Annual Report 2013-2014 q


06 From the


CHIEF EXECUTIVE


It has been a sound year for Horsham Rural City Council. Our finances have been managed carefully and we have finished in a solid financial position.


A revised organisational structure was completed this year and there are now clear and consistent levels of authority throughout the organisation. This structure enables key staff to progress the work of Council more quickly and effectively. (see page 9).


Our environment is constantly changing and we need to continually review how we conduct our business to best meet the needs of the organisation and the community, whilst minimising the effect of changes to services on the community.


A key priority in the Council Plan is to achieve greater efficiencies and outcomes across the organisation by embracing new technology. Introduction of iPads is one example of this, and it is pleasing to report that we have reduced our printing costs this year.


Council has adopted a Digital Community Strategy to ensure that all members of the community have the opportunity to engage with technology. Free community Wi-Fi in the central business district is one objective to be rolled out later this year (see page 41). We have also expanded into social networking as a means of providing information to our community, whilst continuing to provide information by traditional means (see page 48).


I acknowledge the work of our emergency response, relief and recovery teams, emergency service agencies and volunteers for the efficient manner in which they responded to the Grampians Northern Complex Fire in January. Responding to catastrophic events will always be a challenge, however, we have become more experienced over recent years and now have very effective systems and processes in place (see pages 37-39).


In collaboration with the Wimmera Development Association and our neighbouring Councils, we have continued to explore economic development opportunities for the region, building on our traditional strength in agriculture – supporting development of agricultural research and freight efficiencies. The challenge in the future will continue to be value-adding to increase the value of our primary agricultural commodities and to ensure local producers are able to maximise production.


Advocacy on behalf of the Horsham and the wider Wimmera and Southern Mallee community is an important role for Council and we have worked hard on these issues over the past year. It is particularly pleasing to see the announcement of $10 million funding for Horsham College after several years of constant advocacy from this Council, Horsham College Council, Business Horsham and the wider community (see page 49).


The Horsham Town Hall and Regional Art Gallery Redevelopment Project is progressing well. This important project will be completed in the second half of 2015 (see page 30).


We are faced with significant financial constraints as other levels of government shift more costs onto Local Government and we will continue to lobby for more equitable funding models. It is imperative that we do not compromise important services to our community.


Council is required to ensure that resources are used effectively and efficiently to achieve the best outcomes for our community. We continue to work closely with regional municipalities to develop shared service models to assist us to operate more efficiently, improve service quality and ensure long term sustainability. There will be a strong emphasis on shared service delivery over the next few years.


Mr Peter Brown Chief Executive


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