Ordinary Meeting

 

 

Meeting Date:     Monday, 05 December, 2022

Location:            Council Chambers, City Administrative Building, Bridge Road, Nowra

Time:                   5.30pm

 

Membership (Quorum - 7)

All Councillors

 

 

 

Please note: The proceedings of this meeting (including presentations, deputations and debate) will be webcast, recorded and made available on Council’s website, under the provisions of the Code of Meeting Practice.  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.

Shoalhaven City Council live streams its Ordinary Council Meetings and Extra Ordinary Meetings.  These can be viewed at the following link

https://www.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/Council/Meetings/Stream-a-Council-Meeting.

 

Statement of Ethical Obligations

The Mayor and Councillors are reminded that they remain bound by the Oath/Affirmation of Office made at the start of the council term to undertake their civic duties in the best interests of the people of Shoalhaven City and to faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act or any other Act, to the best of their skill and judgement.

The Mayor and Councillors are also reminded of the requirement for disclosure of conflicts of interest in relation to items listed for consideration on the Agenda or which are considered at this meeting in accordance with the Code of Conduct and Code of Meeting Practice.

 

Agenda

 

1.    Acknowledgement of Country

2.    Moment of Silence and Reflection

3.    Australian National Anthem

4.    Apologies / Leave of Absence

5.    Confirmation of Minutes

·      Ordinary Meeting - 28 November 2022

6.    Declarations of Interest

7.    Presentation of Petitions

8.    Mayoral Minute

9.    Deputations and Presentations

10.  Call Over of the Business Paper

11.  A Committee of the Whole (if necessary)

12.  Committee Reports

CL22.632..... Report of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee - 8 November 2022................ 1

AA22.20...... Notification of Council Resolution - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Re-establishment and Nomination of Chairperson

AA22.21...... Cultural Immersion Workshops

AA22.23...... Membership Appointment

AA22.25...... Additional Item - Naming of Boongaree

AA22.28...... Additional Item - Council Advisory Committees - Indigenous Representation

AA22.29...... Additional Item - Freeze of Development Sites - Newcastle University

AA22.31...... Additional Item - Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Funds

AA22.32...... Additional Item - Scar Tree Desecration - Warra Warra Rd

13.  Reports

City Performance

CL22.633..... Annual Report 2021-2022.............................................................................. 4

CL22.634..... Ongoing Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns - November 2022.............. 7

CL22.635..... 2023 National Forum on Coastal Hazards (Australian Coastal Councils Association)........................................................................................................................ 9

City Futures

CL22.636..... Exhibition Outcomes and Proposed Next Steps - Review of Planning Options for Taylors Lane................................................................................................. 11

CL22.637..... Proposed New Strategic Planning Direction................................................ 39

City Services

CL22.590..... Proposed Land Disposal - North Crescent Culburra Beach........................ 42

CL22.638..... Proposed Licence - T & C Hoskin - Part Mahogany Creek Reserve North Nowra...................................................................................................................... 47

City Development

CL22.639..... Quarterly Review for Compliance Matters................................................... 52

CL22.640..... RA22/1003 - McIntosh Street Shoalhaven Heads - Part Lot 7005 DP 1075719  68

CL22.641..... Development Application - DA22/1614 - 5 Flora Street, Sanctuary Point... 76

CL22.642..... Development Application - DA21/2438 - Currambene St & Hawke St Huskisson - Lot 1 DP 209436, Part Lot 7010 DP 1076858 & Lot 7012 DP 1021163........... 87

CL22.643..... Development Application - DA22/1710 - 12 Milham Street, Lake Conjola - Lot 3 DP 515751........................................................................................................ 104

City Lifestyles

CL22.644..... Worrigee / South Nowra / East Nowra Community Infrastructure Investigations  116

CL22.645..... Draft Berry Showground Master Plan - Update to Council and Progress to Exhibition.................................................................................................................... 128

CL22.646..... Policy - Private Functions on Public Reserves.......................................... 134

Shoalhaven Water

CL22.647..... Acquisition of Easement for Water Supply - Lot 28 DP 1282389 Taylors Lane Cambewarra............................................................................................... 136

CL22.648..... Tenders - Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area Water Infrastructure Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station and Stage 2 Water Mains Construction Project.. 139

CL22.649..... Tenders - Danjera Dam Camping Ground and Recreational Area Construction  142

14.  Notices of Motion / Questions on Notice

Notices of Motion / Questions on Notice

CL22.650..... Notice of Motion - Hyams Beach Fire Shed............................................... 145

CL22.651..... Notice of Motion - Sussex Inlet Road Completion of Footpath to Marine Rescue.................................................................................................................... 148

15.  Confidential Reports

Reports

CCL22.34.... Tenders - Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area Water Infrastructure Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station and Stage 2 Water Mains Construction Project

Local Government Act - Section 10A(2)(d)(i) - Commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

There is a public interest consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests.

CCL22.35.... Tenders - Danjera Dam Camping Ground and Recreational Area Construction

Local Government Act - Section 10A(2)(d)(i) - Commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it.

There is a public interest consideration against disclosure of information as disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests.

 


 

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CL22.632   Report of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee - 8 November 2022

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/500466

 

 

AA22.20     Notification of Council Resolution - Aboriginal Advisory Committee Re-establishment and Nomination of Chairperson

HPERM Ref: D22/445886

Recommendation

That Council

1.    Accept Mr Jared Brown’s resignation as Chairperson and,

2.    Accept Mr Jared Brown’s membership resignation from the Committee for the period of 12 months.

3.    Thank Mr Jared Brown for his contribution to the Committee and his time as Chairperson.

4.    Conduct an election of Chairperson at the next Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting to be held, 6 December 2022 for the period to September 2023, noting that the appointment will be reaffirmed by Council.

 

 

AA22.21     Cultural Immersion Workshops

HPERM Ref: D22/397800

Recommendation

That Council

1.    Note the Aboriginal Advisory Committee received the report regarding Cultural Immersion Workshops for information.

2.    Suggest Council staff to investigate other organisations with the capacity to deliver Cultural Immersion workshops targeted towards men’s business in addition to the Waminda facilitated training.

 

 

AA22.23     Membership Appointment

HPERM Ref: D22/418803

Recommendation

That Council:

1.    Endorse and accept the appointment of David Blakely as a member of the Aboriginal Advisory Committee.

2.    Provide an unsuccessful outcome letter to the unsuccessful applicant’s and thank them for their application.

3.    Review the Terms of Reference regarding,

a.    Youth membership age bracket and consider engaging with the Shoalhaven University and TAFE campuses to fill vacant roles of the youth representatives.

b.    The requirement for members to live in the Shoalhaven LGA.

c.    Consider adding an extra community member position, noting it will be filled by Mr Jared Brown following the conclusion of appointment with Council.

 

Note by the CEO:

Staff will provide a report, taking into consideration the Committee’s request, as part of a Terms of Reference (TOR) review that will take place at the first Aboriginal Advisory Committee meeting of 2023 (28 February 2023). Proposed amendments will align with the recently endorsed TOR template for Advisory Committees. 

 

 

AA22.25     Additional Item - Naming of Boongaree

Recommendation

That Council endorse the Aboriginal Advisory Committee to receive further background information on how the naming of the Boongaree Reconciliation Garden was decided, and request to be involved in the consultation process of all future naming’s of such Council assets.

 

 

AA22.28     Additional Item - Council Advisory Committees - Indigenous Representation

Recommendation

That Council as recommended by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, encourage the appointment of two (2) Indigenous representatives, male and female, on all Council Advisory Committees.

 

 

AA22.29     Additional Item - Freeze of Development Sites - Newcastle University

Mr Jason Groves discussed how massacre sites are registered and through Newcastle University registered development sites are frozen. It was discussed whether Husky Church site could be registered as a massacre sight, and suggested Council investigate putting freezes on registered development sites through the University of Newcastle.

Recommendation

That Council as recommended by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, request the appropriate Council staff within City Futures to initiate discussions with Newcastle University regarding the process to have the Husky Church site registered as a Massacre site.

 

 

AA22.31     Additional Item - Aboriginal Cultural Centre - Funds

Ms Sylvia Timbrey queried the whereabouts of the funds from the sale of the previous Aboriginal Cultural Centre.

Recommendation

That Council as recommended by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee, request relevant Council staff to investigate the sale and the proceeds of the previous Aboriginal Cultural Centre and request a report back to a future meeting regarding the whereabouts of the funds.

 

 

AA22.32     Additional Item - Scar Tree Desecration - Warra Warra Rd

Mr Jared Brown raised a concern that whilst conducting surveys for the Glossy Black Cockatoo, they came across a site possibly under Council ownership, located on the left hand side of Warra Warra Road and identified fencing with Council signage that had been wired through a Scar Tree. This was confronting and culturally insensitive for the Aboriginal Community.

It was also noted that it is a highly desecrated site due to excessive dumping.

Recommendation

That Council, as recommended by the Aboriginal Advisory Committee:

1.    Advise the relevant department within Council of the cultural insensitivity in the desecration of a Scar Tree with Council fencing, and

2.    Request Council to investigate the possibility of removal of the fencing.

 

 

 


 

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CL22.633   Annual Report 2021-2022

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/478426

 

Department:       Corporate Performance & Reporting

Approver:           Kevin Voegt, Director - City Performance 

Attachments:     1.  Annual Report 2021-2022 - Section 1 (under separate cover)

2.  Annual Report 2021-2022 - Section 2 (under separate cover)  

Reason for Report

In accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, Council must produce an Annual Report outlining progress towards achieving the objectives and actions in the Delivery Program and Operational Plan. The report must also include mandatory reporting as prescribed by the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021.

 

Recommendation

That Council receive and endorse the Annual Report 2021-2022.

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation.

Implications: Nil.

 

2.    Further information be requested for inclusion in the Annual Report.

Implications: Council will need to amend and renotify the Office of Local Government of the updated Annual Report.

 

Background

Council received an extension to finalise and submit Financial Statements for the year ended 30 June 2022 year to the Office of Local Government (OLG) to 23 December 2022.  Once the Financial statements have been audited and lodged, Council will update the Annual Report and include a full set of its audited Financial Statements as required under the Local Government Act.

In order to meet the legislative timeframe, Council’s Annual Report 2021-22 has been uploaded to Council’s website and advice provided to OLG to meet the 30 November 2022 deadline.

The Annual Report 2021-2022 has been prepared as per the requirements under the Local Government Act consists of the following sections:

Section 1 – Delivery Program and Operational Plan Performance

This section includes a report on Council’s achievements in implementing the Delivery Program and the effectiveness of the activities undertaken in achieving the objectives in the Shoalhaven 2027 Community Strategic Plan (CSP).

The report also outlines the key highlights, status and comments against each of the actions in the 2021-2022 Operational Plan. The 157 deliverables set by Council in our 2021-2022 Operational Plan represents our services, key projects and works program. The final performance showed that 92% of actions we set out to achieve were completed or on track. The remaining 8% were delayed or off track as at 30 June 2022.

 

Key Highlights

·    Delivery of Local Information Hubs through the Recovery into Resilience project at 19 halls and community centres with solar panels, batteries and information screens which can display trusted information during emergencies

·    Economic Development Office co-ordinated a series of business training sessions speci­fically aimed at assisting businesses following the natural disaster setbacks and COVID impacts

·    The Shoalhaven has received the highest proportion of regional events funding across Regional NSW, testament to the adaptability of the industry

·    Progression of all Rural Fire Service seed funded projects at Conjola Station Extension, Currarong Station Extension and Manyana Station New Facility

·    Official opening event at Boongaree Nature Play Park hosted in January 2022

·    Shoalhaven Water’s Reclaimed Water Management Scheme Stage 1B awarded winner in the LGNSW - Excellence In The Environment Awards

·    Millards Creek and Currarong Creek Flood Studies have been completed and adopted by Council

·    Water supply work for Southern Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas now complete and ready for developer connection

·    Major local road repair programs complete include Browns Road, Brinawarr Street, BTU Road rehabilitation, Orient Point Road (Flora to Raglan Street) Rehabilitation, Riversdale Road reconstruction, Forest Road Heavy Patching and construction complete for Coonemia Road rehabilitation

·    Destination Parks hosted activities including Arts classes and Plein Air Painting, Disability Expo, Open Air Cinema, Family Movie Nights, Pilates in the Park and Beach Volleyball

·    The Rivoli dance production was performed at Ulladulla Civic Centre and Kangaroo Valley Hall in March

·    Increased tonnes of material recycled to 39,894 tonnes, up 5% on last year

·    Ulladulla Town Centre DCP Amendment (update) ­finalised

·    Achieving a zero vacancy rate with all suitable Council properties currently leased

·    Sustainable Energy Strategy initiatives commenced include installation of LED lights in Council buildings and sports fi­elds, installation of additional solar PV and preparation of a tender for a renewable Power Purchase Agreement

·    52 Coastal Zone Management Plan short term implementation actions are completed, ongoing, or signifi­cantly progressed

·    Two new Parkcare Groups had their action plans adopted by Council and a quarterly newsletter has been established

 

Measuring Progress - Are we making a difference?

Annual progress towards achieving the Community Strategic Plan (CSP) objectives are included under each theme as How we’re doing – Are we making a difference? These measures were established alongside the adoption of the CSP in 2017.

A full evaluation of 2027 CSP objectives was included in Council’s End of Term Report which was submitted at the 2 November 2021 Council meeting and is available on Council’s website.

With the adoption of the updated Community Strategic Plan 2032, tracking the progress of these measures has now commenced and will be reported from the 2022-23 Annual Report.

A copy of the Annual Report 2021-2022 Section 1 is included as Attachment 1.

Section 2 – Additional Local Government Act reporting requirements

This section of the report includes information that is prescribed by the Local Government (General) Regulation 2021. This includes details of contributions and donations, contracts, legal proceedings, public interest disclosures, planning agreements, Companion Animals Act reporting and progress on implementation of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan. A copy of Annual Report 2021-2022 Section 2 is included as Attachment 2.

Section 3 – Annual Financial Statements 2021-2022

The annual financial statements once finalised will be included as part of the annual report.

 

Community Engagement

The Annual Report is available on Council’s website and a link to the report will be promoted through Council’s weekly newsletter. A range of other methods will also be used to communicate the outcomes of Council’s 2021-2022 performance highlights including across Council’s social media platforms.

 


 

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CL22.634   Ongoing Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns - November 2022

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/479021

 

Department:       Business Assurance & Risk

Approver:           Kevin Voegt, Director - City Performance  

Reason for Report

To provide the Council with the Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns from newly designated persons lodged with the Chief Executive Officer for the period of 1 November to 30 November 2022 as required under Section 440AAB of the Local Government Act 1993 and Part 4.26 of the Code of Conduct.

 

Recommendation

That the report of the Chief Executive Officer regarding the Ongoing Register of Pecuniary Interest Returns lodged for the period of 1 November to 30 November 2022 be received for information.

 

Background

Under Section 440AAB of the Local Government Act 1993 and Part 4.26 of the Model Code of Conduct, newly designated persons are required to complete an Initial Pecuniary Interest Return within 3 months of becoming a designated person.

Section 440AAB (2) of The Local Government Act 1993 states:

Returns required to be lodged with the general manager must be tabled at a meeting of the council, being the first meeting held after the last day specified by the code for lodgement, or if the code does not specify a day, as soon as practicable after the return is lodged.

Part 4.26 of the Model Code of Conduct states:

Returns required to be lodged with the general manager under clause 4.21(c) must be tabled at the next council meeting after the return is lodged.

This report is one of a series of reports of this nature which will be provided throughout the year to align with the legislative requirements.

Those persons who have submitted a return within the period in accordance with their obligation to lodge an initial pecuniary interest return are listed below:

Directorate

Name

Designated Position Start Date

Returned

City Development

Rochelle MacKay

07/11/2022

14/11/2022

City Services

Rachael Proksch

10/10/2022

14/11/2022

City Services

Bhavya Dawar

17/10/2022

15/11/2022

City Services

Michael Berzins

19/09/2022

17/11/2022

Shoalhaven Water

Andrew Solari

07/11/2022

18/11/2022

City Lifestyles

Paul Donnelly

07/11/2022

25/11/2022

Electronic versions of the disclosure documents (with relevant redactions) are available on the Council website, in accordance with requirements under the Government Information (Public Access) Act, 2009.

 

Risk Implications

A failure of meeting the obligations with respect to the Pecuniary Interest Returns by a designated officer leaves Council at risk of non-compliance with legislative requirements, conflicts of interest and limited transparency.

 

 


 

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CL22.635   2023 National Forum on Coastal Hazards (Australian Coastal Councils Association)

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/485883

 

Department:       Business Assurance & Risk

Approver:           Kevin Voegt, Director - City Performance  

Reason for Report

To consider Councillor attendance at the 2023 National Forum on Coastal Hazards scheduled for 29-31 March 2023 in Freemantle, WA.

 

Recommendation

That Council

1.    Notes the details of the 2023 National Forum on Coastal Hazards scheduled for 29-31 March 2023 in Freemantle, WA.

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.

 

 

Options

1.    As per the recommendation.

2.    That Council limit the number of Councillors attending the Conference and such attendance be deemed Council Business.

3.    That Council does not approve Councillor attendance at the Conference as Council Business.

 

Background

The 2023 National Forum on Coastal Hazards (Australian Coastal Councils Association) is considered relevant to local government, particularly coastal councils such as Shoalhaven Council. Information in relation to the conference can be found at the following link:

Come and join us at the 2023 National Forum on Coastal Hazards – Australian Coastal Councils Association

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs associated with the conference are estimated as follows:

·     Registration

Registration fees:

Delegates from ACCA LGAs (Includes  Shoalhaven City Council delegates )

Early Bird – Full Forum only - Early Bird 19 Dec 2022

$ 1,100.00

Early Bird Special Discount Package – includes Full Forum, Reception and Dinner tickets - Early Bird 19 Dec 2022

$ 1,331.00

Standard Registration – Full Forum only

$ 1,320.00

Standard Special Discount Package – includes Full Forum, Reception and Dinner tickets

$ 1,551.00

One Day - 29 or 30 March 2023

$ 550.00

One Day - FRIDAY 31 March 2023

$ 440.00

 

·     Travel, accommodation and out of pocket expenses: not yet determined.

An option available to Council is to define the number of Councillors attending the conference and for Council to determine the appropriate Councillors authorised to attend.  This option is presented having regard to the increase in Councillor expenses in recent years, so that Council may pro-actively control this area of expenses when appropriate.

The Conference commences at 7.30am, Wednesday 29 March 2023 and concludes at 12.30pm, Friday 31 March 2023 and the following Council Business is scheduled within the period of the conference:

·     Nowra CBD Revitalisation Strategy Committee - Tuesday 28 March 2023.

·     Councillor Briefing - Thursday 30 March 2023.

 

Policy Implications

The Council Members – Payment of Expenses and Provision of Facilities Policy limits attendance at conferences to three per annum per councillor exclusive of any conference arranged by either the State or National Local Government Associations.

 

Financial Implications:

Funds are available for Councillors to attend this conference.

 


 

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CL22.636   Exhibition Outcomes and Proposed Next Steps - Review of Planning Options for Taylors Lane

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/478527

 

Department:       Strategic Planning

Approver:           Carey McIntyre, Director - City Futures 

Attachments:     1.  Option Concept Layout Plans (drawing SK001 - SK008)

2.  Summary of Submissions - Taylors Lane Planning Options Nov 2022   

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report is to present to Council the outcomes of the recent public exhibition of the planning options review for the Taylors Lane area, Cambewarra (to be renamed Badagarang in due course), identify the preferred options and recommend the next steps to conclude/advance the outcomes of the review.

 

Recommendation

That Council:

1.    For the ‘West’ section of Taylors Lane:

a.    Adopt Option W1 as shown in Attachment 1 drawing SK001 being upgrade of Taylors Lane to a ‘Tree Lined Boulevard’ in accordance with the adopted Shoalhaven DCP 2014 Chapter NB3:

i.     Widen the road ~5m each side of the existing centreline.

ii.     Remove the existing mature trees on the northern side of the existing pavement.

iii.    Plant suitable Street Trees along the upgraded Taylors Lane consistent with the adopted Moss Vale Road South Species List

b.    Receive a further report on options that may help to deliver the required road upgrade in a timely manner to support the overall Moss Vale Road South URA.

2.    For the ‘East’ section of Taylors Lane:

a.    If it wishes to retain the trees, proceed to upgrade Taylors Lane in accordance with Option E3 as shown in Attachment 1 drawing SK006, with Option E1 as shown in Attachment 1 drawing SK004 as a ‘backup’ option, and commence negotiations for a possible joint funding and delivery arrangement with the landholder/developer of DA SF10898;

OR

b.    If it does not wish to retain the trees, proceed with the upgrade of Taylors Lane in accordance with Option E2 as shown in Attachment 1 drawing SK005.

3.    Notify those who made submissions during the public exhibition period of this decision.

 

 

Options

1.    As recommended.

Implications:  Council will adopt a policy position on Taylors Lane and resolve the current uncertainty for local landholders and developers. Taylors Lane within Moss Vale Road South Urban Release Area (URA) will be upgraded to a ‘Tree Lined Boulevard’ in accordance with adopted DCP 2014 Chapter NB3 as the adjoining land is developed. Council will advance with project detailed design, land acquisitions, negotiations for a joint funding / delivery arrangement and construction for the Taylors Lane upgrade East of the URA as part of the Far North Collector Road Network.

 

2.    Defer a decision and receive a further briefing from staff.

Implications: Council will receive a briefing from staff on the outcomes of the public exhibition, the preferred options and recommended actions before deciding what steps to take next. This is likely to delay the adoption of a policy position on Taylors Lane and the delivery of the required road upgrades by several months and is not the preferred option.

 

3.    Adopt an alternative recommendation.

Implications: This will depend on the nature of the alternate resolution. The review has identified a number of alternate options for Taylors Lane that are not considered to be feasible. Further investigation of alternate options will delay the required road upgrade, prolong the uncertainty for local landholders and development and may yield little or no benefit. As such this is not the preferred option.

 

4.    Do not adopt the recommendation.

Implications: Council will not adopt a policy position on Taylors Lane. This is likely to create ongoing uncertainty for local landholders and developments, delay the release of new housing supply, and delay the required upgrade of Taylors Lane. As such this is not the preferred option.

 

Background

Council resolved in June 2020 (MIN20.419) to ‘defer’ a decision on the planned upgrade of the Taylors Lane area, Cambewarra (to be renamed Badagarang in due course), as part of the Far North Collector Road project and commence a review of options for how the existing trees that are currently a feature of Taylors Lane can feasibly be retained and how the required road upgrade could still be provided as part of the future development of the broader area.

The review considers potential changes to planning controls that may be required to support the long-term retention of the trees, given the development that is enabled under the existing zones. It also considers the ongoing appropriateness of the existing urban zones (R3 Medium Density, B1 Neighbourhood Centre and SP2 Infrastructure) at the eastern end of Taylors Lane.

The review area includes the full length of Taylors Lane and adjoining land as shown in the figures below. The existing zoning of the review area is shown in Figure 2.

The ‘Indicative Layout Plan’ in the adopted DCP Chapter NB3: Moss Vale Road South URA identifies Taylors Lane within the URA as a future ‘Tree Lined Boulevard’. This would see the existing trees removed and replaced with new urban street trees through time. The adjoining residential zoned land within the URA is currently being subdivided and developed and will be a major source of new housing supply for the next 5-10 years.

The upgrade of the section of Taylors Lane east of the URA boundary is currently in the scope of the Far North Collector (FNC) Road project (see Figures 1 and 2).

Map

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Figure 1: Aerial view of review area

 

Diagram

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Figure 2: Existing zoning of review area

 

Council considered an initial Options Report (prepared Studio GL in 2021) on 7 September 2021. The report included a range of options that could retain the trees based on planning, urban design and transport considerations. The review however did not investigate/consider the potential costs, technical feasibility or environmental impacts of the options in any detail.

 

Options were presented and considered separately for the ‘West’ and ‘East’ sections of Taylors Lane as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

 

Concept Layout Plans for each option are shown in Attachment 1 drawings SK001 - SK008.

 

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Figure 3: ‘West’ Options

 

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Figure 4: ‘East’ Options

 

The Council resolution from 7 September 2021 is below (MIN21.619).

 

That Council:

1.    Receive the review of options for Taylors Lane, as detailed in the report prepared by Studio GL at Attachment 1 for information.

2.    Request that Council staff undertake further investigations into the indicative costs (construction, land acquisition, habitat loss, cultural heritage loss and environmental heritage loss) associated with each option, including identification of a preferred option/s, and receive a Councillor briefing from staff at the appropriate point on this work.

3.    Place the consultant’s report and additional information (point 2 above) on public exhibition for at least 30 days, invite comment on it from local stakeholders and the broader community.

4.    Receive a further future report to consider the outcomes of the public exhibition and decide how to proceed with the review of planning controls associated with Taylors Lane, Cambewarra.

5.    Notify local stakeholders (landowners and developers around Taylors Lane), participants in the stakeholder workshops, development industry representatives and the Cambewarra Residents and Ratepayers Association and Pride of Bomaderry of this decision and of the exhibition arrangements when they are known.

 

Strategic Options Assessment report

 

Consistent with Part 2 of the above resolution, a Strategic Options Assessment report was prepared for Council by engineering etc. consultancy Cardno Pty Ltd (now Stantec Pty Ltd) to address part 2) of the resolution. It provides the following fuller assessment of the options:

 

·    Preliminary cost estimate - including design, construction and land acquisition.

·    Potential environment and cultural heritage impacts.

·    Review of technical feasibility including civil design, utilities, geotechnical conditions, flooding/hydrology and traffic/connectivity.

·    Options scored and ranked on ‘Cost’ and ‘Environment/cultural heritage impact’.

 

The analysis is at a ‘desktop’ level; as such, the results are indicative and are subject to potential change as more detailed investigation is undertaken in the future.

 

Councillors received a briefing on the results of these investigations on 28 July 2022.

 

Summary of Findings

 

Several options that retain the trees are considered ‘not feasible’ for two main reasons:

Long term impact on tree health:

Options W2, W3, W3a & E1a will require earthworks, construction and drainage work in tree root zones. The impact of any resulting damage to roots and altered drainage on the long-term health of the trees is not known in any detail at this point.

Unacceptable or unknown traffic outcome:

Council’s long term planning strategies (Nowra-Bomaderry Structure Plan etc) identify a two-way Taylors Lane as part of the required local road network supporting the development of the Moss Vale Road URA’s.

Options W3 and W3a do not meet that requirement. Options E4 and E5 reduce connectivity for traffic travelling to North Nowra due to left-in-left-out intersections with the Far North Collector Road (FNC). They would potentially make a new roundabout further east on the FNC redundant once the existing Taylors Lane is closed to traffic.

The options considered ‘not feasible’ are highlighted red in Figure 5. The remaining options considered ‘feasible’ (subject to further investigation) are E1, E2, E3 and W1. They are highlighted green in Figure 5.

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Figure 5: Summary of options considered Feasible (green) and Not Feasible (red)

 

The scores/ranks of East and West options are shown in Table 1 and Table 2 respectively (higher rank/score indicates a more favourable option).

 

Table 1: Scores - East Options (green = feasible, red = not feasible)

Table

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Table 1 indicates that the options that retain the trees (E1 and E3) will cost approximately $1M and $2.6M more respectively than the option that removes the trees (E2). E1 and E3 score similar on environment/cultural heritage impact but the nature of impact differs - E3 impacts more vegetation, whilst E1 encroaches into a waterway. Cultural heritage was not a differentiating factor – all options were found to have the same potential to impact on cultural heritage that may be present.

 

 

Table 2: Score results - West Options (green = feasible, red = not feasible)

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Table 2 indicates that W1 is the only ‘West’ option considered to be feasible at this point.

 

Community Engagement

The Review of Planning Options for Taylors Lane was publicly exhibited from Wednesday 5 October to Friday 4 November 2022 (31 days) in accordance with part (3) of Council’s 7 September 2021 resolution.

Notification of the exhibition arrangements was sent to local landholders and developers of land around Taylors Lane, the Cambewarra Village CCB, Pride of Bomaderry CCB, development industry representatives, persons subscribed to the ‘Get Involved’ pages for the Nowra-Bomaderry URAs and the FNC and all who have previously made submissions throughout the review.

The exhibition package which is still available for viewing on Councils exhibitions webpage included:

1.   Explanatory Document

2.   Options Report (Studio GL, 2021)

3.   Strategic Options Assessment Report (Stantec, 2022)

4.   Public Notice

 

Six submissions were received - five from local residents/landholders and one from the developer of the R3 zoned land around the eastern end of Taylors Lane. The submissions from local residents/landholders are summarised in Table 3 and Attachment 2. Copies of the actual submissions can be made available to Councillors if needed on request. 

 

Table 3: Summary of local resident/landholder submissions

Option

For (Against)

Summary of comments

W1

2 (2)

For – Simple and cost-effective. Aligns with the adopted URA masterplan upon which developments are based. Minimal disturbance to existing properties. Avoids having to redesign approved developments around another option. The trees in ‘West’ are of lesser scenic quality than those in ‘East’.

 

Against - Loss of existing character, habitat value and natural/scenic amenity.

 

Neither – one submission noted the removal of the trees is the most likely outcome and asked that they be retained for as long as practical.

W2

1

For - Appears to have least impact on the existing trees.

W3 / W3a

-

-

E1

2

For – generally aligns with the adopted URA masterplan.

E1a

1

For – would enhance ability for drivers to experience the laneway, enhancing its value and character of the area. Would like to see more detail on this option.

E2

(4)

Against – Permanent loss of natural character/amenity and a rare feature of exceptional beauty. Valued community and recreational asset. The only scenic buffer and east-west wildlife corridor in the URA. Many hollow bearing trees (>100yrs) which provide important habitat. Trees are important for the mental health of the residents. Need to retain some of the existing character that will disappear with the future housing development.

E3

2 (1)

For Considered the most favourable option. Opportunity to deliver as part of the development of the R3 zoned land with the landholder/developer’s support, a good way forward.

 

Against – Prevents access to an existing farm south of Taylors Lane. Further fragments farmland. Interferes with existing services (gas pipeline, electricity, sewer). The land is flood prone. May interfere with the future Western Bypass.

E4

1 (1)

For – retains the trees and character laneway.

 

Against – Prevents access to an existing farm south of Taylors Lane. Further fragments farmland. Interferes with existing services (gas pipeline, electricity, sewer). The land is flood prone. May interfere with the future Western Bypass.

E5

(1)

Against – Prevents access to an existing farm south of Taylors Lane. Further fragments farmland. Interferes with existing services (gas pipeline, electricity, sewer). The land is flood prone. May interfere with the future Western Bypass.

 

The submission provided for a developer operating in the URA presents an analysis that draws different conclusions about the cost and environmental impact of options E1 and E3:

 

·    E1 is estimated to cost $7.6M, not $5.36M. The road is aligned over a watercourse which will most likely need to be diverted, with no consideration given to the associated costs or whether the Department of Planning & Environment - Water would support this approach. Flood modelling has not been done to verify whether the design is feasible. Council’s cost estimate does not account for the 10m strip of R3 zoned land between existing Taylors Lane and E1 which would need to be acquired by Council.

·    E3 is estimated to cost $5.6M, not $7.06M. Council’s costing includes a bridge span, however earthworks and culverts would be capable of addressing drainage flows. The inclusion of a bridge significantly inflates Council’s costing.

·    Based on analysis Option E1 actually has a higher estimated cost than E3 when all relevant factors are considered.

·    Many of the trees impacted by option E3 are in the R3 zone. As such it is likely that those trees will be impacted (either immediately or over time) when the land is developed, and this reduces the relative environmental impact of E3.

 

 

Discussion

Taylors Lane West

Submissions on the ‘West’ options were mixed, with some opposed to the removal of the trees and others supportive and/or accepting of that ultimate outcome. The support in some submissions to retain the trees for their character/amenity and habitat value is acknowledged, however, there are significant practical issues with retaining the trees in a developing URA that was essentially planned around removing them.

Approved developments on either side of Taylors Lane are predicated on a URA layout plan adopted by Council in 2018. Adopting a different outcome at this stage may have unintended effects on developments and possibly further delay housing release. Planned street intersections with Taylors Lane will require trees to be removed whichever option is adopted.

Works associated with the construction of Options W2 and W3 and dwellings on adjoining lots will occur in the tree root zone. The Options Report suggests that a 13 metre tree protection zone (TPZ) is required to ensure the long term health of the trees. It would encroach significantly into adjoining residential lots and may require Council to acquire the land to ultimately facilitate this outcome and this would be a significant extra cost that is not factored into the cost estimates.

As noted in submissions, the trees are a feature of the existing landscape but the area is however transforming into an urban landscape. The trees are less likely to be compatible in that new landscape. For example, there is likely to be pressure from future residents to remove trees considered dangerous to dwellings. Piecemeal removal of trees is likely to compromise the remaining trees. There is a likelihood that the existing trees will be lost through time, even if they are retained initially with the best intentions.

For these reasons options W2 and W3 are not considered feasible and it is recommended that Council adopt option W1 being the upgrade of Taylors Lane to a new ‘tree lined boulevard’ consistent with the adopted DCP.

It may be some time before the existing concessional lots along Taylors Lane develop and upgrade their respective sections of road. To ensure the road is delivered in a timely manner to support the overall URA it may be necessary to include it in the Contributions Plan or establish another appropriate mechanism. In this regard it is recommended that Council review potential options/mechanisms and receive a further report on them at the appropriate point.

Taylors Lane East

Submissions were generally very opposed to removing the trees (option E2) in this section. They are regarded as an asset to the community, an important wildlife corridor and an integral part of the local character. With no adopted area specific DCP or infill development in ‘East’ there may be more of an opportunity to adopt an alternate option and retain the trees.

The two alternate options identified as ‘feasible’, E1 and E3, generally received the most support in submissions. It is recommended that the other options W3a, E1a, E4 and E5 that are considered ‘not feasible’ be ruled out from further consideration at this point. E2 does remain a ‘feasible’ option should Council decide to proceed with it.

The costs of E1 and E3 are estimated to be $1 million and $2.6 million higher than E2 respectively. The developer submission suggests cost will be higher for E1 and lower for E3 for several reasons. These conclusions may or may not be accurate and can only be confirmed with further investigation. The submission suggests that the trees impacted by option E3 will be impacted by future development regardless, reducing the relative impact of E3. This also may be a valid conclusion.

There is the potential for Council and the developer to possibly jointly fund and deliver option E3 as part of the proposed development application (DA) for the R3 zoned land (DA SF10898). The DA proposal (see Figure 6) generally incorporates E3 as a ‘new’ Taylors Lane. The western end is modified to address concerns raised in another submission about access to farmland on the southern side of Taylors Lane. The proposed road that crosses Taylors Lane is at an existing gap in the trees.

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Figure 6: Proposed subdivision - R3 zoned land (SF10898)

 

The DA is subject to a range of assessment considerations under the LEP, DCP and other planning instruments. It may or may not ultimately be approved or be approved in an amended form. Council will need to bear this in mind in negotiating any joint funding and delivery arrangement with the developer. At this point though E3 may be a pragmatic way forward and is the recommended option if Council wishes to retain the trees.

Option E1 does not ‘fit’ with the developer’s current proposal and it may be more difficult to achieve and reach agreement on cost-sharing. It is recommended that Council adopt E1 as a potential ‘backup’ option if Council wishes to retain the trees.

If Council adopts either option it will need to carefully manage its role as proponent for the adopted option and its role as consent authority for the DA to ensure probity.

Potential Planning Controls

It has been envisaged throughout the review that the existing Taylors Lane will ultimately become a shared pedestrian and cycleway if the trees are retained. It is understood that the current DA proposal incorporates that outcome.

A range of related issues will need to be resolved including connections into existing/planned shared paths, provision of tree protection zones, the long-term ownership/management of the Tree Protection Zones, lot/dwelling orientation relative to Taylors Lane etc. These issues could possibly be addressed as part of the DA and in the development of option E3 by Council.

Alternatively, Council could prepare site-specific DCP provisions. Ideally they would encompass the adjoining B1 and SP2 zones and be coordinated with any proposed changes to those adjoining zones (discussed below). this is not likely to be a practical option given that the current DA process is now driving the outcome on a large part of the site.

The public exhibition package reviewed possible changes to the existing R3 Medium Density, B1 Neighbourhood Centre and SP2 Infrastructure - Educational Establishment zones at the eastern end of Taylors Lane shown in Figure 7. No comment was made on the options in the submissions.

 

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Figure 7: Existing R3/B1/SP2 zones

 

Potential options for adjusting/reviewing the zones are generally limited. The R3 zone is the subject of a current development proposal. The SP2 land is no longer considered suitable as a school site and is constrained by flooding, the regional services easement and the FNC alignment. There may be value in rezoning the land around the final FNC-Taylors Lane alignment to create consolidated parcels of R3 and B1 zoned land. This could be considered when the FNC-Taylors Lane projects are completed and the final alignments known.

 

Policy Implications

The review of options for Taylors Lane commenced more than 2 years ago and now needs to be drawn to a conclusion and a policy position resolved on the future of Taylors Lane. This is important to enable new planned housing developments to proceed with certainty and the required connection to be delivered between Moss Vale Road South URA and the FNC.

The recommended West option (W1) is consistent with the adopted Shoalhaven DCP 2014 Chapter NB3: Moss Vale Road South URA.

LEP and/or DCP amendments could be prepared with the preferred East options (E3 and E1) but are not recommended at this time.

Supporting amendments to existing LEP and/or DCP controls may be required if Council resolves to adopt alternate options.

 

Financial Implications

The cost estimates provided in this review are indicative only. The costs associated with the options that move forward will become clearer as further design and investigation is undertaken. Council will receive updates at the appropriate points as work progresses.

 

 

Taylors Lane West

The options would ordinarily be delivered by development in accordance with the adopted DCP as the adjoining land is developed. This includes the dedication of land for road widening.

However, options W2 and W3 are likely to have extra costs that need to be met by Council. Both may require Council to acquire land along the northern side for a tree protection zone, a significant additional cost that is not factored into the current cost estimates. W2 may also require Council to acquire more land along the southern side.

Taylors Lane East

There is currently $3 million grant funding allocated to the upgrade of Taylors Lane as part of the FNC Road project. The cost estimates for E1, E2 and E3 exceed that amount. Council could seek more grant funding however it is likely that any excess cost will be borne by Council.

Option E3 (recommended) has the highest estimated cost ($7.06 million) compared to E1 ($5.36 million) and E2 ($4.39 million). There is however the potential for the costs of E3 to be shared with the developer to lower the cost to Council.

Costs associated with repurposing the existing Taylors Lane to a shared path and ongoing tree management/maintenance are not included in the cost estimates. These will be an additional cost to Council for options that retain the trees.

 

Risk Implications

The risks associated with the preferred options will become clearer with further design and investigation. At this point the general risks that are identified include:

Feasibility - Options W2, W3, W3a & E1a are considered ‘not feasible’ because they risk long term impacts on the health of the trees due to works in the root zone. Options W3, W3a, E4 and E5 are considered ‘not feasible’ because they risk unknown and/or unacceptable traffic outcomes.

Financial – Options W2 and W3 carry potentially significant additional costs for land acquisition that are not factored into the cost estimates.

Probity – Council will need to carefully manage its role as DA consent authority and proponent for option E3 or E1.

Timing – The absence of a Council policy position on Taylors Lane risks additional costs and delays to new housing development in Moss Vale Road South URA.

 

 

 


 

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CL22.637   Proposed New Strategic Planning Direction

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/496137

 

Department:       Strategic Planning

Approver:           Carey McIntyre, Director - City Futures  

Reason for Report

The purpose of this report to is seek Council endorsement to progress a new land use planning strategy and scheme for Shoalhaven, following consideration at the 26 November 2022 extraordinary Strategic Planning Working Party meeting (workshop).

Recommendation

That Council:

1.    Endorse the preparation of revised land use planning strategies and Local Environmental Plan, Development Control Plan and Developer Contributions Plan (collectively a Planning scheme) for Shoalhaven City.

2.    Include in the work in Recommendation 1 an investigation and inclusion of local character.

3.    Receive a further report that provides a Project Plan and Terms of Reference for this work, which informs the Council on how this work would be best achieved, including scope, timing/staging and resourcing.

 

 

Options

1.    As recommended.

Implications: This option is favoured as it is consistent with the general consensus from the 26 November 2022 extraordinary Strategic Planning Working Party meeting (workshop) and it enables Council to strategically respond to a range of recent events/pressures, ongoing and emerging legacy issues and the age of a number of key policy and strategy documents in a staged comprehensive process.  This approach will also see a range of recent community concerns (including character) addressed throughout the process.  Council will receive a future report on scope, timing/staging and resourcing as soon as possible.

 

2.    Adopt an alternative recommendation, which may include not progressing with a new land use planning strategy and scheme for Shoalhaven.

Implications: This option is not preferred as there is a clearly demonstrated need to resolve a range of recent events/pressures and ongoing and emerging legacy issues across the City.  The comprehensive review allows for a concentrated strategic planning effort to work through these issues in a coordinated way. 

 

Background

Since 2018, the current iteration of the Strategic Planning Works Program (SPWP) has been reported to Council annually to set the Strategic Planning direction for the coming financial year.  The SPWP aims to guide Council’s Strategic Planning work by setting out current and planned projects and anticipated tasks (such as responding to planning reforms), helping to prioritise projects and allocate resources.  In simple terms, the projects that are contained in the SPWP are predominantly undertaken under the provisions of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 (e.g., Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP), Contributions Plan (CP)) or are related strategy or policy work that could ultimately lead to a specific project of this nature.

As a result of community feedback, pandemic experiences and the resultant demographic pressures/growth that is now being experienced, Council continues to receive a range of feedback about the need for new and contemporary strategic land use plans (i.e., growth management strategies) and planning scheme (LEP, DCP, CP) for Shoalhaven.

At its 25 July 2022 Ordinary meeting, Council considered the proposed 2022-2023 SPWP.  It also considered the potential opportunity to undertake a holistic review of its land use planning strategy across the City that could also inform a new or alternate direction for Shoalhaven’s planning scheme (LEP, DCP, CP) into the future. Ultimately, Council resolved (MIN22.465) to:

1.    Receive the report for information.

2.    Defer to the Strategic Planning Working Party to discuss and consider the Planning Instruments for the City and appropriate SPWP for term of Council;

3.    Directs the CEO (or nominee) to consider the ways this could be undertaken and delivered in a timely manner;

4.    Continue working under the current SPWP until outcomes of the Working Party are reported back to Council.

 

In response to Part 2 of the resolution, an extraordinary Strategic Planning Working Party meeting (workshop) was held on 26 November 2022.  The workshop identified that a dedicated focus was needed on the following key priorities (not exclusively, and all not necessarily managed by Strategic Planning):

·    Affordable housing.

·    Better connectivity (e.g., transport, between villages, footpaths).

·    Character.

·    Climate proofing (housing and infrastructure).

·    Contemporary planning controls for Nowra CBD and Riverfront.

·    Family focused tourism.

·    Growth management and housing supply (infill and greenfield opportunities).

·    Improvements to the infrastructure contributions system.

·    Nowra bypass and community recovery.

·    Protecting coastal villages and rural land.

·    Protecting tree canopies and corridors.

·    Resolving legacy issues in the existing scheme (e.g., Nebraska Estate).

 

The general consensus of the Working Party was that a contemporary and wholistic review of Council’s existing land use planning strategy and scheme is now needed to address these priorities, and that a range of existing projects may need to be removed from the SPWP whilst other mandatory tasks will need to continue.  As such, this report seeks endorsement from Council to commence the preparation of a new land use planning scheme.

A further report will be presented to the Strategic Planning Working Party and then Council as soon as possible, to enable consideration of:

i.    A Project Plan to deliver the new scheme and advise how this could be best achieved, including scope, timing/staging and resourcing and what could realistically be achieved in the current term of Council.

ii.    A Terms of Reference to outline the parameters and commitments associated with a review of the scheme.

 

At this stage, it may be advantageous for the remaining term of Council to focus on reviewing and updating existing land use planning strategies and implementing character provisions which would set the strategic direction for Shoalhaven into the future.  This direction could then facilitate a subsequent comprehensive review of Shoalhaven’s planning scheme (LEP, DCP, CP) in subsequent terms of Council.  Opportunities in this regard will be discussed further in the next report to Council. 

 

Community Engagement

The decision to embark upon a contemporary and wholistic review of Council’s existing land use planning strategy and scheme does not require any community consultation; however, it is noted that substantial community consultation will be undertaken through the resulting process. 

 

Policy and Risk Implications

Due to a range of recent events/pressures, ongoing/emerging legacy issues and the age of a number of key policy and strategy documents, it is considered timely to consider a contemporary land use planning strategy and scheme for Shoalhaven that reflects the expectations of the community. The Strategic Planning Working Party generally acknowledged this need at the 26 November workshop, as well as the risks associated with not progressing change in this space. 

 

Financial/Resourcing Implications

Should Council ultimately commit to the preparation of a new and contemporary land use planning strategy and scheme for Shoalhaven, then this will need to be appropriately resourced.  Council’s Strategic Planning Working Party/Council will receive a report in due course that will consider the possible financial and resourcing implications.

 


 

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CL22.590   Proposed Land Disposal - North Crescent Culburra Beach

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/173460

 

Department:       Technical Services

Approver:           Craig Exton, Manager - Technical Services 

Attachments:     1.  Plan of Subdivision of part of North Crescent for Title Issue and Road Closure   

Note: This item was deferred from the Ordinary Meeting 14 November 2022.

Reason for Report

This report provides Council with an opportunity to consider the sale of part North Crescent Culburra Beach, being part of a closed Council Road, to the adjoining landowners. The proposed land disposal relates to Lots 2, 3 and 4 DP 1287563 as shown in Attachment 1 (D22/446587). 

 

Recommendation

That Council

1.    Authorise the sale and consolidation of:

a.    Proposed Lot 2 (108.4m2) to the owner of Lot 738 DP 12278 (112 Penguin Head Road, Culburra) for $6,600 (plus GST if applicable).

b.    Proposed Lot 3 (73.6m2) to the owner of Lot 1 DP 28615 (37 Allerton Ave, Culburra), for $4,500 (plus GST if applicable).

c.    Proposed Lot 4 (308.7m2) to the owner of Lot 7621 DP 1205582 (118 Marina Lane, Culburra), for $110,000 (plus GST if applicable).

2.    The purchasers of proposed Lots 2, 3 and 4 are responsible for all costs involved with lot consolidation and their legal costs;

3.    Authorise the proceeds from sale of the closed road to be allocated to the Property Reserve – Roads, in accordance with the Roads Act 1993;

4.    Authorise for the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven to be affixed to any documentation requiring to be sealed and delegate to the CEO authority to sign any documentation necessary to give effect to this resolution.

 

 

Options

1.    Resolve as recommended.

Implications: This resolution provides Council the ability to progress Council resolution MIN21. 716 dated 12 October 2021 to realign boundaries as agreed with local residents.  

2.    Not resolve as recommended. 

Implications: Current negotiation and agreed sale with adjoining property owners will cease and may cause ill relations between Council and residents.  The matter has been delayed several times due to reporting requirements and external review and approval matters.  The current owners have been patient whilst Council continued to support the road closure and realignment of boundaries.

  

Background

The road reserve North Crescent Culburra Beach is almost 50m wide. Figure 1 below shows the locality of North Crescent subject to the road closure.  

 

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Figure 1:  Location of partial road closure of North Crescent Culburra – highlighted in blue

On 12 October 2021, via MIN21.716, Council resolved:

That Council

1.       As required by MIN21.188, receive this report for information and continue progressing with the Road Closure at North Crescent Culburra Beach in accordance with MIN18.861 being:

Resolve, as Roads Authority, to close the surplus road reserve at North Crescent Culburra Beach, adjacent to Lot 738 DP 12278, Lot 1 DP 286157, Lots 7621 and 7622 DP 1205582 and Lots 1 and 2 DP 526508 by a notice published in the Government Gazette.

2.            Undertake actions as necessary in the road closure process to:

a.  realign boundaries as agreed with local residents

b.  construct kerb & gutter as agreed with local residents

3.       Following the above, place a moratorium on this project to allow for further consultation with the community with a view to arriving at the best way to develop the site.

This report is seeking Council resolution to comply with MIN21.716 item 2(a) and progress the agreed sale to adjoining residents, by creating Lots 1 (the balance of the part road closure), 2 ,3 and 4.

The consideration of the future subdivision/use of Lot 1 is currently on hold in accordance with MIN21.716 (3), and will be the subject of a further resolution of Council.

Community Engagement

Community and Notifiable Authority notification was undertaken in accordance with the Roads Act 1993 for road closure.

All adjacent landowners have been consulted as part of the process of establishing the proposed new property boundaries.

 

Policy Implications

The matter is in accordance with Council’s Dealing with Requests for the Closure, Sale or Transfer of Council and Crown Roads Procedure.

 

Financial Implications

The sales listed above will generate $121,100. Council has incurred costs for the matter including survey, environmental, plan registration and legal fees of approximately $60,000.     The net profit will be allocated to Council’s Property Reserve – Roads.  The residual proceeds will be used for road projects.  

It should be noted that costs incurred above include costs for future subdivision and kerb & gutter works undertaken prior to MIN21.716. 

 

Risk Implications

Nil risk for the proposed sale of operational land.

 


 

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CL22.638   Proposed Licence - T & C Hoskin - Part Mahogany Creek Reserve North Nowra

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/408761

 

Department:       Technical Services

Approver:           Paul Keech, Director - City Services  

Reason for Report

This report provides Council with an opportunity to consider the approval of a licence over part Lot 8 DP 789881, otherwise known as Mahogany Creek Reserve and located at Page Avenue, North Nowra.  The proposed five (5) year licence is to formalise encroachment into the Reserve by the North Nowra Preschool operated by T & C Hoskin.

 

Recommendation

That Council

1.    Enter into a five (5) year licence over part of Lot 8 DP 789881 Page Ave, North Nowra, with T & C Hoskin for the purpose of encroachment of preschool playground located at 75 Page Ave North Nowra, with the commencing rent being $543.00 plus GST per annum increased annually by CPI; 

2.    Authorise income received to be allocated to Finance Project 102308 – Reserve Access Licence fees – various;

3.    Authorise the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to sign all documentation required to give effect to this resolution and affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven to all documentation required to be sealed.

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation

Implications: The licence will allow the North Nowra Preschool to continue to use those parts of the preschool playground that are located within the encroachment into Mahogany Creek Reserve.

 

2.    Adopt an alternative recommendation

That Council

1.    Enter into a five (5) year licence over part of Lot 8 DP 789881 Page Ave, North Nowra, with T & C Hoskin for the purpose of encroachment of preschool playground located at 75 Page Ave North Nowra, with the commencing rent being $543.00 plus GST per annum increased annually by CPI. 

2.    Requires that the Licensee remove all buildings, fixtures and fittings from Lot 8 DP 789881 at the end of this Licence period and restore the area of encroachment as no further licenses will be entered into regarding this encroachment.

3.    Authorise the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to sign all documentation required to give effect to this resolution and affix the Common Seal of the Council of the City of Shoalhaven to all documentation required to be sealed.

Implications: The licence will allow the North Nowra Preschool to continue to use those parts of the preschool playground that are located within the encroachment into Mahogany Creek Reserve for the licence period only and will provide the Licensee with ample time to vacate the encroachment into Council owned community land.  

 

3.    Not adopt the recommendation

Implications: The continued occupation of part of Lot 8 DP 789881 without a lease or licence is in breach of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

Background

North Nowra Preschool is located at 75 Page Ave, North Nowra.   The Preschool is a commercial enterprise that backs onto Mahogany Creek Reserve.  In the mid-1990’s, the then Department of Community Services advised the North Nowra Preschool that their fencing did not meet regulations.  The Preschool subsequently installed compliant fencing at the rear of the property extending 5 metres beyond the rear boundary into Mahogany Creek Reserve (Figure 1).

 

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Figure 1: Highlighted lot forms part of Mahogany Creek Reserve.  The red box indicates the proposed licence area.

Mahogany Creek Reserve (NNN074) is Council owned community land categorised as ‘Park’.  Under Section 47D of the Local Government Act 1993, exclusive occupation, or exclusive use by any person of community land otherwise in accordance with a lease, licence or estate is prohibited.   Licenses can only be granted where the licensed area is used either in accordance with the Plan of Management or is a prescribed purpose such as kindergartens and the like. 

In 2013, Council sought to formalise the encroachment with the Parks Operations Manager wishing to enter into an agreement for the life of the structures after which time they would need to be removed.  At that time, the Plan of Management for Mahogany Creek Reserve did not permit licensing of longer than 12 months, so Council invited T & C Hoskin to enter into an annual licensing arrangement.  The area has been licensed since that time.  A key stipulation of the licence was, and is, that the Licensee was not to make any improvements upon the Licensed Area or alterations to any existing structures upon the Licensed Area.  

 

Figure 2: Rear fence of 75 Page Ave in 2013

 

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Figure 3: Rear fence of 75 Page Ave in 2022

Through changes to the Mahogany Creek Plan of Management, Council is now able to offer a five-year licence to formalise occupation of Mahogany Creek Reserve by T & C Hoskins, trading as the North Nowra Preschool.  From the images above, it is clear that there have been improvements made to the encroachment, albeit minor in nature.  A benefit of offering a five-year licence is that Council is able to consider the long-term occupation/encroachment of Mahogany Creek Reserve. 

The North Nowra Preschool is a commercial enterprise that has been in operation since the mid 1990’s.  The owners of the business have invested in developing a wonderful creative outdoor play space for the children, although some of it is located on Council land.   Should Council decide that the encroachment needs to be rectified (removed), this could be included in the five-year licence and would therefore provide the operators of the North Nowra Preschool with a five-year window with which to address this matter.

Terms Schedule

Licensee

T & C Hoskin

 

Licensor

Shoalhaven City Council
Administration Building 
42 Bridge Road, Nowra, NSW, 2541
Tel: 02 4429 3111
Email:  Council@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

 

Premises

Part Lot 8 in DP 789881

Site area

As described as “Area of Encroachment” in survey plan below

Term

Five (5) years

 

Rent

$543.00 plus GST per annum, payable yearly in advance

 

Rent Review

Annually to CPI

 

Percentage of Outgoings

0%

Permitted Use

Encroachment of Pre-School playground located at 75 Page Ave North Nowra

 

Amount of Public Liability Insurance

A minimum of $20 million

 

Licence Area

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Community Engagement

In accordance with Section 47A of the Local Government Act, a public notice of the proposed licence was published in the South Coast Register on 27 July 2022.  Adjoining property owners were notified, and the notice was placed on Council’s website, in Council offices and at Mahogany Creek Reserve for a period of 28 days. 

One submission was received.  This was in the form of a phone call from an adjoining landowner who was seeking clarification that the licence was for the existing area of encroachment only and that the preschool would not be extending further into the Reserve. 

 

Policy Implications

The licence is in accordance with Council’s Occupation of Council Owned or Managed Land Policy. 

 

Financial Implications

The Licensee will cover all costs associated with the granting of this licence including advertising, valuation, and legal fees in addition to the annual rent of $543 (plus GST). 

Income from rent will be allocated to general fund – Reserve Access Licence Fee – Various and used for future maintenance responsibilities.

 

Risk Implications

Continued occupation of part of Mahogany Creek Reserve is unlawful without a licence or lease in place.  Either the encroachment is licenced, or it will need to be removed.  Should Council decide that the encroachment needs to be rectified, the North Nowra Preschool, which is a long-established local business, would benefit from a set date to vacate so that they can plan the transition accordingly. 

 


 

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CL22.639   Quarterly Review for Compliance Matters

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/416444

 

Department:       Certification & Compliance

Approver:           James Ruprai, Director - City Development 

Attachments:     1.  Penalty Notices & Warnings Issued & Patrols - Quarterly Review - City Development - July to September 2022   

Reason for Report

At Council’s Ordinary meeting held on 13 November 2018 it was resolved to receive a detailed quarterly report on compliance activities (MIN18.907).

At Council’s meeting of 23 May 2022, it was resolved for all future reports to provide an analysis of trends, effectiveness and current and arising areas of risk (MIN22.348).

This report provides information on the period from 1 July to 30 September 2022 (first quarter 2022/2023).

 

Recommendation

That Council receive the 1 July to 30 September 2022 quarterly report on compliance matters for information.

 

 

Options

1.    Council receives the report for information.

Implications: Nil

2.    Council receives the report and provides additional direction for future reports.

Implications: Any changes or additional matters can be added to future reports.

 

Report

Compliance activities are completed by the following Teams within City Development:

(a)  Compliance Team: Development compliance matters including unauthorised development, development not in accordance with development consent, land use issues and swimming pool safety issues.

(b)  Environmental Health: Pollution incidents (noise, water and sediment control), environmental incidents, food shops and the operation of on-site sewage waste management facilities.

(c)  Rangers: Parking, animal management, unauthorised camping, littering, rubbish dumping and other environmental offences.

(d)  Fire Safety: Fire Safety relating to commercial buildings.

This report provides Councillors with an update on the penalties issued (number, type, and ticket value) and any Local or Land and Environment Court matters determined or progressing. 

This report relates to July - September 2022 (first quarter). 

Penalties Issued During the Period

A combined total of 1,464 penalty notices were issued by the Teams during the period.  These penalties have a face value of $378,184. Historically Council stands to receive approximately 70% of this ticketed figure.

A total of 83 warnings were issued during the period.

Attachment 1 to this report provides a breakdown of the penalties and warnings issued. 

The following is a summary of the penalties issued for each team:

Table 1:-  Penalty notices issued for the 1st quarter 2022/2023

Team

Number Issued

Total Amount

% of total amount

Warnings issued

Compliance

17

$39,660

10.5%

43

Fire Safety

2

$1,200

0.3%

4

Compliance – Pools

13

$6,160

1.6%

12

Environmental Health

5

$7,640

2.0%

1

Rangers – Animal issues

168

$80,620

21.3%

17

Rangers – Environmental issues

22

$33,270

8.8%

1

Rangers – Parking

1,237

$209,634

55.5%

5

Sewer Management Facility

0

0

0

0

Total

1,464

$378,184

100%

83

Penalties Related to Compliance issues

The following details are provided in relation to compliance penalty notices issued during the period:

a)   Sanctuary Point ($550):-  One penalty notice was issued to the owner of a property for having a swimming pool without a complying barrier.

A further three warning notices were also issued, and these would have equated to $1830 if issued as penalty notices.

b)   North Nowra ($550):-  One penalty notice was issued to the owner of a property for having a swimming pool without a complying barrier.

A further three warning notices were also issued, and these would have equated to $1830 if issued as penalty notices.

c)   Ulladulla ($550):-  One penalty notice was issued to the owner of a property for having a swimming pool without a complying barrier.

A further two warning notices were also issued, and these would have equated to $660 if issued as penalty notices.

d)   Fishermans Paradise ($12,000):-  Six penalty notices were issued to the owners of a premises for non-compliance with a development consent and for failing to comply with a development control order (3 to each owner).

Sixteen warning notices were also issued, and these would have equated to a further $22,320 if issued as penalty notices.

e)   Wattamolla ($9,460):-  Three penalty notices were issued to the owner of property for failing to comply with a development control order and development without consent.

f)    Budgong ($860):-  Three penalty notices were issued to three owners of a premises for operating an on-site sewage management system without approval and failing to have a working smoke alarm.

A further twenty-one (21) warning notices were also issued, and these would have equated to a further $21,090 if issued as penalty notices.

g)   Jaspers Brush ($660):-  Two penalty notices were issued to the owner of a premises for failing to maintain a compliant pool barrier.

h)   Callala Beach ($3000):-  One penalty notice was issued to a demolition contractor for demolishing a dwelling containing asbestos without development consent.

i)    South Nowra ($770):-  Two penalty notices were issued to the owner of a premises for not having a child proof barrier and for not registering a pool.

One warning was also issued for a separate breach and this would have equated to $110 if issued as a penalty notice.

j)    Ulladulla ($550):-  One penalty notice was issued to the owner of a property for failing to comply with a written direction to rectify a non-complaint swimming pool barrier.

k)   Culburra Beach ($3000):-  One penalty notice was issued to the owner of a premises for failing to comply with a development control Order requiring them to stop use of the premises for residential accommodation as it was prohibited in the zone.

l)    Shoalhaven Heads ($550):-  One penalty notice was issued to owner of a property for not providing a complaint swimming pool barrier.

One warning notice was also issued for another breach of the Swimming Pools Act and this would have equated to $110 if issued as a penalty notice.

m)  Milton ($770):-  Two penalty notices were issued to the owner of a premises for breaches of the Swimming Pools Act for failing to maintain a compliant barrier and for not registering a swimming pool.

One warning notice was issued for a subsequent offence and this would have equated to a further $550 if issued as a penalty notice.

n)   Wandandian ($550):-  One penalty notice was issued to the owner of a premises for a breach of the Swimming Pools Act for failing to surround a pool with a child resistant barrier.

One warning notice was issued for failing to register the pool and this would have equated to $220 if issued as penalty notice.

o)   South Nowra ($12,000):-  Four penalty notices were issued to the owner of a commercial premises for unauthorised development.

One warning notice was issued and this would have equated to $3000 if issued as a penalty infringement notice.

 

Warnings Related to Compliance issues

A total of 55 warning notices were issued for compliance matters in the period and these have no dollar value. Potentially the Compliance Team could have issued a further $51,720 in penalties for the period. The caution rate is approximately 52% of the total potential.

 

 

Figure 1 shows the penalties and warnings issue for the period by suburb.

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Figure 1:-  Penalties and warnings issued for the period by suburb

Court Elected Penalties:

There were no court elected penalties this quarter.

Compliance merits received this quarter

The Compliance Team received 87 Merits, and the following tables highlights the trends.

Type of Merits Received

Number Received

Percentage of total

Asbestos issues

3

3.5

Building Works - Not in Accordance Consent

15

17.2

Building Works - Without Consent

28

32.2

Defective Building Works

2

2.3

Earthworks - Without Consent

2

2.3

Land Use - Without Consent

5

5.7

Stormwater Runoff

17

19.6

Swimming Pool Fencing Inspection

5

5.7

Manhole Adjustments (For Review)

10

11.5

TOTALS

87

100

The Compliance Team have been proactive in addressing areas of risk by developing fact sheets, web-site updates and media campaigns for swimming pools, moveable dwellings and camping grounds.  The Team is currently working on a media campaign and web-site update for shipping containers as these are becoming more prevalent.

 

The following additional comments are made:

(a)   Stormwater:-  Stormwater complaints reflect a high number of merits received representing just under 20% of the total created. The number of complaints received was substantially higher, however these matters can be difficult to establish cause and in many cases were because of excess overland flow due to the recent rainfall events and merits are not created for investigation in these instances.

A significant number of stormwater complaints come from areas in the LGA without street drainage infrastructure, where properties are being inundated from excess overland surface water. Stormwater issues in general can be difficult for Council staff to enforce compliance due to weak legislative powers under the Local Government Act 1993.

(b)   Development without consent:-  Development without consent also remains high representing 32.2% of the total number of merits.

Moveable dwellings installed on land for both residential and tourist and visitor accommodation use remains a consistent issue. Council has also seen an increase in unauthorised swimming pool being installed.

(c)   Swimming Pool Compliance:-  Swimming pool merits represent just under 6% of the total merits created and this reflects a drop in the number of referrals having been received from private certifiers. This is likely due to an increase in property managers and conveyancers opting to utilise Council for certification works.

In total, Compliance undertook 89 individual swimming pool inspections during the quarter resulting in forty (40) certificates of compliance being issued and thirty (30) certificates on non-compliances being issued.

Figure 2 shows the total number and type of compliance merits received for the period.

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Figure 2:– Compliance MERITS received for the period

Ranger Activities

Of the penalties issued by Ranger Services, there are trends for animal management and environmental offences.  Ranger Services are working on a number of Media programs including responsible pet ownership, tree vandalism and illegal dumping to address the main risks. 

(a)   Print and Post commenced on 12 July 2022 which is a service provided by Revenue NSW.  Rather than putting the fine on the vehicle or posting it to the alleged offender, Revenue NSW send the notice out on Council’s behalf.

(b)   Ranger Services collaborated with Environmental Services and National Parks to create a media campaign and bus advertising for the 2022/2023 shorebird season. Three buses in Nowra and Ulladulla will display the advert for 26 weeks.

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(c)   Rangers attended 494 environmental complaints and 384 animal management complaints for the quarter.

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Figure 3:-  Customer requests for environmental issues

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Figure 4:-  Customer requests for animal related issues

(d)   Dog attacks:- Rangers received and attended 52 reports of dogs attacking during the period. Of these reports, 22 investigations have been completed with 27 penalty notices issued (i.e. 27 x $1,320 = $35,640). A further 30 matters remain under investigation.

Although the penalty is high, dog attacks remain a major risk.  Whilst there is more awareness in the community, there may still be unreported dog attacks. 

The following figure provides information on the dog related penalty notices issued by suburb for the period (Refer Figure 5).

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Figure 5:-  Dog related penalty notices by suburb for the period

(e)   Animal registrations:- A total of 71 penalty notices were issued for non-compliance with the lifetime registered requirements by the Companion Animals Act.

(f)    Beach patrols:- Rangers completed 419 beach patrols during this quarter. A number of dog owners have been spoken to during this period. A total of 359 compliant dogs and 51 non-compliant dogs were observed.  Enforcement action and education is undertaken when offences are detected.

(g)   Vegetation vandalism:- Rangers received 46 reports of vegetation vandalism and 10 are still under investigation. Rangers continue surveillance and on-going monitoring of these vandalised areas in accordance with Council’s Vegetation Vandalism Prevention Policy.

(h)   Illegal Dumping:- Shoalhaven City Council received 236 reports of illegal dumping and Council’s Works and Services has removed 17.93 tonne with approximate cost of $29,308.00 during the July - September quarter. A total of 82.19 tonne of illegally dumped waste was also reported.

i.    Penalty Notices:-  a total of 12 Penalty Notices (totalling $26,550) were issued this quarter to offenders depositing household waste in bushland areas.  These offences occurred in Tianjara, Pyree, Culburra Beach and West Nowra.

All offenders were ordered to clean up and dispose of their waste at a lawful waste facility. A total of six Clean Up Notices have also been issued and these have had administration fees applied (i.e. 6 x $591 = $3,546).

ii.    Proactive Patrol – Illegal Dumping:- Shoalhaven City Council has implemented proactive illegal dumping patrols for all Rangers. 

A total of 52 proactive patrols occurred and breakdowns of Land Custodian, officer and other options are now available to identify known “Hot Spots”. In this quarter 19 proactive patrols were within NPWS lands. This data will assist in determining effectiveness of proactive patrols as well as improving targeting specific areas.

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iii.   Media Projects:– Rangers have been successful in obtaining a grant to implement an education program to promote use of RID online.  This program utilises social media together with face to face information sessions.

Council’s Media, IT and Waste Services staff have participated in the three month program which focused on emotional response to Wildlife, being included in the educational material.  This includes branding and display banners to promote EPA/RID Online.

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(i)    Parking:-  A total of 1,237 penalty notices were issued for parking offences in the period.  Figure 6 highlights the penalties issued by suburb for the period.

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Figure 6:-  Parking by town.

(j)    The Responsible Dog Ownership project was launched in this quarter promoting three key topics. These messages are being delivered via social media and media releases. Posters are also displayed in Council’s foyer and at Council events.

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(k)   Animal Shelter:  The Shelter currently has over 18,625 followers on Facebook.  This platform provides an effective means of advertising adoptions, lost dogs and the promotion of responsible pet ownership. 

i.    Data for incoming and outgoing animals: - A total of 223 animals entered the Shelter (64 via Ranger, 37 surrenders, 12 offspring, 8 returns and 102 from the public). A total of 277 animals left the Shelter (138 adoptions, 66 reclaims, 30 euthanised, 36 transfers to rescue organisations and 7 unassisted deaths (6 guinea pigs).

ii.    Animal desexing vouchers given to pensioners:- The Shelter collaborated with many external units and was able to obtain continued support for the animal desexing program.  This resulted in 87 free animal desexing vouchers being provided to pensioners.

iii.   Contributions to the shelter:-  The Shelter received $1,893 in contributions from the public and businesses in the last quarter.

The Shelter would like to acknowledge the generosity of the public and these businesses. The Shelter will be using these donations to create friendly and bright spaces in the exercise yards.

 


 

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CL22.640   RA22/1003 - McIntosh Street Shoalhaven Heads - Part Lot 7005 DP 1075719

 

DA. No:               RA22/1003/4

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/472888

 

Department:       Development Services

Approver:           James Ruprai, Director - City Development 

Attachments:     1.  Planning Report S4.15 Assessment (under separate cover)

2.  Draft - Determination (under separate cover)

3.  DPI Fisheries Referral Response - General Terms of Approval   

Description of Development: Coastal protection works including modification of an existing rock revetment structure to ameliorate the end effect erosion

 

Owner: Crown Lands

Applicant: Shoalhaven City Council

 

Notification Dates: 27/07/2022 – 10/08/2022

14/09/2022 – 14/10/2022

 

No. of Submissions:  Two (2) submissions

 

Purpose / Reason for consideration by Council

To review the section 4.15 assessment report and determination prepared by an independent consultant which is to be submitted to the Southern Regional Planning Panel for consideration.

 

Recommendation

That:

1.    Council receive and note the report RA22/1003 - McIntosh Street, Shoalhaven Heads - Part Lot 7005 DP 1075719.

2.    Council support RA22/1003 for coastal protection works at McIntosh Street, Shoalhaven Heads on the basis that it has been satisfactorily assessed pursuant to section 4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

3.    The resolution made by Council be submitted to the Southern Regional Planning Panel prior to their consideration and determination of RA22/1003.

 

 

Options

1.    Support the consultant’s recommendation to the Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) for approval of the application and advise the SRPP accordingly.

       Implications: The recommendation would be provided to the SRPP for their information as part of their consideration of the regional application.

 

2.    Make an alternative resolution and make a separate submission to the SRPP.

       Implications: The alternative resolution would be provided to the SRPP for their consideration. The SRPP will be the determining authority for the application.

 

Location Map

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Background

Why this DA is being reported to the Regional Planning Panel

 

·    The works constitute coastal protection works to be carried out by or on behalf of a public authority.

·    The Southern Regional Planning Panel is the determining authority for the application in accordance with section 8A of Schedule 6 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Planning Systems) 2021, (SEPP).

 

8A   Certain coastal protection works

 

(1)     The following development on land within the coastal zone that is directly adjacent to, or is under the waters of, the open ocean, the entrance to an estuary or the entrance to a coastal lake that is open to the ocean—

 

(a)   development for the purpose of coastal protection works carried out by a person other than a public authority, other than coastal protection works identified in the relevant certified coastal management program,

 

(b)  development for the purpose of coastal protection works carried out by or on behalf of a public authority (other than development that may be carried out without development consent under clause 19(2)(a) of State Environmental Planning Policy (Coastal Management) 2018).

 

The determination by a Panel adds a layer of transparency to the assessment process. Furthermore, the application was also independently assessed by a reputable Planning Consultancy – Mecone. These assessment and management measures are intended to deal with any potential conflicts of interest.

 

Proposed Development

Council is in receipt of a development application (DA) which seeks approval for coastal protection works.

 

The Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) outlines the full scope of foreshore management activities to be undertaken by the applicant, however, the applicant has specified that development consent is sought only for the proposed rock revetment works which could not be undertaken as exempt or complying development in accordance with 2.16 of State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021.

 

The applicant has explained that ‘other’ works specified in the SEE, including proposed sand/beach nourishment works do not form part of the DA.

 

The DA assessment is limited only to the proposed rock revetment works. The ‘other’ works are to be dealt with under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

 

A detailed description of rock revetment works for which development consent is sought is provided below:

·    Temporarily remove rock armour (primary and secondary) and geotextile underlayer.

·    Re-align and re-profiling the lower section of earth bank to the design slope of 1V:1.5H

·    Replace geotextile, secondary armour, and a single layer of primary armour only, to a maximum crest height of 4 metres AHD (adjacent to private boat ramp) and reducing to level of natural ground at the eastern end

·    Place excess/excavated soil onto current erosion scarp at eastern end of rock revetment, burying end of revetment within bank alignment if possible.

·    Nourish the intertidal area of foreshore to elevate it to a consistent longshore level (at least 1.1 metres AHD) against revetment toe, per current levels of areas further to the west.

 

As mentioned previously, the development involves coastal protection works to be carried out by or on behalf of a public authority (Council), in accordance with section 8A of Schedule 6 of SEPP (Planning Systems) 2021, the application constitutes a regional development application, and the Southern Regional Planning Panel is the determining authority for the application.

 

The proposed site plan is provided in Figure 2.

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Figure 2 – Site Plan

 

Subject Land and Surrounds

The subject site is located at McIntosh Street, Shoalhaven Heads, fronting Shoalhaven River. It forms the north-western foreshore of the Shoalhaven River immediately landward of Shoalhaven Heads and traverses approximately 500 metres along the foreshore up to 20 metres wide to include the river foreshore, waterway and vegetated embankment.

 

The land is legally identified as Lot 7005 DP 1075719 and includes the Shoalhaven River waterway.

 

The site predominantly comprises sandy beach with some locations with pebble deposits over the sandflats. There are existing vegetation and stormwater pipes to the south.

 

The site is surrounded by residential developments and by Shoalhaven River.

 

The land is zoned RE1 Public Recreation under the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014 (SLEP 2014), under which the proposal is prohibited, however, permissible with consent in accordance with section 2.16(2)(b), State Environmental Planning Policy (Resilience and Hazards) 2021.

 

Planning Assessment

The DA has been (independently) assessed under s4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

 

Consultation and Community Engagement:

The DA was first notified in accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Regulation 2021 (the EP&A Regs) and Council’s Community Consultation Policy for Development Applications on 27 July 2022 to 10 August 2022. One (public) submission was received during the notification period. 

 

Following amended documentation being provided by the applicant, the application was renotified between 14 September 2022 to 14 October 2022. A submission was received from the Crown Lands Office on 25 October 2022.

 

The (public) submission identified the following items:

 

·    Lack of detail regarding existing tree on the site to be retained and/or removed.

·    Details of tree location and protection details are required.

·    Provide details that two (2) mature tree (Banksia Trees) are not to be removed and are vitally important to the river bank.

 

The applicant advised that no vegetation removal is required for the development application. Protection zones for trees from machinery and vehicles is to be maintained in accordance with AS 4970- 2009 – Protection of Trees on Development Sites.

 

The submission from the Crown Lands Office identified the following potential impacts:

 

·    “The potential for the proposed works to move the end effect to the east (also referred to in the WRL 2022 report) without undertaking mitigation activities.

·    The sourcing of sand from Seven Mile beach may increase the vulnerability of sand dunes  and vegetation along the beach.”

 

Crown Lands advised that:

 

“If RA22/1003 is granted consent the following should be considered as part of the DA consent the applicant must prepare a Coastal Protection Works Management Plan (‘CPWMP’) for the area comprising the rock revetment structure and sand nourishment.”

 

A condition of consent has accordingly been included as part of draft conditions.

 

Financial Implications:

If the development is approved and the development proceeds, the Council will be required to fund the project.

 

There are potential cost implications for Council in the event of a refusal of the application.  Whilst Council is the applicant, it could (unusually) choose to appeal the situation.  However, more than likely if the application were to be refused, Council would pursue a review of the decision.  There would be costs associated with investigations to resolve any issues and reasons for refusal.

 

Legal Implications

Pursuant to section 8.2 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, a decision of the Southern Regional Planning Panel (SRPP) may be the subject of a review by the applicant in the event of approval or refusal. If such a review is ultimately pursued, the matter would be put to the SRPP for consideration.  Additionally, a right of appeal would be available.

 

Summary and Conclusion

This application has been satisfactorily assessed having regard for section 4.15 (Evaluation) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Based upon the recommendations of the s4.15 Assessment Report (Attachment 1), Development Application No. RA22/1003 is recommended to the SRPP for conditional development consent.

The draft conditions of development consent are contained in Attachment 2 to this report. As the conditions reference the General Terms of Approval (GTA)  issued by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries, the GTA is included in Attachment 3 to this report.

 


 

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CL22.641   Development Application - DA22/1614 - 5 Flora Street, Sanctuary Point

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/458055

 

Department:       Certification & Compliance

Approver:           James Ruprai, Director - City Development 

Attachments:     1.  s4.15 Assessment Report (Class 1 & 10) (under separate cover)

2.  DRAFT Notice of Determination (under separate cover)

3.  Architectural Plans (under separate cover)   

Description of Development: Demolition of Existing Structures, Construction of a Dual Occupancy (attached) and associated Torrens Title Subdivision of One (1) Lot into two (2) Lots

 

Owner: D J Azar, M M Azar, A T Azar, A Azar

 

Applicant: Nemco Design

 

Notification Dates: 29 August 2022 – 14 September 2022

 

No. of Submissions:  Ten (10) were received

 

Purpose / Reason for consideration by Council

On 26 September 2022 Council resolved to call in development application DA22/1614 for determination citing public interest (MIN22.825). 

 

Recommendation

That Development Application DA22/1614 for demolition of existing structures, construction of a dual occupancy (attached) and associated Torrens title subdivision of one (1) lot into two (2) lots be approved subject to the recommended conditions of consent provided at Attachment 2.

 

 

Options

1.    Approve the application in accordance with the recommendation.

Implications:  This would enable the development to proceed according to the recommended conditions of consent.

 

2.    Refuse the application.

Implications: Council would need to determine the grounds on which the application is refused, having regard to the section 4.15(1) considerations.  The applicant would be entitled to seek a review and / or pursue an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.

 

3.    Alternative recommendation.

Implications: Council will need to specify an alternative recommendation and advise staff accordingly.

Location Map

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Figure 1: Location Map - Locality

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Figure 2: Location Map – Subject Site

Background

Proposed Development

The development application includes:

·    demolition of existing structures

·    construction of a two-storey dual occupancy (attached) and

·    associated Torrens title subdivision of 1 lot into 2 lots.

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Figure 3: Demolition Plan

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Figure 4: Site Plan

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Figure 5: East and South Elevations

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Figure 6: West and North Elevations

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Figure 7: Subdivision Plan

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Figure 8: Landscape Plan

Subject Land

The development site is legally identified as Lot 277 DP 26390 and is described as 5 Flora Street, Sanctuary Point (refer to Figures 1 & 2).

Site & Context

The development site is located on the western side of Flora Street.  The site is a regular shaped allotment having an area of 942.16m2

The existing development on the site includes a single storey dwelling house and a detached shed (to be demolished).  The site has connections to town water and a reticulated sewer system.  The site is accessed directly from Flora Street.

Immediately adjoining the site are single storey dwelling houses and associated ancillary development.  Under the provisions of the Shoalhaven Local Environment Plan 2014 (SLEP-2014) the subject land is zoned R2 – Low Density Residential (refer to Figure 9).

 

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Figure 9: Zoning Map

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Figure 10: Photograph of existing development on site viewed from Flora Street

History

The development application was lodged on 27 May 2022.  Additional information was requested on 20 June and 13 October 2022.

The applicant provided additional information on 27 July 2022 and as part of this, amended plans were provided removing the secondary dwellings from the development. The application currently before Council is for a dual occupancy (attached) and associated Torrens title subdivision only.

There are outstanding stormwater drainage issues but these can be adequately resolved by a condition requiring the submission of amended plans prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate.  The amended plans need to show the stormwater from the buildings being directed to Flora Street and runoff from the driveways being directed to absorption trenches.

On 31 October 2022 Council resolved to call in development application DA22/1614 for determination citing public interest (MIN22.825). 

Consultation and Community Engagement

Ten (10) public submissions were received in relation to Council’s notification of the development.  All of the submissions received were objections to the development.  The notification was made in accordance with Council’s Community Consultation Policy with letters being sent within a twenty-five (25)m buffer of the site.  The notification was for a two (2) week period.

Key issues raised as a result of the notification are provided below:

Summary of Public Submissions

Objection Raised

Comment

Development is out of character with area

“This planned development is totally out of keeping with the local area. It would be visually detrimental to the quiet bushy neighbourhood - more suited to the main street of a larger town. It will stand out like a sore thumb.”

 

“the building proposed is not integrating with natural surrounds and will destroy the 'feel' of Sanctuary Point.”

The subject site has a site area of 942.16m² which complies with the site area required for a dual occupancy (attached).

The proposal complies with landscaping, site coverage, height and setback controls. The building design is well articulated and is compatible with the surrounding area.

Car Parking

“The plans include off street parking for one car for each of the two primary dwellings. With two secondary dwellings proposed vehicles will inevitably spill out onto Flora Street.”

“the proposed building doesn't reflect a realistic amount of off street parking for the amount of residents proposed.”

During the course of the assessment the application was revised to remove the secondary dwellings. The current application is for a dual occupancy (attached) and associated Torrens title subdivision only.

The development provides 2 car parking spaces for each dwelling (1 x internal in a garage and 1 x stacked on the driveway) which complies with Chapter G21 of Shoalhaven DCP-2014.

 

Privacy

“Our use of our land will be seriously impaired if Shoalhaven Council allows the development of the adjoining allotments with insufficient privacy taken into consideration. The proposed development in a low density residential area is going to have impacts on all surrounding properties for privacy and noise concerns.”

 

“A number of properties in this area are single level, the floorplan of this property has windows looking over into neighbouring yards, this will just tower over some of the existing properties and cause ongoing issues with sunlight to gardens and grounds, and overlooking from the top level windows into living areas of a number of neighbours.”

The proposed dual occupancy (attached) is not considered to unreasonably impact on the privacy of the adjoining development.

The majority of the openings on the second storey of the northern and southern elevations is to bedrooms, bathrooms and otherwise generally service low usage rooms.  The sill heights of the windows on the second storey have sill heights ranging from 1.4m to 1.8m to help reduce any privacy impacts onto adjoining properties.

Diagram

Description automatically generated

Figure 11: Northern Elevation

Diagram

Description automatically generated

Figure 12: Southern Elevation

Noise

“This is a very small space for 4 dwellings and noise will definitely be a big problem for surrounding residences in such a quiet area.”

“it seems this block has currently one little house on it. It is a low density block, all blocks here in Sanctuary Point are low density. I do not agree with crushing 20+ people on one block in our peaceful and quiet neighbourhood. Imagine the chaos if the proposed apartments are rented for the holidays.”

The development is residential in nature and is appropriate for the locality. 

There are only two dwellings proposed in this development.

Landscaping

“the proposed building includes a lot of concrete and will not allow for enough plants and trees to be planted again to make sure we preserve the current present wildlife we enjoy here. I suggest two townhouses maximum be plenty and more gardens.”

“The design of this development does not fit in with the leafy

quite character and environment that Sanctuary Point provides, this type of design takes

away from the feel of our area, the trees on this property have already been cut down

which is already showing the beginning of a barren landscape and stands out from the

existing properties. Can we confirm if an environmental impact review or arborist

report was prepared prior to these being removed? If not this needs to be seriously

addressed with the owners.”

 

The development complies with Chapter G13 of Shoalhaven DCP with regard to landscaping.

The current development application does not involve any tree removal.

 

Stormwater Issues

“it is known that storm water runoff is an issue here in Sanctuary Point. This proposal will certainly flood neighbouring properties.”

“We currently have an inundation of stormwater from neighbouring developments which have been completed adjoining our property recently, stormwater measures taken with these developments have not been addressed. And we are now suffering a severe financial loss due to these outstanding issues. We are concerned with the proposed development and the adequate capturing of stormwater. Strict measures should be being taken to ensure any hardstand areas in the courtyards, paths and driveways will have a means of capturing the stormwater and disposing of it to council mains rather then it running straight into our property as it currently does.”

The development application has been assessed by Council’s Development Engineering team.  Recommended conditions of consent have been provided requiring stormwater from the buildings be directed to Flora Street and runoff from driveway areas be directed to absorption trenches.

Council is satisfied that stormwater from the development can be suitably managed. Conditions of consent will ensure the stormwater system is designed, installed and maintained so as not to increase surface water being concentrated onto adjoining properties.

Subdivision

“The Shoalhaven City Council S10.7 advised that Lot 277 DP 26390, 5 Flora Street is zoned as R2 Low Density Residential, after reviewing the 310.7 and Shoalhaven mapping, the minimum lot size for subdivision in a R2 Low Density Residential lot is 500sqm. The proposed DA is under the minimum lot size and

should not be allowed.”

The proposal includes Torrens Title subdivision of the proposed dual occupancy (attached) pursuant to clause 4.1A of Shoalhaven LEP 2014.

The lot has a site area greater than 500m2 and therefore the proposal meets the requirements of subclause (2). 

Development consent for the dual occupancy has been sought under clause 4.1A(2), therefore the dual occupancy can be subdivided into lots of any size to enable the resulting individual dwellings on those lots to have separate titles pursuant to subclause 4.1A(4).

Council is satisfied the subdivision and proposed lot size and layout is appropriate, and that the proposal is consistent with the development controls and performance criteria set out in Chapter G11 of Shoalhaven DCP-2014.

The proposed Torrens Title subdivision is suitable with regard to the considerations of Chapter G11.

 

Financial Implications

There are potential cost implications if Council decide to refuse the application. Such costs would be associated with defending an appeal in the Land and Environmental Court of NSW.

 

Legal Implications

A Section 8.2 review and/or appeal with the Land and Environment Court are possible if the application is refused.

 

Summary and Conclusion

The proposed development is compliant with the provisions of Shoalhaven LEP 2014 and is generally consistent with Shoalhaven DCP 2014.

The application is considered capable of support as there are no substantial planning reasons to warrant refusal. Accordingly, it is recommended it is approved subject to the conditions in the draft consent (Refer Attachment 2).

 


 

 Ordinary Meeting – Monday 05 December 2022

Page 0

 

 

CL22.642   Development Application - DA21/2438 - Currambene St & Hawke St Huskisson - Lot 1 DP 209436, Part Lot 7010 DP 1076858 & Lot 7012 DP 1021163

 

DA. No:               DA21/2438/4

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/470890

 

Department:       Development Services

Approver:           James Ruprai, Director - City Development 

Attachments:     1.  Section 4.15 Planning Assessment Report (under separate cover)

2.  Architectural Plans (under separate cover)

3.  Ethos Urban - Visual Impact Assessment (under separate cover)

4.  Ethos Urban - Visual Impact Evidence - Appendix A (under separate cover)

5.  Draft Determination Notice - Conditional Approval (under separate cover)  

Description of Development: Community Facility (Alterations and Additions to Existing Volunteer Marine Rescue Building)

 

Owner: Crown Lands Department

Applicant: Marine Rescue NSW

 

Notification Dates: 15th December 2021 to 14th January 2022

 

No. of Submissions:  Two (2)

 

Purpose / Reason for consideration by Council

In accordance with section 47E (details are provided later in this report) of the Local Government Act 1993, City Development does not have the delegation to determine the Development Application and it instead must be determined by the elected Council

 

Recommendation

That Development Application No. DA21/2438 be determined by means of approval, subject to the conditions of consent as attached at Attachment 5.

 

 

Options

1.    Approve the application in accordance with the recommendation.

Implications: This would enable the development to proceed according to the recommended conditions of consent. Under some circumstances, third parties (i.e., objectors) can seek a judicial review of Council’s decision in the NSW Land and Environment Court.

 

 

2.    Refuse the Development Application (DA).

Implications: The development is unable to proceed as applied for. The applicant can, however, apply for a section 8.2A review of Council’s decision and/or could lodge an appeal with the NSW Land and Environment Court (LEC) against Council’s decision.

 

3.    Alternative recommendation.

Implications: Council will need to specify an alternative recommendation and advise staff accordingly.

 

Location Map

Volunteer Marine Rescue Building 

 

Background

Section 47E of the Local Government Act 1993

Section 47E is reproduced below:

47E   Development of community land

(1)  No power of a council under an environmental planning instrument to consent to the carrying out of development on community land may be delegated by the council, if—

(a)  the development involves the erection, rebuilding or replacement of a building (other than a building exempted by or under subsection (2) from the operation of this paragraph), or

(b)  the development involves extensions to an existing building that would occupy more than 10 per cent of its existing area, or

(c)  the development involves intensification, by more than 10 per cent, of the use of the land or any building on the land, or

(d)  the location of the development has not been specified in the plan of management applying to the land and the development is likely, in the opinion of the council, to be unduly intrusive to nearby residents.

(2)  The following buildings are exempt from the operation of subsection (1)(a)—

(a)  toilet facilities,

(b)  small refreshment kiosks,

(c)  shelters for persons from the sun and weather,

(d)  picnic facilities,

(e)  structures (other than accommodations for spectators) required for the playing of games or sports,

(f)  playground structures,

(g)  work sheds or storage sheds,

(h)  buildings of a kind prescribed by the regulations.

(3)  An existing area referred to in subsection (1)(b) does not include the area of any awning, balcony, verandah or other thing that extends beyond the main structural outline of the building.

(4)  A delegation granted before the commencement of this section, to the extent that the delegation could not have been granted if this section had been in force at the time it was granted, is void.

The increase in floor area is approximately 29%.  The intensification of the building equates to approximately 29%.  Accordingly, the matter must be reported to Council.

The land is also covered by a Plan of Management. The Plan of Management (PoM) was endorsed by SCC on 22 July 2003 and adopted by NSW Crown Lands on 20 November 2003 (File Ref No. 27590).  There is a current lease between Council as Crown Land Manager and Marine Rescue.  It is a 20-year lease, with a termination dated of 31 December 2037.

Proposed Development

In accordance with the submitted Architectural Plans prepared by Ecosystem Architecture (Plan No’s 1910–04 Sheet No’s DA00 to DA11, dated 17th October 2020) located at Attachment 2 to this Report, the applicant proposes alterations and additions to an existing Emergency Services Facility (Alterations & Additions to the existing Volunteer Marine Rescue Jervis Bay Base, Huskisson).

The nature of works proposed are described as follows:

·     New proposed ramp and walkway providing accessible access to the first floor level of the building from the adjacent public pathway.

·     The following alterations to the layout of the Ground Floor Level of the development are proposed (Note: no extensions to the Ground Floor Level are proposed):

Existing private change facility to be demolished and replaced with a new accessible change room facility.

Existing open plan ‘Council’ area in the northern part to be replaced by an enclosed lifesaving room which incorporates lifesaving facilities including a first-aid bay and pool communications.

Enclosure of existing kitchenette facility from the meeting / training room.

·     The following alterations and extensions to the layout of the First Floor Level of the development are proposed:

78m² extension to the floor area of the First Floor Level to match the floor area of the Ground Floor Level.

Alterations to existing layout to incorporate an entry area (from the proposed ramp access), administration room, radio room, accessible bathroom facility, training room, search and rescue centre, and external viewing deck.

 

Subject Land

The site comprises three different allotments owned by Crown Lands and is identified as Lot 1 DP 209436 Currambene St Huskisson, Part Lot 7010 DP 1076858 Currambene St Huskisson and Lot 7012 DP 1021163 Hawke St Huskisson.

 

Site & Context

The site:

·     Is zoned RE1 – Public Recreation in accordance with the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan (SLEP) 2014.

·     Is occupied by the existing Volunteer Marine Rescue Jervis Bay building.

·     Is partially located over both White Sands Park and Voyager Memorial Park and is operated under the Plan of Management (PoM) endorsed by SCC on 22nd July 2003 and adopted by NSW Crown Lands on 20th November 2003 (File Ref No. 27590).

·     Is located directly adjacent to other facilities associated with the Parks which are also managed under the PoM including existing swimming pools, playground areas, pathways, and public wharves.

·     Is located on the north-eastern edge of the Huskisson CBD area and possesses wide ranging views of Jervis Bay to the north and east and provides an appropriate vantage point having regard to the operational purpose as a volunteer marine rescue organisation.

·     Is located within close vicinity to the existing Jervis Bay Hotel which is located at a distance of approximately 15m to the south of the building.

·     Is partly identified as being flood prone land affected by the 1% AEP flood level and Flood Planning Area.

·     Is mapped within a ‘Coastal Use Area’ and ‘Coastal Environment Area’ pursuant to the SEPP (Resilience & Hazards) 2021.

·     Is mapped within a Class 5 acid sulfate soils area and within the Jervis Bay Region pursuant to the SLEP 2014.

·     Is partly mapped (Lot 7012 DP 1021163 only) as being an item of local environmental heritage significance (Item No. 201 – Tapalla Point geological rock platform) and within immediate vicinity to a further item of local environmental heritage significance (Item No. 207 – Jervis Bay Hotel).

 

History

A summary of actions taken as part of the assessment of the Development Application is provided below:

Action / Event

Date

Development Application fees paid and formal lodgement with Council.

26 November 2021

Referrals sent out to various internal sections

6 December 2012

Commencement of notification / advertisement

15 December 2021

Completion of advertisement period (two submissions received)

14 January 2022

1st Additional Information Request sent to the applicant relating to the following:

·   A response addressing the submissions received must be provided.

·   A further assessment against view impact must be provided addressing the view sharing principles contained within: Tenacity Consulting v Warringah [2004] NSWLEC 140.

24 January 2022

Applicant response to 1st Additional Information Request provided the requested documentation.

21 February 2022

Response to all internal referrals received by Council – no additional information requested or required.

30 June 2022

Engagement of Ethos Urban Pty Ltd to complete an independent View Impact Analysis (VIA) of the proposed development, having regard for applicable legislation and Tenacity Consulting v Warringah [2004] NSWLEC 140.

6 July 2022

Completion of independent VIA by Ethos Urban Pty Ltd identifying that the proposal is considered to have an acceptable impact.

9 November 2022

Completion of assessment of application and recommendation to the Ordinary Council Meeting of approval subject to conditions of consent.

11 November 2022

 

Issues

S4.15(1)(b) – Assessment of Potential Impacts Upon the Built Environment

In accordance with section 4.15(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment (EP&A) Act 1979, Council is required to consider impacts upon the surrounding built environment as part of the assessment and determination of a Development Application.

 

One of the matters which is required to be considered as part of the assessment of the potential for impacts upon the built environment, is the potential for view loss associated with existing development surrounding the site.

 

In this instance, the proposal for an extension to the first-floor level of the Volunteer Marine Rescue building has resulted in two (2) objections being received where concerns were raised regarding the topic of view loss. A further discussion regarding the matters raised in the objections received is provided in the Report below.

 

Decisions made within the NSW Land and Environment Court have set the parameters and criterion for how view loss is to be assessed in the assessment of Development Applications. This primarily relates to a decision made by Roseth SC in the decision, Tenacity Consulting v Warringah [2004] NSWLEC 140.

 

The following steps must be considered:

26 The first step is the assessment of views to be affected. Water views are valued more highly than land views. Iconic views (e.g. of the Opera House, the Harbour Bridge or North Head) are valued more highly than views without icons. Whole views are valued more highly than partial views, e.g. a water view in which the interface between land and water is visible is more valuable than one in which it is obscured.

27 The second step is to consider from what part of the property the views are obtained. For example the protection of views across side boundaries is more difficult than the protection of views from front and rear boundaries. In addition, whether the view is enjoyed from a standing or sitting position may also be relevant. Sitting views are more difficult to protect than standing views. The expectation to retain side views and sitting views is often unrealistic.

28 The third step is to assess the extent of the impact. This should be done for the whole of the property, not just for the view that is affected. The impact on views from living areas is more significant than from bedrooms or service areas (though views from kitchens are highly valued because people spend so much time in them). The impact may be assessed quantitatively, but in many cases this can be meaningless. For example, it is unhelpful to say that the view loss is 20% if it includes one of the sails of the Opera House. It is usually more useful to assess the view loss qualitatively as negligible, minor, moderate, severe or devastating.

 

29 The fourth step is to assess the reasonableness of the proposal that is causing the impact. A development that complies with all planning controls would be considered more reasonable than one that breaches them. Where an impact on views arises as a result of non-compliance with one or more planning controls, even a moderate impact may be considered unreasonable. With a complying proposal, the question should be asked whether a more skilful design could provide the applicant with the same development potential and amenity and reduce the impact on the views of neighbours. If the answer to that question is no, then the view impact of a complying development would probably be considered acceptable and the view sharing reasonable.

 

Applicant’s Submission

The applicant has undertaken an assessment against the Four-Part Test which can be found within Council’s section 4.15 Assessment Report located at Attachment 1 to this Report. Their assessment provides the following summary in relation to Step 4 –‘ Reasonableness of the Proposal that is Causing the Impact’:

Given the site’s Public Recreation RE1 zoning under Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014, there are no numerical floor space ratio or building height controls that apply to the subject site. Furthermore, the Shoalhaven DCP does not impose any boundary setback controls in respect of the site. The proposal complies with all relevant planning controls and is therefore inherently more reasonable than one which breaches them.

Having regard to the Land and Environment Court planning principle as to whether a more skilful design could provide the applicant with the same development potential and amenity and reduce the impact on the view of neighbours, the answer to this question is no.

The proposed extensions to the upper floor level of the Marine Rescue base facility will provide an improved level of amenity and expanded capability to the Marine Rescue Jervis Bay to meet the needs of this organisation. The current premises were constructed in 2006 and are nearing 20 years old and are in need of modernisation to meet current logistical requirements. Given the facility is owned by and shared with Shoalhaven City Council (amenities and pool maintenance equipment) the only available option is to provide additional floor space on the upper floor level.

Furthermore, the design of the proposal avoids the loss or alienation of parkland that a ground floor extension would involve. The ground floor of the existing premises provides toilet and change facilities for swimmers using the swimming pools and the open space facilities more generally. In addition, the ground floor comprises vital storage spaces that are used by both Shoalhaven City Council and Marine Rescue. Given the current ground floor areas are in use and not available for any other purpose, it is not possible for Marine Rescue to expand into the ground floor of the building.

Having regard to the importance of the Marine Rescue operations to the boating community around Jervis Bay and nearby waterways, the proposed development is considered to be reasonable under the circumstances.

 

Discussion

Noting the opposing views between the applicant and objector and the nature of the submissions (one made by a legal firm), it was considered both prudent and necessary for an independent View Impact Analysis (VIA) to be carried out by an impartial and suitably qualified practicing professional.

A thorough assessment was undertaken by Ethos Urban Pty Ltd (as the impartial and suitably qualified practicing professional) against all relevant planning legislation and controls and in particular, the four-part test established in Tenacity Consulting v Warringah [2004] NSWLEC 140

The assessment also took into account Rose Bay Marina Pty Limited v Woollahra Municipal Council and anor [2003] NSWLEC.  In this matter, a planning principle for consideration of visual impact on the public domain was established.  A discussion on this principle can be found in Attachment 3, page 21.  In summary a quantitative and qualitative assessment was made taking into account the views from the public domain.

The Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) and Appendix A (supporting photographic evidence) are attached (Attachments 3 and 4 (photographic evidence) to this Report).

The assessment provides the following summary in relation to Step 4 –‘ Reasonableness of the Proposal that is Causing the Impact’:

Public interest

The provision of marine rescue facilities to service Jervis Bay is in the public interest. It is understood that the proposal will enable better operation of the facility.

 

Need and nexus

In their SEE, the applicant contends that there is a need for the proposal due to the inadequacy of the current building for the growing needs of the Jervis Bay Marine Rescue service.

There is a nexus between the current facility and rapid access to the service’s moored rescue boat at the Currambene Creek wharf. The facility also provides visibility over part of Jervis Bay, including the entrance to Currambene Creek.

 

Compliance with planning controls

As has been already noted in this VIA, the site is not subject to planning controls that typically influence view impact such as building height, FSR, site cover or setbacks.

As such, by default for the purposes of Tenacity the proposal is considered to be a complying proposal.

 

Skilful design

Under Tenacity, ‘skilful design’ refers to alternative options that achieve a better balance between the needs of the applicant and objector:

·   ‘the question should be asked whether a more skilful design could provide the applicant with the same development potential and amenity and reduce the impact on the views of neighbours’.

This entails a different design on the same site and does not consider alternative sites.

As has been shown in this VIA, the main cause of view loss for the Pavilion is the proposed lateral expansion of the building’s ground storey and vertical extension of the building’s second storey.

Alternative to this, accommodating the same development potential could be achieved by additions:

·   maintaining the same building footprint and developing underground

·   maintaining the same building footprint and developing above the building

·   extending the building footprint forward.

Alterations above the existing building are less desirable as they would block a greater part of the sky, and may also start to intrude within views obtained from other parts of the hotel. In addition, such an extension would make the building more visible in the visual catchment more generally.

While reducing view impact, it is likely that an underground extension would be greatly increased costs due to excavation, may result in greater impact on scenic character due to access arrangements and would impact amenity by reducing visibility to the entrance to Currambene Creek.

While better meeting the needs of the applicant and objector, a forward extension would reduce the amount of Voyager Park for public recreation purposes, an outcome that is inconsistent with the objectives of zone RE1 Public Recreation and challenging public interest considerations under the EP&A Act.

On this basis, it is not considered that there are reasonable alternatives that constitute more skilful design.

 

Bulk and scale

The existing first floor is setback from the eastern and western edges of the footprint delineated by the ground floor. This creates the appearance of two blocks of mass, the uppermost of which is smaller in size. The proposal involves the filling of this setback with new built form. This creates a single mass, increasing the apparent bulk and scale of the building. Should council consider the proposal suitable for approval, it is recommended that measures be conditioned to reduce the appearance of bulk and scale, in particular when seen from the Pavilion. It is further recommended these be discussed and agreed with the applicant. Possible measures include the use of different yet compatible colours and materiality.

 

Visual clutter

Through signage and exposed air-conditioning units and associated piping, the current building presents a level of visual clutter to the Pavilion. Subject to discussion and agreement with the applicant and any safety considerations, there is opportunity to mitigate broader overall visual impact and improve visual amenity for the Pavilion by removing signage facing south and better integrating the air-conditioning units and piping into the building.

 

The Marine Rescue Facility overall

In addition to the proposal, the objector raises concern more broadly about the existence of the Marine Rescue Facility in its current location and Voyager Park more generally.

As can be seen in this VIA, the overwhelming cause of adverse visual impact on the hotel is not the proposal but the existing building. Removal of the building, or even reducing it to a single storey, would considerably reduce visual impact.

It is agreed with the objector that any further extension to the facility beyond the current proposal would likely cross a threshold of reasonableness under Tenacity, and as such should be discouraged. As such, while not impacting the acceptability of the current proposal, further extensions may trigger a conversation about the ultimate, best location for the facility. Given this, council may wish to consider this as opportunities for other local redevelopment arise that maintains similar attributes to the site in terms of nexus with easy access to mooring facilities and visibility of Jervis Bay.

In summary, Council accepts with the conclusions reached by Ethos Urban Pty Ltd in their independent View Impact Analysis in that there are no reasonable alternatives for the location of the building when considering:

·     A forward extension would reduce the amount of Voyager Park for public recreation purposes, an outcome that is inconsistent with the objectives of zone RE1 Public Recreation and challenging public interest considerations under the EP&A Act.

·     Alterations above the existing building are less desirable as they would block a greater part of the sky, and may also start to intrude within views obtained from other parts of the hotel. In addition, such an extension would make the building more visible in the visual catchment more generally.

·     There is a nexus between the current facility and rapid access to the service’s moored rescue boat at the Currambene Creek wharf. The facility also provides visibility over part of Jervis Bay, including the entrance to Currambene Creek.

·     The provision of marine rescue facilities to service Jervis Bay is in the public interest. It is understood that the proposal will enable better operation of the facility.

·     broader overall visual impact and amenity for the Pavilion can be improved by removing signage facing south and better integrating the air-conditioning units and piping into the building. In this regard, a condition would be included within any consent which requires amended plans which enables better integration of servicing equipment into the building and removal of south-facing signage.

 

The proposal is considered to be acceptable subject to implementation of conditions of consent (as recommended by Ethos Urban Pty Ltd) which would incorporate the following design amendments to be submitted to and approved by Council prior to the issue of any Construction Certificate for the development:

a)   All proposed signage on the southern-facing side of the building must be deleted.

b)   A schedule of colours and materials is required to be submitted which is compatible with and sympathetic to the surrounding locality.

c)   Any proposed building plant equipment or proposed air conditioning units must be incorporated into the building design.

In correspondence with Council, the applicant has confirmed agreement to the above requirements forming conditions of any development consent, prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate.

 

Planning Assessment

The DA has been assessed under s4.15 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.  Refer to Attachment 1.

 

Consultation and Community Engagement:

Two (2) public submissions were received in relation to Council’s notification and advertisement of the development. Two (2) were objections to the development.  Nil were in support of the development. The notification and advertisement were made in accordance with Council’s Community Consultation Policy The notification and advertisement was carried out between 15 November 2021 and 14 December 2021.

 

 

 

Key issues raised as a result of the notification/advertisement are provided below.

 

Summary of Public Submissions

Objection Raised

Comment

Non-Compliance with Zoning Objectives

·   An emergency services facility for water activities does not meet this objective. The objectives relate to land-based activities carried on in the RE1 zoned area. This is clear from the second point of the objectives. The facility does not provide a recreation setting or protect the natural land-based environment. It protects humans whilst engaging with water activities. This is an entirely different matter and outside the objectives of the zoning.

·   By conflating the purpose of water safety as being necessary for enhancing recreation on public land the proponent is trying to indicate that the development meets the zoning objectives. The fact is that the Marine Rescue structure relates to water safety services and does not enhance the public participation in the RE1 land. A Marine Rescue observation post may be erected in the foreshore area and arguably this could be allowable under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 No 165. However, there are other locations that provide much better safety observation and are less obtrusive; and the legislative instruments governing land usage need to be appropriate of purpose.

·   The facility to provide radio monitoring, storage, training and meeting rooms does not need to be in Voyager Park or within site of the water.

·   Certainly, public safety on water is important. But this does not mean that a structure should be located on RE1 land with devastating impacts on existing land owners and businesses.

Non-Compliance with Zoning Objectives

The assessment against the zoning objectives has found that the proposed development achieves full compliance with the objectives for Zone RE1 – Public Recreation.

This conclusion has been drawn based upon the following considerations:

·    The proposal relates to an existing approved and constructed building and the works are wholly contained within this footprint.

·    No extensions are proposed which would impact the remainder of the Park.

·    An assessment by the Asset Manager (Manager – Swim, Sport & Fitness) and by City Lifestyles (Community Planning and Projects) found that the proposal is entirely consistent with the Intent and Objectives of

-    The Plan of Management for Voyager Memorial Park and White Sands Park.

-    Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan.

·    The proposal would not impact upon the ability of the remainder of the Park to continue to be used for its existing functions – being for recreational purposes.

·    Appropriate conditions of consent would be included to ensure that functioning of existing recreational infrastructure within the Park such as the Pools and supporting infrastructure such as the public amenities remain available and accessible during construction works.

Shoalhaven DCP Chapter N18 Setbacks

·   Page 13 of Chapter N18 of the Shoalhaven DCP 2014 provides setback requirements for buildings in the Huskisson CBD. This is relevant as buildings along the Currambene shore line and Voyager Park are required to be set back from the front boundaries by variable setbacks.

·   The point is that development is limited along these public recreation areas. Chapter N18 does not consider the public land between the CBD and Currambene Ck where the existing and proposed development are located. However surely if private development is not permitted close to the shoreline area then other types of development outside the objectives of the RE1 zone should also be strictly limited to those essential items (like toilets) that cannot be located elsewhere.

·   The existing structure should not have been located in the Voyager Park area as a second storey to a public building and certainly should not now be expanded.

Shoalhaven DCP Chapter N18 Setbacks

·   The building is an approved structure in its present location and has the right to be located in the present location per the existing and issued approval.

·   The works proposed as part of this application involve alterations with the ground floor and on the first floor of the development. There is no extension outwards which alter any setbacks towards the water or otherwise which would permanently impact on the remainder of the Parks.

Scenic Impacts / Loss of View

·   The EIA that accompanied DA21/2438 has conflicting and materially incorrect information relating to the site analysis, site lines and assessment of view loss. This conflicting information has the effect of misleading people into an incorrect understanding of the impact of the proposed development.

·   The impact of the existing Marine Rescue development is to lose circa 50% of the relevant view from JBP. The additional loss from the proposed addition to the Marine Rescue structure is nearly the entire view of the water and shoreline from JBP.

·   Arguments that the loss of view from the hotel is mitigated by standing on different parts of the hotel site are fanciful and have no regard to the facts. This argument would run along the lines that the Marine Rescue structure and the proposed addition has minimal impact on the overall view of the creek, bay and the sky above the horizon from the hotel site. Such an argument is misleading. The fact is JBP exists, and the correct perspective is from the front of this building; not looking at angles from a location elsewhere on the hotel site.

·   Steps 2 and 3 on page 12 of the EIA are assessed incorrectly and in a self-serving manner. The EIA advises that Huskisson Hotel enjoys uninterrupted views of voyager park and Callala. Figure 6 is an image taken from the South West corner of the Hotel dining room seeking to indicate minimal loss of view.

·   Steps 2 and 3 on page 12 of the EIA do not even consider the impact on JBP. The analysis should have been from JBP instead of pretending that JBP does not exist.

Scenic Impacts / Loss of View

·   A detailed assessment in relation to the issue of view loss has been carried out and is detailed in the Report above and within the s4.15 Assessment located at Attachment 1 to this Report.

Economic & Social Impacts

·   JBP is open for lunch and dinner 7 days/week for 8 months of the year and 4 days/week for 4 months of the year. As such the venue employs the following staff:

-     Front of House 14 FTE

-     Kitchen 12 FTE

-     Cleaners 2 FTE

-     Maintenance 0.5 FTE

-     Gardeners 0.5 FTE

This is 29 FTE staff. JBP generates economic activity in the region of circa $12.6m pa (using a multiplier of 3.6 times).

The proposed extension of the Marine Rescue structure will devastate the JBP meaning that it will effectively become an overflow service only taking revenue during the 8 busiest weeks of the year when the hotel is full.

The cost of the loss of economic activity from the JBP significantly outweighs the one- time economic benefit of the $0.56m construction cost of the proposed development.

·   Marine Rescue will claim that saving lives is more important than any economic benefit/cost. This is a mischaracterisation of the issue and self-serving narrative. The critical requirement for emergency search and rescue is observation of the Bay area.

The existing and proposed structure provides storage, meeting rooms and a training room. The radio and observation room are 23.3m2. These other activities do not need to be located on this site. They would be better located with direct street and pedestrian access and adjacent to a boat ramp.

Economic & Social Impacts

A response has been provided to each of the items raised below:

·    As stated in the Heritage Advisor referral response and as detailed in the independent View Impact Analysis (VIA) prepared by Ethos Urban Pty Ltd, the circa 2019 additions to the Jervis Bay Pub has already provided an interruption to views from the primary fabric of the original Pub structure.

The impact of the development has been revealed in the VIA to be acceptable in nature subject to conditions of consent.

Based upon the fact that the view impact has been found to be acceptable, it is considered that it would not be likely to have an adverse economic impact on the surrounding locality.

·    The building is suitably located as it provides an important visual aide and lookout point which is critical for boating and marine safety within the wider Bay area.

As part of the proposed embellishment works to the building includes a designated Search And Rescue Centre (SARC) and Observation Deck which requires specific views of the Creek and Bay to carry out its functions.

These activities do in fact need to be located on the Bay and in a location with close access to the water for search and rescue purposes, which is available at the location, being directly adjacent to the boat ramp and wharf.

White Sands & Voyager Park Plan of Management (PoM)

The submissions raised the following matters:

·   Clause 3.1.4 of the White Sands Park and Voyager Park Plan of Management 2003 (the Management Plan) specifies that the Huskisson Town Centre DCP shall guide future uses having regard to the following principles including incorporates view lines from the town centre to Currambene Ck. The original and proposed marine rescue structure does not satisfy this principle. The Huskisson Hotel site is the prime site in the town centre. The principles in the Management Plan do not allow for minor loss of view.

·   Clause 5 of the Management Pan specifies the permissible uses of the park. Council is required to consider several factors in deciding whether to grant approval for a development in the Park. The first of these factors is the need for the development on the land. Council has erred in its approval of the marine rescue facility in this location

·    The fact that the management plan does not specifically address the Marine Rescue structure is claimed to be a reason to permit the structure. Whereas the proper interpretation should be that because the Management Plan does not address a 2 x storey structure in the Park

White Sands & Voyager Park Plan of Management (PoM)

The following responses have been provided as it relates to each point raised regarding the PoM:

·   The principles referred to from Clause 3.1.4 are listed as follows:

-     Set aside areas for active and passive uses Reinforce tree planting along foreshores subject to erosion.

-     Rationalise boundaries of existing car park and provide shade planting.

-     Provide for cycle path.

-     Incorporate view lines from town centre to Jervis Bay/Currambene Ck.

-     To improve public access, pedestrian linkages should be provided between such reserves, retail centre and car park.

An assessment of the proposal by Council’s City Lifestyles Section confirmed the following as it relates to compliance with Intent and Objectives of the PoM:

“The proposed alterations and additions to the existing building are not considered inconsistent to its underlying objectives and intent”.

The principle only states that view lines from the town centre to the Jervis Bay / Currambene Creek are to be incorporated, no further parameters are given as to how this test is to be measured.

A proper test of how view loss is to be considered was in the NSW LEC case: Tenacity Consulting v Warringah [2004] NSWLEC 140.

A detailed assessment in this application has been carried out against this test which has found that the proposal is able to achieve compliance with this requirement.

·    The building is an existing approved structure. This application is not considering whether the building is appropriate on the land as this has already been considered and approved as part of a separate determination. The application is only considering the alterations and additions to the building, rather than the ‘need for the structure’ as a whole.

·    The structure is already approved as a two storey structure. As above, this application is not considering the placement of the entire structure (which is approved) but rather the additions to the structure.

Whilst not referenced with the Management Plan, Council’s City Lifestyles Section relevantly advised:

Despite the absence of any specific reference of the Marine Rescue Base facility in the adopted PoM for Voyager Park, the proposed alterations and additions to the existing building are not considered inconsistent to its underlying objectives and intent.

State Emergency & Rescue Management Act 1989

·   There is a claim that the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 No 165 (the Act) permits the construction of the building in its current location. This is not correct and is a significant overreach.

·   The Act defines the powers that are available to emergency services organisations. This is to prevent emergencies. Part 1 subdivision 4(1) defines an emergency as an emergency due to an actual or imminent occurrence (such as fire, flood, storm, earthquake, explosion, terrorist act, accident, epidemic or warlike action) which— (a) endangers, or threatens to endanger, the safety or health of persons or animals in the State, or (b) destroys or damages, or threatens to destroy or damage, property in the State, or (c) causes a failure of, or a significant disruption to, an essential service or infrastructure, being an emergency, which requires a significant and co-ordinated response.

·   The Act does not give Marine Rescue the right to construct a radio room, training room, storeroom and admin room on the site. The power to enact the stages of emergency needs to be considered in the context of what is reasonable in the circumstances.

State Emergency & Rescue management Act 1989

·    The proposal has been assessed under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

·    The applicant has sought development consent and is permissible with consent under the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan (SLEP) 2014.

·    The Land Use Table for the applicable zone (RE1) specifies that Community Facilities are permissible with consent.

community facility means a building or place—

(a)  owned or controlled by a public authority or non-profit community organisation, and

(b)  used for the physical, social, cultural or intellectual development or welfare of the community,

but does not include an educational establishment, hospital, retail premises, place of public worship or residential accommodation.

Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment

·   The proposed ramp is located on land which has had landfill relocated to the site. This land fill contained shell deposits that may have come from a midden.

·   As a result of this possibility the adjacent land (Lot 2 DP 209436) was registered on the AHIMS on 14 September 2020 with a buffer of 200m. This buffer extends over the site which is the subject of this DA application.

·   Accordingly, an Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit is required. To obtain this permit an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Report is required. An ACHA should have been lodged with the DA application. As the ACHA was not lodged the DA material is incomplete and should not have been accepted.

Aboriginal Heritage Impact Assessment

·    It is noted that the site is registered on the AHIMS Register. However the specific location is undefined and there is no evidence that the works would directly impact any shell deposits.

·    The best of course action is enforcing a condition of consent which, during construction works, requires the following where any Aboriginal object is discovered during the course of the work:

-     All excavation or disturbance of the area must stop immediately.

-     Additional assessment and approval pursuant to the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 may be required prior to works continuing the affected area(s) based on the nature of the discovery.

-     Work may recommence in the affected area(s) if Heritage NSW advises that additional assessment and/or approval is not required (or once any required assessment has taken place or any required approval has been given).

-     The Heritage NSW must be advised of the discovery in accordance with section 89A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

This condition has been placed within the Draft Development Consent attached at Attachment 5.

Heritage Impact Assessment

·   The site of the hotel sustains the listing. The devastating impact on the view from the front of the site is relevant in any assessment of the proposed DA and the impact on the heritage listing of the Huskisson Hotel site.

·   It is strongly arguable that the devastating impact on the view from the property compromises the venues role as a centre for recreation and entertainment.

·   The EIA concludes that a Heritage Impact Report is not required. This is an incorrect conclusion and seems to have been made on the basis that the original hotel structure is the listed item. As can be seen from the extract above the "site and building achieve the requisite degree of significance" The proposed development has a material impact on the site including the JBP.

·   The fact that the JBP is a recent building does not change the heritage considerations as the significance attaches to the site. In prior periods the hotel outdoor areas stretched to the north boundary of the site and hence the hotel over time has traded from the entire site.

Heritage Impact Assessment

·   A detailed assessment of the development has been carried out by Council’s Heritage Advisor, which has concluded that:

“the proposed works will have an acceptable level of impact on this aspect of significance of the hotel building”.

·    In this instance, it is found that the proposal has sufficiently demonstrated compliance with clause 5.10 of the Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan (SLEP) 2014.

·    Further details regarding the assessment of the proposal against the heritage provisions at clause 5.10 are located within the s4.15 Assessment attached at Attachment 1 to this Report.

Car Parking Controls

·   The requirement for car parking has just been assumed away with a statement that street parking is available. Our experience is that such a statement is immediately rejected by SCC staff and our DAs have been so rejected as incomplete for not properly addressing issue of Car Parking.

·   The same focus should apply to all DA applications. A required rate of carparking is ignored because there is no specific category in the DCP applicable to Community Facility. This is a deliberate misreading of Chapter G21 part 5 of the DCP. The chapter is clear that the categories are specifically provided to act as a guide to typical minimum requirements.

·   The lack of a category does not absolve a proponent from have to provide car parking.

Car Parking Controls

·    Community Facilities do not have a specific car parking rate under Section 5.1 – Car Parking Schedule of the SDCP 2014.

·    Where there is no specific car parking rate which applies, such developments are required to be considered on a case by case basis.

·    In this case, the original Application noted that due to the nature of the activity, no vehicular access was required to service the facility and that the development did not warrant the provision of any additional car parking.

·    Whilst the current application proposes a minor increase in floor area, no additional personnel are proposed to utilise the building, who would otherwise require additional parking.

·    This is because the works are proposed to enhance the existing building and improve the functionality of the building for existing staff – and is not designed as a means to employ extra staff who would need further parking.

Coastal SEPP Clause (1)(a)

·   This requirement has been assumed away as not being impacted. This is again a sweeping and ill-considered conclusion. The specific clauses that are impacted such that the DA application should be rejected are: Clause (1) (a) (iii) - the visual impact is outlined above and is catastrophic. Clause (1)(a)(iv) - As outlined above an ACHA is required. Clause (1)(a) (v) - As outlined above the impact on the built environment is catastrophic for the JBP.

Coastal SEPP Clause (1)(a)

·    An assessment has been carried out against SEPP (Resilience and Hazards) 2021 which has revealed that the proposal complies with the objectives for the ‘Coastal Use Area’ and ‘Coastal Environment Area’.

·    A detailed assessment has been carried out (as described in the Report above) which has revealed that the visual impact of the development has been found to be acceptable, subject to the implementation of conditions within any development consent.

 

Financial Implications:

There are potential cost implications for Council in the event of a refusal of the application. Such costs would be associated with defending an appeal in the Land and Environment Court of NSW.

 

Legal Implications

Pursuant to section 8.2 of the EP&A Act, a decision of the Council may be subject of a review by the applicant in the event of an approval or refusal. If such a review is ultimately pursued the matter would be put to Council for consideration.

Alternatively, an applicant may also appeal to the Court against the determination pursuant to section 8.7 of the EP&A Act.

 

Summary and Conclusion

This application has been assessed having regard for section 4.15 (Evaluation) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Having regard to the assessment and the matters described in ‘Issues’ in this report, notably visual impact of the development, the proposal is recommended for a determination by way of approval.

A draft determination has been prepared and is located at Attachment 5 to this report for consideration.

 


 

 Ordinary Meeting – Monday 05 December 2022

Page 0

 

 

CL22.643   Development Application - DA22/1710 - 12 Milham Street, Lake Conjola - Lot 3 DP 515751

 

DA. No:               DA22/1710/4

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/474697

 

Department:       Development Services

Approver:           James Ruprai, Director - City Development 

Attachments:     1.  s4.15 Assessment Report (Class 1 & 10) (under separate cover)

2.  Applicant's Revised Clause 4.6 Report (under separate cover)

3.  Draft Determination Notice (Conditional Approval) (under separate cover)   

Description of Development: Demolition of Existing Dwelling and Garage and Construction of New Dwelling

 

Owner: G A & A J Galway

Applicant: Grant Galway c/o Rygate & West

 

Notification Dates: 19 July 2022 to 3 August 2022

 

No. of Submissions:  Five (5) in objection

 

Purpose / Reason for consideration by Council

The proposed dwelling exceeds the height of building limitation under section 4.3, Shoalhaven Local Environmental Plan 2014 (SLEP 2014) by a maximum extent of 1.083m (being 12.7%). The proposed dwelling is 9.583m high.

Council can in this instance assume the concurrence of the Secretary; however, the extent of the contravention requires referral to Council for consideration.

 

Recommendation

That Development Application DA22/1710 for demolition of an existing dwelling house and garage and construction of a new dwelling house at Lot 3 DP 515751, 12 Milham Street, Lake Conjola be approved subject to the recommended conditions of consent contained in Attachment 3 of this report.

 

 

Options

1.    Approve the development application (DA) in accordance with the recommendation of this report.

Implications: This would allow the applicant to pursue construction of the development.

2.    Refuse the application.

Implications: Council would need to determine the grounds on which the application is refused, having regard to section 4.15(1) considerations.

3.    Alternative recommendation.

Implications: Council will need to specify an alternative recommendation and advise staff accordingly.

 

Location Map

Figure 1 – Location Map

 

Background

Proposed Development

The DA seeks approval for:

 

§ Demolition of the existing dwelling and garage;

§ Construction of a new three (3) storey dwelling house containing four (4) bedrooms with the following arrangement of rooms and functions:

Lower ground floor – entry lobby, garage space for two (2) cars, laundry, ground floor bathroom;

Ground floor – living room, kitchen/dining room, master bedroom, walk-in robe and ensuite, pantry, powder room, front and rear decks;

First floor – three (3) bedrooms, main bathroom, study nook.  This floor is setback from the front and rear elevations.

It is noted that the existing Lake Conjola Entrance Road access is no longer to be used. Vehicular access is proposed from Milham Street.

Diagram

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Description automatically generatedFigure 2 – Demolition Plan

Figure 3 – Site Plan

Diagram, engineering drawing

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Figure 4 – Street Elevations

 

Graphical user interface, engineering drawing

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Figure 5 – 3D Views

 

Subject Land

The development site is Lot 3 DP 515751 (12 Milham Street, Lake Conjola). Refer to Figure 1.

 

Site & Context

The development site:

§ Has frontage to Milham Street and Lake Conjola Entrance Road and contains a single storey dwelling and detached garage. There are also several large non-native shrubs on the site.

§ Is zoned RU5 Village. The surrounding area is residential in character.

§ Is identified as bush fire, flood prone and potentially contaminated land.

§ Is serviced by reticulated sewer and water and has existing connection to electrical infrastructure.

§ Adjoins land zoned RU5 Village.

 

Figure 6a and 6b – Photographs of the existing buildings onsite

 

The zone objectives are provided below as they are a consideration in assessing and considering a variation request with regard to section 4.6, which is discussed later in this report.

The RU5 Village zone objective is:

§ To provide for a range of land uses, services and facilities that are associated with a rural village.

Chart

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Figure 7 – Zoning Extract

 

Subject Application History

§ This current application was lodged on 23 June 2022.

§ As a result of detailed assessment of the application, additional information was requested from the applicant on three (3) occasions – 14 July 2022, 24 August 2022, 2 September 2022. These requests were generally in relation to contamination, stormwater management and the colour schedule.

§ On 20 July 2022, 30 August 2022, 17 October 2022 and 10 November 2022, the applicant submitted additional information, which was subsequently referred to the relevant sections of Council for comment.

 

Issues

Section 4.3 (Height of buildings) of SLEP 2014

Section 4.3 of SLEP 2014 contains controls for the maximum height of buildings and specifically outlines that the maximum height of a building must not exceed the height shown on the ‘Height of Buildings Map’ that supports SLEP 2014.

The maximum building height for the development site is 8.5m.

The proposed dwelling exceeds the height by a maximum extent of 1.083m (being 12.7%) for a total building height of 9.583m. See Figure 8 for extract from proposed elevations with 8.5 height limit shown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Figure 8 – Extract from elevations with 8.5m height limit shown

 

Section 4.6 (Exceptions to development standards) of SLEP 2014

Development consent may, subject to section 4.6, be granted for development even though the development would contravene a development standard imposed by this or any other environmental planning instrument.

The applicant has submitted a written request to justify the contravention of the height of buildings development standard pursuant to the requirements of section 4.6 of SLEP 2014. Refer to Attachment 2 for the detailed request made by the applicant and Council’s assessment. The following provides Council’s review (summary) of the request for a height variation in relation to the requirements of section 4.6. Refer to the attached assessment report (Attachment 1) for additional detail.

Council is required to consider subsections (3), (4) and (5) of section 4.6. Section 4.6(3)-(5) are extracted from SLEP 2014 below:

(3)  Development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless the consent authority has considered a written request from the applicant that seeks to justify the contravention of the development standard by demonstrating—

(a)  that compliance with the development standard is unreasonable or unnecessary in the circumstances of the case, and

(b)  that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the development standard.

 

(4)  Development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless—

(a)  the consent authority is satisfied that—

(i)  the applicant’s written request has adequately addressed the matters required to be demonstrated by subclause (3), and

(ii)  the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the particular standard and the objectives for development within the zone in which the development is proposed to be carried out, and

(b)  the concurrence of the Planning Secretary has been obtained.

 

(5)  In deciding whether to grant concurrence, the Planning Secretary must consider—

(a)  whether contravention of the development standard raises any matter of significance for State or regional environmental planning, and

(b)  the public benefit of maintaining the development standard, and

(c)  any other matters required to be taken into consideration by the Planning Secretary before granting concurrence.

 

Section 4.6(3)(a) – Compliance with the Development Standard is Unreasonable or Unnecessary in the Circumstances of the Case

Flooding is the influencing factor in the design solution for the development.  The lower level has been designed so that it is not habitable, containing vehicle parking, a bathroom and laundry. The other levels contain the conventional living and sleeping areas.

The contravention to the building height limit is limited to the upper roof, which is of minimal area, height and bulk.  Refer to Figure 8.  

The building could comply if the roof was adjusted to a flat roof, however the pitching of the roof balances the architectural design of the building. The roof design also incorporates solar panels.  Refer to Figure 3.

The design of the dwelling will ensure that it is compatible with the height, bulk and scale of the existing and desired future residential character and therefore this objective is achieved despite noncompliance with the standard.

The architectural design, whilst modern, is well articulated containing variation in form and materials.  The building has a modern ‘Queenslander’ appearance.  Refer to the illustrations in Figure 5.

The top floor is setback from the front and rear and the dwelling elevations. The site also benefits from a generous setback to Lake Conjola Entrance Rd.  These generous setbacks and location of the top floor will assist in mitigating the impact of the height.  If the pitched roof were to be eliminated, the architectural form of the building would also be compromised. 

The contravention is minor in terms of the overall design of the proposed dwelling and still ensures that the dwelling is compatible with the height, bulk and scale of the existing locality and objectives of section 4.3.

 

Section 4.6(3)(b) – Are there Sufficient Environmental Planning Grounds to Justify Contravening the Development Standard?

As identified above, the applicant’s written request has addressed the matters required to be demonstrated in sub-section (3) in that there are sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravening the standard.

A developer’s application must also demonstrate that the contravention is justified on ‘sufficient environmental planning grounds’. Such grounds include matters that ‘relate to (the) subject matter, scope and purpose of the Act, including the objects in s 1.3.  This leaves developers with a wide range of grounds on which they can rely to justify a 4.6 request, including, for example, that the variation will promote good design and amenity, will allow for the orderly development of land.

In this instance, the increased building height permits the habitable floor level of the dwelling to be consistent with both the 1 in 100 Year Flood Level and Flood Planning Level.

The variation to the building height would therefore permit the future occupants of the dwelling to have long term safety in the event of a flood. This a reasonable design outcome acknowledging the flood characteristics of the site whilst allowing the order and pragmatic development of the site.

This will also result in the proposal remaining consistent with the objectives of the land use zone and results in a built form which is consistent with the existing and desired future character of the street.

 

Section 4.6(4)(a)(ii) – Will the Proposed Development be in the Public Interest Because it is Consistent with the Objectives of the Particular Standard and Objectives for Development within the Zone in Which the Development is Proposed to be Carried Out?

Section 4.6(4)(a)(ii) states that development consent must not be granted for development that contravenes a development standard unless the proposed development will be in the public interest because it is consistent with the objectives of the particular standard and the objectives for development within the zone in which the development is proposed to be carried out.

 

The public interest test is not simply whether the development is in the public interest in the broad sense. Rather, the test is whether the development would be in the public interest “because” it is consistent with the objectives of both the development standard and the relevant zone. If the consent authority forms the view that the proposed development is not consistent with the objectives of the standard or the zone, or both, it will not meet the public interest test.

 

The term ‘consistency’ in this context has been interpreted to be synonymous with the term ‘compatible’ and ‘capable of existing together in harmony’. The requirement for development to be ‘consistent’ with the relevant objectives is a less onerous test than actually achieving the particular objectives.

 

In determining whether it is satisfied that a proposed development is in the public interest, the consent authority, including the Court on appeal, is not limited to considering the cl.4.6 request. It is able can take into account the whole of the development application and other relevant evidence before it. Source:  BAL Publication.

 

The proposed departure from the development standard is considered to be in the public interest as the proposal is consistent with the zone and development standard objective. In particular, the proposal would not impact the ability of the rural village to continue to provide a range of land uses, services, and facilities.

 

Section 4.6 (4)(b) – Concurrence of the Secretary has been obtained

Council may assume concurrence. In this instance, the extent of the contravention needs to be referred to the elected Council for consideration.

 

Section 4.6(5)(a) – Would Non-Compliance Raise any Matter of Significance for State or Regional Planning?

The contravention does not raise any matters of significance having regard to State or regional environmental planning. It does not have implications for any State Environmental Planning Policies in the locality or impacts which are considered of a State or regional scale.

 

Section 4.6(5)(b) – Is There a Public Benefit of Maintaining the Planning Control Standard?

In the judgement of Ex Gratia P/L v Dungog Council [2015] (NSWLEC 148), Commissioner Brown of the NSW LEC outlined that the question that needs to be answered in relation to the application of section 4.6(5)(b) is “whether the public advantages of the proposed development outweigh the public disadvantages of the proposed development”.

The applicant is to demonstrate that there will be better planning outcomes achieved through variation to the development standard as opposed to strict compliance with the development standard or amending the application to reduce the extent of the variation.

In this regard, it is considered that strict compliance with the development standard and a reduction of the building height to achieve compliance would not result in a better outcome.

 

Summary and conclusion with regard to section 4.6

The written submission provided by the applicant is considered to satisfy the requirements of section 4.6(3), (4) and (5) and in this regard the proposed height variation is considered to warrant approval.

 

Planning Assessment

The DA has been assessed under s4.15(1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Please refer to Attachment 1.

Council’s internal referrals have assessed the application as being satisfactory with conditions of consent recommended to address matters such as contamination, stormwater drainage and flooding.

 

Consultation and Community Engagement:

Five (5) public submissions were received in relation to Council’s notification of the development. The notification was made in accordance with Council’s Community Consultation Policy during the period 19 July 2022 to 3 August 2022.

Key issues raised as a result of the notification are provided below.

 

Height of the proposed dwelling

Comment

See comments made earlier in this report. 

A clause 4.6 variation has been provided and found to be acceptable.  It is important to note that the height development standard is not a prohibition.  All standard instrument local environmental plans include the ability to vary development standards under clause 4.6.  This clause allows flexibility in the application of standards where there will be a positive planning outcome.

Note:  Variations to development standards are reportable to the Department of Planning and Council.  Council receives a regular quarterly report, detailing the number of variations that have been considered and consented to. 

 

Flooding

Council’s Floodplain Engineer reviewed the documentation submitted with this application and provided the following comments:.

The subject site comprises flood prone land and mapped within a high hazard storage hazard / hydraulic category. The projected 2050 scenario Flood Planning Level (FPL) is 3.5m AHD.

 

It is noted that the ground floor will consist of non-habitable space with an entry, double garage, laundry, bathroom, storage, and alfresco area. The first and second floors will consist of habitable rooms. The ground floor is proposed to be at 1.6m AHD, and the lowest habitable floor level is proposed to be 4.4m AHD. The entire development site sits within a high hazard flood storage hydraulic / hazard category.  There is no option in terms of being able to site the building in a less ‘risky’ location.

 

Whilst the habitable floor level of the development (i.e. at 3.5m AHD) sits 900mm above the 2050 projected 1% AEP Flood Level (i.e. at 4.4m AHD), it is noted that the Probable Maximum Flood Level (Projected 2100) sits at 4.2m. As such, there is a minimal distance of 200mm between the habitable floor level of the dwelling and the probable maximum flood event.

 

Table

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It is therefore considered that the design has adequately balanced the interests between ensuring the development is adequately flood proofed, whilst also minimising the extent of the variation to the overall building height to the form of the development which incorporates the roof pitch only.

The proposed development has been assessed as a Type A (I) Single Residential/ Habitable Buildings land use category as per Schedule 1 of Chapter G9, SDCP 2014.  This means that it is a category of development that can be accommodated however the conditions in Schedule 2 (controls) should ideally be satisfied.

Specific conditions are recommended to deal with the flood risk as follows:

Prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate, a professional engineer, (as defined in the National Construction Code) must submit to the satisfaction of the Certifier, certification that the following items have been detailed on the construction drawings:

a)    All habitable floor levels must be constructed at or above the Flood Planning Level (FPL) (1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood level plus 500mm freeboard) as documented on a Flood Certificate obtained from Council that is based on the latest flooding information held.

b)    Any proportion of the structure below the FPL must be built from flood compatible materials.

c)    All electrical installations must be constructed above the FPL or be able to be isolated prior to a flood event.

d)    A flood evacuation plan must be prepared to ensure permanent, fail-safe, maintenance-free measures are incorporated in the development to ensure that the timely, orderly and safe evacuation of people is possible from the area and that it will not add significant cost and disruption to the community or the SES. This plan is to consider for pre-flood event planning the use of Flood Warning Products available from the Bureau of Meteorology.

Prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate, a professional engineer, (as defined in the National Construction Code) must submit to the satisfaction of the Certifier, certification that the building and associated structure(s):

a)    Can withstand forces of floodwaters including debris and buoyancy forces up to a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood event.

b)    Will not become floating debris during a 1% AEP flood event.

 

Stormwater drainage

Comment

The latest stormwater plans have removed the surface runoff stormwater pipelines. Surface flow direction is indicated on the plans in the direction of the southern-most corner of the subject site. This is acceptable as surface water is indicated to flow to the direction of the stormwater pit adjacent to the southern-most corner of the site.

 

Contamination

Comment

The site was inspected on 9 November 2022, with there being no evidence of obvious contamination. However, it is apparent that the site is identified as being potentially contaminated land, being PCL427. Council's records indicate that this land may have contained a service station.

Council’s Environmental Health Officer reviewed the PCL file and the submitted geotechnical forensic investigation with supporting letter from the applicant.

The letter proffers some pertinent points regarding the contaminated land status of the site. Namely investigations were undertaken by Terra Insight as part of the geotechnical report which could not identify tanks onsite in aerial photos of the site. A review of the geotechnical report photos dating from 1959 to current shows that the older photos are not clear. The photo from 1987 does not appear to show any tanks onsite or be operating, rather a dwelling house.

It is agreed that the potential for tanks to be still onsite is low and that a Preliminary Site Investigation (PSI) is not required. However, recommended conditions are to form part of any consent granted, for unexpected finds and the requirement for a site investigation in the case that an unexpected find is uncovered.

There were also concerns about asbestos.  In this regard, standard conditions have been recommended for the demolition component for the application.  These conditions require neighbour notification and specify how the removal is to be undertaken. The relevant Australian Standard is also referenced in the recommended conditions.

 

Financial Implications:

There are potential cost implications for Council in the event of a refusal of the application. Such costs would be associated with defending an appeal in the Land and Environment Court of NSW.

 

Legal Implications

A section 8.2 review or an appeal with the Land and Environment Court are possible if the application is refused.

 

Summary and Conclusion

The applicant’s submission has provided sufficient justification to demonstrate that given the specific circumstances of this case that the 8.5m height limit is unreasonable, there is sufficient environmental planning grounds to justify contravention of the height requirement and that the proposal is in the public interest and should be supported.

Further, there are no matters of concern or non-compliances that would warrant the refusal of the application. Accordingly, it is recommended that DA22/1710 is approved subject to the recommended conditions of consent as per Attachment 3.

 

 


 

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CL22.644   Worrigee / South Nowra / East Nowra Community Infrastructure Investigations

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/474298

 

Department:       Community Planning & Projects

Approver:           Michael Paine, Manager - Community Connections 

Attachments:     1.  Report - Strategy & Assets Committee 20 July 2021

2.  Public Private Partnership (PPP) Guidelines (under separate cover)   

Reason for Report

To update Council on the progress of investigations in relation to an aquatic facility and community facility for the Worrigee, South Nowra, and East Nowra areas.

 

Recommendation

That Council:

1.    Receive this report for information as:

a.    An update on investigations in relation an aquatic facility for the Worrigee, South Nowra, and East Nowra areas

b.    An overview of discussions to date with Schools Infrastructure NSW on partnership opportunities

2.    Take no further action in respect of the discussions with Worrigee Sports regarding an aquatic facility. 

3.    Consider the provision of community infrastructure for Worrigee, South Nowra and East Nowra as part of the upcoming review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CISP).

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the above recommendation.

Implications: This will result in an update to Council on the progress of investigations to date for an aquatic facility and community facility in the Worrigee, South Nowra, and East Nowra areas, and include this as an option in the review of the CISP.

2.    Adopt an alternate recommendation.

Implications: This project will require a needs analysis, community consultation and alignment with Council’s strategic documents. An alternate recommendation might not allow for an integrated and strategic approach to infrastructure and recreational facilities planning in the Shoalhaven LGA and an inequitable distribution of community infrastructure.

 

Background

At Council’s Strategy & Assets Committee meeting on 19 January 2021 a Notice of Motion (NoM) was presented to Council on the basis that:

“The Worrigee, East Nowra and South Nowra areas already have 4 schools established in the area, and the State Government is planning the construction of a fifth in the area.

The area also has a large number of young families as well as a public housing estate. The development of a modest aquatic facility in the area would add greatly to the social capital of the area”.

In response, Council resolved (MIN21.11) that:

1.    The CEO undertake site identification investigations with a view to finding the most appropriate site to construct an aquatic facility (swimming pool) in the Worrigee/South Nowra area, and report back to Council when the investigations are complete.

2.    Once a site has been identified the CEO also report to Council on a source of funding to enable project scoping and preliminary design of the proposed facility.

3.    Council give consideration to the possibility of a private-public partnership in respect of the development of the facility.

Subsequent to the above resolution, a report was presented to Council at the Strategy & Assets Committee meeting on 29 July 2021 (Attachment 1), outlining initial site investigations and options for delivery/management of the facility. It was resolved (MIN21.509):

That Council:

1.    Further investigate the opportunities for a Public Private Partnership in discussion with the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club (Worrigee Sports) and receive a further report at the conclusion of these discussions;

2.    Further investigate the need for a community centre / facility for the Worrigee, South Nowra, and East Nowra areas under the review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan and continue discussions with Schools Infrastructure NSW regarding access to Department of Education premises;

3.  Include the creation of an integrated and connected recreational plan for the Worrigee, South Nowra, and East Nowra areas under the review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan, currently being undertaken by Council.

This report provides an update to Council on MIN21. 509 Part (1), the progress of investigations of opportunities to date, an overview of discussions with Worrigee Sports and advice received from Schools Infrastructure NSW (SINSW) regarding access to Department of Education premises.

 

MIN21.509 Part (1) – Further investigate the opportunities for a Public Private Partnership in discussion with the Shoalhaven Ex-Servicemen’s Club (Worrigee Sports) and receive a further report at the conclusion of these discussions.

Public Private Partnership (PPP)

Council received the following advice in relation to the parameters and definition of a Public Private Partnership:

A Council may only enter into a PPP in accordance with the provisions in Part 6 of Chapter 12 of the LG Act (s 400E of the LG Act).

 A PPP is defined in section 400B(1) of the LG Act as:

‘…an arrangement:

(a) between a council and a private person to provide public infrastructure or facilities (being infrastructure or facilities in respect of which the council has an interest, liability or responsibility under the arrangement), and in which the public infrastructure or facilities are provided in part or in whole through private sector financing, ownership or control, but does not include any such arrangement if it is of a class that has been excluded from the operation of this Part by the regulations.’

An ‘arrangement’ includes a contract or understanding (whether or not involving the formation of an entity). The range of possible contractual arrangements which could potentially fall within this definition is immense, as has been noted by the High Court (see R & R Fazzolari Pty Ltd v Parramatta City Council; Mac's Pty Ltd v Parramatta City Council (2009) 254 ALR 1at [76]).

 ‘Private person’ is defined in s400B (2) to mean:

any person other than:

(a) the Government (including the State, the Crown and a Minister of the Crown, or

(b) a public or local authority (including a council or a State-owned corporation), or

(c) a public sector employee or other person or body acting in an official capacity on behalf of the Government or a public or local authority

Whilst ‘public infrastructure or facilities’ is not specifically defined in the LG Act, s440B(1)(a) provides that public infrastructure or facilities are those in ‘in respect of which the council has an interest, liability or responsibility under the arrangement [being the arrangement which creates or constitutes the PPP]’.

The broad terms of the above advice identifies the key requirement for a project to be eligible for a PPP. As such, there is the potential for Council to pursue a PPP.

However, Council must not enter into a PPP or carry out works under a PPP without notifying the Office of Local Government and satisfying them that the project complies with the Public Private Partnership Guidelines January 2022, and that legal advice has also been sought (see Attachment 2, pg. 9).

 

Discussions with Worrigee Sports

Four online meetings were held between September 2021 and November 2021. These meetings were attended by Council staff from City Lifestyles, City Futures and Worrigee Sports Board members. A summary of key discussion points is provided below:

·    Potential location for the proposed aquatic facility on the Worrigee Sports site

·    Aquatic facility requirements and potential site constraints

·    Traffic management and car parking requirements

·    Proposed partnership options, inclusive of conditions for a PPP

·    Options for operation and management

Worrigee Sports see a potential partnership with Council for the proposed aquatic facility as a positive idea and beneficial to the community of the Worrigee area and surrounding locality. This however would require further investigations to assess feasibility of the proposed aquatic facility, community consultation, detailed costings for design and delivery and so forth.

 

MIN21.509 Part (2) - Further investigate the need for a community centre / facility for the Worrigee, South Nowra, and East Nowra areas under the review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan and continue discussions with Schools Infrastructure NSW regarding access to Department of Education premises.

A full investigation regarding the need for a community centre / facility will be undertaken during the review of the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan

Discussion with Schools Infrastructure NSW

Council entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SINSW in 2020, with the aim to form the foundation for a cooperative relationship that works willingly to explore partnership opportunities to benefit schools and the local community. 

Bi-monthly meetings are scheduled with SINSW, Asset Activations, and Council staff in attendance.  These meetings are ongoing and provide opportunity for SINSW and Council to provide updates on relevant projects and discuss potential opportunities, such as shared facilities and upcoming openings for grant funding applications. 

Advice from SINSW had previously indicated that the site was too constrained to consider the construction of an aquatic facility.

The timeframe for the construction of the school is still to be determined. Hence, at this stage it is not possible to advise on any opportunities to co-locate either an aquatic facility or a community facility on Department of Education Land for shared school and public use outside of school hours / use.

Council staff will continue to work with SINSW to determine potential ways forward and possible sites on Department of Education land.

 

Policy Implications

Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan (CISP)

The CISP identifies that the Shoalhaven LGA is well provided for with aquatic facilities and community buildings, which meet demands now and into the future 2036. The review of the CISP to be undertaken in 2022/23 may identify changes in community needs, and gaps in provision of facilities.

 

Financial Implications

The investigations to date have been funded through the Community Planning and Projects Department staff budget.

 

Risk Implications

There is significant risk in not ensuring that this project aligns with the Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan. Council is working towards ensuring a strategic and equitable distribution of Community Infrastructure Assets across the LGA, that appropriately responds to population growth or decline, demographics and supply and demand of current infrastructure. As such it recommended that the final determination of whether the investigation for an aquatics facility in this area will be with the CISP.

 


 

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CL22.645   Draft Berry Showground Master Plan - Update to Council and Progress to Exhibition

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/158265

 

Department:       Community Planning & Projects

Approver:           Michael Paine, Manager - Community Connections 

Attachments:     1.  Draft Berry Showground Master Plan (under separate cover)

2.  Community Engagement Report - Berry Showground Master Plan (under separate cover)   

Reason for Report

This report provides an update on the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan and seeks Council’s endorsement to publicly exhibit the document.

 

Recommendation

That Council;

1.    Receive this report for information in relation to engagement activities undertaken to date to inform the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan.

2.    Approve release of the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan for public exhibition for a period of 28 days.

3.    Receive a future report outlining the outcome of community engagement activities associated with public exhibition of the draft master plan, and recommendations relating to adoption of a finalised Berry Showground Master Plan.

 

 

Options

1.    Council adopt the recommendation

Implications: This option will enable the Draft Berry Showground Master Plan to be placed on public exhibition and will give the general public an opportunity to comment on the proposed plans. This will allow the project to progress, in line with community expectation.

2.    Council adopt an alternative recommendation and provide direction to staff

Implications: Depending on the significance of the recommendation, this may affect the progression of the project, resulting in delay in finalising plans. 

 

Background

Berry Showground (or ‘Hazel Berry Park’) occupies a strategically important location within the village of Berry; between the village’s main street and its railway station. It has been the venue for local agricultural shows since 1888 and is highly valued by the local community, as a cultural and social asset that is enjoyed both by the residents of Berry and visitors from beyond the village.

The Berry Showground is located on Alexandra Street, Berry. The Showground is a mixture of Council owned Community Land and Crown Land, for which Shoalhaven City Council is Trust Manager. 

David Berry Memorial Park adjoins the Showground’s south-east. David Berry Memorial Park is a Council owned landscaped area separate from the main Showground space and is used mainly for passive leisure activities. Both areas are included in the Draft Master Plan.

QUEEN STREET

 

Figure 1: Context Plan, showing extents of subject site in relation to the township of Berry

 

The Showground is located approximately 250m to 500m from the main business hub of Berry (Queen Street), making it a popular destination for a range of community activities, including: events; markets; sports; along with a highly successful camping ground / caravan park.

The Showground is comprised of the following distinct spaces (areas):

·    Oval (or arena, or show ring) and ring road, along with the grandstand and adjacent toilets/changerooms;

·    Pavilion (‘Agricultural Pavilion’), Rural Youth Hall and nearby toilets in the north-west corner;

·    Berry Village Pool, a separate area on Albany Street fenced from the remainder of the Showground;

·    Northern grass (and road) open area;

·    Playground area, rotunda, and nearby toilets in the north-east corner;

·    Former Council Chambers building and Alexandra Street entrance;

·    Campground area, and horse stables, in the south;

·    Woodchop arena and surrounding facilities/buildings in the south-east;

·    Livestock yards of the site’s south-west corner; and

·    Cattle lawn (animal judging area) and nearby animal shelters/pavilions west of the campground.

 

Draft Berry Showground Master Plan

The Draft Berry Showground Master Plan outlines a general, coordinated approach to the planning, development and implementation of infrastructure and landscaping improvements at Berry Showground.

The Master Plan is informed by extensive internal coordination between Council staff and external consultation with the Berry community. This integrated approach considers the needs of all regular user groups, as well as the wider community and tourists that visit the area. It is anticipated that the needs of all user groups will be met and, subsequently, well managed through implementation of the master plan.

Once finalised, the master plan will identify future infrastructure and amenity upgrades to the Berry Showground that:

·    Recognise and enhance its landscape and built character and appeal to the broader community;

·    Protect heritage values and other significant assets;

·    Accommodate a range of uses on the site;

·    Improve site management and asset management outcomes;

The Draft Berry Showground Master Plan identifies a range of discrete projects for future consideration by the elected Council, Council staff, and the Berry Showground Management Committee. Discrete projects are presented as ‘Design Notes’ throughout the Master Plan report, as they relate to each of the following themes:

·    Landscaping

·    Heritage

·    Circulation

·    Proposed Use

Design Notes are listed in the relevant chapters and are also published on the corresponding plans (provided as Appendix 1 within Attachment 1).

A Precinct Identification Plan identifies the following precincts (ref. p. 16, Attachment 1):

·    Precinct 1 (Agricultural Market)

·    Precinct 2 (Camping)

·    Precinct 3 (Sporting / Market)

·    Precinct 4 (Village Pool)

The Draft Berry Showground Master Plan can be viewed in Attachment 1.

 

Community Engagement

Engagement for this project was coordinated and led by Gondwana Consulting, supported by Council staff and the Berry Showground Management Committee. Engagement activities undertaken to date include:

FORMAT

DATE

DESCRIPTION

Workshop

 

11 March 2020

An initial Workshop was held between Council staff and the Berry Showground Management Committee. 

Survey

 

September 2020

A community survey was made available to Berry residents, and promoted via Council’s online channels, as well as via networks of relevant stakeholders.

The survey was made available via Council’s Get Involved page and in hard copy. The survey received over 100 submissions.  

Drop-in Sessions

17 and 21 September 2020

Two drop-in sessions were held to provide information to the community and an additional forum for the general public to provide feedback.


 

FORMAT

DATE

DESCRIPTION

Stakeholder Focus Group Meetings

 

Tuesday 20 October 2020 (5.30pm to 7.00pm)

Berry Showground user groups and event coordinators gathered to discuss the use of the site and potential direction in the future. Representatives included:

·      Rotary Club of Berry

·      Showground Management Committee

·      Historical Car Show

·      Elite Energy

·      Berry Sunday Markets, Management Committee

·      Berry Spinners and Weavers

·      Caravan Society

·      Show Society, Management Committee

Main themes arising from this meeting included:

·      Tree regeneration

·      Parking and drainage

·      Inclusion and accessibility within the Showground

 

Wednesday 21 October 2020 (5.30pm to 7.00pm)

 

Representatives included:

·      Fairgrounds Festival

·      Berry Silver Band

·      Berry Shoalhaven Magpies Rugby Club

·      Big Country Festival

·      Southern Tablelands Holstein Dairy Cow Judging

·      Showgrounds Caretaker

·      Show Society, Management Committee

Main themes arising from this meeting included:

·      Upgrades to plumbing and electrical infrastructure

·      Field (main arena surface) upgrades

·      Accessibility concerns

·      Parking and drainage

·      Protect heritage

 


 

A list of Focus Group invitees and participants is provided in Table 1 below

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Table 1. Stakeholder Focus Groups Participants

A Community Engagement Report is provided as Attachment 2.

 

Next Steps

Exhibition

Pending Council’s approval to proceed, the DRAFT Berry Showground Master Plan will be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. It is anticipated this will occur in the first quarter of 2023 (February / March). Risk associated with the delay between receiving the elected Council’s endorsement to proceed to exhibition and the proposed exhibition period is considered negligible for this project.

Feedback received will be reviewed, collated, and considered by the Project Team and Project Control Group and presented to the elected Council for deliberation at a future Ordinary Council Meeting.

 

 

Final Plan

Once adopted, the Berry Showground Master Plan will be utilised to inform future site management, capital works funding allocations, and grant applications.

 

Financial Implications

The preparation of the Berry Showground Master Plan (and associated Plan of Management) will continue to be resourced from existing operational budgets (City Lifestyles directorate). 

An amount of $30,000 was provided by the Berry Showground Management Committee towards the development of the Berry Showground Plan of Management and the Berry Showground Draft Master Plan.

Future funding applications will be forthcoming (through Council’s 10 Year Capital Works Program) for the delivery of discrete projects identified in the Berry Showground Master Plan. Grant funding opportunities may be explored to allow for the delivery of some (or all) of these works.

 

Policy Implications

The Draft Berry Showground Master Plan has been developed in accordance with:

·    Shoalhaven City Council’s Community Infrastructure Strategic Plan 2017 – 2036

·    The Berry Forum’s Berry Community Strategic Plan (2016)

 


 

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CL22.646   Policy - Private Functions on Public Reserves

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/471730

 

Department:       Community Planning & Projects

Approver:           Jane Lewis, Director - City Lifestyles 

Attachments:     1.  Private Functions on Public Reserves Policy (under separate cover)   

Reason for Report

The Private Functions on Public Reserves Policy is presented for adoption. Council Policy requires that all Council public policies should be reviewed within 12 months of an election of a new Council.

 

Recommendation

That Council re-adopt the Private Functions on Public Reserve Policy.

 

 

Options

1.    Adopt the recommendation

Implications:

·    Updated Policies will be adopted within the 12-month timeframe of a newly elected Council

·    This policy will remain applicable in its current format.

 

2.    Not adopt the recommendation

Implications:

·    Council can request further details, seek further community input, or make other changes

·    This may delay or impact Council’s ability to meet the requirement for review of policies within twelve (12) months of the election of a new Council

·    This may result in loss of provision and controls for the relevant Policy.

 

Background

All Council policies should be reviewed within twelve (12) months of the election of a new Council.

The Private Functions on Public Reserves Policy objectives are to:

a)   Facilitate and manage private functions held on public reserves

b)   Ensure private functions are carried out without unduly impacting on normal use of public reserves and the amenity of neighbours

c)   Provide terms and conditions appropriate to the location and size of the private function being held on public reserves.

The Private Functions on Public Reserves policy was first adopted on 22 July 2003.

Since adoption in 2003, the Policy has been regularly updated and revised to ensure it remains current and meets the needs of Council and the community.

This Policy has been working well and is being presented at this stage with no changes recommended. It is intended to continue monitoring requests for private events on public reserves, collaborate and consult with staff members in different Departments of Council to identify if future changes need to be made.  Any future changes will be presented to Council as required.

 

Community Engagement

There are minor changes to the format and no changes to the content of the Policy, hence there is no requirement to place on public exhibition.

 

Policy Implications

There is a requirement that all Council policies should be reviewed within twelve (12) months of the election of a new Council.

Reaffirmation of the above policy will ensure it remains applicable as a Council policy.

 

Financial Implications

There are no additional financial implications resulting from reaffirming the above policy.

 

 


 

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CL22.647   Acquisition of Easement for Water Supply - Lot 28 DP 1282389 Taylors Lane Cambewarra

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/443855

 

Department:       Water Asset Planning & Development

Approver:           Robert Horner, Executive Manager Shoalhaven Water 

Attachments:     1.  Easement for Water Supply - Survey Plan   

Reason for Report

This report provides Council with an opportunity to consider the acquisition of an Easement for Water Supply 5 metres wide over Lot 28 DP 1282389 Taylors Lane Cambewarra from Cambewarra Ventures Pty Ltd.

The easement is marked (W1) and outlined blue on the attached survey plan.  

 

Recommendation

That Council:

1.    Acquires an Easement for Water Supply 5 metres wide over Lot 28 DP 1282389 Taylors Lane Cambewarra identified as “W1” in the attached survey plan;

2.    Pays compensation of $2,000 (plus GST if applicable) and reasonable costs associated with the acquisition, in accordance with the provisions of the Land Acquisition (Just Terms Compensation) Act 1993;

3.    Funds all costs associated with the acquisition of the water easement from the Water Fund;

4.    Delegates authority to the Chief Executive Officer (Executive Manager, Shoalhaven Water) to make minor adjustments to the purchase price, if necessary, in accordance with the settlement figure determined by Council’s solicitor;

5.    Authorises the Chief Executive Officer (Executive Manager, Shoalhaven Water) to sign any 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: The easement is required for infrastructure servicing the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area. It will provide Council with legal rights to access, operation & maintenance of the infrastructure.

 

2.    Not resolve as recommended and provide further directions to staff.

Implications: Failure to acquire the easement will lead to a delay in the delivery of the required infrastructure for the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area.

 

Background

The easement is required to facilitate construction and future operation & maintenance of a water main to service the residential subdivisions within the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Areas.

A valuation report undertaken on behalf of Council by Walsh & Monaghan assessed compensation for the water easement on Lot 28 DP 1282389 at $2,000 (plus GST if applicable).

An offer of $2,000 (plus GST if applicable) was made to the landowners’ representative and was agreed by both parties subject to Council Resolution.

 

Community Engagement

Community engagement is not required for operational purposes such as an easement acquisition.

 

Policy Implications

Nil.

 

Financial Implications

Compensation and all costs associated with the acquisition are to be funded from Council’s Water Fund.

 

Risk Implications

Acquisition of the easement is necessary to secure Shoalhaven Water’s legal rights for access, operation and maintenance of essential public infrastructure. The proposed action is administrative only and has no environmental impact.

Failure to acquire the easement identified for water supply may lead to a delay in the delivery of required infrastructure as part of the Moss Vale Road URA.

 


 

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CL22.648   Tenders - Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area Water Infrastructure Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station and Stage 2 Water Mains Construction Project

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/492832

 

Department:       Water Asset Planning & Development

Approver:           Robert Horner, Executive Manager Shoalhaven Water  

Reason for Report

To inform Council of the tender process for the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area Water Infrastructure Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station and Stage 2 Water Mains Construction project.

In accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, some information should remain confidential as it would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as it may reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests. This information will be considered under a separate confidential report.

 

Recommendation

That Council consider a separate confidential report in accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

 

Options

1.    Accept the recommendation

Implications: Consider a separated confidential report on the matter.

 

2.    Council make a different resolution

Implications: This is not recommended as an extensive evaluation process has been undertaken by the tender evaluation team in accordance with the tender evaluation plan.

 

Details

Project Description

The works are identified as part of the water servicing strategy for the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area Project; with proposed delivery to be executed as 4 distinct packages as detailed below and further within enclosed figure:

·     Package 1: Stage 1 Water Main Lead-in Work (completed 2021).

·     Package 2: Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station Upgrade (subject of this report as Separable Portion A).

·     Package 3: Stage 2 Water Mains Infrastructure (subject of this report as Separable Portion B).

·     Package 4: New Water Reservoir (awarded under separate contract August 2022).

 

Package 2: Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station Upgrade (Separable Portion A)

As part of the Moss Vale Road URA development, a full upgrade of the existing Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station has been identified as necessary to service the proposed development area. The upgrade is proposed at the existing Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station site and entails the construction of the upgraded facility as per the previously procured detailed design.

Package 3: Stage 2 Water Mains Infrastructure

As part of the Moss Vale Road URA development and the subsequent water infrastructure, the construction of a new and upgrades water mains are required to service such expansion. The proposed stage 2 water mains infrastructure works entails the construction of the pipework as per the previously procured detailed design.

 

Tendering

Council called tenders for the Moss Vale Road Urban Release Area Water Infrastructure Illaroo Road Water Pumping Station and Stage 2 Water Mains Construction project on 20 September 2022 which closed at 10:00 am on 11 November 2022. Six tenders were received at the time of closing. Tenders were received from the following:

Tenderer

Location

Utilstra Pty Ltd

1 Geelong St, Fyshwick ACT 2604

Hisway Pty Ltd

13A Investigator Street, Nowra 2541

Killard Infrastructure Pty Ltd

Suite F.6./72 Berry Street, Nowra, NSW 2541

Quay Civil Pty Ltd

Suite 5.12, 32 Delhi Rd, North Ryde NSW 2113

Ledonne Construction Pty Ltd

43 Planthurst Rd, Carlton NSW 2218

RA Smith Contracting Pty Ltd

3 Cunningham Street MOOREBANK NSW 2170

 

Details relating the evaluation of the tenders are contained in the confidential report.

 

Community Engagement:

Community and stakeholder engagement prior to and during construction is proposed.  A dedicated project webpage has been established under Council’s ‘Major Projects & Works’ Portal.

 

Policy Implications

Nil. The tender process has followed the requirements under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

Financial Implications:

Sufficient funds have been allocated in the Moss Vale Road Water Infrastructure Project budget for 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.  Funding is available to cover the tender amount including other project costs.

 


 

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CL22.649   Tenders - Danjera Dam Camping Ground and Recreational Area Construction

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/429519

 

Department:       Water Asset Planning & Development

Approver:           Robert Horner, Executive Manager Shoalhaven Water  

Reason for Report

To inform Council of the tender process for the Danjera Dam Camping ground and Recreational Area Construction project.

In accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, some information should remain confidential as it would, if disclosed, prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it. It is not in the public interest to disclose this information as it may reveal commercial-in-confidence provisions of a contract, diminish the competitive commercial value of any information to any person and/or prejudice any person’s legitimate business, commercial, professional or financial interests. This information will be considered under a separate confidential report.

 

Recommendation

That Council consider a separate confidential report in accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

 

Options

1.    Accept the recommendation

Implications: Consider a separate confidential report on the matter.

 

2.    Council does not resolve to consider a separate Confidential Report.

Implications: The tender for the project will remain unresolved and a reputational risk will ensue.

 

Details

Project Description

The project site at Yalwal, when viewed from a broader geographic perspective, adjoins the

eastern side of Danjera Dam some 30km west of Nowra.  Large areas of Crown Land adjoin the subject property to the south and south-west, whilst the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) adjoins to the north and west; private land adjoins to the east. 

The proposed main development site has been used for informal camping and a day use/picnic area since the dam was constructed by Council in 1971. The locality is unique in that it offers tourism and recreation activities, with multiple attractions to visitors including: 

•     Water-based activities such as fishing and non-powered boating / kayaking;  

•     Bushwalking and viewing other land based natural attractions (gorges etc.);

•     Historical relics including mines, cemetery and associated items; and

•     Motor-cycle and four-wheel drive touring.

 

The Danjera Dam Camping Ground and Day Visitors Area was given Development Approval (DA19/2186) by Shoalhaven City Council (SCC) on 10 February 2021. This consent was subsequently modified via a s4.55 application which was approved on 3 March 2022.

The main components of the project include:

•     Formalisation of the existing campground to provide 41 designated camping spaces;

•     Provision of a one-way perimeter road approximately 4m wide;

•     Construction of a multipurpose building to contain the following key features:

Refuge/recreational area to house approximately 160 people in an emergency;

Caretakers lodging which will include an office, kitchen, amenities and sleeping quarters; and

New amenities and showers (noting that the existing primative amenities facility is to be demolished);

•     Construction of an onsite wastewater management system in accordance with the specifications provided in the Onsite Sewage Management Plan (Whitehead & Associates 2019);

•     Upgrades to the garbage collection area, incorporating firewood storage;

•     Establishment of a centralised green area to be planted with fire resistant trees to provide shade in the open campsite area; and

•     Installation of picnic shelters and walking paths.

 

 

Tendering

Council called tenders for the Danjera Dam Camping Ground and Recreational Area Construction project on 11 October 2022 which closed at 10:00am on 17 November 2022.

One (1) tender was received at the time of closing, as detailed below:

 

 

Tenderer

Location

Jirgens Civil Pty Ltd

38 Trim Street, South Nowra NSW 2541

 

Details relating the evaluation of the tenders are contained in the Confidential Report.

 

Community Engagement:

Community and stakeholder engagement prior to and during construction is proposed.  A dedicated project webpage will be established under Council’s ‘Major Projects & Works’ Portal.

 

Policy Implications

Nil. The tender process has followed the requirements under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993.

 

Financial Implications:

Budget has been allocated in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 financial years.  Financial implications are discussed in the Confidential Report.

 


 

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CL22.650   Notice of Motion - Hyams Beach Fire Shed

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/498161

 

Submitted by:    Clr Patricia White 

Attachments:     1.  NSW Land Grants to Hyams Beach Progress Association   

Purpose / Summary

The following Notice of Motion, of which due notice has been given, is submitted for Council’s consideration.

 

Recommendation

That Council:

1.    Hold a meeting with Hyams Beach CCB (Caretaker Committee), HBVA working committee and available Councillors to discuss status and options for the Community Hall/Fire Shed at Hyams Beach.

2.    A further report be provided to Council on status and options.

 

 

Background

Representations have been received from residents in relation to the Fire Shed/Community Hall.

The community continues to be disappointed and frustrated in its efforts to resolve the status of this hall and to regain a community facility.  A small working group of the HBVA has been working on the issue over the last 12 months and has concluded after discussion with Council and relevant State Government Ministers that there are options available to progress this matter. Attached is information on the original land grant. Further discussions are required on this matter.

I seek support from all Councillors in resolving this matter.

 

 


 

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CL22.651   Notice of Motion - Sussex Inlet Road Completion of Footpath to Marine Rescue

 

HPERM Ref:       D22/498189

 

Submitted by:    Clr Patricia White   

Purpose / Summary

The following Notice of Motion, of which due notice has been given, is submitted for Council’s consideration.

 

Recommendation

That Council complete the missing link of footpath on Sussex Inlet Road through the Council reserve (from Inasmuch Villages to Marine Rescue building) in a timely manner.

 

 

Background

Council recently completed a new footpath and drainage at the end of Sussex Inlet Road near Inasmuch. However, Council did not provide the footpath through the Council reserve to the shop and café, some 30 metres.

Residents including elderly from Inasmuch (in wheelchairs) still have to enter the road for the last 30 metres to go to the local shop and café. This is a busy road with entry to two tourist parks, the local boat ramp, carpark and marine rescue.

Representations have been received from the Sussex Forum, local residents and Inasmuch, the local Aged Care facility, to complete the footpath.

CEO Note:

Staff have prepared a proposal to provide a shared user path approximately 76m through the “William Mulligan” reserve to the Seacrest Café - No.30 Sussex Road as per the sketch below;

 

This has been estimated to cost $30,000 with the intention of inclusion in Councils DRAFT 2023/24 capital works program for Council’s consideration during the budget deliberations. Extending this to the Marine Rescue would be considered a minor variation, and the proposal will be amended in the DRAFT program to define the project as ending at the Marine Rescue.

 

 

 


 

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Local Government act 1993

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.