At last week’s meeting we were privileged to have Surf Coast Shire CEO Keith Baillie share with us some of his life experiences. We were also given an insight into the challenges facing Local Government and specifically Surf Coast Shire.
Keith spent 20 years working in the commercial sector having completed his schooling at Geelong College before completing a Bachelor of Economics and Master of Business Administration
Prior to entering Local Government Keith was Executive Manager Corporate Services for John Sands Australia in Melbourne. However it was an invitation to join a Council Committee in Macedon that created the turning point in Keith’s professional career. The rich and rewarding experience of bringing positive outcomes to the community was the attraction that sparked Keith’s interest in a career transition to Local Government. Keith was appointed as the CEO for the Shire of Campaspe in 2007 which he held until his commencement as CEO with the Surf Coast here in Torquay in January this year
Upon his commencement Keith was surprised to learn that the Surf Coast Shire had no Mission Statement, a situation he intends to change and the Shires mission will be to improve the lives of the people within the municipality.
One of the greatest looming challenges will be the expected doubling of the population in the Shire from the current levels by 2036 which will place enormous demand on service. It is expected that the population increase will be greater in Torquay and to a lesser extent in outer towns such as Winchelsea
Ratepayer Survey
The recent Rate payer Survey reflected a big improvement rate payer satisfaction in Lorne which like Winchelsea had previously reported feeling isolated and left out. The demographic group of men aged 35-49 also reported dissatisfaction with Shire performance.
It will become more difficult to maintain CSI in the future as a result of, now Premier, Daniel Andrews election promise of Rate Capping which is scheduled to begin on 1st July 2016
Rates have been increasing at a current average of 5.7% over past 6 years with a recent increase of 5%. The introduction of a 3% or less cap next year is one of the Shires greatest challenges as it grapples to deal with how to maintain services with smaller Rate Increases. Some of the options are:-
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Developer Contributed Funding (DCF)is one source of additional revenue.
Currently 38 projects planned utilising DCF through to However these will require $59m of Council funding to complete them
Funding is challenging - How to balance the books?
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Business Improvement
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Seeking Efficiency, reduce costs (trim the fat)
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Review of Council Services, some services may be cut, reduced or be provided on more of a “user pays” basis.
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Increasing Non Rate Revenue
The Aquatic/Health Facility
I am sure that whilst most present were interested to hear some greater insight on the controversial Aquatic facility fortunately, it did not dominate the evenings proceedings.
This is a $29m project which is not currently a Developer Funded Project
In the recent Survey of (a) entire Shire the support regarding “The Pool” question was:-YES =37% NO=54%
And not surprisingly when considering residents within a 5klm radius of Torquay the YES vote increased to 51%
Since the proposal of a supplementary charge to Rate payers was raised the recent feedback to Council is a that there is now a stronger NO message
With a looming Federal Election the opportunity for Advocacy to figure in promises is vital however Council needs to have projects planned and ready to go to attract 50% matched funding by Fed Govt.
The possible projects are
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3 Court Basketball Stadium $12m
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Pool
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Projects within Winchelsea (Growing Winchelsea) & Park Development in Lorne
Environmental Leadership is strong within the Shire
Co-operative opportunities with Torquay Rotary
Keith concluded by presenting a number of possible opportunities for our club to work with the Shire.
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Dog Walk (currently under revision as Council has withdrawn support)
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“Peoples Solar” financial support for community groups/School premises to install solar to become more self-sufficient. Currently Aireys Inlet School working on this.
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Respite Facilities Aireys following a model in Echuca for donation of a house to enable local/government staff to care for members of the community when in respite.
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‘Give Where You Live” who are about to launch a Torquay arm of this Geelong based charity. Locally raised funds would be spent on local projects.
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Exercise Parks/Stations similar to proposal with GORCC
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Foundation 61 Farm in Mt Duneed using a non-traditional way of providing hope & direction for people confronting life controlling issues such as Drugs (Ice in particular) and Alcohol addiction. Currently they receive 2-3 calls a day from people requiring support and are unable to utilise all of the rooms they have available due to a lack of funds. Ironically grants are available to build more buildings but there is insufficient funding to provide the staff required to work with the residents. Currently 6 rooms are vacant with each room requiring $15k/pa to staff.
An interesting Q & A followed and I am sure that the modest number of members who were present found our new CEO Keith to be very open and honest regarding all Council issues.
Greg Plumridge
Chairman
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