Agenda of Ordinary Meeting - 12 February 2007

UNCONFIRMED MINUTES

OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

ON MONDAY 11 DECEMBER 2006 AT 7:09PM

NATIONAL ANTHEM

The meeting opened with the National Anthem.

STATEMENT OF RECOGNITION

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Pat Sheehy AM read a statement of recognition of Penrith City’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Heritage.

PRAYER

The Council Prayer was read by the Rev Neil Checkley.

PRESENT

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury, Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Greg Davies, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler, Jackie Greenow, Susan Page, Garry Rumble, Steve Simat (arrived at 7:49 pm) and John Thain.

APOLOGIES

1234 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Kaylene Allison that an apology be accepted for Councillor Steve Simat.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Karen McKeown for the period 9 December 2006 to 18 December 2006 inclusive.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Ordinary Meeting - 4 December 2006

1235 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Susan Page that the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 4 December 2006 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Lexie Cettolin declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6 – Decision Making Arrangements During the Council Recess, as she is the applicant referred to in the report. Councillor Cettolin announced that she would vacate the Chamber during consideration of this matter and would not take part in the debate and voting.

Councillor Ross Fowler declared a pecuniary interest in Item 1 - St Marys Release Area - Adoption of draft Dunheved Precinct Plan and endorsement of St Marys Penrith Planning Agreement for the South Dunheved Precinct. Applicant: Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd. Owner: St Marys Land Limited, as he is either a Director of, or auditor to, or accountant for clients who own properties in the area. Councillor Fowler announced that he would vacate the Chamber during consideration of this matter and would not take part in the debate and voting.

Councillor Ross Fowler declared a pecuniary interest in Committee of the Whole Item 3 - Commercial Matter - Council Property - Dunheved Circuit & Christie Street within the Dunheved Precinct, as he is either a Director of, or auditor to, or accountant for clients who own properties in the area. Councillor Fowler announced that he would vacate the Chamber during consideration of this matter and would not take part in the debate and voting.

Councillor David Bradbury declared a pecuniary interest in Committee of the Whole Item 2 - Commercial Matter - North Penrith Urban Area, as he is an employed Solicitor at the law firm, Blake Dawson Waldron, who are the legal advisors acting for the Commonwealth in this matter. Councillor Bradbury announced that he would vacate the Chamber during consideration of the matter and would not take part in the debate and voting.

Councillor Steve Simat declared a pecuniary interest in Committee of the Whole Item 3 - Commercial Matter - Council Property - Dunheved Circuit & Christie Street within the Dunheved Precinct, as his employer has provided consulting services to the applicant, Delfin Lend Lease. Councillor Simat announced that he would vacate the Chamber during consideration of this matter and would not take part in the debate and voting.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

1236 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor John Thain that Standing Orders be suspended to allow members of the public to address the meeting, the time being 7:14 pm.

Mr Ken Gates

Item 2 – Lease of Arthur Neave Tennis Complex

Speaking AGAINST the Recommendation

Mr Gates was speaking on behalf of Ken Gates Tennis Coaching Academy, and was opposing the recommendation to lease the tennis complex to Indeep International Tennis and Fitness Pty Ltd.

Mr Gates tabled a petition from parents who wished their children to continue to be coached by him at the complex. He also stated his track record of coaching Penrith residents over the last 21 years.

Mr Gates additionally offered, as a sign of goodwill, to pay the first year’s rent for the tennis complex to Council, in advance.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

1237 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Ross Fowler that Standing Orders be resumed, the time being 7:27 pm.

Mayoral Minutes

1 Penrith City Library recognised in Marketing Awards

1238 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow

That:

1. The Mayoral Minute on Penrith City Library recognised in Marketing Awards be received.

2. All staff involved in the Harry Potter Extravaganza Party be congratulated on their success in the 2006 Marketing Awards for Public Libraries.

Reports of Committees

1 Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 4 December, 2006

1239 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Susan Page that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 4 December, 2006 be adopted, subject to the following amendment being made to the recommendation at Item 5 – Jack Williams Drive, Penrith – Parking Restrictions:

LTC 156 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Jack Williams Drive, Penrith - Parking Restrictions be received.

2. A further report be brought to Council on parking in Jack Williams Drive, Penrith and the development consent conditions applicable.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

Having previously declared a pecuniary interest in Item 1, Councillor Ross Fowler left the meeting, the time being 7:34 pm.

1 St Marys Release Area - Adoption of draft Dunheved Precinct Plan and endorsement of St Marys Penrith Planning Agreement for the South Dunheved Precinct. Applicant: Maryland Development Company Pty Ltd. Owner: St Marys Land Limited

1240 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM seconded Councillor Susan Page

That:

1. The information contained in the report on St Marys Release Area - Adoption of draft Dunheved Precinct Plan and endorsement of St Marys Penrith Planning Agreement for the South Dunheved Precinct be received.

2. Council adopt the Dunheved Precinct Plan submitted by Lend Lease, with the amendments agreed to by the proponents outlined in the report.

3. The St Marys Penrith Planning Agreement for the South Dunheved Precinct including the proposed works schedules be endorsed.

4. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Penrith be affixed to the St Marys Penrith Planning Agreement.

5. Council write to the Ministry of Transport to confirm the appropriate approach and timing for the delivery of bus services in the Dunheved Precinct and the Dunheved Business Park.

6. Council provide written responses to all public authorities or persons who made submissions to the public exhibition for the draft Dunheved Precinct Plan.

7. Blacktown City Council be advised of Council’s decision and that joint arrangements be put in place to ensure the orderly and timely development of the two Precincts.

8. Lend Lease be advised of Council’s decision.

Councillor Ross Fowler returned to the meeting, the time being 7:36 pm.

Councillor Steve Simat arrived at the meeting, the time being 7:49 pm.

2 Lease of Arthur Neave Tennis Complex

1241 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garry Rumble seconded Councillor Lexie Cettolin

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Lease of Arthur Neave Tennis Complex be received.

2. A further report be presented to Council, detailing the availability and utilisation of all other Council tennis courts, to see if the two applicants for the use of this complex can both be adequately catered for.

3 Penrith Whitewater Stadium Ltd - Board of Directors

1242 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Penrith Whitewater Stadium Ltd - Board of Directors be received.

2. Council endorse the appointment of Mr George Dodds as a Director on the Board of Penrith Whitewater Stadium Ltd.

3. The Mayor write a letter of appreciation to Mr Conrad Ozog, thanking him for his service to the Board of Penrith Whitewater Stadium Ltd.

The City In Its Environment

4 Floodplain Management Program 2006/2007 - Grant Offer

1243 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Floodplain Management Program 2006/2007 - Grant Offer be received.

2. The State Assisted Floodplain Management Grant offer of $50,000 from the Minister for Natural Resources for the Floodplain Management Program be accepted.

3. The Minister be thanked for the grant offer.

5 Claremont Meadows Drainage Works in Kind Agreement: Developer - UPL (No. 9) Pty Ltd

1244 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Claremont Meadows Drainage Works in Kind Agreement: Developer - UPL (No. 9) Pty Ltd be received.

2. Council enter into a Works in Kind Agreement with UPL (No. 9) for the drainage basin construction as outlined in this report.

9 Update on the implementation of the Wallacia and Mulgoa Sewerage Scheme

1245 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Update on the implementation of the Wallacia and Mulgoa Sewerage Scheme be received.

2. Interest free loans be made available upon application to the owners of flood affected properties in Wallacia to a maximum value of $4,000 to assist with costs associated with connection to the sewerage scheme.

3. Council make further representations to the Minister responsible for Sydney Water, with a view to having charges waived for those residents who are recycling water via conversion of septic tanks for rainwater collection.

Leadership and Organisation

Having previously declared a pecuniary interest in Item 6, Councillor Lexie Cettolin left the meeting, the time being 7:58 pm.

Councillor Greg Davies left the meeting, the time being 8:00 pm.

6 Decision Making Arrangements During the Council Recess

1246 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jim Aitken OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Decision Making Arrangements During the Council Recess be received.

2. The General Manager, in consultation with the Mayor, be delegated authority to determine Development Application No. 06/1766.

7 Summary of Investments & Banking for the period of 31 October 2006 to 27 November 2006

1247 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jim Aitken OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Summary of Investments & Banking for the period of 31 October 2006 to 27 November 2006 be received.

2. The Certificate of the Responsible Accounting Officer and Summaries of Investments and Performance for the period 31 October 2006 to 27 November 2006 be noted and accepted.

3. The graphical investment analysis as at 27 November 2006 be noted.

Councillor Lexie Cettolin returned to the meeting, the time being 8:02 pm.

8 2006 National General Assembly of Local Government

1248 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Susan Page

That:

1. The information contained in the report on 2006 National General Assembly of Local Government be received.

2. Councillors contact the Public Officer, by the end of February 2007, to express their interest in attending the 2007 National General Assembly of Local Government.

3. Leave of Absence be granted to all Councillors attending the 2007 National General Assembly of Local Government to be held in Darwin from 26-29 November 2007.

Councillor Greg Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 8:03 pm.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

QWN 1 Weed Harvesting Management - Nepean River

Councillor Mark Davies requested that Council write a letter to the State Government, seeking emergency funding for weed harvesting management of the Nepean River.

1249 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the matter be brought forward and dealt with as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

1250 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that Council write a letter to the State Government, seeking emergency funding for weed harvesting management of the Nepean River.

QWN 2 Proposed Waste Management Facility - Emu Plains

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a memo reply addressing the concerns of residents in Railway Street, Emu Plains, as to the close proximity of the proposed waste management facility for this area.

QWN 3 Magnetic Fields emanating from Telephone Towers

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a report to Council on the upgrading of telephone towers, and the possibility that they may produce higher levels of magnetic fields, which may constitute a health hazard. The report to include advice as to whether, under present conditions, the telecommunications companies will need to lodge new development applications, and detailing any information available on the present danger of these magnetic fields.

QWN 4 Connection of Sewer to Properties in Wallacia

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a report to Council detailing the cost of providing a levee bank to the 49 properties affected in the 1:100 year flood event area, the report to include estimates of costs as well as preliminary mapping of the height and length of a levee bank.

QWN 5 Wallacia Progress Association - Connection to Sewer

Councillor Ross Fowler requested that an amount of $2,500 be provided from South Ward voted works to fund connection of the Wallacia Progress Association’s premises to the sewerage system.

1251 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM that the matter be brought forward and dealt with as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

1252 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM that an amount of $2,500 be provided from South Ward voted works to fund connection of the Wallacia Progress Association’s premises to the sewerage system.

QWN 6 State Significant Developments

Councillor Ross Fowler requested a report to Council detailing Council’s policy on reporting State Significant Developments to Council.

QWN 7 Lachlan Shire - Depression Forum

Councillor John Thain requested that the Mayor write a letter of congratulations to Lachlan Shire, for the Forum on Depression held recently in Lachlan Shire, which was attended by the Mayor, Pat Sheehy AM, and Councillor Thain.

QWN 8 Brookfield Avenue, Werrington Downs

Councillor John Thain requested a memo reply as to when the Brookfield Avenue, Werrington Downs matter will be reported to Council.

QWN 9 Provision of Footpaving at Glenrowan Way, St Clair

Councillor David Bradbury requested that an amount of $3,850 be provided from East Ward voted works to provide footpaving at Glenrowan Way, St Clair on the north side, from Bennett Road to Barossa Close, including a new pram ramp at the intersection of Glenrowan Way and Barossa Close.

1253 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor David Bradbury seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the matter be brought forward and dealt with as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

1254 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor David Bradbury seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that an amount of $3,850 be provided from East Ward voted works to provide footpaving at Glenrowan Way, St Clair on the north side, from Bennett Road to Barossa Close, including a new pram ramp at the intersection of Glenrowan Way and Barossa Close.

QWN 10 Carols by Candlelight

Councillor David Bradbury requested that the Mayor write to the Rotary Club, congratulating them on hosting the Carols by Candlelight event, recently held at Tench Reserve on the Nepean River and at which Councillor Bradbury represented the Mayor.

Councillor John Thain left the meeting, the time being 8:16 pm.

Councillor Greg Davies left the meeting at 8:16 pm and did not return.

Councillor John Thain returned to the meeting, the time being 8:17 pm.

Committee of the Whole

1255 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the meeting adjourn to the Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matters, the time being 8:18 pm

1 Presence of the Public

CW1 RESOLVED on the motion of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the press and public be excluded from Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matters:

City in its Broader Context

2 Commercial Matter - North Penrith Urban Area

This item has been referred to Committee of the Whole as the report refers to commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed (i) prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it; or (ii) confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the Council; or (iii) reveal a trade secret and discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to the public interest.

City as an Economy

3 Commercial Matter - Council Property - Dunheved Circuit & Christie Street within the Dunheved Precinct

This item has been referred to Committee of the Whole as the report refers to information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the Council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business and discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to the public interest.

Leadership and Organisation

4 Commercial Matter - Council property, temporary License Agreement over the former Cranebrook Hardware Store at 52-54 Laycock Street Cranebrook to the Christian Outreach Centre.

Leadership and Organisation

5 Personnel Matter - Industrial Relations Matters

This item has been referred to Committee of the Whole as the report refers to personnel matters concerning staff and discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to the public interest.

The meeting resumed at 8:36 pm and the General Manager reported that the Committee of the Whole met at 8:18 pm on 11 December 2006, the following being present

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury, Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler, Jackie Greenow, Susan Page, Garry Rumble, Steve Simat, and John Thain

and the Committee of the Whole excluded the press and public from the meeting for the reasons set out in CW1 and that the Committee of the Whole submitted the following recommendations to Council.

CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS

Having previously declared an interest in Committee of the Whole Item 2, Councillor David Bradbury left the meeting, the time being 8:18 pm.

2 Commercial Matter - North Penrith Urban Area

RECOMMENDED on the MOTION of Councillor Thain seconded Councillor Garry Rumble

CW2 That the information contained in the report on Commercial Matter - North Penrith Urban Area be received.

Having previously declared an interest in Committee of the Whole Item 3, Councillors Ross Fowler and Steve Simat left the meeting, the time being 8:19 pm.

Councillor David Bradbury returned to the meeting, the time being 8:19 pm.

3 Commercial Matter - Council Property - Dunheved Circuit & Christie Street within the Dunheved Precinct

RECOMMENDED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri seconded Councillor Kaylene Allison

CW3 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Commercial Matter - Council Property - Dunheved Circuit & Christie Street within the Dunheved Precinct be received.

2. Council agree to the “Heads of Agreement” being entered into with Delfin Lend Lease in accordance with the term and conditions outlined in the report.

3. A further report to be presented to Council on the progress with this project.

Councillors Ross Fowler and Steve Simat returned to the meeting, the time being 8:20 pm.

4 Commercial Matter - Council property, temporary License Agreement over the former Cranebrook Hardware Store at 52-54 Laycock Street Cranebrook to the Christian Outreach Centre.

RECOMMENDED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri seconded Councillor Steve Simat

CW4 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Commercial Matter - Council property, temporary License Agreement over the former Cranebrook Hardware Store at 52-54 Laycock Street Cranebrook to the Christian Outreach Centre be received.

2. Council grant a short-term License Agreement to Christian Outreach Centre as per the terms and conditions outlined in the report.

Councillor Kevin Crameri left the meeting, the time being 8:27 pm.

5 Personnel Matter - Industrial Relations Matters

RECOMMENDED on the MOTION of Councillor David Bradbury seconded Councillor Susan Page

CW5 That the information contained in the report on Personnel Matter - Industrial Relations Matters be received.

Councillor Kevin Crameri returned to the meeting, the time being 8:29 pm.

ADOPTION OF Committee of the Whole

1256 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Ross Fowler the recommendation contained in the Committee of the Whole and shown as CW1, CW2, CW3, CW4 and CW5 be adopted.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 8:38 pm.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Disability Access Committee MEETING

HELD ON 6 December, 2006

PRESENT

Councillor Jackie Greenow (Chair), Councillor Lexie Cettolin, David Currie, Maeve Dunnett, Jill Huber, Allison Herbert.

IN ATTENDANCE

Hans Meijer, Asset Systems Manager; Joe Ibbitson, Community Program Co-ordinator; Vanessa Muscat, Environmental Health and Building Surveyor; Erich Weller, Community Development Manager; Steve Barratt, Building Approval Unit Co-ordinator.

APOLOGIES

DAC 23 RECOMMENDED that apologies be accepted from Councillor John Thain, Athena Kandris, Ben Felten, Tricia Hitchen, Graham Howe.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Disability Access Committee Meeting - 2 August 2006

DAC 24 RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the Disability Access Committee Meeting of 2 August 2006 be confirmed.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES

1 Provision of TGSIs at Railway Stations

Jill Huber requested an update on the provision of TGSIs at railways stations.

Erich Weller replied that Council had sent correspondence to State Rail. Joe Ibbitson summarised the letter which was sent and said there had been no official response from State Rail.

Erich Weller advised he would discuss this matter with the Asset Manager and if a response is not received soon request that the General Manager raise it with local State Members.

2 Development of a Centre for Universal Design at the University of Western Sydney

David Currie asked if the study on the Centre of Excellence for Universal Design is moving forward.

Erich Weller replied that Council has made a commitment to a contribution of matching funds towards a feasibility study. The University had applied to the National Grants Program for $25,000 and this was successful. These funds will enable the study to occur.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

1 From Tolerance to Respect: Cultural Competence in Practice - An International Conference

RECOMMENDATION

DAC 25 RECOMMENDED that the information contained in the report on From Tolerance to Respect: Cultural Competence in Practice - An International Conference be received.

2 Access to Information

Joe Ibbitson informed the meeting about progress in providing access to information for people with a disability through Council’s website and development of a protocol on alternate formats.

Erich Weller advised that this is a particularly appropriate time because there will be an upgrade of the software that drives the website. The new software will have greater capacity to do more things and may use international symbols that are recognised around the world.

RECOMMENDATION

DAC 26 RECOMMENDED that:

1. The information contained in the report on Access to Information be received.

2. Council officers prepare a discussion paper on the development and implementation of a Council protocol on alternate formats.

3. The proposed City Access webpages be developed as a model of web accessibility on Council’s website.

3 Disability Action Plan - Third Year Progress Report (2005-06)

Joe Ibbitson advised that Ben Felten undertook most of the preparation of this report. Council has now prepared three status reports on the implementation of the Disability Action Plan and has now come to the end of the three year period of the Plan.

In the final year of the Plan 77 of 127 tasks were completed with a further 13 substantially completed. This is 71% of all tasks either completed or substantially completed.

The projects which were not completed, such as the Penrith Pool, are either a resource issue or require a long-term planning solution. Overall the results of Council’s first Disability Action Plan were pleasing.

One of the most important things that has been seen over the years has been the positive cultural change within Council.

Joe Ibbitson advised we can now move on to the evaluation of the whole plan. Two further consultations have been held, one with the community where 35 people attended.

It is important to get feedback from organisations – employment at Council was a key area, access to information and services, and the needs of young people with a disability was also a priority.

The next step is to gather the information together and put it into a discussion paper – key points and how to move forward from here. It is expected a report will be prepared for the Disability Access Committee meeting in February 2007.

David Currie mentioned the strong support from Councillors. Members considered everyone should do the disability training.

RECOMMENDATION

DAC 27 RECOMMENDED that:

1. The information contained in the report on Disability Action Plan - Third Year Progress Report (2005-06) be received.

2. A copy of the progress report is forwarded to the State Government Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and the Commonwealth Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

3. Council undertake an Evaluation and Review process of the Disability Action Plan and report back to the Disability Access Committee on the outcomes of this evaluation and review.

GENERAL BUSINESS

GB 1 Penrith City Centre LEP

It is requested that the Local Planning Manager, or her nominee, attend the next meeting and provide a report on the proposed Penrith City Centre Local Environmental Plan to inform the committee of the major changes that are likely to occur in the Penrith City Centre over the next 20 years.

The link to the website is to be forwarded to the committee so that comments can be made on the proposed Draft Penrith City Centre LEP and related documents.

GB 2 Penrith Panthers Stadium

Vanessa Muscat reported that the committee has completed a site visit of Penrith Panthers Stadium.

GB 3 St Marys Shopping Village

Vanessa Muscat reported that rectification works have started at St Marys Shopping Village to address the parking and safety issues.

GB 4 Westfield

Vanessa Muscat reported that a letter was sent to Westfield management advising them to be aware of persons with a disability in regards to access to shop front and sales counters.

GB 5 Development Applications

Development Applications were also presented to the committee with the following comments.

Southlands Shopping Centre

1. The committee noted that the intersection of Maxwell Street and Evan Street has increased in activity. It is requested that the assessing officer investigate the Traffic Management Plan and the likely need of traffic lights with a pedestrian crossing being designed.

2. An access report is requested from an accredited consultant on the proposed development at the Development Application stage. A further report is to be provided from the consultant on the completion of the building prior to occupation.

3. It has been noted that the access ramp from the Council footpath is located on Council land. The committee requested that the ramp be conditioned to be maintained and the risk management to be the responsibility of the shopping centre.

4. The location of the trolley return bays be located more centrally in the car park area in respect to exits from the centre and the accessible car parking spaces.

5. The parenting room to provide a toilet facility within the room.

6. It has been requested that the accessible toilet be provided with an adult change table. The table should be positioned to the centre of the room with the two longest sides being clear of obstructions so that carers can perform duties with dignity to the person with a disability.

High Street Medical Centre

1. Ensure that there is no change in finished floor RL from the entry terrace to the internal portion of the building.

3. It has been requested that the accessible toilet be provided with an adult change table. The table should be positioned to the centre of the room with the two longest sides being clear of obstructions so that carers can perform duties with dignity to the person with a disability.

St Clair Shopping Centre

1. The committee felt that it was unreasonable to include the car parking for McDonalds and KFC as part of the proposal, given that they attract their own customers.

3. Provide a traffic management plan to ensure that there is no overflow of parking onto adjoining properties. It appears in the current situation parking is overflowing onto other properties and hence has resulted in the gates to the church carpark being locked except when in use.

4. The traffic flow should be reviewed internally, not very user friendly.

5. Provide a toilet facility to the parenting room.

Tench Reserve Caravan Park

1. Ensure that the proposed bunk house is provided with bed facilities that are accessible for a person with a disability. This is to include access to the bunk house and facilities within the house.

3. The onsite van accommodation be provided with a minimum of 1:10 ratio to ensure the vans are accessible and are provided with accessible facilities.

4. Provide additional amenities adjacent to the BBQ area. This could be designed to be a unisex toilet and shower facility.

5. Ensure that the pool area is designed with a beach area for a person with a disability.

Training Facility Coombes Drive

1. No issues rose from the meeting in regards to the plans. The only request was to ensure that the building fitout satisfied AS 1428.1 and 1428.4.

Penrith Markets

1. The committee would like to see the toilets more central in the markets rather than at one end.

2. Ensure that at least one of the portable toilets is compliant for a person with a disability.

3. Concerns are also raised with the parking issue, given that stall holders will also be acquiring a car space in a public car park. It appears that the plan does not detail an accessible car space close the vicinity of the markets. This should be investigated before approval.

Gidley Street Markets

1. A report should be conducted on the established amenities. The report should outline the non-compliance issues with Australian Standard 1428. The toilet block would be required to be upgraded in accordance with this report.

2. Concerns are also raised with the parking issue, given that stall holders will also be acquiring a car space in a public car park. It appears that the plan does not detail an accessible car space close the vicinity of the markets. This should be investigated before approval.

GB 6 Pram Ramp at Centrelink, St Marys

The pram ramp from Centrelink in St Marys appears to be not wide enough and too steep. The ramp also to the Warehouse is the same. Hans Meijer to investigate.

GB 7 Sensor Pedestrian Safety Buttons

Investigation to be made to sensor pedestrian safety buttons, with the intention to install them to major intersections. Hans Meijer to comment on the viability of these buttons.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 8.25pm.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Disability Access Committee meeting held on 6 December, 2006 be adopted.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership MEETING

HELD ON 7 December, 2006

PRESENT

Councillor Karen McKeown, Councillor Kaylene Allison, Councillor Garry Rumble.

Kristy Williams, St Marys Local Area Command; Debbie Moore, St Marys Area Command; David Jones, St Marys Local Area Command; Jeni Pollard, Penrith City Council; Terry McGivern, Penrith City Council; Erin Davidson, Penrith City Council; Kylie Howard, Penrith City Council; David Burns, Penrith City Council; Yvonne Perkins, Penrith City Council; Ben Feszczuk, Penrith Local Area Command; Jill Woods, Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce; Tony Thomas, RailCorp; Julie Page, Needle and Syringe Program Sydney West Health; Ray Filewood, St Marys Local Area Command; Laura Williams, PYI.; Katerina Tahija, Penrith City Council; Daniel Bailey, Penrith City Council; Marcello Scali, Penrith City Council.

APOLOGIES

Mayor, Councillor Pat Sheehy; Helen Smith, North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre; Lawrence Bonello, Penrith Local Area Command; Paul Haines, Penrith Local Area Command; Gladys Reed, Penrith City Centre Association; Mike Logue, RailCorp; Wendy Herne, St Clair – Erskine Park Community Safety Association; Julie Passau, Penrith Local Area Command; Anthony Holton, St Marys Local Area Command.

PVCSP 15 RECOMMENDED that apologies be received and accepted.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership Meeting - 27 September 2006

PVCSP 16 RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership Meeting of 27 September 2006 be confirmed.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

1 Penrith Valley Community Safety Plan - Key Area Strategy Development and Project Updates

Yvonne Perkins and David Burns provided the Partnership with an update on Community Safety Projects.

Nepean Domestic Violence Network

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Karen McKeown, along with other Council representatives, attended the Red Cow on 26 October 2006, for the launch of the Reclaim the Night coaster project, organised by the Nepean Domestic Violence Network. Karen Paluzzano, Member for Penrith, and David Peachey, were also in attendance as guest speakers for the night.

The key objective of the Reclaim the Night program was to raise awareness, for men in particular, to take into consideration the safety of women and children in our community.

Printed coasters were distributed to various licensed pubs and clubs throughout the LGA for the launch of the event.

Penrith Citywide Graffiti Minimisation Strategy

The development of the Citywide Graffiti Minimisation Strategy continues. A number of actions are included as follows:

· There continues to be a zero tolerance on all Council property. Council’s graffiti removal from its own property is 50% higher this year compared to the same period this time last year.

· Tenders for contractors to remove graffiti from the LGA closed, and on 23 October 2006 Council accepted the recommendation to engage a panel of 7 contractors for the removal and/or paint out of graffiti from private property. Each contractor has been allocated an area of the LGA that they are required to maintain. The contractors began the week commencing 27 November 2006.

· The removal of graffiti was completed in Queen Street, and the incidence of re-hits has not been as high as anticipated as they continue to remove the graffiti.

· A survey of all graffiti strategies adopted by NSW councils has recently been conducted by the Department of Local Government as part of the Crime Prevention Department (NSW Attorney General’s Department) strategy development.

· Investigations continue into the use of public art murals on the roller shutters in Queen Street, St Marys.

· From 1 November 2006, the ‘Summary Offences Amendment (Display of Spray Paint Cans) Act 2006 No 36’ came into effect.

· At the Council meeting of 23 October 2006, Community Safety staff were requested, through a Question without Notice, to submit a report on the establishment of a graffiti and vandalism reporting reward system similar to that implemented in the Sutherland Shire.

The Sutherland Shire Reward System was approved by their Council in June 2006, and is limited to a maximum of $20,000 per year. The reward only applies to graffiti on Council owned property, and not on private property. Contact will be made with Sutherland to obtain any early evaluation and feedback on the outcomes of the program to date. As the Penrith City Wide Strategy continues to develop and expand, this and other programs will be further explored for suitability for inclusion in the strategy.

Graffiti Hotline Cards

Yvonne handed out graffiti hotline cards and explained that the hotline had been setup as a free call to residents for the reporting of graffiti on private property. The cards provide the information outlined below.

Cranebrook Town Centre – Sharing the Public Domain Project

Marcello and Daniel are now in key locations.

Marcello reported back, through services operating in Cranebrook, that residents in the area have welcomed the Cranebrook Youth Streetworker Project.

A group of key stakeholders and service providers are meeting regularly to monitor the activities of the project.

Community Safety Audit – Star Court Shopping Precinct, Cambridge Gardens

A draft copy of the results from the Cambridge Gardens audit were made available at the meeting. Key problems that were highlighted were the levels of lighting available in and around the precinct. A consultant was engaged to provide designs and estimates to upgrade and install appropriate lighting in and around Cleve Place, Star Court, Boomerang Place, Lewis Road, and in the reserve between the Northern side of the complex and residential properties.

HOST’s Pack

The Community Safety staff attended the launch of the Warehouse’s Drink Spiking project on 6November 2006. Council has been supporting the development of the project, and has committed to taking over the project and the reproduction of the educational material for inclusion in Council’s HOST’s Pack.

St Marys and Penrith Police continue to distribute the packs.

Operation Bounce Back

At the September Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership meeting, Councillor Rumble requested further information on the distribution of the car immobilisers.

In total, 153 immobilisers were distributed throughout the following locations:

Berkshire Park	1
Cambridge Gardens	1
Cambridge Park	9
Castlereagh	1
Claremont Meadows	3
Colyton	7
Cranebrook	12
Emu Heights	4
Emu Plains	4
Erskine Park	4
Glenmore Park	15
Jamisontown	3
Kingswood	10
Leonay	3
Londonderry	3
Mulgoa	1
North St Marys	1
Oxley Park	1
Penrith	22
Regentville	1
South Penrith	12
St Clair	10
St Marys	15
Werrington	6
Werrington County	2
Werrington Downs	2

The types of vehicles that were identified, during the issuing of the immobiliser vouchers, include MGB, Ford – various, Mazda – various, Toyota – various, Datsun/ Nissan – various, Mitsubishi Lancer, Subaru Liberty, Holden Barina, Holden Commodore, Hyundai, Daewoo, Honda, Suzuki, Chrysler Valiant, with the age of the vehicles ranging from 1958 to 1998 models.

Laneways

David advised that there are a number of requests for laneway closures by local residents. Information has been provided by the Department of Lands that they are reviewing their current approval process. It is expected that there will be a shift to more stringent conditions for the closure of laneways in the future.

The new process is expected to impact on Council’s existing laneway assessment procedure. The Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership will be advised of the changes once they are received.

Park Smarter

David advised that all the Park Smarter signage and pavement markings across the city have been updated. The Thieves Go Shopping Too signage is to be installed for the December – January period.

Secure Taxi Rank

The Ministry of Transport approached Council, seeking support for the establishment of a Secure Taxi Rank at Penrith Railway Station, for a trial period of three months. This trial period commenced on 3November 2006, and will continue through the Christmas and New Year period to January 2007. The secure taxi rank operates between 10.30pm and 5.00am, on Friday and Saturday nights, with 3 security guards helping passengers to obtain taxis in a safe and orderly manner.

Council has received feedback from the Department of Transport that after two weeks the secure rank is well patronised.

PVCSP 17 RECOMMENDED that the information contained in the report on Penrith Valley Community Safety Plan - Key Area Strategy Development and Project Updates be received.

2 Draft Second Penrith Valley Community Safety Plan 2007-2010

The draft Penrith valley Community Safety Plan consists of two parts.

Part One covers the Community Safety policy, including:

· Introduction

· Commitment to Community Safety

· Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership

· Description of the Penrith Valley and Socio–demographic information

· Crime profile

· Community Consultation

· Community Safety Plan review

· Evaluation.

Part Two covers the Community Safety Action Plan, including:

· Selection of appropriate strategies for the Penrith LGA

· Identification of priority issues, objectives and actions.

The selection of the priority issues was presented during the previous Partnership meeting, held on 27 September 2006. These included:

· Concerns for Safety

· Domestic Violence

· Assault (other than Domestic Violence)

· Malicious Damage

· Harassment and Anti Social Behaviour

· Steal from and Theft of a Motor Vehicle.

At present, the Draft Penrith Valley Community Safety Plan 2007 – 2010 is on public exhibition. Copies of the draft Plan can be viewed at the Civic Centre, St Marys, Council Office, City Libraries and Council website until 21 December 2006.

Comments on the draft plan will be received up to and including 15 January 2007.

After all feedback has been received, the Plan will be submitted to Council for approval at its meeting in February 2007. At this meeting, Council’s approval will also be sought to submit the Plan to the NSW Attorney General for endorsement. This endorsement will then enable Council to apply for grant funding from the NSW Attorney General’s Department, to assist in addressing the priority issues within the Plan.

PVCSP 18 RECOMMENDED that the information contained in the report on Draft Second Penrith Valley Community Safety Plan 2007-2010 be received.

Regular Items

a) Police Statistics

Penrith Police

Reported Crime Statistics September - November 2006

Crime Category	Sept	Oct	Nov
Assault	95	80	103
Robbery	1	5	5
Break & Enter	83	66	79
Stealing	158	161	185
Steal Motor Vehicle	43	33	36
Malicious Damage	162	115	143
Drug Detection	18	17	18
Traffic Offences	474	530	597
Motor Vehicle Accident	85	88	86

St Marys

Reported Crime Statistics September - November 2006

Crime Category	Sept	Oct	Nov
Assault	98	114	99
Robbery	5	9	14
Break & Enter	64	63	56
Stealing	83	112	114
Steal Motor Vehicle	41	32	40
Malicious Damage	129	160	144
Drug Detection	16	18	17
Traffic Offences	474	326	453
Motor Vehicle Accident	63	72	62

What’s in the Media? October – December 2006

GENERAL BUSINESS

GB 1 New Year’s Eve

Ben Feszczuk advised that they are planning for New Year’s Eve, and have completed a risk assessment with the results being medium. They will also have limited staff as they will be supplying staff to North Sydney for their New Year’s events.

GB 2 Taxation Office Forecourt

Ben Feszczuk advised of existing issues at the Taxation Office forecourt, and concerns over the recent approval given for the State Office Block on the adjacent land. Ben advised that he would write to Council, outlining his concerns.

GB 3 Safe Collection of Needles and Syringes

Julie, from Needle and Syringe, advised she is running training sessions at the Council Depot, for the safe collection of needles and syringes, for Council employees.

GB 4 Role of Neighbourhood Renewal Co-ordinator

Jeni Pollard advised the Partnership that she had now taken on a new role as the Neighbourhood Renewal Coordinator, working with disadvantaged communities in areas such as Cranebrook, Werrington and Cambridge Park.

Meeting Close

There being no further business, the Chairperson declared the meeting closed, the time being 7:45 pm.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership meeting held on 7 December, 2006 be adopted.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Local Traffic Committee MEETING

HELD ON 5 February, 2007

PRESENT

Michael Alderton – Road Network Services Engineer (Chairperson), Mayor Councillor Sheehy – Representative for the Member for Londonderry, Deputy Mayor Councillor McKeown – Representative for the Member for Mulgoa, Acting Sergeant Mick Down – Penrith Police, Senior Sergeant Steven Neal – St Marys/Regentville Police, Richard McHenery – Roads and Traffic Authority, James Suprain - Roads and Traffic Authority

IN ATTENDANCE

Michael Pruss – Westbus, Stephen Barnes – Senior Traffic Engineer, David Drozd – Consulting Traffic Engineer, Eric Ryffel – Ranger

APOLOGIES

LTC 1 Councillor Greenow, Tim Horan – Representative for the Member for Penrith, David Burns – Asset Manager

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Local Traffic Committee Meeting – 4 December 2006

LTC 2 That the minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting of 4 December 2006 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City Supported by Infrastructure

1 Head of the River - Saturday, 31 March 2007

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 3 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Head of the River - Saturday, 31 March 2007 be received.

2. The Transport Management Plan for the event be endorsed by the Committee.

3. SIRC submit a Transport Management Plan for the event to the Roads and Traffic Authority for approval.

4. The applicant be advised of Council’s resolution.

2 Coreen Avenue/Lemongrove Road, Penrith - Proposed Installation of Traffic Signals by the Roads & Traffic Authority

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 4 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Coreen Avenue/Lemongrove Road, Penrith - Proposed Installation of Traffic Signals by the Roads & Traffic Authority be received.

2. The RTA consider the points of concern and advice identified in this report when preparing advanced construction drawings for this proposal.

3 Hall Street, St Marys - Request for Extension of 'No Stopping' Restriction

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 5 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Hall Street, St Marys - Request for Extension of 'No Stopping' Restriction be received.

2. The matter be deferred pending further investigation on the need or otherwise to extend the ‘No Parking’ restrictions in Hall Street, St Marys.

4 Melbourne Street, Oxley Park - Proposed Installation of Traffic Calming Devices

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 6 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Melbourne Street, Oxley Park - Proposed Installation of Traffic Calming Devices be received.

2. The Design Plan for the provision of three tadpole islands, with associated signage and linemarking, be finalised and endorsed for construction.

3. The residents of 111 and 111A be advised of the Committee’s recommendations.

5 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park - Request to Change Unused Bus Zone to 'No Parking' Restriction

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 7 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Town Terrace, Glenmore Park - Request to Change Unused Bus Zone to 'No Parking' Restriction be received.

2. The existing bus zone restrictions on both sides of Town Terrace at Glenmore Park Shopping Centre be changed to full-time ‘No Parking’.

3. Glenmore Park Town Centre Management be advised of the Committee’s recommendation.

4. Councillor Page be advised of the Committee’s recommendation.

6 Union Road, Penrith - Request for Provision of 'No Parking' Restrictions Outside Childcare Centre

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 8 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Union Road, Penrith - Request for Provision of 'No Parking' Restrictions Outside Childcare Centre be received.

2. The current unrestricted parking outside the Lollipops Childcare Centre, 10m west of the entry driveway and 10m east of the exit driveway, be changed to full-time ‘No Parking’.

3. The ‘No Standing’ signs on Union Road, Penrith, near the Worth Street signals, be changed to ‘No Stopping’.

4. The owner of the Lollipops Childcare Centre be advised of the Committee’s recommendation.

GENERAL BUSINESS

GB 1 Station Street, Penrith – Request for Consideration of Part-time Taxi Zone (Raised Council)

Council has received a request from Penrith Police for consideration to be given to provision of a part-time Taxi Zone in Station Street, Penrith, between Union Lane and High Street from approximately 10.00pm to 3.00am.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 9 That Council support the provision of a part-time Taxi Zone in Station Street, Penrith, pending further investigation and a report to be submitted to the Committee at a later date.

GB 2 Mulgoa Road, Penrith – Access to Freedom Furniture Store (Raised Roads and Traffic Authority)

The Roads and Traffic Authority representative advised of representations received from Karyn Paluzzano MP, Member for Penrith, on behalf of the proprietors of Freedom Furniture concerning the closure of the access to their premises off Glenbrook Street. The background and reasoning behind the closure of this access will be investigated and the details will be forwarded to the Local Member.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 10 That Council provide details of the closure to Karyn Paluzzano MP, Member for Penrith.

GB 3 Wolseley Road, Penrith – Request for Changes to Lane Configuration at Traffic Signals (Raised Councillor McKeown)

Councillor McKeown raised concerns on behalf of a resident, requesting that the existing configuration of two left-turn lanes and one right-turn lane from Wolseley Street onto Mulgoa Road, be changed to one of the left-turn lanes being ‘Left Turn On Red Permitted After Stopping’ and the other two lanes to become right-turn lanes.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 11 That the Roads and Traffic Authority be requested to investigate this matter.

GB 4 Mamre Road, St Marys – Proposed Widening of Bridge Over the M4 (Raised Council)

Council’s Senior Traffic Engineer advised the Committee of the Roads and Traffic Authority proposal to widen the bridge over the M4 on Mamre Road, St Marys. The plans for the proposed widening are currently on public exhibition for comment.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 12 That the Committee note the information.

GB 5 Riley Street, Penrith – Advice of Proposed Change to Bus Route (Raised Westbus)

The Westbus representative advised that their OH&S Committee have conducted a survey in Riley Street, Penrith. They have proposed that a change to the bus route be investigated due to safety issues, timing issues, and the inefficiency of this route. Westbus will be submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Transport this week for the route to be changed from Riley Street to Station Street, based on the abovementioned issues.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 13 That the Committee note the information.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 10.45am.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 5 February, 2007 be adopted.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

Item Page

The City in its Broader Context

1 UWS Railway Station Proposal

The City as a Social Place

2 Youth Week 2007

3 Seniors Week 2007

4 Community Assistance Program 2006-07 Rolling Component

5 Child Care Links Project Extension

6 NSW Pre-School Investment and Reform Plan - Viability Funding

7 Affordability of Child Care

8 St Davids Church Llandilo

9 Kingswood Park Community Centre - Request for Change of Name and Retirement of Rodger MacDonald

10 Victoria Street Community Cottage - Expansion of Werrington Occasional Child Care Integrated Service Outcomes

11 North Ward Skate Facility

12 Extensions & Alterations to Claremont Meadows Community Centre - 172-180 Sunflower Drive Claremont Meadows - Tender 18-06/07

13 Revised 2006/2007 Parks Improvement Program

14 Erskine Park Employment Area - Re-naming of the Estate

15 Update of activities undertaken by the Development Services Department - Second Quarter 2006/2007

16 Variation of Restrictive Covenant applying to Lot 117 & 118 DP 1088137 (No. 18 & 20) Heaton Avenue, Claremont Meadows. Applicant: Allam Homes Pty Limited; Owner: Danallam Developments Pty Limited DA06/1827 & DA06/1828

17 Development Application 06/1247 for the Proposed Operation of a Community Market at Lot 2 and 3 DP 546822, Lot 101 DP 572474 Allen Place and Edward Place Car Park, Woodriff Street, Penrith. Applicant: Cityscape Planning + Projects; Owner: Penrith City Council

18 Development Application 06/1251 for Community Markets at Lot 8, 9, 10 and 11 DP 23593, Part Lot C DP 38743, Lot 1 DP 653282, Lot 2 DP 658346 (No. 5 - 21) and associated staff parking on Lot 2 DP 115180 and Lot 1 DP 198820 (No.31-35) Gidley Street, St Marys.. Applicant: Cityscape Planning and Projects; Owner: Penrith City Council DA06/1251

URGENT

35 Andromeda Oval, Cranebrook

The City In Its Environment

19 Rehabilitation of a Section of Jamison Creek - Huntington Reserve - Successful Grant Application

20 "Dumping. It's dumb." Grant Application

21 Gipps Street Landfill Site - Additional Protection and Safety Works

22 Participation in the Earth Hour project

The City Supported by Infrastructure

23 Tender Reference 15-06/07 - Provision of Pavement Line Marking Services

Leadership and Organisation

24 Retirement of Director - City Operations

25 Summary of Investments & Banking for the period of 28 November to 31 December 2006

26 Summary of Investments & Banking for the period 1 January 2007 to 29 January 2007

27 2006-2007 Borrowing Program

28 Amendments to the 2006-2007 Fees & Charges

29 Development Applications Determined during the Council's Christmas Recess

30 2007 Australian Local Government Women's Association NSW Annual Conference

31 2007 ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability 'Accelerating Now!' Conference

32 Local Government & Shires Associations Tourism Conference 11-13 March 2007 Griffith

33 Council Property - Land Consolidation - Emu Plains Commuter Car Park (North Side). Owner: Penrith City Council - Applicant: Penrith City Council

34 Council Property - Demolition of cottage located at Number 13 Collins Street, St Marys

URGENT

36 Application to Minister to Formalise United Independent Pools

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*The City in its Broader Context*

The City in its Broader Context

UWS Railway Station Proposal

Compiled by: Mark Broderick, Release Area Unit Coordinator

Authorised by: Roger Nethercote, Environmental Planning Manager

Craig Ross, Design and Technical Advice Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Agreement has been reached with State Government agencies to provide mutually agreed services and facilities to the City consistent with its growing requirements.

Critical Action: Enlist the support of the Local State Members in approaching relevant Ministers to establish an agreement in principle on the delivery of critical services and facilities to support the City's growth.

Purpose:

To inform Council of the current status of planning for the proposed UWS railway station. The report recommends that Council seek urgent representations with Local State Members and the Ministers for Transport and Planning seeking the Government's action on its previous commitments made to the building of the UWS Railway Station.

Background

Council adopted the Concept Plan for the WELL Precinct in October 2006. That Plan represents the culmination of planning that provides a clear ‘blueprint’ for the development of 4 urban release areas, UWS and TAFE land and a Precinct Centre. The establishment of a UWS Railway Station has been fundamental to the planning for the WELL Precinct and, given the ongoing Government commitment, it has been assumed this major transport initiative would be delivered.

The attached chronology indicates clear support and commitment by Government to the station development. This has been reiterated by successive Ministers for Transport, as well as the Premier. As a result, $4m was included in the 2001/02 State Rail Capital Works Program to commence construction of the station.

We await Government action on its commitment to the building of the UWS Railway Station.

Werrington Mixed Use Area (formerly Army Signals Land)

Council has prepared and adopted a draft Local Environmental Plan (LEP) and Development Control Plan (DCP) for the Werrington Mixed Use Area. This plan makes provision for the proposed railway station, in conjunction with a residential and service retail development. The draft LEP has since then remained with the Department of Planning (DoP), with an unresolved objection lodged by RailCorp, who have sought to have statutory provisions included in the LEP requiring contributions to be made by the developer towards the proposed station. This specific matter has more recently been discussed with DoP. The progress of the draft LEP has also been raised on numerous occasions with the DoP, which has continued to indicate support for the proposed station, based on metropolitan strategic planning objectives. The rezoning of the land needs to advance and will be a key ingredient in securing financial contributions from the developers.

WELL Precinct Planning and UWS Railway Station

The development of the WELL Precinct Strategy has been premised on the provision of the UWS Station. The station has been incorporated into the Transport Management Accessibility Plan (TMAP) for the Precinct, and is an integral element in achieving the necessary mode shift to public transport for the Precinct as it develops.

Council has been pursuing the State Government over the development of the station for many years, and this matter was again raised with the Minister for Transport, at the Cabinet Meeting held at Penrith in May 2006. The Minister undertook to consider Council’s submission on this matter and seek advice from his Department staff. We have further corresponded with the Ministry of Transport since meeting with the Minister. We are awaiting a response from the Minister and his Department on this matter.

A meeting was also held last year with the Member for Mulgoa, the Hon Diane Beamer, who undertook to seek a meeting with the Premier, together with representatives from UWS and TAFE, in order to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the station, and to determine a process and timeframe for its delivery. We are awaiting further advice on this opportunity.

The UWS, TAFE and Landcom have indicated strong support for the delivery of the proposed railway station. It has been acknowledged that, as a result of the rezoning process of sub-precincts within the WELL area, the opportunity will emerge for developer contributions to be made towards the establishment of the railway station, as an element in satisfying the Government’s identified need for a Regional Infrastructure Levy to be applied to future development in the WELL Precinct. A firm commitment from Government for the station delivery is therefore a necessary prerequisite for the station to be included in the final TMAP for the Precinct. When this occurs, the TMAP can then allocate a cost share for the station to the Precinct, which would facilitate the station delivery. Correspondence has been sent to the Premier’s Department, and to the Ministry of Transport, pressing for such a commitment from Government. The outstanding responses from Government will continue to be pursued.

Transport Management Accessibility Plan (TMAP)

A Draft TMAP has been prepared, and identifies opportunities for safe and convenient vehicle and pedestrian movement within and surrounding the WELL Precinct, with an emphasis on sustainable outcomes and maximisation of public transport patronage and pedestrian/cycle networks. The TMAP has, as an objective for the WELL Precinct, a 10% mode shift target (a reduction in the use of the single occupant motor vehicle). This is in line with targets for other Release Areas in the LGA. The TMAP has modelled the residential and employment traffic that is likely to be generated within the WELL Precinct.

The TMAP identifies improvements to the arterial road network outside the WELL Precinct boundary, and attributes a cost apportionment to such upgrades, based on the development of WELL and the other Release Areas within, and nearby, the LGA. The Werrington Arterial is a key component if this network.

In addition, the TMAP identifies public transport improvements, such as bike and pedestrian facilities and bus service provision, as well as the UWS railway station. These improvements are fundamental to achieve the necessary mode shift, and the TMAP provides a recommended cost apportionment for these facilities and services.

It is envisaged that the TMAP will be finalised shortly, and submitted to the RTA and MoT for their approval.

The earlier studies that were carried out for the UWS station (pre WELL), that justified the station development, anticipated an average daily patronage of 6,000 passengers. The TMAP assesses the daily patronage (on full development) to be in the order of 11,500 passengers.

The TMAP suggested a significant nexus between the WELL Precinct and the station. As such, justification exists for a contribution from the WELL precinct towards the station’s cost which was previously to be government funded.

For the TMAP content to be valid there needs to be a government commitment to the station development. This has not yet been achieved, despite numerous representations to state agencies, Local Members and Ministers.

Ministry of Transport (MOT) and Railcorp

In recent discussions with both the Ministry of Transport and RailCorp, regarding transport initiatives for the WELL Precinct, these agencies have raised concern over the proposed Precinct Centre location, preferring the Centre to be located on the Werrington Mixed Use Area, closer to the proposed public transport offerings, such as the University Railway Station and strategic bus corridor to be located along the Great Western Highway. It is understood that such preferences are based on the view that the Precinct Centre would assist demand for such transport facilities.

The Maunsell and SGS Economics’ studies considered the Precinct Centre adjacent to the railway station, and whether this would create an ‘activity node’ or enhance rail patronage and, as a result, reduce vehicle kilometres travelled (VKTs) across the Precinct. They also considered whether locating the Precinct Centre adjacent to the railway station would effectively deliver the principles set out in the adopted WELL Precinct Strategy.

The outcomes of the WELL Precinct studies indicate that the proposed Precinct Centre itself would not generate any significant number of rail passengers or increase demand for rail services. It was noted that growth in rail patronage is more likely to be related to improvements in the major time related factors which influence rail travel, being frequency, journey time and reliability. Similarly, it is expected that there would not be significant patronage on the strategic bus corridor, which would be destined for a Precinct Centre of the neighbourhood scale intended, when the bus movements would be fundamentally between the Penrith and St Marys centres and beyond to Mt Druitt.

We also sought the views of economic consultants Hill PDA, who undertook the initial studies into the optimum locations of the Precinct Centre and their viability. Hill PDA supports the preferred location, advising that if the Precinct Centre was to be located straddling the Great Western Highway, there would be considerable pressure for the centre to change in scale from that of a Village Centre, threatening the existing retail hierarchy. It is also cautious of a railway station location, given the presence of centres adjacent other nearby stations.

It remains our view that the more appropriate location for the proposed WELL Precinct Centre is in O’Connell Street, adjacent the Second Avenue intersection, in essence for the following reasons:

A key agreed outcome for the WELL Precinct was the establishment of a ‘village hub’ or Precinct Centre, centrally located in a location along O’Connell Street, south of the Great Western Highway, to optimise synergies with existing and proposed communities, education and enterprise activities.

The preferred site that has emerged as a result of studies is an area on the corner of O’Connell Street and Second Avenue. This location offers an opportunity to provide a new ‘front door’ for UWS and TAFE, acting as a focal point for UWS and TAFE student activity. It can also serve the demand arising from student and staff population, has good walkable linkages to the proposed UWS station from O’Connell Street and French Street (800 metres), and is in close proximity to existing and proposed residential areas.

The WELL Precinct Centre is proposed to be neighbourhood in scale and would have a gross floor area of 5,000m² to 8,000m² to adequately service the needs of the WELL Precinct. It is envisaged this would contain a supermarket, and range of smaller retail tenancies, to service the new resident population, as well as the student/staff populations of the University and TAFE and the emerging employment precinct. A component of the Centre will include professional office space, which has the potential to serve some administrative functions for the University and TAFE. Student housing is also an opportunity. This type of Centre would be classified as a ‘village’ in the retail centres hierarchy, under the Metropolitan Strategy, in relation to its retail/commercial offering, but would not be expected to contain within a 600m radius the 2,100-5,500 dwelling range suggested for a ‘village’.

It is important to note that the Precinct Centre has been sized so that it is consistent with the overall retail hierarchy within the Penrith City, and would not unduly impact on the longer term viability of the existing St Marys Centre for which Council will be adopting strategies to support its continued growth.

Our key partners, Landcom and the University, support the Precinct Centre locating at O’Connell Street. The University, in its masterplanning of its Kingswood and South Werrington campuses, has assumed the Precinct Centre straddling along O’Connell Street, and has identified pedestrian and urban design linkages to the Precinct Centre from both campuses.

We have raised these points with the Department of Planning and the transport agencies concerned, and have made submissions to them in relation to the benefits of locating the proposed Precinct Centre in O’Connell Street, as identified in the WELL Precinct Strategy.

We have also received advice from the RTA, which indicates that it would object to a Precinct Centre location that would straddle the Great Western Highway, due to road safety and traffic flow efficiency concerns.

Support from Landowners and Agencies

Council, UWS and Landcom remain of the view that there is a continuing demand for the establishment of a new Railway Station to service the WELL Precinct. That demand is enhanced by the increased development opportunity, identified through the WELL Strategy development, which will see in the order of 2,500 new homes and up to 7,000 jobs created in the WELL Precinct. The initial considerations for the locality, in the context of the North West Subregional Plan development being undertaken by DoP, suggest that the WELL Precinct be classified as a ‘Specialised Centre’ under the Metro Strategy hierarchy.

Conclusion

The expectation for the Government’s delivery of the proposed Railway Station has underpinned ongoing strategic planning for the locality. The WELL precinct planning has been structured around the station development. Similarly, the planning for the Werrington Mixed Use Area has assumed the station development, and has made provision for active adjoining landuses to provide the necessary public surveillance of the railway forecourt. The WELL TMAP has relied on the station to achieve (in part) the necessary mode shift for the estate, and has made recommendations for a significant contribution from the estate to the station’s costs. If the station were not to proceed, then the planning (including the TMAP) for the WELL precinct and the Werrington Mixed Use Area would need to be revisited, and the mechanisms to achieve the necessary mode shift reviewed.

As a result, Council remains keen to have the Government reaffirm its commitment to the establishment of the UWS Railway Station.

There remains an absence of any clear commitment from the Minister of Transport or Railcorp, confirming the Government’s support for establishing the proposed railway station, and setting out a firm timeframe for its construction. Further, Council is not convinced that moving the Precinct Centre location as suggested will have, or should have, any material effect on that decision making.

As the State Government has now instituted a mechanism to seek Regional Infrastructure Levies, which would be applied to new greenfield developments such as those within the WELL Precinct, it is our understanding that a funding mechanism to assist the Government in its construction of the Station is now available. A developer contributions plan is currently being developed for the WELL Precinct, based on the draft TMAP, and will include a schedule of costings of regional infrastructure, including a new railway station and the Werrington Arterial. This will provide a basis for a submission which Council proposes to make to the Minister, for a Special Infrastructure Levy to be applied to new development within the WELL Precinct.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on UWS Railway Station Proposal be received.

2. Council seek urgent representations with the Local State Members for the WELL Precinct, the Minister for Planning, and the Minister for Transport, seeking for the Government to again confirm and action its previous commitments made to the building of the UWS Railway Station.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

UWS Railway Station chronology

2 Pages

Appendix

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Youth Week 2007

Compiled by: Katerina Tahija, Youth Development Officer

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community Development Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Strategies are in place to respond to the social and health needs of the community.

Critical Action: Address the differing needs and preferences of the various age groups through Council’s policy responses, programs and advocacy.

Purpose:

To inform Council of proposed funding allocations for the 2007 Youth Week program. The report recommends that the proposed program of activities and the allocation of $5,000 funding be endorsed.

Background

Youth Week is an annual, national event that provides opportunities for young people to get involved in activities and events in their local communities. Youth Week is also an opportunity to celebrate young people in our community, and to highlight their participation and achievements. Local councils have the opportunity to get involved in Australia’s celebration of young people.

The National Youth Week 2007 celebrations are scheduled for 14 – 22 April. The National theme is ‘Launch Yourself’. The theme encourages young people to take ownership of ideas, be involved in planning and decision-making, and play an active part in the community.

To celebrate Youth Week in the City of Penrith, any local non-profit organisation is encouraged to put in a submission for funding, including youth and community groups, churches, social/interest groups, training and employment agencies.

The Youth Week aim will be achieved through young people’s active involvement in activities which:

· Raise issues, ideas and concerns of young people

· Develop strategies to address the issues important to young people

· Increase the community’s awareness of young people and the issues which are important to them

· Promote young people’s contributions to the community

· Demonstrate the involvement of young people in the planning of activities

· Demonstrate access to activities from a broad range of young people.

This year, the theme also encourages young people to think about their role within their communities. Young people will have the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings about Penrith through consultations at each activity.

For Youth Week 2007, organisations are asked to address transport and promotion issues, as identified in Council’s Youth Needs Audit. Specifically, organisations are required to demonstrate what strategies they will employ to address any transport issues, and how the proposed activity will be advertised and promoted to a diverse range of young people.

Organisations have again been asked this year to be aware of the Penrith Youth Services Code of Practice. Local youth services and Penrith City Council developed the Code in 2001/2. The Code guides best practice for organisations that work with young people. The process of developing the Code was reported to Council at the Ordinary meeting of 18 February 2002.

This year, Council received a Youth Week budget of $2,500 (excluding GST) from the Department of Community Services, Communities Division. As a requirement of receiving these funds, Council matches the amount on a dollar for dollar basis. The total budget for 2007 Youth Week activities is $5,000.

The opportunity to apply for Youth Week funds in 2007 was widely advertised, including through Penrith Youth Interagency, the Mayor’s column, Council’s website, and through extensive email networks.

Funding Applications for 2007

In 2007, there has been a strong emphasis by community and youth groups on working in partnership. In previous years, activities were held across the LGA with an emphasis on localised events and activities. This year, a number of services have combined to bring together a city central activity as well as a local event in the eastern end of the LGA.

Thus, 2 applications have been received, totalling $$4726. It is proposed below that the remaining funds of $274 be used for promotional material.

Applications Recommended for Funding

True Blue Aussie Dance - Pulse Youth Group auspiced by Neighbourhood Development Team Erskine Park Inc

This event has been developed and organised by the Pulse Youth Group and supported by the Neighbourhood Development Team Erskine Park.

The program will consist of a themed dance night that is open to all youth aged between 12-17 years old in the Erskine Park and surrounding area. The night will consist of dancing, air brush tattooing and prizes for various categories during the night.

This event is supported by the local high schools in the St Clair/Erskine Park area.

The proposed activity will be held on Friday, 20 April 2007, at Erskine Park Neighbourhood Centre from 6pm – 10pm.

Funding amount requested- $855

Proposed Funding Allocation- $855 excluding GST

Launch Yourself” Walk Tall In the Mall”- Penrith Youth Interagency Events and Activities Sub-Committee auspiced by SPYNS Inc.

This proposed event is a collaborative project involving a range of services as part of the Penrith Youth Interagency Events and Activities sub-committee.

The purpose of the event is to provide young people and families with an experience of movement, colour, and sound. Activities will include live music from youth bands, face painting, hair spray colouring, air brush tattoos, dance performances, impromptu theatre performances and the PCYC games van.

There will also be a range of stimulating activities provided by Enviro Craft such as stilt walkers, hat making and eco gardens. There will be stalls held by local services who are invited to utilise the opportunity to participate and provide information on a wide range of topics and services.

Sydney West Area Health Service will use this event to promote their new resource for young people and parents on Alcohol and Other Drugs issues.

The proposed event will be held on Thursday, 19 April from 5.30-9pm, on the grassed section between the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre and the Penrith Civic Centre.

Services involved in organising this event include SPYNS Inc, the Richmond Fellowship Youth Services, Nepean Interyouth Services and Sydney West Area Health Service, with support from the Penrith Youth Interagency.

Limited transport will be organised so that young people from across the LGA can attend the city-central event.

Final arrangements are being organised for this event to occur in the proposed location.

Funding amount requested- $3,871

Proposed Funding Allocation – $3,871 excluding GST

The proposed allocation for the activities as listed above is a total of $4,726. It is proposed that the remaining amount of $274 be used for promotional material for the Penrith City Youth Week 2007 program.

Youth Week Program Promotion

One of the key strategies to a successful Youth Week program is promotion and advertising. A detailed program of events for 2007 will be developed and promoted once all arrangements for events and activities are finalised. Promotional material will be placed throughout neighbourhood and community centres, local schools, shopping centres and local media and other areas as identified. The program will also be posted on Council’s website. The Youth Week program will incorporate a range of activities including those outlined above as well as self-funded activities by other services and youth organisations.

Summary

Youth Week is an annual national event that provides opportunities for young people to get involved in activities and events in their local communities. Youth Week is also an opportunity to celebrate young people in our community and to highlight their participation and achievements.

The National Youth Week 2007 celebrations are scheduled for 14 – 22 April. The National theme is ‘Launch Yourself’.

Council has matched funding received from the Department of Community Services to a total of $5,000 for Youth Week activities in the LGA. Community groups were invited to apply for funds to hold an activity or event that celebrates young people in the community.

Council has received applications for 2 main events to be held in the LGA. The proposed activities will provide opportunities for young people from across the LGA to get involved in Youth Week. A Youth Week 2007 program will be developed and distributed to young people and services across the LGA.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Youth Week 2007 be received.

2. Council approve the following amounts as proposed in this report:

· Neighbourhood Development Team Erskine Park Inc	$855
· SPYNS inc.	$3,871
· Youth Week 2007 promotional material	$274

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Seniors Week 2007

Compiled by: Athena Kandris, Community Development Officer - Aged and Disability

Joe Ibbitson, Community Programs Coordinator

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community Development Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Access has increased for communities that face barriers to using social services and facilities.

Critical Action: Coordinate and implement strategies across all areas of Council’s responsibility to improve access for people with a disability.

Purpose:

To provide information about Council's Seniors Week 2007 function and make recommendations on funding for Seniors Week grants. The report recommends that Council provide Seniors Week grants to nine (9) local community organisations for activities to celebrate Seniors Week 2007.

Background

In 2007, Seniors Week is to be celebrated from Sunday 11 March up to and including Sunday 18 March. Seniors Week celebrations encourage the involvement of older people in community life and support their continued participation in local activities. This year’s theme is ‘Live Life’, with an emphasis on thanking seniors for the valuable contribution they make to our community. It is also a great opportunity for all generations to join with older people to celebrate Seniors Week.

Council allocates funds each year through the Seniors Week Grants Program to community-based groups to assist with organising activities for older residents. The budget for Seniors Week 2007 allocations to community groups is $6,500.

This report will first summarise Council’s event and then deal with the Seniors Week grants to community organisations.

Council Event – Embrace Life through Music

Council’s event to celebrate Seniors Week 2007 – ‘Embrace Life through Music’ – will be a showcase of musical activities across generations and cultures, highlighting the contribution that involvement in musical activities can make to the well-being of older people. The artists will be local residents or groups, who will either perform by playing a musical instrument, sing in a group or participate in a musical or dancing group. The artists and performers will be from diverse cultural backgrounds and ages, including children, well aged and some frail older people. The event will be held on Thursday, 15 March 2007 at the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

Planned activities on the day include:

· Local cultural musical groups

· Indigenous performer

· Cranebrook High School Dance Eisteddfod

· Penrith Seniors Choir

· Irish Dancing

· Golden Stave and St Clair Day Care instrumental group.

Morning tea will be served on arrival, followed by the performances between 11.00am and 1.00pm. The celebration will conclude with a light lunch.

Additionally, an acoustic guitarist will be playing while morning tea and lunch are being served.

Planning for the event commenced at the end of 2006, with a number of local organisations and community groups consulted and involved in the planning of the day. Community representatives on the organising committee are from:

· St Marys and Penrith Senior Citizens Centres

· Penrith Older Women’s Network

· University of the Third Age

· Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre

· Nepean Migrant Access

· Tri Community Exchange Inc.

· Sydney West Area Health Service

· The Golden Stave Music Therapy Centre.

Council has been successful in obtaining a $1,000 grant from the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care towards the cost of the event.

Seniors Week Grants – Applications from Community Organisations

The availability of Council funds to assist non-profit groups in the provision of Seniors Week activities was advertised in the local media and through community networks. Organisations and groups applying for grants were asked to consider the objectives of Seniors Week, which are to:

· Celebrate older people and their continuing contribution to their family, friends, workplaces and communities

· Demonstrate that older age can be a time of learning and adventure

· Provide enjoyable opportunities for getting together, both with older people and across the generations

· Promote and celebrate the cultural diversity of older people in our communities

· Promote Seniors Week throughout NSW, including regional areas

· Encourage community participation in the development and implementation of community-based programs/projects

· Encourage older people to live healthy and active lifestyles.

The following table (Table1) identifies that Council has received applications from community groups and organisations for ten separate activities totalling $8,380.

The applications received represent a range of activities during Seniors Week, including cultural activities, an art and craft expo, various day trips and visits, morning teas and luncheons, a Senior Men’s Tai Chi session and a 50^th birthday celebration for local volunteers by the Red Cross.

Table 1: Seniors Week Grant Applications 2007

No	Organisation	Proposed Activity	Estimated attendance	Requested amount
1	Catholic Parish of Holy Spirit St. Clair	‘Young at Heart’ memories of Life at Mamre Morning tea and tour of Mamre Homestead, followed by entertainment from the local school students. A smorgasbord lunch, afternoon tea and a sing-along.	100	$1,750
2	The Anglo-Indian Association of NSW	Live Life – Bollywood Extravaganza Multicultural day of music, dancing, singing, fun, games and education activities for seniors from Indian sub-continent Association in Erskine Park and surrounding districts.	120	$500
3	Nepean Retired Men’s Club Inc.	Tai Chi Exercise Tuition Expert Tai Chi instructor to teach members gentle exercise.	70	$1,050
4	National Seniors Association Penrith Nepean	Coach trip to Picton Coach trip to Picton to view historical and heritage sites. Morning tea and lunch provided.	46	$1,000
5	St Mary’s CPSA	Aussie/Greek Cultural Day Where cultural activities and ideas are exchanged with a mix of Greek/Aussie music, food and other social activities.	100	$950
6	St Mary’s CPSA	Ecumenical Church Service Seniors to attend church service followed by an afternoon tea.	50 - 60	$390
7	SPYNS	Get into gear in Penrith Hosting senior’s luncheon in Penrith LGA, with morning tea and entertainment showcasing active seniors participating in activities such as Heart moves, gentle exercises, Pilates and Tai Chi. Including information on activities for seniors, and show bags with information.	140	$500
8	Werrington Community Project Inc.	Seniors arts and craft Expo 2007 The seniors arts and crafts expo is an annual event held during Seniors Week. The event runs over 2 days, from 10am – 4pm. This year it will be in its 10^th year, and there will be a special celebration. It will feature arts, crafts, stalls and demonstrations, story-telling and children’s activities. All crafts are done by people 55yrs +. Both seniors and young citizens are encouraged to be volunteer helpers on the days.	300 - 400	$1,000
9	Nepean Voluntary Aid Red Cross	Red Cross VAD 50^th Birthday Celebration Celebrating 50 years of VAD in Penrith. A luncheon with speeches and presentations and displays. Volunteers consist of young and senior citizens who work as cosmetic carers, telecross and blood bank volunteers in the local community.	150 - 300	$640
10	Tri community Exchange Inc.	Collage of Penrith City Council 2007 Seniors Week Event Professional volunteer photographer will take photos of seniors participating at the event. The grant will assist with the cost of employing an artist to produce a creative record of the event. This will be displayed in Council’s foyer and also be available for other local aged care services to display throughout the year.	300 - 400	$600
		TOTAL		$8,380

The amount of funds available for Seniors Week grants is $6,500.

Project Assessment

Project selection criteria identified in the Seniors Week grant guidelines includes the following:

· Involve the wider community or have the potential to reach the wider community

· Promotes positive images of being older

· Are innovative and creative

· Encourages active participation of older people

· Showcase the skills of older people and their continuing contribution to the general community.

Council has received an application (Project No 10) from TRI Community Exchange, which involves the documentation of Council’s Seniors Week event by creating a collage of photographs. Seniors Week funds are specifically provided to encourage the ‘active participation’ of older people in activities, rather than for documentation purposes only. For this reason, it is proposed this project is not supported through the 2007 Seniors Week grants program. Alternative potential sources of funding for this project will be discussed with the applicant.

Council officers have further discussed proposed activities and project budgets with the applicants of the remaining projects (Projects 1-9). Some opportunities to reduce the amount of funds required have been identified through either additional donations, additional use of applicant organisational resources, and charging of nominal fees, or through the alteration of the scope of the proposed activities. In particular Project 3 proposed by the Nepean Retired Men’s Club Inc. now has a broader focus on Older Men’s Wellbeing.

The following three projects have been able to reduce the amount of funds required, without disadvantage to the groups or members.

Table 2 below identifies the projects with revised funding requests indicated.

Table 2: Revised Project Budgets

No	Organisation	Proposed Activity	Original Amount Requested	Revised Amount Requested
1	Catholic Parish of Holy Spirit St. Clair	Young at Heart’ memories of Life at Mamre	$1,750	$1,000
3	Nepean Retired Men’s Club Inc	Older Men’s ‘Wellness’ and Information Session	$1,050	$900
4	National Seniors Association Penrith Nepean	Coach trip to Picton	$1,000	$620
		TOTAL	$3,800	$2,520

With the revised budget requests identified in the above table (Table 2) and the proposal not to support the TRI Community Exchange project (No 10), the total recommended allocation is $6,500.

The projects recommended for funding and the proposed allocations are as follows:

Table 3: Seniors Week Grants 2007 – Recommended Projects and Allocations

No	Organisation	Proposed Activity	Requested amount
1	Catholic Parish of Holy Spirit St. Clair	‘Young at Heart’ memories of Life at Mamre	$1,000
2	The Anglo-Indian Association of NSW	Live Life – Bollywood Extravaganza	$500
3	Nepean Retired Men’s Club Inc.	Older Men’s ‘Wellness’ and Information Session	$900
4	National Seniors Association Penrith Nepean	Coach trip to Picton	$620
5	St Mary’s CPSA	Aussie/Greek Cultural Day	$950
6	St Mary’s CPSA	Ecumenical Church Service	$390
7	SPYNS	Get into gear in Penrith	$500
8	Werrington Community Project Inc.	Seniors arts and craft Expo 2007	$1,000
9	Nepean Voluntary Aid Red Cross	Red Cross VAD 50^th Birthday Celebration	$640
		TOTAL	$6,500

Summary

Council has received a grant of $1,000 from the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care, to assist with organising a local community event, ‘Embrace Life through Music’, to celebrate Seniors Week 2007. This event will be held at Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre on Thursday, 15 March 2007.

The amount available for the Seniors Week 2007 Grants Program is $6,500. Community organisations have applied for contributions, totalling $8,380 to assist in the delivery of ten projects for Seniors Week 2007.

It is suggested that the application ‘Collage of Penrith City Council’s 2007 Senior’s Week Event’, from TRI Community Exchange, not be supported as this project does not meet the selection criteria.

It is recommended that Council provide grants to the value of $6,500 to fund nine (9) local community organisations for the outlined activities to celebrate Seniors Week 2007. This includes reduced amounts for three projects as discussed with the applicants.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Seniors Week 2007 be received.

2. Council provide Seniors Week grants to the value of $6,500 to nine local community organisations to celebrate Seniors Week 2007, as outlined in the report.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Community Assistance Program 2006-07 Rolling Component

Compiled by: Joanne Tran, Community Development Officer - Generalist

Joe Ibbitson, Community Programs Coordinator

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community Development Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Strategies are in place to respond to the social and health needs of the community.

Critical Action: Support community organisations and programs to meet identified community needs.

Purpose:

To advise Council of a request for 2006-07 Community Assistance Program funding. The report recommends that Council approve an allocation of $1,000, under the Rolling Component of the 2006-07 Community Assistance Program, to promote the involvement of local women of all ages and cultural backgrounds in the 2007 International Women's Day Wellbeing activities and a related celebration event.

Background

Through the Community Assistance Program, Council makes small grants to non-profit organisations and community-based groups to help meet local community needs. The maximum grant is $1,000.

There are three eligibility criteria endorsed by Council, which are:

· Non-profit organisations providing one-off activities

· Direct benefit to, and participation from, Penrith residents

· Projects and project management in line with Council’s Access and Equity Policy.

Fundraising programs or organisations whose main job is to fundraise are not eligible.

Rolling Component

There are two components of the Community Assistance Program - the planned component and the rolling component. The Planned component of the program is undertaken once a year in October/November. Recognising that not all needs for funding can be foreseen, the Rolling component allows for one-off requests to be brought before Council at any time during the year. This provides a flexible supplement to the Planned component of the program.

Council has received a request from the Penrith Women’s Health Centre, on behalf of a number of project partners, for CAP funds to assist with organising activities for 2007 International Women’s Day celebrations.

2006-07 Community Assistance Program Budget

The total budget for the 2006-07 combined Rolling and Planned components of the Community Assistance Program is $26,000. In December, Council approved the expenditure for the 2006-07 Planned component. When approving the Planned component expenditure Council endorsed a transfer of $19.00 from the Rolling component to fund the recommended grants. In October 2006, Council also approved an allocation of $1,000 from the Rolling component for the Werrington Community Festival. Total expenditure from the Rolling Component at this point is $1,019.

The table below identifies that currently there is $5,981 available in the Rolling component of the 2006-07 Community Assistance Program.

Table 1: Community Assistance Program – Expenditure to Date

Community Assistance Program	Allocated	Expenditure to Date	Committed	Available
Planned Component	$19,000	$19,000	0	0
Rolling Component	$7,000	$1,019	0	$5,981
Total annual funds	$26,000	$20,019	0	$5,981

International Women’s Day - Wellbeing Project

The Penrith Women’s Health Centre Inc has requested CAP funding, to support and encourage the involvement of local women of all ages and cultural backgrounds in the 2007 International Women’s Day Wellbeing activities, culminating in a major event to be held on Thursday, 8 March at St Marys Community Centre. This project is the result of a partnership between the Penrith Women’s Health Centre and local services, including the Aboriginal Catholic Ministry, Mission Australia and SPYNS. Penrith City Council officers have also assisted in developing the project.

Various workshops are currently being conducted, throughout the Penrith area, through local community and neighbourhood centres and regular women’s meeting groups. Participants are invited to portray their thoughts and discussions in an artistic way through writing, paintings, scrapbooks, sculptures and other forms. The results of these workshop activities, including the artworks, will be digitally photographed for inclusion in a powerpoint slide show. The slide show presentation will then be screened at the International Women’s Day Wellbeing Event on 8 March at St Marys Community Centre.

The funds will be used to provide some artistic entertainment, as well as for catering, the provision of childcare services and promotional activities.

It is proposed to allocate $1,000 from the 2006-07 CAP Rolling component funds to assist the Penrith Women’s Health Centre Inc. in supporting the involvement of local women in the 2007 International Women’s Day Wellbeing activities and related event to be held on 8March.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Community Assistance Program 2006-07 Rolling Component be received.

2. Council approve a grant of $1,000, under the rolling component of the 2006-07 Community Assistance Program, to the Penrith Women’s Health Centre Inc to promote the involvement of local women in the 2007 International Women’s Day Wellbeing activities and a major celebration event to be held on 8 March at St Marys.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

NSW Pre-School Investment and Reform Plan - Viability Funding

Compiled by: Janet Keegan, Children's Services Coordinator

Authorised by: Denise Gibson, Children’s Services Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Services are provided to meet the diverse needs of families and to support the development of children.

Critical Action: Deliver Councils Children's Services to meet the current and emerging needs of families and children.

Purpose:

To inform Council of the Pre-School Investment and Reform Plan - Viability funding, and the outcome for services sponsored by Council. The report recommends that Council accept recurrent funding in the amount of $102,485 offered under the NSW Pre-School Investment and Reform Plan Viability Funding.

Background

The NSW Government has made a significant new investment in strengthening and expanding the services that are available to children in their year prior to school. This investment was announced in the NSW 2006/07 budget. The total additional investment in Pre-school programs over the first four years is $85 million. A Pre-school Implementation Working Group has been established to advise on the criteria, process and distribution of the $17.6 million viability funding for 2006/07 and 2007/08.

Current Situation

Pre-school services in NSW were invited to apply for this funding in the latter part of 2006. Components of the funding included Fee Relief, Operational, Capital Improvement and Service Analysis and Business Development Funding. Council was advised at the Ordinary Meeting of 4 December 2006 of this funding. Applications for funding were made for all eight of the Pre-school services sponsored by Council for a total of $2,338.000, as follows:

CENTRE	OPERATIONAL	FEE RELIEF	CAPITAL	TOTAL
Cooinda	134,328	13,521	133,000	280,849
Grays Lane	184,841	4,192	10,000	199,033
Gumbirra	137,404	16,807	87,000	241,211
Koolyangarra	213,090	38,932	72,000	324,023
Mobile	171.522	12,675	64,000	76,675
Rainbow Cott	218,419	23,890	401,000	643,310
St Marys	139,480	44,661	117,000	301,141
Tandara	197,831	15,947	57,000	270,778
GRAND TOTAL	1,225,395	170,625	941,000	2,337,021

The outcome of this funding round is now known and we have been offered the following:

CENTRE	OPERATIONAL	FEE RELIEF	TOTAL
Gumbirra	28,430	8,037	36,467
Mobile	5,438	11,581	17,019
Rainbow Cottage	13,736	5,764	19,500
Tandara	29,499	0	29,499
GRAND TOTAL	77,103	25,382	102,485

Service Analysis and Business Development Support has also been offered for 3 services with no dollars attached.

Applications for Capital funding were unsuccessful. The funding is recurrent for Year 1 and Year 2 of the funding round.

Implementation

The Penrith City Children’s Services Co-operative Ltd (PCCSC) and Children’s Services management will now investigate the most effective means of applying this reduced level of funding, to prioritise and implement outcomes included in the Investment and Reform Plan. A major part of this investigation will be how best to sustain equity for users of the Pre-schools, and how to achieve outcomes with the funding available.

Enquiries are being made as to how the funding has been distributed across the State, and the rationale as to why some of our Pre-schools were funded and others were not.

Conclusion

An offer of funding has been received from the NSW Government Department of Community Services for the Preschool Investment and Reform Plan Viability Funding. Whilst the funding offered does not meet the levels of the original application, the Penrith City Children’s Services Co-operative will, with children’s services management, review and prioritise the planned outcomes and determine an appropriate implementation plan. It is recommended that the recurrent funding, in the amount of $102,485, offered under the NSW Pre-school Investment and Reform Plan Viability Funding, be accepted.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on NSW Pre-School Investment and Reform Plan - Viability Funding be received.

2. Council accept recurrent funding in the amount of $102,485 offered under the NSW Pre-school Investment and Reform Plan Viability Funding.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Affordability of Child Care

Compiled by: Denise Gibson, Children’s Services Manager

Authorised by: Denise Gibson, Children’s Services Manager

Requested By: Councillor David Bradbury

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Services are provided to meet the diverse needs of families and to support the development of children.

Critical Action: Advocate for standards of care and education to promote and support families, child safety and well being.

Purpose:

This report provides an overview of the policy and funding models of Commonwealth and State Governments associated with the provision of Children's Services. It examines the impacts on services at a Local and National level and the flow on impacts on affordability and access to Children's Services for Penrith families. This report reflects on Council's community obligation and its commitment to provide and facilitate the provision by others to provide children's services that assist children to reach their full potential and that build the social capital of the community. This report outlines recent initiatives by the Commonwealth and State Governments including compliance issues and potential costs to services. This reports recommends that the information be received.

Background

Councillor request: Councillor Bradbury requested a report to Council, outlining the factors contributing to the affordability of child care, and requesting that the report address additional compliance issues and costs recently imposed by the Commonwealth Government.

Council’s Involvement in Children’s Services

Council sponsors 39 centre based programs for children and their families and 2 mobile services. These include 17 long day care (LDC), 7 centre based preschools (PS), 9 before and after school care (B&A) and 6 vacation care (VC)services . These services are managed by delegated authority from Council to the Penrith City Children’s Services Co-operative. Council also sponsors two mobile services, the mobile preschool (MPS) and the mobile playvan (MPV) and 1 occasional care (OCC) service. Overall 1693 places are provided daily (including VC). Between 4,500 and 5,000 children attend our services each year. The ABS census 2001 shows 13,916 children in Penrith under 4 years of age and 26,883 between 5 -14years. Almost 12.25% of Penrith children attend Council sponsored centres.

In addition, Council sponsors support projects for children’s services, which includes the Inclusion Support Agency (ISA), the OOSH Inclusion project, and the Supporting Aboriginal Access to Children’s Services project (SAACS).

Alternative Providers of Children’s Services in Penrith

In Penrith, Mission Australia provides up to 487 family day care places daily. Both the for-profit sector and the not-for-profit sector (eg community based, church sponsored) may also provide one or more of the above range of service types. By comparison, the not-for profit sector provides a total of 69 services, made up of Council’s 41 centres based and mobile services and the community-based sector, which provides 28 services. The for-profit sector provides 48 services across the City of Penrith.

Issues around affordability are different to each service type, but issues are often interrelated. Policy direction related to one service type potentially impacts on other service types. This is very evident when the situation with long day care and preschools is examined.

Government Support for Children’s Services

Both Federal and State / Territory Governments provide either direct contribution towards operations and / or provide support indirectly to parents in a form of fee relief (Child Care Benefit, 30% Child Care Rebate, JET child care or Economic Needs Subsidy). These aim to support affordability and access. Additional financial and advisory support is also provided to centre staff through the Commonwealth Inclusion Support Programme (ISA) or the State program - Supporting Children with Additional Needs (SCAN) and Department of Education and Training - Intervention Support Program (DETISP). These funding and support programs are not a major focus of this report, as they relate more to funding to support the centres and staff, than support that provides financial assistance to families, and affordability. They do however support access.

Understanding the policy context and operational models around children’s services is complicated at the local level because of the range of funding models and regulatory requirements. Nationally, the complexity is even more pronounced because each level of government has different constitutional responsibilities. As a consequence, policy varies in each State according to each State Government policy. Whilst Commonwealth and State Governments produce policy statements, there is no effective national planning framework to ensure equity of access to Children’s Services across the country.

Commonwealth Government policy relates to childcare aiming to help parents with their family and work responsibilities. State Government policy relates not only to childcare but also to education, including Preschools, and to disability services. This dichotomy between childcare and Preschool contributes to the issues surrounding the provision of appropriate services to young children, when in reality the nurturing and education of young children cannot be separated.

This report aims to demystify these complexities, and to explain the current issues related to affordability of child care, and additional compliance issues and costs recently imposed by the Federal Government.

Implications of Commonwealth Government Policy on Access to Children’s Services and Affordability

Current Commonwealth Government policy is based on the supply of child care places being provided by the market. The assumption is that a competitive market will ensure places are provided where there is demand, and will keep fees competitive and improve affordable access for families. Various debates support or oppose this notion and recent reports demonstrate outcomes across the country. The Commonwealth policy includes priority of access guidelines. First priority of access is for children at risk, the second for families working or seeking work, and thirdly for any other families. In areas of undersupply, these priority of access requirements would be applied rigorously, and it is unlikely that priority three families would have access to long day care. In areas of undersupply, centres will provide places to families that meet priority three guidelines in order to maximise its utilisation.

The Penrith experience is localised and may differ considerably to the situation in other Sydney suburbs. There are many specific factors, that would need to be researched in detail, to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of government policy on affordability and access to Children’s Services. The intent of this report is to provide a snapshot of the situation as it is being experienced in the City of Penrith.

Supply and Demand and its Affect on Fees

Long Day Care

Recently released reports suggest that across Australia there is sufficient supply of child care places, and in fact a large number of vacancies exist. The “Economic Round Up - Summer 2007”, released by the Australian Treasury on 2 February 2007, indicates that nationally utilisation rates fell from 88 – 84 percent between 2002 and 2004. In 2006, Council’s long day care centres experienced an average 88% utilisation rate across its 17 long day care centres. Data is not readily available however, to compare vacancies and utilisation rates across regions and suburbs where the situation is reportedly variable.

Across Sydney, for example in Marrickville and Auburn, it is reported that there is an undersupply of long day care and places are difficult to find. The Child Care Access Hot Line advises that places are difficult to find in these suburbs. Interestingly, at the beginning of 2007, the Hot Line reports vacancies in centres in Sydney CBD, where major providers of child care have established services.

Factors that influence the establishment of centres, and levels of supply, include the cost and availability of land. The Government has also put in place incentives and ongoing subsidies to encourage providers to set up services in remote rural and regional areas, where the market has not met demand. Supply needs to be able to respond to changing community needs, which can be influenced by changing demographics, economic factors, and Government policies such as the State Early Intervention Program.

In Penrith, and neighbouring Local Government areas, land is available at a lower cost than suburbs closer to the City of Sydney, and there has been a consistent and growing development of new for-profit centres since the mid 1990’s. At the same time, there has been a rapid decline in the establishment of new not-for-profit centres since the Joint Commonwealth / State capital program which funding construction costs ceased in the mid 1990’s. It is understood that such rapid development has not occurred in other Sydney suburbs such as Marrickville and Auburn.

The Penrith Experience

Media reports currently suggest fees as high as $100 a day for long day care in some areas. Nationally, the average Long Day Care weekly fee for 50 hours of care in 2006 (Productivity Commission Report, January 2007) was $233. In 2006, Council’s Long Day Care fee was $283.00 a week for a 55 hour week. Variables in costs exist because of such factors as the size of a centre, hours of operations, the ages of children in care, the levels of service provided such as meals and nappies, making comparisons difficult.

Providers will take business decisions to identify a niche in the market and adjust their services accordingly. Some will cater for the local workforce and operate on minimum hours, perhaps eight or nine hours a day, reducing staffing costs. Others will offer a very basic service for the lower cost age range (3-5 years) only, again reducing staffing costs. Some will offer a “no-frills” service, and parents are expected to provide all the children’s meals, baby formulas, nappies etc. These differences in service levels are reflected in the fees charged. A recent survey of St Marys centres showed fees as low as $40 for 2- 5 year olds for a 10 hour day, with parents providing all food and necessities.

In one respect, supply and demand results in higher fees where there is high demand and low supply as is demonstrated above. Less understood is the impact of low utilisation in areas of oversupply. To some extent, it increases competition and makes fees competitive. But the constraints of a highly regulated service, as is Long Day Care, means that expenditure can only be reduced to a certain level if compliance with regulations is to be sustained. To remain viable a service has to raise its fees to increase income to cover essential expenditure. This is a double-edged sword. If fee increases are too great, this will in itself impact on utilisation, as the Long Day Care service is not competitive with others in the area.

The worrying trend is that, where supply for 3-5 year olds in LDC increases to a point of oversupply, it also impacts on State funded Preschools, affecting their long term financial viability. This is discussed in more detail below.

Our most recent assessment in 2006 of supply (by all providers city-wide) and demand for 0-5 year old children in the City of Penrith, that includes Long Day Care, Preschools and Occasional Care, indicates that Penrith has areas of oversupply and minimal undersupply (Attachment 1). The suburbs with an undersupply do not have the population to support a stand-alone centre. This assessment takes into account such factors as a percentage of under one year olds and over four year olds who will not be accessing centre based services, the percentage that will choose to use family day care, and it uses the participation rate as demonstrated in ABS data to determine levels of demand. The nexus between one suburb and another which supplies Children’s Services is another factor to consider in supply and demand. Research has demonstrated that the catchment area for a children’s service is 5 kms. Vacancy rates reflect this oversupply.

When oversupply results in widespread under-utilisation and higher fees, the concern is that families cannot afford to access Children’s Services, affecting not only parents’ participation in the workforce, but children’s access to early childhood learning and development environments. Council has made a previous commitment to support such access, knowing that such an investment leads to long term improved outcomes for children socially, educationally, and financially, as well as building the social and economical capital of the city.

Before and After School Care (B&A) and Vacation Care (VC) – Out of School Hours Services (OOSH)

The picture for Out of School Hours services (OOSH) is difficult to describe with accuracy. Data is limited and the situation changes unpredictably. In 2006, the Commonwealth Government deregulated the release of funded places for OOSH services, to encourage the market to respond to the expected growth in demand likely to arise from the changes to family payments for single parents, requiring them to return to work when children are attending school. Data in the Productivity Commission Report 2007 indicates 13.3 % of children in NSW use Government funded or provided child care, compared to 14.9% nationally. Considering 12.25% of Penrith’s children use Council’s Children’s Services, the participation of children in centre based centres in Penrith appears be higher than the National or State average.

Various community based and private providers have entered the market in the past two years. In this time, OOSH services have been required to undergo Accreditation in a similar way to Long Day Care, and have recently been required to register with the Department of Community Services, as the first stage of becoming a licensed and regulated service. These compliance requirements will have cost implications for the providers of OOSH services. Very few development applications are received by Council for purpose built OOSH services, the most common scenario being the provision of a small number of places within existing long day care centres. It is also our understanding that some providers have recently ceased operating OOSH services.

The Penrith Experience

This change in provision is evidenced, to some extent, by the changing levels of utilisation in Council’s OOSH services. Whilst there is variation across suburbs, demand appears to be growing, compared to several years of decline. In 2004/05, the average utilisation for mornings was 38%, and 71% in the afternoons; in 2005/06, utilisation averaged 37% in the mornings, and 68% in the afternoons; in December 2006, utilisation rates averaged 44% in the mornings, and 79% in the afternoons. Reports from centres indicate that, in February 2007, some are experiencing maximum utilisation in the afternoons and growing waiting lists.

Similarly to long day care, supply and demand will have impact on parent fees. However, there should be some caution in regard to OOSH fees. Whilst short term trends swing from low to high utilisation, the long term impact of current Government policy is unknown and should be monitored before radically adjusting fee levels.

The concern with OOSH services is sustaining a reliable provision of OOSH services that can withstand the variables of supply and demand, and

# Meetings at which the Management Plan ¼ly reviews are presented.	^ Election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor [only business]
#+ General Manager’s presentation – half year and end of year review	@ Strategic Program progress reports [only business]
v Meeting at which the Draft Management Plan is adopted for exhibition	ü Meeting at which the 2006/2007 Annual Statements are presented
* Meeting at which the Management Plan for 2007/2008 is adopted

*Ordinary Meeting*	*12 February 2007*
*Appendix 1 - UWS Railway Station chronology*