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Media Release - Proposed New Direction for Bellingen Shire Council Works SectionLast modified: February 5, 2008 - 8:15 AM
Bellingen Shire Council is seeking to achieve the most efficient and effective outcome for its Works services, functions, equipment and facilities. Issues relating to occupational health & safety, workflow, as well as general efficiency and effectiveness have been identified and are being addressed via a strategic planning process to establish a long-term solution for Depot sites and Works functions that meet community needs into the future. “The proposals being considered by Council will establish a safe & efficient environment for Works. We propose to upgrade infrastructure that will allow us to continue to provide necessary services into the future including capital works, road & bridge construction & maintenance, as well as other public works” said Council’s General Manager, Mike Colreavy. “Council is also responding to an occupational health & safety legislative requirement.” Council has sought expert advice from an independent consultants, GHD who reviewed the Raleigh Depot facilities and Uniqco International who reviewed plant, vehicle and mechanical services operations. “Selected recommendations from these reviews, will form the basis of a ‘preferred service delivery model’ for Mechanical and Workshop Services which will be recommended to Council on 5th February 2008. This recommendation will largely determine the preferred redevelopment option for the Raleigh Depot site,” said Mike Edsall, Council’s Director of Engineering & Operations. Uniqco’s recommendations relating to plant fleet and vehicle management will be subject to further analysis and later reports to Council. Mr Colreavy said that an estimated $3 million is required to upgrade the Raleigh Works Depot to industry standards. “A Three Staged approach over 3 financial years, is being proposed” he said. “The funding strategy involves borrowing $3 million, with repayment of loans via a rate variation”. The first stage of the Works Review Project will be to achieve suitable workshop and stores facilities. The second stage has been identified as a ‘review of the fleet’ and the third stage will be a ‘review of the bridge construction and manufacturing functions’. Mr Colreavy explained: “In developing the Management Plan for 2008-2013, it is proposed to make an application to the Department of Local Government for Ministerial Approval for a Special Variation to General Income, in order to increase the general rate income by an additional 5.9% above the determined rate pegging limit (normally around 3.4%), for a fixed period of 20 years to fund the redevelopment project”. Mr Colreavy said that commencing in 2009/10, Council will develop a long-term Asset Management Plan with Works Infrastructure & Plant, being key components of this over-arching Strategic Plan. “The Raleigh Works Depot provides a fundamental platform for works delivery and must meet modern standards to operate successfully into the future” Mr Edsall said. “In order to keep providing essential services and infrastructure, Council needs to spend money on the Raleigh Depot facility”. Our proposal is for Council to consult with the community during February and March, to determine support for the proposed rate variation application, to achieve sustainable Works services and infrastructure that will serve our communities within the Shire for the future. Contact details |
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© 2008 Bellingen Shire Council |
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