Agenda of Ordinary Meeting

UNCONFIRMED MINUTES

OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

ON MONDAY 2 JULY 2007 AT 7:33PM

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, Kevin Crameri OAM, Greg Davies, Ross Fowler, Jackie Greenow, Karen McKeown, Susan Page, Garry Rumble, Steve Simat and John Thain.

APOLOGIES

235 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Greg Davies that the apologies from Councillors David Bradbury and Lexie Cettolin be accepted.

236 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Greg Davies that leave of absence be granted to Councillor Mark Davies for the period 2 July 2007 to16 July 2007 inclusive.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Ordinary Meeting - 25 June 2007

237 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Steve Simat that the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 25 June 2007 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jackie Greenow declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Tender as she is a Director of the Penrith Performing and Visual Arts Board, which is sponsored by SITA.

Councillor Pat Sheehy AM declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Tender as he is a Director of the Penrith Performing and Visual Arts Board, which is sponsored by SITA.

Councillor Ross Fowler declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Tender as he is a Director of the Penrith Performing and Visual Arts Board, which is sponsored by SITA.

Councillor Karen McKeown declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 6 - Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Tender as she is a Director of the Penrith Performing and Visual Arts Board, which is sponsored by SITA.

MAYORAL MINUTE

1 Council recognised for Excellence in Stormwater Research

238 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor Steve Simat that the Mayoral Minute on Council’s recognition for Excellence in Stormwater Research be received.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

1 Neighbourhood Centres Week 2007

239 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Susan Page that the information contained in the report on Neighbourhood Centres Week 2007 be received.

2 Seniors Week 2007 "Embrace Life Through Music" Celebration

240 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Susan Page that the information contained in the report on Seniors Week 2007 "Embrace Life Through Music" Celebration be received.

3 Provision of Security Gates for Jamison Park, Penrith

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

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Provision of Security Gates for Jamison Park, Penrith be received.

2. The amount of $8,425 be allocated from South Ward Voted Works for the provision of security gates at Jamison Park, Penrith.

3. The Nepean District Soccer Football Association be thanked for their contribution to this project.

4 Additional Projects in Parks Improvement Program

242 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Additional Projects in Parks Improvement Program be received.

2. The three projects noted in the report be included in the 2007-2008 Management Plan - $100,000 for Roper Road Fields, $15,000 for North Ward Skate Park, and $20,000 for Plan of Management for Memory Park.

3. A further report be provided to Council on Roper Road Fields, with detailed plans for proposed work and uses.

5 Parks and Leisure National Conference 2007

243 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Parks and Leisure National Conference 2007 be received.

2. Any interested Councillors be nominated to attend the Parks and Leisure National Conference in Townsville in September 2007.

The City In Its Environment

6 Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Tender

244 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Karen McKeown

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Tender be received.

2. SITA Environmental Solutions be appointed as the preferred tenderer for Civic Waste Collection and Disposal Services.

3. The Waste and Community Protection Manager, in consultation with the Legal Officer, be authorised to negotiate contracts consistent with the report presented to Council at its Ordinary meeting of 5 March 2007.

7 Rehabilitation of Sections of The Great River Walk - Penrith - Successful Grant Application

245 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garry Rumble seconded Councillor Ross Fowler

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Rehabilitation of Sections of The Great River Walk - Penrith - Successful Grant Application be received.

2. Council accept the Grant offered under the Local Government River Health Partnership Grant as detailed in the report.

The City as an Economy

9 CLAIR Forum 2007

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

That:

1. The information contained in the report on CLAIR Forum 2007 be received.

2. Councillor Greenow represent Council at the 2007 CLAIR Forum being held as part of the 2007 Australian Sister Cities Association Annual Conference in Darwin from 30 September to 3 October 2007.

8 Kunshan Trade and Investment Promotion Fair - October 2007

247 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor John Thain

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Kunshan Trade and Investment Promotion Fair - October 2007 be received.

2. The Mayor of Penrith lead the business delegation from Penrith, accompanied by Councillor Ross Fowler, invited by the Mayor of Kunshan, to participate in the 2007 Kunshan Autumn Trade and Investment Promotion Fair as requested by local Penrith business person Mr Greg Evans.

10 Request for sponsorship of World Dragon Boat Championships

248 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Susan Page

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Request for sponsorship of World Dragon Boat Championships be received.

2. Sponsorship of the World Dragonboat Championships to a value of $20,000 be approved in accordance with Council’s City Marketing Event Sponsorship Policy.

The City Supported by Infrastructure

Councillor Susan Page left the meeting, the time being 7:58 pm.

11 Grading of rural road shoulders in Berkshire Park and Llandilo and status of Llandilo Trunk Drainage Scheme

249 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM seconded Councillor Greg Davies

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Grading of rural road shoulders in Berkshire Park and Llandilo and status of Llandilo Trunk Drainage Scheme be received.

2. Council send a letter to all rural properties, notifying them that Council permission is required for the diversion of the natural course of water and for the filling of land, and noting that the burning of vegetation is permissible with the approval of the Rural Fire Service, the letter to quote the relevant Rural Fire Service telephone number in this regard.

Leadership and Organisation

14 Council Property - Transfer of Funds for Land in Lawson Street Penrith

250 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Steve Simat

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Council Property - Transfer of Funds for Land in Lawson Street Penrith be received.

2. The amount of $620,000 be transferred to the Penrith Town Centre Section 94 Fund from the Property Development Reserve.

Councillor Page returned to the meeting, the time being 8:00 pm.

12 CLAIR Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar 2007

251 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on CLAIR Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar 2007 be received.

2. The Chief Financial Officer’s participation in the CLAIR Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar 2007 be supported as outlined in the report.

13 Council Property - Electricity Easements at Wallacia Bushfire Brigade, Lot 422 DP 706223, Park Road, Wallacia

252 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that consideration of this matter be deferred for further information.

15 Audit Tender 2007 amendment

253 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Greg Davies that the information contained in the report on Audit Tender 2007 amendment be received.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

QWN 1 Community Relations Report 2006

Councillor Jackie Greenow tabled the Community Relations Report 2006 entitled ‘Harmony in Motion’, and congratulated staff involved in the successful local projects outlined in the document.

QWN 2 Leave of Absence

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested Leave of Absence from 3 July 2007 to 10 July 2007 inclusive.

254 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg 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.

255 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that Leave of Absence be granted to Councillor Jim Aitken OAM from 3 July 2007 to 10 July 2007 inclusive.

QWN 3 Proposed Child Care Facility - Grays Lane, Cranebrook

Councillor John Thain requested that the development application for the proposed child care facility to be established in Grays Lane, Cranebrook be brought to Council for determination.

Committee of the Whole

256 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Susan Page seconded Councillor Greg Davies that the meeting adjourn to the Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matters, the time being 8:10 pm.

1 Presence of the Public

CW1 RESOLVED on the motion of Councillor Susan Page seconded Councillor Greg Davies that the press and public be excluded from Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matters:

City as a Social Place

2 Legal Matter - Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited. Applicant: Walker Group Constructions; Owner: Macquarie Goodman DA04/1637

This item has been referred to Committee of the Whole as the report refers to advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege and discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to the public interest.

The meeting resumed at 8:13 pm and the General Manager reported that the Committee of the Whole met at 8:10 pm on 2 July 2007, the following being present

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

2 Legal Matter - Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited. Applicant: Walker Group Constructions; Owner: Macquarie Goodman DA04/1637

RECOMMENDED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Greg Davies

CW2 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Legal Matter - Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited be received.

2. The matter be further pursued in accordance with the terms detailed in this report.

3. The matter be reported to open Council in accordance with the report.

4. A motion be prepared for submission to the upcoming Local Government Association Conference in regard to the level of penalties available for unauthorised development, and calling for a review of the role of private certifiers.

ADOPTION OF Committee of the Whole

257 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM that the recommendations contained in the Committee of the Whole and shown as CW 1 and CW 2 be adopted.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 8:14 pm.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Disability Access Committee MEETING

HELD ON 6 June, 2007

PRESENT

Councillor Jackie Greenow (Chair), Jill Huber, Alison Herbert, Maeve Dunnett, David Currie, Tricia Hitchen (5.30pm)

IN ATTENDANCE

Graham Howe, Building Projects Co-ordinator; Hans Meijer, Asset Systems Manager; Ben Felten, Disability Access Officer; Vanessa Muscat, Environmental Health and Building Surveyor; Steve Barratt, Building Approval Unit Co-ordinator; Joe Ibbitson, Community Programs Co-ordinator; Athena Kandris, Aged and Disability Services Officer, Jeni Pollard, Acting Community Development Manager (5.20pm)

APOLOGIES

There were no apologies.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Lexie Cettolin for the period 21 May 2007 to 25 June 2007 inclusive.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Disability Access Committee Meeting - 4 April 2007

DAC 13 RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the Disability Access Committee Meeting of 4 April 2007 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No declarations of interest.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

4 Disability Access Committee - Meeting Procedures

Joe Ibbitson reported that the previous Disability Access Committee meeting was very lengthy and some people had to leave before the meeting ended. A Council officer group considered the meeting procedures to see if there was a way to streamline them.

Joe Ibbitson explained that as members were so enthusiastic about the Disability Access Committee it was important to make sure there was an ordered and efficient way of dealing with business items and an opportunity for the committee to provide comment.

The proposed meeting procedure changes are:

· Streamlining of the DA referral process

· minimise General Business items

· more information about DAs prior to the meetings

· Council staff reports to the committee on important items.

The DA procedures will be looked at in a separate report at this meeting. General Business – unless referred by Committee members at the meeting would only be for urgent business and last minute items.

Alison Herbert asked if a committee member or someone from the community wanted an item included in the meeting whether they could approach Council and have their item placed in the business paper. Joe Ibbitson agreed that this was the correct process but added that some issues can be dealt with in between meetings. Joe advised members to contact Council and the matter will be referred to the appropriate Council officer.

It was agreed that committee members could email Joe Ibbitson or Athena Kandris with queries and would receive a response on these matters.

DAC 14 RECOMMENDED that:

1. The information contained in the report on Disability Access Committee - Meeting Procedures be received.

2. The proposed changes to the meeting procedures and agenda of the Disability Access Committee be adopted.

1 Development Application Referrals for the Access Committee

Steve Barratt spoke to the report which outlined the proposed new Development Application referral process.

Steve Barratt described the four categories of building classifications that are currently referred to the Disability Access Committee.

It is proposed that a standard template be attached to the back of the business paper which will include the following details:

· property details including location of the proposal

· current use of the site

· description of the proposed development

· identification of access issues

· comment and recommendations by the assessing officer.

The Council officer dealing with the application will attend the meeting and present the plans. The committee will be speaking to the person who is going to write the report to Council and have direct input into that process. It will be a standard first item on the agenda to enable Council officers to attend the meeting. There will be a review within 12 months of operation to assess the effectiveness of the new process.

Councillor Greenow asked if the property details would include the owner’s name as this could affect declarations of interest. Vanessa Muscat advised that the template would have the name of the applicant and the owner.

Councillor Greenow queried what would happen with last minute applications. Vanessa Muscat advised that a list could be sent to the committee as an attachment to an email. Steve Barratt said that major developers understand that it usually takes longer to process their applications.

DAC 15 RECOMMENDED that:

1. The information contained in the report on Development Application Referrals for the Access Committee be received.

2. Any new Development Application which falls within the types identified in this report be referred to the Access Committee.

3. The change to procedure on reporting applications to the Committee be adopted.

4. The effectiveness of the proposed changes be reviewed within 12 months of their implementation.

2 Accessible Arts - Launch of Western Sydney Project

DAC 16 RECOMMENDED that the information contained in the report on Accessible Arts - Launch of Western Sydney Project be received.

3 Disability Action Plan - Stage 2

Joe Ibbitson informed the Committee that the Disability Action Plan Stage 2 is being developed. The project brief is finalised and attached to the report. Three expressions of interest were received from consultants to undertake the project - Elton Consulting, Sarah Artist and Urbis. Urbis has been successful and will help facilitate the consultations planned for 7 June. A series of internal workshops will also be held.

Joe Ibbitson advised that there have been some changes to the timeframe due to unavoidable delays. He asked that the Committee consider recommending the amount of $5,000 for 2006/07 be rolled over to next year because the money would not be spent until after July.

David Currie expressed concern that the consultants may not produce a plan based on local knowledge and information. Joe Ibbitson advised that the consultants have all the information generated so far and would add to this information from the consultations and internal workshops and produce the Disability Action Plan Stage 2 draft document.

Ben Felten advised that the consultants will make a presentation to the committee about the Disability Action Plan Stage 2 at the next meeting.

David Currie enquired if the consultants had undertaken this type of work previously. Joe Ibbitson replied that some of the individuals working at Urbis have a history of working with disability projects, local government and developing similar plans and strategies.

Alison Herbert asked if the consultations would include CALD people and young people with disabilities. Athena Kandris advised that there would be representatives from these groups at the consultations.

Councillor Greenow enquired about Councillor training. Ben Felten stated that is was a specific identified task in the previous Disability Action Plan.

Councillor Greenow stated that Councillor and staff training should be in every plan and carried out on an ongoing basis because of staff changes as well as the change of Council.

Jen Pollard suggested discussing this matter with Corporate Development so that it is part of the orientation for Councillors and is an ongoing process.

DAC 17 RECOMMENDED that:

1. The information contained in the report on Disability Action Plan - Stage 2 be received.

2. The amount of $5,000, currently allocated from the 2006-07 Disability Access Improvement Program funds, be carried over to the 2007-08 financial year to complete the Disability Action Plan – Stage 2 project, and that this be considered as part of Council’s June 2007 budget review process.

5 Expression of Interest - Disability Access Committee

DAC 18 RECOMMENDED that:

1. The information contained in the report on Expression of Interest - Disability Access Committee be received.

2. John Farragher, the 2007 Penrith Citizen of the Year, be appointed to fill the casual vacancy on the Disability Access Committee.

Leadership and Organisation

6 Penrith City Wins Spatial Science Conference 2007 Map Competition

DAC 19 RECOMMENDED that the information contained in the report on Penrith City Wins Spatial Science Conference 2007 Map Competition be received.

GENERAL BUSINESS

GB 1 Membership on the Committee

Maeve Dunnett advised that her current job finishes at the end of the month. As she didn’t know where she would be working or whether it would be with disability she wasn’t sure if she was eligible to continue on the committee.

Joe Ibbitson advised that all the committee members had been appointed for a two year term and that the appointment stands until the end of that period. The committee’s term ends about half-way through next year to coincide with the Local Government elections which will be in September.

GB 2 Wall of Achievement Nominations – Carers Award

Councillor Greenow advised that the Wall of Achievement nominations are open and reminded the committee of the Carers Section of these awards. Councillor Greenow asked that the committee speak to people and inform them of these awards to help raise its profile. The criteria for the Wall of Achievement awards is on Council’s website.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 6.10pm.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Disability Access Committee meeting held on 6 June, 2007 be adopted.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Local Traffic Committee MEETING

HELD ON 2 July, 2007

PRESENT

Stephen Barnes – Senior Traffic Engineer (Chairperson), Mayor Councillor Sheehy – Representative for the Member for Londonderry, Sergeant Natasha Crawford – Penrith Police, Senior Constable Mark Elliott - St Marys/Regentville Police, James Suprain – Roads and Traffic Authority

IN ATTENDANCE

Phill Sayles – Westbus, David Drozd – Senior Traffic Engineer, Sharon Maddox – Road Safety Co-ordinator, Dean Dehghan-Khalaji – Trainee Engineer, Noel Fuller – Co-ordinator Ranger Services

APOLOGIES

LTC 70 Deputy Mayor Councillor Karen McKeown – Representative for the Member for Mulgoa, Councillor Greenow, Michael Alderton – Road Network Services Engineer

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 4 June 2007

LTC 71 That the minutes of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting of 4 June 2007 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City Supported by Infrastructure

1 Jack Williams Drive, Penrith - Proposed 2-Hour Parking Restrictions

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 72 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Jack Williams Drive, Penrith - Proposed 2-Hour Parking Restrictions be received.

2. ‘2-Hour Parking (8:30am-6:00pm Mon-Fri & 8:30am-12:30pm Sat)’ restrictions be provided on the southern side of Jack Williams Drive, Penrith between Castlereagh Road and Borec Place, along with full-time ‘No Stopping’ restrictions from 6m either side and across all affected driveway access points.

3. The applicant for the Nepean Motor Group development (DA 04/1320) be required to provide ‘2-Hour Parking (8:30am-6:00pm Mon-Fri & 8:30am‑12:00pm Sat)’ signage on the northern side of Jack Williams Drive, along with full-time ‘No Stopping’ signage across their driveways, in lieu of providing timed ‘No Parking’ restrictions as required under condition No. 45 of the consent (DA 04/1320). The supply and installation of the signs to be at no cost to Council.

4. Councillor Greg Davies be advised.

2 Russell Street, Emu Plains - Proposed Pedestrian Refuge

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 73 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Russell Street, Emu Plains - Proposed Pedestrian Refuge be received.

2. A pedestrian refuge island be approved in Russell Street, Emu Plains immediately north of Ithaca Street, with Council’s Design Section to provide a detailed construction design for endorsement.

3. Council’s Senior Traffic Engineer to investigate the relative benefits of removing the existing concrete footpath on the eastern side of Russell Street, Emu Plains, north of Ithaca Street.

3 Soper Place Carpark - Installation of Parking Restrictions

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 74 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Soper Place Carpark - Installation of Parking Restrictions be received.

2. Parking restrictions indicating that vehicles must ‘Park in Marked Bays Only’ be installed at 30m spacing around the perimeter of the carpark, and that a condition of entry sign to the carpark be installed under section 650 of the Local Government Act.

3. An area of hatched linemarking be provided in the south-eastern corner of the carpark across two parking bays to reinforce permissible parking bays.

4 Englewood Way, Glenmore Park - Traffic Volume & Proposed Traffic Management Measures

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 75 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Englewood Way, Glenmore Park - Traffic Volume & Proposed Traffic Management Measures be received.

2. The Committee reaffirm its position with respect to deferring any decision on the implementation of traffic control measures, such as the half road closure of Laguna Drive, until the conditions of consent and the resultant traffic patterns for the southern expansion of Glenmore Park have been established.

GENERAL BUSINESS

GB 1 Penrith LGA – Wombat & School Crossing Linemarking Maintenance (Raised Council)

This report intends to clarify the matter of linemarking associated with Wombat and School Crossings and their ongoing maintenance.

There is presently a list of school and wombat crossings (dated 1 November 2003) in the LGA that meet the Pedestrian and Vehicle volume (PV) warrants according to the RTA guidelines. In the past there was direction that those marked crossings not on the list (ie, presently not meeting RTA warrants) should not be remarked.

The RTA guidelines stipulate that where PV warrants for a marked crossing are met at a certain location, the provision of such a facility can be supported. The only recourse for review, monitoring and evaluation of a marked pedestrian facility is suggested for the flags, signage, local parking arrangements and linemarking.

There is no indication that any facility that does not meet the warrants at present should be left to deteriorate (ie, linemarking).

The intention of this report is to reaffirm that Council’s position should be to re-linemark every marked pedestrian crossing as part of routine maintenance and if there is a need for review of a particular location (ie, due to changed traffic patterns), then a formal investigation should be conducted with the matter brought before the LTC to formally recommend removal of any pedestrian crossing.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 76 That Council continue to re-linemark every pedestrian crossing in the LGA as part of routine maintenance and if there is a need to remove a marked pedestrian crossing, that an investigation be conducted with the matter brought before the LTC to formally recommend removal of the crossing.

GB 2 Great Western Highway, Werrington – Update of Accident Status (Raised St Marys/Regentville Police)

The St Marys/Regentville Police representative provided an update on the accident status on the Great Western Highway at Werrington, and advised that there has only been one accident at this location since the phasing of the traffic signals was changed 12 months ago following a double fatality accident.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 77 That the information be noted.

GB 3 Bennett Road, Colyton – Request for Installation of Zig Zag Linemarking (Raised St Marys/Regentville Police)

The St Marys/Regentville Police representative raised a request on behalf of the Principal of Bennett Road Public School, for provision of zig zag linemarking on the northbound approach to the pedestrian crossing in Bennett Road, near the school. There is a crest of a hill which obscures drivers’ view of the pedestrian crossing, and the provision of such markings would highlight the existence of the crossing for approaching vehicles.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 78 That the matter be investigated and a further report be submitted to the Local Traffic Committee if warranted.

GB 4 Derby Street/Station Street, Penrith (Temporary Carpark on Corner) - Request for Provision of Signage (Raised Council)

Council’s Co-ordinator, Ranger Services requested the provision of appropriate signage in the recently constructed temporary carpark behind the Police Citizens Youth Centre (on the corner of Derby Street and Station Street), to enable enforcement to be carried out.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 79 That the matter be investigated and a further report be submitted to the Local Traffic Committee if warranted.

GB 5 Coreen Avenue, Penrith (Railway Station Carpark) – Vehicles Parked Outside Marked Bays (Raised Council)

Council’s Co-ordinator, Ranger Services raised concerns about vehicles being parked outside of marked parking bays in the railway carpark on the northern side of Penrith Station (entry off Coreen Avenue).

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 80 That Council investigate the feasibility of providing appropriate signposting under Section 650 of the Local Government Act.

GB 6 Jamison Road, South Penrith – Speeding Vehicles in School Zone (Raised Council)

Council’s Senior Traffic Engineer raised concerns on behalf of Deputy Mayor Councillor McKeown, and Councillors Crameri and Thain, who have made representations on behalf of a resident concerning vehicles speeding in the School Zone in Jamison Road, South Penrith. The resident has requested information on the provision of the new flashing warning signs for School Zones, and when they will be installed at this location.

RECOMMENDATION

LTC 81 That:

1. Council write to the Roads and Traffic Authority’s Road Safety Section requesting their consideration and action.

2. Councillors McKeown, Crameri, and Thain be advised.

3. The resident be advised.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed, the time being 10.05am.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 2 July, 2007 be adopted.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Policy Review Committee MEETING

HELD ON 9 July, 2007

PRESENT

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Pat Sheehy AM, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury (arrived 8:00pm), Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Greg Davies, Ross Fowler, Jackie Greenow, Karen McKeown, Susan Page, Garry Rumble, Steve Simat and John Thain.

APOLOGIES

PRC 52 RECOMMENDED that apologies be accepted from Councillor David Bradbury.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Mark Davies for the period 2 July 2007 to 16 July 2007 inclusive.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Policy Review Committee Meeting - 4 June 2007

PRC 53 RECOMMENDED that the minutes of the Policy Review Committee Meeting of 4 June 2007 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 1 – UWS Nepean Campus Masterplan, as he owns property in the WELL Precinct, an area adjacent to the land the subject of the UWS Nepean Campus Masterplan, and reserved his right to speak and vote on the matter.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

1 UWS Nepean Campus Masterplan

Rhonda Hawkins – Deputy Vice Chancellor Corporate Services, University of Western Sydney, and Professor Kevin Sproats – Pro-Vice Chancellor Campus Development, University of Western Sydney gave a presentation on the UWS Nepean Campus Masterplan.

PRC 54 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on UWS Nepean Campus Masterplan be received

2. An urgent report be brought to Council regarding the future consultation process on the WELL Precinct.

The City In Its Environment

3 Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad

Waste and Community Protection Manager, Barry Ryan and RID Squad Senior Investigation Officer, Stephen Gillis gave a presentation on the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad.

PRC 55 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on the Western Sydney Regional Illegal Dumping Squad be received

2. A further report be brought to Council outlining the most efficient and cost effective means of publicising the free Council pick-up/clean-up service. The report is also to outline the feasibility of publicising RID Squad cases and the fines issued, as a deterrent to would-be illegal dumpers.

Leadership and Organisation

5 Enterprise Risk Management

Risk Management Co-ordinator, Ken Muir, gave a presentation on Enterprise Risk Management.

PRC 56 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Enterprise Risk Management be received

2. The Enterprise Risk Management Policy be adopted

3. A further report be brought to Council detailing the progress of the Business Continuity Plan.

The City in its Broader Context

9 Status of National Growth Area Alliance

PRC 57 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Status of National Growth Area Alliance be received

2. Council continue to participate in the National Growth Area Alliance

3. The Mayor be authorised to represent Council in implementing the National Growth Area Alliance initiatives

4. Council inform the other Western Sydney Councils involved in the Alliance of its decision.

The City as a Social Place

2 Food Safety Program

PRC 58 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. That the information contained in the report on Food Safety Program be received

2. A further report be prepared for Council upon commencement of the Food Regulation Partnership legislation

3. A motion be prepared for the Local Government Association NSW Conference on the training and accreditation of food handlers.

The City as an Economy

4 Framework for a review of options for delivering Economic Development and Employment services in the City

PRC 59 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on the Framework for a review of options for delivering Economic Development and Employment services in the City be received

2. A Working Party comprising the Mayor, Councillors Ross Fowler, Susan Page and Jackie Greenow, and all other interested and available Councillors be established to undertake a review of options available to Council to deliver citywide economic development and employment services covering the roles and functions of Council’s Economic Development Department and the PVEDC

3. Council invite representatives of the PVEDC to join the Councillor working party in an advisory capacity

4. Council invite representatives of the Centre Associations to participate in the review in an advisory capacity.

Leadership and Organisation

6 Asset Management Planning For NSW Local Government

PRC 60 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Asset Management Planning For NSW Local Government be received

2. A submission be made to the NSW Department of Local Government based on the commentary in the report supporting the recommendations of the Asset Management Planning for NSW Local Government position paper.

7 Local Government Revenue Raising Capacity

PRC 61 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Local Government Revenue Raising Capacity be received

2. The submission to the Local Government Revenue Raising Capacity inquiry be endorsed.

8 Service Specification Program

PRC 62 RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Service Specification Program be received

2. The specification for the Development Engineering Service be adopted.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 9:29pm.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee meeting held on 9 July, 2007 be adopted.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*The City in its Broader Context*

The City in its Broader Context

Finalise Master Plan and implementation Strategy for the Civic Space between the JSPAC, Civic Centre and Westfield

Compiled by: Shari Hussein, Development Enquiry Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Paul Lemm, Development Services Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Penrith City Centre provides a comprehensive range of economic and human and lifestyle services to Outer Western Sydney and Central Western New South Wales.

Critical Action: Sporting, leisure, cultural and business facilities needed to support Penrith City Centre’s regional role have been defined and prioritised and initiatives to secure their provision by Council, other agencies and private interests are being taken.

Purpose:

To provide a status report outlining the staged implementation strategy. The report recommends the Council endorse in principle the master plan and endorse the first stage of works to proceed on the Civic Space.

Introduction

This report provides as response to the 2007/08 Management Plan Task 2.1A3 – “Finalise Master Plan and implementation strategy for Civic Space between the JSPAC, Civic Centre and Westfield”. On 18 June 2007 a briefing and presentation was provided to Councillors of the draft Landscape Master Plan by the consultant Paul Knox from Knox and Partners Landscape Architects Pty Ltd.

The draft Landscape Master Plan has been amended in response to comments raised at the Councillor Briefing to provide reference to the following matters:

· Emergency access for vehicles (Section 7.1)

· Design the space to be accessible to all (Section 4.0/7.1)

· Explore using Penrith Plaza car park at night time for patrons of JSPAC (Section 4.0/7.1)

The draft Landscape Master Plan is attached to this report.

Background

A previous landscape master plan was prepared by Knox and Partners Landscape Architects Pty Ltd in 2002, as part of the development application (DA02/2522) for extensions to the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (JSPAC).

The project area is defined by the 2002 landscape master plan (LMP) approximately bounded by:

· The southern elevation of Westfield Penrith Plaza

· High Street, Penrith

· The southern car park entry to Westfield Penrith Plaza

· The vehicular entry road to the Council’s Civic Centre

The original LMP had similar broad objectives to now, ie to improve the amenity of the outdoor space and provide seating and other features.

Existing Situation

Since 2002, interim works on the LMP have been completed:

· In 2005, the circular section at the western end adjacent to Penrith City Council’s forecourt was filled to provide a level grassed area;

· In early 2006, with the completion of the JSPAC extensions, some plant beds were established along the southern edge of the central space;

· There are 3 seats and one bin located under the Plaza awning at the north of the central space. There are a few trees located at the eastern end of the central space, providing some shade. Regular pedestrian traffic from the Penrith City Council car park to the Plaza has created a dirt track across the centre of the grassed circular section.

The area is used on day-to-day basis for people travelling from the Civic Centre and car park across to the JSPAC and Westfield, for informal eating areas, and for school groups gathering in advance of performances at the JSPAC. Special events currently conducted by Council that use the area throughout the year include:

· Council’s Open Day in August

· Youth Week concert in April

· Easter Festival

Revised Landscape Master Plan (LMP)

The need for a revised LMP arises from:

· The completion of the JSPAC

· Changes proposed to the library auditorium

· Unacceptable wear to lawn areas

· Lack of seating

· Ongoing pedestrian safety issues

· Council’s desire to better utilise the open space within the City

· The new City Centre’s Civic Improvement Plan identifies this site

Project Summary

In April 2006, in preparation for the 2007/008 Management Plan task, a Council project team was been established to oversee the preparation and implementation of the LMP for the JSPAC. The project team leader is the Development Services Manager (DSM) and the team comprises: Development Enquiry Co-coordinator, Architect, Landscape Architecture Supervisor, Landscape Architect, Building Services Manager (BSM) and the Parks Construction and Maintenance Manager (PCMM).

The following summarises the key milestones in the implementation strategy for the landscape master plan:

· Apr 2006 Project Initiation and commence consultation with internal stakeholders

· May 2006 Initial contact with JSPAC and Westfield about project

· Jun 2006 Project brief and consultant brief prepared, engaged Paul Knox, and preliminary landscape concept prepared

· Jul 2006 Presentation by Paul Knox of preliminary landscape concept to Westfield and JSPAC representatives

· Oct 2006 Engaged Steve Abbott – SJA Construction Services Pty Ltd

· Oct 2006 Revised draft landscape master plan prepared and presented to Corporate Management Team (CMT)

· Dec 2006 Preparation of a survey by Vince Morgan Surveyors Pty Ltd, showing civic space boundaries of ownership between Westfield and Penrith Council

· Dec 06 –

· Apr 07 Further consultation sessions with internal stakeholders and Westfield Penrith Plaza and the JSPAC using revised draft landscape master plan. Presentation of preliminary concept to Corporate Management Team

· Apr 2007 Stakeholders’ feedback incorporated into further revised draft landscape master plan

· May 2007 Further discussion with internal and external stakeholders about revised draft landscape master plan

· June 2007 Councillor Briefing

Key Objectives

To guide the implementation of the landscape master plan, a project brief was prepared to identify the key objectives for the civic space. For this project to have legitimacy against other priorities, these objectives need to have emerged from other strategies of Council, ie:

· City Centre Review

· Cultural Facility

· Open Space Plan

These are to:

· Develop a regionally significant civic/arts hub, with its own strong identity;

· Create a public space which serves, and reflects, the surrounding civic, cultural and retail functions – and ensure buy-in from key stakeholders;

· Provide opportunities to allow the civic, cultural and retail functions to co-exist and to reinforce each other;

· Make the space itself as much a destination as the existing facilities which surround it;

· Use the large site area to provide a range of activity settings from passive to contemplative to intense urban;

· Make positive design responsive to the way in which the space changes from day to night, and throughout the year;

· Configure the space to be suitable for a single, dominant event, and for multiple smaller concurrent events;

· Enhance legibility and connections to surrounding destinations;

· Make the space safe, primarily through the application of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Principles (CPTED);

Statutory Situation

Current Zoning

The land is currently zoned 5(a) Civic Purposes under Local Environmental Plan 1997 (Penrith City Centre). Landscaping works, drainage, and other construction works require Council consent. The majority of construction works involved in the LMP are of a minor nature and are exempt under the Building Code of Australia, however some major elements in the Stages 2-5 will require a construction certificate.

Proposed Zoning

The land is subject to the Penrith City Centre Local Environmental Plan 2006 and, under Clause 38A, Council development may be carried out for installation of street furniture, landscaping and other minor facilities without consent.

The land is also identified as an urban park/civic square in the draft Civic Improvement Plan.

The Civic Improvement Plan outlines the desire to generate within the public domain a variety of recreation opportunities, and to include public art as an important way to build on the identity of the City.

The identity of this civic precinct is uniquely formed by the surrounding key buildings, and this project offers an opportunity to commence the revitalisation of the existing space. The plan specifically identifies that the civic precinct upgrade will include improvements to seating, pathways, planting and lighting, and will introduce sculpture and an outdoor projection screen. The draft LMP is consistent with, and delivers on, key components of the civic improvement plan.

Consultation

Internal consultation commenced in June 2006, and has involved an extensive list of stakeholders in relation to potential asset management, property development, finance, strategic planning, recreation planning, community safety, legal and risk issues.

Mr Paul Knox of Knox & Partners Landscape Architects Pty Ltd, has again been engaged by Penrith City Council to provide the revised Landscape Master Plan for the Penrith Civic Arts Precinct. Mr Knox has provided presentations of the preliminary and revised concepts to both internal and external stakeholders.

Mr Steve Abbott of SJA Constructions Pty Ltd is a project management consultant who was engaged to liaise with Westfield and the JSPAC representatives, to secure support for the project and commitment to contribute to the outcomes. Preliminary discussions have now occurred in relation to desirable elements of the landscape master plan, including the following:

· Creation of an alfresco dining area adjacent to the Heritage Café;

· Availability of Westfield Plaza parking to patrons involved in events in the proposed civic place and also use of Council’s car park for Westfield events;

· Construction of a covered access over the existing pathway between Westfield Penrith Plaza and the Council’s Civic Centre;

· Activation of the elevations in Westfield tenancies facing onto the civic place;

· Seeking contributions or in-kind assistance from Westfield for construction works

· Creation of a licensed alfresco area adjacent to the JSPAC;

· Installation of an outdoor projection screen for art house films and other promotions;

· Animation of the space with formal and informal events.

In principle support has been received from both Westfield and the JSPAC for Council’s intentions to upgrade the space and provide entertainment and arts enhancements. In response to the ongoing discussions, Westfield has indicated that, whilst it does not have immediate plans for changes to retail areas of tenancies in Westfield Penrith Plaza where it meets the space, Westfield is committed to activating the interface (between the Westfield Penrith Plaza and the enhanced open space) as demonstrated in the master plan.

Representatives from the JSPAC have confirmed their interest in the draft landscape master plan. They have indicated a desire to contribute to the precinct, via the development and management of project specific performing and visual art curatorial programs. They have also indicated support for the utilisation of the JSPAC infrastructure (eg bar(s) and performance areas) for ongoing audience development programs.

Project Stages

The draft LMP reflects the project brief to explore the potential opportunities and constraints (eg costs, timeframes, maintenance requirements, partnership opportunities), in relation to the key elements of the plan.

Stage 1 will commence as soon as practicable. It is intended to commence work on the pathway upgrade immediately following the completion of the detailed design. The estimate of cost for this work is about a third of the total cost for paving within Stage 1 ($81,000).

The expenditure on each stage will be finalised via the detailed design, however the construction will proceed as follows:

Stage	Description	Approximate Cost
Stage 1	 (Part) Theatre Forecourt West  (Part) Lawn Archipelago	$300,000
	 Council Design and Project Management Cost	$20,000
	 Public Exhibition/Consultation	$2,000
	Stage 1 SUBTOTAL	$322,000
Stage 2	 Piazzetta  (Remainder) Lawn Archipelago	$585,000
	 Council Design and Project Management Cost	$37,000
	Stage 2 SUBTOTAL	$622,000
Stage 3	 East Walk  (Part) High Street	$80,000
	 Council Design and Project Management Cost	$5,000
	Stage 3 SUBTOTAL	$85,000
Stage 4	 (Part) Theatre Forecourt West  Safety Improvements, Car park Entry	$245,000
	 Council Design and Project Management Cost	$15,000
	Stage 4 SUBTOTAL	$260,000
Stage 5	Civic Centre Lawn	$270,000
	 Council Design and Project Management Cost	$16,000
	Stage 5 SUBTOTAL	$286,000
	APPROXIMATE TOTAL	$1,575,000

* The Consultant’s costs include documentation, administration, contingency and maintenance costs. However, all figures are costed at 2007 prices and would need to be revised upon project commencement to factor in escalations eg. CPI.

The timing for the above stages will be variable depending on design requirements, the engagement of contractors, and availability of funds. An allowance for the Civic Arts Precinct works has been made in the draft Penrith Draft Civic Improvement Plan. For the first phase works funds will be sourced from existing developer contributions (Section 94). It is expected that, once the City Centre’s LEP is gazetted, some significant development applications will be forthcoming which would provide further Section 94 monies. This, together with possible grant funding, will enable each stage to be implemented.

Some free standing seating is including in the cost estimates for Stage 1 but more will be installed at the eastern end near Westfield (Stage 2). At this time there are no changes to the schedule of activities proposed in the area. It is expected that the increased seating and other improvements will attract more people to the area and improve passive surveillance of the area.

Implementation of the LMP

Public consultation will occur via newspaper advertisements, and notices about the draft LMP will be erected within the Civic Centre, the JSPAC and Westfield. A further report to Council will be provided after the consultation period closes. It is intended that, once the revised LMP is adopted by Council, management of the project will move to the detailed design and construction phase, and will be transferred to the Design and Technical Services Manager (DTM) for the detailed design component, and to the Parks Construction and Maintenance Manager (PCMM) to manage the construction works.

Management and promotion of the space is an important consideration if it is to operate in accordance with the design brief. As this project involves other key stakeholders (Westfield and the JSPAC) it would be appropriate for there to be a memorandum of understanding developed between the parties and for a joint program of events to be established. This will be enable a coordinated program of key events and potential sharing of resources (eg, car parking). For the remainder of the Penrith CBD, consideration might be given to assigning a “Place Manager”.

Conclusion

The implementation of the landscape master plan (LMP) for the Civic Precinct supports the growth and development of the City as a regional centre. This project is a major public domain project of critical importance to the Penrith City Centre. The proposed seating, landscape works and arts components will provide a contemporary focus that builds on the unique physical setting and delivers an improved recreation experience within the heart of the city.

The next phase of the project’s implementation is to consult with the community and the disability access committee, to enable detailed design documents to be prepared. Following that, the construction of the Stage 1 works (predominately the pathway from the Civic Centre car park across the civic space) will proceed as soon as practicable.

Liaison with the key internal and external stakeholders (JSPAC and Westfield) will continue in refining the design components for Stages 2-5. Delivery of the first stage is expected to occur within the next 3-6 months.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Finalise Master Plan and implementation Strategy for the Civic Space between the JSPAC, Civic Centre and Westfield be received

2. Council endorse the draft Landscape Master Plan for exhibition purposes and the commencement of the pathway upgrade outlined in Stage 1 commence immediately following completion of detailed designs

3. A memorandum of understanding and a program of events be developed between Council, the JSPAC and Westfield

4. The matter be reported back to Council following completion of the consultation process for adoption.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

Revised Draft Landscape Master Plan

25 Pages

Attachment

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*The City in its Broader Context*

The City in its Broader Context

Great River Walk Stage 5

Compiled by: Karin Schicht, Landscape Architecture Supervisor

Authorised by: Craig Ross, Design and Technical Advice Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Penrith Lakes is developing and being used in a way that establishes it as a principal Sydney destination.

Critical Action: Participate in the planning process for Penrith Lakes and advocate its innovative development as a regional centre for enterprise, water based recreation elite sports, entertainment and events.

Purpose:

To advise Council of the grant application for Metropolitan Greenspace Program funding for Stage 5 of the Great River Walk. The report recommends the grant application for Stage 5 be endorsed.

Background

The Great River Walk is a significant initiative that Council has been pursuing for many years, through a range of funding sources including Council, State and Federal Government grants and private contributions. The project is part of Council’s Major Projects model, through which the funding and expenditure of significant multi-year projects are managed.

A source of funding for the Great River Walk has been the Metropolitan Greenspace Program. The Department of Planning provides over $1 million per annum to councils in the Sydney metropolitan region, under the Program, on a dollar for dollar basis.

This year’s Metropolitan Greenspace Program – Building Sydney’s Recreation Trails, will once again focus on partnerships with local councils to deliver projects that will add to Sydney’s recreation trail network or associated parklands, foreshores and bushland corridors. In last year’s program, almost $2 million was awarded to regional trail and parkland projects across the Sydney Region.

Great River Walk Grants

The closing date for this year’s round of applications was 20 July 2007, and an application for Stage 5 was submitted prior to receiving Council’s endorsement. To support that application, the Department of Planning will be notified of Council’s recommendation in relation to this report.

The current status of the Great River Walk is as follows (refer attachment):

· Stage 1 - Complete;

· Stage 2 - DA approval imminent and construction at the Log Cabin steps to be completed by December 2007;

· Stage 3 - Signage, Branding and Promotions Plan – grant approved and consultants to be engaged early 2008;

· Stage 4 - West Bank Design - as this application was not assessed last year in error, it has been pre-approved by the assessment panel for this year’s round of Metropolitan Greenspace Program funding. Council endorsed this application in 2006. Council’s contribution of $63,250, required in 2008-09, will be considered through the Management Plan process;

· Stage 5 - the subject of this report.

Stage 5 addresses the missing links in the northern section of the Penrith Masterplan area, namely between Tench Reserve, Penrith Lakes and the City Centre. The result will be a 2.5km continuous, improved and signposted section of the Great River Walk with links to the City Centre. In accordance with the Penrith Masterplan, Stage 5 involves three key links and supplementary signage as follows:

1. River’s Edge link – from the weir to the rowing platform in Weir Reserve. A new asphalt path will be constructed with park furniture (bollards, seats etc). Directional and ‘path header’ signage is also included. The preliminary cost estimate for this section is $151,500 (excl. GST).

2. Nepean Avenue link – from Tench Reserve to Victoria Bridge. Includes pedestrian and cycle connections from Tench Reserve through to Victoria Bridge with directional signage. The preliminary cost estimate for this section is $45,150 (excl. GST).

3. Memorial Avenue link to Penrith CBD – from the Log Cabin Hotel to Peachtree Creek bridge on the Great Western Highway. Involves new and upgraded footpaths with embellished landscaping at the intersection of Memorial Avenue and the Great Western Highway. The preliminary cost estimate for this section is $48,800 (excl. GST).

4. Supplementary Signage. The approved Signage, Branding and Promotions Plan is to commence early 2008, and will inform the detail and guidelines required to provide necessary directional and interpretive signage for sections of the Walk already completed. Signs will include directional and interpretive themes such as natural heritage, history of the Weir and Aboriginal cultural heritage. Signage for the historic punt crossing will be provided in Stage 3. Costs for signage types will be further developed in the Signage, Branding and Promotions Plan, however an indicative estimate for the above signs and the research component is $17,600 (excl. GST).

The Community Participation Plan includes ‘Informing’ and ‘Consulting’ with stakeholders and nearby residents. Together with detailed designs, community participation will be undertaken once funding applications (Metropolitan Greenspace Program and Council) have been secured. The Department of Planning has recognised the importance of the Great River Walk in the Sydney Metropolitan - Regional Recreation Trails Framework (prepared for the Department in 2005) as a short-term, high priority (1) ranked Trail. This recognition, as well as the momentum already gained with previous grant applications, puts Council in a strong position to being successful.

Funding

The conditions of the grant are dollar for dollar funding. For past Great River Walk projects, Council has sought project partners offering contributions, namely key businesses (JK Williams, Coffey Engineering and the Sinclair Group) and other organisations (Hawkesbury City Council and Great River Walk Incorporated). For the currently active and completed stages, external contributions total $487,000 and Metropolitan Greenspace Program funds total $532,000.

Council is currently pursuing new project partners for Stage 5 and potentially other future stages. Council has sought responses by 6 July 2007.

A preliminary cost estimate for Stage 5 has been developed and the value of this stage is approximately $263,000 excluding GST.

It is a grant condition that the project is completed within a two year timeframe and, if successful, this project would run into 2009-10. It is expected that Council’s contribution would be required across 2008-09 and into 2009-10. Through the 2008-09 Management Plan preparation process, consideration will be given to Council contributions required for Stages 3, 4 and 5 as follows:

· Stage 3: $14,500

· Stage 4: $63,250

· Stage 5: if no project partners emerge and contribute to the Great River Walk, then Council will need to consider providing $131,500.

A substantial proportion of Stage 5 involves pathworks (approximately $110,000). The current Footpath Program is fully allocated for 2007-08 and 2008-09. Footpath funds have not yet been allocated for 2009-10. There is an opportunity for some of the pathworks to be considered under the Footpath Program in 2009-10, subject to Council’s determination.

Financial Services Manager’s Comments

That the Great River walk is recognised by the Department of Planning as a high priority project is evidenced by the success of previous grant applications for the early stages. Funding for Stage 3 of the Great River Walk is incorporated in the 2007-08 Management Plan. Council’s contribution to match potential grant funding in future years may be sourced from the Penrith District Open Space s94 plan currently under development. It is expected that an allowance for the Great River Walk will be included in the Draft plan.

If the Draft plan is not identified as a funding source then it is likely that, when budget allocations are made in the preparation of the 2008-09 and subsequent Management Plans, the project will be recognised as a high priority of Council, and funding provided. The potential call on general revenue funds across 2008-09 and 2009-10 is in the vicinity of $131,500.

With the acceleration of, and completion of, the outstanding footpath program in 2007-08 and 2008-09 by the provision of funding of $2m in each of those years, the anticipated footpath program budget from 2009-10 onwards is $150,000 per annum. It is important to consider the impacts on this program if funds are diverted to provide funding for the footpath component of the Great River Walk.

Conclusion

The Department of Planning has recognised the importance of the Great River Walk in the Sydney Metropolitan - Regional Recreation Trails Framework (prepared for the Department in 2005) as a short-term, high priority (1) ranked Trail. Together with the relatively small budget estimates for each of the Great River Walk grants listed above, and the strong collaboration with other councils, it is believed that each has a very good chance of being successful.

If successful, Stage 5 will result in a consolidated and continuous 2.5km stretch of the Great River Walk in a locality that previously was inaccessible. The timing of the project will dovetail with the Penrith Lakes pipeline project and riparian rehabilitation works. Council's endorsement is required to support the application submitted on 20 July 2007.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Great River Walk Stage 5 be received

2. Council endorse the lodgement of the application for the 2007-2008 Metropolitan Greenspace Program grant for the Great River Walk Stage 5

3. The Department of Planning be notified of Council’s endorsement of the application.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

Status Map of Great River Walk

1 Page

Appendix

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Assistance Towards Amateur Sportspersons and Representatives in the fields of Art, Music, Culture - Overseas and Interstate Travel

Compiled by: Diana Tuckwell, Facilities Operations Secretary

Authorised by: Tony Jarrett, Acting Facilities Operations Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: The City’s recreation and leisure facilities and services meet its needs and are optimally used.

Critical Action: Ensure facilities and services reflect the City's diverse current and future recreation and leisure needs.

Purpose:

To inform Council of donations made to amateur sportspersons and/or representatives in the fields of art, music, culture for overseas and interstate travel for the April-June 2007 quarter. The report recommends that the information contained in the report be received.

Background

Council has a policy of providing assistance to amateur sportspersons and representatives in the fields of Art, Music, Culture for the purpose of encouraging participation in international or interstate events by residents or by members of clubs based in the City of Penrith, or students of schools and educational establishments within the Penrith City area and who are representing the country of Australia or the state of New South Wales. Those requests Council has received and dealt with, for financial assistance in accordance with the Policy for the period 1 April-30 June 2007 are listed below:

OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS ($200 NZ or $300 overseas)

A donation of $600.00 was made to Baseball NSW, with a request that $200.00 each be passed on to Scott Garland of St Clair, Corey Dimech of Berkshire Park and Lachlan Turner of Jamisontown, to help defray their travelling expenses when they competed in the U13 Baseball Tournament held in Auckland, New Zealand during April 2007.

A donation of $900.00 was made to NSW Junior Baseball League, with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Michael Margerison of Penrith and Nick Henson of St Clair, to help defray their travelling expenses when they compete in the International Junior Baseball Tournament being held in St Louis, USA during August 2007; and

Matthew Margerison of Penrith when he competes in the International Baseball Association World Series being held in Tokyo, Japan during July-August 2007.

A donation of $300.00 was made to NSW Ice Skating, with a request that it be passed on to Courtney Talbot of Cranebrook, to help defray her travelling expenses when she competed in the World Synchronised Skating Championships held in Ontario, Canada during March-April 2007.

4.	A donation of $600.00 was made to GKR Karate Australia, with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Nicolle Mumby of Claremont Meadows and Daniel Young of Glenmore Park, to help defray their travelling expenses when they competed in the GKR World Karate Titles held in Birmingham, England during June 2007.
5.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Special Olympics Roselands Region, with a request that it be passed on to Chris Bunton of St Clair, to help defray his travelling expenses when he competes in the Special Olympics World Games 2007 being held in Shanghai, China during October 2007.
6.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Australian Canoeing, with a request that it be passed on to Matthew Gabb of Jamisontown, to help defray his travelling expenses when he competed in the ICF World Cup Series and World Championships held in Europe during June-July 2007.
7.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Australian Chess Federation, with a request that it be passed on to Rebecca Harris of Emu Plains, to help defray her travelling expenses when she competed in the 2007 Oceania Zonal Chess Championships held in Fiji during May 2007.
8.	A donation of $300.00 was made to NSW Combined High Schools Sports Association, with a request that it be passed on to Natasha Christian of Glenmore Park, to help defray her travelling expenses when she competed in the School Sports Australia International Hockey Tournament held in China during July 2007.
9.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Australian Universities Rugby League, with a request that it be passed on to Gavin Duncan of Glenmore Park, to help defray his travelling expenses when he competed in the National Universities Rugby League Team Tournament held in Great Britain and Wales during June-July 2007.
10.	A donation of $600.00 was made to Soccer NSW, with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Emily Hupton of Glossodia (member of Penrith Nepean United Soccer Association,) to help defray her travelling expenses when she competes in the Soccer NSW Team Tournament being held in Germany, Holland and Denmark during October 2007, and Jessica McCarthy of Emu Heights, to help defray her travelling expenses when she competes in the Soccer NSW Futsal Academy Tournament being held in Italy during November-December 2007.
11.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Transplant Australia Ltd, with a request that it be passed on to Paul Hudson of Cambridge Gardens, to help defray his travelling expenses when he competes in the 16^th World Transplant Games being held in Bangkok, Thailand during August-September 2007.
12.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Softball Australia, with a request that it be passed on to Kerry Wyborn of Werrington, to help defray her travelling expenses when she competed in the 2007 Canada Cup Softball Competition held in Vancouver, Canada during June-July 2007.
13.	A donation of $900.00 was made to NSW Rugby League Ltd, with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Jarrod Stein of St Clair and Brad and Josh Graham of St Marys, to help defray their travelling expenses when they compete in the NSW Rugby League Young Achievers Tournament of France and England during September-October 2007.
14.	A donation of $300.00 was made to Indoor Netball Australia, with a request that it be passed on to Lauren Cooper of South Penrith, to help defray her travelling expenses when she competes in the Indoor Netball Tri-Nations Tournament of South Africa during November-December 2007.

INTERSTATE DESTINATIONS ($100QLD,VIC - $150SA,TAS - $200WA,NT)

15.

A donation of $1,200.00 was made to Swimming NSW, with a request that $200.00 each be passed on to Samantha Dimond and David Rossi of Glenmore Park; Paige Blake and Larissa Blake of Cambridge Park; Justin Brady of Cranebrook; and Matthew Elliott of Erskine Park, to help defray their travelling expenses when they competed in the National Age Swimming Championships held in Perth, Western Australia during April 2007.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Assistance Towards Amateur Sportspersons and Representatives in the fields of Art, Music, Culture - Overseas and Interstate Travel be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited Applicant: Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited; Owner: Macquarie Goodman

DA04/1637

Compiled by: Steve Barratt, Building Approvals Unit Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Paul Lemm, Development Services Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Redevelopment of existing areas contributes to safe, sustainable, affordable and satisfying living environments and cohesive communities.

Critical Action: Formulate and implement social and cultural strategies for redeveloping established areas that support cohesive communities.

Purpose:

To publicly notify the terms of a settlement that has been accepted by Council for the unauthorised development that has been carried out by Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited at 542-560 Mamre Road, Erskine Park. The report recommends that the information in this report be received.

Background

In August 2005, an inspection by a Council officer revealed that unauthorised work was being undertaken on the “TNT Logistics” Tenant B site at 542-560 Mamre Road, Erskine Park. The extent of the works included the construction of footings for a proposed industrial development.

This work was being undertaken by Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited. Walkers had submitted a development application to Council, however consent had not been issued prior to the construction of the footings. Also, a construction certificate had not been issued to authorise the commencement of work. The Project Manager allegedly employed by the separate but related entity,Walker Corporation Pty Limited, stated that he had approved the construction work due to the delays in securing the consent.

Investigation

Council officers interviewed the Project Manager (amongst other Walker’s staff) who claimed to have the relevant authority to act on behalf of both Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited and Walker Corporation Pty Limited regarding the unauthorised work. The results of these interviews, together with other information, were forwarded by Council’s Legal Officer to Council’s external solicitors for a review of the evidence.

In accordance with longstanding procedures, Council officers contacted the Legal Counsel of Walker Corporation Pty Limited and provided an opportunity to show cause why Council should not prosecute this matter. Following discussions with Council’s Solicitor, representations were made to Council from Walkers’ Legal Counsel, who requested that instead of prosecuting, Council agree to the following:

(a) Council issuing a penalty infringement in relation to the unauthorised work be served on Walkers;

(b) Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited pay Council’s legal fees incurred in this matter;

(c) Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited pay $15,000 to Landcare or a similar environmental group to undertake a project to restore or enhance the environment in the Penrith Local Government Area; and

(d) Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited provides a public apology undertaking the unauthorised work.

Assessment of Offer

Although it is anticipated that Council would succeed in prosecution of this matter, it is far from guaranteed. Walkers’ offer provides certainty, recognises that an offence has been committed, recovers Council’s costs, provides funds for an environmental project that will benefit the community, and includes an apology. The terms of the apology are:

“Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited (Walker) publicly acknowledges that in August 2005 building works were undertaken to construct footings for a warehouse/industrial building at Erskine Business Park, contrary to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. In particular these works were carried out without having obtained the development consent required under the Act and prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate. Walker publicly apologises for its breach of the Act and acknowledges that as a consequence the resources of the Council (including officer’s time) were diverted away from other Council functions. Walker assures the community that it is aware of it legal and environmental responsibilities. Walker is committed to acting at all times in an environmentally responsible manner. Walker has offered to donate the sum of $15,000.00 to be applied by Penrith City Council to the carrying out of environmental improvement works such as weed clearing, bush regeneration and the like.”

Legal Officer’s comments

Failure to comply with the provisions of the EP&A Act can result in criminal sanctions. In any criminal litigation, an important consideration is whether the evidence that is relied upon is enough for the Court to convict the defendant and therefore determine that the offence has been proved beyond reasonable doubt. The offer made by Walker Corporation Pty Limited has considerable merit in this regard as it provides certainty and avoids the risks, expense and delay of legal proceedings.

The offer by Walker Corporation Pty Limited avoids significant impost on the community. A $15,000 contribution to a Landcare initiative will provide significant benefit to the community. In addition, Council’s legal costs will be met by Walker Corporation Pty Limited and not by ratepayers. The acceptance of this offer will avoid the risk of Council not being able to recover the legal costs associated with legal proceedings.

If the Council resolved to pursue legal proceedings, and if Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited were convicted of the offence, the Court would have considered mitigating factors before imposing any penalty. Some of the relevant considerations would have been the harm caused to the environment and the damage, if any, suffered by the community. It is considered that any harm caused to the environment and the community as a consequence of the Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited actions, was minimal. With this in mind, it was thought by Council’s Solicitor’s that the Court may have imposed a fine in the region of $5,000 to $10,000.

One very important consideration is that, if Council resolved to pursue a prosecution and therefore proceedings were instigated, the Court would have no power to order Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited to issue a public apology. By providing the apology, Walker Group Constructions Pty Limited has accepted responsibility for their failure to obtain the necessary approvals before commencing building works, and have also publicly conveyed their awareness of their responsibilities to the environment.

Other Considerations

The footings for the “TNT Logistic” Tenant B building were constructed without approval. Construction Certificates can only be issued to endorse future building work, therefore, the private certifier can not issue a Construction Certificate that retrospectively approves construction of the footings.

Provided the private certifier is satisfied with the adequacy of the footings for this building, they can issue a Construction Certificate for all additional work to complete the building. On 21 December 2005, the certifier issued a Construction Certificate, and on 17 February 2006, an Occupation Certificate was issued. The release of both of these certificates demonstrates that the certifier is satisfied that all legislative requirements have been met and that the building is safe to occupy.

Concerns have been voiced about:

· the inadequacy for penalties for infringement notices where development is commenced without consent; and

· the delay experienced as the result of the Building Professionals Board (BPB) investigation of the Private Certifier activities on this site.

The issue of the inadequacy of infringement notices was raised at the 2006 Local Government Association (LGA) Conference by Hurstville, Parramatta, Kogarah and Canterbury Council’s. The conference resolved “that the Association request the Minister for Planning the Hon. Frank Sartor, make amendments to legislation to significantly increase penalties for penalty infringement notices relating to development not carried out in accordance with development consent and development carried out without development consent”.

The Association has advised that this request was sent to the Minister, however a response has not been received.

The BPB has advised that it is continuing its investigations regarding the behaviour of the certifier. The Board has received a detailed response to Council’s complaint from the certifier’s solicitors. It has made arrangements to meet Council officers and collect further information from Council’s files.

Recently, the Minister for Planning announced an expansion of the role of private certifiers in determining development applications. Expansion of the role heightens concerns about the adequacy of the BPB to quickly investigate and resolve claims of unprofessional behaviour by certifiers. It also is likely to increase Council’s role in investigating occurrences of unauthorised development and undertaking appropriate enforcement action.

It has therefore proposed that the following draft motion be forwarded to the LGA for the next conference:

That the Association lobby the State Government to amend legislation so that councils can recover all cost of enforcing the provision of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and to delay the proposed expansion of the role of private certifiers in the development application determination system until the Building Professionals Board has adequate resources and capability to expeditiously investigate complaints and to implement an effective audit program of all certifiers.

This motion has been included in the report on motions to be submitted to the LGA conference – see Item 12 in this business paper.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*The City Supported by Infrastructure*

The City Supported by Infrastructure

RTA 2007/08 Road Funding Grants

Compiled by: Marlene Cauchi, Management Accountant - City Operations

Authorised by: Hans Meijer, Asset Systems Engineer

Strategic Program Term Achievement: An asset management strategy is in operation for civil infrastructure that optimises its use and maintains it to agreed standards fit for its contemporary purpose.

Critical Action: An Asset Management Strategy for civil assets is developed, maintained and implemented.

Purpose:

To advise Council of the RTA 2007/08 Road Funding Grants. The report recommends that Council accept the grants.

Background

The Roads and Traffic Authority provides various Road Funding Grants to councils each year, to assist with the maintenance of regional roads, road safety and traffic related issues.

The State Government has budgeted to provide an amount of over $146.4 million in Regional Road Assistance Grants to councils in 2007/2008 under the Block Grant and REPAIR Programs. The Government has increased block grants for Regional Roads in the 2007/2008 State Budget to $121.7 million. This is up from $119.1 million in 2006/2007. This amount includes a supplementary amount of $15 million to maintain an equivalent level of funding to that provided under the former 3 x 3 Program. REPAIR grants have been increased to $24.7 million, bringing the total of block grants and REPAIR Program funding to $146.4 million.

The total assistance of $146.4 million represents an increase of $3.2 million or 2.2% from the 2006/2007 levels, albeit falling short of the 2006/2007 annual CPI estimate of 2.75% and well short of the overall increase in the overall State road budget of 9%.

Advice has been received from the RTA of the following grants for 2007/2008.

1. Regional Roads

The Regional Road Block Grant is made up of the following components:

• Road Component: Allocated to maintenance work on regional roads.

• Ex 3 x 3 Component (now called Supplementary Road Component): The 3 x 3 Council Determined Program ceased in 1999/2000, however the State Government gave a commitment to supply an equivalent level of funding to that received under the program in 1999/2000. This is a continuation of that program. The Ex 3 x 3 component is available for road work, as determined by Council, on regional roads. In 2006/07, this component was allocated to the Rural Roads Widening Program for the staged

widening of Luddenham Road, a 300m section south from South Creek (1.42km to

1.72km south of Mamre Road).

• Traffic Facilities Component: For the installation and maintenance of regulatory

signs and lines on local and regional roads.

Council can access a 50% contribution for specific works under the REPAIR Program. Penrith City Council’s allocation under this program in recent years has been as follows:

· 2006/2007: $250,000

· 2005/2006: $250,000

· 2004/2005: $250,000

· 2003/2004: $250,000

· 2002/2003: $250,000

· 2001/2002: $250,000

· 2000/2001: $244,500

· 1999/2000: $249,000

It should be noted that the maximum grant available to a Council under this program is $250,000.

The REPAIR Program Funding is allocated annually to the Road Reconstruction Program, from which Council allocates its required 50% contribution to match the RTA grants. Roads reconstructed utilising the REPAIR Program funding include Coreen Avenue, St Marys Road and Glossop Street.

The RTA advises that the following 2007/08 Program Funding is available to Council:

Regional Roads	2007/08	Basis of Grant
Block Grant - Road Component	$383,000	100%
Block Grant - Supplementary Road Component	$156,000	100%
Block Grant - Traffic Facilities Component	$355,000	100%
Total Allocation to Penrith City Council	$894,000

The Supplementary Road Component of the Block Grant has been allocated toward the next stage of upgrading Luddenham Road, a 1km section commencing 1.0km south of Twin Creeks Drive heading south.

The RTA has advised that Council has been successful in achieving the maximum amount of $250,000, in the 2007/2008 REPAIR Program, for the reconstruction of Jamison Road, South Penrith, between Woodriff Street and 50m east of Castlereagh Street. The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $650,000. The balance of the project costs ($400,000) are included in the 2007/2008 Road Reconstruction Program.

2. Road Safety

The RTA has advised that Council will be offered $44,000 in 2007/2008 to partially fund the position of Road Safety Coordinator. Council has negotiated with the RTA to extend the partial funding of this position to 30 June 2010, when the Local Government Road Safety Program ceases.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on RTA 2007/08 Road Funding Grants be received.

2. The RTA 2007/08 Program Funding Block Grant in the amount of $894,000 be accepted.

3. The Supplementary Road Component in the amount of $156,000 be allocated to the next stage of the upgrading of Luddenham Road, a 1km section commencing 1km south of Twin Creeks Drive, heading south.

4. Council accept the grant of $250,000, offered under the 2007/2008 Roads and Traffic Authority REPAIR Program, for the reconstruction of Jamison Road, South Penrith between Woodriff Street and 50m east of Castlereagh Street.

5. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Penrith be affixed to the “Agreement for Block Grant Assistance to Council for Regional Roads 2007/2008”.

6. Council accept the grant of $44,000 offered under the Road Safety Program to partially fund the position of Road Safety Co-ordinator.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*The City Supported by Infrastructure*

The City Supported by Infrastructure

Connecting Road between Erskine Business Park and the M7 Motorway

Compiled by: Craig Ross, Design and Technical Advice Manager

Authorised by: Craig Ross, Design and Technical Advice Manager

Requested By: Councillor Steve Simat

Strategic Program Term Achievement: A program of prioritised works has been developed and is being implemented in partnership with the State Government to maintain the efficiency of major roads as demand grows.

Critical Action: Press the relevant government agencies to implement the findings of the Penrith Arterial Roads Study, in particular the inclusion of the existing deficiencies in the RTA program and the future upgrades in developer agreements with the release area proponents.

Purpose:

To provide Council with an update on the status of the connecting road between Erskine Business Park and the M7. The report recommends that the information be received.

Background

Council has been pursuing, for a number of years, a connecting road between the Erskine Business Park (EBP) and the M7. In 2004, the Premier announced the development of the link road and the rezoning of lands to facilitate its delivery. The State Infrastructure Strategy also identifies the link road as a major piece of infrastructure. Notwithstanding the Premier’s commitment and its inclusion in the state strategy, the project has not advanced significantly.

To facilitate its development, studies have been carried out by Council to identify a preferred route alignment for the road and the regional road network has been modelled by both Council and the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to identify any resulting network impacts of the proposal. The road extends into the Blacktown LGA and the Penrith component has been included in the EPB Section 94 Plan.

Extensive negotiations have also occurred with the EBP landowners to develop strategies for the delivery of the road.

Numerous meetings have been held with both the RTA and Department of Planning (DoP) to progress the road. Council has made separate deputations to the Minister for Planning to advance the road. Representations have been made to both the Roads Minister and the Planning Minister at the Cabinet meeting held at Penrith and numerous representations to Local Members, all with limited success.

Apart from a funding strategy for the road, the issues that needed resolution related to the identification of an agreed route alignment for the full link, an acquisition authority for the road corridor in the Blacktown LGA and future ownership and control of the road.

Current Situation

Following representations to the Minister for Planning, the Minister agreed that the major road network that would support the Western Sydney Employment Hub lands would be processed as a Major Project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, with the Minister as the consent authority. This process would resolve the route alignment issue and would also identify a funding strategy. It was also agreed that the RTA would be the proponent for the road network proposal and that authority would develop cost estimates for the major road network.

Council officers have been in contact with both the RTA and DoP on the development of this proposal.

A funding strategy has been developed with the aid of the key EBP landowners, where they agreed to forward fund the staged construction of the road, as well as fund the acquisition of privately owned land in Blacktown LGA for the road reserve. This funding is in excess of their Section 94 obligations for their landholdings.

Initially, the Concept Plan proposal was developed to address the whole of the Hub lands, north and south of the pipeline. More recent informal advice has indicated that the proposal has been modified to deal only with the road network north of the pipeline.

The implementation strategy for the major roads was to be included in a State Environmental Planning Policy (SEPP) for the Hub lands. It is understood that this was to be exhibited concurrently with the Road Network Concept Plan. The Minister and the DoP initially indicated that the timeframe for the Concept Plan process meant that the proposal would be on exhibition in August last year. Despite numerous assurances from the DoP that the proposal was ready to go on exhibition for comment, exhibition is still yet to occur. Correspondence has been sent to the DoP seeking formal advice on the status of the proposal.

In addition to the opportunity for landowner funding, there is the potential for a Council to pursue Government grant funds, particularly the Federal Government Auslink program. However, applications for Auslink funding are required to specify a construction timeline, which cannot be resolved until the road network is exhibited and approved by DoP.

Issues relating to the ultimate road ownership also need resolution and this has been put to DoP to address.

Jason Perica, Executive Director Strategic Assessments Branch, Department of Planning, has recently indicated his preparedness to meet with Council and EBP landowner representatives to discuss the link road project and the planning directions for the Western Sydney Employment Hub.

Summary

The link road is an important component of the road network to serve the Western Sydney Employment Hub. It has been identified in the State Infrastructure Strategy and announced by the Premier.

Major developments such as Bluescope Steel have elected to locate on the EBP, premised on the government’s commitment to the delivery of the road.

Council has negotiated a funding strategy with the key EBP landowners to provide for a staged delivery of the road, including acquisition of a road corridor in Blacktown LGA. This strategy has been provided to DoP and to the Minister for consideration of its inclusion in the Draft SEPP for the Hub.

Despite the Premier’s announcement on the link road in 2004, and the promised exhibition of the Concept Plan to occur in August last year, the plan is yet to be exhibited. This is a critical milestone in the delivery of the link road.

Whilst Council still has the support of the key EBP landowners in delivering this road, as the estate develops and their ownership diminishes, so too will their level of commitment. This has been pointed out to DoP on numerous occasions and if not acted upon quickly could undermine the whole proposal.

Effective transport and freight links to employment areas are fundamental to the viability of these estates and, if not provided, will see the continued leakage of major job creating developments to other states.

We will continue to make strong representations to both DoP and the RTA to accelerate delivery of this important infrastructure element for Erskine Business Park.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Connecting Road between Erskine Business Park and the M7 Motorway be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

Leadership and Organisation

Bestowing the Civic Recognition of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith upon Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO

Compiled by: Glenn McCarthy, Executive Officer

Authorised by: Steve Hackett, Director - City Services

Requested By: Councillor Pat Sheehy AM

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Council has reviewed its own role and operations and has adopted contemporary practices to best discharge its charter.

Critical Action: Review current structures and procedures supporting Council and Councillors responsibilities.

Purpose:

To seek Council's approval to grant a certificate as an Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith to Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO. The report recommends that the Civic Recognition of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith be so conferred and a civic reception be held to commemorate the award.

Background

The spirit of a City comes from the contributions of its people to the life of the community.

Mostly, these are small contributions that collectively add to the overall tone of the community. In a few instances, however, individuals make some sort of significant contribution to the community that is worthy of special recognition. This recognition can take several forms and may also comprise a combination of one or more of the following:

· Australian Honours

· The Granting of the Key to the City

· The bestowing of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith

· The bestowing of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith

· Penrith City Australia Day Awards

· Letters of Congratulation

· Wall of Achievement (awarded by Council)

· Mayoral Minute (at a Council meeting)

· Civic Receptions (arranged by Council)

· The granting of Freedom of the City

Council, at its Meeting on 7 February 2000, adopted a Protocol and criteria for granting the Key to the City of Penrith, Honorary Citizen of the City, and Honoured Citizen of the City. In adopting the criteria that follows, Council took into consideration the various forms of Civic recognition currently available, to ensure that the granting of these significant civic honours is kept only for individuals of the highest calibre.

Key to the City of Penrith

· As acknowledgement, by the City, of an individual’s contribution to the City of Penrith

· As an acknowledgement of a high level of achievement in the individual’s chosen field

· As an acknowledgement of the individual’s contribution to world affairs or the achievement was or has been of significance to the world.

Keys to the City have been provided to Dame Joan Sutherland, Richard Bonynge and Isamu Okamura, former Chairman of the Fujieda International Friendship Society.

The criteria for receiving an Honoured Citizen Certificate are:

· Acknowledgement, by the City, of an individual who resides in the City and their contribution to the City of Penrith

· Acknowledgement of a high level of achievement in the individual’s chosen field

· Acknowledgement of the individual’s significant contribution to Australia.

The status of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith was bestowed upon the Hon Faye Lo Po’ AM on 6 June 2003, and the Hon Ron Mulock AO on 7 November 2003.

Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith

· As acknowledgement, by the City, of an individual who does not reside in the City and their contribution to the City of Penrith

· As an acknowledgement of a high level of achievement in the individual’s chosen field

· As an acknowledgement of the individual’s significant contribution to Australia.

Council has not conferred a Certificate of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith on any person to date.

Current Situation

The Mayor has requested a report on bestowing an Honorary Citizen of Penrith award to Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO.

Sir Ian fulfils the criteria adopted by Council to receive this Civic recognition as he doesn’t reside in the Local Government Area, yet has had a long involvement with Penrith City.

Ian Turbott was born on 9 March 1924 in Whangerei, New Zealand and was educated at Auckland and Cambridge Universities and the London School of Economics. Positions held by Sir Ian during his long and distinguished career include: member of the UK Foreign Service in Fiji, Kiribati and Tovalu; Head of Government as Administrator and then Governor in Antigua and Grenada, West Indies; and Honorary Consul in Australia for the Cook Islands.

Sir Ian has had a long association with Penrith City, both through his role as Chairman of the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation since 1980, as well as his involvement as founding Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney.

He guided the development of the University of Western Sydney from its formative years of 700 students in the late 1980’s, to a learning institute of note with some 37,000 students upon his retirement in 2000. In 2001, Sir Ian was named Emeritus Chancellor and his work with UWS went a long way toward changing the historical educational inequity of tertiary education in Western Sydney. Sir Ian’s close relationship our City continues through the annual Sir Ian Turbott lecture, named in his honour, and to commemorate the visionary leadership that Sir Ian provided in the evolution of the University and Penrith City.

Council is well aware that the rapid increase of the proportion of tertiary-educated people in our region is in great part thanks to the University of Western Sydney. The long term benefit of this education to future generations, and the region, is incalculable.

Sir Ian recently retired from PLDC after 20 years. Under his stewardship and vision, Penrith Lakes has been transformed from a quarrying operation to a world-class Olympic facility and public recreation space. Penrith Lakes will deliver a wonderful legacy to our community and its waterways and parklands will provide a wonderful asset to the people of Penrith and surrounds for many generations to come.

On 26 January 1997, Sir Ian Turbott was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to the community, education and the arts, particularly through the University of Western Sydney and the Australian Cancer Foundation for Medical Research.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Bestowing the Civic Recognition of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith upon Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO be received.

2. Council bestow the Civic recognition of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith upon Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO at a Civic Reception, to be held as soon as practicable.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*23 July 2007*
*Leadership and Organisation*

Leadership and Organisation

Bestowing the Civic Recognition of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith upon the Hon Peter Anderson AM

Compiled by: Glenn McCarthy, Executive Officer

Authorised by: Steve Hackett, Director - City Services

Requested By: Councillor Pat Sheehy AM

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Council has reviewed its own role and operations and has adopted contemporary practices to best discharge its charter.

Critical Action: Review current structures and procedures supporting Council and Councillors responsibilities.

Purpose:

To seek Council's approval to grant a certificate as an Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith to the Hon Peter Anderson AM. The report recommends that the Civic Recognition of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith be so conferred and a civic reception be held to commemorate the award.