Brimbank

Annual Report

2021-2022

2

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

3

Message from the Mayor

6

Chief Executive Officer’s message

7

Snapshot of Council

9

Highlights of the year

13

What matters to Brimbank

17

Brimbank COVID-19 relief and recovery snapshot

18

Financial summary

20

Description of operations

22

Major changes

23

Our Council

24

About the Councillors

25

Executive Management Team as of 30 June 2021

30

Organisation structure as of 30 June 2021

31

Workforce profile

32

Planning and Accountability Framework

36

‘Together We are Brimbank’ - Strategic direction and objectives 37

38

46

53

58

Governance and Management

65

Governance and Management Checklist

73

Statutory information

76

Infrastructure and development contributions

79

2022 Community Satisfaction Survey

80

Advocacy, consultation and community engagement

82

Volunteering in Brimbank

87

Awards

88

Description of municipality

92

Sustainable Capacity Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2022 92

Service Performance Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2022

93

Financial Performance Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2022

96

Retired Indicators for the year ended 30 June 2022

98

C

ertification of the Performance Statement

99

Independent Auditor’s Report

100

Contents

103

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

165

Index

166

4

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

5

01

Here you’ll find our major highlights and achievements of the year, messages from our Mayor and CEO,

future initiatives we plan to roll out in 2022-2023, our recovery from COVID-19, and what matters to

Brimbank now and into the future.

02

General information about Brimbank, our workforce, Executive Management Team, Councillors,

organisational structure, learning and development, and occupational health and safety.

03

Details about how we are delivering our vision for Brimbank through meeting our Council Plan 2021-

2025 key strategic objectives of: Wellbeing and Belonging; Pride and Participation; Liveable and

Connected; Sustainable and Green; Growing and Transforming; Earning and Learning.

04

Information about governance, including council meetings, local laws, committees and audits as part

of our commitment to providing good governance and ensuring that all of our operations are open,

transparent and accountable.

05

Includes our Performance Statements and the Victorian Auditor General Office’s (VAGO) Report on

our performance.

06

Detailed account of our Financial Statement for the 2021-2022 financial year.

Brimbank City Council is proud to present this

2021-2022 Annual Report to our community,

ratepayers, residents and stakeholders.

This report provides a comprehensive summary

of our operations and performance for the 2021-

2022 financial year.

It is set out in six different sections to help you

navigate information about how we are tracking

in meeting the goals and objectives laid out in our

key strategic document, the Council Plan 2021-

2025, as well as important details about finances,

governance and our organisation.

All Victorian councils are required to prepare

an annual report in accordance with the

.

The Brimbank City Council Annual Report

2021-2022 aims to fulfil Council’s statutory

responsibilities under the

and

.

It has also been prepared in accordance with

the

and the Council Plan 2021-

2025. Our Annual Report is not just about meeting

our legislative obligations. It can also serve as

an important accountability measure for the

Brimbank community on our achievements

and highlights over the past 12 months, as

well as a space to celebrate our organisation

and community.

You will also find key information about how

we plan to continue serving our community in

2022-2023.

To obtain a copy of this document, please contact

Council’s Customer Service Centre on

or view a copy online at

.

If you have any feedback about this Report, or

about what you would like to see included in

future annual reports, please contact Council’s

Customer Service Centre on

or email

info@brimbank.vic.gov.au

Acknowledgment

Brimbank City Council respectfully acknowledges and recognises the Wurundjeri and Bunurong peoples as the Traditional Custodians

of this land and pays respect to their Elders past, present and emerging.

6

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Over the last year Council has

worked hard to realise the vision

of a transformed Brimbank that

is beautiful, thriving, healthy

and connected.

As Mayor, I am committed to working for a

brighter future for our community, and my

fellow Councillors share this commitment.

As Brimbank’s youngest Mayor, I’ve strongly

encouraged our young people to take an active

role in community life and have been proud to

see their ideas for a better Brimbank.

Guided by the ‘Together We are Brimbank’ plan,

Council’s focus has been on four key areas:

Council made strong progress to ensure

Brimbank is a welcoming, inclusive and safe

place that supports wellbeing, belonging,

participation and community pride.

I am particularly proud that Council developed

and started implementing a Mental Wellbeing

Plan that outlines local strategies to improve

community mental health and wellbeing.

Another highlight was co-designing a Brimbank

Disability Action Plan alongside people with

disability. This whole-of-community approach

will help change the lives of many people.

Places and spaces

Council continued to work to support liveable

and connected neighbourhoods that support

healthy and sustainable futures for our

community.

Despite the ongoing impact of COVID-19, we

progressed the construction of the Brimbank

Aquatic and Wellness Centre, ensuring the

project was on track for completion later in

2022. This unique health and wellbeing hub is

helping transform the lives of our community

and the people in Melbourne’s West.

Council also continued working for a sustainable

future, guided by our Climate Emergency Plan.

This included launching a Climate Emergency

Community Grants Stream and ‘100%

Renewable Brimbank’ - an energy support

service and campaign. Tree planting and other

greening activities are also enhancing our city.

Opportunity and prosperity

Much effort went into working towards a future

focused, transforming city where we all have

opportunities to learn and earn.

‘Enjoy Local’ activities and a ‘Think. Shop. Buy

Local’ campaign encouraged residents to enjoy

local precincts and support local businesses.

Council continued to support more jobs for

young people and the wider community through

our Youth Jobs Strategy actions, the Victorian

Jobs Advocate program, and through a ‘Local

Jobs for Local People’ program.

Leadership and governance

Council continued to offer new opportunities

for our community to engage with Council, ask

questions and share ideas.

In April 2022, Council hosted the pop-up ‘Let’s

Talk Brimbank’ events in all four wards to give

the community an opportunity to meet their

local Councillors and ask questions. This was a

great opportunity to reconnect after COVID-19

had earlier limited our ability to hold face-to

face events.

Council also continued ongoing COVID-19

service delivery, built into the ‘Together We

Are Brimbank’ Council Plan. This ensured we

continued to support the community through

recovery from the pandemic.

Advocating for our community

Ongoing advocacy to the State and Federal

Governments to advance our future priorities

for Brimbank helped secure tens-of-millions of

dollars of investment for our community.

Our ‘Transforming Brimbank, Let’s Build It

Better Together’ campaign sought to leverage

the existing funding and commitments of

the Melbourne Airport Rail project, with the

campaign leading to some big wins. This

included the State Government’s Sunshine

Precinct Opportunity Statement, which set out

a vision for the Sunshine Precinct with Sunshine

as the centre of Melbourne’s booming west.

The State Government also announced that

Sunshine Station will be expanded to include a

new regional platform.

In March 2022, Council adopted the Brimbank

Advocacy Plan to guide Council advocacy on key

matters for our city.

Council made a submission opposing the

proposed Melbourne Airport third runway due

to the health impacts this would have on our

community. Council also raised the matter at

the 28th National General Assembly of the

Australian Local Government Association held

in Canberra in June 2022. Council will continue

to advocate on this important matter to ensure

health impacts are a primary consideration for

key decision-makers.

Future priorities

Our key priority is to achieve a beautiful, thriving,

healthy and connected Brimbank.

We will do this by supporting mental wellbeing,

improving our city, and leveraging every

opportunity for our community and our city.

Council will also continue to lobby hard and work

with all governments to build a better future for

Brimbank.

Thank you

I would like to take this opportunity to thank

Interim CEO Warren Roberts who served from

6 July 2021 for six months, as well as the CEO

Fiona Blair who has led the organisation since

26 January 2022. I also thank Council staff for

supporting Brimbank City Councillors in their

work for Brimbank.

Thank you also to my fellow Councillors for

their shared commitment to our city and to our

community for its passion and ideas for our city.

Mayor, Brimbank City Council

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

7

This is my first year as the CEO of

Brimbank City Council and my first

Annual Report here.

I’d like to acknowledge the work done by

Interim CEO, Warren Roberts, who guided the

organisation from July 2021 until I came on

board in January 2022.

The past year has been both challenging and

rewarding for Brimbank, and I’d like to touch

on some of the challenges faced and the wins

achieved for our community.

Over the year, guided by the ‘Together We

are Brimbank’ Council Plan, we worked to

support the transformation of Brimbank

into a beautiful, thriving, healthy and

connected city.

Supporting our community

I’d like to recognise the exceptional

commitment shown by Council staff in

supporting the community through the

challenges that continued to face our city

during the year.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continued to

impact our community, our staff continued

to work hard to support residents and local

businesses. This was done through the

sharing of important health information,

keeping services running, and advocating for

better support.

Council’s COVID-19 initiatives included

promoting and supporting the vaccination

drive to help boost vaccination numbers in

Brimbank through outreach support services

at Brimbank libraries, local shopping centres

and school pop-ups.

In partnership with Western Health, Council

coordinated the distribution and delivery

of Rapid Antigen Test kits to community

organisations. We also continued to deliver

the Community Connector program to

support residents even though government

funding for this ended on 30 June 2021.

In November 2021, following the extreme

weather Melbourne experienced on 29

October, Council maintenance crews worked

around the clock to clean up high-risk fallen

trees and branches to keep the community

safe. Staff responded to more than 1,300

service requests - a mammoth task that

was amplified by a lack of contractor and

casual staff availability, which was a problem

experienced by municipalities across Victoria.

I’m proud of all the staff who worked together

to get the job done.

Organisational performance

From an operational perspective, Council

continued to manage the daily challenges

of running the organisation and maintaining

the city’s infrastructure and services to a high

standard. Our work is guided by the ‘Together

We are Brimbank’ Plan that incorporates the

Community Vision 2040, Council Plan 2021-

2025 and the Municipal Public Health and

Wellbeing Plan.

The Annual Budget for 2021-2022 directed

spending to a brighter future and reflected

the aspirations of our community.

Council has worked to boost community

health and wellbeing, improve parks, roads

and sporting facilities, address the climate

emergency, and support businesses through

initiatives that promote economic recovery

from COVID-19.

A key highlight was the delivery of a strong

$82.238 million capital works program that

enhanced Brimbank.

Council adopted Brimbank’s first ever 10 Year

Asset Plan following a period of deliberative

community and stakeholder engagement.

This plan will guide Council in maintaining,

renewing or upgrading public assets such as

roads, parks and buildings.

Council also adopted a Transport Priorities

Paper to outline its key transport priorities.

The priorities respond to local and global

challenges and also support the strategic

objectives in the Council Plan, as well as other

strategic Council documents such as the

Climate Emergency Plan and the Sunshine

Priority Precinct Vision 2050.

Council also continued to plan and advocate

to both State and Federal governments to

support transformational change for our city.

An important goal is to ensure healthy

financial sustainability – this is challenging

at a time when costs are increasing across

the board and we are hampered by the

constraints facing councils across Victoria.

Rate capping has limited the amount that

councils can increase rates and keep pace

with rising construction and utility costs. This

impacts on Council’s ability to keep providing

services, build new assets and maintain

existing assets.

The organisation’s financial position remains

sound. Council achieved a surplus of $36.46

million in 2021-2022. While this surplus

compares favourably to the budgeted

surplus of $17.6 million, it is important to

remember that the result is inclusive of grant

funding received early. With increasing costs

of construction and utilities being higher

than the rate cap provided for in next year’s

budget, there will be increased pressure on

Council’s financial position and maintenance

of assets. This will be a significant challenge

to Council’s Long Term Financial Plan to

ensure a sound financial position.

The organisation also had a strong focus

on enhancing staff health and safety, and

worked to maintain a COVIDSafe workplace,

as well as to understand and improve how we

manage health and safety matters.

Thank you

I would like to thank the Brimbank City

Councillors for working so passionately

alongside the organisation to achieve a better

Brimbank. Their commitment and dedication

to Brimbank and its community are important

assets for Brimbank.

I too am passionate about the west, and it’s

been a real pleasure to work with staff and

elected representatives that share my love

for working in local government to improve

the life of this diverse, proud and community

focused municipality.

Thank you to our staff, who collectively

bring a wide array of skills, knowledge and

commitment to the job of serving Brimbank.

And most importantly, to the community

who call Brimbank home, volunteer or work

here – thank you for doing your bit in making

Brimbank a beautiful, interesting, unique,

inclusive and proud community.

Chief Executive Officer,

Brimbank City Council

8

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

01

Council is transparent

and accountable

in reporting to the

community. The Report

of Operations 2021-

2022 explains in detail

Council’s operations and

performance during the

financial year.

8

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2020-2021

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

9

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 196,712

in 2021 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.

Brimbank City Council respectfully

acknowledges the Traditional Custodians

of this land, the Wurundjeri and Bunurong

People, and pays our respect to Elders past,

present and emerging.

Council also recognises the diversity of

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

who contribute to our Brimbank community, we

pay our respect to the wisdom of Elders, past,

present and emerging.

The Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council

announced that from 1 July 2021, under the

, the Country in

which Brimbank is located is under the statutory

care of its Traditional Owners, the Bunurong

Land Council Aboriginal Corporation to the

south, and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural

Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to the north of

the municipality.

The north of Brimbank, about two thirds of the

municipality, lies within the area occupied by the

Kurung-Jang-Balluk and Marin-Balluk clans of

the Wurundjeri People (also known as the Woi

wurrung language group) who form part of the

larger Kulin Nation. Other groups who occupied

the land in the area include Yalukit-Willam and

Marpeang-Bulluk.

We also recognise the Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander community’s continuing

spiritual connection to the land and renew our

commitment to respect their beliefs, values and

customs as we learn to share our lives and build

a future together.

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.

After the Second World War, many suburbs were

developed around the original settlements 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.

A total of 440 registered Aboriginal

archaeological sites exist within the area, with

the oldest artefacts found to be more than

30,000 years old.

Our strategic position at the heart of

Melbourne’s West has been cemented with

major infrastructure commitments that continue

to transform the region.

Brimbank and Melbourne’s West is about

to see billions of dollars of development

and infrastructure being delivered over

the coming decade in a way that will

transform our city. The Victorian and Federal

Governments have committed up to $5 billion

each to deliver the Melbourne Airport Rail,

which will connect Melbourne Airport with

Sunshine via the new metro line. This will

involve construction of the Sunshine Super

Hub and will support the development of

the Sunshine Priority Precinct and National

Employment and Innovation Cluster.

The Victorian Government and Council share

a vision for the Sunshine Priority Precinct to

be the ‘centre of Melbourne’s booming west’,

and a vibrant future CBD which may have up to

43,000 additional residents and an additional

29,000 jobs created by 2051.

10

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

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,

Keilor North, Keilor Park and Keilor Downs, as

well as parts of Keilor East and Tullamarine.

Our people

Brimbank has a rich Aboriginal history. The

Wurundjeri People were the custodians of the

land in the Port Phillip Bay region, including two

thirds of our current City of Brimbank, and one

third belonging to the Bunurong people for more

than 60,000 years before European settlement.

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 into 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 90 languages represented. The

top 10 languages, other than English, are

Vietnamese, Filipino/Tagalog, Greek, Punjabi,

Arabic, Macedonian, Maltese, Cantonese,

Italian and Croatian.

Employment and industry

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

organisations 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 Digital Realty, IBM, Metronode,

Preshafruit, Rand Group, Sleepyhead,

VicRoads and Vistaprint have also chosen

to settle in Brimbank.

Reconciliation in Brimbank

Council acknowledges the Wurundjeri and

Bunurong People as the Traditional Custodians

of the land and recognises their continuing

spiritual connection to the land and renews its

commitment to respect Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander beliefs, values and customs.

About 440 Registered Aboriginal Places exist

in the Brimbank Local Government Area. The

oldest artefacts found in the city are more than

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.

CALDER PARK

DELAHEY

KEILOR

DOWNS

KEALBA

KINGS PARK

ALBANVALE

CAIRNLEA

SUNSHINE

NORTH

ARDEER

ALBION

DERRIMUT

SUNSHINE WEST

BROOKLYN

KEILOR NORTH

TAYLORS LAKES

KEILOR

LODGE

KEILOR PARK

TULLAMARINE

KEILOR

EAST

HILLSIDE

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

11

On 17 April 2012, Council endorsed a

Reconciliation Statement of Commitment

which was officially signed on 29 May 2012.

The Statement committed Council 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 2013-2017 as a

framework to support the national reconciliation

movement, embrace unity and show respect

between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

peoples and other Australians. The second

Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-2021 was

adopted in July 2019. It builds on the strengths

and achievements of the first Reconciliation

Action Plan.

In September 2016, a Memorandum of

Understanding (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 of our

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Council has established a Brimbank Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander Consultative

Committee to provide Council with input

relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

issues and advice on development and ongoing

implementation of Council’s Reconciliation

Action Plan.

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 National Reconciliation

and NAIDOC weeks, such as Aboriginal cultural

heritage tours, Sorry Day events, Aboriginal

and Torres Strait Islander art exhibitions, library

story-telling sessions and NAIDOC flag raisings.

Council continues to enhance its public spaces

with a diversity of contemporary art forms

which encourages reflection on unique heritage

such as Aboriginal history, culture and people,

our neighbourhoods and aspirations for our

communities.

Brimbank at a glance

u

Area

123 square kilometres

u

Estimated resident

population for 2021

196,712

u

Males

50.1%

u

Females

49.9%

u

Residents aged under 18 years 20.8%

u

Residents aged 18-59 years 57.2%

u

Residents aged 60 years and over 22.0%

u

Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander population 855 (0.4%)

u

Residents who speak a

non-English language at home 61.0%

u

Median house price for 2021 $712,187

‘Together We are Brimbank’ - Vision,

strategic directions, strategic

objectives and values

Brimbank’s Council Plan 2021-2025 sets

out Council’s vision, strategic directions and

strategic objectives as follows:

Community Vision

The Brimbank Community Vision 2040

describes the community’s vision and priorities

for the next 19 years. It establishes three

themes under a shared framework for the

community and partner organisations to work

towards:

• People

• Place • Prosperity

By 2040, the Brimbank community

will be healthy and safe, and we will be

united through a sense of belonging and

pride. Our city will be inclusive, resilient,

innovative and vibrant, and our people

will share equally in the city’s prosperity

and opportunity. The environment and

heritage will be protected and enhanced,

and Brimbank’s diverse neighbourhoods and

housing will offer something for everyone.

Council Plan Vision

Our Council has developed a vision which

captures the aspirations for the Brimbank

community over the next four years. It is:

A transformed Brimbank that is beautiful,

thriving, healthy and connected

.

12

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Strategic direction

Strategic objective

People and Community

Wellbeing and Belonging

Responsive services that support mental and

physical wellbeing.

Pride and Participation

Community and cultural connections built through

social and artistic expression.

Places and Spaces

Liveable and Connected

Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected

so people can get around.

Sustainable and Green

Protect natural environments for current and future

generations.

Opportunity and Prosperity

Growing and Transforming

Optimise community opportunities through

infrastructure innovation and investment.

Earning and Learning

Everyone has access to education, training and

lifelong learning to support their aspirations.

Leadership and Governance

Engaged and Responsive

Community insights are valued to enhance

connection and engagement with Council.

High Performing and Accountable

Our workforce strives to enhance services and

liveability for the Brimbank community.

Our values

At Brimbank City Council all our roles impact and

support the diverse needs of our community.

Our values and behaviours demonstrate what is

important to us:

We act with

I tak

e pride in my work and commit to serving

our community.

I am honest, tr

ansparent and accountable in

all that I do.

We find

I striv

e to achieve the best outcomes for our

community.

I am open and curious about ne

w ideas and

ways of working.

We are

I v

alue diversity, fairness and equity.

I demonstr

ate empathy and compassion.

We work

I support and enc

ourage others.

I find opportunities t

o connect with others

and celebrate wins.

Strategic direction:

People and Community

Strategic objectives:

• Wellbeing and Belonging -

Responsive services that support

mental and physical wellbeing

• Pride and Participation -

Community and cultural connections

built through social and artistic

expression

• Preparing the ‘Invest in You’ Booklet which

gives seniors and isolated community

members ideas and options about activities

that are without charge or low cost as an

alternative to gambling

• Facilitating Art Activations across Brimbank

• Partnering with Western Edge Youth Arts,

One Love Dance Vision, Midsumma and the

Australian Ballet to develop and deliver art

and culture projects in Brimbank

• Delivering Reconciliation Week and

supporting NAIDOC Week to celebrate our

Aboriginal heritage and inform our broader

community of our Aboriginal history and the

contributions made by our Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander residents

Future initiatives

• Commence delivery of the Mental Wellbeing

Implementation Plan, focusing on awareness

raising, information provision and community

partnerships

• Engage with State Government and other

stakeholders to introduce local area mental

health services and a proposed ‘community

collective model’ to support community-led

activity that promotes social connections and

inclusion

• Undertake ‘Resilient Youth Surveys’ with

Brimbank primary and high schools to gain

data on resilience and presenting issues

to underpin the delivery of tailored youth

programs at individual schools

• Continue to work in partnership with other

services to deliver the Women’s Participation

in Sport and Recreation in Melbourne’s West

Project Action Plan

• Support the ongoing implementation of

‘Action for Equity: a sexual and reproductive

health strategy for Melbourne’s West 2018-

2022’ to improve sexual and reproductive

health

• Evaluate the Brimbank Age Friendly City Plan

2018-2022 to inform development of the

future plan for 2023-2027

• Advance the LGBTIQA+ Action Plan and

embed inclusive practices into Council

services and programs

• Install lighting as part of public amenity in

activity centres to improve perceptions of

safety and to add to urban amenity

• Build community awareness of the drivers of

gambling harm and build community capacity

to take action to prevent and reduce harm

• Develop an updated Homelessness

Implementation Plan that reflects the

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other

changing circumstances

• Undertake activities to encourage and

support increased supply of social and

affordable housing in Brimbank

• Support the Aboriginal community to scope

options for an Aboriginal-run community hub

Key Achievements

• Realising actions from several plans and

strategies that aim to ensure Brimbank is

a welcoming, inclusive and safe place that

supports wellbeing, belonging, participation

and community pride, including:

-

Brimbank A

ge Friendly City Plan - Year Four

actions

-

Brimbank Childr

en’s Strategy - Year Two

actions

-

Brimbank Cultural Strategy 2018–2022 -

Year Four actions

-

Brimbank Electr

onic Gambling Policy - Year

Three actions

-

Brimbank F

airness, Equality and Respect

Strategy - Year Three actions

-

Brimbank Ph

ysical Activity Strategy - Year

Four actions

-

Brimbank Se

ttlement Action Plan - Year

Four actions

-

Brimbank Y

outh Strategy - Year Two

actions

-

Brimbank V

olunteer Strategy - Year Four

actions

-

R

econciliation Action Plan - Year Three

actions

• Endorsing a Mental Wellbeing Plan 2022-

2024 that outlines local strategies to improve

community mental health and wellbeing

• Delivering youth and teen mental health first

aid training

• Activating the space outside the Visy Cares

Hub (Sunshine) to encourage disengaged

young people to use the location and the

youth services located at the Hub

• Co-designing the Brimbank Disability Action

Plan 2022–2026 with people with disability,

enabling a whole of community approach to

changing the lives of people with disability

• Delivering a Refugee Week community-led

event, ‘Stories of Resilience and Healing’,

highlighting sacrifices, challenges and

achievements of refugees to build community

understanding and support

• Facilitating the Growing Brimbank

Collaboration which launched the World Food

Garden at Westvale Community Centre

• Providing funding through In2Sport Brimbank

to assist disadvantaged children to join a

sports club

• Delivering a range of ‘Be Active Brimbank’

physical activity events across Brimbank. This

included In2Active which resulted in many

participants achieving a positive shift in pre

diabetic and obesity scores

• Developing a LGBTIQA+ Action Plan to ensure

Council services are inclusive

• Collaborating with ‘Bulldog Pride’ to host

an LGBTIQA+ inclusive pride pool party in

celebration of the Midsumma Festival

• Completing and launching the Brimbank

Youth Employment Project (BYEP) toolkit

14

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Strategic direction:

Places and Spaces

Strategic objectives:

• Liveable and Connected -

Inviting and liveable spaces and

facilities, connected so people can

get around

• Sustainable and Green -

Protect natural environments for

current and future generations

Future initiatives

• Continue implementing the Brimbank Cycling

and Walking Strategy 2016 to provide a network

that supports active transport

• Create attractive, integrated, accessible

open space through flagship, suburban,

neighbourhood and local park upgrades

• Complete the path network to Sydenham Park

to enable public access as part of the Sydenham

Park Master Plan 2020

• Continue to conduct park and street tree

planting programs to increase Brimbank’s tree

canopy coverage as per the Brimbank Urban

Forest Strategy 2016–2046

• Complete the 2022 revegetation program with

43,000 plants scheduled for planting

• Facilitate community capacity building

initiatives that support the community to

protect, enhance and connect with the

environment

• Partner with local community organisations to

facilitate solar and energy efficiency bulk buy

programs for residents and businesses

• Develop and implement compliance initiatives

to respond to reported illegal waste dumping

including increased and improved surveillance

mechanisms

Key achievements

• Adopting a Transport Priorities Paper to outline

Council’s key transport priorities, reflecting

current Council, State and Federal Government

commitments

• Successfully advocating for improved active

and public transport in the form of a bus

interchange, level crossing removal and new

train station in Deer Park

• Implementing actions from car parking

management plans for St Albans and Sunshine,

including the rollout of changed parking

conditions and ongoing advocacy for improved

active and public transport

• Engaging with community and stakeholders

in the development and activation of Alfrieda

Street, St Albans

• Finalising design work in the construction of the

Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre Project

(note that works are well advanced considering

the ongoing impact of COVID-19). The project is

currently on budget and on track for completion

in 2022

• Implementing the Brimbank Environmentally

Sustainable Design (ESD) Framework which

included compliant designs for proposed sports

pavilions at Lloyd Reserve and Green Gully

Reserve

• Improving a range of sports facilities in line with

the Sports Facility Development Plan 2018

• Implementing the 10 Year Water Sensitive

Urban Design (WSUD) Asset Management Plan,

including the Keilor Golf Course Stormwater

Harvesting System renewal works and

preliminary rectification works at four Cairnlea

wetland sites

• Implementing the Revised Sustainable Water

Management Strategy, including a detailed

design for expansion of the stormwater

harvesting system at Green Gully Reserve

• Adopting the Brimbank Tree Policy 2021 and

Significant Tree Policy 2021 to guide tree

management across Brimbank

• Delivering actions from Council’s Climate

Emergency Plan 2020-2025, including the

launch of a Climate Emergency Community

Grants Stream and ‘100% Renewable Brimbank’

- an energy support service and campaign

• Converting almost all street lighting in the

municipality (approx. 18,000 lights in total) to

cost efficient LED technology with significant

reductions achieved in electricity bills and

greenhouse gas emissions

• Delivering the 2022 Calendar of Environment

Events including World Environment Day (1,000

plants planted) and a Reusable Good Drop Off

Day

• Implementing the Brimbank Habitat

Connectivity Plan 2018–2023 including

restoration works in the Growling Grass Frog

corridor at Sydenham Park and extending the

Pollinator Garden Program

• Completing community consultation on a

proposed 4-bin preferred waste collection

model alongside an audit of Council’s current

waste and recycling collection services

Strategic direction:

Opportunity and Prosperity

Strategic objectives:

• Growing and Transforming -

Optimise community opportunities

through infrastructure innovation

and investment

• Earning and Learning -

Everyone has access to education,

training and lifelong learning to

support their aspirations

Key achievements

• Delivering Year Five of the Brimbank

Economic Development Strategy, including

hosting a sell-out first Business Breakfast

since the COVID-19 pandemic

• Continuing delivery of the ‘Enjoy Local’

activation program including the

establishment of semi-permanent outdoor

activation precincts in the Sunshine and St

Albans Town Centres

• Lodged submissions to the 2022 Draft

Melbourne Airport Master Plan including a

Health Risk Assessment commissioned by

Council

• Promoting the Brimbank ‘Think. Shop. Buy

Local’ campaign

• Developing position statement to inform

Council’s role with regards to social and

affordable housing

• Implementing Year Four actions of the

Youth Jobs Strategy 2018-2023, including a

‘Hospitality Skills Mentoring’ program with

over 40 people trained

• Continuing the Victorian Job Advocate

program which supported 632 job seekers in

their career journeys

• Implementing the ‘Local Jobs for Local People’

Program

• Facilitating a library ‘wayfinding’ project which

delivered signage and technology solutions to

improve accessibility of the Sunshine Library

• Implementing Year Two actions of the

Neighbourhood House Strategy 2019–2024,

including the ‘B creative’ intergenerational

project that worked with South Sudanese,

Pasifika and Aboriginal people

• Delivering Year Four of the Brimbank Lifelong

Learning Strategy 2018-2023, including the

2022 Learning for Earning Festival

• Providing digital inclusion programs for

vulnerable groups including personal

computer, resume help and job e-help

sessions

Future initiatives

• Continue to deliver business support

initiatives that promote economic recovery

from the COVID-19 pandemic

• Continue to monitor and respond to the

growth and development of Melbourne

Airport, including the proposed third runway

development

• Facilitate opportunities for young people,

local business, educators, families and peers

to connect and network

• Deliver programs and services at Brimbank

Learning Futures that support re

engagement with education, training and

employment

• Continue the implementation of the Sunshine

Rising and Go St Albans Action Plans 2019-

2024 • Build and promote a vibrant library collection

and services that are shaped by local

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander input

• Undertake strategic work to strengthen

heritage provisions in the Brimbank Planning

Scheme

16

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Strategic direction:

Leadership and Governance

Strategic objectives:

• Engaged and Responsive -

Community insights are valued to

enhance connection and engagement

with Council

• High Performing and Accountable -

Our workforce strives to enhance

services and liveability for the

Brimbank community

Key achievements

• Hosting the ‘Let’s Talk Brimbank’ events in

all four Council wards, providing community

members the opportunity to meet their local

Councillors and ask questions

• Informing the community about ‘Your Say

Brimbank’ and encouraging community

members to provide feedback through this

platform

• Establishing the new Municipal Emergency

Management Planning Committee (MEMPC)

to implement the State Government’s

Emergency Management Planning Reforms

• Completing Stage Two of the Brimbank

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response and

Recovery Strategy and building ongoing

COVID-19 service delivery into the ‘Together

we are Brimbank’ 2021-2025 Council Plan

• Implementing a range of advocacy initiatives

prioritised within the Brimbank Advocacy Plan

2022 and framework

• Adopting Council’s 10 Year Asset Plan 2022-

2032 following a period of deliberative

community and stakeholder engagement

• Publishing the Local Government

Performance Reporting Framework (LGPRF)

results 2020-2021 on the Know Your Council

website

• Developing a Workplace Gender Equality

Action Plan 2021-2025 as Council’s plan for

advancing gender equality in the workplace

• Delivering a capital works dashboard to report

on progress of construction projects

• Competing the Parking Overstay Detection

System (PODS)

• Continuing to offer multiple customer service

channels for community members enabling

residents to seek service information, register

and track requests, update information, and

make payments at a time that suits them.

This includes ‘Brimby’, a virtual assistant on

Council’s website which is accessible 24/7

Future initiatives

• Maintain and support the Brimbank Youth

Council and other youth forums enabling

opportunities for young people to represent

their peers on topics of importance and

allow Council to better understand the lived

experience of young people

• Continue investigations into the use of

Smart Sensor devices as a way to improve

the serviceability and performance of public

infrastructure assets

• Advocate for the priorities and initiatives

identified within the Brimbank Advocacy Plan

2022 that help improve community outcomes

with respect to Brimbank’s People, Places,

and Prosperity

• Develop a mental health and wellbeing

advocacy agenda

• Implement the Brimbank City Council Public

Transparency Policy to improve community

engagement and transparency in Council

decision making processes in accordance with

the public transparency principles set out in

the

Brimbank is transforming

Brimbank and Melbourne’s West is about to

see billions of dollars of development and

infrastructure being delivered over the coming

decade in a way that will transform our city.

The majority of investment and

transformational change is planned to occur in

the Sunshine Precinct, which may have up to

43,000 additional residents and an additional

29,000 jobs created by 2051.

Central to this development is the Melbourne

Airport Rail (MAR) project. In September

2021, Council endorsed a new campaign –

‘Transforming Brimbank, Let’s Build it Better

Together’ which aims to leverage the existing

funding and commitments of the MAR project

to deliver meaningful and generational change

for our community. Brimbank aims to do this by

working closely with key stakeholders as well as

the community, to ensure that investment will

invest in people and place and not only projects.

The ‘Together We Are Brimbank’ Council Plan

2021-2025 identifies transforming Brimbank

as a key opportunity to deliver outcomes of a

significant scale the in our social justice and

climate emergency priorities.

Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre

The new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness

Centre opened its doors in 2022. It offers

first-class aquatic and leisure centre facilities,

and preventative health, education and social

services.

Italso makes waves on the environmental front

as it contains the first all-electric aquatic centre

in Australia, cutting energy use by up to 80 per

cent. What makes the centre unique is that it’s

been designed as a place where the community

can exercise, be healthy and have fun while

also accessing health and wellbeing services,

all under the one roof. It’s all about making real

improvements to the health and lives of the

community.

Brimbank is resilient

Resilience is our ability to ’bounce back’ from

shocks and stresses that affect us. Resilient

communities have strong connections and look

after each other in good times and through

more challenging times. Council continues to

embed resilience strengthening activities and

projects into the way we work to enhance the

resilience of the Brimbank community.

COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic continues,

disproportionately impacting Brimbank

residents who are marginalised and already

experiencing disadvantage and vulnerability.

The ongoing health, wellbeing and economic

welfare of our residents and staff is important to

Council and we will continue to assist our local

businesses and residents during the pandemic

and as we recover and rebuild.

Mental health and wellbeing

Mental wellbeing has been identified as a

significant issue in Brimbank, with residents

reporting lower levels of wellbeing than the

Victorian average. Our research has identified

better ways we can support people with mental

health needs to access the services they need

to live happy, healthy and productive lives.

Council has developed and commenced

implementation of the Mental Wellbeing Plan

2022-2024 which recognises Council’s role in

advocating, facilitating and enabling the delivery

of mental health services. Actions in this plan

seek to respond to the immediate mental

wellbeing needs in the community, while also

working to address broad systemic issues.

Climate emergency

Addressing climate change is a key responsibility

of Local Government under Victorian legislation.

In recognition of the real threat posed by climate

change, Brimbank City Council is working at

speed, with community and our partners, to take

necessary action. In Brimbank, health, equity,

energy, infrastructure, the natural environment,

and the material economy are all core areas

that will be affected by climate change moving

forward. Council’s continued commitment to

addressing the climate emergency is prioritised

through clear actions outlined in our ‘Together

We are Brimbank’ Council Plan 2021-2025.

Melbourne Airport – third runway

Council has lodged a submission formally

opposing the Melbourne Airport Masterplan

and Draft Major Development Plan for the

third runway, because of the unreasonable

and unacceptable health risks posed to the

Brimbank community.

Key community concerns about the third

runway include poor air quality, environmental

impacts, limited consultation, poor stakeholder

engagement and limited planning regarding

transport and access to the airport. Council is

asking that the Federal Government progress

a range of changes to minimise the harm to

human health from aircraft noise and improve

airport planning and community consultation.

Brimbank is evolving

Melbourne’s Western Metropolitan Region is

rapidly growing with Brimbank at the heart of

this expansion. The population of the whole

region is expected to more than double by

2051. In Brimbank, the population will increase

more than 19 per cent by 2041 to over 240,000

people.

Brimbank’s strategic position as the heart

of Melbourne’s West has been cemented

with major infrastructure commitments and

significant developments that continue to

transform the region.

Cultural diversity

Brimbank is home to one of the most diverse

communities in Australia and prides itself

on its cultural diversity with more than 160

nationalities from around the globe living here.

We have a rich Indigenous history, going back

to when the Wurundjeri people first inhabited

the region, thriving in the Maribyrnong Valley.

Diversity is central to our identity – we are

proudly multicultural, embracing people from

around the world and weaving their stories into

our own.

Social justice

Social justice is an underlying prerequisite for

peaceful and prosperous communities.

Brimbank’s social, economic and cultural

diversity means we need to understand the

needs of different cultures and lifestyles. By

upholding the principles of social justice, we will

work with community and partners, to remove

barriers that lead to people facing disadvantage

based on their gender, age, race, ethnicity,

religion, culture or disability.

18

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic,

Brimbank City Council endorsed a Coronavirus

(COVID-19) Response and Recovery Strategy in

April 2020.

By 2021, the substantial health, economic and

social impacts of the pandemic on the Brimbank

municipality required ongoing service innovation

and adaptation encompassed within the Stage

2 - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Response and

Recovery Strategy.

The Strategy included five objectives and 51

actions highlighting Council’s commitment to

supporting COVID-19 response and community

recovery efforts through:

• Prioritising health and wellbeing

• Building economic resilience

• Supporting community resilience and equity

• Activating public space

• Monitoring, measuring and reviewing both

the COVID-19 situation and impact on the

community

The COVID-19 Stage Two Response and

Recovery Strategy 2021 Report Card

summarises the work that occurred across

Council throughout the lifespan of the Strategy

in response to the pandemic, highlighting both

key achievements and community reach.

Following the implementation of the Stage

Two Strategy, Council’s COVID-19 response and

recovery efforts transitioned to business-as

usual service responses.

These were integrated with Brimbank’s Council

Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing

Plan, ‘Together We are Brimbank’.

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

19

258

curated into Riding the

COVID-19 Wave, a historical

record of the COVID-19 impact

2,238

participated in

digital literacy, social inclusion

and employment programs

1,560

supported

with E-Help to register

for MyGov or the

COVID-19 Check in App

163,329

loans

2,700

participated

in online environmental

activities

28

were provided for

sports clubs

Libraries and

Learning

1,500

provided with

emergency

food relief

1,978

containing food,

personal items and other

groceries provided through

our Neighbourhood Houses

36,400

distributed

to vulnerable residents

via Council’s meals

program

Food

22,614

registered with the

Maternal and Child

Health Service

45

attended

by

495

residents

Implemented

to ensure health, safety

and wellbeing of residents

Health

500

(CALD) residents provided

with vaccination support

50

hosted

15

COVID-19 and

vaccination community

4

established

COVID-19

Vaccinations

and Testing

5

completed

130

via

Working for Victoria to

support an array of

Council Services

83

trained as

COVID Safety Marshalls

7,072

to online

art exhibitions

Other

Actions

158

extended

4,936

waived

Parking

controls

in all areas

across the municipality

(excluding red zones)

Brimbank libraries

waived overdue

charges for

18,908

Financial

Hardship

Established

a

to support business

recovery

20

administered totalling

20

administered totalling

113,190

to

Brimbank Business Link

e-bulletins

7

facilitated and attended by

309

50

distributed

and read

times

313

responded

to as part of the

Better Approvals Project

Business

Support

COVID-19 information

(print and video)

translated to the

top 10

in

Brimbank

289

across

multiple platforms with

48,945

51,030

of Brimbank

COVID-19 Emergency

Webpage

Information

and

Communication

Brimbank City Council

The 2021-2022 financial year

results reflect Council’s ongoing

commitment to financial and

infrastructure sustainability as

outlined in Council’s Long Term

Financial Plan.

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 Annual Report.

Council manages over $2.65 billion dollars in

assets. These comprise land, building and other

infrastructure assets such as roads, footpaths,

bike paths and drainage.

Operating position

Council achieved a surplus of $36.46 million

in 2021-2022. This surplus compares

favourably to the budgeted surplus of $17.6

million. The adjusted underlying surplus

of Council, after removing non-recurrent

capital grants, cash capital contributions and

non-monetary capital contributions, is $16.3

million. Sustaining an adjusted underlying

surplus is a critical financial strategy that

provides capacity to renew the $2.65 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 175.65 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.

0 5

15

25

35

45

10

20

30

40

50 60

Debt ratio (%)

42

40

40

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20 2020-21

2021-22

55

55

0 10

20 30

40 50

60 70

80 90

100

Asset renewal (%)

72

68

66

66

87

2016-17

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20 2020-21

2021-22

84

0 10

20 30

40 50

60 70

80

Rate concentration (%)

73

73

72

73

72

2017-18

2018-19

2019-20

2020-21

2021-22

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

21

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 2021-2022 year, Council’s

debt ratio, which is measured by comparing

interest bearing loans and borrowings to rate

revenue, was 55 per cent. The 2021-2022

result is in line with last year’s as borrowings

have been similar to repayments, 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 84.14 per

cent, which was above the expected target

band of 90-110 per cent.

Stability and efficiency

Council raises 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 72 per

cent for the 2021-2022 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 $1,258, which

compares favourably to similar Councils in the

outer metropolitan area.

Economic factors

Rate capping

The State Government imposed a rate cap on all

Victorian councils of 1.5 per cent for the 2021-

2022 year.

State Government landfill levy

The State Government landfill levy increased by

61 per cent in 2021-2022.

Labour cost increases

Wage inflation rates for the 2021-2022 year

were as per Council Enterprise Bargaining

Agreement (EBA 8).

22

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Brimbank City Council provides a

range of services and programs that

reflect the needs and expectations

of the community.

The Annual Budget 2021-2022 focused on

delivering value to the community in a rate

capped environment.

It was designed as a financially responsible

budget 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 2021-2025 outlines Council’s

strategic directions, which are supported by

a number of other Council strategies, plans

and policies. This includes the Annual Budget

2021-2022, 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 government legislation which

supports good governance and enables

Council to responsibly deliver a community first

approach.

Major capital works

During 2021-2022, Council delivered a $82.238

million capital works program (including $14.418

million carried forward from 2020-2021). Major

capital works projects included:

Roads, footpaths and pedestrian facilities

and traffic management works

Council delivered a $19.702 million road works

and $1.539 million traffic management program,

which continued the implementation of the

Road Management Plan, designed to manage

Brimbank’s road network in a safe, sustainable,

and financially responsible way.

Key highlights included:

• Road pavement rehabilitation projects,

including forward design ($12.376 million)

• Road pavement asphalt overlay projects –

various locations ($3.754 million)

• Footpath rehabilitation program – various

locations ($3.212 million)

• Sydenham Road commuter car parking

construction works ($1.024 million)

• Kerb replacement for property access

($278,275)

• Construction/modification of roundabouts -

various locations ($544,081)

• Traffic signals - various locations ($543,588)

Town centre works

Council progressed a range of works to the value

of $776,162 to improve amenity, connectivity

and ambience in town centres. These projects

included:

• Medium-sized activity centres - place

upgrades ($435,677)

• Pedestrian accessibility improvements

($253,455)

Sports facilities

Council continued to invest $41.425 million

in upgrading sporting facilities across the

municipality to help improve health and

wellbeing outcomes in the community. A range

of these projects were completed, including:

• More Park Stage One - new sports pavilion

and car park upgrade ($2.239 million)

• Bon Thomas Reserve Pavilion ($772,490)

• Delahey Reserve new sports pavilion -

Delahey ($2.167 million)

• Sports reserve lighting upgrade program

($365,644)

• Sunshine Leisure Centre, Sunshine - upgrade

and renewal works ($446,678)

• Tennis Court resurfacing program ($318,026)

• More Park Stage Two Sports Facility Upgrades

($2.141 million)

• Female Sports Facilities Upgrade - Keilor Park

synthetic pitch ($982,592)

• New sportsground development program

($183,339)

• Sports netting replacement program

($211,746)

The Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre,

Keilor Downs - redevelopment ($30.746 million)

was also on track for completion early in 2022-

2023.

Parks, playground and open space upgrades

Council spent $4.436 million on open space

projects, including the ongoing implementation

of the award-winning Creating Better Parks –

Open Space and Playground Policy and Plan.

This plan and policy are 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 the completion and/or

continuation of works at these parks:

• Suburban Park Upgrade program ($122,994)

• Neighbourhood Park Upgrade program

($197,678)

• Errington Precinct Master Plan Stage

3, St Albans - Stage Two of playground

development ($468,196)

• State Government Local Parks program -

various sites ($1.151 million)

• Public toilets ($250,000)

• Replace existing shared trails segments

identified as poor condition from inspection

audits and community feedback ($345,961)

• Park playground renewal program ($211,566)

• Skate Facilities Upgrade program ($919,795)

• Park and Street Furniture Response program

($116,877)

• Local Reserves Upgrade program ($71,855)

Sustainability projects

Council seeks to build a legacy of sustainability

to enable an engaged and resilient community

that supports a sustainable environment

containing rich social, economic and

environmental characteristics. Council invested

$1.788 million in sustainability programs

including:

• Water security program ($1.163 million)

• Sunshine Energy Park, Albion and Carrington

Drive Reserve, Albion ($435,126)

Bike paths and shared paths

Council completed a range of bike paths and

shared paths projects worth $3.322 million to

connect Brimbank, including the following:

• Kororoit Creek Recreational Trail, Kings Park -

Isabella Williams Memorial Park to Shepherds

Grove ($775,522)

• Sunshine Transport Precinct Activation

Program - various sites ($823,458)

• Sunshine Transport Precinct Activation

Program - Mathews Hill Reserve, Sunshine

($456,892)

• Suburban Park upgrade program - works

include path upgrade, new playground, new

BBQ and park furniture and extensive tree

planting ($949,617)

Community facilities

Council invested $2.438 million in improvements

to community facilities, such as neighbourhood

houses, libraries and children’s centres, to

provide suitable spaces for community activities.

This included improvements to kitchens,

heating/cooling systems, storage, flooring and

playgrounds. These projects included:

• Deer Park West Kindergarten modular

extension ($1.220 million)

• Bocce Club upgrade ($489,655)

Drainage rehabilitation

Council spent $457,879 on drainage

rehabilitation, including underground drainage

upgrades, installation of water quality devices

and minor improvement works.

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

23

Providing services during the

COVID-19 pandemic

The continuing Coronavirus (COVID-19)

pandemic meant Council had to work

differently to continue providing services

to the community.

When required to do so, Council office

staff worked remotely from home,

while staff delivering essential services

continued to do so in a safe and

permitted manner.

Council also continued to deliver several

services in different ways to ensure

that while Council facilities remained

shut, community members still received

services online or in innovative ways.

Online programs and classes, services

such as Library to Your Door and Click

and Collect services, and active online

options continued to be made available

for residents.

Appointment of new CEO

Following a Special Council Meeting on 6

July 2021 Warren Roberts was appointed

the interim CEO. He replaced former CEO

Helen Morrissey who retired as Council

CEO effective 15 July 2021.

On 26 January 2022 Fiona Blair

commenced as the Council CEO.

24

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

HARVESTER

GRASSLANDS

HORSESHOE BEND

TAYLORS

The current Brimbank City Council

was elected on 6 November 2020.

The Council was sworn in for a

four-year term and took an oath

at an official ceremony on Tuesday

10 November 2020 that was

livestreamed to the public.

Brimbank City Council is comprised of 11

Councillors elected from one two-councillor

ward and three wards that are three-councillor.

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 on the next page.

Grasslands Ward

Cr Sarah Branton

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Branton has been volunteering and

working on native grasslands in Brimbank for

over six years, and now lives locally to work

in her favourite ecosystem. She is committed

to causes including mental health supports,

protection of grasslands, open green spaces

and lowering youth unemployment. Cr

Branton aims to increase Council’s connection

with the community, find ways to engage

with young people in enabling and exciting

ways, create more local job and training

opportunities, and provide mental health

supports in multiple languages.

Committees

• Brimbank Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander

Reconciliation Action Plan Consultative

Committee (Co-Chair)

• Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee

(Co-Chair)

• Brimbank Youth Council

• Local Government Working Group

on Gambling

Portfolio

#HealthyBrimbank

E CrBranton@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0407 836 064

Cr Thuy Dang

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Dang happily lives in Brimbank and for

over a decade has been involved with

community events including White Ribbon

Day, Clean-Up Australia Day for Brimbank and

other health, wellbeing and safety projects.

She is interested in multiculturalism and

is excited by Brimbank’s diversity. Cr Dang

understands the limitations of language and

wants to help break down language barriers

and is committed to bringing about change

in this area.

Committees

• LeadWest Committee

• Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee

• Municipal Association of Victoria

(MAV) State Council

Portfolio

#VibrantBrimbank

E CrDang@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M

0437 744 803

Cr Victoria Borg

Date elected: 6 November 2020 (returned,

previously 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 improve educational services.

As a former educator she is passionate about

youth and reaching better education, training

and employment outcomes.

Committees

• Brimbank Disability Advisory Committee

• Chief Executive Officer Employment Matters

Committee

• Safety Roundtable

• Brimbank Community Fund Advisory

Committee

Portfolio

#PeopleBrimbank

E CrBorg@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0429 365 527

26

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Harvester Ward

Cr Sam David JP

Date elected: 6 November 2020 (returned,

previously elected 22 October 2016)

Previous terms: March 1997-September 2009

Cr David is a long-time resident of Brimbank,

former Mayor and Deputy 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

• Brooklyn Industrial Precinct Strategy

Committee (Chair)

• Chief Executive Officer Employment

Matters Committee

• Brooklyn Community Representative Group

Portfolio

#LiveableBrimbank

E CrDavid@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M

0429 355 239

Cr Trung Luu

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Luu is a long-time resident of Brimbank and

has a young family. He wants to ensure the

sustainability urban development strategy is

entrenched in the city’s future planning policy.

His greatest concern for Brimbank is that not

enough attention and investment is being

allocated to the municipality by various levels

of government. He believes in standing up to

overcome hurdles and be part of the solution

not the problem. Cr Luu loves calling Brimbank

home.

Committees

• Brimbank Arts Advisory Committee

• Sunshine Town Centre Partnership Group

Portfolio

#ConnectingBrimbank

E CrLuu@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M

0437 826 450

Cr Jasmine Nguyen

(Mayor elected on 17 November 2021-

30 June 2022)

(Deputy Mayor 1 July 2021-

16 November 2021)

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Nguyen was born and bred in Brimbank and

has lived, worked and volunteered here for

all of her life. She is passionate about giving

back to the community, and her most pressing

concern is helping Brimbank to recover from

the COVID-19 pandemic. Cr Nguyen strives

to address local youth disengagement and

unemployment, and to take stronger action

on issues such as climate change and mental

health. Her aims include being a voice for the

youth and vulnerable CALD communities, and

to drive better sustainable outcomes for future

generations of Brimbank.

Committees

• Brimbank Youth Council (Co-Chair)

• Chief Executive Officer Employment

Matters Committee

• Social Justice Coalition – Strategic

Implementation Group (Chair)

• Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)

(State Council)

Portfolio

#Resilient Brimbank

E CrNguyen@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M

0437 740 042

Horseshoe Bend Ward

Cr Virginia Tachos

Date elected: 6 November 2020 (returned,

previously elected 22 October 2016)

Cr Tachos lives and works in Brimbank and has

a proud history of volunteering and advocating

for the community. Building strong, sustainable

communities, listening to residents’ needs and

supporting harm minimisation through strong

advocacy for stricter gambling controls are

important to Cr Tachos. The COVID-19 pandemic

and the response and recovery phase are at the

forefront of her priorities, and she would like

to advocate for more funds for this vulnerable

community, especially in mental health, family

support, skills training and digital literacy.

Committees

• LeadWest Committee

• Chief Executive Officer Employment

Matters Committee

• St Albans Town Centre Partnership Group

• Brimbank Community Fund

Advisory Committee

Portfolio

#BrimbankCOVID-19ResponseandRecovery

E CrTachos@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0428 915 671

Cr Jae Papalia

Date elected: 6 November 2020

Cr Papalia is a Brimbank local and has lived here

all of her life. She sees cultural diversity as

Brimbank’s strength, a place where people can

come from near or far and seize opportunities

and build a life for their families. Cr Papalia is

passionate about investing in young people,

including youth education, jobs and resources.

She wants to see better tree canopy coverage in

Brimbank, which is among the lowest in Greater

Melbourne and aims to build a cleaner, greener

Brimbank as we move into the future.

Committees

• Chief Executive Officer Employment

Matters Committee

• Social Justice Coalition – Strategic

Implementation Group

• St Albans Town Centre Partnership Group

• Metropolitan Local Government Waste Forum

• Metropolitan Transport Forum

Portfolio

#SustainableBrimbank

E

CrPapalia@brimbank.vic.gov.au

M 0437 838 710

Fiona is a highly regarded leader in

local and state government, with

extensive experience as a senior

executive. She was recognised for her

leadership in the inaugural Top 50

Public Sector Women Award in 2017.

Her skills and experience span across

all areas of Council service planning

and delivery. Fiona is committed to

making a difference by working with

the community, councillors and staff

to continue to deliver high-quality

services and infrastructure across the

city, and is passionate about building

a customer-focused culture that will

serve the Brimbank community well,

now and into the future.

Lynley is an experienced local

government professional who has

worked in Melbourne’s West for

over 20 years. Her areas of focus

have included social policy analysis

and development, public health

research, community engagement,

strategic advocacy, community

infrastructure planning, family,

youth and children services, arts and

cultural development, stakeholder

management and community

capacity building programs.

Lynley commenced with Brimbank

City Council in August 2016. In April

2020, Lynley was appointed Acting

Director Community Wellbeing and

was appointed December 2020 into

the role.

Neil is an experienced senior

executive and 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 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 City Council, Neil

held several management positions at

Whittlesea City Council.

Shane is an experienced director with

over 30 years’ experience in both the

public and private sectors. Shane has

experience leading in a number of

areas including finance, governance,

human resource and information

technology.

He joined Brimbank City Council in

2014, and in his current role leads

Council’s Business Support, Finance,

People and Performance, and Projects

and Innovation teams.

Shane previously worked as General

Manager Corporate Services at

Moorabool Shire Council.

Rebecca is a highly-regarded senior

leader with extensive experience

and a record of success across

strategy development and delivery,

business transformation, ICT,

customer experience, advocacy,

events and communications, and

community engagement.

At Brimbank, Rebecca has delivered

significant innovation and service

improvements including moving

a range of services and payments

online and increasing community

participation in decision making.

An excellent communicator, Rebecca

is a trusted adviser, has exceptional

issues management skills and leads

high-performing teams.

Consistently delivering positive

community outcomes, Rebecca is

driven by her values and seeks to

always consider how things can be

made better.

Rebecca has qualifications in

Journalism and Marketing and over 20

years’ experience in local and state

government and the private sector.

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.

Fiona Blair

|

CEO

Lynley Dumble

|

Director Community Wellbeing

Neil Whiteside

|

Director Infrastructure and City Services

Shane Marr

|

Director Organisational Excellence

Rebecca Solomon

|

Acting Director Advocacy, Partnerships and Community Engagement

Kelvin Walsh

|

Director City Development

Aiden Mullen

Fiona Blair

John Petroro

Leanne Deans

Kristen Gilbert

Ben Bowman

Martin Vella

John MacDonagh

Christine McAllister

Ashley Fleming

Leanne Mitchell

Karen Thistlethwaite

Adrian Gray

Tom Razmovski

Trent Prince

Dominic Di Martino

Adrian Ashford

Xavier Flangan

Andrew Brae

Rachel Deans

Pallav Ahuja

Yvette Fuller

Aamanda Rigby

Marian Ali

Elie Khalil

Julian Sakarai

Kelvin Walsh

Lynley Dumble

Neil Whiteside

Shane Marr

Rebecca Solomon

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

31

As of 30 June 2022, Council employed 1,241 people (817 full-time equivalent or FTE), which is a slight increase in

FTE staff from 2020-2021.

There has been stability in workforce numbers this financial year after a 14 per cent decrease last financial year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Headcount

has remained almost the same with FTE figures only increasing by five overall. Fifty-five per cent of Council’s workforce is over the age of 45, with the

average being 46.01 years old.

.

Age groups

Age

group

Female

Male

Total

2021

< 21

9

10

19

21 - 25

53

58

111

26 - 30

41

35

76

31 - 35

66

39

105

36 - 40

75

43

118

41 - 45

73

62

135

46 - 50

66

61

127

51 - 55

85

60

145

56 - 60

76

57

133

≥ 61

136

136

272

Total

680

561

1,241

Brimbank total employment status

Status

2021-2022

Casual

260

Full-time

581

Part-time

400

Total

1,241

Employees by division and employment status

Division

Status

Female

Male

Total

CEO & Councillors

Full-time

2

0

2

Part-time

0

0

0

Casual

0

0

0

Advocacy,

Partnerships &

Community

Full-time

24

5

29

Part-time

28

5

33

Casual

1

0

1

Infrastructure & City

Services

Full-time

27

232

259

Part-time

10

1

11

Casual

0

0

0

City Development

Full-time

44

42

86

Part-time

62

60

122

Casual

7

12

19

Community Wellbeing

Full-time

110

42

152

Part-time

188

38

226

Casual

137

102

239

Organisation

Excellence

Full-time

31

22

53

Part-time

7

1

8

Casual

1

0

1

Brimbank Total

679

562

1,241

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

33

A summary of the number of FTE Council staff by organisational structure, employment type and gender is set out below.

Division

Gender

Casual

Full-time

Part-time

Total

Advocacy, Partnerships & Community Engagement

Female

0.2

24

20

44.2

Male

0

5

5

10

CEO & Councillors

Female

0

2

0

2

Male

0

0

0

0

City Development

Female

1

44

22

67

Male

2

42

14

58

Community Wellbeing

Female

19

109

104

234

Male

13

42

20

75

Organisation Excellence

Female

0

31

7

38

Male

0

21.3

0.8

25

Infrastructure & City Services

Female

0

27

8

35

Male

0

232

0

232

Total

36

579

185

8,172

Note:

Casuals are recorded as .14 of FTE. Council has 202 casuals that are contracted to five hours per week, which brings FTE for casuals down.

A summary of the number of FTE staff categorised by employment classification (band) and gender is set out below.

Employment classification (band)

Female FTE

Male FTE

Total

Band 1

11

13

24

Band 2

16

19

35

Band 3

17

92

109

Band 4

58

60

118

Band 5

89

62

151

Band 6

98

42

140

Band 7

66

52

118

Band 8

41

26

67

Other

23

32

55

Total

419

398

817

Gender equality and the prevention of

violence against women

Council delivered the Year Three Implementation

Plan of Brimbank City Council’s

.

The Strategy outlines a whole-of-council

approach, in partnership with community

organisations and the broader community,

to create a respectful, gender equitable and

violence-free organisation and municipality.

Key achievements include:

• Council was successful in obtaining a grant

of $212,500 through the Free from Violence

Local Government Grant Program 2022-2025.

The funding is to support the implementation

of The Local Government Guide for

Preventing Family Violence and All Forms of

Violence Against Women. The funding will

support Council staff to understand how to

embed primary prevention of family violence

and all forms of violence against women at

Council and via the services Council offers

• Council was successful in receiving a ‘Change

Our Game’ Scholarship Grant to deliver a

Women Leaders in Sport and Recreation

Facilities program. Sunshine Leisure Centre

ran two sessions with 24 leisure centre

staff. The sessions were focused on actions

in the workplace that promote women in

leadership and what Council can do to better

support this

• Council hosted an International Women’s

Day live panel discussion with local women

leaders and music from a local performing

artist. The event included a keynote

presentation on ‘Gender-based biases and

how to break them’ from Louise Falconer of

GenWest, and a panel discussion with CEO

Fiona Blair, Mayor Cr Nguyen, Brimbank Young

Citizen of the Year Devika Chaudhary, and CEO

of CommUnity Plus Tracey Gaudry

• Council undertook a workplace gender

audit and developed a four-year workplace

gender Equality Action Plan. Through the

plan, Council will strengthen and support

an organisational culture that values and

promotes gender equality, diversity and

inclusion and where people of all genders can

develop to their full potential

34

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Key performance indicators and workers’ compensation

Year

Lost time

injuries

WorkCover

claims

Days lost due to

workplace injury

2021-2022

19

9

381

2020-2021

18

24

957

2019-2020

19

14

779

2018-2019

12

18

713

2017-2018

8

13

574

2016-2017

13

14

1,163

2015-2016

15

27

1,443

2014-2015

21

34

986

2013-2014

24

37

973

2012-2013

18

30

1,568

2011-2012

31

46

1,346

2010-2011

21

34

1,302

2009-2010

28

53

1,481

2008-2009

25

36

1,942

Days lost by division

City Development

0

Community Wellbeing

42

Infrastructure & City Services

339

Advocacy, Partnerships & Community

0

Organisational Excellence

0

Total days lost

381

Learning and development

Employee development is a key focus for

Council, with a suite of programs offered across

the organisation to meet behavioural, technical

and compliance obligations as well as enhance

our employees’ knowledge, skills, experience

and competency.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the

majority of training (64 per cent) was delivered

via Zoom while the remaining 36 per cent was

delivered face-to-face, with COVID-19 safety

measures in place.

Usually training is delivered in both face-to-face

and self-paced modes or via Brimbank’s own

e-learning platform tool branded as bTrain.

bTrain modules are made available to staff

to learn at their own pace and convenience.

Modules include COVID-19 Safety, Phishing,

Privacy, Family Violence, Equal Opportunity,

Fraud and Corruption Awareness, Code of

Conduct, Procurement, Risk Management and

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS).

Led by Brimbank City Council, a network of 22

metropolitan and regional local governments

from across Victoria co-designed a new bTrain

Child Safe Standards module. This compulsory

module was designed specifically for Council

employees and volunteers, and is part of

Council’s commitment to protecting children

and young people within our community and

keeping them safe from harm and abuse.

Overall, a total of 172 training sessions were

coordinated in 2021-2022 with a total of 1,903

participants attending programs. In addition,

15 online training modules were completed by

4,409 staff members.

Learning programs offered took into

consideration departmental, interpersonal and

organisational needs to help employees meet

Council’s objectives

Occupational health and safety (OHS)

In 2021-2022, Council focused on maintaining

a COVIDSafe workplace and gaining a

better understanding of, and improving our

management of, health and safety risks.

Our key achievements in 2021-2022 include:

• Implementation of a new monthly

executive OHS performance report. The

report focuses on trend analysis and

corrective actions, and explores both the

internal and external safety environments

• Completion of a plant and equipment

safety audit

• Completion of an OHS skills, knowledge

and culture audit

• Review and development of Safe

Work Method Statements for high-risk

construction activities

• Continuous improvement and expansion

of the online Job Safety Analysis Tool, to

support our higher risk services to identify

and control hazards and risks prior to

commencing work

• Ongoing review of the OHS Management

System to ensure it remained responsive to

the needs of the organisation and aligned

with our compliance obligations

• Development and review of a number of safe

working procedures across the organisation

• Occupational Noise Assessments and

audiometric testing of our employees were

completed in accordance with legislative

requirements

• Provision of health and safety support as

services continued to adapt and respond to

the changing COVID-19 environment e.g.,

risk assessments, safe work procedures etc

• Personal protective equipment fit testing

programs were undertaken for all staff

required to wear P2/N95 respirators as

part of their COVID-19 response protocols

• Consultation and implementation of

an employee COVID-19 Mandatory

Vaccination Policy

(10-20 years)

(4 years)

(Annual)

Outcome measures

Community indicators

Impact measures

Performance indicators

Output measures

Annual Report

Our Integrated Approach

36

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Legislative requirements

Requirements for councils to have both

a Community Vision and Council Plan are

determined by the

.

This plan addresses the legislative requirements

of the

and the

.

Community Vision

A community vision must describe the municipal

community’s aspirations for the future of the

municipality for a period of at least 10 years. This

sees Council develop or review the Community

Vision in accordance with its deliberative

engagement practices and adopt the Community

Vision by 31 October in the year following a

general election.

Council Plan

The Council Plan is a medium-term strategic plan

that sets out our strategic direction and priorities

for the four-year Council term. Under the

, a Council Plan must be

prepared every four years after a general election,

guided by deliberative engagement and adopted

by 31 October in the year following the election.

The Council Plan shapes the strategic direction

and associated program of work the elected

Council will lead throughout their four-year term.

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

The

requires councils to produce a Municipal Public

Health and Wellbeing Plan. Integrated within this

document, the Plan outlines strategies to reduce

risk factors and increase protective factors to

enable residents to achieve optimal health and

wellbeing. This is the primary mechanism for

planning, coordinating and delivering services

and initiatives to improve local public health and

wellbeing by councils and partner organisations.

Flagship health and wellbeing actions will be

identified in ’Together We Are Brimbank’ annual

action plans, while other actions will be situated in

a number of key Council strategies and policies.

Brimbank’s integrated planning

approach – bringing together Council

and community planning

Council and community planning is about

envisioning and making choices that will shape

the future. The role of local government is

not only one of leadership, but also planning,

advocacy and facilitating community participation.

’Together We are Brimbank’ describes the

Brimbank Community Vision 2040, the Brimbank

Council Plan 2021-2025 and the Municipal Public

Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Our Council has developed a vision which captures

aspirations for the Brimbank community over the

next four years.

This vision is supported by four key strategic

directions:

• People and Community – A welcoming, safe

and supported community

• Places and Spaces – Liveable and connected

neighbourhoods that support healthy and

sustainable futures

• Opportunity and Prosperity – A future

focused, transforming city where all have

opportunities to learn and earn

• Leadership and Governance – A high

performing organisation that enacts the

vision and decision of Council through quality

and innovative services

These strategic directions will guide our work over

the next four years.

Council’s focus will be directed on projects and

services that support mental and physical health,

inclusion, protecting the local environment,

education and employment.

Community engagement and

consultation

Shaping Brimbank

Public participation in decisions that

impact people’s lives is critical to good

governance and community wellbeing.

Council’s approach to community

engagement is guided by the Community

Engagement Policy 2021 which articulates

a commitment to genuine and best

practice community engagement to enable

meaningful and inclusive opportunities

for community to be involved and inform

decision making processes.

Our community was invited to share

their hopes and priorities for Brimbank

through the Shaping Brimbank Community

Vision 2040, Council Plan 2021-2025 and

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

engagement process. Through Shaping

Brimbank, we heard from 308 community

members. We were able to test whether

the Community Vision 2040 continued

to reflect their long-term aspirations

for Brimbank, of which there was broad

support for the Community Vision 2040,

with one suggested change, inclusion of

the word ‘heritage’ which has now been

added.

We also heard valuable information

about priorities and areas of focus. This

information has been woven together, with

information from our many other recent

engagement activities, to provide a clear

and comprehensive outline of what is

important to our community.

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

37

‘Together We are Brimbank’

identifies a series of strategic directions and objectives that describe what Council is aiming for in order to achieve the

vision for Brimbank.

Strategic direction

Strategic objective

People

and Community

Wellbeing and Belonging

Responsive services that support mental and physical wellbeing.

Pride and Participation

Community and cultural connections built through social and artistic expression.

Places and Spaces

Liveable and Connected

Inviting and liveable spaces and facilities, connected so people can get around.

Sustainable and Green

Protect natural environments for current and future generations.

Opportunity

and Prosperity

Growing and Transforming

Optimise community opportunities through infrastructure innovation and investment.

Earning and Learning

Everyone has access to education, training and lifelong learning to support their aspirations.

Leadership

and Governance

Engaged and Responsive

Community insights are valued to enhance connection and engagement with Council.

High Performing and Accountable

Our workforce strives to enhance services and liveability for the Brimbank community.

38

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Council’s performance for the 2021-2022 year has been reported against each goal to demonstrate

how Council is performing in achieving the Council Plan 2021-2025.

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

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

People and Community: 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 2021-2025.

Strategy

Indicators

Result

2022 commentary

Support improved

mental wellbeing

Percentage of adults

with high or very high

psychological distress

25.3% Just over one quarter of Brimbank residents (25.3 per cent) experienced

high or very high psychological distress in 2021. This is slightly higher than

corresponding levels for the Western Region (23.4 per cent) and state

wide at 23.5 per cent. The Victorian Population Health Survey is repeated

every two years. Council will be able to monitor trends from this data set.

Increase healthy

eating, active living

and physical activity

Utilisation of aquatic

facilities

1.48 Brimbank City Council saw almost 300,000 visits to Sunshine Leisure

Centre throughout 2021-2022. This is an increase in visits compared to

2020-2021 due to the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite COVID-19

closures from July-October 2021 of indoor facilities, there was some

usage of the outdoor pool before a full Centre re-opening at the start of

November. Swim school returned to pre-lockdown numbers by February

2022 and, in April 2022, the Centre recorded high rates of swim school

enrolments. This result remains within the range expected by Council. Find

out more about our leisure centres at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/leisure

parks-and-facilities

Percentage of adults

rating their health as

‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’

29% Almost one-third of Brimbank residents (29 per cent) rated their health as

‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ in 2020. This is lower than corresponding levels

for the Western Region (38.9 per cent) and statewide at 40.5 per cent. The

Victorian Population Health Survey is repeated every two years. Council

will be able to monitor trends from this data set.

Resident perception of

performance in providing

recreational facilities

67

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 4 points lower than

the score in 2021, lower by 6 points than the metro region and two points

lower than the state average.

Support increased

gender equality and

reduce gender-based

violence

Number of family violence

incidents per 100,000

residents

1,396 There were 1,396 family violence incidents (per 100,000 residents) in

Brimbank in the year leading up to March 2022. This is a decrease of 6.1

per cent from the previous year. This rate is higher than the Victorian

average of 1,360. Crime statistics are updated quarterly, and Council will be

able to monitor trends from this data set.

(continued)

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

39

Strategy

Indicators

Result

2022 commentary

Provide community

health and wellbeing

services across the

lifespan

Resident perception of

Council’s performance in

delivering family support

services

65

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower than

the score in 2021, lower by 1 point than the metro region and equal to the

state average.

Resident perception of

Council’s performance in

delivering elderly support

services

63

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 4 points lower than the

score in 2021, lower by 2 points than the metro region and 4 points lower

than the state average.

Participation in first

Maternal Child Health

(MCH) home visit

98.11%

Brimbank City Council recorded an attendance rate of 98.11 per cent

for infants at the four-week Key Age and Stage Visit in the 2021-2022

financial year. This result sees a continuation of small increases when

compared to both 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 financial years. This result

remains in the range set by Council. Find out more about the MCH Service

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

child-health

Infant enrolments in the

MCH service

101.18%

Brimbank City Council has continued to achieve more than 100 per cent

infant enrolments in the MCH Service, highlighting highly effective

engagement over a six-year period. This result remains within the range

expected by Council. More information about the MCH Service can be found

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

child-health

Participation in the MCH

service by Aboriginal

children

76.76 Brimbank City Council is committed to providing high quality MCH services.

The number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) clients increased

in 2021-2022. This can be attributed to a Best Start initiative which

improved identification and recording of ATSI clients in our database. With

improved identification, MCH staff were able to prioritise service delivery

to these clients. This result remains in the range set by Council. More

information about the MCH Service can be found at www.brimbank.vic.gov.

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

Support safe and

inclusive communities

Percentage of adults

who feel safe walking

alone down their street

after dark

N/A

The Victorian Population Health Survey no longer collects data about the

percentage of adults who feel safe walking alone down their street after

dark. As this data is no longer available for Brimbank as a whole, Council

will review this indicator and develop a new measure for the 2022-2023

Annual Report.

For this report, however, there is one localised indicator which can provide

an indication about perceptions of community safety. In 2021, Council

received funding for a redesign and space activation project in central

Sunshine. Consultants conducted pre and post activation surveys which

included a measurement of perceptions of safety in the area. 124 people

were surveyed. Prior to the project, only 7 per cent of respondents said

they felt safe at night in that location. This increased to 31 per cent after

redesign and space activation work.

Resident perception

of Council’s performance

in enforcement of local

laws

62

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 3 points lower than the

score in 2021, lower by 3 points than the metro region and 1 point lower

than the state average.

Support and advocate

to reduce risk factors

impacting vulnerable

communities

Resident perception of

Council’s performance in

delivering disadvantaged

support services

64

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point higher than the

score in 2021, lower by 2 points than the metro region and 2 points higher

than the state average.

Number of community

grants distributed

145

During 2021-2022, Council offered Brimbank Community Recovery Grants

to assist the community to implement local recovery solutions needed

to respond to unique COVID-19 challenges and strengthen community

resilience.

Grants were allocated across categories: Community Recovery and

Establishment, Festivals and Events, Youth Support and Seniors

Operational Grants.

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

(continued)

People and Community: Strategic indicators (continued)

40

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Strategy

Indicators

Result

2022 commentary

Enable social, cultural

and artistic expression

Resident perception of

Council’s performance in

providing art centres and

libraries

70

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower than

the score in 2021, lower by 1 point for both the metro region and the state

average.

Number of attendees at

arts and cultural activities

345,261

345,261 individuals attended a range of arts and cultural activities

that were delivered in Brimbank. This included online and physical

performances at Bowery Theatre, exhibitions, festivals, events and cultural

development activities.

Continue our

commitment to

respecting and

recognising Aboriginal

and Torres Strait

Islander peoples and

culture

Number of known sites

of Aboriginal Cultural

Heritage

413 The Brimbank municipality contains 413 known sites of cultural heritage

significance. These are listed on the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Register

and Information System.

Deliver a range

of initiatives that

celebrate diversity and

intercultural sharing

Resident satisfaction with

community and cultural

activities

67

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points higher than

the score in 2021, and higher by 3 points for both the metro region and the

state average.

Encourage vibrant

community events and

activities

Resident perception of

Council’s performance in

delivering community and

cultural activities

62

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 5 points lower than

the score in 2021, and lower by 3 points for both the metro region and the

state average.

People and Community: Major initiatives

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives identified in the 2021-2022 Budget for the year.

Major initiatives

Progress – annual action plan

Create participation opportunities for disadvantaged

children in sport via the In2Sport Brimbank program.

In2Sport created opportunities for 249 disadvantaged children and young

people, aged 6-18, to join a sports club through the provision of individual

grants which funds 75 per cent - or up to $200 – of membership fees.

Facilitate the delivery of mental health first aid programs to increase the

capacity of people to recognise and support peers who may be developing

a mental health problem.

Council facilitated the delivery of mental health first aid programs to

youth support and advocacy service staff in 2022. Planning is underway

for Council’s youth counsellors to deliver the program in secondary

schools later in 2022.

Support the development of youth friendly spaces that support and

increase of the delivery of services for young people.

Place activation works were completed in April 2022 outside the Visy

Care Hub Youth Services in Harvester Road, Sunshine. The works included

seating, planter boxes and luminous paving to encourage young people to

access the area and connect with services. Council partnered with Youth

Junction Inc. to deliver four tailored activation events across April and May

2022. An evaluation noted outcomes for members including increased

Council awareness of the perspectives of young people and increased

confidence and sense of belonging for the young people involved.

Facilitate the Brimbank Youth Council providing opportunities for youth to

represent their peers on topics of importance allowing Council to better

understand the lived experience of young people.

2021-2022 saw major change in the Brimbank Youth Council. Twenty-five

young people finished their year as members of the Youth Council and

14 new members were recruited at the beginning of 2022. Youth Council

members receive advocacy and governance training and then select a

project they will work on as a group for the year.

Continue to facilitate the Brimbank Collective Action Committee to lead

and initiate Impact Brimbank to close health and social outcome gaps for

the Brimbank community.

Impact Brimbank is a group of community members working with Council

and the community to improve health and wellbeing. Impact Brimbank

delivered a series of events and initiatives over the first half of 2022 as

communities began to reconnect following COVID-19 lockdowns. These

include walking groups reaching out to isolated people, family days,

healthy eating and community connection and a Sports Activity Day

attended by more than 100 people in St Albans.

(continued)

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

People and Community: Strategic indicators (continued)

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

41

Major initiatives

Progress – annual action plan

Map and analyse gaps in Council’s responses to loneliness and isolation as

an escalating mental health challenge.

Council completed a project which investigated and described the role

of Council in responding to the issues of loneliness and isolation as a

mental health challenge in the Brimbank community. A Mental Wellbeing

Implementation Plan will focus on a range of primary prevention activities

including awareness-raising, information provision and community

partnerships.

Complete female sports facilities upgrades that aim to increase equity,

access and opportunities for existing and emerging female participants

and officials in sport and active recreation:

• Design of Keilor Park Oval 2

• Upgrade of Keilor Park Modular change rooms

The Keilor Park Modular change rooms were completed in November

2021. A detailed design for new change rooms at Keilor Park Oval 2

was completed in March 2022. Council supports the strong focus on

encouraging female involvement in sport. Significant growth in female

football participation means facilities need to be suitable including

appropriate change rooms.

Finalise building works and commission the new St Albans Health and

Wellbeing Hub.

The new Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre is finalised and the public

opening took place on September 2022. The Centre replaced the dated

St Albans Leisure Centre and provides the community with an innovative

multi-generational health and wellbeing hub.

The Centre offers an Olympic-sized swimming pool, two large water

slides, a children’s splash park, warm water exercise area with spa, steam

room and sauna. A 24/7 health club spans the two levels, and a range of

group fitness classes are on offer. Six suites in the Wellness Centre will

be leased to allied health professionals and three tenant partners will

deliver specialist services including NDIS service provision, family and

legal services, adult education and community programs. The Centre is

completed by a fresh food café with indoor and outdoor dining areas.

People and Community: Services

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2021-2022 Budget and the persons or sections of the

community who are provided the service.

Service/description

Net cost

actual budget

favourable/

(unfavourable) $’000

Community Strengthening and Social Planning

Connected Communities

coordinates community leadership and governance training, and community grants. They promote

social inclusion of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultural and linguistically diverse, refugee and asylum seeker

communities through language services and a range of other cultural awareness programs and activities.

Strengthening Communities

coordinates and implements specific strategies and actions relating to children, disability, volunteers,

seniors, carers and emergency management.

Social Planning and Research

works to address key issues such as social justice, safety, gambling harm and housing stress, men’s

violence against women and gender equity. This is achieved by developing policies, strategies, projects and partnerships that

improve health and wellbeing and undertaking evaluation, research and data analysis.

3,884 3,309

575

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.

502 485

17

(continued)

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

People and Community: Major initiatives (continued)

42

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Service/description

Net cost

actual budget

favourable/

(unfavourable) $’000

Community Care

Community Care

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

Ageing and Inclusion

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

emotional wellbeing. Services such as in-home care services, social support and planned activity groups, delivered meals,

community transport and home maintenance aim to help residents live a fulfilling and independent life.

Families and Early Years

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

Health Services in eight locations, information and community access, supported playgroups and kindergarten registration.

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.

9,990 15,924

(5,934)

Leisure and Community Facilities

Leisure and Community Facilities

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

Planning and Major Leisure Facilities including the Brimbank Aquatic and Wellness Centre, the Sunshine Leisure Centre, 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.

Major Leisure Facilities

. The four major leisure facilities in Brimbank are the 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.

6,212 4,365

1,847

Facilities and Major Projects

Facilities and Major Projects

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

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

13,727 11,797

1,930

Building Services and Environmental Health

Building Services and Environmental Health

implement 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 and health of the Community within Brimbank.

1,855 1,027

828

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.

3,746 699

3,047

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

People and Community: Services (continued)

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

43

People and 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

2018 result

2019 result

2020 result

2021 result

2022 result Commentary

Cost of indoor

aquatic

facilities

$3.55

$3.32

$9.49

$10.11

$8.22

Brimbank City Council continues to place a high emphasis

on delivering services in a cost-efficient manner and

achieved a reduction in the cost of aquatic facilities in

2021-2022. This occurred despite the impact of COVID-19

closures over the year. This result remains within the

range expected by Council. Find out more about our

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

and-facilities

Utilisation

of aquatic

facilities

2.85

2.83

1.98

0.81

1.48

Brimbank City Council saw almost 300,000 visits to

Sunshine Leisure Centre throughout 2021-2022. This

is an increase in visits compared to 2020-2021 due to

the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns. Despite COVID-19

closures from July-October 2021 of indoor facilities,

there was some usage of the outdoor pool before a full

centre re-opening at the start of November. Swim school

returned to pre-lockdown numbers by February 2022

and, in April 2022, the Centre recorded high rates of swim

school enrolments. This result remains within the range

expected by Council. Find out more about our leisure

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

facilities

Time taken to

action food

complaints

1.36

1.13

1.14

1.15

1.20

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on food

safety and public health. Reports of food complaints and

related requests are promptly responded to, with the

majority of complaints investigated within one to two

days of receipt. This ensures a high level of food safety

monitoring and customer satisfaction. The result remains

within the range expected by Council. Find out more

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

types-businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Food safety

assessments

100%

101.07%

100.45%

101.19%

103.6%

Brimbank City Council seeks to deliver an effective and

cost-efficient food safety service for our community.

Throughout the 2021-2022 reporting period some

premises received an additional assessment as a means

to assist and educate new proprietors regarding the

preparation and sale of safe food. This result remains

within the range expected by Council. Find out more

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

types-businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Cost of food

safety service

$239.12

$253.93

$241.26

$260.90

$271

Brimbank City Council seeks to deliver an effective and

cost-efficient food safety service for our community. The

2021-2022 cost of service result was slightly increased

due to the financial impacts of the ongoing COVID-19

pandemic and some premises closing down. Despite these

challenges this result continues to exceed the range

expected by Council. Find out more about food safety at

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

food-premises-and-safety

Critical and

major non

compliance

outcome

notifications

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Brimbank City Council delivers a cost-efficient food safety

service with results demonstrating the speed by which

all critical and major non-compliance notifications were

actioned in the 2021-2022 reporting period. This result

exceeds the range expected by Council. Find out more

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

types-businesses/food-premises-and-safety

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

(continued)

44

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Service

indicator

2018 result

2019 result

2020 result

2021 result

2022 result Commentary

Library

collection

usage

5.84

5.48

3.90

3.75

3.42

The Brimbank City Council library collection service is

utilised by community with members accessing both

printed and digital materials at our five library branches

and via the home library service. A slight decrease in

borrowing has occurred due to COVID-19 pandemic

closures. This result remains within the range expected by

Council. Find out more about Brimbank Libraries at

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Standard

of library

collection

58.63%

64.38%

67.66%

78.54

79.42%

Brimbank City Council's library collection service

continues to be reflective of community needs and

demands with almost 80 per cent of the collection

under five years of age. This result remains in the

range expected by Council and is reflective of the

continuous improvement of resource management,

purchasing and maintenance practices. Find out

more about Brimbank Libraries at

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Cost of library

service per

population

$35.69

$36.00

$34.36

$33.38

$37.72

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

delivering services in a cost-efficient manner. Council

maintained a stable library service cost across 2021-2022

whilst continuing to adapt to community needs from the

ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and general community

unease about accessing public facilities. This has resulted

in a greater online library presence and continuation of

home library service options. This result remains well

within the result set by Council. Find out more about

Brimbank Libraries at www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Active library

members

12.55%

12.01%

20.27%

11.97%

11.69%

Brimbank City Council remains committed to the delivery

of accessible library services. The relatively low number

of active borrowers in 2021-2022 can be attributed

to continued community fear and uncertainty about

returning to public facilities due to the ongoing COVID-19

pandemic. Council continues to provide the library

collection via alternative service models and has noticed

an increase in residents taking up digital access options.

This result remains within the range expected by Council.

Find out more about Brimbank Libraries at

www.brimbanklibraries.vic.gov.au

Participation in

first MCH home

visit

107.31%

99.55%

97.27%

98.04%

98.11%

Brimbank City Council recorded an attendance rate of

98.11 per cent for infants at the 4-week Key Age and

Stage Visit in the 2021-2022 financial year. This result

sees a continuation of small increases when compared

to both 2020-2021 and 2020-2019 financial years.

This result remains in the range set by Council. Find

out more about the MCH Service at www.brimbank.

vic.gov.au/health-family-and-support/maternal-and

child-health

Infant

enrolments

in the MCH

Service

100%

100%

101.42%

101.21%

101.18%

Brimbank City Council has continued to achieve more

than 100 per cent infant enrolments in the MCH

Service, highlighting highly effective engagement over

a six-year period. This result remains within the range

expected by Council. More information about the MCH

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

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

Cost of the

MCH Service

$80.53

$81.10

$82.24

$74.04

$77.45

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

delivering services in a cost-efficient manner. The 2021-

2022 cost of service result highlights Council’s continued

commitment to delivering the MCH Service within the

expected budget and requirements. This result remains

within range set by Council. More information about the

MCH Service can be found at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/

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

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

(continued)

People and Community: Service performance indicators (continued)

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

45

Service

indicator

2018 result

2019 result

2020 result

2021 result

2022 result Commentary

Participation

in the MCH

Service

71.5%

70.49%

68.92%

63.05%

61.37%

Brimbank City Council is committed to providing high

quality MCH services. This 2021-2022 result is lower than

the expected range due to the impacts of COVID-19 on

the MCH workforce. Council provided MCH staff to support

the State Government Stage 4 – Code Brown surge at

Western Health for six weeks as well as supporting

Melton City Council when high birth rates and critical staff

shortages occurred. This reduced the number of locally

available appointments within our own MCH Service and

saw available appointments prioritised to Aboriginal and

Torres Strait Islander clients and clients identified as

vulnerable. More information about the MCH Service can

be found at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/health-family-and

support/maternal-and-child-health

Participation

in the MCH

Service by

Aboriginal

children

62.11%

55.26%

70.00%

71.72%

76.76%

Brimbank City Council is committed to providing high

quality MCH services. The number of Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander (ATSI) clients increased in 2021-2022. This

can be attributed to a Best Start initiative which improved

identification and recording of ATSI clients in our data

base. With improved identification, MCH staff were able

to prioritise service delivery to these clients. This

result remains in the range set by Council. More

information about the MCH Service can be found at

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

maternal-and-child-health

Strategic direction –

People

and Community

People and Community: Service performance indicators (continued)

46

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Strategic direction –

Places and Spaces

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.

Strategy

Indicators

Result

Commentary

Contribute to the

transformation

of the transport

network to be

active, sustainable,

connected and

equitable

Kilometres of

walking and

cycling trails

1,865 km 1,865 kilometres is the baseline estimate for walking and cycling trails in July

2022. Since 2008, Council has spent $24 million and installed around 24

kilometres of on-road lanes and 38 kilometres of Shared User Paths.

Resident perception

of Council’s

performance in

managing condition

of local streets and

footpaths

59

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 4 points lower than

the score in 2021, lower by 4 points than the metro region and higher by 2

points than the state average.

Percentage of

households living

within 400m of a

bus stop or 800m of

a train station

93.7% (bus

stops)

13.6% (train

stations)

These are the baseline estimates for July 2022. Using Council’s property

base information, 93.7 per cent of all Brimbank residents (usual place of

residence) are percentage of households living within 400 metres of a bus

stop or 800 metres of a train station.

Resident perception

of importance

and Council’s

performance in

traffic management

65

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points higher than the

score in 2021, and higher by 7 points than both the metro region and the

state average.

Number of sealed

local road requests

53.48

Brimbank City Council responds to all requests for sealed local roads within

the approved requirements of the Road Management Plan. Council’s

continued investment in the road network has resulted a reduced number

of requests in 2021-2022. The result remains within the range expected

by Council.

Sealed local roads

maintained to

condition standards

92.82%

Brimbank City Council is committed to maintenance of the local road

network and investment in road rehabilitation to ensure the road network

does not deteriorate. This result remains within the range expected by

Council.

Resident perception

of Council’s

performance in

managing the

condition of sealed

local roads

62

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 2 points lower than

the score in 2021, lower by 3 points than the metro region and higher by 9

points than the state average.

Showcase and

provide quality

public spaces and

streetscapes where

people can connect

and recreate

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in managing the

appearance of public

areas

63

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 4 points lower than the

score in 2021, lower by 9 points than the metro region and lower by 8 points

than the state average.

Percentage of people

living within 500m of

open space

98.90% Using the ABS Census of Population and Housing 2016 data, and all

registered public open spaces and public reserves within the City of

Brimbank, 98.90 per cent of all Brimbank residents (usual place of

residence) are within 500 lineal meters of proximity to a public open space

area within the municipality. This is a baseline estimate for July 2022.

(continued)

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

47

Strategy

Indicators

Result

Commentary

Provide community

facilities that

are responsive

and adaptable to

community needs

Community satisfaction

with the performance of

Council in maintaining

local infrastructure

61

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point lower than the

score in 2021, lower by 1 point than the metro region and higher by 7 points

than the state average.

Maximise urban

greening through

increased tree

canopy cover and

integrated water

management

Percentage of tree

canopy cover (public and

private trees) in Brimbank

7.1%

This is the baseline estimate of the percentage of tree canopy (7.1 per cent)

for July 2022. Using Council’s automated image classification software,

total area of tree coverage is digitized automatically from current aerial

photography.

Take action

on the climate

emergency by

working towards

a carbon neutral

Brimbank

Resident perception of

Council’s performance

in environmental

sustainability

62

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point lower than the

score in 2021, lower by 1 point than the metro region and higher by 1 point

than the state average.

Reduction in greenhouse

gas emissions from

Council operations -

tonnes of CO2 (carbon

dioxide) emitted

4,692 t CO2-e, Greenhouse gas emissions from Council operations have been reduced by 82

per cent since 2011.

Collaborate with

community in addressing

climate change and its

impacts on health

Number of participants in

Council led conservation

activities

684

In 2021-2022, 684 people participated in Council-led conservation

activities. Activities included Clean Up Australia Day, community

planting days (more than 2,300 plants) and working bees on

conservation sites.

Increase the extent and

condition of natural

habitats through

restoration and

prevention of threats

Re-introduction of

grassland species

into Council grassland

reserves

30 different

grassland

species

In 2021-2022, 12 sites had different grassland species planted as part

of a restoration program. Kangaroo grass (the backbone species) and 29

different species wildflowers and herbs were planted into conservation sites

across the municipality. A total of 4,900 native grasses and 8,113 native

wildflowers were planted.

High threat invasive

species managed in

conservation reserves

46 conservation

assets

managed

In 2021-2022, high threat weeds were controlled in all of Council’s 46

conservation assets. Monitoring and surveying of rabbits indicated a drop

in numbers at several sites. An integrated approach of multiple control

techniques has proven successful.

Re-introduce structural

elements to increase

habitat values along

Kororoit Creek and within

conservation reserves

Structural

elements

introduced in 2

key locations.

In 2021-2022, rocks and logs were introduced along the waterway in areas

adjacent to Millbank Drive, Deer Park. These provide refuge and habitat for

lizards and skinks in the area.

Logs were introduced behind Warmington Road, Sunshine West. These have

a dual purpose to halt erosion and to create habitat and refuge for lizards

and frogs.

Invest in circular economy

and improve waste

management systems

to increase recycling and

reduce waste to landfill

Resident perception of

Council’s performance in

waste management

68

The 2022 Community Satisfaction Survey result is 1 point higher than the

score in 2021, lower by 2 points than the metro region and the same as the

state average.

Kerbside bin collection

requests

148.70

Brimbank City Council continues 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.

This result is in the range set by Council. Find out more about waste services

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

Kerbside collection bins

missed

11.31

Brimbank City Council seeks to deliver an effective and efficient kerbside

collection service for the community and has seen a negligible increase in

the numbers of kerbside collection bins missed. This result is in the range

set by Council. Find out more about waste services at Brimbank www.

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

Kerbside collection waste

diverted from landfill

41.46% Brimbank City Council continues to provide an efficient kerbside recyclables

collection service for our community, with Council’s waste diversion rate from

landfill increasing slightly when compared to last year’s figure. This result

remains in the range expected by Council. Find out more about waste services

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

Strategic direction –

Places

and Spaces

Strategic indicators (continued)

48

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Places and Spaces: Major initiatives

The following statement reviews the progress of Council in relation to major initiatives identified in the 2021-2022 Budget for the year.

Major initiatives

Progress

Review and refresh the Brimbank Transport Priorities Paper to reflect

current Council, State and Federal Governmernt commitments, and

outline Council’s key transport priorities.

Council’s refreshed Transport Priorities Paper (TPP) 2022 was adopted

at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 19 April 2022. The TPP is a guide for

Council’s transport services advocacy and infrastructure provision in

Brimbank and the western metropolitan region. It also identifies issues

with the current transport network and proposes service solutions and

infrastructure projects that will improve connectivity in and around

Melbourne’s western suburbs.

Work in partnership to research and design options that use plastic and

glass waste for construction of roads.

A research project was conducted to develop an asphalt mix that

incorporates a higher-than-average level of crushed recycled glass.

The asphalt was laid on two roads in February 2022. Council is working

with the Australian Road Research Board (ARRB) to monitor the

performance of the asphalt mix over the next two years.

Develop and implement compliance initiatives to respond to reported illegal

waste dumping.

The implementation of Council’s Litter Enforcement Program continued

over 2021-2022. Council investigated reports of dumping, proactively

targeted high dumping areas and progressed litter investigations and

prosecutions. Specific programs included:

• Developing educational material for estate agents, tenants and

homeowners regarding Council’s hard waste collection service

• Holding a Reusable Goods Drop Off Day

• Delivering Living in Your Neighbourhood and CALD community

educational sessions

• Creating social media posts on illegal dumping, outcomes and

penalties

Implementation of Climate Emergency Action Plan:

• Partner with the health and community sector to champion actions to

address the health impacts of climate change such as heatwaves, and

promote co-benefits such as reduced energy bills

• Continue to support home composting and other measures that

reduce waste to landfill

• Advocate and engage with the Federal Government, State

Government and relevant stakeholders around advancing climate

change, sustainability and conservation objectives

• Investigate opportunities for community renewable energy projects

such as ‘solar gardens’ on Council owned sites and collaborate with

the Victorian Government to promote community energy

Council is actively delivering on its Climate Emergency Action Plan.

Achievements towards a sustainable Brimbank include:

• Signing a 10-year contract to provide 100 per cent renewable

electricity to Council’s buildings and facilities

• Working with the All-Electric Councils Working Group to investigate

the viability and pathways to achieve an electrified local government

sector in Victoria by 2030

• Launching 100% Renewable Brimbank - an energy support service

and campaign

• Delivering ‘oasis’ parks and tree plantings to create greener and

cooler public spaces

• Hosting a Community Reusable Goods Pop-up event program with

the most recent event held in June 2022

• A successful home composting program

Commence the Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) Asset

Rectification Plan.

Council completed the 10 Year Water Sensitive Urban Design Asset

Rectification Plan which describes the required work to maintain

and review Brimbank’s WSUD assets. Work includes the Keilor Golf

Course Stormwater Harvesting System renewal works and preliminary

rectification works at four Cairnlea wetland sites.

Continue developing a new Creating Better Streets Strategy to guide

transforming streets by increasing canopy cover using stormwater,

creating a greener, cooler street that supports walking and cycling, and a

positive sense of place for the community.

Council officers completed community and stakeholder engagement

late 2021 to inform the development of Creating Streets for People.

Council endorsed the draft Creating Streets for People for community

consultation for four weeks, at the Council Meeting on 19 April 2022.

Community consultation in took place across May and June 2022. The

outcomes of the community consultation and a final draft Creating

Streets for People were presented to Council in August 2022.

Implement Sydenham Park Master Plan:

• Complete Robertson’s Homestead Site Feasibility Study

• Commence Sydenham Park Conservation Restoration

Council continued the implementation of the Sydenham Park Master

Plan across 2021-2022 including conservation works in Sydenham

Park. The Robertson’s Homestead Site Feasibility Study was completed

in early 2021.

Continue to conduct street tree planting programs to increase Brimbank’s

tree canopy coverage as per the Urban Forest Strategy 2016-2046.

Council’s tree planting program continued throughout 2021-2022.

Strategic direction –

Places

and Spaces

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

49

Places and Spaces: Services

The following statement provides information in relation to the services funded in the 2021-2022 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

work to ensure 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 and transport planning. It coordinates the preparation of Council’s 10-year Capital Works Program and manages and

reviews the annual Capital Works Program reporting.

6,982 5,853

1,128

Environment

Environment

engages with Council and the community to work towards an environmentally sustainable city. We coordinate a

whole of Council response to the declaration of a climate emergency, and engage with and encourage the community to value

Brimbank’s outstanding and unique natural areas.

The team 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.

6,345 5,364

981

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. This is carried out in accordance with laws and regulations, and

pursuant to the National Asset Management Framework (NAMAF).

860 541

319

Urban Design

Urban Design

provides a landscape, architectural and urban design service that creates attractive, safe, connected and sustainable

urban places to support community wellbeing, social connectedness and foster civic pride.

3,625 2,953

672

Operations Group

The

Operations Group

is responsible for the collection and disposal of residential waste and recycling and maintaining the local

road network, town centres, urban villages, parks and streetscapes.

Waste Services

manage weekly kerbside waste collection and fortnightly recycling and green waste collections. The team also

deliver Council’s Resource Recovery Centre and the At Call Hard Waste Collection Service.

Roads and drainage systems are managed by

Roads and Cleansing Services

in accordance with Council’s Road Management Plan

and are responsible for the overall cleanliness of Council land.

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

Parks Services

.

The

Pedestrian Facilities

program implements Council’s annual footpath and concrete works rehabilitation program in accordance

with Council’s Road Management Plan.

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

Fleet Services

, which ensures they are compliant

with all legislative requirements.

The team also coordinates

Emergency Management

and the use of Council resources for emergency response and recovery in

accordance with

, including coordination of a Municipal Emergency Management Planning

Committee and development and maintenance of the Municipal Emergency Management Plan.

58,878 46,559

12,319

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.

(3,055) (983)

961

Strategic direction –

Places

and Spaces

50

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Places and Spaces: Service performance indicators

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

Service

indicator

2018 result

2019 result

2020 result

2021 result

2022 result Commentary

Time taken to

action animal

management

requests

1.57 days

1.32 days

0.88 days 1.39 days

2.07 days

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

responsible pet ownership and community safety, with

the majority of animal requests followed up within two

days from receipt of request. This indicator has seen a

slight increase in time taken to respond due to COVID-19

impacts on staff in the Animal Management team in 2022.

This result remains within the range expected by Council.

Find out more about animal management at Brimbank

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/pets-and-animals

Animals

reclaimed

22.64%

22.11%

64.10%

33.61%

29.20%

Brimbank City Council places as strong emphasis on

responsible pet ownership and community safety, with

a primary objective of the Brimbank Domestic Animal

Plan to reduce the euthanasia rate of domestic pets. The

Animal Management Service continues to see a reduction

in animals reclaimed due to the longer-term financial

impact of the COVID-19 pandemic including paying the

costs associated with animal collection. In sharp contrast,

there has been a significant increase in animals rehomed.

This result remains within the range expected by Council.

Find out more about animal management at Brimbank

www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/pets-and-animals

Cost of animal

management

service per

population

$7.88

$8.36

$6.99

$7.88

$9.08

Brimbank City Council continues to prioritise the delivery

of services in a cost-efficient manner. The 2021-2022 cost

of animal management service remains in the range set

by Council. Find out more about animal management at

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

Animal

management

prosecutions

5.00

24.00

8.00

3.00

4.00

Brimbank City Council investigates all issues under the

and, where supportive

evidence is available, actively prosecutes these matters.

Due to unforeseen personal circumstances, Council

withdrew one of four prosecutions. This result remains

within the range expected by Council. Find out more about

animal management at Brimbank www.brimbank.vic.gov.

au/pets-and-animals

Sealed local road

requests

68.89

51.70

60.84

58.56

53.48

Brimbank City Council responds to all requests for sealed

local roads within the approved requirements of the Road

Management Plan. Council’s continued investment in the

road network has resulted a reduced number of requests

in 2021-2022. This result remains within the range

expected by Council.

Sealed local

roads maintained

to condition

standards

84.87%

87.75%

89.22%

91.49%

92.82%

Brimbank City Council is committed to maintenance of the

local road network and investment in road rehabilitation

to ensure the road network does not deteriorate. This

result remains within the range expected by Council.

Cost of sealed

local road

reconstruction

$83.70

$100.17

$92.80

$106.32

$96.87

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

delivering services in a cost-efficient manner. Road

reconstruction projects are awarded through external

contracts with the design completed by an internal design

team. A new, innovative design approach has resulted in

cost savings from the previous year. This result remains in

the range set by Council.

Cost of sealed

local road

resealing

$27.40

$25.31

$19.80

$25.16

$23.98

Brimbank City Council undertakes the road resealing

program to increase the surface durability of our roads

providing a safer driving experience. All resurfacing

resealing works are done via contracts, which are

awarded following a competitive public tender process.

Undertaking a number of large-scale projects during

the 2021-2022 financial year resulted in reduced costs

per square metre due to economies of scale. This result

remains in the range set by Council.

(continued)

Strategic direction –

Places

and Spaces

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

51

Service

indicator

2018 result

2019 result

2020 result

2021 result

2022 result Commentary

Kerbside bin

collection

requests

169.66

129.24

135.88

135.16

148.70

Brimbank City Council continues 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. This result is in the range set by Council.

Find out more about waste services at Brimbank www.

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

Kerbside

collection bins

missed

10.64

10.53

11.50

11.07

11.31

Brimbank City Council seeks to deliver an effective and

efficient kerbside collection service for the community and

has seen a negligible increase in the numbers of kerbside

collection bins missed. This result is in the range set by

Council. Find out more about waste services at Brimbank

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

Cost of kerbside

garbage bin

collection service

$115.25

$112.34

$115.75

$111.46

$123.74

Brimbank City Council endeavours to deliver an effective,

cost-efficient kerbside garbage collection service for our

community with this result continuing to remain within

the range expected by Council. Find out more about waste

services at Brimbank www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/rubbish

recycling-and-waste

Cost of kerbside

recyclables

collection service

$23.98

$42.36

$49.50

$43.43

$55.12

Brimbank City Council seeks to deliver an effective and

efficient kerbside recyclables collection service. Council

is party to a recycling services contract with Cleanaway,

which is extended until 1 July 2023. Council will be

exploring alternative options to reduce recyclables

collection processing costs, including discussions

with other metropolitan councils regarding a potential

collective approach. This result remains in the range set by

Council. Find out more about waste services at Brimbank

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

Kerbside

collection waste

diverted from

landfill

39.27%

38.01%

41.41%

40.60%

41.46%

Brimbank City Council continues to provide an efficient

kerbside recyclables collection service for our community,

with Council’s waste diversion rate from landfill increasing

slightly when compared to last year’s figure. This result

remains in the range expected by Council. Find out more

about waste services at Brimbank www.brimbank.vic.gov.

au/rubbish-recycling-and-waste

Time taken to

decide planning

applications

123 days

120 days

126 days

91.5 days

99.5 days

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

working with applicants and objectors to achieve good

outcomes in planning determinations. Council continues

to balance time taken to negotiate land use and

development issues with the need to ensure efficient

processing of applications. Whilst the median number of

days for processing applications has increased slightly

since the 2020-2021 result, this remains a significant

improvement over results from previous years. This result

remains in the range set by Council. Find out more about

Brimbank’s statutory planning service at www.brimbank.

vic.gov.au/building-and-planning/planning

Planning

applications

decided within

60 days

52.82%

61.77%

64.97%

70.55%

70.92%

Brimbank City Council is committed to working with

applicants and objectors to achieve good outcomes in

planning determinations, hence additional time may

be taken in negotiating land use and development

issues. This result is a slight improvement on the result

achieved last year and falls within the range set by

Council. Find out more about Brimbank’s statutory

planning service at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/building

and-planning/planning

Places and Spaces: Service performance indicators (continued)

(continued)

Strategic direction –

Places

and Spaces

52

I

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022

Service

indicator

2018 result

2019 result

2020 result

2021 result

2022 result Commentary

Cost of statutory

planning service

$3,072.92

$2808.12

$2882.36

$2,642.31

$2,738.14

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on

delivering services in a cost-efficient manner. This result

has seen costs of planning applications increase by 3.6

per cent when compared to the 2020-2021 reporting

period, primarily due to the reduction in the number

of applications received during this period. This result

continues to remain within the range set by Council. Find

out more about Brimbank’s statutory planning service

at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/building-and-planning/

planning

Council planning

decisions upheld

at VCAT

66.67%

52.63%

55.56%

60.87%

50%

Brimbank City Council is committed to providing an

efficient and effective statutory planning service. The

percentage of application decisions upheld at VCAT were

less than previous years, however Council has a very low

number of VCAT appeals each year due to the work that

we do in resolving issues when assessing applications.

In 2021-2022, only 20 planning applications were

considered by VCAT, of which eight resulted in consent

orders, six Council decisions were upheld and six were

overturned. This result remains in the range expected

by Council. Find out more about Brimbank’s statutory

planning service at www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/building

and-planning/planning

Expenses per

head of municipal

population

$918.98

$920.43

$970.77

S986.30

$1,026.73

Brimbank City Council is committed to minimising

expenses where possible while ensuring essential

services are available. The result is in line with previous

years and remains in the range set by Council.

Infrastructure per

head of municipal

population

$7,411.23

$7,714.16

$7,823.67

$8,071.55

$8,525.37

Brimbank City Council endeavours to deliver efficient

and effective financial management. The expenditure

on infrastructure has increased with the construction

of major projects such as the new Brimbank Aquatic and

Wellness Centre. The result is in the range expected by

Council.

Own-source

revenue per head

of municipal

population

$835.02

$879.81

$864.74

$863.39

$921.85

Brimbank City Council is committed to high-quality

revenue management. The increased result in 2021-2022

reflects a return to delivering income generating activities

such as leisure centres (which were frequently impacted

by COVID-19 lockdowns over the past two years). This

result remains in the range expected by Council.

Recurrent

grants per head

of municipal

population

$138.53

$132.07

$121.18

$124.30

$151.92

Brimbank City Council places a strong emphasis on the

delivery of grants to the community. 2021-2022 saw an

increase in grants due to the Federal Government bringing

forward approximately 75 per cent of the 2022-2023

Financial Assistance Grant payments to the 2021-2022

financial year. This result remains in the range expected

by Council.

Strategic direction –

Places

and Spaces

Places and Spaces: Service performance indicators (continued)

Brimbank City Council

Annual Report 2021-2022 I

53

Strategic direction –

Opportunity and

Prosperity

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.

Strategy

Indicators

Result

Commentary

Grow and diversify

industry, and support

existing and new

businesses

Number of GST

registered businesses

in Brimbank

25,990

There were 25,990 active and registered for GST businesses in

Brimbank at the end of March 2022 across all industries. This is an

increase of 4,252 from the number at the end of March 2021 (21,738).

Enhance community

opportunities as

a result of major

developments

and infrastructure

investment

Percentage of jobs

located in Brimbank

3.24%

There were 86,694 jobs located in Brimbank at the end of June 2021,

comprising 3.24 per cent of all Greater Melbourne jobs. There was a

decrease of 4.43 per cent in the number of jobs located in Brimbank in

2020-2021.

Promote Brimbank as a

destination to build the

visitor economy and

tourism

Increase in the number

of visitors coming to

Brimbank

10.4% increase (from

2020-2021)

In 2021-2022, 366,899 people were visitors in Brimbank. This includes

domestic overnight trips, day trips and international visits. This is an

increase of 34,682 visitors from 2020-2021 (10.4 per cent).

Number of heritage

places and objects

of State heritage

significance

94

The Heritage Council of Victoria notes that the Brimbank municipality

contains 94 heritage places and objects of State heritage significance.

Facilitate housing

diversity, population

growth and

development

through planning and

assessment processes

Percentage of separate

housing, medium

density and high

density dwelling types

80.3% separate houses

18.6% medium-density

0.7% high-density

In 2021-2022, there were 71,805 private dwellings in Brimbank. Of

these, the majority (80.3 per cent) were separate houses, 18.6 per cent

were designated medium-density and 0.7 per cent high-density. 0.1

per cent were caravans or cabins and 0.3 per cent were another form of

private dwelling.

In Brimbank, 19.3 per cent of the dwellings were medium or high

density, compared to 34 per cent in Greater Melbourne.

Tenure of occupied

private dwellings

34.4% fully owned

31.6% mortgage

25.5% renting

1.6% other tenure type

In Brimbank 2021-2022, 34.4 per cent of private dwellings were fully

owned and 31.6 per cent mortgaged. Of the 25.5 per cent that are

rented, 22.9 per cent are private rentals while 2.4 per cent are rented

social housing. Note: 6.9 per cent were ‘not stated.’

Housing costs that

represent 30 per cent

or more of household

gross income

23.6%–31% In 2021-2022, mortgage paying Brimbank households spent an

average of 31 per cent of household gross income on housing costs.

Rental paying Brimbank households spent an average 23.6 per cent of

household gross income on housing costs.

Support economic and

social inclusion

Percentage of

residents aged 15

years and over who are

employed