7 May 2008
Dear Councillor,
In pursuance of the provisions of the Local Government
Act, 1993 and the Regulations thereunder, notice is hereby given that a POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING of
Penrith City Council is to be held in the Passadena Room, 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
Leave of absence has been
granted to:
Councillor Susan Page - 21 April
2008 to 26 May 2008 inclusive.
3. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Policy Review Committee
Meeting - 28 April 2008.
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
7. NOTICES OF MOTION
8. ADOPTION OF REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATION OF COMMITTEES
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 12 May 2008
table of contents
meeting calendar
confirmation of minutes
master program reports
2008 MEETING CALENDAR
February 2008 - December 2008
|
TIME |
FEB |
MAR |
APRIL |
MAY |
JUNE |
JULY |
AUG |
SEPT |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
Mon |
To be confirmed. |
||||
Ordinary Meetings |
7.30 pm |
4 |
10 |
7 |
5v |
|
14 |
4 |
8ü |
|||
25 |
|
21 |
19 |
23* |
|
|
29^ |
|||||
Policy Review Committee |
7.30 pm |
|
3 |
|
12# |
|
7 |
|
1 |
|||
18#+ |
31@ |
28 |
|
16 |
28 |
18#+ |
|
|||||
Councillor Briefing / Working Party / Presentation |
7.30 pm |
11 |
|
14 |
|
2Y |
|
11 |
|
|||
|
17 |
|
26 |
30 |
21 |
25 |
|
# Meetings at which the Management Plan Ľly
reviews are presented. |
^ Election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor |
#+ 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 2007/2008
Annual Statements are presented |
* Meeting
at which the Management Plan for 2008/2009 is adopted |
Y Management Plan
Councillor Briefings/Public Forum (May) |
-
Council’s Ordinary Meetings
are held on a three-week cycle where practicable.
-
Extraordinary Meetings are
held as required.
-
Policy Review Meetings are
held on a three-week cycle where practicable.
-
Members of the public are
invited to observe meetings of the Council (Ordinary and Policy Review
Committee). Should you wish to address Council, please contact the Public
Officer, Glenn McCarthy on 4732 7649.
OF THE POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE
MEETING OF
ON MONDAY 28 APRIL 2008 AT 7:38PM
PRESENT
His Worship the Mayor Councillor Greg Davies, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler OAM, Karen McKeown, Garry Rumble, Pat Sheehy AM and John Thain.
APOLOGIES |
PRC 23 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that apologies be received and accepted from Councillors David Bradbury, Jackie Greenow and Steve Simat. |
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Susan Page for the period 21 April 2008 to 12 May 2008 inclusive.
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Policy Review Committee Meeting - 31 March 2008 |
PRC 24 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM seconded Councillor Pat Sheehy AM that the minutes of the Policy Review Committee Meeting of 31 March 2008 be confirmed. |
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Councillor Ross Fowler OAM declared a pecuniary interest in Item 3 – Riverlink Precinct Plan as he is a Director of a company that owns property in the Plan area and also the accountant for property owners within the Plan area. Councillor Fowler declared his intention to leave the meeting during debate and voting on this matter.
Councillor Jim Aitken OAM declared a pecuniary interest in Item 4 – Caddens Release Area draft Local Environmental Plan and draft Development Control Plan as he owns land within the area. Councillor Aitken declared his intention to leave the meeting during debate and voting on this matter.
MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS
The
Having previously
declared a pecuniary interest in Item 4, Councillor Jim Aitken left the
meeting, the time being 7:40pm.
4 Caddens Release Area draft Local
Environmental Plan and draft Development Control Plan |
Mr Kerry
Robinson, General Manager Urban Development, Landcom and Ms Camille Abbott,
Development Director, Landcom, gave a presentation on the Caddens Release
Area. The presentation included information on Landcom’s role, the process to
date, community consultation, structure plan, sustainability blueprint
principles and precinct centre concept and the process from here. |
PRC 25
RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor
Ross Fowler OAM That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Caddens Release Area draft
Local Environmental Plan and draft Development Control Plan be received. 2. In accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
and associated Regulations, Council submit the draft Caddens Release Area
Local Environmental Plan to the Director-General of the Department of
Planning seeking the issue of a Section 65 certificate to enable the draft
Plan to be publicly exhibited. 3. In accordance with the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979 and associated Regulations, a draft amendment to Penrith Development Control Plan 2006 to incorporate the development controls relating to Caddens Release Area be publicly exhibited. 4. Landcom and the other landowners within the Caddens Release Area be advised of Council’s decision and of the importance of achieving a suitable outcome for delivery of affordable housing across the whole of the release area. 5. A further report be presented to Council following the exhibition. |
Councillor Jim
Aitken returned to the meeting, the time being 7:59pm.
LEADERSHIP AND
ORGANISATION
6 Planning Online Services |
Councillor Mark Davies left the meeting,
the time being 8:24pm. Councillor Mark Davies returned to the
meeting, the time being 8:32pm. Ms Shari Hussein, Strategic Planning Coordinator,
|
26 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garry
Rumble seconded Councillor Pat Sheehy AM That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Planning Online Services be
received. 2. The information displayed on the public view of the DA tracker and register be approved. |
THE CITY IN ITS
BROADER CONTEXT
Having previously
declared a pecuniary interest in Item 3, Councillor Ross Fowler OAM left the
meeting, the time being 8:32pm.
3 Riverlink Precinct Plan |
PRC 27
RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor
Kaylene Allison That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Riverlink Precinct Plan be
received 2. The revised Riverlink Precinct Plan, as attached to this report, be adopted by Council as an Interim Policy 3. The policy directions outlined in the adopted Riverlink Precinct Plan be used to guide the preparation of planning controls in the draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan and Penrith Development Control Plan (Stage 2) 4. The landowners and residents of the Riverlink Precinct be invited to comment on the draft planning controls for the Precinct when they are developed. |
Councillor Ross
Fowler returned to the meeting, the time being 8:34pm..
1 Draft Penrith Development Control Plan
2008 |
PRC 28
RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded
Councillor Mark Davies That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Draft Penrith Development
Control Plan 2008 be received. 2. Further necessary changes be made to the draft Penrith Development Control Plan 2008 prior to exhibition, to ensure consistency with draft Penrith LEP 2008 (Stage 1). 3. Draft Penrith Development Control Plan 2008 be publicly exhibited, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and associated Regulations. 4. Amendments to Penrith Development Control Plan 2006 be publicly exhibited, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and associated Regulations, as outlined in this report. 5. An amendment to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 (Environmental Heritage Conservation) be publicly exhibited, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and associated Regulations, as outlined in this report. 6. The amendment to Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1991 (Environmental Heritage Conservation) be exhibited in accordance with the Department of Planning document entitled “LEPs and Council Land – Best Practice Guideline for councils using delegated powers to prepare LEPs involving land that is or was previously owned or controlled by Council”, in as far as that plan relates to newly proposed heritage items. 7. Further reports be presented to Council following the exhibition. |
2 Penrith Urban Study and Strategy |
PRC 29
RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Pat Sheehy AM seconded Councillor
Jim Aitken OAM That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Penrith Urban Study and
Strategy be received. 2. Council endorse the Urban Study and Urban Strategy program,
including the proposed communications framework, as outlined in this report. |
The
5 Refugee Welcome Zone |
PRC 30
RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Karen McKeown seconded Councillor
Jim Aitken OAM That: 1. The information contained in the report
on Refugee Welcome Zone be
received. 2. Council endorse the declaration of Penrith City Council as a Refugee Welcome Zone at a Public event such as Refugee Week in June 2008. 3. Penrith City Council further explore actions in this report to promote the City as a Refugee Welcome Zone. |
There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 8:35pm.
Item Page
The
1 Universal Design Playgrounds
2 Nomination as enforcement agency under
the Food Act 2003
The
City as an Economy
3 The 2007
THIS
PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
The City in its Broader Context
There were no reports under this Master
Program when the Business Paper was compiled
THIS
PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
The
Item Page
1 Universal Design Playgrounds
2 Nomination as enforcement agency under
the Food Act 2003
12
May 2008 |
|
The City as a Social Place |
|
The City as a
1 |
Universal
Design Playgrounds |
|
Compiled by: Grant Collins, Recreation and Cultural Facilities
Planner
Authorised by: Roger Nethercote,
Environmental Planning Manager
Erich Weller, Community and Cultural
Development Manager
Requested
By: Councillor John Thain
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 provide Council with an
update on the progress of the planning to develop universal design playgrounds
in the City. The report also provides
commentary on the suitability of establishing a liberty swing in a playground
facility in the City. The report
recommends Council receive the information contained in this report.
Background
The PLANS Report adopted by Council in March 2004 provided a range of strategies relating to Recreation and Cultural facility development in the City along with broad infrastructure, facilities and services strategies for the City’s established residential areas. The immediate priorities were to develop an Open Space Network where all of Council’s open space assets were categorised and mapped. Following this process, the next priority was to develop the Open Space Action Plan which provided the quantum and quality standards to inform future development in the City in terms of open space requirements. It also introduced the concept of social inclusion in open space planning and the need to incorporate universal principles.
The Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan provided a detailed schedule of works to embellish open space across the City that was not categorised as a district level facility and applied to the City’s infill development. The Open Space Action Plan and Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan were adopted by Council on 25 June 2007.
A District Open Space Development Contributions Plan was adopted by Council on 17 December 2007. This Plan incorporated a range of district open space facility embellishments, including 2 universal design playground facilities. These are discussed later in the report.
‘Out and About’ Universal Design Project
Universal design is “the design of products and environments to
be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without adaptation or
specialized design.” (Centre for Universal Design, NC
The joint project with
UWS was initiated with the successful application for research partnership
program funding in late 2006 and the project was officially launched by Mayor
Pat Sheehy at the
The broad project aims included:
· To investigate the knowledge base supporting Universal Design as a local government strategic planning tool in the context of cultural diversity;
· To develop an understanding of the cultural issues related to accessibility and design of existing and proposed public and outdoor recreational space within the context of the demographic composition of the Penrith LGA;
· To determine the practical concerns about the application of Universal Design through consultations with developers, major businesses, and Penrith City Council planners in the context of their understanding of the Penrith community.
An extensive literature review was prepared that provided national and international perspectives regarding current initiatives in designing for more inclusive environments. The final draft report that responds to the project aims is in the process of being reviewed by the UWS team and the findings will be presented to Council.
Proposed Universal Design Playgrounds
The District Open Space Facilities Development Contributions Plan includes proposed major district level sport and recreation projects within the City. The overall intention is to make the City’s existing open space assets ‘work harder’ as an efficient and sustainable approach to meet the open space sport and recreation needs and demands of the projected incoming population.
The adopted District Open Space Facilities Development Contributions Plan included, amongst other projects, recommended works to provide a district level universal design playground for the Gipps St site and a universally designed public water adventure ‘sprayground’ and outdoor entertainment amphitheatre at the Penrith Lakes.
The recently completed Master Plan for the Gipps St site has incorporated a universal design playground facility. Council adopted the Master Plan for this site in December 2007 along with the Precinct Plan for the South Creek Corridor. The Master Plan proposed key development phases for the Gipps St site which are due to be progressed once Council receives clear direction on how the current planning reforms will impact the delivery of the proposed quality district level facilities which includes the Gipps St site.
In our negotiations with
Penrith Lakes Development Corporation (PLDC) during the course of last year, consideration
has been given in the planning for both the new urban area and the regional
parklands to the establishment of a wide range of recreation and open space
opportunities, particularly those based around a water theme. PLDC indicated a preparedness to incorporate universal
design principles into the planning for the
In addition to the
A feasibility study for
a
A liberty swing is a device which allows a person who uses a wheelchair to swing while remaining in their wheelchair. A small retractable ramp allows access to the swing and the wheelchair is clamped securely into position and requires the assistance of another person or carer to help move the swing.
Some local examples of
liberty swings can be seen at
Where these types of swings have been installed in public places, it is usual that they are separately fenced off primarily because of the weight of the device and safety concerns to other people in the playground. The average cost of installing a liberty swing is between $35,300 - $41,300.
Liberty Swing installed at Centennial Park,
Sydney
The liberty swing
installed at
Council’s adopted Open Space Action Plan endorses the application of universal design principles and standards in future open space planning and design. Penrith City Council has the opportunity to provide a leading example of inclusive design in playgrounds that could showcase to the community the benefits of universal design, with the intention to build on our current universal design project with the UWS into a broader state or even national initiative in this field.
This view is supported
by the Australian Quadraplegic Association’s Public Education Co-ordinator
(Russell Chudleigh) who expressed concerns about liberty swings in that Association’s
2000 – 2001 Annual Report and argues for a more inclusive design approach. His article in part states “…I, as a member of the disability rights
movement, must accept part of the blame. I was consulted about it, but failed
to express my concerns to the right people at the right time! You might argue
that children with disabilities have the right to experience swings and yes
they do. But, also we need to ask what do we aim to achieve when we design
playgrounds. We need to design areas for our children that are safe, that
provide exercise, skills development and interaction. Most of all we need to
build playgrounds that are inclusive.”
Zoe Sofoulis from the Centre for Cultural Research is leading the UWS team on our joint ‘Out and About’ universal design project. As part of these project findings Zoe states -
“…Universal design principles extend the
concept of usability by aiming to design objects and environments that are
easily usable by a wide diversity of users across generations. UD
includes but also goes beyond a concern with 'occupational performance' in
its primary goal of being socially inclusive. For example, a
Council’s Disability Services Officer, Ben Felten, in response to a question posed on the suitability of liberty swings at the Nepean Disability Forum in November 2006, provided the following advice:
“
The
Kurrumbee School within the City of Penrith has installed a Liberty
Swing and within this private facility context, the installation of the
Forum participants generally endorsed the principles of planning for inclusive environments which is also supported by the NSW Government Disability Policy Framework.
Community and Cultural Development Manager’s Comments
Council’s Disability Access Committee has considered the matter of Liberty Swings and Universal Design at a number of meetings, most particularly in April 2006 in the context of the PLANS study and on several subsequent occasions.
The Committee has consistently encouraged support by Council of an ‘inclusive’ approach in the design of facilities for people with a disability and has noted broad support for the principles of Universal Design. Committee members have also commented on the issue of access to Liberty Swings which can require a MLAK key to access the facility because they are normally surrounded by a locked fence. The MLAK key is a universal lock and key system which provides security for accessible facilities.
In November 2006, these matters were discussed at the Nepean Disability Forum which indicated similar support for Universal Design principles in the provision of playgrounds and other facilities.
Parks Construction and
Maintenance Manager’s Comments
I support the proposal to have an all inclusive play system design that can be utilised by everyone. The Liberty Swing is a very specialised play component that caters for people with particular disabilities only. Given the inherent safety problems associated with the weight of the swing, it is necessary for perimeter safety fencing to be installed. This has the effect of segregating the facility and possibly excluding other children from its use, particularly if a special locking system is used.
Opportunities for Alternative Universal Design Swings
There are other alternatives to liberty swings that provide a more inclusive model that would be preferable to the inclusion of a separated space in a playground with a liberty swing.
The inclusive seat swing designed by Omnitech, for example, provides a deep and wide ergonomic seat to accommodate people of all abilities and can be designed adjacent to other swings so that all children and people of all ages and diverse abilities can play and interact together. This swing provides an upper body stabilisation harness and would require the necessary assistance for people who use wheelchairs to transfer out of their wheelchair to access.
The cost of the inclusive
swing by itself would be approximately $1,590. To provide a 2 bay swing (3
swings in total) with installation (excluding soft fall) would be $5,350 and a
3 bay swing (5 swings in total as seen in the picture provided above) would be
$6,900.
Omnitech Inclusive Seat Swing
Conclusion
The delivery of quality district level universally designed playgrounds will be progressed under the current District Open Space Development Contributions Plan in order to provide facilities that the whole family can enjoy, and provide examples of recreation facilities that showcase the benefits of more inclusive design. We are also proactively promoting universal design more broadly through the new City-wide Urban Strategy and Development Control Plan, to more effectively serve the needs of our community.
In relation to opportunities for installation of a liberty swing, the inclusive swing seat such as that designed by Omnitech, in our view, provides a more preferable solution for play equipment for children with diverse abilities in Council’s public open space areas.
The delivery of the
playground facility in the Glenmore Park Child and Family Precinct development
next year, will provide a facility that includes universal design features for
the south ward. Plans for the
establishment of the universal design playgrounds at
That the information contained in the report on Universal Design Playgrounds be received. |
There are no attachments for this report.
12
May 2008 |
|
The City as a Social Place |
|
The City as a
2 |
Nomination
as enforcement agency under the Food Act 2003 |
|
Compiled by: Graham Liehr, Environmental Health Co-ordinator
Authorised by: Wayne Mitchell,
Environmental Health Manager
Strategic Program Term Achievement: Strategies
are in place to respond to the social and health needs of the community.
Critical Action: Develop and implement a healthy strategy for
the City that will guide planning and strategies that embrace healthy outcomes.
Presenters: Wayne Mitchell -
Environmental Health Manager
Purpose:
To inform Council of the
amendments to the Food Act 2003 and the status of the Food Regulation
Partnership co-ordinated by the NSW Food Authority. The report recommends that
Council, pursuant to Section 111 (1) of the Food Act 2003, nominate as a
Category B enforcement agency to the NSW Food Authority.
Background
Council has a strong commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community. A key component of the Health Service is the food safety program which aims to ensure the safety of food sold and consumed in the City.
The NSW Food Authority has for some time been developing new legislation that will significantly change and reform how food safety is delivered in NSW. Council has received previous reports in 2005 and 2007 on progress of what the Authority calls the “Food Regulation Partnership”. These changes primarily define a clear role for Local Government in securing food safety and provides additional regulatory tools and resources to do so.
Amendments to the Food Act 2003 were proclaimed on 1 January 2008 that mandate the relationship between local government and the NSW Food Authority with the objectives:
· Providing a safer food to consumers particularly by reducing the impact of foodborne illness caused by the retail food sector;
· Strengthen
the food safety response capacity of
· Better use of local and State resources.
Essential to the partnership are legislated provisions that include:
· A mandated role for councils clearly stating their roles under an appropriate service level;
· The range of fees and charges that are available to effectively fund a food safety program at that service level; and
· Regular reporting to the Food Authority.
Standards have been developed by the Authority that provide a schedule of the types of food businesses that should be included in an inspection program, identifies the food business risk category and recommends inspection frequencies; identifies the Food Authority’s role in providing comprehensive support, assistance and training for councils; provides for consistency amongst jurisdictions and evidence that objectives are being realised by regular reporting mechanisms.
A fundamental principle of the Food Regulation Partnership (FRP) is that councils will operate at a level commensurate with their resources, expertise, and capacity and as a continuation of their existing functions. This report formalises the category that best satisfies the level of importance to the community within our capacity and capability.
The Council’s enforcement functions with respect to food premises will be mandated as at 1 July 2008. The New South Wales Food Authority is required by legislative change to appoint councils as an “enforcement agency” from that date.
A Summary of
the Changes
Food Regulation Role
Council will formally undertake its food regulation role as an enforcement agency under the NSW Food Act 2003, as amended from 1 July 2008. Protocols and guidelines should ensure there is a clear understanding of the Council’s role. Councils and the Authority will be using the special Food Regulation Partnership logo and branding to promote their partnership.
Cost
Recovery Capability
Enforcement agencies will have improved capacity to recover the costs of providing their food regulation functions. The Food Regulation 2004 includes the following fees:
· An annual service charge intended for enforcement agencies to recover the indirect costs associated with their function. The fee does not apply to food business operating for the sole purpose of raising funds for community groups or a charitable cause;
· The current inspection fees raised under the Local Government Act 1993 will continue. The Food Regulation 2004 includes a recommended maximum fee structure that includes an inspection fee of $143.08 per hour with a minimum charge of half an hour as well as a travel fee of $35.77. Council’s adopted fee in the 2007-2008 Management Plan was $132 per inspection; and
· A new fee for issuing an Improvement Notice of $330.
A comparison of the fee structure in the Food Regulation 2004 compared to Penrith Council’s Management Plan fees is shown in Table 1.
|
Food Regulation 2004 |
2007-2008 Management Plan |
Proposed fees for 2008-2009 Management
Plan |
Administration fee (annual) |
5 or less full time equivalent food handlers = maximum $250. More than 5 but not more than 50 full time equivalent food handlers = maximum $500. More than 50 full time equivalent food handlers = maximum $2000. No charge to not for profit community based organisations. |
$247 |
5 or less full time equivalent food handlers = maximum $250 More than 5 but not more than 50 full time equivalent food handlers = maximum $500 More than 50 full time equivalent food handlers = maximum $2000 No charge to not for profit community based organisations |
Improvement Notice |
$330 |
Nil |
$330 |
Inspection fee – food premises |
$143.08 per hour. (Minimum half hour). Travelling charge of $35.77 (additional fee) |
$132 |
$137 No charge to not for profit community based organisations |
Temporary events |
$143.08 per hour. (Minimum half hour). Travelling charge of $35.77 (additional fee) |
Nil |
Food stalls selling low risk pre-packaged food = $40 High risk food stalls = $60 No charge to not for profit community based organisations |
Table 1:
Comparison of fees in Food Regulation 2004 to Council fees
Support
and Assistance from the Food Authority
Support, assistance and training for councils will be provided by the Authority. This will include:
· assistance with high level enforcement;
· assistance with resource support in unforeseen circumstances;
· development of operational guidelines in consultation with council networks;
· assistance with perceived conflicts of interest;
· environmental health officer career promotion;
· special projects grants program;
· facilitation of networks, eg the existing regional food groups and state liaison group;
· providing technical and paralegal advice;
· facilitating a special website for enforcement agencies; and
· maintaining ‘real-time’ communication with emails and newsletters.
Reporting
Requirements
Each six months Council will be required to submit a report to the Authority on its resources and activities for the period. The Authority will publish a summary of information from Council on the Food Regulation Partnership website, when it is launched later this year.
A copy of the overview and explanation of the Food Regulation Partnership amendments to the Food Act 2003 on the NSW Food Authority Web site are included as Appendix 1.
Update on
Penrith Council’s Food Safety Program 2007-2008
A review of Penrith Council’s service specification was undertaken in May 2007 to ensure the Council’s inspection program was aligned with the draft partnership guidelines. The review identified the need for an additional Environmental Health Officer, with funding for the position subsidised partially through fees generated through food premises inspection fees and the new annual service fee adopted in the 2007-2008 Management Plan. Recruitment of this position was only completed in March 2008 after some initial difficulty attracting a suitable officer.
The Food Safety Program is a significant part of Council’s adopted specification for Health Services. The program identified over 513 food businesses which were proposed to be inspected at a frequency aligning with the inspection frequency recommended in the partnership. This program included a proposal to inspect 361 high risk food businesses twice annually and 152 medium risk businesses once annually. Through the inspection process, any serious non-compliance is immediately brought to the attention of the food shop proprietor and action taken in accordance with enforcement procedures encouraged by the Food Authority to ensure consistency across the state. Since 1 July 2007, there have been 450 food business inspections and 73 reinspections of food businesses. The remaining inspections are scheduled for completion in the last quarter.
An Improvement Notice issued under Section 58 of the Food Act 2003 is issued in a situation where the inspection has identified unclean or unsanitary conditions or is unfit for the intended use. The penalty for not complying with an Improvement Notice is a Prohibition Order issued under Section 60 of the Food Act 2003. A Prohibition Order may require the cessation of food production or restriction on the use of equipment. Since 1 July 2007, there have been 13 Improvement Notices issued to operators of food business.
Penalty Notices may be issued when food is handled in a manner that is not compliant with the requirements of the Food Safety Standards. The Penalty Notice may be served in conjunction with an Improvement Notice or separately. There have been 14 Penalty Notices issued to date this financial year. These are commonly for issues such as unclean conditions or poor temperature control.
The Environmental Health Team has recently commenced prosecutions against the operators of two food premises for a variety of breaches of the Food Safety Standards. The circumstances in both of these is where it has been revealed during the inspection that the premises and food handling practices have placed the community at significant risk and there had been previous warnings issued. Council will be advised of the outcome of these legal proceedings when they are completed in the court system.
Council’s Environmental Health Officers have
undertaken inspections of two weekend events including the Working Truck Show
at the
Categories of
Enforcement Agencies
A fundamental principle of the Food Regulation Partnership is that councils will operate at a level commensurate with their resources, expertise, capacity and as a continuation of their existing functions. For most councils, including Penrith Council, this will mean a Category B nomination as outlined below.
Where councils nominate for a lesser level of involvement at Category A (the minimum level), the regulatory functions will either be carried out by the Authority or their contractor or another party at full cost recovery and Council will not be able to exercise any control over those activities over and beyond Category A.
The categories were reported to the Council previously but are summarised again for
information.
Category
A
This is intended to be the minimum food regulation responsibility level for an enforcement agency. It only covers:
a) Responding to urgent food safety matters;
b) Urgent food recall investigations; and
c) Six-monthly reporting on food regulation activities.
Councils will be appointed to Category A responsibilities only where they have exhausted other options such as forming alliances with other councils or engaging Contractors / consultants. Generally, only the smaller, remote rural councils will be able to fit into this category.
Category
B
This is the intended standard food regulation responsibility level for an enforcement agency that includes the majority of councils. This category includes Category A responsibilities, and the following:
a) food recall investigations;
b) routine inspection and enforcement of the retail and food service sector;
c) medium and low risk food complaint investigations; and
d) collaboration on single-case foodborne illness investigations.
Category
C
This is the higher food regulation responsibility for an enforcement agency. It includes responsibilities for Categories A and B and any other responsibility determined in consultation with the Authority, in particular, inspection of non-licensed manufacturers and wholesalers.
Other responsibilities, eg providing information and training for food handlers, are worthwhile food regulation activities that are encouraged but they will not be compulsory. To nominate at Category C level would involve an expansion of the Council’s current role and would be beyond our current resource capability. It is our aim to nominate for Category C in the future, but it may take a year or two to develop our capacity to achieve that category.
The Food Act 2003 requires the Authority to call for and assess nominations from councils to act as an Enforcement Agency and in this regard they require information as to:
1. The preferred category of function of an enforcement agency;
2. The food business profile;
3. The skills of officers planned to be engaged in food regulatory work;
4. Whether or not councils have an annual inspection program for high and medium food businesses for the 12 month period commencing 1 July 2008.
Category
of Enforcement Agency
This report recommends that Penrith City Council nominates as a Category B Enforcement Agency under the Food Regulation Partnership and the Food Act 2003, as discussed previously in this report. The following information will inform and support this nomination.
Food Business Profile
Council’s food surveillance program, under the 2007-2008 Management Plan, included a total of approximately 513 food businesses which are subject to an annual inspection. Food premises are categorised according to risk and 361 food premises are categorised as high risk and 152 medium risk.
Over the last 3 months, the Environmental Health Department has been undertaking an audit of food businesses in the Penrith local government area to align Council’s inspection program with the range of food business types that should be included in the inspection program outlined in the Food Partnership agreement. The audit has identified an additional 262 businesses to date that should be included in the inspection program. The audit is yet to be completed, however it is expected that these figures capture the majority of the premises.
Additionally, until an inspection is completed of each of the premises, the exact figures could be found to vary slightly. These premises have not been subject to regular inspection surveillance in the past and will therefore impact on existing resources of the Environmental Health team.
Accordingly, it is proposed to modify the inspection program frequency and inspect all food business once annually unless inspections identify critical food handling practices at consecutive inspections in which case the frequency will be increased.
The additional food premises that have been identified include premises that have not been traditionally inspected by local government but have now been identified under the partnership agreement. Additionally, the audit has extended to identify businesses operating from residential areas which include many caterers which are difficult to identify due to the nature of their business or advertising methods. The “vulnerable population” sector (nursing homes, childcare centres, meals for the elderly) may not remain the responsibility of local government and may be subject to licensing in future with the Authority. Options for a third party auditing system in the vulnerable population sector are currently under review.
Table 2. below gives an indication of the category and number of additional food premises:
Business Type |
Number |
Risk category |
Register caterers |
10 |
High |
Correctional Centres |
3 |
High |
Child care centres (council) |
27 |
High |
Child care centres (private) |
57 |
High |
Nursing Homes |
8 |
High |
School canteens |
78 |
High |
Meals for the elderly |
3 |
High |
Other |
76 |
High/medium |
Temporary
food stalls
Additional to the food premises identified above, there are a variety of major events held throughout the city which include temporary food stalls. The temporary food premises that operate at these events are also being included in Council’s food safety program.
Temporary food stalls identified for inclusion in the program include the Penrith Markets on both Wednesdays and Sundays, the Penrith Show, St Marys Spring Festival and a number of similar events. Food sales at sporting events and other community fund raisers will also be incorporated into educational initiatives.
Skills
of officers involved in food regulatory work
This work is undertaken by the Council Environmental Health Team within the Environmental Health Department. The team members involved in food surveillance include the Environmental Health Co-ordinator, a full time Senior Environmental Health Officer and a part time Senior Environmental Health Officer, and two Environmental Health Officers. All officers have appropriate qualifications and demonstrated skills and experience in food regulatory activities. These positions are supported with a part time administrative officer. This team has a range of other environmental health and safety responsibilities, in addition to food safety. It is considered that this team has the capacity and capability to carry out the work at Category B level and still maintain the level of regulatory service for other environmental health functions.
Planned
inspection program
An inspection program has been planned for high and medium risk food businesses for the 12 month period commencing 1 July 2008. The Food Partnership inspection program suggests a minimum of one inspection for medium risk businesses and a minimum of two inspections for high risk premises. The inspection frequency is recommended by the Food Authority and Council may elect to vary the number of inspections.
The inspection procedure requires the identification of “critical food handling practices” (CFHP) which are required to be reported in the six monthly reports to the Food Authority. Council is also required to report on the number of business not complying with CFHP as a result of follow-up action.
Annual Service
Charge
Councillor Susan
Page recently requested additional information about Council’s food premises
charges and specifically the new annual service charge. The annual service fee
is consistent with the charge recommended under the Food Act 2003 and the
amount is prescribed in Clause 173C of the Food Regulation 2004. The annual service fee exempts charities and
food businesses not inspected annually.
The service fee is to cover the cost of running the entire food safety
program which includes:
· Development and
maintenance of a Council database;
· Reporting to the
Food Authority;
· Food complaints
referral systems with the Food authority;
· Food recalls;
· Participation in
state wide food sampling programs and surveys; and
· Training and
education of food handlers through various mechanisms including education
programs, Council’s website and newsletters.
The annual
service charge does not include the inspection component which is charged
separately and is dependent on the number of inspections. The cost of the food
program is still significantly subsidised by general revenue. The inspection fees adopted by Council are
lower than the maximum fees recommended in the Food Regulation and it is not
proposed to charge the suggested travelling time fee.
Conclusion
The Food Regulation Partnership is one that the Council has formally indicated in principle support to the NSW Food Authority. A fundamental principle of the Food Regulation Partnership is that councils will operate at a level commensurate with their resources, expertise, capacity and as a continuation of their existing functions for the benefit of the community.
This report recommends that the Council nominate as a Category B Enforcement Agency which closely aligns with the Council’s existing food safety functions. This level of service will continue to ensure that high standards of food safety are maintained for food sold in the City.
That: 1. The information contained in the report on Nomination as enforcement
agency under the Food Act 2003 be received. 2. Pursuant to Section 111(1) of the Food
Act 2003 Council nominate as a Category B Enforcement Agency to the NSW Food
Authority. |
1. View |
Amendments to Food Act 2008 |
4 Pages |
Appendix |
12 May 2008 |
|
Appendix
1 - Amendments to Food Act 2008 |
|
|
|
Overview
Amendments to the Food Act
2003 (NSW) and Food Regulation 2004 enabled the new Food Regulation Partnership
from 1 January 2008.
The amendments include:
· enforcement agencies will be required
from 1 July 2008 to carry out routine inspections of retail food businesses,
and
· fees & charges for food safety
activities can be charged under the Food Act 2003 (NSW)
The impact of the changes on retail food businesses will vary between
councils depending on their individual food regulation program.
A process of appointing local councils to clearly defined food
inspection roles will occur between March - June 2008.
Retail businesses affected
Businesses affected include those which:
· sell or serve food directly to
consumers
· produce food for direct sale to
consumers as their main food-related activity.
Manufacturing, wholesaling & food transport is not included in the
changes.
Impact
The changes will:
· better protect business reputations
as suppliers of quality safe food
o consumers will
have more confidence in the NSW retail food supply under the more effective
food regulatory system
o potential food
poisoning outbreaks which could easily erode the NSW industry's excellent reputation
and damage sales will be reduced
· create a level playing field for
retail food businesses
o retail food
inspections will occur in all council areas
o inspectors across
NSW will interpret & apply food regulations more consistently
o food businesses
that don't comply with regulations will face more consistent action to rectify
issues
· improve food industry performance
o all retail
businesses will be inspected and required to comply with regulations by
maintaining premises and equipment, cleaning practices, ensuring correct food
storage and training of staff
o councils will
take immediate action to address non-compliance
o introduce some
fees and charges
o each council is
responsible for setting their fees and charges to reflect the needs of their
community
o the NSW Food
Authority sets recommended maximum inspection and administration fees and
charges based on cost recovery
The fees and charges include:
· a fixed fee for issuing an improvement notice (including one reinspection) - $330
· a recommended maximum fee for inspection of a non-licensed food business - $143.08 per hour plus $35.77 for
travelling expenses (local councils can already charge a fee under s608 Local Government Act 1993 (NSW), for inspecting the premises of a food business)
· a maximum annual administration charge on
non-licensed food businesses that are subject to inspection once every twelve
months
Councils can waive or reduce inspection fees, the
annual administration charge & improvement notice fees. It is an offence to
not pay the improvement notice fee.
Changes
Changes include:
· Councils’ responsibilities
o to be appointed
as 'enforcement agencies' councils are required to carry out regular
inspections and enforcement for the retail & food service sectors within
their area
o food complaint
investigations
o urgent food
safety responses including urgent food recalls
o reports on key
food regulation activities to the NSW Food Authority every six months
· regular inspections
o retail food
businesses will be inspected regularly except for those deemed low risk such as
newsagencies selling packaged confectionery
· NSW Food Authority
o the Authority
will publish summary reports on its website. Reports will be based on the
combined data of food regulation activities of councils. Individual businesses
will not be named in these reports. The aim is to:
o reduce foodborne
illness by controlling the most important food handling practices
o improve
consistency among councils
o demonstrate
council’s food regulation activities
o increase public
awareness about food regulation
The new system is the result of a consultative three-year intensive
development process with local government and other key stakeholders.
It is a collaborative initiative between the State and local governments
of NSW.
Reason for change
The old system lacked a robust framework for the coordination of food
regulation activities across NSW.
While food safety inspections of the retail sector traditionally fell
under the local council domain, they were not mandatory. Some local councils
inspected food premises and some didn’t.
Councils appointed as enforcement agencies will be required to regularly
inspect retail food premises and report to the NSW Food Authority on their
activities.
Benefits
Approximately one third of foodborne illness in NSW is attributed to the
retail food sector. The economic impact of foodborne illness attributed to the
sector is estimated at $760 million per year.
The new system:
· provides for safer food for the
consumers of NSW by reducing the impact of foodborne illness caused by the
retail food sector
· is a NSW-wide program which means
consistency across all local government areas in the State
· avoids duplication by clarifying the
roles and responsibilities between councils and the NSW Food Authority
· strengthens whole-of-government
response to food safety emergencies such as potential foodborne illness
outbreaks, food recalls, extortion and bioterrorism
· reduces the costs to retail food
businesses of food poisoning outbreak such as from lost trade and goodwill
· gives councils the flexibility to
recover the costs of food regulation enforcement, should they exercise it
The City In Its Environment
There were no reports under this Master
Program when the Business Paper was compiled
THIS
PAGE HAS BEEN LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY
The City as an Economy
Item Page
3 The 2007
12
May 2008 |
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The City as an Economy |
|
The City as an Economy
3 |
The
2007 |
|
Compiled by: Bijai Kumar, Local Economic Development Program
Manager
Authorised by: Bijai Kumar, Local
Economic Development Program Manager
Strategic Program Term Achievement: The
City’s business community, learning institutions and training institutions are
working in an integrated way to strengthen and develop the City’s local
economic base.
Critical Action: Support PVEDC in the development of the
City's enterprises.
Presenters: Steve Willingale - PVEDC -
Business and Export Survey
John
Bateman - Chairman, PVEDC - Business and Export Survey
Purpose:
To inform Council of the key
outcomes and recommendations of the 2007 PVEDC Business and Export survey. The report recommends that the information
contained in the report be received.
Background
The 2007 Business and
Export survey is the third of its kind conducted by the PVEDC covering
exclusively Penrith’s six industrial precincts-
In 2004, the Corporation’s International Business Task Group recognised that, in order to plan and evaluate the group’s efforts to support local businesses, particularly in the area of exports, the group must first have a current profile of exporting and other businesses in the Penrith. A previous survey of the export capacity of Penrith businesses had been conducted in 2000/2001, although this survey had targeted manufacturing companies, rather than the City’s industrial precincts.
The main objective of the survey was to determine the export capacity of businesses in Penrith and facilitate the growth of profitable relationships between local businesses and businesses in other countries. In addition to achieving a number of other objectives listed below, the survey was also designed to provide comprehensive information on the Information Technology take up rate in the area, employment, and to determine skill shortages in a variety of industries:
· identify between 100 to 200 potential exporters;
· identify current exporters, their products/services and destinations;
· gather information that will assist in identifying opportunities to increase the value of exports from the region;
· gather information that will assist in identifying opportunities to assist potential exporters to export;
· be a marketing tool for communicating the aims of the PVEDC and the International Business Task Group to current and potential exporters, as well as businesses overall; and
· provide a comprehensive database of current and potential exporters, to be provided to Austrade and Tradestart [ an Austrade agency operated by NSW Business Chamber in Penrith] for their follow up post survey
The
survey was conducted with the assistance of seven students from
Key Survey Outcomes
A CD with the title “Penrith Valley Export and Business Survey” has been provided with the report and it contains the full survey results. The key results of the survey, including snapshots of each of the six industrial precincts, is provided in Attachment 1.
The survey has resulted in the following seven recommendations about how the results can be applied to support local business development and growth and will be considered by the PVEDC and its partners:
· A bi-annual survey to be undertaken with the next one to be conducted in 2009;
· A simplistic case study type seminar/forum be facilitated to provide current and potential exporters with relevant and easy to understand and useful information in relation to exporting;
· The database of current and potential exporters identified in the survey be provided to Austrade and Tradestart offices based in Penrith for follow up action;
· Investigation of the implementation of a high technology portal type database which provides businesses in Penrith with information on what each business provides in terms of manufactured goods or services. This would be used as a tool to assist local businesses to acquire goods and/or services that may be presently made outside of Penrith. This is supported by paragraph 12.3.1 of this report which shows that only 38% of Penrith businesses source 0-25% of their inputs from Penrith businesses;
· The many positive aspects of doing business in Penrith, as identified in the survey, to be used for promotional purposes by each area to encourage new business to relocate to Penrith;
· A detailed analysis to be done of what businesses have closed or moved in the two years from 2005 and 2007. The report would find the reasons for such movements and be useful for future decision-making in relation to Penrith’s industrial precincts;
· A forum be established to enable Penrith businesses to discuss what sort of problems they face in acquiring and retaining skilled employees, as well as the difficulties in acquiring and/or keeping apprentices. This forum could also include discussions on the schools/industry partnership issues and the recent TAFE initiative on school based apprenticeships.
The survey provides a useful body of work which will result is developing evidence based programs and activities to support business growth and exports. Already in recognition of the skills shortages facing businesses in all the six industrial precincts PVEDC has organised in partnership with Council a skills forum in May to proactively engage with businesses, educators and training providers in addressing this critical issue that has the potential to impede sustainable business growth.
That the information contained in the report on The 2007 Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation Business and Export Survey be received. |
1. View |
2007 Business and Export Survey Snyopsis |
8 Pages |
Appendix |
12 May 2008 |
|
Appendix
1 - 2007 Business and Export Survey Snyopsis |
|
|
|
PVEDC Business and Export Survey 2007- Key Results
Business Overview
The review of the two most important categories, number of businesses
and number of employees, showed very modest growth compared to the 2005 survey.
The total number of businesses in Penrith only increased by 0.2%, or 3, to make
1,531 in total. The total number of employees identified from respondents to
the survey increased by a modest 6%, or 796, to 14,000.
An interesting result is that 196 businesses have closed or moved out
of Penrith since 2005. Fortunately, 199 businesses have set up in the same
period.
In terms of size of business, the 2007 survey confirms that Penrith has
a very large number of micro and small businesses, (ie businesses with 20 or
less employees), with 73% of respondents indicating that they fit into these
two categories.
It is interesting to note that some 27% of businesses in Penrith’s
industrial precincts are in manufacturing, up from 25% in 2005.
A pleasing result is that the number of exporters increased from 9% to
10% in 2007 (143 to 150), however the number of potential exporters has
decreased from 4% to 3% (56 to 48) in 2007. The increased number of exporters
is partly due to previous potential exporters now becoming exporters, whilst
the drop in potential exporters may be victims of the unfavourable exchange
rates. Also, the percentage of respondents that import has risen from 13% in
2005 to 18% in 2007, a total number of importers of 271.
An area of concern is the reduced number of businesses that have inputs
supplied by Penrith businesses. In 2005, 19% of respondents sourced 50% or more
of their inputs locally. This has reduced to 15% in 2007.
An ongoing problem, highlighted also in the 2005 survey, is the large
number of businesses experiencing difficulty in getting skilled and
semi-skilled workers. 13% of respondents in 2007 indicated they suffered from
skill shortages in their businesses. 485 comments were received regarding
advantages of doing business in
Business
Overview |
||
Number of Businesses by
Area |
||
|
2005 |
2007 |
St Marys |
489 |
450 |
|
417 |
433 |
|
328 |
359 |
Emu Plains |
174 |
173 |
|
111 |
102 |
|
9 |
14 |
Total |
1,528 |
1,531 |
Number of People
Employed |
||
Employed |
13,204 |
14,000 |
New Businesses |
||
New Businesses 2007 |
216 |
199 |
Businesses moved out or
closed |
100 |
196 |
Net new business |
116 |
3 |
Size of Businesses
Overall |
||
Micro (<5 employees) |
42% (644) |
47% (717) |
Small (6-20 employees) |
26% (389) |
26% (403) |
Medium (21-100 employees) |
7% (107) |
8% (124) |
Large(101+ employees) |
1% (17) |
1% (16) |
Top 5 Businesses by
ANZSIC Code |
||
Manufacturing |
25% (389) |
27% (410) |
Retail Trade |
30% (461) |
23% (352) |
Construction |
9% (143) |
11% (168) |
Other Services including
R & M |
2% (31) |
10% (154) |
Wholesale Trade |
12% (191) |
8% (130) |
Exporters |
||
Number of Penrith
Exporters |
9% (143) |
10% (150) |
Number of Potential
Penrith Exporters |
4% (56) |
3% (48) |
Number of Years
Exporting |
||
10 or more |
36% (51) |
38% (57) |
6 to 9 years |
19% (27) |
17% (26) |
2 to 5 years |
29% (42) |
25% (37) |
1 year or less |
7% (10) |
9% (14) |
No response |
9% (13) |
11% (16) |
|
Top 5 Destinations of
Exports |
|||||
|
|
2005 |
2007 |
|||
|
|
27% (64) |
25% (67) |
|||
|
|
21% (51) |
19% (52) |
|||
|
North Asia (including |
12% (28) |
17% (46) |
|||
|
West Europe (including |
10% (24) |
14% (39) |
|||
|
|
13% (30) |
7% (19) |
|||
|
Number of Destinations
Exporting to |
|||||
|
1 region only |
35% (50) |
41% (60) |
|||
|
2 regions |
22% (31) |
26% (39) |
|||
|
3 regions |
10% (14) |
13% (20) |
|||
|
4 or more regions |
13% (18) |
11% (17) |
|||
|
Not Specified |
|
9% (14) |
|||
|
Top 6 Industries
Exporting |
|||||
|
2005 |
2007 |
||||
|
Machinery & equipment
Mfg |
Machinery & Equipment
Mfg |
||||
|
Metal product Mfg |
Metal Product Mfg |
||||
|
Machinery & motor
vehicle W/s |
Construction Trade
Services |
||||
|
Motor vehicle retailing
& services |
Other Retail |
||||
|
Petroleum, coal, chemical
Mfg |
Repairs & Maintenance |
||||
|
Textile, clothing, foot,
leather Mfg Non-metallic mineral
product Mfg (6th equal) |
Non-metallic mineral
product Mfg |
||||
|
|
|||||
Importers |
|
|||||
|
2005 |
2007 |
|
|||
Number of Penrith
Importers |
13% (205) |
18% (271) |
|
|||
Proportion of Inputs
Supplied by Penrith Businesses |
|
|||||
Receive 76-100% |
11% (174) |
8% (128) |
|
|||
Receive 51-75% |
8% (119) |
7% (102) |
|
|||
Receive 26-50% |
9% (136) |
9% (133) |
|
|||
Receive 0-25% |
39% (602) |
38% (583) |
|
|||
Sources of Supplies (not
provided by Penrith businesses) |
|
|||||
|
47% (481) |
34% (436) |
|
|||
Overseas |
20% (205) |
21% (271) |
|
|||
|
17% (177) |
20% (241) |
|
|||
Sources of Imports |
||||||
|
2005 |
2007 |
||||
North Asia (including |
19% (72) |
32% (144) |
||||
West Europe (including |
16% (62) |
17% (76) |
||||
|
20% (75) |
16% (74) |
||||
|
19% (73) |
14% (63) |
||||
|
5% (19) |
6% (27) |
||||
New Zealand & Pacific |
7% (26) |
6% (27) |
||||
|
4% (14) |
5% (24) |
||||
|
7% (27) |
4% (15) |
||||
Other |
3% (15) |
0% (0) |
||||
Top 6 Industries
Importing |
||||||
Motor vehicle retailing
& services |
Motor vehicle retailing
& services |
|||||
Machinery & motor
vehicle W/s |
Machinery & motor
vehicle W/s |
|||||
Machinery & equipment
Mfg |
Machinery & Equipment
Mfg |
|||||
Basic material W/s |
Basic material W/s |
|||||
Personal & household
good retailing |
Other Store Based
Retailing |
|||||
Metal product Mfg |
Repairs & Maintenance |
|||||
Information Technology |
||||||
Emails and Websites |
2005 |
2007 |
||||
Emails |
39% (589) |
42% (636) |
||||
Websites |
23% (348) |
28% (424) |
||||
Skills Shortages |
||||||
Businesses and Skills
Shortages |
2005 |
2007 |
||||
Suffer from skills
shortages |
14% (221) |
13% (194) |
||||
Do not suffer from skills
shortages |
53% (803) |
48% (728) |
||||
|
Top 8 Skill Shortages by
ANZSIC Classification and Vocation |
|
||||
|
ANZSIC
Classification |
Vocation |
|
|||
|
Motor Vehicle Retailing
& Services |
Tradesmen (especially
qualified) |
|
|||
|
Metal Product Mfg |
Skilled or experienced
workers |
|
|||
|
Machinery & Equipment
Mfg |
Mechanics/ Panel beaters
/ Spray painters |
|
|||
|
Professional, Scientific
& Technical Services |
Sheet Metal Workers/
machine operators |
|
|||
|
Retail Trade |
Drivers |
|
|||
|
Business Services |
Electricians |
|
|||
|
Construction Trade Services |
Welders & Boiler
Makers |
|
|||
|
Wholesale Trade |
Engineers |
|
|||
Area Overview |
||||
Industrial
Area |
Land Size (hectares) |
|||
|
495 |
|||
St Marys/Dunheved |
298 |
|||
|
247 |
|||
Emu Plains |
125 |
|||
|
75 |
|||
|
20 |
|||
Total |
1260 |
|||
Vacancy & Occupancy |
2005 |
2007 |
|
|
Vacant Premises |
281 |
279 |
|
|
Occupancy |
84% |
85% |
|
|
Snapshots by Industrial Precincts
St Marys
St Marys still remains a thriving industrial area with the highest
number of businesses, employees, importers, and exporters, of all Penrith’s
industrial precincts.
Even though the area has the highest numbers, the 2007 survey reveals
that the number of businesses in St Marys has decreased by 8% to 450 over the past 2 years, and the
number of employees has decreased by 3% to 4,767. Of the 450 businesses surveyed
in St Marys, 33% were micro-sized businesses, employing 5 or less
staff, and 32% were small business, with 6 to 20 employees. The number of medium-sized businesses, with 21 to 100
employees, increased to 10%, whilst large businesses, with more than 101
employees, accounted for 1% of businesses.
Businesses in St Marys have embraced Information Technology more widely
since 2005, with 41% of businesses using email, up from 39% in 2005, and 29%
utilising a company website, up 10% from the previous year. St Marys was also
identified with the highest number of importers, exporters and potential
exporters, than any other industrial area in Penrith.
According to the survey, 35% of Penrith’s importers were located in St
Marys, as well as 37% of the city’s exporters, down from 41% in 2005. St Marys
was also home to a number of experienced exporters – those that have been
exporting for 10 or more years – with 53% of experienced exporters located in
the business park.
The number of exporters in this area is also likely to grow within the
next year, with 36% of potential exporters also located in St Marys. The survey
also found that the St Marys industrial area had the highest level of skills
shortage for all industrial areas, with 17% of respondents indicating they
suffered from this problem.
Most businesses agreed that St Marys was a good location for doing
business, with land being comparatively cheaper to other locations in
Excluding
Results from the 2007 survey showed that, of those businesses which
responded to the survey, 47% utilised e-mail in their workplace, whilst 30% had
a company website.
The survey found that despite being the second smallest industrial area
in terms of land size,
Since 2005, the increase in the number of employees in
Over the past two years, there has been a continuing increase in the
number of micro-sized businesses, ie employing five or less staff, operating in
A further 22% were small businesses, employing between 6 to 20
employees, 6% were medium-sized businesses, with 21 to 100 employees, and 1%
were large businesses, employing more than 101 employees.
According to the survey, the predominant type of business in the industrial
area is retail trade, carried out by 31% of businesses, followed by
manufacturing, construction and other services.
Of those importers and exporters identified in the survey, 25% of
importers, and 15% of exporters were found in
23% of the businesses surveyed in South Penrith cited the advantage of
the industrial precinct as being in a good location, whilst local clients and
suppliers, as well as the precinct being a growing area, were defined by 14% of
respondents as beneficial.
Over the past two years, the North Penrith industrial precinct has
experienced the largest percentage growth for the number of businesses in the
area, and number of people employed, excluding
The number of businesses in
Of those businesses which responded to the survey, the majority are
micro in size (ie employing less than 5 staff), making up 51% of businesses. A
further 26% are small businesses (ie 6 to 20 employees), 6% are medium-sized businesses
(ie 21 to 100 staff), whilst one percent are large businesses, with more than
100 employees.
As indicated above,
The main advantages cited by businesses for operating a business in
North Penrith were those of being in a good location (37%), the precinct being
a growing area with an increasing population (15%), and being close to local
clients and suppliers, and having good access to transport links (each with
11%).
Emu Plains
A large number of survey respondents commented favourably on the
advantages of doing business in Emu Plains.
From the 173 businesses identified in the 2007 survey within Emu Plains
who responded, 63% indicated the area as a good location for doing business
with close proximity to home, clients and suppliers, with a further 13% noting
good access to transport links. Another
10% of businesses in the area said Emu Plains offered a supportive business
environment.
According to the 2007 survey, Emu Plains had one of the highest
occupancy rates of all industrial areas in
Around two out of three businesses in Emu Plains have less than 20
staff, with 39% of businesses micro-sized, and a further 28% being a small
business. 14% of the businesses identified in the survey are medium-sized,
while 1% is a large business, employing more than 101 staff. Similar to other
industrial areas in
10% of importers and 17% of exporters from the industrial areas, are
located in Emu Plains. This industrial area also had the highest number of new
exporters, which have been exporting for less than one year.
Over half of the businesses that responded to the survey said they did
not suffer a skills shortage, with 11% indicating they did suffer.
The number of businesses in this area has fallen by 8% to 102 from 111
in 2007. This is the same % fall as St Marys and causes concern at the falling
number of businesses in Penrith’s two older business areas. However, even with
such a drop in business numbers, the
The occupancy rate for this area is still at a reasonably high 89% due
probably to the older style of units for lease and the relatively cheaper rent.
Also,
Of the businesses that responded to the 2007 survey, a significant proportion
have less than five employees, with 51% being micro-sized; the same % as in
2005. A further 18% of businesses are small, hiring between 6 and 20 employees,
which again is the same as in 2005, whilst 2% are classified as medium,
compared to 3% in 2005. There were no large businesses.
Retail trade was by far the predominant type of business in Kingswood,
similar to
The survey found that the uptake of Information Technology in
This industrial precinct is the newest in Penrith with an area of 495
hectares. Because it is growing in terms of businesses and employees, the
comparison of some items could be distorted due to the small base.
The number of businesses has risen from 9 in 2005 to 14 in 2007. This
has provided an increase in employees from 479 in 2005 to 721 in 2007.
As expected from the nature of the development, 64% of businesses are
classified as medium, ie 21 to 100 employees, but with only 7% being large, ie
101 or more employees. Further, due to the nature of development there, the
occupancy rate is 100%.
Manufacturing accounts for 51% of businesses, with property &
business services accounting for 21% and transport & storage 14%.
Although only 2% of Penrith importers are located there, they account
for 43% of
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The City Supported by Infrastructure
There were no reports under this Master
Program when the Business Paper was compiled
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