Agenda of Policy Review Committee Meeting

2008 MEETING CALENDAR

February 2008 - December 2008

TIME

FEB

MAR

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUG

SEPT

OCT

NOV

DEC

Mon

Ordinary Meetings

7.30 pm

8ü

23*

29^

Policy Review Committee

7.30 pm

12#

17#

18#+

31@

18#+

Councillor Briefing / Working Party / Presentation

7.30 pm

# Meetings at which the Management Plan ¼ly reviews are presented

#+ General Manager’s presentation – half year and end of year review

v Meeting at which the Draft Management Plan is adopted for exhibition

* Meeting at which the Management Plan for 2008/2009 is adopted

^ Election of Mayor/Deputy Mayor

@ Strategic Program progress reports [only business]

ü Meeting at which the 2007/2008 Annual Statements are presented

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 POLICY REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING OF PENRITH CITY COUNCIL HELD IN THE PASSADENA ROOM, PENRITH

ON MONDAY 18 AUGUST 2008 AT 7:35PM

PRESENT

His Worship the Mayor Councillor Greg Davies, Councillors Jim Aitken OAM, Kaylene Allison, David Bradbury, Lexie Cettolin, Kevin Crameri OAM, Mark Davies, Ross Fowler OAM, Karen McKeown, Susan Page, Garry Rumble and John Thain.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Leave of Absence was previously granted to Councillor Pat Sheehy AM for the period 16 August 2008 to 26 August 2008 inclusive.

APOLOGIES

PRC 66 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Lexie Cettolin that apologies be received and accepted from Councillor Jackie Greenow and Councillor Steve Simat.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Policy Review Committee Meeting - 28 July 2008

PRC 67 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Susan Page seconded Councillor John Thain that the minutes of the Policy Review Committee Meeting of 28 July 2008 be confirmed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations of interest.

MASTER PROGRAM REPORTS

Leadership and Organisation

1 2007-2008 Management Plan - June Quarter and End-of-Year Review

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM left the meeting, the time being 7:37 pm

Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM returned to the meeting, the time being 7:42 pm

PRC 68 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Susan Page

That:

1. The information contained in the report on the 2007-2008 Management Plan - June Quarter and End-of-Year Review be received

2. The 2007-2008 Management Plan Review as at 30 June 2008 be adopted

3. The voting of funds and estimates of income for 2007-2008 be amended to reflect the revised estimates, expenditures and revotes as detailed in the Management Plan Review

4. Council revote the works as detailed in the Recommended Revoted Works Lists for inclusion in the 2008-2009 Management Plan.

The City as an Economy

5 2008-09 Business Plans of the Town and Centre Associations

PRC 69 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Susan Page seconded Councillor Kaylene Allison

That:

1. The information contained in the report on 2008-09 Business Plans of the Town and Centre Associations be received.

2. Funding for the Penrith City Centre Association and the St Marys Town Centre Association in the amounts of $286,735 and $215,109 respectively be endorsed to be paid in four equal instalments at the beginning of each quarter.

6 2008-09 Business Plan of the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation

PRC 70 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Karen McKeown seconded Councillor Garry Rumble

That:

1. The information contained in the report on 2008-09 Business Plan of the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation be received

2. Funding in the amount of $369,732 be endorsed to be paid in two equal six monthly instalments in September 2008 for $184, 866 and January 2009 for $184,866.

7 Economic Development Review Steering Committee Report

PRC 71 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor John Thain seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM

That:

1. A new Economic Development Entity be created as a Company limited by guarantee, independent of Council and incorporating the roles and functions of the Penrith Valley Economic Development Corporation and Council’s Local Economic Development Department

2. The process for creating the new entity be via the way of reconstituting the PVEDC to reflect the new directions, role and structure of the new board

3. The vision, mission, goals and the board structure and its composition as provided in the report be incorporated in the constitution of the new entity

4. The Entity have a board comprising 14 members with nine members representing industry sectors identified in the report; two members representing the broad Penrith community; two elected representatives from Council and one Council officer being the General Manager or his representative.

5. The board members for the new entity be selected by a panel headed by the Mayor and comprising two Councillors and two independent members

6. The board members of the new entity be remunerated through an expense allowance for each sitting to be determined by the Board

7. Annual funding as outlined in the report be provided by Council to the new entity.

8. Funding received by Council via the Planning Agreement between Council and Glenmore Park Stage 2 landowners for job creation programs, be provided to the new entity within a reasonable period after the funds are received by Council

9. A Management Agreement be prepared which clearly articulates Council’s job creation programs and economic challenges facing the City, mechanisms for the new entity working in collaboration with Council and the City’s business organisations and learning institutions and a set of appropriate key performance indicators that will demonstrate the new entity’s performance in job creation in the City.

The City in its Broader Context

2 Penrith Local Plan - update on key projects

PRC 72 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jim Aitken OAM seconded Councillor Garry Rumble that the information contained in the report on Penrith Local Plan - update on key projects be received.

The City as a Social Place

3 Delivery of Local Open Space Plan projects

PRC 73 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Kaylene Allison seconded Councillor Karen McKeown

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Delivery of Local Open Space Plan projects be received.

2. Funding for Stage 3 of Victoria Park, $106,000, be provided from the Penrith Local Open Space Contribution Plan in 2008-09.

3. A further report discussing the capacity and priorities of both the local and district open space plans be made to a Councillor briefing.

4. Council give in principle support for the development of a strategy to dispose of surplus land parcels with a view to the funds realised being used for priority open space projects within the city.

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM left the meeting, the time being 8:26 pm

Councillor Ross Fowler OAM returned to the meeting, the time 8:29 pm

4 Proposed Amendment to Council's Procedure for the Assessment of Requests for the Closure of Pedestrian Laneways

PRC 74 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Jim Aitken OAM seconded Councillor Kevin Crameri OAM

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Proposed Amendment to Council's Procedure for the Assessment of Requests for the Closure of Pedestrian Laneways be received.

2. Pedestrian laneways that are determined suitable for closure be physically closed with the use of appropriate fences and gates.

3. The option of constructing low level side fences along the laneway boundary between the building frontage and property boundary for those laneways determined to remain open be included in the procedure.

4. Following physical closure, the option of legal closure and sale be left open and subject to initiation by adjoining property owners.

The City Supported by Infrastructure

8 Schoolhouse Creek Pedestrian Bridge

PRC 75 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Garry Rumble seconded Councillor Jim Aitken OAM that the information contained in the report on Schoolhouse Creek Pedestrian Bridge be received.

Leadership and Organisation

9 2008 Meeting Calendar (Oct - Dec) and 2009 Meeting Calendar

PRC 76 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor Ross Fowler OAM seconded Councillor Susan Page

That:

1. The information contained in the report on 2008 Meeting Calendar (Oct - Dec) and 2009 Meeting Calendar be received

2. The Draft 2008 Meeting Calendar for October to December be adopted.

3. The Draft Meeting Calendar for 2009 be adopted.

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

QWN 1 Saunders Park, St Clair/Colyton Little Athletics

His Worship the Mayor, Councillor Greg Davies requested that an amount of $3,320.00 be allocated from East Ward voted works to cover the cost of raising the drain and repair of long jump pit at Saunders Park to ensure the safety of the athletes.

PRC 77 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor David Bradbury seconded Councillor Kaylene Allison 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.

PRC 78 RESOLVED on the MOTION of Councillor David Bradbury seconded Councillor Kaylene Allison that an amount of $3,320.00 be allocated from East Ward voted works to cover the cost of raising the drain and repair of long jump pit at Saunders Park to ensure the safety of the athletes.

There being no further business the Chairperson declared the meeting closed the time being 8:40 pm.

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*The City in its Broader Context*

The City in its Broader Context

Outcomes of the Universal Design and Cultural Context Project

Compiled by: Paul Page, City Marketing Supervisor

Grant Collins, Recreation and Cultural Facilities Planner

Authorised by: Geoff Shuttleworth, Economic Development and City Marketing Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: A decision has been secured from relevant groups to develop a nominated institution or event that has the status to cause Penrith Valley to be widely recognised locally, throughout the State, nationally and throughout the world.

Critical Action: Assess the types of institutions and events that would bring Penrith Valley world recognition and develop a strategy to secure the selected event or institution.

Presenters: Dr Zoe Sofoulis - UWS - Universal Design and Cultural Context Project Overview

Professor Emerita Helen Armstrong - UWS - Cultural Mapping

Purpose:

To present to Council the final report on the Universal Design and Cultural Context Project. The report recommends that the information be received.

Background

In 2004, Council adopted the People Lifestyle Aspirations and Needs (PLANS) Study which included a recommendation that Council “investigate the potential development of a centre of excellence in Universal Design in partnership with others.”

In order to provide a supportive environment for this outcome, Council initiated and co-operatively funded a research project with UWS. The full title of the project was “Universal Design and Cultural Context: Accessibility, diversity and recreational space in Penrith”. The “lay” title of the project was “Out & About in Penrith”.

Universal Design has been defined as “…the design of products and environments, to be useable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialised design." (Ron Mace, Centre for Universal Design, NC State University USA, 1997).

The intention behind Universal Design is to overcome the marginalisation of people with diverse abilities by providing facilities and spaces which are physically accessible to all. It is a step ahead of basic compliance with accessibility requirements.

The research emphasises Social and Cultural Inclusiveness, noting that the literature about Universal Design articulates goals of diminishing stigmatisation and achieving social inclusion.

The project looked at how Universal Design can be applied to achieve Cultural Inclusiveness in the design and development of public open space. The research team investigated the cultural barriers to public space use experienced by a diverse range of Penrith residents and has explored stakeholders’ interests in design and planning for a range of uses.

The findings and recommendations aim to directly inform Council’s open space planning with the goal of developing public open space which enhances community well-being by ensuring more residents and visitors enjoy these facilities.

The value and relevance of this approach to the project was enhanced in June 2007 when Council endorsed the concepts of Universal Design and Social Inclusion as part of the Open Space Action Plan.

The research team’s final report has now been completed. It includes a comprehensive range of recommendations which were seen to challenge some current approaches and practices in relation to the use of Universal Design and Social Inclusion in developing open space.

Steps have therefore been taken to initiate the development of an organisational response with a workshop held recently for relevant department managers. At the workshop members of the research team presented the outcomes and recommendations, followed by a discussion in which each recommendation was assigned to a relevant manager to develop a response in the light of existing policies, plans and strategies.

The Research Team

A multi disciplinary team drawn from the areas of cultural and urban research and industrial design and engineering was formed for the project.

The project was conducted through the UWS Centre for Cultural Research, the university’s innovative hub of applied humanities partnership research. The team included researchers from other centres and disciplines to make a highly inter-disciplinary team.

A number of Council officers were consulted in the course of undertaking the research.

Members of the research team included:

Dr Zoë Sofoulis — Centre for Cultural Research. Dr Sofoulis provided input on cultural theory and cultural research. Her main roles were to act as project leader. She also undertook community perceptions research, report writing and editing.

Professor (Emerita) Helen Armstrong — Centre for Cultural Research; Landscape Architect. Her main roles were to design and conduct mapping workshops with a community artist, conduct discussion groups and produce the Creative Mapping Guide. She also wrote Chapter 3 of the final report.

Associate Professor Michael Bounds — Urban Research Centre; Urban Sociologist. His main roles were to conduct interviews and report on the “Gatekeepers” Study. He wrote most of Chapter 5.

Dr Abby Mellick Lopes —School of Engineering; Culture and Design Researcher. Her main roles were to undertake site observations, initiate Playvan research, co-conducted workshops. She contributed in a number of areas of the report, especially Chapter 2 and the bibliography.

Ms Tara Andrews — School of Engineering, Industrial Designer. Her main roles were to undertake site observations, research views of other Western Sydney Councils, help conduct discussion groups and mapping workshops. She contributed to Chapters 2 and 5.

Dr Sofoulis and Professor Armstrong will present on the key areas of the project at tonight’s meeting.

Key Research Findings

The findings are summarised here as responses to the three original research questions. The Strategic Summary, which is an attachment to this report, presents these findings in relation to the Objectives of Council’s Open Space Action Plan.

1. What is the knowledge base supporting the application of Universal Design as a local government strategic planning tool in the context of cultural diversity?

The term ‘accessibility’ is widely used but mostly refers to physical access. Universal Design goes further in calling for designs which are accessible at the outset rather than retrofitting modifications which are likely to result in compromised performance.

Overseas, Universal Design has been applied to public open space and across a range of facilities and built environments. Its value to sustainable housing design is increasingly being recognised.

The report favourably notes Council’s Disability Access Committee as a model of using local knowledge of users and experts to identify accessibility issues and plan solutions.

It found that there is potential for a culture of Universal Design informing open space planning to have a higher profile within the organisation.

2. What are the issues related to cultural complexity when planning and designing for accessibility to public and outdoor recreational open space within the Penrith LGA?

The research noted that complexities exist both within and between cultures. One issue for planning in culturally diverse contexts is that different cultures, sub-cultures, and generations have different assumptions and conventions about who uses public space, with whom, how, and when.

Changing family structures, work patterns and child care complexities are likely to affect park visitation by young children with their parents. Anxieties about risk and safety in public space and nervousness about other cultural groups prevent older children from being allowed to play alone in parks. Teenagers are not made to feel welcome in parks by other users or by the lack of infrastructure appropriate for their age group.

Older women can feel intimidated by young people publicly socialising in large groups while Sudanese migrants like to make music, dance and cook in parks but fear hostile looks and racist comments if they act outside current Australian norms of open space use.

The researchers found that Australian park designs emphasise ‘nature’ and physical exercise more than ‘culture’ and arts and that few involved in planning, designing and operating parks have questioned the traditional priorities on team sports facilities serving 10-18 year old males. The mainstream culture of outdoor sport and fitness tends to exclude people with disabilities who are expected to give way to cyclists and joggers.

The need for toilets and shade is, however, universal and user feedback suggests that all user segments would like to see these amenities extended to lower classified parks.

3. What are the practical concerns held by developers, major businesses, and PCC planners related to the application of Universal Design within the context of their understanding of the Penrith community?

In the context of this report, members of this group were called ‘gatekeepers’. In general they were found to be passionate about enhancing the quality of life and recreational opportunities for Penrith residents.

The report notes, however that the prevailing approach to development of open space was largely pragmatic and driven by financial and budgetary considerations. There are concerns about uncertainties surrounding funding sources, particularly Section 94 levies, related disparities between new and older neighbourhoods, the growing cost of maintaining facilities, vandalism and the expense of quality Universally Designed equipment.

The costs of vandalism were found to present a major disincentive to undertaking park improvements. The response to vandalism perpetrated by a minority of youth tends to be a punitive reduction of amenities for all users. It was noted that CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) solutions to vandalism are being pursued but felt that there was potential to develop social inclusion programs to address the problem.

Compared to the benefits of having open space available and serviced, the opportunity costs of Universal Design are seen to be enormous. They found that Universal Design is thought of as an expensive retrofit serving a minority. Few ‘gatekeepers’ connect it with ideas of whole-of-lifespan use or sustainability.

Many ‘gatekeepers’ were found to regard Universal Design as impractical at the moment. Council’s strategic and policy commitments to it are based on a longer-term practical interest in planning for an ageing population with increasing numbers of mobile but variously impaired residents out and about in Penrith. This will increasingly drive Universal Design into the mainstream of consciousness in this group.

Project Documents

Copies of the Executive Summary and the Strategic Summary and Recommendations are attached. The full report will be distributed to Councillors separately in both electronic and hard copy form.

Conclusion

The Universal Design and Cultural Context project has provided an excellent model of co-operation between Council and the University, reflecting ongoing improvement and development of the partnership between the two bodies.

The enthusiasm and commitment of the research team to provide a high quality, relevant and comprehensive final report has been greatly evident to the Council staff who liaised with them in the course of the project.

This project will contribute to the development of Universal Design as an important ongoing focus of education and research effort at UWS and Council will continue to foster this partnership.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Outcomes of the Universal Design and Cultural Context Project be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1.	Universal Design and Cultural Context - Executive Summary	3 Pages	Attachment
2.	Universal Design and Cultural Context - Strategic Summary and Recommendations	22 Pages	Attachment

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Disability Access Committee 2004-08 Achievement Highlights

Compiled by: Joe Ibbitson, Community Programs Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community and Cultural Development Manager

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

Critical Action: Coordinate and implement strategies across all areas of Council's responsibility to improve access for people with a disability according to the recommendations of the Disability Action Plan.

Presenters: David Currie - Disability Access Committee - Highlights of Disability Access Committee Achievements 2004-08

Purpose:

To provide Council with information about the achievements of the Disability Access Committee between 2004-08. The report recommends that the information be received.

Background

With the impending Local Government elections, the current appointment of both the Councillor and community members on Council’s Disability Access Committee (DAC) has come to an end. A new Committee will be appointed after the Local Government elections and the first meeting of the new committee will be held on Wednesday 3^rd December 2008. Note that the Councillor term on the Committee is for four years and community members for two years. In the case of the current Committee the majority of community members have been on the Committee for the full four years.

At the recent DAC meeting in August, Committee members had the opportunity to reflect on the achievements over the period of their appointment and also to consider the on-going challenges.

David Currie who has been serving on the committee as a community member since 2004 will make a brief presentation on some of the achievements during the four year period (2004-08).

Disability Access Committee 2004-08

During the 2004/08 period, a particular emphasis has been to refocus the activities of the Committee at a strategic level. The Committee has also been involved in the development of Council’s first Disability Action Plan (2003-06) and consequently monitoring of the progress of implementation of the plan. In addition to Councillors Jackie Greenow, John Thain and Lexie Cettolin, the community members of the Committee during this period were as follows:

· Mr David Currie

· Ms Jill Huber

· Ms Tricia Hitchen

· Ms Alison Herbert

· Ms Maeve Dunnett

· Mr John Farragher

2004-08 Highlights

The following list highlights some of the successful projects and activities which have been undertaken with the support, advice and assistance of the Disability Access Committee over the 2004-08 period. The list has been grouped according to type of activity noting, however, that projects may fit under a number of groupings. Also, the list is not meant to be exhaustive but rather to provide a tool for reflection on the Committee’s achievements.

1. Disability Action Plan and Disability Access Improvement Program

· Tactile Ground Surface Indicators in both Penrith and St Marys CBDs

· Accessible facilities in the Australia Arms Hotel, Rural Fire Brigade and SES facilities

· Handrails at various Council facilities

· Tactile signage at the Civic Centre

· Footpaths and disability parking at Tench Reserve

· Adaptive and Assistive Technology in Penrith and St Marys libraries

· Sliding doors at St Clair Library

2. Training and EEO

· Councillor and senior management training in disability awareness

· Technical training on AS 1428 and Building Code of Australia for Council staff

· Customer service training for frontline counter and outdoor staff

· Children’s Services staff training

· Disability Traineeships

· EEO Survey

3. Advice on Plans, Strategies and Major Development Applications

· A new protocol on providing input to significant public access DAs

· Great River Walk

· The Red Cow Hotel

· Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre

· Lewers Regional Gallery

· Penrith Stadium

· BLOC Night Club

· Outdoor Eating and Trading Policy

· Tench Reserve

· Memory Park

· Penrith Valley Cultural Precinct

4. Support for Events and New Initiatives

· Nepean Disability Expo

· Council Open Days

· International Day for People with a Disability

· Carers Award

5. Access Maps

· St Marys Town Centre Access Map

· Penrith City Centre Access Map

6. Presentations and Submissions

· New Urban Release Areas

· Universal Design Principles and Draft Open Space Action Plan

· City Centres Review

· Alternate Formats for Information

· Penrith Integrated Transport and Landuse Study and Strategy

· Out and About – Universal Design and Cultural Context

· New Local Plan and Development Control Plan

· Disability Transport Standards – WSROC Submission

· Aviation Issues Paper

It is pleasing to note that Council received an award in 2007 for the Penrith City Centre Access Map. The award was made in the General Cartography section of the competition organised by the Spatial Sciences Board and the committee of the Spatial Sciences Conference on behalf of the Mapping Sciences Institute Australia.

It should also be noted that there have been, and continue to be, significant challenges which require continued effort to bring about important changes to improve accessibility and social inclusion for people with a disability in Penrith.

Priority areas of focus for Council in the next couple of years will be access to information in alternate formats, website compliance, and the completion and implementation of the Disability Action Plan Stage 2.

Completion of the Disability Action Plan Stage 2 process has been delayed due to difficulties with securing an appointment to the Community Development Officer Aged and Disability Services position. The position has recently been readvertised under the updated position title ‘Sustainable Communities Officer – Older People and People with a Disability’

It is now proposed that the Draft Disability Action Plan Stage 2 will be presented to the new Committee at the December meeting.

Change of Name – Access Committee

The Disability Access Committee has recommended to Council that the formal name of the Committee be changed to the ‘Access Committee’. This is designed to focus attention on working towards the inclusion and participation of people with a disability as full members of the local community. The new terms of reference for the committee identify the Universal Design approach and social inclusion as key guiding principles for the work of the committee.

Conclusion

The completion of the four years 2004-08 of the Disability Access Committee presents an opportunity to reflect on some of the achievements and challenges during this period. The list of highlights identifies the important work that the Committee has undertaken over the previous four years and points to some of the continuing challenges in the future.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Disability Access Committee 2004-08 Achievement Highlights be received.

2. The Committee members be thanked for their participation on and contribution to Council’s Disability Access Committee during the 2004-08 period.

3. Certificates of Appreciation be presented to the community members of the Disability Access Committee for the period 2006-08.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*The City as a Social Place*

The City as a Social Place

Aboriginal Job Compact

Compiled by: Tracy Leahy, Community Programs Co-ordinator

Authorised by: Erich Weller, Community and Cultural Development Manager

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Council continues to offer leadership in developing a better understanding of and cooperation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and people.

Critical Action: Undertake joint initiatives with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations and people to increase understanding and cooperation.

Purpose:

To inform Council of the discussions held between the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Council regarding progress on the development of an Aboriginal Job Compact. The report recommends that Council receive the report and endorse the signing of an Aboriginal Job Compact with the NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs.

Background

On 19^th November 2007 the NSW Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Hon. Paul Lynch MP, launched a landmark Job Compact agreement that is expected over time to generate strong growth in the employment of Aboriginal people. The Overarching Memorandum of Understanding for Job Compacts is an agreement between the NSW Government, NSW Business Chamber, the Local Government and Shires Association of NSW, Unions NSW and the NSW Aboriginal Land Council to work together to develop Job Compacts. This MOU provides a shared vision and a basis for the removal of barriers to help Aboriginal people take advantage of job opportunities, particularly in the private sector.

Job compacts are being developed in 12 regional and metropolitan centres with large Aboriginal populations and good employment opportunities. Job Compacts are a new initiative which will explore innovative and creative measures to combat the high level of unemployment experienced by Aboriginal people, particularly in the context where the NSW population overall is enjoying a 30 year low level of unemployment. A key focus of Job Compacts is to forge strong relationships between the private sector, industry groups, employment services, training providers, Aboriginal communities and local government. Each compact identifies how government agencies, business and industry groups as well as key Aboriginal organisations and local government can work together to facilitate employment opportunities for Aboriginal people in a local context.

Job Compacts are designed to be flexible and adapt to different regions, industry clusters or Local Government Areas. The Compacts will differ from area to area and will include actions and activities that are appropriate for local employment opportunities and conditions. It provides a focal point for Aboriginal organisations, non- Aboriginal service providers, employers and local government to make a commitment to Aboriginal employment participation.

Job compacts have been successful in other areas (Tamworth is cited by DAA) where employers have been willing to commit to the process and this has had positive outcomes for the community as well as for their business. Dubbo City Council has recently become a signatory to a Job Compact. This initial agreement between Dubbo City Council and DAA was then signed by over 30 organisations including local employers, employment and training providers as well as representatives from the local Aboriginal Community and the Chamber of Commerce. This process was facilitated and driven by Dubbo City Council and is expected to overcome some of the barriers to the employment of Aboriginal people in Dubbo City.

Local Context

Western Sydney (constituting the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs) has been identified as a Job Compact area by the Department of Aboriginal Affairs (D.A.A.). Both Blacktown and Penrith have large Aboriginal populations as well as viable private sector employment opportunities.

Penrith’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population according to the 2006 Census is 4,083 people which represents 2.4% of the total population.

In the 2006 Census the Penrith LGA’s Aboriginal unemployment rate was 14.1% versus 5.3% for the general population.

Blacktown LGA is home to 7,060 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people representing 2.6% of the population - the largest Aboriginal population by LGA in NSW. Aboriginal unemployment rate was 21.8% versus 6.8% for the general population.

In 2002, the Federal Productivity Commission reported that unemployment is a persistent and severe social and economic problem in Australia. The risk factors for unemployment are identified as including early school-leaving, living in a low socio-economic area, low literacy and numeracy levels, and being from an Aboriginal or non-English speaking background.

The proposed Job Compact and initiative complements Council’s commitment to redressing disadvantage and improving Aboriginal employment and further education outcomes locally by showing leadership within the City and through the Neighbourhood Renewal Program. A significant percentage of the City’s Aboriginal residents live in established areas particularly those areas considered relatively disadvantaged. Employment is a key element of independence and has a direct bearing on general wellbeing. Improving employment outcomes for Aboriginal people will have a range of positive flow-on effects. Increasing employment can directly address entrenched disadvantage and improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people, their families and communities.

Council has itself for many years employed a number of staff from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background. These staff work in a number of different sections of Council. In 1999 Council engaged in a joint partnership agreement with the NSW Department of Local Government to jointly fund a small number of identified Aboriginal employment positions in Council. These identified positions provide entry points for some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be employed by Council. In other cases positions have also been filled by Aboriginal people with professional qualifications. More recently Council has also introduced a couple of identified traineeships for Aboriginal people.

To be successful Job Compacts also require productive working relationships between the selected industry sectors, Council, Aboriginal partner organisations, and Aboriginal people more generally. For example Penrith Council has good relationships with many industry sectors including the development and construction industry, and the retail sector. It also has good working relationships with business associations in the City.

In addition Council works closely with Aboriginal controlled organisations in the city including for example the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, who have strong links with local residents. The City also has a number of employment, education and training providers who are interested in increasing the employment of Aboriginal people in the City and Western Sydney more generally.

Developing a Local Job Compact

Since initial discussions took place with Blacktown Council and the Department of Aboriginal Affairs in May 2007 on the subject of Aboriginal unemployment and Job compacts a number of further meetings have been held with Yarn’n consulting services who were engaged to assist with the development of Job Compacts by D.A.A. Penrith and Blacktown Council have agreed that each would sign a separate Job Compact agreement with D.A.A., subject to each Council’s endorsement. It is acknowledged that each Council will need to determine its own priorities for a Job Compact. It is important to note that a Job Compact can be signed with DAA as an in principle agreement with the detail about priorities added later to one of the schedules.

The construction and development industry sector was identified by Penrith Council officers as providing a good initial starting point to include in a Job Compact for the Local Government Area. This industry sector has the potential to provide sustainable, quality jobs and the local stakeholders are likely to support the principle and practice of providing jobs for Aboriginal workers and contractors, and willing to be engaged in a long term commitment. Delfin Lendlease’s establishment of the Ropes Crossing Skills and Employment Centre in St Marys is one positive initiative already in existence. Other industries that have been identified as being suitable for a Job Compact include the retail and hospitality Industry sectors.

It is proposed that Council enter into a Job Compact with the DAA with the construction and development industry to be the nominated sector for inclusion as a priority. Council together with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs will provide the leadership for the Job Compact process in Penrith City.

At this stage it is expected that a forum will be held later in 2008 or early 2009 inviting prominent companies in the construction industry in the City as well as employment, education and training providers, the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council, and other Aboriginal community organisations with strong links to local residents. Aboriginal tradespeople and contractors would also be invited to attend the forum. From this forum a steering group would be set up to guide the priorities and actions of the Job Compact.

D.A.A. has confirmed that Yarn’n consultant’s role is to identify employment and training services and government programs which directly support employment outcomes. D.A.A. has a number of resources including practical templates for implementing agreements with industry signatories to Job Compacts, preparing Aboriginal employment participation plans and examples of indicators for Aboriginal participation in tender documents for major private sector projects.

Summary

Council has a commitment to equity for Aboriginal residents of the city. Access to securing meaningful employment is a major factor in addressing disadvantage particularly in the Aboriginal community. The NSW Department of Aboriginal Affairs Job Compacts have the endorsement of a number of key peak NSW organisations including the Local Government Association of NSW, Unions NSW, the NSW Aboriginal Land Council and the NSW Business Chamber.

The proposed Job Compact agreement with DAA provides Council with an opportunity to contribute to enhanced employment and further training outcomes for Aboriginal people in Penrith City. Council will play a leadership and facilitating role to bring together industry sectors, employment, education and training providers and Aboriginal partner organisations to achieve the desired outcomes. The NSW DAA will provide pathways for employers participating in the proposed Job Compacts to access Federal and other government employment subsidy and training programs that will support the overall objectives of the Compact.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The information contained in the report on Aboriginal Job Compact be received.

2. Council endorses the signing of an Aboriginal Job Compact Agreement with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and progress implementation as outlined in this report.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*Leadership and Organisation*

Leadership and Organisation

Online Community Consultation

Compiled by: Shari Hussein, Strategic Planning Coordinator

Authorised by: Ross Kingsley, Corporate Development Manager

Requested By: Councillor Jim Aitken OAM

Strategic Program Term Achievement: A commonly shared long-term vision for the City underpins strategic collaboration and community engagement.

Critical Action: Conduct a structured dialogue with the community around issues relating to the performance and management of the City.

Purpose:

To advise Council of the recent trial and further plans for the online community consultation forum 'Bang the Table'. The report recommends that the information be received.

Background

As previously advised to Council, a trial has recently been conducted of a new online community consultation methodology provided by the consultancy firm Bang the Table Pty Ltd.

Council has taken out a licence for this product for 2008-09. The present report further details the nature of this approach and how it may be applicable to the Penrith context. This is currently being explored by the organisation.

Strategic Plan Context

A distinguishing feature of Council’s Strategic Plan and Program 2005-2009 is the commitment to enhanced community engagement as described by Term Achievement 29.1: A Commonly Shared Long-Term Vision for the City Underpins Strategic Collaboration and Community Engagement. This is now reinforced by the Penrith Sustainability Principle 7 ~ Empower people and foster participation.

Council has a very extensive program of community engagement and consultation around both ongoing services and particular projects. Assessment has been undertaken of further appropriate measures, responsibilities and resources for community consultation, City partnerships and advocacy elements of Council's program. Importantly, additional resources for local community engagement have now been provided by Council through the AREAS special initiative. An extensive range of forums with the community is being conducted and utilised to strengthen shared vision as well as particular programs.

The extensive dialogue with the community which Council conducts needs to be on a structured basis, relating to the performance and management of the City. Best value needs to be obtained from the wide range of forums which are conducted, with the content of discussions helping to drive issues and priorities for the City’s advocacy.

Coordination and Enhancement of Engagement

As endorsed by Council in December 2007, the appropriate context for further development and value adding to our existing community engagement practices has been the preparation of the next Strategic Plan.

A cross-organisational reference group was formed and is meeting on a regular basis to support staff in the implementation of community consultation practices and the use of the Community Participation Manual which was adopted by Council in 2006. This group will assist in developing further enhancements and identifying opportunities for cooperation across Council in the delivery of effective community participation activities and programs.

Council has also recently joined a national local government network ‘Just Communities’ which is focused on ‘action research’ (identification and testing of best practice) in governance and management as well as community engagement. This will assist us in drawing upon (as well as sharing) approaches of proven value.

Engaging on the Strategic Plan

The extension of community engagement practices of proven value and the careful introduction of appropriate new techniques form a key element of the Strategic Plan preparations.

In preparing the next Strategic Plan we are more widely engaging our communities in addition to key stakeholders, City partners and the organisation itself in an ongoing dialogue or ‘conversation’.

Elements of the ‘conversation’ being conducted include:

· building on Penrith’s Regional City status

· the sustainability framework and outcomes to be pursued for the City

· the future direction and delivery of Council’s services to the community

Part of the approach is an interactive part of Council’s website (linked on the home page www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au), where research can be accessed, questions answered and general comments made.

Online Community Consultation

An extra dimension is being added to Council’s engagement and consultation toolkit by the more extensive use of online technologies, including ‘Bang the Table’ and the provision of online surveys for both the community and staff. These technologies are being further explored through appropriate aspects of the overall consultation program.

Bang the Table is a consultancy firm focusing on developing and implementing strategies to engage communities and Government. It uses the internet to provide the community and government with a new way to engage in public policy debate.

Council engaged this firm to provide an interactive and specially-designed website for community consultation for the Draft 2008-09 Management Plan (www.bangthetable.com/penrith). Council’s website continued to be used for the provision of information, documents and to provide the opportunity for submissions.

The online forum was seen as a means of generating additional awareness of and comment on the exhibition and on the priority of particular issues. It was hoped that this approach would encourage members of the community (including young people and those not easily reached through more traditional forms of consultation) to engage more extensively with the process and Council’s planning for the City. The website was operated independently by the consultants at ‘arms length’ from Council (but with any inappropriate/offensive comments immediately removed). Officers monitored the site and had the opportunity to clarify some statements of fact.

As members of the public were able to browse the website or register to provide comments without submitting their details to Council, it was determined by Council for this exhibition that comments made through the site would not be treated as formal submissions. Rather, a report would be made on the usage and findings of the website consultation, which could be considered, in the context of submissions received, as part of the overall public response to the Draft Management Plan.

Details of the results of this initiative were reported to Council as part of the Management Plan process. This information is provided in the attachments for ease of reference.

Conclusion

Overall, the trial of Bang the Table was judged to have been successful and Council has subsequently taken out an annual licence for the product for 2008-09. This allows for up to six ‘projects’ (which may typically be in conjunction with public exhibition processes) to have tailored online forums as part of the consultation arrangements.

Consideration is currently being given to the appropriate further use of this approach for Council’s upcoming Draft Strategic Plan, as well as more particular projects. As Council is aware, a range of key public exhibitions and consultations will occur within the present year. These will be carefully assessed on a case-by-case basis as to whether the online forum methodology is useful and appropriate. Managers have been encouraged to explore this potential dimension to their consultation plans.

It has also been identified that Council’s adopted Community Consultation Manual could be strengthened by a more contemporary reference to online community consultation and an appropriate amendment is being prepared.

In keeping with the provisions of the Consultation Manual regarding notification of Councillors, direct advice will be given of particular projects where the Bang the Table approach is to be utilised.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Online Community Consultation be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

1. View

Bang the Table activity report - Draft 2008-09 Management Plan

6 Pages

Appendix

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*Leadership and Organisation*

Leadership and Organisation

Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal review of Revenue Framework for Local Government

Compiled by: Vicki O’Kelly, Financial Services Manager

Authorised by: Barry Husking, Chief Financial Officer

Strategic Program Term Achievement: Council provides adequate resources to deliver its program and has introduced measures to increase its capacity.

Critical Action: Develop annual and longer-term resource plans aligned to the Strategic Program and service specifications.

Purpose:

To advise Council of Penrith City Council's submission on the review of the Revenue Framework for Local Government being conducted by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tibunal. The report recommends the information be received.

Background

In May 2008, the Premier of NSW requested the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) conduct a review of the regulation of council rates and charges. As a consequence of that request IPART have commenced a review of the Revenue Framework for Local Government and distributed an issues paper in July 2008. The paper invites submissions and comments from interested parties, including Local Government.

WSROC have proposed that a coordinated response be provided and that they would produce this submission. Council Officers attended a meeting with representatives of all WSROC Councils and provided input to the issues that should be raised in the submission. This submission is being finalised by WSROC and will be considered by the Board at their meeting on Thursday 28 August. Submissions are due with IPART by Friday 29 August.

Details of the WSROC submission will be provided to Councillors, by way of a further report to this meeting, as soon as it becomes available along with the details of a letter that will be sent to IPART expressing Penrith City Council’s support of the WSROC submission pending its endorsement by Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That the information contained in the report on Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal review of Revenue Framework for Local Government be received.

ATTACHMENTS/APPENDICES

There are no attachments for this report.

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*Appendix 1 - Bang the Table activity report - Draft 2008-09 Management Plan*

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*Attachment 1 - Universal Design and Cultural Context - Executive Summary*

*Policy Review Committee Meeting*	*1 September 2008*
*Attachment 2 - Universal Design and Cultural Context - Strategic Summary and Recommendations*