Reports, recommendations and supporting documentation can be accessed via the City of Darwin Council 1 Website at www.darwin.nt.gov.au, at Council Public Libraries or contact Arweena Smit on (08) 89300 685.
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CITY OF DARWIN
COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES COMMITTEE
MONDAY, 18 MARCH 2013
MEMBERS: Member G I Galton (Chairman); The Right Worshipful, The Lord Mayor, Ms K M Fong Lim; Member R M Knox; Member A R Mitchell; Member R Want de Rowe.
OFFICERS: Chief Executive Officer, Mr B Dowd; General Manager Community & Cultural Services, Mr J Banks; Executive Manager, Mr M Blackburn; Manager Community Development, Ms K Hearn; Executive Assistant, Ms A Smit.
GUESTS: Mr Mike Harrison from the Banks Bulldogs Football Club will be in attendance from 5.00pm to discuss the Banks Bulldogs Football Club.
Enquiries and/or Apologies: Arweena Smit E-mail: [email protected] - PH: 89300 685
Committee's Responsibilities
* Recreation & Leisure * Animal Management * Children & Youth * Inspectorial Services * Arts and Culture * Parking Control * Community Services & Support * Public Libraries * Human Services * Recreation * Community Use of Halls, Ovals, * Social Planning and Advocacy Playing Fields, Public Pools * Darwin Entertainment Centre and other Council Facilities * Sister Cities Management Community Committee’s
THAT effective as of 16 April 2012 Council, pursuant to Section 32 (2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2008 hereby delegates to the Community & Cultural Services Committee the power to make recommendations to Council and decisions relating to Community & Cultural matters within the approved budget.
* * * I N D E X * * * PAGE
1 MEETING DECLARED OPEN ...... 4
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Reports, recommendations and supporting documentation can be accessed via the City of Darwin Council 2 Website at www.darwin.nt.gov.au, at Council Public Libraries or contact Arweena Smit on (08) 89300 685.
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2 APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE ...... 4
3 DECLARATION OF INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND STAFF ...... 4
4 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS ...... 4
5 WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION ...... 5
6 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES PERTAINING TO THE PREVIOUS COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES MEETING
. Monday, 18 February 2013 ...... 5
7 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES PERTAINING TO THE PREVIOUS COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES MEETING
7.1 Business Arising ...... 5
8 INFORMATION ITEM
8.1 Darwin Festival Association Inc Media Release – Appointment of Mr Tom Pauling, AO, QC as New Chairperson and the Extension of Artistic Director for 2014, Ms Edwina Lunn ...... 6 8.2 Darwin Festival Association Inc – City of Darwin Appointed Board Member ...... 9 8.3 Youth Advisory Group Minutes 6 February 2013 ...... 11
9 OFFICERS REPORTS
9.1 Community Development Team Update – February 2013 ...... 16 9.2 Regulatory Services Update Report February 2013 ...... 30 9.3 Libraries Information Update for February 2013 ...... 35 9.4 Activate NT ...... 41 9.5 Minutes of Disability Advisory Committee Meeting of 7 February 2013 ...... 45 9.6 Banks Bulldogs Football Club - Establishment of a Home Base at Gardens Oval ...... 54 9.7 Homeless Connect ...... 164
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Reports, recommendations and supporting documentation can be accessed via the City of Darwin Council 3 Website at www.darwin.nt.gov.au, at Council Public Libraries or contact Arweena Smit on (08) 89300 685.
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10 SISTER CITIES COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ITEMS
10.1 INFORMATION ITEMS ...... 171
10.2 OFFICER’S REPORTS ...... 171
11. GENERAL BUSINESS
11.1 Outstanding Items ...... 172
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
1 MEETING DECLARED OPEN
2 APOLOGIES AND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
2.1 Apologies
2.2 Leave of Absence Granted
THAT it be noted that Member H I Galton is an apology due to a Leave of Absence being previously granted on 12 March 2013 for the period 14 March 2013 to 20 March 2013.
DECISION NO.21\() (18/03/13)
3 DECLARATION OF INTEREST OF MEMBERS AND STAFF
4 CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
Nil
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
5 WITHDRAWAL OF ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
COMMITTEE’S DECISION
THAT the Committee resolve under delegated authority that all Information Items and Officers Reports to the Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting held on Monday, 18 March 2013, be received and all recommendations contained therein be adopted by general consent with the exception of Item Number ......
DECISION NO.21\() (18/03/13)
6 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES PERTAINING TO THE PREVIOUS COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES MEETING
COMMITTEE’S DECISION
THAT the Committee resolve that the minutes of the previous Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting held on Monday, 18 February 2013 tabled by the Chairman, be received and confirmed as a true and correct record of the proceedings of that meeting.
DECISION NO.21\() (18/03/13)
7 BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES PERTAINING TO THE PREVIOUS COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES MEETING
7.1 Business Arising
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
8 INFORMATION ITEMS
8.1 Darwin Festival Association Inc Media Release – Appointment of Mr Tom Pauling, AO, QC as New Chairperson and the Extension of Artistic Director for 2014, Ms Edwina Lunn Document No. 2433343 (18/03/13) Common No. 2433343
COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
THAT the incoming letter dated 18 February 2013 from the Darwin Festival Association Inc, in respect to the Appointment of Mr Tom Pauling, AO as the New Chairperson and the Extension of Artistic Director for 2014, Ms Edwina Lunn, Document Number 2433343, be received and noted.
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Mr Brendan Dowd Chief Executive, City of Darwin GPO Box 84 Darwin NT 0810
C.c. Mr John Banks
Dear Brendan,
RE: Darwin Festival Association Incorporated – Media Release
Please find enclosed a media release pertaining to the appointment of Mr Tom Pauling, AO, as the new Chairperson of Darwin Festival Association Incorporated.
The media release also announces the extension of Edwina Lunn’s engagement as Artistic Director for the 2014 Darwin Festival.
A hard copy of this letter and the media release will be mailed to you.
Sincerely,
Anna Reece General Manager Darwin Festival Association Inc.
18th February 2013
Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts 56 McMinn St, Darwin GPO Box 570, Darwin NT 0801 Ph: 08 8943 4200 Fax: 08 8941 5457 [email protected] www.darwinfestival.org.au ABN: 47 354 923 525 7
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MEDIA RELEASE 18th February 2013
Appointment of New Chairperson
At a special board meeting held in January 2013, the Darwin Festival Board appointed Mr Tom Pauling as the new Chairperson of Darwin Festival Association Incorporated. The appointment took effect immediately.
Mr Pauling, who was previously Deputy Chairperson, replaces Ms Karen Brown who has completed a term of three years as Chairperson. Karen needs more time to pursue private interests.
Mr Pauling has made an enormous contribution to the legal and cultural development of the Northern Territory. A member of the Darwin Community since March 1970, Mr Pauling has a distinguished record of over thirty years of service to the legal profession of the Northern Territory, including three and a half years as a Magistrate, co-founding the Northern Territory Bar and 19 years as Solicitor General of the Northern Territory.
Mr Pauling was made a Queen’s Counsel (QC) in 1984 and in 2008 was invested as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his significant services to the Northern Territory. In September 2007, he was appointed Administrator of the Northern Territory, holding office until October 2011.
Mr Pauling is a strong advocate for the growth of arts and culture in Darwin and is well known across the sector for his active and on-going contribution as curator, patron, performer and director.
He was the founding chair of Darwin Entertainment Centre (then DPAC) serving for ten years until the Studio Theatre was complete and three years as Chair of MAGNT where he is currently a guest curator
Mr Pauling praised the service given by Karen Brown. “Karen put her heart and soul into Darwin Festival and made a terrific contribution of which she should be very proud”
Ms Brown remains on the Darwin Festival Board as Vice Chairperson.
Artistic Director Contract extension
Mr Pauling has also announced that the Festival has been fortunate to extend the engagement of Edwina Lunn as Artistic Director for the 2014 Festival, allowing for greater flexibility in the development of the program. “Edwina is doing a great job” he said.
For Any Media enquiries please contact Tom Pauling at 08 8943 4200
Frog Hollow Centre for the Arts 56 McMinn St, Darwin GPO Box 570, Darwin NT 0801 Ph: 08 8943 4200 Fax: 08 8941 5457 [email protected] www.darwinfestival.org.au ABN: 47 354 923 525 8
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
8 INFORMATION ITEMS
8.2 Darwin Festival Association Inc – City of Darwin Appointed Board Member Document No. 2426592 (18/03/13) Common No. 2426592
COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
THAT the incoming letter dated 7 February 2013 from the Chairperson, Mr Tom Pauling, AO, QC of the Darwin Festival Association Inc, in respect to the City of Darwin appointed Board Member, Document Number 2426592, be received and noted.
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
8 INFORMATION ITEMS
8.3 Youth Advisory Group Minutes 6 February 2013 Document No. 2441414 (18/03/13) Common No. 2441414
COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATION
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
THAT the Youth Advisory Group Minutes of 6 February 2013, Document Number 2441414, be received and noted.
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Youth Advisory Group Meeting Minutes Wednesday 6 February 2013
1. Welcome
Angus Robson (Chair) Member Danielle Broster Member Krshna Capaque Member Alexa Morris-Lovell Member Madelaine Tait Member Lang Williamson Member Gabrielle White Member Kay Pisel COD Staff Britt Guy COD Staff Joyce Akena Observer Natasha Brennfleck Observer Daniel Kruger Observer
2. Apologies
Felix Baker Member Luxmy Chandran Member Oliver Hasan-Fourcard Member Rebecca Want de Rowe Alderman Sita Valadian Member Sarah Morris Member Emily Nancarrow COD Staff
3. SPECIAL GUEST: Lord Mayor Katrina Fong Lim
The Lord Mayor attended the Youth Advisory Group’s first meeting for 2013 to welcome all returning members and those who had applied for selection. Lord Mayor encouraged the members to be active in bringing forward ideas and issues and commented that the group was an important vehicle for communication with Council and the youth community.
4. Icebreaker
Organised by Angus.
5. Minutes
The minutes of the November 2012 meeting of the Youth Advisory Group were endorsed as a true and accurate record.
(Alicia/Madeline).
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6. Welcome new Youth Services Officer – Kay Pisel Kay provided an overview of her past work and the role she has in Youth Services with City of Darwin.
7. Welcome new applicants for YAG
Each new applicant introduced themselves and gave some insight into what inspired them to come along to the Youth Advisory Group:
• Daniel – Kormilda College, Year 12 - Interested to learn more about YAG and what it does. • Tash – Darwin High, Year 11 - Has decided than rather than just complaining about things, she would like to do something about it and thought YAG was a great opportunity. • Joyce – Darwin High, Year 11 – Participated in a Media Makers workshops run by City of Darwin in the holidays and loved it, and would like to be involved in more activities and thought YAG could be a great opportunity for that.
8. Meeting Expectations for YAG meetings in 2013
The meeting was identified as being more formal than GRINDonline meetings which members enjoyed. It was noted that there was still room for informal discussion and ice breaker activities but everyone was keen for the meeting to still run to a set time with an agenda and a Chair to direct the meeting.
In regard to important decisions each member is asked to actively share opinions and respect differing views whilst consensus decision making will be used to make final decisions. It is vital that all members have a chance to share views and be aware they are representing the broader youth community of Darwin. If members are not able to attend, they need to contact Kay in advance of the meeting.
YAG Facebook will be used for communication and news between meetings.
9. National Youth Week: Britt Guy (Community Events & Resource Officer)
Britt Guy gave an overview of her role and spoke about the following National Youth Week (NYW) initiatives:
Youth Week's Youth Hub City of Darwin will hire the Gallery, Foyer and Studio space at Darwin Entertainment Centre from the 10th - 13th of April creating a venue for a variety of programming, workshops and activities for young people.
YAG are tasked with delivering an activity during National Youth Week and will need to advise Britt as soon as possible as to their decision.
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Youth Week What's on Booklet and Facebook City of Darwin will also be compiling, printing and distributing a Youth Week What's On booklet with all events happening from the 5th - 14th of April. This will include all Council and non-Council events.
Youth Hub Events Coordinators Britt is building a team of Youth Event Coordinators aged between 15 – 25 years that will work together to plan and deliver Council’s Youth Week activities. The Team will work together over six weeks to learn basic event management, planning, programming and marketing; as well as behind the scenes skills including basic lighting, sound and stage management training. They will help to shape the program, site design and marketing, as well as organise and plan how the event will run. Each individual will be teamed with an industry professional who will provide insight into the industry and provide support throughout the program.
The Team will collectively run the 2013 Youth Hub with the Youth Services staff at Council and become the inaugural Youth Hub Event Coordinators. The call out will occur on February 4 and close 14 February 2013.
YAG will work towards running a program of activities in one space through out NYW. Suggestions included World Café, Skills Swap, Karaoke, Talent Quest, Swap Meet, Charity Fashion Parade, Photo Booth, Open Mic Debate, Soap Box. Final activities will be confirmed at the next meeting.
Members commented that the new Youth Events Team will allow YAG to focus more on providing advice concerning young people in the Darwin community and a broader range of activities.
Britt will keep YAG updated on other decisions as they occur and YAG members are encouraged to contact Britt via email or phone with any input. YAG members are also encouraged to apply to the Youth Events Training program.
Activities enjoyed by YAG that will continue and include event preparation and promotion, banner painting, craft and workshop preparation etc. Britt will include YAG support into program planning and all YAG members are encouraged to participate.
10. YAG Youth Events 2013 – Proposals
The members would like to see further activities delivered after National Youth Week and will discuss this post event (This is included in the Youth Strategy and is part of Britt’s role).
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11. Youth Strategy – Review and implementation of plan
Kay presented a brief overview of the current status of the implementation of the Youth Strategy, ‘Loud and Clear’ and future actions to be undertaken in the latter two years of the Strategy (refer Attachment A). Given the busy agenda, time will be made at the next meeting(s) to fully review the Strategy and gather youth advice to ensure it is youth informed for implementation. YAG are asked to read the document in preparation for the next meeting(s).
12. Other business
Nil.
13. Close
Meeting closed at 7:08pm
Please note the next Youth Advisory Group meeting will be held Wednesday 6 March 2013, 5-7pm City of Darwin Civic Centre - Meeting Room 1. It is important that all YAG members attend each meeting. Transport can be arranged For further information or apologies email [email protected] or phone Youth Projects on 8930 0635
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ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.1 NO COMMITTEE/OPEN
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2013
REPORT No.: 13C0019 KH:es COMMON No.: 1733166 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: Manager Community Development, Katie Hearn
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of activities within the Cultural & Community Services portfolio and selected projects. Each Officer within the Community Development Team has prepared their own sections to appraise Council of operational activities during February 2013.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 1. Collaborative, Inclusive and Connected Community Outcome 1.1 Community inclusion supported Key Strategies 1.1.1 Develop and support programs, services and facilities, and provide information that promotes community spirit, engagement, cohesion and safety
KEY ISSUES
Disability Services Youth Services Arts and Cultural Family and Children’s Services Community Safety Sister Cities Recreation Services Healthy Darwin
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PAGE: 2 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0019 KH:es SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2013
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
THAT Report Number 13C0019 KH:es entitled Community Development Team Update – February 2013, be received and noted.
BACKGROUND
Monthly activity reports are provided to appraise Council of operational activities across the key portfolios.
DISCUSSION
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT (MCD)
Human Resources Recruitment for the Recreation & Open Space Coordinator has been completed, with Matt Grassmyr commencing 15 April, 2013.
Workforce planning has been undertaken for the Community Development Team in conjunction with Employee Relations and the annual Community Development Team Planning, Review and Development Day was held in early February.
The Youth Services portfolio is now fully staffed including the Traineeship position and the two trainee staff attached to Fun Bus under Council’s Disadvantaged Job Seeker program are progressing well and are now past the six month point of study and practicum.
The Workplace Wellbeing Committee has resumed for 2013 and is currently programming a range of activities for the year including the skin cancer checks project.
Sector The MCD attended the NT Government’s Youth Boot Camp initiative briefing and consultation and provided preliminary feedback of additional models and program language. An NTG representative will attend the Youth Advisory Group meeting in March to provide a youth briefing.
Staff met with Department of Health and Families to review Council’s Service Plan and future funding for the Fun Bus service. New funding agreements dates are 01/01/2013 – 31/12/2015.
In the past quarter, meetings have been held with NTCOSS, Music NT, NT Shelter, St Vincent de Paul, NT Writer’s Centre and the MCD will now be co-representing Council on a newly developed network, the National Local Government Cultural Forum along with Council’s Arts & Cultural Development Officer.
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Council provide promotional support with localised information dissemination in the lead up to Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) forums held in Darwin and all other Australian capitals. The Commission will act as the new regulator for the not for profit charities sector.
COMMUNITY SERVICES (CSO)
The Community Services Officer has carriage of disability services, community events, community grants, seniors and community development activities.
Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) The first DAC meeting for 2013 was held on 7 February. The Committee recommended works relating to driveway and footpath work for access improvements and a new membership recommendation.
Community Grants City of Darwin’s Community Grants Program provides funding for projects that directly benefit the Darwin community. Each year $100,000 is allocated for community projects and $50,000 for community based climate change and environment projects.
The first round of the 2013/2014 Community Grants Program opens on 9 March, closing 12 April 2013. Applications are invited for community projects occurring in the second half of 2013 (1 July to 31 December 2013) and for climate change and environment projects occurring in the 2013/2014 financial year.
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2013 City of Darwin in partnership with United Nations Association of Australia NT are hosting the International Women’s Day Walk and Community Morning Tea for the fifth consecutive year. The event is being held on Saturday 9 March with the Walk commencing at 9.30am from Parliament House. The Walk will be lead by the Darwin City Brass Band and will be followed by a reception in The Main Hall in Parliament House. The reception will include morning tea, information stalls and entertainment between 10.30am and 12.30pm. Guest speakers include the Lord Mayor, Hon Alison Anderson, Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Sally Seivers and Catie Kirke. Entertainment will be provided by the Groovy Grans, a Sri Lankan dance group, solo artist Brooke Barnett. The 2012 NT Young Achiever of the Year, Samantha Young, is MC for the event.
NDIS Forum The CSO attended a forum about the NDIS held by Senator the Hon Jan McLucas and Senator Trish Crossin. The forum provided an opportunity for the disability and carers sector to hear from the Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers and ask questions about the NDIS. Senator McLucas provided an overview of how NDIS will be implemented in the five NDIS Launch Sites. She also discussed how the NDIS would impact the individual with a disability, the carers and also the service providers.
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Australian Charities and Not for Profit Commission (ACNC) The CSO attended an information session provided by ACNC. ACNC was formed in December 2012 and is the Commonwealth Government’s independent regulator for charities. Charities will be required to register and complete reporting to ACNC. ACNC will maintain a register on their website which will allow the public to look up information about registered charities. ACNC are developing a ‘report once, use often’ system so that charities only provide their information to ACNC and if any other Commonwealth Government department requires it (i.e. for a grant) they will have to source it through ACNC rather than the charity having to re-submit it. ACNC is working with state and territory governments to streamline reporting requirements and reduce duplication between the Commonwealth and State/Territory Governments.
The Patch Relocation to Lakeside Drive CSO held a meeting with representatives from The Patch, Lakeside Drive Community Gardens and CDU. The meeting was held on site at Lakeside Drive Community Garden to view the area that The Patch are proposing to relocate to. All parties involved are enthusiastic about The Patch relocating to Lakeside Drive and plans are underway to achieve the relocation by the end of this year. CSO will meet with The Patch Coordinator in March to develop a project plan for the relocation.
YOUTH PROJECTS
Youth Advisory Group (YAG) YAG has resumed meetings for 2013 and a number of applications for membership received which will be the subject of a separate report. The group are currently working on reviewing the progress of the Loud n Clear Youth Strategy, planning an activity for National Youth Week and developing some promotional projects to showcase Council and Youth Services to the broader youth community. The meetings will continue on the 1st Wednesday of every month from 5-7pm.
GRINDonline The GRIND team has hit the ground running in 2013 moving from a monthly program to weekly meetings in the lead up to Youth Week. Young members of this team are organising and conducting interviews, writing articles and creating posts on Grindonline.com.au. Renewed interest in GRIND has resulted from the successful Media Makers workshops held during the school holidays.
Youth Trainee The Community Development Team has welcomed Abbey Bradhurst as our new Youth Services Trainee. Abbey has previously performed at several Council youth events and is keen to study Community Services.
Youth Information Cards The Youth Information cards have been distributed to all middle schools and high schools in the Darwin community. All services will receive a card supply by mid March. Council produces 20,000 wallet sized cards and distributes them widely to young people. The card features key contact details for youth support agencies.
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Community Events & Youth Leisure Program This role has carriage of the Youth Events and Leisure program in addition to supporting the Community Development Team in the delivery of the Team’s suit of community events.
Youth Events Team As a foundation to Council’s new Youth Events and Leisure program, a shortlist of young people have been interviewed following broad advertising to participate in a seven week youth events training program that will culminate in the new Team rolling out the National Youth Week - Youth Hub program. Application numbers were strong resulting in the selection of 7 youth candidates who will form the new Team.
The Team selected will work together over the next seven weeks, learning the basics of events management, planning, programming, marketing and basic lighting and sound training. The City of Darwin Youth Event Coordinators will help to shape the program, design and marketing, as well as organise and plan how the events will run. Each Team member will be paired with an industry professional who will provide insight into the industry and provide support and mentoring throughout the program.
National Youth Week -Youth Hub - Artist Call Out A call out for young artists to present work or facilitate activities was launched on the GRINDonline website in early March. The call out is open for two weeks and encourages young people to apply with music performance, visual arts workshops, movement classes, exhibitions, pop up performances etc. The applications will close March 11, 2013. Applications will then be looked at by the Youth Event's Coordination Team who will curate a program of activities and events to happen as part of City of Darwin's National Youth Week - Youth Hub.
Stage Trailer and Youth Activities Kit Artwork Design Over the next two weekends a group of selected young people will come together under the guidance of local artist Kris Keogh to create and design the artwork that will feature on our Stage Trailer and Youth Activities Kit. The Stage Trailer houses a custom built outdoor stage and ramp for people with disabilities, while the Youth Activities Kit will house our Gig Gear and have Wi-Fi. Both trailers will be launched on the first day of the Youth Hub as part of the Youth Homelessness Matters Opening Day Stage at the Darwin Entertainment Centre.
Community Development Team Event Support In addition to establishing the beginnings of Council’s new Youth Leisure and Events program, event support with logistics, planning and programming has been provided during February to the Bombing of Darwin program and International Women’s Day. Substantive training has also been undertaken as part of staff induction.
ARTS & CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT
Arts and Cultural Development Advisory Committee (ACDAC) The Committee held its first meeting for the year on 14 February 2013.
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Civic Park Cultural Usage Plan Based upon the priorities identified in the Civic Park Cultural Usage Plan, an Action Plan has been drafted for Council’s consideration outlining short-term, medium-term and longer-term priorities. These documents will be presented in a report to Council along with the Minutes of the February ACDAC meeting.
Public Art – Celebration of Darwin Artist Caroline Rannersberger has completed design development work for her proposed artwork celebrating the city’s history which will be situated at the north- western end of Bicentennial Park. The project consultant is now working with the project team (artist, architect and builder) to progress a site survey and final engineered drawings for the artwork. These will then be presented to Council for approval prior to the artwork being commissioned.
Public Art – East Point Reserve Entry Statement A selection panel was convened in February 2013 to select three artists from an identified shortlist to undertake concept design work for this public art opportunity. Once complete, concept designs will be presented to Council for review.
Public Art – Eye of the Explorer An assessment of the condition of the artwork has been carried out by a local artist. Issues of current concern include corrosion to the water pipes, uneven surfaces and flooding created by sinkage of paving stones, uneven distribution of water over the fountain due to sinkage of the concrete base, and wear and tear to the ceramic elements in the mosaic. There are likely to be significant costs associated with maintaining the artwork in its current form in the long term. A report on maintenance options for the artwork is being prepared for Council’s consideration.
Public Art – HMS Beagle Ship Bell Chime A selection panel (including representatives of Music NT and the Arts and Cultural Development Advisory Committee) was convened in February 2013 to select three artists to compose new musical works for the Bell Chime.
Public Art – Chime Conservatory (outside Smith Street carpark) Repainting of the Chime Conservatory sculpture is scheduled for the start of the next dry season.
Temporary Public Art Program Council will establish a Temporary Public Art Program in March 2013, providing an opportunity for local artists, schools and community groups to apply to create a temporary artwork in Council-owned public space for the enjoyment of the public. There will be four opportunities per year, advertised in March and September. Successful applicants will receive a grant of $1,000 to assist with the costs of creating their work.
Poster Facilities in the Mall Troppo Architects have completed the design of new poster facilities for the Mall. Heiner Structural Engineering have now been engaged to undertake a structural engineering assessment and progress building certification. 21 22
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Community Art Space (Civic Centre) In February 2013 the Community Art Space hosted the opening of “Studio on the Street – Off the Street”, an exhibition of works completed through the Salvation Army’s “Studio on the Street” program for people who are homeless and/or disadvantaged. Approximately 70 people attended the opening and many artworks were sold on the night. The exhibition will run throughout February and March 2013.
Pirriyangua Memorial A public art consultant has been engaged to assess the condition and maintenance options for the Pirriyangua Memorial at Mindil Beach.
Arts Sector Forum 2012 Council will host an Arts Sector Forum for the Darwin arts and creative industries community on 12 March 2013 with two sessions scheduled – a morning session in the Civic Centre Function Area (10 am – 12 noon) and an afternoon session in the Casuarina Library Meeting Room (4 pm – 6 pm). The sessions will be facilitated by local facilitator Deborah Hall.
Five Year Arts Plan Consultant Renai Grace has been engaged to undertake consultation towards a new Five Year Arts Plan for the City of Darwin. Consultation will begin in March 2013 with the distribution of an online survey questionnaire to the Darwin arts sector and the hosting of the Arts Sector Forum on 12 March. The current Arts Plan is due to expire in June 2013.
Legal Street Art Spaces Council has adopted a policy on Street Art, in order to support artists working in this medium. (Street Art is defined as artwork installed legally with the consent of the property owner, as distinct from graffiti which is the illegal vandalism of property). Further work will now be undertaken to develop guidelines for artists working in this medium and identifying dedicated legal art spaces.
National Local Government Cultural Forum A National Cultural Forum has been established to connect local government arts workers around Australia. The project has been funded by the Australia Council for the Arts and is being coordinated by Cultural Development Network (CDN), based at RMIT University in Melbourne. State and Territory local government organisations (e.g. LGANT in the Northern Territory) as well as representatives from the Capital City Councils have been invited to join in the discussion around how the Forum will function. A meeting has been scheduled in Canberra on 19 June 2013 for Forum members to meet and discuss the proposed the Terms of Reference.
Recycled Art Festival 2013 Council established a Recycled Art Festival in 2010 during National Recycling Week in November. A second Recycled Art Festival was held in November 2011. Both events were very successful, however due to the time of year activities had to be restricted to indoor activities, which was found to be a significant constraint given the nature of the Festival. In response to this evaluation, and not wishing to duplicate the successful Darwin Fridge Festival held in October (also established in 2010), the 22 23
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2012 Recycled Art Festival was postponed until the 2013 dry season. It is now proposed that the 2013 Recycled Art Festival will be held 15-19 July 2013 at the Shoal Bay Waste Disposal Facility and hosted by the “Recycle Shop” (NT Recycling Solutions), who have indicated their support. It will feature a number of “Artists in Residence” over the week as well as a series of workshops open to the public by RSVP (as places will be limited). Visitors to the Recycle Shop will be able to engage with the artists over a week focused on art and recycling in all its forms.
FAMILY & CHILDREN’S SERVICES
The Family & Children’s Services Coordinator (FCSC) manages Council’s Community and Child Care Centres, the Fun Bus, Fun in the Parks, special projects and facilitates the school civics program.
Child Care Centres Council sponsors seven Child Care Centres in the provision and maintenance of the buildings. The FCSC is hosting a Directors meeting in mid March, to discuss maintenance relating to the new National Regulations and Council’s new maintenance procedures.
In February, Nightcliff Family Centre went through the National Quality Framework (NQF) Rating assessment. Assessment results will be received in early March. Parap Family Centre is the last Council sponsored child care centre to go through the new National Quality Framework. They will be assessed on 11 and 12 of March 2013.
Community Centres Majority of the community groups accessing Council facilities recommenced in February. Council continues to receive enquires from organisations regarding use of the Community Centres, meeting space and office accommodation with specific size and facility needs.
Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (NT) is currently a tenant at Nightcliff Community Centre. On the 20 February, Mental Illness Fellowship Australia (NT) formally advised Council of one month notice to terminate their lease, as per the lease agreement. They are relocating to larger premises. NTCOSS, the peak body of the social services and community sector for the Northern Territory has been offered the office space at Nightcliff Community Centre with negotiations pending.
The lease agreements, condition of use and guidelines are currently being redeveloped employing plain language and community friendly text to these typically formal and legalistic documents. The reworking of the documents aims to enhance access to Council’s community services. In February, the Building Services and Community Development Team staff met to redevelop and improve information sharing system for tenants, staff and casual facility users. New systems are being developed to streamline communication avenues for Council’s community facilities.
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Fun Bus The Fun Bus continues to provide high quality mobile play group services for children 0 to 5 years, their parents and carers.
The Fun Bus wet season program commenced at various indoor and undercover venues after a 6 week break on Wednesday the 30 January 2013. The first week of operation, the numbers of children and parents/ carers attending the Fun Bus was higher than past years, averaging 50 people.
A small planning Committee has been formed to organise a Harmony Day Family event in collaboration with the Fun Bus, Early Childhood Australia – NT Branch and Territory Childcare Group. The Committee had their first meeting on 5 February. The Harmony Day Family event will be held at Malak Community Centre 9.30am to 12.00 noon on Wednesday 20 March 2013.
On invitation from the Lord Mayor, Council’s Children Services trainees and the FCSC attended, The Long Walk Women’s Luncheon on Friday 22 February.
The Fun Bus Performance Report for July to December 2012 was submitted to the Department of Health and Children & Families as per the Service Agreement.
School Civic Visits Council facilitates School Civic Visits for Primary School as well as Middle School students to assist Teachers to meet their curriculum requirements in the area of Governance.
Sanderson Middle School has booked a Civic Visit for March, for the Asylum Seeker Students. A new contemporary video is being developed to feature the new Council and better showcase avenues for access by children and young people to Council’s services, facilities and processes.
SISTER CITIES PROGRAM
International Relations
Ambon The Ambon Sister City Community Committee met 28 February for their first meeting of 2013. The Committee discussed the Students and Teacher Exchange, Ambon Night and Darwin to Ambon Yacht Race.
Anchorage The Anchorage Sister City Community Committee undertook a Planning Workshop to determine a shared vision for the 2012 – 2014 Term and to assist in allocating resources to key projects. Dili The Dili Sister City Community Committee met 26 February for their first Committee meeting of 2013. The Committee agreed that their focus for 2013 would be the reinvigoration of Councils relationship with the Dili District Administration.
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Haikou The Haikou Sister City Community Committee met 25 February for their first Committee meeting of 2013. The Committee discussed the key projects for the 2012 – 2014 term including; relocation of the Lao Ou Memorial, biennial photo competition and language scholarships.
Harmony Day The Sister Cities Program is developing a joint Sister Cities event to celebrate Harmony Day. A small committee is developing a program which will take place in Raintree Park on Thursday 21 March 2013 from 11:30 – 1:30pm. The event will include activities from each of the six sister cities and is designed to raise the profile of the Program.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Walkways Throughout the month of February, Staff responded to a small number of walkway issues, these were opening and closing times for Walkway 81, and closure of walkway 154 due to maintenance.
RECREATION SERVICES
Swimming Pools Attendance Parap Casuarina Nightcliff Total January 2013 2,827 6,278 6,455 15,560 December 2012 5,495 10,111 7,008 22,614 January 2012 6,191 5,903 7,915 20,009
Revenue Parap Casuarina Nightcliff Total January 2013 $10,396.40 $20,240.90 $21,287.80 $51,925.10 December 2012 $19,008.80 $24,259.19 $20,926.00 $64,193.99 January 2012 $18,096.50 $16,755.70 $23,775.40 $58,627.60
Closures for maintenance have been scheduled for 2013 Dry Season:
Casuarina Pool: 3 – 21 June; Parap Pool: 22 July – 9 August. (Nightcliff Pool will remain open as works to be undertaken there will not require closure of the venue.)
Ovals - Bagot Oval and Nakara Oval. As of 27 February both ovals’ major works are now complete.
Nakara Oval has been available for use by the community since early January, although minor works are ongoing.
Bagot Oval has remained closed throughout February as works continue and the grass takes hold. It is set to re-open on 1 March as scheduled.
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PAGE: 11 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0019 KH:es SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2013
Gardens Oval An on site meeting was held in late January with AFL-NT, Waratah FC, (Waratah CC was consulted by phone), Recreation Services, Parks, Turf and Irrigation to clarify each party’s role regarding surface maintenance requests from AFL-NT.
Dry Season Oval Allocations has been distributed to all relevant Peak Bodies to disseminate to their clubs, as well as uploaded to Council’s website. Receipt of oval allocation requests closes early March to allow for co-ordination and confirmation before the Dry Season commences 1 April.
Amenities at Bagot Oval and Anula Oval Building Services have scheduled major refurbishment works for the toilet blocks at Bagot and Anula Ovals during March. Football Federation NT has been notified of Bagot works due to their affiliation with that ground, as well as Customer Services who look after casual bookings for all ovals. Portaloos will be placed on site to negate any inconvenience to the general public.
SbA (Skateboarding Australia) SkateWise Clinics SbA’s new calendar of events for the Autumn quarter has been produced. This has been circulated to all of Council’s Pools and Libraries, and a link to Council’s website.
Staff Bicycles A rack and carrying device are being fitted to each of the Staff Bikes. There will be three pannier bags and two baskets, all of which are interchangeable to allow the rider to choose which carrier they need and put on the bike that fits them.
Each bag has a handle on top as well as a clip-on shoulder strap (stored inside) and each basket has a handle so they can be used to carry gear at the destination. The bags also contain two panniers for laptops, tablets, folders, A4 notebooks, change of shoes/clothes/rain jacket etc.; an expansion zip for more space in the main compartment; drink bottle holders at the rear and on top and a divided storage compartment with a mobile phone pocket inside the top. There is one rain shield for those “just in case” times. Baskets have been provided for bigger equipment or if the rider’s gear is already in a satchel or bag, so it can just be placed in the basket.
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PAGE: 12 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0019 KH:es SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2013
HEALTHY DARWIN
February has proven to be the biggest month in terms of registrations since the Healthy Darwin program began with 77 community members signing up to the program. This spike in registrations is partly due to a flyer dissemination in January but the main reason cited for joining up was through word of mouth. This is through friends and family who are already a part of the program and also through service providers sharing information with their clients. A snapshot of our new members is indicative the great diversity of the program:
38% of new members were under 38 years old, this is significantly higher than previous months (65% of all members are over 38 years old) 17% of new members were male, this is comparable to the total male member percentage. Over 58% of new members heard about the program through word of mouth and 25% heard via a flyer or poster. 32% of new members identify as being from a CALD or Indigenous background.
Progress Report 3 (July – November) has been approved by the funding body. DOHA commented on the success of many of the Healthy Darwin programs in particular our programs targeting Indigenous populations.
The cooking and gardening program has begun the year with three free workshops held in Karama and the Malak Community Garden. 16 Community members attended the sessions with the majority already a part of the Healthy Darwin program. The feedback indicated participants built on their knowledge around healthy eating as well as gaining confidence and skills in growing their own fruit and vegetables. The facilitators commented the participants were passionate about learning and actively participated in the sessions.
Despite initial community interest the Parap Sunday Cycle was launched with no participants attending. The regular ride was promoted extensively to members, the newspaper, COD website and through the Healthy Darwin contacts. Promotion of the group continues across the Healthy Darwin networks. The Wulagi ride continues to be well attended with around 4 -10 people attending weekly. The group has reported an improvement in fitness and bike skills as a result of regular attendance.
The third Healthy Eating Activity and Lifestyle (HEAL) 8 week program commenced at Casuarina Library meeting room on February 8. The education program is facilitated by an exercise physiologist working with Bodyfit NT. A total of 13 members registered for the program, with 10 attending the first session.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Osteoporosis with Neil Cook recommenced on Wednesday Feb 20. This popular 12 week course was attended by 38 community members in the first week, with the majority already a part of Healthy Darwin or signing up as a result. 27 28
PAGE: 13 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0019 KH:es SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2013
Yoga returned to Casuarina library with the special Healthy Darwin 5 week Introduction to yoga course commencing in February. The program was fully booked to capacity (21) and 18 Healthy Darwin members attended the first session.
The 5 week adult learn to swim program was also fully booked out prior to starting, many of the bookings have come from the refugee population who are keen to begin the process of learning to swim.
The weekly group class program has continued with many classes well attended by Healthy Darwin members. The most popular classes are the ‘Seniors Moves’ with around 16 attending weekly and Aqua Classes.
Healthy Darwin’s special group program has continued with the following groups: Bagot women, Danila Dilba Seniors and the Day to Day living centre.
The Healthy Darwin team was invited to attend the Darwin Rotary Club and University of the Third Age regular group meetings. The purpose was to not only inform the groups about the program but also generate discussion and raise awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles. Many reported that they had not heard of the program and participants were handed out general information and a Healthy Darwin shopping bag.
The first community health check for the year was held with the support of the Casuarina Community Care team at Nightcliff shopping centre. The public remains receptive to the checks with a total of 48 mini health checks being performed. Information on Healthy Darwin activities and general health education material was also distributed.
Upcoming planned events and activities for the following month include:
Community Bushwalk celebrating Parks Week @ East Point (Sunday March 3). HEAL Maintenance program (starting March 26) – A specially designed exercise program for past participants of the HEAL program. Pain and exercise workshop (March 26) – Free education session with a physiotherapist exploring some of the barriers to exercising. Wulagi Regular Ride Skills Session (March 24) Mini Health Check (Mar 28) – Venue TBC Women’s Learn to Swim program – Date TBC.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
Nil.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
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PAGE: 14 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0019 KH:es SUBJECT: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TEAM UPDATE – FEBRUARY 2013
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
KATIE HEARN JOHN BANKS MANAGER COMMUNITY GENERAL MANAGER DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected]
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ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.2 NO COMMITTEE/OPEN
REGULATORY SERVICES UPDATE REPORT FEBRUARY 2013
REPORT No.: 13C0024 TW:mrg COMMON No.: 1330602 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: Senior Compliance Officer, Terry Wright
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an update of activities undertaken within the Regulatory Services section during February 2013.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 5 Effective and Responsible Governance Outcome 5.3 Good governance Key Strategies 5.3.1 Demonstrate good corporate practice and ethical behaviour
KEY ISSUES
Parking Enforcement Animal Management Public Places – Illegal Camping
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
A. THAT Report Number 13C0024 TW:mrg entitled Regulatory Services Update Report February 2013, be received and noted.
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PAGE: 2 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0024 DN:rg SUBJECT: REGULATORY SERVICES UPDATE REPORT FEBRUARY 2013
BACKGROUND
Monthly reports are provided to Council to provide information on the operational activities undertaken by Regulatory Services.
DISCUSSION
Commissioning Of Handheld Ticketing Machines
The hand held devices for the issuing of infringements were tested on Saturday 16/2/13. All Rangers and Regulatory Administration staff have received training on the devices and software.
The commissioning of handheld ticketing machines was completed on time with the first machines going into service on Monday the 18 February 2013. The interfacing of the new “Pin Force” system with Council’s database whilst technically complex was managed seamlessly by Council’s Information Technology department and Regulatory Management. We are particularly grateful to Josh Former (IT Department) and Joel Green DCA Representative for working out of hours on the installation and constant professionalism.
CBD Parking
During the month of February 2013, Rangers regulated all areas of on street CBD parking and off street Council car parks.
Rangers continued to regulate parking in Zone A on Saturdays between the hours of 8.00am and 2.00pm.
Suburban Parking
Rangers continued to patrol suburban areas for breaches of the Australian Road Rules and Council By-Laws. All major suburban shopping centres were regulated with a major focus being on non permitted vehicles parked in disabled bays.
The effects of regulation and new signage have resulted in a marked reduction of vehicles parked on the median strip in Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina. This month with the new “No Standing” signage and regular patrols 7 infringements were issued compared with 27 in the month of January. An assessment of the signage in remedying illegal parking will be monitored over coming months.
Rangers continued to regulate Dick Ward Drive and Progress Drive for illegally parked vehicles on the footpath/naturestrip. The Regulatory Services Manager has met with staff from Infrastructure for the placement of stencilled “No Parking” signs to be painted onto the footpath along Progress Drive in an effort to stop vehicles parking on the shared pedestrian and bicycle way.
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PAGE: 3 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0024 DN:rg SUBJECT: REGULATORY SERVICES UPDATE REPORT FEBRUARY 2013
Generals
Rangers actioned notices for abandoned vehicles, long grass, litter complaints and a full range of By-Law offences.
During the month of February, Regulatory Services received a total of 72 complaints including 47 abandoned vehicle reports from members of the public. Abandoned vehicles were removed and secured at the Council impounding yard before finally being auctioned. A percentage was removed by the owners upon receiving an abandoned vehicle notice.
Public Places
Public Places Rangers continued to patrol the municipality for illegal camping activities. Patrols were carried out at the most popular areas such as Mindil Beach, East Point, Darwin Waterfront and all the CBD Council controlled car parks.
Rangers continued to provide valuable information to the CSNG (Community Safety Networking Group) which shares information with other organisations in relation to illegitimate and unlawful activities.
Council was advised that the NT Police had made the decision to continue on with the street patrols of the inner city and adjacent foreshore areas intercepting persons consuming alcohol. Council Rangers worked in support of the NT Police, providing 19 intelligence reports to Police Officers on groups involved in unlawful behaviour.
Waterfront Precinct
Two Rangers continued to regulate parking at the Waterfront Precinct during the week and on weekends.
Weekend Markets
Suburban Markets continued to be patrolled every weekend. Patrol hours are between 9.00am and 1.00pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Due to an increase in illegal parking reports during the operation of both the Nightcliff and Rapid Creek Markets, Rangers conducted supplementary patrols of the markets acting as a visible deterrent and taking appropriate punitive action where necessary.
Events and Road Closures (Bombing of Darwin)
The Bombing of Darwin event was well supported by Regulatory Services staff under stewardship of the Traffic Management Team Leader Gary Wright. All involved provided valuable logistics for road closures, diversions and traffic directions on the day. Positive comments directed at staff from members of the public reflected the highly organised and professional conduct of Council’s Regulatory Services personnel on the day.
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Animal Management
There was an increase in pound activity compared to last month with 30 cats impounded. The majority of those cats were ‘feral’ with 7 of those being re-homed through the PAWS program and 2 returned to owners. Impounded dog figures were also up with 70 animals being impounded, of those 32 were returned to owners and 15 were found new homes through the PAWS program.
February was a busy month for Rangers with a number of medium level attacks by dogs on other dogs and a dog attack on a person. Several owners received fines and surrendered their dogs to Council as a result of those attacks. There were a number of dogs reported at large after escaping property fences during storms.
Council’s Registration Officer has continued to return positive results in Darwin’s northern suburbs for both Cats and Dogs with a steady stream of licence and registration applications received during the month.
Council records indicate that dog registrations were up slightly for the February period with 489 dog registrations, 328 of those were new registrations. The total number of dogs registered at present is 7251 of which 5431 are de-sexed animals.
Cat registration figures remained steady this month with 63 registrations recorded, 60 of those are new registrations. The total number of registered cats at present is 980, of those 967 are de-sexed animals.
The last of the pigs which presented problems for motorists on Dick Ward Drive and Bagot Road was removed from Mimmarama and relocated to Humpty Doo Station. The owner of the pigs has been advised not to house pigs in the area again.
Animal Education
Information stall held at Defence Community Expo on Sunday the 24th February 2013. The purpose of the Expo was to welcome new members of the Australian Defence Force and their families who have been recently posted to the Darwin area. Information provided included registration requirements, microchipping, dog behavioural matters and other enquiries pertaining to animal management. Positive response received by both members of the public and event co-ordinators.
Animal Education publications regularly submitted to the Top Ender Newsletter (the Australian Defence Force Tri-Services Newsletter) with information targeting defence force members and their families who are residing in the Darwin Municipality.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
Nil.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Nil. 33 34
PAGE: 5 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0024 DN:rg SUBJECT: REGULATORY SERVICES UPDATE REPORT FEBRUARY 2013
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
TERRY WRIGHT JOHN BANKS SENIOR COMPLIANCE OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected].
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ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.3 NO COMMITTEE/OPEN A
LIBRARIES INFORMATION UPDATE FOR FEBRUARY 2013
REPORT No.: 13P0002 KC:md COMMON No.: 1943023 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: Manager Library Services, Karen Conway
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to provide an update of February 2013 detailing events and comments relating to City of Darwin Libraries (CoDL).
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 2 Vibrant, Flexible and Tropical Lifestyle Outcome 2.3 Increased sport, recreation and leisure experiences Key Strategies 2.3.1 Enhance library and information services
KEY ISSUES
This report provides an overview of library activities for the past month.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
THAT Report Number 13P0002 KC:md entitled Libraries Information Update for February 2013, be received and noted.
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PAGE: 2 REPORT NUMBER: 13P0001 KC:MD SUBJECT: LIBRARIES INFORMATION UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2012 AND JANUARY 2013
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this report is to provide a report detailing events and comments relating to City of Darwin Libraries.
DISCUSSION
The libraries’ new trainee Quewah Siryon-Quartey commenced in February. Quewah is enrolled at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and will complete a Certificate III in Library and information Studies throughout the year. Casuarina also hosted two library student work placements from CDU this month.
Library Lovers Day was celebrated at all libraries in February. We had cupcakes with tea and coffee for all our customers who visited the libraries on Thursday 14th February. The beautifully decorated cup cakes, specially made for the occasion, went down very well.
Karama library Casuarina Library
Library staff attended the Defence Expo, held at Palmerston Recreation Centre, to promote our library services to the defence families who have moved to Darwin. We had 12 new members sign up on the day and took a booking for KAOS. The library mascots Paige and Dewey were also present and had a guide walking them around the expo.
Our regular meeting room users have returned for the year:
Apostilic Faith Mission Darwin Communication Group (speech pathologists) 36 37
PAGE: 3 REPORT NUMBER: 13P0001 KC:MD SUBJECT: LIBRARIES INFORMATION UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2012 AND JANUARY 2013
Darwin Community Legal Service Darwin Seniors Computer Club Darwin Toastmasters Early Bird Parenting Group (Casuarina Community Care Centre). Forward in Faith Ministries Happy Migrant Learning Centre Homework Club (Multicultural Council of the NT) Integrated Disability Action New Life Connect Group Northern Light Pentecostal Group U3A
The meeting room is also used regularly for library programs by our junior and youth book clubs, Zumbatomic and by Community Services with the Healthy Darwin program.
Planning is underway for the re-opening post refurbishment at the City Library, to be hosted by the Lord Mayor at 10.30am on 12 March.
In response to the high number of incidents involving customers with mental health issues in the last few months, Margaret Farrell from NT Government’s Mental Health Unit came to talk to City Library and Customer Service staff on 15 February. Staff found these sessions were a good chance to debrief and to come up with strategies to deal with difficult customers. These sessions will be rolled out to all library staff over the next month. Building Services has purchased a special phone for the City Library which, at the press of a button, will call the police with a prerecorded message stating that there has been an incident at the library that requires police presence. A bell will also be installed that alerts Regulatory Services staff of an incident at the Library. Customer Service will have the same equipment installed.
Karama Library has also had some challenging incidents involving children in the library and around Karama Shopping Centre since school started. Centre management has been proactive in dealing with these incidents and a number of children have been issued with trespass orders. The centre provides security staff and has issued the library with a walkie talkie to report any incidents to security staff for action. The library staff has also been in contact with the local schools who have agreed to take steps to educate their students in expected standards of behaviour when in public in their school uniforms. The school also suggested that if problems continue they could send the school constable to the library to check in on the kids in the afternoon.
Seniors @ Karama for February was a Mosaic workshop with Janie Andrews. It was well attended with 12 ladies and they loved it. A follow up class is being planned for later in the year and Janie suggested she could do a clay session, then another mosaic follow up session after that, allowing them to use the clay pieces they create in their mosaics.
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PAGE: 4 REPORT NUMBER: 13P0001 KC:MD SUBJECT: LIBRARIES INFORMATION UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2012 AND JANUARY 2013
Digital Literacy classes have resumed at all libraries and all have been well visited.
The libraries are collaborating with the Healthy Darwin team. The City, Casuarina and Karama Libraries all have Healthy Darwin display boards installed at the library to promote the Healthy Darwin program and to promote library resources that support the program. February’s display theme was Women’s Health.
Collection Development
Top FM 104 radio’s fortnightly spot for the library has recommenced in February, where library staff discuss latest releases and events at the libraries.
The first deliveries of our large print and spoken word orders have arrived and spending this month has focussed on our biographies, westerns and picture book collections; popular author titles arrive weekly.
Digital Hub
The digital hub is taking shape with most of the furniture and resources purchased and installed. The hub website has now gone live and customers are able to either book a class or try one of the many online classes available on the web.
The hub will be open from 11 March and offer training in the following areas:
introduction to computers and the Internet basic computer literacy classes communicating (Skype/email) social media cloud computing online shopping and banking blogging and web page creation
Children and Youth Services
Babes ’n’ Books sessions recommenced at the Casuarina and the City Libraries on 4 February and have been very well attended. A special water safety story time was held at the City Library on 22 February with special guest Boof the Barra. Mila, City of Darwin’s Animal Education Officer attended story time at Karama Library with Brian, the dog, which was a huge success. Library mascots Paige and Dewey attended story time at the Karama Day Care Centre for their regular story time session.
Zumbatomic has recommenced at Casuarina Library and a new weekly session has begun at Karama Library. The first session at Karama attracted 10 mums and 19 kids and about half the kids there had been attending the sessions at Casuarina and knew the moves already – so cute! The second session had 19 mums and 30 kids so it is very popular already. 38 39
PAGE: 5 REPORT NUMBER: 13P0001 KC:MD SUBJECT: LIBRARIES INFORMATION UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2012 AND JANUARY 2013
All junior and youth reading groups across our four libraries started this month. The new role play club, “Ready to Role” will commence in March for ages 12 to 18. Role- playing games, such as Dungeons and Dragons, are social games where the player gets a hand in telling the story, whether it’s tragic or heroic, silly or serious; it’s all up to the player. Karama Library has started the children’s book club “Ready Set Read” on Thursday afternoons, which has been a success so far, with approximately 15 children attending the first session.
Our first KAOS for 2013 was held on Thursday 28 February at Karama Library with library staff Jennifer and Rosie supervising the session. It was a smaller group than usual, only 10, with all but one being regular customers of Karama and three new to KAOS. Our activity for the evening was "Upcycling" where we highlighted opportunities in Darwin of upcycling at Shoal Bay and op shopping around Darwin. The activity turned into more of an art therapy class than an art class. The kids sprayed madly and decorated donations from Shoal Bay Recycling Shop, Salvos and discontinued items donated by Bunnings. Success was measured by the fact that no one played video games all night and when pizzas arrived no one wanted to stop the activity and eat.
Training
The libraries annual staff development morning was held on 8 February. All library staff attended and the libraries were closed to the public for the morning, reopening at 2pm. The morning was facilitated by Sue McKerracher, the Executive Director of the Australian Library and Information Association. The program focussed on libraries into the future and the roles of library staff working in libraries. Sue delivered a presentation on tomorrow’s libraries, followed by discussion on the changing landscape of libraries and finally a short workshop on scenario planning, including the changing role of library teams. Feedback from library staff indicated that they found Sue an engaging speaker who provided insight into modern and contemporary libraries and the services that they provide. Comments were very positive including ‘best one ever’.
A display of books and DVDs relating to the Bombing of Darwin was on display at the City Library to commemorate the 71st anniversary.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
Nil
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Nil
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Nil
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PAGE: 6 REPORT NUMBER: 13P0001 KC:MD SUBJECT: LIBRARIES INFORMATION UPDATE FOR NOVEMBER, DECEMBER 2012 AND JANUARY 2013
RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Nil
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
KAREN CONWAY JOHN BANKS MANAGER LIBRARY SERVICES GENERAL MANAGER COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected].
40 41
ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.4 NO COMMITTEE/OPEN
ACTIVATE NT
REPORT No.: 13C0021 ED:kl COMMON No.: 2098451 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: Project Officer, Emma Darby
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
This report appraises Council of the City of Darwin’s involvement with the Activate NT program and seeks a determination as to the program’s future.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 2 Vibrant, Flexible and Tropical Lifestyle Outcome 2.3 Increased sport, recreation and leisure experiences Key Strategies 2.3.5 Enhance and improve services and facilities which encourage healthy lifestyle choices
KEY ISSUES
Since 2008, Council has hosted and delivered the ActivateNT program in various forms however changes in sector partnership capabilities have resulted in the burden of program delivery to now rest exclusively with Council. ActivateNT is an annually delivered healthy lifestyle program of six weeks duration. It offers participants a range of 60 activities to suit a variety of ages and fitness levels.
A resource estimate of $50 000 is anticipated should City of Darwin resolve to deliver Activate in 2013. Whilst this event is popular, it is not well aligned to the new City of Darwin branding and vision. Additionally, significant resources and effort would need to go into communicating and rebranding the program as a City of Darwin event.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
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PAGE: 2 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0021 ED:kl SUBJECT: ACTIVATENT
A. THAT Report Number 13C0021 ED:kl entitled Activatent NT, be received and noted.
B. THAT City of Darwin’s involvement in Activate NT be discontinued.
BACKGROUND
The City of Darwin has supported an annual healthy activity program since 2008, initially contributing to the MBF DarwinLite with a financial outlay of $8,000 cash/in kind.
Different programs have been run in various forms. The MBF Lifestyle Challenge, coordinated by the GP Network provided partner funding for several years. This ceased after the ActivateNT 2011 program. The loss of MBF (now BUPA) funding and withdrawal of the GP Network as program coordinator saw responsibility for the program picked up solely by the City of Darwin in 2012.
The focus of the ActivateNT Darwin 2012 program was to increase community awareness and patronage of activities at Council pools, to publicise Council’s shared paths and encourage activity in parks and community centres. The program was designed to be all ages accessible whilst encouraging broader participation from men and people from non-English speaking backgrounds. The program also aimed to enhance community connectedness for Darwin residents.
In 2012 City of Darwin conducted an eight week exercise and healthy lifestyle program entitled ActivateNT Darwin from 22 April to 15 June, comprising of 60 weekly events to suit a range of participant ages and fitness levels.
DISCUSSION
Program Content
The 2012 program promoted healthy lifestyle behaviours and showcased Council’s recreational facilities. The theme adopted for ActivateNT Darwin was Activate Your Mind, Body and Soul with over 60 activities and workshops of different physical intensities and variety to suit a range of participant ages and fitness levels. The program also included a number of fun retroACTIVE activities designed to engage young people. Various ‘Come & Try’ sessions hosted by local sporting organisations were included in the program, along with the promotion of special walking events happening in the local community to raise awareness for not-for-profit groups.
Participation
A total number of 422 registrations were received in 2012. Female participation continued to dominate total registrations, representing 85%. Although the program content was intentionally designed to be family friendly and include popular male activities, participation by males in the program remained the same as 2011 (15%). The program continued to successfully attract an array of age groups, however the majority of participants were aged between 20-39 years. 42 43
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The total number of participants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background also remained the same as 2011 (2%). The total number of participants in 2012 from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds was 42 (10%).
Attendance data for each activity were collated from providers which indicated the frequency of attendance by participants. Swimming at Council pools (18%) and Stand Up Paddle Fitness were the most popular activities attended (14%), along with Yogalaties (12%), Yoga (12%), Tai Chi (10%), Boxing For Fitness (9%), Boot Camp (8%), Aqua Aerobics (8%), Aqua Zumba (7%), Mums & Bubs Booty Camp (6%) and Pilates with Prams (6%).
In the 2012 program 11 members of the Federally funded Healthy Communities, Healthy Darwin program attended ActivateNT. The programs have some similarities in their activities but their aims are different; Healthy Darwin’s target group is low income earners who are not in full time employment.
Program Cost Due to the withdrawal of major sponsors and the coordinating body, the delivery of the ActivateNT Darwin 2012 program was completed with a lower budget than previous years. This comprised of cash contributions of $35,000 from Council and $30,000 in kind contributions (combined Council and Healthy Darwin).
The revenue to Council from registrations totalled approximately $10,500. The approximate cost to Council for the 2012 program therefore came to a total of $24,500 (cash component) + $30,000 (in kind support).
ActivateNT 2013 City of Palmerston have committed to running an Activate program and are currently advertising it on their website. They are organising an 8 week program due to run 15th April – 7th June.
Healthy Darwin have ear marked $15,000 for financial support for Activate, should it run in 2013. Healthy Darwin have indicated they would not be able to provide the same extent of in-kind support as last year due to existing operational demands. The majority of their in-kind support came in the way of staffing and to continue ActivateNT in 2013, additional staffing allocated would be needed to deliver the project as in previous years.
Whilst the program is popular, its branding is not directly aligned with the City of Darwin. To effectively promote and brand ActivateNT with City of Darwin a significant communication strategy would be needed. If Council were to partner with City of Palmerston at this late stage and run Activate in April 2013 significant effort and resources would need to be applied to the marketing, advertising and rebranding activities of the program.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
In preparing this report, the following parties were consulted: 43 44
PAGE: 4 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0021 ED:kl SUBJECT: ACTIVATENT
City of Darwin Sport and Recreation staff ActivateNT Darwin 2012 participants ActivateNT Darwin 2012 suppliers Healthy Darwin Coordinator City of Palmerston
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Nil
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
To run this program well in 2013, there would be an estimated financial cost to Council of $ 50 000. This estimate is based on the combined cash and in kind support of $65 000, subtracting $15 000 cash donation that Healthy Darwin would contribute.
RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Nil
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
EMMA DARBY JOHN BANKS PROJECT OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected].
44 45
ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.5 YES COMMITTEE/OPEN
MINUTES OF DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF 7 FEBRUARY 2013
REPORT No.: 13C0018 SJ:es COMMON No.: 2436652 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: Community Services Officer, Sheree Jeeves
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to present for Council’s information the Minutes of the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC) meeting of 7 February 2013 (Attachment A) and details of the recommendations for Council’s consideration.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 1 Collaborative, Inclusive and Connected Community Outcome 1.1 Community inclusion supported Key Strategies 1.1.2 Develop equitable and accessible community participation opportunities
KEY ISSUES
Footpath construction in Beroona Court, Karama. Driveway and crossing point construction in Wandie Crescent, Anula. Appointment of Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT as a member on DAC. Driveway improvements in Fern Court, Leanyer.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
A. THAT Report Number 13C0018 SJ:es entitled Minutes Of Disability Advisory Committee Meeting Of 7 February 2013, be received and noted.
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B. THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin construct the footpath in Beroona Court, Karama as per Meeting Brief 6.3. and that it be funded from the Disability Access Budget.
C. THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin carry out the driveway and crossing point construction in Wandie Crescent, Anula as per Meeting Brief 6.4. and that it be funded from the Disability Access Budget.
D. THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin appoint Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT as a member of the Disability Advisory Committee in accordance with the Local Government Act 2008 until the end of the current term, 30 June 2014.
E. THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin complete modifications to the driveway at 7 Fern Court, Leanyer to improve wheelchair access and that it be funded from the Disability Access Budget.
BACKGROUND
Council Decision No. 21\217 (26/06/12)
A. THAT Report Number 12C0039 NM:es entitled, Appointment of Community Representatives to the Disability Advisory Committee - 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014, Two Year Term, be received and noted.
B. THAT Council appoint the following community representatives as members of the Disability Advisory Committee in accordance the Local Government Act 2008 for a period commencing 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014.
i) Ms Deborah Bampton ii) Mr Martin Blakemore iii) Ms Rosemary Burkitt iv) Ms Emma Fraser v) Ms Judy Hansen vi) Ms Debb Lovett vii) Mr Peter Mahony viii) Ms Kerrie-Ann Parsons ix) Mr Adrian Riessen x) Ms Lynne Strathie
C. THAT Council appoint the following organisations as members of the Disability Advisory Committee in accordance the Local Government Act 2008 for a period commencing 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2014.
i) Roads Planning section, Department of Lands and Planning ii) Building Advisory Services Branch, Department of Lands and Planning iii) Council on the Ageing NT Inc (COTA NT) 46 47
PAGE: 3 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0018 SJ:es SUBJECT: MINUTES OF DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF 7 FEBRUARY 2013
D. THAT this decision be moved into Open.
DISCUSSION
Footpath construction in Beroona Court, Karama The resident at 18 Beroona Court has requested that Council construct a footpath on Beroona Court to enable safe travel for his 11 year old son who is wheelchair reliant. The footpath will provide safe connection to Dorrigo Crescent and shops. There is no existing footpath in Beroona Court making road travel the only option.
Council Officer’s have assessed the site and recommend that the construction of the footpath be completed to provide safe access. The estimated cost of the work is $12,000.
Driveway and crossing point construction in Wandie Crescent, Anula The resident at 46 Wandie Crescent has requested that Council improve the driveway and construct a crossing point to provide access to the footpath which is on the opposite side of the road. The resident is wheelchair reliant and the existing driveway is in an average condition and is not suitable for wheelchair access.
Council Officer’s met with the resident’s husband and friend (also a neighbour) and assessed the footpath and possible options for connection. The recommendation is for the driveway to be replaced and a new crossing point constructed to disability standards to allow safe travel for the resident. The approximate cost of the work is $4,000.
Appointment of Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT as a member of DAC Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT submitted a request to join the Disability Advisory Committee. Arthritis is one of the most common long-term diseases in Australia. More than 3.1 million Australians (15.2% of the total population) were estimated to be affected by arthritis in 2008. Arthritis is a significant contributor to disability in Australia; almost one-third of people with the disease report some core activity restrictions. One in seven people have severe or profound activity restrictions (AIHW 2010. A snapshot of arthritis in Australia 2010. Arthritis series no. 13. Cat. no. PHE 126. Canberra: AIHW). The membership of the Disability Advisory Committee consists of an Alderman, a representative from the Infrastructure Department, a representative from the Community and Cultural Services Department, ten community representative positions and four additional specialist positions allocated to allow professional involvement and to ensure a coverage of a broad range of disability types. There is one vacant specialist position and the Committee have indicated that a representative of Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT would provide a valuable contribution to DAC and add to the range of disability types covered by the Committee.
Driveway improvements in Fern Court, Leanyer. Council received a request from the resident at 7 Fern Court, Leanyer for modifications to be made to the existing driveway to improve wheelchair access. The existing crossover on the driveway is too steep for the resident to access in her 47 48
PAGE: 4 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0018 SJ:es SUBJECT: MINUTES OF DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF 7 FEBRUARY 2013
wheelchair, the modifications will change it from a curb crossover to a transition crossover approx 1.5m deep and will decrease the gradient of the driveway.
Council has assessed the site with the resident and recommends that the works be completed to improve wheelchair access. The estimated cost of the driveway modifications is approximately $2,000.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
In preparing this report, the following parties were consulted:
Disability Advisory Committee City of Darwin Infrastructure Department
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
The Disability Advisory Committee assists Council meet the objectives of its Community Access Plan and to consider and provide effective and equitable access throughout the municipality in respect of disability.
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
The estimated cost of the recommended work is;
Footpath construction in Beroona Court, Karama: Approximately $12,000 Driveway replacement and crossing point construction in Wandie Crescent, Anula: Approximately $4,000. Driveway improvements in Fern Court, Leanyer: Approximately $2,000.
The Disability Access Budget currently has the full annual budget amount of $50,000. After the expenditure of these three projects, there will be approximately $32,000 remaining in the 2012/2013 budget.
RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
48 49
PAGE: 5 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0018 SJ:es SUBJECT: MINUTES OF DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING OF 7 FEBRUARY 2013
SHEREE JEEVES JOHN BANKS COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFICER GENERAL MANAGER COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected]
Attachments:
Attachment A: Minutes of the Disability Advisory Committee Meeting of 7 February 2013
49 50 MINUTES DISABILITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING 2.00 - 3.30pm, Thursday 7 February 2013 Casuarina Library Meeting Room Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina
1. PRESENT
Peter Mahony Chair, Community Representative Deborah Bampton Community Representative Rosemary Burkitt Community Representative Kerrie-Ann Parsons Community Representative Adrian Riessen Community Representative Lynne Strathie Community Representative Alasdair McGregor Specialist Representative Pero Peric Specialist Representative Alderman Allan Mitchell Elected Member, City of Darwin David Cash Infrastructure Dept, City of Darwin Sheree Jeeves Community Services Dept, City of Darwin
2. APOLOGIES
Martin Blakemore Deputy Chair, Community Representative Emma Fraser Community Representative Judy Hansen Community Representative Debb Lovett Community Representative Armando Padovan Specialist Representative
3. DECLARATION OF INTEREST IN ANY ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
None declared.
4. ACCEPTANCE OF PREVIOUS MINUTES 18 OCTOBER 2012
Minutes from the meeting held 18 October 2012 were accepted as a true and accurate record.
Moved: Kerrie-Ann Parsons. Seconded: Rosemary Burkitt. Carried.
5. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES 18 OCTOBER 2012
5.1. RECHARGE Scheme Update DAC’s recommendation for the City of Darwin to participate as a pilot Council in the national roll out of the Recharge Scheme was endorsed by Council at the 2nd Ordinary meeting on 27 November 2012.
50 51 6. ACCESS ACTION LIST
6.1. Lack of Pedestrian Access at Vanderlin Drive, Karama – update on status of signage issue rectification. The signage issue at Vanderlin Drive, Karama has been rectified and all work is complete.
6.2. Access issues raised by community member; Mitchell St and Smith St crossings. The issues raised by a community member in regards to Mitchell St and Smith St crossings have been referred to Council’s Infrastructure Department to be assessed.
6.3. Footpath Access in Beroona Court, Karama Council received a request for the construction of a footpath in Beroona Court, Karama. The footpath will provide safe travel for the resident’s 11 year old son who is wheelchair reliant. There is no existing footpath in Beroona Court making road travel the only access. The footpath will provide safe connection to Dorrigo Crescent and shops. The estimated cost of the footpath construction is approximately $12,000.
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin construct the footpath in Beroona Court, Karama as per Meeting Brief 6.3. and that it be funded from the Disability Access Budget.
Moved: Lynne Strathie. Seconded: Kerrie-Ann Parsons. Carried.
6.4. Footpath Access in Wandie Crescent, Anula The resident at 46 Wandie Crescent has requested that Council improve the driveway and construct a crossing point to provide access to the footpath which is on the opposite side of the road. The resident is wheelchair reliant and the existing driveway is in an average condition and is not suitable for wheelchair access. Council Officer’s have assessed the site and recommend that the driveway be replaced and a crossing point to disability standards be constructed to allow safe travel for the resident. The estimated cost of the driveway and crossing point construction is approximately $4,000.
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin carry out the driveway and crossing point construction in Wandie Crescent, Anula as per Meeting Brief 6.4. and that it be funded from the Disability Access Budget.
Moved: Rosemary Burkitt. Seconded: Alasdair McGregor. Carried.
7. GENERAL BUSINESS
7.1. DAC Community Forum Overview DAC held their Annual Community Forum on International Day of People with Disability, 3 December 2012. The Forum included the launch of the
51 52 City of Darwin Community Access Plan 2012 – 2017 and a presentation about the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
7.2. Nightcliff Fishing Platform Update The Nightcliff Fishing Platform has some minor works to be completed for final certification.
The fishing stations will be locked and keys will be available free of charge from City of Darwin’s Community Services Officer. An application form for the key will be available from Council’s website.
The Committee suggested a water bubbler be installed in close proximity to the fishing platform.
The Committee suggested a joint media launch between the City of Darwin and NT Government for the opening of the fishing platform in the near future.
ACTION: City of Darwin to investigate installing a water bubbler near the fishing platform and the cost involved.
Sheree to follow up plans for an official opening of the fishing platform and potential for a joint media launch.
7.3. Portable Accessible Toilet Portable toilets provided at events are often not accessible for people in wheelchairs. The Committee discussed the option of purchasing a portable accessible toilet which could be used by Council and other community groups at events. Concerns were raised regarding the maintenance, upkeep costs and processes for Council. Suggestions were made that it could be more beneficial to lobby for regulations to include a requirement to have an accessible toilet at community events.
ACTION: Sheree to investigate the current requirements for toilet provisions at events and also the maintenance and upkeep costs for Council to purchase a portable accessible toilet.
7.4. DAC Membership Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT submitted a request to have a representative on the Disability Advisory Committee. There is one vacant specialist position available for the remainder of the DAC term until 30 June 2014. The Committee thought that a representative from Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT would provide a valuable contribution to DAC and add to the broad coverage of disability types covered by the Committee.
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin appoint Arthritis and Osteoporosis NT as a member of the Disability Advisory Committee in accordance with the Local Government Act 2008 until the end of the current term, 30 June 2014.
Moved: Alasdair McGregor. Seconded: Peter Mahony. Carried.
52 53 8. DISABILITY SECTOR TRENDS, POLICY AND CURRENT ISSUES
8.1. Taxi Lift Incentive Scheme (Attachment F) The information sheet regarding the changes to the Taxi Lift Incentive Scheme was received and noted.
8.2. MPT Wheelchair Space Allocation (Attachment G) The information sheet regarding the new MPT Wheelchair Space Allocation requirements was received and noted.
8.3. Draft Information Bulletin – Mobility Aids in Taxis and Minibuses (Attachment H) The draft information bulletin on mobility aids in taxis and minibuses was received and noted.
9. OTHER BUSINESS
9.1. Driveway Improvements – Fern Court, Leanyer A late request was received from a resident at 7 Fern Court, Leanyer to make modifications to the driveway to improve wheelchair access. The existing crossover on the driveway is too steep for the resident to access in her wheelchair, the modifications will change it from a curb crossover to a transition crossover approx 1.5m deep and will decrease the gradient of the driveway. The estimated cost of the driveway modifications is approximately $2,000.
RECOMMENDATION: THAT the Disability Advisory Committee recommends that the City of Darwin complete the modifications to the driveway at 7 Fern Court, Leanyer to improve wheelchair access and that it be funded from the Disability Access Budget.
Moved: Alasdair McGregor. Seconded: Peter Mahony. Carried.
10. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Date: Thursday 11 April Time: 2.00pm to 3.30pm Venue: Casuarina Library Meeting Room Bradshaw Terrace, Casuarina
11. MEETING CLOSED
Minutes Disability Advisory Committee 07/02/2013 Page - 4 - 53 54
ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.6 YES COMMITTEE/OPEN
BANKS BULLDOGS FOOTBALL CLUB - ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOME BASE AT GARDENS OVAL
REPORT No.: 13C0022 JB:kl COMMON No.: 2032842 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
The purpose of this report is to present the request from Banks Bulldogs Football Club to establish a permanent base at Gardens Oval.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 1. Collaborative, Inclusive and Connected Community Outcome 1.2 Desirable places and open spaces for people Key Strategies 1.2.1 Enhance places and open spaces
KEY ISSUES
• Banks Bulldogs Football Club is seeking to establish clubrooms at Gardens Oval. The Club has advised that it has the resources and skills to undertake the project.
• A number of Sporting Clubs are currently utilising Gardens Oval.
• Council will commence development a Sports Field Plan in 2013 in consultation with all Clubs to identify user and infrastructure needs. The Banks Bulldogs Football Club request may be considered as part of the broader Sports Field Plan development and any specific strategic planning work that may be identified for Gardens Oval.
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PAGE: 2 REPORT NUMBER: 13C0022 JB:kl SUBJECT: BANKS BULLDOGS FOOTBALL CLUB - ESTABLISHMENT OF A HOME BASE AT GARDENS OVAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
A. THAT Report Number 13C0022 JB:kl entitled Banks Bulldogs Football Club - Establishment Of A Home Base At Gardens Oval, be received and noted.
B. THAT Council defer consideration of this application pending the development of a Gardens Oval Masterplan.
BACKGROUND
Previous Decisions
Decision No. 21/613 (13/11/2012)
A. THAT the presentation from the Banks Bulldogs Football Club in relation to club rooms at Gardens Oval, be received and noted.
Decision No. 21\558 (30/10/12)
A. THAT Report Number 12C0087 FR:kl entitled, Request from Banks Bulldogs Football Club to Establish a Permanent Base at Gardens Oval, be received and noted.
B. THAT the Banks Bulldogs Football Club be invited to present to Council the extension project along with details of any contribution sought from Council.
DISCUSSION
Representatives from the Banks Bulldogs Football Club will attend the Community & Cultural Services Committee to further present their proposal.
Attached is background in respect to Banks Bulldogs Football Club’s proposal.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
Mr Mike Harrison, Banks Bulldogs Football Club
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
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RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Nil.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
Nil
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
JOHN BANKS GENERAL MANAGER COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected].
Attachment A Letter from Banks Bulldogs Football Club 20/9/12 Attachment B Previous Report Attachment C Decision 21\558 (30/10/12) Attachment D Letter to Banks Bulldogs Football Club 7/11/12 Attachment E Presentation to Council 13/11/2012 Attachment F Decision 21\613 (13/11/12) Attachment G Additional Information from Banks Bulldogs Football Club & letters of support Attachment H Email from Banks Bulldogs Football Club 5/3/13 Attachment I Gardens Precinct Masterplan
56 ATTACHMENT A 57
57 58
58 ATTACHMENT59 B
59 60
60 61
61 62
62 ATTACHMENT C 63
63 ATTACHMENT D64
64 ATTACHMENT E 65
65 66
66 67
67 68
68 69
69 70
70 71
71 72
72 73
73 74
74 75
75 76
76 77
77 78
78 ATTACHMENT F79
79 ATTACHMENT G 80
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86 ATTACHMENT87 H
87 88
88 ATTACHMENT I 89
89 90
Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
CONTENTS
ABBREVIATIONS
Page Number Page Number
1 INTRODUCTION 5 PEDESTRIAN & 29 CYCLE LINKAGES 1.1 Setting 1.2 Purpose 6 DRAINAGE &SERVICES 1.3 Background 1.4 Methodology 6.1 Drainage 1.5 Related Projects 6.2 Biting Insects 6.3 Services 2 THE PRECINCT 7 RECOMMENDATIONS 2.1 Precinct Boundary 3 2.2 Road Network 3 7.1 lntroduction 2.3 Land Use 3 7.2 Precinct Identity 2.4 Related Planning Documents 4 7.3 Traftic Management 2.5 Sacred Sites 5 7.4 Car Parking 2.6 Heritage Sites 5 7.5 Pedestrian Access 2.7 Natural Vegetation 5 & Cycleways 7.6 Facilities Upgrade 3 CONSULTATION 7.7 Environment & Services 7.8 New Developments 3.1 lntroduction 3.2 Mindil Beach 3.3 Dawin High School 3.4 George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens 3.5 Gardens Amphitheatre 3.6 Blake Street Site 3.7 Casino 3.8 Gardens Tennis Complex 3.9 Little Mindil Site 3.10 Myilly Point 3.1 1 Gardens Ovals 3.12 Gardens Park Golf Links 3.13 Dashwood Crescent Site 3.14 Gardens Road Cemetery
4 TRAFFIC AND PARKING
4.1 Introduction 23 4.2 Road Network 23 4.3 Traffic Volumes 23 4.4 Traffic Recommendations 25 4.5 Car Parking 27
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Drafi
FIGURES
Fig 1 Study Area Fig 2 Aerial Photograph Fig 3 Road Network Fig 4 Land Use Fig 5 Land Tenure Fig 6 Land Use Zoning Fig 7 Sacred Site Register Extract Fig 8 Storm Surge Zone Fig 9 Proposed Gilruth Avenue 1 Casino Drive Intersection Fig 10 Pedestrian ICycle Access Fig 1I Stomwater Drainage Fig 12 Mosquito Breeding Areas Fig 13 Water Supply and Sewerage Fig 14 Electricity and Telecommunication Fig 15 Recornmendation Summary (Precinct identity, Traffic, Parking & Pedestrian Access) Fig 16 Recommendation Summary (Facilities Upgrade & Environment Improvements)
TABLES
Table 1 Land Use Table 2 Recorded Traffic Volumes
APPENDICES
References Register of Significant Trees
91 92
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Publlc Consultation Draff
1 INTRODUCTION within the Precinct and also to identify issues that may currently be impacting 1.1 Setting upon the successful operation of existing uses. The overall purpose of The Gardens Precinct (the Precinct) is the Master Plan is to identify ways to located adjacent to the Fannie Bay improve Council's infrastructure and Foreshore, running from Bullocky Point facilities within the Precinct, to enhance in the north to Myilly Point in the south the amenity and attraction of the area and the Gardens escarpment in the east and to facilitate appropriate new to Mindil Beach in the west. development in the future.
The Precinct includes many significant 1.3 Background community uses, including the George Brown in Botanic ~Gdens,~iGil Preliminary work on the Master Plan Beach, the Gardens Ovals, Gardens was undertaken in 2000/2001 by Park Golf Links, Darwin High School consultants Brown & Root (now Kellogg and the Casino. The Precinct also Brown & Root) on behalf of Council. incorporates the Myilly Point Heritage The consultants met with a number of Precinct and the Gardens Road organisations that had an interest within Cemetery. the Precinct, to discuss issues relevant to the Master Plan. Brown & Root also The Precinct is an important destination conducted traffic surveys and analysis for both Darwin residents and tourists as part of the Master Plan process. alike and also incorporates Gilruth Brown & Root submitted a draft Gardens Avenue, a major approach road to the Precinct Master Plan, in July 2001. Dawin Central Business District. Council has undertaken significant The boundary of the Gardens Precinct works to improve the design of Gilwth study area is shown at Figure I,with an Avenue for vehicles and pedestrians aerial photo shown at Figure 2. since the draft Master Plan was prepared. The improvements to Gilruth 1.2 Purpose Avenue include recommendations made by Brown & Root within the draft Master The popularity of the Gardens Precinct Plan. for both the local community and tourists is likely to increase as the population of 1.4 Methodology Darwin grows. In addition, the marketing of the Top End as a tourist The current Master Plan has been destination is continually being prepared in 5 stages, as follows: strengthened. Stage 1 - The identication of Darwin City Council is a key landowner stakeholders & background within the Gardens Precinct and is also research. the service authority responsible for the local road and drainage networks. As Stage 2 - Interview Stakeholders. part of the Master Plan process, Council has undertaken a consultation process Stage 3 - Traffic counts and modeling. with stakeholders to identify future proposals for the facilities and sites
93 94
Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draff
Stage 4 - Evaluation and assessment of consultations and identification of mapping requirements.
Stage 5 - Report writing and presentation.
1.5 Related Projects
Documents and reports referred to with in the Master Plan are listed in Appendix A.
94 95
GARDENS PRECINCT MASTER PLAN FIGURE 1 QTII~VAREA 95 1 96
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
2 THE PRECINCT 2.3 Land Use
2.1 Precinct Boundary The range of land uses within the Gardens Precinct are listed below and The boundary of the Gardens Precinct, located on Figure 4. as defined in the Study Brief, is included as Figure I,with an aerial photograph of Mindil Beach Foreshore and the Precinct included as Figure 2; The Reserve Precinct is located adjacent to the George Brown Darwin Botanic Fannie Bay Foreshore, running from Gardens Bullocky Point in the north to Myilly Point Darwin Amphitheatre in the south and the Gardens Darwin High School escarpment in the east to Mindil Beach Gardens Ovals in the west. Gardens Park Golf Links Casino 2.2 Road Network Gardens Tennis Complex 'Little Mindil' Site There are two main roads that traverse the Precinct - Gilruth Avenue and Blake Street Site Gardens Road, as shown on Figure 3. Myilly Point Heritage Precinct These two roads create three entry Gardens Road Cemetery points to the Precinct, as follows: The site area, land tenure and land use Gilruth Avenue I Smith Street zoning of each site is detailed in Table Roundabout; 1. The Land Tenure and Land Use Gilruth Avenue I Salonika Street; Zoning across the Precinct are also and shown on Figures 5 and 6 respectively. Gardens Road / McMinn Street. The Land Use Zoning is taken from the Darwin Town Plan (as amended) 1990. Gilruth Avenue is a sub-arterial road Darwin City Council is a major linking the suburb of Fannie Bay to landowner within the Precinct, as shown Smith Street in Darwin City. Gardens in Table 1, with tenure across the Mindil Road branches off Gilruth Avenue and Beach Reserve area, the Gardens provides a link to McMinn and Ovals, the Gardens Park Golf Links and Cavenagh Streets in the City. Gilruth the Gardens Amphitheatre. Avenue and Gardens Road are also linked by Chin Quan Road, which runs The only residential development within between Gardens Park Golf Links and the Precinct is at Myilly Point. There is Gardens Ovals. Chin Quan Road is a the newly constructed Myilly Point tower narrow road, approximately 5 % metres with 38 apartments adjacent to 5 two- wide, with no kerb-line. There is no right storey townhouses constructed in the turn permitted from Chin Quan Road to early 1980s. Gilruth Avenue. The Hastings over Mindil residential Darwin City Council also maintains development is located just beyond the access roads to Darwin High School northern boundary of the Precinct at the (Atkins Drive), Mindil Beach (Maria junction of Gilruth Avenue and Salonika Liveris Drive) and the Casino (Casino Street. Stage 1 of the development will Drive) within the Precinct. comprise 84 apartments in 2 x 8 storey
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buildings. Further stages are now being Myilly Point Precinct planned. In October 2004, the Northern Territory 2.4 Related Planning Documents Government invited the community to comment on appropriate zoning and Central Darwin Planning Concepts development options for three vacant and Land Use Objectives Crown land sites within the Myilly Point Precinct, including the Little Mindil site. The Northern Territory Government has In January 2005, the Lands and published Planning Concepts and Land Planning Minister released the results of Use Objectives for Central Darwin that the public consultation process and cover the Gardens Precinct. The advised that the Government had Central Darwin area has been divided decided the following: into 18 precincts, with the Myilly Point Precinct covering Myilly Point, Little "Retain public ownership of the beach Mindil Site, Casino and Gardens Tennis and foreshore at the Liffle Mindil Site, Complex. The Botanic Gardens while requiring that any future Precinct covers the remainder of the development of the 65-zoned site will be Master Plan area with the exception of low-rise. " the Broadcast AustraliaITelstra land at Blake Street, which is within the Gilruth Avenue Landscape Master Gardens Hill Precinct and Darwin High Plan School, which is within the Vesteys Precinct. Consultants prepared the Gilruth Avenue Landsca~eMaster Plan for The Myilly Point Precinct is included DCC in 2002. he Master Plan included within the Central Darwin Planning the installation of an automatic irrigation Concepts and Land Use objectives system, turfing and planting of approved 1999 and the Botanic Gardens and species. The landscaping works were Gardens Hill Precincts within the commenced in November 2003. Proposed Central Darwin (2) Planning Concepts and Land Use Objectives George Brown Danvin Botanic 2002. The Northern Territory Gardens Masfer Plan Government intends that both documents will become components of The Department of Infrastructure, a proposed single integrated 'Northern Planning and Environment, Northern Territory Planning Scheme: Territory Government and Clouston Associates jointly prepared a Master Proposed future land uses for the Plan for the George Brown Darwin Gardens Precinct set out within the Botanic Gardens in April 2004. Central Darwin Planning Concepts and Proposals included within the Master Land Use Objectives are set out within Plan will be set out in Section 3 of this Table 1. The intent and themes set out report. within the Central Darwin Planning Concepts and Land Use Objectives are Mindil Beach Master Plan referred to as appropriate throughout this Master Plan report. The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets Association is to prepare a Master Plan specifically for the future operations and
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99 100 LEGEND =??A! - = - Study Area Boundary Department of Ernploymenb m Education and Training Conservation Land Corporatio - Duwln City Councll \ Broadcast Austraiia/Telstra Crown Private Freehold Vacant Crown Land Power md Woter corpontioll1
GARDENS PRECINCT MASTER PLAN IGURE 5 AND TENURE
Based on plans prepared by Brewn S Root July 2001 100 101
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FIGURE 6 TOWN PLAN ZONES 102 103
Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft requirements of the Mindil Beach Sunset with Leucaena leucocephala (Coffee Markets. Bush). Greening Australia has advised that the ability of this weed to out- 2.5 Sacred Sites compete native vegetation means, that in a relatively short time, the remnant There are two Registered Sacred Sites, vegetation will revert to a monoculture of identified by the Aboriginal Areas Coffee Bush. Protection Authority (AAPA) within the Precinct. The locations of the two Registered Sacred Sites are shown on Figure 7. The sites are burial sites within the sand dunes of Mindil Beach.
The location of a third Sacred Site, off Bullocky Point, which has been recorded by the AAPA, is also shown on Figure 7.
2.6 Heritage Sites
The following sites within the Precinct are included on the Register of the National Estate:
Datwin Foreshores - Cliffs at Bullocky Point Myilly Point Heritage Precinct
The Northern Territory Heritage Register includes the following Precinct sites:
Darwin Botanic Gardens Myilly Point Precinct
2.7 Natural Vegetation
Significant trees within the Precinct are listed within the Register of Significant Trees prepared by the National Trust of Australia (NT) and Greening Australia (NT). The Register is included as Attachment B.
Greening Australia has also identified areas of remnant vegetation within the Precinct along the Golf Links escarpment, the 'Little Mindil' escarpment and along the tidal creek within the 'Little Mindil' site. The remnant vegetation is heavily infested
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Table 1 - Land Use Site Lots Area Tenure' Land Proposed Future Land UseJ (hectareslsquare Use metres) zoning2 Mindil Beach Foreshore 5772 11h 500m' DCC 01 O~enSoace - Enhance tourist orientated facilities and recreational
I Golf Links) I ashw wood Crescent and Miilly Point. Gardens Road 1 5945 I 1 ha 6600mL I DCC 1 02 I Open Space Dashwood Crescent 5690 9,610m2 VCL 03 Conservation / Open Space Sky City Casino 5244 6h llOOmL Private Freehold 65 Commercial / Residential 5772 See Mindil Beach DCC 65 Car Park (surface) Gardens Tennis 5257 1h 1,900m' Crown Lease 02 Open Space Complex Little Mindil site 5994 5h 6.000m2 VCL B5 Open Space. Pedestrian /cycle across site from Gilruth Ave to Mindil Beach and from Myilly Point along foreshore to Mindil Beach. Blake Street site 6907 & 6908 4h 6,500m2 & 5.840mL Private Freehold CP Residential - Possible future medium-rise medium-density residential. Myilly Point Heritage 1098 - 1102 9,380mL Private Freehold B5 Community Use - Declared Heritage Place
Commonwealth Myilly Point Residential 2422 & 7260 1,950mL & 3,390m2 Private Freehold R2 & 65 Residential Gardens Road Cemetely 3402 9,610mL Crown CP Community Use - Preserve &enhance heritage values associated with cemetely.
DCGDalwin City Council; CLC-Conservation Land Corporation; DEET-Department of Employment. Education & Training; VCL-Vacant Crown Land. 1. Darwin Town Plan (As Amended) 1990, Norlhern Territoly Government. 01 (Open Space); 02 (Organised Recreation); CP (Community Purposes); 65 (Tourist Business); CBD (Central Business Dalwin) & R2 (Residential). 2. Central Darwin Planning Concepts and Land Use Objectives, Northern Territory Government 104 104 105
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3 CONSULTATION Touring musical productions, rodeos and circuses also use the Mindil Beach 3.1 Introduction Reserve area.
A consultation process was undertaken The strong public support for Mindil between June and September 2004 to Beach events results in a significant identify any issues relating to Darwin demand for car parking within the City Council services and facilities that locality. were impacting on the land uses within the Precinct. A broad range of Relevant Issues stakeholders having a recreational, sporting, commercial, educational, Car parking, Access and Lighting heritage/cultural and residential interests within the Precinct were invited to be The general perception is that there is part of the consultation process. insufficient car parking available on the Stakeholders were asked about any Mindil Beach Reserve area for Thursday future plans or proposals to develop night Mindil Beach Markets. There are their particular land use activity in the up to 14,000 people visiting the markets future. on a Thursday evening, many arriving by car. Cars can be parked on the 3.2 Mindil Beach Mindil Beach Reserve area and on the adjacent Gilruth Avenue I Atkins Drive Background verge area. There is also a Darwin City Council available for public car parking The Mindil Beach Reserve is the home on the Gilruth Avenue frontage of the of the Sunset Markets on Thursday and Casino. However, this car park is not Sunday evenings during the Darwin dry sign-posted. season. Other community groups also use the reserve and / or beach area for The MBSMA hires safety lighting for use annual events including the Beer Can within the Mindil Beach Reserve car Regatta, Family Day celebrations and park each week. cultural festivals, such as India @ Mindil. Currently there is significant car parking The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets on road verges within the vicinity of the Association (MBSMA) has a lease with markets. Both the Casino and the Council to use the Mindil Beach Reserve Gardens Tennis Complex have also area on market niahts and is res~onsible commented that Market visitors also for car parking management and waste attempt to park within their own car management including cleaning of the parks on Thursday evenings. area. MBSMA has reported that up to 14,000 people visit the markets on a Whilst car parking for the markets is the Thursday evening with a requirement for responsibility of MBSMA, improved car 4 to 6,000 cars to be parked. parking arrangements could be considered. There could be improved Tourists from the city hotels regularly signage for traffic entering, exiting and use minibus services to access the circulating around the car park and markets, whilst backpackers from the improved traffic management and Mitchell Street hostels will often walk to lighting within the car park. the markets. The MBSMA consider that the recent
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft traffic management upgrades to Gilruth regarding the number and cleanliness of Avenue and Maria Liveris Drive have the toilets at Mindil Beach. The MBSMA made it more difficult for vehicles to recommend that Council could consider enter and exit the market site. Concern an upgrade of the toilet facilities. has also been raised that the dry dusty nature of the car parking area could There is a recognised ant problem on he become a health issue for the market grassed picnic areas, adjacent to the food stalls. food stalls.
The MBSMA also consider that there The MBSMA is to prepare a separate could be a review of the layout of local Master Plan for the Mindil Beach roads heavily used for verge parking on Markets. This Master Plan will be the market nights. The roads could be appropriate forum for the MBSMA to properly laid out to accommodate the address future servicing needs for the verge parking, whilst also providing safe markets including upgrading of well-lit pedestrian links from the verge electricity supply, lighting and public location to Mindil Beach. address systems. Waste management practices conducted by the MBSMA also The MBSMA has identified a require urgent review. requirement for additional car parking for the Thursday markets and would Arafura Life Saving Club Proposal support the setting up of a 'Park & Ride' scheme. The Arafura Lifesaving Club (ALC) has a proposal to develop a Clubhouse at the Mindil Beach Joint User Group southern (Casino) end of Mindil Beach. ALC is supported by Surf Life Saving NT There are several groups in addition to (SLSNT), with SLSNT promoting the MBSMA that use the Mindil Beach funding of paid lifeguards at Mindil Reserve. The Lions Club hold the Beer Beach throughout the week during the Can Regatta at Mindil Beach each year, Darwin Dry Season. ALC currently as do Anglicare for their annual Family patrol the beach on a voluntary basis Day celebrations. The MBSMA has during Dry Season weekends. Mindil recommended that consideration be Beach has become the most popular given to the establishment of a Mindil tourist beach in Darwin, with visitors Beach Joint User Group to pool walking from the City to use the beach. information and resources relating to the ALS Club, supported by the MBSMA use of Mindil Beach. The General DroDose that a clubhouse could become Manager of the MBSMA reported that baiof a community building at Mindil other Mindil Beach users would Beach that could house offices for the frequently ring the MBSMA to find out MBSMA. SLSNT would also seek to information regarding the use and relocate their Darwin office to the operation of the Mindil Beach area. The community building. The building could Joint User Group could share lighting also have a first aid room as well as a and sound I PA systems and also car public telephone. St John's Ambulance parking signage. support the provision of a first aid room for community events held at Mindil Mindil Beach Facilities Beach. There is no permanent public telephone at Mindil Beach. The Complaints are allegedly made to the community building could also have a MBSMA on a fairly regular basis kiosk for the sale of drinks and snacks.
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ALC does not intent that the building home of Vesteys Meatworks, which had would become a licensed club at any opened in 1917. The Darwin High time, as there is already a surfeit of School Tank is used as a gymnasium, sporting and recreation clubs in the amphitheatre, drama studio and locality. community hall is the original water tank for the meatworks. The clubhouse would be used as a training 1 education centre for ALC The former Vesteys Water Tank is listed members and for water safety training on the Register of the National Estate for schools. Facilities of this type are for its historically important association currently only available at Casuarina with the Vesteys Meatworks. The tank Surf Life Saving Club at Dripstone is the sole remaining part of the Beach. meatworks complex. The meatworks was a major development of its time The proposal location for the clubhouse reflecting the importance of the may fall within the Mindil Beach Sacred Territory's cattle industry. Site boundary. The foreshore along Mindil Beach was used as a burial In early 2004, the Government ground by Aboriginal people and has announced the commencement of been registered as a sacred Site by the redevelopment works for Darwin High AAPA (see Fig.7). Consultation with the School. The redevelopment proposals Aboriginal Custodians of the area would include the construction of a new be required prior to any development building for science laboratories and a being commenced on this land. home economics unit.
As a short-term solution to ALC's The Darwin High School has also equipment storage needs, Darwin City become the home for the Northern Council has approved a shipping Territory's Trade, business and container to be placed on Mindil Beach Consumer Expo for a weekend in ReSe~e,adjacent to the Casino fence. JuneIJuly each year. The placement of the shipping container is subject to the required Northern Relevant Issues Territory Government Building approvals. Local Road Network
Beach Safety Signage The Darwin High School generates significant volumes of vehicular traffic Clear signage could be installed at all (buses and cars), particularly at the access points to Mindil Beach (including beginning and end of the school day. the beach front adjacent to the Casino Vehicle access to the school is via and at Little Mindil) to inform beach Atkins Drive, which is a Council road. users of marine safety matters, including For students walking to the school from the potential presence of Box Jellyfish in the local suburbs of Fannie Bay, Parap the water. and Stuart Park there are pedestrian crossings, with traftic lights on Gilruth 3.3 Darwin High School Avenue and East Point Road. There is no pedestrian crossing on Atkins Drive. The Darwin High School was first opened at its current Bullocky Point site A significant portion of the morning in 1963. The site was previously the traftic flow through and past the school
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would be made up of parents dropping and Wildlife Commission. students off at the school. This traffic The Botanic Gardens attract around would then continue on to the city via 200,000 visitors a year of which Atkins Drive and Maria Liveris Drive, approximately half come from within the entering Gilruth Avenue in the Mindil Northern Territory and the other half Beach area. The newly installed traffic from overseas or interstate. lights at the junction of the Mindil Beach exit road facilitate the right hand turn The Botanical Gardens were onto Gilruth Avenue. commenced on their present site in the late 1880's and have a long association The Proposed Central Danvin (2) with the Holtze Family and the late Planning Concepts and Land Use George Brown. In addition to their Objectives proposes alterations to the botanical significance, the Gardens also local road network in this area, as provide an important recreational and shown on Figure 3. It is proposed that a social area for Darwin, and are a venue new intersection be constructed at the for barbecues, weddings and functions. junction of Goyder Road and Gilruth Avenue. This intersection would enable Major events occurring within the an extension of Goyder Road through to Botanical Gardens each year include Atkins Drive in the vicinity of Darwin Harold's Birthday Party (Life Education); High School. the Tropical Garden Spectacular and the Festival of Darwin. Council has engaged consultants to review the long term functionality of East The Darwin Botanic Gardens Heritage Point Road. This review will consider Area includes a number of historic the further requirements for the features and plants. The former Conacher Street IEast Point Road Wesleyan Church has also been junction. relocated to the Gardens, adjacent to the Gardens Road gate. 3.4 George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens Relevant Issues
Background Botanic Gardens Master Plan 2004
The Botanic Gardens occupy a The Northern Territory Government substantial part of the land within the (Department of Infrastructure, Planning northern part of the precinct. The main and Environment) and Clouston part of the Botanic Gardens covers Associates have completed a Master 30.27 hectares of land and is located Plan for the George Brown Darwin east of Gilruth Avenue and north of Botanic Gardens. The purpose of the Gardens Road. The smaller, less well plan is to enhance the important role of known, part of the Botanic Gardens, the Botanic Gardens through improved covering 11.83 hectares, is located to visitor facilities and amenities and the west of Gilruth Avenue, north of providing for enhanced management of Mindil Beach Foreshore. the plant collections.
The Botanic Gardens are owned by the The Master Plan proposes a range of Conservation Land Corporation and infrastructure and facilities and includes administrated and managed by the the following: Northern Territory Government Parks New visitors centre incorporating a
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft cafblrestaurant, information and the Gardens including linkage to public education centre and toilets. Centre footpaths and cycle ways adjoining the could cater for weddings and other Gardens. Clear identification of commercial and special functions. pedestrian entry points to Gardens. Many tourists currently walk to the ldentification of continued commercial Botanic Gardens from the city using opportunity of hiring the Gardens as an either the Gardens Road or Geranium outdoor venue for special functions (e.g. Street gates. Visitors will often visit the weddings and parties) and large open- Gardens Road Cemetery and the NT air events. Museum and Art Gallery as part of the same trip. A new climate controlled plant display house in the upper area of the Gardens, A natural (ephemeral) wetland within the near to the Geranium Street car park. area adjacent to Gilruth Avenue and Gardens Road that is currently affected lmproved vehicle access, circulation and by tidal influence and saline soils. parking and provision of divided carriageway access from Gardens lmproved stormwater management to Road. The proposal is to reconstruct eliminate problems with poor drainage. the current entrance by creating a new The organisers of the Tropical Gardens entrance road on the western side of the Spectacular reported that there was up existing Beauty Leaf trees, with the to 20cm depth of stagnant water within existing road becoming an exit only. the Botanic Gardens open drains during Additional works recommended in the August 2004 event. Gardens Road to improve right turn in and out facility. Development of North Australian habitats within the north (woodland) and Provision of 15 additional car-parking west (coastal and mangrove) areas of spaces and 2 coach spaces within Botanic Gardens. The Aboriginal plant- existing Gardens Road parking area. use walks within the Botanic Gardens There are currently 30 to 40 bays (west) are to be retained, but the including 2 disabled bays in this location may be reviewed. location. Rearrangement of Geranium Street car park to provide 12 additional ldentification of a site within the Botanic car parks and improved vehicle Gardens (west) for a proposed Larrakia circulation for mini-buses. Nation Cultural Centre. The site is located at the top of the escarpment lmproved traffic and parking adjacent to Darwin High School. The arrangements for special events that site would be accessed from the High utilize Mindil Beach parking area. Trade School access road or Atkins Drive. access for special events to continue to The Larrakia Nation has advised that use Salonika Street entrance and Darwin High School is not in support of maintenance vehicle access. the location of the cultural centre, adjacent to the school. The Larrakia Provision of disabled access drop-off Nation understands that the School's within Gardens Road entrance during concern is due to the increase in major events such as Tropical Gardens vehicles in the area during school hours Spectacular when entrance is closed for and safety concerns for the students public vehicle access with the introduction of a tourist lmproved pedestrian access throughout attraction, adjacent to the school.
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natural escarpment in the land forming Car Parking for Special Events the amphitheatre bowl. Seating (on rugs or portable chairs) is available on the There are two public car-parking areas grassed banks of the amphitheatre, within the Botanic Gardens, one which has a capacity for approximately adjacent to the Gardens Road gate and 7,000. one adjacent to the Geranium Street gate. The Curator of the Botanic The Amphitheatre would once have Gardens has advised that the carparking been the only venue for major concerts is insufficient on occasions when there in Darwin. Whilst it now competes with are special events such as corporate more modern concert facilities, it is events or weddings held in the Botanic being regularly used during Darwin's Dry Gardens. The proposed development of Season for the Darwin Symphony the visitor's centre. designed to for Orchestra (DSO), touring bands, the weddings and other conkercial and annual 'BASSINTHEGRASS' concerts special functions would increase the and occasional theatrical shows. demand for additional car parking but Following the recent upgrade, the DSO only limited space has been allocated is now proposing to use the for this. Amphitheatre as its 'home' venue for its concerts. In addition, there are significant car parking requirements generated by Relevant Issues special events within the Botanic Gardens such as the Tropical Garden Site Boundary Spedacular and the Festival of Darwin. Whilst the Mindil Beach Reserve There is a development permit in place carparking area is used for these events (DP0210493) to realign the boundary of there is also significant on-street and Lot 5702 to represent the fenced area of verge car parking occurring. the amphitheatre. The Amphitheatre land owned by Darwin City Council 3.5 Gardens Amphitheatre extends beyond the boundary fence of the Amphitheatre. It is proposed that Background the surplus area part of Lot 5702 will be transferred from Darwin City Council to The Gardens Amphitheatre is located the Conservation Land Corporation to within the Botanic Gardens and is form part of the Botanic Gardens (Lot primarily accessed via the Botanic 6524). Gardens gate on Gardens Road. The Amphitheatre is owned by the Darwin Car Parklng andAccess City Council and has separate title from the Botanic Gardens. Darwin City There is insufficient car parking within Council has right of access across the the Botanic Gardens for concerts at the Botanic Gardens from both the Gardens Amphitheatre, particularly if other Road gate and Geranium Street gate to special events are being held within the the Amphitheatre. Botanic Gardens at the same time. There is a requirement for a car parking The Amphitheatre facility has recently plan to be developed for concerts with been upgraded and comprises a stage adequate off-site parking and clearly equipped for sound and lighting, change signposted and well-lit pedestrian links rooms and toilet facilities, with the from the car parks to the venue. Car
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parking may be provided at Mindil telephone lines has for EFTPOS Beach Reserve, on-street or at other facilities has recently been constructed suitably identified locations. at the Amphitheatre gate. Issues relating to vehicle and pedestrian access to Amphitheatre have also been Conflict with Botanic Gardens Events raised. Vehicles parked for other events within the Botanic Gardens, for example There is a need for increased vehicles setting up events in the coordination between the Botanic Wesleyan Church or bridal vehicles for Gardens Management and Darwin City weddings, will often block the vehicle Council regarding the booking of the access to the main gate of the Botanic Gardens, including the Amphitheatre. Should the access to the Wesleyan Church, and the Amphitheatre Amphitheatre become blocked, the on the same evenings for special setting up process for concerts can events. Conflicts can arise if both become delayed. Suggestions have venues are booked at the same time. been made that there could be a The conflicts relate to car parking separate vehicle access built for the requirements, availability of toilet Amphitheatre. facilities and sometimes, competing sound systems, particularly if a concert There is also a rear gate to the is being held. To help alleviate such Amphitheatre with footpath access to conflicts arising, the Darwin Symphony the Geranium Street car park. This Orchestra, for example, is now access is often used as the backstage proposing to book the Wesleyan Church entry for the performers, but the path is on all proposed DSO concert nights. very steep and poorly lit. Noise Issues Amphitheatre Facilities The Environment & Heritage Division of Comments have been made to Council DlPE has advised Council that there that the public facilities and have been some concerns raised by infrastructure provided within the local residents of noise levels emitting Amphitheatre require upgrading. There from the Amphitheatre when concerts are inadequate toilet facilities, with the are being held. There are also similar Botanic Gardens toilet block adjacent to concerns with music events held within the Amphitheatre gate very poorly lit. the Botanic Gardens. There is also a servicing problem with the public toilets within the Larrakia Nation Cultural Centre Amphitheatre, with the sewer being under-capacity. In the year 2000, the Northern Territory Government offered the Larrakia Nation Security lighting could be upgraded for Aboriginal Corporation a site to be used safe exit from the Amphitheatre at the for the development of a cultural centre. end of concerts, to both the Gardens The 2.4-hectare site is located within the Roads and Geranium Street gates. The Botanic Gardens (West) at the top of the footpath and road surfaces within the escarpment adjacent to Darwin High Botanic Gardens could also be School. The Larrakia Nation prepared a upgraded to remove tripping hazards master plan and feasibility analysis for from protruding tree roots. the cultural centre proposal in late 2001 and identified the following possible An on-site ticket office with two uses for the centre:
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Australia is also located on the Telstra Function Room Tower. Restaurant Museum and Display Although the Blake Street site shares a Multi functional space boundary with the Botanic Gardens and offices the Gardens Amphitheatre it is Amphitheatre physically separate from its Gardens Caretaker unit Precinct neighbours as it located at the Car parking top of the Gardens escarpment and does not have road access from any Precinct road. Vehicular access to the The proposal is to access the cultural site is via Gardens Hill Crescent and centre would be from the High School access road or from Atkins Drive. Blake Street, both of which are outside the Precinct boundary. The Larrakia Nation advised that Darwin Relevant Issues High School had concerns with the proposal for the following reasons: Increased traftic within the vicinity Broadcast Australia is currently investigating redevelopment options for of the school campus area. Lot 6908. The proposed Central Darwin "Stranger danger" with the Planning Concepts and Land Use cultural centre becoming a Objectives, indicate that the site has tourism venue. redevelopment potential for medium-rise Possibility of groups setting up medium-density residential use. camps adjacent to the cultural Broadcast Australia has advised that centre. residential development could be a preferred development option for the The Larrakia Nation has commented site. that the land earmarked for the cultural centre provides a stimulating building Prior to the redevelopment of the Blake site and visual link to the water, which is Street site, the land would need to be important for the 'Salt Water People' rezoned under the Planning Act 1990. whom have an integral connection to the In addition, significant upgrades to sea. power and water-related services would need to be undertaken, including the 3.6 Blake Street Site development of new headworks.
Background Darwin City Council's interests in any future redevelopment of the site would This site comprises Lots 6907 and 6908, relate to the provision of access roads to Blake Street in the ownership of Telstra the new development and also the and Broadcast Australia. Lot 6907 provision of stormwater drainage (approx. 5800mZin area) contains a services. Council would also need to Telstra building and associated ensure that adequate measures were in microwave tower. Lot 6908 (an area of place to buffer any new development some 4.65ha) is largely undeveloped, from noise emitting from the adjacent accommodating only a shed and amphitheatre. hardstand area currently utilised by the Darwin Army Band. Communications Telstra has advised that its facility at infrastructure belonging to Broadcast Blake Street is crucial to the Darwin
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telecommunications network and that The Casino is of the opinion that recent there are no plans to relocate from this changes to the layout of Gilruth Avenue site. There is a building and have not improved vehicle access. telecommunications tower on the site There is a belief that there is frequently and Telstra advertised a proposal in an unacceptable delay in exiting Casino May 2005 for the upgrading of the Drive to right-turn onto Gilruth Avenue. telecommunications facilities at the site. The closure of the right hand turn option from Chin Quan Avenue to Gilruth If and when a development proposal is Avenue is considered by the Casino to prepared for the BA land, Telstra should be disadvantageous. be given the opportunity to comment on the impact of the proposals on their The Casino would prefer to have seen a activities. Any development of lot 6908 roundabout junction constructed at the should have regard for the safe junction of Gilruth Avenue, Casino Drive operation of the Telstra tower by and Chin Quan Road. demonstrating compliance with the relevant Australian Standards. Car Parking
3.7 Casino The Council car park that the Casino uses under licence is available for use Background by visitors to the Mindil Beach Markets on Thursday and Sunday evenings. The Casino occupies a prime site within the Precinct with a prominent location on Lighting of Council Footpath Gilruth Avenue and frontage to the Mindil Beach foreshore. In addition to The Council footpath that runs between the gaming rooms, the Casino includes the Council carpark in front of the a hotel and several restaurants. There Casino and Mindil Beach Rese~eis is also an outdoor function area used for unlit. This footpath is well used on concerts and social gatherings during market nights by visitors parking in the the Darwin dry season. Council's Car park and by tourists walking from the City. The unlit path SKYCITY recently acquired the Casino presents a safety risk for people in the from former owners MGM Grand. area and could be upgraded with lighting. The only time there is light The Casino is accessed via Casino available to the footpath at night is when Drive, which is a Council managed road. the tennis court floodlights are There is a Council car park, on part Lot operational. 5772, located between the Casino and Gilruth Avenue. The Casino owner has Pedestrian /Cycle Routes a licence agreement with Council to use this car oark. orovided that the car ark The Casino would not support the is availible fir public use at all tim& development of a pedestrian walkway or and particularly on Mindil Beach Sunset cycle path along the Council controlled ~arketsafternoons and evenings. beachlforeshore area adjacent to the Casino's Mindil Beach frontage. The Relevant Issues introduction of a formalised public walkway Icycle path along this frontage Vehicle Access would reportedly raise security issues for the Casino (NB The beach frontage
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is not exclusive to the Casino and is management function is contracted to a under the care and control of the private operator. Council). Relevant Issues The Casino management has made an application to Council to construct a Upgrade of Tennis Centre direct beach access from the Casino across Council's beach revetment wall The Gardens Tennis Complex needs to to the beach. Council has advised the be upgraded if the complex is to Casino that the access would be continue to host national and permitted only if it meets the Australian international tennis events. There are Standard in regard to access for the currently eight ITF (international) disabled. This would be the requirement tournaments held in Australia of which for both a temporary or permanent two are held in Darwin. If the condition access. The Casino management has of the Courts is not improved the also commented that the revetment wall complex may lose the international may require some maintenance works. competitions in two years time.
There are aboriginal burial sites located The two courts at the front of the tennis within in the sand dunes adjacent to the complex between the clubroom and Casino. The Aboriginal Areas Gilruth Avenue are in the poorest Protection Authority (AAPA) has condition. These courts are damaged registered these burial sites as a Sacred by the rising water table during high Site. The location of the Registered tides. Sacred Site is shown on Figure 7. Tennis NT would support the Gardens The Casino management would need to Tennis complex being upgraded to the consult with the AAPA prior to any State Tennis facility, due to its prime beach access construction on this land. location for visitors to Darwin and due to its proximity to the city. 3.8 Gardens Tennis Complex Car Parking Background The Darwin Tennis Association employs The Darwin Tennis Association occupies a car park attendant on Thursday the 1.19-hectare site fronting Gilruth evenings to stop visitors to the Mindil Avenue, adjacent to the Casino. The Beach Sunset Markets parking in the tennis complex has access from Casino clubs car park. The tennis complex is Drive. used on Thursday evenings for coaching The site consists of twelve tennis courts, and competitions and there is no spare a clubroom, and parking for capacity within the car park. approximately thirty vehicles. The courts are floodlit which allows day and Visitors to the Casino also frequently night use of the facility. use the tennis complex car park, particularly if there is a special function The Darwin Tennis Association owns being held at the Casino. the leasehold of the site and has a management responsibility for the The Tennis Association recognises a running of the tennis complex. The need to fence and gate the tennis club coaching, court hire and competition car park to restrict access, but there is
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no money available to do this. The Tennis Association also advised that there are some above surface tree Vehicle Access roots at the Casino end of the footpath.
The Tennis Association do not support 3.9 'Little Mindil' Site changes that have been made to Gilruth Avenue, including the closure of the Background right hand turn from Chin Quan Road to Gilruth Avenue. Chin Quan Road The 'Little Mindil' site is Vacant Crown provided an important access to the Land located between Myilly Point and Tennis Club from Stuart Park and the the Casino. The site has an area of 5.6 north-eastern part of the city. Access hectares and is currently informally used can, of course, be obtained via Gardens by Darwin residents for fishing and for Road and Gilruth Avenue. access to the southern end of Mindil Beach. The Gardens Tennis Association also commented that it can be very difficult to The site is zoned for 85 (Tourist turn right from Casino Drive to Gilruth Business) use in the Darwin Town Plan Avenue, due to the volume and speed of 1990. The site's future use however, is city bound traftic on Gilruth Avenue. proposed as Open Space within the Central Darwin Planning concepts and Pedestrian and Cycle Access Land Use Objectives 1999. The same document proposes a pedestrian /cycle Pedestrian and cycle access from the accesses across the middle of the site city and Larrakeyah to the Gardens from Gilruth Avenue to Mindil Beach and Precinct could be improved at the along the foreshore to Myilly Point. Gilruth Avenue ISmith Street There is already a stepped walkway roundabout. Crossing facilities for from Mindil Beach up the escarpment to pedestrians and cyclist could be Myilly Point. installed at the roundabout for safety reasons. Development site of the land would be constrained by various features of the Council Walkway site. There are high voltage overhead electricity cables running across the The Council walkway to the rear of the southern part of the site, which tennis courts that links the Council car terminate in an electricity substation. park adjacent to the Casino and Mindil The easement for the overhead cables Beach is unlit and attracts anti-social and substation has been subdivided behaviour at niaht. There is also a from the site and has separate title. A problem for the-tennis association with Telstra cable also runs underground, Itinerants sleeping along the clubhouse east to west, across the site. verandah. This problem is particularly difficult for the ciub during the wet There is a major tidal creek along the season. northern boundary of the site that incorporates Burial Island, an Aboriginal The Tennis Association suggested that Sacred Site, as located on Fig. 7. The Council could use tennis complex light site is also within the primaty I poles for footpath lighting, with some secondary storm surge zone, as shown arrangement for Council and Tennis on Fig. 8. Association to share lighting.
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The boundary of the site is well set back Golf Course from Gilruth Avenue as the former Gilruth Avenue Road corridor, which The management of Gardens Park Golf linked to Myilly Terrace prior to the Links is seeking an opportunity to construction of Cullen Bay, has been expand the 9-hole golf links to a full 18- retained by Darwin City Council. hole golf course. One option to provide an expansion of the Golf Links would be In October 2004, the Northern Territory to construct new greens on the 'Little Government invited the community to Mindil' site and build an underpass for comment on appropriate zoning and players beneath Gilruth Avenue. The development options for three vacant area by itself would not provide enough Crown land sites within the Myilly Point space to increase the existing nine holes Precinct, including the 'Little Mindil' site. to eighteen so additional land would also In January 2005, the Lands and need to be sought. Planning Minister released the results of the public consultation process and 3.10 Myilly Point advised that the Government had decided the following: Background
"Retain public ownership of the beach The Myilly Heritage Precinct contains and foreshore at the Liffle Mindil Site, four pre-war houses that built for while requiring that any future executive level public servants in the development of the BBzoned site will be late 1930s. The houses were designed low-rise. " by architect B.C.G. Burnett. The houses were used as accommodation for the Relevant Issues Commonwealth Public Service until 1976. Site Access The four houses in the Heritage Precinct There is currently no direct vehicle are as follows: access to the Little Mindil site from Gilruth Avenue. Access to the site is via Maaistrates House -National Trust (NT), , Casino Avenue and the Council car park ~ead~uarters adjacent to the Casino. Direct vehicular Mines House - Private offices access to the site mav be required Burnett House - National Trust, should the site be de;eloped'in the Larrakeyah Branch future. Audit House - Private residence
If the site remains undeveloped and is The Commonwealth of Australia owns promoted for use as public open space, Burnett House and Mines House and pedestrian and vehicular access to the the National Trust of Australia owns site will still need to be considered. The Burnett House and Audit House. The existing access to the land via Casino National Trust of Australia manages all Drive and the Council carpark is not four houses. There is also a vacant site clearly signposted. A new direct access within the Heritage Precinct on Kahlin to the site would need to be established Avenue also owned by the National or signposting installed providing clear Trust. directions to the site. The Heritage Precinct is included on the Register of the National Estate and is a
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Declared Heritage Place on the owned by DCC. Land Care has carried Northern Territory Heritage Register. out management work within the Gilruth One of the Land Use Objectives for the Neck area, removing Coffee Bush and Myilly Point Precinct within the Central clearing rubbish. Improved signage at Darwin Planning Concepts and Land the Gilruth Avenue of the footpath would Use Objectives 1999 is as follows: be beneficial to pedestrians.
"To protect and appropriately use Lighting could be improved along the declared heritage places and objects as pedestrian section of Burnett Place. important contributors to the built This section of Burnett Place provides a environment " pedestrian link to the Smith Street roundabout. There are a group of trees on the escarpment land known as 'Gilruth 3.11 Gardens Ovals Neck', between the Heritage Precinct and Gilruth Avenue that are listed on the Background Greening Australia (NT) Register of Significant Trees. The Register states The Gardens Ovals have been recently that this is a diverse group of trees, upgraded following the staged some native original peninsula implementation of the 'Gardens Ovals vegetation and others planted. The Facilities Master Plan', which was Register states that "the trees help in adopted by DCC in July 2000. The cliff retention, provide shelter and forage purpose of the Master Plan was to for birds, small mammals and reptiles improve facilities at the complex to and are aesthetically pleasing to users facilitate the relocation of the Waratah of the main road." Sports Club and to re-establish the complex and the ovals as a premier The only modern residential sporting facility. development within the Gardens Precinct is at Myilly Point. There is the The Gardens Ovals complex includes newly constructed Myilly Point tower the two sporting ovals, spectator stands, with 38 apartments, adjacent to 5 two- a clubhouse for the Waratah Sports storey townhouses constructed in the Club, a toilet block and car parking. The early 1980s. buildings, spectator stands, clubhouse, toilets, entry gates, fencing and car Relevant Issues parking have all been upgraded as part of the implementation of the Master The National Trust NT would like to see Plan. improved signage for the Myilly Point Heritage Precinct and the National Trust The Ovals are currently used for a range offices, particularly from the Smith Street of sporting events throughout the year roundabout and Kahlin Avenue. including football, cricket and softball.
Improvements to the footpath link, The land is owned by DCC, with the signage and vegetation management club- house currently leased to the across Gilruth's Neck could also be Waratah Sports Club. encouraged, as this is a popular pedestrian link between the Heritage Whilst car parking facilities within the Precinct and Gilruth Avenue. The area Ovals complex have recently been of land, known as 'Gilruth Neck' is upgraded, barking for majo;sporting
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Publlc Consultation Drafi events still needs to be accommodated spread of coffee bush. Greening outside the grounds. The main off-site Australia has identified a need for a parking areas for the Ovals are the management plan to be developed to verge area between Gilruth Avenue and clear the coffee bush and protect the Maria Liveris Drive and within the Mindil native vegetation. Beach reserve area. There are no public footpaths through 3.12 Gardens Park Golf Links the Golf Links site and introduction of footpaths would be discouraged for Background security and safety reasons.
The Gardens Park Golf Links has Lot 5945 is an area of land (1 ha frontages to Gilruth Avenue, Gardens 6600mZ)that runs adjacent to Gardens Road and Chin Quan Road and covers Road and the Golf Links. The land is an area of over 26 hectares. The Golf undeveloped and is zoned for 02 Links complex is privately operated, with (Organised Recreation). the site leased to the operator by DCC. Relevant Issues The Golf Links complex includes a 4 hole public course a driving range, pitch Night - Time Golf and putt course and a shop 1 bar facility. The Golf Links is open throughout the The Golf Links management is exploring year and used by both Darwin residents opportunities is introduce night-time golf and tourists. at Golf Links. The proposal would be for the Golf Links to be lit until 11.00pm. A major drainage system, collecting Lighting of the Golf Links may concern nrnoff from the Southern half of the adjacent residents and the Manager has Precinct flows through the Golf Links. A already identified the requirement for a lake has been established in the down-light at the end of the 3rd Faitway. drainage system by constructing a weir across the main drainage channel. Should DCC support the night-time golf There is a silt build-up point where the proposal a public consultation program Dashwood Crescent drain enters the would need to be undertaken with local lake. The Golf Links Manager has residents to alleviate any concerns that advised that the lake will need to be may arise. Screening and lighfng dredged at some stage in the future. solutions may need to be developed to prevent excessive light spillage from the Greening Australia has identified four Golf Links. significant trees within the Golf Links site, as shown in Appendix B. Expansion of Golf Coune Significant trees usually have a plaque to identify the tree species. The Golf Links management has also identified an opportunity to expand the Along the Golf Links escarpment, there current %hole Golf Links to a full 18-hole is remnant native vegetation, including course. A full sized course would be monsoon vine forest. The native more attractive to residents and tourists vegetation is evident along the Golf alike. However, the proposal would be Links escarpment through to the Lile difficult to progress as is it would involve Mindil site escarpment. The native significant land acquisition for the Golf vegetation is currently threatened by the Links site. An l&hole course would
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require the acquisition of Gardens Oval (PWC) has a requirement for a zone 2, the part closure of Chin Quan Road substation in the locality and part of Lot and the use of the 'Little Mindil' site, with 5690 is considered an option. An a tunnel link under Gilruth Avenue. administrative parcel has been created over the land required. The land Car Parking requirement is approximately 1,220 m2.
The existing Golf Links carpark is 3.14 Gardens Road Cemetery sufficient in size for the Golf Links users, but is not adequate if there is a special Background function such as a wedding. The Golf Links outdoor function area hosted 6 The Gardens Road Cemetery occupies weddings in 2004. an area of land (9,610m2), adjacent to the Gardens Ovals. The cemetery Visitors to the Mindil Beach Markets opened in April 1919 and was used as a sometimes park in the Golf Links car burial ground for Darwin until 1970. park and walk to Mindil Beach. Golf The cemetery contains the graves of Links management place signs in the members of Darwin's pioneering families car park on Thursday markets nights to from that period, servicemen killed discourage markets parking. The Golf during World War II and also Japanese Links management would support a pearl divers. larger for example, two-level car park being constructed on the existing Golf A number of burials have been carried Links car parking site, that could be out at the cemetery since its closure, available for parking for all events within predominantly in family graves. During the Precinct. its years in use, 848 adults and 83 children are recorded as being buried at 3.13 Dashwood Crescent Site the cemetery.
Background The cemetery is visited by tourists within the Precinct and provides a link to Lot 5960 is a parcel of vacant Crown Darwin's history. land, which adjoins the Gardens Park Golf Links at Dashwood Crescent. The The Gardens Road Cemetery is site covers an area of 9,610 metres2and managed and maintained by DCC. The slopes steeply downwards from Proposed Central Darwin (2) Planning Dashwood Crescent to the Golf Links. Concepts and Land use Objectives The site has recently been rezoned to recommend that the heritage values 03 (Conservation) under the Darwin associated with the cemetery could be Town Plan. preserved and enhanced.
Lot 5690 was originally created in the A conservation and Management Plan late 1980s for a hotel complex to be for the Gardens Road Cemetery was associated with the golf course. The prepared for the then Department of proposal failed following opposition from Lands Planning and Environment Urban local residents. and Heritage Enhancement Program in April 1999. The Plan emphasises the Relevant Issues importance of the cemetery in Darwin's history, particularly through the The Power and Water Corporation formative years of the Depression,
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World War II and the Post War development of the town and region.
The report identifies threats to the continued integrity of the cemetery, outlines the importance of a maintenance program and discusses conservation and landscaping of the cemetery also the benefits of boundary fencing. Emphasis is also placed upon the enhancement of interpretative information at the cemetery and the incorporation of the site into a historic precinct walk via Myilly Point, Gilruth Neck, Botanic Gardens and Bullocky Point.
Greening Australia has identified a group of ten mango trees planted in the cemetery in the 1930s on their Register of Significant Trees, as shown in Attachment B.
Relevant Issues
Consider the introduction of irrigation system for the Cemetery.
Development of an interpretative heritage walk through the Precinct which includes the Gardens Road Cemetery
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TRAFFIC AND PARKING 4.3 Traffic Volumes 4.1 Introduction Recorded Traffic Volumes Traffic management and traffic related issues within the Precinct are Data on traffic volumes within the Precinct considered within this section of the is shown on Table 2. Traffic counts were Master Plan report. collected by DCC in December 2004 and by DlPE on Thursdays during June and This section also examines the impact July 2004. Thursdays during June and of future development of the 'Little July would record the peak traffic flow Mindil' site on the surrounding road along Precinct roads to Mindil Beach network and a possible option for the Sunset Markets. provision of access and egress to and from the site. The Stuart Highway and Tiger Brennan Drive will continue to be promoted as the main arterial linkages to the CBD area of 4.2 Road Network Darwin.
There are two main roads that traverse Current Peaks the Precinct, Gilruth Avenue and Gardens Road, as shown on Figure 3. Traffic counts undertaken by DCC in These two roads create three entry December 2004 indicated the following points to the Precinct, as follows: peaks for Gilruth Avenue and Chin Quan Road, as follows: Gilruth Avenue / Smith Street Roundabout City-bound Gilruth Avenue, Gilruth Avenue ISalonika morning peak (0800 - 0900) of 576 Street; and vehicles and evening peak (1900 - Gardens Road 1 McMinn 2000) of 516 vehicles. Street. Northbound Gilruth Avenue, morning Gilruth Avenue is a sub-arterial road peak (1100 - 1200) of 361 vehicles linking the suburb of Fannie Bay to and the afternoon peak (1600 - Smith Street in Darwin City. Gardens 1700) of 577 vehicles. Road branches off Gilruth Avenue and provides a link to McMinn and DlPE traffic counts of June / July 2004 on Cavenagh Streets in the City. Gilruth peak Thursday (markets) days show the Avenue and Gardens Road are also following traffic peaks: linked by Chin Quan Road, which runs between Gardens Park Golf Links and Evening (1755 - 1855) peak of 880 Gardens Ovals. Chin Quan Road is a vehicles travelling southbound on narrow road, approximately 5 % Gilruth Avenue, south of Gardens metres wide, with no kerbline. There Road intersection. is no right turn permitted from Chin Quan Road to Gilruth Avenue. Evening (1635 - 1735) peak of 695 vehicles travelling northbound on Council also maintains access roads Gilruth Avenue, south of Gardens to Darwin High School (Atkins Drive), Road intersection. Mindil Beach (Maria Liveris Drive) and the Casino (Casino Drive) within the Precinct.
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Table 2 - Recorded Traffic Volumes
(a) Darwin City Council Traffic Counts between 6th and 12th December 2004
Northbound Southbound Westbound Eastbound Westbound Eastbound along Gilruth along Gilruth Casino Drive Casino Drive Chin Quan Chin Quan Road Road 5-Day Average 5,264 5,617 2,402 2,356 302 489 7-Day Average 5,119 5,367 2,459 2,472 290 475
Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment Traffic Counts -Thursdays June & July 2004*
Northbound Northbound Southbound Westbound Eastbound Gilruth bevond Gilruth between Gilruth bevond Gardens (vicinitv of Gardens (vicinity I Gardens - I Maria Liveris and I Gardens - 1 Gilruth intersection) I of Gilruth' I I Gardens I intersection) 8,561 1 7,047 1 11,187 1 2,809 1 3,982 I I * Data collected by DlPE on Mindil Beach Markets Days 124 124 125 Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
Traffic Generators 4.4 Traffic Recommendations
The major traffic generators within the Recommendations Implemented Gardens Precinct are listed below: Several of the traffic management Mindil Beach Markets (Thursday recommendations set out within the July night and Sunday afternoon). 2001 Brown & Root have been implemented as part of the Gilruth Avenue Special events in the Mindil upgrade project. These are: Beach foreshore area, including family days, circus and 'big top' The installation of traffic signals at the theatre performances. Gilruth Avenue I Gardens Road intersection. Casino special events, including live music performances. The conversion of the Gilruth Avenue I Maria Liveris Drive southern Botanic Gardens special events, intersection to a one-way entry only including Festival of Darwin, and the introduction of a one-way Tropical Gardens Spectacular traffic flow along Maria Liveris Drive. and weddings. The provision of a new section of road Gardens Amphitheatre events. (acting as a one-way exit route) between Maria Liveris Drive and Sporting events at the Gardens Gilruth Avenue. Oval Complex. Casino Drive / Gilruth Avenue Gardens Park Golf Links and lntersecfion special events at the venue including weddings. An upgrade to the Casino Drive I Gilruth Avenue intersection could be investigated The Mindil Beach Markets operate for the following reasons: between 1600 and 2200 on Thursdays and 1700and2100onSundays, The future development of the 'Little during the Dry Season. Crowds of Mindil' site would necessitate the over 10,000 have been estimated on provision of access and egress either certain occasions at the Thursday directly from Gilruth Avenue or via markets. It has been estimated that Casino Drive and an internal road over 4,000 vehicles are driven to the through Council's carpark at the front markets on a peak evening. of the casino. The former is considered undesirable due to the The Casino operates 24 hours per close proximity between the Casino day, 7 days a week and generates Drive and Smith Street 1 Lambell additional visitors if special events Terrace IKahlin Avenue intersections such as concerts are staged. with Gilruth Avenue.
The Gardens Amphitheatre can Delays in exiting Casino Drive to right- generate crowds of up to 7,000 or turn onto Gilruth Avenue. more at outdoor concerts. The Gardens Oval complex can Traffic signals will need to be considered generate crowds of up to 3,000 for a as the Installation of a roundabout would Wet Season AFL-NT match and be inappropriate at this intersection for the smaller softball or cricket crowds following reasons: during the Dry Season.
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A roundabout would create delays the 'Little Mindil' site and also due to the and queuing along Gilruth close proximity of the Smith Street Avenue, which would reduce the roundabout. level of service of this road. The existing Gilruth Avenue I Casino Drive Roundabouts do not provide intersection could be used for access to pedestrian-friendly crossing the 'Little Mindil' site by upgrading the locations and do not cater well for intersection to include traffic lights and by commuter cyclist movements. providing a route to the site through Council's carpark at the front of the The construction of a roundabout Casino. The proposed upgrading works would require a realignment of could take the form of the roadworks set Chin Quan Road and the out in Figure 9. The road works could acquisition of part of Gardens include new traffic signals on Gilruth Oval 2 (Lot 5943) to enable the Avenue, the construction of a roundabout required road geometry. on Casino Drive and a new two-way road through the DCC carpark to the 'Little Roundabouts are best suited to Mindil site. In addition, Chin Quan Road the intersection of roads of similar could be re-aligned to form a common dimension and traffic volume, intersection with Gilruth Avenue and which Gilruth Avenue, Chin Quan Casino Drive. Road and Casino Drive are not. Modifications to the existing layout within The close proximity of the existing the DCC carpark would occur as the result roundabout at the Smith Street I of the installation of the access road to Lambell Terrace I Kahlin Avenue I 'Little Mindil'. However, any changes to Gilruth Avenue to the Casino this car parking area would be subject to Drive intersection. discussion with the Casino, as there is a Licence Agreement in place for the Casino An alternative option for the Gilruth to use this car park. The Casino, would Avenue 1Casino Drive intersection gain improved access, as a result of the would be the introduction of traffic proposal, as shown in Figure 9. As a signals. Traffic signals would be result of the direct benefit Council may, as introduced at such a time as when appropriate, seek contributions from the traffic levels become significant future developer of the 'Little Mindil' site enough to justify the cost of providing and also the Casino for the investigation, these traffic signals. design and construction of the new intersection and road access. The installation of traffic signals at the intersection could be brought forward A full traffic impact assessment and public depending on the nature of and timing consultation would need to be undertaken of the proposed future development of prior to detailed design of the new the 'Little Mindil' site. The future intersection and road layout. development of the 'Little Mindil' area would necessitate the provision of Chin Quan Road access and egress either directly from Gilruth Avenue or via the combination The Chin Quan Road I Gilmth Avenue of Casino Drive and an internal road intersection has been modified (as part of through Council's carpark at the front the Gilruth Avenue upgrade works). of the Casino. However, access Vehicles travelling westbound along Chin directly Gilruth Avenue would be Quan Road can no longer turn right into problematic due to the level and Gilruth Avenue. The right turn was gradient of Gilruth Avenue adjacent to eliminated in order to prevent traffic conflict between vehicles travelling
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northlsouth on Gilruth Avenue and Botanic Gardens off Gardens Road vehicles turning right from Chin Quan (50 spaces). Road. Botanic Gardens off Geranium Street (40 spaces). The current rural cross-section of Chin Casino (475 spaces). Quan Road is considered Golf Links (40 spaces). inappropriate for a road in an urban Tennis Courts (30 spaces). environment. The layout of Chin Quan Darwin High School (55 spaces) road could be upgraded and Mindil Beach (50 spaces) reconstructed to an urban cross- section, with kerbing, underground This represents a total of 815 existing stormwater drainage. In addition, formal car parking bays within the indented (60 degree) parking could be Precinct. considered along one side of the road with the construction of a pedestrian I cyclist path along the other side. Two- Existing Informal Parking Areas way vehicle flow could be maintained in any future upgrading of Chin Quan A considerable area of land is available for Road, informal parking on the Mindil Beach Reserve. This area is heavily used for The reconstruction of the Gilruth informal parking during the Dry Season Avenue I Casino Drive 1 Chin Quan twice weekly by Mindil Beach Markets and Road intersection, as shown on Figure also during other special events. 9, would reintroduce the right hand However, large portions of this area can turn facility from Chin Quan Avenue to become waterlogged during the Wet Gilruth Avenue. Season and are not suitable for parking at this time. Conacher Drive The road verges along Gilruth Avenue, In order to alleviate the congestion at Atkins Drive and Chin Quan Road are also the Gilruth Avenue I Maria Liveris heavily utilised for Mindil Beach Sunset Drive intersections on Market nights, Markets and other sporting and special promotion of the Conacher Street events within the Precinct. access with signage and lane delineation could be implemented. Beffer utilisation of available parking capacity 4.5 Car Parking The capacity of the Mindil Beach Reserve Car parking facilities are required informal parking area may be better within the Precinct for all the venues utilised by employing more stringent and events listed. Substantial marshalling. This would result in better carparking is required to fully meet the aisle definition. Event organisers should demand created by the regular and bear the responsibility for this marshalling. special events within the Precinct. A license agreement between DCC and Exisfing Formal Parking Areas the Casino exists over the Council owned carpark to the front of the Casino, adjacent Existing formalised paved parking to Gilruth Avenue. Under this agreement, facilities are provided at the following both Casino patrons and all others are free locations with the number of bays to utilise this carpark. In order to inform available indicated: potential users that this section of carpark Gardens Oval Complex (75 is available for public use, better signage spaces). is required.
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Further Carparking Potential occur, arrangements would need to be made for parking elsewhere, perhaps in Opportunities within Precinct for the CBD, with a shuttle bus service to the additional car parking are set out Precinct. below: Alternatively, additional public transport Extension of the DCC car park at services could operate on days when a the Casino onto adjacent vacant combination of events held within the land to generate approximately an Gardens Precinct results in the peak additional 80 parking bays. parking demand being reached and could transport patrons between say the CBD, Use of area to the north of Casuarina and Palmerston Bus Gardens Oval 1 to generate an interchanges and the Precinct. This would additional 80 parking bays. This alleviate the need to provide the large area has a gate to Gardens Road. number of additional parking bays that would be required to meet the peak Extending the Gardens Oval demand. carpark in an easterly direction could create a further 40 parking The cost of providing any public transport bays. service tolfrom specific events in the Gardens Precinct would be the Formalising car parking on the responsibility of the individual event road reserve between Maria holders, as would be the provision and Liveris Drive and Gilruth Avenue maintenance of adequate drop-off and could increase parking in that area pick-up areas at or near the particular site. by 50 bays. Currently, mini-buses and taxis regularly Should the Little Mindil site not be drop-off and pick up persons at either end developed for tourist uses, this of the markets area. area would have the potential to provide additional land for car parking bays. Access to this parking area would need to be provided via Casino Drive and the DCC carpark.
Alternatives to Providing Additional Parking Bays within fhe Gardens Precinct
Coincidence of major crowd- generating events (such as a major concert at the Gardens Amphitheatre and a well attended Mindil Beach Markets evening) occurring concurrently with normal operation of the Casino could generate as many as 20,000 people visiting the Precinct. Most of these people would arrive by private vehicle, and overload the current stock of car parking available.
Should such a combination of events
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5 PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE LINKAGES There are currently pram crossings (dropped Kerbs) at the Kahlin Avenue and The existing and proposed pedestrian Lambell Terrace approaches to the Smith and cyclist facilities within the Precinct Street roundabout. These crossings link to are shown on Figure 10. the shared pedestrian Icycle path along Gilruth Avenue to the shared path along Gilruth Avenue the southern side of Smith Street.
An existing shared pedestrian / cycle The Kahlin Avenue / Lambell Terrace path runs along Atkins Drive and the crossings require upgrading as there are western side of Gilruth Avenue no pedestrian refuges are provided on between Darwin High School and Kahlin Avenue and Lambell Terrace, Smith Street. A signalised crossing on adjacent to the pram crossings. The Gilruth Avenue, just south of Goyder Kahlin Avenue crossings are also Road links to a shared pedestrian I significantly out of alignment. In addition, cycle path on the east side of Gilruth the path from the crossing on the southern Avenue and along Gardens Road side of Kahlin Avenue and to the western which accesses the Botanic Gardens side of Lambell Terrace is only 1.2 metres and provides a link to Cavenagh Street wide, which is not sufficient for a shared in the City. path. The reconstruction of the approach islands (for provision of pedestrian The upgrading works to the Gilruth refuges) and the better alignment of pram Avenue I Gardens Road intersection crossings would be beneficial to users. included the installation of signalised pedestrian crossings. This work has However, in the longer term, should the assisted the high level of pedestrian existing roundabout be replaced with traffic traffic crossing Gilruth Avenue during signals, then pedestrian crossing signals the Mindil Beach Markets. The (including audio facilities) could be signalised crossings also assist incorporated into the upgrading works. pedestrians crossing Gilruth Avenue when there is a major event at the Fainveather Walk Botanic Gardens, the Gardens Oval complex or the Gardens Amphitheatre A shared pedestrian I cycle pathway, and the Mindil Beach Reserve area is known as Fairweather Walk, runs along used as a car park. the Fannie Bay foreshore and links the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Some concern has been raised over Territory to Mindil Beach. the speed of cyclists coming down the Gilruth Ave. hill and crossing Casino The Central Darwin Planning Concepts Drive. and Land Use Objectives 1999 includes a urouosal for the extension of the foreshore Smith Street Roundabout ihared footpath to provide a link to the Mvillv Point and Cullen Bav. The foot~ath The current pedestrian crossing woulb be extended from 'indil ~each; facilities at the Smith Street past the Casino and across the 'Little roundabout are limited and require Mindil' site linking to the steps up the upgrading. There is confusion for both escarpment that lead to the former Rotary locals and tourists wishing to cross lookout. from Smith Street to Gilruth Avenue and vice versa. The roundabout forms Consultation with the Aboriginal Areas an intersection between four roads, Protection Authority (AAPA) would be Smith Street, Lambell Terrace, Kahlin required prior to any footpath I cycle way Avenue and Gilruth Avenue. construction along the foreshore, due to
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Chin Quan Road
The construction of a shared path along the northern side of Chin Quan Road would provide a link for pedestrians/cyclists between the Gardens Road and Gilruth Avenue paths.
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6 DRAINAGE 81SERVICES control the tidal flow into the lake and the water level. 6.1 Drainage 6.2 Biting Insects Catchments The Medical Entomology Branch (MEB) Drainage areas within the Gardens of the Northem Territory Government Precinct can be split into two small Department of Health and Community catchments that drain into Fannie Bay. Services monitors biting insect activity to the south of Bullocky Point and to the within the Precinct. Mosquitoes can be north of Myilly Point. The drainage serious pests as well as vectors of a catchments are illustrated on Figure 11. variety of diseases caused by viruses. There should not be any significant The northem catchment includes the Biting midge issues within the locality as Botanic Gardens, and receives there are no significant mangrove areas stormwater from areas outside the within the Precinct. Gardens Precinct between Goyder Road, Gardens Road and the Stuart Currently there are several ways to Highway. Mosquito breeding in the reduce the impact of mosquitoes within drains and depressions of the Botanic the urban area, of which the best Gardens is a problem during the Wet measure is to eliminate the breeding Season. A comment was made during site. Rectification of mosquito breeding the consultation process that the sites is currently carried out within concrete lined open stormwater drain Darwin under a combined program along the Botanic Gardens side of involving MEB and DCC. MEB has Gardens Road is dangerous for advised that there are many mosquito- pedestrians walking along the adjacent breeding sites within the Precinct footpath. boundary that can be rectified to prevent breeding and improve public health and The southern catchment collects runoff amenity within the area. These sites are from the land behind Mindil Beach highlighted below, with site locations (including Mindil Beach Reserve, indicated in Figure 12. Casino, tennis courts and Little Mindil), the Golf Links and Gardens Ovals. The George Brown Botanic Gardens high tidal movements and runoff conditions experienced during the wet There are many open unlined drains season combine to create seasonal within the Botanic Gardens. The open flooding problems along the lower unlined drains east of Gilruth Avenue reaches of this drainage system. pond water and breed mosquitoes during the wet season, with some of the The Gardens Park Golf Links drains also subject to tidal influence and accommodates a major part of the tidal water ponding, leading to mosquito southern catchment drainage system. breeding during the late dry season. The Gardens Park Lake has been established in the drainage system by Open unlined stormwater drains require constructing a weir across the main annual maintenance to remove silt and drainage channel. The lake is filled part vegetation growth. Silt and vegetation by tidal flow and part by stormwater growth can disturb the invert of the drainage. There is a valve control drain, leading to the upstream ponding integrated within the lake design to of water and subsequent mosquito
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breeding. Open unlined drains are more ponding of water. This drain requires difficult to manage and maintain than annual maintenance to remove silt drains with a solid foundation, such as deposits to prevent mosquito breeding. concrete drains. In view of this MEB recommend that there could be a Mindil Beach program in place to eventually upgrade all Botanic Gardens drains with a simple MEB has advised that there are several concrete invert. poorly draining areas within the Mindil Beach carpark area that breed There are several large mosquito- mosquitoes, with the main problem breeding depressions in the Botanic being the area near the cricket pitch. Gardens to the west of Gilruth Avenue. The overall level of the Reserve needs These depressions require rectification to be raised to rectify drainage problem. by filling and contouring to allow surface There is also a poorly draining waters to flow freely into the mangroves. depression between Gilruth Avenue and Maria Liveris Drive, adjacent to a Golf Links recently constructed pipe culvert.
The Gardens Park Golf Links There is a concrete invert drain that runs accommodates a major drainage system from the Mindil Beach Reserve through that collects runoff from the southern the Casino land to the creek south of the half of the Precinct. Annual desilting of Casino. The section of the drain the open drains within the Golf Links is between the Casino and tennis courts is required to prevent water from pooling in poorly draining and is a mosquito- the drains and allowing mosquito breeding site during the early to mid wet breeding. Annual weediciding and season. Improvements to the structure clearing of semi-aquatic vegetation from of this drain are required. the lake margin is also required to discourage mosquito breeding. Casino
MEB has identified two mosquito- A large depression exists near the north- breeding depressions within the Golf west boundary of the Casino grounds, Links, shown on Figure 12, that require facilitating a mosquito-breeding site rectification works. The open drain that during the early to mid wet season. runs down the escarpment from the Rectification of this depression is Smith Street IGilruth Avenue required. roundabout needs to be directed in a formalised manner to the main Golf Little Mindil Course drain. This area has previously been a Gardens Ovals significant mosquito breeding area. Rectification measures conducted by Between Gardens Oval 2 and the MEB and DCC have dramatically Gardens Road Cemetery there is an reduced mosquito breeding in this area. open concrete drain that runs into the This area is subject to disturbance by Golf Links main drain. This drain is vehicles in the wet season, which subject to tidal influence and has a creates new mosquito breeding sites. colony of crabs living on the banks of the drain. Crab activity leads to silt deposits in the drain, with consequent
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draff
6.3 Sewices water at no cost to Council. In contrast, the water bubblers at Mindil Beach are Water and Sewerage metered by PWC and the water is paid for by DCC. The Power and Water Corporation (PWC) is responsible for water and Electricity sewerage services within the Precinct. The network of water and sewerage Electricity within the Precinct is supplied infrastructure within the Precinct is by PWC, with the existing electricity shown on Figure 13. network shown on Figure 14.
There are four sewerage pump stations A 66kv power line supported by steel within the Precinct, located at low points pylons traverses the Gardens Park Golf within the collection systems. All Links and the Little Mindil site to supply sewerage collected within the Precinct is electricity to Mandorah. The overhead pumped to the Ludmilla Treatment lines are terminated near to the Works or to the Larrakeyah outfall. shoreline at the Little Mindil site and from this point the electricity supply is The PWC is proposing the construction transmitted via underwater cables to of a pumped effluent pipeline along the Mandorah. The power line and terminus western boundary of Gilruth Avenue have a significant impact on the visual between Goyder Road and Smith Street. amenity of the locality. This will connect the Ludmilla Treatment Plant directly to the outfall at A network of II kv and 240volt Larrakeyah. It is proposed that a distribution lines provide electricity parallel, reclaimed water line to deliver supply services to facilities within the irrigation water to users adjacent to the Precinct. water line will be put into the same trench. The intention would be for the An administrative parcel has been redaimed water to be available at a secured over part of Lot 5690 by PWC lower cost than fresh water. Possible for the development of an indoor users of the reclaimed water for substation. A 66kV power line irrigation would be Darwin High School, underground would also run into the Botanic Gardens, Mindil Beach, Casino, new substation, possibly from McMinn Ovals and Golf Links. Prior to the Street. Alternative locations for the construction of the sewer, the Ludmilla substation have also been identified and Treatment Plant will need to be discussions are continuing between upgraded. The upgrading of the Government agencies and Council. Treatment Plant might be funded within the next five years (by 2010), with the Telecommunications development of the sewer possible within the next ten years (by 2015). Approximate locations for telecommunication services within the There are PWC sponsored water Precinct are shown on Figure 14. bubblers located on DCC land within the There are no changes proposed to Precinct, including the bubbler at the these services. information shelter at the corner of Goyder Road and Gilruth Avenue and at the information shelter at the Smith Street roundabout. PWC supply the
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
- - - 7 RECOMMENDATIONS Casino Drive and would also provide the best option to enable 7.1 Introduction formal access to the 'Little Mindil' site. The upgraded intersection The purpose of this section of the report would also reinstate access from is to make recommendations for future Chin Quan Road to Casino Drive. works within the Precinct. The recommendations are based upon the Provision of signposted formal outcomes of the consultation access to 'Little Mindil' site via undertaken. The recommendations are Casino Drive and Council Casino grouped into the following categories: carpark (Lot 5772), subject to agreement with Casino Precinct Identity management. Traffic Management Car Parking Upgrade Gardens Road access to Pedestrian Access & Cycleways Botanic Gardens with split Facilities Upgrade carriageway entry and exit and Environment & Services improved sightlines for exiting New Developments traffic.
The recommendations are shown on lmprove access to Gardens Figures 15 and 16. Amphitheatre by restricting parking within the Amphitheatre approach road, including vehicles setting up 7.2 Precinct ldentity functions for other locations within the Botanic Gardens, such as the Design and construct entry fountain area and former Wesleyan statements to the Precinct at the Church. following intersection locations: Smith Street IGilruth Avenue. lmprove signage and traffic Gilruth Avenue / Salonika Street. management at Mindil Beach Gardens Road / McMinn Street. markets and Darwin High School. Mindil Beach Sunset Markets lmprove directional signage within Assodation would be responsible the Precinct for pedestrians and for traftic management on Market cyclists, using a consistent but nights. unique Precinct theme. lmprove colour within the precinct Promote use of Conacher Street through landscaping, art, and other and Atkins Drive as additional structures (ie paths and buildings) access to Mindil Beach Markets.
7.3 Traffic Management Reconstruct Chin Quan Road to an urban road standard, with kerbing Construct a signalised intersection and underground stormwater at the intersection of Gilruth drainage. Consider installation of Avenue, Casino Drive and Chin indented (60 degree) parking bays Quan Road. This upgraded along one side of the road with the intersection would provide improved construction of a pedestrian 1cyclist access between Gilruth Avenue and path along the other side. Two-way
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Publlc Consultation Dm17
vehicle flow to be maintained in any capacity of Gardens Park Golf future upgrading of Chin Quan Links existing car park for Road. general Precinct use. Facilitate development of new Provide clear signage to available access roads set out within car parking within the Precinct. 'Prooosed Central Damin Planning- concepts and Land Use Consider opportunities for Objectives', at appropriate time. alternative public access to Precinct These roads include new access events and functions, including from Govder Road to Atkins Drive 'Park & Ride' schemes, with for (~arwinHigh School), access to example parking within the CBD proposed Larrakia Nation Cultural with a shuttle bus service to the centre and access to possible Gardens Precinct. Alternatively, Blake Street residential site. additional public transport services could operate on days when major 7.4 Car Parking events or a combination of events are held within the Precinct. Consider opportunities to improve availability of car parking within the lmprove Mindil Beach Reserve for Precinct for Mindil Beach Sunset car parking in terms of security Markets, Botanic Gardens and lighting, directional signage and Amphitheatre functions and events. irrigation. Clear signage to Mindil Possible opportunities for additional Beach ReSeNe is required if this car car parking may be the following parking area is available for other locations: events within the Precinct, for example the Tropical Gardens 9 Land within Lot 3477 to the north Spectacular or of Gardens Oval 1 could BASSINTHEGRASS. generate an additional 80 parking bays. Gated access is lmprove car parking marshalling at available from Gardens Road. Mindil Beach Reserve for Sunset Markets and special Precinct 9 Land within Lot 3477 to the east events. Event organisers would be of the Gardens Ovals car park responsible for the marshalling could be used to create an arrangements. additional 40 parking bays. Provide well-lit pedestrian links from 9 Land within Lot 5772 to the south Mindil Beach Reserve car parking of the DCC casino car park to and other identified car parking generate an additional 80 areas to key venues within the parking bays. Precinct including the Sunset Markets, the Botanic Gardens, the k Formalising verge car parking Gardens Amphitheatre and arrangements on Council's road Gardens Ovals. reserve between Maria Liveris Drive and Gilruth Avenue to Provide better signage to DCC generate an additional 50 Casino car park to inform visitors to parking bays. the Precinct that this section of car park is available for public use. k Consider upgrading to increase
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SHOll W(1N3WW033M
NVld M31SVW 142 143
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
remove any surface tree roots from lmprove the lighting of the Council this footpath. walkway between the Casino car park and Mindil Beach Reserve. Improve the pedestrian and cycle crossing facilities at the Smith Encourage Botanic Gardens Street roundabout, including the management to provide for the reconstruction of the aDDr0ach increased car parking demand that islands (for provision df 'pedestrian will occur as a result of the refuges) and the better alignment of proposed new visitors Ifunction pram crossings, would be beneficial centre and plant display house to users. In the longer term, should proposed within the Botanic the existing roundabout be replaced Gardens Master Plan. with traffic signals, pedestrian crossing signals (including audio 7.5 Pedestrian Access & facilities) could be incorporated into Cycleways the upgrading works.
Enhance pedestrian and cycle path Introduce safe pedestrian 1 cycle links within the Precinct for local crossings along Atkins Drive for residents and tourists. Plan and student safety at Darwin High develop pedestrian and cycle path School. connections between the Botanic Gardens, Mindil Beach and Myilly Ensure complete pedestrian I cycle Point. Consultation with the path is provided between Atkins Aboriginal Areas Protection Drive to Conacher Street with link to Authority (AAPA) would be required the School entrance. prior to any footpath Icycle way construction along the foreshore, Examine ways to control the speed due to the area being declared a of cyclists coming down the Gilruth Scared Site. Ave. hill from the city.
Construct a shared path along the lmprove lighting to footpaths and northern side of Chin Quan Road cycle paths in the Precinct. would Drovide a link for pedes~rians/cyclistsbetween the 7.6 Facilities Upgrade Gardens Road and Gilruth Avenue paths. Mindil Beach
Enhance pedestrian links for Completion of a Mindil Beach tourists. Tourists will walk from City Sunset Markets Master Plan by accommodation and visit the MBSMA to review servicing Botanic Gardens, Gardens Road requirements, including power Cemetery and Museum and Art upgrades and toilet facilities, for Gallery of the Northern Territory as continued operation of markets. part of same trip. Establishment of Mindil Beach Joint lmprove the lighting of the DCC User Group, to include DCC, walkway between the Casino car MBSMA and other organisations park and Mindil Beach Reserve and that use the Mindil Beach Reserve
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
for regular events and special coordination of Botanic Gardens and functions. Joint users group could Amphitheatre Bookings to prevent share equipment such as lighting disturbances arising from competing poles and car parking signage and events at adjoining venues. also access to services such as cleaning contractors. Should Council propose to intensify Development of Mindil Beach the use of the Amphitheatre in the Community Building for use by Joint future, measures should be put in User Group, MBSMA and oftices of place to manage the impact on SLSNT, including public toilets and surrounding properties. first aid room. lmprove access to the Amphitheatre Improvement of Beach Signage to from Geranium Street including inform of beach and marine improved signage and lighting dangers, such of presence of Box Jellyfish and strong marine currents. Gardens Park Golf Links
Address ant problem at Mindil Consider lighting of Golf Links for Beach. night-time playing, subject to approval from DCC and local Consider maintenance works to residents following public Mindil Beach revetment wall, consultation process. adjacent to Casino. 7.7 Environmental & Services Amphitheatre Upgrades
lmprove service vehicle 1 events set- Rectification of mosquito breeding up vehicle access to Amphitheatre sites at Botanic Gardens, Mindil main gate either through parking Beach, Casino, Gardens Ovals and controls along access road or Golf Links. Line drains with drains construction of separate access. with concrete invert, to eliminate potential for mosquito breeding and lmprove lighting and safety of fill and contour any mosquito pedestrian access to Amphitheatre breeding depressions. from Gardens Road. Recommend to Botanic Gardens management that Promote annual maintenance of all surface tree roots be removed from drains within Precinct to remove silt main pedestrian entry access. deposits to prevent mosquito breeding. Improve lighting and safety of the footpath access from the Geranium Rectification of poorly drained Mindil Street car park to the backstage Beach Reserve area by raising area of the Amphitheatre. ground level of the Reserve and improving the quality of the drain lmprove and increase toilet facilities running between the Reserve and and sewer capacity at the the casino. Amphitheatre. lmprove pedestrian safety adjacent to Encourage mechanism for the unlined open drain running along
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
Gardens Road.
Encourage Botanic Gardens management to take necessary measures to ensure that the proposed ephemeral wetland included within the Botanic Gardens Master Plan will not become a breeding site for mosquitoes.
Develop management plan to clear the coffee bush and protect the native vegetation from the Golf Course escarpment to Little Mindil site.
Consider introduction of irrigation for community areas within the Precinct including the Mindil Beach Reserve area, the Mindil Beach verge area and the Gardens Road Cemetery.
Plan for future development of PWC trunk sewer and reclaimed water line as part of any upgrade proposals to Gilruth Avenue.
Support PWC proposal for use of recycled water main along Gilruth Avenue to irrigate open space and recreational land.
Consider the inclusion of Gross Pollutant Traps on all s/w outfalls within the precinct.
That the drain between Gardens #2 Oval and the cemetery be upgraded to reduce the incidence of ponding.
7.8 New Developments
Encourage noise attenuation measures to be included in any future development of Blake Street site due to its location adjacent to the Gardens Amphitheatre.
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
APPENDIX A References
Action Plan of the 2othCouncil and Darwin Directions. Darwin Citv Council.
Central Darwin Plannina Concepts and Land Use Objectives 1999. -Department -- of Lands. Plannina and ~ivironment,Northern ~errito6Government Central Darwin (2) Planning Concepts and Land Use Objectives (Proposed) 2002. De~artmentof lnfrastructure. Plannina and Environment. Northern Territow Government Conservation and Manaaement Plan for the Gardens Road Cemetery. Darwin April 1999. RN Alford. ~eritaieConsultant for the Department of Lands, ~lannincland Environment. Darwin Town Plan 1990. Department of lnfrastructure. Plannina and Environment, Northern Territow Government Gardens Precinct Master Plan (Draff) July 2001. Brown & Root. Gardens Oval Facilities Master Plan July 2000. Darwin City Council George Brown Darwin Botanic ~ardensMasterMan April 2004. martment of Infrastructure. Plannina and Environment. Northern Territory Government and Clouston Associates Gilruth Avenue Landscape Master Plan 2002. Darwin City Council
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Gardens Precinct Master Plan Public Consultation Draft
APPENDIX B Register of Significant Trees
148 DARWIN BOTANIC GARDENS PRECINCT
..:.I=.#') FOR KINHILL PTY Lll3
PREPARED BY OREENINQ AUSTRAUA NORTHERN TERRITORY MARCH 2000 149 149 150
ORDER OF CONTENTS
Summary
Significant Tree Overlay
Weed Issues Overlay
Remnant Vegetation Overlay
Boundaries of Darwin Botanic Gardens Oveday
Precinct Aerial Photograph (appmx. 1:4000,27/9/99)
Copies relevant of entries from Register of Significant Trees ..:,,.I.' . ' V65 Tamarlndus indica (Tamarind) - Gardens Oval
V66 Teminalia seficocarpa - Gardens Golf Course
V67 Calophyllum inoph'jllum (Beauty Leaf) -Gardens Oval
V68 Samanea saman (Raintree) - Gardens Golf Course
V69 Terminalia seriwwpa - Gilruth Tennis courts
V70 Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) - Maria Liveris Drive
V81 Group of Trees - Gilruth Ave Clii
V96 Mangifera indicus (Mango) - Darwin Cemehy
V134 Ficw virens (Banyan) Gardens Golf Course*
V137 Alstonia acfinophylIa (Milkwood) -Gardens Golf Course
V150 Eucalyptus miniata (Darwin Woolybutt) Gardens Golf Course
150 t 7 Categories of Significance
Trees will be considered for inclusion in the Register on the basis of one or more of the the following categories of significance DEGISTERt't. 1. Aesthetic - any tree of outstanding beauty and aesthetic quality. 2. Size - any tree outstanding for its large height, trunk circumference or of c(lnopy spread. 3. Age -any tree that is particularly old or venerable.
4. Historical -any tree commemorating or having asociationswith an impor- tqnt historical event. SIGNIFICANT .,A,,. 5. Cultural -any tree associated with a well-known public figure or ethnic TREES group. 6. Unique location- any tree which omus in a unique location or situation or provides a significant contribution to the landscape, including remnant native vegetation, important landmarks and trees which form part of an historic garden park or town.
7. Rare - any tree that is of a rare specie. or variety of very localised . distribution. 8. Hortfdtural value - any tree which is of horticultural or geneticvalue and could be an important soum of propagating stock.
9. Physical features -any treewhich exhiiits acurious growth form orphysical feature including unusually pruned forms. 10. Group-any group or avenueof treesconformingtoanyoftheabovecriteria. It Habitat - any tree or group of trees making an important contribution as a habitat for particular fauna and flora.
151 NOTE Thca~rmaybe~~~,us,aolic,wiLIorc~cd 151 % /I Register of signllicant Trees
I Name of Tree(s) I BolanicalName Tamarindus lndlca Common Name Tamarind Register Number 6 5 S121e Culllvated
I ,' I Location of Tree@) Tree located on ~ubllcpark - Lot 4857 Name orproperty Palmerston Park Oval Suburb Darwin Local Aulhority Darwin Clly Council
I Owners of Land Name Leased to Darwln Clty Councll Number & Sheet G.P.O. Box 84 Tow~Suburb/Dislricl Darwin
Age of Tree@)
Dale planled Eslimaledage in years Plantedby
Measurement of Tree@) In metres
Number of frees 1 Height 18m Cinomlerence ollmnk 5 m Spread olcanopy 10m
Condlllon of Tree@)
Current slale of health Good Polenliallhreallo lree(s) No Immediala threat lo lreefs) No I Categories of slgnlflcance 1,2,3,4,6 I Nominated by Greenlng Australla Tamarind - Gardens Oval Year Nsled 1989 The tallest Tamarind on the Darwin peninsula; its dense evergreen crown shaded this spot long before the football oval 152 I 152 Iwas laid down. I I One can imagine its popularity amongst spectators at present I day matches. Reglsler of Slgnlficant Trees
BolanMName Termlnalla serlcocarpa Common Name Register Number State . , .
Tree htedon PU~IIC Park LOI 4857 Name olproperty Palmerston Park Oval Suburb Darwln Local Authonly Danvln Clty Councll
Owners of Land
Nam, Darnln Clty Council Number B Street G.P.O. BOX 84 To~ubu~Districl Damln
Age of Tree@) Date planted Estimated age in years Planfed by
Measurement, or Tree@) b metres
Number 01frees 1 Height 18m Circumr'errence of t~nk 5m Spread of mmw 1 om
Current slate 01heanh Spln from fork of trunk to ground fwenfk,Ithreat to Ws) Old age InmMae threat to ftee(s) No
tom Terminalia sericocarpa - Gardens Golf Course V.66
153 Year listed This majestic native would be the oldest as well as one of the 153 few surviving species on the Darwin peninsula. The grandfather is showing its age. The characteristic layered shape has disappeared as its brittle branches fall and the trunk has split from the fork to the ground. b RegUIter of Slpnlflant Trees
Name d Tree@) BotmicaINw Celophyilum Inophyllurn Canmwn Nun Beauty Leaf Register M@er, 6 7 Stale Cultivated
T~Mhatdm ~vblbpark - ~~ts9477 L 4857 Name dw Palmerslon Park Owl Suburb Damln Local Aulhorlly Dmln Clty Cwncll
Ownerd of Land
Nm oamln city Council Number d Slnnn G.P.O. BOX84 TowivSubuW Dawln
Age of ma)
Date pranred 1940 4oyrs EstimaMspBh-PXMhd by peter ~atbol
Beauly Leaf - Gardens Oval V.67 Greening Austnna These large spreading natives were an excellent choice of trees to surround the Gardens Ovals (1 8 11). Their shade saves
154 I year ~lsfed 1989 a lot of 'hot heads' at local football matches. 154 They were planted by Peter Talbot in 7940. At this time the Darwin City Council was not formed and park maintenance was carried out by "the Commonwealth Government under the Department of Northern Territory Administration. C / Register of Slgnlflcant Trees
r Name of Tree(*) 8~:anWNams Samanea saman Common Name Ralnlree Register Nym( 6 8 State C~ItIvaledrSeli seeded
I Location of Treels) Tree located on Public Park Nama O/pope,ty Lot 4857 Gardens Park Golf Links Suburb Darwln Local AuIhanly Darwln Clty Councll
Ownen of Land Name omin Clty Cwncll Number 8 SiWf G.P.O. BOX 84 TownfSuburb/Oislrid Dawln
Age of Tree@) oafe planted Esmaed age In years 50yrs Planledby
Measurement of Tree(rJ b metres
Number 01 lrSeS '100 Height 12m Cimmierence of bunk 3m Spread of campy 20m
Cumnl stale o/heaRh Goad MI rhreaf lo rree(s) New Development rrmedale threat to trse(s) No
Raintrees - Gardens Park Golf Links Nomlnaled by V.66 Such a beautiful, tranquil setting. These magnificent trees
155 Year llsled shade a parkland that is used and enjoyed by many people: 155 among them golfers. passing motorists, fishermen hanging and mending their nets, picnickers and children playing. In the 20's and 30's this area was the local sewage dump - little wonder these trees look so goodl Location of Tree(*)
owners of Lend
NMle' Da~lnhnnls Assn MMberd Sue&l 4 Jabl~St ~ow~subu~S~nde180n
Age of ~e(s)
Measurement or fn mems
Numberalbess 1 ma ism CmmolW 1.5111 Spread0fCamPY 1sin
Condition of Tree(s)
Nominated by Greenlng Australla f 3 Year //sled T.sertcocarpa - Gilruth Courts
156 V.69 156 A rare and beautiful example of this N.T. native on the Darwln peninsula. Is it a seedling of the older one across the road On j Lot 4857??? J Reglster of Signrfioan! Trees
I Name 01 Tiae(s)
Tree mcatadon ~ubllcpan .~ot 3081 NamsolPperty Maria Uveris Drive, Mlndil Beach Sub& Darwin Lmal Aulhotily DanvIn Clty Council
Name Cmwn cl- Dept ol Land8 NlanberS Slmef G.P.O. BOX 1680 i-w- Darwin
I Measurement of Tree@) ln metres
Cununtstafeof~h Goad - dewy where branch remwd PdmJWrr*esrlOheelS) No I ~afeihmatroya~~NO I
,Tamarind - Maria Liveris Drive Grnnlng ~ustre~ia V.70 Of particular significance to the heritage of Australia is the centuries old contact of Macassan trepangers with the north 157 I year Nsted ises I coast of Australia. There is very little remaining of their 157 seasonal settlements except magnificent stands of tamarind trees. A branch was lopped from this specirnent several years ago and
some fungal infection has resulted...... Regisler ol Sianlllcant Trees
Name of me(s]
BolanicaiName Group ol Trees common NW Register Number 8 1 sate WIM & CuRlvated , ,'
Tree /mated on Roadslde - Gll~lhAve Clllls ~yneof pmpeny Adjacent 10 Lots 1098, 1099, H01 1102 suburb Darwln Local Aulho~@ Darwln Clty Council
0wnen.ot Lend
Name Cmwn, user Damln Clly counclt Nu&r 6 Slreet G.P.O. Box 84 Town'Suburb/Dstricl Darwln
Dalep!anted Eslimtedage br PIS varles Plantedby
Measurement of Tme(s) in metres
Number oltmes many HeiOht varies ciwnfemm of tmnk varles Spread of canopy varies
Cumnlstate ofhem Varle8 wllhln the group mtentiar threat fo beefs) NO immediaIeUveatlolree(sl No
Nominated by Greening Australla This is a diverse group of trees. Some are native and of the original peninsula vegetation: others have been planted by the Year fisted 158 Darwin City Council; while some have had their seeds brought 158 into the area by visiting birds and animals. Register of Slgntficant Trees \ Name 01 Treeis) B0:anW Name Mangifera indicus CanmM Name fdango +?e$srer IJwnM 9 6 Sfare Cultivatedlselt seeded
Locafion of Treelsj Tree located on Cemetry Name of propany LO^ 3402 - Gardens Cemetry Suburb Dswln Local AuthwUy Darwin City Cduncll
Owners of Land Name Crown, user Department of Lands Nmhr& Slreef Lot 3402 - Gardens Cametry TcwnfS~lDisbici Darwin
Age of rreefsj Date planted 1930's EsIhnaredage h yeas Soyrs Planfedby Chin Wah Quan
Measurement of Tree@) In meires Number oltrees 10 Height 9m. Cifwmlerencn 01 trunk 1.5m Sp-ead of canow tom
Nomhated by Greenlnp Australia
Year listed
Greening Australla (N.T.) Mangoes - Darwin Cemetry v.qb
159 These mango trees shade Darwin's second cemetry - it was 159 first used around the 1920's. The headstones bear many pioneering names. In 1936137 some Japanese pearl divers were also buried here as it was not their tradition to bury at sea. $sm_ru-mal-mz--m-m--- Reglster of Significant Trees Vernon Region
Namsofsf 8otanlcal Name Fms virens Common Name Banyan '. ' Reg No * 134.. state : natumNcu1~lvat.d ~alural' , , .LocatlonolTrea(S) Locatlon : prlvatalpubllc , Rroperfy : Name ' Property : Addya Property : Suburb\Town Looel Authority Pvrnars .of Land ownor oi and Damin CBy Council Owner' ; Addre.+ ocosoxei .'. Owner. : .ruburb\town Carwin. . 0801 1 . . ;
Data Planted EStlm8t.d Age .iW . years . Planted. by.. . . ,,
Number ' of treea 1. . , '~egiit . ' . . 20131 .' . iilrih 40m . . ,. , :. canopy . , SSm . . of .~~ge(sj., ' .. , B~pym Fkna virmr" ' ' VW state oi nulth . QOO~ . . - . . . " Petontlal threal'. Ue&g of bank . skkly Banyan is ammiude6oflbc~ge~tim-dog on thb *lhctimof~lbclnbyriothof&moD Immadlate threat I ' . ' . . no doubt hide tbs evidence of tbs chgwiu Rrwin's social mummover mattime. Now~ishomctoamyriadofbtdaaddW~gfood andshelt+r,mosdsiathcbdoftownW %mebssbeenaa@ed . lo the Repex fcf ia outslanslng aeahb qdhies, site and ige; its wntribotloaashobitatandthcJigui6cancc+il kgc Banp~leeso the Nominated by John rock. Lprrsldapmple.. Year Officially Listed .. :1016194 160 160 EJ--~~Is;t~~LY)--W-L)-.**,L-)--~~ . . Register of Signifkant Trees , , Vernon Region
' . Name@): ' Botanical Nan* Aktonia actinophylb Common Nama Millmood Reg A0 PR 437 State : natqnL\cyUivated Natural
lpcatlon , of 'Tree@) Looation : prlvate\publlc ets fiblie Property : Name Oardens p.9 QOU co(olb Property : Address Property : Suburb\Town Darwin Lotat Authority ' Damin City CO'~ .. . Dwneis., of land , . owner ot Land &win. CH~council . . Owner : , Address OPO Box 84 Owner : suburb~own in 0801 Wafs) oats Planted- . Estlmalod Ago 'Planted by ...... , ,. '~eemeash In metres
Number of trees ' . . 1 Height. . . 1 . . ' . . ~irih' sm .. . . lorn. . . .;. Canopy...... 'UofTrse(s) . . : stst. 01 nea~ih Good . ' . ~i;kwood'-Ahton& .c&oph~. . ' ' V137 . .. Potential. lhreat .: . dlarrinp d bank ' ' . " Immediate tkreal Nil : '?hislarge~ood~was ssvd kmbulldozing'bsaudoiipw on ow slope at the boundary of Gardens PprkOolf Cow+ Below the imm- . . kinu~dJPrCPdingRrlnae3beprwim~thofateoftfrcmtofUicari~ nccpod tht categories ' of hignificance . 1,2,3.5,11 . mgal wppndvegewion .Thic me was to Registccbsame of age, size md the sigdcana thcssfcw nmaloing large spsimms hovc tolho~pople. . ' Nominetad. by Karina ~ankhoid %.
~eir,ofn~ialiy ~1.t.d 1018194 ' 161 161 Register of Significant Trees Vernon Region
-Botanical Name Common Nann Reg NO State : natural\sultlvrl.d htion of Tree0 LocaUon : private\pubUc etc Property : Name Pmpbrty : Addroar Property : Suburb\Town Local Authority of I an$ Ownr ol hnd Omu:*ddm Ormer : auburbuown A¶ucmmM Dab Planted Estimated Age Planted 'by
Number of trees Height Girth . Canopy
Stab of Health Mhy.(nndc hfedsd Pobntlal threat Ckubg d bmk. New devekpmsnl lmmedlate throat Tmnk
Categories of slgn1flcanc.e 8
Nominated by URds Bm
Year otlrclaily Listed 10.7.86 162 162 163
SUMMARY
Significant Tree Overlay The trees V134, V137, V150 are not marked on this overlay because they are beyond the extent of the aerial photograph.
Weed Issues overlay & Remnant Vegetation Overlay These overlays highlight three areas of remnant vegetationthat are heavily infested with Leucaena leucocephala (Coffee Bush), a common vigorous weed in the Darwin urban area. The ability of this weed to out compete native vegtation means, in a relatively shod time. bese remnants will revert to a monoculture of Coffee Bush.
Boundaries of Darwin Botanic Gardens Overlay This overlay highlightsthe boundaries of the Darwin Botanic Gardens, situated on both sides of Gulrith Avenue.
163 164
ENCL: COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES AGENDA ITEM: 9.7 NO COMMITTEE/OPEN
HOMELESS CONNECT
REPORT No.: 13C0027 KH:kl COMMON No.: 1963431 DATE: 18/03/2013
Presenter: Katie Hearn, Manager Community Development
Approved: General Manager Community & Cultural Services, John Banks
PURPOSE
This report appraises the Council of Homeless Connect events, an initiative of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors, delivered by City of Darwin in 2010 and 2011. This report seeks a Council direction as to future conduct of the events.
LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN
The issues addressed in this Report are in accordance with the following Goals/Strategies of the City of Darwin 2012 – 2016 as outlined in the ‘Evolving Darwin Towards 2020 Strategic Plan’:-
Goal 1. Collaborative, Inclusive and Connected Community Outcome 1.1 Community inclusion supported Key Strategies 1.1.1 Develop and support programs, services and facilities, and provide information that promotes community spirit, engagement, cohesion and safety
KEY ISSUES
Nationally, Homeless Connect is an initiative of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors. The events are held in all Australian capital cities annually and in some locations more frequently. Homeless Connect was delivered in Darwin in 2010 and 2011. Although Council resolved to conduct the event annually, 2012 saw Council’s composition alter significantly, thus, it is timely to provide Council with opportunity to review the event and confirm its preferred direction going forward.
RECOMMENDATIONS
THAT it be a recommendation to Council:-
A. THAT Report Number 13C0027 JB:kl entitled Homeless Connect, be received and noted.
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B. THAT Council conduct a Homeless Connect Event in 2013 at an estimated cost of $70,000.
BACKGROUND
Nationally, Homeless Connect is an initiative of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM). Originating in the United States, the project has since been adopted in more than 300 American cities, Canada and is facilitated by local government in all Australian capitals. Homeless Connect, aims to service the needs of the homeless population by periodically bringing together services in a single location to remove barriers of access, provide practical services/support and information and linkage to people who are homeless, without shelter or at risk of homelessness.
In April 2010, Council delivered its inaugural Homeless Connect event on World Health Day. The event saw a high attendance rate and was bolstered by diverse community and business partnerships. Some 40 plus agencies and service providers supported the event and Council’s evaluation of the program indicated a strong need and motivation to deliver the event as a regular Darwin community activity.
In terms of responding to localised need it is useful to note that the Federal Government’s State of Australian Cities Report released in early 2010 found Darwin has the highest rate of homelessness in the country. In context, more than 276 people in every 10,000 are homeless in Darwin on any one night, a rate 39 times higher than Sydney.
In 2011, Council hosted Homeless Connect on May 24th on account of the very wet and humid weather and the increased costs associated with hiring weatherproof infrastructure.
In its second year, the number of partnerships with community organizations, business donors, community groups and volunteers increased substantially, with a trebling of volunteer numbers and an increase of community service and group partnerships, to total 72. In addition to the key base services which included dental, medical, legal, housing/accommodation, ID support, government, transport, Medicare, Centrelink and counselling services, the event also attracted a diversity of non government organizations, community groups and donors which enhanced guest offerings considerably.
From donated hygiene packs, hairdressing services, bulk restaurant prepared hot dishes, bulk mosquito coils, fee waivers for freight, business donations, a cupcake and cookie drive, a widespread donation circle including Council staff and government departments who contributed to Op Shop stock and an Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) hosted community breakfast.
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Notably, Home Connect is deeply embedded with partnerships and delivers a single supported and barrier free access point for vulnerable people who are homeless or without shelter. Additionally it positions Council to send a strong message of inclusion and respect for diversity.
Whilst Homeless Connect provides a multitude of favourable outcomes, including very positive relationship building across the community service sector, it is also a highly resource intensive undertaking requiring considered and creative engagement efforts, additional temporary staffing support, detailed planning and logistical coordination and substantial project coordination to ensure a safe and inclusive event, relevant and reachable to the target group.
DISCUSSION
Homeless Connect is an initiative of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors (CCCLM) in Australia. Originating in the United States, the project has since been adopted in more than 300 American cities, Canada and is now also facilitated by local government in all Australian capitals. Homeless Connect, aims to service the needs of the homeless population by periodically bringing together services in a single location to remove barriers of access, provide practical services/support and information and linkage to people who are homeless, without shelter or at risk of homelessness.
In April 2010, Council delivered its inaugural Homeless Connect event on World Health Day. The event saw a high attendance rate and was bolstered by diverse community and business partnerships. Some 40 plus agencies and service providers supported the event and Council’s evaluation of the program indicated a strong need and motivation to deliver the event as a regular Darwin community activity.
In respect to meeting need, the Federal Government’s State of Australian Cities Report released in early 2010 found Darwin has the highest rate of homelessness in the country. In context, more than 276 people in every 10,000 are homeless in Darwin on any one night, a rate 39 times higher than Sydney. In 2011, Council hosted Homeless Connect on May 24th on account of the very wet and humid weather and the increased costs associated with hiring weatherproof infrastructure.
The number of partnerships from community organizations, business donors, community groups and volunteers increased substantially as local awareness of the event and what it sought to deliver became more well known. Volunteer numbers trebled, and 72 partners worked with Council to deliver Homeless Connect 2011.
In addition to the key base services which included dental, medical, legal, health and wellbeing, housing/accommodation referral, ID support, government, transport, Medicare, Centrelink and counselling services, the event also attracted a diversity of non government organizations, community groups and donors which bolstered guest offerings considerably. From donated hygiene packs, hairdressing services, bulk restaurant prepared hot dishes, bulk mosquito coils, fee waivers for freight, business 166 167
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donations, a cupcake and cookie drive, a widespread donation circle including Council staff and government departments who contributed to Op Shop stock and an ABS hosted community breakfast.
PARTNER FEEDBACK & EVALUATION
Following the 2011 event, a survey of partners was undertaken to help inform future planning. A total of 35 organizations responded in addition to the numerous feedback emails received. Key findings:
Event scheduling 54% of partners (20 respondents) prefer May for scheduling the event.
Event Location 73% of partners (27 respondents) prefer Casuarina pool as event venue.
Event Planning and partnerships Although very resource intensive, a strong community development approach is employed to build a shared vision and engender collaboration. Going forward, in shaping the event 45.9% of partners (17) prefer a maximum of 3 meetings in the event preparation stage, supplemented by regular electronic communications. In view of the feedback, a monthly organising meeting would construct the event, coupled with regular electronic communications.
Event service and wellbeing inclusions In participating in the event, all partners are asked to go beyond providing an information based stall to provide a practical response of some kind. Whilst there has been a high degree of willingness to provide and donate, partners frequently seek advice on what to provide. The 2011 evaluation indicated the majority of service providers would prefer to nominate from a list of identified needs to ensure a more targeted response.
64.9% (24 respondents) would prefer to choose from a list of identified needs. 40.5% (15 respondents) prefer to attend the meetings to find out what is needed at the time. 5% (2 respondents) expressed interest in purchasing a pre-organized service/practical element.
Guest Outcomes In terms of outcomes, the event attracted upwards of 700 attendees. When service providers reviewed capacity to engage with guests during and post event, the following data rates outcomes with the score of 1 indicating limited outcomes to the score of 5 indicating solid outcomes achieved.
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1 2 3 4 5 N/A Average Outcomes Limited Solid outcomes outcomes Engaged with 11.4% 17.1% 8.6% 28.6% 28.6% 5.7% 3.48 clients who had not yet accessed (4) (6) (3) (10) (10) (2) service Engaged with 25.7% 14.3% 11.4% 17.1% 14.3% 17.1% 2.76 clients who presented post (9) (5) (4) (6) (5) (6) event for follow up Engaged with 22.9% 14.3% 5.7% 28.6% 20.0% 8.6% 3.09 clients who our service already (8) (5) (2) (10) (7) (3) worked with
Guest Engagement In planning future events, partners were asked to indicate their preference for guest linkage and engagement as a means of ensuring an accessible event or a continuation with full open access for guests with support from volunteers.
20% 7 respondents were interested to trial the provision of a staff member to join a dedicated guest engagement team for the event.
14.3% 5 respondents were interested to trial the dedicated guest engagement team as a model but could not provide staff.
20% 7 respondents thought a guest engagement team was a positive and worthwhile model to employ.
20% 7 respondents were unsure but were interested in developing a guest engagement model further
17.1% 7 respondents would prefer to see this role remain with volunteers.
Future Directions Currently, all Australian capitals provide Homeless Connect events as an initiative of the Council of Capital City Lord Mayors. To date, the City of Darwin has run 2 events that were well attended and supported strongly by community partnerships.
Whilst generally attracting positive comment, some critique of the event model related to applying funds for a single day event for a long-term complex problem and the hefty draw on human resources in preparation and event delivery. Public comment has been wide ranging with a call for additional events to hosting no events. As with all community initiatives, a diversity of views is expressed, particularly when responding to complex social issues.
In exploring models alternative to the delivery of a single day event, consideration could be given to building upon the work of Council’s Regulatory Services response. 168 169
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This service currently engages with vulnerable population groups on a daily basis, however capacity to respond and refer to other agencies is limited by resourcing and operational demands.
Should Council elect to opt for an alternative response to homelessness, exploration of strengthening this service is required. Examples could include provision of limited outreach and referral, building staff engagement capacity or provision of funds for a nongovernment service provider specialising in work with people who are homeless or without shelter to work with Council’s Regulatory Services to build capacity.
Further investigation can be undertaken, dependant upon Council’s preferred way forward.
CONSULTATION PROCESS
This report is informed by survey findings following the 2011 Homeless Connect events in which 72 partner organizations participated and anecdotal feedback from guests who attended the events.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS
Council currently has limited policy guidance in relation to responding to homelessness, however, the City of Darwin 2020 Strategic Plan includes guiding principles to underpin its decision-making;
- Council will be responsive to the needs of the community - Council will provide avenues of participation for, and be accessible to, the community. - Council will treat and provide services to the community in an equitable manner.
BUDGET AND RESOURCE IMPLICATIONS
Budget Item No 05/221008/300 - $35,000 is provided for the conduct of Homeless Connect events.
An additional $35,000 will be required.
RISK/LEGAL/LEGISLATIVE IMPLICATIONS
Homeless Connect events nationally generate significant public interest and media attention. The Darwin event fosters both supportive and negative social commentary and importantly highlights the issue of homelessness on a local level. It further highlights need for education and community awareness of vulnerable people as a means of building understanding and a more inclusive community.
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On a practical level, to manage risks associated with the conduct of such a complex and major scale event, substantial work is undertaken with NT Police, Regulatory Services and key service providers who assist greatly in the coordination and conduct a safe and inclusive event.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
The location of Homeless Connect events must be readily accessible by people who are dependant on public transport and ensure limited interruption to the local surrounds by large numbers of visitors/vehicles to the area. For this reason, Casuarina pool grounds provided easy access which was supported by the NT Government’s provision of free public transport for all guests attending the event.
COUNCIL OFFICER CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATION
We the Author and Approving Officers declare that we do not have a Conflict of Interest in relation to this matter.
KATIE HEARN JOHN BANKS MANAGER COMMUNITY GENERAL MANAGER DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY & CULTURAL SERVICES
For enquiries, please contact John Banks on 89300633 or email: [email protected].
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
10 SISTER CITIES COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ITEMS
10.1 INFORMATION ITEMS
Nil
10 SISTER CITIES COMMUNITY COMMITTEE ITEMS
10.2 OFFICER’S REPORTS
Nil
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Community & Cultural Services Committee Meeting – Monday, 18 March, 2013
11 GENERAL BUSINESS
11.1 Outstanding Items
Nil
NIL
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