MISSION AND VALUES OF COUNCIL

 

"A Sustainable Community that is inclusive, attractive, healthy and pleasant to live in, that uses our land so as to preserve our history and environment, respects the rights and equality of our citizens and manages our future growth wisely."

 

CONFIRMED

MINUTES

 

 

OF THE

 

Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting

 

17 September 2015


OUR VISION

 

"A thriving and friendly community that recognises our history and embraces cultural diversity and economic opportunity, whilst nurturing our unique natural and built environment."

 

OUR MISSION

 

“To deliver affordable and quality Local Government services.”

 

CORE VALUES OF THE SHIRE

 

The core values that underpin the achievement of the

 mission will be based on a strong customer service

focus and a positive attitude:

 

Communication

 

Integrity

 

Respect

 

Innovation

 

Transparency

 

Courtesy

 

DISCLAIMER

The purpose of Council Meetings is to discuss, and where possible, make resolutions about items appearing on the agenda.  Whilst Council has the power to resolve such items and may in fact, appear to have done so at the meeting, no person should rely on or act on the basis of such decision or on any advice or information provided by a Member or Officer, or on the content of any discussion occurring, during the course of the meeting.

 

Persons should be aware that the provisions of the Local Government Act 1995 (Section 5.25 (e)) establish procedures for revocation or rescission of a Council decision.  No person should rely on the decisions made by Council until formal advice of the Council decision is received by that person.  The Shire of Broome expressly disclaims liability for any loss or damage suffered by any person as a result of relying on or acting on the basis of any resolution of Council, or any advice or information provided by a Member or Officer, or the content of any discussion occurring, during the course of the Council meeting.

  


MinutesEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 17 September 2015                          Page 3 of 4

 

SHIRE OF BROOME

Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting

Thursday 17 September 2015

INDEX – Minutes

 

1.               Official Opening.. 5

2.               Attendance And Apologies. 5

3.               Declarations Of Financial Interest / Impartiality. 5

4.               Confirmation Of Minutes. 6

5.               Report of Officers. 7

5.1      WHITE PAPER ON DEVELOPING NORTHERN AUSTRALIA.. 7

5.2      REVIEW OF TOURISM ADMINISTRATION POLICY ALLOCATIONS. 15

6.               Motions Without Notice. 26

7.               Matters Behind Closed Doors. 26

8.               Meeting Closure. 26

 


MinutesEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 17 September 2015                          Page 4 of 5

 

 

NOTICE OF MEETING

 

 

 

Dear Council Member,

 

 

The next Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting of the Shire of Broome will be held on Thursday, 17 September 2015 in the Function Room, Corner Weld and Haas Streets, Broome, commencing at 2.00pm.

 

 

 

Regards

 

 

K R DONOHOE

Chief Executive Officer

 

15/09/2015

 


MinutesEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 17 September 2015                          Page 5 of 6

 

MINUTES OF THE Economic Development Advisory Committee Meeting OF THE SHIRE OF BROOME,

HELD IN THE function Room, Corner Weld and Haas Streets, Broome, ON Thursday 17 September 2015, COMMENCING AT 2.00pm.

 

1.         Official Opening

The Chairperson welcomed Committee members and Officers and declared the meeting open at 2:03pm.

2.         Attendance And Apologies 

 

Attendance:              Cr G Campbell          Chairperson

                                      Mr C Ham                   

                                      Mr R Cossart              

                                      Mr G Fiorenza            

                                      Mr D Banfield             

                                      Mr J Brown                 

                                      Mr J Gooding            

                                      Mr K Schellack          

                                      Mr P Ferrante             

                                      Mr P McSweeney     

                                      Ms J Keane                

 

 

Guests:                         Ms J Farmer                Department of Lands

                                      Mr S Proud                  LandCorp

Leave of Absence:   Nil

 

Apologies:                  Mr D Newton             

                                      Ms K Dickinson          

                                      Cr H Tracey                

 

Officers:                       Kenn Donohoe          Chief Executive Officer

                                      Paul Martin                  Deputy Chief Executive Officer

                                      Daniel High                 Manager Economic Development

                                      Tina Ellis                        Community and Economic Development                                                 Administration

 

                                     

3.         Declarations Of Financial Interest / Impartiality

 

FINANCIAL INTEREST

Committee Member

Item No

Item

Nature of Interest

 

 

 

 

 

IMPARTIALITY

Committee Member

Item No

Item

Nature of Interest

Paul McSweeney

5.2

Review of Tourism Administration Policy Allocations

Broome International Airport and Broome Tourism Leadership Group

Paul Ferrante

5.1

&

5.2

White Paper on Developing Northern Australia

The Tourism Administration Policy Reviews

State Government and Landcorp

Jeff Gooding

5.1

&

5.2

White Paper on Developing Northern Australia

Tourism Administration Policy Review

Kimberley Development Commission and the WA State Government

Darren William Banfield

5.2

Review of Tourism Administration Policy Allocations

Tourism

James Brown

5.2

Review of Tourism Administration Policy Allocations

Tourism Industry

4.         Confirmation Of Minutes

 

COMMITTEE Resolution:

Moved: Mr D Banfield                                              Seconded: Mr P McSweeney

That the Minutes of the Economic Development Advisory Committee held on 16 July 2015 be confirmed as a true and accurate record of that meeting.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0

 


 

5.         Report of Officers

 

5.1         WHITE PAPER ON DEVELOPING NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

LOCATION/ADDRESS:                            Nil

APPLICANT:                                              Nil

FILE:                                                           EDP002

AUTHOR:                                                   Manager Economic Development

CONTRIBUTOR/S:                                    Nil

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER:                          Deputy Chief Executive Officer

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST:                     Nil

DATE OF REPORT:                                    4 August 2015

 

SUMMARY:         This report provides an overview of the Federal Governments’ White Paper on Developing Northern Australia for the Economic Development Advisory Committee’s noting and consideration of key initiatives proposed relevant to Broome.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Previous Considerations

 

Nil

 

COMMENT

 

The Federal Government released Australia’s first White Paper on developing Northern Australia on June 18, 2015; building on feedback received from the Green Paper process undertaken in 2013.

 

With a land mass covering over three million square kilometres and a population of over one million people, the White Paper outlines the currently untapped potential in Northern Australia.

 

The White Paper is a roadmap for achieving the Federal vision for the north by 2035 in consultation with the people who live and do business in the north. It is an ambitious long term reform agenda based on improving the economic conditions in Northern Australia.

 

The White Paper delivers an initial investment of $1.2 billion. This is in addition to the $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, providing concessional finance for infrastructure projects in the north.

 

The Commonwealth Government has already committed nearly $5 billion of its $50 billion nationwide investment in transport infrastructure to the north (including $172.2 million for the North West Coastal Highway).

 

The White Paper includes measures to unlock the north’s potential across six key areas:

 

·    simpler land arrangements to support investment;

·    developing the north’s water resources; 

·    growing the north as a business, trade and investment gateway;

·    investing in infrastructure to lower business and household costs;

·    reducing barriers to employing people; and

·    improving governance.

 

Simpler land arrangements to support investment

 

Land in the north has the potential to support greater and more diverse economic activity. But the complexity of land arrangements has slowed development to date.

The federal Government is supporting simpler and more secure land arrangements in the north, by investing:

 

·    $20.4 million to support native title bodies to realise their potential and negotiate more efficiently with business;

·    $17 million to support secure property rights for cadastral surveys, area mapping and township leases; and

·    $10.6 million for pilot land tenure reforms to help fund ‘next steps’ for projects that demonstrate the benefits of tenure reform, particularly on pastoral leases.

The Federal Government will also work with the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) to:

 

·    reduce native title costs and delays – the Government wants all existing native title claims settled in the next 10 years; and

·    allow Indigenous Australians to borrow against, or lease out, exclusive native title land.

Developing the north’s water resources

 

The Government will support the development of more water resources in the north by establishing a $200 million Water Infrastructure Development Fund. The Fund will provide up to $5 million for a detailed examination of land-use suitability for Ord Stage 3.

 

Secure water rights will be a condition for any water delivered through new Commonwealth funded water infrastructure.

 

The Government will also provide $15 million for water resource assessments of the Mitchell River (Queensland), West Kimberley (Western Australia) and Darwin region (Northern Territory).

 

Growing the north as a business, trade and investment gateway

 

The White paper proposes that more business, trade and investment means stronger growth, more jobs, higher incomes and better living standards in the north and across Australia.

 

The proximity to the fast-growing Asian and tropical regions means boundless opportunities for Australian goods and services is reaching unprecedented levels.

 

The Federal Government aims to attract more investors to the north by:

 

·    hosting a major northern investment forum in Darwin in late 2015 to bring together international investors, supported by the new investment prospectus: “Northern Australia emerging opportunities in an advanced economy”;

·    setting up a new $75 million Cooperative Research Centre on Developing Northern Australia;

·    investing $15.3 million to position the north as a global leader in tropical health;

·    providing $12.4 million for Indigenous Ranger groups to expand biosecurity surveillance, with further details on biosecurity to be announced in the forthcoming Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper; and

·    helping business enter new markets and supply chains by increasing access to the Entrepreneurs’ Infrastructure Programme and Industry Skills Fund.

Investing in infrastructure to lower business and household costs

 

·    The Federal Government aims to end red tape delays by partnering with the Northern Territory Government to establish a ‘single point of entry’ in Darwin to streamline regulatory processes and cut red tape for major investors.

·    The Federal Government has also flagged removal of excessive regulatory burden by streamlining and simplifying cultural heritage, fisheries, and wildlife trade regulations, and supporting northern industries including fisheries and crocodile trade.

 

Infrastructure has been identified as critical to fast tracking growth and unlocking the north’s economic potential. The Commonwealth Government will focus on funding high priority infrastructure through:

 

·    a $5 billion Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility, providing concessional loans for major infrastructure in the north and supporting projects prioritised on the new infrastructure pipeline;

·    a new $600 million roads package to improve key roads in the north, including consideration of upgrades for the Arnhem, Barkly, Flinders, Great Northern, Savannah and Hann highways, the Outback Way and the Tanami Road;

·    a $100 million beef roads fund which will help improve cattle supply chains;

·    investing $39.6 million to upgrade airstrips and subsidise air services in remote Australia; and

·     investing $5 million in rail freight analyses — starting with a pre-feasibility analysis of the Mount Isa to Tennant Creek railway.


Reducing barriers to employing people

 

The White paper outlines how the north’s workforce needs are unique with many businesses effectively shut down or cut back during the wet season and working long hours in the dry season.  For example, tourism workers often need to work outside standard hours, while mining or agriculture workers can be required to stay onsite for extended periods of time.

 

The White Paper aims to build on existing initiatives across Australia including reforms to higher education, skills and training and the $5.5 billion Growing Jobs and Small Business Package to create the right conditions for small business to grow and create new jobs.

 

The Government also aims to assist in helping more Australians to work in the north by:

 

·    assisting the Northern Territory Government to streamline recognition of occupational licenses from other jurisdictions, abolishing red tape and expanding job opportunities;

·    supporting northern business to invest in the skills of their workforce with additional assistance under the Industry Skills Fund; and

·    supporting remote job seekers to work in real jobs through reforms to the Remote Jobs and Communities Programme.

 

Improving Governance

 

Actions within the White Paper aimed at improving governance include:

 

·    continue to work with Indigenous Australians, the northern jurisdictions and industry so the north can reach its full potential.

·    the Northern Australia Strategic Partnership — the biannual gathering of First Ministers from the Commonwealth and northern jurisdictions — will be made permanent.

·    the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia will be continued for the life of the Parliament to ensure ongoing bipartisan support for developing the north.

·    shifting the Office of Northern Australia to the north to increase links between the north and the Commonwealth.

 

The overall intent of the White paper is to ensure that Northern Australia can reach its full potential and become an economic powerhouse for Australia by driving down the costs of operating in the north for business making it a more attractive place to invest and work.

 

Officer recommendation

 

The White paper timeframes for the aspirations within the Developing Northern Australia paper are divided into 2, 5, 10 and 20 year plans from 2015 to 2035 (see page 126 of attachment 2 for context of these timeframes against each area of focus) and the initiatives are numerous. It is therefore important to consider those that may most benefit Broome in the short, medium and long term.

 

The next step for EDAC to consider is the initiatives that are most relevant to Broome and determine how the Federal Government will operationalise the aspirations within the White Paper. There is a heavy focus on the Northern Territory and Queensland within the White paper and officers recommend that EDAC target the following salient initiatives for the Shire President, Chief Executive Officer and key Stakeholders to lobby the Federal Government for Broome to be considered for funding or involvement in the operation of the proposed initiatives.

 

1.   Lobby for, and monitor, pilot programs relating to supporting economic activity on land in the North and in Native Title - particularly those that provide land tenure reform, long term tradeable Native Title rights, support investment on indigenous land and allow more economic activity on pastoral land.

 

2.   Lobby for development of West Kimberley and North Kimberley water and water infrastructure to support increased agricultural production (Fitzroy River, La grange and Ord) – ensuring this is aligned with work already undertaken by the State through the Department of Agriculture and Food and Department for Water.

 

3.   Participation and attendance within existing budget parameters in the major investment forum proposed for Darwin in late 2015 and alignment with work undertaken by the Department of Agriculture in regards to their Trade and Investment teams and Northern Beef Futures team as well as the Department of State and Regional Development.

 

4.   Seeking details and promoting the $664m Industry Skills Fund to businesses seeking to expand into the North.

 

5.   Lobby the Federal government for inclusion of Broome Aquaculture studies in the $75m CRC program which supports industry led collaborations between industry and research organisations – in particular pearling and fin fish farming in consultation with the Department of Fisheries and local Broome pearling and aquaculture industry.

 

6.   Support and monitor the White Paper actions relating to insurance affordability and the one stop shop / streamlined approach for environmental approvals.

 

7.   Lobbying for improved communications infrastructure investments, in particular the Mobile Black Spots Programme for areas like the Dampier Peninsula.

 

8.   Lobbying for improvements to the Great Northern Highway to support resources and gas industries.

 

9.   Participation and advocacy for Broome in relation to actions aimed at improving aviation access and coastal shipping reforms, in particular the Beef Roads fund aimed at improving cattle supply chains.

 

10. Supporting the expansion of the working holiday maker VISA program and expanding and streamlining the seasonal worker program to support Broome’s agriculture, horticulture, tourism, mining, construction and hospitality industries.

 

CONSULTATION

 

Consultation with all key stakeholders and State and Local Governments was undertaken through the release of the Green paper in 2013 with the White Paper outlining the results.

 

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT

 

The White Paper is a Federal initiative and as such there is no impact on the Local Government Statutory Environment.

 

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

 

The White paper proposes a raft of Federal policy changes but has little impact on Local Policy at this time.

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

Financial implications of the initiatives are yet to be determined by the Federal Government.  Should the Shire or other stakeholders wish to pursue certain initiatives such as the Trade and Investment Show in Darwin in late 2015, it is proposed to achieve this within existing budget allocations.  If a greater involvement is sought then Council would need to consider this separately.

 

RISK

 

The moderate risk relating to the White paper is that the focus of the Federal Government initiatives and funding is on the Northern Territory and Queensland. For this reason, officers are recommending early advocacy and engagement with the Federal Government to ensure Broome is considered in the context of relevant initiatives and funding. This will allow mitigation of the risk of Broome not being considered in the context of the aspirations of the White Paper. Recent work undertaken by the EDAC and stakeholders such as the Economic Profile and Inward Investment Prospectus will assist in this process.

 

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS  

 

Our People Goal – Foster a community environment that is accessible, affordable, inclusive, healthy and safe:

 

Effective communication

 

Affordable services and initiatives to satisfy community need

 

A healthy and safe environment

 

High level social capital that increases community capacity

 

Our Place Goal – Help to protect the nature and built environment and cultural heritage of Broome whilst recognising the unique sense of the place:

 

Realistic and sustainable land use strategies for the Shire within state and national frameworks and in consultation with the community

 

A built environment that reflects arid tropical climate design principles and historical built form

 

Retention and expansion of Broome’s iconic tourism assets and reputation

 

Best practice asset management to optimise Shires’ infrastructure whilst minimising life cycle costs.

 

Council is able to mobilise resources to deliver municipal services to Indigenous communities that are compliant, effective and within Council’s capacity.

 

Our Prosperity Goal – Create the means to enable local jobs creation and lifestyle affordability for the current and future population:

 

Affordable and equitable services and infrastructure

 

Affordable land for residential, industrial, commercial and community use

 

Key economic development strategies for the Shire which are aligned to regional outcomes working through recognised planning and development groups/committees

 

Our Organisation Goal – Continually enhance the Shire’s organisational capacity to service the needs of a growing community:

 

An organisational culture that strives for service excellence

 

Sustainable and integrated strategic and operational plans

 

Responsible resource allocation

 

VOTING REQUIREMENTS

Simple Majority

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATION:

That the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends that Council:

1.       Note the Federal Government White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.

2.       Authorise the Chief Executive Officer, key stakeholders and Shire President to lobby, monitor, participate and advocate for Broome to be considered within the context of the following funding initiatives;

(a)         Lobby for, and monitor, pilot programs relating to supporting economic activity on land in the North and in Native Title - particularly those that provide land tenure reform, long term, tradeable Native Title rights, support investment on indigenous land and allow more economic activity on pastoral land.

(b)         Lobby for development of West Kimberley and North Kimberley water and water infrastructure to support increased agricultural production (Fitzroy River, La grange and Ord) – ensuring this is aligned with work already undertaken by the State through the Department of Agriculture and Food and Department for Water.

(c)         Participation and attendance within existing budget parameters in the major investment forum proposed for Darwin in late 2015 and alignment with work undertaken by the Department of Agriculture in regards to their Trade and Investment teams and Northern Beef Futures team as well as the Department of State and Regional Development.

(d)         Seeking details and promoting the $664m Industry Skills Fund to businesses seeking to expand into the North.

(e)         Lobby the Federal government for inclusion of Broome aquaculture studies in the $75m CRC program which supports industry led collaborations between industry and research organisations – in particular pearling and fin fish farming in consultation with the Department of Fisheries and local Broome pearling and aquaculture industry.

(f)           Support and monitor the White Paper actions relating to insurance affordability and the one stop shop / streamlined approach for environmental approvals.

(g)         Lobbying for improved communications infrastructure investments, in particular the Mobile Black Spots Programme for areas like the Dampier Peninsula.

(h)          Lobbying for improvements to the Great Northern Highway to support resources and gas industries.

(i)           Participation and advocacy for Broome in relation to actions aimed at improving aviation access and coastal shipping reforms, in particular the Beef Roads fund aimed at improving cattle supply chains.

(j)           Supporting the expansion of the working holiday maker VISA program and expanding and streamlining the seasonal worker program to support Broome’s agriculture, horticulture, tourism, mining, construction and hospitality industries.

 

 

COMMITTEE Resolution:

Moved: Cr G Campbell                                          Seconded: Mr C Ham

That Standing Orders be suspended at 2:19pm.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0

 

Two (2) presentations were made to the Economic Development Advisory Committee:

 

·         Chris Ham – Project Manager, Department of Agriculture and Food

La Grange Agricultural Project

 

·         Jacqui Farmer – Manager of Operations North, Department of Lands

Land Tenure Pathway for Irrigated Infrastructure

 

committee Resolution:

Moved: Mr P Ferrante                                              Seconded: Mr D Banfield

That Standing Orders be reinstated at 3:34pm.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0

 

 

COMMITTEE Resolution:

Moved: Mr J Gooding                                             Seconded: Mr J Brown

That the Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends that Council:

1.         Note the Federal Government White Paper on Developing Northern Australia.

2.         Seek all constructive measures to engage with the commonwealth and the state governments on development initiatives that advance Broome and the west Kimberley’s social and economic future.

3.         Request the Chief Executive Officer identify to Council the initiatives which can be progressed by the Shire.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0

 

Reason:  To ensure alignment with State and Federal actions that relate to the White paper.

 

Attachments

1.

WHITE PAPER OVERVIEW DEVELOPING NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

2.

WHITE PAPER DEVELOPING NORTHERN AUSTRALIA

 


MinutesEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 17 September 2015                     Page 15 of 16

 

 

5.2         REVIEW OF TOURISM ADMINISTRATION POLICY ALLOCATIONS

LOCATION/ADDRESS:                            Nil

APPLICANT:                                              Nil

FILE:                                                           EC105.3

AUTHOR:                                                   Manager Economic Development

CONTRIBUTOR/S:                                    Nil

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER:                          Deputy Chief Executive Officer

DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST:                     Nil

DATE OF REPORT:                                    7 August 2015

 

SUMMARY:         This report provides a review of the Tourism Administration Policy and differential rate allocation subsequent to consultation with recipients of funding from the Tourism Administration Policy as requested by Council at the June 2, 2015 OMC.

Officers have recommended a revised process and Policy with the aim of improving collaboration on high level tourism priorities, standardising administration, enhancing information received that is specific to Shire funding, improving acknowledgement of the Shire’s funding support and enhancing the ability of Council and the EDAC to undertake comparative analysis of the Tourism Administration Policy allocations between recipients.

The policy has also been amended to include elements such as coordination and infrastructure sharing opportunities between industries, improving analysis of funding submissions by allowing the EDAC to provide recommendations to Council, including contemporary forms of funding acknowledgement such as social media and updating the policy to reflect the formation of the Broome Tourism Leadership Group.

 

BACKGROUND

 

Previous Considerations

 

SMC 2 July 1999                   Item 5.2

OMC 22 July 2003                Item 9.1.2

OMC 18 January 2007        Item 9.1.3

OMC 11 April 2007              Item 9.4.1

OMC 9 July 2009                  Item 9.4.3

OMC 14 April 2011              Item 9.2.1

SMC 13 July 2011                 Item 9.2.1

OMC 19 April 2012              Item 9.4.4

June 2015 OMC                   Item 9.4.4

 

At the June 2, 2015 OMC the following resolution was passed by Council after consideration of an analysis by officers relating to the Tourism Administration Policy and differential rate allocation. For context and background into the Tourism differential rate policy, the June 2 agenda paper Minutes and analysis undertaken by officers is included in Attachment 1 and Attachment 2. A review of the tourism Administration Policy allocations was required due to the creation of the Broome Tourism Leadership Group and the need to ensure greater consistency, standardisation and clarity of the process associated with the administration and analysis of outcomes generated from the Shire allocations.

 

It should be noted that the 15/16 financial year allocations to Cruise Ships and the Broome Tourism Leadership Group came from a $30,000 allocation that is usually held by the Shire to support initiatives that arise within the year, with previous year spends including support for the Staircase to the Moon Markets, Cruise Ships and initiatives associated with being the guest town at the Perth Royal Show. This was deemed as an equitable way to ensure current recipients of funding were not disadvantaged whilst the review and consultation was undertaken. Allocations for the 15/16 year have already been determined as per the OMC June 2 resolution below, with all recipients advised accordingly in mid June.

 

 

Post the Council resolution officers met twice with funding recipients (Australia’s North West, Broome Visitors Centre and the Broome Tourism Leadership Group) to consult on, and discuss, the amendments proposed to the policy and administration of the allocations as well as provide an example report format to assist Council in comparative analysis of the high level priorities proposed by recipients along with key performance indicators against these high level priorities.

 

The progress and mark up amendments to the policy were sent to Councillors for their feedback and input and subsequently sent to the recipients of funding for their formal comments. A clean copy of the final policy can be seen at Attachment 3 and a marked up copy highlighting changed areas can be seen at Attachment 4. The overall process can be seen at Attachment 5. The report format can be seen at Attachment 6.

 

Broadly officers are proposing the following:

 

-      A collaborative meeting is held with BVC, ANW and BTLG to identify high level tourism priorities for the coming year(s).

-      A report /and or workshop would then be presented to EDAC for consideration of these high level priorities and recommendation to Council.

-      Following Council consideration of the high level priorities, each organisations who receive funds would be invited to make a submission for funding for the coming year(s) including performance measures against the initiatives proposed.

-      These submissions would be assessed by officers and referred to EDAC for consideration and then recommendation to Council. 

-      Following Council consideration funding agreements would be entered into. 

The policy also clarifies the reporting requirements for each organisation requiring more concise information relating to Shire funded initiatives but less administration in terms of updating 4 year strategic plans and financials, enhances Shire acknowledgement and makes the mediums used more contemporary.  There is also the introduction of elements such as shared infrastructure and collaboration between industries and parties receiving funding.

The following reports provide EDAC members with a current overview of Tourism in Broome. Attachment 7 - Broome Tourism Leadership Group Strategy, Attachment 8 – BTLG Strategy Measures and Attachment 9 – Broome Future “Unlocking the Door Report” section on Tourism.

 

COMMENT

 

The following feedback was received from recipients of the Tourism Administration Policy allocation with officer comment:

 

Organisation

Feedback

Officer Comment

 

ANW

 

Item 2.2 refers to the provision of a strategic plan to Council. It is suggested that a timeframe is referred to for the provision of this report. It would make sense for this to be the same time as the Shire-specific report but perhaps should be clarified.

 

Officers agree that information related to strategic plans would make sense to be submitted at this time. The intent of this review was to minimise administration in relation to the previously required four year strategic plans and them being updated annually and to gain extra detail regarding the Shire specific funding and reporting on the outcomes of Shire funded initiatives.

 

Officers have updated the Policy to reflect that the Strategic plan (in the organisations nominated format) with any updates be submitted at the same time as the Shire specific report in December.

 

 

 

The December timeframe for the provision of a Shire-specific report presents difficulties. ANW works on a financial year and an operational plan and budget will be developed during April to June for implementation in July. This currently requires ratification by the ANW Board and the Tourism WA Board. The suggested process of identifying activities in December (2.6i) to be covered by Shire of Broome funding effectively encourages these activities to be treated separately from the rest of the overall marketing activity. Whilst the quarantining of funds may lead to more campaigns, but not necessarily activities that are as effective as possible. It may preclude the opportunity to leverage funds in an effort to achieve greater reach and frequency. In addition, many activities that benefit Broome come to the attention of ANW at short notice, meaning that future opportunities may not proceed. A recent example of this would be the filming of two episodes of The Bachelor in Broome. The opportunity was presented to ANW only 4 weeks out from filming. It provided excellent exposure and this type of activity may possibly not proceed under the suggested format. To overcome these obstacles, the following suggestions are proposed:

 

Review the December date to be in line with the rest of the ANW planning process

 

 

 

Allow some funds to be un-committed and applied to ad-hoc opportunities

 

 

 

 

Allow for a process that enables the plan to be amended at short notice should circumstances require.

 

Noted – A primary desire of the Policy review is to enable the Shire (through the EDAC and Council) to be able to compare all proposals related to funding at the same time, this has been aligned to the Shires budget process and undertaking this analysis along this time frame also allows for appropriate notice periods to funding recipients regarding their funding.

Standardising the timeframe for submissions is considered an important process improvement in comparison to the current process which did not stipulate timeframes making comparison of effectiveness and outcomes difficult. As the funding body officers consider it important that recipients of funding are aligned to the required Shire budget process.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Officers consider the December timeline to be important in achieving policy objectives particularly in light of the large funding amounts that are received by recipients.

 

 

Officers consider that that an unallocated ad hoc opportunity funding amount could be an appropriate way to meet this requirement and overcome the obstacles detailed. Details of how this allocation has achieved results in the past can be provided as justification.

 

 

A delegation of authority to the CEO could be requested to allow short notice amendment should an opportunity arise that could justify such a circumstance in response to an opportunity. This would need to be within the overall budget allocation received as determined through the process and appropriate notification / justification being received – officers recommend 4 weeks prior to such an opportunity. This has been incorporated into the Policy in section 8.2.

 

 

 

It is acknowledged that the funds for ANW are for the purpose of promotion of Broome as a tourism destination, and therefore the primary spend by ANW will be on marketing activity. To implement marketing activity requires some form of human resource –whether this be provided by ANW staff or whether that cost is embedded in campaign activity by engaging third parties to complete the work. Consideration needs to be given to some administrative capacity to be able to deliver the marketing activity.

Noted – Administration capacity can be costed into any proposed Shire specific initiative as outlined in the Shire specific report. This would be consistent with current arrangements. Applicants should however note that overtly resource heavy proposals may have an adverse impact on analysis of comparative benefit if results are not achieved.

 

 

 

The way the policy now reads is that organisations are not provided with any indication of what funding levels may be available each year and the format could lead to a competitive environment between organisations in accessing funds. If a competitive process is the desire of the Council then this should be stipulated. If it is not a desire, then measurements should be put in place to avoid this situation. If the latter, item 8.0 of the policy states that a sum certain will be determined by Council as part of the budget process. Therefore it is suggested that each organisation be provided with an outline of that determination to provide some guidance as to their individual planning processes.

 

The sum certain represents the total allocation under the Tourism Differential rates policy (i.e. the overall pool amount) This is unlikely to vary greatly from the current allocation of $315,000 in total but will be determined annually by Council.

 

The intent of the policy review and reporting is to ensure that funding can be allocated to initiatives that will deliver the best return, and to have the outcomes or KPI’s against high level priorities measured.

 

As the current funding amounts have remained relatively stable for each organisation this can provide an appropriate baseline for consideration / guidance for applicants.

 

 

 

You are correct in that the outline below could be considered an extensive process. From the detail below it appears that the EDAC will be presented with firstly a combined report and then a submission from each organisation – and on both instances they will make recommendations to Council for consideration. This seems a very convoluted process and seems to place a strong emphasis on the role of the EDAC. Whilst 2.4 provides for the CEO to refer the report to the EDAC, indications in the email below is that this has been decided. Further clarification of the role of the EDAC in this process should be outlined. The nine month time frame also seems onerous.

 

Officers consider the importance of maximising the Tourism Administration Policy spend is such that the Policy proposes to receive as much feedback and consultation with industry and the Shire as possible.

 

 The addition of the EDAC into this process along with associated feedback for Council consideration is considered an important part of this process to allow this to occur. Although a longer timeframe officers consider the additional structure, engagement and analysis to be required due to the funding amounts received and the fact that The Shire makes up a significant contribution to ANW for marketing the region. Policy amended to confirm presentation to EDAC.

It is proposed that the funding agreements will be for a two year period.  This will mean that this process only needs to be undertaken every two years.  This timeframe is expected to address this concern.

 

Organisation

Feedback

Officer Comment

 

BVC

 

The BVC Board has reviewed this document and offered principal support to it – One item for the discussion was the potential impact arising from a reduction in funding and how this would be detrimental to the essential service the BVC provides.

Noted – Under the revised policy all requests for funding will be comparatively analysed to maximise the benefit of the Tourism Policy allocations

 

It was discussed that it would be the BVC hope that the allocation of funds would not be spread too thinly, meaning potential recipients were ultimately limited in performing their function. It was also noted that the BVC is self-funding and this income is the only source of external funding the BVC receives. The BVC Board also acknowledged that this funding only contributes to a very small part of the BVC operating budget.

Noted. As stated above future funding requests under this policy will be comparatively assessed on their merits and determined accordingly.

 

The BVC are supportive of the dialogue engagement with the BTLG for the purpose of future direction around funding and greater collaboration across the sector. The Board were also pleased to read that there is potential for increased funding under this modified policy.

Officers consider the aspects of increased consultation and collaboration to be an important part of the policy review. As stated above the comparative analysis of funding requests does provide the potential for increased funding but conversely also provides for the potential of reduced funding based on comparative analysis of the funding requests received and analysis undertaken by officers, the EDAC and Council.

 

It was raised in the Board meeting that the timelines proposed would make it challenging for the BVC to set forward budget as the BVC financial year end is December. This was raised in our recent meeting

Officers consider the standardising of timeframes across the policy an important aspect of being able to comparatively analyse the funding requests received. This financial year is committed allowing certainty until June 30, 2016 whilst the revised process is enacted to inform allocations for the 16/17 FY. 

 

As each recipient delivers different services and operates to different reporting requirements no one timeframe will suit all recipients thus the officer recommendation that the timeframes are aligned to the Shire budget process for all recipients who wish to access Shire funds.

 

As to the matter of funding being determined and advised to the Board of the BVC in the timeframes proposed, it was suggested that if at least two year commitments were made this would in turn provide certainty and assist the  BVC budget process

A two year funding commitment could be considered to alleviate issues surrounding the timing of submissions – It is not unusual for the Shire to enter into longer term agreements with funding recipients and this may be a way of providing greater financial certainty to recipients although reporting requirements would need to be maintained on a yearly basis within this allocation.

 

The Board also outlined that the Audited financials could not be provided at the end of December for the immediate year passed due to the financial year reporting period. The BVC Audit is prepared for the AGM which is currently held in March or April each year. It was suggested however that the BVC could provide a “Year to Date” summary, however this would be after the December month end reporting

Officers consider a year to date summary received in late December, with subsequent audited financials in March to verify this could potentially be accommodated provided all other requirements are received to the timeframes stipulated. This could be amended within the policy for BVC in relation to the audited financials section only.

 

The BVC Board take this opportunity to reiterate our commitment to providing the essential service of Visitor Servicing and reinforce the significance that this funding provides in ensuring the BVC’s Operational purpose.

Noted

 

We look forward to working alongside the new Shire following the upcoming elections and trust the Shire will continue to look favourably on the BVC and continue to support the role we play.

Noted

 

 

 

Organisation

Feedback

Officer Comment

 

BTLG

 

The policy documentation was referred to the BTLG and there are no major issue with the policy raised. Officers were advised to take this feedback as acceptance of the policy as is.

Noted – Officers consider this a good outcome in light of the industry involvement and strategic role that the BTLG perform since being formed.

OFFICER RECOMMENDATION

 

The EDAC endorse the Tourism Administration Policy amendments for consideration by Council with consideration of the following which have been incorporated into the Policy:

 

·    The timeframes and process remain aligned to the Shire budget cycle;

·    The strategic plan of each organisation (in its nominated format) is clarified as being received in December of each year;

·    Administration costs can be incorporated into proposed initiatives (this does not need to be made explicit in the Policy);

·    In the case of ANW, an ad hoc allocation can be submitted to ensure responsiveness to initiatives that may arise at short notice (this does not need to be made explicit in the Policy);

·    The Chief Executive Officer is given delegated authority to amend allocations against initiatives proposed, but within overall allocation for each organisation, if appropriate justification can be received in an appropriate timeframe of 4 weeks;

·    The EDAC is confirmed as part of the process of comparative analysis to provide recommendations to Council of each allocation;

·    In the case of BVC, a minor amendment to the financial section allowing an end of year summary in December to be validated by audited financials in March of each year.

 

The EDAC give consideration to (with subsequent recommendation to Council) of funding agreements being entered into in two year arrangements to provide certainty to recipients. This would be subject to receiving the required participation and reports on a yearly basis and that these are maintained within determined allocations across the two year period. As this will be considered by EDAC and is a relatively important aspect this is not yet incorporated into the Policy, pending feedback from EDAC members.

 

If Council was to adopt the revised policy it would inform allocations for the 16/17 Financial year.

 

CONSULTATION

 

Australia’s North West

Broome Visitors Centre

Broome Tourism Leadership Group

 

STATUTORY ENVIRONMENT

 

Nil

 

POLICY IMPLICATIONS

 

Policy 2.1.6 – Tourism Administration Policy

 


 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

The table below outlines start up costs and ongoing costs involved in a service project:

 

Service:

Tourism Administration Policy

Cost per year (historical)

 Annual cost as per 15/16 budget)

Remarks

Tourism Administration policy Funds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$315,000

$315,000

The total sum certain for the Tourism Administration Policy is determined by Council on an annual basis

Budget codes 0132020

0132060

0132070

Budget Impact

$315,000

$315,000

 

TOTAL

             $315,000

             $315,000

 

 

 

RISK

 

The primary risk relates to stakeholder management or possible stakeholder discontent in relation to funding allocations from the organisations involved. This is considered possible with minor risk. Officers consider this to have remedial risk of low profile due to the mitigating factors put in place relating to the enhanced process and consultation being proposed, enhanced comparative analysis and the fact that input from stakeholders, EDAC and Council has been undertaken with feedback received being able to be addressed with only minor modifications to the policy.

 

It should be noted that there is also a significant opportunity for increased reward in the form of tourism and economic outcomes for Broome and better analysis of Shire funding for Tourism as a result of maximising the Tourism Policy spend and as a result of the additional consultation, alignment and updates proposed. This will allow progressively enhanced analytics and measurements of Shire funded Tourism initiatives over time.

 

 

STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONS  

 

Our People Goal – Foster a community environment that is accessible, affordable, inclusive, healthy and safe:

 

Effective communication

 

Affordable services and initiatives to satisfy community need

 

Our Place Goal – Help to protect the nature and built environment and cultural heritage of Broome whilst recognising the unique sense of the place:

 

A built environment that reflects arid tropical climate design principles and historical built form

 

Retention and expansion of Broome’s iconic tourism assets and reputation

 

Our Prosperity Goal – Create the means to enable local jobs creation and lifestyle affordability for the current and future population:

 

Affordable and equitable services and infrastructure

 

Key economic development strategies for the Shire which are aligned to regional outcomes working through recognised planning and development groups/committees

 

Our Organisation Goal – Continually enhance the Shire’s organisational capacity to service the needs of a growing community:

 

An organisational culture that strives for service excellence

 

Responsible resource allocation

 

Effective community engagement

 

Improved systems, processes and compliance

 

 

VOTING REQUIREMENTS

Simple Majority

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATION:

The Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends that Council:

1.       Adopts the revised Tourism Administration Policy 2.1.6 as attached which incorporates feedback received as part of the consultation process outlined in the Officer Recommendation section of this report.

2.       Considers entering into 2 year funding agreements with organisations receiving funding from this policy.

 

 

committee Resolution:

Moved: Cr G Campbell                                          Seconded: Mr G Fiorenza

That Standing Orders be suspended at 3:45pm.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0

 

committee Resolution:

Moved: Mr R Cossart                                               Seconded: Mr K Schellack

That Standing Orders be reinstated at 4:01pm.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0


MinutesEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 17 September 2015                     Page 25 of 26

 

 

committee Resolution:

Moved: Mr J Brown                                                  Seconded: Mr K Schellack

The Economic Development Advisory Committee recommends that Council:

1.       Adopts the revised Tourism Administration Policy 2.1.6 as attached which incorporates feedback received as part of the consultation process outlined in the Officer Recommendation section of this report.

2.       Considers entering into funding agreements with organisations receiving funding from this policy.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11/0

 

Reason:  Provide flexibility for funding terms within the policy.

 

Attachments

1.

Minutes of June 2 OMC related to Tourism Administration Policy

2.

Review of Requirements under Tourism Administration Policy June 2 OMC attachment

3.

Tourism Administration Policy Final Clean

4.

Tourism Administration Policy Marked Up Amendments

5.

Process for Tourism Administration Policy

6.

Shire of Broome Report format for funding recipients

7.

Broome Tourism Leadership Group -Tourism Strategy

8.

BTLG Strategy Measures

9.

Tourism Information from Broome Future - Unlocking the Door Report

   


MinutesEconomic Development Advisory Committee Meeting 17 September 2015                     Page 26 of 26

 

6.         Motions Without Notice

 

7.         Matters Behind Closed Doors

Nil

8.         Meeting Closure

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed at 4:11pm.