Omega launches new 'sister' organisation (1 April 2005)... Omega completes Environmental Policy Review at Parramatta City Council (10 October 2004)... Omega successfully facilitates a Corporate Plan redevelopment at Bundaberg City Council (1 October 2004)... Omega Sustainability Seminars an Outstanding Success (29 September 2004)... Omega to develop State of the Environment Report for Hawkesbury City Council (28 September 2004)... Successful EMS Launch at Town of Port Hedland (15 August 2004)... Energy Week Success at Parramatta City Council (17 July 2004)... Town of Port Hedland prepares for EMS Launch (15 July 2004)... Omega completes Environmental Management Systems review at Willoughby City Council (1 July 2004)... Omega launches 'sister' organisation (1 April 2005) Omega Environmental has launched a new organisation - 'Omega Strategic Management' - . This change reflects Omega’s move away from pure environmental management consulting over the past two years, to provide wider strategic integrated management assistance to local government and private enterprise. This new organisation will not impact on Omega Environmental's current services, and we will still offer our environmental management and sustainability assistance. However, our broader management programs, such as our integrated management systems reviews, strategic plan facilitations, and performance indicator tracking initiative (currently under development) will now become more central to our marketing campaigns under the new business of Omega Strategic Management. For more information please contact Andrew Wales on 0412 395 008, or visit the Omega Strategic Management website: www.omegamgt.com.au. Alternatively, e-mail: andrew.wales@omegaenvironmental.com.au Top of page Omega completes Environmental Policy Review at Parramatta City Council (10 October 2004) Omega recently completed an intensive review of environmental controls, policies and procedures for Parramatta City Council. The review was carried out as part of Council’s environmental management systems implementation, and involved Omega staff meeting with staff from every Council department and business unit. The review looked at the extent to which environmental controls have been developed to manage significant environmental risks, and how well these controls have been implemented and translated to on-the-ground performance improvement. Omega recently presented its final report for the project, which included a number of recommendations to help it improve. A presentation on these results will be given by Omega to key staff in late October. Top of page Omega successfully facilitates a Corporate Plan redevelopment at Bundaberg City Council (1 October 2004)
Omega recently facilitated several workshops with Directors, Managers and Councillors at Bundaberg City Council, to redevelop the organisation’s strategic Corporate Plan. Meetings were initially held with key staff to gauge their views of and requirements for the strategic plan, including both its structure and content. A two day workshop was then held with Councillors and senior staff, during which the Plan was ‘fleshed out’ to cover the period 2005-2009. Omega’s aim for the facilitation was to ensure the new Corporate
Plan provides clarity through a clear vision, supported by clear objectives, and sets out succinct strategies that will enable managers to be guided effectively in developing their budgets, operating plans and individual business plans (avoiding the risk of the Corporate Plan being a meaningless document for managers and staff, comprised of motherhood statements and unreportable strategies). Substantial discussion was also held during the workshop with Councillors and Managers on how best to develop and position the Plan to allow for effective performance and outcomes reporting. As such, the plan was developed to revolve around the setting of intended outcomes, linked to measurable indicators that will allow the organisation to easily produce an annual report that provides clear feedback on what was achieved against the objectives. This annual reporting of outcomes is balanced by a new and streamlined approach to reporting on performance…….where Council will receive quarterly reports on key performance indicators (different to the outcomes indicators). The Mayor of Bundaberg, Cr Kay McDuff, hailed the workshop a great success, and thanked Omega for providing expert strategic guidance during the entire process. The Plan will be finalised by staff over the next three months. Top of page Omega Sustainability Seminars an Outstanding Success (29 September 2004) Omega’s recent round of Australia-wide sustainability seminars have been hailed a success by both Omega and participating Councils. The half-day seminars were held in Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Brisbane and Perth during August and September, with attendees provided an in-depth look at sustainability and integrated management systems, and how to make strategic sustainable management work on-the-ground in local government. Top of page Omega to develop State of the Environment Report for Hawkesbury City Council (28 September 2004) Omega is currently developing a State of the Environment (SoE) Report for Hawkesbury City Council. New South Wales Councils are required to develop detailed SoE Reports every four years, and annual supplementary report. Hawkesbury City Council has drawn on the experience of Omega in developing strategic yet simple management frameworks to produce an SoE Report that will serve as a valuable decision-making tool for Councillors and staff, and an informative document for the community. Top of page Successful EMS Launch at Town of Port Hedland (15 August 2004)
Omega recently provided assistance to the Town of Port Hedland to formally launch its environmental management system to staff. The Launch include a week of events, competitions and training, culminating in a barbeque for all staff. Top of page
Energy Week Success at Parramatta City Council (17 July 2004)
Parramatta City Council recently implemented Omega's Energy Week Program, to help raise awareness of energy issues and Council's involvement in the Cities for Climate Protection Program among staff. The Energy Week incorporated operations in the Administration Building, Council Chambers, Depot and Library. The Week commenced with a formal launch by the Mayor, with an 'Energy Olympics' forming the centerpiece of the week long 'festivities'. Throughout the week, staff worked hard to act responsibly when it comes to energy management, such as turning off lights and equipment when not in use. The Week culminated in a presentation barbeque at the end of the week, where the winners of the Olympics were presented with prizes from General Manager John Neish.
Omega were instrumental in pushing for the Energy Week to take place, and coordinated the process in cooperation with Council staff.
	Omega staff are still quantifying the energy savings that have resulted from the change in staff behaviour, but early estimates suggest Council will reduce its energy bill by thousands of dollars each year as a direct result of Energy Week initiatives. Council staff are currently working with Omega to ensure the cultural and behavioural changes made through Energy Week are retained and entrenched within the organisation over the longer term.
For more information on this event, please contact Andrew Wales on 0412 395 008. Top of page
Town of Port Hedland prepares for EMS Launch (15 July 2004)
	The Town of Port Hedland in north-west Australia is preparing for the formal launch of its Environmental Management System (EMS), during the week of 26 July. Omega Environmental has been the primary adviser to the Town as it progresses the development of an EMS covering all operations. The launch will be used to raise staff awareness of the EMS, and will coincide with staff and manager environmental training to be held throughout the week.
For more information on this story, please contact Andrew Wales on 0412 395 008. Top of page Omega completes Environmental Management Systems review at Willoughby City Council (1 July 2004)
Omega Environmental recently completed a comprehensive initial environmental review of Willoughby City Council's operations, in preparation for pilot EMS implementation. The review involved a detailed examination of all operations to identify existing systems onto which the EMS can be built. Omega has delivered a detailed implementation plan to the organisation, and will assist Council's EMS Coordinator in a mentoring role throughout the course of the implementation. Top of page