Strategy and Assets Committee
Meeting Date: Tuesday,
17 April, 2018
Location: Council
Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 5.00pm
Membership (Quorum - 5)
Clr John Wells - Chairperson
Clr Bob Proudfoot – Deputy Chairperson
All Councillors
General Manager or nominee
Please note: Council’s Code of Meeting Practice
permits the electronic recording and broadcast of the proceedings of meetings
of the Council which are open to the public. Your attendance at this meeting is
taken as consent to the possibility that your image and/or voice may be
recorded and broadcast to the public.
Agenda
1. Apologies / Leave of Absence
2. Confirmation of Minutes
· Strategy
and Assets Committee - 20 March 2018....................................................... 1
3. Declarations of Interest
4. Mayoral Minute
5. Deputations and Presentations
6. Notices of Motion / Questions on Notice
SA18.72...... Notice of Motion - Nelson Beach Stairway Access
Southern End.............. 24
SA18.73...... Notice of Motion - Public Toilets - Tomerong............................................... 26
7. Committee Reports
SA18.74...... Report of the Childrens Services Reference
Group - 12 March 2018......... 30
CS18.2........ Applications for Membership - Loretta Walton and
Christina Barrett
SA18.75...... Report of the Shoalhaven Sports Board - 28
March 2018........................... 31
SB18.2........ Review of Councils Policies - Sportsgrounds
Management and Grants Program
8. Reports
SA18.76...... Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO)
Organisational Strategic Plan 2017-2020.............................................................................................................. 45
SA18.77...... Sale of Council Employment Land - Lot 119 DP
1124258, 10 Trim St, South Nowra...................................................................................................................... 50
SA18.78...... Shoalhaven Family Day Care Update.......................................................... 52
SA18.79...... Acceptance of NSW Public Libraries Association
Scholarship - IFLA Conference Attendance - Sarah Taylor........................................................................... 63
SA18.80...... Acceptance of Bursary Funding - Regional Public
Galleries NSW - $500 - Bridget Macleod Conference Attendance................................................................. 65
SA18.81...... Acceptance of Bursary Funding - Museums Galleries
Australia - $790 - Fiona McFadyen - Conference Attendance........................................................... 67
SA18.82...... Acceptance of Bursary Funding - Performance Arts
Acceptance Australia - $480 - Karen Patterson - Conference Attendance.................................................. 69
SA18.83...... Crown Lands Management Act 2016........................................................... 71
SA18.84...... Proposed Lease
- Milton Ulladulla Preschool - 22 Dowling St, Ulladulla...... 77
SA18.85...... Grant of Easement for Underground Cables to
Endeavour Energy - Various Sites - North Nowra.................................................................................................. 80
SA18.86...... Proposed New Leases - Marine Rescue NSW -
Huskisson, Kioloa & Crookhaven Heads............................................................................................................ 83
SA18.87...... Land Acquisition - Easement for Drainage - Lot
102 DP 179622 Forest Meadows Way, Worrigee.............................................................................................. 90
SA18.88...... Abandonment of Debt - Holiday Haven Outstanding
Occupancy Fees...... 93
SA18.89...... Proposed Lease - Shoalhaven Trophies - 1 Stewart
Place, Nowra............ 94
SA18.90...... Tree Management Policy - Public Land....................................................... 97
SA18.91...... Comerong Island Ferry - Service Review.................................................. 101
SA18.92...... Waste Services Facilities Resourcing Model............................................. 113
SA18.93...... Energy from Waste Inquiry......................................................................... 116
SA18.94...... Crookhaven
River Bridge Upgrade - Round 3 - Bridge Renewal Program... 132
SA18.95...... Acquisition of Land and Easement - Sewer Purposes
- Sussex Inlet....... 134
SA18.96...... Bomaderry Sewerage Treatment Plant - Property
Matters....................... 137
SA18.97...... Request for Connection to Town Water Supply - 285
Tannery Road, Cambewarra.................................................................................................................... 140
9. Confidential
Reports
Reports
CSA18.6...... Abandonment of Debt - Holiday Haven Unpaid
Occupancy Fees
Local Government Act - Section 10A(2)(b) - Discussion in
relation to the personal hardship of a resident or ratepayer.
There is a public interest
consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the
information could reasonably be expected to reveal an individual’s
personal information or contravene an information protection principle under
the Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 or a Health Privacy
Principle under the Health Records and Information Privacy Act 2002.
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
iv
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Strategy and Assets
Committee
Delegation:
Pursuant to s377 (1) of the Local
Government Act 1993 the Committee is delegated
the functions conferred on Council by the Local
Government Act 1993 (LG Act) or any other Act or delegated
to Council, as are
specified in the Schedule, subject to the following limitations:
i. The
Committee cannot exercise any function delegated to the Council which by the
terms of that delegation cannot be sub-delegated;
ii. The
Committee cannot exercise any function which s377(1) of the LG Act provides
cannot be delegated by Council;
iii. The
Committee cannot exercise a function which is expressly required by the LG Act
or any other Act to be exercised by resolution of the Council; and
iv. The Committee
cannot exercise any function which is a function of the General Manager under
s335 of the LG Act.
Schedule:
1. Make
recommendations to Council and consider, formulate, review and adopt policies in
relation to Council’s corporate & community planning under Part 2 of
Chapter 13 of the LG Act, asset management and in connection with the other
functions listed in this Schedule and in particular to make recommendations to
Council in respect of the content of Council’s community strategic plan,
delivery program, resourcing strategy and operational plan within the meaning
of Part 2 of Chapter 13 of the LG Act;
2. Make
recommendations to Council and consider, formulate, review and adopt Council
policies, plans and strategies other than those in respect of town planning and
environmental matters, and any other matter referred to the Committee by the
General Manager.
3. Make
recommendations in respect of the introduction of new fees or charges or the
alteration of existing fees and charges for inclusion in the Council’s next
operational plan within the meaning of s405 of the LG Act;
4. Monitor,
review and consider matters relating to the operations and strategic direction
of Council’s Holiday Haven Tourist Parks Group;
5. All
functions in respect of the management of, and facilities provided on Crown
Land in respect of which Council is the ‘reserve trust manager’
within the meaning of s92 of the Crown Lands Act 1989, and the making of
recommendations to Council regarding such matters where the function cannot be
delegated by Council;
6. Provision
of corporate direction to the Shoalhaven Water Group in respect of powers
delegated to it by Council regarding the construction, alteration or
maintenance of water and sewerage works, effluent works and pump out
removal;
7. Authorise
the expenditure of funds raised under s64 of the LG Act within the limits
outlined in, and in accordance with Council’s adopted Development
Servicing Plan and other relevant adopted Council policies;
8. Make
recommendations to Council in respect of fees and charges for water and
wastewater services provided by Council;
9. Develop,
implement, review and adopt strategic policies for water, sewerage and effluent
operations of Council;
10. Undertake
preliminary investigations (feasibility, cost benefit, risk analysis, etc.)
into development opportunities for Council’s strategic land holdings and
make recommendations to Council.
11. Review and
make recommendations to Council in relation to:
a) The
sale prices of land in connection with residential and industrial Council
subdivisions;
b) The
sale of Council property or the purchase or resumption of land;
c) The
compensation to be offered in respect of land resumed by Council; and
d) Properties leased or rented by Council, other than those delegated to the
General Manager for approval and execution in accordance with MIN14.912 and MIN15.237
of the Council.
12. To determine
and accept all tenders with a value of $1 Million or more, except those tenders
required by law to be determined by full Council (MIN17.334).
Minutes of the Strategy and Assets Committee
Meeting Date: Tuesday,
20 March 2018
Location: Council
Chambers, City Administrative Centre, Bridge Road, Nowra
Time: 5.09pm
The following members
were present:
Clr John Wells -
Chairperson
Clr Joanna Gash
Clr Amanda Findley
Clr Kaye Gartner
Clr Nina Cheyne
Clr Annette Alldrick
Clr Mitchell Pakes
Clr Greg Watson
Clr Bob Proudfoot
Mr Russ Pigg - General
Manager
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Apologies / Leave of Absence
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Apologies were received
from Clr White, Clr Levett, Clr Guile and Clr Kitchener.
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Confirmation of the Minutes
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RESOLVED (Clr Cheyne / Clr
Gartner) MIN18.167
That the Minutes of the
Strategy and Assets Committee held on Tuesday 20 February 2018 be confirmed.
CARRIED
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Clr Gash – SA18.57 – Encroachment onto Public
Reserve – 1 Walton Way, Currarong – less than significant non
pecuniary declaration – will remain in the room and will take part in
discussion and vote – co-owner of the property is a “friend known
to me”.
Mayoral Minutes
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MMS18.2 Mayoral
Minute - Message of Support - Tathra Bushfires
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HPERM Ref: D18/93402
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council accept the report for information and support
the Residents of Bega Valley Shire Council affected by the weekend bushfires.
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RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr
Pakes) MIN18.168
That
Council:
1. Accept
the report for information and support the residents of Bega Valley Shire
Council affected by the weekend bushfires;
2. Endorses
a Mayoral letter offering support to Bega Valley Shire Council; and
3. Support
a $5,000.00 contribution from the Mayoral Relief Fund via a meeting of the
Mayoral Relief Fund Committee, to be held as soon as possible.
CARRIED
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Deputations and Presentations
SA18.45 Hyams
Beach- Workshop Outcomes - Easter Actions and Resource Requirements
Ms Lois Sparkes spoke
regarding this recommendation.
SA18.57
Encroachment onto Public Reserve - 1 Walton Way, Currarong
Mr Alex Kelly spoke
against the recommendation.
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Procedural
Motion - Bring Item Forward
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RESOLVED (Clr Pakes / Clr
Gartner) MIN18.169
That the matter of items 18.71, 18.45 and 18.57 be brought
forward for consideration.
CARRIED
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Introduction of Items as
Matters of Urgency
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RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr
Cheyne) MIN18.170
That
the following addendum reports be introduced as matters of urgency:
1. SA18.71 Proposed
Partnership Approach- Southern Cross Housing- NSW Social and Affordable
Housing Funding - Phase 2
CARRIED
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The Chairperson ruled
the matters as ones of urgency as they relate to urgent business of Council
and allowed their introduction.
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SA18.71 Proposed
Partnership Approach - Southern Cross Housing - NSW Social and Affordable
Housing Funding - Phase 2
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HPERM Ref: D18/86609
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Recommendation
That Council:
1. Support
Southern Cross Housing’s expression of interest under the NSW Social
and Affordable Housing Fund (SAHF) – Phase 2 for the delivery of social
and affordable dwellings in the Shoalhaven.
2. Give
in principle support to the development of 42 – 46 Coomea St, Bomaderry
and 11 Lamond’s Lane & 81 Bridge Rd, Nowra (former Nowra Gasworks)
for affordable housing sites and the inclusion of those sites in the
expression of interest to be submitted by Southern Cross Housing in the SAHF
Phase 2 programme.
3. Receive
a future report on a detailed business case which considers the inclusion of
the former Nowra Gasworks site and the Coomea Street site in the development
of social and affordable housing by Southern Cross Housing and the treatment
of those sites in terms of any proposed contractual agreement with Southern
Cross Housing.
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RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr
Cheyne) MIN18.171
That Council:
1. Support Southern Cross
Housing’s expression of interest under the NSW Social and Affordable
Housing Fund (SAHF) – Phase 2 for the delivery of social and affordable
dwellings in the Shoalhaven.
2. Give in principle support to the
development of 42 – 46 Coomea St, Bomaderry and other site(s) in Nowra
and/or Ulladulla, subject to further community consultation, for affordable
housing sites and the inclusion of those sites in the expression of interest
to be submitted by Southern Cross Housing in the SAHF Phase 2 programme,
excluding the former Gas Works site (81 Bridge Road, Nowra).
3. Receive a future report on a
detailed business case which considers the inclusion of sites in the
development of social and affordable housing by Southern Cross Housing and
the treatment of those sites in terms of any proposed contractual agreement
with Southern Cross Housing.
4. Exclude the former Gas Works site
(81 Bridge Road, Nowra) from considerations for any form of housing in the
future, due to the contamination of the site.
CARRIED
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SA18.45 Hyams
Beach - Workshop Outcomes- Easter Actions and Resource Requirements
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HPERM Ref: D18/84701
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Recommendation
That:
1. Council
support the implementation of actions for the Hyams Beach as a trial for the
Easter period 2018.
2. Council
allocate a total of $78,800 to implement the trial.
3. A
report is provided back to Council on the outcome of the trial and a
consideration of ongoing resource provision in the Hyams Beach location.
4. Council
continue discussions with key stakeholders from Hyams Beach and stakeholders
from the wider Shoalhaven to develop long term solutions to increasing
visitor numbers and infrastructure needs.
5. A
working party is formed to assess long term strategic and sustainable
infrastructure solutions to current and potential hotspots throughout the
region, taking into consideration the Sustainable Tourism Model currently
being created.
6. Consideration
be given to the purchase of variable message board signs (VMS) to assist with
future peak summer holiday periods to reduce the costs of hiring. These signs
can also be utilised by Council for other festivals, events and emergency
situations.
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Motion (Clr Findley / Clr Gartner)
That:
1. Council
support the implementation of actions for the Hyams Beach as a trial for the
Easter period 2018.
2. Council
allocate a budget up to a total of $39,000 to implement the trial.
3. A
further allocation of $21,000 be made for a long-term traffic management plan
for Hyams Beach.
4. A
report is provided back to Council on the outcome of the trial and a
consideration of ongoing resource provision in the Hyams Beach location.
5. Council
continue discussions with key stakeholders from Hyams Beach (including the
Hyams Beach Village Association) and stakeholders from the wider Shoalhaven
to develop long term solutions to increasing visitor numbers and
infrastructure needs.
6. A
working party is formed to assess long term strategic and sustainable
infrastructure solutions to current and potential hotspots throughout the
region, taking into consideration the Sustainable Tourism Model currently
being created.
7. Consideration
be given to the purchase of variable message board signs (VMS) to assist with
future peak summer holiday periods to reduce the costs of hiring. These signs
can also be utilised by Council for other festivals, events and emergency
situations.
8. The
General Manager have regard to the submission from the Hyams Beach Village
Association in the implementation of the action plan.
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Amendment (Clr Watson / Clr
Proudfoot)
That
1. Council
support the implementation of actions for the Hyams Beach as a trial for the
Easter period 2018.
2. Council
allocate a budget up to a total of $15,000 (net) to implement the trial.
3. Council
consider in the budget bids for 2018/2019 a futher allocation of $21,000 for
a long-term traffic management plan for Hyams Beach.
4. A
report is provided back to Council on the outcome of the trial and a
consideration of ongoing resource provision in the Hyams Beach location.
5. Council
continue discussions with key stakeholders from Hyams Beach (including the
Hyams Beach Village Association) and stakeholders from the wider Shoalhaven
to develop long term solutions to increasing visitor numbers and
infrastructure needs.
6. A
working party is formed to assess long term strategic and sustainable
infrastructure solutions to current and potential hotspots throughout the
region, taking into consideration the Sustainable Tourism Model currently
being created.
7. Consideration
be given to the purchase of variable message board signs (VMS) to assist with
future peak summer holiday periods to reduce the costs of hiring. These signs
can also be utilised by Council for other festivals, events and emergency
situations.
8. The
General Manager have regard to the submission from the Hyams Beach Village
Association in the implementation of the action plan.
For: Clr
Pakes, Clr Watson and Clr Proudfoot
Against: Clr
Wells, Clr Gash, Clr Findley, Clr Gartner, Clr Cheyne, Clr Alldrick and Russ
Pigg
lost
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RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Findley / Clr Gartner)
That:
1. Council
support the implementation of actions for the Hyams Beach as a trial for the
Easter period 2018.
2. Council
allocate a budget up to a total of $39,000 to implement the trial.
3. A
further allocation of $21,000 be made for a long-term traffic management plan
for Hyams Beach.
4. A
report is provided back to Council on the outcome of the trial and a
consideration of ongoing resource provision in the Hyams Beach location.
5. Council
continue discussions with key stakeholders from Hyams Beach (including the
Hyams Beach Village Association) and stakeholders from the wider Shoalhaven
to develop long term solutions to increasing visitor numbers and
infrastructure needs.
6. A
working party is formed to assess long term strategic and sustainable
infrastructure solutions to current and potential hotspots throughout the
region, taking into consideration the Sustainable Tourism Model currently
being created.
7. Consideration
be given to the purchase of variable message board signs (VMS) to assist with
future peak summer holiday periods to reduce the costs of hiring. These signs
can also be utilised by Council for other festivals, events and emergency
situations.
8. The
General Manager have regard to the submission from the Hyams Beach Village
Association in the implementation of the action plan.
For: Clr
Wells, Clr Gash, Clr Findley, Clr Gartner, Clr Cheyne, Clr Alldrick and Russ
Pigg
Against: Clr
Pakes, Clr Watson and Clr Proudfoot
carried
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Procedural
Motion - Adjournment of Meeting
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RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr Gash)
MIN18.172
That the meeting be adjourned for
10 minutes.
CARRIED
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The meeting adjourned,
the time being 6.54pm.
The meeting reconvened,
the time being 7.10pm.
When the following
members were present:
Clr John Wells -
Chairperson
Clr Amanda Findley
Clr Joanna Gash
Clr Nina Cheyne
Clr Kaye Gartner
Clr Annette Alldrick
Clr Mitchell Pakes
Clr Greg Watson
Clr Bob Proudfoot
Mr Russ Pigg –
General Manager
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SA18.57 Encroachment
onto Public Reserve - 1 Walton Way, Currarong
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HPERM Ref: D18/24295
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Clr Gash – SA18.57 – Encroachment onto
Public Reserve – 1 Walton Way, Currarong – less than significant
non pecuniary declaration – did remain in the room and did take part in
discussion and vote – co-owner of the property is a “friend known
to me”.
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Recommendation
That Council resolves to:
1. Support
an application by the owner of Lot 220 DP 16854 at 1 Walton Way Currarong,
Robin Nicholas Graham, to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales
for an order under the Encroachment of Buildings Act 1922 that an easement
right be created in relation to the encroachment onto Council owned land
known as Dolphin Reserve at Currarong comprised in Lot 222 DP 16584 and shown
by hatching on Attachment “A” provided that the easement is
extinguished upon demolition of the building which forms the encroachment;
2. Take
no action in relation to the other encroachments onto Dolphin Reserve in the
form of fencing adjacent to the western boundaries of properties at 3 to 9
Walton Way inclusive other than to acknowledge the encroachments and to
inform the registered proprietors of those properties that Council requires
that fencing be relocated to the surveyed boundaries whenever the properties
are redeveloped for any reason; and
3. Grant
authority to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven
to any document required to be sealed and to delegate to the General Manager
the authority required to finalise this matter including, if required, any
submission to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales in relation
to an application for orders under the Encroachment of Buildings Act 1922 in
(1) above.
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Motion (Clr Proudfoot / Clr Alldrick)
That
Council resolves to:
1. Support
an application by the owner of Lot 220 DP 16854 at 1 Walton Way Currarong,
Robin Nicholas Graham, to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales
for an order under the Encroachment of Buildings Act 1922 that an easement
right be created in relation to the encroachment onto Council owned land
known as Dolphin Reserve at Currarong comprised in Lot 222 DP 16584 and shown
by hatching on Attachment “A” provided that the easement is
extinguished upon demolition of the building which forms the encroachment;
2. Take
no action in relation to the other encroachments onto Dolphin Reserve in the
form of fencing adjacent to the western boundaries of properties at 3 to 9
Walton Way inclusive other than to acknowledge the encroachments and to
inform the registered proprietors of those properties that Council requires
that fencing be relocated to the surveyed boundaries whenever the properties
are redeveloped for any reason; and
3. Grant
authority to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven
to any document required to be sealed and to delegate to the General Manager
the authority required to finalise this matter including, if required, any
submission to the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales in relation
to an application for orders under the Encroachment of Buildings Act 1922 in
(1) above.
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RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr Gash)
MIN18.173
That
Council defer the item to next Ordinary meeting pending further legal advice
on the transfer of title.
For: Clr
Wells, Clr Gash, Clr Findley, Clr Gartner, Clr Cheyne, Clr Alldrick, Clr
Pakes, Clr Watson and Russ Pigg
Against: Clr
Proudfoot
CARRIED
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Notices of Motion / Questions
on Notice
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SA18.44 Notice
of Motion - Black Spot Funding - Princes Hwy Jervis Bay Rd Intersection to
Ulladulla
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HPERM Ref: D18/77771
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Recommendation
That Council apply for urgent
black spot funding from the federal government’s Black Spot Programme
through the RMS for the stretch of the Princes Highway from the Jervis Bay Rd
intersection to Ulladulla.
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RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Alldrick / Clr Cheyne)
That Council apply for urgent
black spot funding from the federal government’s Black Spot Programme
through the RMS for the stretch of the Princes Highway from the Jervis Bay Rd
intersection to Ulladulla.
CARRIED
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Procedural
Motion - Bring Item Forward
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RESOLVED (Russ Pigg / Clr Wells) MIN18.174
That the matters of the following
be brought forward for consideration:
· SA18.66 –
Interest Grace Period - Water Accounts
· SA18.67 –
Shoalhaven Water Reclamation Annual Report 2016 / 2017
· SA18.68 –
Draft Proposal for 2018-19 Water and Sewer Charges
CARRIED
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SA18.66 Interest
Grace Period - Water Accounts
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HPERM Ref: D18/49097
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Recommendation
That Council
1. Remove
the extended grace period for the payment of eligible pensioner water
accounts effective 1 July 2018.
2. Rescind
Council resolution 1814 adopted 18 December 2007.
3. Increase
the Council component of the annual concession for eligible pensioners under
the conditions of Section 575 of the Local Government Act by $10.00 for the
water availability charge and $10.00 for the sewerage availability charge
effective 1 July 2018.
4. Adopt
the amended policy 17/1 attached to reflect Part 1 of the Recommendation.
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RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Wells / Clr Proudfoot)
That Council
1. Remove
the extended grace period for the payment of eligible pensioner water
accounts effective 1 July 2018.
2. Rescind
Council resolution 1814 adopted 18 December 2007.
3. Increase
the Council component of the annual concession for eligible pensioners under
the conditions of Section 575 of the Local Government Act by $10.00 for the
water availability charge and $10.00 for the sewerage availability charge
effective 1 July 2018.
4. Adopt
the amended policy 17/1 attached to reflect Part 1 of the Recommendation.
CARRIED
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SA18.67 Shoalhaven
Water Reclamation Annual Report 2016 / 2017
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HPERM Ref: D18/51840
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Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That in accordance with the
Committee’s delegated authority from Council, that the Shoalhaven Water
Reclamation annual report 2016/17 be accepted and noted.
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RESOLVED (Clr Gartner / Clr Gash)
MIN18.175
That in accordance with the
Committee’s delegated authority from Council, that the Shoalhaven Water
Reclamation annual report 2016/17 be accepted and noted.
CARRIED
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SA18.68 Draft
Proposal for 2018-19 Water and Sewer Charges
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HPERM Ref: D18/62537
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Recommendation
That Council adopt the following
proposal for inclusion in the draft 2018/19 budget:
1. Water
Availability Charge 20mm – No increase from $82/connection
2. Water
Usage Charge – No increase from $1.70/kL
3. Sewer
Availability Charge 20mm – Increase of $18.00 per annum from $830 to
$848 per annum.
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RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Wells / Clr Gartner)
That Council adopt the following proposal
for inclusion in the draft 2018/19 budget:
1. Water Availability Charge 20mm
– No increase from $82/connection
2. Water Usage Charge – No
increase from $1.70/kL
3. Sewer Availability Charge 20mm
– Increase of $18.00 per annum from $830 to $848 per annum.
CARRIED
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Reports
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SA18.45 Hyams
Beach- Workshop Outcomes- Easter Actions and Resource Requirements
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HPERM Ref: D18/84701
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Item dealt with earlier
in the meeting.
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SA18.46 South
Coast Regional Jobs Initiative Grant - Woollamia Boat Lift Facility
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HPERM Ref: D18/85080
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Recommendation
That Council:
1. Accept the grant of $180,900
towards the cost of boat lifting facilities at Woollamia under the South
Coast Regional Jobs Initiative.
a. The
Contract be signed by the General Manager
2. Vote $200,000 from the Economic
Development Reserve towards this project as its contribution.
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RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Proudfoot / Clr Pakes)
That Council:
1. Accept
the grant of $180,900 towards the cost of boat lifting facilities at
Woollamia under the South Coast Regional Jobs Initiative.
a. The
Contract be signed by the General Manager
2. Vote
$200,000 from the Economic Development Reserve towards this project as its
contribution.
carried
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SA18.47 South
Coast Regional Jobs Initiative Grant - Greenwell Point Boating Facilities
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HPERM Ref: D18/85372
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Recommendation
That Council:
1. Accept
the grant of $744,339 towards the cost of additional boating facilities at
Greenwell Point under the South Coast Regional Jobs Initiative.
a. The
Contract be signed by the General Manager
2. Vote
$750,000 from the Economic Development Reserve towards this project as its
contribution.
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RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Pakes / Clr Gartner)
That Council:
1. Accept
the grant of $744,339 towards the cost of additional boating facilities at Greenwell
Point under the South Coast Regional Jobs Initiative.
a. The
Contract be signed by the General Manager
2. Vote
$750,000 from the Economic Development Reserve towards this project as its
contribution.
3. That Council write to and thank
the Federal Member for the funding.
carried
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Items marked with an *
were resolved ‘en block’.
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SA18.48 Report
- Adoption of Risk Management Policy
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HPERM Ref: D18/63585
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RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr
Pakes) MIN18.176
That Council adopt the revised
Risk Management Policy.
CARRIED
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SA18.49 OzWater
Conference - 2018 - Australian Water Association
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HPERM Ref: D18/68061
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RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Pakes)
MIN18.177
That Council:
1. Notes the details of the OzWater 2018
Conference scheduled for 8 May 2018 – 10 May 2018 in Brisbane,
Queensland.
2. Authorises
available Councillors to attend the conference and such attendance be deemed
Council Business.
3. Travel,
registration fees, accommodation and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses be
met in accordance with its adopted policy.
4. Request
Councillors attending the conference to provide a written report within 30
days of returning from the conference.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.50 National
General Assembly 2018
|
HPERM Ref: D18/73137
|
|
RESOLVED* (Clr Wells / Clr Pakes)
MIN18.178
That Council:
1. Notes
the details of the National General Assembly of Local Government scheduled
for 17-20 June 2018 in Canberra.
2. Authorises
available Councillors to attend the conference and such attendance be deemed
Council Business.
3. Travel,
registration fees, accommodation and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses be
met in accordance with its adopted policy.
4. That
Councillor Findley be determined as the Council voting delegate for the
conference and Councillor Gash as alternate delegate.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.51 Waste
2018 Conference
|
HPERM Ref: D18/76159
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council
1. Notes
the details of the Waste 2018 Conference scheduled for 8-10 May 2018 in Coffs
Harbour.
2. Authorises
available Councillors to attend the conference and such attendance be deemed
Council Business.
3. Travel,
registration fees, accommodation and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses be
met in accordance with its adopted policy.
4. Request
Councillors attending the conference to provide a written report within 30
days of returning from the conference.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Wells / Clr Pakes) MIN18.179
That
Council:
1. Notes
the details of the Waste 2018 Conference scheduled for 8-10 May 2018 in Coffs
Harbour.
2. Authorises
available Councillors to attend the conference and such attendance be deemed
Council Business.
3. Travel,
registration fees, accommodation and all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses be
met in accordance with its adopted policy.
4. Request
Councillors attending the conference to provide a written report within 30
days of returning from the conference.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.52 Submission
- Office of Local Government - Consultation on draft of the new Model Code of
Meeting Practice
|
HPERM Ref: D18/80837
|
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council endorses the Draft
Submission to the Office of Local Government (Attachment 1 to this report)
for submission in response to the Consultative Draft of the Model Code of
Meeting Practice.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Gartner / Clr
Cheyne) MIN18.180
That Council endorses the Draft
Submission to the Office of Local Government (Attachment 1 to this report)
for submission in response to the Consultative Draft of the Model Code of
Meeting Practice.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.53 Submission
- Office of Local Government - Consultation Draft - Councillor Induction and
Professional Development Guidelines
|
HPERM Ref: D18/82631
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council endorses the
Draft Submission to the Office of Local Government (Attachment 1 to this
report) for submission in response to the Consultative Draft of the
Councillor Induction and Professional Development Guidelines.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr
Cheyne) MIN18.181
That Council endorses the Draft
Submission to the Office of Local Government (Attachment 1 to this report)
for submission in response to the Consultative Draft of the Councillor
Induction and Professional Development Guidelines.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.54 Feedback
- Office of Local Government - Regulation Consultation Guide - Supporting
Joint Organisation Success
|
HPERM Ref: D18/82877
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council endorses the Draft Feedback to the Office of
Local Government (Attachment 1 to this report) for submission in response to
the Draft Regulations and the Regulation Consultation Guides to support Joint
Organisations.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Gash / Clr Wells) MIN18.182
That Council endorses the Draft
Feedback to the Office of Local Government (Attachment 1 to this report) for
submission in response to the Draft Regulations and the Regulation
Consultation Guides to support Joint Organisations.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.55 Classification
of land - Part Lots 2 & 3 DP1205656 Dolphin Point Road Burrill Lake
|
HPERM Ref: D18/35106
|
|
Recommendation
That Council resolve to classify the land described as part
Lots 2 & 3 DP1205656 being proposed Lots 2 & 3 DP1228719 Dolphin
Point Road, Burrill Lake as Operational Land.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Cheyne / Clr Wells)
That Council resolve to classify
the land described as part Lots 2 & 3 DP1205656 being proposed Lots 2
& 3 DP1228719 Dolphin Point Road, Burrill Lake as Operational Land.
carried
|
|
SA18.56 Classification
of land - Part Lot 100 DP1222232 Field Street Huskisson
|
HPERM Ref: D18/35337
|
|
Recommendation
That Council resolve to classify
the land described as part Lot 100 DP1222232 Field Street, Huskisson as
Operational land.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Findley / Clr Cheyne)
That Council resolve to classify
the land described as part Lot 100 DP1222232 Field Street, Huskisson as
Operational land.
carried
|
|
SA18.57 Encroachment Onto Public Reserve - 1 Walton Way,
Currarong
|
HPERM Ref: D18/24295
|
|
Item
dealt with earlier in the meeting see MIN18.173.
|
|
SA18.58 Classification
of land - Part Lot 1 DP608937 Captain Street Vincentia
|
HPERM Ref: D18/42878
|
|
Recommendation
That Council resolve to classify
the land described as part Lot 1 DP608937 being proposed Lot 1 DP1236981
Captain Street Vincentia as Operational Land.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Cheyne / Clr Findley)
That Council resolve to classify
the land described as part Lot 1 DP608937 being proposed Lot 1 DP1236981
Captain Street Vincentia as Operational Land.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.59 Nowra
Bridge Project - RMS - Preferred Option Announced
|
HPERM Ref: D18/56785
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council provides the
following response to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) request for
comment on the preferred option for the Nowra Bridge Project;
1. Council
is very disappointed that its preferred option of grade separated
intersections at each location (Bolong Road to Bridge Road) is not being
pursued.
2. Council
thanks the RMS for acknowledging that the preferred option report overstated
the involvement of Council staff in the shortlisting process that arrived at
the RMS preferred option. The Council staff assisted in the devlopment of
options for consideration.
3. Council
sees that the “at grade” option is being proposed is a short term
solution only, and the State Government needs to bring forward the planning
and construction of a Nowra-Bomaderry Bypass in the medium term.
4. In
addition to the minuted comments (reproduced in the body of this report)
Council made at the RMS breifing to Councillors on Thursday 22 February, and given
that the RMS is only seeking feedback (during the period from 19 February
2018 to 23 March 2018) on a conceptual layout of its preferred option,
Council also makes the following request/comments:
a. There
is likely to be significant upstream and downstream impacts following
construction of the Nowra bridge project. The bridge project, in
conjunction with the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade, will bring forward the need
to extend 3 lanes of traffic in each direction continuous through Bomaderry
and South Nowra.
b. Similar
to the requirement to maintain a free left slip lane into Illaroo Road off
the Highway, it is not clear whether the proposal maintains the free left
slip lane out of Bridge Road on to the Highway. Previous attempts by the
former RTA to control those movements have failed (causing significant
impacts to the Highway and Bridge Road). Both of these free flowing movements
are essential to maintain and ensure a free flowing network, and must be
incorporated into the design of the new bridge.
c. Given
that RMS were able to confirm at the briefing that there will be turn
restrictions on Bridge Road at the intersection with Scenic Drive, there is a
need for RMS to do a thorough assessment of the resulting traffic impacts at
the intersection of Bridge Road and Hyams Street (Council believes traffic
signals will be required in the short term).
d. The
changes at the intersection of Bridge Road and Scenic Drive will present an
opportunity to incorporate a pedestrian refuge on Bridge Road (immediately
south of Scenic Drive) without impacting two lanes of southbound traffic, and
this should be included
e. Council
believes traffic signals will also be required at the intersection of Illaroo
Road and Fairway Drive (access to Greys Beach and the Nowra Golf Club) where
the project is likely to terminate
f. With
regards to urban design, Council requests that the RMS urban design consultants
work closely with Council (and Council’s urban design consultants) to
ensure integration between the Nowra bridge project and the river foreshore
masterplan.
g. Pedestrian
and cyclist considerations will need to be more thoroughly examined once more
detail is released.
h. The
use and integration of the old bridge will need to be more thoroughly
examined once more detail is released.
5. Given
the level of detail provided to the public is still preliminary (concept
layouts provided only, with no detailed engineering), there are still many
questions to ask with regards to how the proposal will impact on
Council’s assets and property, and how it will integrate with
Council’s other planning. Accordingly, Council requests that RMS
provides more detail, and increase its level of communication with Council so
that more ‘detailed’ feedback can be provided in a timely manner,
and more certainty can be provided to allow Council to finalise its other
plans.
6. RMS
confirm that the downstream historic bridge will remain in State ownership
and be maintained by the State Government in perpetuity.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr Gash)
MIN18.183
That Council provides the
following response to the NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) request for
comment on the preferred option for the Nowra Bridge Project:
1. Council
is adament that its preferred option of grade separated intersections at each
location (Bolong Road to Bridge Road) should be pursued.
2. Council
thanks the RMS for acknowledging that the preferred option report overstated
the involvement of Council staff in the shortlisting process that arrived at
the RMS preferred option. The Council staff assisted in the development of
options for consideration.
3. Council
is opposed to the “at grade” option proposed as it is a short
term solution only, and the State Government needs to bring forward the
planning and construction of a Nowra-Bomaderry Bypass in the medium term.
4. In
addition to the minuted comments (reproduced in the body of this report)
Council made at the RMS breifing to Councillors on Thursday 22 February, and given
that the RMS is only seeking feedback (during the period from 19 February
2018 to 23 March 2018) on a conceptual layout of its preferred option,
Council also makes the following request/comments:
a. There
is likely to be significant upstream and downstream impacts following
construction of the Nowra bridge project. The bridge project, in
conjunction with the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade, will bring forward the need
to extend 3 lanes of traffic in each direction continuous through Bomaderry
and South Nowra.
b. Similar
to the requirement to maintain a free left slip lane into Illaroo Road off
the Highway, it is not clear whether the proposal maintains the free left
slip lane out of Bridge Road on to the Highway. Previous attempts by the
former RTA to control those movements have failed (causing significant
impacts to the Highway and Bridge Road). Both of these free flowing movements
are essential to maintain and ensure a free flowing network, and must be
incorporated into the design of the new bridge.
c. Given
that RMS were able to confirm at the briefing that there will be turn
restrictions on Bridge Road at the intersection with Scenic Drive, there is a
need for RMS to do a thorough assessment of the resulting traffic impacts at
the intersection of Bridge Road and Hyams Street (Council believes traffic
signals will be required in the short term).
d. The
changes at the intersection of Bridge Road and Scenic Drive will present an
opportunity to incorporate a pedestrian refuge on Bridge Road (immediately
south of Scenic Drive) without impacting two lanes of southbound traffic, and
this should be included
e. Council
believes traffic signals will also be required at the intersection of Illaroo
Road and Fairway Drive (access to Greys Beach and the Nowra Golf Club) where
the project is likely to terminate
f. With
regards to urban design, Council requests that the RMS urban design
consultants work closely with Council (and Council’s urban design
consultants) to ensure integration between the Nowra bridge project and the
river foreshore masterplan.
g. Pedestrian
and cyclist considerations will need to be more thoroughly examined once more
detail is released.
h. The
use and integration of the old bridge will need to be more thoroughly
examined once more detail is released.
5. Given
the level of detail provided to the public is still preliminary (concept
layouts provided only, with no detailed engineering), there are still many
questions to ask with regards to how the proposal will impact on
Council’s assets and property, and how it will integrate with
Council’s other planning. Accordingly, Council requests that RMS
provides more detail, and increase its level of communication with Council so
that more ‘detailed’ feedback can be provided in a timely manner,
and more certainty can be provided to allow Council to finalise its other
plans.
6. RMS
confirm that the downstream historic bridge will remain in State ownership
and be maintained by the State Government in perpetuity.
7. Council
write to Federal Member for Gilmore and State Members for South Coast and
Kiama informing them of Council’s resolution expressing disappointment
in relation to the RMS preferred option, and thanking them for their support.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.60 Bolong
Road Preservation Fund Approved
|
HPERM Ref: D18/56800
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That:
1. Council
accepts the grant funding offer under the Eurobodalla Roads Upgrade package
(including the Bolong Road Preservation Fund project) as follows:
a. $700,000
for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from east of Broughton Creek to
the northern side of Askeaton Park ($50,000 in 2017/18 and $650,000 in
2018/19).
b. $300,000
for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from north of Coolangatta Road to
the northern side of the Gerroa Road intersection ($250,000 in 2017/18 and
$50,000 in 2018/19).
2. Council
amends the budget to reflect the approved variation under the NSW Safer Roads
Funding Program components of the Bolong Road projects, as follows:
a. $425,000
for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from east of Broughton Creek to
the northern side of Askeaton Park ($300,000 in 2017/18 and $125,000 in
2018/19), however
b. All
of the $640,000 for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from north of
Coolangatta Road to the northern side of the Gerroa Road intersection
(previously $450,000 in 2017/18 and $190,000 in 2018/19) will now all be made
available in 2017/18 to bring forward the project so it is coordinated with
the works to upgrade the intersection of Bolong Road and Coolangatta Road.
3. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the Federal
Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, and the
Federal Member for Gilmore, thanking them for their support of the Bolong
Road projects through the Eurobodalla Roads Upgrade package
4. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the NSW Roads &
Maritime Services, thanking them for their assistance in helping Council to
align the respective budgets to deliver these important safety upgrades on
Bolong Road.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Pakes / Clr
Proudfoot) MIN18.184
That:
1. Council accepts the grant funding
offer under the Eurobodalla Roads Upgrade package (including the Bolong Road
Preservation Fund project) as follows:
a. $700,000
for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from east of Broughton Creek to
the northern side of Askeaton Park ($50,000 in 2017/18 and $650,000 in
2018/19).
b. $300,000
for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from north of Coolangatta Road to
the northern side of the Gerroa Road intersection ($250,000 in 2017/18 and
$50,000 in 2018/19).
2. Council
amends the budget to reflect the approved variation under the NSW Safer Roads
Funding Program components of the Bolong Road projects, as follows:
a. $425,000
for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from east of Broughton Creek to
the northern side of Askeaton Park ($300,000 in 2017/18 and $125,000 in
2018/19), however
b. All
of the $640,000 for the safety improvements on Bolong Road, from north of
Coolangatta Road to the northern side of the Gerroa Road intersection
(previously $450,000 in 2017/18 and $190,000 in 2018/19) will now all be made
available in 2017/18 to bring forward the project so it is coordinated with
the works to upgrade the intersection of Bolong Road and Coolangatta Road.
3. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the Federal
Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, and the
Federal Member for Gilmore, thanking them for their support of the Bolong
Road projects through the Eurobodalla Roads Upgrade package
4. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the NSW Roads &
Maritime Services, thanking them for their assistance in helping Council to
align the respective budgets to deliver these important safety upgrades on
Bolong Road.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.61 Chris
Creek Project Approved - Round 1 - Stronger Country Communities Fund
|
HPERM Ref: D18/56805
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That
1. Council
accepts the grant funding offer under the NSW Government’s Stronger
Country Communities Fund – Round 1 – for the Chris Creek project
($937,691).
2. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the Honourable John
Barilaro MP (Deputy Premier), and the local Member for South Coast, thanking
them for their support of the Shoalhaven Community through the Stronger
Country Communities Fund and in particular for supporting Council’s
nomination for this important local infrastructure project.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Proudfoot / Clr
Pakes) MIN18.185
That
1. Council
accepts the grant funding offer under the NSW Government’s Stronger
Country Communities Fund – Round 1 – for the Chris Creek project
($937,691).
2. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works) writes to the Honourable John
Barilaro MP (Deputy Premier), and the Local Member for South Coast, thanking
them for their support of the Shoalhaven Community through the Stronger
Country Communities Fund and in particular for supporting Council’s
nomination for this important local infrastructure project.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.62 Country
Public Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) - Revised Proposal
Submitted
|
HPERM Ref: D18/68296
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council:
1. Accepts
the grant funding offer under the NSW Government 2015/17 Country Passenger Transport
Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) in part, being $50,000 for five new
shelters (a reduction from the original 18 shelters approved).
2. Approves
the revised strategy submitted to TfNSW on 26 February 2018 (approval from
the NSW Government expected July 2018) that will provide a total of 11 new
bus shelters and a relocation of one existing shelter, at priority locations
over the course of financial years 2018/19 and 2019/20 (with 10 of the
locations derived from the original approved list of 18), and to fund these
shelters as follows:
a. financial
year 2018/19 provide five new shelters and relocate one existing shelter
using CPTIGS 2015/17 funds of $50,000 (being the NSW Government’s
contribution towards the 5 new shelters) with Council to provide the balance
of funding of $70,000 (a total estimated cost of $120,000) as follows;
i. Stewart
Place Nowra Central Median Location 1 (from the original approved list)
ii. Stewart
Place Nowra Central Median Location 2 (from the original approved list)
iii. Stewart
Place Nowra Central Median Location 3 (from the original approved list)
iv. 173-177 Moss
Vale Road Kangaroo Valley (from the original approved list)
v. 84
Greenwell Point Road Greenwell Point (from the original approved list)
vi. 84 Tallwood
Avenue Mollymook (not on the original approved list, but a high priority for
the community)
b. financial
year 2019/20 provide six new shelters using CPTIGS 2017/19 funds of $50,000
(being the NSW Government’s contribution towards 5 of the new shelters)
with Council to provide the balance of funding of $150,000 (a total estimated
cost of $200,000), as follows;
i. Orama
Crescent Central Median near Ophir Street Orient Point (from the original
approved list)
ii. Leo
Drive Western side before Matron Porter Drive Mollymook (from the original
approved list)
iii. Leo
Drive Eastern side before Matron Porter Drive Mollymook (from the original
approved list)
iv. 90A Princes
Highway Milton (from the original approved list)
v. 109
Princes Highway Milton (from the original approved list)
vi. 32 Alma Avenue
Fishermans Paradise (not on the original approved list, but a high priority
for the community)
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr
Gartner) MIN18.186
That Council:
1. Accepts
the grant funding offer under the NSW Government 2015/17 Country Passenger
Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) in part, being $50,000 for
five new shelters (a reduction from the original 18 shelters approved).
2. Approves
the revised strategy submitted to TfNSW on 26 February 2018 (approval from
the NSW Government expected July 2018) that will provide a total of 11 new
bus shelters and a relocation of one existing shelter, at priority locations
over the course of financial years 2018/19 and 2019/20 (with 10 of the
locations derived from the original approved list of 18), and to fund these
shelters as follows:
a. financial
year 2018/19 provide five new shelters and relocate one existing shelter
using CPTIGS 2015/17 funds of $50,000 (being the NSW Government’s
contribution towards the 5 new shelters) with Council to provide the balance
of funding of $70,000 (a total estimated cost of $120,000) as follows;
i. Stewart
Place Nowra Central Median Location 1 (from the original approved list)
ii. Stewart
Place Nowra Central Median Location 2 (from the original approved list)
iii. Stewart
Place Nowra Central Median Location 3 (from the original approved list)
iv. 173-177 Moss
Vale Road Kangaroo Valley (from the original approved list)
v. 84
Greenwell Point Road Greenwell Point (from the original approved list)
vi. 84 Tallwood
Avenue Mollymook (not on the original approved list, but a high priority for
the community)
b. financial
year 2019/20 provide six new shelters using CPTIGS 2017/19 funds of $50,000
(being the NSW Government’s contribution towards 5 of the new shelters)
with Council to provide the balance of funding of $150,000 (a total estimated
cost of $200,000), as follows;
i. Orama
Crescent Central Median near Ophir Street Orient Point (from the original
approved list)
ii. Leo
Drive Western side before Matron Porter Drive Mollymook (from the original
approved list)
iii. Leo
Drive Eastern side before Matron Porter Drive Mollymook (from the original
approved list)
iv. 90A Princes
Highway Milton (from the original approved list)
v. 109 Princes
Highway Milton (from the original approved list)
vi. 32 Alma Avenue
Fishermans Paradise (not on the original approved list, but a high priority
for the community)
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.63 Active
Transport Program 2017/18 - Termination of Green St Pedestrian Refuge Project
|
HPERM Ref: D18/68728
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That Council amends the budget to
reflect the approved variation under the NSW Active Transport Program 2017-18
($5,000 is now approved to be provided to cover survey and design costs only,
down from the original $50,000 that was approved for construction) of the
pedestrian refuge on Green Street Ulladulla, and authorises the expenditure
on job number 86919.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Gartner / Clr
Findley) MIN18.187
That Council amends the budget to
reflect the approved variation under the NSW Active Transport Program 2017-18
($5,000 is now approved to be provided to cover survey and design costs only,
down from the original $50,000 that was approved for construction) of the
pedestrian refuge on Green Street Ulladulla, and authorises the expenditure
on job number 86919.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.64 Progress
report on the development of Council's Coastal Management Program
|
HPERM Ref: D18/48639
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be determined under
delegated authority)
That:
1. Council
accept the NSW OEH grant funds of $100,000, for the preparation of Shoalhaven
Coastal Management Plan, over three (3) years.
2. As
per Council resolution (MIN17.558) Council provide matching funding of
$100,000 over three years from the existing coastal maintenance operational
budget to match the $100,000 offered by the NSW Government, to prepare
Shoalhaven City Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP).
3. Council
write to the NSW Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Hon
Gabrielle Upton, thanking her for the grant funding offer.
|
|
RESOLVED (Clr Findley / Clr
Gartner) MIN18.188
That:
1. Council
accept the NSW OEH grant funds of $100,000, for the preparation of Shoalhaven
Coastal Management Plan, over three (3) years.
2. As
per Council resolution (MIN17.558) Council provide matching funding of
$100,000 over three years from the existing coastal maintenance operational
budget to match the $100,000 offered by the NSW Government, to prepare
Shoalhaven City Council’s Coastal Management Program (CMP).
3. Council
write to the NSW Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Hon
Gabrielle Upton, thanking her for the grant funding offer.
CARRIED
|
|
SA18.65 Acquisition
of easement over Crown land at Shoalhaven Heads
|
HPERM Ref: D18/46636
|
|
Recommendation
That:
1. Council
resolve to compulsorily acquire an Easement for Access, Sewer Pipeline and
Electricity Purposes variable width over Crown land, Lot 70 DP751268 at
Gerroa Road, Shoalhaven Heads, as shown marked (E) and highlighted yellow on
attached draft survey plan.
2. Council
to pay compensation and costs associated with the acquisition in accordance
with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act
1991, from Shoalhaven Water’s Sewer fund.
3. The
necessary application be made to the Minister for Local Government and the
Governor. The acquisition is to be carried out under the Local Government Act
1993.
4. The
Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any
documents required to be sealed.
|
|
Note: Clr Findley left
the meeting, the time being 8.44pm.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Gash / Clr Cheyne)
That:
1. Council
resolve to compulsorily acquire an Easement for Access, Sewer Pipeline and
Electricity Purposes variable width over Crown land, Lot 70 DP751268 at
Gerroa Road, Shoalhaven Heads, as shown marked (E) and highlighted yellow on
attached draft survey plan.
2. Council
to pay compensation and costs associated with the acquisition in accordance
with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act
1991, from Shoalhaven Water’s Sewer fund.
3. The
necessary application be made to the Minister for Local Government and the
Governor. The acquisition is to be carried out under the Local Government Act
1993.
4. The
Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any
documents required to be sealed.
carried
|
|
SA18.66 Interest Grace Period - Water Accounts
|
HPERM Ref: D18/49097
|
|
Item dealt with earlier
in the meeting.
|
|
SA18.67 Shoalhaven Water Reclamation Annual Report 2016 / 2017
|
HPERM Ref: D18/51840
|
|
Item dealt with earlier
in the meeting see MIN18.175.
|
|
SA18.68 Draft Proposal for 2018-19 Water and Sewer Charges
|
HPERM Ref: D18/62537
|
|
Item dealt with earlier
in the meeting.
|
|
SA18.69 Acquisition
of easements over Crown roads - Milton Ulladulla Sewer Trunk Main project
|
HPERM Ref: D18/68403
|
|
Recommendation
That:
1. Council
resolve to vary MIN16.59 of 27/1/2016 and compulsorily acquire from the Crown
easements for drainage of sewage 6 wide over:
a. Unmade
Crown roads off Slaughterhouse Road and Turnbull Lane at Ulladulla, as shown
highlighted and marked (E) on attached copy of DP1238712, and
b. Unmade
and closed Crown roads off Green Street at Ulladulla and Kings Point Drive at
Kings Point, highlighted and marked (A) on attached copy of DP1228174.
2. Council
to pay compensation and costs associated with the acquisition in accordance
with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act
1991, from Shoalhaven Water’s Sewer fund.
3. The
necessary application be made to the Minister for Local Government and the
Governor. The acquisition is to be carried out under the Local Government Act
1993.
4. The
Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any
documents required to be sealed.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Gartner / Clr Gash)
That:
1. Council
resolve to vary MIN16.59 of 27/1/2016 and compulsorily acquire from the Crown
easements for drainage of sewage 6 wide over:
a. Unmade
Crown roads off Slaughterhouse Road and Turnbull Lane at Ulladulla, as shown
highlighted and marked (E) on attached copy of DP1238712, and
b. Unmade
and closed Crown roads off Green Street at Ulladulla and Kings Point Drive at
Kings Point, highlighted and marked (A) on attached copy of DP1228174.
2. Council
to pay compensation and costs associated with the acquisition in accordance
with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act
1991, from Shoalhaven Water’s Sewer fund.
3. The
necessary application be made to the Minister for Local Government and the
Governor. The acquisition is to be carried out under the Local Government Act
1993.
4. The
Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any
documents required to be sealed.
carried
|
|
SA18.70 Extension
of Town Water Supply along Tannery Road, Cambewarra
|
HPERM Ref: D18/71530
|
|
Recommendation
That Council:
a. Approve
the extension of the town water supply along Tannery Road to the eastern
boundary of 261 Tannery Road, Cambewarra.
b. Approve
the funding of the water main extension from the Water Capital Fund.
c. Following
completion of the water main extension, discontinue the raw water supply to
245, 246 and 261 Tannery Road, Cambewarra.
d. Take
appropriate steps to minimise the risk to Council in respect to the raw water
supply on 230B Tannery Road and Lot 85 DP 751273.
|
|
RECOMMENDATION
(Clr Gartner / Clr Cheyne)
That Council:
1. Approve
the extension of the town water supply along Tannery Road to the eastern
boundary of 261 Tannery Road, Cambewarra.
2. Approve
the funding of the water main extension from the Water Capital Fund.
3. Following
completion of the water main extension, discontinue the raw water supply to
245, 246 and 261 Tannery Road, Cambewarra.
4. Take
appropriate steps to minimise the risk to Council in respect to the raw water
supply on 230B Tannery Road and Lot 85 DP 751273.
carried
|
Addendum Reports
|
SA18.71 Proposed
Partnership Approach- Southern Cross Housing- NSW Social and Affordable
Housing Funding - Phase 2
|
HPERM Ref: D18/86609
|
|
Item dealt with earlier
in the meeting see MIN18.171.
|
Note: Clr Findley
returned to the meeting, the time being 8.45pm.
Confidential Reports
Pursuant to Section 10A(4) the public were invited to make
representation to the meeting before any part of the meeting is closed, as to
whether that part of the meeting should be closed.
No members of the public made representations.
|
RESOLVED (Clr Pakes / Clr
Proudfoot) MIN18.189
That the press and
public be excluded from the Meeting, pursuant to section 10A(1)(a) of the
Local Government Act, 1993, to consider the following items of a confidential
nature.
CSA18.5 Notice
of Motion - University of Technology Sydney (UTS) - Institute of Sustainable
Futures (ISF) Research Project
Information that would, if disclosed, confer a
commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or
proposes to conduct) business.10(A)(2)(c)
Information that would, if disclosed, confer a
commercial advantage on a competitor of the council.10(A)(2)(d)(ii)
CARRIED
|
The meeting moved into
confidential the time being 8.46pm.
The meeting moved into
open session, the time being 9.06pm.
Report from confidential session
The following resolutions
of the meeting, whilst closed to the public, were made public.
|
CSA18.5 Notice
of Motion - University of Technology Sydney (UTS) - Institute of Sustainable
Futures (ISF) Research Project
|
HPERM Ref: D18/86461
|
|
RESOLVED MIN18.190C
That:
2. The matter remain confidential
until the research project is formally announced.
|
There being no further
business, the meeting concluded, the time being 9.06pm.
Clr Wells
CHAIRPERSON
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|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
25
|
SA18.72 Notice
of Motion - Nelson Beach Stairway Access Southern End
HPERM Ref: D18/116110
Submitted
by: Clr Greg Watson
Clr Mitchell
Pakes
Purpose / Summary
The following Notice of Motion,
of which due notice has been given, is submitted for Council’s
consideration.
|
Recommendation (Item to be
determined under delegated authority)
That Council honour a promise
made by Staff to reconstruct or repair the beach access stairway located at
the southern end of Nelson Beach Vincentia and if necessary Council include
the work as a budget item in the operational plan.
|
Background
The stairway has been in
existence for approximately 20 years. If it was considered appropriate to
provide access then it is obvious with the increase in population at Vincentia,
as well as tourism growth the facility is even more necessary now.
Residents were delighted when
Council posted a sign saying the stairs were to be repaired in the near future,
however their pleasure was to be short lived after council removed the sign and
replaced it with another saying the stairs were to be demolished and not
replaced.
Note by the General Manager
These stairs are an elevated set
of stairs at the eastern end of Nelsons Beach. The timber stairs are
constructed from the cliff down onto the rock platform and were probably built
in the late 1990’s. The stairs were not built by council but were part of
a state government initiative. The stairs were damaged in the 2016 east coast
low and have been closed since that time. Storms have continued to damage the
stairs. Budget has not allowed for replacement or relocation of the stairs to
date.
A budget bid has been submitted
for the 2018/19 budget to allow for replacement of the stairs in the current
location or relocation/upgrade further down the beach to a safer location. The
current location invites people onto a rock platform which may be unsafe due to
wave conditions or slippery. The cliff face on which the stairs are constructed
is also showing signs of erosion. The relocation option could involve upgrade
of an existing access at Jervis St. These stairs are also in need of repair and
upgrade.
A recent condition assessment
confirmed that the timber stairs are no longer structurally sound and require
removal or replacement. Council officers have also sought advice from suppliers
in regard to design for replacement of the stairs in the current location and
they have recommended that alternative locations be considered due to the
difficulty of constructing elevated in this location.
The adopted Coast and Estuary
Asset Management Plan states that Council will look at improving the
“Whole of Life” cost of coastal assets, such as elevated beach
access stairs by replacing structures with materials that last longer. One of
these materials is known as Fibreglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) which has a 100
year warranty, as opposed to treated pine which will last 15 -20 years maximum.
(Further information on FRP and its uses are available in the December
2017 edition of Frontline News. FRP materials has a much higher initial
cost then other materials and preliminary estimates for the cost of the
materials alone to replace the existing treated pine stairs with an equivalent
FRP materials would be approximately $65,000.) The cost benefit analysis of the
use of either option will form part of the final decision making process.
At the recent on-site meeting,
the following the options for the management of the dilapidated beach access
stairs were discussed.
1. Close down and
remove the elevated stairs and upgrade the beach access that leads from the
corner of Jervis St and Plantation Point Parade
2. Close down and
remove the elevated stairs and construct a viewing deck only at the same
location
3. Remove the
existing dilapidated elevated stairs and rebuilt the new Fibreglass Reinforced
Polymer (FRP) structure that has a longer “Whole of Life” cost
benefit
Following a meeting with the
VRRA, where all 28 attendees voted to replace the stairs, structural
engineering and Geotechnical advice is being sought to determine an appropriate
design and costs to replace the elevated set of stairs in the current location.
Additionally, a licence from Fisheries and/or Jervis Bay Marine Park Authority
may be required. A risk assessment will also need to be carried out. Once this
information is collated, Environmental Services can report this information
back to Council for determination as to whether or not proceed with replacement
of the stairs in the current location.
|
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
27
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SA18.73 Notice
of Motion - Public Toilets - Tomerong
HPERM Ref: D18/116928
Submitted
by: Clr John Levett
Attachments: 1. Letter
from Tomerong Community Forum ⇩
2. Council's Response to
Tomerong Community Forum ⇩
Purpose / Summary
The following Notice of Motion,
of which due notice has been given, is submitted for Council’s
consideration.
|
Recommendation
That Council enter into
negotiations with the Tomerong Community to identify a suitable site and
design for the construction of a public toilet facility for the village. Also
that Council fully fund the project in the 2018/19 Budget, possibly through
the reallocation of existing S94 funds.
|
Background
Tomerong is a growing community
with approximately 146 approved land releases approved, some already sold, some
in the pipeline. It is, in my view, one of the neglected villages of the
Shoalhaven and has suffered accordingly in infrastructure spend. The shop is a
stopover for cyclists doing a loop from Huskisson along Pine Forest Road and
south along Grange Road to hook up with the Huskisson to Basin View shared
pathway. A public facility close to the village centre would be used not only
by the cycling fraternity but by parents waiting to pick up children at the bus
stops, others waiting to change buses and tourists passing through.
A public toilet facility is a
basic amenity for any area and I know of no other village in the Shoalhaven
that lacks one.
Note by the General Manager
Council has been corresponding
with the Tomerong Community Forum for some time concerning the need to provide
public access to toilet facilities in the village – see attachments.
Councils preferred option and
the most cost-effective outcome for the community, is by agreement, to provide
these facilities utilising an existing toilet due to the relatively low
patronage compared to other areas within the Shoalhaven. Council has in other
towns similar arrangements where Council pays a fee for use of the facility so
that it is available for public use.
The best options in Tomerong
are:
· Tomerong
Hall
o Owned
by others
o Has regular patronage during
school terms – see website http://www.tomeronghall.com/regular-events.html
o Location
of Toilets are external.
o Parking
is available
o The
hall is opposite the school on Hawken Road
· Local
Church -
o Location
of Toilets are at rear of grounds. There are two single use – non-signed
toilets.
o There
is no formed path or formal parking in the ground.
o Building
is in fair condition.
o The
church shares a boundary with the school on Hawken Road.
There is a very high demand
across the City for new public amenities. There are currently over 30 requested
locations for public amenities. The Asset management plan (AMP) for public
amenities is proposed to be reviewed in 2018 and the priority list can also be
reviewed this year.
The current priority is
1. Sanctuary Point –
Clifton park – 1 unisex (currently under construction)
2. Bendalong – Boat
harbour – 4 unisex (replacement is proposed for 2018)
3. Culburra Beach –
Curleys Bay – 1 unisex (now funded by council)
4. Berry – CBD
– 5 unisex (part funded)
5. Hyams Beach –
Seamans Beach – extension – 2 unisex (included recently as an
application under the Stronger Country Communities Program)
6. Vincentia –
Plantation Point (included recently as an application under the Stronger
Country Communities Program)
7. Cudmirrah – Errol
Bond reserve – replace (partly decommissioned due to structural failure)
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
28
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
29
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|
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
30
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SA18.74 Report
of the Childrens Services Reference Group - 12 March 2018
HPERM Ref:
D18/99785
|
CS18.2 Applications
for Membership - Loretta Walton and Christina Barrett
|
HPERM Ref: D18/2683
|
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Loretta Walton and Christina
Barrett be appointed as community members on the Children’s Services
Reference Group.
|
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
31
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SA18.75 Report
of the Shoalhaven Sports Board - 28 March 2018
HPERM Ref:
D18/107924
Attachments: 1. Sportsground
Management Policy ⇩
2. Sports Grants Program
(Capital Works) Policy ⇩
|
SB18.2 Review
of Councils Policies - Sportsgrounds Management and Grants Program
|
HPERM Ref:
D17/342122
|
|
Recommendation (Item to be
determined under delegated authority)
That Council adopt:
1. The
Sportsgrounds Management Policy with the changes highlighted.
2. The
Sports Grants Program (Capital Works) Policy with the changes highlighted and
amend part 3.16 to read: Hirer and/or User.
|
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
42
|
|
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
46
|
SA18.76 Illawarra
Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) Organisational Strategic Plan 2017-2020
HPERM Ref: D18/99778
Group: General
Manager's Group
Attachments: 1. ISJO
Organisational Strategic Plan 2017-2020 ⇩
Purpose / Summary
To advise Councillors of the
adoption of the ISJO Organisational Strategic Plan 2017-2020.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That the report on the Illawarra
Shoalhaven Joint Organisation Strategic Plan 2017-2020 be received for
information.
|
Options
1. As recommended
Implications: Council accepts and acknowledge the
ISJO Strategic Plan.
2. That council not accept the ISJO
Strategic Plan and provide further comments to ISJO.
Implications: This may require ISJO to further
review the Strategic Plan based on council’s comments.
Background
At its meeting on Thurday 1
March 2018, the ISJO resolved to adopt the ISJO Organisational Strategic Plan
2017-2020. A copy is attached.
From ISJO letter.
As member Councils are aware,
the Plan is based on strategic directions agreed during the pilot phase for
joint organisations in 2015. Reference was made in its initial development to
member Councils’ Community Strategic Plans and integrated performance and
reporting frameworks, the Department of Planning Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional
Plan and priorities of the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Leadership Executive
(ISLE) for state agency regional collaboration.
Consultations on the new
version have again been held with the NSW State Department of Premier and
Cabinet and ISLE, with the ISJO Board and General Manager’s Committee and
across various levels of Councils engaged in ISJO activity. It is intended to
act as a “living document” for the ISJO, providing flexibility to
respond to changing regional and local government expectations and to any
requirements which may be determined by the Office of Local government under
the Act and regulations for the enablement of the Joint Organisation entity.
ISJO is pleased to now refer
the Plan to Shoalhaven City Council for information. ISJO would appreciate if you
could encourage staff and elected representatives to familiarise themselves
with the current activities of the organisation and it would be helpful if you
could ensure that your Council website provides appropriate links to the ISJO
site and Strategic Plan location, for the benefit of your community.
The Strategic Plan sets out the
high level “actions” and “activities” to be undertaken
during 2018.
Community Engagement
No structured (genera) commuity
consultation has been undertaken by ISJO at this point.
Policy Implications
As set out in the Strategic
Plan.
Financial Implications
Funding to implement the Plan is
provided with the ISJO budget.
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
49
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
51
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SA18.77 Sale
of Council Employment Land - Lot 119 DP 1124258, 10 Trim St, South Nowra
HPERM Ref: D18/109512
Group: General
Manager's Group
Section: Economic
Development
Purpose / Summary
To confirm and approve the sale
of Council land within the Flinders Industrial Estate.
|
Recommendation
That
1. Council
employment land (Lot 119 DP 1124258, 10 Trim Street, South Nowra) be sold for
$255,000 (plus GST) to JW & J Schumann Pty Ltd.
2. The
General Manager be authorised to sign the Contracts for Sale, and
3. The
Transfer to complete the Contracts for Sale be executed under the Seal of
Council
|
Options
1. To sell Lot 119
DP 1124258, 10 Trim Street, South Nowra
2. Not
to sell Lot 119 DP 1124258, 10 Trim Street, South Nowra
Background
The sale of Lot 119 DP 1124258,
10 Trim Street, South Nowra has been negotiated and is in accordance with
Council resolution MIN17.123 which set the minimum sale price for this lot as
part of Council’s portfolio of industrial land.
The lot is seriously easement
affected and the price, as previously approved by Council, has been discounted
appropriately.
Special conditions applicable to this sale are:
· Buyback condition
– 2 years to build a factory
Financial Implications
The proceeds of the sale will be
deposited into the Council’s Industrial Land Development Reserve for
reinvestment into future industrial land development.
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
60
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SA18.78 Shoalhaven
Family Day Care Update
HPERM Ref: D18/24260
Group: Finance
Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Recreation
Community & Culture
Purpose / Summary
To provide Council with an
update on:
· Shoalhaven
Family Day Care Service (SFDC) performance targets;
· The
application for Federal funding;
· The
amendment of Service Approval – maximum number of family day care
educators;
· The
introduction of PRODA (identification system);
· Consideration
of Educators from outside the LGA registering with SFDC;
· The
outcome of a recent compliance visit.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council
1. Receive
the report for information on current progress towards achieving performance
targets set to build capacity and continue to work towards meeting
performance targets, amendment of the Service Approval, the introduction of
PRODA, and the outcome of the recent compliance visit.
2. Receive
a further report when the outcome of Community Child Care Funding Application
is announced.
3. That
Council support Shoalhaven Family Day Care to take on Educators from outside
the Shoalhaven LGA to improve financial viability.
|
Options
1. That Council
receive this report for information and support SFDC to take on educators from
neighbouring LGAs to improve financial viability. Council staff to report to
Council once the outcome of Community Child Care Funding application is known.
Implications: The report is accepted for information
and SFDC begin to engage educators from neighbouring areas.
2. That Council
receive this report for information and make an alternative recommendation
regarding SFDC employing educators from nearby LGAs.
Implications: That SFDC are not able to engage
Educators from neighbouring LGAs, potentially limiting their ability to improve
financial viability.
Background
Council has sponsored Shoalhaven
Family Day Care since 1979 and is the largest Early Childhood Provider in the
Shoalhaven. It offers flexible in home, education and care for children 6 weeks
to 12 years and has 30 small businesses (Educators) that operate across the
Shoalhaven LGA.
The General Manager is the
Approved Provider for Shoalhaven Family Day Care, with day-to-day operational
responsibility for the service delegated to the Nominated Supervisor Family Day
Care.
The Education and Care Services
National Regulations, under the Education and Care Services National Law 2011
and the National Quality Framework in 2012, brought with it penalties that can
be applied to the Approved Provider as an entity and personally. These
penalties range from $200 to $55,000 depending on the offence. The General
Manager as the Approved Provider, the Nominated Supervisor and individual
Educators can be held personally liable for penalties ranging from $200 to
$10,000.
Legislative Framework
Shoalhaven Family Day Care
operates under the following legislative framework:
· The Education and
Care Services National Law 2011 and
· The Education and
Care Services National Regulations.
The National Law and Regulations
are part of the National Quality Framework, which is jointly governed by the
Australian Government and State and Territory governments. The Australian
Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA) oversees the
system. This sits within the NSW Government Early Childhood Education and Care
Directorate.
Council, at its meeting on
22 November 2016 received a Confidential Report on the Shoalhaven Family Day
Care Service, and resolved, in part, to commence the necessary steps to
transfer the Shoalhaven Family Day Care Service to a suitable provider.
This
decision was later rescinded at the Council meeting on 20 December 2016.
In
March 2017, Council considered a feedback report on Shoalhaven Family Day Care
Service, adopted MIN17.235, and resolved:
“That:
1. Council
receive the report for information on the consultation process with affected
staff, Educators and Families and feedback regarding potential transfer of the
Shoalhaven Family Day Care Service to a suitable provider for information.
2. Council
adopt performance targets to improve services it provides and report back in
April 2018 when more clarity around federal funding is available.
3. As
part of the public exhibition/community engagement period for the draft 2017/18
DP/OP council specifically gain feedback on the matter of ‘ratepayer
subsidy’ for the FDC service.
4. Council
acknowledge that high quality childcare services are a fundamental
responsibility of the Federal Government and acknowledge that the current
service of the Family Day Care Service reaches an exceeding level and
congratulate the staff and the educators for that high-level recognition.
5. Council
continue to lobby the Federal Government for Federal Government support and funding.”
Council
considered a further report in June 2017 following the exhibition of the
DPOP. Council adopted MIN17.522 and resolved to:
1. Receive
the results of the survey for Family Day Care Services for information
2. Continue
to work towards meeting the performance targets to improve services Family Day
Care provides and report back in April 2018 when more clarity around federal
funding is available.
Council
staff have prepared this report to provide an update on the operation of
Shoalhaven Family Day Care and the current challenges facing the service.
Information is provided on:
· Achievement
of the performance targets.
· Status
of the application for Federal funding.
· The
Amendment of Service Approval – maximum number of family day care educators.
· The
introduction of PRODA.
· Educators
from outside the LGA registering with SFDC.
· Compliance visit
– maintaining quality.
Achievement
of Performance Target – Update - Option 4 – Performance targets met
or transfer
Targets were set in March 2017, based on growth of the
service and actions to increase efficiencies within the service. These are
summarised in the table below.
Table 1 - Targets related to
growth of the service
|
|
Target
|
Progress
|
|
Utilisation
|
|
|
|
March 2017
|
88%
|
88%
|
|
30 September 2017
|
89%
|
96%
|
|
30 March 2018
|
90%
|
94%
|
|
30 June 2018
|
90%
|
95% (forecast)
|
|
Educators numbers
|
|
|
|
March 2017
|
39
|
39
|
|
30 September 2017
|
44
|
35
|
|
30 March 2018
|
49
|
30
|
|
30 June 2018
|
50
|
34 (forecast)
|
|
Fees
|
|
|
|
March 2017
|
1.05
|
1.05
|
|
30 September 2017
|
1.12
|
1.10
|
|
30 March 2018
|
1.12
|
1.10
|
|
30 June 2018
|
1.20
|
Proposed:
1.15 from 1 July 2018
with funding
1.20 or 1.25 without
funding
|
Utilisation
As shown in Table 1, the
service has managed to meet or exceed target rate in all quarters. The forecast
for June 2018 shows that with funding the proposed fee is $1.15 from July 2018
and without funding there are two proposed fees of $1.20 and $1.25 per hour per
child.
Educators
Educator
numbers have declined throughout the period despite an increase in Educator
recruitment. Reasons for Educators leaving the service have been:
· Change of career
(4)
· Moving from the
area (4)
· Retirement (2)
· Transfer to
another Family Day Care Service (2)
Six
of these Educators left at the end of 2017, two indicating concerns over the
future of the service as a contributing factor to their decision.
Initially,
following the Council decisions made at the end of 2016 potential Educators
were hesitant to proceed with their application citing concerns regarding the
future of the service. Whilst this remains an issue for existing Educators,
potential Educators have not raised this recently.
Increasing
Educator Numbers
There
are currently four Educators going through the prospective educator process
with a further three in the very early stages of recruitment. A campaign is
currently underway using a new marketing package, which has recently been
obtained from Family Day Care Australia. Four application packages have been
sent out in the past fortnight. Advertising for Educators has been done through
the service Facebook page, TAFE, newsletters and local community organisations.
The service also attended Community Matters Monthly Fair Roadshow throughout
the Shoalhaven. In April, SDFC will be presenting to Defence spouses at
Kookaburra retreat.
Educator
recruitment and training can take between one and six months and is dependent
on how quickly an educator wishes to proceed, their previous experience in the
sector and the extent of changes required to their homes to meet licensing
standards. The service anticipates Educator numbers to be around 34 for June
2018. This could increase if SDFC is able to explore recruiting beyond the
Shoalhaven LGA.
SFDC
is currently investigating opening recruitment up to Educators from
neighbouring LGAs and has been made aware of Educators particularly in the
Kiama LGA who would be interested in registering.
Fees
Fees
have been increased each year as shown in Table 1. There has been no evidence
that fee increases to families have affected usage in recent years, however
prospective Educators have stated that the training fee for new Educators
(currently $300 + GST) has affected them continuing with the recruitment
process. A comparison with other Family Day Care Services indicates that this
fee is slightly higher than that of competitors. If this fee remains as is for
the time being it is anticipated that it will soon be on par with training fees
at competing services that are mostly in the range of $150 to $250.
Increasing Efficiencies
A number of actions have
been implemented in an effort to address efficiency targets. These include:
· A new
streamlined educator recruitment process
Status:
Training modules have been developed to minimise both the timeframe for
recruitment and the staffing required.
· The increased
use of social media to market the service and seek educators
Status: The service has worked
with Family Day Care Australia to develop marketing resources, including those
for social media, which are now being utilised.
· The development
of a SDFC website
Status: Funding for development
of a website, with educator portal has been included in the Community Child
Care Funding application.
· The use of
technology to allow some meetings to occur with Educators via Skype/FaceTime to
maximise staff time working with educators and reduce time spent travelling
Status: Whilst all educators
still receive at least one visit per year from the Educational Leader, as well
as visits at least monthly from Co-ordinators and twice yearly from the
Nominated Supervisor, documentation is now regularly shared via electronic media.
Staff have received training in Skype for meetings and plan to utilise this for
some Educator trainings and meetings when needed and improvements to the
service internet connection via NBN has been made.
· The continued
implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan
Status: The service Quality
Improvement Plan (QIP) addresses the seven Quality Areas of the National
Quality Standards and is reviewed and updated monthly. Items due for completion
in 2017 were all addressed. All Educators are currently attending annual
appraisals with the Nominated Supervisor, which are based on the National
Quality Standards. Staff will then collate information gained from the
appraisals along with evidence from home visits to build upon the QIP. When
visited by a compliance officer in February 2018, the service was praised for
its plan, the methods used to develop the plan and the currency of the plan
given changes to the National Quality Standards had just occurred on 1st
February 2018.
· Creating
electronic files for Educator files reducing administration time and processes
Status: All Educator
documentation is now stored and shared electronically. Staff have recently been
issued with tablets for in the field Educator Documentation. From October 2017
regulations allow Educators to have electronic versions of documentation. This
has already seen significant savings and printing costs.
· Transitioning
the coordination unit to Harmony Web for the submission of time sheets
Status: Since October 2017, one
third of Educators have transitioned to web based attendance records with plans
for all to transition over the next twelve months. This will see an end to
processing hundreds of paper timesheets each week. Whilst the transition
process has been slow and time consuming, long term it is proving far more
sustainable, both financially and environmentally for both staff and Educators.
· Administration
staff visiting new Educators to assist them setting up efficient administration
processes, leading to long term time saving
Status: With the introduction of
Harmony Web electronic timesheets the service has found most new Educators have
been able to bring their devices to the Administration Officer for training and
setting up of their systems prior to commencing as an Educator. This requires
even less time than visiting them and has led to vast improvement in Educator
efficiency in administration processes.
· All
Coordination Unit staff have been accessing councils professional learning
opportunities to ensure they are multi skilled in the uses of various software
e.g. TRIM, Excel to improve efficiencies
Status: All staff have received
training in TRIM and Skype for meetings. Relevant staff have received training
in Excel, OneNote and Infocouncil.
· Creating electronic
files for Children’s documentation further reducing administration time
and processes
Status: All enrolment
information is now stored electronically. Harmony Web has plans for including
additional children’s records in the near future. The service has
included the cost of this component in the funding application. This will
include online enrolment by families.
· Introduce
Harmony Web for Educators use, which will see an end to the processing of
hundreds of timesheets each week. All would be done electronically. We have
been advised by another service time spent on this for them has reduced by 90%
(from approximately 10hours per week to two). Educators will also be able to
view the enrolment information and their payment information for their own service
and will therefore have less need to contact the coordination unit with
enquiries about these matters. Auditing of timesheets will be more efficient
and will be far less time consuming.
Status: One third of Educators
are now on this system. During annual appraisals, Educators are currently being
encouraged to convert to this system. Already the time taken to process
timesheets has reduced by about 40%.
· Recruitment of
more highly qualified Educators. Already 44% of our Educators hold or are
completing a degree or diploma in early childhood education which surpasses the
regulation requirement for them to hold (or be working towards) a Cert III.
Those who are only commencing the Cert III need far more support than those
already trained.
Status: The service expectation
is that prospective Educators have completed at least six modules of the Cert
III and have experience with young children prior (identified through
application, formal interview and referee checks) to being accepted into our
recruitment process. Whilst this can limit the number of applicants, it also
ensures Educators have the knowledge and experience to work effectively in a
family day care environment.
· Online
enrolments with follow up from coordination unit staff introducing themselves.
Status: The service is awaiting
this component via Harmony Web. This has been delayed and is expected by
October 2018.
· Streamlining
play session practices – initially changing from two staff attending to
one. There could be occasions (monthly/fortnightly) where staff set up but
Educators conduct the play session themselves and assist in packing up.
Status: Practices have been
reviewed and one staff operates each play session.
· Implementing
improved data collection practices
Status: Changes to Harmony Web
have seen some improvement in data collection. The service has been advised
there will be further changes in line with the new childcare subsidy package in
July 2018. Once these are established the service will identify any gaps in
what is being collected and set up alternative methods.
Status
of the application for Federal funding
Current
Community Support Programme Funding, which is capped at $136,000 per annum,
ceases at the end of the 2017/18 financial year.
Sustainability
support, only available to services losing Community Support Programme (CSP)
Funding, has been sought over a period of (5) five years to help meet the
financial shortfall when the funding ceases from July 2018 and also cover costs
to improvements in marketing and technology. The goal remains to increase
Educator numbers over this period and continue to improve efficiencies.
An application for a
grant under the Australian Governments Community Childcare Fund was submitted
on 5 October 2017. Funding requested is shown in Table 2 below.
Table
2 - Funding sought from the Community Support Programme:
|
2018-19
|
2019-20
|
2020-21
|
2021-22
|
2022-23
|
Total
|
|
$112,390.00
|
$82,651.00
|
$68,725.00
|
$50,261.00
|
$32,246.00
|
$346,273.00
|
Notification
of selection outcomes is to be made by the end of April 2018. The service was
advised that shortlisted applicants would be requested to supply further
evidence that they are in an area of limited supply and meet the specific needs
of the community. This request was received and evidence supplied in February
2018.
Given
that at the time of preparing this report no decision has been made on funding.
Staff will prepare a further report when the outcome is known.
Amendment
of Service Approval – maximum number of family day care educators
The Education and Care Services
National Regulations require Family Day Care Services who have been operating
for longer than twelve months to have one full-time equivalent family day care
co-ordinator for every 25 family day care educators. In addition, the National
Law permits individual state regulatory authorities to make amendments or
impose a new condition on the service approval.
The NSW Department of Education
Early Childhood Education Directorate has recently written to all NSW Family
Day Care Services amending their approvals. SFDC has been capped at 55
Educators with a 1:25 coordinator to educator ratio applied. SFDC understands
that the capping of Educator numbers was issued “using a risk-based
approach that considered factors such as compliance history and quality
rating”.
After consulting with other
services across the State, it appears SFDC is in a better position than many.
The service currently operates within this ratio and Educator numbers and all
future plans for growth of the service also comply with this amendment.
The Introduction of PRODA
Over the past twelve (12)
months, there have been changes to Family Assistance Law to reduce fraud and
address non-compliance by some services and Educators. The most recent change
is the introduction of PRODA. PRODA is an identification system that all
Educators, staff and persons in control of the service must complete. This
system will be able to track persons who have been non-compliant and/or committed
fraud who move from one service to another. Shoalhaven Family Day Care views
all these changes as a way of strengthening the integrity of the family day
care sector and providing a further level of protection for the service in
reducing the risk of fraud.
Compliance Visit -
Maintaining Quality
On Tuesday 13th
February 2018, the service had an unannounced visit from a Compliance Officer
from the Early Childhood Education and Care Directorate. A Compliance Officer
can visit at any time in between assessment and rating to ensure the service is
maintaining both compliance and their current rating which for Shoalhaven
Family Day Care is ‘Exceeding the National Quality Standards’.
No compliance issues were
recorded and the service maintains its ‘Exceeding’ the National
Quality Standards rating.
Educators from outside the
LGA registering with Shoalhaven Family Day Care
Approximately ten years ago
there was a change to National Law which allowed services to operate anywhere
in Australia. Most services within Australia now have Educators within a number
of LGAs. To date Shoalhaven Family Day Care has operated only within the
Shoalhaven LGA. In the past, there has been interest from Educators in
adjoining LGAs to register with Shoalhaven Family Day Care, particularly from
the Kiama and Shellharbour regions. There have also been families living within
the Shoalhaven who travel to those areas for work/study seeking care closer to
their place of work/study.
There are services outside our
LGA who have been capped at a figure lower than, or close to the number of
Educators they currently have. If they are unsuccessful in having their cap
lifted there may be an opportunity for Shoalhaven Family Day Care to build
Educator numbers by recruiting in those areas. Financially there would be no
additional expenses to support educators in the Kiama and Shellharbour LGAs as
staff would not have to travel any further than they currently do to support
Educators in the Ulladulla region.
One implication to note is that
if SCC is required to increase funding support to SFDC in the future Council
would potentially be subsidising users of the service from outside the area.
Financial Implications
The
withdrawal of Federal funding will have resulting implications for Council, the
amount of which will depend upon enrolment/Educator numbers. If Community Child
Care Funding is allocated and reduced targets achieved the service should not
require any additional funding from Council.
However,
if funding is not obtained it is estimated additional funding that will need to
be found if Council is to continue this service is up to $75 000. Three budgets
have been proposed for the 2018/19 financial year, these are detailed below in
Table 3.
The
first is based on a successful application for Community Child Care Funding and
if targets are achieved no contribution will be required from Council.
The
second model is based on no funding and a standard 4% increase in fees. If
targets are achieved Council would be required to contribute up to $75 000 in
the 2018/19 financial year.
The
third model has higher than standard increases in fees and would require a contribution
of approximately $60 000 if targets are met.
Staff
will prepare a further report when the outcome of the funding application is
known.
Table 3 - Budget
Forecasts
|
Budget
2018/19
With Funding
|
Budget
2018/19
Without Funding
4% standard increase
|
Budget
2018/19
Without Funding
Non-standard increases
|
|
REVENUE
|
|
|
|
|
Educators
Levy
|
33,600
|
33,600
|
35,280
|
|
Administration
Levy
|
245,797
|
256,484
|
267,170
|
|
CCCF
(funding)
|
112,390
|
|
|
|
Smalls
Office rent
|
10,660
|
10,660
|
10,660
|
|
Meeting
and Playroom Hire
|
4,200
|
4,200
|
4,200
|
|
Childcare
Assistance
|
1,182,000
|
1,182,000
|
1,182,000
|
|
Sundry
income
|
6,525
|
6,760
|
8,977
|
|
Total
|
1,595,172
|
1,493,703
|
1,508,287
|
|
|
|
|
|
EXPENSES
|
|
|
|
|
Wages
& on costs
|
331,692
|
331,692
|
331,692
|
|
Casual
Wages
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
|
Childcare
Assistance
|
1,182,000
|
1,182,000
|
1,182,000
|
|
Other
expenses
|
55,000
|
55,000
|
55,000
|
|
Total
|
1,568,692
|
1,568,692
|
1,568,692
|
|
|
|
|
|
NET
RETURN/(LOSS)
|
26,480
|
(74,988)
|
(60,404)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assumptions
|
|
|
|
|
Number
of children per educator cap
|
4.0
|
4.0
|
4.0
|
|
Utilisation
|
93%
|
93%
|
93%
|
|
Number
of children per educator
|
3.8
|
3.8
|
3.8
|
|
Number
of Educators
|
35
|
35
|
35
|
|
Worked
hours per educator
|
36
|
36
|
36
|
|
Av.
Weeks Worked per Educator
|
48
|
48
|
48
|
|
Number
of families enrolling
|
110
|
110
|
110
|
|
No of
New Educators training
|
8
|
8
|
8
|
|
Family
Enrolment Fee
|
$
27.00
|
$
27.00
|
$
50.00
|
|
Educator
Registration Fee pa
|
$
33.00
|
$
37.00
|
$
37.00
|
|
Educators
Levy per educator
|
$
20.00
|
$
20.00
|
$
21.00
|
|
Educator
Training Fees
|
$
300.00
|
$
311.82
|
$
272.73
|
|
Administration
levy per hour
|
$
1.15
|
$
1.20
|
$
1.25
|
Risk
Implications
Changes to Childcare
Subsidy
Under the Family Assistance Law
there is a new Child Care Package being implemented from 2 July 2018. A New
Childcare Subsidy will replace Childcare Benefit and Childcare Rebate.
This will affect not just family
day care, but also long day care, before and after school care and occasional
care services.
It is difficult to estimate the
changes to families’ payments that may occur without access to their
financial details. However, it is expected (and the aim of the change) is most
working and studying families will pay slightly lower fees.
The main concern with this is
the number of hours of subsidised care a family can access will be determined
by an activity test, based on the parent with the lowest hours per fortnight.
Currently all families receive a minimum of 24 hours subsidised care per week.
Low-income families with less than eight hours activity will be eligible for 24
hours per fortnight. Other families will need to have at least 8 hours of
activity per fortnight to get 36 hours of subsidised care per fortnight.
It is still unclear what
constitutes ‘activity’ and how the number of hours will be decided.
The concern here is families may drop the number of days used. However
currently the service usage is almost 95% with 74 children still needing care
and any vacancies that occur because of this change will be filled with those
waiting for a placement.
Financial Risk to Council
Should Council wish to proceed
with operating the service at a zero subsidy level there are financial risks
related to the ability of the service to maintain the required numbers of
educators, children to educator ratios and utilisation levels. Associated with
this is possible impact of the significant price rises on the utilisation
level.
Unsuccessful Funding
Application
The service currently operates
as cost neutral with funding from the Federal Government. Should council wish
to proceed with operating the service if further funding is not obtained there
would need to be significant fee increases and/or contribution by council
estimated at up to $75 000 for 2018/19.
Ratepayer subsidy of
Childcare Service
Should Council wish to proceed
with operating the service with ratepayer subsidy there are risks that part of
the general community would not agree that this is necessary or core business
for the Council. At present there are approximately 240 families with 300
children utilising the service and a further 74 children on the service waiting
list.
Fraud
Whilst the service and Federal
Government have implemented risk management strategies to reduce the likelihood
of timesheet fraud, this remains a risk.
Child Protection
Child protection infringements
are an ongoing risk, but one that is managed by a number of systems. Educators
(and their extended family residing in the same premises) operate from their
own homes/business locations. They operate independently from Council but under
the monitoring of the Coordination Unit.
This risk is mitigated by
requirements for Working with Children Checks for staff, Educators and adult
household members along with Criminal Records Checks for Educators and the
future obligation for Council Family Day Care staff to undertake a Criminal
Record Check. In addition, all Educators and staff must undertake regular
training in this area.
Approved Provider
For Shoalhaven City Council the
approved provider is the General Manager. The approved provider of an education
and care service, such as Family Day Care, has a number of obligations.
Breaches of these obligations
may result in the approved provider being held personally liable.
There is a range of penalties in
place for such breaches. These may be mitigated by the production of policies
and procedures as well as training and monitoring of Educators by Coordination
Unit staff.
Many offences can occur within
an Education and Care Service with the Approved Provider being responsible for
33 non-infringement notice/penalty offences and another 37 infringements that
do incur an Infringement notice/Penalty.
Reputation
Penalties are not common,
however it must be remembered that Council’s business name is attached to
SFDC and this is a potential risk.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
64
|
SA18.79 Acceptance
of NSW Public Libraries Association Scholarship - IFLA Conference Attendance -
Sarah Taylor
HPERM Ref: D18/104301
Group: Finance
Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Recreation
Community & Culture
Purpose / Summary
To seek Council’s approval
for Sarah Taylor, Library Services Manager, to accept the scholarship offered
by the New South Wales Public Libraries Association (NSWPLA) to attend the
World Library and Information Congress (WLIC) of the International Federation of
Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to be held in Kuala Lumpur, 24-30
August 2018.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council accept the
scholarship awarded to Sarah Taylor to attend the World Library and Information
Congress.
|
Options
1. Council accept the scholarship awarded
to Sarah Taylor to attend the World Library and Information Congress.
Implications: The scholarship will cover all costs
involved and will provide an opportunity for Sarah to take part in library
discusssions on a global stage benefitting her role here at Council.
2. Council not accept the scholarship
awarded to Sarah Taylor to attend the World Library and Information Congress
Implications: This will be a missed opportunity for
Sarah to be part of library discussions on a global stage.
Background
In February
2018 the New South Wales Public Libraries Association announced it would offer
one successful applicant a scholarship to attend the World Library and
Information Congress (WLIC) of the International Federation of Library
Associations and Institutions (IFLA) to be held in Kuala Lumpur, 24-30 August
2018.
The
scholarship is intended to encourage participation by a member of the NSW
public library network who has an interest in international practices,
particularly relating to the theme ‘Transform Libraries, Transform
Societies’ with the additional tagline: ‘Reaching out to the hard
to reach’.
The
scholarship covers conference registration, international economy-class air
travel, economy domestic transfers if applicable and accommodation. A daily
allowance will also be provided for meals and miscellaneous expenditure.
Sarah Taylor
made an application for this scholarship with the support of her manager and
was advised at the end of March that she had been chosen as the successful
applicant from all of the New South Wales public library staff that had been
nominated.
Attendance
at the conference would
allow Sarah to be part of the wider dialogue about libraries and make
connections with different librarians from around the world. The Congress is
shaping up to have some fantastic presentations and already there are some very
interesting papers being presented. In particular ‘Sanctuaries in the city: the
public library as a safe place’, ‘Designing inclusive
libraries’ and ‘Reinventing reference with technology
transformations’ look to be of particular interest.
It would be a
distinction for Shoalhaven City Council to have one of their staff members
attend the Congress and Sarah would return with more knowledge, new networks
and greater confidence.
Financial Implications
All costs associated with the
Conference attendance are covered by the scholarship.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
66
|
SA18.80 Acceptance
of Bursary Funding - Regional Public Galleries NSW - $500 - Bridget Macleod
Conference Attendance
HPERM Ref: D18/101233
Group: Finance
Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Recreation
Community & Culture
Purpose / Summary
To seek Council’s approval
to accept $500 from Regional Public Galleries NSW for Bridget Macleod attendance
at the Art and Artist: Public Galleries Conference.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council accept the Bursary
of $500 to offset the cost of registation and travel for Bridget Macleod to
attend the Art and Artist Conference
|
Options
1. Council accept the bursary of $500
awarded to Bridget Macleod for her attendance at the Art and Artist conference
held by Museums & Galleries NSW.
Implications: This funding will offset the
operational budget expenditure on conference registration and travel for
Bridget Macleod.
2. Council do not accept the funding and
provide an alternate direction to staff
Implications: The operational budget will be used
to pay the conference registration and professional development opportunities
for other staff will be limited by the expenditure of this amount.
Background
The Public Galleries Conference
is held every two years, hosted by Museums and Galleries NSW in conjunction
with Regional Public Galleries NSW. The Summit is an opportunity for regional
galleries to meet with key industry figures, artists, national galleries and
others in the sector to learn about developments, share ideas, make new
connections and understand better state governemnt direction and
priorities.
In 2018, the Summit will be held
at Carriageworks in Sydney under the theme ‘Art and Artists’, with
a program that combines professional practising artists and a range of
galleries and independent curators to discuss issues and new directions.
Following ecouragement from
Regional Public Galleries, Bridget Macleod successfully applied for a busary to
offset the conference registation and her travel costs. The grant funding will
assist in limiting the impact of her attendance at the conference on the
gallery’s operational budget and will assist other staff in achieving
professional development activities.
Community Engagement
Attendance at the Conference
will extend Bridget’s ability to work with artists in the community,
understanding their needs and contributing to the growth and
professionalisation of gallery exhibitions with community artists.
Financial Implications
Acceptance of the Bursary will
offset all anticipated costs of Bridget’s attendance at the conference,
reducing Council’s financial burden to $0 for this professional
development activity.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
68
|
SA18.81 Acceptance
of Bursary Funding - Museums Galleries Australia - $790 - Fiona McFadyen -
Conference Attendance
HPERM Ref: D18/102366
Group: Finance
Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Recreation
Community & Culture
Purpose / Summary
To seek Council’s approval
to accept $790 from Museums Galleries NSW, in partnership with the Department
of Communication and the Arts for Fiona McFadyen to attend the Museums
Galleries Australia Conference in Melbourne.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council accept the Bursary
of $790 to cover the conference registration fee for Fiona McFadyen to attend
the Museums Galleries Australia Conference in June
|
Options
1. Council accept the bursary of $790
awarded to Fiona McFadyen for her attendance at the Museums Galleries Australia
Conference in June
Implications: The bursary will cover the cost of
conference registration, reducing the impact of this professional development
activity on the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery’s operational budget.
2. Council do not accept the funding and
provide an alternate direction to staff
Implications: The operational budget will be used
to pay for the conference registration, significantly limiting any other
professional development opportunities for Gallery staff.
Background
The annual Museums Galleries
Australia conference is an important professional development opportunity for
Shoalhaven Regional Gallery staff. As the only national platform for the
workers across the gallery and museum industry to gather, share knowledge and
hear from international experts, the conference is invaluable in ensuring the
Shoalhaven Regional Gallery is across industry developments, up to date on
national directions and learning from other institution’s successes and
failures.
Having a presence at the
conference helps to broaden our collegiate network, offers opportunities to
meet with representatives from grant funding bodies and connect with similar
organisations across Australia.
The bursary awarded to Fiona
McFadyen recognises the value of this conference to staff working in regional
centres and is testament to the recent moves by SRG to position ourselves among
the leading regional galleries in NSW.
Community Engagement
Attendance at the conference
will further enhance Fiona’s ability to deliver programs to a wide range
of audiences within the Shoalhaven as she is given the opportunity to discuss
community engagement activities with a range of institutions across Australia
and NZ, to be inspired by strong successes and to learn from the difficulties
faced by others.
Financial Implications
The bursary will cover the cost
of conference registration, freeing up funds in the operational budget for
future staff development activities. The cost of travel and accommodation is
covered within the operational budget.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
70
|
SA18.82 Acceptance
of Bursary Funding - Performance Arts Acceptance Australia - $480 - Karen
Patterson - Conference Attendance
HPERM Ref: D18/118473
Group: Finance
Corporate & Community Services Group
Section: Recreation
Community & Culture
Purpose / Summary
To seek Council’s approval
to accept a $480 travel subsidy from Performing Arts Connections Australia to subsidise
the travel costs for Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre Manager Karen Patterson to
attend the Performing Arts Exchange and Making Space Conference in Karratha,
Western Australia in September 2018.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council accept the travel
subsidy of $480 to assist Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre manager Karen
Patterson in covering travel costs to attend the PAC Australia Performing
Arts Exchange and Making Space Conference in Karratha.
|
Options
1. Council accept the travel subsidy of
$480 offered to Karen Patterson for her attendance at the PAC Australia
Performing Arts Exchange and Making Space Conference in Karratha.
Implications: The subsidy will assist with travel
costs, reducing the impact of this professional development activity on the
Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre’s operational budget.
2. Council do not accept the funding and
provide an alternate direction to staff
Implications: The operational budget will be used
to pay for the total cost of the travel, limiting other programming and professional
development opportunities for Entertainment centre staff.
Background
The annual PAC Australia
Performing Arts Exchange and conference is an important professional development
opportunity to hear national and international experts and research findings on
performing arts industry trends relating to programming, audience development,
community engagement, and benchmarking. It is also an important market place
for previewing productions for programming; and creating partnerships with
major performing arts companies, producers, national touring organisations and
tour coordinators.
Having a presence at the
conference helps to broaden our industry network, offers opportunities to meet with
representatives from grant-funding bodies, and connect with similar
organisations across Australia.
The bursary awarded to Karen
Patterson recognises the value of this conference to staff working in regional
centres; and the contribution Shoalhaven City Council makes in providing a
professional performing arts venue and programmes for its community.
The conference is being hosted
by City of Karratha and will be held at their new $56M Red Earth Arts Precinct
in Karratha complete with a 450-seat theatre, amphitheatre / outdoor events
space, library which incorporates a local history centre, and The Shelf –
a roof top terrace featuring an outdoor cinema and bar / catering facilities.
Community Engagement
Attendance at the conference
will further enhance Karen’s knowledge of the performing arts ecology
both nationally and internationally and further inform the Centre’s
programmes and community engagement.
Financial Implications
The subsidy will cover the cost
of return flights from Canberra to Perth, with the Entertainment Centre budget
covering the cost of return flights from Perth to Karratha. The Entertainment
Centre budget will cover the costs associated with conference fees and
accommodation.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
73
|
SA18.83 Crown
Lands Management Act 2016
HPERM Ref: D18/110481
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Purpose / Summary
The purpose of this report is to
inform Council about the current status of Crown Land Management Act 2016.
|
Recommendation (Item
to be determined under delegated authority)
That the report about the current
status of Crown Land Management Act 2016 be received for information.
|
Options
Nil
Background
The Crown Land Management Act
2016 (the CLM Act) assented to on 14 November 2016 implements reforms
identified through the comprehensive review of Crown land management and
follows over four years of engagement with the community on the future of Crown
land (NSW Department of Industry website).
It is expected that this new Act will commence 1 July 2018
although the following provisions commenced on the date of assent:
· Division
4.2 (Vesting of Crown land in local councils);
· Section
13.5 (Regulations); and
· Schedule
7 (Savings, transitional and other provisions).
The CLM Act authorises the
management of Crown land by local councils under the provisions of the Local
Government Act 1993 even though the legislation retains broad and general
powers for the Minister for Lands and Forestry to influence that management.
Council has been actively
engaged in the legislative reform process through:
a. a
detailed submission on the Crown Lands White Paper in June 2014 (D16/191670);
b. lodgement
of a submission with the then Minister for Natural Resources, Lands and Water
which asked that Shoalhaven City Council be considered as a participant in the
proposed pilot program to consider the preferred management outcomes in
relation to Crown lands in New South Wales (D14/135706);
c. the
making of a submission to the Upper House enquiry into Crown land (D16/215722)
and the giving of sworn evidence by the General Manager to the Upper House
enquiry held in Nowra in August 2016;
d. submission
of an Expression of Interest for approval to participate in the Land
Negotiation Programme (D17/272748) – approval was granted to Council for
the right to participate in the programme with Jerrinja and Nowra Aboriginal
Land Councils commencing in 2019/2020 (D17/397723);
e. the
making of a submission to the Department of Industry – Lands and Forestry
on the draft Crown Land Management Regulations 2017; and
f. the
appointment of a staff member to the Crown Land Council Reference Group
convened by the Office of Local Government and tasked with advising local
councils on the implementation of the CLM Act.
Key Issues
Although the legislative reform
process which resulted in the CLM Act has been comprehensive, it has also been
controversial and there has been much speculation about implications of the
reforms for local government. This has arisen because of a failure to
disseminate meaningful information which is only now being addressed by the
formation of a Council Reference Group tasked with the responsibility of
advising local government on implementation of the CLM Act.
The Reference Group is made up
of representatives from Department of Industry – Lands, Office of Local
Government, Local Government NSW, Bayside Council, Blacktown City Council,
Gunnedah Shire Council, Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Port Stephens Council
and Shoalhaven City Council.
Whilst there are many elements to the reform, in essence,
there are four (4) major issues arising out of the CLM Act:
1. From
commencement of the CLM Act, Councils will manage Crown land as public land
under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993. Plans of
management have to be prepared for every reserve and the legislation provides a
transition period of three (3) years for this to happen.
2. Each
parcel of Crown land must be classified under the Local Government Act 1993
and every parcel of land classified as “community” land must be
categorised as one or more of the following: natural area, general community
use, park, sportsground, area of cultural significance. The natural area
category has a subset comprising foreshore, watercourse, bushland, escarpment
and wetland.
3. Crown
Land Negotiation Programme – aims to provide an opportunity for the
strategic assessment of Crown land in local government areas and through
negotiation involving the NSW State Government, Council and local Aboriginal
Land Councils, have land transferred to Council or the Land Council. The
programme aims to deliver local ownership of Crown land to benefit local
communities, a reduction in red tape and regulatory burdens on local
government, more efficient and streamlined management of public land and
recognition of the importance of land to Aboriginal people and to support
spiritual, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for Aboriginal people.
4. Each
Council must employ or engage a Native Title manager to ensure that the
Council’s dealings with the relevant land (Crown land irrespective of
whether or not it is reserved, dedicated or vested in Council).
Current Council Management of Crown Lands under the
Crown Lands Act 1989
Councils currently manage Crown
land as the appointed reserve trust manager which manages the affairs of a
reserve trust charged with responsibility for the care, control and management
of Crown reserves. As a result of the legislative reform, reserve trust
managers are to be replaced by Crown Land Managers.
Management of Crown reserves can occur without the need for
plans of management however the Minister can direct that a plan of management
be prepared for a particular reserve and Councils can also elect to prepare a
plan of management. Plans of management can be used to inform the future
management of Crown reserves and they can also authorise additional uses.
The Local Government Act 1993 and Public Land Management
The Local Government Act 1993
provides for the management of public land and the classification of such land
as either “community” land or “operational” land.
Classification as community land
reflects the importance of the land to the community because of its use and/or
its special features. Community land is typically a “public
reserve” type asset such as a public park or community hall or natural
area.
The majority of Crown reserves are to be managed as if they
are community land under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993
which includes but is not limited to the following specific
requirements/prohibitions:
· community
land cannot be sold;
· community
land cannot be leased, licensed or have the creation of any other estate over
the land for greater than 21 years;
· community
land can only be leased or licensed subject to restrictions outlined in Part 2
Division 2 of Chapter 6 of the Local Government Act 1993 which deals
with the use and management of community land;
· community
land must have a plan of management.
The classification of Crown land
as “operational” land requires the consent of the Minister.
Plans of Management
Plans of management generally
require:
· categorisation
of the land that focuses on the essential aspects of each area of the land;
· land
management objectives;
· performance
targets;
· means
of achieving objectives and targets; and
· means
of performance assessment.
Plans of management may be site
specific or generic but it is important to understand that plans of management
for Crown reserves in future will have to be prepared in accordance with the
requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, even if a plan of management
under the Crown Lands Act 1993 is already in place.
The NSW Government has allocated
$7 million in funding over two (2) years to support council Crown Land Managers
in the preparation of plans of management. This funding is not intended to
cover all costs of developing plans of management and it is anticipated that,
under a formula devised by Crown Lands, Shoalhaven City Council’s funding
share is likely to be in the order of $37,000. If plans of management for
between 115 and 170 Crown reserves in the Shoalhaven LGA must be drawn up,
there will be a substantial funding shortfall even if a majority of the
reserves can be covered by a generic plan of management.
It has been estimated that site
specific plans of management typically can be developed over a period ranging
from 50 to 90 days but there will be exceptions at both ends of this range.
This has the potential of being resource hungry in terms of both personnel and
budget if plans of management are to be prepared in accordance with timeframes stipulated
in the legislation. Plans of Management also require community consultation and
this can add to timeframes and costs to manage the process.
The resourcing requirements for
the re-writing of generic plans of management to consider the need to extend
coverage to Crown reserves have not been identified at this stage.
The requirement to adopt a Local
Government Act 1993 compliant plan of management will be phased in over
three (3) years from the commencement of the CLM Act.
Crown Reserve Use and Purpose
The use of a Crown reserve is
limited by the purpose(s) for which the land is reserved or dedicated and any
other permissible use(s) under the CLM Act or other Act. Use of Crown land
generally must be consistent with or incidental or ancillary to the reserve
purpose(s).
Management of Crown land
under the Local Government Act 1993 – Additional Considerations
Provided by the Crown Land Management Act 2016
Council Crown Land Managers must conform to legal
obligations for the management of Crown reserves provided by the CLM Act
despite any other provision of the Local Government Act 1993. These
additional considerations are summarised as follows:
· Crown
reserves can only be classified “operational” with Ministerial
consent;
· A
category assigned to community land must closely relate to the reserve purpose
(S3.23(3));
· The
Minister has to be notified of any proposed categorisation as soon as practical
(S3.23(2)) and has to give consent to any plan of management that would alter
the categorisation of the land if it would otherwise require an
“additional purpose” (S3.23(7)(d));
· The
Minister can require alteration of an initial category and cannot give consent
to a subsequent alteration if it is considered that the alteration is likely to
adversely impact the use of the land for its reserve purpose;
· Council
must obtain the consent of the Minister to the sale of Crown land;
· Council
must comply with any conditions of any appointment instrument; and
· Council
must comply with any Crown land management rule established by the Minister to
influence the management of Crown reserves.
Other Legislative
Implications for Crown Land
There will remain some marked
differences for the management of Crown reserves and the management of
“public land” under the Local Government Act 1993 as a
result of additional statutory requirements provided by the CLM Act.
These additional requirements
address broader implications for Crown land management arising out of the
environment from which Crown land, Native Title and Aboriginal Land Rights
legislation has evolved.
It is important to recognise that these implications
generally do not apply to “public land” under the Local
Government Act 1993.
Native Title
The Native Title provisions in
Part 8 of the CLM Act specifically recognise and expressly provide for
compliance with Native Title requirements by Council Crown Land Managers.
The Commonwealth Native Title
Act 1993 provides legal recognition and protection of the rights of
traditional ownership of land and waters that have always belonged to
Aboriginal people according to their traditional laws and customs. The Native
Title Act 1993 also provides that native title may exist in relation to
unallocated Crown land, State Forests, National Parks, Crown reserves,
watercourses and certain leasehold interests.
Crown reserve management by
Council Crown Land Managers must consider the recognition and protection of
native title provided by the Native Title Act 1993 to both minimise the
risk of adversely impacting native title rights and of generating a liability
for the State of New South Wales or Council.
The CLM Act in S8.6 requires
that Council employ or engage at least one Native Title Manager to ensure that
Council’s dealings with the Crown estate comply with any applicable
provisions of the native title legislation. This position does not exist in the
current staff structure nor is it budgeted for however will in all likelihood
be an “added responsibility” to an existing position within the
Property Unit.
Aboriginal Land Rights
The Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1993 provides that
Aboriginal Land Councils may claim any reserved Crown lands that:
· are
not lawfully used or occupied;
· do
not comprise land needed or likely to be needed as residential land;
· are
not needed for an essential public service; and
· are
not subject to a native title determination application registered under the
Native Title Act 1993 or subject to an approved determination that native title
exists.
Any land use of Council managed Crown reserves must be consistent
with the legal requirements provided by both Division 2 of the Local
Government Act 1993 (relates to community land) and the additional
requirements of the CLM Act or risk constituting an unlawful use or occupation
and therefore limiting the considerations under which the Minister may refuse a
land claim.
Roads Act 1993
Crown roads provide lawful
access to many privately owned and leasehold lands where little or no
subdivision has occurred since the early nineteenth century. These roads are
part of the State’s public road network and are regulated under the Roads
Act 1993 and associated regulations.
In addition to overseeing Crown
roads, the Minister for Lands and Forestry is currently responsible for the
closing of public roads where Council is the relevant road authority and this
often creates duplication and delay.
Proposed amendments to the Roads Act 1993 are
intended to address these inefficiencies and support roads administration in
the following ways:
· Councils
will be responsible for closing Council public roads in their local government
area and Crown roads will remain the responsibility of the Minister for Lands
and Forestry;
· the
existing public consultation requirements and practices relating to road
closures will not change;
· relevant
safeguards and appeal provisions are included in the proposed amendments to
ensure a road closure is appropriate and does not deny access to a property;
· where
an identified hazard presents a risk to the safety of road users or the
environment on a Crown road not generally used for access by the public, the
Minister for Lands and Forestry will be able to direct the users to repair and
maintain the road.
Proposed amendments to the Roads Act 1993 have
triggered a review of policy within Crown Lands on the administration of Crown
roads. Full details of this review are not yet available for consideration by
Council but will be the subject of a further report to Council when the full
implications of the policy review are understood.
It is likely that such review will provide opportunities to
consider the transfer of Crown roads to Councils, the closure and sale of Crown
roads and approvals to carry out road works where a Crown road is not suitable
for transfer to Council.
Financial Implications
The implications for Council of
the CLM Act, which are expected to materialise as the date of commencement of
the Act draws nearer, are expected to be significant.
Staff will be tasked with
responsibilities for classification and categorisation of Crown land as well as
the preparation of plans of management notwithstanding acceptance of a
proposition that specialist skills will have to be engaged to fulfil
Council’s legislative responsibilities as outlined in this report.
In addition, the employment or
engagement of a Native Title Manager and the deployment of personnel to
represent Council in the Crown land negotiation programme will have financial
implications which are yet to be quantified.
A working party is being formed
as at the date of writing this report so that the full implications can be
better understood and plans put in place to ensure that Council’s short
and long-term obligations are met and that financial planning is undertaken to
ensure that resourcing requirements can be provided for in the development of
future budgets.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
79
|
SA18.84 Proposed
Lease - Milton Ulladulla Preschool - 22 Dowling St, Ulladulla
HPERM Ref: D18/69945
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Purpose / Summary
This report provides Council
with an opportunity to consider an approval to enter into a lease agreement
with Milton Ulladulla Preschool Association for the continued use and
occupation of premises at 22 Dowling St, Ulladulla as a pre-school.
|
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Enter
into a 5 + 5 year lease agreement with a commencement rent of $6,218.69 + GST
and annual CPI increases commencing 1 May 2018 with Milton Ulladulla
Preschool Association for the continued use and occupation of 22 Dowling St,
Ulladulla as a preschool.
2. Approve
the allocation of the rent received under this lease agreement into the
Property Reserve restricted account; and
3. Authorise
the General Manager to sign all documentation required to give effect to this
resolution and to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of
Shoalhaven to all documentation required to be sealed.
|
Options
1. Resolve as
recommended.
Implications: Milton Ulladulla Preschool
Association will continue its occupation of this property providing a learning
environment for up to 40 children per day.
2. Not resolve as
recommended and call for expressions of interest.
Implications: Milton Ulladulla Preschool
Association has already accepted enrolments for the coming year. To terminate
the existing occupation by the preschool would cause stress to the parents of
children who attend. Further, there is no guarantee that a replacement
lessee could be found in the short term.
Background
The Milton Ulladulla Preschool
is located at 22 Dowling Street Ulladulla on Crown land comprising Reserve
89226 for Kindergarten, which was notified in the Government Gazette 28 June
1974. Council manages the affairs of the Ulladulla (R89226) Reserve Trust as
Reserve Trust Manager. The Department of Industry- Lands has given approval to
Council to “direct deal” with Milton Ulladulla Preschool
Association as the sitting tenant for the purpose of negotiating the terms and
conditions of a new lease, including a rental amount.
Milton Ulladulla Preschool
Association has been in operation at this site since 1974 and is the longest
running community child care centre in the Shoalhaven. The preschool, which has
40 children currently enrolled, is managed by a Committee of parent volunteers
and services a wide cross-section of the community. It employs 10 permanent
staff and up to 6 casuals.
Existing Arrangement
The preschool previously
occupied the property as a management committee. In 2008 Council determined
that all preschools run as management committees should move to leases.
Council has been in lease
negotiations with Milton Ulladulla Preschool Association for a number of
years. The lease negotiations commenced with a “preschool
co-operative” group as initial concerns were shared with each
preschool.
Negotiations with the
co-operative group were finalised in June 2017 and now each preschool is
negotiating with Council directly on any remaining issues.
Negotiations with Milton
Ulladulla Preschool Association have now concluded and agreement has been
reached as outlined below:
Proposed Agreement
|
Lessee
|
Milton Ulladulla
Preschool Association
|
|
Lessor
|
Shoalhaven City Council
|
|
Owner
|
Department of Industry-
Lands
|
|
Premises
|
Lot 3012 DP755967 (Por
312)
|
|
Term
|
5 years + 5 year option
|
|
Assessed Market Rent
|
$60,084 plus GST per
annum
|
|
Rent Payable
|
$6,218.69 plus GST per
annum, payable monthly in advance
|
|
Application of Rent
Assessment Policy
|
Rental subsidy = 90%
|
|
Rent Review
|
Annually by CPI
|
|
Percentage of
Outgoings
|
100%, outgoings refers
to all charges for gas, electricity, telephone and any water rates and usage,
garbage or sanitary rates or user charges relating to the Lessee’s use
of the Premises.
|
|
Permitted Use
|
The operation of a
Preschool and all activities incidental thereto.
|
|
Public Risk Insurance
|
Twenty million dollars
($20,000,000.00)
|
Council obtained a market
valuation for the property from Opteon Property which assessed the current
market rent. The assessed market rent represents the rent Council could
reasonably expect to receive if the property was leased to a commercial child
care operator.
Market valuations for child care
centres are based on a Government set ratio of indoor and outdoor space with
the fees charged by the centre and it is noted that the success (or otherwise)
of the business has no impact on the market rental.
Milton Ulladulla Preschool
Association completed and returned proposal documentation to enable Council to
apply the rental assessment framework to the market valuations. Given the
high level of service that the Preschool provides, it was determined that a rental
subsidy of 90% would apply.
Community Engagement
The Department of Industry-Lands
has approved Council dealing directly with Milton Ulladulla Preschool
Association so that it can remain in occupation and accordingly, there is no
requirement for any public notification of this lease proposal.
Policy Implications
The proposed lease terms are in
accordance with Council’s Occupation of Council Owned or Managed Land
Policy.
Financial Implications
Entering into the lease agreement, as recommended, will increase
Council’s revenue by $6,218.69 per annum which will assist Council in
maintaining this asset into the future.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
80
|
SA18.85 Grant
of Easement for Underground Cables to Endeavour Energy - Various Sites - North
Nowra
HPERM Ref: D18/78260
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Attachments:
1. Proposed
Easement - Endeavour Energy - Various Sites - North Nowra ⇩
Purpose / Summary
Council has been requested to
grant an Easement for Underground Cables 3 metres wide in favour of Endeavour
Energy over Gordon Cook Apex Park, being Lot 47 DP264082, Lot 15 DP241820, Lot
22 DP1024489, Lot 20 DP262851 and Lot 41 DP707414 North Nowra as shown in red
on Attachment “1”.
|
Recommendation
That:
1. Council
grant an Easement in favour of Endeavour Energy for Underground Cables 3
metres wide over Lot 47 DP264082, Lot 15 DP241820, Lot 22 DP1024489, Lot 20
DP262851 and Lot 41 DP707414 at Gordon Cook Apex Park, North Nowra and accept
compensation of $10,000 plus GST provided that all costs associated with the
granting of the easement, including valuation, survey and legal costs are met
by Endeavour Energy; and
2. Authority
be granted to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven
to any documents required to be sealed and the General Manager be authorised
to sign any documentation necessary to give effect to this resolution.
|
Options
1. Resolve as
recommended.
Implications: This easement is required to provide
Endeavour Energy with legal access for the operation and maintenance of its
essential public infrastructure.
2. Not resolve as
recommended and provide further direction to staff.
Implications: Endeavour Energy will not have guaranteed
access to maintain the public infrastructure.
Background
Endeavour Energy is undertaking
a project to improve the reliability and security of the electricity network to
the residential area off Illaroo Road around Burrandoo Ave/Moondara Drive and
Warrah Road, North Nowra.
The project involves the
construction of a second high voltage feeder into the area from the existing
high voltage network located in Coconut Drive. This new feeder will be an
underground cable. The route identified will pass through Council public
reserve land located between Coconut Dr and Burrandoo Ave, North Nowra.
The easement will be 3 metres
wide and will be in two parts. The first easement will run through Gordon Cook
Apex Park between Coconut Dr and Karana Dr and will be approximately 240 metres
long. The second easement running between Karana Dr and Burrandoo Ave will be
approximately 200 metres long. Easements are as shown in red on Attachment 1.
In-principle agreement to the
granting of the easement and the easement terms has been given by Council.
Compensation for the grant of
the easement has been assessed at $10,000 by Walsh & Monaghan Valuers Pty
Ltd. Endeavour Energy has given approval to the payment of that amount plus GST
and is to be responsible for all costs associated with the creation of the
easement. A formal offer on that basis has been received from Endeavour Energy.
In some instances the
underground conduits and subsequent easements will run through and be over
Council land categorised as “Community Land”. The granting of a
lease, licence or estate in respect of community land is permissible under
Clause 46 (1) (a) of the Local Government Act 1993 which states:
“A lease, licence or other estate in respect of
community land may be granted for the provision of public utilities and works
associated with or ancillary to public utilities.”
In this case the granting of the
easement for underground cables falls under the definition of other estate.
Community Engagement
This matter is considered to be
a local area low impact issue as outlined in Council’s Community
Engagement Policy and Handbook and therefore no community engagement has taken
place.
Financial Implications
All costs associated with the
grant of the easement are to be met by Endeavour Energy.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
82
|
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
86
|
SA18.86 Proposed
New Leases - Marine Rescue NSW - Huskisson, Kioloa & Crookhaven Heads
HPERM Ref: D18/82557
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Attachments: 1. Plan
& Street View - Crookhaven Heads ⇩
2. Plan
& Street View - Murramarang Rd, Kioloa ⇩
3. Plan & Street View -
Voyager Park, Huskisson ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report provides Council
with an opportunity to consider an approval to enter into lease agreements with
Marine Rescue NSW for the continued use and occupation of facilities at the
following three (3) sites:
· Crookhaven
Heads Pilot Cottage
· Murramarang
Rd, Kioloa
· Voyager
Memorial Park, Huskisson
|
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Enter
into a 20 year lease agreement commencing 01 January 2018 with Marine Rescue
NSW for the continued use and occupation of:
a. Part
Reserve R64558 – Part Lot 7010 DP 1076858, Part Lot 7012 DP 1021163 and
Part Lot 1 DP 209436, being Voyager Memorial Park, Huskisson with an annual
rent of $490 (plus GST) with annual CPI increases; and
b. Part
Reserve R75773 - Part Lot 34 DP 755941, Part Lot 7009 DP 1020455 and Part Lot
7304 DP 1143028, being O’Hara Head Reserve, Kioloa with an annual rent
of $490 (plus GST) with annual CPI increases.
2. Enter
into a 5 year lease agreement commencing 01 January 2018 with Marine Rescue
NSW for the continued use and occupation of:
a. Part
Reserve R180073 – Part Lot 34 DP 755971, being Crookhaven Heads Pilot
Cottage Reserve, Crookhaven Heads with an annual rent of $490 (plus GST) with
annual CPI increases.
3. Authorise
the General Manager to sign all documentation required to give effect to this
resolution and to affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of
Shoalhaven to all documentation required to be sealed.
|
Options
1. Resolve as
recommended.
Implications: Marine Rescue NSW will continue its
occupation of these properties thereby providing a service for the benefit of
the general community.
2. Not resolve as
recommended and provide further direction to staff.
Implications: Marine Rescue NSW rely upon the
occupation of these premises to perform their service role. The operation of
this service may be jeopardised should these agreements not be approved.
Background
Marine Rescue NSW has been in
occupation of the subject sites pursuant to lease agreements since 2012,
although have been in occupation prior to that date on an informal basis.
In 2011, the Land and Property
Management Authority (Crown Lands) wrote to Council to advise that Marine
Rescue NSW had become a public company and as such was required to formalise
occupation of Crown Land sites via either a lease or licence arrangement.
The previous leases over the
three subject sites concluded on 31 December 2017. Council staff have been in
correspondence with Marine Rescue NSW and the Department of Industry –
Lands & Forestry for several months and have now agreed on new lease terms.
Rental Amount
On 27th February
2018, the Department of Industry – Lands & Forestry endorsed
Council’s request for the application of a rental equivalent to the
Statutory Minimum Rent to these agreements. Marine Rescue has also confirmed
that it is to a rental equivalent to the Statutory Minimum Rent and that it
does occupy other sites throughout NSW on this basis.
Term
Marine Rescue has sought long
lease terms in order to reduce unnecessary administration. The Department of
Industry – Lands & Forestry has endorsed a 20 year lease term for
Huskisson and Kioloa and a five year lease term for Crookhaven Heads.
The maximum terms that could be
offered for the various sites was dictated by Section 23G of the NSW
Conveyancing Act 1919. Unless the lease can be attached to a single lot within
a Deposited Plan the maximum lease term permissible, including options, is five
years.
Notwithstanding all three sites
are located on multiple part Lots, Huskisson and Kioloa are contained wholly
within a building (Clause 23G(e) of the Conveyancing Act provides an exemption
for the lease to be registered against a single lot when the transaction
comprises the lease of the whole or part of a building). It is under this
exemption Huskisson and Kioloa are 20 year terms as opposed Crookhaven Heads
which includes the curtilage around the cottage and garage and hence the lease
is for only five years.
Proposed Agreements
1. Huskisson
|
Lessee
|
Marine Rescue NSW
|
|
Lessor
|
Huskisson (R64558)
Reserve Trust (Council as Reserve Trust Manager)
|
|
Premises
|
That part of the
Marine Rescue Radio Base constructed over Part Lot 7010 DP 1076858, Part Lot
7012 DP 1021163 and Part Lot 1 DP 209436, being Voyager Memorial Park,
Huskisson – (excluding public toilets, staff amenities, first aid room
and lifesaving room) consisting of the operations and administration area,
viewing deck and the stairwell within Reserve 64558 at Huskisson.
|
|
Lease Area
|
145.6sqm
|
|
Land Owner
|
Department of Industry
– Lands and Forestry
|
|
Term
|
20 years
|
|
Rent Payable
|
Rent equivalent to the
Statutory Minimum Rent. Currently $490 (plus GST) per annum
|
|
Rent Review
|
Annually by CPI
|
|
Percentage of
Outgoings
|
100%, outgoings refers
to all charges for gas, electricity, telephone and any water rates and usage,
garbage or sanitary rates or user charges relating to the Lessee’s use
of the Premises.
|
|
Permitted Use
|
Occupation and use of offices and operations area
|
|
Public Risk Insurance
|
Twenty million dollars
($20,000,000.00)
|
2. Kioloa
|
Lessee
|
Marine Rescue NSW
|
|
Lessor
|
O’Hara Head
(R75773) Reserve Trust (Council as Reserve Trust Manager)
|
|
Premises
|
The building standing
on Part Lot 34 DP 755941, Part Lot 7009 DP 1020455 and Part Lot 7304 DP
1143028 within Reserve R75773, excluding the public toilets.
|
|
Lease Area
|
90.6 sqm
|
|
Land Owner
|
Department of Industry
– Lands and Forestry
|
|
Term
|
20 years
|
|
Rent Payable
|
Rent equivalent to the
Statutory Minimum Rent. Currently $490 (plus GST) per annum
|
|
Rent Review
|
Annually by CPI
|
|
Percentage of
Outgoings
|
100%, outgoings refers
to all charges for gas, electricity, telephone and any water rates and usage,
garbage or sanitary rates or user charges relating to the Lessee’s use
of the Premises.
|
|
Permitted Use
|
Occupation and use of offices, boat and equipment storage
|
|
Public Risk Insurance
|
Twenty million dollars
($20,000,000.00)
|
3. Crookhaven
Heads
|
Lessee
|
Marine Rescue NSW
|
|
Lessor
|
Crookhaven Heads Pilot
Cottage (R180073) Reserve Trust (Council as Reserve Trust Manager)
|
|
Premises
|
The pilot cottage,
garaging and curtilage on Part Lot 34 DP 755971.
|
|
Lease Area
|
1270.4 sqm
|
|
Land Owner
|
Department of Industry
– Lands and Forestry
|
|
Term
|
5 years
|
|
Rent Payable
|
Rent equivalent to the
Statutory Minimum Rent. Currently $490 (plus GST) per annum
|
|
Rent Review
|
Annually by CPI
|
|
Percentage of
Outgoings
|
100%, outgoings refers
to all charges for gas, electricity, telephone and any water rates and usage,
garbage or sanitary rates or user charges relating to the Lessee’s use
of the Premises.
|
|
Permitted Use
|
Occupation
and use of radio control room, residence and curtilage and communication
tower.
|
|
Public Risk Insurance
|
Twenty million dollars
($20,000,000.00)
|
Community Engagement
The Area Manager, Sydney/South
Coast, Department of Industry – Lands and Forestry has approved that
Council as Trust Manager of Reserves R180073, R64558 & R75773 may enter
into direct negotiation with Marine Rescue NSW in relation to the proposed new
leases. Accordingly, there is no requirement for any public notification of these
three lease proposals.
Policy Implications
The proposed lease terms are in
accordance with Council’s Occupation of Council Owned or Managed Land
Policy.
|
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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87
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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88
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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89
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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91
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SA18.87 Land
Acquisition - Easement for Drainage - Lot 102 DP 179622 Forest Meadows Way,
Worrigee
HPERM Ref: D18/103228
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Attachments: 1. Easement
Plan ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report provides Council with an opportunity to consider
the acquisition of two easements to drain water (swale drains) over part of Lot
102 DP 1179622 Forest Meadows Way, Worrigee as shown on Attachment 1. This is
to resolve drainage issues within Lot 102 and other neighbouring properties
including Forest Meadows Way.
|
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Acquire
easements to drain water 5 and 6 metres wide and variable width over part of
Lot 102 DP 1179622 Forest Meadows Way, Worrigee as shown on Attachment 1.
2. Agree
to pay compensation in the amount of $20,037 plus reasonable legal costs
associated with these acquisitions from Job No 85001 Land Acquisition Fund.
3. Authorise
the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any
documentation requiring to be sealed and delegate to the General Manager
authority to sign any documentation necessary to give effect to this
resolution.
|
Options
1. Resolve as
Recommended
Implications: Acquiring the easements will provide
Council with the legal capacity to construct and maintain swale drains required
to alleviate drainage issues on Lot 102 DP 1179622 at Worrigee and adjoining
properties including Forest Meadows Way.
2. Not adopt the recommendation
Implications: The property
owner(s) will have to undertake maintenance and cleaning of the swale drains.
Background
The swale drains mentioned in
this report were constructed as part of the subdivision that created Lot 102 DP
1179622 but easements in favour of Council were not created. Drainage issues
have arisen and it is now timely that easements be created so that Council can
attend to maintenance of the drainage system through private properties. It
should be noted that the swale drains also disperse drainage from Forest
Meadows Way, a public road for which Council is the roads authority.
Council
requires two easements:
1. Five (5) metres wide
traversing the south western corner of Lot 102 having an area of 177.7 sq m.
2. Six (6) metres wide and
variable running along the eastern boundary of Lot 102 having an area of 490.2
sqm.
It is noted that further
easements will be required to facilitate the drainage of water downstream to
other drainage infrastructure already in place and/or to natural watercourses.
Compensation has been assessed
by Walsh & Monaghan at $13,500 and an offer made to the owner of the
property to reflect this assessment the offer was rejected by the landowner who
subsequently received their own valuation by registered valuer Karl Poulton in
the amount of $26,000.
Negotiations have been conducted with agreement now reached
on compensation in the amount of $20,037.00 which includes a one-off payment of
$2,000 towards the construction of fencing around the swale drains.
Financial Implications
The compensation and reasonable legal costs associated with
the acquisition are to be funded from Councils Land Acquisition Fund.
Risk Implications
The acquisition is necessary to secure access for
operational purposes and maintenance of essential drainage infrastructure.
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
92
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
93
|
SA18.88 Abandonment
of Debt - Holiday Haven Outstanding Occupancy Fees
HPERM Ref: D18/103681
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Purpose / Summary
To provide Council with an
opportunity to consider writing off debts incurred by customers at Shoalhaven
Heads and Lake Conjola Tourist Parks.
Further information is provided in a separate confidential
report in accordance with Section10A(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993, which
provides that matters concerning the personal hardship of any resident or
ratepayer may be dealt with in a meeting which is closed to the public.
|
Recommendation (Item
to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council, in accordance with
Section 10A(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 1993, consider a separate
confidential report to consider writing off debts incurred by customers at
Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Conjola Tourist Parks.
|
Options
1. Proceed in accordance with the
recommendation.
Implications: This matter will be considered by
Council in a confidential meeting.
2. Propose an alternative and provide
further direction to staff.
Background
Council staff have been
attempting to recover monies owed to Council for the non payment of fees at
Shoalhaven Heads and Lake Conjola Tourist Parks.
In the circumstances where it is
considered that any further action taken to recover monies owing has very
little chance of success, it is proposed that these debts be written off in
accordance with the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 – REG 213.
|
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
95
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SA18.89 Proposed
Lease - Shoalhaven Trophies - 1 Stewart Place, Nowra
HPERM Ref: D18/107255
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Business
& Property
Attachments: 1. 1
Stewart Place, Nowra - Floor Plans ground and first ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report provides Council
with an opportunity to consider an approval to grant a lease over 1 Stewart
Place, Nowra (refer to Attachment 1) to Alfred & Roslyn Parker (trading as
Shoalhaven Trophies) for a 1 + 1 year term commencing at an annual rent of
$18,353.52 plus GST with annual CPI increases.
|
Recommendation
That Council resolve:
1. To
enter into a one (1) plus one (1) year lease with Alfred & Roslyn Parker
(trading as Shoalhaven Trophies) over part lot 1 DP 115782 and part lot 1 DP
434714 known as 1 Stewart Place, Nowra commencing at an annual rent of
$18,353.52 plus GST with annual CPI increases; and
2. To
affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven to all
documentation required to be sealed and to delegate authority to the General
Manager to sign all documentation required to effect to this resolution.
|
Options
1. Adopt the
recommendation.
Implications: Alfred & Roslyn Parker will
continue to occupy and trade from 1 Stewart Pace, Nowra and operate their
trophy assembly, engraving and giftware business.
2. Not adopt the
recommendation, provide further direction to staff and propose an alternative.
Implications: Alfred & Roslyn Parker will be
required to vacate 1 Stewart Place, Nowra, resulting in them having to find
alternative premises to conduct their business.
Background
Alfred and Roslyn Parker,
trading as Shoalhaven Trophies first commenced occupation of 1 Stewart Place,
Nowra in October 2011 and have been in occupation of the premises on various
length leases since. Over this time the Parkers have proved to be good tenants.
Their current lease expired on
the 16th January 2018, with the protracted period to seeking this
approval being a result of the Parkers considering their future plans which
involves retirement and/or selling their business.
The request for a one (1) plus
one (1) year lease in this instance allows them flexibility in their decision
making whilst not reverting to a monthly tenancy. Council will continue to work
with the Parkers to ensure that should they decide to vacate the property it will
be advertised well in advance of the new lease expiry date.
Current outgoings contributed to
by the Parkers amounts to:
· Council
rates and charges – 45%
· Water,
sewerage and drainage – 15%
· Building
insurance – 45%
· Garbage
– 100%
Community Engagement
The land is classified as
‘Operational” and therfore no community consultation is required.
Financial Implications
Resolving as recommended will
result in Council continuing to receive an annual revenue stream of
approximately $18,353 plus GST.
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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96
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Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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98
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SA18.90 Tree
Management Policy - Public Land
HPERM Ref: D17/300343
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Works
& Services
Attachments: 1. Tree
Management Policy- Public Land ⇩(under separate cover)
2. Tree
Management Policy - Public Land - Current Flow Chart ⇩
3. Tree Management Policy -
Public Land - Proposed Flow Chart ⇩
Purpose / Summary
A change to the tree management
review process for public lands (POL16/10) is submitted for the Committee’s
consideration. This report outlines the proposed changes to the policy.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council adopt changes to the decision-making process
in the Tree Management Policy – Public Land to provide options
(the ‘45 degree rule’) upfront for residents to undertake tree
works in road reserves at their cost, when works are not undertaken by
Council.
|
Options
1. As recommended
(preferred option)
Implications: Changes to the process will provide
clarification and a streamline process for customers, and reduce some
communication steps. With a simpler process, there may be greater use of
the 45 degree rule by residents to remove trees from road reserves at their
cost.
The policy objective and content remain unchanged.
2. Retain existing
review process
Implications: Longer timeframe for response with
the outcome to customers.
Background
The Tree Management Policy
outlines how Council will assess and respond to requests from residents that
have concerns with trees on public land. It is proposed to amend the
Decision Flowchart (Figure 1 in the procedure) to streamline the assessment
process:
In summary:
· In
the situation where a tree under review is within the ‘45 degree
rule’ (see note below), the applicant shall be offered tree removal,
replacement and environmental assessment at the applicant’s expense as
part of the initial assessment, if applicable. Currently, this option is only
considered if the applicant does not agree with Council decision to not
undertake the requested tree works;
· If
the resident disagrees with Council assessment, the Unit Manager Parks and
Facilities Services will review the assessment. If the matter is not resolved
satisfactorily, it is then referred to the Tree Review Panel for a final
outcome. This is the current practice, but is now better reflected in the
proposed updated Tree Management Decision Flow Chart; and
· The
Tree Management Decision Flow Chart within the Policy is amended to reflect
these changes and a simplified process. The current and the proposed flow chart
are attached.
The policy has also been updated
to reflect recent changes in legislation and reference documents. These changes
are highlighted in the attached policy.
45 Degree Rule
If a tree located on a Council road
reserve is within 45 degrees of a habitable dwelling owned by the
applicant, the applicant will be given the option to undertake tree works at
their cost, subject to an environmental assessment and supporting
documentation.
Community Engagement
The policy content has not been
changed. The decision-making process has been streamlined only.
The proposed changes are not
anticipated to have any impact to the community.
Financial Implications
The changes to the Policy would
have no financial implications to Council.
Risk Implications
The 45 degree rule provides the
option for residents to remove / prune trees from road reserves, where Council
does not believe tree works are necessary to manage risks. This is already part
of the policy but has generally been offered after the assessment is challenged
by the applicant and the matter was referred to the Tree Review Panel.
By offering the ’45
degree’ rule at an early stage there is likely to be less trees to be
reviewed by Management and the Tree Review Panel, which should lead to efficiencies
for staff and residents.
However, there may be an
increased number of trees removed under these provisions if this option is
provided earlier.
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Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
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101
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SA18.91 Comerong
Island Ferry - Service Review
HPERM Ref: D18/84821
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Works
& Services
Attachments: 1. Attachment
A - Comerong Island Ferry Service Review - Usage Graph ⇩
2. Attachment
B - Comerong Island Ferry User Survey ⇩
3. Attachment C - Residents
Comments - Proposed changed to Comerong Island Ferry Operation ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report provides the outcome
of a review and community discussion into the operation of the Comerong Island
ferry service.
|
Recommendation
That
Council:
1. Adopts
the following policy objectives for the Comerong Island Ferry:
a. The
service operates between 6am and 10pm, 7 days a week.
b. The
service remains at no cost to Island residents and landowners, with provision
of a permit system (for two-way travel) to allow resident’s visitors
and contractors to access the island.
c. The
vessel has a maximum 20t load capacity.
2. The
General Manager (Director Assets & Works):
a. Liaise
with the island residents and landowners to develop a formal permit system to
recognise the ‘no cost’ arrangements.
b. Progress
investigations of a new vessel to replace the Cormorant for consideration in
future budgets. Procurement process to consider various vessel configurations
to assess the cost (capital and ongoing) for different sizes.
|
Options
1. As recommended
(preferred option)
Implications: This will maintain the current
service level. The formal permit system will provide better monitoring of toll
exempt users. Replacing the vessel with a smaller version, although with
similar capacity, should provide reduced operating costs which will help offset
ongoing cost rises. Residents have indicated the 20t limit is too restrictive
to their requirements.
2. Make changes to
the service to reduce operating costs.
Implications: Modest changes have been identified
to reduce the net operating costs. Changes to operating hours and pricing
structure have not been supported by the Island residents.
Background
Ferry
History
Council provides a ferry service
to Comerong Island from the main land at Numbaa (see attached map). The ferry
links the Public Road Reserve between these locations, which are formed and
maintained by Council. This service has been
in place for at least the past 65 years.
The stretch of water (the
channel) between the mainland and the island is manmade. It provides the only
navigable water, via Greenwell Point to the ocean for boats.
The current service is provided
by a vessel named the “Cormorant”. It is approximately 73 years of
age and has been in service with Council since 1 June 1993. The vessel was
formerly a spare ferry of the South Australian Roads Board, working on the
Murray River.
The Ferry can carry vehicles and
operates by pulling itself along submerged cables that are anchored at each
end. It is rated to carry a maximum of 6 passenger vehicles or 20t.
The ferry is the only link between
the mainland and the island for the island residents. The western side of the
island has numerous private property ownerships and the eastern side is a Nature
Reserve, managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). There
are some basic services on the island for visitors.
Current Service
The ferry is operated between
6am and 10pm every day, with afterhours call out service available to residents
on the island. The residents, their visitors and contractors travel at no cost.
For other visitors to the island, the cost of a return ticket is $10, payable
by EFTPOS only.
Council has a 5-year contract with TONO Ferry Services Pty
Ltd to operate the ferry. The contract expires in July 2022.
Financial Analysis
A summary of the operating costs of the ferry is below:
|
Financial Year
|
Income
|
Expenditure
|
|
Ferry
|
House
|
Total
|
|
12/13
|
$13,275
|
$0
|
$13,275
|
$377,878.28
|
|
13/14
|
$13,363
|
$0
|
$13,363
|
$377,683.82
|
|
14/15
|
$14,753
|
$0
|
$14,753
|
$311,244.13
|
|
15/16
|
$15,464
|
$0
|
$15,464
|
$526,537.171
|
|
16/17
|
$17,361
|
$0
|
$17,361
|
$367,943.67
|
|
17/18*
|
$15,243*
|
$7,414*
|
$22,657*
|
$282,536.06*
|
* YTD
1
Includes out of water survey and hull maintenance
The current year operating
budget is $395,000. A majority of the cost is payment to the contractor to
operate the ferry. The balance is for maintenance, insurance and registration.
In addition, Council’s long term financial plan allows for ‘out of
water’ servicing every 4 years, with an allocation of $390,000 (with
escalation). The previous out of water survey and hull maintenance was in November
2015 and an additional $200,000 to normal operating costs. It is uncertain,
until the vessel is removed from the water, as to the extent of maintenance
that is required, so the costs can vary from service to service.
Under the previous contract (expired 1st July 2017), the
ferry operator was able to live in the dwelling adjacent to the ferry at no
rent for the term of the contract. The new contract removed this arrangement
and the property is now rented at market value, providing an additional revenue
source.
Utilisation
The graphs in Attachment A show the number of
vehicles carried by the Ferry for FY12-13 to FY 17/18 (up to January 18).
In summary:
· The
total number of vehicles using the service annually is 14,500 (average)
· Revenue
is generated from 10% of users, which was $14,500 (average)
· Ferry
use is seasonal, with the higher patronage during the warm months of the year;
· Use
is higher between 9am and 3pm;
· There
is low utilisation after 8pm.
The island residents and their visitors generated the bulk
of ferry patronage.
Council Obligations
In regard to the provision of
the ferry service to the community, Council’s obligations are governed by
the Local Government Act (LG Act) and Roads Act.
There does not appear to be any
statutory obligations for Council to provide the service, although there are a
number of factors, with respect to these Acts, that needs to be considered:
· In
accordance with the Roads Act, the Ferry is regarded as a
“road-ferry” and therefore a “road” under the Act;
· Section
24 of the LG Act, indicates the provision of a ferry service is discretionary,
but Council needs to make responsible decisions in considering removing or
reducing the service. Relevant matters include:
o Emergency
egress (bushfire, flood);
o Provision
of emergency vehicle access to the island; and
o Access for utility providers,
including Council’s own maintenance responsibilities of the public road
network on the island.
· General
requirement to ensure all residential lots have legal and practical access; and
· Council
is able to charge a “toll” or fee for the use of the ferry.
Based on the above, the ferry service needs to remain in
some capacity.
Vessel Inspection
Requirements
Vessels in commercial use in
Australia require a Certificate of Survey and require regular
inspections. The certificate is required by the Australian Maritime Safety
Authority (AMSA), although the administration is done by State and Territory
marine safety agencies. In our case this is the Road & Maritime Service (RMS).
The Cormorant is classified as a
‘high risk’ vessel due to the number of people it is able to carry,
being 35, which includes 2 crew. This classification influences the maintenance
and inspection regime.
To keep the Certificate of Survey, the vessel is
inspected by the RMS every year in the water. In addition, there is a
requirement for two ‘out of water’ inspections over a 5-year
period. Council’s budget provides for an inspection every 4 years. These
inspections need to be done by lifting the vessel out of the water with a
crane. The cranage cost alone can exceed $60,000 for each out of water
inspection.
Service Review
A review of the ferry service
has been conducted, looking for opportunities to reduce the net operating
costs. Three key areas were considered, as discussed below.
Ferry Infrastructure
The ferry currently typically
only carries one or two vehicles per trip, which is well below the carrying
capacity of the current vessel. Although, there is intermittent need for
maintenance and farming operation vehicles.
The Ferry type and size has a
direct impact on operating and maintenance costs, with vessels having a smaller
surface area less expensive to maintain, easier to slip and less weight to
propel. There are also 3 different propulsion systems, being on chains
(current), outboard and shaft driven, which have impact on maintenance and
running costs.
ARUP (Consulting Engineers) was
engaged to consider a number of ferry configuration options and recommended
that the current on-chain ferry was best solution for Comerong Island, although
there are opportunities for a smaller vessel.
Two vessels were considered:
Vessel 1 – 5t carrying
capacity, which is suitable for one passenger vehicle only.
Vessel 2 – 20t carrying
capacity, with dimensions to suit maintenance plant (e.g. grader, tipper
truck). This would be capable of carrying two passenger vehicles.
Further details for comparison
to the existing vessel are provided below:
|
Specification
|
Existing
Vessel
|
Vessel
1
|
Vessel
2
|
|
Passenger Vehicles
|
6
|
1
|
2
|
|
Plant items
|
Yes
|
no
|
Yes
|
|
Load Capacity (tonnes)
|
20
|
5
|
20
|
|
Deck Length (m)
|
18
|
7.8
|
13.9
|
|
Deck Width (m)
|
5.5
|
4.8
|
4.8
|
|
Estimated purchase cost
|
N/A
|
$1.5m
|
$1.8m
|
Vessel 2 provides a similar
service level as the current vessel, but is smaller to provide ongoing operating
cost savings. The purchase price (estimated) difference is $300k. The ongoing
operational costs could only be assessed through a detailed design assessment
of the options. The review also looked at options to reduce cost on slipping
the vessel. Alternatives to using a large crane to remove the vessel are
possible, but again actual solutions would need to be looked at with the vessel
design.
Operating Hours
The recent tender process has provided real market
pricing for Council to consider changes to the operating hours of the ferry to
reduce costs. The current hours are 6am to 10pm, 7 days.
The estimated cost savings for
other operating scenarios are provided below:
|
Scenario
|
Possible
Saving
|
|
6am
to 8pm, 7 days
|
$27,000
|
|
Monday
to Friday
6am
to 10am & 1pm to 8pm
Saturday
& Sunday
6am
to 8pm
|
$37,000
|
|
Monday
to Friday
6am
to 8pm
Saturday
& Sunday
6am
to 10pm
|
$15,000
|
There is limited saving in
service level changes, unless significant changes are made to the number of
days of operation.
Ticket Prices
There are a number of car
ferries in operation through NSW and most of these are operated by the RMS at
no cost to the user.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
operate two ferries and Ballina Council operate one. Both have a full user pays
system for the ferries and include causal and annual charges.
These are summarised below. Full
details of tickets schedule are available on the respective Council’s
website.
|
Type
of Ticket
|
Cost
|
|
Port
Macquarie Hasting
|
Ballina
|
|
Resident Concession
|
$55
/ year
|
Nil
|
|
Annual Pass
|
$350
|
$306
|
|
Concession Ticket Books
|
$20
for 25 tickets (1 ticket for single car trip)
|
Not
available for passenger vehicles
|
|
Monthly ticket
|
$30
when purchased by a resident
|
Nil
|
|
Weekly Ticket
|
$10
when purchased by a resident
|
$56
|
|
Single Trip (one way)
|
Nil
|
$6
|
Assuming two vehicles per
dwelling both requiring an annual pass of $300, the additional revenue would be
$7,800 if a similar system was implemented for residents of Comerong Island.
Increasing revenue through other approaches may be more beneficial.
The implementation of a permit
system to better identify vehicles that are currently exempt from payment would
be beneficial and capping the number of free travels is a possibility. As noted
previously, resident visitors and resident contractors travel at no cost.
Attaching a permit arrangement would allow the claim for free travel to be
verified by the ferry operator. Currently this is only an honesty system.
It is also proposed to cap the
number of free tickets to 50 / property / year. It is difficult to measure the
additional revenue that can be achieved but formalising the existing process
should be implemented to monitor improved revenue before considering the
pricing structure.
Further changes to the pricing
is not recommended at this stage.
Summary
There are various opportunities
to reducing the net operating cost by changing the operating hours and pricing
policy.
These are summarised below:
|
Change Description
|
Estimated Cost
Saving
|
|
Annual Pass for Residents ($300 / year)
|
$7,800
|
|
Reduce Operating Hours
Monday
to Friday
6am
to 10am & 1pm to 8pm
Saturday
& Sunday
6am
to 8pm
|
$37,000
|
|
Total
|
$44,800
|
In the overall context of the ferry operation, this savings
is relatively minor and not supported by the residents. The savings associated
with replacing the Cormorant with a smaller vessel are likely to be more
significant, but this will need to be verified through a design and procurement
process.
Community Engagement
Initially, a survey was
conducted to better understand how the ferry is used. 174 completed surveys
were returned. A template of the survey is included at Attachment B
In summary, of the surveys
returned:
· 10% owned a
property on the Island, with 16 indicating they lived part-time or full time or
were a tenant.
· 67% identified as
attending the island for Recreational Purposes (fishing, surfing, etc).
· 60%
used the service up to 25 times a year.
Also, Council’s contractor
undertook a survey of on-board passengers over 62 days between March and May
2016 - 15 days in March (included Easter long weekend), 29 days in April
(included ANZAC long weekend) and 18 days in May.
There was a total of 2,857 passengers (not vehicles) who
identified as:
|
User
Type
|
%
of Total Passengers (NOT
Vehicles)
|
|
Fee
Paying User
|
|
Recreational Users (Fisherman,
Surfers etc)
|
46%
|
|
National Parks
|
1.5%
|
|
Total
|
47.5%
|
|
Non-Fee
Paying User
|
|
Permanent Resident
|
36.3%
|
|
Part-time Resident / Farmer
|
4.4%
|
|
Council
|
0.8%
|
|
Contractor (Resident Contractor /
Service Provider)
|
10.9%
|
|
Total
|
52.4%
|
Note: Percentage is based on
passengers and there were multiple passengers in some vehicles
Comments
received during the survey are included and summarised following:
1. Retain the ferry: People were concerned that
Council may be looking at taking the ferry service away.
2. Fee: A number of passengers commented
that $10 is a bit steep or the trip should be free.
3. Connection: A number of respondents
commented that they have a family or familiar connection with the ferry e.g.
used it since I was a boy, came over with my Dad to fish, been fishing off the
Island since …. Or 38 years been visiting the island to fish.
4. Positive comments about the Ferry Operators
and the service itself.
5. Promotion as a tourism destination
– there are no facilities on the island in the Nature Reserve or any
facilities, toilets or picnic facilities, supplied by Council.
6. Weight limit raised in reference to the
transfer of cattle from the island or to the island by resident and off island
ratepayer with rural interests on the island.
7. Most visitors go to the island to fish or
surf and would like to continue to do so. They are concerned that they may not
be able to access the island in the future.
Following this review and
completion of the infrastructure review by ARUP, Council presented options on
vessel size, pricing and operating hours to a meeting with the residents on 6th
December 2017. The meeting was attended by 18 residents.
The residents
did not support any changes to the ferry service. 7 written submissions were
received, which were mostly a pro-forma email. An example is included at Attachment
C.
A suggestion from residents was
to promote the island (and ferry service) to increase revenue. The main
attraction on the island for tourists is the Nature Reserve managed by the
National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS). Increased visitation may increase
the demand for services and the level of maintenance currently provided by
NPWS, so they have been consulted for their input to the suggestion and they
provide the following response.
“NPWS are bound by the status of Comerong Island
Nature Reserve and also by what the Plan of Management for the reserve
stipulates (as the POM is a legislative document). The primary purpose of
nature reserves are conservation of wildlife, natural environments and
significant cultural features. They provide opportunities for recreation where
it does not conflict with the conservation objectives of the area.”
Comerong Island is currently not promoted on NPWS public
website, which relates to the objective to keep the reserve ‘low
key’. Promotion of the island is unlikely to be supported by the NPWS, so
is not being considered as a viable option for increased revenue.
Financial Implications
The ferry service is funded in
the budget, with a provision for ‘out of water’ servicing in the
long term financial plan, although this is not at the frequency required.
Due to the age of the vessel, it
will need to be replaced in the short to medium term. This will provide an
opportunity to reduce the vessel size to better match the current service
requirements. Reducing the size is expected to reduce operating costs,
maintenance costs and serving costs. This will provide the financial capacity
to absorb price increases associated with full compliance with legislated
inspection requirements.
Reviewing the vessel size for
cost savings is being prioritised over other ferry service adjustments or
increases to the budget.
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SA18.92 Waste
Services Facilities Resourcing Model
HPERM Ref: D18/58861
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Works
& Services
Purpose / Summary
This report provides an update
on the resourcing of Council’s Recycling and Waste Facilities, which was
implemented in 2016 following the collapse of the contractor that operated the
facilities (under contract).
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council endorses an internal
resourcing model for the provision of Waste Services, including management
and staffing all 10 waste transfer stations, recycling centres, buy back
centres and landfills.
|
Options
1. Accept the recommendation
(preferred option)
Implications: The internal provision of resources
has provided financial and customer service benefits. Council will continue to
provide the efficient waste operations to the community.
2. Outsource the
operation of Council’s waste transfer stations
Implications: Council will be at risk of contractor
collapse (like in 2016) which will impact the short-term continuity of service.
The service has been operating effectively and efficiently since 2016 using
internal resources, with improvements being achieved. Council now owns the
necessary equipment to provide the services.
There are no obvious benefits to engaging a contractor to
provide this service.
Background
Prior to February 2016, Council
Recycling and Waste Facilities were operated with a combination of Council
staff and contractor staff. The three weighbridge facilities (West Nowra,
Huskisson & Ulladulla) had Council staff managing the landfill and weighbridge
component, while a contractor managed the recycling and transfer components and
the operation of the 7 small transfer facilities.
At the time the contractor was
Subloos Pty Ltd. On 9 February 2016, Subloos went into administration and
ceased to operate. Council continued the service initially by utilising labour
hire staff and then by employing additional staff on 2 year fixed term
contracts. In addition, storage bins and plant items had to be purchased
(previously supplied by the contractor).
During this period, a review
into waste operations was progressing. On 15 March 2016 Council resolved that,
in part:
a) Staffs
and operates Council’s Waste Transfer facilities, using internal
resources, until community consultation of the future provision of Waste
Services has been conducted and any changes are implemented, except as outlined
in Part b) of this recommendation. Additional staff required will be engaged on
fixed term contracts with a maximum term of 2 years.
d) Provides a further
report to Council following the community engagement, including providing a
detailed assessment comparing providing ‘in-house’ services against
the current ‘outsourced’ model.
Community consultation on the
provision of Waste Services took place between June 2016 and February 2017,
with Council resolving on 18 April 2017 to retain the operation of all the
waste and recycling transfer facilities, but with changes in operating times.
The term employment contracts
for staff appointed during this time are now due to expire. Consideration of
the service delivery model (internal or external resources) is now required.
Outcomes of Internal Delivery
Model
Following the collapse of the
contractor, Waste Services absorbed the daily management of transfer station
operation, bulky waste pick up service, waste transportation from stations to
West Nowra landfill and Buy Back centre operations. This required:
· Purchase
of one hundred and thirty eight large hook lift and front lift transfer bins;
· Engagement
of a transport contractor to transfer bins from small depots to the landfill at
West Nowra, and the recyclables to various recyclers;
· Managing
the sale of recyclable products for the best benefit of Council;
· Changes
to the supervisory structure to optimise the supervision of 53 staff operating
over 10 facilities some of which are 7 days per week;
· Employment
of 47 temporary fixed term staff; and
· Implementation
of Community Recycling Centres.
The outcomes of directly
managing the full provision of services have been very positive, with tangible
and intangible benefits, including:
· Net
operational saving of resourcing the service is $200,000 per year;
· The
increased number and availability of staff across the 10 facilities has
provided a greater amount of flexibility managing workloads and absences.
· When
the new Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) for household problem wastes were
installed at all 10 facilities, part funded by EPA, Waste Services were able to
absorb the additional workload seamlessly, demonstrating an agile workforce
that embraced the changes.
· Waste
Services realised the ability to utilise the green and bulky truck and the CRC
truck and staffing to perform additional tasks at the outlying facilities and
to transport lightweight materials (ie polystyrene) to West Nowra. In the past
a contractor would have to be hired for that specific purpose, which would have
been more costly and inefficient.
· All
staff on site are employed by the same organisation, with the same safety
system, avoiding complications that have occurred in the past where a
contractor’s safety system is not properly synchronised with
Council’s. WorkSafe NSW has complimented the change, noting that
communication and safety direction at the facilities is now clear and direct.
· There
has been a greater focus on recovering reusable and recyclable items from the
waste stream, increasing diversion from landfill and revenue from sales.
· Waste
Services have received 20 written compliments in the last year compared to only
7 in 2015 while the contractor was operating.
Overall, customer service has
improved, the workforce has become agile and able to effectively respond to
change and the net cost of providing the service has reduced.
There have been no adverse impacts of bring this service
in-house.
Financial Implications
Annual payments to Subloos to
perform the contract were nearly $1.3 million less than the full annual cost
for Council to provide the staff (including extra supervision and
administration services), vehicles, plant, transfer bins and a contractor to
transfer the waste to landfill.
However, the former contractor
generated income from sales of recyclables and income earned at the buyback
centres. This income is now retained by Council.
Sales of recyclables and income
generated at the buyback centres (approximately $1.5 million) are earnings to
Council. The net overall savings to Council, since providing the fully in house
service, has been approximately $200,000 per year. Council has provided more
staffing than the contractor had in place, which is attributed to the improved
presentation and management of the facilities.
Waste Services is fully funded
by the Waste Reserve and the savings offset movements in the reserve.
Risk Implications
Reverting to an external
delivery model will again expose Council to the risk of collapse by the
contractor. Waste Management is a critical service provided to the community
and continuity of the service can be assured with internal resourcing.
The development of Resources
Recovery Park (tenders currently being assessed) will further change the level
of resourcing required to deliver Waste Services. Maintaining the internal
services will provide the flexibility to make adjustments as the service needs
change.
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SA18.93 Energy
from Waste Inquiry
HPERM Ref: D18/111672
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Works
& Services
Attachments: 1. Attachment
A - Terms of reference ⇩
2. Attachment
B - SCC Submission ⇩
3. Attachment C -
Recommendations & Report - NSW Government ⇩
Purpose / Summary
To inform Council that the State
Government has completed an inquiry into ‘Energy from Waste’, which
also considered the Waste Levy.
|
Recommendation
(Item to be determined under delegated authority)
That Council:
1. Accept and note the report on the
NSW State Government’s Inquiry into ‘Energy from Waste’,
completed on 28 March 2018; and
2. Continue to make representations to
the State Government through local MP’s in both Houses, to have
Shoalhaven reclassified as per the Inquiry recommendation.
|
Options
3. As recommended (preferred option)
Implications: Council made a submission to the inquiry,
including attending a hearing. The Government’s response to the inquiry
recommendations are due in September 2018. If Shoalhaven was reclassified, a
significant saving and reduction in costs to residents, ratepayers and
businesses would be achieved.
4. Council makes an alternative
resolution.
Implications: Council is making ongoing
representation to the Government about the impact of the Waste Levy in the
Shoalhaven. The Inquiry recommendations supports this advocacy.
Background
The Parliament of NSW
established an inquiry into ‘Energy from Waste’ on 6 April 2017.
The Inquiry was on matters relating to the waste disposal industry, with a
focus on energy from waste. The role of Waste Levy was also considered. The
Terms of Reference for the inquiry are provided at Attachment A.
Energy from waste is the process
which energy is obtained by thermal treatment processing (e.g. burning) of
waste. Energy from Waste facilities require a large throughput of waste for
them to be viable, so this technology has not been investigated in detail
previously. Staff were not able to provide any comment on these issues to the
Inquiry.
The interest was the levy, which
has been the subject to ongoing representation to the State Government about
the impact on rate payers through increased waste disposal costs and limited
funds that are returned to fund programs that encourage recycling and
divert waste away from landfill.
Council provided a written
submission to the inquiry (Attachment B) on 31 July 2017 and attended a
hearing on 7 August 2017. The Inquiry released their report on 28 March
2018 (recommendations are provided at Attachment C), noting Recommendation
3 states:
“That the NSW Government reclassify Shoalhaven City Council from the
Metropolitan Levy Area to either the Regional Levy Area or the unregulated
area.”
Council’s current gate
charge is $347/t, being $177.25/t (Council operating costs). $138.20/t (levy)
and $31.55/t (GST). If the levy was changed to the Regional amount ($79.60/t)
our gate charge would reduce to $282.54/t. If there was no levy the charge
would be $195.00/t.
The potential changes to the gate charges, if the Government
changed the classification of the Shoalhaven, is summarised in the Table below.
|
Levy
area
|
Levy
|
Council Gate charge
(incl GST)
|
% reduction to
current
|
Est Annual levy
payment
|
|
Metro
|
$138.20/t
|
$347.00/t
|
-
|
$8.9 million
|
|
Regional
|
$79.60/t
|
$282.54/t
|
18.6%
|
$5.1 million
|
|
Unregualted
|
$0/t
|
$195.00/t
|
43.8%
|
$0
|
The full report is at www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiries
The Government’s response to the report is due on 28
September 2018.
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SA18.94 Crookhaven
River Bridge Upgrade - Round 3 - Bridge Renewal Program
HPERM Ref: D18/103142
Group: Assets
& Works Group
Section: Asset
Management
Purpose / Summary
To report on the approved part
funding for Crookhaven River Bridge Upgrade (Archgate Bridge) under the
Australian Government’s Bridge Renewal Programme Round 3.
|
Recommendation (Item to be
determined under delegated authority)
That
1. Council
accepts grant funding offer under the Australian Government’s Bridge
Renewal Programme – Round 3 – for the upgrade of Crookhaven River
Bridge (Archgate Bridge) in order to strengthen bridge to 166 tonne load and,
to lift the weight restriction; speed restriction; and, heavy vehicle
restrictions currently imposed on bridge traffic on Culburra Rd.
a. Federal
funding is up to $396,000 and, up to 50% of the total project cost;
b. Council
to fund $397,000, in accordance with the funding agreement. To be funded from
Council’s Bridge Renewal Program.
|
Options
1. Adopt the
recommendation
2. Not accept the
recommendation
Implications: This will mean that Council will need
to fully fund the renewal of the Archgate Bridge since the bridge structure is
coming to end of life and is in need of renewal. Structural assessment by MI
Engineers, which was funded by the Fixing Country Roads program, has calculated
approximately 2 years remaining life expectancy in the bridge.
Background
Following inspection and
assessment of the existing timber members, a calculation was carried out taking
into account the remaining good timber and assessing the load capacity of these
members. The bridge was assessed to support a maximum of 15t on each lane or a
maximum of 30t on the bridge at once.
If the existing load carrying
capacity remains, it is estimated that 60% of all current heavy vehicles will
be required to detour onto other roads, increasing the trip length by 10.1km.
The bridge is located on
Culburra Road, an arterial road connecting Culburra Beach, Orient Point,
Currarong, Callala Bay and Callala Beach with Nowra, current Average Annual
Daily Traffic is 4900.
Report by MI Engineers, funded by the Fixing Country Roads
program, recommends repair and strengthening without delay to increase the
loading for M1600 vehicles as specified in AS5100.
Financial Implications
Grant funding is on the basis that
Council match the funding. ($397,000).
Council’s funding source
is the Bridge Renewal Program for 2017/2018 and 2018/2019.
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SA18.95 Acquisition
of Land and Easement - Sewer Purposes - Sussex Inlet
HPERM Ref: D18/92003
Group: Shoalhaven
Water Group
Section: Water
Asset Planning & Development
Attachments: 1. Plan
- Land and Easement Acquisition ⇩
Purpose / Summary
This report is submitted to seek Council approval to acquire
part of Lot 2442 DP1074478 and an Easement to Drain Sewage variable width over
Lot 2442 DP1074478 at River Rd, Sussex Inlet from L & T Pastoral Co Pty
Ltd. The land is required for an existing sewer pump station and the easement
is required for an existing sewer pipeline.
|
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Acquire
part of Lot 2442 DP1074478 at River Rd, Sussex Inlet, shown as proposed Lot
101 on the attached draft survey plan.
2. Acquire
an Easement to Drain Sewage variable width over part of Lot 2442 DP1074478 at
River Rd, Sussex Inlet, marked (S) on the attached draft survey plan.
3. Pay
compensation of $2,000 (plus GST) and reasonable legal costs associated with
the acquisition in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition
(Just Terms Compensation) Act 1991, from Shoalhaven Water’s Sewer fund.
4. The
land to be acquired to be classified as Operational land in accordance with
Section 31(2) of the Local Government Act 1993.
5. The
Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven be affixed to any
documents required to be sealed.
|
Options
1. Resolve as
recommended.
Implications: Acquisition of the land and easement
is required for existing sewer infrastructure.
2. Not resolve as
recommended and provide further directions to staff.
Background
Sewer Pump Station (SPS) No 1 at
Sussex Inlet and associated pipelines were constructed by Shoalhaven Water in
1989 over private land, Lot 2442 DP1074478. An all-weather access to the SPS is
via Council’s adjoining land, Lot 116 DP30234.
A valuation undertaken on behalf
of Council by Walsh & Monaghan Pty Ltd assessed compensation for both the
land and easement acquisition at $2,000, excluding GST.
A conditional offer was made at
that amount, plus GST if applicable and reasonable legal costs. Mr Ralph Lucas,
a Director of the owner company, has advised that the offer is acceptable.
The compensation has been based on the acquisition of 168sqm
of land and an easement area of 682.7sqm
Financial Implications
The compensation and reasonable costs associated with the
acquisition are to be funded from Council’s Sewer Fund. GST is applicable
to this transaction.
Risk Implications
Acquisition of the land and the access easement are
necessary to secure Shoalhaven Water’s legal operation and maintenance of
the supply of essential public infrastructure. The proposed action is
administrative and has no environmental impact.
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SA18.96 Bomaderry
Sewerage Treatment Plant - Property Matters
HPERM Ref: D18/111433
Group: Shoalhaven
Water Group
Section: Water
Asset Planning & Development
Attachments: 1. Aerial
Photo Nowra STP sludge ponds ⇩
Purpose / Summary
To advise Council of a proposal to consider property matters
relating to the upgrade of the Bomaderry Wastewater Treatment Plant and to seek
Council approval to enter into negotiations for the purchase of Lot J DP385161
and Lot K DP389887, No 74 Railway Street Bomaderry. Subject to the outcome of
the negotiations, a further report is to be submitted to Council seeking
approval to the terms of any proposed purchase.
|
Recommendation (Item
to be dealt with under delegated authority)
That Council enter into
negotiations for the purchase of Lot J DP385161 and Lot K DP389887, No 74
Railway Street Bomaderry.
|
Options
1. Adopt the recommendation.
Implications: Council will be
advised of the outcome of negotiations and, if applicable, a report will be
submitted seeking approval to the terms of the property purchase. The
acquisition of these two properties may set a precedent for other adjoining
landowners to seek Council acquisition. Any properties acquired could be
included within Council’s industrial land portfolio.
2. Council not enter into
negotiations to purchase the property.
Implications: It is expected that further
representations from the property owner and the local member would be
forthcoming.
Background
The owners of Lot J DP385161 and
Lot K DP389887 Bomaderry have made a formal request to Council to purchase
these properties due to the proximity to the expansion of the Bomaderry Sewage
Treatment Plant (STP). The member for Kiama has also made representations to
this effect.
The subject properties adjoin
the Bomaderry Wastewater Treatment Plant. One lot includes a residential
dwelling (74 Railway St) in which the owners reside and the other is vacant.
Both properties are zoned IN1 – General Industrial.
The owners of the two properties
have raised concerns relating to the proximity of the newly constructed sludge
lagoons. The location of the sludge lagoons and the properties in Railway
Street are shown on the attached aerial photograph.
The owners have raised strong
objections to the location of the ponds and the effect on the amenity of their
dwelling. They have cited concerns of odours from the ponds, the visual impact
from the dwelling, health issues for their children and the devaluation of the
property. They are concerned that they will be unable to sell the property in
the future.
The owners have made
representations to Gareth Ward MP and have also had media coverage through the
South Coast Register. The issues raised by the owners were discussed at a site
meeting attended by the owners, Mr Ward and Shoalhaven Water officers.
The owners have been advised
that the upgraded Bomaderry Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide a much
higher standard of treatment than is currently undertaken at the plant. It will
also have an advanced odour control system to capture and treat gases. A plan
has been developed to plant screening trees between the ponds and properties in
Railway Street to minimise the visual impacts of the new wastewater treatment
ponds. Council officers also held a site meeting at Railway Street to allow
residents to provide feedback on the landscaping options directly to Council
staff.
However, the owners are adamant that Council should purchase
the property and asked that the request be reported to Council for
consideration.
Community
Engagement
The upgrade to the Bomaderry
sewage treatment plant is one component of the REMS 1B project. Throughout the
project development there have been several phases of community and stakeholder
consultation as noted below.
1. REMS 1B Review
of Environmental Factors - publicly advertised and placed on exhibition in
February 2015.
2. REMS 1B Addendum
Review of Environmental Factors - publicly advertised and placed on exhibition
in August 2015.
3. A Drop-in
Community information session was held on 19 November 2016. This was advertised
to residents on Railway St (including 74 Railway St) by way of a flyer letter
drop and letter to the residents outlining the project status.
4. Other media
advertising for the Drop-in Community information session included
Council’s social media pages which was an open invitation and posters at
Bomaderry Public School, Nowra Anglican College and Illawarra TAFE.
5. Since construction
started in November 2016 consultation and information issued to the relevant
adjoining properties included:
a. a letter issued
on 7 November 2016 containing information on the proposed infrastructure within
the Tea Tree Site,
b. a complementing
letter issued on 10 November 2017 regarding the sludge lagoons,
c. newsletters
issued to local residents regarding construction works and providing contact
details for any questions or complaints. Newsletters were issued in November
2016, April 2017 and October 2017.
Financial Implications
There are potentially six other
landowners in this vicinity that may also request that Council acquire their
properties. Formal valuations have not been carried out at this stage. Funding
for any acquisition would be required from the sewer fund or potentially through
the Industrial Land Reserve.
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SA18.97 Request
for Connection to Town Water Supply - 285 Tannery Road, Cambewarra
HPERM Ref: D18/111402
Group: Shoalhaven
Water Group
Section: Water
Asset Planning & Development
Purpose / Summary
Council has received a request from the property owner of
285 Tannery Road, Cambewarra, to connect their property to the town water
supply. Council recently approved the extension of the town water supply along
Tannery Road to overcome a historical issue which has come to light. That
historical issue related to a former raw water supply system serving those
other properties. The above property owner is seeking for their property to
also be connected to the town water supply system, at no cost to them. This
property was not served by the historical water supply system and therefore
represents a different scenario.
|
Recommendation
That Council:
1. Approve
the connection to the town water supply, subject to the property owner:
a. Paying
the Separate System Connection fee for water supply ($6,578.00/ET (2017/18)),
and
b. Paying
the 20mm metered service fee ($847.00 (2017/18)), and
c. Extension
of the water supply system in 100mm Nominal Size pipeline at the property
owners cost (estimated in the order of $100,000).
|
Options
1. As recommended
Implications: This allows the property to be
connected at the landowners cost and is in keeping with council’s
relevant policy position.
2. Not approve the
connection to the town water supply.
Implications: No implications to the existing
status of the property or system.
3. Accede to the
owners request and extend the main at full cost to Council.
Implications: Council staff strongly oppose this
option. Such an option would set a precedent that could have very far reaching
implications across the city and to the water fund. It contradicts both the
intent and the details of Council’s Rural Water Supply Policy.
Background
285 Tannery Road is located
north of Cambewarra Village and is at the end of Tannery Rd. The property is
split into two parcels by a Crown road reserve. The main parcel of land
contains the dwelling house. The assessment below is based on providing water
supply to the main parcel of land.
Plan
showing No. 285 Tannery Rd and the location of the
existing water supply system
Community
Engagement
No community engagement has been
undertaken or is required.
Policy
Implications
Assessment under the Rural
Water Supply Policy
The property in question is
zoned Primary Production RU1 and Environmental Conservation E2. As such
Shoalhaven Water has accepted the application to connect under the Rural Water
Supply Policy (POL 16/96).
The property is greater than 225
metres from a water main and as such is not levied the water availability
charge. Therefore in accordance with the policy the applicant needs to comply
with Section 2.1 and comply with the following criteria:
- Where
capacity exists in the existing system, and
- Where the current levels of
service can be provided, and
- Where it can be demonstrated
that the rural water supply will be of positive economic benefit (at the time
of application) to the city by applying the following formula:
Benefit = (Income from usage + Availability
Charge) – Operating cost
The compliance with these
criteria is discussed below.
Capacity in the existing
system
The property has a dwelling upon
it including an in ground pool. Properties in the Cambewarra water supply zone
with a pool have an average annual demand of 284.4 kilolitres (say 285kL/an).
The Cambewarra water supply has adequate capacity to support an additional lot.
Current
levels of service can be provided
Council’s current levels
of service is to provide between 15 metres to 90 metres of water pressure at
the water main where the metered service is located.
Should a water main extension
(100mm Nominal Size (NS)) be extended to the main parcel of land the water
pressure based on hydraulic simulation would be approximately 16m (~157kPa).
The water pressure is near the minimum of the levels of service provided. The
maximum static pressure is ~20m (196kPa).
The current levels of service at
the metered service can be achieved.
It is noted that the water
pressure at the dwelling (~135m Australia Height Datum (AHD)) would be well
below the levels of service (less than 5 metres pressure under the hydraulic
simulation). As such the property owner will need to install a private
pressurised internal system to properly service the dwelling. This internal
pressurised system would be owned and maintained by the property owner.
The private internal system
would comprise of a buffer tank sized to support the needs of the property and
a pumping unit to pressurise and maintain the pressure at more suitable levels
(say 30m – 45m). Water would gravitate in from the metered service into
the tank.
Where it
can be demonstrated that the rural water supply will be of positive economic
benefit (at the time of application) to the city by applying the following
formula:
Benefit = (Income from usage + Availability Charge)
– Operating cost
Usage by urban property with
pool ~285kL/annum (based on usage of dwellings with a pool in the Cambewarra
area).
Rate for Usage = $1.70/kL
(2017/18)
Meter size = 20mm (Annual
Charge = $82.00 (2017/18))
Length of water main extension
~325m
Operating Cost per metre =
$1.56/m
Benefit = (285kL x $1.70/kL) +
($82.00) – ($1.56/m x 325m)
Benefit = $484.50 + $82.00 -
$507.00
Benefit = +$59.50
The property demonstrates
positive economic benefit to the city.
Financial Implications
The cost towards the survey,
design, review of environmental factors, construction, project management, etc
of ~325m of 100mm NS water main is fully at the owner’s expense. Based on
recent minor main extensions undertaken by Council in upgrading its water
supply reticulation system the overall cost may exceed $100,000.
Should Council approve the
extension of the town water supply further west from the planned water main
extension (to the main parcel of 285 Tannery Rd Cambewarra) then Council will
become responsible for the continued maintenance of the 100mm NS water main.
Risk Implications
No risk implications have been
considered.
|
|
Strategy and
Assets Committee – Tuesday 17 April 2018
Page
143
|
Local Government Amendment (governance &
planning) act 2016
Chapter
3, Section 8A Guiding principles for councils
(1)
Exercise of functions
generally
The
following general principles apply to the exercise of functions by councils:
(a) Councils should provide strong
and effective representation, leadership, planning and decision-making.
(b) Councils should carry out
functions in a way that provides the best possible value for residents and
ratepayers.
(c) Councils should plan
strategically, using the integrated planning and reporting framework, for the
provision of effective and efficient services and regulation to meet the
diverse needs of the local community.
(d) Councils should apply the
integrated planning and reporting framework in carrying out their functions so
as to achieve desired outcomes and continuous improvements.
(e) Councils should work
co-operatively with other councils and the State government to achieve desired
outcomes for the local community.
(f) Councils should manage
lands and other assets so that current and future local community needs can be
met in an affordable way.
(g) Councils should work with
others to secure appropriate services for local community needs.
(h) Councils should act fairly,
ethically and without bias in the interests of the local community.
(i) Councils should be
responsible employers and provide a consultative and supportive working
environment for staff.
(2) Decision-making
The
following principles apply to decision-making by councils (subject to any other
applicable law):
(a) Councils should recognise
diverse local community needs and interests.
(b) Councils should consider social
justice principles.
(c) Councils should consider the
long term and cumulative effects of actions on future generations.
(d) Councils should consider the
principles of ecologically sustainable development.
(e) Council decision-making should
be transparent and decision-makers are to be accountable for decisions and
omissions.
(3) Community participation
Councils
should actively engage with their local communities, through the use of the
integrated planning and reporting framework and other measures.
Chapter
3, Section 8B Principles of sound financial management
The
following principles of sound financial management apply to councils:
(a) Council spending should be responsible and
sustainable, aligning general revenue and expenses.
(b) Councils should invest in responsible and
sustainable infrastructure for the benefit of the local community.
(c) Councils should have effective financial
and asset management, including sound policies and processes for the following:
(i) performance management
and reporting,
(ii) asset maintenance and
enhancement,
(iii) funding decisions,
(iv) risk management practices.
(d) Councils should have regard to achieving
intergenerational equity, including ensuring the following:
(i) policy decisions are made
after considering their financial effects on future generations,
(ii) the
current generation funds the cost of its services
Chapter
3, 8C Integrated planning and reporting principles that apply to councils
The
following principles for strategic planning apply to the development of the
integrated planning and reporting framework by councils:
(a) Councils should identify and prioritise key
local community needs and aspirations and consider regional priorities.
(b) Councils should identify strategic goals to
meet those needs and aspirations.
(c) Councils should develop activities, and
prioritise actions, to work towards the strategic goals.
(d) Councils should ensure that the strategic
goals and activities to work towards them may be achieved within council
resources.
(e) Councils should regularly review and
evaluate progress towards achieving strategic goals.
(f) Councils should maintain an
integrated approach to planning, delivering, monitoring and reporting on
strategic goals.
(g) Councils should collaborate with others to
maximise achievement of strategic goals.
(h) Councils should manage risks to the local
community or area or to the council effectively and proactively.
(i) Councils should make appropriate
evidence-based adaptations to meet changing needs and circumstances.
