A message from the mayor
I am very pleased to be re-elected and look forward to serving the communities of Towong Shire with a new and enthusiastic team.
I firmly believe that we have a duty and responsibility to our voters to take our positions very seriously and to perform to the best of our abilities.
I look forward to working closely with the Council team and staff to realise our goals and objectives for the community. I welcome the previous local government experience of Councillor Peter Joyce and newly elected members Cr. Phillip Coysh, Cr. David Wortmann and Cr. Debi Gadd.
Together, our mission is to continue to provide leadership and service to the Towong Shire Community that adds value and enhances social, economic and environmental wellbeing now and in the future.
Prior to Christmas a full day of consultation with community groups took place to help Council to decide on the allocation of recently announced funds from the Federal Government for Community Infrastructure Projects. This was the new Council's first opportunity to consult with community representatives first hand and we were delighted with the professional and comprehensive submissions that were made. We will be making an announcement in late January to advise of the successful projects.
 Mayor Mary Fraser I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2009 and look forward to working with you over the next four years.
 The new Towong Shire leadership team: Councillors Phil Coysh, Deborah Gadd, Mary Fraser, David Wortmann and Peter Joyce.
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About this newsletter
The Towong Shire Council Corporate Newsletter promotes improved communication for ratepayers, communities, investors, stakeholders and government partners.
The information provided is designed to keep you informed of Council's achievements and key projects.
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Community Wellbeing
North East Transport Connections (NTCP)
The NTCP project is a five-Council initiative between the local government areas of Wangaratta, Wodonga, Towong, Indigo and Alpine Shire Councils. This regional transport forum group includes representation from transport operators and state government departments who work closely with the community to deliver transport solutions and community connectedness.
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In the first year of the project the following outcomes have been achieved:
- Establishment of local Transport Committees in the Shires of Alpine, Indigo, Towong and Wangaratta
- Development of local transport plans in the Alpine, Towong and Wangaratta Local Government Areas
- Establishment of a trial flexibus service from Tallangatta to Albury-Wodonga (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
- A summer trial Omeo-Bright Buslink (2 days per week)
- Extensions to the Corryong-Wodonga Bus Service (daily)
- The introduction of a taxi voucher system between Harrietville and Bright
- Support from various State Government Departments (DHS, DPCD, DOI) into the establishment of a business model which aims to support existing infrastructure
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 Bus driver Greg Cavanagh and NTCP Project Coordinator Sandy Stafford.
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At present the project is looking at establishing a bus service between Walwa and Corryong. For further information on this transport initiative bookmark www.flexitrans.org or phone the Project Coordinator on 02 6056 0048.
The objective over the next 18 months is to continue mapping the transport routes and to further increase the number of new services established both within Towong Shire and the other participating Council areas.
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Profile
Lance grades his job as great
 Lance Webb Lance Webb, 43, recently celebrated his 20th anniversary as an employee of Towong Shire Council.
Lance is married with 3 children and lives at Granya where he enjoys the country lifestyle and benefits of being a Towong Shire Council employee.
"I love where I live, my job as Crew Leader, and the many changes that I have experienced while working with the Shire. Things are always changing and that keeps my working life interesting," says Lance.
Lance was previously employed by a Wodonga Landscaping business but always wanted to work with machinery, especially graders. In December 1988 Lance successfully applied for a job as a plant operator-labourer.
"I have seen so much change over the years and today the machinery has improved dramatically, it is much easier to operate. I started out at the Bethanga Depot where I worked for 6 years, and then when Jeff Barber, the Roads Foreman of the Tallangatta Depot retired, I applied for his job. I relocated to the Tallangatta Depot and haven’t looked back since. I just love what I do, and look forward to working with the Council for the next 20 years," says Lance.
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The Environment
Walwa Wastewater Project promotes improved services for residents
A dedicated team at Towong Shire Council has worked closely with residents of the Walwa Community to deliver improved sewerage services for the town.
Following feedback from Walwa residents, Council is also investigating alternative treatment processes to the wetland solution initially identified with a final decision to be made in the near future.
 Environmental Engineer Charles Knight. The scheme currently involves the collection of septic tank effluent from properties in the township of Walwa with discharge to a wetlands treatment area just north of the sportsground. The treated water will then be utilised to irrigate the football oval via a subsurface system.
This innovative and environmentally sustainable project attracted a $250,000 grant from Regional Development Victoria in 2007 with the view that the project will be completed by September 2009. Council has committed a further $75,000 toward the project with a remaining $195,000 recoverable from the benefiting property owners.
The works tender was awarded to JHL Civil Pty Ltd / GROMENG Pty Ltd who are responsible for the following key tasks:
- The design of the wastewater collection and treatment system and for obtaining the necessary planning and works approvals.
- The construction and operation (for the 12 month defects liability period) of the wastewater collection and disposal system.
In an effort to further support benefiting property owners, Council has submitted a Small Towns Water Quality Fund Application for the "Walwa Community Innovative Wastewater Project" which, if successful, will substantially reduce the benefiting property owner contributions.
Contractors JHL Civil Pty Ltd have completed their on-site surveys and commenced the design process. Once complete, the design will be placed on public exhibition for comment and approval.
Partnering communities rewards sustainable environmental outcomes and improved services for residents.
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Planning
Council's Planning Department continues to pursue Sustainable Excellence, and has recently undertaken procedural improvements to respond to community needs.
This has included a full review of the Planning Permit process with a number of key initiatives being introduced:
- The introduction of Pre-Planning Meetings
- The introduction of Pre-Purchase Meetings
- Streamlining the process from start to finish to reduce delays
The positive changes have led to significant improvement in processing times resulting in good feedback from the community since the improvement process was introduced.
Simon Hollis, Manager Strategic and Statutory Planning, has primarily been responsible for leading Council to a more efficient and productive Planning System and brings broad planning experience from both the public and private sector.
Simon's expertise and commitment to the position is a definite asset for Council and will also remain a valuable resource for the residents and potential developers that choose to invest in Towong Shire.
Simon grew up in the Upper Murray and now calls Tallangatta home with his partner Lisa and beautiful baby daughter Lucy.
"Family life in Towong Shire is great! I feel very fortunate to be able to work in a profession that I love and an area that has so much to offer," says Simon.
The continuous improvement process is in the "development phase", however indications and feedback have realised a new level of confidence for Council's Planning and Development Services Department. The team will now aim to complete the following comprehensive reports and reviews to extend future mutual benefit to ratepayers and prospective investors. Projects include:
- Towong Shire Rural Land Use Study
- Towong Residential Settlement Strategy
- Review of Towong Shire Local Planning Policies
- Review of Structure Plans for Tallangatta, Bellbridge and Corryong.
 Simon Hollis Further Planning information can be obtained by contacting Simon Hollis, Manager Statutory and Strategic Planning, at the Tallangatta Office on 02 6071 5100.
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Roads and Bridges
Council has budgeted $650,000 for the annual resealing program for 2008-2009 with works to be carried out during January 2009.
Roads identified to have sections resealed under this year's program include:
- Bryants Gap Road
- Cudgewa Road
- Jarvis Creek Road
- Lake Road
- Leakes Road
- Settlement Road
- Tallangatta Creek Road
- Upper Murray Road
In addition to the identified road seals listed, a number of streets will be sealed in both Mitta and Tallangatta townships to maintain and improve road surfaces for locals and visitors alike. These include:
Mitta
Giltraps Road
Colquhoun Crescent
Mitta Recreation Reserve Road |
Tallangatta
Coorilla Street
Tooma Street
Weramu Street
Yamba Street |
 The Leakes Road Bridge — nearing completion Wangaratta-based construction company Haring & Semple Pty Ltd to construct two bridges over Cudgewa Creek. Towong Shire Council staff will be responsible for the approach road works.
Leakes Road is a $209,266 project largely funded by the Natural Disaster relief program and is now open to the public. Ross Lane Bridge is a $372,897 project funded from the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program and is anticipated to be completed by February 2009.
The funding and coordination of these projects is a great Council team effort!
 The Ross Lane Bridge — under construction
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Tourism
Tourism Development continues to experience significant growth with more than 30,000 visitors a year frequenting the Corryong Visitor Information Centre and economic value tipped to reach $20 million in 2009.
Festivals and events have played a major role in attracting regional and international visitors to the pure country with unprecedented support from the Victorian State Government. The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival plans to make a huge comeback in April 2009, the Tallangatta 50s Festival will celebrate its 10th Anniversary in October, the Towong Cup has set new fashion stakes for the March Towong Cup and The Upper Murray Challenge is increasingly attracting international sporting interest.
 Keep the Mitta Muster weekend clear for the first Hot Rod & Classic Car Muster 2009 will also be a very special year for the Mitta Muster. This Muster will take a new strategic marketing direction to attract car enthusiasts from around Australia. The Hot Rod and Classic Car Muster is revved up to tantalise and tease any automotive buffs, car lovers and photographers who have a keen eye for automotive beauty, all that shines and glitters.
"It's going to be a real sexy event, lots of chrome, plenty of horsepower under the bonnet, and a network of people who all share a passion for hot cars," committee member Janelle Allen said.
The Victorian Government, in partnership with the Mitta Muster and Towong Shire Council, will host the inaugural Hot Rod & Classic Car Muster, a newly developed event to reinvigorate the traditional Mitta Muster, attracting $8000 in funding for the 2009 event.
Economic Development
Corryong Innovation Space
Corryong Innovation Space (CIS) is the place to consider when planning a new business venture in the Towong Shire.
Located in the heart of the industrial estate, CIS is a new purpose-built business incubator designed to help new businesses start up. The complex consists of eight industrial units and five commercial offices with a meeting/conference room equipped to service business needs and light industry.
Some of the benefits for licensees include:
- Affordable space on monthly terms with low entry costs
- Ability to expand on site as business grows
- Access to local business networking
- A professional address
- Training and mentoring through the Towong Shire Business Builders Program
- Subsidised rent and services
- Subsidised signage and sign design assistance
"Corryong Innovation Space has successfully secured some very happy tenants. The buildings and landscaping are now complete making it the ideal place to do business in the Upper Murray. The facility is brand new and has the support of Council and we welcome enquiry," the Director of Development Services, Aaron VanEgmond, said.
For further information on tenancy and business opportunities contact Dave Barry, Manager Economic Development, Towong Shire Council by phoning 02 6071 5100.
 The Corryong Innovation Space
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Staff Profile
Juliana Phelps
 Juliana Phelps Juliana Phelps is the Acting CEO for Towong Shire Council until the new CEO is appointed.
She is a Chartered Accountant with a Bachelor of Business Degree in Accounting and Economics and during 2003 she completed her Masters of Business Administration through Charles Sturt University.
Juliana has been with Council since 1999. Juliana is keen to support continuous improvement and Sustainable Excellence. She is also taking measures to support continuous learning, a strong team ethic and an enjoyable working environment for staff and community alike.
Juliana is keen to support continuous improvement and Business Excellence during her time of reign. She is also taking measures to support continuous learning, a strong team ethic and an enjoyable working environment for staff and community alike.
"We are fortunate to have a great team of qualified and experienced staff who work closely with Council and the community to deliver real outcomes and exciting opportunities for Towong Shire. I am looking forward to the next few months and I am excited what we will be able to achieve," Juliana said.
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Financial
Services
The Finance team is lead by Chris Rebbechi, who brings a broad range of financial and business planning expertise to Towong Shire Council.
Chris's professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Business Accounting Degree and Membership of the Australian Society of CPAs. Chris has extensive finance and business management experience in the private sector and was appointed Manager Finance by Council in February 2007.
"Chris has made a significant contribution to developing and improving process and improving Financial Control measures within the organisation, we are travelling well," said Juliana Phelps, the acting CEO of Towong Shire Council.
The Finance team consists of Assistant Accountant Janet Touzel, Senior Finance Officer Ken Mumberson, Finance Officer Lee O'Reilly, IT Officer Chris Rootsey and Records Officer Wendie Coulston. This department is responsible for administering a broad range of areas including:
- Financial Management
- Human Resources and payroll
- Rates and Charges
- Information Technology
- Records Management
- Freedom of Information
The Finance Department is also responsible for preparing key financial documents including the annual Budget.
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Annual
Budget
Under the Local Government Act 1989 Council is required to prepare and adopt an annual Budget. The Budget is required to be adopted before 31 August each year.
The Budget includes:
- The Standard Statements for the budget year
- A description of the activities and initiatives to be funded in the budget
- A statement of how those activities and initiatives will contribute to the strategic objectives in the Council Plan
Separately identified Key Strategic Activities to be undertaken during the financial year and performance targets and measures in relation to each Key Strategic Activity.
The Budget must also include additional information relating to levels of Council rates, impacts of Council rates, and borrowings and debt.
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Annual
Report
Each year, Council prepares an Annual Report which reports on the activities of Council for the preceding financial year.
The Annual Report is submitted to the Minister for Local Government within 3 months of the end of the financial year or at a later time if permitted by the Minister.
The Annual Report includes:
- A report on the Council's operations during the financial year
- Audited standard statements for the financial year
- Audited financial statements for the financial year
- A copy of the performance statement
- A copy of the auditor's report on the performance statement
Copies of these reports are available at www.towong.vic.gov.au or by contacting the Tallangatta Council Office on (02) 6071 5100.
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The finance team: Chris Rebbechi, Janet Touzel, Lee O'Reilly, Wendie Coulston and Ken Mumberson
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Towong Shire Council contact details |
Tallangatta Office
32 Towong Street
(PO Box 55)
Tallangatta Victoria 3700
Phone: (02) 6071 5100 or Local Call Cost from within the Shire 1300 365 222
Fax: (02) 6071 2747
Email: staff@towong.vic.gov.au
Operating hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5.00pm
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Corryong Office
76 Hanson Street
Corryong Victoria 3707
Phone: (02) 6076 2012
Operating hours: Mon-Fri 9.00am-1.00pm and 1.30pm-4.30pm
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