Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
NOTICE OF MEETING
TO: Chairperson: Cr David Hughes Deputy Cr Cody Davies Members: Mayor Karen Redman Cr Diane Fraser Cr Kelvin Goldstone Cr Paul Koch Cr Brian Sambell Cr Nathan Shanks Cr Ian Tooley Cr Jim Vallelonga
NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to the provisions of Section 83(1) of the Local Government Act 1999, that the next Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee meeting for the Town of Gawler will be held in the Council Chambers, Gawler Civic Centre, 89-91 Murray St, Gawler SA 5118, on Tuesday 13 August 2019, commencing at 7.00pm.
A copy of the Agenda for the above meeting is supplied as prescribed by Section 83(3) of the said Act.
Henry Inat Chief Executive Officer 8 August 2019
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Order Of Business
1 Statement of Acknowledgement ...... 3 2 Attendance Record ...... 3 2.1 Roll Call 2.2 Apologies 2.3 Motions to Grant Leave of Absence 2.4 Leave of Absence Cr Ian Tooley - 24 June 2019 to 15 August 2019. 2.5 Non-Attendance 3 Public Open Forum ...... 3 3.1 Mr Anthony Fahey – Regarding DPA on the rural area south of Gawler 4 Declarations of Interest ...... 3 5 Confirmation of Minutes ...... 3 6 Business Arising from Minutes ...... 4 7 Officer Reports ...... 24 7.1 Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee - Update ...... 24 7.2 Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment Update ...... 29 7.3 Open Space Guidelines - Update ...... 49 7.4 Arboriculture Review - Town Services Operations ...... 57 7.5 Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing Statewide Consultation ...... 66 7.6 Animal Management Plan Review ...... 71 7.7 Building Fire Safety Committee Membership Update ...... 76 7.8 Policy Review ...... 79 8 Items Listed for Discussion ...... 83 9 Items Listed for Discussion at Future Meetings ...... 83 10 Questions without Notice ...... 83 11 Motions without Notice...... 83 12 Close ...... 83 13 Next Ordinary Meeting ...... 83 Tuesday 8 October 2019 commencing at 7:00pm ...... 83
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1 STATEMENT OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We would like to acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with their country. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the greater Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.
2 ATTENDANCE RECORD
2.1 ROLL CALL 2.2 APOLOGIES 2.3 MOTIONS TO GRANT LEAVE OF ABSENCE 2.4 LEAVE OF ABSENCE CR IAN TOOLEY - 24 JUNE 2019 TO 15 AUGUST 2019. 2.5 NON-ATTENDANCE
3 PUBLIC OPEN FORUM
Mr Anthony Fahey – Regarding DPA on the rural area south of Gawler (Limited to a total time of up to 20 minutes)
4 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
5 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting - 11 June 2019 Special Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting - 2 July 2019
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6 BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Item Number 6.1 Title BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES Date 13 August 2019 Author(s) Anne Ledder-Johnson – Personal Assistant
Action Status / Update Gawler Transport and Traffic Management Plan (CC13/284) Motion No. 2014:04:097/ IES:2014:04:19 Council resolves in the terms of the recommendation Report will be provided to a from the Infrastructure and Environmental Services future IES Meeting Committee made at item 9.1 Gawler Transport and Traffic Management Plan of the meeting of that Committee meeting held on 8 April 2014 (Motion No. IES:2014:04:19), being: That Council:- 1. Receive the Gawler Transport and Traffic Management Plan report. 2. Authorise modifications to the submitted Gawler Transport and Traffic Management Plan report as per the information presented in the amended extended table shown as Attachment to this report and other relevant matters discussed. 3. Permit the release of the appropriately modified Gawler Transport and Traffic Management Plan report as described in item 2 above for the purpose of community consultation. 4. Authorise the Chief Executive Officer to formulate a community consultation program in collaboration with the Mayor and Chair of the IES Committee. The nature and scope of the community consultation program shall be reflective of the strong community interest that will exist in respect to this study.
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Steep Creeklines Management (CC14/23690) Motion No: 2014:08:296 IES:2014:08:46 The Infrastructure and Environmental Services Currently being considered in Committee recommends to Council that Council’s context of the development of administration proceed to update Councils’ “Standards the Biodiversity Management and Requirements for Land Development/Land Plan & Open Space Guideline Division Guideline” document to further reflect the strategic documents. requirements to rehabilitate water course environments prior to the vesting of such land in and under the care, control and management of Council. In interim an Addendum remains in operation to the Land Development/Land Division Guideline which meeting this motion’s requirement. Willaston Cemetery Conservation and Management Plan (CC10/2457) Motion No: 2016:02:40 IES:2016:02:04 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that:-
1. The draft Willaston Cemetery Management Plan Community Consultation Summary as detailed in Completed this report be noted. 2. That the Willaston Cemetery Management Plan be updated having regard of the Community Consultation received and presented to the April Infrastructure and Environmental Services Report yet to be updated Committee meeting. due to allocation of 3. Council adopt the infrastructure works outlined in resources and other the Willaston Cemetery management Plan for priorities also pending the 2015/16 implementation. outcome of point 5. 4. Council further consider the recommended increase in associated fees be considered in the context of preparing Council’s 216/17 Budget. Completed 5. It seek further input into the proposed management and restoration of individual gravesites.
Completed
Further investigations in this regard are continuing.
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SA Power Networks Line Clearance Presentation Motion No: IES:2016:12:63 That:- 1. The SA Power Networks Line Clearance Completed. presentation report be noted. 2. Council staff work with SA Power Networks to prepare a partnership agreement for Tree Completed. Maintenance. A draft of which is to be presented to this committee for consideration. Council funded this trial partnership in its 2019/20 Annual Budget.
Council Standards and Requirements for Land Development/Land Division – Update Report Motion No: 2017:01:15 IES:2016:12:68 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommend to Council that:- The draft updated Land 1. Feedback received from Elected Members be noted Development/Land Division and considered by staff when updating the Guidelines document will be Standards and Requirements for Land updated and presented to Development/Land Division Guidelines document. the IES Committee once the 2. The draft updated Standards and Requirements for Biodiversity Management Land Development/Land Division Guidelines be Plan and Open Space presented to the Infrastructure and Environmental Guideline have been Services Committee in the near future. finalised.
Little Corellas (CC10/15)
Motion No: 2017:06:235 IES:2017:06:29 That the:- 1. Infrastructure and Environmental Services Completed Committee note the Information Report – Little Corellas 2. Administration continues to liaise with the Local Ongoing. Awaiting for Draft Government Association and Department of Strategy from Department of Environment and Natural Resources with respect to Environment and Natural developing a management strategy. Resources as per Community Engagement to be released for Community Consultation.
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Item 7.9 – Policy and Code of Practice Manual Review Completed. (CC13/241) Motion No: IES:2018:04:13 Landscaping Verge Areas That the matter be deferred to the next Infrastructure (Footways) by Residents Policy and Environmental Services Committee meeting and adopted at IES Committee Meeting held on 11 June 2019. Council Members be requested to provide further feedback on both policies prior to that meeting. (Refer to Policy – Compliance Development Act – Planning Compliance Development Act and Policy – Landscaping Verge Areas (Footways) by 1993 Policy review is presented in Residents) the Policy Review report in this Agenda. Male Incontinence Units in Public Toilets (CC18/801) Motion No: IES:2018:06:24 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Completed. Committee recommends to that Council: 1. Install sanitary disposal units capable of accommodating incontinence products in at least one cubicle of all Council owned public toilets, including male, female and disability (unisex toilets). 2. The draft 2018/19 recurrent budget be increased by $1,800 to accommodate the servicing costs of an incontinence unit in all of Council’s public toilets.
Petition - Request Gawler One Tree Hill Road Speed Reduction RESOLUTION 2018:04:112 Ongoing. That Council: 1. Notes the Petition requesting Gawler One Tree Hill This request will be Road speed reduction. considered in conjunction 2. Requests staff to prepare a report to a future with speed limit alterations Infrastructure and Environmental Services required to Gawler One Tree Committee for consideration of this matter Hill Road as part of the Gawler East Link Road.
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New Land Division Maintenance Management – Update Report (CC17/830) Motion No: 2017:08:285 IES:2017:08:41 That Council:- 1. Notes the New Land Division Maintenance 1. Complete as noted. Management Update Report. 2. Notes the draft Open Space Guideline Project Brief as detailed in this report be presented back to the committee for further consideration. 2. Complete as noted. 3. Revokes part of Motion No: 23017:08:236 (Item 4 only) of the Council meeting held on 27 June 2017, being: 3. Complete as revoked. 4. Council will receive the proposed open space plans for the following developments over the coming
months to review the internal design of these spaces and ensure they are to the satisfaction of Council prior to Land Division Consent for Stages 4. Note. Report on Open in: Space Guidelines in this a. Orleana Waters Agenda is seeking to b. Woodvale Estate delegate this authority back c. Aspire to staff as per normal d. Springwood industry practice. e. 490/D032/2015 – One Tree Hill Road,
Evanston Park f. 490/D004/2017 – Eckerman Ave, Gawler South g. 490/D008/2017 – Lot 2 Ryde Street, Evanston 5. Will consider the proposed open space plans for the following developments over the coming months to review the internal design of these spaces and assessment of the maintenance consequences and ensure they are to the satisfaction of Council prior to Section 51 Clearance for the relevant land division: a. All land division applications within Orleana Waters b. All land division applications within Woodvale Estate c. All land division applications within Aspire d. All land division applications within Springwood e. 490/D032/2015 – One Tree Hill Road, Evanston Park f. 490/D008/2017 – Lot 2 Ryde Street, Evanston g. 490/D004/2017 – Eckerman Ave, Gawler South 6. Notes that a Special Infrastructure and 5. As per point 4 above. Environmental Services Committee is proposed to be held in early September 2017 where staff will present a further report on the detailed analysis undertaken on the scale and scope of changes required in newly created open space area to then
reduce the ongoing maintenance of such areas moving forward.
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Willaston Oval Nature Playspace (CR18/30958)
Motion No: IES:2018:06:22 The Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee: 1. Notes the Willaston Oval Nature Playspace Completed. Consultation Report.
2. That all options for the location of the Willaston Oval Nature Playspace as detailed in this report (as Council supported Option 1 amended) be released for community consultation. on 22 Jan 2019 (motion No: The community consultation will encompass the 2019:01:COU008). residential area of Willaston. Notes the Willaston Oval Nature Playspace is included in Council’s 2018/19 draft budget with a total budget of $137,290. Procurement of playspace progressing.
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Dalkeith Road / Main North Road Signalisation Project (CC18/320)
Motion No: IES:2018:06:19 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends that
Council:
1. Receive the Dalkeith Road / Main North Road Completed. Signalisation Project report 2. Support the Concept Plan that has been prepared by the State Government, Department of Planning, All works associated with this Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) for the project have been completed intersection of Main North Road, Dalkeith Road and DTI payment made. and Smith Road. 3. Note the Communications Plan prepared by DPTI, to be actioned. Defects Liability period in 4. Supports the alteration to residential access place until April 2020. arrangements on Campania Road South as detailed in this report and the financial contribution proposed by DPTI of $125,000 to assist local residents in obtaining a suitable level of service to access properties on Campania Road South. Other associated roadworks include the resheeting of MacAlister Road from Dalkeith Road to Campania Road South at a cost estimate of $75,000 to be funded by the Council as part of the annual resheet rural roads program and as
provided for in the 2018/19 draft budget. 5. Note that a Notice of Intent to Acquire Land is expected to be issued in due course by DPTI to the Town of Gawler as a property owner directly affected by the scope of the project. 6. Note that the State Government is not offering to compensate the Council for its land given the
overall community benefits of their project. 7. Authorise the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer to sign and apply the common seal of Council to all relevant documents in order to execute the documents pertaining to the land acquisition.
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Community Welcomes Recreational Vehicles Program (CC17/370)
Motion No: IES:2018:06:25 That Council:- 1. Notes the outcomes of the traffic analysis regarding opportunities for additional short term dedicated or Ongoing. allowed Recreational Vehicle parking.
2. Notes that the preferred location for dedicated Recreational Vehicle parking is the 80 metre stretch of Main North Road, adjacent to the Gawler Caravan Alterations to car parking are Park, which can accommodate up to six (6) currently being processed to Recreational Vehicles. delivery. 3. Notes that Union Street is not considered suitable for dedicated Recreational Vehicle Parking, however, it can continue to be utilised for Recreational Vehicle parking and standard on-street parking with minor linemarking adjustments at an estimated cost of $3,500 to be funded from Council’s existing linemarking budget. 4. Notes that the Gawler Visitor Information Centre’s current car parking configuration will need minor adjustments at an estimated cost of $6,450 to make suitable dedicated Recreational Vehicle parking and to
be funded from Council’s existing Road Safety Improvements Program. 5. Notes that the Gawler Caravan Park has requested that Council consider establishing approximately 20 metres of 30 minute timed on-street parking, between the hours of 8am and 5pm on Main North Road immediately adjacent to the Gawler Caravan Park’s
entrance, to allow for queuing of non-recreational vehicles wanting to enter the Gawler Caravan Park at an estimated cost of $750 to be funded from Council’s existing street signage budget. 6. Notes that accommodating the Gawler Caravan Park’s request concurrently with the implementation of dedicated Recreational Vehicle parking provides
efficiencies and cost benefits. 7. The dedicated Recreational Vehicle parking, 2-hour timed on-street parking and 30-minute timed on-street between the hours of 8am and 5pm adjacent to the Gawler Caravan Park’s entrance be implemented as outlined in this report. 8. That Council staff proceed to promote Gawler as a
preferred location / destination for Recreational Vehicles via relevant marketing and promotion platforms including Council’s website, social media and signage.
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Draft Cats By-Law (CC10/3044) Awaiting response from Dog and Cat Management Board Motion No: IES:2018:06:27 on the suitability of Clause 12. Item 7.8 – Draft Cats By-Law (CC10/3044) be deferred.
Further Report to be provided to Council
Notice of Motion - Biodiversity Management Plan
IES:2018:08:30 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee resolves: 1. That the decision made under delegated authority by
the IES on 17 July 2018 'Draft Biodiversity Management Plan IC18/19' be revoked. Ongoing. 2. That the draft Biodiversity Management Plan be immediately withdrawn from public circulation and from community consultation and be put on hold. The Biodiversity 3. That a process of community consultation and elected Management Plan has now member workshop be planned and undertaken, as completed both phases of originally intended and approved by the IES and community consultation and Council in Dec 2016 and as described in the officers will be presented to the report as Stage 2, and the Project Brief document, in August 2019 Council order to gather community, stakeholder and elected Meeting for consideration of member input and to gauge broad community and adoption. elected member views about the development of a draft BMP in general. 4. That Council undertake a review of the ‘on-hold’ draft BMP and incorporate into it the results, feedback and information gathered from the community consultations and elected member workshops in order to produce an updated draft BMP, a plan that is reflective of the Community Consultation and Workshop gathered information. 5. That the updated draft BMP will be the subject of a full workshop of council, if required, prior to it being finally presented to a full meeting of council for consideration as to whether it should be approved by council ready for a period of public consultation. 6. That following the period of public community consultation, feedback on the draft BMP from the community be considered at a Council meeting on the BMP for the purpose of adopting the Plan. 7. That points 3 to 6 shall be detailed in a Council, community and stakeholder consultation methodology to be produced by staff and circulated to Council Members to guide the above process. 8.
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Transit Oriented Gawler Town Centre Development Plan Amendment Update Report IES:2018:08:40 This DPA has been That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services incorporated into Adelaide to Committee: Gawler rail uplift DPA (Ministerial). 1. Notes the Officer’s update report pertaining to the Transit Oriented Gawler Town Centre Development Plan Amendment. Staff have engaged the 2. Endorse the draft Transit Oriented Gawler Town services of a consultant to Centre Development Plan Amendment tender prepare an impact analysis. documentation ad amended (connectivity issues as it This study will provide an related to grade separation of Murray Street rail understanding of how the crossing and King Street Bridget to be taken into proposed land use policies consideration). will impact upon local infrastructure. 3. Authorise the CEO to release the tender documentation via a select tender process and appoint a suitable qualified town planning A report will be put before the consultancy firm to assist in the preparation of the IES Committee in due Development Plan Amendment. course.
Draft Open Space Guideline IES:2018:10:48 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee: 1. Note the draft Open Space Guideline report. Refer Report presented in this 2. Note that this report presents a draft of the Open Agenda Space Guideline and feedback from Elected Members is sought to assist further preparation of the draft Open Space Guideline 3. That feedback from Elected Members be sought by 2 November 2018 and feedback be brought back to the next appropriate committee meeting of Council (that deals with infrastructure and other matters). A workshop and presentation for all Elected Members on the draft Open Space Guideline be also organised on this matter. 4. Note a further report will be presented to a future meeting summarising Elected Member feedback received and an updated draft open Space Guideline which will then be circulated to the local community and key stakeholders for feedback.
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On and Off Leash Areas RESOLUTION: 2019:02:26:COU054 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends that Council:- 1. Notes the On and Off Leash Areas Report. Completed. 2. Notes the implementation of the community notification/education program leading up to and during the first two months of the time share An update report is due in model’s application. April 2020. 3. Review the changes after 12 months and provide a
report back to this Committee. Long Term Infrastructure Asset Management Plan – Update Report IC19/164 RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU138 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee notes:-
1. The draft Long Term Infrastructure and Asset management Plan 2019/20 to 2028/29 report. 1. Completed
2. The updated Long term Infrastructure and Asset Management Plan will be presented to a future 2. The Long Term Council meeting as part of finalisation of the Infrastructure and Asset 2019/20 annual budget preparations. Management Plan has informed the 2019/20 Annual Budget
Concordia Growth Area – Seeking Establishment of Precinct Authority IC19/214 Letters sent to The Barossa RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU138 Council, Concordia Land Management Group & the That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Minister for Planning. Committee:-
1. Notes the information report regarding the Concordia Growth Area and discussion pertinent to Report also went to June the establishment of a precinct authority under the Council Meeting. Urban Renewal Act 1995. 2. Authorises the Mayor to write to the Minister of Planning, The Barossa council and Concordia Land Reports will be provided as Management seeking that appropriate further information comes to representation from the Town of Gawler be hand. included on the proposed Corporation (Board) established by the Barossa Council and on the relevant Panels as the Precinct Authority for the Concordia New Growth Area. 3. Requests ongoing updates relating to the Concordia Growth Area and the possible establishment of a precinct authority as information comes to hand.
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Draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline IC19/216 RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU138 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee:- 1. Note the Draft Town of Gawler Open Space Completed. Guideline report. 2. Support release of the Draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline for community and stakeholder Community consultation consultation as detailed in this report. completed. 3. Note that a future report will be presented to a
future IES Committee meeting summarising feedback received from community and stakeholder consultation and an updated draft Open Space Report presented this IES Guideline. Meeting.
Town Centre Car Parking IC19/183 A Community Forum concerning car parking in the RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU138 Town Centre was held on July That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services 24 2019. Committee :-
1. Notes the town Centre Car Parking Strategy Update A report concerning the forum Report. as well as the existing 2. Seeks that Council staff proceed to hold a strategy and its impending community workshop to discuss car parking issues review will be presented in the relevant to Gawler Town Centre and immediate coming months. surrounds, the outcomes of which are then to be reported back to this committee for consideration.
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SAPN Amenity Pruning Under Powerlines RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU139 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services committee recommends to Council that:- Trial funded in 2019/20 1. The SA Power Networks Amenity Pruning under Annual Budget. Powerlines report be noted. 2. Council support in principle (and subject to point 3 below) the trial partnership for a period of 12 Works to be undertaken months with SA Power networks (SAPN) as detailed December 2019. in this report, namely allowing SAPN (through its agents); a) to undertake amenity pruning under powerlines Update to be presented to Council owned trees at the time of performing following works on outcomes powerline vegetation clearance works at agreed achieved. costs funded by the Council; b) the ability to remove Council trees that are
considered a safety issue, pest plant or a diseased tree or causing damage to Council Infrastructure with no additional costs to Council. Noting the scope of these works occurring under the control of Council staff and Council policy. 3. A financial allocation of $20,000 (operating expense) to trial the amenity pruning when
undertaking vegetation clearance in partnership with SA Power Networks be considered by the Council during the 2019/2020 budget considerations. 4. Should this trial be funded in the 2019/20 Annual Budget, a further report on the outcomes of the trial be provided. Animal Management Plan RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU140 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that:- 1. A review of the Town of Gawler Animal Ongoing. Management Plan be undertaken.
2. A stakeholder and community engagement process be carried out as detailed in this report. Community Workshop was 3. A draft Animal Management Plan 2019 – 2024 held on 4 June 2019. Discussion Paper be presented to the Infrastructure
and Environmental Services Committee for consideration prior to release for formal community A report included in this consultation. report. 4. A further report be provided to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee on the outcomes of the community consultation designed to assist in the development of a draft Animal Management Plan 2019 – 2024.
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Environmental Management Plan Update RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU141 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that:- 1. The Environmental Management Plan Update report Completed. be noted. 2. Notes that the Environmental Management Plan has been implemented since its inception with action continuing to occur on a daily basis.
3. Notes that the Environmental Management Plan will be formally reviewed and an updated Plan prepared upon the completion of the recently commenced Environment Action Plan. (This would occur after we have completed the Climate Emergency Action Plan report). 4. Council investigates the use of only compostable packaging (ie no single use plastics) at Council run events and to review our procurement practices as it relates to recycled products. 5. Council provide active opportunities to reduce, reuse and recycle at future council events. 6. A report be presented at the next IES meeting on this matter.
Hard Waste Trial Update
RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU142
That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services
Committee recommends to Council that:
1. The Hard Waste Update report be noted. Completed. 2. IT note that a further report will be provided upon the completion of the trial. It is noted that the current trial relative to the take up of the service is currently at 127 services provided of a total of 160
services available. The cost to date in providing the service is $8255. 3. A budget bid of $120,000 be considered in Council’s 2019/20 Budget deliberations to expand the Hard Waste trial to all Town of Gawler residences in 2019/20, with the total cost of the service to be capped at $120,000. This is based on
an industry accepted participation rate of 30% 4. It notes that the cost of the service in 2019/20 will be funded by surplus funds relative to Council’s kerbside Waste Management Service Charge from the 2017/18 financial year.
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Gawler and Surrounds Stormwater Management Plan Update RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU143 That the Infrastructure and Environmental services Committee recommends to Council that:- Community consultation yet to 1. The Gawler and Surrounds Stormwater be undertaken. Management Plan report be noted. 2. The consultation undertaken to date in accordance with the Community Engagement Plan, including Confirmation from all partner key stakeholder feedback as well as Council Councils has been obtained to Member feedback be noted. support release for community 3. It supports the release of the updated draft Gawler consultation and Surrounds Stormwater Management Plan for
the purpose of community consultation, as detailed in this report. 4. A further report be presented to a future Community consultation Infrastructure and Environmental Services expected to commence in the Committee meeting summarising the feedback coming months. received from community consultation and an updated final Gawler and Surrounds Stormwater Management Plan.
Gawler East Structure Plan Development Amendment Update RESOLUTION: 2019:04:COU144 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends that Council: The Gawler East Structure 1. Notes the Gawler East Structure Plan Development Plan DPA received Ministerial Plan Amendment Report. approval and was 2. Notes the letter received from the Honourable consolidated on 18 July 2019. Stephan Knoll – Minister for Planning regarding the Gawler East Structure Plan Development Plan Amendment. Staff and the Mayor appeared 3. Resolves that the Mayor be authorised to write to before the Environment, the Minister for planning raising concern with the Resources & Development proposal to remove references in the Town of Committee of Parliament on Gawler Development plan – consolidated 20 29 July 2019 about the matter. February 2018 to the relevant Australian Standard for high pressure gas pipelines and the Gas Pipeline Measurement Length as detailed in correspondence to Council dated 3 December 2018 and 19 March 2019. Further that Council recommends to the Minister for Planning that reference to both Australian Standard 2885 and Gas Pipeline Measurement Length be retained.
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Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment Update RESOLUTION: 2019:06:COU245 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee: Refer to report in this agenda. 1. Note progress made to date concerning the Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment relative to indicative timeframes. 2. Notes a special IES meeting is scheduled to be held on 2 July 2019 to allow persons who have made a written submission to Council on the matter to give a verbal presentation to the Committee. All persons who have made a written submission will be contacted accordingly.
Policy Review RESOLUTION: 2019:06:245 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee: Completed 1. Adopts the following policies
1.1 Dog Registrations (as amended) 1.2 Town Centre Parking Strategy Adopted policies uploaded to 1.3 Stobie Poles – Painting Council website. 1.4 Asset Management (as amended) 1.5 Landscaping Verge areas (Footways) by Residents Building and Swimming Pool 1.6 Land Divisions – Indentures, Bonds and Bank Inspections Policy, Compliance Guarantees. Development Act 1993 Policy 2. Request that a review of the Building and and Naming of Roads Policy Swimming Pool Inspections Policy and the are included in the Policy Compliance Development Act 1993 Policy be Review report of this Agenda presented to the August IES Committee for its consideration. 3. Request that the Naming of Roads Policy report be reviewed as it relates to duplicate named roads and presented to the next IES Committee for its consideration
Climate Emergence Action Plan Working Group RESOLUTION: 2019:06:246 Council that: Completed 1. The amended Terms of Reference for the Climate Emergency Action Plan Working Group be adopted
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Climate Emergency Action Plan Working Group RESOLUTION: 2019:06:247 That Council: Completed 1. Appoint the following Council Members to the Climate Emergency Action Plan: Working Group:- 1.1 Cr Tooley 1.2 Cr Koch 1.3 Cr Shanks 1.4 Cr Little 1.5 Cr Davies 2. Appoint the following community members to the Climate Emergency Action Plan Working Group:- 2.1 Darren Cox 2.2 Kathryn Jane Warhurst 2.3 Timothy Michael Welch Kelly 2.4 Tom Brdanovic 3. Appoint the following Council staff members to the Climate Emergency Action Plan Working Group:- 3.1 Team Leader Environmental Services 3.2 Environment and Sustainability Officer 4. Amend the Terms of reference to allow increased membership on the Working Group
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Hard Waste Trial Update RESOLUTION: 2019:06:248 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends that Council:-
1. Notes the Hard Waste Trial Update Report. A report on the Continuation 2. Notes the hard waste trial, having concluded on 31 of the Hard Waste Trial will May 2019, has provided to date 154 services to be tabled at the September eligible Australian Government Concession card Council meeting. holders. The cost to date in providing the service was $10,010. The hard waste trial will honour bookings and vouchers that haven’t been redeemed until 30 June 2019. 3. Notes that a budget bid of $120,000 is contained in the draft 2019/20 Budget released for community consultation in order to expand the Hard Waste trial to all Town of Gawler residences in 2019/20, with the total cost of the service to be capped at $120,000/ 4. Notes the cost of the expanded Hard Waste Trial in 2019/20 will be funded by surplus kerbside Waste Management Service Charge from the 2017/18 financial year.
Multi-Level Car park Operating Hours RESOLUTION: 2019:06:249 Car parking summit was held on 24 July 2019. A further That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services report on the outcomes of the Committee recommends to Council that: summit will presented to the 1. The Multi-Level Car Park operating hours are IES Committee in October currently as: 2019. This will include a) Monday to Friday 4am to 10pm commentary on the Multi-level b) Saturday 4am to 7pm car park. c) Sunday 7am to 7pm 2. Further consideration as to the need to change the Multi-Level car park be informed by the soon to be held community workshop “summit” addressing car parking issues in the Town Centre.
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Single-use plastics at Council events RESOLUTION: 2019:06:248 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services A report will be presented to Committee recommends that Council: a future IES Meeting. 1. Commits to a total phase out of the use of single- use plastics at Council events and Council sponsored events as well as to encourage the same aim for community run events by 2020. 2. Note that staff are to prepare a new policy to address single-use plastic use at Council events, Council sponsored events and community run events. 3. Note that staff will undertake a review of the Hire of Council Owned Facilities Policy, with a view to eliminate single-use plastics. 4. Notes that a further report be presented to a future Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee meeting, detailing a program of the phasing out of single-use plastic items.
Historic Walls Grants Scheme Update RESOLUTION: 2019:06:250 No further updates. That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that it:- 1. Notes the update on the Historic Walls Grant Scheme as outlined in this report. 2. Notes that the 2019/20 draft Budget does not allocate any further funds to the Historic Walls Grant Scheme as the $105,006 allocated equity funding available has been considered adequate at this point. 3. Notes that additional funding for the Historic Walls Grant Scheme may be considered during the formulation of Council’s 2020/21 Annual Budget 4. Notes that council staff will continue to monitor the Historic Walls Grant Scheme’s equity reserve and will report back to Council should this reserve drop below $25,000. 5. Notes that the allocation in Council’s Draft 2019/20 Annual Budget for the Local Heritage Grants Scheme has been reduced from $15,000 to $5,000, however, due to existing commitments that are unlikely to be expended in 2018/19, an increase to the 2019/20 budget allocation will need to be considered by Council when it meets to receive budget submissions resulting from the Draft 2019/20 Annual Budget’s public consultation period.
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Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 and Rural areas Statement of Intent – Community
Consultation Refer to report in this agenda RESOLUTION: 2019:07:287 That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee:- 1. Receive and consider the public submissions and presentations made in relation to the Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation report 2 and the Rural areas Statement of Intent. 2. Note that a further report on this matter will be presented to the next scheduled Infrastructure and Environmental Services meeting on 13 August 2019.
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Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
7 OFFICER REPORTS
7.1 BAROSSA ZONE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE - UPDATE Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/497 Author(s): Paul Cleghorn, Team Leader Town Services Previous Motions: 2018:08:323 Attachments: 1. Stage 2 Council Ready Project CR19/53132 2. Key Hazards & Risks Summary Emergency Management Plan - Barossa Zone
PRESENTATION Ms Beth Reid – Zone Emergency Management Program Officer of the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee and Ms Helen Psarras Project Facilitator Emergency Management Local Government Association of South Australia will give a brief presentation to the Council on this matter.
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee notes the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee - Update report.
SUMMARY The purpose of this report is to provide the Committee as to where the organisation is at relative to our emergency management planning and to enable the Zone Emergency Management Program Officer of the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee, Ms Beth Reid, to present an update on the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Plan and associated programs to the Committee for information. Ms Helen Psarras will provide an overview of the Council Ready Project stage 2. (Attachment 1).
The presentation will provide an update on the following topics: 1. What is Zone Emergency Management Committee? 2. Priority Hazards for the Town of Gawler 3. Why the focus on Emergency Management? 4. State and Local Government responsibilities 5. What’s next for (BZEMC) and Councils? 6. ‘Council Ready’ project by Local Government Association
BACKGROUND The management, preparation and recovery from emergency events is an ever present role for all tiers of government and the community. The role of the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee (BZEMC) is to: a) Work within the Zone Emergency Risk Management Framework to identify, analyse and evaluate emergency risks that could impact the Zone. b) Identify and evaluate treatment options and develop a Zone Emergency Management Plan (ZEMP). c) Provide assurance that arrangements are in place to prevent and/or mitigate, prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies.
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d) Integrate the work of government and non-government agencies. The aim of the BZEMC is to create safer and more resilient communities within our Zone.
The Committee meets on 3 monthly cycles or unless a special meeting is required, membership consists of the following agencies: Councils – Town of Gawler, Light Regional, Adelaide Plains, The Barossa Council’s SA Police State Emergency Service Country Fire Service State Recovery Office Housing SA Australian Defence Force
A ZEMP outlines the responsibilities, authorities and the mechanisms to prevent or, if they occur, manage and recover from incidents and disasters within the Barossa Zone. The ZEMP is based on, and aligns with, the State Emergency Management Plan. The ZEMP relies on strong, cooperative, coordinated and consultative relationships among State Government agencies and Local Governments. State Government agencies and Local Governments will also be required to maintain effective relationships with other service and equipment owners and operators to ensure that an efficient and coordinated response can be made to any emergency.
The motion below was adopted at the Council meeting held on 28 August 2018, following a recommendation from the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee:
RESOLUTION 2018:08:323 Moved: Cr D Hughes Seconded: Cr K Fischer
That Council adopts the recommendation from the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee made at item 7.6 of the meeting of that Committee meeting held on 14 August 2018, being:
That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee recommends that Council: 1. Approves the Local Emergency Risk Management Report, Implementation Plan and Community Emergency Management Plan and authorise the Chief Executive Officer to provide the documents to the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee and SA Fire and Emergency Services Commission in satisfaction of the funding deed submitted by the Barossa Council. 2. Endorses the Town of Gawler’s Emergency Incident Response flowchart and single point of contact when responding to external emergency responses. 3. Supports the development and implementation of online community information sharing portals on Councils webpage outlining response protocols to emergencies. 4. Supports the ongoing Business Continuity and Emergency Management Plan process and the Town of Gawler’s i-Responda framework for the provision of Council resources to support emergency services 5. Instruct the Chief Executive Officer to implement relevant activities in accordance with the implementation plan and seek opportunities for collaborative regional funding and approaches to implementation, so far as reasonably practicable and within available resourcing levels.
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Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee – Past Achievements Gathered context setting data of the zone (geography, demographics, economics) and conducted a context setting workshop to determine priority hazards Priority hazards determined; Extreme Weather, Flood, Rural Fire and Animal & Plant Disease (priority hazards come from the 10 state hazards as listed in the State Emergency Management Plan/SEMP) Barossa ZEMC conducted risk assessment and risk treatment (using the National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines – NERAG Version 1) workshops along with a variety of stakeholders on the priority hazards Control Improvements and Treatment options identified incorporated into the Barossa ZEMC Work Plan Presentations delivered to the Barossa ZEMC by Hazard Leaders on the remaining hazards listed in the SEMP (Escape of Hazardous Materials, Urban Fire, Human Disease, Terrorism, Earthquake and System Black) Developed the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Plan (ZEMP) – provides an overview of the zone as well as the priority hazards and risks and recommended actions to take Developed a Risk Management Report for each of the priority hazards – provides a detailed report of the risk assessment and risk treatment process plus indicates the priority risks and control improvements and treatment options Participated in the Local Emergency Risk Management (LERM) Project – shared data and work conducted at the zone level Developed a Work Plan Barossa Key Hazards and Risk Summary document – provides a concise version of the ZEMP. (Attachment 2)
Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee - Next Steps: Review and update original priority hazard risk assessment and risk treatments (update to NERAG Version 2) Update context setting of the zone Update the Zone Emergency Management Plan (ZEMP) Update the Risk Management Report Continue educating on emergency management and the role of the ZEMC and increase awareness that disaster resilience/risk is a shared responsibility Promote Key Hazards and Risk Summary document (Council websites) Action the outcomes for the ZEMC from LERM Project – receive status reports from councils on their actions taken from the LERM Project Joint meeting to be conducted with Yorke and Mid North (YMN) ZEMC (key aims: discuss Pinery fire, especially recovery and Animal and Plant Disease across the two zones and the local effort required) Joint recovery exercise with YMN ZEMC Continue to implement Control Improvements and Treatment options and follow and update the Barossa Work Plan as necessary
Local Emergency Risk Management Report - Update Since the Council’s resolutions on this matter this project has been rebranded ‘The Local Emergency Risk Management (LERM) Project. In September 2015, an Emergency Management Project Officer was appointed as part of a joint initiative between the Town of Gawler, Adelaide Plains, Light Regional and The Barossa Council along with the respective State and Federal Governments and the Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee. The officer’s role was to facilitate planning and mitigation strategies at a community level and build on the significant investment that has been made in assessing risk at a State/Zone/Regional Level.
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The project is based on the nationally endorsed National Emergency Risk Assessment Guidelines (NERAG) and also adapted industry-based best practice models (as a joint approach). The aim of the project was to strategically link to the Zone Emergency Risk Management System at a local/community level. The project involved reviewing existing local government relevant documents such as business continuity plans (BCP’s), risk registers, risk frameworks, flood plans/reports, etc. This enabled the development of a framework and a methodology that is applicable at the local/community level. The regional partner Councils were successful in securing State and Federal funding supporting the position. Over the course of some 3 years the project achieved its core deliverables with each Council and the whole zone now having a coordinated suite of risk documents, plans and implementation strategies to help grow community resilience in emergency situations. The Town of Gawler’s adoption of the Local Emergency Risk Management Report and the Implementation Plan will enable Council to develop and implement key initiatives that address emergencies and provide information about responding to emergencies at the local level. The Local Emergency Risk Management (LERM) Project was completed in 2018. This project is a crucial link between the outcomes of the zone level ZEMP project and local community risk requirements.
The outputs from the LERM project can be replicated across local government, resulting in whole of State benefits that fill the gap that currently exists between Zone level findings and local level risk assessment and mitigation. The project links strongly with zone planning and thus linkages to the State’s strategic plans, along with the alignment of existing Council plans; this ensures alignment at all levels of government in terms of risk planning and mitigation to natural disasters.
In progressing the implementation of the LERM actions, the Council has been successful with a recent grant application for the 2019 SA Disaster Resilience Grant Funding Program and was awarded $5,880 for the delivery of a community sharing portal project. The Community Information website portal will enable and support greater community engagement and participation in emergency management. It will provide:
a) Knowledge of the emergency risks that exist in the Town of Gawler. b) Information to support the role that each member of the community can have in an emergency. c) An online platform to connect with each other and Council before, during and after an emergency. d) Information that will assist the community to become resilient in an emergency event or disaster. e) Links to resources available through government, non-government agencies and community organisations in terms of planning and preparation for protecting life and property f) Information on local community emergency management arrangements
The portal will assist community members to play their part in each stage of the process when it comes to preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies.
This website portal was identified in the (LERM) project and is now under development. The project is expected to be completed March 2020 and an information report on the progress of the community emergency portal will be brought back to the IES meeting at a later date and a final report will be presented to Council once the project is completed.
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COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Manager Infrastructure & Engineering Services Team Leader Environmental Services
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Barossa Zone Emergency Management Committee
POLICY IMPLICATIONS Provision of Council Resources to Support the Emergency Services in Emergencies Policy
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Emergency Management Act 2004 Local Government Act 1999
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS Currently, emergency management responses requested by lead agencies in supporting any community emergency is funded directly out of Council’s recurrent budgets but no specific expenditure is allocated in any given financial year.
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 5.2: Be recognised as a ‘best practice’ Local Government organisation Objective 5.3: Deliver ongoing effective and efficient services, including support for regional collaboration Objective 5.4: Create a safe community environment
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7.2 RURAL AREAS DEVELOPMENT PLAN AMENDMENT UPDATE Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/416 Author(s): David Petruzzella, Strategic Planner Previous Motions: Committee Resolution 2019:07:IES035, Committee Resolution 2019:06:IES027, Committee Resolution 2019:04:IES022, Council, 13/12/2016 Motion No: 2016:12:517; Council, 18/07/2017 Motion No:2017:07:241; Council, 24/10/2017 Motion No: 2018:10:378; Council, 28- 11-2017 Motion No: 2017:11:449; Council, 26/02/2019 Motion No: 2019:02:26 COU075 Attachments: 1. Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment Statement of Intent CR19/42845 2. Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation - Report 2 CR19/12492 3. Formal Response from Minister for Planning Stephan Knoll to request for authorisation of Statement of Intent - Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment - 24-01-2019 CR19/5988 4. Community Feedback Summary - Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 - Rural Areas Statement of Intent - 1 May 2019 - 10 June 2019 CR19/41645 5. Advice to Mayor - Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment Review - Hon Stephen Knoll MP CR19/39300 6. Request for tender - Select Tender - Rural Areas Land Use Policy Amendment ~ July 2019 CR19/49547
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee:- 1. Notes the Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment Update Report. 2. Notes the correspondence from the Minister for Planning dated 24 January 2019 rejecting Council’s Rural Areas Statement of Intent and recommending that Council undertake further investigations and community consultation. 3. Notes that further community consultation on the Rural Areas Statement of Intent and Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2, as recommended by the Minister for Planning, has now been undertaken. 4. Notes the analysis undertaken by staff on the outcomes of community consultation, in particular, the desire expressed by the majority of submissions to allow allotments of approximately 2,000 – 2,500 square metres within the Rural Zone. 5. Notes that the outcomes of community feedback (relative to point 4) is considered to be inconsistent with the vision and set of guiding principles as adopted by Council for the future of the Rural Zone. The majority of submissions did not support pursuing primary productive land uses and that the ability for further land division should not be limited to those within Area 2 identified in Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 prepared by Jensen Planning and Design. 6. Notes that the Vision and set of Guiding Principles adopted by Council may need to be reviewed, once additional investigative work sought by the Minister for Planning has been undertaken and further clarity on the matter provided. 7. (A) Notwithstanding the feedback received from the community relative to land division within each of the 4 Areas outlined in Jensen Report 2, endorse the parameters proposed in this report for the purpose of defining the scope of investigations to be pursued in order to support that policy outcome.
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Or
7. (B) In light of feedback received from the community relative to land division within each of the 4 Areas outlined in Jensen Report 2, endorse pursuing analysis associated with facilitating allotments between 2,000m2 and 5,000m2 within the entire Rural Zone in order to define the scope of investigations moving forward.
8. Notes the correspondence from the Minister for Planning dated 7 June 2019 outlining the scope of investigations considered necessary in order to progress the development of a revised Rural Areas Statement of Intent and recommending that any proposed policy change should be progressed as part of an amendment to the Planning and Design Code. 9. Acknowledges that Stage 3 of the Planning and Design Code is not expected to come into operation until 1 July 2020 and at this stage no information has been presented to Council on the policies to be included in Stage 3 of the Planning and Design Code, or how they may differ from those in the existing Rural Zone. 10. Acknowledges that the scope of investigations now prescribed by the Minister places in doubt the indicative timeframe that was presented to and endorsed by Council and that an updated methodology and timetable is to be prepared and presented to the Committee at its next meeting. 11. Notes that notwithstanding the direction issued by the Minister relative to the timing of a future Planning and Design Code amendment that the administration, as per Council’s direction, is proceeding with the needed further investigations required to be undertaken. 12. Endorses the attached tender brief, subject to amendment as per clause 7 above where considered necessary by the Chief Executive Officer, in order to seek Expressions of Interest for engaging a specialist consultant to undertake the scope of investigations considered necessary, in order to support Council reaching agreement with the Minister for Planning for a proposed amendment to the Planning and Design Code. 13. Acknowledges that the scope of investigations requested by the Minister for Planning in order to progress the matter are considerable and likely to exceed the indicative timeframes and budgets previously allocated for this project (from $20,000 to an estimated $50,000 to $100,000) and that there is still no guarantee that a future amendment to the Planning and Design Code will be agreed to by the Minister for Planning. 14. Notes that the scope of the investigations detailed by the Minister and the staging of the request for such investigations to be undertaken prior to issuing Council with an approved Statement of Intent, as opposed to the normal practice where such investigations would typically be detailed and required post approval of the Statement of Intent and be undertaken as part of the preparation of the Development Plan Amendment, should be considered as the Minister indicating a degree of concern relative to the intended policy outcomes envisaged by Council. 15. Notes that relative to item 14 above that the intended policy direction as envisaged to date in the Statement of Intent (particularly the possible urbanisation of the area in question via the creation of expanded rural living) is arguably contrary to the current 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide (State Planning Strategy). In this respect, it is noted that Development Plan Amendments are required to ensure policy outcomes are consistent with the State Planning Strategy as opposed to pursuing policy outcomes not prescribed. 16. Requests that a further report be presented back to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee at its meeting in October 2019.
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SUMMARY The Rural Areas Statement of Intent (SOI) and Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 were released for public consultation from 1 May 2019 until 10 June 2019. This report provides a synopsis of the submissions received throughout the public consultation period and endeavours to highlight common themes which have transpired. In addition the report presents the latest correspondence received from the Minister for Planning concerning the Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment and provides dialogue in regards to progressing land use policy change in the Rural Zone.
BACKGROUND In late 2016, following extensive community consultation, Council considered Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 1 prepared by Jensen Planning and Design. As a result and in light of significant community feedback, Council adopted the following vision and set of guiding principles to guide development of land use policies pertaining to the Rural Zone.: 1. Vision:
The Study area functions as a buffer between the urban areas of the Town of Gawler and the area of metropolitan Adelaide to the south and southeast. The predominantly open rural character buffer will be primarily achieved by maintaining open vistas and key views from the main transport corridors linking the Town of Gawler and the area of metropolitan Adelaide to the south and south-east. These views separate and distinguish the urban areas of Gawler from the character of the remainder of metropolitan Adelaide. The area should maintain opportunities for a range of existing and future primary production activities, including further intensive productive land uses as well as compatible rural living land use in designated areas.
2. Guiding Principles:
a) Land uses will maintain and improve views of an open rural character from key transport corridors (components of a rural character relating to land use, style, setbacks, design features etc. will be required to facilitate and achieve open rural character and views). b) Land uses will reinforce the transition between Gawler (a regional township in a rural setting) and the remainder of metropolitan Adelaide. c) Land uses managed to address interface issues between potentially incompatible land uses. d) Land uses will contribute to the economic health of the local and broader community. e) Land uses will contribute to the social health of the local and broader community. f) Land uses will contribute to the environmental health of the study area and region
In order to achieve the vision adopted by Council, a Rural Areas Statement of Intent was prepared and adopted by Council based on the above guiding principles. It was subsequently forwarded to the Minister for Planning on 18 May 2018 seeking his agreement to commence a possible Development Plan Amendment (refer to Attachment 1). In addition, Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 prepared by Jensen Planning and Design – Policy Recommendations was also referred to as a reference document (Attachment 2) within the Statement of Intent. This was due to the fact it provided a series of “potential” policy changes to the land use policy framework governing the Rural Zone, consistent with the vision and set of guiding principles adopted by Council, noting that Report 2 has not been formally adopted by Council and that it proposed just one possible way of achieving Council’s vision. At this point it is also important to note that while Council had adopted a vision and set of guiding principles for the future of the Rural Zone, there are some important inconsistencies between
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Council’s vision for the area and that identified within the State Government’s Planning Strategy (30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide). Of particular note is the fact that although the subject land is located within the metropolitan urban growth boundary it is not identified as either a Fringe/Township Growth Area or a Future Urban Growth Area (Unzoned or Rural Living). However, a portion of land between the City of Playford and the Town of Gawler (along Dalkeith Road) is identified as Metropolitan Open Space. The Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) is a State Government program to provide a regional system of interconnected open space within both private and public ownership (e.g. coastal areas and watercourses linking the coast and hills environments) to be set aside for existing and future generations. Policy 98 from the 30 Year Plan for Greater Adelaide states the following: “Provide for a Greater Adelaide open space framework that builds on the Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) to create quality open space across the region. The open space will feature urban forests and parks, watercourse and coastal linear parks, trails, greenways, shared use paths and green buffers, and sustainable recreation and sporting facilities”.
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Figure 1: Area along Dalkeith Road identified as Metropolitan Open Space
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Figure 2: Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) across metropolitan Adelaide In response to Council’s Statement of Intent lodged on 18 May 2018, the Minister for Planning responded on 24 January 2019, some 8 months later, stating that he was unable to support Council’s desire to commence a Development Plan Amendment based on Council’s vision and set of guiding principles, as well investigations undertaken to date (refer Attachment 3). It is considered that the Minister’s position may well be as a consequence of the Statement of Intent not being potentially consistent with the 30 Year Planning Strategy, particularly by way of the proposed expansion of rural living land use. An important factor in the processing and approval of land use zoning changes is the consistency of such zoning with the State Planning Strategy. In his correspondence, the Minister for Planning recommended that Council consultant with its community on the proposed Statement of Intent and associated reference document, the Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2, prepared by Jensen Planning and Design. It also was suggested that Council undertake additional strategic analysis and other associated infrastructure investigations. Further to the above, at Council’s meeting on 26 March 2019, the following motion was adopted: Resolution 2019:03:COU001 Moved: Cr I Tooley Seconded: Cr P Little Noting the letter from the Minister for Planning, the Hon Stephan Knoll MP, dated 20 January 2019, where Minister Knoll advises Council that without meaningful community consultation and engagement associated with the release of the Jensen 2 report, he is “unable to support the SOI” for the Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment (DPA), Council hereby resolves as follows: a) To diligently progress change to the existing land use policy framework governing the existing Rural Zone (commencing as a DPA, and depending on the advice from the State Government transitioning to a Code amendment) with a view of having this change in place by 30th June 2020. b) Further to the recent release of Rural Land Use and Infrastructure SOI, and Investigation Report 2 prepared by Jensen Planning and Design, from their confidential status, and in line with the intent of the Ministers letter, to undertake a public consultation process, including with directly affected land owners and other key stakeholders, with the aim of providing input into Council’s ongoing deliberations associated with any potential change to land use policies in the Rural Zone. c) Authorise the Mayor to write to the Minister for Planning to seek direction on the scope of investigations necessary for Council to undertake in order to pursue change to the land use policy framework governing the Rural Zone. d) Acknowledge the financial provisions allocated in the current 2018/19 of $20,000 towards this policy initiative, with an allocation of a further $20,000 provided for in the draft 2019/20 budget to undertake all necessary investigations in order to develop the DPA and support any proposed change to the land use policy framework within the Rural Zone and to have it submitted for authorization by the Minister. e) Request that the CEO provides a report to the April 2019 Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee meeting which outlines the timeline for each step of the DPA development process in order to achieve the goals outlined in part a) above. f) Ask the CEO to report to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee on a bi-monthly basis detailing progress made in implementing this motion. The following is an indicative timetable presented to the IES Committee in April 2019 to honour the intent of the above resolution in order to continue pursuing an amendment to Council’s Rural Zone with the Minister for Planning.
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COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 2019:04:IES022 Moved: Cr I Tooley Seconded: Mayor K Redman
That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee note the Rural Areas Development Plan Amendment Update Report, including indicative timeframe for implementation.
Commencement Action Update April 2019 Write to the Minister for Planning seeking Completed – Letter sent of 17 clarification on the scope of infrastructure April 2019. follow up investigations deemed necessary to conversation with DPTI on 15 support a change to the existing policy May 2019 framework, and the preferred methodology (DPA or Code Amend) to enacting such a change. May 2019 Commence community consultation on Completed – Public Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Consultation commenced 1 Investigation Report 2. May 2019 and concluded 10 June 2019. Update IES/Council on progress, including response from the Minister for Planning on the above correspondence. June 2019 Staff continue infrastructure investigations Completed – Special IES which will incorporate information based on meeting was held to hear verbal outcomes of community consultation and submissions relative to written the advice of the Minister for Planning. submissions received on 2 July 2019. Special IES meeting to be held to hear verbal submissions relative to written submissions received.
July 2019 Update IES/Council on outcomes of the This Report – Report provided community consultation - Rural Land Use to the August IES meeting and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 presenting summary of community feedback received. Further consideration pertaining to feedback received from the Minister for Planning and additional investigations. The extent of investigations being sought by the Minister is considered significant and will impact this indicative project timeframe substantially. Indicative timeframes will need to be revisited in upcoming committee reports. The Statement of Intent previously prepared by Council may also have become outdated as an amendment to the Planning and Design Code may require a different
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instrument to instigate this type of process. August 2019 Council Member Workshop (or if not via IES agenda item) to discuss potential policy change based on community consultation and the outcomes of preliminary infrastructure investigations. September 2019 Update IES/Council on progress with policy change for Rural Zone and Planning Reform Update Staff present final findings on infrastructure investigations Seek direction regarding DPA or Code Amendment from the Minister for Planning October 2019 Staff formulate Statement of Intent (SOI) or other Instrument for policy change depending on progress re introduction of Code. November 2019 Present to IES/Council a draft Statement of Intent or such other Instrument for authorisation in order to seek agreement from the Minister for Planning Agreement to commence a DPA or Code Amendment. December 2019 Draft DPA or Code Amendment presented to Council for authorisation, but only if the Minister for Planning as agree to either a DPA or Code Amendment. February 2020 Commence formal community consultation on the draft DPA or Code Amendment. May 2020 Update IES/Council on progress with policy change for Rural Zone, based outcomes of community consultation June 2020 Finalise DPA or Code Instrument and present to IES/Council for adoption. July 2020 DPA or Code Amendment authorised by the Minister for Planning.
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION In accordance with committee resolution 2019:04:IES022, as well as the Minister’s recommendation, the Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 and the Rural Areas SOI were released for public consultation from 1 May 2019 until 10 June 2019 (five and a half weeks). A total of 120 submissions were received during this period and a summary of each submission is included in Attachment 4. These submissions were presented in full to a special meeting of IES held on 2 July where representors were also given the opportunity to speak on behalf of their submission to the committee, with 9 people taking up this opportunity. A summary of the feedback received is provided below for consideration: - From 120 submissions, eight (8) were strong advocates of seeing the existing state of affairs in regards to land use policy remain. Reasons presented for their support included:
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o A clearly defined township is imperative to Gawler’s identity. This notion has been supported continuously by the community and has also gathered State Government backing over recent decades. o Council should resist change simply to allow a financial benefit for a few. o People who purchased land in the area were aware at the time that the land was identified as a buffer. o Residents can beautify their properties with appropriate plant selection. o People who live in the area do not necessarily need to pursue commercial agriculture/horticulture. o Good planning requires that land is not rezoned for financial gain, it takes all matters into consideration. o The notion of allowing 2000m2 allotments would destroy the rural character. o People who can no longer maintain their allotments should sell their land as they exit the industry to prospective farmers. o A shift towards smaller scale resilient farming should be explored as arable land reduces due to climate change. o Resources should be invested into the zone to unlock productive capacity. o Land within a buffer or the Metropolitan Open Space System (MOSS) does not need to be publically owned. o Land use viability based on small lot sizes is not an argument for densification as fundamentally all lots are unviable on their own for commercial scale agriculture. o Some residents purchased land in the Rural Zone due to speculation with the hope it would eventually permit residential development. o Greater densities do not ensure greater amenity. o Even if greater subdivisions were permitted, this would simply kick-start the conversation for further densification to occur.
- There was a general consensus through the feedback that commercial agriculture and horticulture is problematic and generally unsustainable, the most common factors contributing to this include: o A lack of affordable quality water (underground water resources and recycled water are fully committed and have been for some time) o Continued decline of the quality and quantity of available underground water. o The increasing costs of fixed rates o Allotment sizes (too small) (Cheaper and larger allotments located elsewhere) o Soil health and crop rotation has not been taken into consideration o Land speculation o The general implications of operating a farm adjacent to residential properties and zones (noise, spray drift and smell).
- There was a general consensus the amenity of the Rural Zone is poor with many allotments neglected and/or totally abandoned for many years.
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- Respondents generally feel the area is under provisioned. Respondents felt there was little value received in their Council rates. Council has invested little into the Rural Zone over the years.
- Leading infrastructure complaints in the Rural Zone (excluding water provision) include lack of sealed roads which generate large amounts of dust in the summer months, footpaths, street lighting and appropriate stormwater infrastructure.
- Many submissions suggest that greater densification, whilst maintaining a country character, is achievable and will improve amenity by creating allotments which are more manageable in size. Many of these submissions also believe that greater densities in this regard will invigorate the area by bringing more families and businesses to the area.
- In regards to submissions in support of allowing further subdivision in the Rural Zone, many were supportive of the 5000m2 proposed in the Jensen Report. Although there were varying opinions concerning what size allotments could be accommodated in the Rural Zone, the most common being sought were between 2000m2-2500m2.
- Proximity to quality transport infrastructure such as the Kudla Railway Station and the NEXY were seen as opportunities to support greater residential growth.
- The township of Angle Vale was used as an example by many respondents as something to aspire to for the Kudla area.
- Respondents who appear to live within the proposed Area 2 of the Jensen Report tended to agree with the direction of the report (with the proviso of even greater densification) however, the respondents who appeared to own land or live in one of the other areas generally disagreed with the policy suggestions.
- There are objections in regards to remarks in the Jensen Report which suggest that parts of the Rural Zone can be commercially farmed. This is seen as overly optimistic and misguided.
- Numerous submissions made mention that many residents/landowners in the area are elderly and no longer physically able to maintain their allotments.
- A submission was received from Renewal SA seeking to organise a meeting with management. The organisation stated that they have concerns relating to the potential policies discussed in the Jensen Report and the effect which they could have upon their land holdings.
o It is noted that, since the date of the submission, both the CEO and Manager Development, Environment and Regulatory Services held a meeting on 26 July 2019 with representatives of Renewal SA. The outcomes from this meeting will form the basis of Renewal SA making a submission which is expected to be received in the coming weeks.
- The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) presented a number of recommendations for consideration as part of any future policy development. These include considerations pertaining to noise and air emissions (interface), site contamination, stormwater, water sensitive urban design and waste water management.
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- Numerous submissions previously prepared (2016 consultation period) on behalf of individuals and groups by professional planning consultants were re-submitted, these include: o Mr Larry Cavallaro and Mr Martin & Mrs Margaret Banham – URPS (consultant) o Gordon Road Evanston Gardens Landowners Group – Gerard Coutts (consultant) o Gawler Region Community Forum Inc. - Planning Advisory Services o Gawler Environment and Heritage Association - Planning Advisory Services
In summary: The majority of respondents do wish to see change in the Rural Zone, with greater residential densities desired. Commercial agriculture is seen to be unviable economically and geographically impractical. Although some submissions argue for the concept of full scale residential development, the majority wish to see greater densification achieved through allotments of approximately 2,000 – 2,500 m2. The argument in this regard is generally that a rural character can be retained and a sense of separation upheld, with the overall amenity of the zone likely to improve and much needed infrastructure delivered.
Having examined all feedback received it is considered that community sentiment generally does not align with the vision and set of guiding principles previously adopted by Council. In addition, it is considered that community sentiment is largely contrary to that outlined in the Statement of Intent rejected by the Minister for Planning, which was to:
Further encourage, protect and support sustainable primary production activities and practices, where commercially viable, in order to safeguard against the loss of local food production security; Formalise existing clusters of pre-existing commercial and industrial activities within the Rural Zone to support local businesses and job creation, and Formalise and further expand on existing rural living opportunities across the balance of the Rural Zone, at a density that is both financially and environmentally sustainable, to not only preserve the legacy of the existing buffer between the City of Playford and the historic township of Gawler, but to ultimately improve the amenity of this transitional area for its residents.
However, it is noted that the majority of community feedback would suggest that commercially viable primary production is not achievable anywhere within the Rural Zone and that this is a moot point. This sentiment was also consistent with comments provided on the policy recommendations proposed by Jensen Planning and Design in Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigations Report 2, with the majority of community suggesting that the allotment sizes should be 2,000 – 2,500 m2 across the entire Rural Zone and not just in Area 2, as commercially viable primary production is not achievable anywhere in the Rural Zone. It was also suggested that retention of the Gawler buffer can still be achieved with allotments of 2,000 – 2,500 m2.
In addition to undertaking further consultation with the community, the Minister for Planning also recommended that Council undertake further detailed investigations to support its Statement of Intent.
Given this request, Council wrote to the Minister for Planning on 17 April 2019 in order to seek further direction on the scope of investigations deemed necessary. This was due to the fact that Council had already prepared the Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Reports 1 and 2 and the Statement of Intent outlined the extent of further investigations that would be undertaken as part of the Development Plan Amendment.
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A response from the Minister for Planning – Hon Stephan Knoll MP was received on 7 June 2019 (Attachment 5). In essence, the letter states that Council should undertake further investigations into the following: - Assessment of land demand and supply - Land capability and viability - Population demographics - Economic prosperity - Social development - General update of the data in the ‘Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation’
The following issues would also need to be managed: - Land use compatibility and land use interface issues - Landscape and heritage values - Natural resources, topography and drainage lines - Natural hazards including land liable to inundation and bushfire risk - Transport and connectivity - Broader impacts on residential growth and productive rural land use activities - Community services and facilities - Urban Design
The investigations proposed by the Minister are substantial and will likely require considerable resources being invested. The cost to undertake these investigations is expected to exceed the finances budgeted ($20,000) for the project in the 2019/2020 financial year. However the administration would need to acquire several quotes to obtain a better understanding of the likely impact in this regard. The scope of investigation requested by the Minister for Planning has been taken into consideration, along with the feedback received through community consultation and a draft tender brief has been prepared (Attachment 6). This document identifies a comprehensive investigation of the following matters being required: - Land demand and supply - Land capability - Land viability – Commercial viability (Primary Production) - Alternative water supplies and cost implications - Population demographics - Economic prosperity and social development - General updating of the rural land use and infrastructure study - Cost impacts associated with proposed intensification scenarios
If adopted by the Council, this tender brief will be released to market in order to seek Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified consultancies. This process will quantify the likely cost and timeframes required to complete the scope of investigations required. It is recommended that a further report be presented back to the IES Committee prior to engaging a consultant, once an indicative budget and timeframe for completing this work has been identified.
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However, staff have commenced initial high level review of some of the impediments/constraints associated with facilitating further subdivision with the Rural Zone, based on both that proposed within the Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 and in light of recent sentiment expressed by the community.
Residential Land Supply It is considered that Gawler has at least a 15 year supply of Greenfield residential land. In addition the latest residential broad hectare land supply report (2017) stated there is a total of 8,115 hectares of residential zoned broad hectare land in the Greater Adelaide Region, of which 80% is contained within Northern Adelaide (Playford, Port Adelaide Enfield, Salisbury and Tea Tree Gully). This does not include the further 3,980 hectares of land in areas identified for future urban growth of which 1,276 hectares located in the Barossa, Light and Lower North (Gawler included), which is yet to be zoned to residential, but is however outlined in the 30-Year Plan for Greater Adelaide or in existing future urban zones. Furthermore, the broad hectare land consumption report stated that in 2016/17 the amount of broad hectare land consumed for residential development in the Greater Adelaide Region was 189 hectares, well below the 10-year average consumption of 278 hectares per annum. While further analysis is required to determine the region’s demand for residential land, it is suggested that demand is low at present based on rates of new dwelling approvals. The impact of rezoning approximately 170 hectares of land for residential purposes needs to be carefully considered by Council to avoid creating a glut of residential land within the region, which could have a negative effect of property values.
Water Supply The cost associated with obtaining a connection to SA Water mains within the area is already a constraint on the area’s development under the existing policy framework. As previously identified under the existing policy framework, the area has the ability to accommodate further urban intensification, but this has not been pursued by land owners. SA Water is responsible for setting the costs associated with providing this service. Recent correspondence with SA Water has suggested that they do not have the capacity to invest in trunk lines for water and sewer mains through Kudla. However, they have suggested that should multiple developers (2 or more) wish to develop in the area and provide plans of their developments, SA Water could investigate establishing an augmentation charge for the area. Typically developers will construct mains on behalf of SA Water as part of the augmentation works, with SA Water repaying the developer. This will be based on an augmentation charge being approved by SA Water and applied to future developers. Should an augmentation charge not be approved for the area, the developers will be responsible for the works external to the development.
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Figure 3: SA Water potable mains in with the subject area
Council recently commissioned the services of Kellogg Brown & Root Pty Ltd to undertake investigative work in relation to water reuse schemes, which could potentially be made available to areas within Gawler. This work will be presented to Council as investigations are further progressed and will also be incorporated into the larger Rural Areas discussion, as lack of affordable water remains a key concern for residents wishing to pursue primary production activities.
Electricity Supply As with the provision of water, the developer is responsible for the cost of any electricity connection.
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Figure 4: Electricity infrastructure with the area
Stormwater Management Reducing minimum allotment sizes to 2,000 – 2,500 m2 will significantly increase residential densities within the area and lead to increased impervious surfaces. This will likely increase stormwater runoff and place pressure on existing stormwater management infrastructure. This would likely require an augmentation of the existing stormwater infrastructure and possibly a move away from the existing open stormwater management systems to closed stormwater management systems. The cost to Council and its community associated with upgrading this infrastructure to facilitate any residential intensification will need to be further considered.
Smith Creek Flood Plain The flood plain associated with the Smith Creek catchment is considered a significant constraint on the development of land within the existing Rural Zone. This is something that would need to be further investigated, and will likely limit the ability to facilitate the division of land in affected areas.
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Figure 5: Smith Creek Flood Mapping
Gawler River Flood Plain In addition to the Smith Creek floodplain, the Gawler River Flood Plain is considered a significant constraint on the development of land within the existing Rural Zone. This is something that will also need to be further investigated and will likely limit division of land.
Figure 6: Gawler River Flood Mapping
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Wastewater Management The provision of trunk sewer within the Rural Zone is limited. However, and as is currently the case, it is considered that allotments of 1,600 - 2,000 could facilitate the storage and treatment of waste water via an onsite septic system. However, they cannot be within land subject to flooding.
Figure 7: SA Water Sewer Mains
Traffic Management The effect of increasing residential yields by reducing minimum allotments sizes to 2,000 – 2,500m2 will likely have a significant impact on traffic volumes in the area, which will likely require significant upgrades to the local road network. In order to cater for increased traffic volumes and manage any associated impact, it is likely that all existing unsealed roads would need to be sealed and street lights installed. The cost to Council and its community associated with upgrading this infrastructure to facilitate any residential intensification will need to be further considered.
Visual Amenity As mentioned above, the majority of community submissions highlighted a desire for minimum allotment of size of approximately 2,000 – 2,500m2. This is a significant reduction from the existing minimum allotment size of 9,000m2 in the Affected Area and 40,000m2 across the balance of the Rural Zone. Whilst some submissions suggested that a rural character as well as a sense of separation between the metropolitan areas of Northern Adelaide and Gawler can be maintained with allotments of between 2,000-2,500m2, staff have some reservations with this assumption.
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As provided below, allotment sizes of 2,000m2 are consistent with the pattern of development within Gawler East (Wheatsheaf Policy Area) (refer image below). This has a distinctly different character to the existing Rural Zone.
Figure 8: Aerial Image of Wheatsheaf Policy Area
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Figure 9: Aerial image of Rural Zone
DPA vs Planning and Design Code Amendment Furthermore, the Minister states, “It is my view that Council’s effort would be best channelled toward having the matter properly considered a part of a proposed future amendment of the Planning and Design Code”. Staff wish to also highlight that detail in relation to policy in the Planning and Design Code remains mostly non-existent. It is the understanding of staff that the first iteration of the Planning and Design Code will endeavour to provide a like for like scenario in terms of land use policy. However it is inevitable that some changes, whether they somewhat strengthen or relax the existing suite of policies, will occur. Once implemented, a thorough investigation of the new policy framework will also need to be undertaken as part of any refinement process moving forward. Council administration will seek to progress the matter in a swift manner however, an investigation of this nature is likely to take a number of months to administer, prepare and complete. The below diagram endeavours to provide a general representation of this journey including Council’s advancement to date and anticipated next steps:
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Chief Executive Officer Manager Development, Environment and Regulatory Services Senior Development and Strategic Policy Officer Strategic Planner
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) The Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 2 and the Rural Areas Statement of Intent were released for public consultation from 1 May 2019 until 10 June 2019. Originally the consultation period was planned to be concluded by 24 May 2019 however, after consideration, this was extended by a further two weeks.
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The Gawler community were notified of the consultation period via the following avenues: Letters mailed to 195 respondents who provided feedback to the Rural Land Use and Infrastructure Investigation Report 1 2 x Public Notices in the Bunyip: o 1 May 2019 o 15 May 2019 A Media Release distributed to all media outlets Town of Gawler Website – Community Consultation o (Your Voice Gawler) https://www.gawler.sa.gov.au/your-voice Information/promotion via Council’s Facebook Page: o 01/05/2019 o 08/05/2019 o 15/05/2019 o 22/05/2019 Hard copies at all Council Offices, including Evanston Gardens Community Centre
POLICY IMPLICATIONS The process of a Development Plan Amendment generally seeks to alter development policies within a Development Plan, this process being legislated under the Development Act 1993. Under the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016, this process will be titled a Code Amendment, as it will seek to alter land use policy to the Planning and Design Code.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS The Development Act 1993 and subsequent Development Regulations 2008 currently remain the primary statutory documentation for the assessment of Development Applications however, changes instigated under this process are expected to be finalised under the Planning, Design and Infrastructure Act 2016 through the Planning and Design Code.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS There was a budget allocation for the 2018/19 financial year of $10,000 . This funding was not spent. A $20,000 budget allocation is currently provided for in the 2019/20 budget. It is anticipated that a study which investigates each of the areas now prescribed by the Minister is likely to cost in the order of $50,000 - $100,000. However, as noted in the Officer’s Recommendations 13-16 above, it is not possible to make or indicate any additional or revised financial commitments at this time. The outcomes for the tendering process relative to the investigations required will be report back to this committee. Also any financial commitments (or otherwise) will need to be considered in the context of the first quarter budget review of the 2019/20 budget.
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 1.1: Maintain a clearly defined township, one which is distinct from neighbouring areas Objective 1.2: Build a local community that is proud of Gawler Objective 1.3: Protect and promote Gawler’s unique heritage Objective 2.1: Physical and social infrastructure to service our growing population and economy Objective 2.2: Growth to be sustainable and respectful of cultural and built heritage Objective 2.3: The local environment to be respected
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7.3 Open Space Guidelines - Update Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/280 Author(s): Peter Young, Landscape Coordinator Previous Motions: 2018:10:385; 2017:04:115, IES:2017:04:17, 2017:08:285, IES:2017:08:41, 2019:04:IES021 Attachments: 1. Final Draft Open Space Guideline CR19/51599 2. Draft Open Space Guideline Community Consultation Collated Feedback CR19/49481 3. Draft Open Space Guideline Community Consultation Feedback Responses - Redacted details CR19/52414
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee recommends that Council:-
1. Notes the consultation undertaken and subsequent amendments to the draft Open Space Guideline. 2. Adopts the Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline. 3. Notes that the Section 221 application and assessment process is currently under review. 4. Notes that the parameters set by Council, as presented in the Guideline, have informed Council’s administration’s assessment, of open space areas over the past 12-18 months which have been approved by Council, including: • Orleana Waters Stage 8A Reserves I & J, • Woodvale Estate Stage 4 & 5 Open Space Reserves, • Aspire Link Reserves and • Springwood Highfield Central & Lineal Reserves
5. Endorses that all future assessment of open space areas to be vested in Council being in accordance with the Guideline, will occur under delegation 6. Notes that any proposal to create open space not being in accordance with the guidelines shall be reported to Council before any approvals are issued. 7. Notwithstanding point five above, is to receive a report pertaining to the Springwood Development once the determination is made by the State Government Planning Commission relative to the public assets to be vested in Council, including but not limited to open space. Such information is to inform Council of the planning decision made and ongoing implications of open space management responsibilities moving forward.
SUMMARY The Town of Gawler commissioned landscape and urban design consultant, Oxigen Pty Ltd, to deliver the Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline (Attachment 1). Council staff commenced development of the draft Open Space Guideline in 2018 and have now progressed to a final version of the document such that it can be used directly to inform planning, design and assessment of future open spaces in the Town of Gawler. A Council Member workshop was last held on 27 March 2019 that provided a background and overview of the draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline (the Guideline), work undertaken and steps to finalise the Guideline. Feedback received from the workshop has been further considered
Item 7.3 Page 49 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019 by Council staff and informed the updated and now final Guidelines document presented to this Committee for final review. Community consultation on the draft Guideline has also been undertaken over a three (3) week period from 29 May 2019 to 19 June 2019 to obtain feedback on the Guideline.
The Gawler community & nominated stakeholders were invited to review the Guideline on Council’s “Your Voice” portal on its website and through an advertisement in the local Bunyip newspaper on Wednesday 29 May 2019. Nominated stakeholders included key developers and their representatives who were sought out to provide feedback on the Guideline during the period of community consultation.
Community consultation closed on 19 June 2019 with a total number of four (4) submissions received. A collation of feedback received from community consultation has been provided in Attachment 2, with copies of the feedback provided as Attachment 3.
Following consideration of all feedback received during community consultation by Council staff, amendments to the Guideline has been undertaken. Staff assessment of the feedback and changes undertaken are also contained in Attachment 2. Council staff now consider the Guideline has progressed to a point where this Committee can consider a recommendation for adoption to the Council.
The purpose of this report is to present the Final Draft Open Space Guideline for adoption by the Council.
BACKGROUND The Council receives a large number of development applications relating to land divisions in new estates each year which contribute to the urban growth within the Town of Gawler. Each new land division creates public realm infrastructure that is required to support these new communities.
Ensuring the design of open space achieves both community expectation in regards the quantity and quality of open space and associated infrastructure, while also ensuring standard operational service levels can be provided, is key to ongoing financial sustainability of the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan. In the 2019/20 Annual Budget, approximately $2.4 million was allocated for the maintenance of all open spaces and reserves in the Town of Gawler.
Future growth in open spaces vested in the Council through new land developments has been a key consideration over the past 24 months with respect to forecasting the expected increase in open space maintenance budgets over the next 10 year period. Maintenance of open space and reserve areas are a significant cost to the community, which will continue to increase each year with projected urban growth of our Township.
To assist in managing this growth, the Open Space Guideline will assist both Council staff as well as developers and their consultants to plan and design open space areas in an orderly and sustainable manner. It will also provide guidance to Council staff in their assessment and negotiations on individual land divisions to ensure appropriately designed open spaces and sustainable outcomes are being achieved. The Guidelines are equally important for the community relative to ensuring their understanding and expectations as to the standard and management of open space areas to be provided over the coming years.
The aim of the Guideline is to develop standards and requirements for the delivery of open space areas in the Town of Gawler. The guideline will outline the levels of service expected for the provision of public open space that will be vested in the Council.
Landscape Architecture Consultant, Oxigen, was engaged by the Town of Gawler in 2018 to develop the Guideline.
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The consultant’s visited many of the current open space areas and sites across the Town of Gawler to familiarise themselves with the urban, sub-urban, semi-rural and parkland characters present within Gawler and its contextual relationships to the Township’s neighbours. An in-depth review of standards, industry guidelines, reports, plans, policies and publications have informed production of the draft Guideline document to date. The draft Guideline was presented to the Committee meeting held on 9 October 2018, where the following was resolved. RESOLUTION IES:2018:10:48 Moved: Mayor K Redman Seconded: Cr P Koch That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee: 1. Note the draft Open Space Guideline report. 2. Note that this report presents a draft of the Open Space Guideline and feedback from Elected Members is sought to assist further preparation of the draft Open Space Guideline. 3. That feedback from Elected Members be sought by 2 November 2018 and feedback be brought back to the next appropriate committee meeting of Council (that deals with infrastructure and other matters). A workshop and presentation for all Elected Members on the draft Open Space Guideline be also organised on this matter. 4. Note a further report will be presented to a future meeting summarising Elected Member feedback received and an updated draft Open Space Guideline which will then be circulated to the local community and key stakeholders for feedback
A number of internal workshops (four in total) were facilitated by the Consultant’s, Oxigen, and Council’s Project Manager to capture feedback from key business units in departments of the Council including the Development Services, Engineering Services, Town Services, Finance, Environment and Regulatory Services teams.
A Council Member workshop was also held on 27 March 2019 that provided a background and overview of the draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline, work undertaken and steps to finalise the Guideline. Subsequently a draft Open Space Guideline was presented to the Committee at its meeting held on 15 April 2019 where the following motion was passed. RESOLUTION 2019:04:IES021 Moved: Cr N Shanks Seconded: Cr J Vallelonga That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee: 1. Note the Draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline report. 2. Support release of the Draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline for community and stakeholder consultation as detailed in this report. 3. Note that a further report will be presented to a future IES committee meeting summarising feedback received from community and stakeholder consultation and an updated draft Open Space Guideline. Council staff and its consultants have had close regard to the feedback received from the community and stakeholder consultation as well as the Council Member workshops, which has informed the updated and now final draft Guideline presented at this time.
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION The Open Space Guideline is comprised of three (3) sections, namely;
1. Open Space Guideline; 2. Design Manual; and
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3. Appendix.
Further information on these sections are summarised below.
Open Space Guideline
Introduction Brief introduction to the context and purpose of the Open Space Design Guideline. Reference is made to the LGA Public Realm Urban Design Guidelines and other guidelines, defining why open space is important, benefits to the community and alignment with the Town of Gawler Community Plan and Development Plan objectives. This section provides a historical background of Gawler, its structure within the region and growth statistics in reference to the 30 year plan for Greater Adelaide.
The Vision The vision introduces the application of principles for Open Space distilled from the Town of Gawler’s existing strategic documents, publications and external documents to provide direction for new developments in Gawler.
Open Space Hierarchy The open space hierarchy presents design requirements of new reserve developments including benchmarks that seek to ensure the provision of equitable community facilities across the Town of Gawler. Further this enables appropriate operational service levels for new open space areas to be provided that align with the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan. The hierarchy includes public realm treatments that add to the character of the Town of Gawler, such as the road networks/streetscapes that provide a valuable function to the Town.
Design Manual
The Design Manual outlines standardised urban elements for use in the Town of Gawler in new open space areas. Outlining these within the Design Manual assists developers and their landscape architects in the design of open space areas. This is achieved by clearly communicating the urban elements that the Town of Gawler expects to be used in various locations and open space purposes. When the standard elements are applied, the assessment of new open space designs is also aided as expected asset maintenance, asset renewal lifespans and replacement/renewal costs are known up front. The Council’s Town Services business unit has assisted through standardising the use of elements (to the degree possible), as spare or replacement parts can be stocked as required at the Works Depot.
Appendix
Street Tree Species Guide Expanded species list of trees approved for use within varying size street situations and reserve/ open spaces. Including maintenance timeframes and responsibilities.
Fact Sheets These are separable from the document and have been developed to offer targeted information. These reference Fact Sheets will be placed within Council’s customer service areas and have been developed for the following matters;
Roadside Verges - Brief explanation of verge management standards that Council is accepting and Local Government Section 2211 assessment process. Currently the application and assessment process is under review.
1 Under Section 221 of the Local Government Act, any person seeking to alter or occupy a road (inclusive of verges) under the care and control of the Town of Gawler, is required to complete an application form and provide to Council for assessment. Currently the application and assessment process is under review.
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Steep Creeks - Brief explanation of development considerations for areas consisting of steep creeks and gully environments with cross references to other strategic documents providing greater detail; these being Council’s Policy for Stormwater (Watercourse) Management, Gawler & Surrounds Stormwater Management Plan and Biodiversity Management Plan (draft currently).
Bond Agreements & Infrastructure Agreements Brief explanation surrounding bond and infrastructure agreements between Council and developers for infrastructure and public realm/open space works.
Open Space Checklist, Approvals + Handovers A brief overview of best practice processes for land development projects to follow in the provision of public realm/open space assets to Council.
Overview Community Consultation on the Draft Open Space Guideline was recently held over a three (3) week period from 29 May to 19 June 2019. A total number of four (4) submissions were received as summarised in Attachment 2. This feedback provided has informed the following updates made to the draft Guideline: 1. Gawler Open Space, Sport & Recreation document reference title to be amended. 2. Amended “minimum” and “maximum” statements to “from” and “up to” to reflect that these are variable amounts relative to the spatial context of open space/ reserve impacting its design. 3. Replaced “cities” reference with “urban areas” 4. Calton Road spelling amended 5. “Recognition and reflection of the Kaurna cultural values of the river corridors.” Statement included 6. Reference to Biodiversity Management Plan inserted 7. Gullies + Steep Creeks amended 8. Reference to the draft Gawler and Surrounds Stormwater Management Plan inserted 9. Verge management statement updated 10. Tree species list expanded to include more native species for streets and reserves 11. Expanded upon Irrigation within Local Park notes, Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) is considered suitable for inclusion within Local Parks. Holistically Council is looking to reduce reliance upon potable water irrigation for reserves, greening of reserves can be achieved through suitable native plantings or passive irrigation methods. 12. "Management and maintenance plans" are required as part of Handover process to Council; especially where works are Non-standard. This information is required for budgetary purposes and to inform ongoing maintenance activities.
Following consideration of these changes, Council staff recommend that the Committee consider the draft Open Space Guideline being recommended to the Council for adoption.
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Manager Infrastructure and Engineering Services Manager Development, Environment and Regulatory Services Acting Manager Finance and Corporate Services Team Leader Asset Planning Team Leader Town Services Team Leader Development Services Landscapes Coordinator Senior Development & Strategic Planner Horticultural Co-ordinator
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Environment & Sustainability Officer
A number of internal workshops (four in total) were facilitated by the Consultant’s, Oxigen, and Council’s Project Manager to capture feedback from key business units of the Council including but not limited to Development Services, Engineering Services, Town Services, Finance, Environment and Regulatory Services.
A Council Member workshop was also held on 27 March 2019 that provided a background and overview of the draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline, work undertaken and steps to finalise the Guideline.
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Community Consultation on the draft Guideline recently held over a 3 week period from May 29 to June 19 2019.
The Gawler community was invited to review the Guideline on Council’s Your Voice website through an advertisement in the local Bunyip newspaper on Wednesday 29 May 2019. Noted stakeholders (including developers and their representatives) were sent letters inviting their review of the Guideline and seeking their subsequent feedback. Copies of the feedback received is provided in Attachment 3.
Community Consultation closed on 19 June 2019 with a total number of four submissions received.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS The draft Open Space Guideline will be a document to provide direction for the ongoing management and maintenance of open spaces in the Town of Gawler, primarily guiding the development of new open space areas to be vested to the Council from ongoing land development.
Policies that relate to the draft Open Space Guideline include: Public Consultation Policy Environment Policy Tree Management Policy Entranceways – Provision Policy Town Centre Footpath Designs Policy Footpath and Cycleways Policy Landscaping Verge Areas (Footways) by Residents Policy Street Tree Planting for New Land Divisions Policy Land Divisions – Indentures, Bonds & Bank Guarantees Policy Asset Management Policy Stormwater (Watercourse) Management Policy
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS The following statutory requirements apply:
Development Act 1993 Local Government Act 1999 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 Native Vegetation Act 1991 Natural Resources Management Act 2004 Fire and Emergency Services Act 2005 Crown Land Management Act 2009 Aboriginal Heritage Act 1988
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FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS The Town of Gawler commissioned landscape and urban design consultant Oxigen in the 2017/18 financial year to deliver the draft Town of Gawler Open Space Guideline (with associated Design Manual). To date, the project costs incurred are outlined below, excl. GST.
2017/18 financial year Total Project Budget: $30,000 Tender Price: $30,000
2018/2019 financial year
Consultant Agreed Variation of contract to Complete: $4,500 Professional Photography: $2,100 Advertising: $303
Total Project Expenditure: $36,903
It is expected that the Open Space Guideline will provide guidance on design to achieve appropriate operational service levels for new open space areas to match the Council’s Long Term Financial Plan expenditure allocations. It will also deliver consistent standards and requirements for the provision of open space infrastructure for each category of open space into the future or mechanisms to which the sustainability of any proposed higher standard areas can be managed.
Ensuring the design of open space for new development areas achieves Council’s standard operational service levels is key to the ability for Council to sustainably maintain open spaces to their intended function and amenity standard for the community into the future.
Forecast Open Space Management Costs
Revised Long Term Financial Plan modelling undertaken February 2019, identified a reduced growth rate of new development areas, in comparison to forecasting undertaken November 2017 that estimated a $3.1M increase in operational costs over the next ten (10) years from 2019/ 2020 to 2028/ 2029.
The revised modelling in 2019 estimates a $1.9M increase of operational costs over the next ten (10) years from 2019/ 2020 to 2028/2029 financial years. This is less than the $3.1M estimate due to a reduced rate of development expected in the Town of Gawler, attributed to economic conditions at this time impacting on the housing market in this area.
Council staff revise the forecast operational costs from land development on an annual basis to inform the Council’s Long term Financial Plan. This ensures the operational budget is informed by the latest rate of development and handover of open space areas for ongoing maintenance by the Town of Gawler.
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 1.1: Maintain a clearly defined township, one which is distinct from neighbouring areas Objective 1.2: Build a local community that is proud of Gawler Objective 1.3: Protect and promote Gawler’s unique heritage Objective 1.4: Foster a vibrant and active, event-filled Council area Objective 2.1: Physical and social infrastructure to service our growing population and economy Objective 2.2: Growth to be sustainable and respectful of cultural and built heritage Objective 2.3: The local environment to be respected Objective 2.4: Manage growth through the real connection of people and places
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Objective 3.1: Health and social wellbeing services in Gawler to meet growing regional community needs Objective 3.2: Sporting facilities to meet local and regional community needs Objective 3.3: Provide facilities for a range of different recreational activities. Objective 3.4: Gawler to be an inclusive and welcoming community Objective 4.1: Create and maintain a riverine environment that reflects the social, cultural and landscape values of the river corridor Objective 4.2: Support development that respects the environment and considers, the impacts of climate change Objective 4.3: Protect environmentally significant areas of native vegetation for present and future generations Objective 4.4 Support sustainable use of natural resources and minimise further waste to landfill Objective 4.5 Support provision of useable open space that preserves natural habitat and biodiversity Objective 5.4: Create a safe community environment
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7.4 ARBORICULTURE REVIEW - TOWN SERVICES OPERATIONS Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/472 Author(s): Paul Cleghorn, Team Leader Town Services Previous Motions: IES:2016:08:45 IES: 2014:08:45 Attachments: 1. Treevolution Review of the Arboricultural Service Provision CR19/50244 2. Tree Environs Peer Review Report CR19/50311
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that: 1. The Arboriculture Review – Town Services Operations report be noted. 2. The findings and recommendations of the Arboriculture Review, as modified by the subsequent Peer Review, be supported as detailed in this report. 3. A hybrid 3 year and 5 year (3 year standard tree and a 5 year mature tree) pruning regime for Council’s street trees be supported constituting an alteration in service level from the current annual pruning program, with exceptions as identified in the table provided in Attachment 2 (pages 10-14) in this report. 4. A street tree audit and risk assessment be considered for funding as part of the 2019/20 first quarter budget review, allocating $45,000 to this project and a further $4,000 for new software to facilitate ongoing tree risk auditing capability. 5. It notes that the changes to be implemented in the pruning program are estimated to create a workforce efficiency of 92 days for the arboriculture team valued at approximately $115,000 of which will now all the reallocation of this time to other high priority needs in arboricultural management. 6. A budget submission be prepared as part of deliberations associated with the 2020/2021 Annual Budget for the development of a Council Street Tree Strategy and Management Plan, subject to the street tree audit and risk assessment occurring prior.
SUMMARY Council staff have undertaken an Arboriculture Review of its operations in accordance with Council’s direction at its 11 April 2017 Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee Meeting. This review has recently progressed following substantial completion of extensive reviews and business system improvements associated with new land division maintenance management assessment processes. To assist in this Review, and provide an independent expert viewpoint, an external consultant was appointed in TreeVolution in March 2019. The review undertaken focused on the current level of service provided to the community for arboricultural operations and street tree management compared with best practice in South Australian Local Government. The Review brief required reviews be undertaken across the following areas: In the field audit with Council’s arboricultural staff while pruning street trees to critique current pruning methodologies; frequencies of pruning; customer request response management; review of Council’s current policies; staff qualifications; legislative/risk requirements; and benchmarking pruning cycles with other Council’s.
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The Review considered the Council’s current service level associated with street tree pruning frequencies (annual pruning program) and whether any gaps in service provision existed. Namely could existing resources be utilised to more effectively manage the Council’s street trees whilst reducing risk and ongoing costs to the Council. Staff consultation was undertaken as part of this Review to ensure appropriate engagement occurred with the key internal stakeholders, notwithstanding that changes to their existing practices have been identified which required their involvement. Given the significance of the changes being considered and differences of opinion on Council’s qualified staff with some of the Review findings, a further independent peer review was undertaken. This further peer review (separate to the independent consultant engaged to undertake the study) was undertaken by Tree Environs who are regarded as the industry leaders in arboriculture management advice. As a result of the reviews undertaken changes are proposed to be implemented, both in the short and longer term, to improve the Council’s arboriculture operations and the management of the Council’s street trees. In doing so, provide for an improved tree risk management approach as well as creating operating efficiencies which can be utilised in providing a holistic improvement to tree management on the Town of Gawler.
BACKGROUND At its meeting held on 11 April 2017 the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee considered a report on New Land Division Maintenance Management and resolved the following motion: Moved by Cr A Shackley Seconded by Mayor K Redman Motion No: IES:2017:04:17
That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that:-
1. Council supports the development of New Land Division Open Space Guidelines, and that funding of $30,000 be allocated in the 2016/17 Budget to pursue this as a matter of priority. 2. Council supports a $30,000 be allocated in the 2016/17 Budget to pursue this as a matter of priority for specialist consultancy assistance to develop a Maintenance Resourcing Strategy using the principles of workforce planning for the forecast growth in the Town of Gawler. 3. Council uses the existing expertise of Council Staff, Elected Members and Community Members to the maximum extent possible to work out transition plans to equitable and sustainable open space services. 4. The planning required to implement is proposed to include:- a. Updated land development and land division standards and guidelines. b. Review of maintenance operations including Arboriculture operations review and Landscape irrigation management. c. Review of Open Space Design Guidelines. d. Financial Analysis on maintenance costs of new land developments and consideration of overall Town equity including future maintenance costs for projected residential growth beyond 2017/18.
The subject of this report is Item 4(b) from the above Motion No 2017:04:17 as it relates to Arboriculture Operations, noting that significant work has already been completed, or is progressing on other elements of this motion. Council staff engaged an external specialist consultant Treevolution to undertake a full review of Council’s arboriculture operations within the Town Services business unit. These operations were the final component of the Town Services business that had not yet been subject to the detailed review as part of the broader Depot Review which has been ongoing since 2014. This Depot Operations Review has delivered significant benefits and operational savings as previously reported to this Committee at its meeting held on 9 August 2016.
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The arboriculture team consists of three (3) staff with qualifications varying from Certificate’s 3 to 5 in Arboriculture. These qualifications are acceptable for the works undertaken and comparable to the level provided for across Local Government (minimum Level 3).
Current Tasks Tree Pruning Woody weed removals in rural drains Formative pruning’ Storm damage clean ups Customer requests (Tree inspection reports for possible removals) Tree removals Section 221’s Assessment for development (Eg, trees impacted by new crossovers) Tree Health inspection reports Pre Trimming for Capital works programs Support Emergency Services vehicle accidents (trees) Pre approve SAPN amenity pruning programs and removals
Available equipment New purpose built chipper truck with a new chipper machine Chainsaws and pole saws Personal Protective Equipment Hire of a tower for specialist works (as needed)
The review was requested to look at Council’s current existing levels of service for its street tree management, namely: Pruning frequency Street tree pruning methodology Tree planting and removals Formative pruning Woody Weed removals Bench marking with similar Councils Customer request accountability Risk and Legislation accountability Recommendations/Opportunities
This also considered the internal documentation available, how arboriculture works are programmed and day to day operations recorded. The street tree pruning methodology occurred through a field observation component, whereby pruning methodology by the arboriculture team was observed over 2 day period whilst being undertaken. Similarly retrospective inspections of recently pruned street trees and completed customer service requests were undertaken for a well-rounded review of current pruning practices on street trees. The purpose of this report is to present the findings of the arboricultural review and propose changes to the current arboricultural management practices of the Council operations staff for consideration.
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION Arboricultural Review – Treevolution The review has provided a robust overview of current operations and opportunities for Council’s consideration to better understand our urban tree forest for the development of a new Tree Strategy and Tree Management Plan. The areas for improvement identified in this Report are directly associated with the outdated policy framework, guidance specific to tasks and long term budget allocations for tree management.
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A key finding of the review is the need for data collection of the Council’s street trees to assist inform future strategy formulation and reduce Council’s overall risk profile through improved asset management practices. Specific data which would be collected includes; Street trees numbers Species of trees Regulated or Significant trees Condition and community risk Tree root infrastructure damage Empty wells/Missing trees to inform a replacement program Inappropriate trees
The Arboricultural Review which has been developed is contained in Attachment 1. Table 1 below provides a summary of the identified opportunities that will provide a comprehensive, proactive and sustainable approach to tree management into the future once implemented. TABLE 1: RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY Undertake a street tree audit and produce required data to enable a proactive approach to tree planting and tree management. Adoption of a comprehensive Tree Strategy and Tree Management Plan. Develop service levels and Key Performance Indicators for the implementation of a comprehensive arboricultural service. Develop a program of aboricultural works for street trees over a five year cyclical regime. This will allow additional areas of service to be implemented including tree planting and formative pruning programs. Increase reserve and open space tree management. Develop an approved risk assessment methodology Develop a comprehensive tree planting program to meet determined Key Performance Indicators Identify the resource implications from the long and short term outcomes of this review.
Staff Consultation Constructive engagement between the internal staff comprising the Local Government Employees Enterprise Agreement Committee (LGEEAC), Human Resources staff, Team Leader Town Services, Manager Infrastructure and Engineering and the members of the arboriculture team has occurred throughout this Review process. A series of meetings were held to consider the draft findings of the Review where feedback from staff was provided for further consideration. Primarily of concern was the recommended change from an annual cyclic street tree inspection/pruning regime from an annual program to a broader 5 yearly inspection/pruning cycle. Key concerns raised were the long term potential for a backlog of customer requests, additional tree debris from storm events, variability on tree growth by specie and resulting hindrance to footpath traffic and vehicle movement on the road network (ie rubbish truck and street sweeper clearances). These concerns were considered in developing the proposed approach detailed further below. Aside for the frequency of pruning, Council’s arboricultural staff more broadly supported the findings of the review and the changes which would need to occur to their current work practices. These changes would result in creating capacity to undertake additional functions within this team of tree planting, woody weed removal, greater oversight of formative growth and pruning as well as an overall improved risk management approach to street tree management.
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Peer Council Consultation - The City of Unley The City of Unley administration kindly offered to representative staff members of the Town of Gawler involved with this review, the opportunity to provide an overview of their tree management approach, policy and strategy. Their tree management approach is recognised as industry best practice and whilst continually improving, been largely in place since 2016. There current Street Tree Strategy at the Unley Council includes direction on: Managing an Ageing Tree population Water and Soil Moisture Climate change Urban heat Islands and extreme heat Population increase and Urban infill Community expectations and resistance to change Tree succession planning and programming Age friendly city
Through this process it was made evident that the City of Unley Council are well advanced in tree management and have a strong focus on their urban forest tree network, notwithstanding they are allocating approximately $1M for new initiatives above their additional operational budget to improving their street tree network in 2019/20 alone. By comparison the Town of Gawler has allocated $20,000 for new initiatives associated with street tree management (ie SAPN Vegetation Clearance Amenity Pruning trial) and $20,000 in its street tree program allocated to new/replacement street tree planting. Needless to say their approach is underpinned by data on their street tree network which is informing their strategy and financial allocations to continual improvement to the management of these street tree assets which are highly valued in their community. City of Unley have adopted a proactive approach to tree management in regards to risk assessments and to undertake tree maintenance to meet site specific expectations in line with Australian Standards with existing street trees. The City of Unley manages approximately 22,000 trees which are pruned on a broadly 5 yearly cycle. Arboricultural Review - Peer Review Tree Environs were engaged to undertake a peer review of the recommendations from the draft Review based on their knowledge and experience as well as considering staff comments provided during the consultation sessions with them as detailed earlier in this report. A copy of this peer review is contained in Attachment 2. The peer review findings by Tree Environs generally support the recommendations provided by Tree Volution with the exception of the 5 yearly pruning cycle as this is not flexible and this does not take into account the many variables with the diverse population of urban trees referenced in Appendix 2 (pages 10 to 14) of this peer review. The recommended 2-3 year cycles will be tailored for specific street trees in Appendix 2 which require a higher degree of inspection and maintenance. The recommended 3 year pruning cycle for Council street trees is optimal for most species. This cycle can also be increased for mature slow growing species out to 5 years, but may need to be considerably shorter for species where structure or other problems occur, or the species has a high growth rate. It is estimated that approximately 80% of the Council’s street trees will require a 3 year pruning cycle, with the remaining 20% more suited to a 5 year pruning cycle (ie. large, significant or regulated trees). This final quantum will be informed by the results of the street tree audit once undertaken. The recommendation to develop and implement a Tree Management Plan and Street Tree Strategy to improve the performance of aboriculture services across the business is seen as a key priority moving forward.
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Benchmarking other Council’s, the City of Mitcham undertakes a 3 pruning yearly cycle, The City of West Torrens is a 4 yearly pruning cycle and the City of Salisbury a targets 3 yearly pruning cycle.
Next Steps Staff are currently finalising the Horticulture Year by Fortnight Works Plan for 2019-2020 given that the budget deliberations have been completed, and awaiting the outcomes of this report to the Committee. This provides an opportunity to make changes within the arboriculture team outputs based on altering the level of service of the current annual street tree inspection/pruning regime. This would allow for additional arboriculture activities to occur that have been identified as a gap in Council’s operations from this Review. Opportunities have been identified to re-allocate resources from the arboriculture team to undertake additional programs as follows: to remove woody weeds in the riverine systems, commence a formative pruning program, undertake street tree planting, oversee land development tree management Continuing to undertake the significant quantum of customer requests as it relates to tree management.
The proposed 2019-2020 arboriculture Year by Fortnight program provides for 208 total available working days when excluding weekends, leave entitlements and public holidays. The estimated available days from the altered service levels from the current 2019-20 annual pruning program is yet to be implemented awaiting Council’s consideration of this matter. However based on a blended 3/5year pruning program this would allow for an additional 92 days capacity gain for the 3 staff members to undertake the following identified gaps in arboriculture service provision during the year. Tree Planting 15 days Formative pruning 17 days Riverine Woody weed removal 26 days Rural Roads Woody weed removal 10 days Council Reserve Trees 24 days
Total 92 days (additional service provision)
This provides a remaining 116 days for the arboriculture team to undertake a revised program for the remaining elements of their service provision and business administration. This is represented as follows;
Revised 3/5 year cyclic audit/pruning 43 days Customer Request Management 26 days Staff Training 3 days Tree watering 44 days
Total 116 Days
It is recommended by staff that Council support the proposed alteration to the current arboriculture service provision to support this improved methodology of managing our street tree assets.
The Committee’s support for these changes and suggested way forward will ensure that a clear direction is provided to develop an improved Tree Management framework to better manage the sustainability for our urban forest into the future.
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Customer Requests The arboriculture team received the second highest community requests for the entire Council operations based over a 12 month period between January 2018 and January 2019. Council’s arboriculture team received a total of 416 requests for tree management. These requests included 368 requests for tree management, 24 for tree removal, and 24 requests being in relation to tree planting. This equates to an average of approximately 1.14 requests per day, out of which on average 73% of requests were undertaken within the nominated target timeframe. General customer request received by the arboriculture team include: Fallen Branch’s Footpath and road access under trees Branch’s growing over property boundaries Branch’s blocking street lighting Driveway sight restrictions Internal Staff requests Tree root intrusions Termite damage Tree health reports Tree removals Vandalism
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Manager Engineering and Infrastructure Team Leader Town Services Local Government Employees Enterprise Agreement Committee (LGEEAC) Arboriculture team Horticulture Coordinator Horticulture Supervisor Team Leader Organisational Development
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Mr Colin Thornton - Tree Volution Mr Kim Knight – Tree Environs City of Unley Council
POLICY IMPLICATIONS The recommendations from Treevolution and Tree Environs for the development of a Tree Strategy and Management Plan, with accompany policies, will be developed over the next 3 years subject to budget approvals required to obtain funding to seek external assistance deliver these strategic documents.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Local Government Act 1999 Section 232 Trees - This provides guidance for Council on the planting of trees on any road within Council area. Section 233 Damage – This identifies the ability of Council to claim damages from a person who, without permission, intentionally or negligently damages a road or structure (including Trees). Section 244 – liability for injury, damage or loss on community land – This identifies Council responsibilities with regard to injury, damage or loss on community land that is a direct consequence of a wrongful act on the part of Council. Section 245 – Liability for injury, damage or loss caused by certain trees – This identifies Council’s responsibilities with regards to damage caused by trees planted in the road.
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Risk Management Guidelines for Local Government- this identifies a range of guidelines for which to base an appropriate level of risk management to trees within the Local Government area. Development Act 1993 – Sections contained within the Development Act and Development regulations identify certain legislative provisions for the removal or pruning of trees, if they fulfil certain identified criteria.
Electricity Act 1996 – As to the clearance of trees around public powerlines. Natural Resource Management Act 2004 – With regard to the control of prescribed plants. Native Vegetation Act 1991 – Identifies and limits the clearance of “native vegetation” as defined in certain locations. Civil Liability Act 1936 – Which reflects common law and principles of negligence. Local Government Association – Independent Inquiry into Management of Trees on Public Land. This document made specific recommendations with regard to the principles that should be adopted by Local Government for the management of trees under their control. Recommendations and extracts from the Independent Inquiry: Recommendation 5: The Board recommends all Councils have a tree register which is an essential component in the proactive management of tree risks. Recommendation 9: The Board recommends the Local Government Association explores the development of South Australian standard or standards for risk assessment and in the interim each Council adopt one detailed risk assessment methodology that is well-regarded and ensure relevant staff have been property trained in its application. Recommendation 10: The Board recommends Councils should be aware of and consider the merits of alternative options to manage risk, where the last resort option would be remove the tree. For Council to comply to these recommendations it is of a priority that Council invest in this risk assessment software and staff training to undertake the risk assessments on all Council trees. Training is proposed for 2 staff members in September 2019 and the cost for the risk management training will be $1,000 per person and is included within the recurrent budget. The Quantified Tree Risk Assessment (QTRA) system, applies established and accepted risk management principles to tree safety management. The system moves the management of tree safety away from labelling trees as either ‘safe’ or ‘unsafe’ and thereby away from requiring definitive judgements from either tree assessors or tree managers. Instead, QTRA quantifies the risk of significant harm from tree failure in a way that enables tree managers to balance safety with tree values and operate to predetermined limits of tolerable or acceptable risk. By quantifying the risk from tree failure as a probability, QTRA enables a tree owner or manager to manage the risk in accordance with widely applied and internationally recognised levels of risk tolerance. QTRA further provides a decision-making framework which considers the balance between the benefits provided by trees, levels of risk they pose, and costs of risk management.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS The cost for the Arboriculture Review by Tree Volution was $5,250 ex GST.
The cost for the peer Review by Tree Environs was $1,800 ex GST.
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Priority Actions from Arboricultural Review
The below table lists priorities and funding required to undertake the necessary policy and strategy improvements in the management of Council’s trees.
Priority Ranking Project Estimated Costs 1. 2019-2020 Street Tree Audit – External Consultant $45,000 1. 2019-2020 Tree Risk Assessment Software $4,000
Both of these projects being the tree audit and tree risk assessments would need to be undertaken simultaneously while inspecting each street tree for obvious efficiencies. This would also ensure complete data capture for the Council’s GIS system which would map the results of this audit. The information gathered would form the backbone of the future information required to inform the development of the subsequent Tree Strategy and Management Plans.
Future expenditure for the Tree Strategy and Management Plans to be delivered in conjunction is indicatively estimated: Priority Ranking Project Estimated Costs 2. 2020-2021 Tree Strategy $20,000 2. 2020-2021 Management Plan (Including $25,000 Policy Suite)
Supporting the staff recommendations provided in this report to alter the current service levels on pruning cycles will provide efficiencies of up to 92 days for the arboriculture team. This productivity increase results in approximately $115,000 of value to be able to now undertake additional arboriculture works identified in the reviews and recommendations. In the 2019-20 Annual Budget approximately $354,000 has been allocated to the maintenance of Street Trees in the Town of Gawler.
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 2.3: The local environment to be respected Objective 4.5 Support provision of useable open space that preserves natural habitat and biodiversity Objective 5.2: Be recognised as a ‘best practice’ Local Government organisation Objective 5.3: Deliver ongoing effective and efficient services, including support for regional collaboration Objective 5.4: Create a safe community environment
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7.5 OFFICE FOR RECREATION, SPORT & RACING STATEWIDE CONSULTATION Record Number: CC10/1810;IC19/483 Author(s): Bryce Norton, Team Leader Recreation and Community Previous Motions: Council, 23/07/2019, RESOLUTION 2019:07:COU291 Attachments: 1. Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing Statewide Consultation - Discussion Paper CR19/42625 2. Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing Statewide Consultation - Town of Gawler Written Submission CR19/52317 3. 2019 Gawler Invest Brochure CR19/44269
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee authorise the Chief Executive Officer to submit the written submission as presented in this report on behalf of the Town of Gawler to the Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing Statewide Consultation project.
SUMMARY The Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing (ORSR) is undertaking a Statewide Consultation project, seeking community and organisational feedback to the following three priority projects: 1. Game On: Getting South Australia Active 2. South Australian Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan 3. Grants Review
This report provides a draft written submission on behalf of Council for consideration. This submission is presented seeking the endorsement of this Committee for it to be submitted to the ORSR.
BACKGROUND The ORSR is the lead agency for the South Australian Government’s policy on sport and active recreation. The ORSR supports sport and active recreation through the development of policy, programs and resources, the provision of funding, recreation and sport planning, infrastructure development, elite sport pathways and programs, and the promotion of physical activity. The ORSR are undertaking a Statewide Consultation project, seeking community and organisational comment about three closely aligned key priority projects that will deliver outcomes to address whole of government and department objectives. The Discussion Paper issued by the ORSR for the Statewide Consultation is included in this report as Attachment 1. The three priority projects are: 1. Game On: Getting South Australia Active 2. South Australian Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan 3. Grants Review (Game On: Getting South Australia Active) The Game On: Getting South Australia Active project is described by the ORSR as a call to action for industry leaders, government and other interested stakeholders. Game On will identify the key opportunities and challenges for participants in and providers of sport and recreation through extensive community consultation. Once key opportunities and challenges have been identified, an expert panel will prioritise the issues that optimise the benefits for the community. The priority issues will then be investigated further, to fully understand each issue from both a community and expert perspective. At this point, the findings will be published in a Game On issues paper.
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The Game On issues paper will be a focal point for sport and recreation organisations to maximise their limited resources to effect systemic change - both individually and collectively. Game On will support strategic planning for individual organisations, for the sport and recreation sector at large and will be a tool to foster collaboration amongst traditional and non-traditional partners to address the Game On issues. (South Australian Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan) On 10 March 2019 the Minister for Recreation, Sport and Racing announced the development of the South Australian Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Plan. The intention of this plan is to identify the infrastructure needed to support sports participation from grass roots level through to elite athletes. It will also identify infrastructure needs for members of the community that want to be active through recreational pursuits such as walking and cycling. The plan will include a list of priority projects for potential investment and a framework for the evaluation and comparison of projects. (Grants Review) The ORSR administers a number of grants and grant programs to sport and active recreation organisations, councils, educational institutions, not-for-profit organisations, for-profit organisations, and individuals (e.g. athletes). An extensive review of these grants has previously occurred every eight to ten years. The last review of the grant programs commenced in 2010 and concluded in December 2011. These reviews are conducted to ensure South Australians are receiving efficient, effective, economical and ethical funding decisions designed to achieve value, accountability, probity and transparency. This review will deliberately be forward looking and will consider the future needs of the industry and the priorities of government. This review will provide the State Government with a series of recommendations about the grant funding provided to the sport and active recreation sector.
The consultation phase for these three projects has included surveys, written submissions, interviews and in excess of 35 interactive workshops and forums held across the state during the past two months. The interactive workshops included club and community sessions, as well as targeted forums for the following areas of the sport and active recreation industry: 1. Local Government (Mayors/Elected Members session, staff sessions) 2. State Sporting Organisations 3. State Recreation Organisations 4. State Industry Support Organisations 5. Facility Managers, Professional Clubs and For Profit Providers Council members and staff have attended a number of the consultation sessions facilitated by the ORSR. The deadline for the completion of surveys and provision of written responses regarding any of the three priority projects is 5.00pm, Friday 16 August 2019. An information report on this matter was presented to the July 2019 Corporate and Community Services Committee meeting, with the following adopted by Council at its July 2019 meeting: Moved: Cr P Little Seconded: Cr D Hughes RESOLUTION 2019:07:COU291
That Council notes the adopted Motions from the Corporate & Community Services Committee made under Delegated Authority at the meeting held on 9 July 2019, being: That the Corporate & Community Services Committee notes the Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing Statewide Consultation project and adopt the following process for the development and submission of a written response on behalf of Council:
1. Council Members are invited to provide written comments to staff prior to 5.00pm Monday 22 July. 2. Staff will develop a draft written submission. 3. The draft written submission will be presented to the 13 August Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee for adoption.
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4. Council’s written submission will be lodged with the Office for Recreation, Sport & Racing prior to the consultation period closing at 5.00pm Friday 16 August.
This report is presented to the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee in response to the above motion.
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION Staff have developed a draft written submission on behalf of Council, included within this report as Attachment 2. This submission is presented seeking the endorsement of this Committee to be submitted to the ORSR prior to the consultation period closing at 5.00pm on Friday 16 August. The local government sector is the major provider of sporting and active recreation facilities within South Australia. The capital and ongoing investment by Council towards sport and active recreation for the Gawler community is significant, covering many areas across the organisation including:
1. Provision of sporting and active recreation facilities 2. Delivery of sporting and active recreation programs 3. Provision of open space 4. Provision of paths and trails 5. Strategic open space and facility planning 6. Development assessment ensuring adequate provision of open space 7. Provision of community grants to local sporting and active recreation organisations 8. Provision of community loans to local sporting and active recreation organisations 9. Provision of concessional hire of Council facilities to eligible local sporting and active recreation organisations
The future provision and maintenance of quality sporting and active recreation facilities for the Gawler community will require ongoing capital investment by Council and other key stakeholders such as other levels of government, sporting organisations and clubs. A key component of the capital funding strategy for these infrastructure projects is the ability to obtain external funding, predominantly through state and federal government opportunities. To best position Council in attracting funding, Council has recently completed, or is currently undertaking the following strategic planning. The ORSR is a key stakeholder in these initiatives and has been consulted in the development of all of these plans:
1. Gawler Open Space, Sport & Recreation Plan 2. Gawler Aquatic Centre Needs and Feasibility Analysis 3. Karbeethan Reserve Master Plan 4. Essex Park and Gawler Showgrounds Regional Sporting Precinct Master Plan
The implementation of the Karbeethan Reserve Master Plan is the most significant capital sporting infrastructure project to be undertaken by Council in recent time and as such, attracting external financial contributions is an important aspect of the funding strategy. This funding strategy, currently being developed by an internal working groups from across Council teams will be presented to this Committee at a future meeting. The redevelopment of Karbeethan Reserve is an Iconic Project and is featured within the 2019 Gawler Invest brochure, included within this report as Attachment 3. This prospectus highlights the iconic projects within the town that will further continue to drive growth and deliver jobs to the local community.
Council has been able to successfully demonstrate alignment to the strategic directions of the ORSR and in turn been able to attract the following funding through various ORSR funding programs over the past five years:
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Strategic Planning: 1. Gawler Open Space, Sport & Recreation Plan 2. Essex Park and Gawler Showgrounds Regional Sporting Precinct Master Plan
Facility Upgrade: 1. Gawler Aquatic Centre Shade Provision 2. Gawler Sport & Community Centre Stadium Roof Replacement 3. Gawler Sport & Community Centre Stadium Floor Resurfacing
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Mayor and Council Members Chief Executive Office Manager Library & Community Services Executive Management Team
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) The ORSR Statewide Consultation project is of interest to and impacts a significant part of the Gawler community, including the many participants, members and volunteers of sporting and active recreation organisations. The ORSR have undertaken consultation sessions targeted at the various areas within the sporting and active recreation industry, including sessions specifically for clubs and community members. There have been nineteen club and community sessions scheduled, with the closest to Gawler being held at the Playford Bowling Club from 6.30pm on Monday 5 August. A survey has also been developed for the Statewide Consultation project is available on the ORSR website. The Statewide Consultation project and the opportunities to provide comment through the survey and the club and community session, have been promoted to local sporting and active recreation organisations through direct communication from Council. There has also be broader community promotion of this project and the opportunities available to provide feedback (the survey and club and community sessions) through Council’s social media platforms and at Council facilities.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS Nil
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Nil
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS Council provides significant levels of funding, both capital and ongoing operating investment, towards the provision of sporting and active recreation facilities and infrastructure for the community. In the 2018/19 financial the following investment was made towards the ongoing operation and provision of sporting and active recreation facilities and infrastructure within Gawler: 1. Gawler Aquatic Centre, Gawler Sport & Community Centre (net investment) $459,805 2. Outdoor Sporting facilities and infrastructure (net investment) $499,740 The recently adopted 2019/20 Council budget included the following capital investment to sporting and active recreation initiatives within Gawler, valued at a combined $1,426,860 (including $555,077 of external funding): 1. Essex Park & Gawler Showgrounds Regional Sporting Precinct Master Plan 2. Gawler Aquatic Centre Changeroom Upgrade 3. Gawler Aquatic Centre Facility Rehabilitation 4. Gawler Aquatic Centre Pool Cleaner Replacement 5. Gawler Sport & Community Centre Solar System Integration 6. Gawler Sport & Community Centre Stadium Floor Resurface 7. Gawler Sport & Community Centre Stadium Wall Cladding
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8. Karbeethan Reserve Master Plan Stage 1 Planning 9. Open Space Electrical Infrastructure Replacement 10. Princes Park Irrigation Replacement 11. Sporting Facility Point of Sale/Booking System Upgrade
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 1.2: Build a local community that is proud of Gawler Objective 2.1: Physical and social infrastructure to service our growing population and economy Objective 3.2: Sporting facilities to meet local and regional community needs Objective 3.3: Provide facilities for a range of different recreational activities. Objective 3.5: Recognise, respect, support and advocate on behalf of volunteers Objective 5.1: Support and encourage community teamwork Objective 5.2: Be recognised as a ‘best practice’ Local Government organisation
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7.6 ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/484 Author(s): Jack Darzanos, Team Leader Environmental Services Previous Motions: RESOLUTION 2019:04:COU001 Attachments: 1. Draft Animal Management Plan - 2019- 2024 CR19/53323 2. Animal Management Plan Workshop Outcomes CR19/52285 3. Animal Managment Plan Survey Questions CR19/51984 4. Animal Management Plan Survey Community Responses CR19/51988
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION
That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee recommends that Council:-
1. Notes the outcomes from the Animal Management Plan 2014-2019 workshop and community survey responses as attached. 2. Endorses the release of the Draft Town of Gawler Animal Management Plan 2019-2024 for the purpose of community consultation in accordance with Town of Gawler Community Consultation Policy. 3. Note that a further report be brought back to the IES Committee following the outcomes of community consultation.
SUMMARY This report discusses the review undertaken of the Town of Gawler Animal Management Plan and presents for information as an attachment the draft Animal Management Plan (Refer Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND It is a requirement of the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995 (the Act) for Councils to develop management plans relating to dogs and cats in their area that covers a 5 year period. Council’s 2014 Animal Management Plan (the Plan) expires in 2019 and as a result the review of the Plan commenced this year. Section 26A of the Act requires Councils to have in place a plan of management for dogs and cats within its area. The Plan predominately focuses on dogs and cats however it also includes other animals that are having a significant community or environmental impact 26A—Plans of management relating to dogs and cats
1) Each council must, in accordance with this section, prepare a plan relating to the management of dogs and cats within its area. 2) A plan of management must include provisions for parks where dogs may be exercised off- leash and for parks where dogs must be under effective control by means of physical restraint, and may include provisions for parks where dogs are prohibited. 3) A plan of management must cover 5 year periods and each plan must be prepared and presented to the Board at least 6 months before it is to take effect. 4) A plan of management must be approved by the Board before it takes effect. 5) A council may, with the approval of the Board, amend a plan of management at any time during the course of the 5 year period covered by the plan.
Item 7.6 Page 71 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
At the full meeting of Council on 23 April 2019 Council passed the following motions relating to the review of the Animal Management Plan.
RESOLUTION 2019:04:COU001 Moved: Cr D Hughes Seconded: Cr P Little
That Council adopts the recommendation from the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee made at item 7.3 of the meeting of that Committee meeting held on 15 April 2019, being:
That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that:-
1. A review of the Town of Gawler Animal Management Plan be undertaken. 2. A stakeholder and community engagement process be carried out as detailed in this report. 3. A draft Animal Management Plan 2019 – 2024 Discussion Paper be presented to the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee for consideration prior to release for formal community consultation. 4. A further report be provided to the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee on the outcomes of the community consultation designed to assist in the development of a draft Animal Management Plan 2019 – 2024.
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION Council undertook a Community engagement and consultation period between 15 May 2019 and 7 June 2019. An Animal Management Plan Update Community Workshop was also undertaken on the evening of 4 June 2019 at the Town of Gawler, Civic Centre. Outcomes of the community workshop are attached for information (Refer Attachment 2).
The Animal Management Plan predominately focuses on dogs and cats, however it also includes other animals that are having a significant community or environmental impact.
The Plan is structured into the following four key areas of:
1. Dog Management 2. Cat Management 3. Other Animal Management 4. Plan Implementation
The Plan contains a total of 10 objectives under each of the four key result areas relating to that area of animal management. To ensure the objectives are reached, 39 specific strategies are identified under each objective that provide more targeted outcomes. The Plan contains Key Performance Indicators (KPI) developed to monitor Council’s progress in achieving the animal management objectives identified in the Plan.
Key Result Area 1: Dog Management Objective 1 - Decrease the number of unregistered dogs Objective 2 - Encourage Responsible Dog Ownership Objective 3 - Protect the Community from Dog Attacks and Dangerous Dogs Objective 4 - Manage Barking Dogs
Key Result Area 2: Cat Management Objective 5 - Minimise the environmental impacts of cats Objective 6 - Encourage Responsible Cat Ownership
Item 7.6 Page 72 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
Item 7.6 Page 73 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
Key Result Area 3: Other Animal Management Objective 7 - Reduce the negative impacts of pest birds in the community Objective 8 - Manage Foxes and Rabbits
Key Result Area 4: Plan Implementation Objective 9 - Secure financial resources for implementing plan strategies Objective 10 - Secure non-financial resources to implement the plan
The animal management objectives outlined above support and align with the objectives of the Dog and Cat Management Act to encourage responsible dog and cat ownership, reduce public and environmental nuisance caused by dogs and cats and to promote the effective management of dogs and cats. Aside from the animal management objectives and strategies identified in the Plan the document also contains other information relating animal management and to the plans development.
Animal Management Plan Review and Approval Process Given the process undertaken in 2014 to establish of the Plan it is considered that a process designed to simply update and refresh the Animal Management Plan is appropriate, rather than undertaking any wholesale change. The review process commenced in June 2019 with the publication and promotion of a discussion paper. It is anticipated that the process will then take approximately 4 months to be completed, including presenting the draft plan to Council for consideration prior to release for community consultation and then formal adoption. A community survey was carried out using a questionnaire (Refer Attachment 3) to gain the communities views on the Plan and to seek suggestions and comments in relation it’s updating. The survey was advertised locally via print and social media and offered as an electronic survey via Councils “Your Voice” survey portal. Hard copies of the survey were also be left at various Council locations such as the Libraries, customer service and the Elderly Centre. Additionally a workshop was carried out where elected members and members of the community could attend and contribute to the review. The information was made available via advertisements on print and hard copy media, social media and websites. A total of two responses on the review of the Animal Management Plan were received (Refer Attachment 4) The community responses to the Animal Management Plan Survey identified several issues. Survey responses identified cats relative to being a nuisances being an issue of concern and a good understanding of dog laws and dog behavioural issues. The respondent discussed the need to convince cat owners to be responsible and the elimination of feral cats and feral pigeons. They concluded by stating that the Clonlea Dog park was wonderful. The second respondent was also concerned by the nuisance caused by cats and noise from barking and wandering dogs. They identified fines as being an option for not obeying laws and dogs always being walked on a lead. They also suggested that dogs should always be on a lead and cats be restricted to cat runs on cat owner properties at all times. Additionally, they mentioned that pest birds should be reduced and little corellas are not true natives. As a result, both the survey response and the outcomes of the community workshop have been used to assist staff in the preparation of an updated Animal Management Plan. The plan of management must cover a 5 year period and each plan must be prepared and presented to the Board at least 6 months before it is to take effect. A plan of management must be approved by the Board before it takes effect. It is anticipated that following the review and endorsement of the draft Plan by the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee the draft Plan (Refer Attachment 1) will be released for formal community consultation in accordance with Town of Gawler Community Consultation Policy prior to formal adoption by Council.
Item 7.6 Page 74 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Chief Executive Officer Manager Development, Environment and Regulatory Services Council Members
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Members of the Public Dog and Cat Management Board
POLICY IMPLICATIONS Nil
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Dog and Cat Management Act 1995
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS The costs for the development, preparation and implementation of the initiatives associated with the Animal Management Plan are included within the annual recurrent budget.
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 2.3: The local environment to be respected Objective 2.4: Manage growth through the real connection of people and places Objective 3.1: Health and social wellbeing services in Gawler to meet growing regional community needs Objective 3.3: Provide facilities for a range of different recreational activities. Objective 3.4: Gawler to be an inclusive and welcoming community Objective 4.5 Support provision of useable open space that preserves natural habitat and biodiversity Objective 5.4: Create a safe community environment
Item 7.6 Page 75 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
7.7 BUILDING FIRE SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP UPDATE Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/502 Author(s): Nathan Schultz, Building Officer Previous Motions: Council, 23/02/2016, Motion No. 2016:01:01 Attachments: 1. Appointment of South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) Officers to the Gawler Building Fire Safety Committee - Metropolitan Fire Service South Australia CR19/47564 2. Building Fire Safety - Terms of Reference CR14/45267 3. Building Fire Safety Policy adopted 13-03-2018 CR17/28108
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION
That the Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee recommends to Council that Council appoints:- 1. The following persons to the Town of Gawler Building Fire Safety Committee for the period 1 September 2019 through to 31 August 2022 pursuant to Section 71 (19) (a) of the Development Act, 1993: 1.1 Mr Nathan Schultz (Building Officer) as the representative for the Town of Gawler Council 1.2 Mr Scott Druce (Station Officer) as the representative for the Metropolitan Fire Service South Australia 2. The following persons to the Town of Gawler Building Fire Safety Committee for the period 1 September 2019 through to 31 August 2022 pursuant to Section 71 (19) (d) of the Development Act, 1993: 2.1 Mr Jon Pearce (Station Officer) as the deputy member for the Metropolitan Fire Service South Australia
SUMMARY Under the Development Act 1993 (the Act), all Councils are required to establish and maintain a Building Fire Safety Committee. A Building Fire Safety Committee is required to have at least 3 members, of whom: (a) One must be a person with prescribed qualifications in building surveying appointed by the council; (b) One must be a person nominated by the Chief Officer of the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service South Australia (MFS). (c) One must be a person with expertise in the area of fire safety appointed by the council. Due to a change in staff, the Town of Gawler is required to appoint a new representative. Due to changes in personnel and restructure, the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS) have nominated a new representative and alternate (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND Section 71 of the act establishes the power for Councils to investigate whether building owners are maintaining proper levels of fire safety in their buildings for the protection of all occupiers, whether they be residents and workers who use them regularly, or clients and visitors who only use them occasionally.
Item 7.7 Page 76 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
An Authorised Officer from a council can inspect existing buildings to check if the fire safety is adequate. If not, a building fire safety committee, as an 'appropriate authority' under the Act, can take action to require the owner to upgrade the fire safety of the building to an appropriate level. The Town of Gawler Council has previously established and maintained a Building Fire Safety Committee (the Committee).
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION The Development Act 1993 charges Council, as the Appropriate Authority for its area, with the responsibility to investigate whether commercial building owners are maintaining the legislated level of building fire safety for the protection of all occupants of that building. Section 71 (19), of the Act sets out the required personnel of the Appropriate Authority and determines that the term of office be for a period not exceeding three (3) years. The Appropriate Authority for this purpose is the Committee. Under the Committee’s Terms of Reference (Attachment 2), where a member of the Committee becomes vacant: 9.2. Should a vacancy in membership of the BFSC occur at any time then the Council shall fill that vacancy at the earliest opportunity. Council’s most recent appointments are as set out below: Moved by Cr K Fischer Seconded by Deputy Mayor D Hughes Motion No: 2016:02:28
That:- 1. Council appoints the following persons to the Town of Gawler Council Building Fire Safety Committee pursuant to Section 71 (19) (a) of the Development Act 1993: 1.1. Mr Phillip Evans (Fire Safety Officer), as the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service representative. 2. Council appoints the following persons to the Town of Gawler Building Fire Safety Committee pursuant to Section 71 (19) (d) of the Development Act, 1993: 2.1. Mr Brendan West (Fire Safety Officer), as the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service deputy representative. 2.2. Mr Cameron Clark (Building Officer) as the deputy for The Town of Gawler Council. 3. The appointments operate from 23 February 2016 through to 23 February 2019.
Council has also previously appointed Mr Peter Harmer as the person with the appropriate expertise in fire safety.
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Manager of Development, Environment and Regulatory Services Team Leader of Development Services Governance Officers Building Officer
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Consultation has been undertaken with Mr Peter Harmer as Presiding Member and Mr Philip Evan out as going Member for the MFS.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS The Committee will continue to apply the current Terms of Reference, Building Fire Safety Policy (Attachment 3) and the requirements of the Development Act 1993. Through altering its
Item 7.7 Page 77 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019 membership there will be no policy impacts.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS The committee is established pursuant to Section 71 (19) of the Development Act 1993.
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS The costs associated with operating the Committee are contained within the adopted 2019/2020 Annual Budget. $3,000 has been allocated for this purpose.
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 2.2: Growth to be sustainable and respectful of cultural and built heritage Objective 5.3: Deliver ongoing effective and efficient services, including support for regional collaboration Objective 5.4: Create a safe community environment
Item 7.7 Page 78 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
7.8 POLICY REVIEW Record Number: CC19/152;IC19/489 Author(s): Nathan Schultz, Building Officer Previous Motions: Nil Attachments: 1. DRAFT Building and Swimming Pool Inspection Policy 2. DRAFT Section 3 Policy - Compliance Development Act - Planning
3. DRAFT Section 3 Policy - Naming of Roads CR19/52000
OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee adopts the following policies: 1. Building and Swimming Pool Inspections Policy 2. Compliance Development Act 1993 Policy 3. Naming of Roads Policy
SUMMARY This report provides review on implementation of the Building and Swimming Pool Inspection Policy and Compliance Development Act 1993 Policy, and seeks their adoption moving forward. In addition, this provides additional commentary in relation to the Naming of Roads Policy
BACKGROUND At the previous Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee meeting on 11 June 2019, the Committee resolved (2019:06:IES034) COMMITTEE RESOLUTION 2019:06:IES034 Moved: Cr K Goldstone Seconded: Cr J Vallelonga
That the Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee: 1. Adopts the following policies: 1.1 Dog Registrations (as amended) 1.2 Town Centre Parking Strategy 1.3 Stobie Poles – Painting 1.4 Asset Management (as amended) 1.5 Landscaping Verge Areas (Footways) by Residents 1.6 Land Divisions – Indentures, Bonds and Bank Guarantees
2. Request that a review of the Building and Swimming Pool Inspections Policy and the Compliance Development Act 1993 Policy be presented to the August IES Committee for its consideration. 3. Request that the Naming of Roads Policy Report be reviewed as it relates to duplicate named roads and presented to the next IES Committee for its consideration. As stated the Town of Gawler Council has two (2) policies associated with the inspection regimes of approved developments. The Council Building and Swimming Pool Inspection policy was implemented in 2001, following amendments to the Development Act 1993 (the Act) through the Development (Systems Improvement Program) Amendment Act 2000, requiring Councils to have such a policy. This policy reflects the legislative requirements under the Act.
Item 7.8 Page 79 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
On notification, Council (Building) Officers must inspect: 1. 66% of Development Approvals constructed by Licenced Builders and 2. 90% of Development Approvals constructed by Owner Builders and 3. 100% of Swimming Pool safety barriers constructions. 4. The Building and Swimming Pool Policy of Council also sets a target of 10% for Class 3, 9 10a and 10b structures.
Notwithstanding the above mentioned, Building and Swimming Pool Inspection Policy is likely to require amendments, in anticipation of the Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 Regulations, coming into full effect at 1 July 2020. At this stage, future amendments to the policy are not yet known. A separate policy pertaining to planning process was adopted by Council in 2014. The Compliance Development Act (Planning) Policy is in place to ensure community expectations and legislative requirements are met relating to approved developments. It was identified that not all development need to, or can be inspected, for compliance. As such, a systematic approach is therefore necessary to determine the inspection regime associated with planning consent. The Compliance Development Act (Planning) Policy stipulates that inspection priorities for Council Administration staff are: 1. Applications determined by Council’s Development Assessment Panel ( now the Council Assessment Panel); 2. Applications for change in land use; 3. Two-storey dwellings and rural dwellings (especially in bushfire or flood prone areas); 4. Multiple dwellings (group dwellings, residential flat buildings, semi-detached dwellings, row dwellings – this will capture the majority of community title developments); 5. Non-residential buildings (industry, farm buildings); and 6. All other Development Plan Consent (Planning Applications).
COMMENTS/DISCUSSION Under the Act, developments that include building work require Development Plan Consent and Building Rules Consent before Development Approval is issued Once a Development Approval is issued, an applicant has 12 months in order to substantially commence construction works and three (3) years in order to complete the development in accordance with their Development Approval. Once building work commences, and within this overarching three year period, there is a legislative requirement on certain classifications of development for the applicant to notify Council of the completion of specified milestones in the construction phase, and then again on completion. These notifications trigger a legislative requirement as previously mentioned on Council to inspect 66% of Development Approvals being constructed by Licenced Builders, 90% of Development Approvals being constructed by Owner Builders and 100% of Swimming Pool constructions. The Building and Swimming Pool Policy of Council also sets a target of 10% for Class 3 to 9 (commercial buildings) 10a (domestic sheds, carports and verandahs) and 10b structures (fences and retaining walls).
Item 7.8 Page 80 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
In accordance with this legislative requirement and the Building and Swimming Pool Inspection Policy, Council is currently achieving compliance as per details provided below: Since last policy review in 2017 Required Number of Achieved Number of to current inspections notifications inspections inspections (total) Licenced Builders 66% 356 67% 238 Owner builders 90% 11 91% 10 Swimming pool safety barriers 100% 10 340%* 34 Class 3 to 9, 10a and 10b 10% 3 100% 3
* Council Building officers proactively pursue pool safety barrier inspections, regardless of notification status
Amendments to the Building and Swimming Pool Inspection Policy, presented to the IES Committee at the previous committee meeting on 11 June 2019 (Attachment 1), are minor amendments to align the policy wording with the Act, clarification as to who determines a structure to be dangerous, an amendment to a time frame specified within the Act and amendments that reference the correct Regulations under the Act and sections under the Act. With regards to the Compliance Development Act 1993 (Planning) Policy, Council’s Administration Staff inspect all items where the Council Assessment Panel (Formerly the Council Development Assessment Panel) have made a determination, as these approvals tend to be of greater community significance. Furthermore, prior to the issuing of Section 51 clearance, all land divisions are inspected which includes both Torrens Titled and Community Titled developments. Additionally, in terms of “on completion” inspections, based on all Development Approvals, Council is currently achieving an inspection rate of 20% of full development approved applications in accordance with the Council Compliance Development Act (Planning) Policy. The current “on completion inspection” window, being development approvals issued in the 2015/2016 financial year, must now have been completed in accordance with their Development Approval. Notwithstanding, it should be noted that, based on both policy inspection regimes, Council undertakes inspections of approximately 30% of all development approvals issued in any given year, based on the total number of approve developments and the total number of inspections, from 2015 to present. This does not include ad hoc inspections, prior and during construction inspections or reinspections undertaken by staff in relation to complaints or compliance issues, which are inherently related to a failure to comply with conditions associated with historical or current approvals and/or forms of unauthorised development. Amendments to this policy previously presented to the IES committee (Attachment 2) included: An addition to the inspection priorities for developments that require specific works to be undertaken within a specific time period which may be prior to occupation of a building reference to the Council Assessment Panel (formerly Council Development Assessment Panel); Replacement of specific requirements to inspect 2 storey developments to include all dwellings with site specific requirements associated with the approval; and Rewording and realignment to inspect Full Development Approvals as opposed to Development Plan Consent (as these approvals are not fully approved).
(Naming of Roads) In relation to the Naming of Roads Policy, in particular the issue of duplicate names, where concern has been raised by the community, Council has previously investigated and changed road names where appropriate. Staff advise that the policy as drafted seeks to avoid this issue. As such the policy contains the following provisions:
Item 7.8 Page 81 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
3.1.1.2 All road names will be unique within the Town of Gawler. Where duplicate names occur Council must rename roads to avoid any confusion.
3.1.1.4 Duplicate names and similar sounding names (e.g. Paice, Payce or Pace Roads) within the Town of Gawler must be avoided wherever possible.
3.1.1.5 Duplication of names in proximity to adjacent suburb or locality must be avoided. However, roads crossing Council boundaries should have a single and unique name for consistency, continuity and to avoid confusion.
It is considered that this issue of duplicate names is sufficiently addressed with the Naming of Roads Policy.
Amendments to this policy previously presented to the IES committee (Attachment 3) include: Policy frequency of review from biennial to four yearly.
COMMUNICATION (INTERNAL TO COUNCIL) Chief Executive Officer Manager Development Environment and Regulatory Services Team leader Development Services Council Building Officer Council Planning Officers
CONSULTATION (EXTERNAL TO COUNCIL) No consultation with external bodies was required. It is advisable that these policies be placed on Council’s website so that they are readily available to developers, builders and applicants.
POLICY IMPLICATIONS This change to policy will update and align these policies to comply with the requirements of the Act.
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Development Act 1993 Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016
FINANCIAL/BUDGET IMPLICATIONS Nil
COMMUNITY PLAN Objective 1.3: Protect and promote Gawler’s unique heritage Objective 2.2: Growth to be sustainable and respectful of cultural and built heritage Objective 5.4: Create a safe community environment
Item 7.8 Page 82 of 83 Infrastructure & Environmental Services Committee Meeting Agenda 13 August 2019
8 ITEMS LISTED FOR DISCUSSION
9 ITEMS LISTED FOR DISCUSSION AT FUTURE MEETINGS
10 QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
11 MOTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE
12 CLOSE
13 NEXT ORDINARY MEETING
Tuesday 8 October 2019 commencing at 7:00pm