Council Plan Audit Committee Annual Report
Council established an Audit Committee in 2004 pursuant to Section 139 of the Local Government Act, 1989 as an advisory committee of the Council. The Audit Committee oversees fiduciary activities of Council operations and the manner in which Councillors, staff and members of Council Committees discharge their responsibilities.
The Committee comprises one Councillor (Mayor Michael Ryan), three independent community representatives (Mr Darren Webster - Chairman, Mr Robin Webb and Mr Roy Henwood) the Chief Executive Officer (ex-officio) and the General Manager Corporate Services and Economic Development. Council’s external auditor, internal auditor and Finance Manager also attend meetings. Mr Henwood replaced Ms Janette Lakin in July 2009 who had capably served on the committee since 2004.
Early this financial year, following a registration of interest process, Council appointed the firm WHK Horwarth as its internal auditors. They provide extensive internal and external audit services to Councils and Government throughout Victoria.
As part of its Audit Plan, the Committee this year oversaw four internal audits undertaken by WHK Howarth. These were Council Resolutions - Monitoring of Implementation, Stores Issues & Management, Fraud Overview of Exposures and Cash Handling.
The Committee also reviewed the financial Local Government Credibility project commissioned by Council to examine its financial position.
Other areas considered by the Committee included review of implementation of the Civica enterprise system, audit of annual financial statements, review of its Charter and updates on major Council projects and resource impacts.
The Council Plan is the principal strategic planning document of Council and contains details of Council’s purpose and vision, strategic objectives, the principles Council will use in achieving its vision and four year strategies and performance indicators.
Preparation of the Council Plan involved the coordination of numerous inputs including related Plans such as the Sport & Recreation, Sustainability, Audit and Cultural Development Plans, Councillor and Council staff workshops, our Community Building Initiatives and public consultation.
The 2009-2013 Plan was prepared under four critical themes:
• Community and Cultural Development • Sustaining the Economy and Environment • Asset Management • Governance and Business Excellence
The Local Government Act 1989 requires Council to review its Council Plan every twelve months. While the broad focus of the 2009-2013 plan remains in place, the update of the plan focussed on the various commitments contained within each of the four critical goals. The revised Council Plan was formally endorsed by Council on 7 June 2010.
Civica Authority
Procurement and implementation of a new core business and accounting operating system, Civica Authority which went live on 4th November 2009.
This replaced a 9 year old system and has demanded many hours of training, processing and reconciliation over an extended transition period.
Gateway Reviews
Undertaking of two “Gateway Reviews” through the Department of Treasury on the Wimmera Regional Freight Terminal project.
Horsham Rural City Council has been the first to win selection as a pilot Council and implement the Gateway Review process which provides a professional and independent review of major projects, examining risks, processes and readiness to proceed at key stages of the project.
28 ANNUAL REPORT 2009-2010
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