Corporate & Community Services

Corporate & Community Services

The principal functions include: finance; governance + information; organisational strategy + improvement; human resources; professional conduct; community, cultural + library services; public relations + the office of the general manager.

Performance:

• Council completed a review of its Community Consultation Policy which has been found to be mostly operating at best practice. Council’s approach to consultation involves exhibiting policies and plans for public comment and the ongoing support of eight Neighbourhood Forums.

• New Year’s Eve, Australia Day and Viva la Gong events were held in Wollongong, attracting large crowds of locals and visitors to the city.

• Council appointed a City Centre Place Manager and a City Centre Advisory Committee as part of a strategic approach to revitalising the heart of Wollongong. The new City Centre Advisory Committee is responsible for overseeing and prioritising key capital works in the city centre, setting future direction and seeking funding opportunities as well as engaging with different stakeholders to support and attract investment in the city.

• 63% of residents agree that Council is rebuilding trust with the community. (Result from 2010 Community Survey)

• In order to consolidate resources and increase the focus on presenting and promoting art to the community, the management of the Wollongong City Gallery was transferred to Wollongong City Council on 1 July 2009.

• Council continued to demonstrate a strong focus on improving its financial position. Through budget reviews, workforce planning, and service and process reviews, Council found recurrent savings in operational expenditure.

Operational Result

Expenditure	2008-09 ($M)	2009-10 ($M)	2010-11 ($M)
Budget	48.47	58.99*	59.78*
Actual	56.20	58.72
Revenue	2008-09 ($M)	2009-10 ($M)	2010-11 ($M)
Budget	125.28	129.84	131.50
Actual	128.08	141.85

* Includes additional depreciation costs resulting from revised accounting standards that require revaluation of assets to fair value, and distribution of internal charges.

Looking Ahead:

• Relocate Warrawong Library.
• Implement the City Centre Safety Plan 2010-13.
• Enhance web and online customer service.
• Implement a Customer Service accreditation process.
• Coordinate the Financial Sustainability Program.

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WOLLONGONG CITY COUNCIL ▪ Address: Wollongong City Council, 41 Burelli Street, Wollongong NSW 2500 ▪ Postal: Locked Bag 8821 Wollongong DC NSW 2500
▪ Phone: (02) 4227 7111 ▪ Fax: (02) 4227 7277 ▪ Email: council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
▪ Web: www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au ABN 63 139 525 939 – GST Registered