In order to keep you up to date with latest Council news and decisions, below is a summary of the most important decisions undertaken by Council at the meeting of 15 July 2008.

Fourth Quarter and Full Year Report June 2008
A report summarising Council’s performance against the Programs/Activities and Performance Targets as set out in the Annual Management Plan and Budget 2007-2010 for the fourth quarter and full year 2007-2008 was presented to Council at the meeting of 15 July 2008.

The report introduced a new reporting format that utilises Council’s new planning and reporting software. The report indicated that, overall, very good progress was made on the programs/activities that Council committed to for the 2007/2008 year with 92% of programs/activities being completed within the financial year.

The Business Paper also provided an overview of Council’s performance within the Sustainability Reporting Framework. The Sustainability Reporting Framework provides a means of acknowledging and understanding the impacts of Council on the community with reference to environmental sustainability, economic sustainability, social sustainability and governance. Council resolved to receive and note the report.

Major Projects Update – Proposed new SES facility at Sydenham
A report seeking Council’s determination of a preferred design concept for the proposed new SES facility at Sydenham Green, Sydenham – including the allocation of additional funding – was presented to Council at the meeting of 15 July.

At its meeting of 20 November 2007 (Item GM 123, 10/07), Council decided to proceed with a proposal to relocate the Marrickville State Emergency Services (SES) building from its current location in Livingstone Road, Marrickville to Sydenham Green. A consortium of consultants was appointed and, after consulting with all relevant stakeholders, initial design options and cost estimates were presented to the Major Projects Steering Committee between April and July. As the cost estimates for these concepts required funding well in excess of Council’s previously endorsed budget, the report sought determination from Council to allocate additional funding from Council’s Property Reserve. Council resolved to adopt the recommendation.

Making a Difference at Marrickville (Mad@m) Project
A report providing an overview and summary of outcomes of the Making a Difference at Marrickville (Mad@m) Project was presented to Council at the meeting of 15 July 2008. The  project ran for 18 months from December 2006 until June 2008 and involved all levels of Council staff working in cross-divisional teams to drive continuous service improvement across a number of operational areas including resource recovery (waste), civil works and fleet services.

Council resolved to receive and note the report and note the considerable achievements of the project.

The Fresh Program for at-risk and vulnerable 8-12 year-old children and their families
At the meeting of 15 July 2008, Council was advised that a program addressing the needs of at risk and vulnerable 8-12 year-old children is being funded by Council in collaboration with a number of community partners. The Fresh Program will take place over two consecutive holiday periods, including follow up with participating families during the intervening school term. Council resolved to receive and note the report.