Integrated Waste Management Plan

Phase One of the Zero Waste Plan Development Scheme was completed and lodged with the Department of Environment and Conservation in August 2007 on behalf of the seven member Shires of the Regional Council.

The purpose of the survey was to create a baseline picture of municipal waste management across the State. A comprehensive analysis of the survey results is intended to provide feedback to each Local Government for incorporation into Phase Two of the ZWPDS - the development of a Strategic Waste Plan.

Phase Two of the survey is about to commence, with Dallywater Consulting employed to complete the phase on behalf of the MWRC. Phase Two is expected to be completed by September 2008.

Information, Communication Technology Review

The member Shires agreed to participate in the initial investigative work for the standardisation of ICT. The data review and study brief have been completed. The next stage of the project is to secure funding assistance to employ a consultant to undertake a Study into implementing the recommendations for ICT Standardisation.

ICT standardisation has been identified as a high priority area for the MWRC to investigate in an attempt to reduce costs and to develop an IT structure which removes existing anomalies between member Shires, therefore allowing for more appropriate benchmarking of Shire activities to be undertaken.

Records Management Review

A review was completed of all member Shires records management systems to ensure the Mid West Regional Councils records are created and kept properly and adequately to record the performance of the organisation’s functions and to comply with the written letter of the law. This review will address filing, archiving and the security of all records.

Skills Audit

A comprehensive skills audit has been completed for the staff of all member Shires. These audits were further supported by staff change management forums to ensure all staff are aware of the MWRC direction and the staff movements that may be a result of the regional reorganisation. The next stage of this project is the development of a Gap Analysis to determine areas of need and training requirements for existing staff within the MWRC area.

Finance and Accounting Services

The MWRC is currently developing a Service Plan for the introduction of a Finance and Accounting Service to member shires. With the significant and ever increasing statutory, financial and accounting requirements local government authorities are required to comply with, this Service Delivery Unit will ensure compliance is met and release existing staff into other tasks and functions of their organisation.

Emergency Management

A Local Emergency Management Plan is currently being prepared by Rowlands for all seven member shires and the Shire of Chapman Valley. A generic plan will then be tailored to the specific needs of each Shire. It is encouraging to have the Shire of Chapman Valley involved in this project as a local government external to the MWRC region as this give a strong indication of the need to continually embrace regional service delivery, irrespective of boundaries on maps.

Plant and Vehicle Management Review

Uniqco International Vehicle Management has been contracted to complete an initial review of plant & vehicle management for the Mid West Regional Council. Stage 2 of this review is currently under consideration by the council and would involve entering in to a Plant & Vehicle Management Bureau Service for the region to assist in implementing the recommended changes of the review, plus training staff in the best practice plant & vehicle management over a 3 year period.

Ranger Services

The Regional Council is currently exploring the possibility of providing a Ranger/Municipal Law Enforcement Service. This Service is currently being investigated to include local governments external to the MWRC area if possible.

Rate, Property and Debt Collection

WALGA and Austral Mercantile are working jointly to introduce a pilot scheme to provide a Local Government Rates and Property Service Development at a regional level for the MWRC. Rates have been targeted as a specialised function of local government that would benefit from economies of scale over several Shires. A project plan and feasibility study are currently being drafted, with a technology platform to support the scheme expected mid year of 2008.

Main Roads WA Integrated Services Delivery (ISD)

The MWRC is currently in negotiations with Main Roads and WALGA , with the member Shires taking an active role in developing a new Main Road ISD concept to replace the existing Main Roads Term Net Contracts due to expire in the next two years.

The MWRC has been chosen to participate in a joint Main Roads/WALGA Feasibility Study into a “local Government Regional Maintenance & Construction Service Delivery Unit. It is expected the Study will be completed by June 2008.