standing committees 11 june 2015 meetings/… · 1998 from nsw department of family and community...

BUSINESS PAPER

Meeting of

STANDING COMMITTEES

11 JUNE 2015 ________________________

Canterbury City – a great place to live and work

The Mayor and Councillors Notice is hereby given that meetings of Standing Committees will be held in the The Council Chambers, 137 Beamish Street, Campsie on Thursday 11 June 2015, the first of which commences at 7.30 P.M. Disclosure of Interest: Section 451 of the Local Government Act 1993 requires a Councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the Council is concerned and who is present at the meeting of the Council or Committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the interest, and the nature of that interest, to the meeting as soon as practicable. The Councillor is required to leave the Chamber while the matter is being discussed and not return until it has been voted on. Your attendance is requested. Jim Montague PSM GENERAL MANAGER 3 June 2015 BUSINESS CITY SERVICES COMMITTEE 1. Confirmation of minutes - 14 May 2015 2. Apologies 3. Public addresses 4. Officers reports

CITY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 1. Confirmation of minutes - 14 May 2015 2. Apologies 3. Public addresses 4. Officers reports

CITY SERVICES COMMITTEE 11 JUNE 2015

Page 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chairperson: Councillor Saleh Deputy Chairperson: Councillor Eisler

ITEM SUBJECT PAGE NO

1 2014-15 INTEGRATED PLANNING QUARTERLY REVIEW – JANUARY TO MARCH 2015 .................................................................................... 4

2 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION FUNDING .......................................... 17

3 FIELD ALLOCATION AT BEAMAN PARK, EARLWOOD.............................. 19

4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT ............... 22

5 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING EVENTS ......................................................... 25

6 PROGRESS OF WORKS - MAY 2015 .................................................................... 27

This meeting will be recorded on audio tape for minute-taking purposes as authorised by the Local Government Act 1993.


Page 2

REPORT SUMMARIES

1 2014-15 INTEGRATED PLANNING QUARTERLY REVIEW – JANUARY TO MARCH 2015

This report outlines progress in relation to priority projects in each of the five themes of our Community Strategic Plan, and performance in relation to key indicators in our Delivery Program and Operational Plan for the quarter ended 31 March 2015.

It is recommended the report be noted.

2 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION FUNDING

Our Early Childhood Intervention Service has been receiving funding since 1998 from NSW Department of Family and Community Services -Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) for the provision of speech pathology services to preschool aged children with speech delays or disorders.

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) this funding is to be individualised and available only for children with diagnosed disabilities.

In April 2014 Council resolved to notify ADHC of our intention to terminate our funding agreement after completion of a phasing down period at 30 June 2015.

ADHC tendered the funding and the successful tenderer is Koorana Child and Family Services Inc (Koorana) located in Council premises in Croydon St, Lakemba.


3 FIELD ALLOCATION AT BEAMAN PARK, EARLWOOD

The playing fields at the southern end of Beaman Park have been reconfigured to provide for a new playing field (Playing Field 7).

Hurlstone Park Wanderers and a new club called Cooks River Titans have expressed interest in hiring the new soccer field.

Advice was sought from Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association (CDSFA) on which of the two clubs has greatest need for use of the playing field.

CDSFA held meetings with representatives from Hurlstone Park Wanderers and the Cooks River Titans. CDSFA recommended that Cooks River Titans continue the use field 6 at Beaman Park and be allocated the use of field 3 and Hurlstone Park Wanderers continue to use fields 4, 5 and 8 and be allocated field 7 for the 2015 winter season. The recommendation is supported.


Page 3

4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Correspondence has been received from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) regarding the Federal Government’s decision to freeze indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs).

The ALGA is seeking our assistance in its campaign to have FAGs indexation restored immediately, and for the Federal Government to consider the grants adequacy and indexation methodology moving forward. The campaign is supported by Local Government NSW.

We have already undertaken a number of important initiatives supporting the reintroduction of indexation for the FAGs and these initiatives are outlined in the report.

It is recommended we support the ALGA’s campaign.

5 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING EVENTS

Community tree planting events have been held successfully since 1999. 29,570 trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted at these events by 1,963

volunteers. Funding for the community tree planting events has been provided in the

2015/2016 Budget and suitable sites have been identified. This report recommends times, dates and sites for community tree planting

events to be held between July 2015 and June 2016.

6 PROGRESS OF WORKS - MAY 2015

In order to keep the Committee fully informed regarding the progress of works, this report outlines the status of each of the projects included in the Infrastructure Renewal Program which is funded by a special levy. Advice on the progress of other works included in other Programs being carried out by Contract is also provided.

In addition, other capital works projects completed or in progress during the period, have been identified.


CITY SERVICES COMMITTEE - ITEM 1 11 JUNE 2015

Page 4

1 2014-15 INTEGRATED PLANNING QUARTERLY REVIEW – JANUARY TO MARCH 2015

FILE NO: C-114-7 14/15

Attachments: Register of Reports Requested

REPORT BY: DIRECTOR CORPORATE SERVICES

Summary:

This report outlines progress in relation to priority projects in each of the five themes of our Community Strategic Plan, and performance in relation to key indicators in our Delivery Program and Operational Plan for the quarter ended 31 March 2015.


Council Delivery Program and Budget Implications:

This report has no implications for the Budget and supports our Community Strategic Plan long term goal of Effective Governance.

Report:

Priority Projects Progress in relation to priority projects in the five themes in our Community Strategic Plan is outlined below.

Theme 1. Attractive city

Priority Projects Progress Implement our Residential Development Strategy.

Planning proposal for Stage 1 sites gazetted. Separate planning proposal for remaining sites will be required pending completion of required RMS traffic study. The traffic study has been commissioned.

Participate in the Inner West Regional Rid Squad to combat illegal dumping.

The RID Squad officer appointed for the City of Canterbury commenced their general duties in August 2014. During this quarter the Officer carried out numerous investigations in relation to illegally dumped waste which resulted in a number of dumping incidents being cleaned up and removed by those responsible.

Continue to implement the State Governments Planning reforms and the recommendations of our recent internal review of Development Assessment processes.

The new Planning Act remains stalled in NSW Parliament. Implementation of the recommendations of the DA Review is in progress.


2014-15 INTEGRATED PLANNING QUARTERLY REVIEW – JANUARY TO MARCH 2015 (CONT.)

Page 5

Theme 1. Attractive city

Priority Projects Progress Complete Earlwood Town Centre Improvement Works valued at $600,000.

In progress.

Implement the Riverwood Industrial Precinct Improvement Plan.

In progress.

Theme 2. Stronger community

Priority Projects Progress Implement our Community Service Order Project removing graffiti from private property at no cost to the owner.

This service continues with 53 sites cleaned in the third quarter. In addition a Youth Graffiti Art Mural project is in progress. The project commenced in February 2015 with the artist delivering a number of workshops with young people through the Youth at Lakemba Program. Input was positive and the designs and ideas of young people will be incorporated into the final design. It is anticipated that the mural will be completed by the end of the financial year. A proposed design has been submitted for approval.

Continue the successful Youth at Lakemba Project – a casual drop in service for young people during the school term at Lakemba Library.

Youth @ Lakemba Program continues in partnership with a number of organisations including: Canterbury Bankstown Youth Service, Barnardos, Marrickville Legal Centre, Metro Migrant Resource Centre (Campsie), Fusion Australia (Campsie) and Youthblock Youth Health Service. Program is now operating for four days, with approximately 200 young people attending, each week. Young people have engaged in various recreation activities structured activities to develop life skills are being planned.



Page 6

Theme 2. Stronger community

Priority Projects Progress Conduct the Canterbury Cares Mental Health and Wellbeing Campaign - workshops, seminars and information to improve your mental health and wellbeing throughout September and October 2014.

Over 40 events were scheduled by 24 community partners (up from 12 in 2012) and as of 30 September, 19 events had been held. New partners include Rotary, PROBUS, and Wesley Mission Lifeforce and new events include Mental Health First Aid Training, a 4 hour Suicide Prevention Course, and a Partners in Depression course for carers.

Infrastructure works to improve pedestrian mobility and disability access facilities at bus stops.

Detailed design completed. Plans reviewed and approved by Disability Access Committee.

Develop asset improvement schedules for our Aquatic Centres.

Condition assessments have been completed for both Canterbury Aquatic and Fitness Centre, and Roselands Aquatic Centre, and work on preparing management schedules is in progress.

Redesign and refurbish the entrance to Campsie Library.

Complete.

Complete repairs to Lakemba Library and Senior Citizens Centre.

Not yet commenced.

Improvements to parks and reserves. Playground, picnic areas and landscaping in Rotary Park, installation of a picnic shelter at Rosedale Reserve, installation of irrigation at Blick Oval completed. Installation of shade sails at Peace Park, Lees Park, and Canterbury Park also completed. Resurfacing at Coolibah St Tennis Courts complete.

Theme 3. Healthy environment

Priority Projects Progress Infrastructure Renewal Projects including footpath rehabilitation, road resealing and reconstruction.

51 / 56 concrete footpath rehabilitation projects completed, 27 / 37 road resurfacing and road works projects completed.

Undertake major road repair and reconstruction projects in Kingsgrove, Lakemba, Croydon Park, Belmore, Campsie, and Wiley Park.

Work in Kingsgrove Road completed. Replacement of failed concrete road slabs completed in Beamish Street, Campsie.



Page 7

Theme 3. Healthy environment

Priority Projects Progress Replace asphalt sections of the Cooks River Bike Path in Beaman Park.

Completed in April 2015.

Commence construction of community building as part of the redevelopment of Ewen Park

Pre-design consultant team engaged.

Car parking, levelling and floodlighting upgrade at Earlwood Oval, and installation of floodlighting at Campbell Oval.

Levelling of Earlwood Oval is currently being reconsidered. Campbell Oval floodlighting completed.

Develop a Sustainable Waste and Resource Capture Strategy.

Investigation into future options for processing and managing resources sustainably and minimising waste to meet the NSW Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2014-21 is being undertaken.

Implement our Biodiversity Strategy. A grant for River bank restoration and salt marsh protection at Waterworth Park has been lodged through the NSW Coastal & Estuary Program. This has been identified as a priority in both Biodiversity Strategy and Wolli Creek Riparian Management Plan.

Implement our contribution to the Regional Energy Master Plan.

Our Solar Future website developed and ready to launch in April. Final Solar PV feasibility study report for Council for 23 properties has been received and is being reviewed. Installation of the lighting upgrade at Campsie & Lakemba Library and Riverwood Community Centre as part of the Community Energy Efficiency Project is now complete.

Deliver sustainability projects with our community including Smart Biz, Environment@Lakemba and sustainability workshops.

Sustainable Schools Grants awarded to 8 schools. CALD Sustainable Business program has now ended, with 111 businesses being engaged and 67 assessed for energy and waste reduction actions. Interpretative Signage related to the Litter Boom and the Boat Harbour water bird sanctuary has been installed. Youth Art workshops for Lakemba Library project held with over 40 participants.



Page 8

Theme 4. Strategic leadership

Priority Projects Progress Implement Web 2.0 technologies to improve community engagement for Council services and programs.

We are currently working towards ensuring that our websites adhere to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. We are also continuing to use social media to promote our services and events and are witnessing a steady increase in uptake of these popular platforms by our residents.

Diversify and develop online services and computer training initiatives at Council Libraries.

A partnership has been initiated with BreakThru Employment to develop and implement computer workshops for eGovernment and job searches.

Upgrade fixed line telephone systems to improve customer response.

The contract for replacement of the PABX has been awarded to the successful applicant.

Implement our Property Portfolio Policy to maximise financial returns from Council property assets.

A review of the use of all Council-owned land to develop strategies to achieve maximum community and organisational benefit from these properties is ongoing with a number of properties subject to reports to Council.

Implement the NSW Local Government Performance Measurement Framework.

The report of the second round of the Local Government Professionals Association / Price Waterhouse Coopers Organisational Effectiveness Survey has now been received.

Theme 5. Improving council

Priority Projects Progress Launch Local History eCollections. This was publicised from early November as

part of 75th Anniversary of Library Act exhibition

Upgrade core Financial Infrastructure Systems.

Upgrades to our financial system have been completed.

Update and enhance our IT Disaster Recovery Plan and IT Strategic Plan.

A test of our business continuity plan has been completed and the plan updated.

Implement online Injury Management System and Safe Working Procedures.

The new online Incident Management System has been implemented and is working well. Safe work procedures continue to be revised and updated across the organisation.



Page 9

Operating Plan Performance Targets The Operating Plan for 2014-15 sets out performance management items – service standards, strategy targets and initiatives – for each functional area in each division. As part of the management and accountability process, these are reviewed and reported on a quarterly basis. In summary, by Division, the tables below present the position regarding performance management items as at 31 March 2015.

All Items Division Number Achieved Not Achieved City Works 107 98% 2% Corporate Services 305 99% 1% City Planning 49 96% 4% Organisation 461 98% 2%

Service Standards

Division Number Achieved Not Achieved City Works 62 100% 0% Corporate Services 124 99% 1% City Planning 19 95% 5% Organisation 205 99% 1%

Strategy Targets

Division Number Achieved Not Achieved City Works 20 90% 10% Corporate Services 96 98% 2% City Planning 13 92% 8% Organisation 129 96% 4%

Initiatives

Division Number Complete or In Progress

Not Proceeding As Planned

City Works 25 100% 0% Corporate Services 85 100% 0% City Planning 17 100% 0% Organisation 127 100% 0%

Council Performance Measures Our Council Delivery Plan outlines a number of Council performance measures that are used to determine how well Council is performing in relation to the delivery of key services that are contributing to the achievement of the outcomes which are important to our community. These also are monitored and reviewed as part of the quarterly performance management process, and are indicated in the graphs below.



Page 10

431

409 44

7

478

100% 100% 100% 100%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

1,000

Jun-14 Sep-14 Dec-14 Mar-15

% r

emo

ved

wit

hin

5 d

ays

To

nn

es c

olle

cted

Attractive City Performance Measure -Dumped Rubbish

Tonnes collected % removed within 2 days - Target 100%

1 0 3 2

62 59

128

75

0

100

200


Nu

mb

er

Attractive City Performance Measure -Street Cleaning

Complaints Requests



Page 11

1,519

0395

0

373

329

626

474

100% 100% 100% 100%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000


% c

om

ple

ted

wit

hin

7 d

ays

Job

s co

mp

lete

d

Attractive City Performance Measure -Street Tree Maintenance

Jobs completed - requests

Jobs completed - scheduled

% completed within 7 days - Target 100%

30,2

73

25,1

55

37,6

53

46,0

60

33,7

44

26,9

22

57,5

31

50,3

84

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000


Att

end

ance

per

qu

arte

r

Stronger Community Performance Measure -Aquatic Centres Attendance

Canterbury Roselands



Page 12

170,

139

178,

346

168,

752

167,

421

95%90%

95% 94%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000


% s

ati

sfa

cti

on

Lib

rary

vis

ito

rs

Stronger Community Performance Measure -Libraries

Library visits Satisfaction with events and programs - Target 90%

127 34

8

396

0

200

400

600

800

1,000

Sep-14 Dec-14 Mar-15 Jun-15

Nu

mb

er

of

insp

ec

tio

ns

Stronger Community Performance Measure -Food shop inspections

Number of inspections (YTD)

Annual target for number of inspections



Page 13

19 23 18 1112 8 7 8

94% 95% 95% 95%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

50

100

150

200

250


% r

esp

on

se

Co

mp

lain

ts /

Bin

s M

iss

ed

Healthy Environment Performance Measure -Waste Services

Complaints

Bins missed more than once

% response to missed bin within 24 hrs - Target 100%

9692 95 94

0

20

40

60

80

100

120


Da

ys

Healthy Environment Performance Measure -Development Assessment

Average Gross Processing Time



Page 14

2

11 14 1714

13

13

15

100% 100% 100% 100%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50


% r

esp

on

se t

imes

met

Re

qu

es

ts

Strategic Leadership Performance Measure -Access to Information Requests

Formal

Informal - governance review required

% response times met

107,

375

109,

821

112,

793

131,

252

5,86

0

7,36

7

7,36

7

7,25

3

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000


Re

qu

es

ts

Strategic Leadership Performance Measure -Website Visitors

Website visitors Track your DA views



Page 15

2,87

9

2,46

4

3,11

0

5,04

0

94%98% 99%

93%

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000


% r

esp

on

se t

imes

met

Re

qu

es

ts

Improving Organisation Performance Measure - Customer Requests

Customer requests and complaints referred

% response times met

2

6

10

12

0

5

10

15

20

25


Inju

ries

/ D

ays

lost

per

inju

ry

Improving Organisation Performance Measure Lost Time Injuries

Number of Lost Time Injuries (year to date)



Page 16

Outstanding Reports Council on 24 October 2013, considered a motion regarding decisions to call for reports and the actioning of these requests. Council resolved that a status update on all outstanding reports be provided at the Council meeting at which the quarterly budget and performance review is presented. In accordance with the resolution (Council Minute No. 57/13) the register of reports is included in the Attachments. The register is available to Councillors on the Councillor portal.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report be noted.


Page 17

2 EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION FUNDING

FILE NO: C-72-900


Summary:

Our Early Childhood Intervention Service has been receiving funding since 1998 from NSW Department of Family and Community Services -Ageing, Disability and Home Care (ADHC) for the provision of speech pathology services to preschool aged children with speech delays or disorders.

Under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) this funding is to be individualised and available only for children with diagnosed disabilities.

In April 2014 Council resolved to notify ADHC of our intention to terminate our funding agreement after completion of a phasing down period at 30 June 2015.

ADHC tendered the funding and the successful tenderer is Koorana Child and Family Services Inc (Koorana) located in Council premises in Croydon St, Lakemba.



This report has implications for the Budget and supports our Community Strategic Plan long term goal of Access to Services.

Report:

Current Status of the early childhood intervention service The $125,170 funding from ADHC will cease on 30 June 2015. This funding covered the costs of one full time speech pathologist and contributed to the cost of our part time (24 hours per week) Speech Pathologist. Letters were sent to families and Children’s Centres in August last year to notify them of the loss of funding and the reduction in our service. Families and local Children’s Centres who have accessed our service over the years were also provided with details of other options for therapists. Our full time Speech Pathologist resigned in January 2015 and in light of the changes to funding, that position was not replaced. Most of the children the Speech Pathologist worked with had finished their therapy with us at the end of 2014 as part of the phasing down period. Our part time Speech Pathologist has continued working with those children who still required assistance, as well as those on her own caseload. As such, there has been no impact on families. The focus of the remaining part time Speech Pathologist has been primarily to provide a service to children and families in our Children’s Centres. While this has meant a successful phasing down of the service for children, families and children’s services, we are required to return unspent funding to the Department at the end of the financial year. We anticipate that this will be approximately $35,000.


EARLY CHILDHOOD INTERVENTION FUNDING (CONT.)

Page 18

Re-auspice of Early Childhood Intervention funding After we had provided notice that we would not be continuing to provide the service in Canterbury, the Department put the funding out for tender. Koorana Child and Family Service Inc (Koorana) was the successful tenderer. Koorana is a well-known and respected service for families in our City based in Council premises in Lakemba. They have been providing services to families with children with disabilities for over 30 years. The funding will be transferred to Koorana, effective 1 July 2015, and will support the continued provision of therapy for children with diagnosed disabilities in our local area. The Department has thanked us for the partnership with them in providing a highly valued service to the community for so many years and is pleased that the funding will stay within our local community.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT the report be noted


Page 19

3 FIELD ALLOCATION AT BEAMAN PARK, EARLWOOD

FILE NO: P-5-2 PT 9 & B-7-11


Summary:

The playing fields at the southern end of Beaman Park have been reconfigured to provide for a new playing field (Playing Field 7).

Hurlstone Park Wanderers and a new club called Cooks River Titans have expressed interest in hiring the new soccer field.

Advice was sought from Canterbury & District Soccer Football Association (CDSFA) on which of the two clubs has greatest need for use of the playing field.

CDSFA held meetings with representatives from Hurlstone Park Wanderers and the Cooks River Titans. CDSFA recommended that Cooks River Titans continue the use field 6 at Beaman Park and be allocated the use of field 3 and Hurlstone Park Wanderers continue to use fields 4, 5 and 8 and be allocated field 7 for the 2015 winter season. The recommendation is supported.


The hire of the new Field 7 at Beaman Park will provide additional income that is not included in the budget. The report supports our Community Strategic Plan long term goal of Health and Safety.

Report:

Prior to the commencement of the 2015 winter season the playing fields at the southern end of Beaman Park, Earlwood were reconfigured. Two mini fields were converted into a half field (Field 8) and a new full size soccer field was created (Field 7). Two clubs have expressed interest in using the new field, being Hurlstone Park Wanderers and Cooks River Titans. Hurlstone Park Wanderers currently use fields 3, 4, 5 and the two mini fields (now converted to a half field) and Cooks River Titans use field 6. Our policy on the seasonal allocation of sporting fields states that for a Club to have seasonal use of our sporting field/s, it must satisfy the following eligibility criteria: The Club should be local (within the Canterbury Local Government area) Affiliated with a local association Have teams participating in local competitions In allocating our sporting fields, the policy states that preference should be given to clubs and associations in the following order: 1. Long term seasonal hirers – clubs and associations that satisfy the eligibility criteria

and have hired fields in the previous year. 2. New eligible hirers – clubs and associations that satisfy the eligibility criteria, have

requested use of Council’s sports fields, and are on a waiting list. 3. Other hirers.


FIELD ALLOCATION AT BEAMAN PARK, EARLWOOD (CONT.)

Page 20

Allocation to long term seasonal hirers is undertaken in the following way: 1. Prior to the commencement of each season information is sought from all long term

seasonal hirers about their training and playing requirements for the forthcoming season.

2. These requirements are then given first priority to retain fields booked for the previous season.

3. If these requirements involve the need for additional fields to those booked for the previous season, these are accommodated where possible before allocation to new eligible hirers or other hirers.

The Sporting Fields Advisory Group at its meeting on 10 February 2014 recommended that the following amendment be made to the policy on the seasonal allocation of sporting fields. Council endorsed the recommendation.

Policy on the Seasonal Allocation of Sporting Fields Recommendation: THAT 1. The policy be amended to recognise that clubs may also be affiliated with State

bodies of their Association where there is no local competition. 2. The policy be amended to stipulate that preference will be given to clubs that

have no outstanding debt owing to Council when allocating sporting fields to sporting groups.

Both Hurlstone Park Wanderers and Cooks River Titans meet the eligibility requirements of our policy. Neither Club has an outstanding debt with Council. However, as the ground is being offered for the first time, neither of the clubs meet the incumbency provisions of the policy. Therefore a determination needs to be made as to which Club should be allocated use of the ground for the 2015 winter season. Hurlstone Park Wanderers currently hire playing fields at Beaman Park, Blick Oval and Ewen Park. All of these fields are floodlit and used for training midweek and competition matches on weekends. The Club has 1,452 players registered with the CDSFA. Cooks River Titans hire field 6 at Beaman Park and the enclosed playing field at Gough Whitlam Park. Beaman Park 6 is floodlit and used for training midweek and competition matches on the weekend. Gough Whitlam Park is not floodlit and therefore not available for midweek training. The ground is used for weekend competition matches. The Club currently has 299 players registered with the CDSFA. We sought advice from the CDSFA as to which club has the greatest need to use Beaman Park 7. Following our request, CDSFA met with the Cooks River Titans and Hurlstone Park Wanderers regarding the use of Field 7. The CDSFA advised that Hurlstone Park Wanderers have agreed to Field 3 at Beaman Park being allocated to the Cooks River Titans on the basis that Hurlstone Park Wanderers are allocated the new playing field 7. The CDSFA and the Cooks River Titans both agreed to the proposal. The proposal agreed to by the CDSFA and the two Clubs is supported as it will provide a better division of playing fields at Beaman Park between the two clubs.


FIELD ALLOCATION AT BEAMAN PARK, EARLWOOD (CONT.)

Page 21

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT 1. Cooks River Titans be allocated the use of Field 3 at Beaman Park for the 2015 winter

season. 2. Hurlstone Park Wanderers be allocated use of Field 7 at Beaman Park for the 2015

winter season. 3. The use of the remaining playing fields at Beaman Park be the same as previously

allocated to the clubs for the 2015 winter season.


Page 22

4 FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT

FILE NO: L-42-4 2015


Summary:

Correspondence has been received from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) regarding the Federal Government’s decision to freeze indexation of the Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs).

The ALGA is seeking our assistance in its campaign to have FAGs indexation restored immediately, and for the Federal Government to consider the grants adequacy and indexation methodology moving forward. The campaign is supported by Local Government NSW.

We have already undertaken a number of important initiatives supporting the reintroduction of indexation for the FAGs and these initiatives are outlined in the report.

It is recommended we support the ALGA’s campaign.


This report has no implications for the Budget and supports our Community Strategic Plan long term goal of Healthy Finances.

Report:

Background Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) have a general purpose component that is distributed between the States and Territories according to fixed historical shares. While the FAGs are paid to local government through each State and Territory by their Local Government Grants Commission, it is Federal provided funding. Each component of the grant is untied which means councils can spends the funds on important local priorities. The grant forms an important part of our revenue base and our ability to provide services and infrastructure for residents. On 22 May 2014 Council considered a Mayoral Minute concerning the impacts of the 2014/15 Federal Budget. The Minute noted that the most significant issue arising from the Budget for local government was the decision to pause the indexation of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) for the following four years. The Minute also noted that: In NSW, the shortfall from the freezing of indexation in 2014/15 will be $29.9m,

$62.2m in 2015/16, $95.8m in 2016/17 and $99.8m in 2017/18. For the City of Canterbury (who received $5,468,282 as our grant in 2013/14) the

freezing of indexation would mean we would lose approximately 2.9%, and we would stand to lose approximately $150,000 in revenue for one year, and up to $600,000 over four years.

Council resolved to lobby through Sydney Metropolitan Mayors, Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils and Local Government NSW (LGNSW) for the reinstatement of indexation of grant funding.


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CONT.)

Page 23

On 24 July 2014 Council considered a further Mayoral Minute on the annual National General Assembly of Local Government. Council was informed that the delegates of the General Assembly, in recognition of the vital importance of the FAGs to local government for the provision of equitable levels of local government services to all Australian communities, unanimously called on the Federal Government to restore indexation of FAGs in line with CPI and population growth immediately. Council resolved to write to local Federal Members of Parliament urging their support for the restoration of indexation for FAGs. Correspondence from Australian Local Government Association The 2015/16 Federal Budget has continued the freeze on FAGs at 2014/15 levels, leading to a reduction in funding to local government of $925m and a permanent 13% reduction in the FAGs base. Our allocation under the FAG for 2014/15 is $5,272,068. Correspondence has been received from the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) advising that it is mounting a campaign to have FAGs indexation restored immediately, and for the Federal Government to consider the grant’s adequacy and indexation methodology going forward. The campaign is supported by LGNSW. The ALGA is calling on Councils across Australia to: Pass a resolution acknowledging the importance of FAGs Acknowledge receipt of FAGs from the Federal in media releases and council

publications, including in the annual report Illustrate the importance and impact of the grants by identifying an individual project

of a similar size to Council’s annual or quarterly FAGs payment Highlight this to the media and local Federal Members of Parliament and Senators in a

positive story on the grant funds. Freezing of the FAG means that the City of Canterbury will have a significant adverse affect on our budget and the level of services and infrastructure we provide to our residents. Conclusion The ALGA (with the support of LGNSW) is seeking our support for its campaign to have the Federal Government reverse its decision to freeze the indexation of the FAG. The Federal Government has stated the FAG will remain frozen until 2017/18. Freezing of the FAG will mean a loss of grant income to Council of $600,000 over four years. Therefore, the ALGA’s campaign is supported. The ALGA has requested that Council adopt the following recommendation:

THAT Council 1. Acknowledges the importance of Federal funding through the Financial

Assistance Grants program for the continued delivery of council services and infrastructure.

2. Acknowledges Council will receive $5,272,068 in 2014/15. 3. Will ensure that this Federal funding, and other funding provided by the

Federal Government under relevant grant programs, is appropriately identified as Federal grant funding in council publications, including annual reports.


FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS TO LOCAL GOVERNMENT (CONT.)

Page 24

The ALGA has further requested councils highlight to local Federal Members of Parliament and the media the positive benefits that the FAG provides to our residents by the provision of services and infrastructure.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT 1. The importance of Federal funding through the Financial Assistance Grants program

for the continued delivery of council services and infrastructure be acknowledged. 2. Council will receive $5,272,068 for the Financial Assistance Grant in 2014/15 be

noted. 3. This Federal funding, and other funding provided by the Federal Government under

relevant grant programs, will be appropriately identified as Federal grant funding in council publications, including annual reports.

4. Correspondence be forwarded to Local Federal Members of Parliament highlighting the importance of the grant to Council and seeking their support to have indexation of the Financial Assistance Grant re-introduced immediately.

5. A media release be prepared on the positive benefits of the Financial Assistance Grant.


Page 25

5 COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING EVENTS

FILE NO: T-36-10

REPORT BY: DIRECTOR CITY WORKS

Summary:

Community tree planting events have been held successfully since 1999. 29,570 trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted at these events by 1,963 volunteers. Funding for the community tree planting events has been provided in the 2015/2016

Budget and suitable sites have been identified. This report recommends times, dates and sites for community tree planting events to

be held between July 2015 and June 2016.


This report has no implications for the Budget as the cost of the community tree planting events has been provided in the 2015/2016 Budget. The project supports our Community Strategic Plan long term goals of Responsible Use of Resources, Care for the Natural Environment and Engaged Community.

Report:

Weekend community tree planting events have been held since 1999. The events have resulted in interested members of the community significantly contributing to the appearance of the City’s parks, reserves and bushland by the planting of trees, shrubs and grasses. 29,570 trees, shrubs and grasses have been planted at these events by 1,963 volunteers. It is proposed to continue the community tree planting events during 2015/2016 and in this regard, the sites selected and the planting timetable recommended, is as follows:

Date Time Ward Site No. of trees/ shrubs/grasses

Sunday 26 July 2015

9 am - 12 noon East Burnett Reserve Burnett Street, Hurlstone Park

300

Saturday 29 August 2015

9 am - 12 noon Central Federation Reserve Fourth Avenue, Campsie

150

Saturday 26 September 2015

9 am – 12 noon West Ludgate Reserve Ludgate Street, Roselands

80

Saturday 31 October 2015

9 am – 12 noon East Ewen Park Tennent Parade, Hurlstone Park

200

Saturday 28 November 2015

9 am – 12 noon Central Fairmont Reserve 46 Fairmount Street, Lakemba

80

Saturday 19 March 2016

9 am – 12 noon West Windarra Reserve Windarra Street, Narwee

200

Saturday 30 April 2016

9 am – 12 noon East Pat O’Connor Reserve Glenore Road, Canterbury

250

Saturday 21 May 2016

9 am – 12 noon Central Wiley Park Edge Street, Wiley Park

200

Saturday 25 June 2016

9 am – 12 noon West Riverwood Wetlands Belmore Road North, Riverwood

400


COMMUNITY TREE PLANTING EVENTS (CONT.)

Page 26

The 26 July 2015 event has been scheduled to coincide with Planet Ark’s National Tree Day. No events have been scheduled for the summer months, as new plantings require more intensive maintenance until they become established and the community’s interest may wane as it coincides with the holiday period. The nominated sites are listed below with a description of the proposed plantings.

Location Description of Planting Burnett Reserve Planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses to regenerate the reserve.

Federation Reserve Planting of native shrubs and grasses to screen the adjoining properties. Ludgate Reserve Planting of shrubs and grasses to screen the adjoining properties and the

planting of native shade trees. Ewen Park Planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses to revegetate the N/W corner

of the reserve. Fairmount Reserve Planting of native shrubs and grasses to landscape the entrance of the

reserve and the planting of native shade trees. Windarra Reserve Planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses to provide shade and wildlife

habitat. Pat O’Connor Reserve Planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses to provide habitat for small

native birds. Wiley Park Planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses to revegetate the park. Riverwood Wetlands Planting of native trees, shrubs and grasses to revegetate the reserve and

to provide wildlife habitat.

RECOMMENDATION:

THAT 1. The community tree planting events be held at the sites and on the dates nominated in

the body of the report. 2. Each community tree planting event be published in the local newspaper, on our

website and by newsletters in our libraries and the Customer Service Centre; and that residents in the locality of the nominated sites be notified by letterbox drop one week before the scheduled planting dates.


Page 27

6 PROGRESS OF WORKS - MAY 2015

FILE NO: E-33-1 PT5

REPORT BY: DIRECTOR CITY WORKS

Summary:

In order to keep the Committee fully informed regarding the progress of works, this report outlines the status of each of the projects included in the Infrastructure Renewal Program which is funded by a special levy. Advice on the progress of other works included in other Programs being carried out by Contract is also provided.

In addition, other capital works projects completed or in progress during the period, have been identified.



The projects identified in this report were funded in the 2014/15 Budget and support our Community Strategic Plan long term goal of Attractive Streetscapes.

Report:

1. Infrastructure Renewal Program Levy Works The four Programs funded from the Infrastructure Renewal Program (IRP) Levy, totalling $3,810,314 are: (a) IRP Concrete Footpath Rehabilitation Program Location Description Ward Status Acacia St Leyland Pde to the end (R) C Completed Allen St Canterbury Rd to Short St (R) E Completed Allibone St Trevenar St to The Boundary Rd (R) E Completed Allibone St Trevenar St to The Boundary Rd (L) E Completed Bellombi St Moore St to Nowra St (R) E Completed Belmore Rd Major St to Canterbury Rd (L) W Completed Boronia St Bazentin St to the end (L) C Completed Brighton Ave Moore St to bridge (R) C Completed Broughton St Robert St to John St (R) E Completed Burrimul St Rogers St to Kiewarra St (R) W Completed Butler Ave Campsie St to Wilfred Ln (R) C Completed Bykool Ave Potts St to the end (R) W Completed Campsie St Alma St to Loch St (L) C Completed Canterbury Rd Canton St to Dibbs St (R) E June Canterbury Rd Moxon St to Bramhall Ave (R) W June Canterbury Rd Flora St to Legge St (R) W June Chalmers St Dennis St to Moreton St (L) C Completed Clisdell Ave Northcote Ave to the end (L) E Completed Eighth Ave Second Ave to First Ave (R) C Completed Evaline St Duke St to Hill Ln (L) C Completed First St King St to Holden St (L) E Completed Forrest Ave Johnston St to Shaw Ave (L) E Completed Francis St Woolcott St to Westfield St (L) E Completed


PROGRESS OF WORKS - MAY 2015 (CONT.)

Page 28

Location Description Ward Status Hall St Adelaide St to Redman Pde (L) C Completed Hay St The boundary (No 20) to Alison St (L) E Completed Hill St Hill Ln to Francis St (L) C Completed Indiana Ave Baltimore St to Clearance St ( R) C Completed Jay Ave Scott St to Margaret St (L) C Completed Jay Ave Burwood Rd to Scott St (R) C Completed King St Princess St to racecourse entry (L) E Completed Lakemba St Alice St to Ernest St (R) C Completed Lasswade St King St to Ettrick St (R) E Completed Messiter St Canterbury Rd to Cross St (R) C Completed Minnie St Benaroon Rd to change in surface (R) C Completed Minter St Unwin St to Canterbury Rd (R) E Completed Neale St Yangoora Rd to Lucerne St (L) C Completed Nowra St Bellombi St to East Pde (L) C Completed Park St Balmoral Ave to Riverside Rd (R) E Completed Paxton Ave Paxton Ln to end of Passey Ave (L) C Completed Prince Edward Ave Dellwood Ave to Polygon Cr (L) E Completed Roslyn St Cheviot St to King St (L) E Completed Scott St Punchbowl Rd to Jay Ave (L) C Completed Spark St Mckenzie St to Thompson St (R) E Completed Tennent Pde Garnet St to Burnett St (R) E Completed Tennessee Pl Pennsylvania Rd to the end (L ) W Completed Third St King St to Holden St (L) E Completed Trevenar St Allibone St to Holden St L) E Completed Una St Canterbury Rd to Perry St (L) E Completed Victory St Canterbury Rd to Garden St (L) C Completed Waratah St Wonga St to Gould St (L) E Completed Washington Ave Belmore Rd to Roosevelt Ave (L ) W Completed Willunga Ave Angus St to Homer St (R) E Completed Wonga St Canterbury Rd to Evaline St ( R) E June Wonga St Reconstructing footpath and storm water works

between No 15 and 9 E June

Calbina Rd Bexley Rd to Marana Rd E Completed Riverview Rd Macquarie Rd to Homer St (L) No: 49 to 15 E Completed

(b) IRP Road Resurfacing Program Street Section Ward Status Albert St Cecilia St to Baltimore St C Completed Canarys Rd Nicoll St to Canterbury Rd W Completed Central St Burwood Rd to Linda St C Completed Croydon St Oneata St to Myee St C Deleted Croydon St Myee St to Canterbury Rd C Deleted Faux St The Boulevarde to Hillcrest St W Completed Fullerton Cres Hannans Rd to Salisbury Ave W Completed Goodlet St Whitfield Ave to Leith St E Completed Harcourt Ave Ninth Ave to the end C Completed Holden St The boundary to No. 151 - half of the width E Completed Homer St Douglas St to Summit St E Deleted Kentucky Rd Arizona Pl to Montana Cr W Deferred Kent Ave Diana Ave to the end W Completed



Page 29

Street Section Ward Status London St Campsie St to North Pde C Completed Marie St Gladstone St to Collins St C Completed Merris St Robert St to the end W Completed Minnesota Ave Roosevelt Ave to Pennsylvania Ave W Completed Northcote St Canterbury Rd to Cressy St E Completed Oatley St Kingsgrove Rd to Rolestone Ave W Completed Permanent Ave Ashton Ave to Lovat St E Completed Pettit Ave Benarron Rd to Yerrick Rd C Completed President St Balmoral Ave to the end E Completed Ridgewell St Change of width to Ludgate St W Completed Rossmore Ave Hillcrest St to Canterbury Rd W Completed Salisbury Ave Fullerton Cr East to Fullerton Cr West W Completed Shirley Ave Raymond Ave North to Raymond Ave South W Completed Summit St Homer St to Gretchen Ave E Completed Thompson Ln Wilson Ave to the end C Completed Wilson Ave Burwood Rd to No.21 C Completed Yangoora Rd Wangee Rd to Yerrick Rd C Completed Yangoora Rd Yerrick Rd to Benaroon Rd C Completed Yangoora Rd Benaroon Rd to Neale St C Completed

IRP Road Resurfacing Program – additional works

Butler Ave Campsie St to Wilfred Ln C Completed Chapel St Canterbury Rd to Leslie St W Completed South Pde Beamish St to Wairoa St C Completed North Pde Beamish St to Moore St C Completed Nowra St Bellombi St to Wonga St C Completed Claremont St Thorncraft Pde to Beamish St - shoulders C Completed Ventura Ave Karne St to the end W Completed Rossmore Ave Hillcrest St to Campbell St W Completed

(c) IRP Road Works Program Street Section Ward Status Hampden St Duntroon St to Garnet St E Deleted Rolestone Ave St Albans Rd to Moorefields Rd W Completed Kentucky Rd Montana Cr to Union St. W Deferred

(d) IRP Town Centres Improvements Town Centre Section Side Status Earlwood Homer St - Hartill-Law Ave to St James Ave S Completed Earlwood Homer St - Wardell Rd to Watkin Ave N WIP

2. Other Works Work In Progress Description Ward Wiggs Rd/Moxon Rd – traffic calming W Fernhill St Reserve – playground upgrade E Broad St – kerb and gutter reconstruction, road pavement works E Croydon Ave – construction of central parking area E Homer St, near Wellington Ave – resurfacing to improve surface skid resistance E



Page 30

Works Completed Description Ward Cooks River Bikepath – reconstruction from Beaman Park to Homer St E Bus stops and disability access priority works – installation of tactiles C, E, W Coolabah St tennis courts – replacement of fencing on courts 3 and 4 W

RECOMMENDATION: THAT the report be noted.

standing committees 11 june 2015 meetings/… · 1998 from nsw department of family and community...

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