Agenda of Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

Minutes of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

Meeting Date: Wednesday, 7 March 2018

Location: Jervis Bay Rooms, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time: 4.04pm

The following members were present:

Mr James Caldwell – Chairperson

Ms Lynnette Kearney

Ms Annie Aldous

Mr Wesley Hindmarch

Mr George Parker

Mr Scott Baxter

Mr Paul Keech - Director Assets and Works – left 4.32pm

Mr Gordon Clark – Acting Director Planning Environment and Development

Others present:

Clr White

Clr Proudfoot

Clr Cheyne

Clr Kitchener

Russ Pigg – General Manager

Jessica Rippon – Executive Communications Manager

Sara McMahon – Governance Manager

Jessica Volkanovski – Acting Team Coordinator – Strategy North

Peter Knill – Project Delivery and Contracts Manager

Paul Jennings – Acting Unit Manager City Design and Support

Apologies / Leave of Absence

An apology was received from Luke Sikora, Clr Gash and Brendan Goddard.

Confirmation of the Minutes

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Minutes of the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee held on Wednesday 31 January 2018 be confirmed.

CARRIED

Declarations of Interest

Nil

Reports

CBD18.15 CBD18.8 Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Variance from Design

HPERM Ref: D18/58116

Note: This item was brought forward for consideration.

Peter Knill addressed the meeting in relation to the Worrigee Street footpath and made the following comments:

The general pattern will continue to remain consistent with the current and future works

Developers are being questioned in relation to the variations in the works. Staff will take the feedback on board and happy to provide comments afterwards. Acknowledged, should have advised the Committee at the changes.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Committee receive the report regarding the Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Variance from Design, for information.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That the Committee receive the report regarding the Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Variance from Design, for information.

CARRIED

CBD18.13 Funding - Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

HPERM Ref: D18/66774

Note: This item was brought forward for consideration.

Russ Pigg addressed the meeting in relation to this report.

It was advised that funding for this Committee currently runs out in June 2018. This resolution will ensure finding continues for the next 3 years and go through to the next election of Council being 2020/2021.

The Committee requested a more detailed budget report in regard to recent infrastructure works. – Paul Keech to provide a more detailed breakdown of costs.

Clr White suggested that the Budget be split up into the following areas: Promotions, Infrastructure and Council owned assets and for the budget to be controlled in one central place. The budget needs transparency and an ongoing detailed/itemised report.

Note: Paul Keech and Peter Knill left the meeting at 4.32pm

The Chair raised concerns regarding reimbursement of $1,600 for Christmas Promotions.

The Committee held a discussion in relation to recent invoices that were requested to be paid.

The Chairperson advised that funding from 2012 for the former Nowra CBD Promotions Committee was $177,000 and indexed each year and only had to provide balance sheets at the end of the financial year.

Recommendation

That Council allocate a sum of $500,000 p.a. for the remaining term of the current council, (indexed annually to Rate Peg amount), to the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee to implement specific areas identified in the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION (By consent)

That Council allocate a sum of $500,000 p.a. for the remaining term of the current Council, (indexed annually to Rate Peg amount), to the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee to implement specific areas identified in the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy.

CARRIED

CBD18.14 Annual Promotions Budget

HPERM Ref: D18/70802

The Chairperson advised that there shouldn’t be any issue spending the funds as required provided that receipts are submitted within 7 working days.

Scott Baxter suggested that funding for this Committee operate similar to the Promotions Committee and Sussex Inlet, where funds are paid directly to community groups.

Clr White suggested that ongoing Promotions funding of $25,000 go to the Nowra CBD Business Chamber and is acquitted. If more funds are needed a report be submitted to the Committee seeking more funds.

Recommendation

That

1. The Committee’s allocation of $50,000 p.a. for promotional events be reconfirmed.

2. The Chairperson be given authority to approve, on behalf of the Committee, all moneys spent on promotional events (including reimbursement of Committee Members) up to the annual budget outlined in Point 1.

3. The terms of reference for the Committee be amended to reflect the above provisions for promotional events.

RECOMMENDATION (Scott Baxter / Lynnette Kearney)

That:

1. The Committee’s allocation of $50,000 p.a. for promotional events be reconfirmed.

2. The promotional funds be allocated to the Nowra CBD Business Chamber Inc for the expenditure and completions of promotional activities

3. The Nowra CBD Business Chamber provide audited quarterly reports to Council on the promotional activities and expenditure

4. The terms of reference for the Committee be amended to reflect the above provisions for promotional events.

CARRIED

Presentations

CBD18.2 Presentation - Wesley Hindmarch - New Member

HPERM Ref: D18/23500

Wesley Hindmarch, member of the Australian Institute of Architects, provided a presentation in relation to his background and experience and working with Local Governments on similar revitalisation projects.

Reports

CBD18.13 Funding - Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee

HPERM Ref: D18/66774

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

CBD18.14 Annual Promotions Budget

HPERM Ref: D18/70802

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

CBD18.15 CBD18.8 Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Variance from Design

HPERM Ref: D18/58116

Item dealt with earlier in the meeting.

GENERAL BUSINESS

CBD18.17 Additional Item - Frequency of Meetings

The Committee held a discussion in relation to the frequency of meetings.

It was advised that in the Terms of Reference is states that “Meetings be held at least quarterly depending on demand”.

Some members of the committee felt that in order to plan for events and holiday promotions monthly meetings are required.

It was suggested that quarterly meetings remain and any additional information that is required could be forwarded electronically.

CBD18.18 Additional Item - Easter Promotions

Easter promotions for 2018 budget is around $1,400 maximum. The Celebration will be in Jelly Bean Park on Thursday 29 March at 3.00pm.

Promotions budget will cover Music, PA, Tent, Advertisement in the Paper and Easter Eggs for children.

It was advised that invoices/receipts will be required for reimbursement.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That $1,400 be allocated from the Promotions Budget to cover the costs associated with Easter Promotions for 2018.

CARRIED

CBD18.19 Additional Item - Report Request - Electricity for Events and Promotions

The Chairperson raised concerns over the lack of power/electricity for past events/promotions (e.g. Christmas trees). He was advised by staff that they didn’t have enough power boards.

RESOLVED (By consent)

That a report be submitted to the Committee in relation to switchboard power and itemised whether it should be a citywide cost or from the CBD Budget.

CARRIED

CBD18.20 Additional Item - McDonalds Sign - South Nowra

Annie Aldous advised that there is a new McDonalds sign near the “Nowra” Sign at the intersection of the Princes Highway and Kinghorne Street, Nowra.

Staff advised that to Council’s knowledge there has not been a Development Consent submitted.

Gordon Clark will respond to the Committee with an update once he has had a chance to look into it.

CBD18.21 Additional Item - Readers and Writers Festival Update

Jessica Volkanovski addressed the meeting and advised that at the last meeting the Committee resolved to support the Nowra Readers and Writers Festival by way of funding to the amount of $4,000.

Regarding a possible winter event and the research carried out, a report regarding this has been submitted the Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group and they will be providing a response and if timely will coordinate this response into the next meeting update in April.

CBD18.22 Additional Item - Planter Boxes Update

Scott Baxter advised that a report was to be submitted back to the Committee in relation to options.

Some of the Boxes will be funded privately.

Diagrams of the locations were displayed on the screen and will be attached to the Minutes.

RESOLVED (Scott Baxter / Lynnette Kearney)

That Committee accept and confirm the locations and placement of the planter boxes as outlined in the diagrams attached to the Minutes.

CARRIED

CBD18.23 Additional Item - Update of Flagpoles

Scott Baxter requested that investigations be done in relation to the flagpole raising system on the Highway.

Staff advised that Ros Holmes has previously conducted an audit of which poles can accommodate the flag raising system.

Staff will report back to the Committee accordingly.

CBD18.24 Additional Item - New Bridge Project - Information

Wesley Hindmarch asked if the Nowra CBD Committee was making any submissions in relation the RMS proposed Nowra Bridge.

Staff advised that the RMS report was released 2 weeks ago (see link below).

http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/documents/projects/south-coast/nowra-bridges-shoalhaven-river/nowra-bridge-project-preferred-option-report-february-2018.pdf

A report is being submitted to Councils Strategy and Assets meeting in March. If the Committee feels the same way as the sentiments in the report the Committee they can consider making a submission to RMS.

CBD18.25 Additional Item - Request for Next Project - Western Side of Berry Street

The Chairperson advised that Brendan Goddard still feels that the next footpath project should be the western side of Berry Street and how does the Committee and/or Council approach the land owners to contribute?

Staff advised that as stated in the last meeting, that a report or update will come back to the Committee once the more detailed design work is completed.

Addendum Reports

CBD18.16 Budget & Projects Update - March 2018	HPERM Ref: D18/78332
Staff advised that the Budget and Projects Update was tabled at the meeting and will also be sent out with the Minutes.

There being no further business, the meeting concluded, the time being 6.07pm.

Mr James Caldwell

CHAIRPERSON

Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee – Wednesday 11 April 2018

Page 8

CBD18.26 Update of Banners - Report Requested 7/3/2018 Meeting - CBD18.23

HPERM Ref: D18/106877

Group: Assets & Works Group

Section: Project Delivery & Contract

Purpose / Summary

The following report provides information and costs for the supply, delivery and installation of banners to Princes Highway, Nowra.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee Meeting receive the report for information.

Background

Along the western side of Princes Highway from the northern end of the Shoalhaven Bridge through to Worrigee Street intersection there are currently 58 Endeavour Energy poles with bannerettes (otherwise known as banner arms).

These bannerettes have previously been used to hold banners. Any banner installation requires approvals by Endeavour Energy and RMS which is both lengthy and the outcome is not guaranteed. In addition there is the need for cherry pickers, traffic management and high level safety management.

The cost of supply and installation of banners onto the bannerettes is approximately $25,000 per installation round. The banners last roughly 3 months due to wind, traffic pollution and solar exposure. If replacing banners on a three month rotation it would cost a minimum $100K per year.

Alternatively, a Bannerconda® system enabling raising of a banner from the ground is available. The Bannerconda® system prices quoted below are current and based on the supply and delivery of 58 units (as a job lot) to be mounted onto the existing Endeavour Energy poles on the highway. :

· Supply and delivery of 58 Bannerconda systems $68,540 + GST

· Installation onto each pole $385/pole $22,330 + GST

· Banners @ $200 each $11,600 + GST

· Total estimate (one off cost) $102,470 + GST

The committee may elect to install fewer Bannerconda® units, however it may affect the quoted price per unit. It is envisaged that Council would still need to apply to Endeavour Energy and RMS to replace the bannerette system with the Bannerconda system as a one off procedure. If approval is given and the work goes ahead there are options to replace the banners seasonally or to market an event or special milestone. The ongoing banner replacement would be 4 x $11,600 = $46,400 per year.

Council currently does not have either an annual funding allowance or a policy to ensure continuity and effectiveness of banners in Nowra CBD. There is also potential to negotiate for additional funding from Tourism and Economic Development Sections.

Note: Council has been advised that no commercial sponsorship is permitted on Endeavour Energy Poles.

Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee – Wednesday 11 April 2018

Page 10

CBD18.27 Permanent Installation of Christmas Lighting Nowra CBD - Junction and Berry Streets Nowra

HPERM Ref: D18/106937

Group: Assets & Works Group

Section: Project Delivery & Contract

Attachments: 1. Permanent Installation Christmas Lighting Junction and Worrigee Streets Nowra - attachment to Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee meeting 7.3.2018 ⇩

Purpose / Summary

The following report is submitted to the Committee with costings obtained by decorative lighting contractors, structural engineers, welders and electricians to supply and install permanent Christmas lighting for Junction St and Berry St, Nowra. A breakdown of costings for various options such as fairy lights, coloured uplights or festoons and the necessary structural or electrical modifications required is attached.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That:

1. The Committee receive the report for information.

2. The Committee agree to fund fairy lighting of the two (2) fig trees in Berry Street.

3. The Committee not proceed with retro fitting Christmas Lighting to the remaining sections of Berry Street and Junction Street.

Background

The installation of overhead festoon lights and/or tree mounted fairy lights to Junction Street and Berry Street presents as a complex and challenging project as there are issues to be resolved in order to proceed with this work.

In Junction Street the festoon lighting must provide a 5.5m clearance from the centreline of the carriageway below. To achieve this distance additional extension poles are required to be attached onto Council infrastructure (potentially lamp posts). These extension poles will allow a stainless steel 3.5mm catenary wire to be attached as a fixing point for festoon lighting proposed to criss-cross the street. It is proposed that the extension pole be designed and certified by structural engineers, who have advised that an assessment of the existing lamp posts must be undertaken prior to proceeding to detailed design. The extension pole issue is further complicated due to the fact that the overhead awnings protrude over the footpath in an irregular alignment, making the actual fixing more difficult.

However, in terms of power supply in Junction Street, the existing lamp posts provide a 240 volt power outlet which can be accessed at minimal costs if the committee voted to proceed with any form of additional lighting.

In Berry Street the issue of accessing power supply is problematic. The Endeavour Energy light poles which in 2016 were considered to be viable opportunity for power supply are no longer a workable option as Council are unlikely to be given approval for such works. Hence, the opinion of probable costs to draw from Endeavour Energy light poles which was provided to the committee is no longer included in the attachment.

The option to provide fairy lights to trees in Berry Street is limited to the existing trees at Post Office and Uniting Church corner and the two large figs. In both these instances power can be drawn from either Council lamp posts or the library.

Note: Due to the extent of existing pavement in this area the power cables must be swung overhead from lamp post to tree (approximately 5-6m) which will look unsightly.

It must be noted that the attached costings are now up to 12 months old and need to be updated. Also Limelight have previously stated that they have provided numerous quotes which have not been acted upon and they do not wish to be involved in further quoting.

Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee – Wednesday 11 April 2018

Page 19

CBD18.29 Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade - Costings

HPERM Ref: D18/108596

Group: Finance Corporate & Community Services Group

Section: Human Resources, Governance & Customer Service

Attachments: 1. Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Costings ⇩

Purpose / Summary

To provide the Committee the requested costings for the completion of the Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That the report outlining the Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Costings be received for information.

Options

Nil

Background

The project was funded by contributions from Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee, and Shoalhaven City Council. The works were contracted to QMC Pty Ltd by tender.

Construction commenced on 14 June 2017 and practical completion was reached 20 October 2017.

A breakdown of the costs is provided as Attachment 1 to the report.

The total cost of the project was $550,206.67. The Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee contributed $200,000 towards the project.

The Worrigee Street project comprised of 325.4m² of works, 204m² (63%) being public area and 121.4m² (37%) private area.

The cost per square metre for this project in comparison to other recent footpath upgrade programs in the Shoalhaven are as follows:

Street	Overall Cost/ metre²
Worrigee Street	$1690m²
North Street	$530m²
Berry Street - Eastern Side	$970m²
Kinghorne Street	$1450m²

It should be noted that the costs for the projects differ based on the design components of the footpath upgrade programs. In particular, the Worrigee Street upgrade included sloping site with cross falls; drainage pit replacement; Kerb and Gutter replacement with 1 metre edge to bitumen; paver header stones and soldier course, raised planters and furniture; and trees and extensive tree management system.

The Committee considered a report entitled CBD18.8 Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Variance from Design at the meeting held on 7 March 2018 at which time it was resolved:

“That the Committee receive the report regarding the Worrigee Street Footpath Upgrade Variance from Design, for information.”

Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee – Wednesday 11 April 2018

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CBD18.30 Next Steps - Possible Annual Winter Event, Nowra CBD

HPERM Ref: D18/80269

Group: Planning Environment & Development Group

Section: Strategic Planning

Attachments: 1. Report on Identifying the potential for a winter event to support Nowra's Revitalisation (under separate cover)

Purpose / Summary

Report back on options for proceeding with an annual winter event to support Nowra’s continued revitalisation in line with the report already prepared by ‘MyTravelResearch.Com’.

Recommendation (Item to be determined under delegated authority)

That an Expression of Interest process be run to receive proposals from event organisers in accordance with the report on “Identifying the potential for a winter event to contribute to Nowra’s ongoing revitalisation” as prepared by MyTravelResearch.Com.

Background

At the Committee Meeting of 31 January 2018, the report on “Identifying the potential for a winter event to contribute to Nowra’s ongoing revitalisation” as prepared by MyTravelResearch.Com (project consultant) was accepted for information (CBD18.5). As part of the resolution, the Committee requested a further report that provided direction on possible next steps. A copy of the project consultant’s report is provided at Attachment 1.

Since initially reporting the matter to the Committee, the consultant’s report has also been reported to Shoalhaven Tourism Advisory Group (STAG) for information. There were no concerns raised by STAG during the meeting and no written feedback has been provided on the report.

Research Undertaken

In undertaking the research, the project consultant used four broad approaches, including:

- Desktop research

- Industry and stakeholder workshop in Nowra

- Immersion in destination

- Customer consultation

There were 195 individuals engaged through this research which represented local tourism providers, STAG, landowners, CBD business owners and general community members.

Findings

The report identifies the following key findings:

- Response to research indicates willingness to attend an event in Nowra. In person, people were less willing to commit to attending.

- Around a quarter of Australians attend regional events. Events with culture, arts, music and food offering the greatest potential to drive overnight visitation. Research indicated 62% of respondents were willing to attend such an event in Nowra (Note: half were from outside of the Region), with 80% open to a winter event.

- Nowra has many assets to bring to support an event. Research indicated there was a significant brand challenge for Nowra, including with locals. Any event must acknowledge these but also use the event to challenge them.

- Regional event audiences are inclined to attend multiple types (i.e. food, music, culture, etc.). Arts and culture events appeal more to females.

- Strong social element is required for successful art and culture events. This will also encourage new audiences (i.e. younger visitors).

- Variety of offerings is necessary and provides value for money which is important – a mix of free and paid elements work well together and is better than ‘discounted’ tickets.

- Building on / partnering with the Chilli and Chocolate Festival might be appealing.

- Successful events have different funding models, however one common link is that Council sponsorship is involved in them all at some level. This is a key indicator of community support.

- Most events start short and only become longer as the event grows. The preferred length of the individuals engaged in the research is one (1) day.

- Support from within Shoalhaven and wider South Coast is important. This provides opportunity for word-of-mouth advertisement for the event. However, locals themselves underestimate Nowra.

- Digital assets / promotions are important and especially in the inception / early years of an event as it provides credibility.

- Visitor Information Centres (VIC) are important for driving final numbers in destination.

- Getting the basics of the event right is critical to its success and generating vital word of mouth in future years. For the initial event, access and transport are important, this is particularly an issue for regional events.

Based on the above findings, the below recommendations were made:

- Proceed with organising an annual winter event based on the findings.

- Council can start developing an event as there is sufficient demand for an arts or cultural event if it is likely to make a return on investment.

- The event will need to be well and strongly executed and must have the objective of shifting perceptions of Nowra.

- Consider using social media tools to promote the event to targeted audiences.

- Design the event to include a strong social element to increase changes of people talking about it.

- Design the event to incorporate music, live events and good food offering. It is important that there are some free elements included.

- Consider building on / partnering with the Chilli Chocolate Festival.

- Look at developing a long term commercial promoter, but continue to provide some level of funding.

- Consider starting with a one-day event or one and a half day event.

- Engage and involve the local community from the beginning to build excitement early.

- Start planning digital assets / promotions early.

- Ensure VIC staff are briefed in the early and ongoing promotions of the event. Utilise good signage for promotions.

- Consider investing in additional transport for both in region and out of region visitors.

The key findings and recommendations as outlined above conclude that there is a demand for an annual event in Nowra and provide insight into the viability / market for a potential annual event. This conclusion was based on research, investigation of relevant case studies and stakeholder engagement.

Potential Next Steps

Organising an event of this scale requires resources such as an Events Officer who would be responsible for organising and coordinating an event which is based on a great idea and would highlight Nowra CBD to a wide audience.

Currently, Council do not have an in-house Events Officer who would ideally be responsible for this type of project. Council has however engaged fixed-term contractors to run events and this is what happened with the events around the recent Queens Baton Relay.

It is considered that the best means to move forward with organising an annual event in Nowra CBD, is to go out to an Expressions of Interest (EOI) process seeking suitably qualified event operators to run an annual event in Nowra CBD. An EOI process may attract various event organisers which are not necessarily from a specific event genre (i.e. music, food, culture or sporting events), but will be responsible for responding to some specific criteria. The following could be the basis of a criteria for initial submissions to address:

- Provide a proposed event concept in Nowra CBD and thoughts on the design of the event and implementation. The event should build on the findings of the report Identifying the potential for a winter event to support Nowra’s revitalisation.

- Identify the planned audience, expected participation numbers, potential benefits to Nowra CBD (i.e. increased expenditure in hospitality and retail) and proposed timing within the winter season.

- Provide background of experience and capacity to stage and manage the event.

- Identify any initial indication for sponsorship requirements.

The EOI process would need to seek out innovative ideas based on the provision of a specific budget (for example, $50,000).

After the expressions period is closed, submissions which best respond to the criteria may be shortlisted and invited to proceed to a more detailed submission on the proposed event.

The successful event operator will own and run the event and be responsible for the profit and loss.

Community Engagement

Through the research undertaken, the project consultant engaged with specific stakeholders in the community during the industry and stakeholder workshop, semi-structured interviews and online survey. There were 195 individuals engaged through this research which represented local tourism providers, STAG, landowners, CBD business owners and general community members.

A copy of the final report completed by the project consultant was provided to workshop attendees.

Financial Implications

In considering the potential for a future event, the Committee will need to allocate a portion of the budget to facilitate this. Currently, the Committee have allocated $50,000 of their budget towards promotions / activations which could be allocated towards the organisation of an annual event. However, it is noted that this money has previously been spent on Easter and Christmas promotions. Alternatively, a separate budget vote could be considered specifically for this item.

Risk Implications

Organising an annual event will require significant resources to ensure it is executed successfully. At present, Council does not have an “Events Officer” who is responsible for coordinating / organising events. Limited resources and time may result in an event of any kind failing. Going through an EOI process will enable the engagement of a suitably qualified event organiser who is experienced in running events of a similar nature, who will be able to successfully execute and run an event in Nowra CBD.