SHELLHARBOUR CITY COUNCIL
Ordinary Council Meeting – 14 August 2007
Subject
11.1 Rural Fire District Service Agreement (8768504)
To the General Manager Division: Department:
Manager: Author:
Operations & Services Division Development and Technical Services
Arthur Webster - Director Operations & Services Arthur Webster - Director Operations & Services
Summary
The local government areas of Shellharbour, Wollongong and Kiama are provided rural fire services under a joint service agreement with the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS). The RFS has proposed a joint agreement with the three councils for a three year period. This report seeks to confirm Council’s acceptance of a joint agreement, the approval of the contents of the agreement and its approval to affix Council’s Common Seal to the agreement.
Recommendation
That the Council adopt the following: • • • Agree to the formation of the Illawarra District Fire Zone, encompassing the local government areas of Shellharbour, Wollongong and Kiama. Accept the Illawarra District Management Agreement to provide rural fire services for the period 1 July 2007 to 30 June 2010. Affix the Common Seal of Council to the Illawarra District Management Agreement.
Background
Restructuring of the NSW RFS has gradually seen responsibility for managing rural fire services move from local government to the state government. In a process of consultation with the volunteer members of the three councils, the management of fire services for each council area has moved to a single management structure for the three local government areas. This is now referred to as the ‘Illawarra Zone’, although the brigade units still operate from their existing stations, which are located throughout the Illawarra area. A new zone headquarters is to be built at the Illawarra Regional Airport. The formation of the zone needs to be formally recognised by Council. Since the RFS has taken the responsibility from Council for the management of rural fire services, a service level agreement signed by Council and the RFS has been in place to ensure that the community and its land assets are protected. The initial agreement has expired and a new agreement has been prepared, which requires Council’s approval under its common seal. The new agreement is for a three-year period and it identifies both Council’s and RFS responsibilities and a schedule of key performance indicators that relate to the services provided. The Zone Liaison Committee reviews the key performance indicators every three months. This committee consists of RFS management
2 representatives, a senior management representative from each council and a councillor from each council in the zone. Shellharbour City Council representatives are Councillor Tom Hawker and the Director Operations and Services.
Consultations
Internal Group Manager Corporate Services External New South Wales Rural Fire Services Kiama/Shellharbour District Liaison Committee
Considerations
Financial/resources implications Council contributes 13.3% towards the annual operational budget for rural fire services within its area. This budget is submitted to Council each year and funds are allocated as part of Council’s budget process. Legal & policy implications The Service Level Agreement is a legal document that commits both Council and the Commissioner for NSW RFS to conditions and terms identified in the agreement. The agreement is pursuant to the provisions of Section 12A of the Rural Fires Act 1997 (NSW). Public/social impact The NSW RFS provides bush fire protection services to the public and property in accordance with the Rural Fires Act. Options 1. Agree to the formation of the Illawarra District Zone. Accept the Illawarra District Management Agreement to provide rural fire services for the period July 2007 to June 2010. Affix the Common Seal of Council to the Illawarra District Zone Management Agreement. 2. Require variations to the Illawarra District Management Agreement.
Conclusions
The NSW RFS provide an important service to our community through the many trained volunteer fire fighters who reside in our area. The new management structure provides for more efficient utilisation of resources to deliver the services. The service agreement contains numerous key performance indicators, which are monitored by a liaison committee on a three monthly basis to ensure the objectives are being met. This legal arrangement should ensure that effective and efficient service is being provided.
3
Approved for Council's consideration: Attachments 1. Nil
4