Agenda of Council - 28 May 2012

Council 28 May 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM SUBJECT PAGE NO

1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES - Council - 23 April 2012, Council (Development) - 14 May 2012

2 APOLOGIES

3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

4 Petitions

5 Minutes of Lord Mayor

6 Public Forum

7 PETITIONS

8 Economy and Development

8.1 271 Old Windsor Road & 39 Chircan Street, Old Toongabbie
(Lot 1 DP 196553 & LOT 87 DP 225066)(Caroline Chisholm Ward)

8.2 24 Euston Street, Rydalmere
(Lot 37 DP 252154) (Elizabeth Macarthur Ward)

8.3 Ravelynn House, 279 Church Street, Parramatta
(Lot 10 DP 733123) (Arthur Phillip Ward)

8.4 17-19 Soudan Street, Merrylands
(Lot 1 DP 112379 & Lot 1 DP 659694 Lot 12 DP 112924 & Lot 2 DP 661377) (Woodville Ward)

8.5 Rosehill Master Plan

8.6 Discontinuation of Planning Proposal for 181 James Ruse Drive Camellia

8.7 Heritage Advisory Committee for April 2012

9 Environment and Infrastructure

9.1 Declaration of Wildlife Protection Areas

10 Community and Neighbourhood

10.1 Naming of Unnamed Park at 31 Prospect Street, Rosehill as Biplane Park

10.2 Access Advisory Committee Minutes 17 April 2012

10.3 2012 PCC Community Grants Program - Unallocated Funds

10.4 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 23 April 2012

10.5 Requests for Fee Subsidy for the use of Public Halls, Community Centres and Meeting Rooms

11 Governance and Corporate

11.1 Investments Report for March 2012

11.2 Rates Hardship Policy

11.3 Amended Delivery Program 2010/14 and 2012/13 Operational Plan, Fees and Charges 2012/13 and Updated Strategic Asset Management Plan

11.4 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government - Etihad Stadium, Melbourne - 18 & 19 July

11.5 LGSA 2012 Water Management Conference - 22 - 24 July 2012 - Wagga Wagga

11.6 Audit Committee Minutes

11.7 Delivery Program and Operational Plan – Quarterly Review March 2012

12 Closed Session

12.1 Live Arts & Cultural Centre - Rangihou Reserve

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.

13 DECISIONS FROM CLOSED SESSION

14 QUESTION TIME

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.1

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.1

SUBJECT 271 Old Windsor Road & 39 Chircan Street, Old Toongabbie
(Lot 1 DP 196553 & LOT 87 DP 225066)(Caroline Chisholm Ward)

DESCRIPTION Alterations and additions to a heritage listed Place of Public Worship.

REFERENCE DA/527/2011 - Submitted 1 August 2011

APPLICANT/S Opus Arch Pty Ltd

OWNERS Hindu Society of NSW Inc

REPORT OF Manager Development Services

DATE OF REPORT 24 April 2012

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

This application is referred to Council for determination as the proposal is for a place of public worship.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The application seeks approval for the refurbishment of the existing place of public worship including the provision of an additional toilet and disabled access ramp, the creation of a boundary adjustment between the properties and the construction of an amenities building and car park at the rear of 271 Old Windsor Road.

There is no proposed change to the usage of the premises. Although now occupied by a different religious group, the site has been used as a place of public worship since approximately 1926.

The premises is currently used as the Sydney Shakti Temple and the primary activity is for praying. The proposed development has a useable floor space of approximately 278m² to accommodate 150 worshippers during festival events. The application proposes the following hours of operation:

Permanently Fixed Prayer Times
Day	Time	Maximum Number in Attendance
Monday to Sunday	6:00am to 8:00am	30
Monday to Sunday	6:00pm to 8:00pm	30
Special Festival Days
Maximum 10 days/year	6:00pm and 8:00pm	150
Community Activities
Senior Citizens Group 1 per month	9:00am to 5:00pm	10
Yoga Classes 1 per week	9:00am to 5:00pm	10
General Administration
Mon – Sat	9:00am to 5:00pm	5

The development application was submitted before the gazettal of LEP 2011. The subject site is zoned Residential 2(a) under the provisions of LEP2001. A place of public worship and associated car parking are permissible land uses under the zoning provisions of LEP2001. The application is prohibited within the current R2 Low Density Residential zoning applying to the land under Parramatta LEP 2011.

The original application included the demolition of the dwelling house and the construction of a car park at 39 Chircan Street. The application was notified in accordance with Council’s Notification DCP and 100 individual submissions and 1 petition containing 45 signatories were received. Given the significant concerns raised by the residents with respect to issues pertaining to the proposed construction and use of the car park in Chircan Street, the application was amended to delete this stage of the proposed development. The amended plans were re-notified and 3 individual submissions were received.

The application requires the provision of an additional 2 car parking spaces due to a minor increase in floor space proposed. The application proposes to provide an additional 3 car parking spaces at the rear of 271 Old Windsor Road which complies with this requirement. The application proposes 10 car parking spaces on site. The place of public worship provides for sufficient off street car parking during its regular activities. There will be some use of on street parking in nearby residential streets during festivals (maximum 10 per year). The application was referred to Council’s Traffic & Transport Investigations Officer who raises no concern with the proposal.

The site contains a heritage item, being the 1926 former church building facing Old Windsor Road. Council’s Heritage Advisor has considered the application and advises that due to the separation between the proposed development and the historic church, it is deemed that any potentially adverse impacts of the development on heritage values, including views to and from heritage item, are well within acceptable limits. The proposed new use is also deemed acceptable. The site and landscaping changes are not of major concern, being also within acceptable limits.

No objections are raised from the heritage perspective.

The issues raised within the submissions relate to traffic, parking, noise, proposed car park, information within the application, property values, misuse of amenities building and heritage impacts. Many of the concerns raised have been resolved by the deletion of the proposed car park on Chircan Street. It is considered that the issues raised within the submissions do not warrant the refusal of the application and the proposed development is not contrary to the public interest. The issues have been discussed in detail within the Section 79C assessment report contained in Attachment 1.

The proposed development is consistent with the objectives contained in the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2001 and Parramatta Development Control Plan 2005. The proposed works to the existing place of public worship is appropriately sited without unduly impacting on the amenity of nearby residential properties. The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Development Application No. DA/527/2011 for the refurbishment of the place of public worship including the provision of an additional toilet and disabled access ramp, the creation of a boundary adjustment between the properties and the construction of an amenities building and car park at the rear of 271 Old Windsor Road on land at 271 Old Windsor Road and 39 Chircan Street, Old Toongabbie be approved subject to conditions of consent as outlined in Attachment 1.

(b) Further, that the objectors be advised of Council’s determination of the application.

Kate Lafferty

Senior Development Assessment Officer

Attachments:

1 View	Section 79C Assessment Report	40 Pages
2 View	Locality Map	1 Page
3 View	Plans & Elevations	12 Pages
4 View	Operational Management Plan	2 Pages

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.2

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.2

SUBJECT 24 Euston Street, Rydalmere
(Lot 37 DP 252154) (Elizabeth Macarthur Ward)

DESCRIPTION Alterations and additions to an existing building and change of use to a place of public worship for up to 320 people with an associated cafe and pre-school.

REFERENCE DA/74/2012 - 9 February 2012

APPLICANT/S Siloam Presbyterian Church

OWNERS The Presbyterian Church (NSW) Property Trust

REPORT OF Manager Development Services

DATE OF REPORT 24 April 2012

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

This application is referred to Council for determination as the proposal is for a place of public worship.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The application seeks approval for alterations and additions to an existing building and the change of use to a place of public worship.

Details of the proposal are as follows:

Basement

· Refurbish the existing toilet (including the addition of a disabled toilet) and kitchenette facilities.

· Provision of 1 car parking space with entrance via the western elevation.

· Replace the existing garage door located on the western elevation.

· Reconfiguration of the floor plan to create 3 classrooms for Sunday School use, located to the southern portion of the basement. This involves the repartitioning and creation of 4 new openings for the classrooms.

· Relocation of the staircase from the area that is to be occupied by Classroom 3 to the southern portion of the development adjoining Classroom 2 and Classroom 3.

· New screening for the garbage bin area.

· Upgrade the opening on the western elevation with a new door.

Ground Floor

· Construction of a lightweight timber deck and entry along the northern elevation of the existing building.

· Removal of existing internal walls and addition of new partitions to accommodate new:

- Café and kitchen area to the northern portion of the ground floor.

- Two multi purpose areas to adjoin the café and kitchen area.

- Worship centre with 300 seats, altar and choir stage located to the north-eastern portion of the ground floor.

- An admin room, a mother’s room, a prayer room and a music room to adjoin the worship centre to the west.

- Additional male/female and accessible toilet facilities to the southern portion of the ground floor.

- Pre-school school area across from the toilet facilities.

- Two seminar rooms and an assistant ministers area adjoining the pre-school to the west.

- A staff room, senior minister areas, church office and meeting room to be located to the southern portion of the ground floor adjoining the toilet facilities to the west.

- Provision of new access points into the building located along the eastern and southern elevations via the timber deck.

External

· Regrade loading bay to new driveway level.

· Demolition of existing brick building located to the north-western portion of the site.

· Widen existing driveway on South Street frontage to 6 metres.

· Creation of new pedestrian access from South Street to the building entry.

· 19 parking spaces including 1 disabled parking space with adjoining shared zone to be located to the north-east portion of the site.

· New playground area to be located to the northern (rear) portion of the site.

· New access ramp located to the western portion of the building.

· Remove existing roof and install new colorbond roof and gutter.

· Render and paint existing external façade

· Replace existing rolling door on Euston Street elevation with new accessible door and landing and awning above.

Operational details

The proposed hours of operation and number of persons estimated in attendance are as follows:

Regular Services and Events
	Office Hours (mainly administrative and general office duties)	Prayer Meeting	Small Group Meetings	Service
Monday	9:30am to 4:30pm (5 including ministers and general administration staff)	5:30pm to 6:30pm (10 persons)	7:00pm to 10pm (20 persons)
Tuesday	9:30am to 4:30pm (5 staff)	5:30pm to 6:30pm (10 persons)	10:00am to 1:00pm (20 persons)
			7:00pm to 10:00pm (20 persons)
Wednesday	9:30am to 4:30pm (5 staff)	5:30pm to 6:30pm (10 persons)	10:00am to 1:00pm (20 persons)	Korean Service 7:00pm to 9:00pm (50 persons)
			7:00pm to 10:00pm (20 persons)
Thursday	9:30am to 4:30pm (5 staff)	5:30pm to 6:30pm (10 persons)	10:00am to 1:00pm (20 persons)
			7:00pm to 10:00pm (20 persons)
Friday	9:30am to 4:30pm (5 staff)	5:30pm to 6:30pm (10 persons)	10:00am to 1:00pm (20 persons)
			7:00pm to 10:00pm (20 persons)
Saturday	9:30am to 9:30pm (5 staff)	5:30pm to 6:30pm (10 persons)	7:00pm to 10pm (20 persons)
Sunday	7:30am to 8:30am – Korean Service 1 (20 persons) 9:30am to 10:45am – English Service (80 persons) Korean Service 2 (70 persons) Sunday School 1 (20 persons) 11:30am to 12:45pm - Korean Service 3 (200 persons) Sunday School 2 (70 persons) Youth Service (50 persons) 2:00pm to 3:15pm – Young Adults Service (50 persons)

Special Services and Events
	Date and Time	Attendance (max)
Bible Conference	19:00 to 22:00 Saturday & Sunday	300	Once a year
Christmas Concert	19:00 to 22:00 Saturday	300	Once a year
Special Prayer Meeting	05:30 – 06:30 Tuesdays to Thursdays	80	Three times a year (first week of new year, Passion week and Spring)
Guest Service	19:00 to 22:00 Saturdays	300	Once a year
New Year Service	23:00 – 01:00 31 December	100	Once a year
Christmas Service	9:30 – 12:45 25 December	300	Once a year
Funerals	10:00 – 15:00 Normally weekdays	100	Occasionally
Weddings	10:00 – 22:00 Saturdays	300	Occasionally

The applicant has clarified that the pre-school portion of the proposal will not operate independent of the place of public worship and will in function be essentially a creche. The pre-school component of the development will run concurrently during the scheduled services. Given this, this aspect of the proposal is not considered to constitute a childcare centre requiring assessment under the Child Care Centre provisions of DCP 2011. Similarly, the café will also be operational during times of worship and will not be available for the use of workers from adjoining properties or general public.

The subject site is zoned IN1 General Industrial under PLEP 2011. A place of public worship is a permissible land use under the zoning provisions of PLEP 2011. The proposed development has a useable floor space of approximately 790.53m² with the main auditorium able to accommodate a maximum 300 worshippers. A total of 320 parishioners will be in site during the peak service time on Sundays. A maximum 0f 300 parishioners during special events.

The application proposes to provide 20 at grade parking spaces with 19 spaces located to the rear and 1 space to be located in the basement. The proposal does not comply with Council’s parking controls, however the provision of parking spaces, the number of onsite car parking spaces is acceptable given:

· The peak service times are during weekends (Sundays) when adjoining uses are not operational.

· The organisation operates 3 – 4 buses for parishioners to get to and from the site with capacity for 8, 14, 25 and 45 persons.

· The applicant is required to provide ‘pick up’ and ‘set down’ zones for buses to reduce traffic flow and parking shortage during major events and peak service times.

· Council’s Traffic Engineer supports the proposal.

The application was notified in accordance with Appendix 5 of PDCP 2011 and 3 individual submissions were received in response to the notification of the application. The issues raised within the submissions relate to traffic, car parking, pedestrian safety and asbestos management. The issues raised within the submissions do not warrant refusal of the application. The issues have been discussed in detail within the Section 79C assessment report contained in Attachment 1.

The proposed development is consistent with the objectives contained in the Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 and Parramatta Development Control Plan 2011. The proposed place of public worship is appropriately sited within an industrial area without unduly impacting on the amenity of any residential properties. The application is therefore recommended for approval subject to the imposition of appropriate conditions.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Development Application No. DA/74/2012 for the alterations and additions to an existing building and change of use to a place of public worship for up to 320 people on land at 24 Euston Street, Rydalmere be approved subject to conditions of consent as outlined in Attachment 1.

(b) Further, that the objectors be advised of Council’s determination of the application.

Denise Fernandez

Senior Development Assessment Officer

Attachments:

1 View	Section 79C Assessment Report	48 Pages
2 View	Locality Map	1 Page
3 View	Plans and Elevations	14 Pages
4 View	Plan of Management	3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.3

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.3

SUBJECT Ravelynn House, 279 Church Street, Parramatta
(Lot 10 DP 733123) (Arthur Phillip Ward)

DESCRIPTION Use of a tenancy and fitout as a frozen yoghurt bar with associated signage and outdoor seating

REFERENCE DA/190/2012 - Submitted 3 April 2012

APPLICANT/S Mr J Odisho

OWNERS Ng's Sons Pty Ltd

REPORT OF Manager Development Services

DATE OF REPORT

4 May 2012

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

The application has been referred to Council as the proposal involves building works to a heritage item.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The application seeks approval for use of a tenancy and fitout as a frozen yoghurt bar with associated signage and outdoor seating at 279 Church Street Parramatta, and is located on the corner with Phillip Street.

A service request was lodged on 7 February 2012 regarding unauthorised works to the site. The unauthorised works included the construction of a non load bearing metal framed wall and the removal of half of the floor boards. Following the issue of a show cause letter and a site inspection with Council Officers, an application for development consent has been lodged and no further works have been undertaken.

The application involves external and internal alterations to fit out the tenancy for use as a yoghurt bar by ‘Wowcow’. This includes indoor seating for 6 people and outdoor seating, containing 10 tables and 30 chairs located on the footpath fronting Phillip Street. The proposed hours of operation are 10am to 1am, Monday to Sunday (7 days a week). This is similar to the hours of operation of nearby commercial and retail uses and acoustic levels generated by the yoghurt bar are not expected to exceed that of already existing levels appropriate within a city centre.

The use is defined as a “food and drink premises” and is permissible under the B4 Mixed Use zoning applying to the land.

The site is listed as a heritage item of local significance under Schedule 5 of Parramatta City Centre LEP 2007. The existing shopfront detail has been lost during modifications for various tenancies over the previous decades, however the awning retains its Interwar structure with suspended lights and is an important element of the building. The application has been considered by Council’s Heritage Advisor who has advised that the proposed use and fitout are acceptable. The proposed signage has been modified to one under awning sign and fascia awning signs to the Church and Phillip street frontages and the corner fascia frontage. The signage plan has been reviewed by Council’s Heritage Advisor who considers that it complies with the City Centre DCP 2007 and respects the heritage significance of the building.

The application was notified in accordance with Council’s Notification DCP and no submissions were received.

The proposal is consistent with the objectives of the Parramatta City Centre LEP 2007, City Centre DCP 2007, SEPP 64 and Council’s Outdoor Dining Policy. The likely impacts of the use and fitout have been assessed and are considered to be compatible with the character of existing commercial developments in the surrounding area, subject to conditions.

Accordingly, the application is recommended for approval subject to conditions.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council grant development consent to Development Application No. DA/190/2012 for the use of a tenancy and fitout as a frozen yoghurt bar with associated signage and outdoor seating on land at Ravelynn House, 279 Church Street, Parramatta subject to conditions contained within Attachment 1.

Emily Dickson

Development Assessment Officer

Attachments:

1 View	Section 79C Report	23 Pages
2 View	Locality Map	1 Page
3 View	Plans	9 Pages

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.4

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.4

SUBJECT 17-19 Soudan Street, Merrylands
(Lot 1 DP 112379 & Lot 1 DP 659694 Lot 12 DP 112924 & Lot 2 DP 661377) (Woodville Ward)

DESCRIPTION Demolition, tree removal and the construction of a multi unit housing development containing 4 townhouses and 5 villas with attic accommodation over basement carparking with strata subdivision.

REFERENCE DA/796/2011 - Submitted 14 November 2011

APPLICANT/S Chanine Design Pty Ltd

OWNERS Mr K F Leung

REPORT OF Manager Development Services

DATE OF REPORT 10 MAY 2012

REASON FOR REFERRAL TO COUNCIL

The proposal is referred to Council for consideration as submissions from 24 households objecting to the application have been received.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The application seeks approval for the demolition, tree removal and the construction of a multi unit housing development containing 4 townhouses and 5 villas with attic accommodation over basement car parking with strata subdivision.

The application was advertised and notified in accordance with Parramatta Council Development Control Plan 2011. Three submissions were received in response to the notification. Amended plans were re-notified and submissions from a total of 24 households objecting to the proposed development were received. The main concerns raised in the submissions relate to overdevelopment, character of the area, privacy, overshadowing, tree removal, parking and traffic. These issues have been assessed in detail within the Section 79 C report attached (Attachment 1).

The subject site and its immediate surrounding area is zoned R3 Medium Density Residential under Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 and the proposed multi dwelling unit development is permissible. This proposal is the first multi unit development within Soudan Street. Whilst it is acknowledged that the development is inconsistent with the existing prevailing detached single storey dwelling stock within the street, it is consistent with the desired future character of the area as permitted under the LEP zoning applying to the land.

The proposed development is consistent with the objectives and provisions of Parramatta Local Environmental Plan 2011 and Parramatta Development Control Plan 2011 and is considered satisfactory with respect to design, bulk and scale, privacy, and overshadowing.

After consideration of the development against the relevant statutory and policy provisions, the proposal is considered to be suitable for the site and is in the public interest. Therefore, it is recommended that the application be approved.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council as the consent authority grant development consent to Development Application No. DA/796/2011 for the demolition, tree removal and the construction of a multi unit housing development containing 4 townhouses and 5 villas with attic accommodation over basement car parking with strata subdivision at 17-19 Soudan Street, Merrylands for a period of five (5) years from the date on the Notice of Determination subject to the conditions contained in Attachment 1.

(b) Further that, those persons who made a submission be advised of Council’s determination of the application.

Kate Lafferty

Senior Development Assessment Officer

Attachments:

1 View	Section 79C Assessment Report	63 Pages
2 View	Locality Map	1 Page
3 View	Plans & Elevations	8 Pages
4	Confidential Plans & Elevations	6 Pages

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.5

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.5

SUBJECT Rosehill Master Plan

REFERENCE F2004/07242 - D02358589

REPORT OF Project Officer- Land Use Planning

PURPOSE:

To report to Council on the review of the Rosehill Master Plan for the block bounded by Hope, Weston and Arthur Streets and James Ruse Drive. Council's endorsement is sought for a revised set of draft provisions for the subject block to be incorporated into the Parramatta Development Control Plan (DCP) 2011 and for the provisions to be publicly exhibited.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the proposed amendment to Parramatta DCP 2011 at Attachment 5 relating to the subject block be endorsed by Council and be publicly exhibited.

(b) Further, that a report be put to Council following the public exhibition.

BACKGROUND

1. The Rosehill Master Plan was adopted by Council in September 2003. Attachment 1 illustrates the location of the Rosehill Master Plan block. The master plan provides for:

(a) the greater proportion of the block fronting Hope, Weston and Arthur streets to be developed for two storey (some attic) terrace style housing;

(b) two new north- south streets and two pedestrian east- west lanes and a number of small pocket parks;

2. The form of development envisaged by the master plan is illustrated on a perspective drawing at Attachment 2.

3. The master plan was prepared in reference to the former Sydney Regional Environmental Plan No 28 – Parramatta and the requirements of the former Harris Park Precinct DCP for the subject block.

4. Parramatta DCP 2011 provides that the Rosehill Master Plan is a deemed DCP which will guide future development of the subject block.

5. During preparation of Parramatta LEP 2011, Council introduced a number of changes for the block which is reflected in the published version of the Plan. The permitted height for land fronting James Ruse Drive was increased from 23m to 28m. The zoning for the balance of the block was changed from R3 Medium Density Residential to R4 High Density Residential and maximum height was increased from 10.5 m and 9.5m (for four properties at the northern end of Arthur Street) to 13 m.

6. As a result of these changes under Parramatta LEP 2011 it is necessary to revise the DCP provisions for this block. It is proposed to include these provisions into the comprehensive Parramatta DCP 2011.

7, A broader study (refer to Attachment 1 which shows the broader study area) is also being undertaken of River Road West, Rosehill, and part of Camellia which will likely lead to recommendations for building heights, floor space ratios and revised DCP controls for parts of these areas. Whilst the results of this study should be reported to Council in the coming months, it is considered necessary to separate the review of the subject block from the broader study as Council has received a number of development application enquiries and submissions within the block and the deemed DCP provisions are inconsistent having regard to the height and zoning provisions of Parramatta LEP 2011.

ISSUES

7. Whilst the Rosehill Master Plan deemed DCP is based on a strong vision it raises the following issues:

(a) The master plan provisions are no longer appropriate as they do not provide for the scale and form of development permitted under Parramatta LEP 2011 and are creating confusion for prospective developers and Council’s Development Assessment Unit;

(b) The provision of new streets, lanes and pocket parks represent a considerable investment in new public domain for a very local outcome and require the coordination of many individual blocks to be amalgamated and developed simultaneously;

(c) The master plan does not appear to have stimulated development or attracted strong support from landowners with no new development built in the subject block since the master plan was prepared, with two approved development applications due to lapse in 2012 and 2013; and

(d) The master plan is excessively complicated and lengthy.

8. A review of the Rosehill Master Plan has been undertaken with the assistance of Council's Urban Design Unit (Attachment 3). The major conclusion of the review is that the proximity of the historic Elizabeth Farm House to the subject block necessitates a sensitive approach to the planning for development on adjoining streets and in particular on Arthur Street. To ensure that development in Arthur Street does not adversely impact on the heritage setting of Elizabeth Farm House revised principles have been prepared which provide for:

(a) generous front setbacks with deep soil planting to the Arthur Street frontage to reinforce Elizabeth Farm House’s landscape setting and assist in creating a landscape buffer to the apartment buildings;

(b) retention of the heritage view from Elizabeth Farm House across the north east corner of the subject block;

(c) prevention of new driveways providing access to basement parking in Arthur Street to preserve the Elizabeth Farm House setting;

(d) apartments facing Arthur Street to have a setback to the fourth floor from the street and side setbacks to the fourth floor to reduce the scale of these buildings; and

(e) to impose a maximum building length of 35 m for apartments facing Arthur Street to enhance the landscape character and setting.

9. Council’s Urban Design Unit also raises a number of wider issues beyond the scope of the Rosehill Master Plan review relating to recommendations of the River Road West Planning Study being a possible increase in the height limit for the R4 High Density Residential Zone of the subject block from 13m to 14m and the application of an appropriate FSR. These matters will be considered in the broader River Road West, Rosehill and Camellia study, as it would require amendment of Parramatta LEP 2011 and should be considered in the broader context.

10. Beyond Arthur Street, and for the greater part of the subject block, a pattern of development can be achieved that will comply with the development standards of Parramatta DCP 2011 and State Environmental Planning Policy 65 – Design Quality of Residential Flat Development.

11. A draft amendment to Parramatta DCP 2011 at Attachment 4 provides for the removal of the Rosehill Master Plan as a deemed DCP and incorporates revised provisions for the subject block including design controls based on the above outlined principles. The revised controls are additional to the general provisions and controls included in Parramatta DCP 2011, as shown at Attachment 6. These revised controls will be located in Part 4.3.2 Harris Park of Parramatta DCP 2011.

PROCESS – NEXT STEPS

12. The proposed amendments to Parramatta DCP 2011 will be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. As part of the exhibition, letters will be sent to all landowners in the subject block and to adjoining landowners as well as relevant heritage agencies advising of the exhibition. Under requirements of State Environmental Planning Policy No 65 - Design Quality of Residential Flat Development the Design Review Panel will be consulted on the proposed amendments concurrently with the exhibition.

13. A report will be put to Council following the public exhibition.

Paul Kennedy Jennifer Concato

Project Officer Acting Manager

Land Use Planning Land Use Planning

Attachments:

1 View	Location Map	1 Page
2 View	Perspective of Rosehill Master Plan Development	1 Page
3 View	Analysis by Urban Design Unit	29 Pages
4 View	Proposed DCP Amendments	3 Pages
5 View	Comparison of Design Controls in Parramatta DCP and for subject block	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

None.

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.6

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.6

SUBJECT Discontinuation of Planning Proposal for 181 James Ruse Drive Camellia

REFERENCE F2011/03256 - D02358727

REPORT OF Senior Project Officer

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to seek a Council resolution pursuant to section 58 of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act, to request the Minister to determine that the Planning Proposal at 181 James Ruse Drive, Camellia (seeking to add ‘shop top housing’ as an additional permitted use), not proceed.

RECOMMENDATION

That, pursuant to s58 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, Council formally request the Minister for Planning & Infrastructure to determine that the Planning Proposal at 181 James Ruse Drive, Camellia (seeking to add ‘shop top housing’ as an additional permitted use) not proceed.

BACKGROUND

1. The subject land is zoned B5 Business Development under the recent Parramatta Local Environmental Plan (LEP) 2011. This zone does not allow residential land uses.

2. When preparing Parramatta LEP 2011, Council resolved on 5 October 2010 to broaden the range of land uses for this site to include retail and shop top housing. However, when the State Government finalised the LEP, shop top housing was not included as a permissible use. Shops were added as an additional permitted use for the site in Schedule 1 – Additional Permitted Uses.

3. After the LEP was finalised, a Planning Proposal was submitted by Council to the Department of Planning and Infrastructure seeking to add ‘shop top housing’ as an additional permissible use for the site.

ISSUES

4. Council received Gateway determination from the Department of Planning & Infrastructure (at Attachment 1 to this report) in December 2011, requesting further studies prior to the proposal being placed on public exhibition. These included contamination, flooding and potential land use conflicts with industrial land uses adjoining the site.

5. The Gateway determination also required that the Office of Environment and Heritage endorse a Remediation Action plan addressing contamination before the Planning Proposal could be placed on exhibition.

6. The land owner has advised that these further studies will not be provided in connection with this Planning Proposal. Therefore, the Gateway conditions will not be met and the Planning Proposal will not progress.

7. The land owner has met with senior Council staff to discuss future options for the development of this site and has been advised to submit preliminary concepts for a range of land use options for Council’s consideration at a strategic level before a more detailed proposal is lodged. A further report to Council will be prepared addressing these options.

RECOMMENDATION

8. In order to formalise the discontinuation of the Planning Proposal, Council should resolve to request that the Minister not proceed with the ‘shop top housing’ Planning Proposal. This report seeks Council’s endorsement of such action.

Sue Stewart

Senior Project Officer

Land Use Planning

Attachments:

1 View

Gateway Determination

4 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

None.

Council 28 May 2012 Item 8.7

ECONOMY AND DEVELOPMENT

ITEM NUMBER 8.7

SUBJECT Heritage Advisory Committee for April 2012

REFERENCE F2005/01945 - D02360550

REPORT OF Project Officer- Land Use Planning

PURPOSE:

To inform Council of the key discussion points of the meeting of the Heritage Advisory Committee on 18 April 2012.

RECOMMENDATION

That the minutes of the Heritage Advisory Committee meeting of 18 April 2012 be received and noted.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee meets every two months and comprises 11 members.

2. Council’s Heritage Advisory Committee met on 18 April 2012. This report provides a summary of the key discussion points of that meeting for Council’s information and consideration. The minutes of the meeting are contained in Attachment 1.

ISSUES

3. The main issues considered at the meeting were that the Committee:

(a) recommended (item 25/12) that the following applications for funds from Council's Local Heritage Fund be granted: $2,650 for 61B Pennant Hills Road (Redeemer Baptist School), North Parramatta; $2,650 for 24 Galloway Street, North Parramatta; $1,252 for 195 Church Street (St John's Anglican Cathedral), Parramatta; $1,300 for 6 Iron Street, North Parramatta; $2,650 for 76 O'Connell Street, Parramatta; $3,300 for 38 – 40 Sorrell Street, North Parramatta; and $1,300 for 5 Madison Avenue, Carlingford.

(b) was advised (item 26/12) of the concerns in the local community and Council's resolution in relation to the condition of St John's Cemetery and resolved that the Council be thanked for its decision in relation to this matter and that the Committee continue to monitor the situation and future meetings.

4. There are no requests for additional expenditure arising from this meeting.

Paul Kennedy Jennifer Concato

Project Officer Acting Manager

Land Use Planning Land Use Planning

Attachments:

1 View

Minutes of the Heritage Advisory Committee 18 April 2012

7 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 9.1

ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE

ITEM NUMBER 9.1

SUBJECT Declaration of Wildlife Protection Areas

REFERENCE F2011/03821 - D02299528

REPORT OF Open Space & Natural Area Planner

PURPOSE:

To recommend that Council declare eight bushland Wildlife Protection Areas under Section 30(1)(b) of the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council declare Wildlife Protection Areas under Section 30(1)(b) of the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 prohibiting cats within the following significant bushland areas:

· Campbell Hill Pioneer Reserve & Waddangalli Woodland (Guildford)

· Duck River Bushland Reserve (South Granville)

· Edna Hunt Sanctuary (Eastwood, Epping)

· Galaringi Reserve & Cox Park (Carlingford, Dundas Valley)

· Lake Parramatta Reserve (North Parramatta)

· Quarry Branch Creek (Northmead, Winston Hills)

· Upper Toongabbie Creek (Constitution Hill, Northmead, Winston Hills)

· Vineyard Creek Reserve (Dundas, Oatlands, Telopea)

(b) That Council continue to permit dogs on-leash on established tracks within declared Wildlife Protection Areas.

(c) That all respondents who provided submissions regarding this matter during the public exhibition period be notified of Council’s decision.

(d) That appropriate notification signs be erected at all formal track entrances to declared Wildlife Protection Areas.

(e) That enforcement of this new legislation in relation to penalty notices be deferred until 1 October 2012 to enable sufficient time to publicise the declaration and for staff to undertake community education regarding responsible cat / dog ownership and Wildlife Protection Areas.

(f) Further, that Council undertake a review of dog off-leash provision within the Lachlan Macquarie ward.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s adopted Companion Animal Management Plan (2010) aims to encourage responsible pet ownership in accordance with the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998 (CAA). It identifies that ‘many parts of Councils’ bushland areas are home to a number of endangered and protected species and communities’ and ‘irresponsible behaviour of cat owners poses a major threat to the wildlife’. A priority action in the plan is ‘greater protection for wildlife in our bushland areas’.

2. Recent flora and fauna surveys have observed cats and dogs in many of Council’s significant bushland areas. The survey reports have recommended that Council consider declaring our significant bushland areas as Wildlife Protection Areas (WPA) under the CAA to assist with the management of domestic animals, in particular cats. WPAs have been declared in significant bushland areas by a number of other Sydney metropolitan councils such as Hornsby, North Sydney, Warringah and Willoughby.

3. A report outlining the proposed declaration of WPAs was previously considered by Council at the 27 February 2012 meeting. At this meeting Council approved the public exhibition of the proposed WPAs for community review and comment.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. Extensive research indicates the significant impact of stray cats on native Australian wildlife, particularly small mammals and birds. The NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) report that an average domestic cat brings home 16 mammals, 8 birds and 8 reptiles each year (Attachment 1). Predation by cats is listed as a ‘Key Threatening Process’ under both the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Predatory behaviour by cats is opportunistic based on habitat accessibility, daily and seasonal prey availability. Research also suggests that in relatively undisturbed environments adjoining new residential developments, such as urban bushland, predation by cats may have a substantial impact on local native fauna populations. A University of NSW study (2007) also found that walking of dogs within bushland resulted in a 35% reduction in bird diversity and 41% reduction in bird abundance (Attachment 1).

5. The CAA enables councils to prohibit cats and / or dogs from public places, or part thereof, where they have been declared by the local authority (Council) as a WPA. This is defined in the CAA as ‘any public place or any part of a public place set apart by the local authority for the protection of wildlife and in which the local authority ordered that cats are prohibited for the purposes of the protection of wildlife and in which, or near the boundaries of which, there are conspicuously exhibited by the local authority at reasonable intervals notices to the effect that cats and/or dogs are prohibited in or on that public place for the protection of wildlife’.

6. Recent flora and fauna surveys of Council’s eight significant bushland areas identified over 400 flora species (including three threatened) and over 100 fauna species (including ten threatened). The limited availability of habitat throughout the Parramatta local government area could justify all natural areas being declared as WPAs. However, this is not realistically feasible in consideration of resourcing requirements for enforcement and signage. It is therefore considered appropriate to only declare Council’s eight significant bushland reserves as WPAs (Attachment 2). These significant bushland areas contain the highest diversity of flora and fauna and include:

· Campbell Hill Pioneer Reserve & Waddangalli Woodland (Guildford)

· Duck River Bushland Reserve (South Granville)

· Edna Hunt Sanctuary (Eastwood, Epping)

· Galaringi Reserve & Cox Park (Carlingford, Dundas Valley)

· Lake Parramatta Reserve (North Parramatta)

· Quarry Branch Creek (Northmead, Winston Hills)

· Upper Toongabbie Creek (Constitution Hill, Northmead, Winston Hills)

· Vineyard Creek Reserve (Dundas, Oatlands, Telopea)

7. Cats are prohibited from WPAs under Section 30 (1)(b) of the CAA. The owners of a cat found to be in a WPA may be issued an on-the-spot fine of $110 with offenders liable for fines of up to $880. An authorised Council officer may seize an offending cat found to be in a WPA for its own protection.

8. Council has the authority to prohibit dogs from WPAs under Section 14(1)(h) of the CAA; however dog walking in natural areas is a popular recreational activity for residents and provides opportunities for dog exercise. It is therefore considered appropriate to continue to permit dogs on a leash on established tracks in WPAs. Dog owners may be issued an on-the-spot fine of $220 with offenders liable for fines of up to $1100 under Section 13(2) of the CAA if their dogs are found to be off-leash in ANY public place, including parks and reserves, which have not been declared an off-leash area under Section 13 (6).

9. The declaration of WPAs in significant bushland areas is consistent with Council’s Parramatta Twenty25 Strategy (W3) ‘Reduce human impacts on Parramatta unique diversity of plants and animals’. It is consistent with actions in the Parramatta Open Space Plan (2004), Parramatta Biodiversity Plan (2003) and Council’s generic Natural Areas Plan of Management (2006) adopted under the Local Government Act 1993.

10. Council recognises the need for community education, particularly cat owners, regarding their responsibilities in relation to cats entering WPAs in accordance with the CAA. It is recommended that an initial six month education period be implemented to provide strategies for adjusting cats to indoor environments as endorsed by the NSW Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) and Cat Protection Society of NSW (Attachment 3). To minimise the impact on cat owners it is considered appropriate that enforcement of the WPA declaration in respect to the issue of penalties not commence until 1 October 2012.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

11. Council’s Community Safety Officers have been consulted and fully support the declaration and enforcement of the proposed WPAs. Adjoining residents, volunteer bushcare groups / park committees and reserve users were notified and invited to comment on the proposed declaration of WPAs through local newspaper advertisements, notification letters, significant bushland track entrance signs, library displays and Council’s website.

12. Council received 66 submissions during the consultation period and over 90% were supportive of the proposed WPAs in relation to the prohibition of cats under Section 30(1)(b) of the CAA. However a number of submissions expressed concerns regarding the requirement for dogs to be on-leash in WPAs. Dogs are currently required to be on-leash at all times in public places (including parks and reserves) under Section 13(1) of the CAA; unless an area has been designated as off-leash by Council under Section 13(6). None of the proposed WPAs are designated dog off-leash areas and the declaration will not place any significant additional restrictions on dogs (except that dogs must stay on established tracks / trails in bushland areas).

13. In recognising the importance of dog exercise, Council has established eight dog off-leash areas throughout the local government area. A significant proportion of submissions received highlighted the lack of opportunities for off-leash dog exercise in Epping / Eastwood area, with the closest designated off-leash area being at Cowells Lane Reserve, Ermington. It is proposed, therefore, that a review is undertaken of dog off-leash provision within the Lachlan Macquarie ward for Council’s consideration.

14. A number of submissions raised concerns regarding the different penalties for dogs ($220) and cats ($110). These queried the reasoning for the significant difference between the two penalty amounts; however the amounts are prescribed by the NSW State Government under the CAA and are unable to be modified by Council.

15. All those who provided submissions have been thanked and advised that they will be informed of the outcome once this report has been considered and determined by Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

16. Council would be required to install appropriate signage at the formal track entrances to the affected bushland areas which would be funded from the 2012/13 Biodiversity Protection and Bushland Protection Projects at a cost of approximately $140 per sign.

17. The regulation and enforcement of WPAs will be undertaken by Community Safety Officers in conjunction with Council Natural Resource Officers. Patrols of WPAs bushland areas will be undertaken by Community Safety Officers in addition to community education and investigation of reported incidents of cats and off-leash dogs in WPAs. These functions can be undertaken within existing resources and will not require additional funding.

Troy Holbrook

Open Space & Natural Areas Planner

Attachments:

1 View	Wildlife & Cats Statistics (WIRES)	1 Page
2 View	Maps of Proposed Core Bushland Wildlife Protection Areas	9 Pages
3 View	UNSW Study - Dogs and Native Birds in Natural Areas	3 Pages
4 View	Cats & Wildlife Education Brochure (WIRES)	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 10.1

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.1

SUBJECT Naming of Unnamed Park at 31 Prospect Street, Rosehill as Biplane Park

REFERENCE F2011/03533 - D02298833

REPORT OF Open Space & Natural Area Planner

PURPOSE:

To recommend Council name the recently acquired park at 31 Prospect Street in Rosehill as Biplane Park.

RECOMMENDATION

a) That the recently acquired public reserve located at 31 Prospect Street (Lot 1 DP 128372) in Rosehill be endorsed in principle to be named Biplane Park.

b) That the name Biplane Park be referred to the Geographical Names Board of NSW for formal assignment under the Geographical Names Act 1966.

c) That if approval is granted by the Geographical Names Board, appropriate interpretive name signage be erected in the park to be funded under 2012/13 Parks Improvement Program works.

d) Further, that the Parramatta and District Historical Society and others who lodged a submission in relation to the proposed naming of this park be thanked and advised of Council’s decision.

BACKGROUND

1. The Parramatta and District Historical Society has suggested that Council name the public reserve located at 31 Prospect Street (Lot 1 DP 128372) in Rosehill as ‘Sydney Staff Park’ (Attachment 1). This small reserve was recently acquired by Council and is located at the corner of Arthur and Prospect Streets in Rosehill as illustrated in Attachment 2. The name was proposed in recognition of local carpenter Mr Sydney Nelson Staff (1867 - 1941), who was involved with the manufacture and assembly of an early biplane on land in the vicinity of the current park.

2. Research confirms that Mr Sydney Nelson Staff was a local carpenter who resided in a number of houses in proximity to this park in the years preceding World War One (WW1). Council has also obtained a number of photographs which confirm the construction of an early 28 horsepower biplane to the south of Elizabeth Farm in proximity to the park around 1914. (Attachment 3)

3. There are numerous records noting the successful flights of Harry Houdini at Rosehill Racecourse in his Voisin biplane in April 1910 however Council staff have not been able to locate any other records of successful early flights at the Racecourse prior to WWI. Our research has also been unable to locate any records confirming the involvement of Mr Staff in the building of the early biplane however photos and other sources indicate that it was highly likely that Mr Staff, as a skilled carpenter, manufactured the propeller and other components of the biplane.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. In determining place names, Council follows our ‘Commemorative Works and Memorials Policy’ and the guidelines prescribed by the Geographical Names Board of NSW (GNB). These require that proposed names have a strong connection with the place to be named and considerable research regarding Mr Sydney Staff has been undertaken in conjunction with the Parramatta Local Studies Library. Council contacted the Aviation Historical Society of Australia and reviewed 'Sands' Sydney Directories, local newspapers, Council minutes, NSW State Library and National Library of Australia records and other historical record sources.

5. Research indicates that the local area in vicinity of this park and nearby Rosehill Racecourse, have a historic connection with early aviation; however the particular involvement of Mr Sydney Staff cannot be confirmed. It is therefore considered more appropriate for the park to be named ‘Biplane Park’ to recognise the local connection with early aviation.

6. The proposed ‘Biplane Park’ name complies with Council’s ‘Commemorative Works and Memorials Policy’ and the GNB ‘Guidelines for Place Names’. However in accordance with the Geographical Names Act 1966, the proposal will need to be referred to the GNB for their approval and formal gazettal of the name.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

7. The Parramatta and District Historical Society have been actively involved in assisting Council undertake research regarding the naming proposal and now fully support the alternative ‘Biplane Park’ name rather then their original proposal (Attachment 4).

8. Local residents and park users were notified and invited to comment on the naming proposal through a local resident mail-out, on-site sign and information in the ‘On Exhibition’ section of Council’s website. Two submissions were received during the consultation period and were generally supportive of the proposed name; however one suggested the park be alternatively named ‘Swann Park’. Council has already recognised the significant contribution of the Swann family and named a small reserve linking Elizabeth Farm and Hambeldon Cottage as 'Swann Reserve' in 1998.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

9. Council would be required to install a park name sign at the park. The installation of appropriate interpretative name signage could be funded as part of the upgrade works to be undertaken in the park under the 2012/13 Parks Improvement Program.

Troy Holbrook

Open Space & Natural Area Planner

Attachments:

1 View	Parramatta & District Historical Society Park - Naming Request Letter	1 Page
2 View	Proposed Biplane Park Location Map	1 Page
3 View	Rosehill Biplane circa. 1914	1 Page
4 View	Parramatta & District Historical Society - Biplane Park Support Letter	1 Page

Council 28 May 2012 Item 10.2

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.2

SUBJECT Access Advisory Committee Minutes 17 April 2012

REFERENCE F2005/01944 - D02334714

REPORT OF Community Capacity Building Officer. Community Capacity Building

PURPOSE:

The Access Committee met on 17 April 2012. This report provides a précis of the key discussion points of that meeting for Council’s consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

That the minutes of the Access Advisory Committee meeting on 17 April 2012 (Attachment 1) are received and noted.

BACKGROUND

1. Parramatta Council’s Access Advisory Committee continues to meet bi-monthly in accordance with the Council Resolution of 28 September 2009.

MAIN DISCUSSION POINTS

2. The Access Committee met on 17 April 2012 and discussed the possible changes in timeline for the construction of a new City Library as part of the Civic Place redevelopment, and raised concerns around facilities and Access at the existing Library, particularly lift access to upper floors where existing arrangements place restrictions on Access. The Committee identified the Library as a key service requiring upgrading of facilities to improve Access, and expressed concern over waiting for a new Library to be built.

The Committee then noted that if there are changes in timeline for the construction of a new City Library as part of the Civic Place redevelopment, the Committee recommends that consideration be given to upgrading facilities at the existing Library. In particular consideration be given to upgrading lift access to enable unrestricted access to all levels of the Library, and the reworking of the after-hours book return chute to improve access for people with disabilities.

The Access Advisory Committee offers to be involved in the planning of any such upgrade / renovation to provide informed advice about Access prior to plans being finalised.

Officer’s Note: The matter has been referred to Debbie Killian, Manager of Community, Library and Social Services for consideration of access strategies in the short term for the City Library.

3. The Committee Members have received copies of the draft Access and Equity Policy and made arrangements to review the document and then meet with Jayne Boardman, from Council’s Social Outcomes team, to discuss their feedback.

4. The Committee was informed that, following the discussion at the previous Committee meeting, a letter was sent from the Lord Mayor’s office to RailCorp requesting an update on upgrade plans for Clyde Station, as well as information on upgrade plans for Wentworthville Station.

5. Tanya Owen informed the Committee that Council was working on creating an in-house training program on Access to be provided to a range of Council Units. It is intended that the program assist Council officers in developing a practical understanding of Access and the Disability Discrimination Act in relation to the development and refurbishment of Council facilities, as well as consideration of Development Applications.

6. John Moxon brought to the attention of the Committee Council’s funding submission and plan for a mixed-use redevelopment of the Macquarie Street Car Park. The plan includes an allocated area for community businesses. The Committee encouraged their involvement in the planning, should funding be obtained, and wished to inform the relevant Council Unit of their offer to provide Access advice during planning to achieve the best possible Access at the site. Council Officer Tanya Owen will ensure that this message is conveyed to the relevant Council Officers.

7. The Committee discussed the copy of the Mobility Map produced by Liverpool City Council. The Committee believes this would be a useful resource for Parramatta Council to provide for people with disabilities, and suggested that this could be developed through the implementation plan for the new Access and Equity Policy to be adopted. Council Officer Tanya Owen will explore this with Council’s Social Outcomes team.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

8. There are no financial implications for Council.

Tanya Owen

Community Place Development Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Access Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 17 April 2012

4 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 10.3

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.3

SUBJECT 2012 PCC Community Grants Program - Unallocated Funds

REFERENCE F2011/01895 - D02350020

REPORT OF Grants Officer

PURPOSE:

Council’s consideration is sought to using some of the unallocated funds from the Annual 2012 PCC Community Grants Program to fund eligible Small Grant Fund applications.

RECOMMENDATION

That $8,691 of the unallocated funds from the Annual 2012 PCC Community Grants Program be allocated to eligible applications from the Small Grants Fund as detailed in Attachment 1.

BACKGROUND

1. At the 22 August 2011 Council meeting, Councillors endorsed $400,000 to be distributed in the 2012 PCC Community Grants Program. This pool was divided across eight categories. This decision included an increase in the Small Grants Fund by $10,000 to a pool of $20,000, with the funding cap per application being increased from $500 to $1,000.

2. The increase in the Small Grants Fund pool and funding cap was warmly received by the community organisations Council works with, as it provided an opportunity to apply for funding throughout the year to support existing programs.

3. The change resulted in an increased demand in the category which was significantly greater than the increase in available funds. The table below demonstrates this growth in demand since the pool was increased in the September 2011 round (*):

Financial Year	Quarter	Applications received	$ Funds requested	$ Funds awarded	% of success
2010-11	Jun 2010	10	4,823	2,323	48.2%
	Sep 2010	7	3,500	2,500	71.4%
	Dec 2010	6	2,971	2,471	83.2%
	Apr 2011	1	500	500	100.0%
2011-12	Jun 2011	13	6,215	3,000	48.3%
	Sep 2011*	23	19,704	6,998	35.5%
	Dec 2011*	20	19,486	6,500	33.4%
	Mar 2012*	15	13,584	4,597	33.8%

4. At the 23 April 2012 Council meeting, the allocation of successful grants for the Annual 2012 PCC Community Grants Program left an amount of $40,090 unallocated from this annual funding pool.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

5. It is proposed that $8,691 of the unallocated $40,090 from the Annual 2012 Community Grants Program be redirected to eligible applications received in the Small Grant Fund category that were unable to be awarded due to lack of funds. Attachment 1 lists the details of these applications.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

6. The Small Grants Fund has a quarterly application process that is regularly promoted to local community groups, services and sporting organisations. The applications that appear in Attachment 1 each underwent an assessment process by a panel of three Council Officers from the Community Capacity Building Team in each of their respective quarterly rounds.

7. The list in Attachment 1 was compiled following a review of eligible applications from the last four quarterly rounds. Those applications appearing on the list were unsuccessful in the round in which they applied due to a lack of funds. Applications that were for time-bound activities that have now passed were excluded, as were applications that were found to be ineligible or poor quality.

8. The next quarterly closing date for applications is Friday 8 June 2012. Approved grants in that round are funded out of the next financial year’s budget.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

9. There are funds available in the previously allocated budget for the 2012 PCC Community Grants Program for the proposed expenditure. This expenditure will reduce the amount of unallocated grant funds in that program for 2012 – 2013 to $31,399.

David Moutou

Community Place Development Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Recommended expenditure for unallocated funds in the 2012 PCC Community Grants Program

2 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 10.4

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.4

SUBJECT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee Meeting 23 April 2012

REFERENCE F2005/01941 - D02353068

REPORT OF Community Capacity Building Officer

PURPOSE:

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Committee met on 23 April 2012. The report provides a précis of the decisions made at this meeting.

RECOMMENDATION

That the minutes of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee of 23 April 2012 be received and noted.

BACKGROUND

1. Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee meets monthly and comprises 21 members.

2. Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee met on 23 April 2012. This report provides a summary of the decisions of the Committee.

MAIN AGENDA ITEMS

3. Chairperson John Robertson welcomed four new Committee members to the meeting: Kerrie Kenton, Christina Nobilia, Gai Marheine and

Gordon Workman.

4. Council Officer George Mannix, Service Manager Major Events, attended the meeting and provided an update relating to NAIDOC 2012 planning including the following:

(a) Mr Luke Pearson has been appointed as Events Consultant to deliver Burramatta Family Fun Day.

(b) NAIDOC celebrations 2012 including Burramatta Family Fun Day would be in accordance with the recommendations and suggestions made in the review of Council’s NAIDOC programs “Renewal of NAIDOC Celebrations and Events”.

(c) Input from Committee members was sought particularly in regard to stage program, stallholders and workshop activities.

(d) Council’s Library NAIDOC program will connect to Burramatta Family Fun Day.

The Committee then discussed Burramatta Family Fun Day and made a number of suggestions regarding the program, possible workshops, stall holders and the food and drink to be provided.

5. The Committee was advised that if they arrange with developers to participate in local archaeological digs, they should do so as individuals and not as representatives of the Council’s Advisory Committee.

6. Committee members shared information on a number of issues including grants received by Western Sydney Reconciliation; an event being held at Cootamundra Girls Home in August 2012; issues raised by clients of the Indigenous Disability Advocacy Service and the Annual General Meeting of Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation scheduled for 12 May 2012.

7. Committee member Phil Russo advised the Committee that Archbishop Anthony Fisher of St Patricks Cathedral had agreed with a proposal he had made that a plaque be placed in the Cathedral recognising that it is on Darug Land. The Committee determined that the matter be referred to the Executive members of the Committee.

8. Committee member Kerrie Kenton advised the Committee that joint works were proceeding on Duck River Plan of Management without any involvement by Aboriginal people. Committee members determined to seek advice from Council on any Aboriginal input received in relation to the Duck River Plan of Management.

Officer’s Comment:

The Committee will be informed that Council is in the preliminary stages of developing a Master Plan and Plan of Management for the Duck River Catchment. A community information/ consultation meeting has been held. A first draft of the Plans will be completed by 18 May 2012 and distributed widely for comment and input including to Council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

9. There are no financial implications to Council.

Maggie Kyle

Community Capacity Officer

Attachments:

1 View

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Minutes 23 April 2012

6 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 10.5

COMMUNITY AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

ITEM NUMBER 10.5

SUBJECT Requests for Fee Subsidy for the use of Public Halls, Community Centres and Meeting Rooms

REFERENCE F2004/07903 - D02360338

REPORT OF Manager City Culture, Tourism and Recreation

PURPOSE:

The report details the process and recommendations for 2012/2013 Fee Subsidies for the use of Public Halls, Community Centres and Meeting Rooms by annual hirers.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That the report on requests for fee subsidies for the use of Council’s public halls, community centres and meeting rooms by annual hirers for 2012/2013 be received and noted.

(b) That Council approve the annual fee subsidies to be granted as recommended in the 2012/2013 Fee Subsidy Assessment Sheet.

(c) That the applicants, who have been unsuccessful in receiving a full exemption, be contacted to negotiate a payment program.

BACKGROUND

1. At its meeting on 23 September 2002, Council endorsed the assessment criteria and procedure for managing requests for fee exemptions and reductions for the use of Public Halls, Community Centres and Meeting Rooms by annual hirers. The criteria include consideration of the type of group and its financial circumstances along with likely community benefits.

2. At its meeting of 29 March 2005, Council approved delegated authority be given to the Chief Executive Officer to award subsidies outside of the annual process where groups fully meet the endorsed criteria.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. Council agreed in 2002 on a policy for fee subsidies for Public Halls, Community Centres and Meeting Rooms. This report implements this policy for 2012/2013.

4. All annual hirers were invited to apply for a fee subsidy with their booking confirmations for 2012/13.

5. There were thirty seven (37) requests for applications forms. A copy of the application form is Attachment 1. A copy of the accompanying letter is Attachment 2.

6. All thirty seven (37) applications for fee subsidies were received at the time of this report.

7. Council Officers have assessed the applications against the endorsed criteria which are outlined in Attachment 3. A table that summarises the applications, each groups’ demonstrated contribution to the community and their capacity to pay is at Attachment 4. The subsidies recommended for consideration by Council appear in the second last column of the table.

8. In 2009, Council resolved that all senior citizen services in the Parramatta Local Government Area be exempted from paying hire fees for their use of Council’s public halls, community centres and meeting rooms. Under this resolution, thirteen of the thirty-seven applicants are exempt from paying fees for the 2012/2013 year:

Arthritis Foundation of NSW Parramatta

Australian Tamil Seniors Association

Falun Dafa

German Senior Community Incorporated

Golden A Club

Granville Community Group

Granville Country Women’s Association

Italian Social Group

Multi-national Seniors

Over 50s Self Supported Group - Guildford

Spanish Speaking Seniors

The Sage Club

Tuesday Day-Lighters

CONSULTATION & TIMING

9. All thirty seven (37) applications currently meet the assessment criteria.

10. A Councillor workshop for the review of the Fee Subsidy Criteria was held on 14 July 2010. At this workshop, Council considered the application and assessment process and fee subsidy criteria. No changes were made to the fee subsidy process or fee subsidy criteria. Council may wish however, to defer this report and hold a similar workshop this year.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

11. The amount allocated within Council’s budget for fee subsidies for halls, community centres and meeting rooms for 2012/2013 is $139,359.00. Of the applications that currently meet the assessment criteria, it is determined that the total subsidy required to be granted is $142, 773.43. This includes $29,768.03 for the seniors groups, an increase of approximately $5,000 on this type of subsidy in 2011/12.

12. The overall increase in the total recommended subsidy is a result of additional community groups seeking a fee subsidy, groups booking more regularly and utilising weekend hire more often which attracts a higher rate.

13. The funding variance will be included in the 2012/13 Quarter 1 review. In 2011/12, the total subsidy granted was $142,973.00, which includes two additional fee subsidy requests which were granted in October 2011. The budgeted amount for the 2011/12 fee subsidy period was $135,300.00.

Rebecca Grasso

Manager City, Culture, Tourism and Recreation

Attachments:

1 View	Fee Subsidy Application Form	3 Pages
2 View	Fee Subsidy Request Letter	2 Pages
3 View	Fee Subsidy Assessment Criteria	1 Page
4 View	Fee Subsidy Summary Sheet	1 Page

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 11.1

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.1

SUBJECT Investments Report for March 2012

REFERENCE F2009/00971 - D02329568

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To inform Council of the investment portfolio performance for the month of March 2012.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receives and notes the investments report for March 2012.

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 31st March 2012 was $94.7M. The weighted average Funds held throughout the period was approximately $91.3M. A sharp increase in average portfolio holdings compared to previous months is a result of $8.2M which was received from a legal settlement. Additionally as reported in February, It would now appear that credit markets have not suffered the impact originally anticipated during the midst of the European Debt Crisis. As a result of this recovery Interest income will be revised upward by approximately $1.4M ($3.6M to $5M) at the March 2012 review assuming market conditions remain unchanged.

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

· Managed Funds

· Term Deposits (Including Investment – Loan offsets)

· Floating Rate Notes

· Cash at call

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

5. The weighted average interest rate on Council’s investments for the month of February 2012 versus the UBSA Bank Bill Index is as follows:

Monthly Annualised

Total Portfolio 0.61% 7.35%

Funds Managers 1.13% 13.59%

UBSA Bank Bill Index 0.39% 4.70%

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

6. The investment portfolio outperformed the UBSA Bank Bill Index by approximately 2.65%. This outperformance can be attributed the CFS Global Credit Fund (14.53%) which occupies approximately 10.34% of the portfolio. Credit markets rallied after Greece successfully restructured its debt and avoided a catastrophic default.

7. Term deposits make up approximately 69% of total holdings and have interest rates ranging from 5.80% to 7.40%. These premium rates have assisted Councils strong performance during the European Debt Crisis instability. Council’s term deposit portfolio has a weighted average return of 6.42%.

8. 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

9. The Certificate of Investments for March 2012 is provided below:

Certificate of Investments

I hereby certify that the investments for the month of March 12 have been made in accordance with the Act, the Regulations and Council’s Investment Policy.

10. 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 28 May 2012 Item 11.2

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.2

SUBJECT Rates Hardship Policy

REFERENCE F2011/01565 - D02331102

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To adopt Council’s policy on hardship provisions for those unable to pay their Rates.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council approve the Policy for the provision of hardship for Ratepayers.

BACKGROUND

1. Council when adopting the maximum interest rate of 11% on all overdue Rates and Charges for the Financial Year 2011/12 asked for a report to be brought back to Council on hardship provisions for those unable to pay their Rates.

2. For a number of years, Council has had, as part of its debt recovery procedures, a process by which Ratepayers can follow in the case of hardship. This process has now been formalised as the Rates Hardship Policy

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

3. The main objective of the policy is to provide financial relief to Ratepayers experiencing difficulty in meeting their commitments in paying Rates and Charges.

4. The Local Government Act (1993) allows Council’s to provide assistance in cases of genuine hardship. In particular sections 582, 546 and 567.In addition, Council provides a pro-rata Pensioner Rebate for those over 60 years of age.

5. Assessment of financial hardship is made by the Service Manger Rates following completion of the financial hardship relief form.

6. Council has not received any hardship applications in the past 3 years.

7. Council has however, approved payment schemes for over 500 Ratepayers during the same period.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

8. The proposed Policy has been supported by Council’s Executive Team

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

9. There are no financial implications for Council

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

1 View

Council's Rates Hardship Policy

3 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council’s Rates Hardship Policy

Council 28 May 2012 Item 11.3

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.3

SUBJECT Amended Delivery Program 2010/14 and 2012/13 Operational Plan, Fees and Charges 2012/13 and Updated Strategic Asset Management Plan

REFERENCE F2011/01565 - D02361202

REPORT OF Group Manager- Corporate

PURPOSE:

To adopt the Amended Delivery Program 2010/14 and 2012/13 Operational Plan, Fees and Charges 2012/13 and Updated Strategic Asset Management Plan, following consideration of submissions received as a result of the public exhibition of the draft documents and to adopt the Updated Strategic Asset Management Plan.

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That subject to the outcome of Council’s application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for special variation to general income related to the Carbon Price Advance and the outcome of Council’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) application to the NSW State Government, Council adopt the Amended 2010/14 Delivery Program and 2012/13 Operational Plan (Attachment 1) and the 2012/13 Schedule of Fees and Charges (Attachment 2).

(b) That subject to the outcome of Council’s application to IPART for special variation

to general income related to the Carbon Price Advance and the outcome of

Council’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) application to the NSW

State Government, Council adopt the budgeted income, expenditure and

reserves transfers shown in the 2012/13 Operational Plan and vote the

necessary funds.

proceeds of Councils existing depots at Morton Street Parramatta, Mary Parade

Rydalmere and previously sold depot at Elizabeth Street Granville.

(d)That Council adopts the Updated Strategic Asset Management Plan (Attachment 3)

BACKGROUND

At its meeting on 26 March 2012 Council resolved to adopt the Draft Amended Delivery Program 2010/14 and 2012/13 Operational Plan, Fees and Charges 2012/13 and Updated Strategic Asset Management Plan for public exhibition. These documents were on public display from 5^th of April to 4^th of May 2012. Notice of the exhibition was given in local newspapers and copies of the documents were available at Council’s Darcy street office, Libraries, Riverside Theatres and the Heritage/Visitor Information Centre. Details were also placed on Council’s website and included a facility for the community to provide feedback by email. During this process, one community submission was received.

As part of the process of updating the Delivery Program, at its meeting dated 26 March 2012 Council adopted the Updated Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP). Following this, Council’s Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP) has now been updated to reflect the updated LTFP and Council’s LIRS application.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

Previously adopted Draft Updated Delivery Program 2010 – 2014 and 2012/13 Operational Plan and Fees and Charges 2012/13 for public exhibition

No amendments required to Draft Plan

Following the exhibition period, there are no changes required to budget figures and forward estimates included in the Draft Updated Delivery Program 2010 – 2014 and 2012/13 Operational Plan.

The Draft Updated Delivery Program 2010 – 2014 (Attachment 1) is however subject to the following, the outcomes of which are not expected to be known till late June 2012 at the earliest, but could be at a later date:

1. Council’s application to IPART for special variation to general income related to the Carbon Price Advance

2. Council’s Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) application to the NSW State Government

Council will be informed once the outcomes of these applications are known.

There are no proposed changes to the Fees and Charges 2012/13 (Attachment 2)

Council’s application for a special variation to rates

In relation to the Carbon Price Advance Council received advice from the Department of Local Government of the Addendum to the Guidelines for Preparation of Application for Special Variation to General Revenue. Per these guidelines, Council applied to IPART for modifications to the Council’s previously approved special variation percentages by an additional 0.4% in 2012/13 and a reduction of 0.1% in 2013/14. This is summarised in the table below:

Description

2012/13

2013/14

% already approved

% after adjustment

% already approved

% after adjustment

Rate change over previous year

4.3

4.7

9.2*

9.1*

* includes continuation of previously expiring special rates

These adjustments will bring our council in line with the way IPART have set the rate peg for 2012/13 and the adjustments to the rate peg in subsequent years. Council has applied for taking up this arrangement to reflect the equitable treatment being offered to all Councils by IPART.

Council’s LIRS application

Council has submitted an application for subsidised borrowing of $20M in 3 annual instalments of $6.5M, $6.5M and $7M starting 2012/13. If Council’s application were to be successful, the interest subsidy of 4% would add up to $4.85M over a 10 year period (in nominal terms).

Changes to Draft Fees and Charges 2012/13

There are some changes proposed to the Exhibited Fees and Charges 2012/13. These changes related to fees and charges for the use of Open Space, Parks and Sports Fields, and are outlined below:

1. Council has recently been granted a license by Crown Lands over the open space adjacent to the Old Kings School, known as "The Parade Ground @ Old Kings". To enable equitable management of access to this space by hirers, Old Kings School has been identified as a category "D" within the Fees and Charges Schedule.

The amendment to the Exhibited Fees and Charges document is as follows:

The Parade Ground @ Old Kings has been included as a “D” grade field under section 10.24 on page 43 of the Fees and Charges Schedule.

2. A charge exists in the exhibited fees and charges schedule for the provision of caretaking services during periods of hire of Open Space, Parks and Sports Fields and is applied as required. Service resourcing in Council has changed and the service is now delivered by staff other than just caretakers. The description has been amended to reflect this.

The current minimum charge is for 3 hours. This has been extended to 4 hours to reflect employment award requirements and to reflect accurate cost recovery.

The amendment to the Exhibited Fees and Charges document is as follows:

References to Caretakers on pages 35 & 50 have been amended to state “Site Manager / Caretaker”, the minimum hours have been adjusted to state 4 hours instead of 3 hours which has also reflected a change to the 2012/13 Fee per Unit (Excluding GST) being increased from $253.19 to $337.45

3. Bonds are currently included in the fees and charges at various levels for different categories of users. This amendment is proposed to enable the bond to be applied at a level consistent with the assessed risks.

The amendment to the Exhibited Fees and Charges document is as follows;

Under the sections Fairs/Carnivals/Circus/Animal Show/Concert (Rate Per Day), Special Event/Performance (Rate Per Day), Galas/Fetes/Market Days (Rate Per Day) on Pages 46 & 47 the Social bond and Community Event bond now states that the “bond will be at the discretion of Council and will be discussed on application”

The above changes are incorporated in the attached Draft Schedule of Fees and Charges 2012/13 (Attachment 2).

Domestic Waste Management

Since preparing Council’s Draft Delivery Program 2010/14 and 2012/13 Operational Plan, Fees and Charges, Council has made arrangements for new contracts to commence in November 2012 for the waste collection services and disposal of recyclables and organic waste. The new contracts will result in an overall reduction in operating costs for these Domestic Waste Management (DWM) services. The disposal of putrescible waste is managed through a further contract which will be reviewed in 2012. The current arrangement seeks to divert the waste from landfill to an alternate waste treatment facility, however, development of the new AWT facility has been delayed and the costs of both landfill and AWT processing continue to escalate.

While SITA is yet to advise what the revised tipping fees for Council will be from 1 July 2012, it has confirmed that the State Governments s88 Waste Levy will increase by $10 (plus CPI) to over $90.00 per tonne and the impact of carbon tax will be a further increase of approximately $16.50 per tonne. Tipping volume has increased in 2011/12, particularly through the kerb-side clean-up service and Council can expect the impact of these increased taxes to be in excess of $1m in 2012/13.

The Draft Delivery Program 2010/14 and 2012/13 Operational Plan, Fees and Charges make provision for DWM fees to increase by 10% with a further increase of 10% anticipated in 2013/14. This will need to be reviewed, along with the financial impact of the changes outlined above during the new financial year.

Public Submission

There was only one submission received during the exhibition period from the Parramatta & District Historical Society

The Society noted with pleasure that an amount of $50,000 had been budgeted for Hambledon Cottage minor capital works for 2012-13. They noted that this money would assist in helping to restore the historic house, which is of State significance and is the subject of an application for listing on the State Heritage Register.

The submission also noted that the extent of the work required to be undertaken (as identified in the draft Conservation Management Plan) would require these funds together with further funds in subsequent years.

The Society appreciated the on-going support by Parramatta City Council in the upkeep of Hambledon Cottage.

2012/13 Operational Plan (Budget)

The budget delivers an operating result before capital income of $1.778M deficit. This is approximately $140K higher than the planned result for the 2012/13 year in the Delivery Program adopted last year. This result is in line with the LTFP and is part of the overall strategy to deliver a surplus result before capital income by the 2014/15 financial year.

Included in the operating budget are operating projects totalling $3.459M. Details of operating projects are shown for each Pillar within the Delivery Program/Operational Plan.

Capital expenditure of $54.615M is included within the budget. Details of capital projects are shown for each Pillar within the Delivery Program/Operational Plan.

NB: The above figures are for the base scenario, and do not include the impact of Council’s LIRS application which is included as a separate scenario in the plans.

In February 2012, there has been a significant change to the Civic Place project arrangements, with the contract negotiated in July 2006 with Grocon being ended following mutual agreement. The operational Plan includes re-borrowing the outstanding balance of the Civic Place loans as at June 2013 on a principal and interest expense basis (current arrangements are on an interest only basis). The debt servicing impact of this is included in the financial estimates in the Delivery Program. At the time of writing this report, Council was yet to consider alternative options in relation to the Civic Place project.

Borrowings

Council proposes borrowing $13.43M in 2012/13. In accordance with Council’s borrowing policy, $3.43M will be borrowed to fund Council’s infrastructure projects. A special interim borrowing of $10 million for upto 12 months will be made to fund Council’s new Operations Centre.

If Council’s LIRS application is approved, Council will borrow another $6.5M for infrastructure renewal in 2012/13.

Operations Centre Expenditure and Reserve

Included in the Draft Updated Delivery Program is expenditure related to Council’s plans to develop a new Operations Centre which will replace its current Works Depot and centralise some other Council functions from their existing locations. Estimated cost to complete this project is $31 million. This new development is proposed to be funded from the sale of existing Council depots, but a short term interim borrowing of $10 million for up to 12 months will be required to allow the project to proceed. It is proposed to set up a separate ‘Operations Centre Reserve’ to be funded from the sales proceeds of the Morton Street Parramatta and Mary Parade Rydalmere Depots and previously sold Elizabeth Street Granville Depot.

Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP)

Council’s SAMP has been updated to align with the updated Long Term Financial Plan and Council’s LIRS application. The updated SAMP is included as Attachment 3.

When developed last year, the SAMP revealed that there is a significant gap between the actual expenditure on existing Council infrastructure and buildings assets and the amount required to be spent to maintain the existing service level for the community. This gap is around $6.5M/yr in capital expenditure and $1M/yr in maintenance expenditure.

In this regard, Council's Long term Financial Plan has provided for an additional $6M/yr on capital expenditure and $1M/yr on maintenance expenditure from the 2015/16 year. The financial plan could not deliver this funding requirement earlier than this date due to other competing priorities around long term financial sustainability including achieving a net operating surplus before capital revenue by 2014/15 which could be sustained in future years and building a healthy level of reserve funds.

The NSW Government’s LIRS provides the opportunity for Councils to implement the SAMP recommendations in a timely manner starting 2012/13 rather than in 2015/16 as was previously planned due to funding constraints.

This funding of $20M in 3 annual instalments of $6.5M, $6.5M and $7M starting 2012/13 is subject to Council’s LIRS application being approved.

CONSULTATION & TIMING

The Draft Updated Delivery Program and Draft Operational Plan and Draft Fees and Charges were developed through collaboration between Councillors, management and staff in a series of planning workshops. Community engagement was achieved from the public exhibition of all relevant documents.

Section 405 of the Local Government Act requires Council to adopt the 2012/13 Operational Plan by 30 June 2012

Greg Smith

Group Manager Corporate Services

Attachments:

1 View	Draft Updated 2010/2014 Delivery Program and Draft 2012/13 Operational Plan (Distributed under separate cover to Councillors and Senior Staff. For a copy pls contact council support on 98065314)	107 Pages
2 View	Draft 2012/13 Fees and Charges (Distributed under separate cover to Councillors and Senior Staff. For a copy pls contact council support on 98065314)	98 Pages
3 View	Strategic Asset Management Plan (Updated March 2012) (Distributed under separate cover to Councillors and Senior Staff. For a copy pls contact council support on 98065314)	62 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 11.4

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.4

SUBJECT 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government - Etihad Stadium, Melbourne - 18 & 19 July

REFERENCE F2012/00072 - D02349078

REPORT OF Executive Support Manager

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this report is to seek the appointment of one (1) Councillor to attend the 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference being held at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on the 18 and 19 July 2012.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council nominates one (1) Councillor i.e. Lord Mayor or delegate, to attend the 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference being held at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne on the 18 and 19 July 2012.

BACKGROUND

1. The 2012 Benchmarking Best Practice in Local Government Conference is Australia’s annual national conference on local government organisational development and performance improvement.

2. This conference will provide attendees with information they can immediately use to improve organisational performance, drive continuous improvement and achieve a culture of excellence within their own local government.

3. This year’s conference will focus on local government best practice in areas such as:

· Organisational development and performance improvement

· Improving staff culture & productivity

· Management structures & systems

· Best practice HR & becoming an Employer of Choice

· Achieving financial sustainability

· Business systems & technology implementation.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

4. This is a Category ‘C’ Conference as outlined in the Civic Office Expenses and Facilities Policy. Category ‘C’ of this policy permits one Councillor to attend.

5. Copies of the conference program and registration papers are attached.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

6. Delegate registration, accommodation, travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be approximately $2,500 per delegate.

Scott Forsdike

Executive Support Manager

Attachments:

1 View

2012 Benchmarking Conference - Program & registration

7 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

Council 28 May 2012 Item 11.7

GOVERNANCE AND CORPORATE

ITEM NUMBER 11.7

SUBJECT Delivery Program and Operational Plan – Quarterly Review March 2012

REFERENCE F2011/03759 - D02367326

REPORT OF Manager Finance

PURPOSE:

To provide the March 2012 Quarterly Review of the 2010/14 Delivery Program and 2011/12 Operational Plan.

Section 404 of the Local Government Act requires the General Manager (Chief Executive Officer) to provide progress reports to the Council, with respect to the principal activities detailed in the Delivery Program, at least every 6 months.

Clause 203 of the Local Government Regulation requires the Responsible Accounting Officer to prepare and submit to the Council a quarterly budget review statement that shows, by reference to the estimates of income and expenditure set out in the Operational Plan, a revised estimate of the income and expenditure for the year.

The budget review statements and a revision of estimates within the Operational Plan must be reported to Council within two months after the end of each quarter (except the June quarter).

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

RECOMMENDATION

(a) That Council adopt the Chief Executive Officer’s March 2012 Quarterly Review of the 2010/14 Delivery Program and 2011/12 Operational Plan. (Attachment 1).

(b) Further, that Council adopt the Responsible Accounting Officer’s report on the financial position of the Council and the revised estimates of income and expenditure as detailed in Attachment 1

BACKGROUND

1. New requirements for Quarterly Budget Review Statements

In December 2010 the Division of Local Government (DLG) issued a set of minimum requirements for the Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS). Council has implemented these requirements commencing with the September 2011 Quarterly Budget Review. The DLG’s minimum components of the QBRS are:

ü Statement by the Responsible Accounting Officer (Manager Finance) on Council’s financial position at the end of the year based on the information in the QBRS

ü Income and Expenses Statement Budget Review

ü Capital Budget Review

ü Cash and Investments Position Budget Review

ü Key Performance Indicators Budget Review

ü Contracts, Legal fees and Consultants Costs Budget Review

2. Proposed variations to full year budgets

In reporting on proposed variances to full year budgets in the QBRS, the Division of Local Government has recommended that Councils should determine the parameters for what constitutes a ‘substantial’ or ‘major’ variance as it would not be feasible to explain all proposed variations.

Council currently approves and reviews budgets at the Service level within a Pillar. For example, within the Pillar - Community and Neighbourhoods there is a Service - Town Planning & Urban Design.

To comply with the DLG guidelines Council has adopted the following as the parameters for budget variance explanations:

Where Services budget variations are greater than +/- 10% of the current budget or greater than +/- $100,000 of the current budget, these are required to be explained

3. The attached March 2012 Quarterly Review contains the Chief Executive Officer’s progress report on the principal activities contained within Council’s 2010/14 Delivery Program and 2011/12 Operational Plan. The Review is presented under the Four Pillars format adopted by Council.

· Environment & Infrastructure

· Community & Neighbourhoods

· Economy & Development

· Governance & Corporate

4. The Review details in the Operating Statement the actual income and expenditure results for the year to September compared to the budget previously adopted by Council and revised forecasts for the full year. The Responsible Accounting Officer’s Report in the Review, includes an analysis of the year to date result and the reasons for the major variances from the previously adopted budget. Explanations for major variances are in line with the parameters noted above.

5. The March 2012 Quarterly Review was considered at a workshop on 21 May 2012. Any proposals from the workshop will be incorporated as an addendum to this document to be considered at the Council meeting.

ISSUES/OPTIONS/CONSEQUENCES

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

CONSULTATION & TIMING

7. Consultation has taken place with all relevant staff that have Delivery Program, Operational Plan and budgetary responsibilities.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATION FOR COUNCIL

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

Alistair Cochrane

Manager Finance

Attachments:

1 View

Draft March 2012 Quarterly Review 2010/2014 Delivery Program & 2011/12 Operational Plan – copies previously circulated for Councillors’ workshop

0 Pages

REFERENCE MATERIAL

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

Clr Paul Barber – Caroline Chisholm Ward			Clr John Chedid – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward
Clr Mark Lack – Elizabeth Macarthur Ward			Clr Paul Garrard - Woodville Ward
Clr Glenn Elmore – Woodville Ward			Clr Scott Lloyd – Caroline Chisholm Ward
Clr Pierre Esber– Lachlan Macquarie Ward			Clr Andrew Wilson, Deputy Lord Mayor – 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 MP – Woodville Ward	Clr Chiang Lim– Arthur Phillip Ward