23 July 2007
Dear Councillor,
In pursuance of the provisions of the Local
Government Act, 1993 and the Regulations thereunder, notice is hereby given
that an ORDINARY MEETING of Penrith
City Council is to be held in the Council Chambers, Civic Centre,
Attention is directed to the statement
accompanying this notice of the business proposed to be transacted at the
meeting.
Yours Faithfully
Alan Travers
General Manager
BUSINESS
1. APOLOGIES
2. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Ordinary Meeting
- 2 July 2007.
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Pecuniary Interest (The
Act requires Councillors who declare a pecuniary interest in an item to leave
the meeting during discussion of that item)
Non-Pecuniary Interest
5. ADDRESSING THE MEETING
6. MAYORAL MINUTES
The Retirement of
Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO.
Retirement of Children's Services Manager Denise
Gibson.
7. NOTICES OF MOTION
8. ADOPTION OF REPORTS AND
RECOMMENDATION OF COMMITTEES
Disability Access
Committee Meeting - 6 June 2007.
Local Traffic Committee Meeting - 2 July 2007.
Policy Review Committee Meeting - 9 July 2007.
9. MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS
10. URGENT REPORTS (to
be dealt with in the master program to which the item relates)
11. QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
12. COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Monday 23 July 2007
table of contents
seating arrangements
meeting calendar
confirmation of minutes
report and recommendations of committees
master program reports
PRAYER
“Sovereign
God, tonight as we gather together as a Council we affirm that you are the
giver and sustainer of life. We come
together as representatives of our community to make decisions that will
benefit this city and the people within it.
We
come not in a spirit of competition, not as adversaries, but as
colleagues. Help us to treat each other
with respect, with dignity, with interest and with honesty. Help us not just to hear the words we say,
but also to hear each others hearts. We
seek to be wise in all that we say and do.
As
we meet, our concern is for this city.
Grant us wisdom, courage and strength.
Lord,
help us. We pray this in the name of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Statement of Recognition of
Aboriginal
and
Cultural Heritage
Council values the unique
status of Aboriginal people as the original owners and custodians of lands and
waters, including the land and waters of
Council values the unique
status of Torres Strait Islander people as the original owners and custodians
of the
We work together for a
united
Council Chambers Seating Arrangements
Managers
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MEETING CALENDAR
February 2007 - December 2007
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TIME |
FEB |
MAR |
APRIL |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
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Ordinary Meetings |
7.30 pm |
12 |
5 |
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7v |
25* |
2 |
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3ü |
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26 |
23 |
28 |
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23 |
13 |
24^ |
29 |
19 |
10 |
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Policy Review Committee |
7.30 pm |
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12 |
2@ |
|
4 |
9 |
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10 |
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3 |
19#+ |
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30 |
21# |
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30 |
20#+ |
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8@ |
5# |
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# Meetings at
which the Management Plan ¼ly reviews
are presented. |
^ Election
of Mayor/Deputy Mayor [only business] |
#+ General
Manager’s presentation – half year and end of year review |
@ Strategic
Program progress reports [only business] |
v Meeting
at which the Draft Management Plan is adopted for exhibition |
ü Meeting
at which the 2006/2007 Annual Statements are presented |
* Meeting at which the Management Plan for 2007/2008
is adopted |
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Council’s
Ordinary Meetings are held on a three-week cycle where practicable.
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Extraordinary
Meetings are held as required.
-
Policy
Review Meetings are held on a three-week cycle where practicable.
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Members
of the public are invited to observe meetings of the Council (Ordinary and
Policy Review Committee). All meetings
start at 7:30pm.
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Should
you wish to address Council, please contact the Public Officer, Glenn McCarthy
on 47327649
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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
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
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.
Procedure
for Addressing Meetings
Anyone can request permission to address a meeting, providing that the
number of speakers is limited to three in support of any proposal and three
against.
Any request about an issue or matter on the Agenda for the meeting can
be lodged with the General Manager or Public Officer up until 12 noon on the
day of the meeting.
Prior to the meeting the person who has requested permission to address
the meeting will need to provide the Public Officer with a written statement of
the points to be covered during the address in sufficient detail so as to
inform the Councillors of the substance of the address and a written copy of
any questions to be asked of the Council in order that responses to those
questions can be provided in due course.
In addition, prior to addressing the meeting a person addressing Council
or Committee will be informed that they do not enjoy any privilege and that
permission to speak may be withdrawn should they make inappropriate comments.
It should be noted that speakers at meetings of the Council or Committee
do not have absolute privilege (parliamentary privilege). A speaker who makes any potentially offensive
or defamatory remarks about any other person may render themselves open to
legal action.
Prior to addressing the meeting the person will be required to sign the
following statement:
“I (name) understand that the meeting I intend to
address on (date) is a public meeting. I
also understand that should I say or present any material that is
inappropriate, I may be subject to legal action. I also acknowledge that I have been informed
to obtain my own legal advice about the appropriateness of the material that I
intend to present at the above mentioned meeting”.
Should a person fail to sign the above statement then permission to
address either the Council or Committee will not be granted.
The Public Officer or Minute Clerk will speak to those people who have
requested permission to address the meeting, prior to the meeting at 6.45pm.
It is up to the Council or Committee to decide if the request to address
the meeting will be granted.
Where permission is to be granted the Council or Committee, at the
appropriate time, will suspend only so much of the Standing Orders to allow the
address to occur.
The Chairperson will then call the person up to the lectern or speaking
area.
The person addressing the meeting needs to clearly indicate:
·
Their
name;
·
Organisation
or group they are representing (if applicable);
·
Details
of the issue to be addressed and the item number of the report in the Business
Paper;
·
Whether
they are opposing or supporting the issue or matter (if applicable) and the
action they would like the meeting to take;
·
The interest of the speaker (e.g. affected
person, neighbour, applicant, applicants
spokesperson, interested citizen etc).
Each person then has five minutes to make their address. Those addressing Council will be required to
speak to the written statement they have submitted. Permission to address Council is not to be
taken as an opportunity to refute or otherwise the points made by previous
speakers on the same issue.
The Council or Committee can extend this time if they consider if
appropriate, however, everyone needs to work on the basis that the address will
be for five minutes only.
Councillors may have questions about the address so people are asked to
remain at the lectern or in the speaking area until the Chairperson has thanked
them.
When this occurs, they should then return to their seat.
Glenn McCarthy
Public Officer
02 4732 7649
Mayoral Minutes
Item Page
1 The
Retirement of Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO
2 Retirement
of Children's Services Manager Denise Gibson
3 Emu
Village Childcare Centre recognised in State awards
23 July 2007 |
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The City in
its Broader Context |
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Mayoral Minute
The Retirement of Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO
Strategic Program Term
Achievement: Penrith Lakes is developing and being used
in a way that establishes it as a principal Sydney destination.
On Friday night I had the honour of attending a farewell function for Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO, who retired as Chairman of the Penrith Lakes Development Corporation in May after 27 years.
Sir Ian has had a long association with Penrith City, both through his role with PLDC as well as his involvement as founding Chancellor of the University of Western Sydney.
Sir Ian is an inspiring individual who has always shown
great vision. 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.
Sir Ian is a
very generous gentleman and his retirement as Chancellor saw him continue his
wider work in the community including his role as Chairman of PLDC.
Since his appointment as PLDC Chairman in 1980 and 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.
It would be an understatement to say that Sir Ian has played an important role in the development of Penrith City and the region over the past couple of decades. His work with UWS went a long way toward changing the historical educational inequity of tertiary education in Western Sydney.
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. Many of these young people are the first generation in their families to achieve this level of education. The long term benefit of this education to future generations and the region is incalculable.
Although Sir Ian will no longer hold these roles, I’m confident the close relationship he has with our Council will continue, notably 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, the lecture is a joint initiative of Council and UWS.
Each year, the lecture aims to engage prominent local and international speakers to explore critical and contemporary issues and ideas of change that will impact on the City’s future growth and help to maximise its potential.
On behalf of Council and the City, I would like to wish Sir Ian success and happiness in his future endeavours and thank him for his invaluable service to our City and its people.
I have also asked Council staff to make arrangements to formally recognise Sir Ian Turbott as an Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith in accordance with Council’s Protocol and criteria, as adopted by Council on February 7, 2000. A report on this recognition can be found in tonight’s business paper.
Pat Sheehy AM
Mayor
That the Mayoral Minute on The Retirement of Sir Ian Turbott AO, CMG, CVO, be received.
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23 July 2007 |
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The City as a
Social Place |
|
Mayoral Minute
Retirement of Children's Services Manager Denise Gibson
Strategic Program Term
Achievement: Services are provided to meet the diverse
needs of families and to support the development of children.
Children’s Services Manager Denise Gibson will retire on Monday 20th August after 18 years with Penrith City Council. Denise is taking a period of annual leave and her final day at work will be July 27.
For nearly two decades she has been a tireless advocate for quality children’s
services, ensuring Penrith City Council remains a leader in the industry. I
know she is extremely highly respected and well-regarded by fellow managers and
peers across the organisation and the industry.
Denise’s first role with Council was as founding director of the St Marys Occasional Childcare Centre in 1989. In 1992 Denise was appointed as Preschool/Before and After School Care co-ordinator. Denise was appointed Children’s Services Manager in 1997.
When Denise started, children’s services were undergoing massive changes
in terms of legislation, accreditation and funding both within Council and
across the industry. Denise ensured she was always well placed to understand
and manage these changes.
Children’s Services now operates with a $14
million annual budget and provides services and care for nearly 10,000 children
each year. Quality early childhood experiences have a profound and
lasting impact on outcomes for children and their potential to develop into the
upstanding citizens we want in our community. Penrith is one of the largest local government providers of
children’s services in Australia with nine Before & After School Care
programs, 17 Long Day Care Centres, eight pre-schools, an Occasional Care
Centre and a mobile play van.
In the late 1990s Denise oversaw the extensive six year review of Children’s Services. With a $14 million budget and one third of Council’s organisation invested in Children’s Services, it became clear that it was a viable business entity of its own. In 2002, under Denise’s leadership and following a resolution of the Council, the transformation of the business into the Children’s Services Co-operative was made. Denise managed the transition to new management and administrative structures and a centralised financial system extremely well, embracing change and ensuring minimal disruption for staff and the thousands of families affected.
The changes have brought benefits for children and families as well as Council and staff. Since the establishment of the Co-operative, Children's Services has been recognised as the leader in provision of quality children's services with an excellent record of accreditation and licensing, a successful trainee program to improve workforce participation, and a focus on career pathways and skill development.
Managing such a large operation, as diverse as our City’s population and scattered across multiple sites, is a challenge in anyone’s book. Denise has been extremely successful, not just keeping this ship sailing smoothly but capitalising on opportunities for innovation and improvement to services on many occasions. In the past 18 years Denise has ensured that Penrith City Council has played its part in providing and maintaining the infrastructure to provide quality services for our City’s children.
Denise has always promoted the importance of well developed partnerships and networks as well as staff development. Early on, Denise saw the potential in Council’s traineeship scheme and championed it. Denise also embraced work experience programs and fostered relationships with the University of Western Sydney and Western Sydney Institute of TAFE to encourage young people from our local area to look to childcare as a rewarding profession. By her own example and leadership, Denise has been an outstanding mentor to staff at Penrith City Council. She also taught childcare at TAFE, where her students held her in the highest esteem, and she has written curriculum for NSW students.
Denise was a strong supporter of Council’s IT in Schools
program which saw computers placed in all childcare centres, complete with
age-appropriate software, ensuring technology is available to our City’s
youngest learners. The program also offered high school students valuable work
experience in recycling Council’s surplus computers to become useful tools in
the childcare environment. The IT in Schools project won the gold award in the
Local Government Managers' Australia (LGMA) 2003 Management Excellence Awards
in Management Innovation. This success story has been very eagerly watched by
other players in the industry.
Denise has represented Council and Children’s Services on many taskforces and panels and has also been a member of Council’s Joint Consultative Committee and Environmental Sustainable Development Committee.
Denise has always been passionate about children and their rights, and believes that every child should have the opportunity to live their dreams and reach for the sky. Denise is highly regarded for her dedication and passion, vision, experience and credibility. Families sending their children to Council’s centres could be confident Denise always had the best interests of their children uppermost in her mind and heart.
I know it has been a tough decision for Denise to retire. We will miss her greatly but wish her all the very best as she finds more time to devote to her own dreams and her own family, her husband, children and grandchildren. I would like to thank Denise for her 18 years of outstanding service to Council and the young people of Penrith City, and wish her a long and very happy retirement.
Pat Sheehy AM
Mayor
That the Mayoral Minute on Retirement of Children's Services Manager Denise Gibson be received. |
23 July 2007 |
|
The City as a
Social Place |
|
Mayoral Minute
Emu Village Childcare Centre recognised in State awards
Strategic Program Term
Achievement: Services are provided to meet the diverse
needs of families and to support the development of children.
Council and the Emu Village Out of School Hours Care Service have been commended for providing outstanding Out of School Hours (OOSH) services. Council won the Local Government category, while Emu Village was Highly Commended in the Community Owned OOSH Centre category of the 2007 Network NSW OOSH Community Activities Awards.
Network is a non-government organisation that provides the New South Wales OOSH sector with support, information and training.
The Network NSW OOSH Community Activities Awards are held every two years at Network’s conference for OOSH services. The awards recognise outstanding OOSH services in eight categories, and attract nominees from across the state.
Council, through the Children’s Services Cooperative, supports nine OOSH centres. Council is committed to the provision of quality children’s services programs for the benefit of children and families across the City.
Emu
Village OOSH Care Service, which has operated since 1983, was nominated for an
individual community based service award for:
· developing supportive relationships with
children, families and other agencies, and being responsive to different needs
within the centre
· demonstrating and supporting quality practices
· providing a supportive working environment for staff and promoting professional development
The
team of staff at Emu Village strive to provide a safe, happy, caring and
enriching environment for children. They provide a variety of after school
activities and promote healthy eating and lifestyles. The service is committed
to continual improvement, and actively listens to children and families. They
encourage all children to participate in the national Active After School
Communities program, for which they won a Super Site award for 100%
participation in 2006.
The Local Government award was won by Penrith City Council for:
· a high level of commitment to working with school aged children and their families in the Local Government Area
· support for quality environments for school aged children, including parks and play spaces
· developing and supporting new initiatives for school aged children
· supporting OOSH professional networks and training
I would like to congratulate staff from Children’s Services and the Emu Village OOSH Care Service for their great work and well-deserved recognition through these awards.
Pat Sheehy AM
Mayor
That the Mayoral Minute on Emu Village Childcare Centre recognised in State awards be received. |
Reports of
Committees
Item Page
1 Report
and Recommendations of the Disability Access Committee Meeting held on 6 June
2007
2 Report
and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 2 July 2007
3 Report
and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee Meeting held on 9 July 2007
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.
That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Disability Access Committee meeting held on 6 June, 2007 be adopted. |
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.
That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 2 July, 2007 be adopted. |
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.
That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee meeting held on 9 July, 2007 be adopted. |
Item Page
The
City in its Broader Context
1 Finalise
Master Plan and implementation Strategy for the Civic Space between the JSPAC,
Civic Centre and Westfield
2 Great
River Walk Stage 5
The
City as a Social Place
3 Assistance
Towards Amateur Sportspersons and Representatives in the fields of Art, Music,
Culture - Overseas and Interstate Travel
4 Unauthorised
development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited. Applicant: Walker
Group Constructions Pty Limited; Owner:
Macquarie Goodman DA04/1637
The
City In Its Environment
5 Grant
Received - Waterwise Garden - St Marys
The
City Supported by Infrastructure
6 RTA
2007/08 Road Funding Grants
7 Local
Government Road Safety Program - Roads and Traffic Authority Grant Funding
2007-2008
8 Connecting
Road between Erskine Business Park and the M7 Motorway
Leadership
and Organisation
9 Bestowing
the Civic Recognition of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith upon Sir Ian
Turbott AO, CMG, CVO
10 Bestowing
the Civic Recognition of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith upon the Hon
Peter Anderson AM
11 NSW
Electoral Commission - Anticipated Cost of 2008 Local Government Elections
12 2007
Local Government Association NSW Conference Motions
13 2007
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
National General Assembly of Local Government
14 Pecuniary
Interest Returns
15 City
Operations Directorate Report to end June 2007
16 Standard
& Poor's Credit Rating
17 Summary
of Investments & Banking for the period 29 May to 30 June 2007
The City in its Broader Context
Item Page
1 Finalise
Master Plan and implementation Strategy for the Civic Space between the JSPAC,
Civic Centre and Westfield
2 Great
River Walk Stage 5
23 July 2007 |
|
The City in
its Broader Context |
|
The City in its
Broader Context
1 |
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.
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. |
Revised Draft Landscape Master Plan |
25 Pages |
Attachment |
23 July 2007 |
|
The City in
its Broader Context |
|
The City in its
Broader Context
2 |
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.
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. |
1. View |
Status Map of Great River Walk |
1 Page |
Appendix |
The City as a Social Place
Item Page
3 Assistance
Towards Amateur Sportspersons and Representatives in the fields of Art, Music,
Culture - Overseas and Interstate Travel
4 Unauthorised
development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited. Applicant: Walker
Group Constructions Pty Limited; Owner:
Macquarie Goodman DA04/1637
23 July 2007 |
|
The City as a
Social Place |
|
The City as a
Social Place
3 |
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)
1. |
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. |
2. |
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. |
3. |
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 16th 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. |
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. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
|
The City as a
Social Place |
|
The City as a
Social Place
4 |
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.
That the information contained in the report on Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited be received. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
THIS
PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
The City In Its Environment
Item Page
5 Grant
Received - Waterwise Garden - St Marys
23 July 2007 |
|
The City in
its Environment |
|
The City in its
Environment
5 |
Grant Received - Waterwise Garden - St Marys |
|
Compiled by: Wayne Mitchell, Environmental Health Manager
Authorised by: Wayne Mitchell, Environmental Health Manager
Strategic Program Term
Achievement: The health of the river system is being
improved through the implementation of a comprehensive catchment management
strategy.
Critical Action: Interact with the Catchment Management Authority to facilitate a whole
of catchment response to river health issues consistent with the recommendation
of the Catchment Blueprint.
Purpose:
To advise Council
of the offer of a grant, to establish a waterwise demonstration garden at St
Marys, by the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority and Landcare
Australia Limited. The report recommends
that Council endorse the acceptance of the grant.
Background
Urban salinity has been identified as a significant environmental issue in Western Sydney, and in particular in the St Marys area. Education programs have been ongoing for some time, as they have been recognised as an important approach to better management of salinity at the community level. The concept of a “Waterwise” demonstration garden was developed as an educational tool that can inform local residents about the impact of salinity and how it can be managed in a home garden environment. A similar demonstration garden at Dubbo has proven to be an effective educational tool.
A grant application was submitted to the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority for funding to construct a “Waterwise” garden at St Marys. The grant program is in conjunction with Landcare Australia Limited and Coles, who have provided the funding through their sponsorship program. Salinity was identified as a priority issue for the grants because of the recognition of its impact on natural resources.
The grant proposes an educational garden be established on a site on Charles Hackett Drive at St Marys, close to the shopping centre. This site will have high exposure to the community and is currently undeveloped. The garden provides a good example of water efficient gardening as a means of reducing the impact of salinity. It will feature landscaped garden beds with both native and introduced water efficient plants, labelled with suitable information. There will be signage with information panels to educate visitors about urban salinity, impacts on the built environment, and water efficient garden management.
Budget
The grant offered is for $42,735. This is contingent upon Council committing $15,000 to assist with the costs of purchasing plants and turf. This $15,000 is available from the Enhanced Environmental Program budget. An additional in-kind contribution of $4,000 was also offered in the application for project management and design work.
If the grant is accepted, it is expected that Coles and Landcare Australia will receive suitable media recognition for their contribution and acknowledgement via onsite signage.
Conclusion
The proposed “Waterwise” Garden project will provide an important new initiative to educate the community about the impacts of urban salinity and how it can be better managed by water efficient gardening techniques. It is expected to be completed before the end of 2007.
That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Grant Received -
Waterwise Garden - St Marys be received. 2. Council endorse the acceptance of $42,735 for the construction of a Waterwise demonstration garden at St Marys, from the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
The City as an Economy
There were no reports under this
Master Program when the Business Paper was compiled
THIS
PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
The City Supported by Infrastructure
Item Page
6 RTA
2007/08 Road Funding Grants
7 Local
Government Road Safety Program - Roads and Traffic Authority Grant Funding
2007-2008
8 Connecting
Road between Erskine Business Park and the M7 Motorway
23 July 2007 |
|
The City
Supported by Infrastructure |
|
The City Supported
by Infrastructure
6 |
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.
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. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
|
The City
Supported by Infrastructure |
|
The City Supported
by Infrastructure
7 |
Local Government Road Safety Program - Roads and Traffic Authority
Grant Funding 2007-2008 |
|
Compiled by: Sharon Maddox, Road Safety Coordinator
Authorised by: David Burns, Director - City Operations
Strategic Program Term
Achievement: Road network capacity, safety and efficiency
are improved and traffic congestion is reduced.
Critical Action: Implement with other stakeholders the Penrith Valley Road Safety
Strategy.
Purpose:
To advise Council
of the Local Government Road Safety Program funding offered by the Roads and
Traffic Authority for 2007-2008. The
report recommends that the grants be accepted.
Background
The goal of the Local Government Road Safety Program is to reduce the incidence and severity of crashes through the increased involvement of local government.
Programs targeting behavioural road safety issues are developed from the Penrith Valley Road Safety Strategy 2005-2009 of which some are funded through the Local Government Road Safety Program. The amount of funding available is limited to a maximum of $10,000, with many programs restricted to supporting existing Roads and Traffic Authority programs.
Funding submissions have been prepared, and were submitted to the Roads and Traffic Authority for consideration ,and all were successful as outlined in the report.
Current Situation
Programs being developed for 2007-2008 with grant funding from the Roads and Traffic Authority are as follows:
Key Area - Speed Related Crashes
This
year’s speeding program will be coinciding with the Operation Roadsafe program
conducted by the Roads and Traffic Authority and New South Wales Police
Force. Funding will be used to develop
pull up blinds and local media to promote the program. Funding from the Roads and Traffic
Authority - $3,000.00.
Key Area - Drink Drive Related Crashes
A
drink-driving program promoting Operation Roadsafe will also be developed,
targeting licensed premises and utilising in-venue promotional materials such
as pull up blinds, posters and coasters.
Funding from the
Roads and Traffic Authority - $5,000.00.
Key Area - Vulnerable Road Users
Child
road safety, especially school-aged pedestrians, will be targeted this year,
with the introduction of the “Go 40 for me” program. Funding will be used to develop corflute
signage to be displayed at schools and local media to promote the program. Funding from the Roads and Traffic
Authority - $2,000.00.
Key Area - Young Drivers
Graduated
Licensing Scheme Workshops will again be conducted for parents/supervisors of
Learner Drivers. This program is funded from the Roads and Traffic Authority
School and Youth Programs area. The
workshops offer practical advice on supervising Learner drivers, completing the
Learner Driver Log Book and the benefits of driving practice. Details of the
free workshops are available on Council’s website. Funding from the Roads
and Traffic Authority - $1,400.00.
That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Local Government
Road Safety Program - Roads and Traffic Authority Grant Funding 2007-2008 be
received. 2. Council accept the grants from the Roads and Traffic Authority as outlined in the report. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
|
The City
Supported by Infrastructure |
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The City Supported
by Infrastructure
8 |
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.
That the information contained in the report on Connecting Road between Erskine Business Park and the M7 Motorway be received. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
Leadership and Organisation
Item Page
9 Bestowing
the Civic Recognition of Honorary Citizen of the City of Penrith upon Sir Ian
Turbott AO, CMG, CVO
10 Bestowing
the Civic Recognition of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith upon the Hon
Peter Anderson AM
11 NSW
Electoral Commission - Anticipated Cost of 2008 Local Government Elections
12 2007
Local Government Association NSW Conference Motions
13 2007
Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
National General Assembly of Local Government
14 Pecuniary
Interest Returns
15 City
Operations Directorate Report to end June 2007
16 Standard
& Poor's Credit Rating
17 Summary
of Investments & Banking for the period 29 May to 30 June 2007
23 July 2007 |
|
Leadership and
Organisation |
|
Leadership and
Organisation
9 |
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.
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. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
|
Leadership and
Organisation |
|
Leadership and
Organisation
10 |
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.
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 Honoured Citizen of Penrith award to the Hon. Peter
Anderson AM.
Peter Anderson fulfils the criteria adopted by Council to
receive this Civic recognition.
Peter Anderson was born on 23 November 1947 at Bondi
Junction and was educated at Woollahra Public School and Sydney Boys’ High
School. Peter Anderson joined the New South Wales Public Service in 1964. In
1967 he became a member of the New South Wales Police Force where he was
attached to the Prosecuting Branch and became a Police Prosecutor in 1972. From
1977 until his election to Parliament on 7 October 1978, Peter Anderson worked
on the personal staff of the Hon. Ron Mulock AO.
Peter’s record of service to the Penrith community
includes:
· Alderman of Penrith City Council 1977 - 1983
· Deputy Mayor of the City of Penrith 1977 - 1979
· Alderman of Prospect County Council 1977 - 1980 (Chairman
1977-1978)
· Member for Nepean
1978 - 1981
· Member for
Penrith 1981 – 1988
· Member for
Liverpool 1989 – 1995
· Minister for
Services 1981 – 1982
· Minister for Police 1981-1982
· Minister for Police and Emergency Services 1982-1986
· Minister for Corrective Services 1983-1984
· Minister Assisting the Premier 1985 – 1986
· Minister for Local Government 1986
· Minister for Youth and Community Services 1986
· Minister for Aboriginal Affairs 1986
· Minister for the Drug Offensive 1986 – 1988
· Minister for Health 1986 - 1988
Peter has been appointed by the NSW Government as a member
of numerous boards, committees and inquiries.
These include:
· Darling Harbour Authority (1997-2003)
· Tow Truck Authority (1999-2003)
· Wentworth Area Health Service (1999-2004)
· Children’s Hospital at Westmead (2000-2004)
· Greater Western Sydney Health Services Group (2001-2004)
· Southern Health Services Group (2002-2004)
· Ministerial Standing Committee on Hearing (2004-2006)
He has been a member of the Australian Labor Party since
1962.
Peter has been instrumental
in the cultural development of the City, in particular by his association with
both the Penrith Regional Gallery and the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts
Centre. His association with the Penrith
Bicentennial Performing Arts Centre Ltd (known as the Joan Sutherland Performing
Arts Centre) has been as follows:
· Director (from March 1995 to July 2006)
· Deputy Chairman (from November 1999 to October 2004)
· Chairman (October 2004 to July 2006)
His association with the
Penrith Regional Art Gallery and the Lewers Bequest Limited (formerly the
Committee of Management) has included:
· Member (since March 1997)
· Chairman (from July 1997 to November 2005)
· Deputy Chairman (from November 2005 to July 2006 )
Both of these entities were
integrated into the Penrith Performing and Visual Arts Ltd Board in July 2006.
Peter played a key role in integrating the City’s cultural controlled
entities, and continues as a Director and Chairman of the integrated Penrith
Performing and Visual Arts Ltd Board.
On 7 June 1999, Peter
Anderson received the award of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for
service to the Parliament of New South Wales, to local government, and to the
community through arts, health and sporting groups.
That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Bestowing the
Civic Recognition of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith upon the Hon
Peter Anderson AM be received. 2. Council bestow the Civic recognition of Honoured Citizen of the City of Penrith upon the Hon Peter Anderson AM, at a Civic Reception, to be held as soon as practicable. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
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Leadership and
Organisation |
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Leadership and
Organisation
11 |
NSW Electoral Commission - Anticipated Cost of 2008 Local Government
Elections |
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Compiled by: Glenn McCarthy, Executive Officer
Authorised by: Steve Hackett, Director - City Services
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 advise Council
of the anticipated cost of the 2008 Penrith Local Government Election. The
report recommends that Council make representations to the Premier, Minister
for Local Government, local State Members of Parliament and the Local
Government Association in relation to the anticipated high increase in costs.
Background
The NSW
Electoral Commission (NSWEC) has been responsible for the conduct of local
government elections since 1995. Individual councils are responsible for
meeting the cost of these elections, including assistance to the Returning
Officer appointed by the Commissioner by placement of statutory advertisements,
provision of accommodation, compiling the roll of ratepaying lessees and
non-residents, provision of staff, and assistance with other logistical
arrangements. After the elections have been finalised, the NSWEC then invoices
councils for their administrative overheads, the fees paid to the Returning
Officers, the cost of printing of materials and the cost of the centralised
count centre. These costs are charged across all councils on a pro-rata basis
according to the number of electors.
The total cost to Penrith City Council of the 2004 Election was approximately
$398,000, including the fee of $86,071.25 paid to the State Electoral Office
(now NSWEC).
Current
Situation
Advice has recently been received from the NSWEC, indicating that they anticipate the cost to Penrith City Council for the 2008 election will be $7.14 per elector, calculating to a total amount of $802,200. No breakdown of these costs has been provided so it is unclear how much are costs previously borne directly by Council. As such, the estimated cost for the 2008 election represents an approximate increase of over 100% compared to the last election.
The Electoral Commissioner, in justifying
the increased costs, advises that an independent auditor review of their
organisation has been conducted following recommendations by the Council on the
Cost and Quality of Government which is chaired by Prof Percy Allen AM.
Accordingly, an estimated cost has been identified on a full cost recovery
basis, using the cost of conducting the March 2007 State Elections as a
benchmark.
A copy of the letter from the Electoral Commissioner advising Council of the
estimated cost of conducting the 2008 Ordinary Election appears as an Appendix
to this report.
Contact has been made with the NSWEC, requesting additional information as to
what was included in the estimate by itemising the anticipated costs for the
conduct of the elections, bearing in mind that in previous elections Council
has borne directly a number of costs in terms of advertising, provision of
accommodation and staff assistance. The NSWEC has indicated that these details
will not be available until the end of the year.
Financial
Services Manager’s Comment
Council
has established a reserve to cover the cost of the elections, with an amount of
$125,000 transferred to the reserve annually to ensure there is adequate provision
every four (4) years to conduct the elections. In addition to the direct costs
of the election, the reserve also funds the Strategic Plan Process with an
allocation of $60,000 for 2007-08. Accordingly, the estimated balance of
the reserve as at 30 June 2008 will be $420,000, which based on previous
experience, would have been adequate to fund the election costs. However,
given the recent cost estimates received from the NSWEC, consideration during
upcoming review processes, should be given to allocating part of any future
surplus to the reserve. Failing this, any shortfall will need to form
part of the 2008-09 base budget.
Conclusion
In view of these substantial costs being
passed on to councils, it is recommended that Council make representations to
the Premier, the Hon Morris Iemma MP; the Minister for Local Government, the
Hon Paul Lynch MP; Local State Members of Parliament and to the Local
Government Association, advising that cost imposition of the magnitude
estimated is not acceptable. A suggested motion for the upcoming Local
Government Association conference is contained in a separate report to
tonight’s meeting. It is noted that the NSWEC reports to the Premier’s
Department.
That: 1. The information contained in the report
on NSW Electoral
Commission - Anticipated Cost of 2008 Local Government Elections be received. 2. Council write to the Premier, the Minister for Local Government, Local State Members and the Local Government Association of New South Wales expressing Council’s dissatisfaction in such a large increase in costs being passed on to local government. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
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Leadership and
Organisation |
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Leadership and
Organisation
12 |
2007 Local Government Association NSW Conference Motions |
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Compiled by: Stephen Pearson, Executive Services Officer
Authorised by: Glenn McCarthy, Executive Officer
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 submit for
Council's consideration, motions for the 2007 Local Government Association New
South Wales Conference. The report
recommends that the motions, as detailed, be submitted to the upcoming
Conference.
Background
The Local Government Association of NSW (LGA) will be holding its annual policy-making Conference in Coffs Harbour from 20-24 October 2007. The theme of the Conference will be “Anchoring the Future”. Council is entitled to submit motions for consideration at the Conference. Motions submitted should seek to alter existing policy through the addition or deletion of elements, or to introduce new policy.
Current
Situation
Council’s
voting delegates were determined, at the Ordinary Meeting held on 7 May 2007,
to be Councillors Pat Sheehy, Jim Aitken, Susan Page, Karen
McKeown, Kevin Crameri, Greg Davies and Jackie Greenow. Councillors Kaylene
Allison and Steve Simat will be attending the Conference as observers.
Motions
to Conference
The following have been identified either by Council, or by the Managers responsible for various tasks under Council’s Management Plan, as possible issues for which motions can be framed for debate at the Conference.
Arising out of consideration of a report to the Committee of the Whole on 2 July 2007 (Unauthorised development carried out by Walker Corporation Pty Limited), the Council resolved to prepare a motion 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.
In regard to the first matter (the level of penalties available for unauthorised development), an identical motion was submitted to, and adopted by, the 2006 Local Government Association Conference as follows:
80 ‐ Hurstville - Development
Infringement Notices
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 action taken in relation to this decision will be known when the Association releases its 2006 LGA Conference Action Report (expected to be available in September 2007).
In regard to the second matter (the
call for a review of the role of private certifiers), the following motion is
proposed:
Motion 1
That the Association
lobby the State Government to amend legislation so that councils can recover
all cost of enforcing the provisions of the Environmental Planning and
Assessment Act and to delay proposed expansion of the role of private
certifiers until the Building Professionals Board has adequate resources and
capability to expeditiously investigate complaints and to implement an
effective audit program of all certifiers.
Note
from Council:
Implementation of this motion will require amendments to the
Environmental Planning and Assessment Act and a review of procedures prior to
proposing amendments to the Act. These changes will enable councils to recover
costs of allocating resources to enforcement action and ensure that all
agencies are sharing the burden of the increased responsibilities.
Detailed
Supporting Case:
The privatisation of
the building approvals systems has led to developers exploiting the lack of
clear guidelines for councils’ and private certifiers’ accountability under the
legislation. This has led to an increase in councils’ enforcement role. The
financial return for this role is currently inadequate to cover the cost of
providing the service expected by the community and the evidence required to
succeed in prosecutions. This results in either the community funding
prosecutions that arise from the lack of effective legislative controls or
councils’ inability to enforce legislation due to resourcing constraints. Both
cases are a highly undesirable result of changes to legislation and there is a
clear need to remedy them.
An additional role
that depletes councils’ resourcing is the reporting of unsatisfactory conduct
of private certifiers to the Building Professionals Board. This reporting role
involves the investigation of matters, reporting to the Board, attendance at
meetings, retrieval and collation of information, etc. If councils do not
pursue these matters, the Building Professionals Board is unaware of the
unsatisfactory conduct of a small proportion of accredited certifiers who
repeat the conduct across a number of local government areas.
Councils’ enforcement
role has therefore increased and this is likely to continue into the future. It
is not a burden that should be borne by the local community. Enforcement would
be an effective control if those responsible for the increased workload were
required to pay for it. Adequate resourcing of the Building Professionals Board
would also reduce the demands on council staff in lodging complaints and
providing additional information to the Board.
If the additional
workload is not adequately compensated, other council services will suffer or
enforcement matters will be less rigorously pursued. Cost recovery is therefore
critical to ensure that appropriate development standards are complied with.
Motion 2
That the Association
lobby the State Government to provide the Police with the power of entry to
places of public entertainment.
Note
from Council:
Council officers are rarely available at times when dance parties are
held in buildings. The Police do not have the power of entry to these buildings
unless they have evidence of drug offences occurring. The combination of a fire
or other emergency occurring in an entertainment venue when the occupants are
affected by drugs, is potentially lethal.
Detailed
Supporting Case:
The police have
approached Council following dance parties occurring in industrial buildings in
remote localities. They are concerned that they are unable to enter these
buildings. The location of the buildings is often notified at short notice and
the dance parties occur late at night. Council officers are therefore not
available to exercise their powers of entry.
Further, Council is
concerned about the safety of its officers, particularly as the Police do not
have the power to accompany them into these buildings. The implementation of
requirements of entertainment approvals is therefore ineffective, leaving the
lives of occupants of the buildings at risk in an emergency.
It is therefore considered that
changes are necessary to address this inadequacy. Providing police with the
power of entry to places of public entertainment would remove an obstruction
for effective enforcement of the legislation.
Motion 3
That the Local Government Association lobby the Minister for Planning to change the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EPA Act) to provide for the establishment and operation of pre-lodgement panels for consent authorities as a mandatory step in the planning process for major local development (eg SEPP 65 – Apartments, development over $1 million in CBD locations and all other development over $5million).
Note
from Council:
The Minister for Planning has made a number of changes to planning legislation, seeking to improve processing times for development assessment as part of a broader program of planning reform. The Department of Planning has independently acknowledged that the quality of a development application can be a major cause of delay in its assessment. Yet despite the Department’s support of pre-lodgement as a mechanism, it has not been a requirement in other than major projects under Part 3A of the EPA Act.
Detailed
Supporting Case:
Penrith City Council has offered a pre-lodgement service called Development Panels since the 1980’s. Penrith’s development panels have previously been recognised as being ‘best practice’, as noted in the “Best Practice in Development Assessment for Local Government” guide, jointly published by the Planning Institute of Australia, Landcom, and the University of New South Wales in 2004. The service was upgraded to a fee-paying service in 2004 and now provides formal written advice following the meeting. Currently, there are 10 development panel meetings held per month on minor, major and significant development. It should be noted that pre-lodgement panels merely provide advice and information prior to lodgement of a development application. The panels would not assess applications nor have any decision making powers. There has been debate about forms of assessment panels, such as design review panels (under SEPP 65), independent hearing and assessment panels (IHAPs).
In 2003, the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources released a report titled “Improving Local Development Assessment in NSW”. This report was prepared by the Regulation Review - Local Development Taskforce to the Minister Assisting the Minister for Infrastructure and Planning (Planning Administration). The taskforce recognised that:
“Planning and development issues generally are the most high profile and controversial issues that councils manage. Critical to the effective handling of these issues is the advice of assessment staff. Where the council, community or development interests denigrate the advice or the way that it is delivered, the general working environment can decline, as can the ability to keep good staff.”
The Taskforce saw benefit in providing for consistency of process as a way of reducing delays for customers and minimising conflict in negotiating development outcomes. One of the specific recommendations was that pre-lodgement panels be used.
The
Taskforce considered that “pre-DA panels are extremely useful in improving the
quality of development applications lodged with councils. Those applicants who
utilise this service and heed the advice of panel members usually avoid delays
after lodgement of the application and can streamline the processing of their
applications considerably”.
Further, in 2004, in the Department of Planning “Planning Reform Fact Sheet No. 6 - Development Applications” it was stated that “The development-assessment process will be reformed to reduce the time taken to approve applications for homeowners, developers and industry …. The quality of a Development Application can be a major cause of delay in its assessment. Councils will be encouraged to introduce measures to help applicants to improve the quality of their submissions. One possibility is to invite applicants to pre lodgement meetings to clearly specify all requirements.”
There have been a number of planning reforms introduced, but pre-lodgement processes are yet to be addressed in any detail by the Minister.
Motion 4
That the Local Government Association lobby the Minister for Planning to initiate a federally funded project to initiate a standardised development management system for local government.
Note
from Council:
Currently, individual councils need to allocate substantial funds in the initial development of, and then ongoing, licensing, building and maintaining electronic development management systems to provide on-line services to their customers. Currently, there are only a few providers of the available software and these have varying degrees of integration with existing diverse property and finance, GIS and other supporting systems. There would seem to be multiple benefits from the pooling of funds and resources, as well as the consistency for customers of having common development management systems.
Detailed
Supporting Case:
eDA
project
The Regulation Reduction Incentive Fund (RRIF) funded a National eDA (NeDA) Project that has engaged 92 councils, with Cairns City Council as the lead Council, and engaged 12 software vendors that provide solutions to councils to implement the eDA Scheme (software solutions).
The electronic Development Assessment (eDA) project has developed a National Communication Protocol to facilitate the electronic processing of development applications, covering the entire process. This protocol will facilitate the electronic exchange of information between proponents and regulators in all Australian jurisdictions. The project leader is the QLD Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation. The eDA project will not be creating electronic DA systems, but will focus on enabling existing systems and processes to communicate.
Electronic
DA Systems
There are currently a number of different software programs that councils use to “track” the status of development applications, and more recently have used to “build” electronic planning policies that can compiled by the user to respond to site specific needs. The task of managing information systems relating to the development industry is vast and includes development applications, construction certificates, licences, planning certificates (s149s), developer contributions (under S94), rates notices (s.603 certificates) and so on. There are other components of these systems that also need standardisation, such as application forms, statistical reporting, fees and charges, estimations of value of work, and access to documents lodged with councils for information requests (under FOI and s12).
There also needs to be related agreements between agencies, with data for aerial photography, contours, land valuation, land titles, 3D modelling, vegetation data, mapping and the like. Such a mammoth task is virtually impossible to achieve without federal assistance, both financially and from a legislative standpoint.
This is a significant project that could substantially reduce the administrative time taken away from development assessment and diverted to systems administration. This is a planning reform project of potentially great benefit, to administer a highly complex and diverse planning regime but deliver a seamless interface to customers.
Motion 5
That
the Local Government Association consider developing a comprehensive
Sustainability Standard for use by all councils as a tool to improve their
sustainability performance. The Sustainability Standard would assist councils
to assess their current performance and benchmark it within the industry and
against common goals.
Note from Council:
Community expectations for local government to operate in a sustainable manner continue to increase as general awareness surrounding sustainability issues improves, and sustainability is being increasingly recognised as a key responsibility of local government. A Sustainability Standard would provide all local governments with assistance in meeting their responsibilities and community expectations in the area of sustainability and ensure a consistency of approach to this issue across local government within New South Wales.
A Sustainability Standard should include mechanisms to provide local governments with a clear indication of their current level of performance compared to an agreed standard, highlight those areas where there are opportunities for improvement, and suggest practical references and resources for continuous improvement.
Detailed Supporting Case:
Local governments across New South Wales are making significant progress towards embedding the principles of sustainability into their strategic and operational processes, however this progress is varied and is dependent on a range of organisation specific factors.
Development of a Sustainability Standard, similar to that developed by Forum for the Future and their partners in the United Kingdom, would assist local government across the State to further progress the integration of sustainability by providing a common vision of how a sustainable local government would function and identifying the key aspects and outcomes of a sustainable organisation.
A Sustainability Standard would provide local governments with a simple and fast way to assess their current performance and compare this to the common vision of a sustainable organisation.
Motion 6
That
the Local Government Association lobby the Minister
for Emergency Services to require a full review of the Rural Fires Act.
Note from Council:
The Rural Fires Act was developed
in 1997. However, since that time, there have been significant changes to both
the method of operation, responsibilities and relationship between the NSW
Rural Fire Service and Local Government. The Rural Fires Act is outdated and
needs a significant review. It is understood that the Local Government and
Shires Associations have previously
lobbied the Minister for Emergency Services to require a full review of the
Act, however this has not come to fruition.
Detailed Supporting Case:
Since the Rural Fires Act was introduced in 1997, there
have been significant changes to the method of operation and responsibilities
of both councils and the Rural Fire Service.
In 2000, Fire Control Officers became full time employees
of the NSW Rural Fire Service, and with this transfer there was a change in
responsibilities. Many of these responsibilities are highlighted in Service
Level Agreements, in an attempt to define the relationship in accordance with
the Rural Fires Act, however the service level agreement often served to
highlight further grey areas of responsibility.
Areas of question include liability, responsibilities for ownership and care of equipment, and funding through the annual estimates process.
With the transfer of the Fire Control Office to NSW RFS, a considerable amount of knowledge was similarly transferred to the NSW RFS. The Act still requires councils to provide information, and perform responsibilities, that would otherwise have been provided by the Fire Control Officer should they have been employed by Council. The Service Level Agreement is an attempt to rectify this situation, however it does not resolve many of the current anomalies that exist.
A full review of the Rural Fires Act, and responsibilities of the NSW RFS, is therefore required.
Motion 7
That the Local Government Association be asked to make an approach to the NSW Electoral Commission seeking that it urgently explain and justify the substantially increased charges for conducting the 2008 Local Government Elections as compared to the 2004 Local Government Elections.
Note from Council:
The
cost to Penrith City Council of the 2008 Local Government Election is expected
to far exceed the cost of the 2004 Local Government Election based on recent
advice received from the NSW Electoral Commission. The
breakdown of costs needs to be adequately explained and justified as a matter
of urgency.
Detailed Supporting Case:
Based on recent advice received from the NSW Electoral Commission, the Commission intends to pass on to Penrith City Council a cost in the order of $802,200 for the conduct of its 2008 election. This compares with the actual cost of $398,218.15 for the conduct of the 2004 Penrith City Council election, including the fee of $86,071.25 paid to the State Electoral Office (now the NSW Electoral Commission).
It is unclear whether all of Council’s costs will be covered in 2008. For example, for the 2004 election, office accommodation, stationery, postage, telephone costs and a motor vehicle for the Returning Officer; advertising; and printing of the ballot papers were all met by Council in addition to the costs paid to the (then) State Electoral Office. These costs amounted to just over $62,000. In total this would put the cost to run Penrith’s 2008 election at over $860,000, an increase of 116%.
Motion 8
That the Local
Government Association request that the NSW Government develop legislation that
prohibits the installation and use of solid fuel heaters within the Sydney
Metropolitan Area and other Urban Centres in conjunction with a buy-back scheme
for such heaters.
Note from Council:
Smoke from solid fuel heaters can contribute
up to 58% of particulate pollution in the Sydney basin. A recent report
estimated that air pollution causes between 643 – 1,446 deaths annually, with a
conservative estimate to the health system of between $706 million and $5,994
million per annum. The Penrith Local Government area, along with adjoining
councils, can suffer for poor air quality in the winter months due to the basin
like topography, the inversions that can occur and the air streams that “dumps”
Sydney’s air pollution in Western Sydney. Many complaints are received each
winter from residents concerned about the impact of wood heaters. It is
about time that the State Government walked up to this issue that is clearly
having a significant health impact in the Sydney Basin and other regional urban
centres.
Detailed supporting
case:
Smoke from solid fuel heaters is
a major cause of air pollution. On a cold day, solid fuel heater smoke can contribute
up to 58% of particulate pollution in the Sydney Basin. The fine particles in
wood smoke also contribute to the brown haze seen on still winter mornings.
Smoke from solid fuel heaters
contains a number of pollutants including carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen,
a range of organic compounds and fine particles. These types of pollutants can
cause breathing difficulties, especially for people suffering existing
respiratory conditions, such as asthmatics, and for very young children and
frail older people.
Several studies and reports have been produced over recent years which outline the impacts solid fuel heaters have on public health and environment. The New South Wales Parliament Legislative Council recently released a report on Sydney’s air quality entitled “Health impacts of air pollution in the Sydney basin”. The report estimated that air pollution causes between 643 – 1,446 deaths annually, with a conservative estimate to the health system of between $706 million and $5,994 million per annum. The report also provided 45 recommendations, which included the establishment of a subsidy scheme within Sydney for the voluntary replacement of existing solid fuel heaters.
The predominant pollutant from
solid fuel heaters is particulate matter. High concentrations of particulate
matter can be observed during the early evening and early morning. These
conditions are conducive to the development of temperature inversions and air
drainage flows which can result in the trapping of pollutants close to the surface.
In addition to the air quality issues associated with the use of solid fuel
heaters, the smoke generated can also create a nuisance factor amongst
adjoining neighbours.
In 1998 national standards for
particulate matter (PM10) were adopted as part of the
National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air Quality (NEPM). The
NEPM outlined a goal that by 2008 particulate pollution levels could only
exceed the national standard on no more than 5 days a year. The Department of
Environment and Climate Change have identified that at current pollution
levels, NSW will fail to meet the 2008 goal.
The Department of Environment
and Climate Change have embarked on a review of the State’s Action for Air
Policy. This review process outlined that the reduction of particulate
pollution is a major challenge. To ensure the State meets the National
Standards by 2008 several initiatives need to be introduced to reduce the
levels of particulate pollution.
It would appear to be obvious
that the time has come for a definitive stance to be taken to control the
severe impacts of smoke from solid fuel heaters. No matter how high the standards for the
design of these heaters are raised, their downfall will always be that they rely on proper operation and
management. History has shown that this
cannot be achieved and that impacts will be unavoidable in urban areas.
Motion 9
That the Local
Government Association request that the Department of Local Government develop
and introduce a system of accreditation and regulation of Aerated Wastewater
Treatment System (AWTS) service agents to ensure that appropriate public safety
standards are met for such systems.
Note from Council:
Penrith City Council has developed a proactive
strategy to audit and register all on-site sewerage management (OSSM) systems
in accordance with Department of Local Government Guidelines. The
majority of OSSM systems now being installed are of the type called aerated
wastewater treatment systems (AWTS). These systems require regular servicing
and maintenance inspections in accordance with NSW Health Guidelines. The
introduction of an accreditation system for AWTS service agents would minimise
the public health and environmental impacts from these systems and negate the
need for inspections by Council, which in turn would reduce the costs to the
owner of these systems. Council encounters a lot of resistance to the
inspection of these systems (and the subsequent cost of this service) because
of the significant maintenance contract costs being paid by owners.
Detailed supporting case:
In 1998, the NSW government introduced a package of local government
regulatory reforms and guidelines to enable more effective regulation and
performance supervision of household septic tanks and other small on-site sewage
management (OSSM) facilities. The
legislative changes were in response to a number of pressures including
environmental surveys indicating that up to 70% of on-site sewage management
systems throughout NSW were failing to meet health and environmental protection
standards. In NSW it is estimated that
up to 300,000 systems may be in operation.
Penrith City Council has developed a proactive strategy to audit and
register all OSSM systems in accordance with Department of Local Government
Guidelines. A recent review of this
strategy identified that the servicing of aerated wastewater treatment systems
(AWTS) remains a primary concern, as information and evidence collected during
the inspection process indicates that a
significant percentage of aerated systems are not being maintained in
accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. To compound this issue it’s
important to note that the majority of OSSM systems now being installed are
AWTS. These systems require regular
servicing and maintenance inspections in accordance with NSW Health Guidelines.
AWTS use sensitive biological agents, mechanical
systems and chemical processes to produce a higher quality effluent than a
standard septic tank. Aerated systems
must be carefully managed and serviced to keep them working in an
environmentally satisfactory manner. It
is critical to public safety that these service agents are appropriately
trained to ensure that these systems are properly maintained.
Because of the identified poor maintenance of these
systems, Council has had to undertake additional inspections on these systems
to ensure they operate to an appropriate standard. These inspections add to the
costs already experienced by property owners, who already have to pay annual fees for the service agents.
With the emphasis of the on-site sewage management system based upon the
prevention of risk, the accreditation and regulation of AWTS service agents is
proposed as having the dual benefit of reducing risk and reducing cost to the
system owners.
Motion 10
That the Local Government Association request that the NSW Food Authority introduce prescribed minimum standards of skills and knowledge for food handlers and identify accredited training programs that can be undertaken.
Note from Council:
Analysis
of results of the 2006-07 Food Safety program conducted by Council indicates
that in a significant number of premises where defects are noted the
requirements of Section 3 Division 2 of Food Safety Standard 3.2.2 regulating
the level of skills and knowledge of food handlers are not being met. A problem has arisen with the ambiguity of
this statutory requirement where the relevant level has not been prescribed and
Council officers are unable to provide surety in the advice provided to food
handlers in respect of the training that should be undertaken.
Detailed
supporting case:
The Food Safety Standards currently require food businesses to ensure that persons undertaking or supervising food handling or food preparation have skills in food safety and hygiene matters and knowledge of food safety and hygiene matters commensurate with their work activities. The ambiguity of this requirement is evident during inspections that are conducted when a food handler, who may have undertaken any of a number of training opportunities, is unable to demonstrate that they are capable of maintaining a food business in a manner that complies with the requirements of the Food Safety Standards. The present training opportunities could include a Council delivered food handling seminar, TAFE equivalent training, privately delivered food handler training or in-house training.
A uniform and consistent standard of training for food handlers needs to be established. This would establish an easily enforceable benchmark across NSW and result in long-term improvements in food safety. Basic food safety knowledge is critical for anyone involved in the preparation of food for sale and the key to securing ongoing compliance with the Food Safety Standards. The consequences of poor food handling can be extreme as demonstrated by the high incidences of food poisoning reported each year.
Motion
11
That the Association lobby the State Government
to include appropriate legislation in the Environmental Planning and Assessment
Act 1979 to strengthen the role of DCPs in the development assessment process
from a matter for consideration under Section 79C of the Act to ensuring that
the principles of DCPs guide applicants, consent authorities and the Land and
Environment Court.
Note from Council:
The standardisation of LEPs across the State
within a limited timeframe will mean that detailed local planning controls will
be relegated to DCPs that have less statutory power than LEPs. Given the State Government’s commitment to
planning reform, there is an opportunity to strengthen the role of DCPs in the
development assessment process to ensure that the principles of DCPs guide
applicants, consent authorities and the Land and Environment Court in planning
decisions.
Implementation of this motion will require
introducing new provisions to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act or
exploring alternative mechanisms that require applicants, consent authorities
and the Land and Environment Court to give greater weight to DCPs in the
development assessment process. This
will ensure that the local circumstances of each Local Government Area are
fully considered; applicants are provided with certainty and decisions reflect
the expectations of Councils and their local communities.
Detailed supporting case:
As part of the State Government’s planning
reforms, each Council in NSW is required to prepare a single, comprehensive LEP
for its Local Government Area (LGA).
This single LEP is required to conform with the ‘Standard Template’
prepared by the Department of Planning, which contains standard zones,
definitions and clauses for new LEPs.
The planning reforms also require that only one DCP may apply to any one
block of land. This requirement may be
achieved by having one DCP apply to a site, a precinct or the whole LGA. The DCP must also be consistent with the
provisions of the single LEP. The
Department of Planning has been encouraging Councils to consolidate and review
their DCPs, at the same time as Councils prepare their new LEPs.
While it is recognised that implementation of the ‘Standard Template’ will help to simplify the planning process, there is a significant concern that this approach will result in the loss of detailed local planning controls or controls will be relegated to DCPs that have less statutory power than LEPs. The implication is that these controls will be given less weight in the development assessment process.
With the standardisation of LEPs, there is an
opportunity to reinforce the critical role of DCPs in reflecting the local circumstances
of each LGA, including the expectations of Councils and their local
communities, and in providing certainty to applicants. They should therefore be given a stronger
role in the development assessment process from a matter for consideration under
Section 79C of the Act to ensure their principles guide applicants, consent
authorities and the Land and Environment Court in planning decisions.
Further Motion Requested by Council
Following
consideration of a report to the Council Meeting on 12 February 2007 on
‘Affordability of Child Care”, Council resolved to submit motions to the LGA
Conference regarding the increase in the regulatory burden that has been
imposed on child care providers and seeking direct financial assistance to
provide relief from the regulatory burden imposed on child care providers and a
commitment to reducing the financial burden of excessive regulation on
child care providers. The motion was also to seek an extension of the
legislated period of maternity/paternity leave from 1 to 2 years.
The Children’s Services Manager has advised that she considers that
Council is not sufficiently informed at this moment to be able to draft a
motion on this matter. She reports that:
“The Local Government Association child care
work group is preparing a paper on child care issues and it is intended that
this will result in motions for NSW and National Local Government conferences.
This motion will cover the issues that would concern Penrith, such as a
national planning framework, affordability and preschool access for 4 year
olds. In relation to the regulatory issues raised in a report to Council on 12
February 2007 regarding the Child Care Management System, a submission has been
made regarding the financial impost on centres. There has been an
industry reference group addressing these matters. A LGSA representative has
participated in this reference group and it is understood that the issues of
cost and financial assistance are being addressed.”
That: 1. The information contained in the report
on 2007 Local
Government Association NSW Conference Motions be received. 2. The eleven (11) motions detailed in the report be submitted for inclusion in the 2007 Local Government Association NSW Conference Business Paper. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
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Leadership and
Organisation |
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Leadership and
Organisation
13 |
2007 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) |
|
Compiled by: Stephen Pearson, Executive Services Officer
Authorised by: Glenn McCarthy, Executive Officer
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 determine
Motions to be submitted to the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)
Annual National General Assembly of Local Government from 26 - 29 November 2007
in Darwin, Northern Territory. The
report recommends that the information be received and that Council submit one
Motion to the National General Assembly of Local Government.
Background
The 2007 National General Assembly of Local Government will be held in Darwin, Northern Territory from 26 - 29 November 2007.
Council, at its meeting held on 23 April 2007, nominated the Mayor, or his nominee, as its voting delegate for the 2007 National General Assembly, and Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Garry Rumble, Susan Page, and any other interested and available Councillor, as observers.
The National General Assembly, which is sponsored by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), will have as its theme “A Climate for Change”.
Invitation to put Councils on Show
Councils
on Show!,
introduced at the 2006 event, will once again be a feature in the program.
ALGA
invites councils to submit DVD presentations of 5 minutes maximum, showcasing
local government innovation across Australia. Preference for selection will be
given to those DVDs which fit the NGA07 theme – “A Climate for Change”.
Presentations must be submitted by no
later than Friday 14 September 2007.
Submitting Motions
Call for motions is now open. Motions will need to
be submitted by no later than Friday 10 August 2007.
Based on delegates’ feedback from the 2006 National General Assembly,
the following principles for determining motions for debate at the Assembly
were endorsed:
1. it
must refer to an issue of national significance;
2. be
relevant to the work of local government;
3. not
be antithetical to the interests of any one state or territory.
Motions
submitted will be reviewed against these principles, by the General Assembly
Review Committee and state/territory associations, as to their eligibility for
inclusion in the General Assembly Business Papers.
As in previous years, motions of similar substance will be grouped together as associated motions.
Motions will be reviewed against the principles as set out above, by the General Assembly Review Committee and state/territory associations, as to their eligibility for inclusion in the General Assembly Business Papers.
Motions adopted by the National General Assembly will be formally considered by the Board of the Australian Local Government Association. The ALGA Board is not bound by any resolution passed by the National General Assembly of Local Government.
No matters have been identified, either by Council or by the Managers responsible for various tasks under Council’s Management Plan, as issues of national significance for which motions can be framed for debate at the National General Assembly.
Council has however, received a
letter from Blacktown City Council, through the Executive Officer of
Westpool/Metro Pool, advising of its intention to submit a motion to the 2007
National General Assembly of Local Government concerning the enhancement of
telecommunications regulatory standards.
Blacktown Council is seeking the support of member Councils when this issue is considered at the Conference in November and it asks members to consider similar motions or alternatively support Blacktown when this issue is discussed at the Conference.
Accordingly, the following motion in relation to Telecommunications Infrastructure Maintenance on Footpaths is considered worthy of support.
Motion
That the Australian Local Government Association call on the Federal Government to enhance telecommunications regulatory standards on the performance required by carriers to make safe and repair hazards such as telecommunications pit holes on footpaths.
Supporting Note from Council
This motion seeks to enforce corporate responsibility on telecommunications carriers in relation to the maintenance of their infrastructure in public places.
Background
Penrith City Council expresses its concern about the amount of time taken to rectify reported infrastructure problems in public places. Council is also concerned that the very light barricades now used around dangerous locations such as sunken telecommunications pits in footpaths, are simply inadequate and as such present an unacceptable risk to pedestrians.
That: 1. The information contained in the report on 2007 Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly of Local Government be received. 2. The Motion detailed in the report be submitted for inclusion in the 2007 Australian Local Government Association National General Assembly Business Paper. |
There are no attachments for
this report.
23 July 2007 |
|
Leadership and
Organisation |
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Leadership and
Organisation
14 |
Pecuniary Interest Returns |
|
Compiled by: Cristy Stevens, Administration Officer - Policy and Council Support
Authorised by: Glenn McCarthy, Executive Officer
Strategic Program Term
Achievement: The organisation is managing its statutory
requirements and the needs of a participatory community in a transparent and
balanced way.
Critical Action: Develop, review and monitor policies and procedures to enable the
organisation to engage more effectively with the community while meeting its statutory
and public interest obligations.
Purpose:
To advise Council
that Pecuniary Interest Returns have been lodged in accordance with statutory
requirements. The report recommends that
the information be received.
Background
Chapter 14 of the Local Government Act, 1993
(the Act) concerns “Honesty and Disclosure of Interests” and requires all
elected members and designated persons to complete an initial Pecuniary
Interest Return, and every year thereafter, an Annual return.
Designated persons include the
General Manager, other senior staff, and staff holding a position identified by
the Council as a position of a designated person because it involves the
exercise of certain functions such as regulatory or contractual functions.
First returns have to be completed
within three months of becoming a Councillor or designated person.
Current
Situation
Section 450A of the Act deals with
the registration and tabling of returns lodged by Councillors and designated
persons.
A register of all returns lodged
by Councillors and designated persons in accordance with the Act is currently
kept by Council as required by this part of the Act.
A list of the pecuniary interest returns lodged by Councillors and
designated persons must be tabled at a Council Meeting.
With regard to Section 450A(2)(a), the following first pecuniary
interest returns have been lodged:
Name |
Position |
Due
Date |
Date
Lodged |
David Thompson |
Coordinator
Community Protection |
10 July 2007 |
12 June 2007 |
Joe Vocisano |
Ranger -
Parking |
23 July 2007 |
8 June 2007 |
Hamish Robertson |
Natural
Resource Management Officer |
7 August 2007 |
5 June 2007 |
Abdul Cheema |
Senior
Environmental Planner |
12 September 2007 |
6 July 2007 |
The returns have been lodged prior to the due
date for the receipt of the returns, and are kept in a register held by the
Executive Officer.
That the information contained in the
report on Pecuniary
Interest Returns be received. |
There are no attachments for
this report.