Agenda of Ordinary Meeting

2008 MEETING CALENDAR

February 2008 - December 2008

TIME

FEB

MAR

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Mon

To be

confirmed.

Ordinary Meetings

7.30 pm

8ü

23*

29^

Policy Review Committee

7.30 pm

12#

18#+

31@

18#+

Councillor Briefing / Working Party / Presentation

7.30 pm

# Meetings at which the Management Plan ¼ly 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.

UNCONFIRMED MINUTES

OF THE ORDINARY MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE

COUNCIL CHAMBERS

ON MONDAY 14 JULY 2008 AT 7:33PM

NATIONAL ANTHEM

The meeting opened with the National Anthem.

STATEMENT OF RECOGNITION

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies 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 Greg Davies, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury (arrived at 7:48 pm) , Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler OAM (arrived at 7:37 pm), Jackie Greenow, Karen McKeown, Susan Page, Garry Rumble, Steve Simat (arrived at 7:36 pm) and John Thain.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Pat Sheehy AM for the period 2 July 2008 to 4 August 2008 inclusive.

APOLOGIES

244 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Susan Page that the apologies from Councillors David Bradbury, Ross Fowler OAM and Steve Simat be accepted.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Ordinary Meeting - 23 June 2008

245 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Karen McKeown seconded Councillor Mark Davies that the minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of 23 June 2008 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

Mayoral Minutes

1 Council achieves Milestone 5 of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Water Campaign

Councillor Steve Simat arrived at the meeting, the time being 7:36 pm.

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM arrived at the meeting, the time being 7:37 pm.

246 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Greg Davies seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the Mayoral Minute on Council achieves Milestone 5 of the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) Water Campaign be received.

Reports of Committees

1 Report and Recommendations of the Disability Access Committee Meeting held on 4 June 2008

247 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jackie Greenow seconded Councillor Ross Fowler OAM that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Disability Access Committee meeting held on 4 June, 2008 be adopted.

2 Report and Recommendations of the Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership Meeting held on 25 June 2008

248 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kaylene Allison seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Penrith Valley Community Safety Partnership meeting held on 25 June, 2008 be adopted.

3 Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee Meeting held on 7 July 2008

249 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Karen McKeown seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 7 July, 2008 be adopted.

4 Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee Meeting held on 7 July 2008

250 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Steve Simat that the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee meeting held on 7 July, 2008 be adopted.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

The City as a Social Place

2 Child Care Links Project Extension

251 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Steve Simat seconded Councillor Ross Fowler OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Child Care Links Project Extension be received.

2. Council accept the grant offered in the amount of $50,000 for an extension of this project to 30 June 2009.

1 100th Anniversary of the Penrith Weir

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

That:

1. The information contained in the report on 100 Year Anniversary of the Penrith Weir be received.

2. A Project Evaluation Bid be prepared with a view to holding a celebration for the 100 Year Anniversary of the Penrith Weir.

3 South Werrington Urban Village - Voluntary Planning Agreement for Affordable Housing

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

That:

1. The information contained in the report on South Werrington Urban Village - Voluntary Planning Agreement for Affordable Housing be received.

2. Council endorse the public notification, finalisation and signing of the Planning Agreement as outlined in this report.

3. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Penrith be affixed to the Planning Agreement.

The City In Its Environment

4 Heritage Advisory Committee - Community Representative

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

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Heritage Advisory Committee - Community Representative be received.

2. A letter is sent to Mr Cram’s confirming his appointment to the Heritage Advisory Committee as community representative together with an appreciation and recognition of his commitment to Penrith’s Heritage Conservation.

The City Supported by Infrastructure

5 Local Government Road Safety Program - Roads and Traffic Authority Grant Funding 2008-2009

255 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kaylene Allison seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Local Government Road Safety Program - Roads and Traffic Authority Grant Funding 2008-2009 be received.

2. Council accept the three grants offered by the Roads and Traffic Authority Local Government Road Safety Program, totalling $ 10,000.00, as outlined in the report.

3. Council accept the grant offered by the Roads and Traffic Authority NSW Centre for Road Safety, totalling $1,500.00 as outlined in the report.

Leadership and Organisation

Councillor David Bradbury arrived at the meeting, the time being 7:48 pm.

7 Audit Committee

256 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that the information contained in the report on Audit Committee be received.

8 Replacement of Council Officer on the Board of Penrith Whitewater Stadium Limited

257 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Replacement of Council Officer on the Board of Penrith Whitewater Stadium Limited be received.

2. David Burns, Director - City Operations, be appointed to the Penrith Whitewater Stadium Limited Board in place of Alan Stoneham.

9 2007-2008 Council Borrowing Program

258 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that the information contained in the report on 2007-2008 Council Borrowing Program be received.

10 Summary of Investments & Banking for the period 1 June to 30 June 2008

259 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Summary of Investments & Banking for the period 1 June to 30 June 2008 be received.

2. The Certificate of the Responsible Accounting Officer and Summaries of Investments and Performance for the period 1 June 2008 to 30 June 2008 be noted and accepted.

3. The graphical investment analysis as at 30 June 2008 be noted.

4. The Agency Collection Fees be noted.

6 Update on Local Government Elections - 13 September 2008

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

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Update on Local Government Elections - 13 September 2008 be received.

2. The Electoral Commissioner be asked to provide for two (2) Pre-poll voting offices for the Penrith City local government area at the Returning Officer’s office at 606 High Street, Penrith, and at St Marys at a location to be determined in consultation with the Returning Officer, and to extend the hours of pre-polling at both the Penrith pre-poll centre and the St Marys pre-poll centre by also conducting pre-polling:

· from 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday 6 September 2008

· from 4.00pm to 8.00pm on Thursday 11 September 2008

· from 8.30am to 9.00am on Friday 12 September 2008.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

QWN 1 Construction of Footpath in Lowanna Drive, South Penrith

Councillor Mark Davies requested that an amount of $18,900 be allocated from South Ward voted works for the provision of a footpath in Lowanna Drive, South Penrith, between Moolana Parade and York Road.

261 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Karen McKeown that the matter be brought forward as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

262 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Karen McKeown that an amount of $18,900 be allocated from South Ward voted works for the provision of a footpath in Lowanna Drive, South Penrith, between Moolana Parade and York Road.

QWN 2 Provision of Financial Assistance to Nepean Multiple Births Association

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM declared a non-pecuniary interest in this item as he is the Honorary Auditor of the Association, and stated that he would remain in the Council Chamber during consideration of this item.

Councillor Mark Davies requested that an amount of $300 be allocated from South Ward voted works to the Nepean Multiple Births Association to assist with postage and administration costs.

263 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that the matter be brought forward as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

264 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Mark Davies seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that an amount of $300 be allocated from South Ward voted works to the Nepean Multiple Births Association to assist with postage and administration costs.

QWN 3 Safety Program for Bicycle Riders using Council Skateparks

Councillor Garry Rumble requested a report to Council concerning the provision of a safety program for users of Council’s skateparks, as well as the erection of appropriate signs in skateparks to improve the safety of bicycle riders.

QWN 4 Condition of Road Shoulders - Links Road, St Marys

Councillor Garry Rumble requested a memo reply to all Councillors concerning the poor condition of the road shoulders on the northern side of Links Road, St Marys.

QWN 5 "No Mow Zones"

Councillor Garry Rumble requested a memo reply to all Councillors indicating the locality of “No Mow Zones” in the Penrith area and including a description of the work carried out to date and a timeframe for the expected outcomes of these projects.

QWN 6 Jamison Park Little Athletics - Storage Facilities

Councillor Garry Rumble requested a memo reply to South Ward Councillors advising of the outcomes of the meeting held on 10 July 2008 concerning the review of requests from Little Athletics, in particular the costs of providing necessary storage for equipment and the possibility of the provision of a larger canteen area.

QWN 7 Lighting at St Marys Railway Station Carpark

Councillor Steve Simat requested a memo reply regarding the lighting at St Marys Railway Station, west of Queen Street/Nariel Street, which is often not fully operational.

QWN 8 Provision of Electronic Gate at North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre

Councillor Kaylene Allison requested that an amount of $7,880 be allocated from East Ward voted works for the provision of an electronic gate at North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre.

265 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kaylene Allison seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that the matter be brought forward as a matter of urgency.

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies, ruled that the matter was urgent and should be dealt with at the meeting.

266 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kaylene Allison seconded Councillor Jackie Greenow that an amount of $7,880 be allocated from East Ward voted works for the provision of an electronic gate at North St Marys Neighbourhood Centre.

QWN 9 Taxi Area - Riley Street, Penrith

Councillor Susan Page requested a memo reply advising when the taxi pick up and drop off area outside Westfield, Penrith, on the eastern side of Riley Street, is to be signposted.

QWN 10 Park in Joseph Street, Kingswood

Councillor Susan Page requested a memo reply concerning the poor state of play equipment in the park opposite No. 35 Joseph Street, Kingwood and advising whether it is to be repaired or replaced.

QWN 11 Motion to the Local Government Association Conference

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM requested that a motion be submitted to the Local Government Association Conference, to list the Indian Myna Bird as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.

QWN 12 Trees located in Ninth Avenue, Llandilo

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM requested a memo reply on what action will be taken to remove the four dead trees located in Ninth Avenue, Llandilo, east of Third Avenue, and requesting an investigation into the cause of their demise.

QWN 13 Traffic Issues - Wallacia

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a memo reply concerning a submission from Wallacia residents on the likely impacts on traffic that will be caused as a result of a proposed development in Bents Basin Road, Wallacia.

QWN 14 'Bang the Table' Forum Website

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a report to Council on the feasibility of establishing a ‘Bang the Table’ community forum via Council’s website.

QWN 15 Jamison Little Athletics Centre

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a report to Council detailing possible solutions for the accommodation of the safety mats and other necessary equipment for the Jamison Little Athletics Centre.

QWN 16 Parking of Cars for Sale on Road Verges

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a report to Council on the feasibility of providing warning stickers for placement on illegally parked cars for sale, advising owners that if the vehicles are registered and parked legally on the road verge that they will not be in breach of Council’s parking laws.

QWN 17 Traffic Flow - M4 off ramp, west of Mulgoa Road

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a referral to the Local Traffic Committee of the feasibility of providing ‘keep clear’ lines near the M4 off ramp, west of Mulgoa Road, to allow improved traffic flow in this area.

QWN 18 Jeanette Street, Regentville - Traffic Matters

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM requested a referral to the Local Traffic Committee of the matter of trucks and 4WD vehicles using the buses only entry/exit in Jeanette Street, Regentville, causing dangerous traffic situations, and seeking the improvement of signage to rectify the matter.

QWN 19 Bicentenary of First Crossing of Blue Mountains

Councillor David Bradbury requested a report to Council on the feasibility of holding a celebration for the Bicentenary of the First Crossing of the Blue Mountains, incorporating consultation with the Arms of Australia Inn to include their plans for expansion and to incorporate a permanent exhibition of the Crossing.

QWN 20 Visit of Pilgrims to Penrith Area for World Youth Day

Councillor David Bradbury reported on his recent visit to the Lady of the Rosary Parish in St Marys and noted the welcome given to the visiting pilgrims to World Youth Day, and advised that he had extended a welcome and best wishes on behalf of all Penrith City Councillors.

QWN 21 Provision of Walking Track - North Ward

Councillor John Thain requested a memo reply on the provision of a dedicated walking track through the North Ward.

Committee of the Whole

267 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Susan Page seconded Councillor Garry Rumble 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 Garry Rumble that the press and public be excluded from Committee of the Whole to deal with the following matter:

Leadership and Organisation

2 Property Matter - Council Property - Lease of Shop 1, 144 Henry Street, Penrith

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

The meeting resumed at 8:19 pm and the General Manager reported that the Committee of the Whole met at 8:16 pm on 14 July 2008, the following being present

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Greg Davies, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury, Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Greg Davies, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler OAM, 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 Property Matter - Council Property - Lease of Shop 1, 144 Henry Street, Penrith

RECOMMENDED on the MOTION of Councillor Garry Rumble seconded Councillor Susan Page

CW2 That:

1. The information contained in the report on Property Matter - Council Property - Lease of Shop 1, 144 Henry Street, Penrith be received.

2. Council grant a 1 year lease with a 1 year option to Dr Cunliffe in accordance with the terms and conditions as outlined in the report.

3. The Common Seal of the Council of the City of Penrith be placed on all necessary documentation.

ADOPTION OF Committee of the Whole

268 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garry Rumble seconded Councillor Susan Page that the recommendations contained in the Committee of the Whole and shown as CW1 and CW2 be adopted.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 8:20 pm.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*Leadership and Organisation*

REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE
Policy Review Committee MEETING

HELD ON 28 July, 2008

PRESENT

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Greg Davies, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury (arrived 7:38pm) , Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler OAM, Jackie Greenow, Karen McKeown, Susan Page, Garry Rumble, Steve Simat and John Thain.

Councillor Steve Simat left the meeting, the time being 7:37pm.

APOLOGIES

An apology was accepted from Councillor David Bradbury.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Pat Sheehy AM for the period 2 July 2008 to 4 August 2008 inclusive.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Policy Review Committee Meeting - 7 July 2008

The minutes of the Policy Review Committee Meeting of 7 July 2008 were confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

RECOMMENDED that Standing Orders be suspended to allow a member of the public to address the meeting, the time being 7:38 pm.

Councillor David Bradbury arrived at the meeting, the time being 7:38 pm.

Mr Geoff Brown

Item 2 - St Marys Release Area - Submission of the Western and Central Precinct Plans

Geoff Brown, representing Western Sydney Conservation Alliance spoke in opposition of the proposed exhibition of the draft Western and Central Precinct Plans. Mr Brown raised issues in regards to the public having appropriate time to be able to comment on these proposals, and also for Councillors to have the time and information to understand all the proposed approval processes occurring. Mr Brown requested that Council postpone the exhibition until such time that Council has resolved to approve the Development Application for Bushfire Hazard reduction works within the Western Precinct, the SREP 30 Amendment process has finished, Biodiversity Certification has been decided and that the DECC has gazetted the Regional Park Plan of Management. Mr Brown also asked Council to consider where the 100 hectare commitment from the Federal Government and Delfin Lend Lease to provide land for recreational purposes is and where the commitment of funding towards this is provided for. Mr Brown also asked Council to consider increasing the Regional Park in the area near Xavier College.

Councillor Steve Simat returned to the meeting, the time being 7:50 pm.

RESUMPTION OF STANDING ORDERS

RECOMMENDED that Standing Orders be resumed, the time being 7:51 pm.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

Leadership and Organisation

7 2008 Strategic Community Survey

Simon Pomfret - Executive Director, IRIS Research, gave a presentation on the results of the 2008 Strategic Community Survey. The information in the Survey detailed the methodology used for Penrith City Council, and the responses from residents about their aspirations and perceptions of the both the City as a whole and local neighbourhoods.

RECOMMENDED that the information contained in the report on the 2008 Strategic Community Survey be received.

Councillor Mark Davies left the meeting, the time being 8.00 pm.

Councillor Mark Davies returned to the meeting, the time being 8:05 pm.

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:25 pm.

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:29 pm.

The City in its Broader Context

1 Rationalisation of draft Local Environmental Plans applying to rural and industrial land

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Rationalisation of draft Local Environmental Plans applying to rural and industrial land be received.

2. Penrith Local Environmental Plan 201 (Rural Land) draft amendment No.4; Penrith Local Environmental Plan 201 (Rural Land) draft amendment No.7 and the Penrith Local Environmental Plan relating to Blaikie Road, as exhibited in 1990 be abandoned, effective from the first date that draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 is publicly exhibited.

3. Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1998 (Urban Land) draft amendment No. 10 North Penrith and draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 1999 (Flora and Fauna Conservation) be abandoned only to the extent that they apply to land subject to draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008, effective from the first date that draft Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 is publicly exhibited.

The City as a Social Place

2 St Marys Release Area - Submission of the Western and Central Precinct Plans

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on St Marys Release Area - Submission of the Western and Central Precinct Plans be received.

2. Council publicly exhibit the draft Western and Central Precinct Plans in accordance with the provisions of Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No. 30 – St Marys.

3. Land owners in the vicinity of the Western and Central Precincts be advised of the exhibition details.

4. Blacktown City Council and relevant government agencies be advised of the proposed public exhibition of the draft Western and Central Precinct Plans.

5. A further report be submitted to Council outlining the proposed commitments to be included in the Planning Agreement for the delivery of community facilities and other infrastructure required for the development.

6. Council make urgent representations to the RTA and the Local State Members for Londonderry and Penrith regarding Sherringham Road signalisation works.

7. A further report be presented to Council considering forward funding options for the signalisation of the intersection at the Northern Road and Sherringham Road.

8. Council liaise with the Department of Planning to exhibit the SREP 30 Amendment along with the Draft Precinct Plan for a minimum period of 42 days.

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:38 pm.

Councillor Jim Aitken OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:40 pm.

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:56 pm.

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 8:58 pm.

3 South Werrington Urban Village - Public Exhibition of Draft Local Environmental Plan and Penrith Development Control Plan Amendment

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on South Werrington Urban Village - Public Exhibition of Draft Local Environmental Plan and Penrith Development Control Plan Amendment be received.

2. Council adopt Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008– South Werrington Urban Village, incorporating the amendments outlined in this report, and refer the Plan to the Department of Planning and the Minister for gazettal in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Regulations 2000.

3. Council adopt Penrith Development Control Plan 2006 Amendment – South Werrington Urban Village, incorporating the amendments outlined in this report, in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and Regulations 2000.

4. The Penrith Development Control Plan 2006 Amendment – South Werrington Urban Village take effect upon gazettal of Penrith Local Environmental Plan 2008 – South Werrington Urban Village.

5. Those persons who made submissions to the exhibition of the draft Plans be advised of Council’s decision.

4 Youth Advisory Committees

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Youth Advisory Committees be received.

2. That Council endorse the holding of a Penrith Youth Summit in 2009, and reallocate funds in the 2008/2009 budget for the WSROC YWLP for this purpose.

5 Universal Design Playgrounds

RECOMMENDED

1. That the information contained in the report on Universal Design Playgrounds be received.

2. A further report be presented to Council to advance the preferred choice of site for the universal design playground and the associated funding options.

6 Rowing Training and Development Facility - Weir Reserve

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Rowing Training and Development Facility - Weir Reserve be received.

2. Council endorse the progression of the proposal to develop the Rowing Development and Training Centre at Weir Reserve through the Rowing Development and Promotional Committee and the associated sub-committees as detailed in this report.

Leadership and Organisation

8 Constitutional Recognition for Local Government

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Constitutional Recognition for Local Government be received.

2. Council reaffirm its support for the constitutional recognition of local government.

3. Council respond to the ALGA questions and objectives in the terms outlined in this report.

4. The matter be referred to the next Executive Meeting of WSROC for discussion on ways in which WSROC might be able to assist in this campaign, including the possibility of conducting joint resident conversations on behalf of WSROC member councils.

5. Local State and Federal Members of Parliament be provided with a copy of Council’s submission to the Australian Local Government Association.

6. A further report be submitted to the first meeting of the “new Council” following the Local Government elections to be held on 13 September 2008, in regard to nomination of delegates to attend the Local Government Constitutional Summit to be held in Melbourne from 8-11 December 2008.

9 Revised Model Code of Conduct

RECOMMENDED

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Revised Model Code of Conduct be received.

2. The Council adopts the Model Code of Conduct as the Council’s Code of Conduct, incorporating the suggested amendment contained within this Report.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

QWN 1 Status of proposals, for inclusion on the State Government’s
Metropolitan Development Program

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM requested a urgent memo reply regarding the status of the proposals, for inclusion on the State Government’s Metropolitan Development Program, of Fernhill and former Air Services Australia land at Cranebrook. Also, information regarding the biodiversity significance of the former Air Services Australia land at Cranebrook, and the potential for ‘listing’ the site to ensure its protection.

QWN 2 Tree Removal – 27 Panorama Avenue, Leonay

Councillor Karen McKeown requested an urgent report concerning the history of the tree removal application for 27 Panorama Avenue, Leonay and the information communicated to residents.

QWN 3 Drainage Line Issues – 61 Gascoigne Street, Kingswood

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM requested a report on the drainage line issues at 61 Gascoigne Street, Kingswood, before the conclusion of the term of the current Council.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 9:32pm.

RECOMMENDATION

That the recommendations contained in the Report and Recommendations of the Policy Review Committee meeting held on 28 July, 2008 be adopted.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City in its Broader Context*

The City in its Broader Context

Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct

Compiled by: Erich Weller, Acting Director - City Services

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Acting Director - City Services

Strategic Program Term Achievement: The Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct is completed and contributing to a vibrant urban village lifestyle in St Marys.

Critical Action: Complete the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct at St Marys.

Purpose:

To provide Council with a status report on the works to implement the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct and related matters. The report recommends that the information be received.

Background

Council has made a strong commitment to the development of the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct (the Precinct) at St Marys as a major City facility. This ambitious project of Council will deliver a vibrant arts and cultural centre for St Marys and Penrith City. The existing community hub already provides a range of social and other services as well as providing further opportunities for cultural and community activities.

The past few years has seen change at the Precinct with several of the existing buildings receiving major refurbishment and conversion in order to meet the specific needs of a number of arts/cultural and community groups who are based at the precinct. Also, significant funds were directed towards civil infrastructure upgrades.

The refurbishment of the St Marys Memorial Hall and the construction of the Community Square, along with the associated landscaping works, remains the largest component of the works to be completed. Council, at its meeting on 19 May 2008, appointed Projectcorp Australia Pty Ltd to undertake that scope of work. The project cost is approximately $3.7 million.

Council formed a Councillor Steering Committee to oversee the implementation of the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct redevelopment masterplan. That Committee met recently to consider a report on the status of the various elements of the Precinct redevelopment.

Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct Steering Committee Meeting – 30 June 2008

A copy of the Committee report was distributed to all Councillors. That report, whilst addressing the status of the overall Precinct re-development, also had specific focus on ‘Precinct Management’.

Precinct Management

For Council’s significant financial investment and commitment to the Precinct to be successful and reach its full potential, a sound and focussed management/operational structure needs to be developed and installed. Already, Council does have a number of different models for its facilities across the City. The Precinct is however, seen to be different to Council’s other facilities and as such a variation to one of those ‘traditional’ models is felt necessary. A major difference between the Precinct and many other Council facilities is that there are currently 12 permanent user groups, a number of regular and periodic user groups, as well as one-off bookings.

There was considerable discussion by the Committee about ‘…what is best for the Precinct…’. Clearly, Council should maintain a strong leadership role in supporting the evolution of the Precinct. It was seen as important that the Precinct groups and organisations have time to build capacity, develop synergies and focus on their own priorities, rather than be burdened by precinct-wide ‘management responsibilities’.

The report provided the Committee with guidance on a ‘preferred model’. What was proposed was an effective and responsive transitional arrangement which would include a ‘Precinct Reference Group/Advisory Committee’. This arrangement would add value to the existing Council ‘direct management’ model. It was agreed that clear terms of reference and accountabilities needed to be developed for the Precinct Reference Group and that each of the existing organisations/groups in the Precinct would be invited to have a representative. A review of this management model would be undertaken in two years time to assess whether changes to this model are necessary.

The Committee agreed that appropriate management is critical to the success of the Precinct and that the proposed management and operational structure had merit and should therefore be supported. A further report will be provided to the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct Steering Committee later in 2008 to provide more detail on the terms of reference and representation on the Precinct Reference Group.

Other Elements of the Precinct Re-Development

A progress report was provided to the Committee on each of the matters covered below.

· Refurbishment of Memorial Hall and Community Square

The refurbishment of the St Marys Memorial Hall and the construction of the Community Square (with associated landscaping) is the largest component, both in scale and expense, of the Precinct Masterplan implementation. The project cost is approximately $3.7 million.

Work commenced in late June with an anticipated construction timeframe of some 55 weeks. As a consequence of the works associated with this major project, there will be impacts and some inconvenience to those who use and visit the Precinct. Council officers are in constant contact with the builder to minimise those impacts and to ensure Precinct users, as far as possible, can continue their normal activities during the construction period. A ‘Ceremonial Turning of the Sod’ was held on Saturday 26 July 2008 at the Precinct. Approximately 50 people attended.

· Communication Strategy

It is important that all stakeholders are kept informed of Council’s project implementation program. This is particularly important when the construction of the community square commences as carparking will not be permitted in this central area.

Council officers have introduced a ‘Precinct Newsletter’ which is distributed to all stakeholders. Also, in addition and as required regular correspondence is maintained with those stakeholders on issues that affect them.

· Common Threads Project

This project, which is to develop a shared vision for the Precinct, commenced in May 2008. Council engaged consultants to undertake this project which is now well advanced.

The Common Threads shared vision project will assist in establishing the types of programs or activities that groups may wish to work on together and determine where there are opportunities for existing organisations, including individual arts groups and artists, to become engaged in activation of the Precinct.

The results of the Consultant’s work are scheduled to be available in September / October 2008.

· Developing a Brand Name

An opportunity was taken up to engage final year Bachelor of Marketing students from the University of Western Sydney to undertake this project.

This work, which was done as part of the students’ coursework, has been completed and reports provided to Council will be reviewed and be included in a future Committee report.

· Additional Capital Works

At a previous Steering Committee Meeting, Council officers were requested to investigate improving building access and a new accessible toilet for the former Council Chambers building and a new accessible ‘external’ toilet for Precinct users.

Both these matters have been advanced by Council officers. Concept plans have been prepared by the consultant Architects and the work costed. Consultations have been undertaken as part of the development application preparation prior to it being lodged with Council. The timing of the construction of these works will be determined later in the year when available funds from the Precinct budget become clearer.

· New Car Park

A total of fifty-four (54) new car spaces (which includes two (2) accessible spaces) is nearing completion and will be available for use shortly. The completion date for the carpark is 28^th July.

· Building Fit-Out

Some additional and replacement cupboards and shelving have recently been provided in the Arts and Craft Studio. Also, it has been found necessary to replace the kitchen cupboards in the former Council Chambers building.

· 27 Swanston Street

Council continues to acquire, on an opportunity basis, additional properties along Collins and Swanston Streets (within the Precinct) to facilitate overall Precinct re-development. Council acquired 27 Swanston Street in March 2008.

Council officers have undertaken initial consultation with two (2) community groups that are currently located elsewhere in Penrith, to establish the possibility of relocation. One of those groups has expressed interest. An assessment is underway to identify a scope of work to refurbish this former residence and render it suitable for community purposes.

The Committee agreed that this former residence should be retained for community use, notwithstanding the Masterplan indicating its demolition. The Committee also endorsed Council officers’ actions to date and the continuing role in securing suitable tenants for these premises following refurbishment.

Financial Position

A financial summary was provided to the Committee. Potential savings exist in the Precinct budget, following the appointment of the builder for the major construction element of the re-development project. Greater certainty in available funds for the additional capital works described on page 3 of this report will become clearer later this year.

Summary

Building works have commenced on the largest component of the Precinct Masterplan implementation. Completion of these works will certainly make a significant contribution to the evolution of the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct.

The Steering Committee has supported a ‘direct management/operational’ model, with an advisory reference group for the Precinct. This arrangement will be reviewed in two years. A further report will be provided to the PVCP Steering Committee on this advisory group for the Precinct, including terms of reference and representation.

The Steering Committee has endorsed Council officers’ actions in advancing the development application for the additional capital improvements and the installation of the additional and replacement cupboards and shelving in two (2) of the Precinct Buildings. The Committee also agreed with the approach taken with the Swanston Street property.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Naming of the Meeting Room in Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre

Compiled by: Judy Cobb, Neighbourhood Facilities Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Yvonne Perkins, Public Domain Amenity and Safety Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: A program of renewal for selected neighbourhoods that contributes to a sense of community identity and cohesiveness is being implemented.

Critical Action: Implement agreed strategies for the delivery of facilities, services and infrastructure.

Purpose:

To seek Council's endorsement for the naming of the large meeting room in the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre. The report recommends that Council approve the naming of the room as the "The John Murphy and Alan Mills Room" to acknowledge the significant contribution that the late Mr John Murphy and Mr Alan Mills have made to the Londonderry area.

Background

The original Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre was located in Trahlee Road, Londonderry. The building was officially opened on 28 February 1970 by former Mayor, Councillor the Hon Ron Mulock AO. In 1998, the Centre was demolished and the user groups were relocated to the community hall in Carrington Road, Londonderry.

The Castlereagh Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Use Committee was established in 1997 after the closure of the Castlereagh Waste Management Centre. It was at the request of this Committee that the government set aside the money obtained from the levy on quarantine waste for the Castlereagh Community Fund.

In May 2006, Council received a grant of $921,046 from the Castlereagh Community Fund for alternations and additions to Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and Amenities Building. In mid-2007, Council successfully applied for a grant of $235,640 from the Regional Partnership Program (DOTARS) for enhanced fit out items such as a new commercial kitchen, air conditioning, office furniture etc.

The tender process for construction of the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and Amenity Building project was commenced in May 2008. Council will also be receiving a report on the tender process for the project at tonight’s meeting. It is anticipated that, pending Council’s approval of the recommended tenderer, construction of the project will commence in September 2008. The construction stage should take approximately six months. Given this timeframe, it is estimated that the buildings should be operational by March 2009.

Request to Dedicate and Rename the Neighbourhood Centre

At meetings of the Castlereagh Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Use Committee, held on 3 May 2006 and 18 October 2006, the members passed a resolution that Penrith City Council be approached to dedicate and rename Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre as “The Murphy and Mills Hall’.

Both Mr John Murphy and Mr Alan Mills were very strong environmental advocates for the Hawkesbury Nepean catchment area. Both men held senior roles for more then twenty years on a number of local committees. Some examples of these committees included:

· Londonderry Residents Action Group for the Environment (RAGE)

· Coalition of Hawkesbury and Nepean Groups for the Environment (CHANGE)

· Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment Management Trust

· Nutt Road Landcare Group

· Community Monitoring Committee of the Castlereagh Liquid Waste Depot

· Castlereagh Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Uses Committee

· Castlereagh Community Grants Funding Program Committee

Both men were seen by their peers as the driving force behind these committees and instrumental in the establishment of the Castlereagh Community Grants Fund. A large portion of the money from this funding program was allocated towards the alterations and additions to the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and Londonderry Amenities Building.

Sadly, Mr Murphy passed away in September 2006. However, he was deeply gratified to know that the allocation process for Castlereagh Community Grants Fund had been completed shortly before his death.

The Castlereagh Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Use Committee has also proposed the wording for the “Dedication” and suggested that a bronze plaque be made to display the ‘Dedication’. It was also suggested that the Dedication Plaque be placed at the entrance of the building. The proposed wording of the ‘Dedication’ can be found in Attachment 1.

Letters of support to dedicate and rename the neighbourhood centre have also been received from the Hon Faye Lo Po’ AM (former Member for Penrith) and Mr Craig Lamberton, Director Specialised Regulation, Climate Change and Environment Protection Group.

Current Situation

Council’s Environmental Health Manager, Wayne Mitchell, has been a member of the Castlereagh Waste Management Centre Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Use Committee for more than seven years. He has continued to keep the community group informed of the progress of the upgrading of the neighbourhood centre and amenities block in Londonderry. Discussions with the group have also taken place regarding the proposed name “The Murphy and Mills Hall’ after concerns were raised that the proposed name did not identify the location of the Centre. An alternative proposal was presented to the group that the large meeting room in the Centre be named after Mr Murphy and Mr Mills rather than the Centre itself.

This alternative suggestion was accepted by the Castlereagh Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Use Committee. Both Mr Murphy’s wife, Elizabeth and Mr Alan Mills are members of this Committee.

Conclusion

The original request received from the Castlereagh Rehabilitation and Post-Closure Use Committee was to name the new Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre after Mr Murphy and Mr Mills. Both men where instrumental in the establishment of the Castlereagh Community Grants Fund. A significant proportion of this funding program was allocated towards the extensions and enhancements to the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and amenities block.

As advised earlier in the report, concerns were raised that the proposed name did not identify the location of the centre. An alternative proposal to name the large meeting room in the centre after the two gentlemen has since been accepted by the Committee.

This alternative proposal is seen as a way of acknowledging the significant contribution that Mr Murphy and Mr Mills have made to the Londonderry community, whilst still maintaining the geographical identification of the area within the name of the Centre.

Should Council support the naming of the large meeting room after Mr Murphy and Mr Mills, a ceremony to celebrate the official naming of “The John Murphy and Alan Mills Room” could be incorporated into the community event planned for the re-opening of the centre on completion of all works for the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and Amenities block.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Naming of the Meeting Room in Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre be received.

2. Council approve the naming of the large meeting room in the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre as the ‘The John Murphy and Alan Mills Room”.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

Dedication of Meeting Room at Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre

1 Page

Appendix

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Kingswood Park - Concept Plan for Neighbourhood Park

Compiled by: Heather Chaffey, Community Engagement Officer

Cali Vandyk-Dunlevy, Cultural Development Officer

Jeni Pollard, Neighbourhood Renewal Program Coordinator

Karin Schicht, Landscape Architecture Supervisor

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Acting Director - City Services

Strategic Program Term Achievement: A program of renewal for selected neighbourhoods that contributes to a sense of community identity and cohesiveness is being implemented.

Critical Action: Implement agreed strategies for the delivery of facilities, services and infrastructure.

Purpose:

To inform Council of the proposed park enhancement for Lot 323 Caloola Ave, Kingswood Park. The report outlines the process to date, the significance of the park enhancement to the local community and costings for the proposed elements. The report recommends that Council receive the report and endorse the proposed design and costings.

Background

Over recent years, Council has placed increasing emphasis on balancing the resources directed towards planning and implementing infrastructure and services in new release areas to that of older established areas of the City. The Penrith Neighbourhood Renewal Program is focussed on particular suburbs and rural localities which are considered to be relatively disadvantaged according to the SEIFA Index of Relative Disadvantage.

A report on the Kingswood Park Neighbourhood Action Plan 2008 was tabled at the Policy Review Committee Meeting on 7 July 2008. The report detailed the intensive community engagement process undertaken by the Neighbourhood Renewal Program in Kingswood Park to develop the Kingswood Park Neighbourhood Action Plan (Kingswood Park NAP). Council endorsed the Kingswood Park Neighbourhood Action Plan at this meeting.

The issues raised by residents in the engagement process were modest and are largely able to be met through existing resources. The one item that residents consistently identified through the development of the NAP was the need for a quality neighbourhood park with play equipment.

Residents believe a quality neighbourhood park will have positive social and recreational outcomes for local children, young people, families and the general community. As a result, Council adopted the following recommendation of the Kingswood Park Neighbourhood Action Plan 2008 report at the Policy Review Committee Meeting held on 7 July 2008:

“5. A further report be prepared for Council outlining the design and costings of the installation of new playground equipment and development of a Neighbourhood Park at Lot 323 Caloola Avenue, Kingswood Park (the Corner of Caloola Avenue and Illawong Avenue).”

As confirmed by the report on 7 of July, the Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan allocates $57,500 in 2008-09 to provide playground equipment and park surface embellishment of the Neighbourhood Park at Lot 323 Caloola Avenue, Kingswood Park.

This report outlines the significance of this playground and park enhancement to the local community and the need to supplement the allocated amount in order to deliver this endorsed action within the Kingswood Park NAP. The request to Council is to consider the expenditure for the delivery of a neighbourhood park that is more than just a playground.

This report summarises the consultation held at the park site, the preliminary design and costing for the park, planned integrated processes which will further promote community ownership through cultural development practices and the costing for the proposed neighbourhood park enhancements.

Consultation - Dreaming up a Park

Evidence gathered through the broader community engagement process in Kingswood Park during 2007 informed the design and implementation of a community consultation which was held on Friday 23 May 2008 in the neighbourhood park on the corner of Caloola Ave and Illawong Ave, opposite and east of the Kingswood Park Primary School, and between the school and the local shopping centre. The purpose of this specific consultation was to identify the most common activities residents would like to engage in at the proposed park.

Approximately 120 people attended the event. This consisted of 30 parents and grandparents, 10 other adult residents, 5 teachers and school staff, and 70 children and young people from 0 to 20 years of age. These were predominantly primary school aged children. Five community workers, representing Housing NSW and local non-government services, also attended.

Consultation methods were detailed in an attachment to the Kingswood Park Neighbourhood Action Plan 2008 Report which was tabled at the Policy Review Committee Meeting held on 7July 2008. These methods included activities led by professional artist David Capra, a survey led by senior Council staff and creative written activities designed to gain feedback from children.

Listening and responding to residents ideas and concerns

The information gathered from adult and child participants at the park consultation have influenced the planning and design for the neighbourhood park. These findings are summarised below.

Resident support for the park

It is important to note that the 120 residents, staff from Kingswood Park Primary School, community workers and staff from HousingNSW who attended the consultation were very positive about the role this park would play in the local community. There is a high level of resident support for improvements to this park and a general belief in the positive impacts that this will have for the neighbourhood. Many of the neighbours specifically walked over to the consultation event held in May 2008 to express support for the enhancement of the park.

Beyond the park consultation event, in each of the eight engagement events held at Kingswood Park, at the Community Christmas event and importantly during the Community Planning session, local residents have consistently identified a community park as a high priority.

Children raised the following elements as important to them:

o Play equipment – swings, slides, climbing walls or spider web and jumping

o Space to run and play sports informally

o Hard surface area for scooters or skateboards

These elements have been incorporated into the concept plan for the park enhancement and the play equipment which includes a spider web, climbing frames, swings and slides. Located near the eastern boundary, the equipment and rubber soft fall is suited to primary school aged children and includes two swing seats, one of which can accommodate children with differing abilities. Designs have been provided by a number of experienced suppliers to suit the space available.

An open grassed area along Illawong Ave is retained for kick about and active running type activities, as well as areas for play groups or other activities eg. school excursions, family outings or picnics. A pathway through the park will act as a hard surface for using scooters and skating.

Council’s Community Engagement Officer enjoying a ball game with local young people

A connection is provided from the pedestrian crossing opposite the school to the existing verge footpath in Illawong Ave. The path runs almost the entire length of the park, enabling some cycling for juniors and a pleasant aspect for users of prams and wheelchairs. The path will be wide enough to support mixed use of scooters and skating. With some earthworks and with a proposed handrail, the path conforms to access standards in terms of gradient.

Adults raised the following elements as important to them:

o Rest area – shade and seating

o Equipment for adult exercise and play, e.g. adult sized swing

o Safety features – rubber soft fall surface under play equipment, fencing, lighting and regular maintenance

Two bench seats have been included in the concept plan close to the play equipment. An additional seating area with three seats within the active play area has been incorporated for use by families and other park users including those who currently utilise the park for playing touch football.

An accessible swing has been costed in the plan as this will be suitable for children with disabilities and will also suit adults with small children who are able to swing safely with the child on their lap. Rubber soft fall has been included and a fence will be installed around the play equipment in line with resident requests. The fence will separate the active play area from the playground and will prevent young children easily running onto the adjacent road

The existing native character of the park will be supplemented with colourful deciduous exotics as well as natives, with an emphasis on seasonal colour and interest, drought hardiness and low maintenance. Shrubs and groundcovers are provided in key areas, and deciduous trees offer solar access to some areas as well as interest. Feature trees will be located at the corner and park entrances. Maintenance of the area will be addressed later in the report.

Lighting is routinely raised by residents and community members as they are concerned about antisocial behaviour and crime issues. Consultation with Kingswood Park residents revealed some concern that the park would be unsafe at night and that lighting would be a solution to this.

Extensive research conducted in a range of situations indicates that, in some locations, lighting it is not always the appropriate action. Improved lighting alone may not make an area safe and can attract or encourage unwanted night time use of the park. Thus additional lighting directly in the park / playground will not be provided. The area has recently been included in a street lighting upgrade and a further lighting inspection will be undertaken in the next quarter.

Identifying the park within the locality of Kingswood Park will be important. Signage at the corner of the two streets will identify the neighbourhood park. The signage will also briefly summarise the partnership between Council, the Kingswood Park Primary School and the community in the delivery of this neighbourhood park. The naming of the park will be further considered and will be reported to Council in a subsequent progress report.

Themes

At the meeting on 7 July, Council viewed the DVD created by children in Class 1/2 T at Kingswood Park Primary School. The DVD was a creative expression of the class and their thoughts on what made a good park. Many of the ideas spoken about by the children have been incorporated into the design of the soft fall and play equipment including themes around snakes and spiders, tunnels and climbing elements.

Themes which emerged from the activities run by artist David Capra during the consultation event also included various animals and a concept involving the melding of man-made structures and natural elements. These will influence the design of the mural and other cultural elements within the park.

“Throughout, themes that appeared frequently were animals and nature. Animals that were referenced included koalas, snakes, rabbits and ducks. One young participant created shelter seating in the park using a plasticine base and a cover made from a leaf. This was an interesting concept as it proposed combining made-made structures and natural elements already existing in the park.” (An extract from David Capra’s report on the consultation)

An artist will be engaged to work with the community on the development of cultural elements such as: path motifs; decorated panels in the play equipment; soft fall patterns; motifs affixed to the playground fence; and a park signage element. An informal planting screen will provide a backdrop to the playground, along the eastern boundary.

The park concept has a few main elements (play equipment, mural, path and fencing) and the proposed design responds to the key findings from the park consultation. The provision of quality materials and finishes was part of the brief, to ensure the neighbourhood park would be a magnetic place and cared for by the local community, into its future.

Post design integrated approach – cultural elements of the park

Council has adopted an integrated approach to urban renewal through the development and implementation of the Penrith City Council Cultural Framework and Cultural Action Plan. The integration of community cultural development activities into the Neighbourhood Renewal Program reflects local and international best practice and aligns cultural strategies closely with Council’s broader priorities and objectives. An integrated approach has been demonstrated in the consultation process described above regarding the proposed neighbourhood park.

In Kingswood Park, processes will be developed to ensure that residents will be engaged in the creation of cultural elements within the park. Cultural development practices will be inclusive of the diverse community with Kingswood Park locality, including older residents, residents from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander backgrounds as well as children and their families.

Neighbourhood children participate in moulding an imaginative neighbourhood park

Responding to the engagement process – Proposed preliminary design layout and costing

A concept plan has been developed by Council’s Landscape Architectural Services team in consultation with staff involved in the project through the Neighbourhood Renewal Program as well as the Senior Cultural Development Officer, the Community Safety Coordinator and the Parks Coordinator.

The site is oriented east /west and bound by two reasonably busy roads to the west (Caloola Ave) and south (Illawong Ave). There is a gentle slope to the north, which is steeper at the Caloola Ave frontage. A number of constraints such as underground services and existing trees have dictated the layout of park elements in the concept. The existing old swing set is proposed to be removed.

The design of the park responds to the findings of the community consultation. The elements include: playground equipment, run around area, fencing, signage, pathway, seating, cultural elements and planting.

A full cost estimate of elements detailed in the concept plan has been prepared. This cost estimate is outlined in the table below.

Item	Cost
Site Preparation	$3,475
Hardscape	$99,820
Softscape	$17,150
Design	$ 6,025
Contingencies / Variations	$12,045
Total	$138,515
Funds Available (s94) and proposed Neighbourhood Renewal revote	$57,500 $29,577
Shortfall	$51,438

The park will also have a universal design swing to support access for a range of abilities. This has not added considerably to the overall cost estimate except to ensure that other elements of the park including footpaths and handrails support access for a range of users.

A discussion has taken place with the Principal, David Abbey of the adjacent Kingswood Park Primary School outlining the broad concept for the park and the responses to the ideas and creativity of Class 1/2T. The feedback from this meeting was overwhelmingly positive and the preliminary layout and arrangement is agreeable to Mr Abbey who is keen to further engage students in the design of cultural elements and maintenance aspects of the park development.

Comment from Financial Services Manager

The completion of the Kingswood Park Neighbourhood Action Plan requires total funding of $138,515. Funding of $57,500 from the Penrith Local Open Space s94 plan has been allocated in the current budget for this project with a further $29,577 from the proposed revotes of unspent Neighbourhood Renewal Program funds from 2007-08. If these revotes are endorsed by Council at the Policy Review Meeting of 18 August 2008, then the shortfall for the project will be $51,438. At this stage, there is no identified funding source for the shortfall. Council may wish to consider alternative funding sources.

Comment from Acting Parks Construction and Maintenance Manager

The proposed playground and park enhancement for Lot 323 Caloola Avenue, Kingswood Park will require a service specification for maintenance that ensures that the park is maintained to an appropriate standard. This will be done at the same time as the park is being constructed.

The schedule for delivery of this park will be given priority within the range of projects to be delivered under the Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan in the 08/09 program due to the significant community consultation that has already been undertaken.

Summary

The theme of public spaces and parks was a major focus for residents in the community engagement process. The importance of quality play equipment for children and families was emphasised on many occasions. A range of other issues were identified, the majority of which are able to be responded to within existing resources.

At the community planning session residents nominated the need for a neighbourhood park as the top priority for Council actions in the locality. Residents demonstrated their support for the initiative with over 120 local children, young people, families and neighbours attending a consultation. The proposed design will deliver a neighbourhood park that responds to the requests of residents including the children of Class 1/2T, Kingswood Park Primary School.

The Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan allocates $57,500 in 2008-09 to provide playground equipment and park surface embellishment of the Neighbourhood Park at Lot 323 Caloola Avenue, Kingswood Park. A cost estimate has been prepared that indicates a shortfall of funds of $51,438. Further consideration will need to be given to the shortfall between the provision of play equipment and the delivery of a neighbourhood park.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Kingswood Park - Concept Plan for Neighbourhood Park be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Community Assistance Program 2007-08 Rolling Component-Projects Approved Under Delegation January-June 2008

Compiled by: Sanja Blanusa, Community Development Officer - Generalist

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Acting Director - City Services

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

Critical Action: Support community organisations to address the differing needs and issues of the various age groups through Council's policy responses, program initiatives and advocacy.

Purpose:

To advise Council of the 2007-08 Community Assistance Program Rolling Component projects approved under delegation during the period January to June 2008. The report recommends that the information be received.

Background

Through the Community Assistance Program, Council makes small grants to non-profit organisations and community-based groups to help meet local community needs. The maximum grant is $1,200.

There are two components of the Community Assistance Program - the Planned Component and the Rolling Component. The Rolling Component allows for one-off requests to be brought before Council at any time during the year. This provides a flexible supplement to the Planned Component of the program, which is undertaken each year around October.

At the Policy Review Committee meeting on 10 September 2007, Council adopted the 2007 Community Assistance Program (CAP) policy and included it in the Council’s Policy Register. The policy identifies that ‘a report will be provided every six months informing Council of successful Rolling Component applications for the relevant period. ’

This report provides information on the 2007-08 CAP Rolling Component projects that have been approved under delegated authority to the General Manager during the six month period January to June 2008.

Projects Approved Under Delegation

The following table summarises details of the projects approved during the January to June 2008 period:

Project	Organisation	Amount
Aboriginal Component at Barnardos Penrith Centre Open Day - to hire Maa-roon Fourmile Aboriginal Dance group to perform on the day and provide Aboriginal food from Muru Mittigar.	Barnardos Australia	$ 658.00
Penrith LGA Volunteer Information Morning - to recruit volunteers and promote volunteering to Penrith LGA residents through community information morning.	Nepean Food Services	$750.00
Art and Craft Project, Bolwarra Community - to purchase art and craft materials for artwork/ workshops for Aboriginal community	Aboriginal Catholic Ministry	$1,000.00
Penrith Community Filipino School - a contribution to the establishment of a Filipino Language School in Penrith	Philippine Language and Cultural Association of Australia Inc	$ 600.00
South Creek Mobile Youth Service to run programs and activities at Claremont Meadows Community Centre - contribution towards equipment purchase at Claremont Meadows Community Centre	St Marys Area Community Development Project Inc	$ 900.00
TOTAL		$ 3, 908.00

A total of $3,908 has been approved under delegated authority in the period from January-June 2008.

In the first half of the funding round July –December 2007, an amount of $ 3, 520 was allocated from the CAP Rolling Component.

The total amount approved for CAP Rolling Component projects during the 2007-08 financial year is $ 7,428.

All funds allocated for CAP Rolling Component 2007-08 have been expended.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Community Assistance Program 2007-08 Rolling Component-Projects Approved Under Delegation January-June 2008 be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

The Alliance for Healthy Cities

Compiled by: Wayne Mitchell, Environmental Health Manager

Authorised by: Wayne Mitchell, Environmental Health Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Effective responses are made to the social impacts of growth, redevelopment and change.

Critical Action: Assess the social impacts of urban change in both new release areas, established areas and rural areas..

Purpose:

To provide details of the recent National Forum of the The Australian Chapter of the Alliance for Healthy Cities. The report recommends that Council join the Alliance.

Background

The Healthy Cities approach was initiated by the World Health Organisation in 1985 and is based on the concept that the social, economic and physical environment is the key to the health of the city dwellers. The Healthy Cities program aims to cope with health issues that have emerged with urbanisation. While urbanisation is underway at an alarming pace worldwide, urban health issues become complex and this complexity requires co-operation between the conventional health sector and non-health sectors.

Urbanisation has brought about changes to the lifestyle and living environment of city dwellers. Among such changes are population growth, degrading air and water quality, crowded housing, traffic congestion, and waste management, to name a few. In a social context, urbanisation also has brought about changes in terms of family and working styles. These changes can be seen in an increase in working mothers and a growth of night time workers. In addition, the development of advanced transportation system facilitates the movement of people and goods, leading to the breakouts of infectious diseases among urban populations.

Various social and environmental changes are intertwined and affect the health of people in cities. Under the Healthy Cities initiative, the World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages local governments to incorporate health issues and health concerns into all aspects of public policy. The WHO stresses to link public health policy to the rest of urban policy such as economic promotion and community development. Since these fields are conventionally considered to be irrelevant to public health, the Healthy Cities approach sharply contrasts with the traditional health approach. The WHO also encourages cities to closely work with the private sector such as companies and non-government organisations.

“A healthy city is one that is continually creating and improving those physical and social environments and expanding those community resources which enable people to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and in developing to their maximum potential.” (Hancock, T. and L. Duhl. 1988)

Any city can start the process of becoming a Healthy City if it is committed to the creation and preservation of physical and social environments which support and promote better health and quality of life for residents. Incorporating health considerations into urban development and management is crucial to Healthy Cities.

Key features of a Healthy Cities project include high political commitment; intersectoral collaboration; community participation; integration or activities in elemental setting; development of a city health profile and a local action plan; periodic monitoring and evaluation; participatory research and analyses; information sharing; involvement of the media; incorporation of views from all groups within the community; mechanisms for sustainability; linkage with community development and human development; and national and international networking.

Healthy Cities in Australia is in its 21^st year and the movement has enjoyed resurgence as increasing urbanisation creates challenges and opportunities for all people concerned with creating healthy, sustainable, safe and fair communities. In 2007, Australian representatives made a commitment to progress the development of Healthy Cities in Australia through the formation of an Australian Chapter of the International Alliance for Healthy Cities.

The Healthy Cities Alliance

The Alliance for Healthy Cities is the network founded on the international efforts on Healthy Cities worldwide. The members are municipal governments, national governments, non-government organisations, private sectors, academic institutions and international agencies. All support the Healthy Cities approach.

Through the network of the Alliance, its members co-operate and are inspired to make the best use of the Healthy Cities approach. Experiences by one city or one person can be a good guide to others. If the members accumulate such experiences, it is a great vehicle to improve the health of urban residents in member cities and towns. To that end, the Alliance promotes the interaction of people and information exchange, research development, and capacity building programs.

On top of promoting Healthy Cities programs for its members, the Alliance works to raise public awareness of the Healthy Cities approach beyond the scope of the Alliance members. The ultimate goal of the Healthy Cities program is to create sustainable cities with a focus on health.

The Alliance for Healthy Cities Australian Chapter Forum - Kiama

Councillor Garry Rumble and Council staff attended a recent National Forum of the Australian Chapter of the Healthy Cities Alliance at Kiama on 7 – 9 May 2008. The theme of the Forum was “Solutions to the urban challenges facing Healthy Cities in Australia”.

The forum heard presentations from a number of guest speakers. Topics of the presentations included:

· Transport services and infrastructure

· Urban design and planning

· Environmental sustainability

· Social Justice & Equity

· Evaluating impact of healthy cities

· Community engagement/participation – a vital key to success in Noarlunga

· Healthy Cities Illawarra – current programs

· Kiama Municipal Council’s vision for their healthy community

· Local Government planning for health

· Healthy Cities in Australia – State of play

The forum was very informative and showed how Local Government can influence the health of its communities by incorporating health principles and health concerns into all aspects of public policy. The principles of a healthy city are also closely aligned and often quite similar to Council’s adopted principles for a sustainable city.

Membership

The Alliance for Healthy Cities is an international network aiming at protecting and enhancing the health of city dwellers. The Alliance is a group of cities and other organisations that try to achieve the goal through an approach called Healthy Cities with close collaboration with World Health Organisation. The Alliance promotes the interaction of people who are in the front line of health and quality of life issues.

Local governments from various countries and regions participate in the Alliance as a mechanism for improving their capacity to respond to health and quality of life needs through the Healthy Cities approach. The Alliance provides opportunities to share experiences of Healthy Cities, recognises and promotes outstanding practices and innovations within Healthy Cities, mobilises resources for Healthy Cities, and develops new knowledge and technology for the advancement of Healthy Cities through international collaboration.

The application for membership involves a formal submission to the secretariat. The cost of membership for the Australian Chapter is $250 per annum. Importantly, the application requires a formal commitment from Council to agree to the Charter of the Alliance for Healthy Cities. Approximately 85 cities across the Asia Pacific Region are members of the Alliance and this is expected to grow to beyond 100 by the end of 2008. At this stage there are eight members of the Australian chapter of the Alliance and including Cities such as Wollongong, the Gold Coast and Townsville. A copy of the Charter is included in Appendix No. 1.

Conclusion

Membership of the Australian Chapter of the Alliance for Healthy Cities will provide an important opportunity to interact with other like minded organisations and share information on strategies to improve the health and wellbeing of our community. This World Health Organisation sponsored model is well developed after many years of implementation throughout the world. The model encourages Local Government to incorporate health principles and health concerns into all aspects of public policy. The model is also closely aligned with Council’s movement towards sustainability under our adopted strategy and principles.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on The Alliance for Healthy Cities be received

2. Penrith City Council joins the Australian Chapter of the Alliance for Healthy Cities.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

Alliance for Healthy Cities Charter

1 Page

Appendix

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Walking Track - Werrington Downs to Cambridge Park

Compiled by: Grant Collins, Recreation and Cultural Facilities Planner

Authorised by: Roger Nethercote, Environmental Planning 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 information about the opportunity for a marked walking track to link parks in Werrington County, Werrington Downs, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens and Kingswood Park. The report recommends that the information contained in this report be received.

Introduction

Councillor Thain has requested a report to Council on the possibility of providing a marked walking track to link parks in Werrington County, Werrington Downs, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens and Kingswood Park, with the report to include possible routes. This report provides an indicative route that aims to maximise the use of existing pathways and established road crossings in order to minimise additional expenditure

Background

The PLANS research that was adopted by Council in March 2004 highlighted the need to provide improved passive recreation opportunities for residents in the City. This includes the development of additional pathways in prioritised parks to improve opportunities for exercise. A Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan was developed which included a number of pathways to be developed within local level parks and the adopted District Open Space Facilities Development Contributions Plan also included more significant pathway development in prioritised district level open space areas.

Council also has a pathway improvement program in place that sets priorities for pathway development in the City and measures the relative importance of pathway development in different locations against a set of criteria. Available funding is then allocated to those pathways which require immediate attention due to safety concerns or the need for prioritised access to various facilities in the City.

The development of a Pathway Action Plan has been initiated and will be progressed during this year. This action plan will develop framework for the future delivery of major, quality destinational pathway connections in prioritised locations in the City.

Local Pathway Works

The following pathway works were included in the adopted Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan within the Werrington County, Werrington Downs, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens and Kingswood Park areas.

Suburb and Name of Park Location	Council Asset Number	Proposed Work	Estimated Cost
Werrington Downs
Pasturegate Avenue North	L2840	Provide a pathway in Pasturegate Ave	$10,000
114B Greenbank Drive	L2860	Provide a pathway through the park from the bus stop to Oakland Ave and landscaping	$30,000
Brookfield Avenue	L2920	Provide a pathway between Valley View Crescent and Brookfield Avenue	$30,000
Cambridge Park
William Street / Twickenham Avenue	L3540	Provide playground equipment and a pathway	$50,000
Lincoln Park	L3550	Provide a pathway within the park and park surface embellishment	$60,000
Kingswood Park (Penrith)
Illawong Ave	L2290	Provide a gravel pathway network	$20,000
Andrews Road Baseball Complex / Nepean park	L5880	Provide a pathway from Andrews Road between the fields to the amenities. Provide storage facility adjacent to the amenities. Provide additional sealed car parking and spectator facilities	$350,000

District Level Pathway Works

The major pathway facility included in the District Open Space Facilities Development Control Plan is a $3.5 million dollar project to develop the Great River Walk along the eastern shore of the Nepean River from the M4 to the Penrith Lakes and a pathway circuit on both sides of the river between the M4 and Victoria Bridge, including embankment revegetation, public art, signage, park furniture, shelters and rest / viewing platforms.

There are also pathway works contained in the District Open Space Development Contributions Plan scheduled for Werrington Creek Park, Jamison Park (which includes provision for a fitness circuit for people of all ages and levels of ability), Gipps Street landfill site as part of the recently adopted Master Plan and a shared pathway network through South Creek Park. Another universally designed fitness circuit facility is being considered by the Regatta Centre management to compliment the existing fitness trails surrounding the Regatta Centre at the Penrith Lakes.

There are shared pathways planned for the Kingsway playing fields including a bridge access link to South Creek Park and the St Marys Town Centre. The St Marys Release Area will offer some major pathway networks, including throughout the Wianamatta Regional Park as an integral component of the Department of Environment and Conservation planning for this park. The development of master plans for the sub precincts will help inform the delivery of these substantial pathway connections which includes exploring opportunities to maximise recreational linkages along the creek / biodiversity corridors within the site.

Opportunity to link parks in Werrington County, Werrington Downs, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens and Kingswood Park

Preliminary mapping of existing pathway networks has identified the existing connections both on road and through parks. In considering the potential to link these suburbs with a marked walking track, opportunities have been considered to include existing pathways where appropriate to reduce costs. Clearly, there is a range of potential route options available within this area. This would include the possibility of smaller walking trail circuits within individual suburbs. Consideration has been given to linking a number of parks within the area to enhance the recreational experience along the trail.

One possible route which links key parks in Werrington County, Werrington Downs, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens and Kingswood Park provides a 14km circuit. This route uses the existing pedestrian crossings on major roads where possible. This option is outlined on the map provided under separate cover to Councillors and shows the existing pathway network as well as potential new routes and linkages along roads and through parks shown as a yellow dotted line (an estimated additional 2.7km of pathways). The possibility also exists for distance markers and directional signposting to be included along the route.

It is noted that to provide a walking track connection to the main parks in the area formerly known as Kingswood Park and to optimise use of existing pathways, the suggested route has lengthy sections along existing heavily trafficked roads which could impact on the quality of the recreation experience. The Northern Road itself may also be perceived to be a barrier to crossing. An alternative would be for the Kingswood Park area to be reviewed further in the future and for the suggested route to focus on the suburbs to the east of The Northern Road.

Indicative costs to develop the route including the additional pathways would be as follows:

Additional pathway links at 1.5m wide ($112.50 per metre length) by 2.7km $303,750

Bollard directional sign posts including distance markers (at 47 locations by $400 each) $ 18,800

Total indicative cost $322,550

Section 94 funds for pathway works included in the adopted Local and District Open Space Plans that could contribute to the proposed pathway circuit:

Illawong Ave gravel pathway $ 20,000

Andrews Road Baseball Complex (Nepean Park) pathway $ 25,000

Shared pathway network in Werrington Creek Park $120,000

Total available funds $165,000

There would be opportunity to potentially stage the establishment of the track. Most of the new pathway identified is either adjacent to or through the existing parks. Although it would be a priority to ensure that the walking track is accessible to people with a diverse range of abilities, consideration could be given to the park pathway components being established in a second stage.

Financial Services Manager’s Comments

In 2007 Council agreed to complete the path paving program it adopted in September 2001 by taking out a total of $4M in loans in 2007/08 and 2008/09 to construct approximately 60km of new path paving.

If Council resolved to pursue the development of a track linking the suburbs and parks identified in this report, some funding available in the existing Local and District Open Space Development Contributions Plans could be directed to contribute to this project. However, this would still leave a shortfall of approximately $157,550 for the proposed track which would need to be measured against existing pathway improvements and other competing priorities for funding.

Asset Systems Engineer / Acting PCMM Comments

As works requests are received for new path paving they are assessed with set criteria and ranked according to the overall assessment. The criteria for assessment includes: proximity to pedestrian traffic generators and attractors (eg: schools, shops), the nature of predominant users (eg: elderly/ young/ disabled / prams), estimated traffic volumes adjacent to footway, evidence of existing wear paths, and linkages to existing networks.

The proposed walking track linkages would therefore need to be assessed against the current pathway improvement program criteria and existing pathway construction priorities.

Summary

The adopted Local and District Open Space Facilities Development Contributions Plans include significant pathway works throughout various parks in the City. A major pathway project is to develop central sections of the Great River Walk along the Nepean River into a quality passive recreation facility for the community.

The concept of developing additional walking tracks in established suburbs to connect parks including the proposal to link parks in Werrington County, Werrington Downs, Cambridge Park, Cambridge Gardens and Kingswood Park is a positive initiative and would contribute to additional recreational and fitness opportunities for the community. The proposal outlined in this report is indicative only and would represent one option for how these suburbs and their park facilities might be linked with a walking track. Further refinements would need to be made if Council wished to pursue this concept.

However, given the identified shortfall of available funds, this project would have to be assessed against existing pathway development priorities in the City and other identified works priorities.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Walking Track - Werrington Downs to Cambridge Park be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Request for Tender 06-07/08 Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre & Park Amenities Building Upgrade

Compiled by: Rebecca McCaskill, Supply Officer (Contracts)

Robert Paluzzano, Project Coordinator

Authorised by: Craig Ross, Design and Technical Advice Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Local centres, community meeting places and prominent meeting places are increasingly valued and recognised by communities as a focus of their neighbourhoods, or as a feature of the City.

Critical Action: Engage the City’s communities in identifying and creating community places that are valued and used.

Purpose:

To advise Council of the outcome of the tender process for the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and Park Amenities Building and to recommend a preferred tenderer. The report recommends that the tender be awarded to Bilas Knight Pty Ltd.

Background

Council has received grant funding through the Castlereagh Community Funds Grant Program for improvement to the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and adjoining park amenities. Supplementary funding has also been secured for additional enhancements to the project through the Regional Partnerships Program.

The Development Application, Construction Certificate and Tender documentation for the project have been developed and tenders were called on 20 May 2008.

Evaluation Plan

An evaluation plan was developed, based on weighted evaluation criteria, for the purpose of evaluating submitted tenders.

A Tender Evaluation Committee was formed that comprised six Council officers from the Supply, Project Management, Design and Client sections of Council.

Tender Evaluation Criteria

The following evaluation criteria were used in evaluating tender responses:

Mandatory Requirements

· Conflict of Interest

· Insurance

· Response to Conditions

· Declaration

· Compliance Statements

Statement of Requirement

· Demonstrated Ability

· Project Timeline

· Project Specification

Cost / Price Category

· Price

Management & Administration

· Company Resources – Personnel

· Support Systems

· Reporting Capabilities

· Quality of Product/Services

· OH&S Management

· Environmental Management

Business Category

· Financial Viability

· Employees

· Business Record

Summary of Tenders Received

Requests for Tenders (RFT) were posted to an electronic tender distribution service managed by Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Ltd (WSROC). The RFT were also advertised in the Penrith Press and the Sydney Morning Herald. Tenders closed on Tuesday 17 June 2008.

A total of ten tenders were received from the following companies:

Tenderer Lump Sum Cost

Bilas Knight $955,355.50

Cooper Consulting $991,056.00

Caliber Contracting $1,009,217.00

Commercial Building Group $1,069,190.00

Denning Constructions $1,098,303.25

C&M Construction Group $1,106,302.00

Avoca Construction $1,170,625.50

Inaphase $1,281,948.80

GEC Consulting $1,350,225.00

Cumnock Constructions $1,405,269.47

Following an initial review and evaluation of tenders submitted, the Tender Evaluation Committee determined that the following company did not address the requirements of the RFT and was set aside from the final evaluation of tenders:

Commercial Building Group Pty Ltd ($1,069,190,) although ranked 4^thin Pricing, they submitted their own terms and conditions for the project. This did not conform to the tender requirements and the Tender Evaluation Committee considered that acceptance of their tender could place Council at undue risk. The tender was excluded from further evaluation.

Evaluation

The lowest five Tenders were short listed, based on price, and evaluated further on their compliance and capability in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria for the project. The short listed tenders then ranked as follows:

Tenderer Ranking

Bilas Knight Pty Ltd 1

Caliber 2

Cooper 3

Denning 4

C&M Constructions 5

The highest ranked tenderer, Bilas Knight Pty Ltd, is based in Cobbitty and has several years of industry experience, and has completed several similar projects throughout New South Wales. The company has also recently satisfactorily completed the refurbishment of the old CWA Building (Baby Health Centre) at the Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct for Council.

Following reference checks and a financial risk analysis, this company is considered to be more than capable of undertaking the contract for the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and Park amenities upgrade.

Financial Services Manager’s Comment

A total of $1,070,000 remains for the completion of this final stage of the project. The project has a number of funding sources including grants from the Castlereagh Community Fund and the Regional Partnerships Program along with Council funding including contributions from EEP and the Sustainability Revolving Fund. The completion of this stage of the project combined with the works already completed will see almost $1.3m spent on the Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre and the adjoining sporting facilities.

The tender recommended is within the remaining budget and allows for a contingency and the remaining consultant fees.

Conclusion

Bilas Knight Pty Ltd submitted the lowest offer and demonstrated its capability and experience in projects of this size and nature. The tendered price is within Council’s budget for the project and there are no clear advantages to Council in accepting any of the other higher priced tenders. The Tender Evaluation Committee has recommended that the tender be awarded to this company.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Request for Tender 06-07/08 Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre & Park Amenities Building Upgrade be received.

2. The tender be awarded to Bilas Knight Pty Ltd for the value of $955,355.50.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

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

Compiled by: Jessica Lake, Administration Officer

Authorised by: Andrew Robinson, Recreation 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 2008 quarter. In addition, this report includes results gained by recipients of travel assistance. 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 processed in accordance with the Policy for the period 1 April-30 June 2008 are listed below.

OVERSEAS DESTINATIONS ($200 NZ or $300 overseas)

1.	a donation of $900.00 was made to Football NSW with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Tori Axisa of Orchard Hills, Zedric Catley-Bond of South Penrith and Sarah Easthorpe of Werrington to help defray their travelling expenses when they attend the Football NSW Development Tour of Hawaii and Los Angeles, USA during September-October 2008. Football NSW Development Tour of Kashima, Soga, Makuhari, Yokohama and Akihabara, Japan during September 2008 & Football NSW Development Tour of San Diego and Los Angeles during September-October 2008, respectively.
2.	a donation of $600.00 was made to Ice Hockey Australia with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Kaylee White of Penrith and Anneke Murphy of St Clair to help defray their travelling expenses when they attended the World Women’s Ice Hockey Championships held in Vierumaki, Finland during March 2008 and Australian Women’s Selects Development Tour to be held in Sweden during July 2008, respectively.
3.	a donation of $200.00 was made to Hockey Australia with a request that it be passed on to Diane Christian of Glenmore Park to help defray her travelling expenses when she competed in the O/45 Veterans Trans Tasman Hockey Tournament held in Hamilton, New Zealand during May 2008.
4.	a donation of $300.00 was made to School Sport Australia with a request that it be passed on to Joshua Clarke of Penrith to help defray his travelling expenses when he competes in the School Sport Australia U/16 boys International Cricket Series being held in the West Indies during November 2008.
5.	a donation of $300.00 was made to Skate Australia with a request that it be passed on to Michael Haynes of St Clair to help defray his travelling expenses when he competes in the Senior World In-Line Hockey Championships being held in Dusseldorf, Germany during July 2008.
6.	a donation of $300.00 was made to Bicycle Motocross Australia with a request that it be passed on to Benjamin Clarke of Emu Plains to help defray his travelling expenses when he competed in the World BMX Championships held in Taiyuan China during May 2008.
7.	a donation of $300.00 was made to School Sport Australia with a request that it be passed on to Joshua Clarke of Penrith to help defray his travelling expenses when he competes in the International U/16 Cricket Series being held in the West Indies during November 2008.
8.	a donation of $1500.00 was made to Australian Canoeing with a request that $300.00 each be passed on to Natasha Jones of Faulconbridge, Ashleigh Logan of Liverpool, Ben Horlyck of Glenbrook, Joey Croft of Glenbrook and Ethan Hodson of Blaxland (all members of Penrith Valley Canoe Club) to help defray their travelling expenses when they compete in the 2008 International Canoe Federation Junior World Championships being held in Roudnice, Czech Republic during July 2008.
9.	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 competes at the 2008 Olympic Games for Softball being held in Beijing, China during August 2008.
10.	a donation of $300.00 was made to NSW Junior Baseball league with a request that it be passed on to Michael Margerison of Penrith to help defray his travelling expenses when he attends the IBA World Series held in Tokyo, Japan during July 2008.

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

11.	a donation of $600.00 was made to Bicycle Motocross Australia with a request that: $150.00 each be passed on to Ian & Nicole Docherty from Leonay and Kyle & Declan Jaehne from Cranebrook to help defray their travelling expenses when they competed in the Australian National BMX Titles held in Adelaide, South Australia during April 2008
12.	a donation of $200.00 was made to Swimming NSW with a request that $100.00 each be passed on to Samantha Dimond of Glenmore Park and Nicholas Hawkins of Regentville to help defray their travelling expenses when they competed in the National Age Swimming Championships held in Brisbane, Queensland during April 2008.
13.	a donation of $600.00 was made to NSW Karate Federation with a request that $200.00 each be passed on to Bianca, Alexandra and Eugenio Gallo of Londonderry to help defray their travelling expenses when they compete in the Australian Karate Federation National Championships being held in Perth, Western Australia during August 2008.
14.	a donation of $150.00 was made to Hockey NSW with a request that it be passed on to Jade Close of Glenmore Park to help defray her travelling expenses when she competes in the Australian U/21 Women’s Hockey Championships being held in Hobart, Tasmania during July 2008.
15.	a donation of $200.00 was made to Basketball NSW with a request that it be passed on to Taylah Clark of Cambridge Park to help defray her travelling expenses when she competes in the U/16 Basketball National Championships being held in Kalamunda, Western Australia during July 2008.
16.	a donation of $100.00 was made to Gymnastics NSW with a request that it be passed on to Tegan Spencer of Cranebrook to help defray her travelling expenses when she competes in the Trampoline Sports Australian Championships being held in Bendigo, Victoria during June-July 2008.

Highlights of Results/Outcomes Achieved by Recipients

At Council’s Ordinary Meeting of 23 July 2007 it was requested that details of results/outcomes gained by recipients of this travel assistance be reported. The following information has been provided by the recipient:

Kaylee White from Penrith – World Women’s Ice Hockey Championships, Finland, March 2008

The Australian Team did not record a win at the event as they were promoted to Division 2 following their success at the competition in Division 3 the previous year.

Ian & Nicole Docherty from Leonay and Kyle & Declan Jaehne from Cranebrook – Australian National BMX Titles, Adelaide, April 2008

Ian achieved 7^th in the Finals of the Junior Elite Men’s Series; 6^th in the Finals of the Australian Titles and 10^th in the Pro Bikes Junior Elite Series.

Nicole achieved 7^th place in the 14yr girls Champbix competition and 8^th in the Finals of the Australian Championships.

Kyle achieved 34^th place from 60 competitors in the 9yr boys National Series.

Declan competed in the 6yr boys Sprocket Riders competition (placings not recorded until age 9) and attended coaching clinics while at the competition.

Samantha Dimond from Glenmore Park and Nicholas Hawkins from Regentville – National Age Swimming Championships, Queensland, April 2008

Samantha achieved 19^th place from 51 competitors in the Open Water competition and Nicholas finished 28^th in the 13yr boys 200m breaststroke.

The following results have been provided by recipients of this travel assistance who previously participated in an event:

Fiona Gray of Erskine Park; Rhonda Hughes of Penrith; Pauline & Gil Swadling of Emu Plains; Rachel Mosen of St Clair; Linda Bowman of Springwood; Heather Lovi of Richmond and Julie Willis of Yellow Rock (all members of Pendragon Panthers Dragon Boat Club based in Penrith) - Australian National Dragon Boat Championships, Western Australia, April 2008.

Gold for NSW Grand Dragons (50+ yrs) A Team, Womens, Open Mens. Gold for NSW Masters (40+ yrs) Mixed NSW, Womens, Open Mens. Gold for NSW Premiers. Silver for NSW Premiers NSW A team. Bronze for NSW Grand Dragons NSW B team. Bronze for NSW Premiers NSW B team. Bronze for NSW Premiers Womens.

RECOMMENDATION

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

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Improvements to St Clair Netball Courts

Compiled by: Lindsay Clarke, Parks Coordinator

Authorised by: Hans Meijer, Asset Systems Engineer

Requested By: Councillor Greg Davies

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 advise Council of improvements required to the St Clair Netball courts and the estimated cost of the work. The report recommends that the work be carried out immediately with funds advanced from the Local Open Space Development Contribution Plan.

Background

St Clair Netball Courts are located on the western side of the Mark Leece soccer fields at St Clair. Access to the netball courts is generally gained via Edmund Blackett Close which runs off Chateau Crescent. Another small cul-de-sac, John Sulman Place, runs off Edmund Blackett Close opposite the netball courts.

The Mark Leece soccer fields are situated within drainage detention basins and the netball courts are within the drainage floodway downstream of the detention basins.

The netball competition in the Penrith City area is conducted at Jamison Park by the Nepean District Netball Association. The St Clair courts are used for training by the St Clair Netball Club which is one of the largest in the district. Training occurs most nights midweek during the winter season.

Council has been made aware of two main problems associated with the netball courts.

Edmund Blackett Close and John Sulman Place are very narrow local roads. On training nights, these roads are severely congested with parked vehicles due to the narrow road width. Residents have complained about blocked streets and driveways.

Also, because the netball courts are located within a floodway, and the park surface on the side of the courts is poorly grassed, the courts often are inundated and become covered in silt following rain events. This renders sections of the court unplayable for long periods following rain and causes the asphalt surface to deteriorate.

Current Situation

A formal carparking area off Edmund Blackett Close adjacent to the Netball Courts would provide a number of benefits:

· Greatly reduced congestion in local roads which would benefit both local residents and club members;

· Provide additional parking for St Clair Netball Club for midweek training;

· Provide additional parking for St Clair Soccer Club for weekends.

The need for additional carparking at the Mark Leece Complex has been previously recognised. Additional carparking is included in the Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan as a high priority project.

A preliminary design of a carpark for 30 cars has been completed. The estimated cost of the work is $45,000.

Drainage improvements beside the netball courts and turfing of the poorly grassed area adjacent to the courts would eliminate the deposition of silt on the courts. The benefits arising from this work are:

· Courts are playable after rain events;

· Courts do not need to be cleaned after rain events;

· Asphalt surface of courts has longer life.

Embellishment of the netball courts at the Mark Leece Complex is also included in the Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan as a high priority project. The preliminary design for this embellishment has been completed and includes a dish drain, surface inlet pit, pipeline and turfing. The estimated cost of the work is $30,000.

Funding

The work proposed at the St Clair Netball Courts is estimated at $75,000. These projects are included in the Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan (Section 94) as high priority. The work is not included in the 2008/09 Management Plan.

There are no funds currently available in the Section 94 Plan Reserve. For the work to proceed, funds would need to be advanced from future contributions, however, this would have consequences on future Parks Improvement Programs as this Program is totally Section 94 funded.

Financial Services Manager’s Comments

The $75,000 required can be advanced from the Penrith Local Open Space s94 plan. Each year high priority projects are matched against expected contributions and Council priorities and a program of works selected. Bringing forward the work at St Clair netball courts will have some impact on future years’ parks improvement programs as the plan is currently in deficit and is unable to sustain the current program level until development contributions escalate after 2009-10. A further report discussing the capacity of both district and local open space contribution plans will be presented to the new Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Improvements to St Clair Netball Courts be received.

2. A formal carpark and drainage improvements at Mark Leece Complex be carried out with funds advanced from the Penrith Local Open Space Development Contributions Plan.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City in its Environment*

The City in its Environment

Agnes Banks and Londonderry Sewerage Scheme - Review of Environmental Factors

Compiled by: Adrian Estreich, Senior Environmental Health Officer

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: Effectively manage sewerage impacts including the sewering of the rural villages.

Purpose:

To report on the Agnes Banks and Londonderry Sewerage Scheme Review of Environmental Factors. The report recommends that Council make a submission to Sydney Water.

Background

Sydney Water has prepared a Review of Environmental Factors for the proposed Agnes Banks and Londonderry sewerage scheme. Sydney Water’s Priority Sewerage Program (PSP) includes Agnes Banks and Londonderry as part of Stage 2 of the program. The sewerage scheme for Wallacia and Mulgoa was completed under Stage 1 of this program. Sydney Water’s Priority Sewerage Program aims to provide improved wastewater management services to unsewered town and villages in the Sydney metropolitan area.

Without the provision of a sewer system, Agnes Banks and Londonderry have relied on on-site sewage management systems for the disposal of wastewater. Historically, the operation of these systems has resulted in adverse effects on the environment and public health through such actions as illegal discharges and poor operation and maintenance. The new scheme also will result in a number of benefits to the community including long term savings, a potential increase in property values and improved community well being.

The Proposed Sewerage Scheme

The proposed Agnes Banks and Londonderry Sewerage Scheme involves the provision of a reticulated pressure sewerage system to approximately 140 properties within Agnes Banks and 150 properties in Londonderry (A diagram of the proposal is included in Appendix 1).

The following Local Environmental Plan (LEP) zones define the subsidised service area for the Scheme:

· All residential properties zoned Housing in Agnes Banks;

· All residential properties zoned 2(c) Village in Agnes Banks and Londonderry;

· All properties zoned 5(a) Special Uses “A” in Londonderry;

· All public toilets on land zoned 6(a) Existing Recreation within the village of Londonderry.

All residential properties, public toilets and other properties with flows less than residential flows within the subsidised service area would receive a tank containing a pump. The tank will collect sewage which will be pumped to the pipeline network, generally located within the street.

Where non-residential properties within the subsidised service are have flows greater than residential flows, Sydney Water’s system will only extend to the property boundary assembly. These property owners must provide and maintain their own collection tank, pump and panel, which are considered part of their own private sewerage system.

The Scheme would also provide:

· A network of small diameter pipelines within each village to transfer sewage from each property to a transfer pipeline;

· A transfer main to transfer sewage from Agnes Banks to an existing pump station in Richmond;

· A transfer main to transfer sewage from Londonderry to an existing pumping station in Hobartville;

· Connection into and minor upgrades of existing pumping stations in Richmond and Hobartville. These would pump sewage flows from the villages to Richmond Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) for treatment. STP effluent reuse would continue under existing arrangements and include disposal of surplus effluent to an unnamed tributary of Rickabys Creek.

As part of the scheme, Sydney Water will supply each eligible property with an underground collection tank and pump. The size of the collection tank is approx 70cm in diameter and 2 metres deep. At the time of installation, a suitable location for the tank will be negotiated between the property owner and Sydney Water.

An advantage of this type of system to property owners is that Sydney Water is responsible for the installation and ongoing maintenance of the collection tank, pump and the pipework between the tank and main sewerage line. This in most cases will greatly reduce the installation costs for the property owner. However, the property owner or occupier will be responsible for the cost of running the pump. As the pump only runs for 15 – 20 minutes a day, the annual running cost for the pump has been estimated at approximately $30 a year.

The transfer pipelines from Agnes Banks to Richmond will be constructed mainly along Castlereagh Road and Drift Road. The transfer pipeline from Londonderry to Richmond will be constructed mainly along Londonderry Road. The design of the scheme has not allowed for rural properties located adjacent to the transfer pipelines to connect. However, in some circumstances, property owners are negotiating with Sydney Water on the possibility of connecting in the future.

Sydney Water had outlined that the scheduled commencement date for construction is early 2009. This is subject to funding and the relevant approvals being obtained. It is anticipated that the scheme would take approximately 2 years, with connection to the scheme becoming available for some property owners in late 2010.

Alternatives

Sydney Water has outlined that a wide range of alternatives were considered for the scheme, including gravity, vacuum and septic effluent pumped/gravity systems. The pressure sewerage system was chosen as the preferred option as it minimises impacts on the community and the environment while providing a cost effective and reliable sewerage service.

Public Consultation

The consultation process with key stakeholders, including government agencies and residents commenced in February 2007. This consultation process involved a series of meetings between the relevant stakeholders to discuss various aspects of the scheme, a community survey and a number of letters posted to Agnes Banks and Londonderry residents from Sydney Water.

Consultation with community members remains ongoing through the Agnes Banks and Londonderry Sewerage Scheme Reference Group. The reference group comprises of 14 members, including representatives from Sydney Water, Penrith City Council, Hawkesbury City Council, Rural Fire Service, University of Western Sydney, Londonderry Resident Action Group of the Environment (RAGE) and community members from Agnes Banks and Londonderry.

The Review of Environmental Factors was placed on public exhibition in June 2008, with Sydney Water providing an opportunity for community members and stakeholders to review the proposal and provide comments and submissions back to them by 1 August 2008.

Review of Environmental Factors

The Review of Environmental Factors prepared by Sydney Water has addressed key environmental impacts including:

§ Surface water quality

§ Terrestrial flora and fauna

§ Aquatic flora and fauna

§ Non-indigenous heritage

§ Indigenous heritage

§ Geology and Soil

§ Flooding

§ Groundwater

§ Air Quality

§ Noise and Vibration

§ Traffic and Transportation

§ Energy and Greenhouse Gases

§ Waste Management

The review identified the potential for some minor impacts during the construction phase of the scheme, however a detailed Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be developed prior to any works being undertaken and will provide suitable mitigation measures for each of the abovementioned themes. Sydney Water will be requested to provide a copy of the Construction Environmental Management Plan to Council for review prior to works commencing.

After the public exhibition period for the Review of Environmental Factors has closed, Sydney Water will prepare a Decision Report which will address any issues that have been raised in the submissions. The Decision Report will recommend if the scheme should proceed or not.

Should Sydney Water determine to proceed with the Scheme, a final cost analysis for the scheme will be undertaken and presented to the Sydney Water Executive Board for approval. After approval has been granted, a detailed design process will be undertaken with detailed construction and operational environmental management plans being developed for the Scheme.

Conclusion

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) outlines that the proposed sewerage scheme will provide positive environmental, health and social benefits to the community. Comments on the Review of Environmental Factors have been requested to be submitted to Sydney Water by 1August 2008. Due to the timeframe, Penrith City Council has been provided with a week’s extension on the submission date to prepare and submit our comments. Due to the positive impact the scheme will have on the residents within the Londonderry and Agnes Banks villages, it is recommended that a submission be sent to Sydney Water outlining Penrith City Council’s support for the scheme. This submission will include some comments on minor aspects of the REF that could be further considered.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Agnes Banks and Londonderry Sewerage Scheme - Review of Environmental Factors be received.

2. A submission be sent to Sydney Water outlining Council’s overall support for the proposed Agnes Banks and Londonderry Sewerage Scheme and some comments on aspects of the Review of Environmental Factors that could be further considered.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

Agnes Banks & Londonderry Sewerage Scheme

1 Page

Appendix

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*The City Supported by Infrastructure*

The City Supported by Infrastructure

Federal Government 2009/2010 "Auslink Black Spot Program" submissions

Compiled by: David Drozd, Senior Traffic Engineer

Authorised by: David Yee, Acting Design and Technical Advice Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Road network capacity, safety and efficiency are improved and traffic congestion is reduced.

Critical Action: A program is being implemented to address deficiencies and areas of congestion in the Local Road Network.

Purpose:

To seek Council's endorsement for projects nominated for consideration under the Federal Government's 2009/2010 "Auslink Black Spot Program". The report recommends that the eight nominated projects be submitted to the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel of the Roads and Traffic Authority.

Background

Council has received verbal advice that funding under the “2008/2009 Auslink Black Spot Program” has been approved for the maximum allowable 5 projects under the program. Once formal concurrence has been received from the RTA, a further report will be submitted to Council detailing individual project information.

As seven projects were submitted to the 2008/2009 program, the two remaining projects (1. Ninth Avenue/Third Avenue/ Eighth Avenue, Llandilo 4.2km Black length 2. Second Avenue/Fifth Avenue, Llandilo intersection treatment) included as supplementary nominations, have been re-evaluated under the present year’s (2009/2010) grant program. However, based upon updated accident statistics and additional analysis undertaken this year, newer projects having a higher Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR), have replaced these two projects for the present 2009/2010 submission.

Current Situation

The RTA has invited Council to identify and nominate new conforming projects for the 2009/2010 program, and to forward its submissions to the NSW Black Spot Consultative Panel by Friday, 22 August 2008.

The following 8 projects listed in ‘Table A’ are recommended for endorsement by Council for nomination under the National Black Spot Program. The RTA will only fund a maximum of 5 projects each nomination year and therefore Council is encouraged to prioritise its projects according to their BCR. As with last year’s submission, Council has included supplementary projects in the program.

Twenty-two (22) Projects were short listed from the total list of identified locations and Black Lengths in the LGA that met the minimum eligibility criteria for the program (i.e. 3 injury accidents in 5 years). Of these 22 locations, the 8 highest risk locations were more thoroughly examined with remediation treatments and costs attributed to each project. The final list of projects offers the Penrith LGA the greatest yield in terms of accident savings for this nomination year.

Table A

*Item*	*Primary Road*	*Intersecting Street or Section of Road*	*Total Number of Accidents (5 years data)*	*Total Number of Casualty* *Accidents*	*Proposed* *Treatment*	*Cost Estimate*	*Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR)*
1	St Marys Rd, Berkshire Pk	3.5km Black Length from Richmond Rd to the causeway	26	16	Set back of roadside hazards Shoulder sealing, guardrail and upgraded lighting	$275,000	16.2
2	Luddenham Rd, Luddenham	9.2km Black Length from Mamre Rd to Elizabeth Dr	28	14	Set back of roadside hazards, sealing, guardrail and upgraded lighting	$750,000	14
3	Evan St, Penrith	Stafford St	10	4	Roundabout inc street lighting and extended median islands	$200,000	11.6
4	Castlereagh St, Penrith	Lethbridge St	10	5	Roundabout inc street lighting and extended median islands	$200,000	9.7
5	Bringelly St, Kingswood	Orth St	7	5	Raised marked Pedestrian Crossing, Street Lighting, pedestrian fencing	$120,000	8.5
6.	O’Connell St, Kingswood	Second Av	10	5	Roundabout inc street lighting and extended median islands	$200,000	8.0
7.	Collins St, St Marys	Saddington St	6	5	Roundabout inc street lighting and extended median islands	$200,000	7.0
8.	Debrincat Av, Nth St Marys	Boronia Rd	7	3	Roundabout inc street lighting and extended median islands	$250,000	5.8

Analysis of the accidents is based on the RTA recorded accident data available to Council for the last five years from 1 July 2002 to 30 June 2007. Nominated projects were prioritised according to the number of injury crashes that had occurred over the last five years, and the ability to successfully remediate the accident hazards at that location by way of an appropriate treatment.

In addition to sites on Council’s road network, it is noted that the following locations under the Roads and Traffic Authority’s control and management, have high accident histories resulting in casualties:

TABLE B

*Item*	*Primary Road*	*Intersecting Street*	*Total Number of Casualty Accidents (5 yrs)*
1.	Great Western Highway, Penrith	Parker Street	34
2.	Mamre Road, St Marys	M4 Motorway	34
3.	M4 Motorway, Penrith	Mulgoa Road	27
4.	M4 Motorway, Penrith	The Northern Road	27
5.	Mamre Road, St Marys	Wilson / Lonsdale	24
6.	M4 Motorway, Erskine Park	Roper Road	21
7.	Richmond Rd, Cambridge Gardens	Star Court	18
8.	Great Western Highway, Penrith	Station Street	17
9.	Mamre Road, Erskine Park	Erskine Park Road	17
10.	Great Western Highway, St Marys	Charles Hackett Drive	16

The RTA will be advised that these locations on its Arterial Road Network should be investigated as a matter of priority due to their high casualty accident rates.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Federal Government 2009/2010 "Auslink Black Spot Program" submissions be received.

2. Council endorse the 8 projects listed under ‘Table A’ of the present report for submission to the Roads and Traffic Authority for funding under the Federal Government 2009/2010 “Auslink Black Spot Program”.

3. The Roads and Traffic Authority be requested to investigate traffic safety on roads under its jurisdiction at locations indicated in ‘Table B’ of this report.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*Appendix 1 - Dedication of Meeting Room at Londonderry Neighbourhood Centre*

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*Appendix 1 - Alliance for Healthy Cities Charter*

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*Appendix 1 - Agnes Banks & Londonderry Sewerage Scheme*

*Ordinary Meeting*	*4 August 2008*
*Appendix 1 - National Aviation Policy Submission*