Agenda of Council - 23 August 2010

Council 23 August 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM SUBJECT PAGE NO

1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Council - 26 July 2010, Council (Development) - 9 August 2010

2 APOLOGIES

3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

4 Minutes of Lord Mayor

5 Public Forum

6 PETITIONS

7 COUNCIL MATTERS TO BE ADOPTED WITHOUT DISCUSSION

8 Economy and Development

8.1 Christmas Activities

8.2 Review of the SEPP 65 Design Review Panel for Parramatta City Council

8.3 Telopea Urban Renewal Project

8.4 135 - 137 Spurway Street Ermington (Lots 102 and 103 DP 36536) (Lachlan Macquarie Ward)

8.5 128 Bettington Road, Oatlands (Lot 2 DP 207523) (Lachlan Macquarie Ward)

9 Environment and Infrastructure

9.1 Traffic Engineering Advisory Group Minutes held on 5 August 2010

9.2 Parramatta Traffic Committee Minutes held on 5 August 2010

9.3 Parramatta Cycleway Advisory Committee

10 Community and Neighbourhood

10.1 Parramatta City Council Annual Community Grants 2011

10.2 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 27 July 2010

10.3 Paint Parra REaD Community Literacy Program

11 Governance and Corporate

11.1 Fees and Charges

11.2 2010/14 Delivery Program

11.3 Voluntary Pensioner Rebate Policy - effect of rebate pro-rata

11.4 Investments Report for June 2010

11.5 e-Parra Strategy - Update

11.6 Neighbourhood Centre Upgrades

11.7 Quarterly Review June 2010

11.8 Services Review Implementation

12 Closed Session

12.1 Tender 21/2010 Construction of a New Amenities Building at Old Saleyards Reserve, Gladstone Street, North Parramatta.

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (d) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains 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.

12.2 Report on documentation submitted by Planning Direction Ltd.

This report is confidential in accordance with section 10A (2) (a) of the Local Government act 1993 as the report contains personnel matters concerning particular individuals.

13 DECISIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION

14 QUESTION TIME

Council 23 August 2010 Item 8.1

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT Christmas Activities

REFERENCE F2004/09855 - D01619670

REPORT OF Acting Service Manager Events

PURPOSE:

To seek guidance from Council on the 2010 Christmas celebrations and activities program.

RECOMMENDATIONS

(a) That Council consider the banner design options and select two to be the new Christmas banners to be erected in the Parramatta LGA during Christmas for the next three (3) years.

(b) That the Christmas decorations program be enhanced and a large outdoor Christmas tree be erected in Church Street Mall outside Parramatta Town Hall.

(c) That Council’s Christmas festivities for 2010 commence with the traditional lighting up of the Town Hall / Christmas tree by the Lord Mayor on Thursday 25 November.

(d) That Council provide in-kind support for the staging of a Christmas pageant by Community groups in Church Street Mall outside Parramatta Town Hall on Friday 26 November 2010.

(e) That Council stage Christmas concerts at Granville Town Hall and Dundas Community Centre, and either stage a concert or seek to support existing Christmas Celebrations in Winston Hills following consultation with the local community.

(f) That the Christmas “Bright Lights” competition continues in 2010.

(g) Further that Council increase funding by $25,000 to fund additional Christmas activities and decorations including hiring a 9 metre outdoor tree.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Major Events team coordinates a number of activities to celebrate Christmas in Parramatta. These include:

(a) Christmas Banners

(b) Christmas Decorations

(d) Christmas Lights Competition

(e) Christmas Calendar

Following feedback from Councillors, this report outlines a number of potential changes and seeks Council’s guidance on the 2010 Christmas celebrations and activities program.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Christmas Banners

2. At its meeting of 14 December 2009, Council resolved in part:

“(d) Further, that Council staff, in consultation with Councillors, design a new range of banners, that will clearly display the words, “Merry Christmas” and that equally illustrate:-

1. The traditional notion of Christmas;

2. The nativity version and traditional Christian notion of Christmas."

3. Five new designs that capture the traditional notion of Christmas, nativity and use the phrase “Merry Christmas” are tabled for consideration by Council.

4. It is recommended that Council choose two designs, one with a blue background and one with a red background and that these designs be hung on alternate poles throughout the LGA. (Refer to Attachment 1 for design options) Banner poles are located in the following areas:

Parramatta CBD,

North Parramatta (Victoria Road)

Telopea Shops (Benaud Place)

Ermington Shops (Betty Cuthbert Avenue)

Granville Shops (South Street)

Guildford Shops (Guildford Road)

Epping Shops (Beecroft Road and Rawson Street)

Harris Park (Marion Street)

Christmas Decorations

5. A number of Civic buildings and neighbourhood centres are decorated each year at Christmas and it is proposed that this continues in 2010;

(a) Council’s Administration Foyer – 30 Darcy Street, Parramatta

· one Christmas tree

· two swing garlands for the front desk

(b) Council’s Chambers Building – Ground Floor

· one Christmas tree

· one large wreath and one medium wreath

· two nutcracker statues

· four large Christmas wreaths

· Christmas lights and additional decorations around the building

(d) Church Street Mall (outside area)

· lighting of 7 trees around the Church Street Mall area with bud-lights

· one large (new) Christmas tree and enhanced decorations – see proposal below

(e) Parramatta Library

· one Christmas tree

(f) Decorations in Neighbourhood Libraries and other Centres

· the following neighbourhood shopping centres, not having suitable pole structures, will be dressed with Christmas decorations:

- Dellwood Street South Granville

- Iron Street North Parramatta

- Bungaree Road Toongabbie

- Emma Crescent Constitution Hill

- Calder Road Dundas

These street decorations will feature a newly commissioned “nativity” themed garland, unique to Parramatta

· All Council libraries and child care centres will also be dressed with Christmas decorations along with Granville Youth and Community Recreation Centre.

Proposed Additional Decorations

Large Christmas tree and additional elements outside Parramatta Town Hall

6. A potential additional Christmas decoration could be the installation of a large Christmas tree in Church Street Mall. Many cities and towns across the world use a large outdoor Christmas tree as a feature and focal point for their Christmas celebrations. Locally, Fairfield Council erects an 8 metre tree and Auburn Council erects a 12 metre tree. (See Attachment 2)

7. The lights on the tree could be switched on by the Lord Mayor as part of a Civic event held each year to launch the Christmas season.

Purchase versus Hiring

8. There are a number of advantages of hiring a Christmas tree, rather than purchasing one;

· Hiring ensures that a high quality product is provided each year. If purchased, Council would be required to maintain and clean the item

· Hiring saves Council storage costs and complexity as this is a very large and bulky item

· Hiring includes installation. If purchased, Council would then be required to incur annual installation and removal costs

· Hiring also provides Council the option/flexibility to change colour schemes from year to year; for example Red & Gold to Blue & Silver

9. An 8 metre tree package (such as the one used by Fairfield Council) including lights, decoration, fencing and installation costs $20,000 to purchase outright and for one month hire would cost approximately $13,000.

10. A 9 metre tree package costs $30,000 to purchase outright and for one month hire would cost approximately $17,000.

11. A 12 metre tree package (such as the one used by Auburn Council) costs $36,000 to purchase outright and for one month hire would cost approximately $22,000.

12. There is currently no budget allocation for a large outdoor Christmas tree and additional Christmas decorations in the 2010/11 budget. Should Council support this proposal, an additional budget allocation would be required.

13. Given the scale and space in Church Street Mall in front of Parramatta Town Hall, hiring a 9 metre tree is recommended. The package, including lights, decoration, fencing and installation would cost $17,000 annually to hire.

Christmas Concerts

14. In 2009 the annual Christmas concert held outside Parramatta Town Hall was discontinued in favour of 5 smaller neighbourhood concerts held in local community centres across Parramatta.

15. A significant reason for developing the neighbourhood concert series was to provide improved access to the target audience (local families). The total attendance in 2009 was significantly less than the numbers that would usually attend the Parramatta Town Hall/Church Street Mall Christmas Concert (2000 people). The numbers attending were as follows:

· Ermington Community Centre – 80

· Dundas Community Centre – 80

· Reg Byrne Community Centre – 65

· Winston Heights Public School – 53

· Granville Town Hall – 95

16. It is recognised that new events require a few years to gain recognition so the proposal this year is to continue with the neighbourhood concerts but reduce them from five to three, concentrating marketing and programming for Christmas Concerts in Granville, Dundas/Telopea and Winston Hills.

17. Consultation with the Winston Hills local community will be undertaken to determine whether Council stage a concert or seek to support existing Christmas celebrations in Winston Hills.

18. These concerts will be complimented by the Christmas festivities launch at Parramatta Town Hall, proposed for Thursday 25 November.

Christmas Lights Competition

19. At its meeting of 23 March 2009 Council resolved in part:

“(b) That a project proposal be prepared for a Christmas Lights competition for Council’s consideration in the Management Plan and Budget for 2009/2010…

(d) That the first competition occurs in Christmas 2009

(e) Further, that we have awards for both:-

i) Best Santa Display

ii) Best Nativity Display”

20. The inaugural “Bright Lights” Competition was held last year. It consisted of two categories – ‘Best Nativity Display’ and ‘Best General Display’, with 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place in each category.

21. In its first year the competition attracted 40 entries. Through marketing and promotion and as the event becomes better known, more entries are expected in 2010. Council paid to offset estimated carbon emissions created by the project, and it is recommended that this also occur in 2010. The amount paid was approximately $250.00.

22. Proposed enhancements to this year’s program are:

· Increased marketing and strengthening relationship with print media partner

· Improved use of websites to promote and showcase entries

· Acceptance of digital photo entries

· New award category “Best ‘green’ Christmas Lights Display”

· Plaques for winner of each category

· Framed certificates for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category.

A budget allocation for this activity was approved in the 2010/11 budget.

Christmas Calendar

23. The Parramatta Community Christmas Calendar was introduced in 2006 for the purposes of promoting both Councils Christmas program and also the Christmas events and activities conducted by local organisations, community groups and charities. In 2009, 54,000 copies of the calendar were distributed through the local print media.

24. The Parramatta Advertiser has supported the Community Christmas Calendar over several years by allowing the DL sized insert into their local newspaper distribution.

25. External feedback regarding the Community Christmas Calendar has been very positive. It is intended that the Christmas Calendar will remain part of the Christmas in Parramatta program in 2010.

Proposed Additional Activities

Advent Pageant / Friday 26 November

26. There have been some preliminary discussions with local community groups about a possible new activity this year. If this proceeds, it is proposed that Council provide in-kind support to an inclusive community run Christmas pageant in Church Street Mall in front of Parramatta Town Hall on Friday 26th November.

27. The event would include performances from schools from the region, a parade of children dressed in biblical costumes through Church Street Mall where there would be a Christmas Concert / Christmas Carols, and perhaps a free BBQ.

28. The timing of this event following the launch of our Christmas festivities the night before will help create a festive atmosphere in the City Centre.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

29. A number of Councillors have provided feedback on the various aspects of our Christmas activities program. A Christmas activities email survey was also sent to Councillors on 2 July 2010 and 3 responses were received. The suggestions raised have been incorporated into this report.

30. Suggested changes to the Christmas program also reflect the Council resolutions on the Christmas banners (14 December 2009) and on the Christmas lights competition (23 March 2009).

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

31. The current budget for Christmas activities in 2010 is $75,000 with an additional $16,000 allocated to produce the new Christmas banners which are expected to serve for three years. Additional funding of $25,000 is sought to accommodate improvements to the Christmas activities and decorations program outlined in this report, including the proposed large outdoor Christmas tree.

32. Prior to 2009, Westfield Parramatta sponsored Council’s Christmas Calendar in the amount of approximately $8,000 p/a. They have however declined to continue with their sponsorship because of a focus on internal events and activities with Westfield’s centre.

33. In 2009, the Parramatta Advertiser sponsored Council’s Christmas program with an in-kind investment for distribution of 54,000 calendars in their newspaper, editorial coverage for 3 weeks and a half page advertisement of the competition entry form for the “Bright Lights” competition.

34. A new sponsorship package will be produced and hopefully attract new sponsors for 2010 Christmas in Parramatta celebrations.

Kevin Brennan

Acting Service Manager Major Events

Attachments:

1 View View	Christmas Banner options	5 Pages
2 View View	Christmas Tree Option	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 8.2

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT Review of the SEPP 65 Design Review Panel for Parramatta City Council

REFERENCE F2004/10221 - D01619811

REPORT OF Group Manager Outcomes and Development

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to seek endorsement of the establishment of a Parramatta Design Advisory Panel (in lieu of the SEPP 65 Design Review Panel) and provide advice on other reform initiatives related to development assessment.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council advise the NSW Department of Planning that it no longer wishes to have a SEPP 65 Design Review Panel operating within its local government area.

(b) That Council establish an independent Parramatta Design Advisory Panel to help improve the quality of private development and Council’s own urban design and public projects.

(c) That Council invite expressions of interest from suitably qualified design experts (that currently do not operate on a regular basis in the Parramatta LGA) and the members of the existing SEPP 65 Design Review Panel to be members of the Parramatta Design Advisory Panel.

(d) Further, that Council note the introduction of development application lodgement interviews (on a trial basis) and the establishment of an e-Planning portal (ICON).

BACKGROUND

1. State Environment Planning Policy No. 65. (SEPP 65) was gazetted on 26 July 2002. SEPP 65 sought to improve the quality of design for residential flat buildings. Together with introducing ‘10 Design Quality Principles’ the SEPP allowed the Minister for Planning to establish Design Review Panels that would advise consent authorities on development applications for residential flat development and other initiatives for improving the design quality of residential flat development, such as LEP and DCP controls.

2. On 10 December 2002 Parramatta Council resolved to establish a SEPP 65 Design Review Panel with the terms of reference for the panel endorsed on 17 February 2003 (Attachment 1).

3. The Minister for Planning appointed two Parramatta Design Review Panels in early 2004 with each panel comprising 5 members. The first meeting of the Parramatta Design Review Panel was held on 20 April 2004.

4. The panels have met on 75 occasions and have reviewed 358 development projects (56 of which were pre-lodgement advice) in the 6 years of its operation.

5. The current membership of the two panels has only changed during the 6 years of operation through the resignation of appointed panel members. Likewise, the membership of the two panels has not been reviewed during its term of operation.

REPORT

Design Review Panel

6. There is no doubt that the Design Review Panel has had a very positive impact on improving the design quality of residential flat building developments in the Parramatta LGA. The panel continues to have a positive impact on Council staff, the many projects they contribute to, and the panel has been well received by the vast majority of the development community in Parramatta.

7. However, since the commencement of the panel in 2004 the operating environment has changed and it is now time for a significant review of the existing Design Review Panel to be conducted. Events such as the creation of an in-house urban design team, the gazettal of the City Centre LEP 2007 and the establishment of Design Excellence Design Review Process in the CCLEP, together with resignations of panel members are all catalysts for a comprehensive review.

8. The terms of reference for the existing Design Review Panel are limited to buildings in which SEPP 65 applies (i.e. residential flat buildings) and pre-lodgement advice for these types of buildings. Whilst the panel has in the past been requested to comment on some larger commercial buildings in the Parramatta CBD referral of these applications is not the charter of the panel.

9. The establishment of a Design Excellence Competition for large and important projects in the Parramatta CBD has resulted in a duplicity of design review processes for the projects which are subject to SEPP 65. This means that proponents must conduct a Design Excellence Competition for their projects and then once the DA is lodged for assessment attend a SEPP 65 Design Review Panel. The duplicity in design review processes can be frustrating for proponents, reduces certainty in outcomes and is costly, often acting as a deterrent for proponents to develop in Parramatta.

10. Parramatta is one of the most important centres in metropolitan Sydney and its success as a prosperous and well designed city is vital to its future success. Ensuring we get right design advice at the right stage of the development process is key to this success.

11. In going forward there are two options available to Council:

a. Request the Minister of Planning to review the current membership of the SEPP 65 Resign Review Panel. This would provide some fresh eyes and ears to the process of listening to local designers and reviewing their documents.

b. Seek leave from the Minister to disband the existing SEPP 65 Design Review Panel on the basis that Council will establish its own Design Advisory Panel which would review a broader range of development applications (not just SEPP 65 projects) and projects of significance to the city (such as public domain projects and council projects). The panel would also provide pre-lodgement advice for some projects. The panel would not comment on projects in which a Design Excellence Competition had been held. [NB - Sydney City Council has a similar design panel].

12. The preferred option is option 2 as it broadens the terms of reference for projects that require design review both at a pre-lodgement/design phase and also at DA assessment stage; removes the duplicity of design review processes where Design Excellence Competitions have been held under the CCLEP; provides a mechanism for design reviews to be carried out for Council projects and public domain projects’ and will enable the refreshment of panel membership.

13. It is anticipated that the Parramatta Design Advisory Panel will provide Parramatta Council with high level independent expert advice and expertise on urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, art and sustainability will be sought. The advice provided by the panel will assist the city in its promotion and delivery of high quality built environments.

14. It is expected that the Design Advisory Panel will provide advice in relation to the following matters:

a. Development Applications and projects for SEPP 65 applications, multi-unit housing projects, development in the Parramatta CBD, commercial development and large scale industrial developments (exception being where a City Centre Design Excellence Competition has been held for a project).

b. Significant urban design, architecture and landscape architecture projects intended to be undertaken by the city.

c. Significant urban design, architecture and landscape architecture projects intended to be undertaken by the private sector.

d. Draft planning instruments and development control plans.

15. Parramatta Council will be responsible for the selection of the panel members and it is proposed that membership on the panel would be for a 2 year period.

Other Planning Reforms

16. There are two other major reforms currently underway which will further improve both the quality of development applications and the efficiency of assessment of applications.

17. The first of these is the establishment of lodgement interviews for development applications. At present applicants either lodge their development applications over the counter or via the post. If lodging over the counter customers are often delayed if there is more than one customer or applicant waiting to be attended to and staff can not often dedicate the time which they would like to reviewing each application to ensure that all of the required information has been submitted so as to ensure a timely assessment of the application. The staff also do not have time to carry out a cursory assessment of each application against the major development controls to determine whether there are likely to be issued raised in the assessment phase due to these time constraints. This review is currently completed up to a week after the lodgement of the DA, impacting on assessment times.

18. It is proposed to replace the current two-step process with a one-step lodgement interview where applicants would contact Council in advance of lodging their application and make an appointment to meet with relevant staff to lodge their application. Meeting times would be allocated (minimum half hour timeslots) and relevant staff would review each application in a professional and relaxed manner to ensure that sufficient time is allocated to customers when submitting DAs. The intention is that only complete applications would be accepted and applications that were lacking information would be sent back to the applicant to arrange for the necessary information to be collected. The face to face contact between staff and the applicant would also ensure that applicants are aware of the requirements of Council hopefully minimising rework in the future. In many cases, the comprehensive application review at lodgement would also enable notification to be arranged and referrals to be sent thereby improving assessment times.

19. It is proposed that the lodgement interview process be trialled for a 3 month period commencing in September. It is proposed that the service would be available for all DA types, but that during the 3 month trial period lodgement of a DA via an interview would not be mandatory.

20. The move from Council-on-Line presented an opportunity for a new DA tracking and reporting system/software to be introduced. This new software (ICON) provides a far better DA tracking system and will also provide an assessment module available to Council officers and applicants. Once implemented the assessment module will substantially improve the quality of applications, particularly in the preparation of statement of environmental effects for applicants and will also ensure that there is consistent application and consideration of planning controls (both LEP and DCP controls) in the Council assessment of applications. The Assessment module will link every clause of the LEP/DCP to every property to which is relevant within the city. It enables the development proponent to log onto the system and identify a parcel of land and understand which clauses of the LEP/DCP apply to a particular development if it would have to be undertaken on this land.

21 Both of these reforms are expected to have significant benefits to the way in which development applications are processed and assessed within the Parramatta City Council and further improve assessment times.

Sue Weatherley

Group Manager Outcomes and Development

Attachments:

1 View

Terms of Reference Endorsed on 17 February 2003

2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

None.

Council 23 August 2010 Item 8.3

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.3

SUBJECT Telopea Urban Renewal Project

REFERENCE NCA/1/2010 - D01624391

REPORT OF Acting Manager Land Use and Transport Planning

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s endorsement to a letter being sent to the NSW Minister for Housing urging the Minister to appoint a community committee to ensure that the community is involved in the Telopea Urban Renewal Project. The report also provides an analysis of the review that has been conducted of the public consultation carried out in relation to the Concept Plan application by the consent authority (Department of Planning) and proponent (Department of Housing).

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council endorse the letter to the NSW Minister for Housing as shown in Attachment 1

(b) Further that, the report be received and noted.

BACKGROUND

1. A Part 3A concept application has been made to the NSW Department of Planning for the construction of 1,900 dwellings over 10 precincts known as the ‘Telopea Urban Renewal project’ and to the project Application for demolition of existing dwellings and the construction of 103 residential units in the Shortland Precinct and 49 residential units in the Moffats Precinct.

2. The project has been considered by Council at a number of Council meetings, the latest being the Council Meeting held on 12 July 2010 where the following was resolved:

(a) That a letter be prepared to be sent by the Lord Mayor to the Minister for Housing demanding that the Department of Housing seek and form a community committee of interested residents and Councillors to ensure the community is involved in the project.

(b) That the proposed letter be endorsed by the Chamber prior to being sent.

(c) Further that information also be provided as to whether the appropriate guidelines have been followed in relation to the processing for this application, especially in regard to such issues as consultation and infrastructure, and if not, action available to Council the issue with the appropriate governing body.

LETTER TO MINISTER FOR HOUSING

3. The draft letter as required by part (a) of the resolution is located at Attachment 1.

REVIEW OF PUBLIC CONSULTATION CONDUCTED FOR TELOPEA CONCEPT PLAN (PART 3A MAJOR PROJECT)

4. A desk-top audit has been completed of the consultation carried out in relation to the Concept Plan application by the consent authority (Department of Planning) and proponent (Department of Housing). The analysis has focused on the legislative requirements prescribed in Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act 1979 and the Part 3A Assessment Process prescribed in Fact Sheet 2 (dated October 2009) and published on the Department of Planning website (www.planning.nsw.gov.au) (refer to Attachment 2).

1. Development Declared a Major Project

The Minister (or their delegate) forms an opinion as to whether a proposal should be declared a major project to be assessed under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979.

Telopea Urban Renewal Project - the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Planning on 29 September 2009 declared the Telopea Urban Renewal Project to be a Major project under Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, 1979. The project is a Major Project as described under Schedule 1, Group 5 Clause 13(1) of SEPP (Major Development) 2005 being a residential development valued at more than $100 million.

Parramatta City Council received notification of this declaration on 6 October 2009.

[Legislative requirements appear to be met]

2. Initial Application

The proponent submits a project application and may also provide a preliminary environmental assessment with the application.

Telopea Urban Renewal Project - The proponent prepared a ‘preliminary environmental assessment report’ that was submitted to the Department of Planning. The preliminary environmental assessment report was made available to Parramatta Council at the time of being asked to comment on the draft Director-General Requirements.

[Legislative requirements appear to be met]

3. Environmental Assessment Requirements

The Director-General of the Department of Planning prepares environmental assessment requirements that outline the key issues that a proponent must address in its environmental assessment of the project. These requirements which are specifically tailored for the project are referred to as Director-General Requirements. The Director-General must notify the proponent of these requirements.

Relevant public authorities such as Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and local councils may be consulted in preparing the Director-General’s requirements.

The Director-General’s requirements also outline any consultation requirements and may require the proponent to include, as part of their environmental assessment, a statement of commitments setting out the commitments the proponent is prepared to make for environmental management and mitigation measures on the site, or development contributions.

Telopea Urban Renewal Project - The NSW Department of Planning on 19 October 2009 provided Parramatta City Council with an opportunity to contribute to the preparation of the Director-General Requirements. Council at its meeting of 9 November 2009 endorsed a preliminary submission to the Director-General’s Requirements.

The Director-General Requirements for the project were published on 14 November 2009. The issues that Parramatta Council raised in its submission were incorporated into the Director-General’s Requirements.

The Director-General Requirements required the proponent to undertake ‘an appropriate and justified level of consultation in accordance with the Department’s Major Project Community Consultation Guidelines October 2007, and provide an outline of the proposed consultation program to be adopted’.

[Legislative requirements appear to be met]

4. Preparation of the environmental assessment

The proponent is encouraged to consult the community, relevant councils and state agencies in the preparation of the ‘environmental assessment’ of the project.

The proponent submits their draft environmental assessment and any statement of commitments to the Director-General.

Telopea Urban Renewal Project - The Department of Housing engaged Straight Talk Pty Ltd to undertake community consultation on their behalf prior to the preparation of the Environmental Assessment Report. The following consultation activities were carried out:

· Advertisement placed in the Parramatta Advertiser on 18 November 2009 providing information on the project and an open invitation to the community to attend a ‘Display & Discussion’ session held on 24 November 2009.

· 1,500 flyers distributed throughout Telopea on 18 and 19 November 2009 inviting the community to attend the information session.

· Key stakeholders including Parramatta Council, various state government agencies including NSW Police, and members of parliament were also invited to attend the information session.

· DOH Tenant Consultation – door to door knocking and an information session was held on 23 November 2009.

[Legislative requirements appear to be met]

5. Public Exhibition, consultation and review

The Director-General exhibits the environmental assessment and any other supporting documentation for a minimum of 30 days and invites public comment. Advertisements are placed in appropriate newspapers and relevant public authorities and local councils are notified as well as adjacent landowners if required.

The environmental assessment is made available for inspection during the exhibition period at the Department’s head office, relevant regional offices and local council offices as well as being published on the Departments website.

Telopea Urban Renewal Project - The Department of Planning as the consent authority for the Part 3A project were responsible for the public exhibition of the Part 3A project. The following consultation was carried out:

· The Part 3A project was placed on public exhibition from Wednesday 17 February 2010 to Friday 19 March 2010 (minimum 30 day statutory period for consultation).

· Public notice of the exhibition period was given in the Sydney Morning Herald and daily Telegraph on 17 February 2010 and 3 March 2010 and the Parramatta Advertiser.

· Notification letters were sent to all properties located within the Concept Plan Precinct and adjoining landowners.

· Notification letters were also sent to the following agencies:

* Parramatta Council;

* RTA;

* NSW Transport;

* Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water;

* Integral Energy;

* Sydney Water; and

* RailCorp.

A draft submission on the Part 3A project was considered by Council at meetings in March and April 2010. Council’s submission raised a number of issues with the project, but specifically requested that the Department of Housing prepare a comprehensive Community and Stakeholder Consultation Plan following consultation with Parramatta City Council. The Community and Stakeholder Consultation Plan should include (but not be limited to):-

· A variety of engagement techniques that offer opportunities to participate across all relevant groups;

· Clearly identify key community and stakeholder groups who will be consulted during the redevelopment project;

· Clearly identify how issues raised during consultation stages are to be addressed and considered by the NSW Department of Housing.

[Legislative requirements appear to be met]

6. Considering submissions and finalising assessment

The Director-General provides copies of public submissions or a summary of public submissions received through the exhibition period to the proponent. The proponent may be required to prepare a response to the issues raised in submissions or to amend their project and statement of commitments to minimise impacts on the environment.

Where changes are proposed to the project, the proponent is generally required to prepare a preferred project report outlining the changes.

Telopea Urban Renewal Project - All of the public submissions received during the public exhibition of the Part 3A application were provided to the Department of Housing. The Department of Housing in response to the submissions prepared a preferred project report which was provided to Council for comment. Council considered a report on this at its meeting of 28 June 2010.

Revised Statement of Commitments were prepared and the Department of Housing has committed to the following in relation to community consultation:

· Co-ordinate with Council in distributing information to the local community about the Concept Plan Application.

· Provide information on the Concept Plan Application to all local services and facilities and encourage them to start planning for the long term needs of residents living in the area. Such services/facilities could include education institutions, library, community services (youth, family, disability), mental health, child care and parenting services.

· Provide support and information to outgoing and incoming residents.

The Department of Housing in their recent briefing to Councillors also advised that they had formed a partnership with the Telopea Connections Interagency to jointly develop and deliver future community consultation for the ongoing development at Telopea.

[Legislative requirements appear to be met]

Conclusions from Review

5. Whilst it is appreciated that Parramatta Council may not be satisfied that the local community has been engaged in the planning and development phases of the Telopea Urban Renewal Project the above results demonstrate that the community consultation conducted by both the Department of Housing (proponent) and the Department of Planning (consent authority) appear to satisfy both the legislative requirements of Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and the Part 3A Assessment Process prescribed by the Department of Planning in their publications.

6. Notwithstanding this, Council will continue to pursue better and more meaningful engagement of the community by the Department of Housing and future developers of this site. Council will continue to raise and pursue the issue of effective community consultation with the Department of Housing to ensure that the local community is heard and can contribute to the future planning for this key strategic site.

7. On this basis, no further action is recommended.

Louise Kerr

Manager Land Use and Transport Planning

9 August 2010

Attachments:

1 View	Letter to Minister for Housing	2 Pages
2 View	Fact Sheet 2	4 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 8.4

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.4

SUBJECT 135 - 137 Spurway Street Ermington (Lots 102 and 103 DP 36536) (Lachlan Macquarie Ward)

DESCRIPTION Section 96(1A) modification to an approved seniors living development containing 6 apartments and 5 villas including increasing the size of the bin compound and the provision of additonal windows within stair wells that front Spurway Street

REFERENCE DA/935/2008/A - 20 April 2010

APPLICANT/S Dyldam Developments Pty Ltd

OWNERS Department of Housing

REPORT OF Manager Development Services

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

The application is referred to Council as the original application DA/935/2008 was determined by Council on 13 July 2009.

The application has been placed before the Ordinary Council Meeting due to a formal request having been received from a senior official of the Department of Housing as funding may lapse if the project is not commenced.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The application seeks to modify Development Consent No. 935/2008 under the provisions of Section 96(1A) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.

Approval is sought to modify the application which includes the following:

· Provision of a window to the first floor stairwell and access way between units 4 and 5.

· Provision of a window to the first floor stairwell and access way to unit 6.

· Modifications to the landscaping and pathways adjacent to the car parking at the rear of the site

· Enlargement of the bin enclosure area from 5.12sqm to 10.48sqm.

· Provision of rear awnings to the ground floor private open space of units 1, 2 and 3.

Development Consent No. 935/2008 granted consent for the construction of a seniors living development comprising of 6 apartments and 5 villas on 13 July 2009.

The application was notified and no submissions were received.

The proposed modifications will not result in any unacceptable impacts to the amenity of the area. The development as modified by the subject application is substantially the same development as that approved. The proposed modification of the original development consent does not raise any additional issues in respect of compliance with the applicable SEPP’s and Council’s policies.

Accordingly, approval of the request to modify the seniors living development is recommended.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council as the consent authority modify Development Consent No. 935/2008 under the provisions of Section 96(1A) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act as outlined in Attachment 1.

Sara Smith

Senior Development Assessment Officer

Attachments:

1 View	Delegated Report	8 Pages
2 View	Locality Plan	1 Page
3 View View	Plans	4 Pages
4	Confidential plans	5 Pages
5 View View	Previous Report to Council and original plans	44 Pages
6	Originial confidential plans	3 Pages

Council 23 August 2010 Item 8.5

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.5

SUBJECT 128 Bettington Road, Oatlands (Lot 2 DP 207523) (Lachlan Macquarie Ward)

DESCRIPTION Section 96 (1A) modification to the approved 2 storey dwelling over basement parking. Modifications include changes to the internal layout, increase in finished floor levels and height, changes to the external facade and boundary fences.

REFERENCE DA/1536/2004/C -

APPLICANT/S Dr E Alam

OWNERS Dr E Alam

REPORT OF Manager Development Services

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

The original Development Application was determined by Council.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The application is to obtain retrospective approval for some work carried out on the site as well as obtain approval for other work. Council approved an application on 12 December 2005 to demolish the existing dwelling house and to erect a 2 storey dwelling house and pool. An objector commenced proceedings in the Land and Environmental Court on the grounds Council had failed to consider the impacts of the proposal. The Court upheld Council’s decision.

The objector has made numerous representations to Council about work not being in accordance with the approved plans. The proposed modifications were notified on two occasions and submissions were received from two neighbours, including the objector who had commenced the legal proceeding. The issues raised can generally be summarised as work that has been carried out that is not in accordance with the approved plans, unauthorised work that has been carried, Council cannot give retrospective approval to work that has been carried out, overshadowing impact by increased height, changes to internal and external aspects of the building, rear and side fences, overlooking and privacy impacts. The objector, applicant and non objector neighbour were interviewed to clarify certain aspects of the proposal, their submissions and impact on their amenity.

The Land and Environment Court has considered whether retrospective approval can be given to a s96 application for work that has been carried out and has concluded that it can (Windy Dropdown V Warringah Council). Accordingly Council can consider the application on its merits. Issues raised by the objectors have been considered and addressed in the report and conditions recommended accordingly.

The application is being referred to Council for determination as a Council resolution in April 2010 required that assessment be undertaken by an independent planning consultant due to issues raised by the objector.

The application has been lodged under Section 96(2) of the Environmental Planning and Act 1979 on the basis that the modified development is substantially the same as that originally approved. The changes are not substantial, do not cause any non-compliance with the relevant planning controls and do not significantly alter the approved height, building footprint or building envelope. The application satisfies Section 96(2) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979.

Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council as the consent authority modify development consent to Development Application No. 1536/2004/C to erect a 2 storey dwelling and inground pool on land at 128 Bettington Road, Oatlands, as follows:

Modification of Conditions 1 and 19 of the consent as follows:-

1. The development is to be carried out in compliance with the following plans and documentation listed below and endorsed with Council’s stamp, except where amended by other conditions of this consent:

Drawing N^o	Dated
Previously Approved plans & Documents:
· Site Plan detailed by M.M.F.	May 2007
· Driveway & Basement Car access Details	May 2007
· Statement of Environmental Effects	May 2007
Modification Plans & Documents:
· Ground Floor and Basement Plan No. DA-A1g	22 March 2010
· First Floor & Roof Plan No. DA-A2f	22 March 2010
· Elevations & Sections Plan No. DA-A3f	22 March 2010
· Landscaping Plan No. Da-A5f	22 March 2010
· Statement of Environmental Effects	March 2010

19. The proposed wall on the Northern Elevation of the front terrace shall be 1.8m high with details shown on the construction certificate plans.

The addition of the following conditions:

76. The block wall fence along the rear (eastern boundary) shall be stepped down to the top of the boundary fence on the southern boundary of the site.

Reason: To minimise impact onto the adjoining premises.

77. The block wall fence proposed along the southern boundary shall be no more than 1.8m high measured from the natural ground level of the adjoining property i.e. 126 Bettington Road. The joints and finish on the neighbours (southern side) of the fenced are to be finished in a tradesman and workman like manner.

Reason: To minimise impact onto the adjoining premises.

Don Smith

Consultant Town Planner

Attachments:

1 View	Assessment Report - Section 96 Modification prepared by Don Smith - Consultant Planner	18 Pages
2 View	Plans	3 Pages
3 View	Location Map	1 Page
4	Confidential Plans	3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 9.3

ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ITEM NUMBER 9.3

SUBJECT Parramatta Cycleway Advisory Committee

REFERENCE F2004/07952 - D01623886

REPORT OF Project Officer

PURPOSE:

To inform Council of the Minutes of the last Parramatta Cycleway Advisory Committee meeting held on 3 August 2010.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note the minutes of the Parramatta Cycleway Advisory Committee of 3 August 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. Parramatta City Council’s Cycleway Committee meets every second month. The Committee currently comprises thirteen members representing various cycling interests.

2. The Committee met on 3 August 2010. See Attachment 1 for a copy of the minutes.

MAIN DISCUSSION POINTS

3. The Committee was informed of the NSW Bike Plan River Cities program.

4. The NSW Government Metropolitan Strategy nominates Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith as key locations for new jobs, infrastructure and cultural activities. The RTA’s ten-year, $78 million River Cities Bike Program focuses on the regional cities located on the Parramatta, Georges and Nepean rivers in Western Sydney.

5. The Program aims to improve cycling into, out of and around the River Cities (Parramatta, Penrith and Liverpool) to match the increase in bike-riding already under way in Sydney’s east. The River Cities Bike Program will fast-track the delivery of cycle infrastructure, parking facilities and cycling skills training opportunities within the five to ten kilometre – or 20 to 40-minute bike ride – radius of the Parramatta, Liverpool and Penrith city centres.

6. The River Cities Bike Program is being implemented through a partnership between State agencies and local government, with not less than 75 per cent of costs provided by the NSW Government over the life of the program. The focus in Parramatta LGA will be to complete the missing links in the Parramatta Valley Cycleway and to connect the Parramatta City Centre to Westmead through Parramatta Park.

7. Parramatta City Council has received a total of $5 million in 2010/2011 for cycleway construction and adult cycle training.

Myfanwy Lawrence

Project Officer, Transport Planning

Land Use & Transport Planning

Attachments:

1 View

Minutes of the Parramatta Cycleway Committee 3 August 2010

4 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 10.1

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.1

SUBJECT Parramatta City Council Annual Community Grants 2011

REFERENCE F2009/02342 - D01617971

REPORT OF Grants Project Officer

PURPOSE:

To provide Council with an overview of the 2011-12 annual Community Grants program and associated activities.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the 2011 Parramatta City Council Community Grants open on 20 September 2010 and close of 3 December 2010 and run to the timetable outlined in the report.

(b) That Council establish an assessment panel of Councillors to be convened by the Lord Mayor as outlined in item 12.

(c) That Council incorporate I.T. capacity building into the Community Grants program from 2011 as outlined in item 7

(d) Further, that Parramatta Community Service and Information Centre Inc receive ongoing subsidies at current levels with annual CPI increases subject to satisfactory annual performance reports.

BACKGROUND

Parramatta City Council’s Community Grants

1. Parramatta City Council’s Community Grants Program provides an annual funding opportunity for the Parramatta Local Government Area. The grants program aims to support local not-for-profit community-based groups, organisations and services and, in some categories, individuals. Through the community grants program Council supports a wide range of services and activities that contribute to the strategic objectives and destination statements of the Parramatta Twenty25 strategy.

The following categories are offered through the community grants:

Category	Funding pool per annum	Funding cap	Time frame
Community Capacity Building Grants – 100% Voluntary Organisations	$75,000	$5,000	1, 2 or 3 year funding available
Community Capacity Building Grants – Organisations with Paid Staff	$100,000	$10,000	1, 2 or 3 year funding available
Community Capacity Building Grants – Social Enterprise	$75,000	$10,000	1, 2 or 3 year funding available
Arts Professional Projects Fund	$100,000	$20,000	1, 2 or 3 year funding available
Parramatta Arts Fellowship Fund	$20,000	One Fellow	1 year
Parramatta’s Heritage and Stories Research Fund	$20,000	$5,000	1 or 2 year funding available
Small Grants Fund	$10,000	$500	Opens quarterly

2. Since its establishment in 2006 the capacity building focused program has attracted 366 applications requesting over $3.4 million. Council has contributed to 178 projects, injecting $2 million into the community and supporting a wide range of services and activities that build the communities capacity and build on existing community strengths. The information on the progress of grants funded in the 2009-10 round will be provided in a separate report once all acquittals have been received.

2010 Community Grants Program

3. Following a Councillor Workshop held 1April 2009 to review the grants program, an options paper was put to Council in October 2009. Council resolved to establish community grants assessment panels for 2010 and appointed Councillors J Chedid, J D Finn, A Issa OAM, M Lack, P Maitra, M McDermott and A Wilson with the meetings to be Chaired by The Lord Mayor, Councillor P J Garrard.

4. Council considered applications under the 2009-10 Community Grants Program at its meeting on 10 May and determined to award 44 grants which were announced at a presentation held on 23 June 2010.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

5. It is proposed that Council proceed with the 2011-12 Community Grants Program using the categories previously adopted with the program and a similar timeframe and assessment process which are outlined later in this report.

Local non-profit I.T Capacity Building project

6. Each year PCC’s Community Grants program receives a number of applications from local not-for-profit organisations requesting funding to purchase computers. These are currently handled on a case-by-case basis. At the request of the Councillor Assessment Panels, staff have investigated options and a proposal has been developed to maximise the Community Grants program resources in the future, by restricting the allowed spend on PCs whilst maintaining a quality product purchase, a more equitable access to PC infrastructure for local not-for-profits would also be achieved. As I.T. infrastructure has been identified as a limitation amongst small to medium non-profits this would proactively enhance local service delivery and facilitate the sector’s engagement with the ParraConnect Initiative. This arrangement would also see Parramatta City Council demonstrating leadership in local government through a social procurement purchase that supports one of Sydney’s leading social enterprises.

7. The proposal, which is outlined in detail in Attachment A, is to enter into an agreement with WorkVentures to supply refurbished PCs. There are two components to the project:

(i) A one-off bulk purchase of PCs in 2011 that would be open to all local not-for-profit organisations. An expression of interest process would be used to determine eligibility and distribution. The PCs would be distributed at a media event, at which the Lord Mayor or other nominated Councillor could present the equipment to successful applicants. Up to 30 computers would be purchased at the discounted bulk rate through the Community Capacity Building budget with no additional funding allocation required. Please see attachment A for the proposed process, supplier and hardware specifications.

(ii) In addition to this one-off bulk purchase, for future years the Community Grants Program guidelines would be modified to specify that successful applications seeking computers would be required to purchase refurbished computers through WorkVentures as the nominated supplier (another similar social enterprise supplier could be nominated if one becomes available in future).

Parramatta Community Services and Information Centre Inc

8. Parramatta Community Services and Information Centre Inc have been operating for a number of years from an office on level one of the Council Chambers building. The organisation provides assistance to disadvantaged people in the form of food and utility service payment vouchers and other material aid. The Service also provides referral to other welfare and counselling agencies and transport for the frail aged for health-related appointments. The Service manages a Council-owned community bus which can be hired by other not-for-profit community groups.

9. At the time of the grants review in 2006 Parramatta Community Services and Information Centre Inc had been in receipt of recurring grants in the form of a salary subsidy from Council to cover the costs of the wages of its welfare worker who is responsible for the delivery of the services outlined above directly and through volunteers. The Service also receives a second recurring contribution from Council to cover some of the costs of managing the health–related community transport and associated bus driver. The total value of these contributions for 2010/2011 based on previous levels is $72,565.

10. These contributions have not been considered as part of the Community Grant Program framework and are included as a separate item in the CCB team’s budget. While it is recommended that Council continue to support the Parramatta Community Services and Information Centre Inc, it is proposed that the Service be required in future to submit annual reports similar to those required of grant funded projects.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

Assessment of 2011 Grant Applications

11. It is proposed that the Community Grants round open Monday 20 September 2010 and close 4pm on Friday 3 December 2010. The timeframe outlined below is designed to allow appropriate time for applications to be received and assessed or Council to resolve in April 2011 on grants to be provided, with presentations to be made in June 2011.

(i) Throughout the month of January 2011, Councillors would be provided the opportunity to receive individual briefings on the applications prior to the assessment panels. Council officers would check eligibility and provide comments prior to the Councillor Assessment Panels to ensure application forms meet the guidelines, as in previous years.

(ii) Councillors would be given a month’s notice prior to the assessment panel meetings which would take place during February 2011. Applications would be sent to Councillors by registered post to ensure councillors receive application packs. Members of the panel would assess applications in line with the assessment criteria as outlined in the application forms.

(iii) The panel’s final recommendations would be outlined in a report to Council in April 2011.

(iv) Successful applicants would be notified in May 2011 and a grant presentation ceremony will follow in June 2011.

12. That Council establish a grants assessment panel of Councillors with each ward represented and convened by the Lord Mayor or his nominee.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

No additional funding is required to implement the recommendations of this report.

Rebekah Richards

Grants Project Officer

Attachments:

1 View

ATTACHMENT A - Local non-profit I.T Capacity Building project

4 Pages

Council 23 August 2010 Item 10.2

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.2

SUBJECT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 27 July 2010

REFERENCE F2005/01941 - D01619993

REPORT OF Community Capacity Building Officer

PURPOSE:

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee met on 27 July 2010. This report provides a précis of the key discussion points of that meeting for Council’s consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee of 27 July 2010 be received and noted.

(b) That the application for Membership of the Committee received from Jay Anthony Palmer be endorsed by Council.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee meets monthly and comprises 15 Members.

2. Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee met on 27 July 2010. This report provides a précis of the key discussion points of that meeting for Council’s consideration.

MAIN DISCUSSION POINTS

3. Local Government Aboriginal Network (LGAN) Conference

(a) The Committee was advised that the organisation for the Conference was on schedule.

(b) A draft Conference Registration brochure was distributed and Members suggested some different photographs be included.

(d) The LGAN Executive had reconsidered the Committee’s request to include a site visit to Prospect Hill and agreed to include it in the Conference schedule.

(e) Members were advised that Council had scheduled appropriate works at Lake Parramatta prior to the Conference.

(f) Members were advised that all Committee Members would be invited to all Conference events and that, pending the LGAN Executive’s decision, Members may be able to bring a friend.

4. Resourcing of the Committee

The Committee were advised that the External Facilitator, Robin Bradfield, who for the last few months had been supporting the Committee alongside Council Officers, would no longer be attending Committee meetings as the Executive Committee had been re-established. The Committee gave a vote of thanks and appreciation for Mr Bradfield’s input.

5. Burramatta NAIDOC Unsung Hero Award

Lyn Leerson, recipient of the Burramatta NAIDOC’s Unsung Hero Award presented at the Burramatta NAIDOC Family Fun Day on 4 July 2010, expressed her gratitude for the award, her thanks for the flowers she was presented with and the speech acknowledging her work, given by Deputy Chairperson John Robertson. Committee Members gave Ms Leerson a round of acclamation.

6. Burramatta NAIDOC Planning Committee

A copy of the Burramatta NAIDOC Debrief held on 13 July 2010 had been previously distributed to all Members. Due to the absence of a number of Committee Members, the Committee determined to postpone discussing this issue until the next meeting.

7. General Business and Information Share

Committee Members provided information on a range of issues:

(a) The Building Bridges course would commence on 4 August 2010 at Parramatta Town Hall.

(b) A Council Grant had been received to construct an environmental sculpture at Bruce Cole Reserve and a Committee had been formed to oversee the project. Input was sought from Dharug people in the area and Committee member Greg Stonham offered assistance.

(c) Information was provided on speeches given at the recently held Macquarie Feast. After further discussion this led to the Committee’s decision to request the LGAN Executive invite the Attorney General, Shadow Attorney General and a Greens Party representative to speak on Aboriginal incarceration rates and associated issues at the LGAN 2010 Conference.

Council Officer’s comment:

The LGAN Executive considered this request and determined not to invite these politicians to speak at the LGAN 2010 Conference. This decision has been communicated to all Members of Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

(d) Committee member Phillip Bradley reported on a public meeting he had attended regarding the proposed upgrades at Lake Parramatta Reserve: whilst certain proposals had been supported, concern had been expressed over others including the impact of a conference centre on the natural environment.

(e) Members were informed of the Cancer Council’s upcoming consumer advocacy training workshop to be held in Parramatta on 12 and 13 November and of the Cancer Council’s concern to make inroads into cancer treatment for Aboriginal people. The Committee determined at the next meeting, to call for nominations of Members who were interested in undertaking this training.

Council Officer’s Comment regarding application for Membership:

An application for membership of Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee was handed to Council Officer John McInerney A/Manager Community Capacity Building Team after this meeting was closed. The application was from Jay Anthony Palmer. In accordance with Council’s Advisory Committee Core Terms of Reference, approved by Council at its meeting on 23 March 2009 , an interdepartmental panel of 3 Council Officers has assessed the application and recommends to Council that it endorses Mr. Palmer’s application.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

8. There are no financial implications to Council.

Maggie Kyle

Community Capacity Building Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 27 July 2010 Minutes

5 Pages

Council 23 August 2010 Item 10.3

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.3

SUBJECT Paint Parra REaD Community Literacy Program

REFERENCE F2004/05949 - D01620437

REPORT OF Service Manager. Library Service

PURPOSE:

To seek Council endorsement of the Paint Parra REaD early literacy campaign involving a wide range of local partners to encourage parents and carers to read to children from birth.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council launches the Paint Parra REaD campaign in September 2010 at an event bringing together business, service agencies, government, education and community representatives to plan for a Reading Day in November 2010.

(b) That Councillors and staff from across the organisation, along with community members and businesses, be encouraged to participate in the November 2010 Reading Day to promote a whole of community message about reading.

BACKGROUND

1. Paint Parra REaD is a whole of community strategy to encourage parents and carers to read to their children from birth. The aim is to equip children to start their schooling with the skills they need to learn to read and to engage in the learning and education process. There is strong evidence that children who are introduced to reading early achieve higher literacy levels and have improved educational outcomes, employment opportunities and social engagement.

2. Paint Parra REaD, which is being lead by Council’s Library Service, is based on the Paint the Town REaD program which has been running successfully in Parks NSW for 10 years and is now being rolled out throughout Western Sydney.

3. A steering committee has been formed to lead the program in the Parramatta LGA. It consists of representatives from the Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre; NSW Department of Community Services – Metro West; local schools, child care services and Council through the Library and CCB team. HHPMRC will be the auspicing body with the Library providing administrative support and leadership.

4. The aim of Paint Parra REaD is to organise an annual ‘reading day’ event that the whole LGA can participate in, and to encourage and promote activities, events and programs held by local services, which promote early literacy and the importance of reading to children from birth. This will be done through a branding program, using a logo and costume of the logo to create a unified feel to all early literacy activities within the LGA, and by developing partnerships between the community, health, education, business and government sectors.

5. To move forward with this program, it is proposed that Council hosts an official launch in September 2010. Business, service groups, government, education and community representatives would be invited to see a presentation about the model and to hear about the proposed Reading Day in November 2010.

CONSULTATION AND TIMING

6. Key stakeholders have been consulted to date through the project steering committee including the Hills Holroyd Parramatta Migrant Resource Centre; NSW Department of Community Services – Metro West; local schools and child care services. It is proposed to launch the project in September with the inaugural event to be held in November 2010.

FINANCIAL IMPACT FOR COUNCIL

7. There are no financial implications of the report as any expenses of this campaign will be covered from the library programs budget.

Deborah Best

Service Manager, Library Services

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.1

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.1

SUBJECT Fees and Charges

REFERENCE F2009/02419 - D01606438

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To seek Council’s determination of proposed changes to fees and charges.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopts the following fees and charges for 2010/11 following a 28 day period of public exhibition:

Monitoring compliance of restricted premises including brothels, massage parlours

Fee for Council staff to undertake monitoring - $480.00 per hour being;

$480.00 for first hour or part thereof and additional time charged at $480.00 per hour in 15 minute increments.

Credit card payments usage fee

1% fee to apply to all credit card payments. Payment of the fee at some Council

facilities will be subject to a determination of whether the additional costs required for computer system changes are financially justifiable.

BACKGROUND

At Council’s meeting on 15 June 2010 the 2010/11 schedule of fees and charges was adopted. In the report to Council it was noted that two fees that had been advertised as part of the Draft Delivery Program/Operational Plan were to be amended and it would be necessary to advertise the changes as required by Section 610F of the Local Government Act.

The amended fees were:

Monitoring compliance of restricted premises including brothels, massage parlours Fee for Council staff to undertake monitoring - $480.00 per hour being;

$480.00 for first hour or part thereof and additional time charged at $480.00 per hour in 15 minute increments. This fee was amended to more accurately reflect Council’s costs of monitoring compliance.

Credit card payments usage fee

The fees and charges advertised as part of the Draft Delivery Program/Operational Plan and adopted by Council on 15 June provided for a 1% fee to apply to rate payments by credit card. The adopted fee has been specified on rate notices.

As reported on 15 June, there are some IT system constraints in relation to internet payments and equity issues if the fee was limited to only rate payments. A proposal to extend the fee to include all types of payments was therefore advertised.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Council receives non-rate payments by credit card at numerous Council service locations. Not all of these locations are linked directly to Council’s central receipting system (eg. child care centres, swimming pools) and would require some software changes to implement the charging of the card usage fee. Investigations will be undertaken to determine the software changes necessary, the possible cost and the revenue benefit of any change. Due to low volume credit card usage in some locations, additional software costs may not be justified. In the case of Riverside Theatres, a fee is already being charged to recover credit card costs.

It is therefore proposed to introduce the fee on all credit card payments at all locations subject to the additional costs required being economically justified.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

The proposed fees were advertised in the three newspapers circulated in the City area and also placed on Council’s website. The advertisement in the Northern District Times was inserted at a later date and included a submission deadline of 6 August. The advertisements invited comments from the community. At the time of preparing this report, two submissions have been received. Council will be advised prior to the Council meeting of any additional submissions received.

The first submission opposed the credit card usage fee as an unnecessary extra charge on the taxpayer.

The second submission supported the fee for monitoring restricted premises subject to the inspection confirming that there were justifiable reasons for the inspection and were not the result of a vexatious complaint or claim. The submission also stated that the fee should not be charged for inspections during business hours and should not be confined to monitoring of restricted premises only but extend to other unauthorised uses. This submission also opposed the fee for credit card payments as it was of no benefit to the community and does not demonstrate how it would improve Council’s delivery of services or general efficiency.

In respect of the compliance monitoring fee Council staff have advised that:

The fee is to be paid by the business operator / proprietor as identified by Council at the time of the inspection. The fee will be invoiced after each inspection as part of Council’s routine inspection program. The fee is not for investigation of complaints but for regular monitoring of the use in accordance with the approval.

Complaints are not subject to inspection fees, however, should any non compliance be identified and require reinspection then these inspections will be subject to inspection fees to follow up any enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the development consent

The fee is charged for any routine inspections at any time, day or night during the operational hours of the business.

The fee is only for restricted premises to ensure the approval is being complied with at all times.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

The fee for monitoring restricted premises has been calculated to recover Council’s actual costs involved in undertaking such monitoring.

Council currently pays fees of approximately $158,000 per annum in respect of credit card payments. In addition there are administrative costs required to monitor and reconcile these payments within Councils’ financial systems. It is estimated that the 1% fee imposed by Council could recoup approximately the amount now being paid in direct fees.

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

There are no attachments for this report.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.2

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.2

SUBJECT 2010/14 Delivery Program

REFERENCE F2009/02419 - D01606708

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To confirm the 2010/14 Delivery Program following the Minister for Local Government’s decision regarding Council’s application for a special variation to rates income.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council notes the Minister for Local Government’s decision regarding Council’s application for a special variation to general income and confirm the adoption of the 2010/14 Delivery Program with the addendum as contained within this report.

BACKGROUND

At the Council meeting of 15 June 2010, Council resolved to adopt the 2010/14 Delivery Program and 2010/11 Operational Plan subject to the Minister for Local Government approving Council’s application for a special variation to general income.

Councillors were advised earlier of the Minister’s decision which only partly approved the application. The 2010/11 Operational Plan is not affected by the Minister’s decision as the rate increase requested for that year was granted. The Minister however did not approve the increases sought in 2011/12 to 2013/14 and placed a time limit of 3 years on the increase granted for 2010/11.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Council’s adopted Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) is to achieve a small operational surplus by 2014/15 to guarantee long term financial sustainability. This Plan is contingent on receiving the rates revenue that was provided for within Council’s special rates variation application.

The total estimated reduction in rates revenue in the LTFP resulting from the Minister’s decision is:

2010/11	2011/12	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15
Nil	$0.9M	$1.8M	$7.0M	$7.3M

The forecast LTFP operating results for these years are impacted as follows:

$M	2010/11	2011/12	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15
LTFP forecast	(10.244)	(5.705)	(4.961)	(7.133)	0.247
Reduced rate revenue	Nil	(0.859)	(1.791)	(7.049)	(7.318)
Revised forecast	(10.244)	(6.564)	(6.752)	(14.182)	(7.071)

The Lord Mayor wrote to the Minister seeking a review of the determination and, although acknowledging the financial challenges facing Council, the Minister declined to review her decision. A copy of the Minister’s reply is attached. Discussions have taken place with the Division of Local Government in relation to the issues raised by the Minister in regard to Council’s application.

As noted above, the Minister’s decision has not impacted on the 2010/11 Operational Plan and Budget. It is not proposed that any change be made to the financial and organisational strategies contained within the LTFP and in the years 2011/12 to 2013/14 of the Delivery Program.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

As a result of the Minister’s decision an addendum will be necessary in the Operational Plan/Delivery Program to advise of the decision and to note that Council will continue to pursue the strategies contained within the Delivery Program and LTFP. This would involve seeking a further special variation to maintain revenue projections in line with the LTFP.

As the documents were written prior to the Minister’s decision some minor editing will also be necessary to reflect the situation after the decision.

An amendment has also been made to the Long Term Financial Plan for the years beyond the Delivery Program period 2015/16 to 2019/20, to incorporate the forecast levels of capital expenditure and reduce the cash and investment balances shown in the earlier version of the Long Term Financial Plan.

The proposed addendum is:

ADDENDUM TO DELIVERY PROGRAM 2010/14

The overriding financial strategy within Council’s Delivery Program is to achieve financial sustainability by balancing the budget within five years. To achieve this objective Council determined that it would require a combination of cost savings, improved service delivery methods, the development of additional revenue opportunities and some modest rate increases in addition to normal rate pegging.

After an extensive consultation process with the community, Council sought the Minister for Local Government’s approval of special rate variations, in addition to rate pegging, for the years 2010/11 to 2013/14. These additional increases were 2% in 2010/11 and 1% in the years 2011/12 to 2013/14 plus the continuation of a special rates variation that had been in place for 10 years to support CBD infrastructure and economic development.

The Minister did not approve Council’s application in full. The approval for 2010/11 increase was in line with Council’s financial plan, however the Minister did not approve the increases sought for 2011/12 to 2013/14. In addition the approval for 2010/11 would lapse at the end of 3 years and not be ongoing as requested by Council.

The Minister’s decision has a significant impact on Council’s financial strategy and will prevent the achievement of the balanced budget within 5 years as contained in the Delivery Program. It is Council’s intention to maintain the financial strategy as set out in the Delivery Program so that it can deliver the services and asset management requirements that are contained in the Program. The Minister has acknowledged the financial challenges facing the Council but has declined to re-visit her decision for 2010/11. It is Council’s intention therefore to submit an application for a special rates variation commencing 2011/12 to enable it to achieve the financial objectives set out in the Delivery Program. This application will be consistent with the application previously submitted.

Council’s Long Term Financial Plan for the years beyond the Delivery Program period, 2015/16 to 2019/20, has also been updated to incorporate the revised forecast levels of capital expenditure and reduce the cash/investment balances shown in the earlier version of the Long Term Financial Plan.

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

Reply from Minister for Local Government re special rates application

3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.3

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.3

SUBJECT Voluntary Pensioner Rebate Policy - effect of rebate pro-rata

REFERENCE F2009/00963 - D01595958

REPORT OF Service Manager Financial Operations

PURPOSE:

Council’s revised Voluntary Pensioner Rebate Policy was submitted to Council on 27 July 2009 detailing the process and procedures for introducing the pro-rata rebate.

A request was made for a report on the financial impact of the rebate was to be submitted to Council after twelve months.

RECOMMENDATION

That the voluntary pensioner rebate policy continues in its current form with the pro-rata rebate due to the immaterial financial impact it has for Council.

BACKGROUND

1. Council currently has approximately 6750 pensioners who are eligible for the Voluntary Pensioner Rebate within the Parramatta LGA.

2. The introduction of the pro-rata rebate has resulted in an additional cost to Council as previously pensioners would have had to wait until the commencement of the next financial year before they became eligible for the rebate.

3. The rebate is applicable to a person who receive a pension benefit or allowance under Chapter 2 of the Social Security Act 1991 of the Commonwealth, or a service pension under Part III of the Veteran’s Entitlements Act 1986 of the Commonwealth, and who are entitled to a Pensioner Concession Card issued by or on behalf of the Commonwealth Government:

Persons who receive a pension from the Commonwealth Department of Veterans’ Affairs and are the holders of a Pension Concession Card issued by Centrelink.

4. The voluntary pensioner rebate is calculated on a pro-rata basis as follows:

a. Quarter 1 rebate of 100% i.e $100

b. Quarter 2 rebate of 75% i.e $75

c. Quarter 3 rebate of 50% i.e $50

d. Quarter 4 rebate of 25% i.e. $25

5. The attachment shows the full costs of the Voluntary Rebate and the Mandatory Rebate to Council and numbers of pensioners, over the previous (4) four years. Plus an estimate of the predicted cost to Council for the current financial year.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:

a) The financial impact for the 2009/10 financial year, due to the introduction the pro-rata rebate was $3,194.96 and this amount was spread over 580 pensioners.

b) The reason for the cost being low was that the rebate only affected new pensioners and those that lost their pensioner concession through either death or moving to another Local Government Area.

Sangeeta Singh

Service Manager, Financial Operations

Attachments:

1 View

Voluntary Rebate Costs; 1 page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.4

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.4

SUBJECT Investments Report for June 2010

REFERENCE F2009/00971 - D01601854

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To inform Council of the investment portfolio performance for the month of June 2010.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receives and notes the investments report for June 2010.

BACKGROUND

1. In accordance with clause 212 of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, a report setting out details of all money invested must be presented to Council on a monthly basis.

2. The report must include a certificate as to whether or not the investments have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and the investment policy of Council.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. The closing balance of Council’s investment portfolio as at the 30^th June 2010 was $76.7M (Previous Month $82.5M).The weighted average Funds held throughout the period was approximately $82.6M.

4. Councils overall investment holdings decreased by approximately $5.8M compared to the previous period. This decrease in holdings is due to weekly accounts payable & payroll outflows versus low rate receipts which are not due until 31^st August 2010. Council also paid the final bullet payment on an existing loan for $2.6M.

5. Council holds a diversified range of investment products which include:

· Managed Funds

· Term Deposits (Including Investment – Loan offsets)

· Floating Rate Notes

· Cash at call

· Equity Linked & Principal Protected Notes

· Senior Debt Bonds

Council engages CPG Research and Advisory for assistance in all investment matters relating to advice, risk and portfolio weighting.

6. The weighted average interest rate on Council’s investments for the month of June 2010 versus the Bank Bill Index is as follows:

Monthly Annualised

Total Portfolio 0.39% 4.70%

Funds Managers 0.33% 3.90%

Bank Bill Index 0.41% 4.91%

NB: Annualised rates are calculated on a compounding basis assuming that the interest returns are added to the initial investment amount and reinvested.

7. Council’s slightly lower return versus the Bank Bill Index can mostly be attributed to the overall under performance of Councils Managed Funds which achieved a weighted average return of 3.90%. Managed Funds can often appear volatile when reported on a monthly basis and should be assessed over a longer period of 12-18 months.

8. Council’s annual weighted average return for year ended 30^th June 2010 was 5.58% verses the annual bank bill index of 3.81%. This is an excellent return given market volatilities, and councils conservative approach.

9. Current term deposits range from 5.20% to 7.00% and represent approximately $29.5M of the total portfolio. Maturity dates span from July to December 2010.

10. The following details are provided on the attachments for information:

Graph – Comparison of average funds invested with loans balance

Graph – Average interest rate comparison to Bank Bill Index

Graphs – Investments and loans interest compared to budget

Summary of investment portfolio

11. The Certificate of Investments for June 2010 is provided below:

Certificate of Investments

I hereby certify that the investments for the month of June 2010 have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and Council’s Investment Policy.

12. There is no standard report attachment - detailed submission - attached to this report.

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

1 View	Investments & Loans - Performance	1 Page
2 View	Summary of Investments Portfolio	2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.5

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.5

SUBJECT e-Parra Strategy - Update

REFERENCE F2008/02761 - D01619560

REPORT OF Group Manager- Corporate

PURPOSE:

To provide Council with an update on the e-Parra project including the establishment of an ParraConnect advisory committee for 12 months and the provision of support for the committee, the opportunity to review the e-Parra Roadmap Scoping Project Final Draft and details on the progress of councils’ e-Parra (e-government) program.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council establish a ParraConnect Advisory Committee under section 355 of the Local Government Act for a period of 12 months and note that it will be supported by the Parramatta City Chief Information Office.

(b) That Council note the e-Parra Roadmap Scoping Project Final Draft report for review and comment.

BACKGROUND

1. Council, on 12th October 2009, endorsed the Mayoral Minute to investigate the introduction of an “e-Parra Strategy” which will seek to have Parramatta established as a ‘Wireless City’, utilising Wi-Fi Technology (Wireless Fidelity Technology).

2. Following some initial discussions, the initiation of the NBN program and the December 2009 NBN Forum at Parramatta the e-Parra Strategic Vision document was created to allow for discussions to commence as to what were the expectations and understanding of the e-Parra direction. There were three components: the wireless city; Civic 2.0; and civic place tec studio (see Attachment 1).

3. It was evident that the e-Parra vision required a roadmap to further progress the idea. The e-Parra Roadmap Program was established to further explore and develop a framework and potential of the e-Parra concept.

4. The objective of the Roadmap Project was to investigate the readiness, willingness and capacity of Council and external stakeholders to develop an e-Parra strategy.

5. The project involved the development of a roadmap framework expanding on the previous strategic vision document, conducting a number of consultations to test assumptions, gather ideas to determine the most appropriate next steps and complete a report.

6. A broad range of community and council consultation occurred to expand on the broad vision document in creating the roadmap framework. Significant support information was produced, with Attachment 2 being a sample. The consultations evidenced a wide variation of understanding, need, interest and potential opportunities.

7. Attachment 3 is the final draft e-Parra Roadmap Project Report for review and comment. The report includes details of the project brief, what was done, what was learned, outcomes, recommendations, a list of potential projects from the consultations and supporting project and reference information.

8. The key outcomes of the e-Parra Roadmap Project were an interest from the Parramatta community for a ‘connected city’ program; there is a clear need to have a Council focused e-Parra program of leadership through e-Government activities as well as a broader city-wide ParraConnect program; the need to create a comprehensive list of prioritised programs and projects; the establishment of a “Parramatta City Chief Information Office” that is the custodian of ParraConnect.

9. The main recommendations are the establishment of an interim working Committee with Council and community representation to oversee the development of ParraConnect; set objectives for the creation of the Parramatta City CIO; establish a staff cross-functional team to develop the e- Parra Program for Council; and for both ParraConnect and e-Parra to identify a list of priority projects.

10. The report contains a range of evidence and learning’s from around the world that both validate the outcomes and recommendations and provides project and reference information for future decision making.

11. The report concludes in part that cities “are all increasingly dependent on new information and communication technologies and smarter ways to collaborate and share knowledge. The evidence is growing that cities which invest in the platforms and infrastructure of open communication and collaboration are making their communities more liveable – attractive, sustainable and resilient. A city that is connected makes the most of the skills and expertise of its citizens, provides a platform for new thinking and innovation, makes its administration more efficient and productive and creates relationships of trust and participation between citizens and government and between citizens themselves”.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

12. The e-Parra Roadmap report provides the community and Council with a series of outcomes and recommendations that have the potential to further progress and develop a connected community.

13. We have reached a position that allows Council to determine its level of commitment in moving the programs forward. With the ParraConnect program, Council has the opportunity to build on its relationships with the community to determine a long term plan with a range of projects that could be community driven. The report details a range of opportunities the ParraConnect Advisory Committee can priorities and progress with some support from Council.

14. The Parramatta City Chief Information Office will provide a co ordination/driver role for the ParraConnect Committee in developing a holistic program.

15. e-Parra has commenced with the formation of a cross-function team to develop an internal program. There are also a number of recommendations from the Service Review that will be considered in identifying e-government initiatives for the program of activities. These activities will be largely incorporated into the normal functions and operations of Council.

16. There are a number of activities that are currently being investigated as part of the e-Parra Program and include a CBD wireless mesh trial, creation of a parking and planning alert application, an application competition working with University of Western Sydney and range of business and community organisations, Council website redesign and development and kiosk applications.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

17. The attached e-Parra Roadmap report details a comprehensive range of consultation and engagement across the community and council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

18. At this stage the financial implications of both programs will be contained within the current budget.

Greg Smith

Group Manager Corporate Services

Attachments:

1 View	e-Parra Strategic Vision - February 2010	13 Pages
2 View	ParraConnects	4 Pages
3 View	draft e-Parra Roadmap Project Report	72 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.6

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.6

SUBJECT Neighbourhood Centre Upgrades

REFERENCE F2005/01563 - D01620898

REPORT OF Acting Manager Place Strategy

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to seek endorsement of a schedule of upgrades to Neighbourhood Centres proposed in the current financial year, and to endorse a comprehensive review of assessing and scheduling the future upgrades of all centres.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That upgrades of Dundas Station, Ermington, Telopea, Epping and Midson/Boronia (Epping) centres be undertaken as per the schedule in attachment 1.

(b) Further, that a comprehensive review be undertaken of all Neighbourhood Centres to establish a long term prioritised and costed schedule. The schedule should include asset condition, future intensification and demographic changes and community and Councillor feedback. This review is to be finalised and endorsed by Council prior to the finalisation of the 2011-12 Management Plan.

BACKGROUND

1. At Council’s meeting of the 15 June 2010, it was resolved in part that “That the Chief Executive Officer provide a report on the refurbishment of the Epping, Ermington and Toongabbie Town Centres together with an action plan for the implementation of this work before June 2012.” And “Further, that a further report on the Telopea and Granville Town Centres be prepared once the Centres mentioned in….above have been refurbished”.

2. The Better Neighbourhood Program began over 10 years ago. In that time a number of centres have been upgraded including Harris Park, Granville, Guildford and Ermington. Current works include the Kleins Road Northmead and Epping Laneway upgrades. The current program has $1,285,200 allocated for the current year. Projects currently proposed include upgrades to Dundas Station, Ermington, Telopea, Epping and Midson/Boronia (Epping) centres. Funding is also being provided to finalise the Epping Laneway and Kleins Road upgrades. Further details regarding these projects are provided in the schedule as in Attachment 1.

ISSUES

3. Currently Council has no long term prioritised and costed plan that reflects asset condition, future intensification and demographic changes and community and Councillor feedback. The current schedule, though based on asset condition, Councillor feedback and professional knowledge of future changes to the LGA, is only short term and therefore of limited value to assist Council with sustainable and long term financial planning.

4. Neighbourhood Centres do not currently have a recognised hierarchy of centres or boundaries that define the extent of the public domain and therefore the scope of any upgrade. Council’s Urban Design Unit is currently undertaking a review of all centres across the LGA and proposes to have a draft showing the extent of works and the hierarchy of centres available to be included in this review. The review process will include a minimum of one Councillor Workshop.

OPTIONS

5 This review will result in a long term prioritised and costed schedule of works for Councils consideration and review. It is proposed that this schedule will subject to a major review every four years (with Council’s Delivery Plan) and reported to Council on an annual basis as part of the budget process. As per Council’s resolution noted above, the review will include a review of the Ermington, Toongabbie and Epping Town Centres to ensure works are included in the 2011-12 budget process.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

6 Formal and informal discussions have been undertaken with staff from across Council. This includes Urban Design and Capital Projects staff. Further consultation will include community and business stakeholders.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

7. The public domain in our Neighbourhood Centres is a major asset and requires considered and sustainable management. Council has committed to spend approximately $1.4m per annum on this project for the next 4 years. The management of these assets also impacts on not only the economic vitality of retail centres and local business, but also influences social belonging and community pride.

Neile Robinson

Acting Manager Place Strategy

Attachments:

1 View

Better Neighbourhood Proposed Schedule of Works 2010 - 2011

2 Pages

Attachment 1

REFERENCE MATERIAL

None.

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.7

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.7

SUBJECT Quarterly Review June 2010

REFERENCE F2010/00524 - D01622237

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To provide the June 2010 Quarterly Review of the 2009/10 Management Plan and Budget including the proposals for revoting of unspent budgets into 2010/11.

Section 407 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires the General Manager (Chief Executive Officer) to report to the Council within 2 months after the end of each quarter as to the extent to which the performance targets set by the Council’s Management Plan have been achieved during that quarter.

The Responsible Accounting Officer is also required to report as to whether or not the Responsible Accounting Officer believes the financial position of the Council is satisfactory, having regard to the original estimate of income and expenditure.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council adopt the Chief Executive Officer’s June 2010 Quarterly Review of the

2009/10 Management Plan and Budget. (Attachment 1).

That Council adopt the Responsible Accounting Officer’s report on the financial

Position of the Council as detailed in Attachment 1.

That Council approve the revote of funds totalling $1,465,400 into the 2010/11

Budget for the Projects as detailed in Attachment 1.

BACKGROUND

1. The attached June 2010 Quarterly Review contains the Chief Executive Officer’s report and details of the extent to which the performance targets set by the Council’s 2009/10 Management Plan have been achieved. The Review is presented under the Four Pillars format adopted by Council.

· Environment & Infrastructure

· Community & Neighbourhoods

· Economy & Development

· Governance & Corporate

2. The Review details, at page 70, the actual income and expenditure results for the year to June compared to the budget previously adopted by Council at the March Review. The Responsible Accounting Officer’s Report, on page 7 of the Review, provides an analysis of the year’s result. It should be noted that the financial reports are yet to be audited. When the audit is complete the Financial Statements will be brought back to Council for adoption.

3. The June 2010 Quarterly Review was considered at a workshop on 16 August 2010. Any proposals from the workshop will be incorporated as an addendum to this document to be considered at the Council meeting.

4. The Review also contains, commencing at page 13, a list of Projects that are proposed for re-voting into the 2010/11 Budget. The proposed re-votes total $1,465,400. Comments on the proposed re-votes are included in the list.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

5. Relevant issues/options/consequences are noted within the Quarterly Review document.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

6. Consultation has taken place with all relevant staff that have Management Plan and budgetary responsibilities.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

7. Details of the financial implications are contained within the Review.

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

Hard Copy will be provided under separate cover.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 23 August 2010 Item 11.8

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.8

SUBJECT Services Review Implementation

REFERENCE F2010/00455 - D01626323

REPORT OF Chief Executive Officer

PURPOSE:

To Council to note the outcomes and recommendations of the Services Review.

The Service Review report is attached (Attachment 1). The CEO will give a further update prior to the meeting of the implementation plans.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council receive and note the outcomes of the Services Review and endorse the recommendations which will now be implemented.

(b) That the CEO report back to Council prior to the implementation of any initiative that may involve a change in policy.

(c) Further, that the CEO report to Council on a quarterly basis on the implementation of the recommendations and the realisation of the expected benefits.

BACKGROUND

1. A review of all 41 core services has been conducted over the last 6 months (Services Review). The outcomes of this review is a comprehensive list of recommended business improvements across the whole organisation. The nature of these recommendations are

i. Efficiency improvements

ii. Process improvement within a business unit

iii. Cross functional teamwork and organisational wide process improvements

iv. Outsourcing all or part of a service

v. Reducing or ceasing some services

vi. E-government strategies and Online service delivery

vii. New revenue opportunities

viii. Service improvement and cost reductions in the delivery of key services

ix. Asset optimisation

x. Better procurement practices

xi. Improving skills and training

xii. Property development strategy implementation

xiii. Improvement business report and planning

xiv. Organisation structure realignment and reduction in FTE

xv. Centralised support services

2. The outcomes of the Services Review were discussed with the Councillors at workshops on Wednesday 28^th July and Monday 2^nd August.

3. Staff throughout the organisation have been consulted through the process of the Services Review and the Services review report was presented to the staff through the road shows on 11 and 12 August.

4. All staff were asked to provide their feedback to their managers by 19 August.

DISCUSSION

5. The attached Services Review 2010 report includes the feedback from the Councillors at the workshops and was presented to the staff for feedback at the Roadshows on 11 and 12 August. If as a consequence of the staff feedback further amendments are proposed, this will be presented to the Councillors via a separate report prior to the Council meeting.

6. Consultation has now commenced with other key stakeholders.

7. Implementation of the approved recommendations will commence following Council’s endorsement.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

8. If all recommendations were fully implemented then there would be significant financial benefits, including an improved recurrent net operating position of $8.742 million and one-off costs and benefits associated with the implementation of reforms.

9. It should be noted that some benefits will be phased in over time.

Dr Robert Lang

Chief Executive Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Service Review 2010 Publication

111 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Sue Coleman – Group Manager City Services			Assistant Minutes Clerk – Joy Bramham
Gregory Smith – Group Manager Corporate			Minutes Clerk – Grant Davies
Sue Weatherley–Group Manager Outcomes & Development

Clr Paul Barber – Caroline Chisholm Ward			Clr Lorraine Wearne, Lachlan Macquarie Ward
Clr Mark Lack – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward			Clr John Chedid – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward
Clr Glenn Elmore – Woodville Ward			Clr Scott Lloyd – Caroline Chisholm Ward
Clr Pierre Esber– Lachlan Macquarie Ward			Clr Andrew Wilson – Lachlan Macquarie Ward
Clr Prabir Maitra – Arthur Phillip Ward			Clr Andrew Bide – Caroline Chisholm Ward
Clr Julia Finn – Arthur Phillip Ward	Clr Michael McDermott - Elizabeth Macarthur Ward	Clr Antoine (Tony) Issa, OAM – Woodville Ward	Clr Chiang Lim, Deputy Lord Mayor – Arthur Phillip Ward