WALGA

NORTHERN COUNTRY ZONE

MINUTES

MONDAY

23rd February 2015

Function Room – City of Greater Geraldton

 Table of Contents

1.0 OPENING AND WELCOME

2.0 ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES

3.0 DECLARATION OF INTEREST

4.0 NOTICES OF MOTION

5.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS

6.0 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

6.1 Confirmation of Minutes – In person Meeting 25th August 2014

7.0 BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

8.0 REPORTS
8.1 WALGA President
8.2 Zone President
8.3 Local Government Grain Freight Group
8.4 Dept. Local Government

9.0 STATE COUNCIL AGENDA

9.1 Agenda

10.0 GUEST SPEAKER

11.0 CORRESPONDENCE –
11.1 Inward
11.2 Outward

12.0 FINANCE
12.1 Detailed Statement of Income and Bank Reconciliation

13.0 ZONE AGENDA ITEMS

14.0 ZONE STATUS REPORT

15.0 NEXT ZONE MEETING

16.0 CLOSURE
 Zone Meeting Minutes
Northern Country Zone of WALGA
Meeting commenced at 10.03am
Monday 23rd February 2015
1.0 OPENING & WELCOME
The Zone President Cr Karen Chappel welcomed delegates/visitors and declared the
Meeting open at 10.03am.
2.0 ATTENDANCE AND APOLOGIES
Attendance
As per the attendance register
Cr Karen Chappel
Cr. John Collingwood
Mr. Maurice Battilana
Cr. Annie Treloar
Ms. Sylvia Yandle
Mayor Ian Carpenter
Ken Diehm
Cr. Gordon Wilson
Mr. Garry Keefe
Cr. Marguerite Pearce
Mr. Martin Whitely
Cr. Stuart Chandler
Cr. Ian West
Mr. Darren Simmons
Cr. Chris King
Mr. Darren Friend
Mr. Barrye Thompson
Visitors
Mr. James McGovern
Mr. Gavin Treasure
Hon. Paul Brown
Apologies
Cr. Anthony Farrell
Cr. Michelle Bagley
Cr. Merle Ibbotson
Mr. Bill Atkinson
Cr. Damien Rackemann
Cr. Michael Bothe
Mr. John Roberts
Ms. Ali Mills
3.0 DECLARATION OF INTEREST
Zone President and President Shire of
Morawa
President: Shire of Chapman Valley
CEO: Shire of Chapman Valley
President: Shire of Three Springs
CEO: Shire of Three Springs
Mayor: City of Greater Geraldton
CEO: City of Greater Geraldton
President: Shire of Northampton
CEO: Shire of Northampton
Councillor: Shire of Mingenew
CEO: Shire of Mingenew
President: Shire of Irwin
Deputy President: Shire of Irwin
CEO: Shire of Irwin
President: Shire of Perenjori
CEO: Shire of Coorow
Executive Officer
Manager Governance WALGA
CEO Midwest Development Commission
Member for Agricultural Region
Deputy President: Shire of Chapman Valley
President: Shire of Mingenew
President: Shire of Carnamah
CEO: Shire of Carnamah
President: Shire of Coorow
Councillor: Shire of Coorow
CEO: Shire of Morawa
CEO: Shire of Perenjori
 Pursuant to our Code of Conduct, Councillors must declare to the Chairman any
potential conflict of interest they have in a matter before the Zone as soon as they
become aware of it. Councillors and Deputies may be directly or indirectly associated
with some recommendations of the Zone and State Council.
If you are affected by these recommendations, please excuse yourself from the
meeting and do not participate in deliberations.

4.0 NOTICES OF MOTION

Nil

5.0 ANNOUNCEMENTS
Zone Delegates are requested to:
Advise the Chair and Executive Officer of those items within the State Council
agenda that are to be withdrawn for discussion; and
Provide sufficient written notice on amendments to recommendations of those items
withdrawn for discussion prior to the Zone meeting, to the Chair and Executive
Officer.

6.0 MINUTES
5.1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

MOVED Mayor Carpenter SECONDED Cr. Chandler

That the Minutes of the Northern Country Zone Meeting held
in Mingenew on 25th August 2014 be endorsed as a true and
correct record.
Carried

7.0 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

Nil

8.0 REPORTS

8.1 State President’s Report

President’s Report
March 2015

Reform Vision Needed

 A clear vision for the future of Local Government remains of utmost importance with the
State’s announcement they will step away from many aspects of their metropolitan Council
boundary reform process.

When the Local Government Minister announced the implementation of

recommendations for Metropolitan Reform they included both amalgamations and specific
boundary adjustments. Polls were triggered for the three amalgamations, with the following
results;

• Fremantle/ East Fremantle

No Poll in the City of Fremantle
Poll in the Town of East Fremantle – Valid Poll as 54.68% of electors voted with
the majority voting against the proposal.

• Kwinana/Cockburn
Cockburn Poll – Invalid Poll as only 36.25% voted.
Kwinana poll – Valid Poll as 52.93% voted with the majority voting against the
proposal

• South Perth/Victoria Park

Victoria Park – Invalid Poll as only 38.02% voted.
South Perth – Valid Poll as 50.83% voted with the majority voting against the
proposal.

This means that no amalgamations will proceed in the metropolitan area.

On top of this, the Government has announced that it will rescind the Governor’s Orders
for boundary adjustments where councils do not want these changes to proceed.

Moving the focus away from the boundaries and mergers provides us with an
opportunity for the State and Local Government to work in a true partnership towards an
outcome we can be confident will be beneficial to the metropolitan community.

There are more ways to achieve value for money for ratepayers than simply through
mergers and boundary adjustments and there is still much to be done in the name of sector
reform to ensure a financially sustainable Local Government system. A combined vision with
State support is still needed to facilitate this.

Sector-led initiatives such as the Integrated Strategic Planning framework are already
showing improvements across Local Government and are an example of the sector’s appetite
for clearly defined reform with tangible benefits.

Structural reform may be on hold, but the sector has been achieving reform efficiencies
for over a decade. The State needs to embrace a broader definition of reform in working with
the sector in future.

We have always supported sector-wide reform that will achieve a systemic benefit to
Local Government and their communities, and whilst there are still many opportunities to this
end, I believe it can only be achieved in a respectful and collaborative environment.

An important part of building that respectful and collaborative environment will be an

acknowledgement by the State that many Councils have incurred significant costs in
preparing to implement the Governor’s Orders and therefore they have a right to
reimbursement of some of those costs as a result of the State Government’s decision.
 We consider that expenditure in pursuit of the State’s reform implementation strategies
was appropriate and will support Councils in seeking recompense for those costs.

WALGA will continue to support all of its members in the pursuit of continuous
improvement and a better Local Government system.

Country Reform

In consultation with the Country Reform Policy Forum members, I have disbanded the
Policy Forum in the wake of the recent developments in the Metropolitan Reform program. It
is clear that Structural Reform will be increasingly difficult for the State Government to deal
with rationally in the immediate future and therefore the resources of the Policy Forum could
be better utilised in other areas.

In discussing what those other areas might be, it is clear that many within the sector
want the Association to give attention to a sector wide group of initiatives aimed at analysing,
improving and developing the sector’s sustainability. As a consequence I will be announcing
a new Policy Forum for this purpose in the months ahead.

Reform of the Federation

When elected to office in October 2013, the Commonwealth Government announced

that it would undertake a Review of the Federation. The process was to be informed by a
series of Issues Papers designed to pose critical questions and provoke debate on relevant
matters, prior to the development of formal Green and White papers. Four of the Issues
Papers were released prior to Christmas last year and the last of these papers, entitled
“COAG and Federal Financial Relations” was issued in February.

WALGA will be contributing to the development of national positioning by the ALGA in

the months ahead and will develop a formal WA response to the Green paper when released
for public comment. In the interim, a number of succinct guiding principles will be used to
shape the Association’s participation in this evolving national debate. These key drivers for
WALGA positioning are:
• recognition of the important role Local Government plays in the functioning of the nation;
• maintenance and development of a robust and respectful relationship between Federal, State
and Local Government;
• securing, maintaining and ultimately growing, financial distributions from the Commonwealth to
Local Government;
• ensuring shifts and/ or changes in roles and responsibilities between the spheres of government
are adequately resourced.
Road Funding Agreement
Initial discussions concerning the principles and scope of negotiations for a new State
Road Funds to Local Government Agreement have commenced. The concepts proposed
seek to strengthen the standing of Local Government as a road manager and to achieve
greater certainty and predictability of funding.

A series of meetings with the Minister for Transport and his advisers are ongoing. I look
forward to sharing with the sector the principles and scope of the new agreement once
endorsed by the Minister.

Rate Capping
 There is a growing national and state level debate regarding the potential to introduce
rate capping on Local Governments.

Local Government rating always comes into public focus when annual rate notices are
distributed to the community; however the emerging debate on rate capping appears to be
shaped more by a need to divert attention from the economic performance of the other
spheres of government rather than any genuine improvement to Local Government.

In recent years there have been substantial tax increases from the State Government
for essential services such as waste and street lighting, together with reductions in road
funding. Local Governments should not be blamed for rate increases that are the result
of increased charges from other levels of Government, or reduction in funding support.

If the objective is to reduce the total tax burden to the householder, then Local
Government rate capping is not the solution. With 83 per cent of tax raised by the Federal
Government, 14 per cent by the State and just three per cent by Local Government, any
debate needs to be inclusive of all spheres of government and not targeted at Local
Government.

The Association will continue to advocate strongly against any rate capping proposal.

Corruption Comments

Local Governments deserve an explanation and apology from Western Australian

Premier Colin Barnett following his comments about alleged corruption in the sector during a
radio interview in which he was discussing the activities of the Crime and Corruption
Commission.

I absolutely, and publicly, refuted the Premier’s contention that Local Governments are
the main source of corruption in Western Australia.

The Premier’s comments were not only insulting to the 1,300 elected members and
15,000 employees that serve the community through Local Government in this State, they
were patently incorrect. Even the most superficial assessment of the Corruption and Crime
Commission’s activities over the past few years demonstrate that allegations against Local
Governments comprise only a fraction of those against, for example, the State Government’s
own Agencies.

The CCC recorded 7,260 allegations of misconduct and corruption in 2013-14. Of these,
between 6,145 and 6,893 were made against State Government Agencies. Just 317 related
to Local Governments.

President’s Contacts

During the December – March period, contacts that have occurred or are scheduled to
take place prior to the March State Council meeting are as follows:

State Government Relations:

• Hon Tony Simpson MLA, Minister for Local Government
• Hon Dean Nalder MLA, Minister for Transport
• Hon Colin Holt MLC, Minister for Housing; Racing & Gaming
• Hon Peter Collier MLC, Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Electoral Affairs
• Mr. David Templeman, MLA, Shadow Minister for Local Government; Community Services
• State Road Funds to Local Government Advisory Committee
• MetRIC Meeting x 2

Local Government Relations

• Metro Reform Breakfast & Workshop
• Metropolitan Reform Implementation Policy Forum x 2
• Local Government Advisory Board
• Country Reform Policy Forum
• WARR Policy Review Forum x 3
• LGIS Board Meeting & Strategic Planning Day

Conferences / Workshops / Public Relations

• Informal lunch with Minister and WALGA President with Mayors & Presidents
• Children & Environment Health LG Report Card – Award Presentation

Zone Meetings
• Pilbara Country Zone
• South Metro Zone
• South East Metro Zone

Mr. James McGovern, Manager Governance WALGA spoke on various items within the
report and answered Members questions that arose.

Moved Cr. Collingwood Seconded Treloar

that the WALGA President’s report be received.

Carried

Northern Country Zone of WALGA

8.2 Zone President’s report

The last 12 months has yet again seen some turmoil and division in the sector. The latest outcome is that we
will not hear the word reform for a while and we can get down to business as usual, albeit that we must all
work together to achieve efficiencies necessary to survive.

The Country Reform Policy Forum was abandoned by the WALGA President last week, however another
forum that includes the whole sector is being planned by the President. The President at this forum
suggested we all keep a very close eye on the Regional Subsidiaries legislation that has been tabled in
Parliament. The intimation as I read was that we must see that it actually goes forward and that it must not
be as cumbersome with compliance as we have experienced with Regional Councils. This legislation in the
right form could be very useful to Local Government.

I have attended two State Road Funds to Local Government Advisory Committee meetings since we last met.
The Mid-West has been a very good performer in the past however at the meeting in November the reports
show that we need to lift our game. The most recent cut of $30 million over the next three years shows that
our underspend has made us a very easy target for cut backs. The most recent cutbacks could be significant
for the Mid West. I am attending another SAC meeting tomorrow and as a member of that committee I will
be taking part in the discussion on the new agreement that WALGA will be negotiating in the next few
months. I am very concerned that we must keep the State Road Funding to Local Government at a level
agreed upon in principle in the past not at a level that suits the current State Government budget.
Thank you to the Shire of Northampton for hosting our last face to face meeting in September. It was great
to have a look around the town and learn from Northampton’s experiences and go home with some copycat
ideas! If you wish to showcase your Shire put your hand up for the next face to face meeting.

Thank you for adjusting to the change in venue today.

Karen Chappel

Moved Cr West Seconded Cr. Treloar

that the Zone President’s report be received.

Carried

8.3 Local Government Grain Freight Group Minutes

Zone response to LGGFC recommendations to the Findings and
recommendations of the Economics and Industry Standing Committee’s
Reporting into the Management of WA’s Freight Rail Network.

Item 4.2(a)
The LGGFC requests Zones consider the recommendations and comments and
to endorse those for consideration by State Council.
Recommendation 1 (page 54 of the report)
The Western Australian Government not allow any further lines to be placed into care
and maintenance.
Recommendation 2 (page 54 of the report)
The Western Australian Government work with the Lessee to include a trigger
mechanism that will allow the recommissioning of lines already placed into care and
maintenance.
Recommendation 3 (page 84 of the report)
The Western Australian Government re-examine its grain freight strategy and develop
associated policies to ensure the state’s freight infrastructure will meet future
requirements.
Recommendation 4 (page 96 of the report)
The Economics Regulation Authority 2015 review of the Railways (Access) Code
2000 (WA) include a critical evaluation of why so few access seekers have sought to
use the code.
Recommendation 5 (page 116 of the report)
The Railways (Access) Code 2000 WA) review of June 2015 needs to include a
review of its effectiveness in third party access requiring capital upgrades.
Recommendation 6 (page 116 of the report)
Part 4A of the Railways (access) Code 2000 (WA) be amended to make it clear that
while parties are free to negotiate outside the Code, they are not able to expressly
prohibit the future operation of the Code under an access agreement.
Recommendation 7 (page 128 of the report)
Freight rail network capacity and performance reviews be tabled by the Minister for
Transport as soon as practicable after their production.
Recommendation 8 (page 128)
The Minister for Transport table the safety review report on Tier 3 rail lines in the
Legislative Assembly.
Recommendation 9 (page 139 of the report)
The Western Australian Government revises the lease instrument to ensure that lines
are not able to be suspended from use without consequence.
Recommendation 10 (page 152 of the report)
The definition of the term ’care and maintenance’ should be amended to specify the
obligations of the Lessee and how lines placed into ‘care and maintenance’ are to be
maintained.
Recommendation 11 (page161 of the report)
The Public Transport Authority takes a more pro-active approach to its
responsibilities in managing the freight rail network lease.
Recommendation 12 (page 164 of the report)
The Western Australian Government work with the Lessee to establish a process by
which upgrades to performance standards achieved through private negotiations are
maintained.
Recommendation 13 (page 172 of the report)
The Public Transport Authority takes a leadership role in planning future land use
along rail corridors.
Recommendation 14 (page 178 of the report)
The Western Australian Government addresses the issue of re-sleepering
responsibility beyond the current phase of investment.
Recommendation 15 (page190 of the report)
The Western Australian Government conduct a cost impact study for local
governments affected by the closure of grain freight lines.
Recommendation 16 (page 190 of the report)
Main Roads Western Australia schedule a review of its allocation of roads to either
State or Local Government jurisdiction, similar in scope to those conducted in 1976
and 1995, as a matter of priority.
Recommendation 17 (page 210 of the report)
The uncertainty surrounding funding decisions relating to the State’s investment in
the freight rail network and the Lessee’s network maintenance and capital works
obligations of the Lessee needs to be addressed as a matter of priority.
Recommendation 18 (page 210 of the report)
The Public Transport Authority implement the necessary lease management
procedures to ensure that the Lessee will be able to meet its re-sleepering
requirements on the entire rail freight network throughout the remaining term of the
lease.
Recommendation 19 (page 214 of the report)
The Western Australian Government undertakes urgent negotiations with Brookfield
Rail to allow access to Tier 3 lines.
Recommendation 20 (page 214 of the report)
In the absence of an agreement allowing access to Tier 3 lines, the Western Australian
Government investigates and pursues all mean to recover those lines.
Recommendation 21 (page 214 of the report)
The Minister for Regional Development clarify whether Royalties for Regions
funding can be made available for upgrades to the freight rail network and, if so, what
process is in place to allow access to that funding.
Recommendation 22 (page 215 of the report)
The lessons learned from the sale and lease of the freight rail network be taken into
account in any future privatization of State owned enterprises, particularly those
which constitute a natural monopoly.

By consensus the Northern Country Zone of WALGA endorsed the

recommendations 1-22 of the LGGFC.

Item 4.2 (c)

RAV Assessments
LGGFC recommendation:
By consensus the LGGFC agreed that local governments should be able to undertake
RAV assessments of roads. The meeting requested that the issue be referred to Zones
for comment and response.
NCZ recommendation
By consensus the NCZ of WALGA considered that RAV assessments be uniform in
performance and would prefer that the Main Roads WA do a regional assessment
response on behalf of Local Governments within that region.
Item 4.2 (c)
Road User Charges
LGGFC recommendation
By consensus the LGGFC agreed (a) that the matter of road user charges for heavy
vehicles to recoup costs of damage to roads be listed for discussion at the next
meeting; and (b) that the matter be referred to Zones for comment.
NCZ of WALGA recommendation
By consensus the NCZ of WALGA consider it appropriate that a method be devised
that would recoup funds (implement road user charges) for maintenance, capital
costs and damage to roads used in out-loading campaigns, possibly the same as a
CBH charge (cents/tonne/kilometer) for campaign carting with dedicated freight to
be considered in a different methodology.
Item 5.3 Grain Freight Package – Road Improvements
LGGFC requested this matter be highlighted
Attention was drawn to the fact that over $11m of Local Government road
improvements funded as part of the Grain Freight package in 2010 are not as yet
completed or acquitted. There are concerns about this funding being withdrawn as at
the 30th June 2015, as Local Governments have indicated that the works will not be
completed this year. Claims should be made as soon as possible. If there are
insurmountable delays then at least there should be early communication with main
roads identifying the constraints and solutions.
NCZ of WALGA comment
That member local governments of NCZ of WALGA be aware of the impending
situation and to let Main Roads and local Members of Parliament know of delays
or problems holding up works.
Item 5.4 Local Government Works on Grain Freight Routes
Mr. Duncan advised the LGGFC that CBH have requested advice from Local
Governments regarding planned road maintenance on grain freight routes. In recent
weeks some grain freight routes have been closed or subject to extensive delays. Such
information would be of assistance in strengthening the working relationship with
CBH, but does come at an administrative cost to Local Government.
NCZ of WALGA response
NCZ of WALGA seeks Member Local Governments to ensure the courtesy of advice
of such road works be extended to CBH.

State Government response to the Economics and Industry Standing Committee

Report on the Management of WA’s Freight Rail Network.

Moved Cr. King Seconded Cr. West

That the State Government response to the Economics and Industry Standing
Committee report of the Management of WA’s Freight Rail Network be noted
with alacrity.
Carried
 8.4 Dept of Local Government

No Report
.

9.0 STATE COUNCIL AGENDA

The President advised that there was a suggested motion endorsing WALGA
recommendations 5.1 to 5.10 and asked whether any Local Government wanted to
exclude any recommendation from the proposed resolution.
Mayor Ian Carpenter advised that City of Greater Geraldton wished to amend
recommendation 5.9.
The President withdrew item 5.9 and the matter was dealt with immediately.

5. MATTERS FOR DECISION (WALGA Agenda numbering)

5.1 Metropolitan Local Government Reform (05-034-01-0018 TB)

By Tony Brown, Executive Manager Governance and Strategy

Recommendation
That State Council:
1. Endorse the withdrawal of the Association’s support for the Metropolitan Local
Government Reform process; and
2. Call on the State Government to reverse the Governor’s Orders relating to
boundary adjustments in metropolitan Perth.

In Brief
 This item recommends that State Council endorses the Association’s withdrawal of its
support for the State Government’s Metropolitan Local Government Reform process on
the basis that:
i. A vision for metropolitan Perth and Local Government’s role within that vision has
not been articulated, and will not be realised by the current process;
ii. The State Government has failed to fully fund the reform process; and
iii. The remaining boundary changes will lead to a more fractured metropolitan Local
Government sector.

5.2 Interim Submission – Planning and Development (Development

Assessment Panels) Regulation 2011 (05-047-01-0016 OT)

By Oscar Thomson, Project Officer, Planning

 Recommendation
That the interim submission to the Parliamentary Committee on Uniform
Legislation and Statutes’ Inquiry on the Planning and Development Act (Development
Assessment Panels) Regulations 2011 be endorsed.

In Brief
 In October 2014, the Parliamentary Committee on Uniform Legislation and Statutes
commenced an investigation into the operation and efficiency of Development
Assessment Panels (DAPs). As part of that investigation, the committee called for
submissions from concerned stakeholders.
 In order to guide the Association’s development of a representative submission on
behalf of the sector, WALGA sought feedback from members, and, in collaboration with
the Local Government Planners Association (LGPA), conducted a comprehensive
analysis of data that was gleaned from Development Assessment Panel agendas and
minutes during their first three years of operation.
 The submission period closed on the 30 January 2015.

5.3 Interim submission – Planning and Development (Local Planning

Schemes) Regulations 2014 (Local Planning Schemes Regulations) (05-
047-01-0011 VJ)
By Vanessa Jackson, Policy Manager, Planning and Improvement

Recommendation
That State Council:
1. Endorse the interim submission to the WA Planning Commission on the
Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes) Regulations 2014 (Local
Planning Schemes Regulations).
2. Continue to advocate to the Ministers for Planning and Commerce that the
‘Instant Start’ proposal is not supported, as it effectively expands the private
certification role of the Building Permit process into planning legislation without
a clear framework for this to occur.
3. Further advocate to the Ministers for Planning and Commerce and the
development industry that the ‘Application for Compliance’ proposal is a better
alternative to the proposed ‘Instant Start’ initiative, as it encompasses Planning,
Health and Engineering approvals rather than just the R-Codes Verification
process.

In Brief
 On the 18 November 2014, the Minister for Planning and the WA Planning Commission
released a discussion paper and Planning and Development (Local Planning Schemes)
Regulations 2014 (Local Planning Schemes Regulations)
 The public comment period was between the 31 October 2014 and 30 January 2015.
 An interim submission was prepared to meet the deadline and is attached for State
Council endorsement.
5.4 WALGA Guide for Local Government Planning Delegations (05-036-03-
0044 VJ)
By Vanessa Jackson, Policy Manager, Planning and Improvement

Recommendation
1. That State Council endorses the Guide for Planning Delegations – Development
Applications and recommends use of the resource by Local Governments when
reviewing and preparing planning delegation arrangements.
2. That the Guide and details of the project findings be forwarded to the Minister
for Planning, the WAPC, the Department of Planning and the Department of
Local Government and Communities.
3. The Guide be endorsed by the State Government as fulfilling the action in the
Blueprint for Planning Reform Phase 2 Action Plan, related to development of a
model schedule of planning delegations.

In Brief
 A best practice model / guide to preparing and setting planning delegations was
identified by members as an important resource for the sector.
 WALGA was requested to prepare a resource as part of the Planning Improvement
Program.
 A draft was prepared in consultation with members in 2014 and also presented to the
Department of Planning and Department of Local Government and Communities for
feedback.
 A final draft is attached for State Council’s consideration and endorsement.

5.5 Interim submission – Reforms to the Strata Titles Act 1985 (05-047-01-
0011 VJ)
By Vanessa Jackson, Policy Manager, Planning and Improvement

Recommendation
That State Council endorse the interim submission to Landgate on the discussion
paper proposing reforms to the Strata Title Act 1985.

In Brief
 The Minister for Lands and Landgate released a discussion paper about proposed
reforms to the Strata Titles Act 1985.
 The public comment period was between the 31 October 2014 and 16 January 2015.
 An interim submission was prepared for State Council endorsement

1.
5.6 State Planning Policy 5.1 – Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Perth
Airport
By Oscar Thomson, Project Officer, Planning
 Recommendation
That the interim submission to the WA Planning Commission on State Planning
Policy 5.1 – Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Perth Airport be endorsed.

In Brief
 In November 2014, the WA Planning Commission released a revised State Planning
Policy 5.1 – Land Use Planning in the Vicinity of Perth Airport for public comment.
 Submissions closed on February 13, 2015.
 An interim submission was prepared to meet the deadline and is now presented for
State Council endorsement.

5.7 Interim Submission - State Planning Policy 5.2 – Telecommunications

Infrastructure (05-036-03-0048 OT)
By Oscar Thomson, Project Officer, Planning

Recommendation
That State Council endorse the interim submission to the WA Planning
Commission on State Planning Policy 5.2 – Telecommunications Infrastructure.

In Brief
 In October 2014, the WA Planning Commission released a revised State Planning
Policy 5.2 – Telecommunications Infrastructure for public comment.
 Submissions closed on the 19 December 2014.
 An interim submission was prepared for State Council endorsement.
5.8 Introduction of the Public Health Bill 2014 (05-031-01-0001MP)
By Melissa Pickering, Senior Policy Officer, Community

Recommendation
That WALGA:
1. advise the Minister for Health that Local Government supports the Public Health
Bill 2014, as introduced to Parliament in November; and
2. to ensure the smooth implementation of the new legislation, seeks the
following:
a) Development of a clear implementation plan and timelines for the staged
implementation of the Act and subsidiary legislation;
b) Establishment of a joint advisory group(s) and engagement of Local
Government in the development of any supporting regulations;
c) Provision of funding to support smaller rural and regional councils with the
development of local Public Health Plans; and
d) Development of tools and resources to support the introduction of
requirements for Public Health Plans.

In Brief
 In June 2005 State Council endorsed in principle the development of a new Public
Health Bill.
 In December 2007, State Council endorsed the Department of Health and Local
Government Partnerships Agreement: Public Health Act Roles and Responsibilities.
 On 1 February 2008, The Department of Health (DoH) released a Draft Public Health
Bill 2008 for public consultation for 12 weeks in accordance with the former State/Local
Government Communication and Consultation Partnership Agreement. The Association
developed a position paper for Member Council feedback.
 In April 2008, State Council reaffirmed its 2005 position on the Development of a new
Public Health Bill and approved delegated authority to the WALGA President to approve
the Association’s submission to the Department of Health.
 WALGA made a submission to the Department of Health on the Public Health Bill 2008.
 The Public Health Bill 2014 was introduced to Parliament on the 26th November 2014.

5.9 Bus Stop Infrastructure Partnership Agreement (05-001-03-0037MM)

By Marissa MacDonald, Policy Officer Transport and Roads

Recommendation
That State Council endorse the attached Bus Stop Infrastructure Partnership
Agreement.

In Brief
 The proposed Bus Stop Infrastructure Partnership Agreement seeks to provide the
foundation for a more effective working relationship between the Public Transport
Authority (PTA) and each Local GovernState Counciladvocates on behalf of Regional
 WAment. Over the years there have been ongoing issues between the PTA and Local
Governments regarding the roles, responsibilities and discretion for the installation and
maintenance of public transport bus stop infrastructure.
 The purpose of the Agreement is to clarify the roles, responsibilities and discretion of
PTA and Local Governments in the provision and maintenance of bus stop
infrastructure.
 The Agreement defines the communication and consultation process between the PTA
and Local Government to be applied in different situations including when bus stop
routes are changed, bus stops are added or removed, and bus stop infrastructure is
upgraded.
 The Agreement includes the opportunity for Local Governments to participate in a new
PTA funded Bus Shelter Maintenance Assistance Scheme which provides some funding
to Local Governments to assist with the maintenance of bus shelters they have
installed.
Moved Cr. King 2nd Cr. Treloar that NCZ of WALGA endorse recommendation 5.9.

Amendment
Moved Mayor Carpenter 2nd Collingwood that State Council advocates on behalf of
Regional WA for their Bus Stops to be included in the Bus Stop Infrastructure Partnership
Agreement.
Carried
The amendment became the substantive motion and was put and Carried.

5.10 Interim submission to the ERA Draft Decision on the ATCO Gas Access
Arrangement (05-042-02-0001 PS)
By Paul Schollum, Policy Manager Economics

Recommendation
That:
1. The Association’s interim submission in response to the ERA’s Draft Decision
on the Mid-West and South-West Gas Distribution System Access
Arrangement be endorsed; and
2. The Association continue advocating to the State Government for the removal
of tax recovery charges on Local Government capital contributions to
providers of utility infrastructure.

In Brief
 The WA Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) recently published a Draft Decision on
the Mid-West and South-West Gas Distribution System Access Arrangement.
 The Association’s submission in response to the Draft Decision addresses the ERA’s
approach to tax recovery on capital contributions.
 The submission disagrees with the Draft Decision’s ruling that the tax costs resulting
from capital contributions (either cash contributions or gifted assets) to ATCO Gas
should be paid by those making the contributions.
 It is unlikely that the ERA will change their position on this matter – in 2012 the ERA
made a similar ruling concerning capital contributions to Western Power.
 The sector will be affected by this policy through increased costs for Local Government
initiated asset relocation and asset upgrade projects.
 In the case of Western Power, the tax recovery policy has not been applied consistently
across all customer groups.
 Local Government projects involving capital contributions to Western Power have
considerable community benefits; therefore, the State Government should also make
these projects exempt from the tax recovery policy.
Moved Mayor Carpenter 2nd Cr. West that recommendation 5.10 be endorsed.

Carried

Moved Mayor Carpenter 2nd Cr. Collingwood

that recommendations 5.1 to 5.8 (WALGA agenda numbering) be supported.

Carried

6. MATTERS FOR NOTING / INFORMATION

6.1 Reform of the Federation (05-096-03-0001 WFS)

By Wayne Scheggia, Deputy Chief Executive Officer

Recommendation
That the report be noted.

In Brief
 When elected to office in October 2013, the Commonwealth Government announced
that it would undertake a Review of the Federation.
 The process was to be informed by a series of Issues Papers designed to pose critical
questions and provoke debate on relevant matters.
 Four of the Issues Papers were released prior to Christmas last year.
 Issues Paper Five, the last of these papers, entitled “COAG and Federal Financial
Relations” was issued in February.

6.2 Proposed City of Perth Act (05-034-01-0018 TL)

By Tim Lane, Manager, Strategy & Reform

Recommendation
That State Council note:
1. The report below relating to the proposed City of Perth Act; and,
2. WALGA’s submission to the City of Perth Act Advisory Committee.
 In Brief
 The proposed City of Perth Act is being developed by an Advisory Committee
comprising the Department of Local Government and Communities (DLGC) and the
Cities of Perth and Vincent;
 As part of their ‘targeted consultation’ strategy, WALGA was invited to comment, within
a limited timeframe, on a narrow range of subjects to be addressed by the proposed
Act;
 A draft submission was prepared and forwarded to the President, Deputy President and
Governance and Strategy Co-Chairs prior to its submission to the Advisory Committee;
 The Submission:
1. Highlights WALGA’s position not to offer comment on the specifics of any
structural reform proposal; and,
2. Reiterates the general competence of the Local Governments involved in
representing the interests of their communities and stakeholders.

6.3 Independent Review of the Liquor Control Act 1988: State Government
Response (05-047-01-0007 MP)
By Melissa Pickering, Senior Policy Officer, Community

Recommendation
That State Council note the State Government’s response to the Independent
Review Committee’s Report on the Liquor Control Act 1988.

In Brief
 The Western Australian Government released the Independent Review Committee’s
Report on the WA Liquor Control Act 1988 on Tuesday 14 January 2014.
 A total of 141 recommendations were made to Government by the Committee.
 The Minister for Racing and Gaming, Hon Terry Waldron tabled the Government’s
response in Parliament late last year.
 Legislative and policy amendments are to be drafted early in 2015.

6.4 Energy Efficient Street Lighting Discussion Paper (05-028-04-0006 CP)

By Caroline Perks, Climate Change Coordinator

Recommendation
That State Council note the Association’s Energy Efficient Street Lighting
Discussion Paper.
 In Brief
 Street lighting is a key consideration for the Western Australian Local Government
sector from several perspectives including; environmental, economic and community
safety.
 A discussion paper was released for the Local Government sector’s comment until the
deadline of the 30th January 2015.
 The purpose of this discussion paper was to assess the barriers and opportunities
regarding energy efficient street lighting options, and to identify main aims for the
Association’s advocacy and collect feedback from the sector.
 Recommendations from Local Government sector will be compiled and outlined in a
future ‘Item for Decision.’ Elected Members are invited to provide any final comments
before recommendations are made for State Council decision in May 2015.

6.5 Local Government and Coastal Land Use Planning Discussion Paper
(05-028-03-0015 CP)
By Caroline Perks, Climate Change Coordinator

Recommendation
That State Council note the Association’s Local Government and Coastal Land
Use Planning Discussion Paper.

In Brief
 A discussion paper was released on the 27th November 2014 for the Local Government
sector’s comment until the deadline of the 30th January 2015.
 The purpose of this discussion paper was to ascertain Local Governments key concerns
on the issue of coastal land use planning decision making, identify existing information
gaps and to investigate next steps, such as whether the Association should advocate
for the development of a liability shield planning instrument within WA legislation.
 Recommendations from the Local Government sector will be compiled and outlined in
a future ‘Item for Decision.’ Elected Members are invited to provide any final comments
before draft recommendations are made for State Council decision in May 2015.

6.6 Community Development and Justice Standing Committee Report,

Aged-friendly WA? A Challenge for Government (05-057-02-0051 CG)
By Christopher Green, Acting Policy Manager, Community Development

Recommendation
That the findings of the Community Development and Justice Standing
Committee Report, Aged-friendly WA? A Challenge for Government be noted.

In Brief
 WA Legislative Assembly’s Community Development and Justice Standing Committee
recently published the findings of its inquiry, Aged-friendly WA? A Challenge for
Government.
 The Committee’s report is critical of the State Government’s response and level of
resources allocated to aged person issues. The report makes 42 findings and sets out
a total of 45 recommendations, three of which are particularly relevant to Local
Government.
 The Association is generally supportive of the Committee’s findings and
recommendations which are consistent with the Association’s policy positions and the
principles of both the Seniors Strategic Planning Framework and also the World Health
Organisation’s ‘Age Friendly Communities’ Guide.

6.7 Report Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) (01-006-03-0008

RNB)

By Rebecca Brown, Manager, Waste & Recycling

Recommendation
That the resolutions of the Municipal Waste Advisory Council at its 10
December 2014 meeting be noted.

In Brief
 This item relates to the activities of the Municipal Waste Advisory Council, as reported
at their meeting of 10 December 2014.

Moved Cr. Pearce 2nd Mayor Carpenter

that recommendations 6.1 to 6.7 (WALGA agenda numbering) be noted

10.0. GUEST SPEAKER

Mr. Gavin Treasure
MWDC UPDATE
Mr. Gavin Treasure provided a detailed Mid West Development Commission update, in
particular to the Mid West Regional Investment Blueprint, Mid West Tourism
Development Strategy and the Mid West Investment Plan.
Mr. Treasure answered questions of Members on any of the items raised, Mr. Treasure
did advise that the proposals were work in progress and would be announced in due
course by the Minister for Regional Development as approved by Cabinet.

Cr. King enquired as to the progress under the Regional Grant Scheme provision of
additional communications capacity within the Mid West.
Mr. Treasure advised that this was a State approach to the Federal Government,
originally there were two application for the Mid West now only one (Arrino).
The application was waiting for sign off by the Federal Government and it was believed
to be on the PM’s desk and probably will be signed off this year sometime.

11.0. CORRESPONDENCE

Inward
Associated electronic communications and emails relating to the organising NCZ meeting
and arranging guest speakers, reports and attachments.
 Outward
Associated electronic communications and emails relating to the organising NCZ meeting
and arranging guest speakers, reports and attachments

Moved Mayor Carpenter Seconded Cr. Treloar

that Inward Correspondence be received and outward correspondence be endorsed.
Carried

12.0. FINANCE

Northern Country Zone of WALGA

Detailed Income Statement

22nd August 2014 to 19th February 2015

Receipts

Annual levy $1700.00 x 9 15300.00

Interest 1.11
Total income 15301.11

Payments
Cheque 0322 North Midlands Accounting Services 275.00
Cheque 0323 Northampton Community Centre (lunches) 506.00
Cheque 0324 BR Thompson – EO services 1/7/2014-31/9/2014 3250.14
Cheque 0324 BR Thompson – Office Expenses 151.89
Cheque 0324 BR Thompson - Travelling 219.31
Total Expenditure 4402.34

Northern Country Zone of WALGA

Bank Reconciliation Summary

As at 19th February 2015

Cash at Bank 22nd August 2014 20213.99

Deposits and Credits 22/8/2014-19/2/2015 15301.11

Cheques and Payments 22/8/2014-19/2/2015 4402.34

Total cleared transactions 31112.76 cr

Cleared Balance 31112.76 cr

Bank Statement as at 19th February 2014 31112.76 cr

Outstanding income as at 19th February 2015

1x1700.00 1700.00
1x115.00 (Conference Exps) 115.00
1x25.00 (Conference Exps) 25.00 1840.00

Outstanding expenditure as at 19th February 2015

EO Services 1/10/2014-31/1/2015 4333.52
Sundry expenses 300.00 4633.52
Anticipated balance 19th February 2015 28319.24

Moved Cr. King Seconded Cr. West

That the detailed Income Statement for the period 22nd August 2014 to 19th February
2015 and Bank Reconciliation as at 19th February 2015 be received.

Carried

13.0 ZONE AGENDA ITEMS

SHIRE OF MORAWA

1. Council request the following motion to be included in the North Country Zone Agenda
23rd February 2015.

2. Member Councils of the Northern Country Zone develop a regional initiative to address
the white Cockatoo (Corellas) issue in the Mid West Region.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Shire of Morawa currently has a licence to cull 200 white cockatoos (Corellas) within the
Shire of Morawa.

The Shire has experienced a range of problems relating to the birds damaging trees, power lines,
street lights and recreational facilities within the Shire of Morawa over a number of years.

OFFICER’S COMMENT

The current license to kill up to 200 white cockatoos (Corellas) is considered ineffective in
reducing the damage caused by the birds.

The development of a regional approach involving all local authorities with in the Mid West is
considered an appropriate avenue to provide a coordinated approach and development of
alternative methods of management and culling in conjunction with the Department of Parks
and Wildlife.
Mayor Carpenter sought permission for Mr. Ken Diehm to advise the meeting of a current pilot
scheme occurring in the City of Greater Geraldton to control the Corella population.
Mr. Diehm advised that initially gas guns were trialed however these had little effect. The next
trial was actual culling with the Rangers employing a concerted shooting plan to shepherd the
birds out of the problem areas. It appears to have been partially effective however after 3
weeks some birds were again venturing back into the previously cleared areas. The next trial
used firecrackers however there was a problem that the use of firecrackers was controlled by
the Dept of Mines which only allowed such use for ceremonial purposes only.
A 3 day trial appeared to be successful and particularly as a cost effective method (less than a $
per cracker) future use will hinge on the Dept of Mines attitude towards issuing licenses for
Corella controls.
The Member for Geraldton will take up the matter with the Minister for Mines and energy.
A pistol directed firecracker launcher was also being trialed.

Moved Cr. King 2nd Cr. Treloar that Member Councils of the Northern Country Zone
develop a regional initiative to address the white Cockatoo (Corellas) issue in the Mid
West Region.

Amendment
Moved Cr. King 2nd Cr. West that the NCZ of WALGA seek the assistance of State
Council to encourage the State to develop a whole of state initiative to address the white
cockatoo (Corellas) issue in regional Western Australia.

Carried
The amendment became the substantive motion and was put and carried.

14.0 ZONE STATUS REPORT

No Outstanding status report items

15.0 NEXT ZONE MEETING:

‘Flying Minute’ 27th April 2015

The President invited the Hon. Paul Brown Member for the Agricultural Region to
address the meeting on issues relevant to local government being currently dealt with
at Parliamentary level.

16.0 Meeting Closure

The President closed the meeting at 11.45am.
 Attachment 8.3 Local Government Grain Freight Committee

STATE GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE ECONOMICS AND INDUSTRY STANDING COMMITTEE

REPORT INTO THE STATES MANAGEMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIAN FREIGHT RAIL NETWORK
Recommendation
number Page Recommendation Response

1 54 The Western Australian Government Following the significant investment made by both the State and
not allow any further lines to be placed Australian governments in the dedicated grain lines through the recent
into care and maintenance. re-sleepering program, no further lines are scheduled to be placed into
care and maintenance.
2 54 The Western Australian Government A trigger mechanism for the recommissioning of lines already
work with the lessee to include a trigger placed into care and maintenance already exists, being Brookfield Rail
mechanism that will allow the and an access seeker agreeing on access arrangements for these lines.
recommissioning of lines already placed To date no party has agreed to make the required investment to make
into care and maintenance. the Tier 3 lines operational again.
3 84 The Western Australian Government The Government regularly evaluates its strategies to assess
re‐examine its grain freight strategy and whether infrastructure continues to meet requirements. Any review
develop associated policies to ensure the would include a cost benefit analysis of the options, and may consider
state’s freight infrastructure will meet road options, mitigation of the safety and degradation concerns in the
future requirements. infrastructure in terms of meeting future requirements.
Government may also consider proposals/blueprints from industry
about future transport needs where sufficient details are provided. The
latter may also include funding mechanisms, but as the primary benefits
of the grain freight network are private in nature, industry should
therefore be responsible for meeting the full cost of services provided.
4 96 The Economic Regulation Authority’s A review of the Railways (Access) Code 2000 (WA) is the
2015 review of the Railways (Access) Code responsibility of the ERA, an independent statutory authority. The ERA
2000 (WA) include a critical evaluation of has been requested to consider the inquiry recommendations for the
why so few access seekers have sought to purpose of the review. The Transport Portfolio will provide input to the
use the Code. review as appropriate.
Recommendation
number Page Recommendation Response

5 116 The Railways (Access) Code 2000 A review of the Railways (Access) Code 2000 (WA) is the
(WA) review of June 2015 needs to include responsibility of the ERA, an independent statutory authority. The ERA
a review of its effectiveness in third party has been requested to consider the inquiry recommendations for the
access requiring capital upgrades. purpose of the review. The Transport Portfolio will provide input to the
review as appropriate.
6 116 Part 4A of the Railways (Access) Code A review of the Railways (Access) Code 2000 (WA) is the
2000 (WA) be amended to make it clear responsibility of the ERA, an independent statutory authority. The ERA
that while parties are free to negotiate has been requested to consider the inquiry recommendations for the
outside the Code, they are not able to purpose of the review. The Transport Portfolio will provide input to the
expressly prohibit the future operation of review as appropriate.
the Code under an access agreement.
7 128 Freight rail network capacity and Government agrees with the principle of transparency. However,
performance reviews be tabled by the the tabling of reports and reviews in Parliament should always be
Minister for Transport as soon as assessed on a case by case basis, taking into consideration sensitive
practicable after their production. commercial in confidence information contained in the documentation,
as well as confidentiality clauses contained in the rail lease.

8 128 The Minister for Transport table the
safety review report on Tier 3 rail lines in
the Legislative Assembly.
9 139 The Western Australian Government
revises the lease instrument to ensure that
lines are not able to be suspended from
use without consequence.
10 152 The definition of the term ‘care and
maintenance’ should be amended to
specify the obligations of the lessee and
The Minister for Transport will table the safety review report on
Tier 3 rail lines (Attachment A) in the Legislative Assembly.
While the Government is agreeable to reviewing the lease, it
should be recognised that any significant changes such as changes to
clause 16 ‘Surrender of Lines’ would require negotiation with the lessee
and agreement on consideration.
Agreed.
Recommendation
number Page Recommendation Response

how lines placed into care and

maintenance are to be maintained
11 161 The Public Transport Authority takes The PTA manages the leased railway infrastructure in accordance
a more proactive approach to its with its obligations and requirements under the Lease.
responsibilities in managing the freight rail The PTA’s ‘light touch’ referred to in the report refers to the
network lease. Lessee’s right of ‘quiet use and enjoyment’ of the leased railway
infrastructure as stipulated in the Lease at clause 4.9.
12 164 The Western Australian Government Any negotiations in relation to the Performance Standards are
work with the lessee to establish a process required to be managed in accordance with clause 15.21 of the Lease.
by which upgrades to performance The State has no legal ability to impose increased performance
standards achieved through private standards on certain lines where they have been upgraded with non-
negotiations are maintained. government funding. The fundamentals underlying the network Lease are
that the lessee must return the network to the State at the expiry of the
Term in “a condition no worse than the Return Condition” (refer clause
15.6), with “Return Condition” being defined in clause 1.2 as meaning
“that each part of the Leased Railway Infrastructure is Fit for Purpose at
the expiration of the Term”.
The fact that a private third party may agree to fund upgrades to a
particular line (e.g. Cliffs’ Natural Resources funding of upgrades to
Esperance line) means that the improved standard would necessarily
apply for the life of that third party’s project, and if there is no other party
wanting to use the line to the same standard in future, it is not appropriate
to compel the lessee to maintain the line to that higher standard. Market
forces will determine whether the line is maintained to a higher standard
or not – all the Lease does is ensure that it is returned to the PTA in no
worse standard than the commencement date plus any improvements
imposed by statute or any improvements effected through government
funding. This reflects the intent of the Lease.
13 172 The Public Transport Authority takes The PTA and the Department of Transport will work with other
a leadership role in planning future land use relevant agencies and institutions to ensure the protection of major rail
along rail corridors.
Recommendation
number Page Recommendation Response

corridors, both with respect to established corridors with adjacent

residential developments and proposed new corridors.
14 178 The Western Australian Government Consistent with the lease, the Government’s position is that the
addresses the issue of re‐sleepering maintenance of all leased railway infrastructure is the responsibility of
responsibility beyond the current phase of Brookfield Rail.
investment.
15 190 The Western Australian Government Local governments are responsible for the management of their
conduct a cost impact study for local assets. The Government has indicated that it is willing to consider
governments affected by the closure of proposals from industry or local government. Any cost impact study
grain freight lines should also include overall benefits to WA of closures.
16 190 Main Roads Western Australia Main Roads will liaise with Local Government to identify the roads
schedule a review of its allocation of roads of greatest concern in the Tier 3 area and, if appropriate, undertake an
to either state or local government assessment of the current road administration to ascertain if any local
jurisdiction, similar in scope to those roads warrant becoming a State road under the care and control of Main
conducted in 1976 and 1995, as a matter Roads.
or priority.
17 210 The uncertainty surrounding funding More than $160 million has been invested in commercially viable
decisions relating to the State’s investment rail lines and the associated upgrades were completed as scheduled in
in the freight rail network and the lessee’s early 2014. In addition, the lessee’s maintenance and capital works
network maintenance and capital works obligations as detailed in the lease are now publicly available. The lessee
obligations needs to be addressed as a is responsible for capital investment which will occur if customer
matter of priority. demand for rail operations is sufficient to pay for it.
18 210 The Public Transport Authority Consistent with the lease, the Government’s position is that the
implement the necessary lease maintenance of all leased railway infrastructure is the responsibility of
management procedures to ensure that Brookfield Rail.
the lessee will be able to meet its re‐ This position has been reinforced with Brookfield Rail.
sleepering requirements on the entire
freight rail network throughout the
remaining term of the lease.
Recommendation
number Page Recommendation Response

19 214 The Western Australian Government The trigger for access to the Tier 3 lines already placed into care
undertakes urgent negotiations with and maintenance is for Brookfield Rail and CBH agreeing on access
Brookfield Rail to allow access to Tier 3 arrangements for these lines. To date neither party have agreed to make
lines. the required investment to re-activate the Tier 3 lines. The Government
will continue to actively engage with Brookfield Rail and CBH to seek a
mutually acceptable solution, which has not yet emerged.
20 214 In the absence of an agreement Brookfield Rail has advised that it will not hand back any rail lines
allowing access to Tier 3 lines, the Western to the State.
Australian Government investigates and The State Solicitor’s Office has advised that the State cannot
pursues all means to recover those lines. require Brookfield Rail to hand back lines. In all likelihood it would
require the expenditure of significant amounts of taxpayer’s monies to
buy back the Tier 3 lines. Several reports over the years have found that
these lines are not economically viable.
21 214 The Minister for Regional The Government may consider Royalties for Regions funding for
Development clarify whether Royalties for the freight rail network if a business case is provided. However, this
Regions funding can be made available for would be assessed against other potential project proposals submitted
upgrades to the freight rail network and, if for consideration and prioritised accordingly.
so, what process is in place to allow access
to that funding.
22 215 The lessons learned from the sale The agencies responsible for asset divestments endeavor to
and lease of the freight rail network be continually learn from previous experience and refine processes and
taken into account in any future policies.
privatisation of State‐owned enterprises,
particularly those which could constitute a
natural monopoly.