The Enterprise Agreements, replacing four previous agreements of the two former Councils, is an excellent example of all parties being prepared to work together for a win win outcome. The Agreements have resulted in an across the board four percent salary increase. Introduced in August last year, this increase will be reviewed annually.
On the other side of the ledger, productivity gains include more flexible working hours, improved customer service and standardised entitlements. The Agreements also cover Equal Employment Opportunity issues, providing greater flexibility for workers when balancing work and home responsibilities.
Under the Enterprise Agreements, Local Area Workplace Agreements can also be drawn up. This will increase opportunities to improve service delivery and provide greater flexibility for staff. The new organisational structure, providing a purchaser/provider split, is enabling Council to gear up for a more competitive environment through greater efficiency.
Service reviews are underway which will set service standards, as well as quality control procedures for contact management. The provider side of the organisation meets the needs of both internal and external clients.
External service functions include capital works; building, planning and health; parks and gardens; recreation and community services. Internal services cover corporate services, governance, business services and asset management.
