

• Supported a diverse range of youth programs

such as Local Young Communities, Youth

Ambassadors, Young Researchers, Baby

Steps, Young Parents Playgroup, School

Holiday Show-bags, Universal Access Discos,

Youth Promotions Team, Youth Services

Review, Queer Crafter-noon, student

wellbeing days at Brimbank secondary

schools, L2P Program, Making Moves

Basketball Program, and Sunshine Children’s

Court Program attended by 1,144 young

people.

• Provided ongoing building and grounds

maintenance support at nine Council-owned

child care buildings and 30 preschools

• Processed 2,174 kindergarten applications

• Supported playgroups with Smalltalk

intervention in 16 groups including four

language specific groups – Vietnamese,

Burmese, Arabic and Dinka

• Supported playgroups conducted

320 home visits

• Ran two shopping centre playgroups

offering three sessions delivered by

cross cultural team

• Delivered two rounds of Culturally and

Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Playgroup

Leader training with 20 participants in total

• Supported 88 community playgroups

• Maintained buildings and grounds of

six playgroup sites

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Council offers a range of services to the community including arts and culture, events, and community centres.

• Installed and launched Sunvale Community

Park Indigenous public artwork as part of

Reconciliation Week activities

• Delivered public artwork at Melton Highway

overpass in partnership with Level Crossing

Removal Authority

• Presented ‘Intersect Out West’ showcase

and networking event where delegates from

the British Council’s Intersect Program and

representatives from Diversity Arts Australia

connected with local artists

• Supported two emerging dance artists at St

Albans Community Centre through the Room

To Move Residency

• Supported the creation of two new works

through the Be Bold Performance Residency

by Western Edge Youth Arts and Outer Urban

Projects

• Strengthened St Albans Community Centre’s

relationship with Brimbank’s Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander community

through delivery of the Koorie Homework

Club, partnerships with VACCA (Victorian

Aboriginal Child Care Agency) and First Nations

community groups, and support for the

Women’s Leadership through the Arts Program

• Delivered Toddler Tuesday, Brimbank

Multicultural Community Choir, drama

workshops, creative video courses and

dance classes

• Delivered four youth-led live music events

• Launched the weekly youth program, LAB,

to connect local youth programs at St Albans

Community Centre

• 378,786 annual visits and 19,246 hours

of programs across Council’s seven

neighbourhood houses

• Provided grants totalling $150,000 to five

independent neighbourhood houses to

support the delivery of community programs

and community development activities

• 18 key event weeks celebrated at

Brimbank neighbourhood houses including

Neighbourhood House Week

• Designed and developed new initiatives to

support and encourage African Australian

communities to access neighbourhood

houses and community centres including

a Neighbour Day event, and Aboriginal and

African Women’s Yarning Circle

What we delivered

• Coordinated 24 National Disability Insurance

Scheme (NDIS) presentations and information

sessions to 280 people

• Coordinated bimonthly meetings with

Brimbank Disability Network Group

• Delivered Carers Week event in partnership

with Carers Victoria

• Coordinated quarterly Brimbank Disability

Advisory Committee meetings

• Updated the Disability in Brimbank Guide

for service providers, agencies and National

Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) based in

Brimbank to support the implementation of

the NDIS

• Delivered four Sexual Lives Respectful

Relationship training sessions

• Held six Brimbank Active Seniors meetings

and six Brimbank Seniors Forums

• Celebrated a 10-year partnership with

Victoria Police delivering the Brimbank

Community Register

• Delivered the Volunteer Rewards and

Recognition event for 370 Brimbank

volunteers

• Hosted the International Day of People with

Disability event for 120 people

• Hosted 12 community forums as part of the

Victorian Seniors Festival

• Delivered the annual Brimbank Seniors Lunch

and Dance event for 580 seniors

• Coordinated and delivered the Brimbank

Disability Expo with over 60 exhibitors

• 35 events staged at the Bowery Theatre

• Nine commercial films screened at the

Bowery Theatre from April and June 2019

• 33 curated exhibitions presented across

seven gallery spaces; including a major re

hang of artwork at the Brimbank Community

and Civic Centre

• Supported 16 studio artists through the

Art Spaces Studio Program at six locations

• Supported seven artists through Activation

Partnership funding to activate spaces

across Brimbank

• Delivered four public murals across Brimbank

• Introduced new programs including drop-in

study sessions, Dinka computer class,

Women’s Shed Program and Kids Yoga at

neighbourhood houses

• Piloted a youth drop in program and youth

focused events at neighbourhood houses

• 121 volunteers supported the delivery of

programs at seven neighbourhood houses

• Hosted a Mayor and Councillors Iftar dinner

with 70 people of Muslim faith

• Hosted an International Women’s Day Forum

with 80 people

• Brimbank Maribyrnong Interfaith Network

hosted the Victorian Interfaith Network

Conference at St Albans Community Centre

for 250 people

• Delivered Brimbank’s annual IDAHOBIT

rainbow flag raising event

• Coordinated a range of community events

including NAIDOC flag raising, Midsumma,

and National Reconciliation Week – Brimbank

Reconciliation Walk

• Coordinated the Brimbank Disability Network

Group, Brimbank Maribyrnong Interfaith

Network, Brimbank Active Seniors and

Brimbank Seniors Forums

• Coordinated four Brimbank Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Action

Plan Consultative Committee meetings

• Delivered community leadership programs for

47 people

• Provided 46 community governance training

sessions to 1,145 participants

• Held two Brimbank Leadership Alumni

networking events with 115 people attending

• 51 children participated in the Dynamic Young

Citizens project

• Delivered four Living in Your Neighbourhood

Sessions to 80 people

• Funded 28 Neighbour Day events attracting

more than 1000 participants

• Delivered the Indigenous Community

Leadership program attended by 12 people

• Delivered the First Nation Women Art and

Leadership Program 2019

• Held the 2019 State and Federal Budget

Forum, with 50 participants

• Held five Meet Your Councillors sessions

Council is responsible for upgrading and maintaining local parks,

creek corridors, sports grounds, municipal reserves and street trees.

• Completed upgrade of Taylors Creek

shared user path from Kings Road to

Sunshine Avenue

• Extended Sydenham Rail Corridor shared

user path to Ruth Street bridge, St Albans

• Advocated for Biodiversity Sensitive Urban

Design principles for internal and external

works

• 46 conservation sites managed to improve

habitat for indigenous flora and fauna,

covering 370 hectares

• 13 ecological burns completed to reduce

biomass and increase vegetation quality,

covering 45 hectares

• 17,000 indigenous grasses, herbs, shrubs

and trees planted to restore habitat

• Installed structural habitat elements along

200m of Kororoit Creek, Sunshine West and

Deer Park such as rocks, logs, and habitat

hollows

• Engaged with more than 1000 community

members, including school students, to

promote the natural environment

• Continued with external partnership

programs, including the Maribyrnong Valley

Connection Project, resulting in enhanced

maintenance of natural assets in Brimbank

• Administered the Sustainable Land

Management Grant Scheme

• Continued to support ‘Friends of’ groups

and conservation volunteers to improve

Brimbank’s biodiversity and liveability

• Maintained 29 sports reserves comprising

63 playing fields

• Maintained 143 irrigation systems

• Maintained Keilor Public Golf Course

• Proactive inspection of high-risk trees

What we delivered

• Upgraded four local parks and four

neighbourhood parks

• Completed Stage 2 suburban park upgrade

and toilet upgrade at Green Gully Reserve,

Keilor Downs

• Completed Stage 2 suburban park upgrade at

Kurung Drive Reserve, Kings Park

• Completed suburban park upgrade at Davitt

Drive Reserve, Deer Park

• Completed new skate facility at Delahey

Recreational Reserve, Delahey

• Completed improvements to Selwyn Park as

part ongoing implementation of Selwyn Park

Master Plan

• Started Stage 3 flagship park upgrade at

The Lakes Reserve, Taylors Lakes

• Planted 5,690 trees along streets and

main roads

• Upgraded shared user path connection

from Apollo Road to Sunshine Avenue,

Taylors Lakes

• 6,598 tubestock planted in parks

• Planted 1000 semi-mature trees in parks

• Upgraded Foster Road shopping strip in

Keilor Park

• Completed upgrade of Princess Street,

St Albans

• Completed stage 2B and Stage 4 of

Hampshire Road Master Plan

• Completed Victoria Crescent and East

Esplanade, St Albans streetscape upgrades

• Developed urban design principles for

Sunshine Station Super Hub as part of the

Melbourne Airport Railway Link

• Completed shared user path along Harvester

Road, Sunshine

• Completed extension of Kororoit Creek shared

user path from Davitt Drive to Abercairn Court

Council provides a comprehensive waste

service to the community while striving

to manage waste sustainably.

What we delivered

• Weekly domestic waste and fortnightly

recycling collection for 69,869 households

and fortnightly green waste collection for

40,942 households

• Lifted 6,514,274 bins

• Collected 42,187 tonnes of waste

• Recycled 14,713 tonnes of waste

• Collected 11,156 tonnes of green waste

• Awarded contract for introduction of new

At Call Hard Waste Collection Service to

commence from 1 July 2019 – bookings

opened June 2019.

• Collected 40,371 kilograms of paint, 14,300

litres of motor oil and 1,200 kilograms of

household batteries at Council’s Resource

Recovery Centre at Stadium Drive, Keilor Park

• Accepted 246 kilograms of fluorescent

tubes, 623 car batteries, 53,495 kilograms of

e-waste and 1,973 kilograms of gas cylinders

at Council’s Resource Recovery Centre

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Brimbank’s five libraries offer collections of books, magazines, DVDs, toys and other items, as well as

programs and information services at no charge. Collections are available in English and 19 community

languages. The Online Library provides access to downloadable e-books and audio books, access to

hundreds of online magazines, and newspapers in more than 60 languages. Library members can also

browse, reserve and renew their library items online. Brimbank’s Home Library Service operates for

people who are unable to visit the library. Library programs include weekly story times and computer

classes. All libraries offer study facilities, Wi-Fi, Internet and computer access and printing.

What we delivered

• 3,393 library programs delivered and

attended by 70,569 people:

- 1,733 children’s programs with 52,290

children attending

- 75 teen programs with 634 teens

attending

- 971 adult programs with 8,589 adults

attending

- 494 IT classes with 1,259 people attending

– these included classes in languages other

than English and those aimed at seniors

• 19 events were held as part of the Brimbank

Writers & Readers Festival

• 1,075 Home Library Service visits delivered

by 33 volunteers to 67 active Home Library

Service customers in their homes

• Java the ‘Reading Dog’ assisted children to

become confident readers at the Reading

Buddies program

• 707 children registered for the 1000 Books

Before School program – overall total of

registration 2,776. 29 children reached 1000

Books Before School with 73 children overall

completing the program

• 52,240 new physical items added to the

collection in English and 19 community

languages

• 235,155 physical items available to borrow

• 2,114,773 total library visits (1,312,884 visits

to library branches, equal to 91 visits per hour,

and 801,889 to the Online Library)

• 1,289,080 collection loans; of these, 908,551

physical items were borrowed and 380,529

electronic resources were utilised

• 188,561 catalogue searches completed

• 14,542 new library members registered –

total active library membership of 79,548

• 236,155 Internet bookings

• 112,527,166Mb of Wi-Fi usage

• Provided IT assistance 120,496 times

to the community

• 952,167 pages were printed

• 9,902 video game bookings

• 115,135 reference questions answered

Council has a responsibility to provide services

and information to the community in order to

protect the public from disease, provide safety

and ensure wellbeing.

What we delivered

• Conducted 1,814 food premise inspections

(including Streatrader compliance checks)

• Administered 4,006 vaccinations to infants

• Administered 5,728 vaccinations to school

aged children

Council is responsible for managing the city’s

local roads, footpaths and other assets.

What we delivered

• 1,230 kilometres of underground drain

pipes managed and maintained along

with 60 kilometres of table drains

• 43,415 storm water pits, 366 litter traps

and 48 gross pollutant traps maintained

and cleaned

• 4,000 drain pits inspected and cleaned

• 1,229 litter traps inspected and cleaned

• 920 kilometres of local roads inspected

and maintained, including 3.5 kilometres

of unsealed roads

• 1,490 kilometres of footpaths inspected

and maintained

• 80,000 street/road signs proactively

inspected and maintained and about

6000 signs physically maintained

• Approximately 31,000 kilometres of

residential and commercial kerb and

channel swept

• 1,823 tonnes collected through street

sweeping program

• 120,380 street litter bins emptied

• 2,319 tonnes of litter collected through the

street litter bin and manual litter collection

service

• 292 buildings maintained at 142 sites

• 219 playgrounds maintained, of which 157

are in open space and 62 in preschools,

child care and community centres

• 236,440 square metres of road pavement

resurfaced or rehabilitated

Council provides services for the community

under the Commonwealth Home Support

Programme (CHSP) for people over 65 years of

age and the Victorian Home and Community

Care Program for Young People (HACCPYP)

for people under 65 years of age. Council also

provides a range of community programs

including community transport, volunteer

support and support for seniors.

What we delivered

• 55,771 meals on wheels

• 32,624 hours of domestic assistance

• 10,240 hours of personal care

• 8,662 hours of respite care

• 3,909 hours of property maintenance

• 44,128 hours of social support services

• 7,179 hours of assessment and care

management

• 27,697 passenger trips on community

transport buses

• 1,987 clients received a service

Council is responsible for providing education

and enforcement through relevant legislation,

local laws and Council policies, and maintains

a safe and healthy environment for the

community to enjoy.

What we delivered

• Continued use of litter enforcement cameras

across the municipality

• Implementation of a responsible pet

ownership community campaign to promote

animal desexing, microchipping and

registrations

• Introduction of the mobile cat desexing van

in partnership with The Lost Dogs’ Home

• 15,963 compliance service enquiries

attended to, including:

- 4,049 for parking

- 1,732 for local law

- 1,137 for litter

- 1,906 for abandoned/derelict vehicles

- 2,239 for condition of land

- 1,967 for cats

- 2,445 for dogs

- 488 for other animals

• 3,021 stray animals collected by Council

(864 dogs, 2,091 cats, 66 other animals)

• 12,207 pets registered (9,154 dogs and

3,053 cats)

• Five dog attack prosecutions and 460

infringements for animal-related matters

• 24,994 parking infringements and 619 local

law infringements issued

• 1,114 vacant properties inspected and 534

fire hazard reduction notices issued; of

these, 94 land owners were issued with

infringements and 83 properties had to be

cut by Council’s contractor

• 90 event/film permit applications processed:

- 64 event permits issued

- 15 film permits issued

- four busking permits issued

• 116 school crossings supervised every

school day

• 353 individual littering investigations

conducted

• 4,775 Disabled Parking Permits issued

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Our Goal:

An Inclusive Community

Strategic Objectives:

• Our community members are safe,

healthy and well

• People have opportunities to

participate in community life

•

Services and facilities are fit-for

purpose and well-run

• Our community belong and are

proud of where they live

Our Goal:

A Liveable Community

Strategic Objectives:

• Public and open spaces are safe,

clean and well-maintained

• People can get around easily

on foot, by bike, car or by public

transport

• Our community lives sustainably

• The natural environment supports

thriving biodiversity that is

protected and well-connected

• The urban environment

supports a growing population in

designated areas while respecting

neighbourhood character and

heritage where appropriate

• Continuing to monitor the proposal for the

Ravenhall Tip and advocate on behalf of

our community to the EPA and the State

Government to ensure Landfill Operations Pty

Ltd meets the conditions of its licence.

• Implementing Year One of the Cultural

Heritage Strategy.

• Commencing implementation of the

Brimbank Planning Scheme and Municipal

Strategic Statement.

• Updating the Brimbank Activity Centre Strategy.

• Implementing the Environmentally

Sustainable Design (ESD) Framework on

Council facilities and investigating options

for applying ESD through Council Statutory

Planning responses.

• Preparing neighbourhood character and

design objectives for Brimbank residential

zones.

• Facilitating the development planning process

and urban renewal on strategic sites.

• Completing and commencing implementation

of a Comprehensive Development Plan for the

Sunshine Health, Education and Wellbeing

Precinct.

• Completing the Brimbank Heritage Strategy

and commencing implementation.

Future Initiatives 2019-2020

• Install mobile surveillance cameras to monitor

illegal dumping in public areas.

• Continue to implement proactive cleaning,

maintenance and amenity in St Albans and

Sunshine Town Centres and other Council

owned shopping strips.

• Create an attractive, integrated, accessible

open space network via the implementation

of the Creating Better Parks Open Space

and Playground Policy and Plan, including

upgrades at the following parks:

- Flagship Park:

- Stage 3 upgrade of the Lakes Reserve

Park in Taylors Lakes

- Neighbourhood Park upgrades at:

- Moorland Park, Cairnlea

- Jackman Crescent Reserve, Keilor

- Lionheart Reserve, Taylors Lakes

- Suburban Park upgrade at:

- Rose Hedge Reserve, Sydenham

• In partnership with the Western Alliance

for Greenhouse Action (WAGA), investigate

options for large-scale renewable energy.

• Support community participation by

‘Friends of’ and other community groups in

environmental days of significance (Clean Up

Australia Day, World Environment Day and

National Tree Day).

• Conduct street tree planting programs to

increase Brimbank’s tree canopy coverage as

per the Urban Forest Strategy (2016-2046).

• Complete and update the Brimbank Planning

Scheme Review and balance built and natural

environments, improve quality of life, and

create vibrant communities.

• Work in partnership to research and design

options that re-use plastic and glass waste

for construction of roads and footpaths.

Key Achievements

• Evaluating the impact and effectiveness of

CCTV installation in St Albans.

• Delivering the Light Up program in St Albans

and Sunshine town centres whilst reviewing

other opportunities and initiatives for safety

improvements to address the perceptions of

safety.

• Developing a Graffiti Management Strategy.

• Implementing the General Purposes Local

Law (No.2) including a permit system and

guidelines for busking.

• Continuing to implement mobile surveillance

cameras to monitor illegal dumping in public

areas.

• Continuing to implement proactive cleaning,

maintenance and amenity in St Albans and

Sunshine town centres and other Council

owned shopping strips.

• Constructing Stage 3 of The Lakes Reserve

Flagship Park in Taylors Lakes.

• Constructing a new skate facility at Delahey

Recreation Reserve, Delahey.

• Completing neighbourhood and suburban

park upgrades at:

- Ashton Avenue Reserve, St Albans

- Eurora/Koroit Place Reserve, Taylors Lakes

- Arthur Beachley Reserve, Sunshine West

- O’Connors Paddock, Cairnlea

- Green Gully Reserve – Stage 2, Keilor Downs

- Davitt Drive Reserve, Deer Park

• Commencing implementation of Stage 3 of

the Master Plan for Selwyn Park, Albion.

• Advocating to the State Government for

improved public transport services and

supporting infrastructure including the

provision of additional commuter parking

at train stations.

• Undertaking works to improve pedestrian and

vehicular access through the various road and

footpath programs in Council’s Capital Works

program.

• Undertaking a comprehensive condition

survey of Council roads, footpaths, shared

paths and bridges to ensure that they are

safe and appropriately funded in future years.

• Completing and commencing implementation

of the Brimbank Car Parking Management

Framework.

• Continuing to implement the Brimbank

Cycling and Walking Strategy actions,

including:

- Deer Park railway station

to Sunshine town centre

- Local cycle route connection program

- Kororoit Creek Recreational Trail, Kings Park

• Upgrading the Taylors Creek Recreation

Trail from Kings Road to Parmelia Drive,

Taylors Lakes.

• Implementing Road Rehabilitation Projects

and other traffic management initiatives as

part of Council’s 2018/2019 Capital Works

Budget.

• Implementing the Waste, Recycling and Litter

Strategy 2018-2028.

• Incorporating integrated water management

practices into Council’s planning and projects.

• Partnering with the Western Alliance for

Greenhouse Action (WAGA), to investigate

options for large-scale renewable energy.

• Implementing actions within the Climate

Change Adaptation Framework including

Integrated Heatwave Response Plans.

• Continuing to encourage and facilitate

community participation in environmental

activities by:

- Facilitating environmental campaigns

including Clean Up Australia Day, World

Environment Day and National Tree Day.

- Providing support to ‘Friends of’ groups

and other community groups to engage

in environmental initiatives.

• Continuing to implement street tree

planting programs as part of the Urban

Forest Strategy.

• Implementing actions identified through

2017/2018 review of:

- Biodiversity Strategy

- Greenhouse Reduction Strategy

- Sustainable Water Strategy.

• Implementing the Habitat Connectivity Plan

including the Maribyrnong River Research

Project.

• Continuing to actively manage conservation

assets through revegetation, pest plan/

animal control and ecological burns.

• Administering the Sustainable Land

Management Grant Scheme.

• Implementing the subsidised cat desexing

program to support residents and reduce the

impact on the environment.

• Facilitating the Maribyrnong Valley

Connection Project.

Future Initiatives 2019-2020

• Undertaking a feasibility study to determine

models for community-managed gardens and

community needs.

• Establishing partnerships in the planning

and delivery of needs-based activities and

programs that aim to support men’s health.

• Continuing to facilitate the Brimbank

Collective Action Committee to lead, initiate

and establish a collective impact project

aimed at closing health and social outcome

gaps for the Brimbank community over a

10-year period.

• Increasing opportunities for young people to

create positive change in their communities

and to have input into Council decision

making via the implementation of the Youth

Participation and Engagement Model.

• Supporting children to showcase civic pride

and community spirit via the implementation

of the Dynamic Young Citizens program.

• Completing upgrades to sports facilities

(including pavilions, lighting, change rooms

and sports surfaces) as determined by the

Sports Facility Development Plan 2018.

• Undertaking a feasibility study for the

redevelopment of the St Albans and Deer

Park libraries.

• Celebrating and promoting Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander arts and culture through

the commissioning of Indigenous art in

Council buildings.

• Developing the Brimbank Children’s

Strategy (2020-2024) to improve health,

wellbeing and educational outcomes for

children 0-8 years.

• Continuing to support female sport

participation including Brimbank Female

Football festival, change room upgrades and

the Daughters of the West program.

Key Achievements

• Implementing a range of actions from

multiple plans and strategies that aim to

continue to enhance health and wellbeing

outcomes of the Brimbank community,

including:

- Brimbank Physical Activity Strategy

- Year One actions

- Brimbank Culture Strategy

- Year One actions

- Brimbank Age Friendly City Plan

– Year One actions

- Brimbank Disability Action Plan

– Year Two actions

- Brimbank Settlement Action Plan

- Year One actions

- Brimbank Volunteer Strategy

– Year One actions

- Brimbank Festival and Events Strategy

- Year One actions

• Evaluation of the expanded breastfeeding

support service pilot program.

• Continued implementation of sports

facilities upgrades inclusive of female sport

participation.

• Development and implementation of the

Brimbank Fairness, Equality and Respect

Strategy.

• Delivery of a series of events and activities to

increase education and engagement about

community safety.

• Continued work with services working

towards improved access to alcohol and other

drug services.

• Development of the Brimbank Electronic

Gambling Policy.

• Ongoing implementation of the Brimbank

Social Justice Charter and support for the

special interest group.

• Development of the Inclusivity Framework,

designed to reduce health inequalities

amongst LGBTIQ young people.

• Increasing opportunities for civic engagement

for primary school-aged children through

the delivery of the Dynamic Young Citizens

Program and young people aged 12-25 years

via the Brimbank Youth Council.

• Continuing to provide a strong network of

equitable and accessible services, facilities

and open space.

• Completing stages of analysis and

consultation to explore the feasibility for

future youth centre facilities.

• Implementing a range of facility upgrades

identified in the Community Services and

Infrastructure Plan.

• Implementing the Festival and Events

Grants Program.

• Commencing the installation of the

2019/2020 Public Art Commission in

accordance with the 2018-2021 Public

Art Strategy.

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Our Goal:

A Prosperous Community

Strategic Objectives:

• People are able to access quality

education and lifelong learning

opportunities

•

People are able to find and

maintain jobs that provide income

security

• The local economy is strong and

provides opportunities for the

community to thrive

• Housing is of good quality, well

located and affordable

• Brimbank is a leading destination

for business, working, learning,

recreation and living

Key Achievements

• Implementing Year Two of the Strategic

Framework for Library Collections including

investigating new library formats in response

to changing community needs.

• Activating Brimbank Learning Futures at Visy

Cares Hub through partnership development

and community engagement.

• Developing a five-year Strategy and Action

Plan for Council-managed Neighbourhood

Houses.

• Supporting community learning through

innovation in library and neighbourhood

house programs, services and resources.

• Identifying and developing responses to key

issues in learning and education.

• Advocating to State and Federal governments

for improved education provision.

• Supporting the operation of iHarvest

Coworking Sunshine space.

• Implementing Year Two actions of the

Western Youth Employment Partnership

Action Plan.

• Implementing Year One actions of the

Youth Jobs Strategy in partnership with key

stakeholders.

• Completing and commencing implementation

of the Brimbank Industrial Land Use Strategy.

• Implementing Year Two Brimbank Economic

Development Strategy actions.

• Continuing to deliver the Economic

Development Gardening Program.

• Completing and commencing implementation

of the St Albans Town Centre Place

Management Business Plan.

• Completing and commencing implementation

the Sunshine Town Centre Strategic Business

Plan, and continuing the implementation of

the Sunshine Rising Program.

• Continuing to administer the current

Sunshine Marketing and Business

Development Special Rate scheme.

• Renewing the St Albans Marketing and

Business Development Special Rate scheme.

• Undertaking a municipal industry analysis to

identify industry gaps and opportunities to

inform future investment.

• Advocating to State Government for

increased supply of social and affordable

housing.

• Implementing the Experience Brimbank

Strategy.

• Continuing to undertake activities to attract

investment and facilitate development with

a focus on employment areas, including

the Sunshine National Employment and

Innovation Cluster.

Future Initiatives 2019-2020

• In collaboration with partners, increase

the provision of programs and services at

Brimbank Learning Futures that support

re-engagement with education, training and

employment.

• Work to transform Council’s neighbourhood

houses and community centres into sites of

belonging and learning for people from all

backgrounds and life stages

• Increase resources to plan, co-design and

deliver low cost and no cost activities at

Council-run neighbourhood houses that

support the strategic themes of belonging

and learning for all.

• Implement the Western Youth Employment

Partnership Action Plan including leveraging

local government procurement for better

youth employment outcomes.

• Continue to support the operation of iHarvest

Coworking Sunshine to provide a vibrant and

affordable co-working location for start-ups,

entrepreneurs, freelancers and business

through:

- Operation and promotion of iHarvest

- Business development and networking

program.

• Continue to undertake activities and facilitate

development to attract investment with

a focus on employment areas, including

the Sunshine National Employment and

Innovation Cluster.

• Work in partnership with a range of

stakeholders in the planning and

development stages of the State

Government’s implementation of the Western

Rail Plan (including the Melbourne Airport Rail

Link and the Sunshine Super Hub).

Our Goal:

An Innovative and Responsive

‘Community First’ Council

Strategic Objectives:

• Council is fair, honest and

transparent

• Council advocates and works in the

interests of our community

• Council manages its assets

and finances sustainably and

responsibly

•

Council staff are high-performing

and community-focused

Key Achievements

• Piloting and reviewing a system for

Councillor Portfolio Briefings.

• Conducting a bi-annual fraud awareness

program.

• Reporting on outcomes of annual Local

Government Community Satisfaction Survey.

• Implementing business transformation

projects with a focus on customer-centric

benefits and automated systems and

processes.

• Continuing to advocate to State and

Commonwealth governments to implement

the Brimbank Advocacy Plan, delivering

coordinated and systematic approaches to

advocacy.

• Commencing implementation of the Resilient

Brimbank Framework which identifies

our commitments and actions to help our

community adapt, survive and thrive –

whatever the future may bring.

• Providing information to the community

on the range of services, community

organisations and facilities available in

Brimbank.

• Enhancing the language services

program to improve access for people

from CALD backgrounds to information

and services of Council.

• Implementing ongoing marketing activities to

promote People, Pride and Places in Brimbank.

• Reviewing the Communications Strategy to

strengthen Council’s communication to the

community.

• Implementing the Brimbank Community

Engagement Toolkit.

• Reviewing and implementing the Annual

Budget and Long Term Financial Plan in

accordance with Legislative requirements.

• Finalising annual accounts by 30 September

each year.

• Continuing to offer staff learning and

development programs.

Future Initiatives 2019-2020

• Review legislative governance and reporting

in line with new

requirements.

• Develop the Brimbank Innovation Framework

to prioritise implementation of a range of

Community First projects.

• Continue to implement a range of advocacy

initiatives identified and prioritised within the

Brimbank Advocacy Plan and Framework.

• Implement ongoing marketing activities to

the We are Brimbank campaign that promotes

People, Pride and Places in Brimbank.

• Implement Year One actions as directed by

the Brimbank People Strategy that aim to

attract, recruit and retain highly skilled and

experienced people to work for Council.

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Brimbank is a municipality on the

move. Now more than ever, it is

important that as a Council we are

connected to and advocating for

our community’s needs, recognising

the challenges and pushing forward

with a progressive agenda for a

future that serves us all.

This is the second full financial year of

Brimbank’s democratically elected council and

with the help of the community, we have been

kicking goals in advocating for strong outcomes

for Brimbank that will make a difference for how

this municipality grows, and how our diverse

communities are supported in the future.

As a western region council, we have

continued to advocate to the Federal and

State governments to support initiatives

providing Brimbank with better transport,

job and investment, education and economic

opportunities.

While support for the landmark project Sunshine

Super Hub Project was announced in 2018,

it’s pleasing that a number of other related

opportunities have been progressing towards

our goal of a prosperous future for Brimbank.

Real highlights for me include:

• Adopting the Brimbank Community Vision

2040 in September 2018

• Adopting the Keilor Downs Urban Design

Framework for the precinct and progressing

plans for a world-class wellbeing hub in place

of the St Albans Leisure Centre

• Brimbank was the first council in Victoria to

advocate to be identified as a new Victorian

Priority Precinct in March 2019

• Brimbank signed an MOU with Melbourne

Airport in May 2019 which commits both

to working together for the betterment of

Brimbank through jobs and career pathways

• Council contributed to the Western Rail

Response Strategy in June 2019, further

advocating for our game changing project the

Sunshine Super Hub

• Gaining the commitment from the State

Government for the level crossing removals

on the Ballarat and Geelong lines

These strategies and agreements all help give

the region a helping hand to a more prosperous

future including better social and cultural

outcomes, economic and environmental

outcomes, amenity enhancement, and

education opportunities.

A number of Council projects and initiatives

have also made a tangible difference in our

community including a capital works program

worth $57.1 million and 28 capital works

projects worth $7 million to improve sports

facilities for community benefit. Council is

continuing to invest heavily in upgrading

female-friendly change rooms across the

municipality and this has included the Bon

Thomas Reserve upgrade and seven other

sporting facilities with female-friendly change

room upgrades.

Upgrades to Princess Street, and the $7.2 million

spent on open space projects including the

upgrade to Sunvale Community Park, Kurung

Drive Reserve and Ashton Avenue Reserve

through the award-winning Creating Better

Parks Policy and Plan, give real and tangible

outcomes to the community.

Improving urban amenity and facilities for our

community is very important – this is how we

provide the places our community needs to be

healthy and happy.

During this period, Council was able to facilitate

community grants funding to 153 community

groups to the value of $600,000, providing

great local support.

Celebrating and showcasing real pride and

diversity in our communities, I was privileged

to attend community events like the We Are

Brimbank Awards, which were introduced for

the first time in 2018. Council also facilitated the

first phase of the ‘Welcome. We are Brimbank.’

campaign which proudly showcased our

wonderful community members and what this

city has to offer.

The Annual Report 2018-2019 brings life to

the work of Council officers, Councillors and

our community.

For their continuing good work in advocating

for their constituents, I would like to recognise

my fellow councillors, who have the same

passion for making Brimbank great that I do.

It is truly a privilege to serve alongside them.

I would also like to thank our Council officers

for the care and dedication they show to the

Brimbank community in carrying out a diverse

range of roles.

Brimbank has had a good year and has a great

future. We look forward to continuing the work

for Brimbank together with our community.

Mayor, Brimbank City Council

Challenges and opportunities

Our population is evolving

Brimbank is a dynamic, bustling and growing

place at the heart of Melbourne’s booming

west. People living and working in Brimbank,

and our many visitors, are already experiencing

significant and positive change. The City’s

population is more than 200,000 and is

expected to grow by 9.2 per cent or 21,190 new

residents by 2038. The challenges of shifting

demographics, Government policy and service

model reforms, ensuring social equity and

access in a constrained fiscal environment, are

transforming the way in which services and

infrastructure are funded and delivered to meet

future needs. The following are examples of

the opportunities and challenges that Brimbank

faces now and into the future:

Transforming Brimbank

The $10 billion commitment towards

constructing the Melbourne Airport Rail Link

(MARL) via Sunshine provides a transformative

opportunity to unlock the limitless potential

of Melbourne’s West. Brimbank City Council is

excited about the new job, education, health

and fairness opportunities associated with

the Sunshine Super Hub, and major transport

projects associated with the Melbourne Airport

Rail Link, Western Rail Plan and Suburban Rail

Loop. This once-in-a-generation investment

provides the opportunity to help us address key

social challenges, by delivering fair outcomes

for locals.

St Albans Health and Wellbeing Hub

The much-loved St Albans Leisure Centre (at

90 Taylors Road, Keilor Downs) is old, tired and

needs to be rebuilt. We can do much better by

investing to build a new world-class wellbeing

precinct that includes state-of-the-art aquatic

and leisure facilities, alongside health and

wellbeing services to be delivered by co-located

tenants under the same roof.

Waste Management

Brimbank City Council endeavours to deliver an

effective, cost-efficient kerbside recyclables

collection service for our community, however

changes to government recycling policy within

China has resulted in failure of the Australian

recycling market. This has resulted in closure

of Council’s contracted recyclables processing

facility (SKM) increasing processing costs for

Council. Brimbank City Council will continue to

work to resolve this throughout the 2019/2020

financial year.

Environmental Equity

Generational rubbish dumping, land clearing and

pollution for the benefit of broader Melbourne

has placed a continued environmental burden

and injustice on the West that must be

addressed.

Financial Management

Brimbank City Council continues to strive

for responsible financial management to

balance ways in which we meet the changing

expectations of the community with the

challenge of reduced rate capping and

uncertain levels of grant funding from other

levels of government.

Asset and Capital Works Programs

Brimbank City Council’s capital works program

is responsive to changing community needs,

ensuring effective planning for community

services and infrastructure delivery over the

next 20 years. The schedule of building and

maintaining our capital works program is

impacted by a funding and skill shortage as

a result of large-scale infrastructure projects

underway across Victoria.

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

Underlying Surplus / (Deficit) $'000

19,607

4,077

26,528

13,787

12,557

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

0

50

100

150

200

250

Working Capital Ratio (%)

145.44

220.11

235.00

200.66

161.79

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

20

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019 I

21

On behalf of Brimbank City Council,

I’m pleased to introduce the

Council’s 2018-2019 Annual Report.

This past year has really set the

direction of a future Brimbank,

outlining what is important to our

communities and our partners.

Our challenge is always in balancing the

day-to-day operational needs and maintaining

the City’s infrastructure and services to the

highest standards, with planning for a future

that has as many challenges as opportunities.

We continue to strive for responsible financial

management to balance the ways in which we

meet changing community expectations with

the challenge of reduced rate capping. The

organisation’s financial position for 2018-2019

remains sound. Council achieved a $36.3 million

surplus in 2018-2019. This surplus compares

favourably to the budgeted surplus of $19.0

million. This simply means that Council can meet

its future commitments and support the needs

of the community.

Brimbank City Council is focused on supporting

the community in practical and tangible ways,

like making sure our capital works program is

innovative, future focused and responsive to

changing community needs, ensuring effective

planning for services and infrastructure over the

next 20 years.

Signalling a solid year, we also had $593 million

total value of new building projects come

through Council.

Another key highlight is the work Council has

been doing in making services accessible to our

community. In this period, Brimbank introduced

to the website as well as new

online reporting tool

, an easy way to

talk to us online and tell us about things that

need to be fixed.

These services and activities are important to

Council’s everyday operation.

At the same time, Council is looking forward

and planning for what Brimbank will look like

in 2040.

The City’s population is already more than

200,000 and is expected to grow by 9.2 per

cent, or 21,190 new residents by 2038. We need

to be ready for this and take advantage of the

opportunities that benefit us.

We are excited about the new job, education,

health and fairness opportunities associated

with the Sunshine Super Hub, and major

transport projects with the Melbourne Airport

Rail Link, Western Rail Plan and Suburban Rail

Loop. This once-in-a-generation investment

provides us with the opportunity to address key

social challenges while delivering fair outcomes

for locals.

Statistics and numbers tell part of the story

of Brimbank’s success, but the real success of

these projects is down to the community and

the Council staff who run, facilitate or support

them.

Our Councillors and Mayor are passionate about

their communities and I thank them for working

alongside us tirelessly to represent community

views and make good decisions within the

important remit they have at the coalface of

government.

To the community members who support,

advocate, work and volunteer with Council-led

activities, thank you for your continued support

and enthusiasm for the work of this Council.

And finally to the Council staff who live and

work here and have a passion to make this

municipality better for all of us, thank you.

This past financial year has been both

challenging and rewarding and we are focused

on continuing to provide the best services for

our community into the next one.

Chief Executive Officer

The 2018-2019 financial year

results reflect Council’s ongoing

commitment to financial and

infrastructure sustainability as

outlined in Council’s Long Term

Financial Plan.

Financial summary

Council’s financial position continues to remain

sound. Detailed information relating to Council’s

financial performance is included within

the Financial Statements and Performance

Statement sections of this Report.

Council manages over $2.4 billion in assets.

These comprise land, building and other

infrastructure assets such as roads, footpaths

and bike paths and drainage.

Operating position

Council achieved a surplus of $36.3 million in

2018-2019. This surplus compares favourably

to the budgeted surplus of $19.0 million. The

adjusted underlying surplus of Council, after

removing non-recurrent capital grants, cash

capital contributions and non-monetary capital

contributions, is $19.6 million. Sustaining an

adjusted underlying surplus is a critical financial

strategy that provides capacity to renew the

$2.4 billion of community assets under Council’s

control, and build new infrastructure to meet

the expectations of our growing community.

Liquidity

The working capital ratio, which assesses

Council’s ability to meet current commitments,

is calculated by measuring Council’s current

assets as a percentage of current liabilities.

Council’s result of 162 per cent is an indicator

of satisfactory financial position and is in line

with the expected target band of 100 per cent

to 400 per cent.

05

15

25

35

45

10

20

30

40

50

Debt Ratio (%)

46

35

42

40

40

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

0 10

30

50

70

90

20

40

60

80

100

Asset Renewal

66

87

68

57

76

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

0 10

20 30

40 50

60 70

80

Rate Concentration (%)

73

69

73

70

76

2014-15

2015-16

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

22

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019 I

23

Obligations

Council aims to ensure that it is able to maintain

its infrastructure assets at the expected levels,

while at the same time continuing to deliver the

services needed by the community.

At the end of the 2018-2019 year Council’s debt

ratio, which is measured by comparing interest

bearing loans and borrowings to rate revenue,

was 40 per cent, which was within the expected

target band of 20-60 per cent.

Council’s asset renewal ratio, which is measured

by comparing asset renewal expenditure to

depreciation, was 66 per cent, which is below

the expected target band of 90-110 per cent.

A number of road works projects had been

delayed during the year which has contributed

to the reduction of the renewal compared to

previous years.

Stability and efficiency

Council receives a wide range of revenues

including rates, user fees, fines, grants and

contributions. Despite this, Council’s rates

concentration, which compares rate revenue

to adjusted underlying revenue, was 73 per

cent for the 2018-2019 year, which is towards

the top end of the expected target band of

40-80 per cent. The average residential rate

per residential assessment was $1,658, which

compares favourably to similar Councils in the

outer metropolitan area.

Economic factors

Rate capping

The Victorian Government imposed a rate cap

on all Victorian councils of 2.25 per cent for the

2018-2019 year. Brimbank City Council did not

seek a variation to the cap.

State Government landfill levy

The State Government landfill levy increased by

1.6 per cent in 2018-2019.

Labour cost increases

Wage inflation rates for the 2018-2019 year

were as per Council Enterprise Bargaining

Agreement (EBA 8) of 2.15 per cent. The June

2019 Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate was 1.6

per cent.

Brimbank City Council provides a

range of services and programs that

reflect the needs and expectations

of the community.

The Annual Budget 2018-2019 focused on

delivering value to the community in a rate

capped environment.

It was designed as a financially responsible

budget that aimed at minimising the impact

of the constraint on revenue raising while

continuing to deliver quality projects and

services for the Brimbank community.

The budget attempted to strike a balance

between maintaining current levels of service,

reducing operational costs and reviewing the

way some programs are delivered.

Council’s operations are broad ranging and

include managing roads and infrastructure,

waste and environment services, public

facilities, the community’s wellbeing, and other

services and programs. Community take-up

of the services and programs shows the

importance of these Council functions.

The Council Plan 2017-2021 (adopted in August

2017) outlines Council’s Strategic Directions,

which are supported by a number of other

Council strategies, plans and policies. This

includes the Annual Budget 2018-2019, which

highlights project priorities and spending.

Council’s Strategic Objectives are monitored

by a set of service performance indicators and

measures. They offer a corporate framework

for the delivery of services, facilities, support

and advocacy, and for achieving the vision and

objectives outlined in the Brimbank Community

Plan. The Council Plan sets out Council’s key

strategic directions and actions for a four-year

period.

Council’s actions are guided by Victorian and

Australian legislation which supports good

governance and enables Council to responsibly

deliver a community first approach.

Major capital works

During 2018-2019 Council delivered a capital

works program of $57.1 million (including $11.7

million carried forward from 2017-2018). Major

capital work projects included the following:

Roads, footpaths and pedestrian facilities

and traffic management

Council continued to implement the Road

Management Plan through the delivery of a

$22.368 million road works and $2.0 million

traffic management program.

Key highlights included:

• Road pavement rehabilitation projects,

including forward design ($14.468 million)

• Road pavement asphalt overlay projects –

various locations ($3.924 million)

• Footpath rehabilitation program - various

locations ($3.135 million)

• Construction of road humps – various

locations ($488,700)

• Construction/modification of roundabouts –

various locations ($284,570)

• Traffic Signals - various locations ($277,040)

• Ingress/Egress treatments - various locations

($69,860)

• Pedestrian facilities and missing links -

various locations ($36,746)

Town centre works

Council commenced a range of works to improve

amenity, connectivity and ambience in town

centres. This included work on the following

projects, which will continue in 2019-2020:

• Errington Precinct Master Plan, St Albans:

Princess Street upgrade ($906,446)

• Sunshine Town Centre – Hampshire Road

upgrade ($2.078 million)

• St Albans Town Centre – public realm

improvement – St Albans Square ($103,166)

• St Albans Town Centre Car Park ($248,730)

• Medium sized activity centres – place

upgrades ($356,070)

Funding for the Brimbank Multi Deck Car Park

– Stage 2 development was held over to 2019-

2020, pending a Council resolution on a proposal

to defer construction.

Sports facilities

Council continued to invest in upgrades at

sporting facilities across the municipality in

order to improve health and wellbeing outcomes

across the community. Council completed a

range of projects, including the following:

• Keilor Park Sports Precinct Car Park Upgrade

($1.651 million)

• Arthur Beachley Reserve – Pavilion

development ($404,077)

• Sports surface/ground reconstruction

program – McKechnie Reserve Pitch 1

($984,952)

• Sports reserve lighting upgrade program –

Ralph Reserve & Ainsworth Reserve; Churchill

Reserve Pitch 3; Keilor Lodge Soccer Pitch 3;

Ardeer Reserve Soccer Pitch ($1.236 million)

• Keilor Park Sports Club – Change room

upgrade ($821,263)

• Keilor Park Softball Change rooms ($361,568)

Council also commenced work to upgrade the

Errington Precinct Master Plan, St. Albans –

Stage 3: New tennis courts ($1.0 million).

Parks, playground and open space upgrades

Council spent $7.2 million on open space

projects, including the ongoing implementation

of the award-winning Creating Better Parks –

Open Space and Playground Policy and Plan. The

Creating Better Parks Policy and Plan is ensuring

Council meets the needs of existing and

future communities by creating an attractive,

integrated, accessible and comprehensive open

space network for Brimbank.

Highlights included commencement of works at

the following parks, to continue in 2018-2019:

• The Lakes Reserve, Taylors Lakes

($2.11 million)

• H.V. McKay Gardens, Sunshine ($262,489)

Other highlights included completion of the

following park upgrades:

• Davitt Drive Reserve upgrade ($429,150)

• Sunvale Community Park, Sunshine

($440,712 in 2018/2019)

• New skate facility at Delahey Recreation

Reserve, Delahey ($296,912)

• Four playground upgrades ($454,971):

• Ashton Avenue Reserve, St Albans

• Eurora Court/Koroit Place, Taylors Lakes

• Arthur Beachley Reserve, Sunshine West

• O’Connors Paddock, Cairnlea.

Sustainability projects

Council seeks to build a legacy of sustainability,

which enables an engaged and resilient

community that supports a sustainable

environment containing rich social, economic

and environmental characteristics. Council

continued to invest in sustainability projects

and spent $913,000 including greenhouse

gas reduction programs and improving water

efficiencies. Greenhouse gas emissions

reduction program has commenced and will

continue in 2019-2020.

Bike paths and shared paths

Council completed a range of bike paths and

shared paths projects to connect Brimbank,

including the following:

• Harvester Road off-road cycle path, Sunshine

($1.330 million)

• Stradbroke Drive to Percy Street, St Albans

($127,777)

• Kororoit Creek Recreational Trail, Deer Park

($178,242)

Sydenham Rail Corridor Bicycle Track has

commenced and will continue in 2019-2020.

Community facilities

Council invested $3.199 million in

improvements to community facilities, such

as neighbourhood houses, to provide suitable

spaces for community activities. This included

improvements to kitchens, heating/cooling,

storage, flooring and playgrounds.

Drainage rehabilitation

Council spent $825,896 on drainage

rehabilitation, including underground drainage

upgrades, installing water quality devices and

minor improvement works.

July 2018

• Council organised a special exhibition of

photographic works called ‘Honouring women

of the west’, featuring local Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander women, as part of

NAIDOC Week (8-15 July 2018).

• Brimbank celebrated National Tree Day, with

more than 2000 trees planted at Taylors

Valley, Keilor Downs. Residents rolled up

their sleeves and joined thousands of other

Australians to create a healthier environment.

• Council welcomed a LaunchVic

announcement of $100,000 funding for an

exciting program of business mentoring,

masterclasses, workshops and networking

for start-ups, entrepreneurs, freelancers

and small businesses at the new iHarvest

Coworking Sunshine space.

• Council approved a $1.5 million car park

upgrade at the Keilor Park Recreation Reserve

to create space for 381 parking bays, and new

walking paths and crossings to improve safety

at the busy sporting reserve.

• Council made Maternal and Child Health

(MCH) services even more accessible to the

community by introducing a new fast and

easy online appointment service.

• Council made progress towards reducing

greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning

to a low carbon city by adopting the Revised

Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023

mid-term review.

• Council welcomed the Victorian Premier’s $5

billion commitment to make the Melbourne

Airport Rail Link a reality – with a route

through Sunshine set to strengthen the

entire west of Melbourne.

• Council made it easier for Brimbank residents

to install solar power and save money on their

electricity bills with two Council endorsed

initiatives – the Solar Savers program and

Positive Charge solar program.

• Brimbank launched the ‘Stop the Rubbish’

campaign to clamp down on illegal rubbish

dumping and clean up local streets.

August 2018

• Council celebrated National Science Week at

Sunshine Library, by putting on educational

events at the Science Discovery Dome.

• Council celebrated National Literacy and

Numeracy Week at Brimbank Libraries by

hosting a range of exciting activities.

• Council welcomed the State Government’s

extension of the pilot program of the Officer

for the Protection of the Local Environment,

which had been introduced as part of the

Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

reforms to provide more effective regulation

of environmental issues.

• Council invited the community to get active

with In2Sport, a community program that

helps young people across Brimbank join in

local sports.

• Council brought back the Garage Sale Trail

to Brimbank. The national initiative returned

to our community to help raise awareness

around reducing waste and recycling.

• Brimbank Council welcomed an

announcement by Minister for Sport, the Hon

John Eren MP, for $250,000 funding towards

the Floodlighting Upgrade Project at Churchill

Reserve in St Albans.

• Council welcomed an announcement pledge

by AFL Victoria of $100,000 towards

female-friendly change room upgrades at

Lionheart Reserve in Taylors Lakes, John

McLeod Reserve in Deer Park and Keilor Park

Recreation Reserve.

• Council welcomed an announcement by

Minister for Families and Children, Jenny

Mikakos MP, of an expansion of the State

wide Enhanced Maternal and Child Health

service, and the introduction of newly

revised program guidelines.

• Brimbank Council’s recent upgrade to

Dawson Street Sunshine won a Landscape

Architecture Award at the annual Australian

Institute of Landscape Architects Victorian

Chapter awards.

September 2018

• Students from several Brimbank schools

became teachers for a day at the University

Park Primary School ‘Waste Not…want not:

Let’s aim for zero waste’ event, which was part

of Kids Teaching Kids Week (3-7 September).

• Council put the spotlight on safety during

Community Safety Month with a series of

events focusing on personal and community

safety.

• Brimbank seniors were invited to celebrate

Brimbank Seniors Festival in style, with

excursions, dancing, workshops, a dress-up

catwalk and more.

• Council welcomed an announcement by

Minister for Prevention of Family Violence

Natalie Hutchins of funding for a new

approach to preventing family violence. The

new Brimbank Dads program will support new

fathers and those with children under five to

challenge rigid gender stereotypes and build

community awareness about the important

role that fathers play.

• Brimbank Council introduced a new online

reporting tool, Report It, making it easier for

the community to report an issue or request a

service. Report It allows residents to report an

issue or lodge a service request by submitting

details via Council’s website.

• Brimbank Council and the community

celebrated 100 park projects delivered across

Brimbank with the opening of the much

anticipated Sunvale Community Park.

• Council commenced upgrade works at

McKechnie Reserve in St Albans. The ground

renovation work started on the sportsground

at McKechnie Reserve, which once complete,

will be a game changer for sport at the

reserve.

October 2018

• Brimbank officially opened the new sports

change room facilities at Bon Thomas

Reserve, Deer Park, on 1 October, along

with Minister for Local Government, The

Honourable Marlene Kairouz MP.

• Council celebrated the 2018 Brimbank

Writers and Readers Festival by putting on a

10-day program of events.

• Council celebrated the inaugural Daughters

of the West, as almost 50 Brimbank women

successfully completed the 10-week

program.

• The Brimbank Community Fund awarded

grants of $11,500 to three local charity

organisations working with vulnerable

Brimbank youth.

• The winners of the inaugural 2018 We

Are Brimbank Awards were announced at

a special ceremony on 5 October at the

Bowery Theatre at STACC.

• Council launched a new business program at

the new iHarvest Coworking Sunshine, for

start-ups, entrepreneurs, freelancers and

businesses.

• A Brimbank #MeToo Forum shone a light

on violence against women and explored

related issues. It was a part of Council’s

commitment to promoting gender equality,

and preventing family violence and violence

against women and children.

• Brimbank Council installed an innovative new

water filtration system for Sunshine Leisure

Centre, to save energy and water and enable

an estimated $20,000 cost saving per year.

• Students from two Brimbank primary

schools unveiled projects showcasing their

civic pride and community spirit – with two

Family Fun Days in Albanvale and Sunshine.

The projects were part of Council’s Dynamic

Young Citizens of Brimbank program –

which supports students to identify local

issues and work with Council to complete

local projects that add value to their

neighbourhoods.

• Council awarded $600,000 in Brimbank

Community Grants to strengthen and

celebrate community, to 153 not-for-profit

community groups and organisations

for a diverse range of projects including

supporting youth, seniors, the arts, sports,

festivals and more.

• Council welcomed the Labor Party’s election

commitment for better rail services to

Brimbank, Melton and along the Ballarat

train line as outlined in its Western Rail Plan.

September 2018 (continued)

• Council adopted the first Youth Jobs Strategy

2018-2023, which created framework for

effectively considering and responding to

high youth unemployment rates in Brimbank

and will guide Council’s response.

• Council endorsed the Brimbank Youth

Council (BYC) as part of Council’s new

Youth Participation and Engagement

Model. A new Brimbank Youth Council will

give young people across the municipality

a stronger voice in decision-making.

24

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Brimbank City Council

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Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2018-2019 I

25

Council adopted the following strategies, policies and plans in 2018-2019.

July 2018

Public Toilet Strategy 2018-2030

The strategy outlines plans to provide more

public toilets at key locations across Brimbank.

The strategy balanced the need for adequate

facilities with the significant costs associated

with installing and maintaining public toilets.

Greenhouse Reduction Strategy 2013-2023

The strategy was developed as part of Council’s

commitment to a significant reduction of

greenhouse emissions under the Brimbank

Sustainability Framework, and provides the

strategic direction, targets, and actions to

be delivered over 10 years. The strategy will

help Council reduce its corporate greenhouse

emissions by 50 per cent by 2023 and continue

support for community greenhouse reductions

and energy efficiency across the municipality.

August 2018

Community Engagement Policy 2018

The policy articulates Council’s commitment to

genuine and effective community engagement

to inform decision-making and is consistent

with the Victorian Auditor General’s Office Public

Participation Principles. The policy applies to

Council’s community engagement generally.

Brimbank Festivals and Events Policy and

Strategy 2018-2021

This defines Council’s role and ways it will support

a program of festivals and events. It articulates

the resource commitments Council will make

and how it will work with the local community to

ensure festivals and events are inclusive, best

practice, sustainable and flourishing.

Experience Brimbank Visitor Strategy

2018-2023

The strategy was a specific action of the

Brimbank Economic Development Strategy

2016-2020 and contributes to the goal of

growing industry and development in the local

visitor economy. The strategy will become

the central focus of Council efforts to improve

Brimbank’s image as a visitor destination.

Resilient Brimbank Framework 2018-2022

The Resilient Brimbank framework identifies

Brimbank Council’s commitments and actions to

help the community adapt, survive and thrive –

whatever the future may bring.

September 2018

The Brimbank Community Vision 2040

The Brimbank Community Vision 2040

describes the community’s vision and priorities

for the next 20 years under the themes of

People, Place and Prosperity. Each theme

contains strategic directions which the

community identified as priorities.

Brimbank Youth Jobs Strategy 2018-2023

The strategy responds to Brimbank’s high

youth unemployment rate. The strategy was

developed by local young people, for local

young people with Brimbank Council to achieve

the vision of supporting young people to build

career and work paths.

Sustainable Water Strategy 2013-2023

(2018 update)

The strategy establishes a strategic vision

of Brimbank becoming ‘a water sensitive City

with healthy waterways.’ The strategy is part

of Council’s vision for a water sensitive City

with healthy waterways, under the Brimbank

Sustainability Framework. The strategy outlines

Council’s commitment to capturing the social,

economic and environmental benefits of an

Integrated Water Cycle Management approach.

Brimbank Lifelong Learning Strategy 2018-

2023

The strategy seeks to achieve better learning

outcomes throughout Brimbank, to support

both individual success and community

strengthening.

October 2018

Brimbank Physical Activity Strategy 2018

Brimbank residents are amongst some of the

most vulnerable communities to a range of

health issues. The Brimbank Physical Activity

Strategy is Council’s commitment to support and

develop physical activity participation as part of

a broader health and wellbeing approach.

November 2018

Activity Centre Strategy 2018

The Brimbank Activity Centre Strategy promotes

the development of successful activity centres

for Brimbank’s community. It identifies ways to

support activity centres and their stakeholders,

ensuring planning for economic viability and

ongoing improvements into the future, and

provides an overarching policy and work

program for both smaller and larger centres.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan

2018-2038

The plan sets out Council’s goals for providing

quality services and facilities in ways that can

serve the community now and into the future.

It helps shape the future needs of community

services and infrastructure across Brimbank.

Brimbank Social Justice Charter 2018

Council is committed to being a leader in the

area of social justice; and developed its first

Social Justice Charter in 2008. A review of

the 2012 Charter led to the adoption of the

Brimbank Social Justice Charter 2018. The

charter will continue to shape a culture of social

justice in the City of Brimbank.

Biodiversity Strategy 2012-2022 and

Revised Action Plan 2018

The Biodiversity Strategy was developed as

part of a commitment to protect, maintain and

enhance biodiversity within Brimbank and will

provide the direction to protect and increase the

diversity and sustainability of remnant vegetation

and fauna habitat across the municipality.

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31

Organisational realignment

In July 2018, Council introduced a new

organisational structure aimed at

ensuring the organisation continued

to remain well placed to respond to

the community’s needs in a changing

environment. The realigned structure

will help Council keep pace with the local

community and with what is happening

through the local government sector.

Council’s organisational structure can be

viewed in the Our People section.

HARVESTER

GRASSLANDS

HORSESHOE BEND

TAYLORS

December 2018

Brimbank Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Strategy 2018-2023

The strategy aims to conserve and protect

Brimbank’s Aboriginal objects, places and

landscapes, both known and unrecorded. It

outlines issues related to identifying, protecting,

and managing Brimbank’s Aboriginal cultural

heritage and presents policies and actions

needed to address these issues.

Brimbank Heritage Strategy 2018-2023

The strategy will guide Council to conserve,

protect and maintain the heritage buildings, places

and objects, which resulted from Brimbank’s

agricultural, industrial and urban development

past, dating from the 1800s onwards.

Brimbank Community Vision Collaboration

2018-2021

The Brimbank Community Vision Collaboration

2018-2021 captures the initiatives Council will

deliver over the next three years. This will be

through partnerships to achieve the goals of the

Brimbank Community Vision 2040.

Keilor Downs Urban Design Framework 2018

The framework establishes an integrated

vision for future development of the Keilor

Downs Activity Centre. It will guide future

development of the Keilor Downs Activity

Centre to improve connections and create

a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly centre.

Cultural Strategy 2018-2022

Brimbank is a city where artists and the

community come together to boldly create a

connected, vibrant and creative community.

The Cultural Strategy 2018-2022 supports

arts and culture in Brimbank.

Industrial Land Strategy 2018-2023

The Industrial Land Strategy 2018-2030 sets

out Council’s vision for its industrial precincts.

It seeks to help investment and renewal by

establishing a clear planning policy framework.

Public Art Policy and Plan 2018-2022

Council has been commissioning public art in

a range of forms – permanent sculptural work

and murals the most common – since around

2006, when a commission as part of the

Commonwealth Games funding was undertaken.

The Public Art Policy and Plan 2018-2023 will

guide and inform the public art program for the

next five years.

February 2019

Fairness Equality and Respect Strategy

2019-2023

The strategy aims to promote gender equality

and respectful relationships, and prevent family

violence and violence against women.

April 2019

Brimbank Settlement Action Plan 2019-2023

The action plan aims to ensure the settlement

journey of migrants and new and settling

communities is sustainable, and optimises

opportunities for everyone. It reflects

community and service provider priorities,

challenges and partnership opportunities.

Go St Albans Action Plan 2019-2024

The action plan will guide the St Albans Town

Centre to achieve its full potential – including as

a food, art and culture capital for Melbourne’s

north-west.

May 2019

Electronic Gambling Policy 2019

The policy will guide Council’s work to reduce

gambling harm and continue the push for

regulatory reform. The policy sets out three

objectives to reduce gambling harm:

• Advocate to Federal and State governments

for a safer gambling environment and

stronger regulatory reforms to prevent and

reduce harm.

• Minimise the impact of electronic gambling

and promote alternatives that have positive

economic, social and health outcomes.

• Increase understanding of gambling-related

harms and act to reduce gambling-related

harm.

June 2019

Response Strategy to Western Rail Plan

including Melbourne Airport Rail Link and

Sunshine Super Hub – June 2019

Council’s Response Strategy sets out a program

of work to inform delivery of the Western

Rail Plan, which is set to set to be a game

changer for Melbourne’s west, resulting in

unprecedented investment and city shaping

improvements to public transport.

Sunshine Station Super Hub Urban Design

Principles

The Sunshine Station Super Hub Urban Design

Principles will guide Council’s advocacy and

inform discussions on the planning, design,

and delivery of the Sunshine Super Hub. The

principles set out the objectives Council will

advocate for, and are intended as an advocacy

tool, rather than a specific plan for the new

station.

To view these documents or other Council

plans, strategies, policies or guidelines,

visit

The Brimbank City Council was

elected on 22 October 2016. The

Council was sworn in and took an

oath of office at a Special Council

Meeting on Tuesday 8 November

2016.

Brimbank City Council is comprised of 11

Councillors elected from a two-councillor

ward and three, three-councillor wards.

The 11 Councillors are the elected

representatives of all residents and ratepayers

across Brimbank. They have responsibility

for setting the strategic direction for the

municipality, policy development, identifying

service standards and monitoring performance

across the organisation. The Councillors are

listed overleaf.

Grasslands Ward

Cr Lucinda Congreve

Mayor

7 November 2018-30 June 2019

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Congreve is an active member of the

community. As a mother of two young children,

she is passionate about ensuring that Brimbank

offers the best possible services and support

to the families who reside here. This includes

a particular interest in early years programs,

support for new parents, sports and recreation

facilities and family-friendly spaces.

In addition to her commitment to families,

Cr Congreve also has background in financial

services which naturally leads to a desire to

ensure robust governance and appropriate

financial management.

Cr Congreve is a graduate of The Australian

Institute of Company Directors and holds a

Bachelor in Business from Griffith University

and a Graduate Certificate in Management

from the Australian Institute of Business.

Committees

• Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters

Committee

• LeadWest Ltd Board

• LeadWest Committee – Special Committee

• Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State

Council

• Sydenham Park Master Plan Steering

Committee

Portfolio

#Resilient Brimbank

E CrCongreve@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0428 887 195

@mayor_lucinda_congreve

facebook.com/CrLucindaCongreve/

Cr Duyen Anh Pham

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Pham was motivated to run for Council

because of her passion for the Brimbank

community.

She believes Brimbank’s greatest strength

is its multicultural diversity. Cr Pham enjoys

volunteering and wants to support local

residents and community groups. Her aims

include increasing multicultural events in

Brimbank, encouraging participation and

striving for greater community involvement

in decision-making.

Committees

• Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Reconciliation Action Plan Consultative

Committee

• Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee

• Errington Precinct Master Plan Community

Reference Group: Sport and Recreation

Projects

Portfolio

#Vibrant Brimbank

E CrPham@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 657 643

Harvester Ward

Cr Victoria Borg

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Borg is proud to have grown up in Brimbank,

having lived here since emigrating from Malta

in 1972. She is committed to building trust

between Council and the community and to

representing the people of Brimbank with

fairness and integrity. Cr Borg aims to increase

community involvement with Council, to support

mental health and educational services and

increased research into youth disengagement

and acculturation.

Committees

• Brimbank Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Reconciliation Action Plan Consultative

Committee

• Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee

• Brimbank Collective Action Committee

• Safety Roundtable

• Social Justice Coalition – Strategic

Implementation Group (SIG)

Portfolio

#Brimbank People

E CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 365 527

Cr Sam David JP

Deputy Mayor

7 November 2018-30 June 2019

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Previous terms: March 1997 to September 2009

Cr David is a long-time resident of Brimbank,

former Councillor and Mayor, and active

member of several community groups. He

believes Brimbank’s greatest strength is its rich

diversity. Cr David is concerned about housing

availability, affordability and employment; and

is committed to assisting senior citizens groups

and supporting young people to get involved

in sport.

Committees

• Ballarat Rail-Line Action Committee (BRAC)

• Brooklyn Community Representative Group

• Brooklyn Industrial Precinct Strategy

Committee

• Calder Highway Improvement Committee

• Sunshine Town Centre Partnership Group

Portfolio

#Connecting Brimbank

E CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 355 239

Cr John Hedditch

Mayor

1 July 2017-8 November 2017

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Hedditch believes Brimbank’s greatest

strengths are its people and the vibrant

community networks that make it such a

great place to live. As a resident of Sunshine

for more than 30 years, Cr Hedditch was

driven to run for Council by his desire to

help make the world a better place for

future generations. His aims are to foster a

Community First Council that is collaborative,

fair and in favour of a greener, more

sustainable approach to development.

Committees

• Audit and Risk Management Committee

• Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee

• Brooklyn Community Representative Group

• Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters

Committee

Portfolio

#Prosperous Brimbank

E CrHedditch@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0428 811 580

Cr Kim Thien Truong

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Truong is proud to call Brimbank home

and has a history of volunteering in the local

community and fundraising to support children

in need. She believes Brimbank’s strengths lie in

the community’s diversity and ability of people

from different cultures to live harmoniously

together. Cr Truong is motivated to speak

on behalf of the community. She hopes to

raise awareness about important issues

such as the environment, family violence,

housing affordability, transport, productivity,

sustainability and liveability.

Committees

• Brooklyn Community Representative Group

• Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee

• Safety Roundtable

Portfolio

#Sustainable Brimbank

E CrTruong@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 637 601

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35

Horseshoe Bend Ward

Cr Virginia Tachos

Date elected: 22 October 2016

A proud history of working in the local

community and advocacy led Cr Tachos to

run for Council. She believes Brimbank is a

destination for many young families to start

their dreams and aspirations. Cr Tachos’

priorities include building strong, sustainable

communities, and listening to the needs of the

community and supporting harm minimisation

through strong advocacy for stricter gambling

controls. She hopes to achieve a focus on

people, improved services, and efficiencies, as

well as improving inclusion, reviewing planning

schemes, and promoting healthy outcomes for

the community.

Committees

• Audit and Risk Management Committee

• Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee

• Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters

• Errington Precinct Master Plan Community

Reference Group: Sport and Recreation

Projects

• LeadWest Ltd Board

• LeadWest Committee – Special Committee

• Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) State

Council

• Social Justice Coalition – Strategic

Implementation Group (SIG)

• St Albans Town Centre Partnership Group

• Sydenham Park Master Plan Steering

Committee

Portfolio

#Resilient Brimbank (Advocacy)

E CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0428 915 671

Cr Daniel Allan

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Allan has lived in Kealba for 25 years. He

believes Brimbank’s greatest strength is the

community’s vibrancy and willingness to

come together. Cr Allan has been an active

volunteer and involved with community

events for many years. He was motivated to

run for Council by his passion to help make

Brimbank the best it can be. He is particularly

passionate about encouraging young people

to be more active in the community.

Committees

• Brimbank Community Fund Advisory

Committee

• Western Melbourne Tourism

• Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee

Portfolio

#Brimbank Proud

E CrAllan@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 857 339

Taylors Ward

Cr Margaret Giudice

Mayor

1 July 2018-7 November 2018

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Previous terms: March 2000 to September 2009

Cr Giudice believes the fact that more than

160 different languages are spoken in Brimbank

and that the community lives harmoniously

within such cultural diversity, is an example

to the world. Cr Giudice was born in Brimbank

and has raised her family here, and maintains

strong connections. Her past experience as a

Councillor of Brimbank has given her a strong

understanding of community needs. She was

motivated to run for Council by her drive to help

people. Her aim is to pave the way for future

generations to enjoy living and working in

Brimbank, as much as she does.

Committees

• Audit and Risk Management Committee

• Brimbank Community Fund Advisory

Committee

• Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters

Committee

• Collective Action Committee

• Municipal Emergency Management Plan

Committee

• Sydenham Park Master Plan Steering

Committee

Portfolio

#Brimbank Innovation

E CrGiudice@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0428 846 647

Cr Bruce Lancashire

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Lancashire believes Brimbank’s rich

cultural and linguistic diversity is not just

a significant social asset but an important

economic benefit in a world that is becoming

increasingly interconnected. He has been

a long-term resident of Brimbank, having

raised his three sons here, and has a strong

belief that Brimbank’s youth will ensure our

community’s future is in good hands. He is

determined to make the most of Brimbank’s

assets to benefit residents.

Committees

• Calder Highway Improvement Committee

• Heritage Advisory Committee

• Melbourne Regional Landfill Community

Reference Group

• Metropolitan Local Governments Waste

Management Forum

• Metropolitan Transport Forum

• Sydenham Park Master Plan Steering

Committee

Portfolio

#Liveable Brimbank

E CrLancashire@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 637 689

Cr Georgina Papafotiou

Deputy Mayor

1 July 2017-8 November 2017

Date elected: 22 October 2016

Cr Papafotiou believes Brimbank is a

wonderful city in which to live, work,

study and invest. She believes Brimbank’s

strengths include embracing cultural

diversity – as well as the area’s proximity

to the Melbourne CBD, major roads and the

Melbourne Airport. As a resident of Taylors

Ward for more than 38 years, Cr Papafotiou

was motivated to run for Council by her

drive to make a difference in her community

and celebrate its successes. Her aim is to

build connections across Brimbank’s diverse

community and to encourage opportunities

for growth and a sustainable future.

Committees

• Brimbank Collective Action Committee

• Errington Precinct Master Plan Community

Reference Group: Sport and Recreation

Projects

• Municipal Emergency Management Plan

Committee

• Sydenham Park Master Plan Steering

Committee

Portfolio

#Healthy Brimbank

E CrPapafotiou@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 727 192

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02

Kelvin Walsh

Director City Development

Kelvin is an experienced Director, who has

worked in fields including Planning, Urban

Design, Business Development and Place

Making in Australia and overseas. He has varied

experience in local and State government and

the private sector.

Kelvin commenced with Brimbank City

Council in May 2018 and his brief is to create

a great place where people want to live,

raise their families and participate in active

community life. Kelvin has a passion for the

west, particularly Brimbank and its exciting

transformation.

Kath Brackett

Director Community Wellbeing

Kath is an experienced senior manager

who has worked in a variety of roles in

local government for the past 25 years.

Prior to this, Kath worked in the not-for

profit and peak NGO sectors. She is also an

experienced non-executive board director.

Kath has a strong commitment to social

justice and a passion for local democracy

and engaging local communities.

Helen Morrissey

CEO

With over 35 years’ experience in local

government Helen joined Brimbank in

November 2010 as Director Corporate and

Community Relations. Previously Helen was

the General Manager of Corporate Services

at Maribyrnong City Council. Helen has

worked in a variety of management roles

in both community services and corporate

areas at Darebin City Council.

Helen was appointed Chief Executive Officer

at Brimbank City Council on 20 December

2017.

Neil Whiteside

Director Infrastructure and City Services

Neil has worked in local government for over 20

years in various management roles.

In October 2015 Neil was appointed to

the position of Director Infrastructure and

Environment (now Infrastructure and City

Services). He previously held the position of

Director Community Wellbeing from June 2012,

and preceding that held the position of Group

Manager Operations at Council from January

2008. Prior to joining Brimbank, Neil held

several management positions at Whittlesea

City Council.

Shane Marr

Chief Financial Strategist

and Organisational Excellence

Shane has more than 25 years’ experience

in governance and finance roles in both local

government and the private sector.

Shane commenced with Brimbank City Council

in late 2014, and was appointed to the role of

Chief Financial Strategist and Organisational

Excellence in August 2018. The role covers the

responsibilities of Finance, Business Support,

– Projects and Innovation and People and

Performance.

Prior to joining Brimbank, Shane held the

position of General Manager Corporate

Services at Moorabool Shire Council.

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Dan Hogan

Director Advocacy, Partnerships and Community

After starting his career in the private sector,

Dan has spent the last 12 years working

within Victorian local government in various

management roles, beginning with peak

representative body the Municipal Association

of Victoria, and most recently at neighbouring

Melton City Council.

Dan brings a marketing sensibility to Council,

looking to solve community challenges

through improved communication,

engagement and partnership.

requires councils to prepare the

following planning and reporting

documents:

• A Council Plan within the six months

after each general election or by 30 June,

whichever is later

• A Strategic Resource Plan for a period of at least

four years and include this in the Council Plan

• A Budget for each financial year

• An Annual Report in respect of each

financial year.

Brimbank’s integrated planning

approach

Council has an integrated planning approach that

aligns our strategic, financial and operational

policies, plans and strategies with the

community’s aspirations. This ensures that all of

Council’s activity is generated towards putting the

‘community first’, both now and into the future.

The integrated planning approach is based on

the vision and goals identified in the Brimbank

Council Plan 2017-2021 and how these will be

achieved according to the timeframe: short-term

(annual), medium-term (4 years), and long-term

(10 to 20 years).

The integrated planning approach provides a basis

for reporting and measuring across all Council

activity on what has been achieved and progress

towards meeting the vision for Brimbank.

Brimbank Community Vision 2040

The Brimbank Community Vision 2040 (updated

2018) describes the community’s vision and

priorities for the next 20 years, centred around

three key themes: People, Place and Prosperity.

It establishes an ambitious and shared framework

for the community and partner organisations to

work towards.

These partners include:

• Community members

• Service providers

• Local organisations and groups

• State and Federal Government agencies

• Other Councils

The Community Vision will be reviewed in 2021

to ensure that it is continuously aligned with the

community’s aspirations.

Council Plan 2017-2021

The Council Plan is one of Brimbank’s primary

strategic documents. It is directly aligned to

the Community Vision and provides a four-year

medium-term outlook. The Council Plan

informs the development of Council’s

Annual Plan and Budget.

The Council Plan 2017-2021 was adopted

in August 2017, and sets out the agreed

objectives, activities and strategic indicators for

Council to achieve its strategic directions for: An

Inclusive Community, A Liveable Community, A

Prosperous Community, and An Innovative and

Responsive ‘Community First’ Council.

It is the 2018-2019 performance that is

reported in this Annual Report.

Annual Budget and Long Term

Financial Plan

The Long Term Financial Plan and Annual

Budget document the financial resources

required to achieve the goals and strategic

objectives in the Council Plan 2017-2021.

Strategic Resource Plan

Council has prepared a Strategic Resource

Plan (SRP) for the four years 2017/2018 -

2020/2021 as part of its ongoing financial

planning to assist in adopting a budget within

a longer-term framework. The SRP takes the

strategic objectives and strategies, as specified

in the Council Plan, and expresses them in

financial terms for the next four years.

The key objective, which underlines

the development of the SRP, is financial

sustainability in the medium to long-term, while

still achieving Council’s strategic objectives as

specified in the Council Plan.

Municipal Strategic Statement

The Municipal Strategic Statement (MSS)

provides a strategic vision for Brimbank’s future

by setting out objectives for prospective land

use and development in Brimbank.

Brimbank Sustainability Policy and

Framework

Brimbank Sustainability Policy and Framework

strategically addresses sustainability issues,

aiming to:

• Build a legacy enabling an engaged and

resilient community that supports a

sustainable environment containing rich social,

economic and environmental characteristics

• Show ‘Sustainability’ means our actions meet

current needs without compromising the

prospects of future generations

• Support our community to taking action

on the local impacts of resource depletion,

pollution and climate volatility.

Brimbank Social Justice Charter

Council is committed to being a leader in the area

of social justice and strives to deal with differences

in our community in a fair and just way. Working in

partnership with the community, service providers,

business and other levels of government, Council

aims to build a municipality where all residents,

workers and visitors can thrive both socially

and economically regardless of their personal

circumstances or where they were born.

The Brimbank Social Justice Charter (the Charter)

was first developed in 2008, and articulates

Council’s commitment to social justice and human

rights. The second revision of the Charter relevant,

and continues to grow and shape a culture of

social justice and human rights in Brimbank.

Community engagement and

consultation

Public participation in decisions that impact

people’s lives is critical to good governance and

community wellbeing. Council’s approach to

community engagement is to ensure community

members affected by a Council decision

are informed, and given the opportunity to

meaningfully participate in decision-making

processes. Community engagement is undertaken

by Council to inform policy, planning and delivery

of services and infrastructure, and advocating on

behalf of the community.

The Council Plan 2017-2021 identifies a

series of goals and strategic objectives that

describe what Council is aiming for in order

to achieve the vision for Brimbank.

Each strategic objective contains a number

of strategies that describe what Council

will do over the next four years in order to

achieve the goal.

Relevant Council policies and services are

identified in support of the goal, together

with indicators or measures of progress.

The following are the four goals:

Goal

Strategic Objective

01

An Inclusive

Community

• Our community members are safe, healthy and well

• People have opportunities to participate in community life

•

Services and facilities are fit-for-purpose and well-run

• Our community belong and are proud of where they live

02

A Liveable

Community

•

Public and open spaces are safe, clean and well-maintained

• People can get around easily on foot, by bike, car or public transport

• Our community lives sustainably

• The natural environment supports thriving biodiversity that is protected

and well connected

• The urban environment supports a growing population in designated areas

while respecting neighbourhood character and heritage where appropriate

03

A Prosperous

Community

• People are able to access quality education and lifelong learning opportunities

•

People are able to find and maintain jobs that provide income security

• The local economy is strong and provides opportunities for the community to thrive

•

Housing is of good quality, well located and affordable

• Brimbank is a leading destination for business, working, learning, recreation and living

04

An Innovative

and Responsive

‘Community First’

Council

• Council is fair, honest and transparent

• Council advocates and works in the interests of our community

•

Council manages its assets and finances sustainably and responsibly

•

Council staff are high performing and community-focused

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Council’s performance for the 2018-2019 year has been reported against each goal to demonstrate

how Council is performing in achieving the Council Plan 2017-2021.

Performance has been measured as follows:

• Results achieved in relation to the strategic indicators in the Council Plan

• Progress in relation to the major initiatives identified in the Budget

• Results against the prescribed service performance indicators and measures.

Major Initiatives

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives identified in the 2018-2019 Budget for the year.

Major Initiatives

Progress

Evaluate expanded breastfeeding support service pilot

program

The Breastfeeding Support Program, delivered by Council’s Maternal Child

Health Service, was evaluated in the 2018/2019 financial year resulting in

funding confirmed to further extend this program.

Implement rolling program to upgrade sports facilities to be inclusive of

female sport participation

Four sports facilities were upgraded to be inclusive of female sport

participation with the remaining three underway and expected to be

completed by December 2019.

Review and implement an updated Plan to Prevent Men’s Violence Against

Women, Towards Gender Equity

The Fairness Equality and Respect Strategy was adopted at

the February Ordinary Council Meeting – following this was

the development of the Year One Annual Implementation

Plan which saw a number of initiatives implemented in the

2018/2019 financial year to prevent violence against women.

Conduct safety forums in partnership with Victoria Police

Throughout 2018/2019 a series of events and activities were delivered

in consultation with the Safety Roundtable which aimed to increase

education and engagement about community safety.

Provide a strong network of equitable and accessible services, facilities

and open space

A range of capital works projects were completed in 2018/2019

and have further added to the strong network of equitable and

accessible facilities, services and open space.

01

An Inclusive

Community

01

An Inclusive

Community

• Our community members are safe, healthy and well

• People have opportunities to participate in community life

•

Services and facilities are fit-for-purpose and well-run

• Our community belong and are proud of where they live

Strategic indicators

The following statement reviews the performance of Council against the Council Plan including results achieved in relation to the strategic

indicators included in the Brimbank Council Plan.

Strategic indicator/measure

Result

Comments

Resident perception of performance in providing

recreational facilities

63

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 3 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 7 points lower than the state average, and

12 points lower than the Metro region.

Number of attendees at libraries and

neighbourhood houses to access services,

programs and activities

2,493,559

In 2018/2019 there were 1,312,884 physical visits to Brimbank’s five

libraries and 801,889 visits to the Online Library, a total of 2,114,773 visits.

In 2018/2019 there were 378,786 physical visits to Brimbank’s seven

neighbourhood house sites.

Council’s libraries and neighbourhood houses provide the community

with a diverse range of programs, facilities, services and resources that

support lifelong learning, promote social connectedness and increase

health and wellbeing.

Resident perception of Council’s performance in

providing art centres and libraries

73

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point lower than the state average, and 3

points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance in

delivering family support services

66

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change in the score from 2017/18, 1 point lower than the state average,

and 3 points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance in

delivering elderly support services

64

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change from the score in 2017/18, 4 points lower than the state

average, and 3 points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance in

delivering disadvantaged support services

61

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point lower than the state average, and 2

points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance in

delivering community and cultural activities

67

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change from the score in 2017/18, 2 points lower than the state

average, and 3 points lower than the Metro region.

Number of attendees at arts and cultural

activities

14,000

Approximately 14,000 individuals attended a range of arts and cultural

activities that were delivered in Brimbank. Including 2,500 attended

Bowery Theatre, 2,000 for exhibition openings, approximately 4,500

visits gallery exhibitions, and 5,000 visits to Community Cultural

Development activities.

Number of applications for Neighbour Day

activities and number of people that participated

28 1,000+

A total of 28 applications for Neighbour Day were supported, with over

1,000 Brimbank residents participating in Neighbour Day initiatives.

Number of community grants supported (Healthy,

Equitable and Connected Communities)

61

A total of 61 grants were allocated to various community groups

and support offered to address priorities connected to creating an

inclusive community.

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Service/Description

Net Cost

Actual Budget

Favourable/

(Unfavourable) $’000

Leisure and Community Facilities

Leisure and Community Facilities

is comprised of Sport & Recreation, Community Facilities, Leisure & Community Facilities

Planning and Major Leisure Facilities including the Sunshine and St Albans leisure centres, the Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium

and Keilor Public Golf Course.

Sports and Recreation

develops and delivers sport and recreation projects, programs and events to meet the diverse needs of

the community. This includes the allocation of 49 sports pavilions, 79 playing fields, pitches, diamonds, bocce pitches and greens,

seven indoor courts and 64 outdoor tennis courts. The team supports clubs in capacity building, business planning and funding

applications, and takes regular bookings for the Keilor Park Synthetic Sports Fields and Synthetic Athletics Track.

Community Facilities

manages regular, casual and function bookings at Council’s 35 halls and meeting rooms. In addition they

support, guide and develop community groups such as Senior Citizens, Scouts and Girl Guides by managing venue tenancy

agreements. The four major leisure facilities in Brimbank are Keilor Basketball and Netball Stadium, the St Albans Leisure Centre, the

Sunshine Leisure Centre and the Keilor Public Golf Course. These centres provide a diverse and affordable range of health, fitness

and community activities and programs that offer the community opportunities to participate in physical activity and a safe place for

social interaction.

Leisure and Community Facilities Planning

undertake strategic work to determine the leisure and facility related needs of the

Brimbank community and the most appropriate way for Council to meet these needs now and in the future. This work informs

Council’s Capital Works Program and determines the priorities for funding based on evidence and demand.

3,062 3,609

546

Facilities & Major Projects

Facilities & Major Projects

are responsible for the delivery of Council’s Facilities Asset Management Plan and Major Projects

including the ongoing maintenance of Council’s Facilities and Buildings.

11,715 11,979

263

Building Services and Environmental Health

Building Services and Environmental Health

implements legislation through education, advice and enforcement to ensure a safe

and high standard of public health is maintained across the City. This includes enforcing the

,

,

,

, and

. It also issues and

inspects building permits and manages customer requests to ensure the safety of the built environment within Brimbank.

978 1,270

292

City Compliance

City Compliance

enforces local laws, which are important for residents and businesses to enjoy a safe, clean, well-functioning

living and working environment. Council provides community information and education around parking controls, fire mitigation,

litter control, event approvals, animal management and school crossing supervision. It will also prosecute individuals or businesses

where necessary.

1,279 2,333

1,054

Services

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2018–2019 Budget and the persons or sections of the

community who are provided the service.

Service/Description

Net Cost

Actual Budget

Favourable/

(Unfavourable) $’000

Community Planning and Advocacy

Community Planning, and Advocacy

work towards enhancing community health and wellbeing. This includes Connected

Communities, Community & Council Planning, and Policy Advocacy & Research. The department is also responsible for positioning

Council on social and health policy, and in shaping Council’s strategic advocacy priorities. This includes lobbying federal and state

governments, and partnerships with key sectors at federal, state and regional level.

Connected Communities

facilitates Council’s community engagement, capacity building and social inclusion through establishing

governance and consultation structures, language services, Indigenous and cultural awareness programs, community leadership

programs such as the Community Governance Training Program and delivery of Council’s Annual Community Grant Program.

Community & Council Planning

ensures Council is delivering on its commitment to the community by developing, reporting and

monitoring the Community Vision, Council Plan and Corporate Reporting activities.

Policy Advocacy & Research

addresses key health and social issues in the community including social justice, safety, gambling,

men’s violence against women and children, and gender equity. This is achieved by developing policies, strategies, projects and

partnerships that improve health and wellbeing in the community, while undertaking important evaluation, research and data

analysis in order to meet requirements under the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

4,818 4,970

152

Community Projects

Community Projects

build internal capacity through the implementation of service planning and project management frameworks,

and through the application of evidence that will improve service and project delivery across the Community Wellbeing Directorate,

resulting in better outcomes for the community.

375 384

9

Community Care

Community Care

provides a wide range of services that support older people, people living with a disability, families and youth.

Ageing & Inclusion

supports older people, and people with a disability, to maintain and enhance their physical, social and emotional

well-being by accessing in-home and community-based services provided by Council. Services such as domestic assistance, personal

and respite care, social support and planned activity groups, delivered meals, community transport and maintenance to help older

residents live a fulfilling life, independently.

Families & Early Years

provides a range of services for children and families in the community including Maternal and Child Health

Services, community and supported playgroups and kindergarten registration. Maternal and Child Health services are available at

eight locations, providing health and wellbeing information for parents and children aged from 0-5 years, and intensive support for

vulnerable families experiencing parenting difficulties.

Youth Services

offers a number of services to guide young people through their personal development and encourages them to

participate positively in community life through support, counselling and youth programs that strengthen and build resilience in

young people, and builds partnerships with other local services to support young people.

17,373 18,115

742

01

An Inclusive

Community

01

An Inclusive

Community

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Service Performance Indicators

The following statement provides the result of the prescribed service performance indicators and measures including explanation of

material variations.

Service indicator

2017 Result

2018 Result

2019 Result 2019 Commentary

Cost of indoor aquatic facilities

$4.11

$3.55

$3.32

Brimbank City Council continues to place a high emphasis on

delivering services in a cost-efficient manner, with this result

remaining within the range expected by Council. Find out more

about our aquatic centres at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

leisure-parks-and-facilities

Utilisation of aquatic facilities

2.80

2.85

2.83

Brimbank City Council saw over 590,000 visits to both the

Sunshine and St Albans leisure centres throughout the

2018/2019 financial year. Find out more about our aquatic

centres at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/leisure-parks-and

facilities

Time taken to action

food complaints

1.34

1.36

1.13

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on Food Safety

and Public Health. Reports of food complaints and related

requests continued to be promptly responded to with the

majority of complaints investigated on the day of receipt or the

following day to ensuring a high level of food safety monitoring

and customer satisfaction. This result remains within the

range expected by Council. Find out more about food safety at

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/business/types-businesses/

food-premises-and-safety

Food safety assessments

100%

100%

101.07%

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on ensuring all

premises receive a food safety assessment. Some businesses

received a second food safety assessment with new proprietors

following a transfer which has created a result above 100%.

This result remains within the range expected by Council. Find

out more about food safety at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.

au/business/types-businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Cost of food safety service

$248.56 $239.12

$253.93

Brimbank City Council seeks to deliver an effective and

cost-efficient food safety service for our community. This result

remains within the range expected by Council. Find out more

about food safety at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/business/

types-businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Critical and major non-compliance

outcome notifications

100%

100%

100%

Brimbank City Council continues to achieve a high result

demonstrating the urgency with which all critical and major

non-compliance notifications were followed up during the year.

This result remains within the range expected by Council. Find

out more about food safety at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.

au/business/types-businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Library collection usage

4.34

5.84

5.48

The Brimbank City Council library collection continues to be well

utilised by community members accessing both printed and digital

materials at our five library branches and via our home library

service. Find out more about Brimbank Libraries at https://www.

brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/

Standard of library collection

72.32% 58.63%

64.38%

Brimbank City Council's library collection continues to be reflective

of community needs and demands with over 60% of the

collection under five years of age. Find out more about Brimbank

Libraries at https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/

Cost of library service

$5.64

$5.89

$5.72

Brimbank City Council has continued to work towards ensuring

the cost of the library service remains stable whilst responding

to increased usage in the area of both loans and visits. Find out

more about Brimbank Libraries at https://www.brimbanklibraries.

vic.gov.au/

Service indicator

2017 Result

2018 Result

2019 Result 2019 Commentary

Active library members

15.61%

12.55%

12.01%

Brimbank City Council notes that a variance has occurred as prior

to the 2017/2018 financial year all library users were counted

(based on door count figures), rather than the specific target of

members who borrow a physical item (as per Know Your Council

definition). This has now been rectified but unfortunately the

result is not reflective of contemporary library usage, noting that

Brimbank continues to see an increase in library members utilising

PCs, Wi-Fi and programs which are not reported in this service

indicator. A non-reported measure of library door count figures

sees a continued upwards trend highlighting increased usage of a

broader use of library services and resources that allow residents

to further their lifelong learning experiences. Find out more about

Brimbank Libraries at https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au/

Participation in first

MCH home visit

109.31% 107.31%

99.55%

Brimbank City Council continues to maintain consistently high

participation rates in the Maternal and Child Health Service,

demonstrating the importance of first home visits for newborns

and families. Initial engagement by mothers with newborns

continues to be very high exceeding 99% over the past four

years. During the 2018/2019 financial year Council's Maternal and

Child Health nurses have seen 2,675 newborns from within the

municipality. More information about the Maternal Child Health

Service can be found at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/health

family-and-support/maternal-and-child-health

Infant enrolments in

the MCH service

100%

100%

100%

Brimbank City Council has continued to achieve 100% infant

enrolments in the Maternal Child Health Service, highlighting

100% client engagement over a three-year period. More

information about the Maternal Child Health Service can be found

at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and-support/

maternal-and-child-health

Cost of the MCH service

$86.79

$80.53

$81.10

Brimbank City Council continues to deliver the Maternal Child

Health Service within the expected budget and requirements,

with this result remaining within range set by Council. Find out

more about the MCH Service at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

health-family-and-support/maternal-and-child-health

Participation in the MCH service 69.82%

71.5%

70.49%

Brimbank City Council continues to achieve participation rates in the

Maternal and Child Health Service that remain within the expected

result range. Family participation in the Maternal and Child Health

Service can vary significantly between years, as every enrolled child

is not required to attend the service on an annual basis. Find out

more about the MCH Service at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

health-family-and-support/maternal-and-child-health

Participation in the MCH service

by Aboriginal children

58.33%

62.11%

55.26%

Brimbank City Council continues to embed continuous

improvement initiatives to engage Indigenous families registered

in the Maternal Child Health Service, including the provision of

targeted engagement strategies. In the 2018/2019 financial year

63 out of the 114 registered Indigenous children participated in

the service. The 11% decrease in participation when compared

to the 2017/2018 financial year is impacted by a number of

families moving out of the municipality and State Government

data reporting systems remaining limited in being able to identify

families accessing the service in other municipalities. Find out

more about the MCH Service at https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

health-family-and-support/maternal-and-child-health

01

An Inclusive

Community

01

An Inclusive

Community

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02

A Liveable

Community

•

Public and open spaces are safe, clean and well-maintained

• People can get around easily on foot, by bike, car or public transport

• Our community lives sustainably

• The natural environment supports thriving biodiversity that is protected and well

connected

• The urban environment supports a growing population in designated areas while

respecting neighbourhood character and heritage where appropriate

Strategic indicators

The following statement reviews the performance of Council against the Council Plan including results achieved in relation

to the strategic indicators included in the Council Plan.

Strategic indicator/measure

Result

Comments

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in enforcement of local laws

60

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change in score from 2017/18, and 4 points lower than both the state

average and the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in managing the appearance of public areas

65

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 3 points

higher than the score in 2017/18, 7 points lower than the state

average, and 9 points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in managing the condition of local streets and

footpaths

58

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 3 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point lower than the state average, and 7

points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance in

managing the condition of sealed local roads

63

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change from 2017/18, 7 points higher than the state average, and 6

points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of importance and Council’s

performance in traffic management

61

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change in score from 2017/18, 3 points higher than both the state

average and metro region.

Resident perception of importance and Council’s

performance in providing parking facilities

57

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point higher than the state average, and 2

points higher than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s

performance in waste management

69

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point higher than the state average, and 4

points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in general town planning policy

59

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point lower

than the score in 2017/18, 4 points higher than the state average, and

3 points higher than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in planning and building permits

58

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 4 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 6 points higher than the state average, and

5 points higher than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in planning for population growth

54

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point higher

than the score in 2017/18, 2 points higher than both the state average

and the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in environmental sustainability

63

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result revealed no

change in score from 2017/18, 1 point higher than the state average,

and 1 point lower than the Metro region.

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

from Council operations

17,104 T CO2e Greenhouse gas emissions have been reduced by 35% since 2011

Reduction in Council’s potable water use, increase

in alternative water use and improvement in

water quality entering waterways in Brimbank.

Potable Water

Consumption: 416.3 ML

Alternative water use:

38.2 ML

Potable water consumption increased by 7% compared to the 2017/18

result. This was caused by a range of factors including decreased

rainfall, new potable water connections and the Keilor Public Golf Course

Stormwater Harvesting System being taken offline for upgrades.

Alternative water use has decreased by 39% compared to the 2017/18

result. This was due to there being less rainfall in 2018/19 compared with

2017/2018 which affected the yield of Council’s stormwater harvesting

systems as well as the Keilor Public Golf Course Stormwater Harvesting

System being taken offline for upgrades.

Number of community grants supported (Our

Community Living Sustainably)

5

A total of five grants were supported that aimed to address the

priorities connected to creating a liveable community.

Major Initiatives

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives identified in the 2018–2019 Budget for the year.

Major Initiatives

Progress

Develop a Graffiti Management Strategy

The draft Graffiti Policy was completed in the 2018/2019 financial year

and was adopted by Council at the 16 July Ordinary Council Meeting.

Commence construction of Stage 3 of

The Lakes Reserve Flagship Park in Taylors Lakes

Works on the Taylors Lakes Flagship Park progressed as expected for the

2018/2019 financial year. This project will continue into the 2019/2020

financial year with completion anticipated in September 2019.

Construct new skate facility at Delahey Recreation Reserve,

Delahey

Skate facilities at the Delahey Recreational Reserve were completed, with

final landscape works scheduled in July 2019.

Complete Neighbourhood Park upgrades at:

• Ashton Avenue Reserve, St Albans

• Eurora/Koroit Place Reserve, Taylors Lakes

• Arthur Beachley Reserve, Sunshine West

• O’Connors Paddock, Cairnlea

All Neighbourhood Park upgrades were completed as scheduled in the

2018/2019 financial year.

Implement the Waste, Recycling and Litter Strategy

2018-2028

Work continued on the implementation of the Waste, Recycling and Litter

Strategy with 12 of 13 actions completed, and one action carried over to

next financial year.

Continued implementation of street tree planting programs

as part of the Urban Forest Strategy

Implementation of street tree planting programs as part of the Urban

Forest Strategy were completed.

Implement subsidised cat desexing program to support

residents and reduce the impact on the environment

The mobile desexing van continued to operate throughout this quarter

and saw an increase in the number of cats desexed in the 2018/2019

financial year.

Commence and complete implementation of a Comprehensive

Development Plan for the Sunshine Health, Education and

Wellbeing Precinct

Council continued to work with the Victorian Planning Authority (VPA)

to progress the development of a comprehensive development plan,

comprehensive development zone, and other work in relation to a

potential development contribution plan and overlay for the Sunshine

Health, Wellbeing and Education Precinct. The Victorian Planning

Authority is leading this project and continues to undertake strategic

justification work.

02

A Liveable

Community

Services

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2018-2019 Budget and the persons or sections of the

community who are provided the service.

Service/Description

Net Cost

Actual Budget

Favourable/

(Unfavourable) $’000

Engineering Services

Engineering Services

ensures that Brimbank is a safe, liveable and attractive place to live and work. This is achieved through

planning, design, construction, maintenance and renewal/disposal of local roads, drainage systems and other vital infrastructure.

It coordinates the preparation of Council’s 10 year Capital Works Program and manages and reviews the annual Capital Works

Program reporting.

4,776 4,194

(583)

Environment

Environment

engages with Council and the community to work towards an environmentally sustainable city through the efficient

use of limited resources and through innovative design. We also engage with and encourage the community to value Brimbank’s

outstanding and unique natural areas.

This aim is achieved by providing leadership and education while providing direction and coordination in resource efficiency

measures including integrated water management, climate change mitigation and adaptation, waste minimisation and education,

community engagement in the conservation, management and restoration of Brimbank’ s natural areas including grasslands,

waterways and rocky escarpments and managing contaminated land.

2,290 2,353

63

Asset and Property Services

Asset and Property Services

is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating an enterprise system of policies,

strategies, plans, tools, information, analytics, procedures and operational practices to ensure that all infrastructure assets are

maintained, controlled and monitored across their entire life cycle, in accordance with laws and regulations, compliant to the

National Asset Management Framework (NAMAF), and achieve ‘best practice’ under the NAMAF.

553 572

19

Urban Design

Urban Design

provides a landscape, architectural and urban design service delivering public realm projects that create attractive,

safe, connected and sustainable urban places which support community wellbeing, social connectedness and fosters civic pride.

Project delivery includes park upgrades, streetscape upgrades, tree planting and shared user paths in addition to advocating for

good urban design outcomes for all major infrastructure projects and private developments.

3,306 2,906

(400)

Operations

Operations

oversees Fleet Services, Park Services, Roads and Cleansing, Waste Services, Pedestrian Facility Services and

Emergency Management.

Truck, plant and vehicle fleets are purchased responsibly and maintained through

Fleet Services

, which ensures they are compliant

with all legislative requirements.

Parks, sportsgrounds and the outdoor spaces surrounding Council-owned facilities are maintained by

Park Services

.

Road and drainage is managed by

Roads and Cleansing

in accordance with Council’s Road Asset Management Plan, and are

responsible for the overall cleanliness of Council land.

Waste Services

organises the community’s weekly kerbside waste collection and fortnightly recycling and green waste collections.

It also manages Council’s Resource Recovery Centre and delivers an At Call Hard Waste Collection Service to residents.

Pedestrian Facilities Services

program and implement Council’s annual footpath and concrete works rehabilitation program.

39,423 42,862

3,439

City Planning and Planning Compliance

City Planning

is responsible for administering the Brimbank Planning Scheme by providing advice and making determinations on

planning permit applications for land use, development and subdivisions, and responding to property information and demolition

requests. City Planning provides planning services to Council, the community and the development industry. This also includes

representing Council at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on planning matters.

Planning Compliance

is responsible for enforcing planning regulations and permit conditions and responding to customer requests

relating to planning matters.

(2,978) (2,673)

305

02

A Liveable

Community

02

A Liveable

Community

Service Performance Indicators

The following statement provides the result of the prescribed service performance indicators and measures including explanation of

material variations.

Service indicator

2017 Result

2018 Result

2019 Result 2019 Commentary

Time taken to action animal

management requests

1.32

1.57

1.32

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on responsible

pet ownership and community safety. Reports of 'animals at

large' and related requests are promptly responded to. This result

remains within the range expected by Council. Find out more

about animal management at Brimbank https://www.brimbank.

vic.gov.au/pets-and-animals

Animals reclaimed

30.27% 22.64%

22.11%

Brimbank City Council has seen a marginal decrease in the number

of reclaimed animals in the 2018/2019 year, as Council continues to

report higher numbers of unregistered and un-microchipped cats.

This sees a lower than average result of reclaimed animals when

compared to other Councils. Find out more about animal management

at Brimbank https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/pets-and-animals

Cost of animal management

service

$112.22 $126.82

$124.62

Brimbank City Council places a high emphasis on delivering services

in a cost-efficient manner and has seen a marginal decrease in the

cost of the provision of a contracted 24 hour emergency service and

pound facilities for animals. Find out more about animal management

at Brimbank https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/pets-and-animals

Animal management prosecutions 8.00

5.00

24.00

Brimbank City Council investigates all infringements under the

and, where supportive evidence

is available, actively prosecutes these matters. The result has

significantly increased from previous years as Brimbank has

previously reported specifically on dog attacks, rather than all

infringements under the Domestic Animals Act. Find out more

about animal management at Brimbank https://www.brimbank.

vic.gov.au/pets-and-animals

Sealed local road requests

49.70

68.89

51.70

Brimbank City Council continues to respond to all resident

requests for sealed local roads within the approved requirements

of the Road Management Plan. Council’s commitment to

investment in the road network over previous years has resulted

in a decreased number of requests in the 2018/2019 financial

year due to the road network being maintained to a high standard.

Sealed local roads maintained

to condition standards

83.38% 84.87%

87.75%

Council has continued to fund the renewal of its road network to

ensure the overall condition of the network does not deteriorate.

This result remains within the range expected by Council.

Cost of sealed local road

reconstruction

$87.24

$83.70

$100.17

Brimbank City Council undertakes all road reconstruction via

contracts, which are awarded following a competitive public

tender process. The costs associated with these contracts in the

2018/2019 financial year were higher than previous years due

to increasing contract rates, higher design standards and the

inclusion of improved stormwater water treatment measures

such as water sensitive urban design principles.

Cost of sealed local road resealing $25.08

$27.40

$25.31

Brimbank City Council undertakes all road resealing works via

contracts, which are awarded following a competitive public

tender process. The cost is indicative of continued competitive

market conditions in the road construction industry and continues

to remain lower than the result range.

Kerbside bin collection requests

194.34

169.66

129.24

The reduction in kerbside bin collection requests over the past four

years indicates service delivery improvements as Brimbank City Council

continues to endeavour to deliver an effective, cost-efficient bin

collection service for the community. The bin collection service includes

replacement of damaged bins, repair of broken bins and the collection

and disposal of missed bins from residential properties within the

municipality. Find out more about Waste Services at Brimbank https://

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste

Kerbside collection bins missed

11.92

10.64

10.53

Brimbank City Council continues to endeavour to deliver an

effective, cost-efficient bin collection service for the community and

has seen a marginal decrease in the numbers of kerbside collection

bins missed. Find out more about Waste Services at Brimbank

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste.

(continued)

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Service Performance Indicators (continued)

Service indicator

2017 Result

2018 Result

2019 Result 2019 Commentary

Cost of kerbside garbage bin

collection service

$105.89 $115.25

$112.34

Brimbank City Council endeavours to deliver an effective,

cost-efficient kerbside garbage collection service for our

community with this result highlighting a marginal improvement

when compared to the 2017/2018 financial year. This result

continues to remain within the range expected by Council.

Find out more about Waste Services at Brimbank

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste

Cost of kerbside recyclables

collection service

$7.97

$23.98

$42.36

Brimbank City Council endeavours to deliver an effective,

cost-efficient kerbside recyclables collection service for our

community, however changes to government recycling policy

within China have resulted in failure of the Australian recycling

market. This has resulted in closure of Council's contract

recyclables processing facility (SKM) increasing processing

costs for Council. Brimbank City Council will continue to work

to resolve this throughout the 2019/2020 financial year.

Find out more about Waste Services at Brimbank

https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste

Kerbside collection waste

diverted from landfill

40.08% 39.27%

38.01%

Brimbank City Council endeavours to deliver an effective,

cost-efficient kerbside recyclables collection service for our

community, however changes to government recycling policy

within China have resulted in failure of the Australian recycling

market. This has resulted in closure of Council's contract

recyclables processing facility (SKM) increasing processing costs

for Council. Brimbank City Council will continue to work to resolve

this throughout the 2019/2020 financial year. Find out more

about Waste Services at Brimbank https://www.brimbank.vic.gov.

au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste

Time taken to decide planning

applications

125.00

123.00

120.00

Brimbank City Council places an emphasis on working with

applicants and objectors to achieve good outcomes in planning

determinations, and so additional time may be taken in

negotiating land use and development issues. In November

2018, an Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) Policy was

introduced into the Brimbank Planning Scheme which requires

the resolution of ESD matters prior to a permit being issued. This

has resulted in some applications taking longer to resolve than

would previously have been the case. Despite this, a reduction in

the median number of days has been achieved over the last year.

Planning applications

decided within 60 days

45.35% 52.82%

61.77%

Brimbank City Council places an emphasis on working with

applicants and objectors to achieve good outcomes in planning

determinations, and so additional time may be taken in

negotiating land use and development issues. An increase in

performance can be seen in the 2018/2019 financial year against

this indicator.

Cost of statutory planning service $3,399.42 $3,072.92

$2,808.12

Brimbank City Council has a strong commitment to providing

an efficient and cost-effective statutory planning service. An

8.6% reduction in cost per application has been achieved in the

2018/2019 financial year.

Council planning decisions upheld

at VCAT

61.54% 66.67%

52.63%

The number of decisions of applications upheld at VCAT remain in

favour of Brimbank City Council, highlighting the work that Council

does to support decisions in the best interest of the community.

The marginal decrease when compared to the 2017/2018 result

is due to cases that have involved the applicant amending their

plans prior to the final hearing. Some of these amended plans

would likely have received support from Council had they have

been tabled during the time that Council was considering the

application.

Expenses per head of municipal

population

$877.50 $918.98

$920.43

The result is within the range expected by Council.

Infrastructure per head of

municipal population

$8,007.72 $7,411.23

$7,714.16

The result is within the range expected by Council.

Own-source revenue per head

of municipal population

$848.30 $835.02

$879.81

The result is within the range expected by Council.

Recurrent grants per head

of municipal population

$163.78 $138.53

$132.07

The decrease in this indicator when compared to previous years

correlates with a decrease of $0.6 million in recurrent grants in

comparison to the 2017/2018 financial year.

02

A Liveable

Community

03

A Prosperous

Community

• People are able to access quality education and lifelong learning opportunities

•

People are able to find and maintain jobs that provide income security

• The local economy is strong and provides opportunities for the community to thrive

•

Housing is of good quality, well located and affordable

• Brimbank is a leading destination for business, working, learning, recreation and living

Strategic indicators

The following statement reviews the performance of Council against the Council Plan including results achieved in relation to the strategic

indicators included in the Council Plan.

Strategic indicator/measure

Result

Comments

Number of attendees at libraries and

neighbourhood houses to access services,

programs and activities

2,493,559

In 2018/2019 there were 1,312,884 physical visits to Brimbank’s five

libraries and 801,889 visits to the Online Library, a total of 2,114,773 visits.

In 2018/2019 there were 378,786 physical visits to Brimbank’s seven

neighbourhood house sites.

Council’s Libraries and Neighbourhood Houses provide the community

with a diverse range of programs, facilities, services and resources that

support lifelong learning, promote social connectedness and increase

health and wellbeing.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in providing art centres and libraries

73

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point lower than the state average, and 3

points lower (significant difference) than the Metro region.

Number of community grants supported

(Lifelong Learning, Destination Brimbank)

5

A total of 5 grants were supported that aimed to address the priorities

connected to creating a prosperous community.

Major Initiatives

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives identified in the 2018-2019 Budget for the year.

Major Initiatives

Progress

Activate Brimbank Learning Futures at Visy Cares Hub through

partnership development and community engagement

Brimbank Learning Futures (BLF) was activated in the 2018/2019

financial year. Service delivery and programming commenced,

attracting more than 400 community members each week.

Support community learning through innovation in library

and neighbourhood house programs, services and resources

The Library Service Unit restructured to allow for flexible and

responsive programming to strategically address specific community

needs in the following areas of:

• Adult Literacy and Learning

• Young People

• Families & Children: 0 to 5 years

• Families & Children: 6 to 12 years

• Digital Literacy

• Science , Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) & other

technologies

• Culture & Identity

The Neighbourhood House (NH) Unit continued to develop pilots and

programs for young people in response to the need for youth space

and youth engagement in Brimbank. The unit is particularly focused on

activities for the South Sudanese community.

Continue to implement Economic Development Strategy

A range of initiatives from the Economic Development Strategy

were delivered throughout the 2018/2019 financial year including

ongoing delivery of Council’s business development program,

production of the

magazine, distribution of regular

Business E-Bulletins, delivery of the Brimbank Business Breakfast

in May 2019, completion of the 20 Minute Neighbourhood Pilot

program (Glengala), and ongoing support for smaller activity centres.

Implement the Experience Brimbank Strategy

Council continues to deliver the Experience Brimbank Visitor Strategy which

has included the delivery of industry training, ongoing work with Destination

Melbourne, and attendance at Western Tourism Board meetings.

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Services

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2018-2019 Budget and the persons or sections of the

community who are provided the service.

Service/Description

Net Cost

Actual Budget

Favourable/

(Unfavourable) $’000

Lifelong Learning & Community Participation

Lifelong Learning & Community Participation

delivers a diverse range of library, learning, arts and culture and

community strengthening services and programs through Brimbank’s five libraries, seven neighbourhood houses,

the St Albans Community Centre, the Bowery Theatre and Brimbank Learning Futures.

Library services

include quality collections and computer and wireless internet access. Libraries support customers

with research and information and provide places for study, reading and socialising. Library programs support lifelong

learning and help foster a culture of reading and literacy. The online library and home library service ensure lifelong

learning is accessible to all age groups and abilities.

Council’s seven

Neighbourhood Houses

provide community strengthening activities and programs that meet the

needs and aspirations of the local community. They bring people together to connect, learn, create and contribute to

their local community. They offer rooms for hire, capacity building activities such as volunteering as well as deliver short

courses and workshops. They coordinate the Brimbank Neighbourhood Houses Strategic Partnership Agreement and

enter into Collaborative Partnership Agreements with community groups and organisations to deliver programs and

services to the community.

Arts and Culture

supports artists and fosters local creativity, commissions and manages public art and spaces,

manages and curates Council’s visual art collection and exhibitions, manages the Festival and Arts Grants program

and manages the Bowery Theatre.

Learning implements the Brimbank Lifelong Learning Strategy, facilitates partnerships to increase local learning

opportunities, promotes lifelong learning, manages Brimbank Learning Futures and facilitates pathways for young

people and others into training or employment.

9,725 9,725

(0)

City Strategy

City Strategy

is responsible for strategic planning, economic development, and place management.

Strategic Planning

prepares strategies for land use planning and development including Housing, Activity Centres, Industrial Land,

and also maintain the Brimbank Planning Scheme. The Strategic Planning Unit is also responsible for amendments to the Brimbank

Planning Scheme.

Economic Development

provides a range of support to businesses to promote growth and development. The Economic

Development Unit deliver Council’s Business Development and Networking Program, manage iHarvest Coworking Sunshine,

and coordinate delivery of the Brimbank Economic Development Strategy and Experience Brimbank Strategy. The Economic

Development Unit is also a key contact for business and investment inquiries, and has a key role in promoting Brimbank’s

development potential.

The

Sunshine Rising and Go St Albans Place Management

programs include the administration of the Sunshine and St Albans

Marketing and Business Development Special Rate Programs, Sunshine and St Albans Partnership Groups and coordinating the

delivery of the Actions Plans associated with both centres to promote their growth and development.

2,289 2,576

286

Service Performance Indicators

The following statement provides the result of the prescribed service performance indicators and measures including explanation of

material variations.

Service indicator

2017 Result

2018 Result

2019 Result 2019 Commentary

Library collection usage

4.34

5.84

5.48

The Brimbank City Council library collection continues to be well

utilised by community members accessing both printed and

digital materials at our five library branches and via our home

library service. Find out more about Brimbank Libraries at https://

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Standard of library collection

72.32% 58.63%

64.38%

Brimbank City Council's library collection continues to be reflective

of community needs and demands with over 60% of the

collection under five years of age. Find out more about Brimbank

Libraries at https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Cost of library service

$5.64

$5.89

$5.72

Brimbank City Council has continued to work towards ensuring

the cost of the library service remains stable whilst responding

to increased usage in the area of both loans and visits. Find out

more about Brimbank Libraries at https://www.brimbanklibraries.

vic.gov.au

Active library members

15.61%

12.55%

12.01%

Brimbank City Council notes that a variance has occurred as prior

to the 2017/2018 financial year all library users were counted

(based on door count figures), rather than the specific target of

members who borrow a physical item (as per Know Your Council

definition). This has now been rectified but unfortunately the

result is not reflective of contemporary library usage, noting that

Brimbank continues to see an increase in library members utilising

PCs, Wi-Fi and programs which are not reported in this service

indicator. A non-reported measure of library door count figures

sees a continued upwards trend highlighting increased usage of a

broader use of library services and resources that allow residents

to further their lifelong learning experiences. Find out more about

Brimbank Libraries at https://www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

03

A Prosperous

Community

03

A Prosperous

Community

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04

An Innovative

and Responsive

‘Community First’

Council

• Council is fair, honest and transparent

• Council advocates and works in the interests of our community

•

Council manages its assets and finances sustainably and responsibly

•

Council staff are high performing and community-focused

Strategic indicators

The following statement reviews the performance of Council against the Council Plan including results achieved in relation to the strategic

indicators included in the Council Plan.

Strategic indicator/measure

Result

Comments

Resident perception of Council’s overall

performance and direction

63

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower

than the score in 2017/18, 3 points higher than the state average, and

4 points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s

performance in customer service

74

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points

higher than the score in 2017/18, 3 points higher than the state

average and 2 points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in community consultation and engagement

58

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points

higher than the score in 2017/18, 2 points higher than the state

average, and the same score as the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in informing the community

59

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point higher

than the score in 2017/18, 1 point lower than the state average, and 3

points lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

regarding decisions made in the interest of

the community

59

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point higher

than the score in 2017/18, 4 points higher than the state average, and

1 point lower than the Metro region.

Resident perception of Council’s performance

in lobbying on behalf of the community

57

The 2018/2019 Community Satisfaction Survey result is the same

score as in 2017/18, 3 points higher than the state average, and the

same score as the Metro region.

Major Initiatives

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives identified in the 2018–2019 Budget for the year.

Major Initiatives

Progress

Continue to advocate to the State Government and Federal Government

for increased funding to deliver more coordinated and systematic

approaches for advocacy

At the Ordinary Council Meeting December 2018, Council adopted the

Brimbank Advocacy Plan and Advocacy Framework 2018. The plan has

had a significant focus on the then pending Federal Election and first

year budgets of both Victorian State and Federal governments.

Enhance services program to improve access for people from

CALD backgrounds to information and services of Council

Councils Language Service Program was reviewed, resulting in

the piloting of the language aide program with the development

of playgroup story board and delivery of interpreter training

workshops to approximately 150 staff.

Services

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2018-2019 Budget and the persons or sections of the

community who are provided the service.

Service/Description

Net Cost

Actual Budget

Favourable/

(Unfavourable) $’000

Governance

Governance

supports Council’s formal decision making processes and structures, including coordination of the

Council Meeting cycle and delegations, with oversight and coordination of legislative governance for Council, including

requirements of the

, Privacy, Freedom of Information and Geographic Place Naming.

Governance provides strategic and operational risk services, in-house legal services, insurance and claims management,

and coordinates business continuity planning and reviews.

It delivers a fraud awareness program for the organisation, is responsible for protected disclosure reporting and facilitates

Council’s internal audit function and supports the Audit and Risk Management Committee.

8,059 7,428

(631)

Media and Communications

Media and Communications gathers and communicates information through a variety of channels to reach all corners

of the community.

These channels include mainstream and local media, corporate publications and posters, advice and consultation,

website and social media, advertising, speeches and events.

By promoting Brimbank through various channels the community is kept up to date with information relating to

where they live, work and socialise.

2,428 2,749

321

Financial Services

Financial Services

provides a fully integrated financial service and support function across Council. It is supported by two core units

– Finance and Business Support.

Finance is responsible for calculating and collecting annual rates and charges as well as valuing every property within the

municipality; and for coordinating the preparation of the annual financial statements, monitoring Council’s cash and investments

to maximise interest earnings, paying suppliers and ensuring compliance with legislation, and accounting standards.

Business Support

coordinates the Annual Budget and Long Term Financial Plan. It also provides financial analysis of Council’s

business to help support decisions, maintains and support Council’s financial systems and provides training to staff, and maintains

policies and procedures.

Management of strategic policies, procedures and guidelines for Council’s purchases of goods and services, providing a centralised

process for all public tenders, and assistance with procurement matters across all service units providing procurement advice,

governance on procurement activities and where required conduct procurement activities on behalf of Council.

4,059 4,105

46

Customer Support

Customer Support

provides professional services through a number of contact channels including over the phone, live chat,

face-to-face and written communications to best meet the needs of customers at the initial point of contact.

Information Management

services are also provided which includes the registration, management, storage and retrieval of all

information received by Council in accordance with legislative requirements. All service processes are designed around optimal

use of digital practices and consideration of technology opportunities.

3,318 3,416

98

People and Performance

People and Performance

provides support services to the organisation including: payroll, human resources, learning

and development, employee relations, Occupational Health and Safety and return to work.

Positive performance is driven through learning and development programs while promoting positive organisational

values and behaviours, change management and human resources.

Staff health and wellbeing is managed with the implementation of occupational health and safety programs, managing

return to work effectively and ongoing education about injury prevention and management.

2,789 2,811

22

Projects and Innovation

Information Communication Technology

(ICT) provides a consistent level of support and service to all Council departments and

community centres to ensure continuity and efficiency. It offers support with existing and new specialist systems/applications and

manages ICT hardware and infrastructure including security.

Business Transformation

(BT) aims to improve customer experience by improving/transforming Council service offerings through

the management of end-to-end business improvement initiatives by optimising people, processes and technology.

6,021 7,534

1,513

04

An Innovative

and Responsive

‘Community First’

Council

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Service Performance Indicators

The following statement provides the result of the prescribed service performance indicators and measures including explanation of material variations.

Service indicator

2017 Result

2018 Result

2019 Result 2019 Commentary

Efficiency

Average residential rate per

residential property assessment

$1,588.96 $1,647.32

$1,658.43

Resident population is the main determinant of service demand

and costs. Forecast result reflects the decrease in residential

valuations compared to commercial/industrial valuations and

the introduction of a commercial/industrial vacant land rate in

2019/2020.

Expenses per property

assessment

$2,347.62 $2,487.71

$2,462.90

The result is within the range expected by Council.

Resignations and terminations

compared to average staff

7.16%

8.73%

9.38%

Brimbank Council continues to have a lower than sector average

staff turnover.

Liquidity

Current assets compared

to current liabilities

219.37% 234.55%

161.79%

The 2018/2019 result reflects a reduction due to a reclassification of an

interest only loan from non-current to current because it will become

payable in the 2019/2020 financial year.

Unrestricted cash compared

to current liabilities

72.27%

75.01%

41.46%

The 2018/2019 result reflects the change of an interest only loan

moving from non-current liability to current.

Obligations

Asset renewal compared

to depreciation

62.66% 57.54%

66.43%

This increase is mainly due to higher expenditure on asset

renewal in 2019 compared to 2018.

Loans and borrowings

compared to rates

41.76% 42.08%

39.60%

A small decrease due to no new borrowing taken out in the

2018/2019 year.

Loans and borrowings

repayments compared to rates

4.00%

2.98%

2.90%

The result remains in the range set by Council and is reflective of

repayment of an interest only loan.

Non-current liabilities compared

to own source revenue

38.97% 40.00%

20.75%

The 2018/2019 result reflects the change of an interest only loan

moving from non-current liability to current.

Operating Position

Adjusted underlying surplus

(or deficit)

15.06%

6.15%

9.60%

The increase in the 2018/2019 result reflects an increase in

statutory fees and charges and in proceeds from sale of assets.

Stability

Rates compared to adjusted

underlying revenue

68.59% 73.49%

72.79%

The decrease in the 2018/2019 result reflects an increase in

revenue from insurance recoveries, interest and net gain on

disposal of property, plant and equipment.

Rates compared to

property values

0.38%

0.39%

0.31%

Rating levels at Brimbank City Council continue to be set based on

the community capacity to pay and within the State Government

rate capping limits. Rates included general rates, municipal charge

and environmental charge. The decrease in the 2018/2019 result

relates to the overall valuation increases from the 1 January 2018

Municipal Valuation.

Council decisions made at

meetings closed to the public

1.80%

3.96%

2.93%

Brimbank City Council made 265 of its 273 resolutions at meetings

open to the public. A small proportion of Council's resolutions were

made at meetings closed to the public in accordance with the

requirements of section 89 of the

.

These decisions include contractual, legal and personnel matters

which were the subject of a number of eight items in 2018/19.

Councillor attendance at

council meetings

98.53% 93.75%

89.09%

Brimbank City Council continues to demonstrate high attendance

of Councillors attending Council Meetings and falls within the

range expected by Council.

Cost of governance

$9,8521.38 $60,981.70

$58,922.73

The cost of governance per Councillor has followed a downward

trend for the last two years, as these figures reflect expenses for

elected Councillors, as opposed to marginal increase in 2016/2017

which included a portion of time in which Brimbank City Council

was in administration.

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04

04

An Innovative

and Responsive

‘Community First’

Council

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65

Representative Governance

Following a municipal general election held on

22 October 2016, 11 Councillors were sworn in

on 8 November 2016, to form the new Brimbank

City Council.

Governance framework

Brimbank City Council derives its power,

role, purpose and functions from the

.

Governance at Brimbank is defined as the

process of decision-making, and the process

by which decisions are implemented. This

translates into how Council operates as a

decision-making body, and its relationship

with the organisation (that provides advice to

Council and implements its decisions). It also

includes the ways that Council engages with

its community in this process.

Council meetings

Council makes its decisions at meetings open to

the public.

At Ordinary Council Meetings, Council considered

a range of matters, and aimed to make decisions

in relation to Council’s responsibilities in the best

interests of the community.

On 11 December 2018, Council adopted its

schedule for Ordinary Council Meetings for 2019,

comprising monthly meetings. The meetings

were generally held on the third Tuesday of

the month, at the Brimbank Community and

Civic Centre.

Special Council Meetings are convened for a

specific purpose. Only matters advertised and

listed on the agenda for the meeting may be

dealt with (except via resolution).

Council conducted four Special Council

Meetings in 2018/2019. The first Special

Council Meeting was to consider a confidential

contractual matter. The second was to consider

a property matter, and interstate travel of

Councillors seeking to attend an interstate

conference. The third was to elect a Mayor

and Deputy Mayor. The fourth Special Council

Meeting was to consider a planning matter.

Council agendas

The business to be considered by Council is set

out in the Council Meeting agenda. The agenda

was available on Council’s website five days prior

to a Council Meeting. Electronic agendas (using

Council iPads) were available in Chamber on the

night of the Council Meeting. Members of the

gallery were also encouraged to use their own

electronic device to connect to Council’s Wi-Fi

and access the agenda electronically.

Council minutes

Council records the decisions made at each

Council Meeting. Minutes of Council meetings

were available on Council’s website for all

meetings held during the current calendar year

(and preceding 12 month period), as required

by the

. Council continued its practice of displaying

live minutes to the public gallery at Council

Meetings.

Questions to Council

Community members had the opportunity to

raise questions in writing before an Ordinary

Council Meeting, which were then answered at

the meeting, or taken on notice with a written

response sent to the questioner.

Members of the public were also able to petition

Council, in accordance with the

.

In 2018/2019, a total of 22 petitions were

presented to the Council for receipt and

response. Sixty-five questions were put to the

Council and answered at the meeting, and/or

responded to in writing.

Councillors’ allowances and expenses

Section 47A(2) of

provides for payment

of annual allowances to the Mayor and

Councillors.

In representing and serving the community,

the Mayor and Councillors make a significant

time commitment, often after normal business

hours, in attending meetings, functions and

responding to community members. They are

also responsible for considering diverse and

complex policies and strategies, and social and

advocacy issues in Brimbank, and determining

a significant annual budget and capital works

program.

Allowance levels are determined within the

category ranges set by the State Government.

Victorian councils are divided into three

categories, based on budget and population.

Brimbank is determined to be a Category

3 Council. Allowance levels are subject to

annual adjustments by the Minister for Local

Government.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 20 June

2017, Council resolved to set the Mayoral

allowance at $94,641 per annum, and

the Councillor allowance at $29,630 per

annum (plus an amount equivalent to the

superannuation guarantee contribution

(currently 9.5 per cent), for the next four

financial years, subject to any adjustments

by the Minister for Local Government.

The Minister adjusted the allowances by

2 per cent in December 2018. At the end

of 2018/2019, the Mayoral allowance was

$98,465 per annum, and the Councillor

allowance was $30,827 per annum (plus an

amount equivalent to the superannuation

guarantee contribution of 9.5 per cent).

Expenses incurred by the Councillors in

undertaking their duties for Brimbank

were reported quarterly in a Governance

Report presented at an Ordinary Council

Meeting, in accordance with their Code of

Conduct. The total expenses reported for

travel, communications and other support

expenses for 2018-2019 was $83, 286.55.

Councillor Code of Conduct

Councillors are entrusted to represent, and

make decisions in the best interests of, the

entire Brimbank community. A Councillor Code

of Conduct is a commitment by Councillors on

how they agree to work together, and conduct

themselves, in all aspects of their duties.

The

(the Act) sets

out standards of conduct for Councillors. Section

76C of the Act requires a council to have a Code

of Conduct for Councillors. The Act also requires

a Councillor to make a written declaration they

will abide by the Councillor Code of Conduct,

witnessed by the Chief Executive Officer. Under

Section 75B of the Act, a council must also

adopt a reimbursement policy for Councillors.

Section 75C of the Act requires a council to make

available prescribed minimum resources for

Councillors to carry out their duties.

Brimbank Councillors originally signed the

Councillor Code of Conduct Major Policy (Code

of Conduct) following their swearing in, at the

Special Council Meeting on 8 November 2016,

fulfilling the requirements of Sections 63, 64

and 76C of the Act.

Code of Conduct Internal Resolution

Procedure Update

A Councillor Conduct Panel (Panel) made a

determination pursuant to section 81J of the Act

on 13 February 2019. The Panel’s determination

was tabled by Council at its Ordinary Council

Meeting on 19 February 2019, in accordance

with Council’s legislative obligation under

section 81M of the Act.

Pursuant to section 81J(1)(d) of the Act, the

Panel directed Council to revise its Councillor

Code Of Conduct to be more specific in relation

to both the process for internal dispute

resolution and the timelines involved in each

step of the process. Section 81J(6) of the Act

imposes a legislative obligation on Council to

comply with the Panel’s direction to amend

the Code, within three months of the direction

being made.

The draft Councillor Code of Conduct (Major

Policy) April 2019 – including the revised internal

dispute resolution procedure – was adopted

by Council at the Ordinary Council Meeting on

16 April 2019, and subsequently signed by

Councillors.

Local Laws

Brimbank has three local laws: the

, which came into effect on 1 January

2018; the

, which came into effect on

19 June 2015; and the

, which came

into effect on 18 July 2014.

Local laws apply within the area of the City of

Brimbank and act as subordinate legislation to

State and Federal laws.

General Local Law 2018

was made on 21 November 2017, and became

operational on 1 January 2018. The objectives

of the Local Law are to provide for the:

• Administration of Council’s powers and

functions

• Protection, fair use and enjoyment of

Council property

• Safe and fair use of streets, roads and

footpaths

• Protection, maintenance and enhancement

of the amenity of the municipality to a

standard that meets the general reasonable

expectations of the community

• Keeping and control of animals on land and

on Council property, and

• Uniform and fair administration and

enforcement of the Local Law.

The Local Law is available for viewing on

Council’s website.

Governance (Meeting Procedure) Local

Law No. 1 2015

Brimbank’s

was gazetted on 18 June

2015, and became operational on 19 June 2015.

The primary purposes of the local law are to:

• Provide for the procedures governing the

conduct of Council Meetings and Committee

Meetings

• Set the rules of behaviour for those

participating in and attending meetings, and

• Regulate the use of Council’s common seal.

The

is available for viewing on Council’s

website.

Governance (Major Policy

Consultation) Local Law No. 3 2014

Brimbank’s

was gazetted on

17 July 2014, and became operational on 18 July

2014. It enables Council to determine whether a

policy is, or is not, a ‘major policy’, and prescribes

a public consultation process to be followed

when the Council proposes to make, amend,

modify or revoke a ‘major policy’. The purpose

of the local law is to:

• Provide for some policies of Council to be

designated as major policies

• Prescribe the procedure to be followed before

making, amending, modifying or revoking a

major policy

• Promote transparency of decision-making

• Promote best practice in governance

processes, and

• Provide for the peace, order and good

government of the municipal district.

The

is available for viewing

on Council’s website.

The Community Services and Infrastructure

Planning (Major Policy) 2018 was made and

adopted by resolution of Council on 16 October

2018. The Councillor Code of Conduct (Major Policy)

2019 was reviewed and adopted by resolution

of Council on 16 April 2019.

No other policies were made, amended or

revoked as major policies in 2018/2019.

Attendance at Council Meetings by Councillors – 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019

1 July 2018 – 30 June 2019

Name

Ordinary Council Meetings Special Council Meetings

Cr Daniel Allan

11

2

Cr Victoria Borg

8

4

Cr Lucinda Congreve

10

3

Cr Sam David JP

10

4

Cr Margaret Giudice

10

4

Cr John Hedditch

11

4

Cr Bruce Lancashire

9

4

Cr Georgina Papafotiou

10

4

Cr Duyen Anh Pham

11

2

Cr Virginia Tachos

11

3

Cr Kim Thien Truong

10

3

Non-attendance at Council Meetings included formal Leave of Absences and/or apologies.

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Councillor Portfolio System

Portfolios aim to support Council’s briefing and decision-making structure, by providing opportunities for in-depth engagement and information sharing on

strategic issues that impact the City of Brimbank. A Portfolio is a grouping of ‘like’ areas of responsibility aligned to the strategic objectives of the Council

Plan 2017-2021. Portfolios operate within the current Councillor Portfolio Policy 2019 and Terms of Reference 2019.

At the Ordinary Council Meeting on 20 February 2018, Council resolved to establish Portfolios for a pilot year, and review Portfolios at the end of the pilot

year. For the pilot year, Council appointed Councillors to seven portfolios. The pilot concluded in November 2018 and a review of the Portfolio System was

undertaken.

Overall, the review found the Portfolios pilot year to be successful, and Councillors’ feedback indicated Portfolios were a valuable addition to the

governance structure.

Following the review, at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 February 2019, Council established the Porfolios System permanently, including expanding

to 10 Portfolio areas.

Portfolio

Positions Portfolio Councillor

Areas of Responsibility

#Resilient Brimbank

2

(including Mayor) Cr Congreve

Cr Tachos

Advocacy

#Vibrant Brimbank

1

Cr Pham

Arts, Culture, Heritage, Events, Aboriginal and Multicultural Affairs

#Prosperous Brimbank

1

Cr Hedditch

Strategic Planning, Economic Development, Investment and Job Attraction

#Sustainable Brimbank

1

Cr Truong

Environment and Waste

#Brimbank People

1

Cr Borg

Life Stage Planning, Lifelong Learning, Job Readiness

#Liveable Brimbank

1

Cr Lancashire

Urban Amenity, Local Laws, Urban Design, Facilities

#Brimbank Proud

1

Cr Allan

Branding, Tourism, Marketing, Communication, Community Engagement

#Healthy Brimbank

1

Cr Papafotiou

Mental Health, Sport, Recreation, Physical Activity, Meetings Places,

Disability, Ageing and Inclusion

#Connecting Brimbank

1

Cr David

Public Transport, Freight, Roads, Footpaths, Bike Paths, Car Parking

#Brimbank Innovation

1

Cr Giudice

Custodianship, Innovation, Assets and Financial Sustainability

Forty-nine portfolio meetings were held during the period 1 July 2018-30 June 2019.

Advisory Committees and External Committees

Councillors were appointed to represent Council on a range of Council-formed Advisory Committees and external Committees formed by other organisations.

In 2018/2019, the representatives/delegates to Council Committees were:

Council Advisory

Committees

Role of Committee

Councillor

Representative 2018

Councillor

Representative 2019

Audit and Risk

Management Committee

Advisory Committee to Council established in accordance with

section 139 of the

, to provide

oversight of internal and external audit and strategic risk

activities

Cr Congreve

Cr Giudice

Cr Papafotiou (substitute)

Cr Giudice

Cr Hedditch

Cr Tachos (substitute)

Australia Day Awards

Selection Committee

To select Australia Day Award recipients

Mayor, Cr Giudice (June

November 2018) Mayor,

Cr Congreve (November

2019-February 2019)

Ceased February 2019

Brimbank Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander

Reconciliation Action

Plan Consultative

Committee

To provide Council with advice on Aboriginal & Torres Strait

Islander (ATSI) issues and the ongoing implementation of the

Reconciliation Action Plan

Cr Borg (Chair)

Cr Allan (substitute)

Cr Borg (Co-Chair)

Cr Pham (Co-Chair)

Brimbank Arts Advisory

Committee

To bring arts sector advice to creative decisions made by

Council, thereby assisting Council in its development and

governance of creative projects in accordance with the Cultural

Strategy 2018-2022

Cr Allan (Chair)

Cr Pham

Cr Pham (Co-Chair)

Cr Allan (Co-Chair)

(from April 2019)

Brimbank Disability

Advisory Committee

To oversee and guide the implementation, monitoring and

review of the Brimbank Disability Action Plan, and advise

Council on a range of matters affecting people with disability,

their families and carers.

Cr Hedditch (Chair)

Cr Borg

Cr Borg (Co-Chair with

independent member)

Cr Hedditch

Cr Truong (from March

2019)

(continued)

Council Advisory

Committees

Role of Committee

Councillor

Representative 2018

Councillor

Representative 2019

Brooklyn Industrial

Precinct Strategy

Committee

To provide advice and recommendations to Council on

implementation of the Brooklyn Evolution Strategy in Brooklyn

Cr David JP (Chair)

Cr Truong (Chair)

(until April 2019)

Cr David (from April 2019)

Chief Executive Officer

Employment Matters

Committee

To provide guidance on the role of the CEO performance and

purpose of the CEO performance review

Cr Giudice (Chair)

Cr Tachos

Cr David JP

Cr Borg

Cr Congreve (Chair)

Cr Giudice

Cr Tachos

Cr David (until April 2019)

Cr Borg (until April 2019)

Cr Hedditch (from April

2019)

Brimbank Collective

Action Committee

(established December

2018)

To establish a ‘backbone organisation’ that will support

collective impact work over a 10 year period, acting as the

‘connector’ between community organisations, residents and

Council.

-

Cr Borg (Co-Chair)

Cr Papafotiou (Co-Chair)

Cr Giudice

Errington Precinct

Master Plan Community

Reference Group: Sport

and Recreation Projects

To provide a direct communication channel for gaining valuable

and meaningful input and feedback from community members

during implementation of sport and recreation projects of the

Errington Precinct Master Plan

Cr Pham (Chair)

Cr Tachos

Cr Papafotiou (Co-Chair)

Cr Pham (Co-Chair)

Cr Tachos

Heritage Advisory

Committee

To provide a forum for Council to work with the local

community, historical societies and Indigenous representatives

to promote the retention, protection and enhancement of

Brimbank’s heritage

Cr Lancashire (Chair)

Cr Lancashire (Chair)

Municipal Emergency

Management Plan

Committee

To ensure all agencies are involved in emergency planning for

the municipality

Cr Papafotiou (Chair)

Cr Giudice

Cr Papafotiou

Cr Giudice

Safety Roundtable

To bring together strategic safety partners to collaborate

and coordinate efforts to achieve greater community safety

outcomes in Brimbank

Cr Truong (Chair)

Cr Giudice

Cr Papafotiou

Cr Truong (Chair)

Cr Borg

Social Justice Coalition –

Strategic Implementation

Group

To bring together Council and a broad cross-section of

community agencies and groups in a collaborative, strategic

partnership to plan, lead and advocate on priority social justice

issues in Brimbank

Cr Hedditch (Chair)

Cr Giudice

Cr Tachos (Chair)

Cr Borg

St Albans Community

Centre Consultative

Committee

To provide advice and feedback regarding programs and

activities offered through the Centre.

Cr Tachos (co-Chair)

Cr Pham (co-Chair)

Ceased February 2019

St Albans Town Centre

Partnership Group

To establish and maintain a successful partnership with

the public and private sectors to improve the vitality and

commercial viability of the St Albans Town Centre through

regular dialogue between Brimbank City Council, government

departments and agencies, property owners, business

operators, and community.

Cr Tachos (Chair)

Cr Hedditch (Chair)

(until April 2019)

Cr Tachos

Sunshine Health

Wellbeing and Education

Precinct Strategic Plan

Reference Group

To involve key stakeholders in the preparation of a Strategic

Plan to guide the development of the SHWEP to achieve its full

potential as a health, wellbeing and education precinct.

Cr Hedditch (co-Chair)

Cr Papafotiou (co-Chair)

Cr Borg

Ceased 21 August 2018

Sunshine Town Centre