Agenda of General Meeting - Wednesday, 12 May 2021

Hornsby Shire Council Agenda and Summary of Recommendations

Page 1

AGENDA AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

PRESENT

NATIONAL ANTHEM

OPENING PRAYER/S

Reverend Jojo Nkrumah of Hornsby Uniting Church, will open tonights meeting in prayer.

Acknowledgement of RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY

Statement by the Chairperson:

"We recognise our Shire's rich cultural and religious diversity and we acknowledge and pay respect to the beliefs of all members of our community, regardless of creed or faith."

Acknowledgement of Country

Statement by the Chairperson:

"Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Darug and Guringai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past and present and to their Heritage. We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country."

Video and AUDIO RECORDING OF COUNCIL MEETING

Statement by the Chairperson:

"I advise all present that tonight's meeting is being video streamed live via Council’s website and also audio recorded for the purposes of providing a record of public comment at the meeting, supporting the democratic process, broadening knowledge and participation in community affairs, and demonstrating Council’s commitment to openness and accountability. The audio and video recordings of the non-confidential parts of the meeting will be made available on Council’s website once the Minutes have been finalised. All speakers are requested to ensure their comments are relevant to the issue at hand and to refrain from making personal comments or criticisms. No other persons are permitted to record the Meeting, unless specifically authorised by Council to do so."

APOLOGIES / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

political donations disclosure

Statement by the Chairperson:

“In accordance with Section 10.4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, any person or organisation who has made a relevant planning application or a submission in respect of a relevant planning application which is on tonight’s agenda, and who has made a reportable political donation or gift to a Councillor or employee of the Council, must make a Political Donations Disclosure Statement.

If a Councillor or employee has received a reportable political donation or gift from a person or organisation who has made a relevant planning application or a submission in respect of a relevant planning application which is on tonight’s agenda, they must declare a non-pecuniary conflict of interests to the meeting, disclose the nature of the interest and manage the conflict of interests in accordance with Council’s Code of Conduct.”

declarations of interest

Clause 4.16 and 4.17 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors requires that a councillor or a member of a Council committee who has a pecuniary interest in a matter which is before the Council or committee and who is present at a meeting of the Council or committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. The disclosure is also to be submitted in writing (on the form titled “Declaration of Interest”).

4.16 A councillor who has a pecuniary interest in any matter with which the council is concerned, and who is present at a meeting of the council or committee at which the matter is being considered, must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable.

4.17 The councillor must not be present at, or in sight of, the meeting of the council or committee:

a) at any time during which the matter is being considered or discussed by the council or committee, or

b) at any time during which the council or committee is voting on any question in relation to the matter.

Clause 5.10 and 5.11 of Council’s Code of Conduct for Councillors requires that a councillor or a member of a Council committee who has a non pecuniary interest in a matter which is before the Council or committee and who is present at a meeting of the Council or committee at which the matter is being considered must disclose the nature of the interest to the meeting as soon as practicable. The disclosure is also to be submitted in writing (on the form titled “Declaration of Interest”).

5.10 Significant non-pecuniary conflict of interests must be managed in one of two ways:

a) by not participating in consideration of, or decision making in relation to, the matter in which you have the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest and the matter being allocated to another person for consideration or determination, or

b) if the significant non-pecuniary conflict of interest arises in relation to a matter under consideration at a council or committee meeting, by managing the conflict of interest as if you had a pecuniary interest in the matter by complying with clauses 4.16 and 4.17.

5.11 If you determine that you have a non-pecuniary conflict of interest in a matter that is not significant and does not require further action, when disclosing the interest you must also explain in writing why you consider that the non-pecuniary conflict of interest is not significant and does not require further action in the circumstances.

confirmation of minutes

THAT the Minutes of the General Meeting held on 14 April, 2021 be confirmed; a copy having been distributed to all Councillors.

Petitions

presentations

Rescission Motions

Mayoral Minutes

ITEMS PASSED BY EXCEPTION / CALL FOR SPEAKERS ON AGENDA ITEMS

Note:

Persons wishing to address Council on matters which are on the Agenda are permitted to speak, prior to the item being discussed, and their names will be recorded in the Minutes in respect of that particular item.

Persons wishing to address Council on non agenda matters, are permitted to speak after all items on the agenda in respect of which there is a speaker from the public have been finalised by Council. Their names will be recorded in the Minutes under the heading "Public Forum for Non Agenda Items".

GENERAL BUSINESS

· Items for which there is a Public Forum Speaker

· Public Forum for non agenda items

· Balance of General Business items

Office of the General Manager

Page Number 1

Item 1 GM14/21 Draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy - Feedback From Exhibition Period

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council:

1. Adopt the draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2021-2026) detailed in Attachment 1 to General Manager’s Report No. GM14/21.

2. Write to all submitters notifying them of the Council’s decision and thanking them for their comments and suggested amendments.

3. Update the Future Hornsby website to reflect the adoption of the Strategy.

Corporate Support Division

Page Number 13

Item 2 CS23/21 Investments and Borrowings for 2020/2021 - Status for Period Ending 31 March 2021

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the contents of Director’s Report No. CS23/21 be received and noted.

Page Number 16

Item 3 CS28/21 2020/21 Budget - March 2021 Quarter Review

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the March 2021 Quarter Review of the Operational Plan (Budget) for 2020/21 be received and noted.

Community and Environment Division

Page Number 21

Item 4 CE7/21 Draft Play Plan

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council adopt the draft amended Play Plan attached to Directors Report No. CE7/21.

2. The Future Hornsby Website be updated to reflect the adoption of the draft Play Plan.

3. Information regarding the finalised Play Plan be sent to all the participating schools, playgroups, aged care providers and named individuals from the consultation process, so they can see the outcome of the feedback they provided.

Page Number 31

Item 5 CE11/21 Catchments Remediation Rate (CRR) Half-Yearly Expenditure Report 2020/2021

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The contents of Director’s Report No. CE11/21 relating to expenditure of CRR funds be received and noted.

2. Council formally thank Brian Pearson for his long and dedicated service on the Catchments Remediation Rate Expenditure Review Panel.

Planning and Compliance Division

Page Number 34

Item 6 PC9/21 Report on Submissions - Draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council endorse the Seniors Demand and Supply Review.

2. Council request the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment continue the moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP on land within Heritage Conservation Areas in Hornby Shire, with the exception of two sites being Property Nos. 46-50 Hannah Street, Beecroft and No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills.

3. A local Seniors Housing Strategy be prepared, subject to staff resources and funding.

4. Submitters be notified of Council’s decision.

Page Number 48

Item 7 PC1/21 Report on Submissions - Draft Hornsby Employment Land Study

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council adopt the Hornsby Employment Land Study and the Implementation Action Plan attached to Director’s Report No. PC1/21.

2. Submitters be advised of Council’s decision.

3. Update the Future Hornsby website to reflect the adoption of the Study.

Page Number 59

Item 8 PC10/21 Hornsby Thematic History

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The Hornsby Thematic History attached to Director’s Report No. PC10/21 be placed on public exhibition for a period of one month in accordance with the consultation strategy outlined in the report.

2. Following the exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for consideration.

Infrastructure and Major Projects Division

Page Number 66

Item 9 IM6/21 Report on Submissions - Beecroft Community centre to Cheltenham Railway Station Pedestrian/ Cycleway Path

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council:

1. Note the contents of Deputy General Manager’s Report No. IM6/21.

2. Agree to the construction of the shared pedestrian/cycleway path between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway stations as generally shown in Attachment 2.

3. Note that construction of the project is dependent on the receipt of grant funds from Transport for NSW and that in the event the funds are forthcoming the General Manager or his delegate be authorised to review and execute an appropriate funding deed for the project.

PUBLIC FORUM – NON AGENDA ITEMS

Questions on Notice

Mayor's Notes

Page Number 71

Item 10 MN4/21 Mayor's Notes from 1 April 2021 to 30 April 2021

Notices of Motion

SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA

MATTERS OF URGENCY

General Manager's Report No. GM14/21

Office of the General Manager

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

1 DRAFT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM STRATEGY - FEEDBACK FROM EXHIBITION PERIOD

ExeCUTIVE SUMMARY

· At its meeting on 14 October 2020, Council resolved (GM23/20) to place the draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2020-2025) on public exhibition.

· The draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy, 2021-2026 (now updated) was prepared to provide Council, with a high-level plan of action to support the economic vibrancy, diversity and sustainability of the Hornsby Shire Council area.

· The draft strategy was placed on public exhibition from 15 October to 18 December 2020, with a total of 26 submissions being received. The feedback from these submissions, along with relevant feedback from the Employment Lands Study (considered separately in PC1/21), have been reviewed with suggested amendments being incorporated into the final draft strategy. These changes have been shown in a comparison report file that has been posted on Council’s Future Hornsby website.

· Implementation of the strategy is limited to, and dependent upon, future funding opportunities, resource availability and Council’s strategic priorities. Subsequently, the strategy actions will be prioritised annually. Actions that can be implemented will be incorporated into future Council Delivery Program and Operational Plan’s. Council will also seek opportunities for alternative funding, such as grants from the NSW and federal governments to support strategy implementation.

· An Implementation Action Plan has been prepared which identifies the priority actions and timeframes for implementing the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council:

1. Adopt the draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2021-2026) detailed in Attachment 1 to General Manager’s Report No. GM14/21.

2. Write to all submitters notifying them of the Council’s decision and thanking them for their comments and suggested amendments.

3. Update the Future Hornsby website to reflect the adoption of the Strategy.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to outline the submissions received during the public exhibition of the draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy, and to seek Council’s adoption of the amended draft Strategy.

BACKGROUND

In March 2018, the North District Plan was released by the Greater Sydney Commission which provides a 20-year plan to manage growth while enhancing the liveability, sustainability and productivity of the North District. To enable alignment with the North District Plan, and to prepare a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), legislative changes were made to the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) requiring all councils to update their Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) within three years.

At its meeting on 13 June 2018, Council considered Group Manager’s Report No. PL19/18 concerning District Planning and a funding offer from the (then) Department of Planning and Environment and resolved that:

1. Council accept the funding offer of $2.5 million under the Department of Planning and Environment’s ‘Accelerated LEP Review Program’.

At its meeting on 10 October 2018, Council endorsed the commencement of several specialised strategies under the (then) Department of Planning and Environment’s Accelerated LEP Review Program. The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy was one of the strategies to be developed.

Completion of these strategies was outlined as a priority action within the Local Strategic Planning Statement that was adopted in February 2020 and published on the NSW Planning Portal in March 2020.

At its meeting on 14 October 2020, Council considered Executive Manager’s Report No. GM23/20 and resolved that:

1. The draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2020-2025 attached to General Manager’s Report No. GM23/20 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days.

2. In line with a consistent policy being adopted for all Council’s strategies, plans, etc, an acknowledgement of the traditional owners be included as part of the introduction to the final version of this Strategy and that Council liaise with the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee to discuss appropriate wording along the following lines: -

“Council recognises the traditional owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Darug and Guringai Aboriginal people, and pay respect to their elders past, present and emerging and to their heritage. We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connection and continuing relationship to Country.”

3. Following exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for its consideration.

DISCUSSION

The draft Strategy was placed on public exhibition from 15 October to 18 December 2020. A total of 26 submissions were received during the public exhibition period.

Report No. GM23/20, which placed the draft Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2020-2025) on exhibition, noted that this was Council’s first Economic Development Strategy since 2011 and, as such, the Strategy was “essentially a new initiative for Council”. The Strategy was written to reflect the “newness” of the initiative and so highlighted “ideas for action” should Council wish to engage in this portfolio area, rather than a specific action plan with commitments to deliver certain outcomes within specified timeframes. The report also noted that Council would need to “implement the actions through existing resources” and “utilise collaborative models”. Actions contained within the Strategy were also noted to be necessarily foundational given Council’s absence from the economic development and tourism sphere for the last decade. Given feedback, including general support for the Strategy and specific requests for commitment to actions, the Strategy has undergone a number of amendments.

General feedback on the Strategy

The following provides an overview of the feedback received whist the document was on exhibition:

· General support was provided for the Strategy themes.

· General support was provided for priority actions – although it was suggested that Council should focus on recovery and resilience given the COVID-19 pandemic and last summer’s bushfires. Therefore, the priority actions have been updated to reflect this shift in priorities.

· Council received many offers of support and collaboration to deliver the Strategy outcomes. These offers were appreciated as the Strategy will need to be delivered within existing resources. Ultimately, these offers of collaboration and support have informed priority actions moving forward given the requirement to utilise existing resources to progress the Strategy.

· Several technical suggestions were made in relation to the report and the actions. These suggestions often reflected how Council should progress an issue – rather than which issue they should progress. These suggestions will be taken up for consideration as the issue that they relate to is prioritised for action throughout the life of the Strategy. No changes have been made to the Strategy itself at this stage.

· Numerous suggestions were made to amend the wording of the various “ideas for action”. These suggestions also tended to focus on how the actions should be progressed and which partners should be included. Minor amendments have been made to a number of actions to reflect this feedback where there is no significant change to the intended purpose of the action.

The following table provides a summary of submissions and has been depersonalised as much as possible.

Submission Number	Theme of comments	Recommended action
1	Support for tourism in the Shire – outlined current work in the area. Offer of collaborative partnership for Strategy implementation.	Noted – collaboration opportunities to be taken up via inclusion of action in Operational Plan.
2	Ensure that economic development benefits wellbeing of community. Balance between residents and visitors is important for tourism destinations. Lack of clarity around how Strategy will be delivered.	Noted – priority actions to be committed to in Operational Plan.
3	Inclusion of all river communities in tourism plans – not just Hornsby Shire businesses.	Noted
4	Balance economic growth with sustainable environment – the environment is the Shire’s economic advantage. Need to include action on supporting the innovation economy. General support for tourism – focus on eco, health and activity tourism. Links support for small business to the built environment. Should emphasise start up support/digital economy. Supports themes.	Noted –an action on support for innovation, start up and digital economy has been included.
5	Focus on supporting and growing services in existing villages. Be wild, bold and ambitious with the vision. Think outside the square.	Noted – recommendation to review vision within life of the plan.
6	Suggests implementation of a Business Impact Assessment to support small to medium enterprises in their operations – working towards UN Sustainable Development Goals and increasing economic resilience. Resilient Melbourne example. Suggestion to partner with B Corp	Noted – to be investigated following small and home-based business survey.
7	Support for enhancing the visitation experience in the rural areas of the Shire.	Noted
8	Recommends that the Strategy include business/investment attraction due to the vacancy rates in commercial properties. Need to stop leakage from the local economy.	Noted – action included on investment attraction and economic leakage from the Shire.
9	Strategy is too high level without enough detail. Suggests business support programs, incubator programs, detailed plans on how to grow and support tourism etc	Noted – further planning to be undertaken around tourism. Support for business to be determined following survey.
10	Suggest updated priorities to address COVID recovery. Suggest focus on business resilience. Suggest reference to sustainability actions listed in other strategies.	Noted – updated priorities to include resilience and recovery.
11	Emphasise Council’s role as a facilitator rather than deliver. Build a bolder vision that business can get behind. Do this collectively with business. Emphasise the importance of partnerships in economic development Tourism is our biggest opportunity – need for investment in this area. Provide infrastructure that has an ED return. Absence of an action plan is a concern. Rethink “Destination Hornsby Shire” as the title of the visitation theme.	Noted – charter updated to reflect role as facilitator and the importance of partnerships. Vision to be reviewed during life of plan. Action included to develop policy to ensure that Council infrastructure spend has an economic development return.
12	Suggest future MTB facilities be developed in the north of the Shire in areas that have been environmentally compromised already e.g. Maroota. Not supportive of Westleigh link. Support road cycling. Support water-based recreation unless it is damaging to the environment. Support bush walking on existing tracks – suggest better infrastructure at track heads.	ED&T Strategy does not determine the location of MTB facilities. Importance of sustainability in recreational tourism noted.
13	Frustrated at the lack of action since 2018 Frustrated at a lack of a specific plan of action Recommends making contact with Realise Business. Recommends making contact and aligning with the Hills Shire – rather than NSROC	Noted – Realised Business was consulted in the production of the Strategy. Best practice research will be undertaken as Strategy is rolled out.
14	Supports Smart and Innovative Hornsby Shire. Supports smart city and how this can benefit businesses. Importance of place making – especially due to COVID impacts. Importance of smart city place making – Internet of Things (IOT), public Wi-Fi and open data. Innovation and land management – use of drones. Supports innovation and parking. Destination Management and importance of Pandemic Proof Placemaking (changes in how and where we work) Offer of ongoing dialogue, support and information to progress strategy as it develops	Noted – offer of ongoing dialogue will be taken up in development of Smart City Strategy.
15	Focus on building on our specialisation in the creative industries – including by providing performing and visual arts infrastructure.	Noted – infrastructure issue dealt with in Community and Cultural Facilities Strategic Plan. Creative industries are a specialisation but involve a very small number of jobs.
16	Support tourism Opportunities for “Niche Tourism” through Shire – 2km – 20 minutes radius from a town centre – support with signage	Noted – suggested approach to be further investigated.
17	Leverage natural strengths to lead recovery. Focus on climate. Consider drop in migration on growth. Opportunities for Hawkesbury Tourism, adventure tourism and indigenous tourism – make sure that it is inclusive. Rural lands as food destination – link to events and NTE strategy. Growth of health care and social assistance not leveraged as a priority – clustering?	Noted – foundational actions will be undertaken in the first year of delivery before consideration is given to cluster development initiatives.
18	Concerned about emphasis on mountain biking and impacts on bushland. Supports maintenance of existing GNW tracks. Consider future MTB development in rural areas?	Noted – ED&T Strategy does not recommend further mountain bike tracks or the location of those tracks.
19	Focus on Agri-tech and protect rural lands. Facilitate better access for local markets to public spaces – onerous processes and conditions. Engage with media on post COVID-19 rebuild. Strategy too high level and not specific.	Noted – Rural Land Study addresses protection of rural lands.
20	The need for Tourism on the River. Tourism needs to benefit the residential community – specifically in Brooklyn. The need for proper destination marketing. Heritage aspects of tourism and offer of assistance.	Noted
21	Support for tourism – river, rural and urban - submitted a draft Destination Management Plan and offer of collaboration.	Collaboration opportunity noted and to be picked up in implementation of priority actions.
22	Offer of collaboration on understanding the needs of local business, feasibility of co-working space, exploration of Agri-tourism opportunities and partnership facilitation.	Noted – collaboration opportunities to be pursued.
23	Needs to be more specific on how it will be implemented. Needs resourcing. Should research best practice models. Need to consider the post COVID-19 world – invite broader collaboration. Look at attracting educational anchor.	Noted – best practice models to be investigated
24	Include consultation and support for Aboriginal businesses. Include aboriginal groups in considerations about cultural tourism offerings. Include HATSICC as a stakeholder moving forward. Aboriginal businesses hit by COVID-19. Engage Aboriginal people in activation of public spaces. Aboriginal procurement.	Noted – local procurement to include local Aboriginal businesses.
25	Encourage collaboration to implement. Support coworking facility – especially for home-based businesses Support business education Positive comment on broad local and state-based engagement. Lack of inclusion of an Economic Development officer – what is lacking is a tangible local access point for business to Council. Need to reference venues/small businesses that contribute to building “connected places” and promote these venues. Develop a MOUs to drive partnerships and leverage outcomes – and facilitate engagement and understanding of small business needs. Need for a tactical action plan with time frames Various recommended changes to wording in actions. Strategy lacked real and tangible timeframes.	Noted – various minor amendments made to actions.
26	Night Time Economy requires a definition. Include an action plan. Determine how to support agriculture. Bias towards cycling. Include reference to Rural Sports Facility/horse riding. Need to link to other strategies – suggest Maroota/Wiseman’s Ferry as suitable sites for mountain biking. Concern that the Strategy lists the need to write more strategies.	Noted – agricultural support requires further investigation beyond the Rural Lands Study. Night Time Economy Strategy, when written with stakeholders, will define the scope of the NTE.

Other comments

· Comments were made relating to the notion of promoting the Shire as a recreational destination – particularly relating to mountain biking. The major issue in this regard appeared to be the location of current and future mountain biking facilities and their impact on the natural environment. The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy does not specifically propose any new mountain biking trails and the proposal of future trails would be addressed through other strategies. The Strategy notes that the Shire has a range of recreational opportunities that can be leveraged to encourage visitation to the region - including road cycling and touring.

· Comments were made that reflected the lack of business engagement in the development of the vision and charter and also the lack of ambition within the draft vision. The draft Strategy was put together with the feedback from limited number of stakeholders within the context of a “new initiative” for Council and as such was necessarily conservative in its approach. Following the exhibition period and the focus on collaboration and facilitation to deliver the actions outlined in the Strategy, the Economic Development and Tourism Charter has been amended slightly to reflect a commitment to “collaborative partnerships” to deliver the Strategy, rather than “service delivery”. This amendment has been made to reflect the resources that are being applied to the delivery of the Strategy as well as the offers of support and collaboration to deliver some actions within the Strategy. The Strategy is not able to be delivered in its entirety – at least in its first few years - and can be considered to be “project based” in its delivery such that key issues will be progressed when included in the Operational Plan. It is recommended that the Economic Development and Tourism Vision and Charter should be reviewed in partnership with business and industry partners as the Strategy is progressively implemented.

· Comments were made that the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy lists a number of other strategies and plans that need to be developed if Council were of a mind to progress towards economic development goals within the Shire. This criticism is valid as the strategy was written with “ideas for action” as its foundation, given that it was a new initiative for Council.

· Significant concern was expressed in feedback that the Strategy lacked a solid and time framed action plan and that no resources had been allocated to the delivery of the Strategy. Following feedback from the exhibition period and the offers of collaboration and support, it is recommended that several actions can be progressed within available resources in the forthcoming Delivery Program and Operational Plan. Similarly, other actions will also be put forward for consideration in the development of the new Delivery Program and subsequent operational planning processes as opportunities arise. An Implementation Action Plan has also been included to outline which actions may take priority and when they could be considered for implementation over the life of the Strategy.

New inclusions in the Strategy following exhibition

As a result of feedback from the community during the exhibition period, the following new actions have been included in the Strategy.

1. Develop a strategic approach to enhancing business resilience in the Shire, including the drafting of a Disaster Recovery Plan.

2. Provide support for innovation, start-ups and digital economy.

3. Develop a strategy to attract investment to the Hornsby Shire and to reduce leakages of internal spending and investment.

4. Develop a policy that ensures positive impacts to business of Council investment in local infrastructure.

Updated Priority Actions

Following the exhibition period, the following revised actions are now recommended as priorities for inclusion in the 2021/2022 Operational Plan to be delivered within existing resources:

Priority 1 – Connected Hornsby Shire – Undertake a survey of small and home-based businesses to better understand the composition and needs of this sector.

This action would be undertaken in collaboration with Hornsby Chamber of Commerce and Regional Development Australia (RDA) – Sydney, following their offers of support and collaboration through the exhibition period.

Priority 2 – Connected Hornsby Shire – Develop a strategic approach to enhancing business resilience in the Shire, including the drafting of a Disaster Recovery Plan.

This action would be undertaken utilising a collaborative approach and leveraging off Council’s membership of Resilient Sydney.

Priority 3 – Smart and Innovative Hornsby Shire – Commence the development of a Smart Cities Strategy in conjunction with the ICT Strategy. Ensure that the Strategy meets place making requirements and addresses the needs of business.

This action would be undertaken utilising the offer of support from the Northern Sydney Innovation Network.

Priority 4 – Destination Hornsby Shire – Develop a Destination Management Plan for River and Rural Communities in conjunction with industry partners.

This action would be undertaken in partnership with RDA Sydney (for Agri-tourism), the Brooklyn Mooney Mooney Marketing Collective (who submitted a draft Destination Management Plan through the exhibition period) and the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Visitors Guide – as well as other industry partners.

It is noted that Priority Action 5 - Progress an approach to developing a night-time economy in the Hornsby Town Centre, will remain a priority but requires funding to develop a strategy and has not been included in the draft Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2021-22.

Further prioritisation will be undertaken through the process of including actions in the 2022/2023 Operational Plan. This prioritisation will be based on progress made in 2021/2022, the feedback received from foundational activities (such as the small/home based business survey) and any opportunities that may arise in the intervening period from a State or Federal policy perspective. An Implementation Action Plan has been included in the strategy following exhibition to guide which actions may be prioritised and when.

Policy alignment with other levels of government

It is noted that there are significant strengths in the local economy that Council would work towards leveraging to grow the local economy. These industry-based strengths include education and training, health care, professional and financial services, arts and creative services and tourism and events. Whilst some of these industries, tourism and events for example, will be addressed in year 1 of the strategy roll out, Council will need to build networks and relationships and develop a better understanding of the local industries before some strategy actions can be commenced. It is proposed that these networking and relationship building goals will be addressed over time through engagement with these industries.

It is also noted that at a State and Federal level, current policy priorities may be different to the priorities recommended within the first year of this Strategy – for example, a focus on manufacturing or Agri-culture. This is due to the availability of resources for Council to progress certain actions and through the identification of industry partners willing to collaborate with Council in progressing the actions. As Council addresses the fundamentals in understanding and working with local business and industry in the first few years of the implementation of this strategy, this will build the foundation that Council can then use to take advantage and leverage State and Federal Policy and better alignment between the different levels of government will be realised.

Other actions aligning with Employment Land Study

The Employment Land Study, another informing study of the Local Strategic Planning Statement, is also being considered by Council at the May 2021 General Meeting via Report No. PC1/21. It is noted that there are a few strategic actions contained in that study that will become the responsibility of the economic development portfolio to implement once that study is adopted. It is also noted that some of these actions are very similar to those already in the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy. Those actions are:

4.1: Attract knowledge intensive jobs in Hornsby Town Centre.

4.2: Support the growth of agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.

4.3: Explore synergies with local TAFE and Universities to develop training and education programs targeted to local industries.

4.4: Partnerships with the health and social services industry, business cluster development.

5.3: High-speed internet.

6.3: Establish a clear economic identity for Hornsby LGA.

Once adopted through Report No. PC1/21, these actions will be included in the Implementation Action Plan for the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy – noting that the implementation schedule is forecast to be in the longer term (six plus years)

CONSULTATION

During the exhibition period Council’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee, Bushland Management Advisory Committee and the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee were invited to comment.

Beyond Council’s advisory committees, and to further engage with the community notification of the public exhibition occurred through the following channels:

· Advertisement on Council’s website – Have Your Say

· Advertisement on Future Hornsby website

· Council’s e-Newsletter

· Emails to Future Hornsby database (users who registered for updates on the Productivity section or “all topics” under the Accelerated LEP Review). Emails to stakeholders who participated in the development of the Strategy. Emails to Chambers of Commerce.

· Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn and Localised)

· Advertising and Mayor’s message - Bush Telegraph, Galston & Glenorie News, Dural Roundup, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Post and Living Heritage

BUDGET

The $2.5 million Accelerated LEP Review Program funding was utilised for the development of the draft strategies and associated community consultation.

This report recommends that Council adopt the Economic Development and Tourism Strategy (2021-2026)

The draft Strategy outlines an aspirational, long-term, potential vision for the Hornsby community over the coming 20 years and identifies a range of actions and tasks for Council to implement. In many cases, these are new actions additional to Council’s current provision of services and require additional resources to be allocated, existing resources to be reallocated or most likely a combination of both.

Implementation of actions contained within the draft Strategy would occur through the development of Council’s future Delivery Programs, annual budgets and Operational Plans. Implementation would be subject to the strategic priorities of Council, the availability and allocation of resources by Council.

To accelerate delivery of the Strategy, Council will seek alternative funding pathways such as applying for grants and working in collaboration with partners. Formal adoption of this Strategy is often a precursor to successful funding applications from providers such as the NSW and Australian government.

POLICY

The Strategy sets out a vision for Council as it seeks to improve economic sustainability of the Shire. Adopted priorities and actions will be incorporated into future amendments to the Local Strategic Planning Statement and new Community Strategic Plan.

CONCLUSION

The Economic Development and Tourism Strategy provides a vision, principles and tasks for action to grow and develop the Shire’s economy to improve the productivity and liveability of the Shire, whilst at the same time working towards an environmentally sustainable outcome. It is recommended the draft Strategy be adopted and actions be implemented in accordance with Council priorities and available resources.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Strategic Place Manager – David Johnston - who can be contacted on 9847 6800

Louise Gee

Manager - Strategy and Place

Office of the General Manager

Steven Head

General Manager

Office of the General Manager

Attachments:

Economic Development and Tourism Strategy 2021-2026

File Reference: F2018/00162#19

Document Number: D08113645

Director's Report No. CS28/21

Corporate Support Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

3 2020/21 BUDGET - MARCH 2021 QUARTER REVIEW

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· Accountable organisations like Council review their budget and operational performance at least each quarter. In this regard, the March 2021 Quarter Review of the 2020/21 Operational Plan and Budget is attached.

· The 2020/21 Original Budget forecast a surplus at 30 June 2021 of $1.638 million. The September 2020 Review reduced the surplus by $510K to $1.128 million whilst the December 2020 Review had no net budget changes. This March 2021 Review recommends a budget change of $113K that reduces the forecast budget surplus at 30 June 2021 Budget to $1.015 million. Such a surplus is satisfactory in maintaining financial benchmark indicators in respect to liquidity or meeting budget ‘shocks’ that can occur throughout the financial year.

· A review of the COVID-19 income adjustments made to the 2020/21 Original Budget has found that income did not decrease as low as anticipated. This better than expected result with income will reduce the amount of transfers from restricted funds.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT the March 2021 Quarter Review of the Operational Plan (Budget) for 2020/21 be received and noted.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to present for Council’s consideration the March 2021 Quarter Review of the 2020/21 Operational Plan.

BACKGROUND

On 10 June 2020, Council adopted its two-year Delivery Program 2020-22 which includes the one-year Operational Plan for 2020/21. The Fees and Charges for 2020/21 were also adopted by Council on 10 June 2020. The Delivery Program and Operational Plan set out the manner in which Council intends to deliver services and measure performance.

In line with Office of Local Government requirements, a Quarterly Budget Review Statement (QBRS) must be submitted for Council’s consideration at the end of each quarter. The Statement must be based on key financial indicators and the estimate of income and expenditure set out in Council’s Operational Plan for the relevant year.

DISCUSSION

This Review includes the third quarter results for 2020/21, comparing actual expenditure, income and funding sources for the first quarter against the Budget. The Net Operating and Capital Result after internal funding movements showed a positive variance of $5.7 million or approximately 4% of the consolidated year to date budget. This positive variance is largely the result of timing differences associated with project related works that are expected to be expended by 30 June 2021.

As noted in General Manager’s Report No. GM12/20 (considered at the 10 June 2020 General Meeting) the Original Budget adopted by Council included necessary adjustments to reduce income forecast to be lost because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as additional expenditure for enhanced cleaning of Council facilities. To maintain tight budgetary control and achieve a budget surplus for the 202/21 financial year required deferring some projects and utilising restricted asset funds where possible.

A review of the income adjustments made to the 2020/21 Original Budget has found that income did not decrease as low as anticipated. This largely reflects financial initiatives and recovery underway in the broader economy and the nature of some of the services that Council provides. This better than expected result with income will reduce the amount of transfers from restricted funds.

The 2020/21 Original Budget forecast a surplus at 30 June 2021 of $1.638 million. The September 2020 Quarter Review included net budget changes of $510K, which reduced the forecast 30 June 2021 Budget surplus to $1.128 million whilst the December 2020 Review had no net budget changes. This March 2021 Review recommends net budget changes of $113K due to office relocations costs which reduce the forecast 30 June 2021 Budget surplus to $1.015 million. This forecasted surplus provides capacity to respond to unforeseen cost increases (budget ‘shocks’) that may occur and is satisfactory in maintaining financial benchmarks indicators in respect to liquidity.

Reimbursement for Storm Expenditure

Severe storms in the Hornsby Shire during 2018 resulted in extensive clean-up costs being incurred by Council. The storms were declared a natural disaster by the NSW Government and Council received formal confirmation for reimbursement of $460K from the Office of Emergency Management in June 2019 which was finally transferred to Council in November 2020. At this stage, no decision has been made by the Government authorities in respect of a further claim for $400K that has been submitted by Council related to the same storm events. Staff continue to pursue reimbursement of this expenditure.

Council incurred further costs during another severe storms in February 2020. As these storms were also declared a natural disaster by the NSW Government, Council submitted a claim for $708K to recoup costs incurred during the clean-up after the storms. No advice about the claim has yet been received.

Major Projects Update

Updates below are provided in respect to projects of significant dollar value or of community interest.

As noted in Deputy General Manager’s Report No. IM2/21 – Master Plan for Hornsby and Westleigh Parks (considered at the 14 April 2021 General Meeting), the financial capacity of Council to manage the operational, maintenance and renewal costs of facilities established based on the full scope of works identified in the draft master plans, would not be feasible based on Council’s current financial capacity. Financial analysis by Council has indicated that an amount of ongoing expenditure of $1,400,000 annually could be allocated for this purpose.

The financial capacity of Council will require either a focus on developing Hornsby Park with minimal development at Westleigh Park or focus on Westleigh Park with minimal development at Hornsby Park. Any future improvement in financial capacity would enable further development of the options identified in the Master Plan to be explored.

· Hornsby Park – From Quarry to Park – this project involves the redevelopment of the abandoned Hornsby Quarry and adjacent Old Mans Valley on the western side of Hornsby into open space for recreation purposes. A development application for bulk earthworks and site rehabilitation was approved, subject to conditions, by the Sydney North Planning Panel at its November 2020 meeting. Tenders have been called for the delivery of the bulk earthworks and site rehabilitation, with tenders to be reported to this Council meeting for determination. Master planning for the final park embellishments has been completed to a final draft stage, with community engagement to be undertaken in April and May 2021. The total expenditure on the project to 31 March 2021 is $5.438 million. Currently $50 million of funding is available from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund provided in June 2018. Further funding is available from development contributions subject to the priority allocated to projects in accordance with development contributions on hand.

· Westleigh Park Development – A final draft conceptual master plan for the Westleigh Park site has been completed based on the site having an active sport focus. The conceptual master plan will be used for a community engagement process that will be undertaken in April and May 2021. The outcomes of the engagement will inform the final master plan, approvals and detail design process and the future Plan of Management. The total project expenditure to 31 March 2021 on this project (excluding the acquisition costs of $21 million funded by development contributions) is $1.092 million. Currently $40 million of funding is available, provided in June 2018 from the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund. Further funding is available from development contributions subject to the priority allocated to projects in accordance with development contributions on hand.

· Public Domain - Concept design options for Asquith to Mt. Colah and Galston Road main street projects were prepared and presented to Council with preferred concept options adopted. The aim of the projects is to improve streetscape amenity through the planting of advanced trees, landscaped garden beds, footpaths, shared paths, seating and signage.

The cost estimate for the Asquith to Mt. Colah project from Hookhams Corner to Wattle Street is approximately $9.3 million with funding being sourced from developer contributions. Construction is underway on an early works package of the Asquith to Mt. Colah project. Tenders for the balance of the Asquith to Mt. Colah project have been called and closed. A tender has been awarded to Talis Civil Pty Ltd, with works due to commence in May/June. Given increased confidence in total available funds, it is proposed to commence Stage 2 of the Asquith to Mt Colah Public Domain project. This would allow design works to commence and would provide an opportunity to provide some basic improvements (footpath and tree planting on the eastern side of the Pacific Highway and the construction of pedestrian refuge(s) at selected locations).

The total expenditure to 31 March 2021 on this project is $0.982 million out of a budget of $9.3 million, funded from development contributions.

· Galston Aquatic Centre – A development application has been approved for the replacement of the roof structure over the Galston Aquatic Centre. The development application contains two parts – essential works for the replacement of the existing roof over the indoor 25 metre pool facility and a design for a new roof structure over the Learn-to-Swim facility, which could be undertaken at a later stage subject to funding. Council has approved a budget of $5.6 million for the replacement roof over the 25-metre indoor pool, funded from internal reserves, general funds and cost savings identified within Council’s Infrastructure and Major Projects Division. An amendment to the development application is required to address changes to legislation concerning fire. The amendment is expected to be lodged shortly and once determined tenders will be called for the construction of the first stage of the works. Construction of the facility is expected to commence during the first quarter of the 2021/22 financial year. The total expenditure to 31 March 2021 on this project is $0.513 million out of a budget of $5.6 million, largely funded from general funds and an external grant.

· 25,000 Trees by 2020 – Council committed to planting 25,000 new trees by December 2020 to invest in the environment for future generations. Once achieved a target of 30,000 trees was set as the final goal for September 2021. This program has been ambitious especially in responding to drought, bushfire, storms and COVID conditions during the projects term. The expenditure incurred to 31 March 2021 is $2.082 million out of a budget of $2.5 million, largely funded from development contributions.

· Hornsby Library - The development application for the refurbishment of Hornsby Library was approved in March 2020, and a request for tenders for the refurbishment was issued in October 2020. Tenders have been assessed, with the tender awarded to Built Pty Limited. Works commenced in January 2021 and construction is continuing. The refurbishment works are budgeted at $4.7M, to be funded from development contributions and external grants. The severe storm in April 2021 resulted in some water leaks at the Hornsby Library. Rectification work is currently underway to address any refurbishment issues that was caused from this storm.

BUDGET

This Report provides the March 2021 Quarter Review of the 2020/21 Operational Plan (Budget), which, if adopted, will achieve a forecast surplus at 30 June 2021 of $1.015 million. The predicted Budget result at 30 June 2021 is satisfactory in maintaining financial benchmark indicators in respect to liquidity.

POLICY

There are no policy implications associated with this Report.

CONCLUSION

Council’s consideration of this Report ensures that relevant statutory requirements have been met. The March 20201 Quarter Review demonstrates that Council remains in a stable position to deliver local services and facilities in a financially responsible manner after adjusting the budget for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Chief Financial Officer – Duncan Chell – who can be contacted on 9847 6822.

Duncan Chell

Chief Financial Officer

Corporate Support Division

Glen Magus

Director - Corporate Support

Corporate Support Division

Attachments:

1.	March 2020/21 Quarterly Budget Review Statement
2.	31 March Consolidated Budget Results

File Reference: F2020/00027

Document Number: D08153361

Director's Report No. CE7/21

Community and Environment Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

4 DRAFT PLAY PLAN

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· At its meeting on 14 October 2020, Council resolved to place the draft Play Plan on public exhibition.

· The draft Play Plan provides a vision, principles, assigns hierarchies and sets out recommendations for managing our playgrounds and play spaces now and into the future.

· The draft Play Plan was placed on public exhibition from 15 October 2020 to 18 December 2020, with a total of 71 submissions being received with the majority broadly in support of the plan. The feedback from these submissions has been reviewed, with suggested amendments incorporated into the final draft Play Plan. These changes have been shown in a comparison report file that has been posted on Council’s Future Hornsby website.

· Implementation of the draft Play Plan is limited to, and dependent upon, future funding opportunities, resource availability and Council’s strategic priorities. Subsequently, all strategy actions will be reprioritised annually with actions that are able to be implemented being incorporated into Council’s Operational Plan. Council will also seek opportunities for alternative funding, such as grants from the NSW and federal governments to support implementation.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council adopt the draft amended Play Plan attached to Directors Report No. CE7/21.

2. The Future Hornsby Website be updated to reflect the adoption of the draft Play Plan.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to outline the submissions received during the public exhibition of the draft Play Plan and to seek Council’s endorsement of the Play Plan.

BACKGROUND

In June 2018, in response to a Notice of Motion (NOM6/18) regarding a Hornsby Shire Playground Strategy, Council resolved, in part to:

“Develop a Shire wide Playground Strategy that will identify opportunities for renewal of existing playgrounds, rationalisation of under-utilised playgrounds and the development of new facilities based upon a comprehensive audit of the existing network.”

The draft Play Plan specifically addresses this NoM together with the Hornsby Active Living Strategy (2015) which recommended that a Play Plan be established.

Completion of the draft Play Plan together with a range of other strategies are outlined as a priority and action within the Local Strategic Planning Statement that was adopted in February 2020 and published on the NSW Planning Portal in March 2020.

At its meeting on 14 October 2020, Council considered Directors Report No. CE12/20 and resolved that:

1. The draft Play Plan attached to Director’s Report No. CE12/20 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days.

2. In line with a consistent policy being adopted for all Council’s strategies, plans, etc, an acknowledgement of the traditional owners be included as part of the introduction to the final version of this Plan and that Council liaise with the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee to discuss appropriate wording along the following lines: -

3. Following exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for its consideration.

4. Information regarding the finalised Play Plan be sent to all the participating schools, playgroups, aged care providers and named individuals from the consultation process, so they can see the outcome of the feedback they provided.

DISCUSSION

Hornsby Shire Council’s population is projected to grow by 15% to around 170,000 people by 2028. To maintain current provision, an additional 17 play spaces are recommended by the Play Plan in high growth areas, or areas of inadequate supply.

Where additional play spaces are required, without additional new land, play spaces are to be upgraded in hierarchy, catering for more people. A typical upgrade is from local level to district level.

The draft Play Plan was placed on public exhibition from 15 October 2020 to 18 December 2020. A total of 71 submissions were received.

The issues raised in the individual submissions are outlined below together with responses provided Council officers:

Sub	Key Issue raised for Draft Play Plan	Council Officer response	Amendment to Draft Play Plan
1	Supports the plan in general	Noted	No change proposed
2, 47	Need more shade for Ron Payne Park play equipment	Draft Play Plan recommends planting of shade trees. Trees have been planted on site consistent with local playground hierarchy proposed in the draft Play Plan. These newly planted trees will provide shade as they mature	No change proposed
3	District 4 future provision is inadequate. Recommends small setting on each street corner to provide for teens as well as older people	Limited suitable Council managed space available to provide infrastructure. In District 4, the Draft Play Plan aims to activate space available more effectively through the provision of an additional play space at Berry Park and upgrading of 3 play spaces	No change proposed
4 – 9, 11 – 24, 26 – 34, 36, 39, 40, 45, 57, 58, 64 - 69	Do not support the removal of Kenley Park play equipment. Generally, support other principles of the draft Play Plan	These requests for playground retention would appear to be generated by people using the adjacent church and child care facilities. Therefore, it is proposed that a review to the need to remove the play equipment at Kenley Park be undertaken following the upgrade of Brickpit Park Playground and delivery of Kenley Park pathway. Both these projects are significant financial investments by Council	Recommendations be amended to “Review the removal of play equipment at Kenley Park following the upgrade of Brickpit Park Playground and delivery of Kenley Park pathway”
10	Would like a playground installed in Nepean, Currawong or Osborn Road in Normanhurst	Normanhurst area south of Pennant Hills Road is currently serviced by three playgrounds. The Nepean, Currawong and Osborn Road housing catchments are relatively small and not serviced by any Council managed open space. The housing stock is characterised by low density housing on large private open space and no current plans for changes in zoning	No change proposed
25, 70	Do not support the removal of play equipment at Nancy Place Galston	The draft Play Plan recommends the removal of the play equipment at Nancy Place, Galston due to the limited access to the site and relatively close proximity to Fagan Park	No change proposed
35	Agree that Nancy Place be removed if another site is found in Galston Village	Galston currently is currently serviced by two playgrounds at Fagan Park and one at Galston Recreation Reserve. Both sites provide a superior play experience for the community considering the large scale of facilities available	No change proposed
37	Support the upgrade to Ulolo Park, Hornsby Heights and include ideas for the park in submission	Support noted. The draft Play Plan recommends this site be upgraded in hierarchy from pocket to local and further community consultation will occur when park is proposed to be upgraded	No change proposed
38	Support the installation of play equipment at Berry Park, Mount Colah	The draft Play Plan proposes that Berry Park be a site with new playground provision. Community consultation will occur when playground is in the design stage.	No change proposed
41	Little recreation opportunities for teenagers	Draft Play Plan recommends strategies to improve provision of facilities for teenagers. Further community consultation to occur when specific sites are upgraded	No change proposed
42, 43	Arcadia requires a play space in the suburb, with Arcadia Park the preferred site	Draft Play Plan recommends the provision of a play space at Arcadia. Further community consultation to occur when park is proposed to be installed and site analysis carried out	No change required
44	More play spaces required for young people and elderly population	Draft Play Plan recommends improved provision of play for all ages. Further community consultation at specific sites when proposed to be upgraded	No change required
46	Generally, support the plan. Sites should be near public transport and consider visual impairment	Draft Play Plan recommends a design template that includes universal design components	No change required
48	Support upgrade in hierarchy for Epping Oval. Does not support play equipment at Nirimba Reserve, North Epping as this should be a passive park	Draft Play Plan does not recommend the installation of play equipment at Nirimba Reserve	No change required
49	Increase the provision of dog parks in Hornsby Shire	Council is developing the draft Dog Off Leash strategy which will address these specific issues	No change required
50	Not enough play provision provided for children over 12 and adults in the Beecroft and Cheltenham area	Draft Play Plan recommends improvements to play provision in these suburbs. Further community consultation to occur at specific sites when proposed upgrades occur	No change required
51	Support the upgrade in hierarchy for Epping Oval	Noted	No change required
52	Support Briddon Park, Pennant Hills being renovated as a high priority. Does not support Kenley Park removal	Noted for Briddon Park. Review the removal of play equipment at Kenley Park following the upgrade of Brickpit Park Playground and delivery of Kenley Park pathway	Review the removal of play equipment at Kenley Park following the upgrade of Brickpit Park Playground and delivery of Kenley Park pathway
53	Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust supports draft Play Plan and raises no objections	Noted	No change required
54	Does not support skate parks in the Beecroft Cheltenham area. Requests shade cover provision at Beecroft Railway Gardens. Developers should contribute to projects	Draft Play Plan does not recommend the installation of skate parks in Beecroft or Cheltenham. 7.11 contributions plan allocates funding for playground provision	No change required
55	Prioritise facilities for bikes / scooters / skate boards and groups above 10 years of age in the North Epping area including in natural and under utilised areas	Council to review recreation activities in natural areas in further studies. Further consultation to occur at specific sites when proposed to be upgraded	No change required
56	Lyndon Way, Gunbalanya Park and Fearnley Park in Beecroft require upgrading	Draft Play Plan recommends improvements to these sites	No change required
58	STEP supports the Draft Play Plan, particularly the opportunities for nature and water play, if biodiversity values are not damaged. We support the concept of play for everyone: across age groups and for everyone, not dominated by a particular recreational sport.	Sites proposed for nature play to be further assessed for potential impacts. Mountain bike trails have not formed part of this plan	No change required
59	Friends of Berowra Valley support the Draft Play Plan, particularly the opportunities for nature and water play, if biodiversity values are not damaged. We support the concept of play for everyone: across age groups and for everyone, not dominated by a particular recreational sport. Support proposed splash pad at Old Mans Valley / Hornsby Park	Sites proposed for nature play to be further assessed for potential impacts. Mountain bike trails have not formed part of this plan. Support for water play noted	No change required
60	Plan is opportunity to engage with other council facilities to meet the community needs through a single space such as libraries and playgroups	LSPS is the overarching document that combines all strategies for a unified approach to facility provision. Further community consultation to occur when specific sites are upgraded	No change required
61	The types of play categories (page 3) that underpin your plan are for indoor play. Outdoor play has its own body of academic research and play categories. Deep play (page 2) is not a recognised form of play Physical activity guidelines are incorrect in table one and should be updated. Higher activity guidelines means local government need to provide active playgrounds that are engaging for longer periods. Toilets are also required. The plan does not include an analysis of the time use of current playgrounds Action Plan for provision of a special use park – 42 Westleigh Mountain Bike Trail needs to be explained	The draft Play Plan acknowledges in section 1.2 that “Play is easy to recognise, but hard to define”. There are many definitions of play that have been discussed amongst researchers without universal agreement. The outcomes of the study are not affected by the definitions and for the purpose of the draft Play Plan, these definitions have been used Australian Physical Activity Guidelines recommend 180 mins of activity with 60 mins should be energetic play (i.e. running, jumping, throwing). It is noted that this type of activity can be provided through a variety of activities, not limited to play equipment. The draft Play Plan sets out the sustainable provision of play throughout the shire and includes a hierarchy in the types of play. This hierarchy allows for equitable distribution of facilities and includes the provision of toilets at regional and district settings. Initial consultation for the plan included questions on how often different types of parks were visited, how long they were visited for and the types of transport taken. This information helped inform the outcomes of the draft Play Plan The draft Play Plan scope does not include Mountain Bike within the scope. Council is preparing a Natural Area Recreation Strategy which will include Mountain Bike provision	Amend table one to include guideline recommendations of 60 mins of energetic play for three to five-year old’s.
62	Community consultation outcomes for BMX / MTB should not be included in the plan. Some images have been used twice. Nature play should not be in existing bushland. Dog on lead facilities should be provided	Reference to BMX and Mountain bike in community consultation reflects views raised during the community consultation period. Reference to BMX and Mountain bike in community consultation is retained. The draft Play Plan does not propose BMX or MTB as it does not form part of the scope of the study. Nature play proposed to occur in suitable sites following relevant assessments. Council is currently preparing a Natural Area Recreation Strategy to address recreation in natural areas, including play. Council draft Off Leash Dog Park strategy to address issues regarding provision of dog facilities	No change required
63	AGRA generally supports the draft Play Plan, however requests new play facility to be located at Arcadia Park	Further community consultation to occur when proposed playground is in planning for construction	No change required
71	Specific suggestions on off road cycling and riding	Not within scope of draft Play Plan	No change required

CONSULTATION

In the exhibition of the draft Play Plan, consultation occurred through the following channels:

· Advertisement on Council’s website – Have Your Say

· Advertisement on Future Hornsby website

· Council’s eNewletter

· Emails to Future Hornsby database

· Social Media (Facebook, LinkedIn and Localised)

· Advertising and Mayor’s message

Broad community consultation was also undertaken in the development of the draft Play Plan in 2019 with a total of 1,011 people (including 156 children and 83 young people) engaged across 16 separate consultations.

As part of this process a range of special user groups were consulted in order to ensure that the draft Play Plan catered for all aspects of the community and considered several aspects of inclusive play.

BUDGET

The draft Play Plan outlines a long-term, sustainable vision for play in the Hornsby community over the coming 20 years and provides a range of recommendations for Council.

As the draft Play Plan is a high-level strategic document, detailed costings and funding sources yet to be developed for each recommendation. Implementation of actions contained within the draft Play Plan would occur through the development of Council’s Delivery Program, Annual Budget and Operational Plan. Implementation would be subject to the strategic priorities of Council, the availability and allocation of resources by Council.

Council will need to explore additional grant opportunities to bridge any gap and/or prioritise implementation of projects.

POLICY

The draft Play Plan sets a vision for Council as it seeks to improve play facilities across the Shire. Adopted priorities and actions will be incorporated into future amendments to the Local Strategic Planning Statement and new Community Strategic Plan.

CONCLUSION

The draft Play Plan provides a vision, principles and recommendations for managing our play facilities to ensure a sustainable, liveable, productive and collaborative Shire. It is recommended the draft Play Plan be adopted and actions be implemented in accordance with Council priorities and available resources.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the David Sheils – Manager Parks Trees and Recreation - who can be contacted on 9847 6792.

David Sheils

Manager - Parks Trees and Recreation

Community and Environment Division

Stephen Fedorow

Director - Community and Environment

Community and Environment Division

Attachments:

1.	Draft Play Plan
2.	Submissions - Play Plan

File Reference: F2018/00312

Document Number: D08127983

Director's Report No. CE11/21

Community and Environment Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

5 CATCHMENTS REMEDIATION RATE (CRR) HALF-YEARLY EXPENDITURE REPORT 2020/2021

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· Catchments Remediation Rate Program (‘CRR’) expenditure for 6 months to 31 December 2020 has been reviewed by the independent CRR Expenditure Review Panel (‘the Panel’) and is considered to be reasonable and acceptable.

· Revenue received for the Catchments Remediation Rate (CRR) in 2020/21 is $2,971,000 with the balance of funds as of 31 December 2020 being $2,135,000. This was a result of income generated, $2,971,000 plus $504,000 brought forward from 2019/20, less expenditure of $1,340,000.

· A cost summary of expenditure for 6 months to 31 December 2020 and the CRR Expenditure Review Panel's report is provided in Attachments 1-3 of Group Manager’s Report No. CE11/21.

· The Panel was presented with a summary for both capital and non-capital expenditure. It was noted that the performance of the capital program for six months to 31 December 2020 was good, with three projects being completed.

· Notably Brian Pearson announced his resignation to the Panel after being a member since its inception in 1997. The Chair and Panel members thanked Brian for his service, expertise, camaraderie and for being a true “Champion of the Cause”.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The contents of Director’s Report No. CE11/21 relating to expenditure of CRR funds be received and noted.

2. Council formally thank Brian Pearson for his long and dedicated service on the Catchments Remediation Rate Expenditure Review Panel.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to inform Council regarding the expenditure of CRR funds for six months to 31 December 2020 and to table the comments of the external CRR Expenditure Review Panel.

DISCUSSION

Catchments Remediation Capital Works

As of 31 December 2020, $470,000 was spent on capital works with three catchment remediation projects being completed:

· Biofilter, gross pollutant trap and stormwater harvesting system at Normanhurst Park

· Three-tiered biofilter and gross pollutant trap at Lessing Park, Hornsby

· Gross pollutant trap at Pretoria Parade, Hornsby

Non-capital expenditure for this period supported various Council operations that contributed to improving water quality Shire-wide including:

· Pro-active maintenance of all stormwater improvement assets, including the removal of nearly 115 tonnes of sediment, litter and organic matter

· Vegetation management and landscaping activities on over 12 hectares of land adjacent to the water quality control devices

· Water quality monitoring and research

· Street sweeping

· Community project support, e.g. Bushcare and Clean4Shores

· Emergency response to spills

· Riparian restoration works

· Salaries, wages, overheads and associated administrative costs for project management

CRR Expenditure Review Panel

Council’s CRR Expenditure Review Panel was established in 1997 to provide public accountability and transparency to CRR expenditure and it continues to perform this function.

On 23 March 2021, the CRR Expenditure Review Panel met to discuss expenditure for six months to 31 December 2020. The Panel noted that it had sighted and discussed the financial details of the CRR expenditure and considered all reports presented by council officers as acceptable and accountable.

The Panel was presented with a summary for both capital and non-capital expenditure. It was noted that the performance of the capital program for the for 6 months to 31 December 2020 was good, with three (3) projects being completed.

A wide range of other topics were discussed, with the Panel requesting that updates on several items be presented at the following meeting:

· On-site Sewer Management Strategy (OSSM)

· Current status of the Streamwatch program in the Shire

· Detailed break-down of expenditure and data relating to street sweeping and non-capital expenditure

Notably Brian Pearson announced his resignation to the Panel after being a member since its inception in 1997. The Chair, plus members of the Panel, thanked Brian for his service, expertise, camaraderie and for being a true “Champion of the Cause”.

The Panel’s report is included as Attachment 1.

BUDGET

The relevant budget and incurred expenditure for the CRR is shown in Attachments 2 and 3.

POLICY

There are no policy implications arising as a result of this Report.

CONCLUSION

$1,340,000 in CRR funds were spent as of the 31 December 2020 on a range of capital and non-capital projects designed to improve water quality across the Shire.

In line with its Charter, the CRR Expenditure Review Panel has sighted and discussed the financial details of CRR expenditure for six months to 31 December 2020 and considers all reports to be acceptable and reasonable.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Natural Resources Operations Manager, David Beharrell, who can be contacted on 9847 6860.

Peter Coad

Manager - Natural Resources

Community and Environment Division

Stephen Fedorow

Director - Community and Environment

Community and Environment Division

Attachments:

1.	CRR Balance 1st & 2nd Qtr 2020-21
2.	CRR Summary of Total Expenditure 1st & 2nd Qtr 2020-21
3.	CRR Panel Report March 2021

File Reference: F2005/00829-03

Document Number: D08144037

Director's Report No. PC9/21

Planning and Compliance Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

6 REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS - DRAFT SENIORS HOUSING DEMAND AND SUPPLY REVIEW

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· The draft Seniors Demand and Supply Review was prepared to inform Council’s Housing Strategy, provide a high-level analysis of supply numbers and underlying demand of seniors housing within the Hornsby LGA and to assist advocacy on the application of State Environmental Planning Policy - Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability (Seniors SEPP) within Hornsby Shire.

· At its meeting on 8 July 2020, Council resolved to place the draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review on public exhibition for a minimum of 28 days.

· The draft Review was exhibited from 10 August to 8 September 2020. Following the exhibition period, Council staff undertook further consultation with seniors housing providers in Hornsby Shire.

· A total of 13 submissions were received. The submissions are generally supportive of the findings of the draft Review. However, a number of issues were also raised, including site-specific concerns, COVID-19 impacts, local trends, quality of seniors living, choice of providers, geographical location of facilities, climate change and the role of the Seniors SEPP.

· Based on a review of submissions, is it recommended that Council endorse the progression of a Local Seniors Housing Strategy and request a continuation of the moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP on land within Heritage Conservation Areas, with the exception of two sites being Property Nos. 46-50 Hannah Street, Beecroft and No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council endorse the Seniors Demand and Supply Review.

3. A local Seniors Housing Strategy be prepared, subject to staff resources and funding.

4. Submitters be notified of Council’s decision.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Report is to address the matters raised in submissions received during the exhibition of the draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review and to seek Council’s position on the application of the Seniors SEPP in heritage conservation areas within Hornsby Shire.

BACKGROUND

In February 2019, the NSW Government introduced a temporary moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP in Heritage Conservation Areas in Greater Sydney until June 2020. In December 2019, Council requested an extension to the temporary moratorium to enable an evidence-based, endorsed position to be formed by Council. The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment announced an extension until 1 July 2021 to allow councils to complete their strategic planning and community consultation and subsequently determine how the Seniors SEPP should apply in Heritage Conservation Areas in their local government area.

At its meeting on 8 April 2020, Council considered a report on the Greater Sydney Commission’s report Investigation into the cumulative impacts of Seniors Housing in the rural areas of The Hills and Hornsby local government areas, which notes there is adequate supply of seniors housing in Hornsby Shire generally. Council resolved to make representations to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces for an immediate temporary suspension of the Seniors SEPP from the rural areas of the Hornsby local government area.

A draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review was prepared to support Council’s requests concerning the application of the Seniors SEPP in rural areas and HCAs. The Review was prepared under the Accelerated LEP Review program as a component of Council’s Housing Strategy.

At its meeting on 8 July 2020, Council considered Director’s Report No. PL16/20 presenting the findings of the draft Review and resolved that:

1. The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review attached to Director’s Report PL16/20 be submitted to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to support Council’s requests concerning the application of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with Disability) 2004 to rural land and Heritage Conservation Areas within Hornsby Shire.

2. The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review be placed on public exhibition after being reformatted and designed in accordance with Council’s style guide.

3. Consultation with seniors housing providers be undertaken on supply and demand generally as outlined in the Review and on demand for different levels of care in aged care facilities.

4. A further report be prepared for Council’s consideration concerning the response from Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, the community and seniors housing providers.

In accordance with Council’s resolution, the draft Review was publicly exhibited from 10 August 2020 to 8 September 2020. A copy was also forwarded to DPIE and consultation with seniors housing providers was undertaken.

Prior to public exhibition, on 29 July 2020, the Seniors SEPP was amended by State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with a Disability) Amendment (Metropolitan Rural Areas Exemption) 2020 to prevent new proposals for seniors housing on land within the Metropolitan Rural Area of Greater Sydney, including the rural areas of Hornsby Shire.

DISCUSSION

This report outlines submissions received in response to exhibition of draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review.

The draft Review is a high-level analysis that indicates that there is currently sufficient supply within Hornsby Shire for the projected demand for residential aged care facilities and independent living units within Hornsby Shire and surrounding areas. The Review finds that Hornsby Shire is accommodating demand from both within the Shire and surrounding areas in the form of independent living units and bed spaces in aged care facilities. However, many Hornsby Shire seniors aged 65+ in 2016 will never live in a form of age segregated housing.

The figures are based on underlying demand (the theoretical need for seniors housing based on demographic projections and government policy) to demonstrate that location-specific exemptions from the application of the Seniors SEPP for rural areas and heritage conservation areas would not be detrimental to supply.

Exhibition

The draft Seniors Review was publicly exhibited from 10 August 2020 to 8 September 2020. Council received 6 submissions during the formal exhibition period. Following the exhibition period, Council staff undertook further consultation through email correspondence and follow-up calls with all seniors housing providers in Hornsby Shire. A further 7 submissions were received following this consultation, so that overall 13 submissions were received.

Submissions

Of the 13 submissions received, six were prepared by seniors housing providers including Twilight Aged Care, Link Housing (now known as Link Wentworth Housing), Lend Lease, The Grange, Christian Brethren Community Services and Catholic Healthcare. The remaining submissions were prepared by:

· Two local residents

· A seniors housing strata committee representative

· A planning consultant

· A community group representative

· The Property Council of Australia

· NSW Health – Northern Sydney Local Health District

The submissions are generally supportive of the Review. However, some issues are raised as discussed below.

1. Application of State Environmental Planning Policies in Heritage Conservation Areas

The submission from the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust notes that the application of the Seniors SEPP within heritage conservation areas permits potentially inappropriate developments that are non-contributory and incompatible with the surrounding character. Further, the Seniors SEPP is no longer consistent with actions and priorities of the Greater Sydney Commission and North District Plan.

A submission by a local resident raises concerns that other State Environmental Planning Policies, in particular State Environmental Planning Policy (Education Establishment and Child Care Facilities) 2017, allow for further inappropriate developments such as childcare facilities, in heritage conversation areas.

Comment:

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review aims to provide a high-level analysis of supply numbers and underlying demand within the Shire until 2036. Through the preparation of the draft Review, Council is seeking the opportunity to undertake strategic planning and local place-based planning for its seniors and people with disability, rather than the ad-hoc planning outcomes resulting from the Seniors SEPP. This Review demonstrates that Council’s request for an extension of the moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP in Heritage Conservation Areas would not be detrimental to overall supply.

The application of State Environment Planning Policy (Educational Establishments and Child Care Facilities) 2017 is outside the scope of the draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review. However, Council has made several representations to the NSW Government raising concerns with the form and scale of child care centres in low density residential areas and requesting changes to the Education SEPP to allow local councils the opportunity for local place-based planning.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council seek a continuation of the moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP in Heritage Conservation Areas within Hornsby Shire.

2. Site specific exemptions

Two submissions from seniors housing providers raise concerns with the moratorium currently in force under the Seniors SEPP on land within an HCA as it prevents the use of sites in their ownership within the Beecroft-Cheltenham HCA. Accordingly, the two providers seek an exemption from the moratorium to enable them to develop their respective sites as follows:

Twilight Aged Care at Nos. 46 - 50 Hannah Street, Beecroft

Twilight Aged Care is a not-for-profit aged care provider that specialises in smaller aged care facilities that can provide a family model of care. Twilight Aged Care currently owns (No. 46 Hannah Street, Beecroft) a former aged care facility accommodating 42 beds known as ‘Jamieson House’. The facility is currently being used as a temporary women’s shelter known as Beecroft House in collaboration with Link Housing (now known as Link Wentworth Housing).

In 1996, Twilight Aged Care acquired the adjoining residential property (No. 48 Hannah Street), with the intention of expanding the existing aged care facility at No. 46 Hannah Street. In 2017, Twilight Aged Care commenced preliminary discussions with Council by proposing a 3-4 storey aged care facility with underground parking at Nos. 46 and 48 Hannah Street. Pre-lodgement feedback provided by Council raised a number of concerns and plans were subsequently postponed.

In 2018, Twilight Aged Care acquired an additional adjoining property (No. 50 Hannah Street), with the intention of proposing a lower-scale refurbishment and expansion of the existing facilities in accordance with Council’s preliminary advice. However, the moratorium has prevented the possible development of these sites.

Twilight Aged Care advises that the proposed extension and renewal of the aged care facility across all three sites would accommodate a two-storey extension, increasing capacity to 58 beds, with retention of significant tree coverage along Hannah Street and in the rear of the property at No. 48 Hannah Street, above ground parking and a single driveway access to Hannah Street.

The proposal would also encompass restoration works to ‘Jamieson House’ (Heritage Item No. 155), including gardens fronting York and Hannah Street, to enhance the heritage qualities of the site at No. 46 Hannah Street.

Link Wentworth Housing at No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills

Link Wentworth Housing (formerly known as Link Housing), is a registered not-for-profit community housing provider. Link Wentworth Housing, in collaboration with Twilight Aged Care, currently manages the temporary use of ‘Beecroft House’ (located at No. 46 Hannah Street, Beecroft) as a refuge for women.

In 2010, the NSW Land and Housing Corporation self-assessed a two-stage subdivision and seniors housing development comprising independent living units at No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Nos. 19 - 23 Killaloe Avenue and No. 458 Pennant Hills Road, Pennant Hills. In 2012, Stage 1 of the development was completed at Nos. 19 - 23 Killaloe Avenue and 458 Pennant Hills Road. However, Stage 2 of the development at No.17 Killaloe Avenue was never commenced, and the approval ultimately lapsed.

In 2017, Link Wentworth Housing acquired the land to complete Stage 2 at No. 17 Killaloe Avenue. However, the moratorium under the Seniors SEPP has prevented the possible development of the sites. Link Wentworth Housing advises that the proposal at No. 17 Killaloe Avenue would comprise 11 separate dwellings, 4 with two-bedroom capacity and 7 with a one-bedroom capacity.

Comment:

Twilight Aged Care and Link Wentworth Housing have been in initial contact with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to discuss the process for seeking an exemption from the Seniors SEPP moratorium. DPIE staff directed them to Council for further discussions about their requests. Accordingly, Council officers have been in discussion with both seniors housing providers to determine the suitability of their proposed site-specific exemptions.

Both seniors housing providers have engaged several community groups, including the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust (BCCT) and Pennant Hills Civic Trust (PHCT), to discuss their respective proposals and seek community feedback. Twilight Aged Care met with members of the BCCT in October 2020 to discuss the proposal for Nos. 46 - 50 Hannah Street, Beecroft and was provided with feedback for consideration. Following the meeting, correspondence from the President of the BCCT stated support, in principal, for the proposed development, that the proposal would not be an overdevelopment and would likely be sympathetic to the key environmental and heritage characteristics of the site.

Link Wentworth Housing met with both the Beecroft Civic Cheltenham Civic Trust and Pennant Hills Civic Trust in April 2021 to discuss the proposal for No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills. Following the meeting with the BCCT, the President provided correspondence noting support for community housing in Hornsby Shire and the use of not-for-profit organisations.

The sites were acquired by Twilight Aged Care and Link Wentworth Housing to provide seniors housing prior to the introduction of the temporary moratorium of the application Seniors SEPP in HCAs. The concepts for their developments were also well developed prior to the moratorium and the planning for the sites has been caught up in the change to legislation.

Given how far progressed the concept proposals by the not-for-profit community housing providers are, Council could resolve to allow the opportunity for seniors housing developments on these two sites only within the HCA. Due to the unusual circumstances it is unlikely to set a precedent. A merit assessment would still be required against the requirements of the SEPP.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council’s request to seek a continuation of the moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP in HCAs exclude property Nos. 46 - 50 Hannah Street, Beecroft and No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills (i.e. that seniors housing be permitted under the Seniors SEPP for the two sites).

3. Purpose of the Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review

Two submissions raise concerns that the draft Seniors Housing Demand and supply review was prepared to ‘serve a purpose’ of extending the moratorium that prohibits the application of the Seniors SEPP in heritage conservation areas and on rural properties. Further, as these outcomes have been achieved, the recommendations of the Review now limit opportunities for appropriate seniors housing developments in low-density residential areas of Hornsby Shire.

Comment:

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review has been prepared to support Council’s request for an extension of the temporary exemption of the Seniors SEPP from application in Heritage Conservation Areas in Hornsby Shire and an immediate temporary exemption of the Seniors SEPP from application in our rural areas. Subsequent to the preparation of the Review, the State Government amended the Seniors SEPP to prevent new proposals for seniors housing on land within the Metropolitan Rural Area of Greater Sydney, including Hornsby Shire.

At a high level, the draft Review articulates that supply of seniors housing in Hornsby Shire would meet and exceed demand over the next 15 years and provides the NSW Government statistical proof that an extension of the moratorium on the application of Seniors SEPP in heritage conservation areas would not limit the opportunities for seniors in Hornsby Shire. The next step would be for Council to prepare its own local Seniors Housing Strategy, based on local place-based planning for Hornsby’s seniors and people with a disability.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy, based on local place-based planning for Hornsby’s seniors and people with a disability.

4. Level of detail in the Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review

Four submissions, prepared by seniors housing providers Catholic Healthcare, Lend Lease, Twilight Aged Care and Christian Brethren Community Services, raise concerns that the draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review is a preliminary analysis that does not account for local demand, migration trends of elderly Australians, market competition factors for seniors housing in low-density residential areas, and the age and/or quality of existing housing facilities in Hornsby Shire.

Comment:

Page 4 of the draft Seniors Housing Demand and supply review notes that the Review is a high-level analysis of supply numbers and underlying demand within Hornsby Shire until 2036. Further, it notes that the Review is also intended to inform the preparation of a local planning strategy for seniors housing which would need to further investigate demand and additional factors related to seniors housing developments.

The exhibition period and further consultation with seniors housing providers was intended to gain vital feedback with respect to factors not considered within the draft Review including commentary on primary research and providers experience, differing levels of care within residential aged care facilities and the demand for the various levels of care within seniors housing. The feedback provided would assist guide the preparation of a future local seniors housing strategy that outlines development controls and criteria to accommodate suitable developments for seniors in Hornsby Shire.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council prepare a local Seniors Housing Strategy, based on local place-based planning for Hornsby’s seniors and people with a disability.

5. Impacts of COVID-19 on seniors living

Several submissions raised concern that the impacts of the recent COVID-19 pandemic on seniors living arrangements are yet to be seen and that this may result in seniors wishing to stay at home and utilise homecare packages.

Comment:

The Greater Sydney Commission has been working with stakeholders across Government to gather and interpret data to investigate the changes and the impacts of COVID 19 on Greater Sydney. The Commission has advised that the data and observations from this work, together with further observations as more data becomes available, will influence a refresh of the Greater Sydney Region Plan and other government initiatives to get the best outcomes for the metropolis of three cities. It is acknowledged that further analysis may need to be undertaken in the future to address any new requirements established by the State Government regarding COVID-19 effects on seniors housing demand.

The draft Seniors Demand and Supply Review was undertaken prior to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and does not account for the possible impacts on seniors living in Hornsby Shire. Notwithstanding, initial trends have indicated a preference for homecare and ageing in place, which would further reduce projected demand and would not be detrimental to overall supply.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that, subject to the findings from the Greater Sydney Commission, preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy involve consideration of any impacts arising from COVID 19 on seniors housing demand.

6. Variety of providers and geographical locations of facilities

A submission prepared by Catholic Healthcare notes that the Review identifies that approximately 41% of all residential aged care is currently provided by an Anglican provider, with plans for further development in progress. However, the 2016 ABS census data states that only 15.5% of the Hornsby Shire population identifies as Anglican. Although residents of differing and non-specific beliefs may be able to utilises these facilities, the lack of choice may force Hornsby Shire residents to migrate to surrounding LGAs.

Additionally, the submission notes that the Review identifies approximately 41% of the total beds in residential aged care facilities are located within Castle Hill, with an additional 94 beds proposed for the Kilvinton Village development located in Castle Hill. However, only 28% of the population within Hornsby Shire is located in Castle Hill. As a result, seniors housing options in Hornsby Shire are geographically limiting for the elderly population.

Comment:

The objective of the Seniors SEPP is to increase the supply and diversity of housing types that meet the needs of seniors or people who have a disability. The Seniors SEPP does not distinguish between religious and non-religious providers, nor does it specify requirements for a quota of certain religious providers to development seniors housing in an LGA. As such, the Seniors SEPP allows market trends to dictate the supply of seniors housing within an area.

It is acknowledged that the SEPP is a State policy to facilitate the supply of seniors housing and that such developments may address demand across local government boundaries. The Policy does not include controls to limit the supply of housing within a local government area or suburb. Therefore, Council is unable to effectively plan for these types of development and provide the services required to accommodate the elderly or people with disabilities. The preparation of a local Strategy for Seniors Housing would enable Council to seek to promote housing that is located to meet the demands of our Shire residents, responds to environmental constraints and is consistent with the character of the local area.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy involve consideration of variety of housing types, providers and diversity of locations.

7. Impacts of climate change on seniors living

A submission by a local resident raises concerns regarding the impacts of climate change on seniors housing developments in the Hornsby Shire, including urban heat and bushfire risk. The submission requests that the objectives of the Review be revised to reference the impacts of climate change that may need to be addressed to ensure the safety of current and future seniors housing residents.

Comment:

Council recognises that the elderly population are vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including increased urban heat in our urban areas. Preparation of a Local Seniors Housing Strategy will involve consideration of the locations that would be most appropriate to accommodate future seniors living housing supply, including regard to bush fire risk and flooding.

One of the key priorities of Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) is to build resilience to natural hazards, including bushfire risk, flooding and storms. A further key priority is to respond to climate change with an active strategy to reduce carbon emission, manage energy waste and water efficiency. In accordance with these priorities, Council recently adopted Sustainable Hornsby 2040, which is draws together several supporting documents including the Climate Wise Hornsby, Urban Forest Strategy, Water Sensitive Hornsby Strategy and Biodiversity Conservation Management Plan. Actions from the Sustainable 2040 strategies will inform future changes to planning controls that aim to reduce vulnerability and increase resilience to climate change. In particular, the Hornsby Climate Wise Plan includes an action to investigate development of an urban heat policy with NSROC.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy involve consideration of climate change and the locations that would be most appropriate to accommodate future seniors living housing.

8. Suggestion for seniors living development precinct in rural areas

A submission prepared by a planning consultant requests that Council consider an alternative approach to seniors living and “retirement villages” to enable a precinct-scale housing development project in the rural areas which integrates multi-generational microneighborhoods that would be supported by precinct scale infrastructure.

Comment:

The purpose of developing housing under the Seniors SEPP is to accommodate for seniors or people who have a disability or those who assist or live with these people, not for the purposes of accommodating people who do not meet this definition under the Seniors SEPP. In accordance with recent changes to the Seniors SEPP, new proposals for seniors housing are not permitted on land within the Metropolitan Rural Area of Greater Sydney, including Hornsby Shire.

The inclusion of a precinct-scale housing development within the rural areas is not consistent with the priorities or actions of the Hornsby Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS), the North District Plan or Council’s draft Rural Lands Study. Council’s Housing Strategy outlines how Council will meet the housing targets over the next 10 years within the urban areas without the need for precinct scale housing developments within the Rural areas.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy include location considerations that align with the North District Plan and Council’s Local Strategic Planning Statement.

9. Different types of seniors living developments

A submission from a representative of a senior’s development strata committee notes support for the continuation of seniors independent living units close to business and services in appropriate areas of Hornsby Shire, as they allow residents to live independently and within their financial resources, while also providing excellent access and amenity.

Comment:

The need for suitable seniors housing, including seniors independent living units, within the Hornsby Shire is acknowledged where it provides safe access to services, amenity for residents and a variety of housing types for all seniors or people with a disability.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council note the submission.

10. Impacts of short-term rental accommodation on seniors housing availability

A submission from a local resident raises concerns with the use of ‘granny flats’ and secondary dwellings for short-term rental opportunities, rather than seniors housing, at the expense of the local environment.

Comment:

It is acknowledged that more housing diversity is needed to meet the needs of our evolving households, age structures, incomes and cultural backgrounds. Both Council’s LSPS and Local Housing Strategy outline priorities and actions to provide affordable housing options and meeting housing targets for Hornsby Shire.

State Environment Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 is State Government legislation that facilitate the delivery of new affordable rental housing, including secondary dwellings. The Affordable Rental Housing SEPP does not contain criteria for secondary dwellings to accommodate certain residents or groups within society. Further, recent changes announced to the Affordable Housing SEPP will enable dwellings and secondary dwellings to be occupied for the purpose of short-term rental accommodation. As State policy overrides local controls, Council is unable to restrict the permissibility of secondary dwellings and/or the demographics who they are occupied by.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council note the submission.

11. Role of State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing for Seniors or People with Disability) 2004

Submissions by the Property Council of Australia and Lend Lease note that the Seniors SEPP plays a critical role in facilitating the supply and diversity of housing that meets the needs of seniors and people with disabilities. Further, the Seniors SEPP ensures that existing seniors living developments have development pathways to enable continued operation and upgrades to retain relevance within the housing market.

Comment:

Council acknowledges that the supply and diversity of housing that meets the needs of seniors and people with disabilities is important to providing for all areas within the Hornsby Shire community. However, the Seniors SEPP has overridden local planning controls resulting in incompatible developments within non-suitable areas of Hornsby Shire.

Council has consistently made representations to the NSW Government and Minister for Planning and Public Spaces requesting the cessation of State Environmental Planning Policies overriding local planning controls and to allow councils to plan locally. As discussed above, the next step would be for Council to prepare its own local Seniors Housing Strategy, based on local place-based planning for Hornsby’s seniors and people with a disability which would facilitate the supply and diversity of housing that meets the needs of seniors and people with disabilities.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy include considerations of pathways for existing seniors living developments to enable continued operation and upgrades to retain relevance within the housing market.

12. Consideration of surrounding LGAs and the preparation of a local Strategy

One submission notes that a review of supply and demand calculations for seniors housing cannot be addressed in isolation and should consider a wider composition of market and migration trends from adjoining local government areas.

The submission from NSW Health notes general support for the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy and proposes to employ the objectives of creating healthy environments through design, including social inclusion, active transport and accessibility.

The submission by the Property Council of Australia notes that any local seniors housing strategy should not be undertaken in isolation and recommends collaboration with surrounding councils to achieve the best possible outcomes for the elderly population.

A submission by a local resident requests that any Local Seniors Housing Strategy should be deferred until the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety are released and considered by Council.

Comment:

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and supply review was prepared to support requests by Hornsby Council to undertake strategic planning and local-based planning for its seniors and people with a disability, rather than the ad-hoc planning outcomes resulting from the Seniors SEPP. As the request is for the Hornsby local government area only, consideration of current and projected seniors’ population and overlying current and future supply of seniors housing stock focused purely on Hornsby Shire.

The proposed preparation and implementation of a local seniors housing strategy would aim to consider a wider range of issues and trends for the provision of seniors housing for the Hornsby Shire. Further consultation with seniors housing providers, government agencies and surrounding councils will assist to provide a more robust understanding of the seniors housing market in Northern Sydney, and more specifically, Hornsby Shire. Currently, the preparation of a local seniors housing strategy is subject to endorsement by Council and a review of the Hornsby Delivery Plan.

With respect to the findings of the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the final report was tabled in the Australian Parliament on 1 March 2021 and made over one hundred recommendations including calls for a new system aged care housing system underpinned under by a rights-based Act, funding based on need and much stronger regulation and transparency for providers, residents and carers. However, the findings of the Royal Commission do not consider the application of the Seniors SEPP in NSW and may not ultimately impact the development of a local seniors housing strategy.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy include consultation with adjoining Councils.

13. The role of local government in seniors housing

A submission raises concerns that the role of local government in providing seniors housing developments within the community is ambiguous. In particular, the submission states that local government has provided various opportunities for developers that propose to develop rural and heritage sites.

Comment:

The role of local government is to provide a place-based approach to the supply of local housing for the local government area through the application of planning controls in the form of Local Environmental Plans (LEP) and Development Control Plans (DCPs). Accordingly, Council has prepared the draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review (in part) to support Council’s requests concerning the application of the Seniors SEPP within low density heritage conservation areas and on rural zoned land. Council has continued its advocacy against the Seniors SEPP overriding local planning controls and will consider the preparation of a local strategy for seniors housing which would prevent ad-hoc planning outcomes that result from the Seniors SEPP.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council note the submission.

14. Reference to specific seniors living sites

A submission prepared by a local resident raises concerns that the closure of some residential aged care facilities was due to the deferment of development applications for large-scale re-developments, rather than providing appropriate seniors housing developments.

Further, this submission also raises concerns that some seniors independent living units are excessively priced and do not provide affordable accommodation for seniors. The submission also notes that the draft Seniors Housing Demand and supply review does not identify a proposed seniors independent living development at Nos. 14 - 18 Sutherland Road, Cheltenham.

Comment:

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review notes on page 13 that the reasons for closure of a number of residential aged care facilities as ‘bushfire risk’, ‘potential redevelopment’ and ‘temporary redevelopment for Women’s Crisis Care’.

With respect to seniors independent living units, the Seniors SEPP only outlines affordable options for seniors living in these types of seniors housing development, in principle. As such, residential accommodation in a seniors independent living unit development does not specify an exact requirement for the provision of affordable accommodation.

The proposed development at Nos. 14 - 18 Sutherland Road, Cheltenham, was approved through the Land and Environment Court on 6 December 2019, for construction of a seniors living development consisting of 12 independent living dwellings and has not been referenced in the ‘projected future supply’ for seniors independent living units. The inclusion of this development would further strengthen Council’s position that an extension of the moratorium for the application of Seniors SEPP in heritage conservation areas would not be determinantal to overall seniors housing supply.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that Council note the submission.

CONSULTATION

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review was placed on public exhibition from 10 August 2020 to 8 September 2020 through the following channels:

· Advertisement on Council’s website noticeboard.

· Advertisement on Future Hornsby website.

· Council’s eNewletter.

· Emails to Future Hornsby database (users who registered for updates on the housing strategy or “all topics” under the Accelerated LEP Review).

· Letters and phone calls to known seniors housing and aged care providers within the Shire.

· An informal Council workshop with seniors housing providers.

Following the initial exhibition period, Council staff undertook further consultation with seniors housing providers located within Hornsby Shire. Feedback request emails were sent to seniors housing providers within the LGA, including follow up phone calls and the option for participate in an online workshop to discuss the findings of the Review.

BUDGET

The costs associated with the preparation of the draft Seniors Housing Demand and supply review are covered under the Accelerated LEP Review funding. The preparation of a local Seniors Housing Strategy would occur through the development of a future Delivery Program, annual budget and Operational Plan. This would be subject to the strategic priorities of Council and the availability and allocation of resources by Council.

POLICY

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and supply review was prepared to inform the Housing Strategy and to assist advocacy on the application of the Seniors SEPP within Hornsby Shire. It is not a policy in itself and the preparation of a separate planning strategy for seniors housing would need to more closely investigate effective demand (the size, type, levels of care, etc that people are able to access, waiting times, etc).

CONCLUSION

The draft Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review was prepared to provide a statistical based document to the NSW Government as evidence that Councils request to extend the temporary moratorium on the Seniors SEPP in heritage conservation areas and metropolitan rural areas would provide limited impacts on the ability of Council to meet housing targets. Further, the Review demonstrates (in more detail than the Local Housing Strategy) how the current and future supply of seniors housing provisions in Hornsby Shire will meet and exceed demand over the next 15 years, which may allow Council the opportunity to prepare a local seniors housing strategy that priorities a place-based approach to seniors housing developments in the Hornsby Shire.

The draft Review was publicly exhibited from 10 August 2020 to 8 September 2020. Following the exhibition period, Council staff undertook further consultation with seniors housing providers in Hornsby Shire. A total of 13 submissions were received and have been address in this report.

No changes are recommended to the Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review in response to submissions. An acknowledgement of the traditional owners is included in the final draft Review in accordance with Council’s adopted wording and some corrections have been made to section numbering and formatting.

It is recommended that Council endorse the Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review, seek the continuance of the moratorium on the application of the Seniors SEPP in HCAs with the exception of two sites (property No. 46-50 Hannah Street, Beecroft and No. 17 Killaloe Avenue, Pennant Hills) and endorse the preparation of a Local Seniors Strategy.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Strategic Landuse Planning – Katherine Vickery - who can be contacted on 9847 6744.

Katherine Vickery

Manager - Strategic Landuse Planning

Planning and Compliance Division

James Farrington

Director - Planning and Compliance

Planning and Compliance Division

Attachments:

Seniors Housing Demand and Supply Review 2020

File Reference: F2004/09011

Document Number: D08124955

Director's Report No. PC1/21

Planning and Compliance Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

7 REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS - DRAFT HORNSBY EMPLOYMENT LAND STUDY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· The Hornsby Employment Land Study has been prepared under the Accelerated Local Environmental Plan Review Program to support the priorities and directions under the Hornsby Local Strategic Planning Statement and the North District Plan.

· At its meeting on 14 October 2020, Council resolved to exhibit the draft Employment Land Study for a period of 42 days. The Study was exhibited from 15 October 2020 to 18 December 2020 and 12 submissions were received.

· The submissions primarily raise matters concerning permissible uses in the employment zones, development feasibility of planning controls, residential development in employment centres, impacts on the natural environment, mountain biking and the use of data and statistics.

· The consultant that prepared the draft Study has assisted with the review of submissions. One change is proposed to the Study recommendations in response to the matters raised. The consultant has also prepared an addendum attached to the document to clarify information regarding retail trade in commercial centres.

· An Implementation Action Plan has been prepared which identifies the actions and timeframes for implementing the Study recommendations.

· It is recommended that Council adopt the Employment Land Study and the Implementation Action Plan attached to this Report.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. Council adopt the Hornsby Employment Land Study and the Implementation Action Plan attached to Director’s Report No. PC1/21.

2. Submitters be advised of Council’s decision.

3. Update the Future Hornsby website to reflect the adoption of the Study.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to address matters raised in submissions received in response to the exhibition of the draft Employment Land Study and seek Council endorsement to finalise the Study and the attached Implementation Action Plan.

BACKGROUND

At its meeting on 10 October 2018, Council endorsed the commencement of several technical studies under the (then) Department of Planning and Environment’s Accelerated Local Environmental Plan (LEP) Review Program. Under the Program, Council received $2.5m (paid in instalments) to complete a range of technical studies, including the preparation of a Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).

Council’s LSPS was adopted in February 2020 and published on the NSW Planning Portal in March 2020. The Employment Land Study is one of the technical studies identified under the Accelerated LEP Review Program and was prepared by the consultant, Hill PDA.

The Employment Land Study identifies the key economic and employment issues affecting Hornsby Shire in the context of the North District, provides a review of the business and industrial zoned land within the Shire and includes recommendations for planning controls and directions for strategic land use that support sustainable employment growth in line with the LSPS and the North District Plan.

At its meeting on 14 October 2020, Council considered Director’s Report No. PL18/20 presenting the Employment Land Study for exhibition and resolved that:

1. The draft Hornsby Employment Land Study attached to Director’s Report No. PL18/20 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 42 days in accordance with the consultation strategy outlined in Director’s Report No. PL18/20.

2. In line with a consistent policy being adopted for all Council’s strategies, plans, etc, an acknowledgement of the traditional owners be included as part of the introduction to the final version of this Study and that Council liaise with the Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee to discuss appropriate wording along the following lines: -

“Council recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, the Darug and Guringai peoples, and pays respect to their Ancestors and Elders past, present and to their Heritage. We acknowledge and uphold their intrinsic connections and continuing relationships to Country.”

3. Following the exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for its consideration.

In accordance with Council’s resolution, the draft Employment Land Study was exhibited from 15 October 2020 to 18 December 2020.

DISCUSSION

This report addresses submissions received in response to the exhibition of the Employment Land Study (ELS).

Submissions

A total of 12 submissions were received, including ten individually written letters and two online feedback forms.

Of the submissions received, six were prepared by planning consultants on behalf of landowners or development interests (including Coles Group, ALDI Stores, and Asquith Leagues Club). The remaining submissions were received from:

· A local resident.

· A local business.

· Two community group representatives.

· The Property Council of Australia.

· The Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee.

The submissions raise matters relating to permissible uses in the employment zones, development feasibility of planning controls, residential development in employment centres, impacts on the natural environment, mountain biking and the use of data and statistics.

Hill PDA assisted with the review of submissions. The matters raised in submissions on the ELS are addressed below.

1. Rezoning/Amendment Requests

Three submissions include a request for rezoning and/or an amendment to planning controls to include site specific provisions.

1.1 Request to rezone 268-274 New Line Road, Dural from IN2 Light Industrial to a business zone to allow a retail supermarket

The submission on behalf of Coles Group for the site at 268-274 New Line Road refers to the ELS discussion about the B2 Local Centre zone supporting supermarkets 1,000sqm or greater in size, noting that the Dural Service Centre is not anchored by a supermarket. The submission raises concern that due to fragmented ownership and use patterns within the existing B2 zone, there is no suitable site to develop a full-line supermarket. It requests the site at 268-274 New Line Road be rezoned from IN2 Light Industrial to allow the development of a supermarket.

Comment:

The ELS recognises that typically a B2 Local Centre contains a supermarket 1,000sqm or greater in size. However, the ELS does not suggest that all B2 local centres require a supermarket as such. Although the B2 land in Dural Service Centre may not operate as a ‘traditional’ centre and factors such as fragmented ownership and use patterns may impede opportunities for a supermarket of sizable proportions, the ELS finds the existing B2 zone provides a strong urban support function. Rezoning from industrial to enable a higher order use such as a supermarket would result in the loss of existing industrial land.

In addition, an earlier proposal to expand the B2 zone in Dural Service Centre was not supported by the State Government. The decision was based on the lack of demand for additional retail development (particularly with the withdrawal of the South Dural planning proposal) and the potential impact on existing centres in the trade area, including the nearby Round Corner shops.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submission requesting rezoning of the site at 268-274 New Line Road, Dural from light Industrial to a business zone to allow a supermarket.

1.2 Request to change planning controls for 7 City View Road, Pennant Hills for a mixed-use development

A submission on behalf of landowners of the site at 7 City View Road supports the ELS recommendations for preparation of a masterplan for the Pennants Hills to Thornleigh corridor, including the revision of planning controls to incentivise development and the transition of Pennant Hills into a higher order town centre.

The submission states that detailed analysis is being undertaken to support a site-specific proposal for 7 City View Road to facilitate a mixed-use development. It requests that consideration be given to amending planning controls for large individual sites within the ‘City View Road’ precinct in a way that does not compromise the master planning process that is to follow.

Comment:

Along with the review of the Pennant Hills corridor, the LSPS includes an action to complete the Pennant Hills Town Centre Review. The review will aim to prioritise local employment opportunities and improvements to services, amenities and infrastructure. Planning controls for the ‘City View Road’ precinct would likely be considered as part of the proposed corridor strategy or Town Centre Review. Any proposal to change planning controls for individual sites are beyond the scope of the ELS.

The planning for the Pennants Hills corridor and Town Centre will be based on undertaking technical studies to identify the strategic framework for the area and the changes to planning controls. Any proposal outside Council’s strategic planning program would be considered on the strategic and site-specific merits of the proposal in the context of the broader area. It would need to clearly demonstrate a community benefit either socially, environmentally or economically.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submission concerning 7 City View Road, Pennant Hills.

1.3 Request to enable provision of residential accommodation above Asquith Leagues Club

The submission on behalf of Asquith Leagues Club raises concern that the definition of ‘shop top housing’ in the LEP prevents the redevelopment of their site which is zoned B2 Local Centre. It states that for the registered club to be renewed, it requires the ability to provide a residential component above the Club which is currently not permitted as the Club is not a ‘shop’.

Comment:

The ELS recognises the definition of ‘shop top housing’ is limited to housing above retail and business uses only (e.g. shops and offices). Accordingly, for the B4 Mixed Use zone, the ELS recommends broadening the definition to allow other types of non-residential uses at the ground floor which could include clubs or other commercial premises. Hill PDA, in reviewing the submission, has advised that a similar approach should be considered for the B2 zone.

Recommendation:

To broaden employment generating uses in the B2 zone, a similar provision as for the B4 zone has been added for consideration in the Implementation Action Plan.

Permissible uses in B5 Business Development zone

Four submissions raise issues in relation to retail and residential uses in the B5 Business Development zone.

The submission by the Property Council notes that shop top housing should be prohibited only where there is evidence that it prevents opportunities for commercial and light industrial uses in the B5 zone.

The submission on behalf of Aldi Stores requests that supermarkets greater than 1,000 sqm be permitted in the B5 Business Development zone of the Hornsby Town Centre. The submission comments that where supermarkets are currently permitted in the B3 Commercial Core zone, opportunities for new supermarkets are constrained due to the dominance of Westfield. Furthermore, suitable sites within the B4 Mixed Use zone are constrained by high-density expectations and prohibitive land values.

Two submissions on behalf of landowner’s object to the ELS recommendation to prohibit shop top housing in the B5 zone. The submissions seek mixed use development opportunities for their sites in the Hornsby Town Centre and in Pennant Hills respectively.

Comment:

The submission by the Property Council is noted.

The existing B5 zone promotes urban support services for the broader community and employment uses, including specialised retail premises (bulky goods retailing) and light industries. The ELS recognises the supply of B5 zoned land is limited, particularly in locations close to population centres such as Hornsby Town Centre and Pennant Hills.

The ELS recommendation to prohibit shop top housing takes into consideration the limited supply of B5 zoned land and the future demand for urban support services. The ELS identifies that protecting the employment function of the B5 zone is important to support the opportunity for job creation for forecast population growth.

In response to the submission of behalf Aldi Stores, allowing a retail supermarket in the B5 zone would increase competition and land values and undermine the existing employment uses in the zone.

In response to the submission on behalf of landowners for the site in Pennant Hills, it is acknowledged that the current uses within the B5 zone may not necessarily reflect the intent of the zone. The land would be considered in future investigations for the Pennant Hills corridor and the Town Centre.

In response to the submission on behalf of landowners for the site in Hornsby Town Centre, the submission has been forwarded to the consultants preparing the Hornsby Town Centre Review for consideration and evaluation.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to submissions on permissible uses in the B5 zone.

2. Permissible uses in B2 Local Centre zone

Two submissions comment on permissible uses in the B2 Local Centre zone.

The Property Council of Australia notes the ELS recommendation to allow light industries in the B2 zone and suggests that Council identify the types of light industries to be encouraged in the zone.

A submission by a local resident raises concerns about the lack of diverse offerings in Beecroft Village, noting the dominance of Woolworths and an oversupply of cafes, hairdressers, beauty salons, real estate agents and medical centres. The submission requests Council provide greater scrutiny of proposals for ‘change of use’ to encourage a wider variety of uses.

Comment:

In response the submission by the Property Council, by definition, light industries are activities that do not interfere with the amenity of the neighbourhood and can include activities related to high technology industries or artisan food and drink premises.

In response to the submission by the local resident, the variety of businesses operating in a local centre such as Beecroft Village, is market dependent. Council does not have the authority to prevent uses that are permissible in the zone. The discussion under 1.3 of this report to broaden the scope for commercial uses would enable a greater diversity of permissible uses on the ground floor in the B2 zone.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning permissible uses in the B2 zone.

Development feasibility of planning controls

Two submissions on behalf of landowners comment on the development feasibility of planning controls to achieve the minimum employment floorspace provisions in various employment zones.

The first submission considers the floor space ratio (FSR) and building height controls in the B2 Local Centre and B6 Enterprise Corridor zones to be inadequate for redeveloping land within the respective zones. The submission suggests an increase to FSR and building height controls to make redevelopment viable.

The second submission raises concern with the ELS recommendation for minimum non-residential FSR in Hornsby Town Centre. The submission seeks clarification regarding how this will be achieved and requests their site be excluded.

Comment:

In response to the first submission, the ELS provides an analysis of the forecast demand for non-residential floorspace in the employment zones. The ELS recommends that Council review the FSR and building height controls across all employment zones, including B2 and B6, to ensure the feasibility of planning controls to support the zone objectives and to meet the demand for employment floorspace.

Similarly, in response to the second submission, the ELS recommendation for minimum non-residential FSR in Hornsby Town Centre is based on the forecast demand for employment uses in the centre. It is broadly applied for the whole of the centre, and not for any particular site. The ELS recommends Council undertake feasibility analysis to support the zone objectives and to meet the demand for employment floorspace.

The ELS recommendations for Hornsby Town Centre are currently being investigated in more detail as part of the project for the Hornsby Town Centre Review.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning development feasibility of planning controls.

3. Industrial land supply

A submission by a local business highlights the challenges in expanding its operation locally due to the lack of supply of available industrial land and the competing demand from other uses. The submission notes that if the current operation was to relocate outside the Shire, the business is likely to lose half of its local workforce.

The Property Council submission supports the ELS recommendations for protecting the remaining industrial land from encroachment from other uses but notes this should be done only where the land is viable for industrial purposes.

Comment:

The submissions in support of the ELS recommendations to retain and support industrial lands are noted. The ELS recognises that industrial lands should be retained and where possible expanded. Due to the forecast demand for industrial floorspace and competition for the land from other uses such as retail and residential, the ELS recommends managing permissible uses, updating planning controls and reinforcing the objectives for industrial zones to enhance capacity of the lands to support future employment.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning the supply of industrial land.

Impacts on natural environment

Two submissions from community groups raise issues in relation to the perceived impacts on the natural environment.

The first submission broadly objects to actions that may impact on the character of rural areas, suburban amenity and heritage, demand for infrastructure or result in increased residential densities.

The second submission objects to the ELS recommendations about increasing building height and removing or varying maximum site coverage to enable greater development footprints in industrial areas. The submission focuses on the Mount Mt Kuring-Gai industrial precinct where the ELS recommends a number of actions to further manage activities in the industrial estate.

Comment:

The ELS identifies opportunities to support employment land use. The focus of the Study is on the provision of employment floorspace required to support future demand, including opportunities that exist in local centres and industrial precincts.

The ELS recommendations such as the removal of shop top housing in B5 zone and the introduction of light industries as a permissible use in B2 zone are made with consideration of demand, infrastructure needs, environmental impacts and compatibility of land uses. The recommendations are provided to Council for consideration and are subject to further review, exhibition and endorsement.

The ELS specifically notes that any changes to site cover in the industrial precincts should be undertaken in parallel with a review of car parking, setback and landscaping controls. Any changes to planning controls would also be in consideration of visual, amenity and environmental impacts.

Importantly, relating to Mount Kuring-Gai and Asquith/Hornsby employment precincts, the ELS does not consider the land identified as environmentally sensitive on the borders of the industrial precincts as having employment potential.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning the perceived impacts on the natural environment.

4. References to mountain biking

Two submissions from community groups raise issues in relation to references to mountain biking in the ELS. The concerns are primarily in relation to the ELS recommendations about improving worker amenity by increasing opportunities for recreation which includes references to mountain biking. The perception is that the ELS encourages an activity that is potentially detrimental to the natural bushland in the surrounding area.

Comment:

The concerns relating to mountain bike riding are noted. However, the intent of the recommendations is about improving working amenity in the employment land. The ELS reference to mountain biking is provided as an example only in the context of improving opportunities for worker amenity and recreation.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning references in the mountain biking.

5. Residential development

Three submissions (including two from community groups) raise issues in relation to increasing residential development.

The submissions by community groups broadly object to the recommendations for employment uses where it may result in higher residential densities, increase demand on infrastructure or reduce conservation values. The submissions raise specific objections regarding alterations to planning controls that are perceived to increase residential development.

A submission by a local resident raises concern with the number of high-density residential developments in Beecroft Village.

Comment:

The focus of the ELS is on the future provision of employment floorspace, including identifying the opportunities for employment uses in the local and neighbourhood centres, and other employment precincts. It includes considerations for development feasibility, infrastructure, environmental impacts and compatibility of land uses.

The recommendations are based on the forecast demand for employment floorspace to support planned population growth in the Shire. The ELS aims to ensure there are appropriate local employment opportunities to support vibrant centres, creating attractive places for people to work and live.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning residential development in employment zones.

6. Study data and statistics

Three submissions comment on the ELS data or statistics.

The Property Council of Australia notes the population projections used in the ELS differ from Department Planning Industry and Environment (DPIE) and advises that Council should indicate the source of the projections before finalising the ELS.

One submission questions the accuracy of various references, including figures and maps used in the ELS and another questions the accuracy of the economic data used in the ELS, in particular the reference to ‘department stores’ for local centres.

Comment:

The population projections in the ELS are sourced from Hornsby Forecast Id., which are the same for all studies commissioned by Council under the Accelerated LEP Review Program. DPIE has provided support for the use of the population figures under Accelerated LEP Review Program.

The use of references in the ELS, including figures and maps, are accurate and reflect information available provided to the consultant at a point in time. It is noted the ELS was initiated in early 2019.

In response to the reference to ‘department stores’ and the retail estimate found on page 131 (Appendix) of the ELS, while the numbers are correct, Hill PDA has advised that the legibility of headings could be further refined. The final document includes an addendum to clarify information regarding retail trade in the commercial centres.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to submissions regarding the use of data and statistics. However, Hill PDA has prepared an addendum which has been attached to the document to clarify information regarding retail trade in the commercial centres.

7. Aboriginal employment

The submission by Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC) notes the lack of Aboriginal-related references in the ELS. HATSICC sought clarification on how the local aboriginal community and businesses can assist inform development and delivery of any actions arising from the ELS recommendations.

Comment:

The ELS examines, at a high level, the economic and employment trends in the Shire and assesses the capacity and demand of its employment land to support future growth. Although the ELS does not make particular reference to opportunities for Aboriginal employment, it seeks to identify general actions and provide broad directions that would support the delivery of employment across the Shire.

Recommendation:

No changes are recommended to the ELS in response to the submissions concerning Aboriginal-related references.

NEXT STEPS

The ELS identifies the planning priorities for employment land, including recommendations for planning controls (under Section 11) and directions for strategic land use (under Section 12). An Implementation Action Plan has been prepared which is attached to this report. The Plan sets out set out the short, medium and long-term actions to implement the recommendations of the ELS. Implementation would occur through the development of a future Delivery Program, annual budget and Operational Plan. This would be subject to the strategic priorities of Council and the availability and allocation of resources by Council.

CONSULTATION

The ELS was exhibited on Council’s website from 15 October 2020 to 18 December 2020. Public notices were placed in Bush Telegraph, Dooral Round-up, Glaston & Glenorie News, and Living Heritage. The exhibition was further notified by email to Future Hornsby subscribers, in Council’s eNews, Facebook page, and posters in key Council locations.

Following the exhibition, Hill PDA was engaged to assist with the review of the submissions and inform the responses to the issues raised.

Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee was engaged to inform the acknowledgement to the traditional owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire, which has been included as part of the introduction to the final document in accordance with Council’s resolution.

BUDGET

The costs associated with the preparation of the ELS are covered under the Accelerated LEP Review funding. Implementation of ELS recommendations, including any amendments to the HLEP 2013 or DCP, would occur through the development of a future Delivery Program, annual budget and Operational Plan. This would be subject to the strategic priorities of Council and the availability and allocation of resources by Council.

POLICY

The ELS will guide the priorities and actions for employment lands within Hornsby Shire and the key strategic directions will be incorporated into the next iteration of the LSPS.

The Implementation Action Plan attached to this report sets out set out the short, medium and long-term actions to implement the recommendations of the ELS. The actions involving amendments to the LSPS, HLEP, or DCP would be subject to further review and endorsement by Council.

CONCLUSION

The ELS was exhibited from 15 October 2020 to 18 December 2020. Twelve submissions were received, which have been addressed in this report. Hill PDA assisted with the review of the submissions.

One change is recommended as a result of submissions to consider broadening the scope of shop top housing in the B2 Local Centre. The consultant has prepared an addendum to clarify information regarding retail trade in the commercial centres. Matters raised in submissions in relation to Hornsby Town Centre have been noted and forwarded to the project consultants responsible for the Hornsby Town Centre Review. An acknowledgement to the traditional owners of the lands of Hornsby Shire is included in the final document as per Council’s resolution.

It is recommended that Council adopt the Hornsby Employment Land Study and Implementation Action Plan attached to this report.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Strategic Landuse Planning, Katherine Vickery, who can be contacted on 9847 6744.

Katherine Vickery

Manager - Strategic Landuse Planning

Planning and Compliance Division

James Farrington

Director - Planning and Compliance

Planning and Compliance Division

Attachments:

1.	Hornsby Employment Land Study
2.	Implementation Action Plan

File Reference: F2018/00162#05

Document Number: D08056104

Director's Report No. PC10/21

Planning and Compliance Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

8 HORNSBY THEMATIC HISTORY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· At its meeting on 8 August 2018, Council resolved to undertake a Comprehensive Heritage Study to inform amendments to current planning instruments and assist preparation of the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).

· In 2019, a Heritage Gap Analysis and Action Plan 2019 (Action Plan) was prepared to inform the scope of the Comprehensive Heritage Study and was subsequently placed on public exhibition.

· In April 2020, Council endorsed the recommendations of the Action Plan and a timeframe for progression of the Comprehensive Heritage Study program over 4 years. Preparation of new strategic background studies, including a new thematic history, were identified as the top priority.

· GML Heritage Pty Ltd (GML) was engaged in October 2020 to prepare the Hornsby Thematic History. Input from the community, historical societies, Council’s Hornsby Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Consultative Committee (HATSICC) and Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC) has been received throughout the project.

· The draft Thematic History provides a broad historical context for understanding the patterns and forces that shaped Hornsby Shire’s historical narrative and physical fabric. It identifies and explains locally distinctive themes aligned with the NSW Historical Themes. It will be used to inform the future projects of the Comprehensive Heritage Study and guide further research for particular types of items, periods or events in history for the identification and management of Hornsby’s heritage.

· It is recommended that the draft Thematic History attached to this report be placed on public exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

2. Following the exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for consideration.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to present the draft Hornsby Thematic History to Council and seek endorsement for public exhibition.

BACKGROUND

At its meeting on 8 August 2018, Council resolved to undertake a Comprehensive Heritage Study in consultation with the Heritage Advisory Committee to:

· Inform amendments to Council’s planning controls.

· Review Council’s list of existing heritage items and conservation areas and identify opportunities to progress new listings.

· Identifying opportunities to fund and review ongoing heritage initiatives and procedures.

Due to the wide scope and cost of undertaking a comprehensive heritage study, a Heritage Gap Analysis and Action Plan was undertaken by GML heritage consultants to inform the scope of the Comprehensive Heritage Study.

The final Heritage Gap Analysis report (with included Action Plan) was presented to Council on 8 May 2019, where Council resolved to publicly exhibit the Action Plan for one month.

Following exhibition, a report on submissions and a 4-year timeframe for progression of the Comprehensive Heritage Study program was presented to Council on 8 April 2020. At this meeting, Council resolved to endorse the Comprehensive Heritage Study program timeline.

· A new thematic history along with other updated strategic studies were identified as the main tasks to commence first. The new thematic history is intended to update Hornsby’s previous thematic history completed in 1993, fill gaps to align with NSW Historical Themes and identify new local themes that contextualise and explain the Shire’s cultural and environmental heritage, as it exists today.

· GML Heritage has undertaken the draft Thematic History to complete the first task under the Comprehensive Heritage Study. Other tasks identified to be completed under Year 1 of the Comprehensive Heritage Study program timeline include:

· Aboriginal Heritage Study (commenced in November 2020).

· Landscape Heritage Study (commenced in November 2020).

· Archaeology Heritage Study (commenced in January 2021).

· Phase 1 of the Review of current LEP Schedule 5 and known potential heritage items (due to commence in April 2021).

Once completed, the above studies will inform many of the subsequent tasks under the Comprehensive Heritage Study, including the review the Heritage Conservation Areas (HCAs) and statutory documents (LEP and DCP), new items, education, training, promotion, and ongoing management.

DISCUSSION

The previous thematic history was completed in 1993 under Council’s first Heritage Study prepared by Terry Kass in conjunction with Perumal Murphy Wu. It has been utilised to identify and explain the Shire’s environmental heritage to substantial effect over the past 25 years. Five staged reviews have been undertaken since, focused on specific issues or items. However, there has not been a review of the background thematic history to update the historical narrative of Hornsby Shire since the early 1990’s.

The draft Hornsby Thematic History attached to this report provides an informed historical framework to assist the community understand and appreciate Hornsby Shire’s cultural and environmental heritage that will inform the future projects under the Comprehensive Heritage Study.

Hornsby Thematic History

The draft report (attached) consists of the following sections:

· Introduction – An outline of what a Thematic History is, the objectives and parameters of the report, a review of the previous (1993) thematic history, the community consultation and research undertaken, along with a concise description and rationale for why the new local themes have been selected.

· New Local themes – An illustrated historical narrative that identifies and explain the patterns and forces (including actions, events, functions, people and dates) that influenced the history and heritage of Hornsby Shire and shaped its distinctive character over time, including:

o Aboriginal Country.

o The Bushland Shire.

o Transport.

o Agriculture and Horticulture.

o Industrial Enterprises.

o Belief and Faith.

o Leisure and Recreation.

o Health and Wellness.

o Settlement and Suburbanisation.

o The Changing Face of the Shire.

· Recommendations – Suggestions that inform how the Thematic History can support implementation and objectives of subsequent tasks under the Comprehensive Heritage Review including:

o Further research on remote and rural heritage.

o Further research on postwar housing c1940-1960.

o Further research on planning and suburbanisation and places of worship.

o Update of the NSW State Inventory.

o Promotion and interpretation of Hornsby History and Heritage including self-guided tours, expansion of the Hornsby Shire recollects platform and an interpretive strategy.

· Timeline – An illustrated timeline of the significant actions, events, functions, people and dates which shaped the unique aspects of Hornsby Shire and its development through time. These include commencement of construction of the Great North Road by convict gangs in 1826, the opening of Hornsby (Junction) Station in 1886, Peace Day celebrations in Hornsby in 1919, opening of Berowra tollgates in 1969, torch relay for the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and the opening of Hornsby’s new pedestrian bridge in 2017.

· Australian and NSW Heritage Themes – A table identifying how the new Local Themes align with the Australian and NSW Heritage Themes supported by examples of places, events, actions and people that embody the identified local themes.

· Selected Bibliography – A bibliography of books and other printed materials studied under the literature review.

· Appendix – A record of those who provided input during the community consultation.

The new draft Thematic History has brought together a new inclusive approach to local historiography that respectfully reflects the course and pattern of development of Hornsby Shire over time by filling the gaps from the previous thematic history prepared over 25 years ago.

The new draft Thematic history has satisfied the key objectives recommended in the Action Plan by the inclusion of:

· Aboriginal history and heritage – A narration of a shared history which respectfully acknowledges Hornby’s Aboriginal occupation, history, cultural and landscape heritage along with the stories of growth and development of Hornsby Shire within a thematic structure.

· Stronger content on Environmental heritage – An emphasis on the significant aspects of cultural and historic landscapes, from the ancient volcanic valley to timber ridgelines to the development of suburban and commercial postwar and modern (post-1960) development in the Shire.

· Specific local themes relevant to contemporary communities - Themes that correlate to the 36 NSW Historical Themes as defined by the Heritage Council of NSW and identify and characterise what is unique about Hornsby in a thematic context.

· A history that is up to the present day - Inclusion of changes within the municipality beyond 1960.

· An engaging, contemporary and usable format - Well illustrated and written in plain English with anecdotes, stories relevant to the area, short pictorial essays and a clear structure aimed for the local community audience.

· Recommendations – To inform the subsequent studies within the Comprehensive Heritage Study.

The Thematic History is intended to inform the subsequent studies of the Comprehensive Heritage Study and ensure the historic themes distinctive to Hornsby are better reflected and represented in Council’s heritage schedule and management policies.

It is recommended that the Thematic History be placed on public exhibition to seek community feedback on the new local themes and supporting narratives to assist Council in finalising the first task under the Comprehensive Heritage Study.

CONSULTATION

Preliminary Community Consultation

Community consultation was undertaken by the consultant team in the preliminary stages of the Study in November and December 2020. The purpose of this engagement was to obtain feedback on special places, stories and historical material that contribute to the community’s understanding of the history and identity of Hornsby. A framework of themes was published on the Future Hornsby and Council’s website in December 2020 and emailed directly to local historical societies and community groups. An online survey and community engagement platform were hosted by the consultant team during the consultation period.

The feedback received during the community consultation has been considered by the consultant team in preparation of the draft report.

Preliminary Consultation with HATSICC

The consultant team attended the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Committee (HATSICC) meeting on 26 November 2021 to receive input from committee members. The draft Report was circulated for further comments and was discussed at the February 2021 meeting. Comments were collated from all sources and sent to the consultant for consideration in the preparation of the final report.

The final draft Thematic History was circulated to HATSICC for the information of members with a tabulated list of how the consultant team addressed the consolidated feedback provided.

Preliminary Consultation with HAC

The consultants attended two meetings with the Heritage Advisory Committee (HAC), one near commencement of the project on 1 December 2020 to gain early input into identifying the local themes important to Hornsby. A framework of themes was circulated to HAC for further comment on 7 December 2021 and all feedback provided to the consultant team.

The draft Report was circulated for further comments and was discussed at an extraordinary meeting in February 2021. As discussed above, comments were collated from all sources and sent to the consultant for consideration in the preparation of the final report.

The final draft Thematic History was circulated to the HAC for the information of members with a tabulated list of how the consultant team addressed the consolidated feedback provided.

At its extraordinary meeting on 6 April 2021, the Committee noted receipt of the final draft Thematic History and confirmed its support for the final document. However, one outstanding concern was raised by some Committee members, being the perceived underrepresentation of convict history and a request that a convict theme be included.

It was agreed that Council be advised of the Committee’s comment and that the matter be further considered after public exhibition.

Public Exhibition of Draft Thematic History 2021

It is recommended that the draft Thematic History be placed on public exhibition for a period of one month to seek community feedback on the new local themes and supporting narratives to assist Council in finalising the document.

The community would be informed about the draft Thematic History through the following channels:

· Advertisement on Council’s website – Have Your Say.

· Council’s eNews.

· Social Media (Facebook).

· Advertising and Mayor’s message – Bush Telegraph, Galston and Glenorie News, Dural Roundup and Hornsby and Kuring-Gai Post and Living Heritage.

· Letters/Email to all people who have registered for updates on the Heritage Action Plan or ‘all topics’ under the Accelerated LEP Review.

· Letters/Emails to all people who have participated in any of the following engagement activities during the preliminary consultation for the Comprehensive Heritage Study tasks in progress:

o Completed an online survey.

o Attended a workshop.

o Made a submission.

· Letters and/or emails to:

o Historical societies including the Hornsby Shire Historical Society, Beecroft Cheltenham History Group, Dangar Island Historical Society, Dharug and Lower Hawkesbury Historical Society, Dural and District Historical Society and Ray Park Heritage Group.

o Community groups including the Arcadia Galston Residents’ Association, Beecroft-Cheltenham Civic Trust, Berowra Waters Progress Association, Berowra & District Community Association, Brooklyn Community Association, Hornsby Conservation Society, Milsons Passage Progress Association, Pennant Hills District Civic Trust and Westleigh Progress Association.

o Adjoining Councils including The Hills Shire Council, Paramatta City Council, Ku-ring-gai Council, Northern Beaches Council, Ryde City Council, Central Coast Council and Hawkesbury City Council.

o State agencies (Heritage NSW).

· Availability of hard copies in Council libraries (Hornsby, Galston, Pennant Hills and Berowra library branches).

Following exhibition, a report would be presented to Council summarising the feedback received.

BUDGET

The budget for this project was $55,000 (excluding GST) which was covered by the endorsed allocation of funds to the Comprehensive Heritage Study program.

POLICY

Once adopted, the Hornsby Thematic History will complete the first task of the Comprehensive Heritage Study and inform the subsequent tasks.

CONCLUSION

The draft Hornsby Thematic History attached to this report has been prepared by GML Heritage to complete the first task under the Comprehensive Heritage Study. The Thematic History provides an informed historical framework to help the community understand and appreciate Hornsby Shire’s cultural and environmental heritage that will inform the future projects under the Comprehensive Heritage Study.

Once adopted by Council, the Thematic History would be used to inform the subsequent projects under the Comprehensive Heritage Study identified in the Action Plan in order to meet its commitment to the conservation and promotion of natural and cultural heritage through updating Council’s heritage management policies.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Strategic Landuse Planning – Katherine Vickery - who can be contacted on 9847 6744.

Katherine Vickery

Manager - Strategic Landuse Planning

Planning and Compliance Division

James Farrington

Director - Planning and Compliance

Planning and Compliance Division

Attachments:

Draft Hornsby Shire Thematic History

File Reference: F2020/00185#01

Document Number: D08140730

Deputy General Manager's Report No. IM6/21

Infrastructure and Major Projects Division

Date of Meeting: 12/05/2021

9 REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS - BEECROFT COMMUNITY CENTRE TO CHELTENHAM RAILWAY STATION PEDESTRIAN/ CYCLEWAY PATH

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

· This report addresses matters raised in submissions received in response to the exhibition of a shared pedestrian/cycleway path proposal between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway station and to seek Council’s endorsement to construct the shared path.

· The shared path proposal is part of the Pennant Hills to Epping Pedestrian/Cycleway Path which is identified as a high priority in the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy.

· Forty-five submissions were received during the public exhibition of the proposal late last year. Thirty-five or 78% of the submissions either supported or provided qualified support for the shared path.

· Some residents were particularly concerned about the potential loss of trees and bamboo which screens the railway corridor along the proposed route of the shared path.

· The bamboo screening vegetation will need to be removed or thinned out for the path construction, however it will be replaced by other suitable vegetation upon completion of the works.

· Council officers have considered numerous design iterations to minimise removal of trees. The current path proposal includes sections of low-level elevated platforms over root zones, which enables retention of most trees adjacent to the path footprint that would otherwise need to be removed. Nevertheless, two significant trees are required to be removed and these will be offset in accordance with Council’s adopted Offsets Policy.

· Delivery of the project is dependent on the receipt of funds from Transport for NSW.

RECOMMENDATION

THAT Council:

1. Note the contents of Deputy General Manager’s Report No. IM6/21.

2. Agree to the construction of the shared pedestrian/cycleway path between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway stations as generally shown in Attachment 2.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this report is to address matters raised in submissions received in response to the exhibition of the shared pedestrian/cycleway path between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway station and to seek Council’s endorsement to construct the shared path. This shared path is part of the Pennant Hills to Epping Pedestrian/Cycleway Path proposal.

BACKGROUND

The Pennant Hills to Epping Shared Path project proposes to deliver a key piece of infrastructure and link the main transport hubs of Epping and Pennant Hills. Currently it is difficult for cyclists and pedestrians to gain access to the Northern Rail line. To reach the stations along this route cyclists and pedestrians are expected to travel along main roads and side streets. This becomes particularly dangerous around the two extremely busy main roads, Beecroft Road and Pennant Hills Road.

The objective of the new shared path is to provide safe and convenient facilities to encourage walking and cycling to key local destinations. As well as improving the health and fitness of users, other benefits include decreased traffic in the local area and decreased travel times.

The proposed pedestrian/cycleway is located between Pennant Hills railway station and Epping railway station. The cycleway will extend through Hornsby to the Parramatta Local Government Area. The shared path would allow a connection to an existing pedestrian/ cycleway in the Parramatta LGA.

The long-term strategic route option for the pedestrian / cycleway route is broadly illustrated in Attachment 1. The route is based on site investigations, a review of constraints, a route options assessment based on value management assessment criteria and indicative cost analysis and broadly includes three sections:

Section A: Pennant Hills Station to Beecroft Community Centre (Hornsby LGA).

Section B: Beecroft Community Centre to Cheltenham railway station (Hornsby LGA).

Section C: Cheltenham railway station to Epping (South of the M2 Motorway is part of Parramatta LGA).

1. The route between Pennant Hills and Beecroft is generally within the rail corridor from Pennant Hills to the crossing at Copeland Road Overbridge. This route generally follows a uniform gradient and alignment between two strategic points, namely Pennant Hills railway station and Beecroft railway station and would operate efficiently for cyclists and pedestrians using this as a transit corridor between these hubs.

2. This route option however provides limited opportunity for egress and entry points along the alignment which would limit the catchments attracted to this transit corridor. The limited egress and entry points may also result in increased security concerns for the path users due to the lack of passive surveillance along the corridor and the relative distance between egress and entry points would increase response times during emergencies. To mitigate these concerns both path lighting and CCTV coverage should be considered along the alignment.

3. The route between Beecroft and Cheltenham railway stations is the most viable option to connect sections A and C. This route generally follows a direct route along exiting paths and roads which would involve limited vegetation clearance/replanting and utility relocations.

4. The route from the Cheltenham railway station to the M2 follows most of the Crescent, crosses the Hills Motorway (M2) and terminates at Cambridge Street close to Epping Station. Most of the route is proposed to be within Crown Land (The Crescent). This route generally follows a uniform gradient and alignment between the two stations except for the crossing over the Hills Motorway (M2) which will require a significant shared path structure at significant cost.

DISCUSSION

This report addresses submissions received in response to the exhibition of the route for a shared pedestrian/ cycleway between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway station. This option represents the most feasible option to construct as Stage 1 (refer to Attachment 2) of the Pennant Hills to Epping shared path.

Beecroft to Cheltenham shared path

The shared path commences at the rear of the Beecroft Community Centre and continues through the Village Green near the railway and behind the tennis courts. The railway fence will be relocated at the back of the courts onto railway land to provide additional width through the current squeeze point.

From there the path continues off road on the railway side of The Crescent all the way to Cheltenham Road. Kerb and gutter will be constructed on the railway side of The Crescent to accommodate the path alongside the new kerb in places and the path will meander around the trees to minimise the impact on them as much as is practically possible.

The works will include the construction of a pedestrian refuge near The Promenade to provide a safe crossing point.

The path will typically be 3.5metres wide and built from concrete, with many sections constructed from Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) grating elevated slightly above the ground where it runs close to significant trees to minimise impact. FRP grating is used extensively by National Parks for boardwalks and lookouts.

Submissions

A total of 45 submissions were received – 10 people did not support the shared path proposal mainly because of concerns about removal of vegetation and impact on parking at the scouts building in The Crescent; 23 submissions fully support the proposal; and 12 people provided qualified support for the proposal. The submissions are summarised in Attachment 3. Most of the concerns raised by those that objected to the proposal covered the following matters.

1. Removal of vegetation/ maintenance of vegetation screen

Council officers have considered numerous design iterations to minimise removal of trees. The current path proposal includes sections of low-level elevated platforms over root zones, which enables retention of most trees adjacent to the path footprint that would otherwise need to be removed.

Nevertheless, it has not been possible to retain all the trees along the path route.

No trees will be removed within the Village Green. Some vegetation does need to be removed along the railway side of The Crescent. This vegetation is mainly invasive weed species and non-native or of low significance species (such as Privet, Camphor laurel, African Olive and Jacaranda). Two significant trees unavoidably need to be removed - one is a Blue Gum in average condition and the other a Blackbutt in poor condition. These two significant trees will be replaced in accordance with Council’s Green Offset Policy.

Vegetation removal will be kept to a minimum and any existing vegetation outside of the immediate work area will be retained. However, due to the nature of the path, the density of existing vegetation in the area, and Council’s preference to minimise removal of significant trees, some screening vegetation (mainly bamboo) will need to be removed or thinned out for the path construction.

Screening vegetation will be replanted upon completion of the works. Council has developed a list of suitable species screening plants that are native to the local area.

2. Lack of parking and interruption to the scouting activities

There will be temporary minor disruptions to traffic flow and on street parking during the construction process. Traffic flow will be managed by certified traffic controllers.

Once the works have been completed there will be no impact on parking on the property side of The Crescent. On the railway side on street parking will be limited to in front of the Scout Hall and between The Promenade and Cheltenham Road, to minimise the impact on trees.

3. Cost of the facility

The cost of constructing the proposed shared path is estimated at $4,700,000 and is expected to be funded from grant funds – refer to Budget section.

4. Conflict between pedestrians and cyclists and other safety concerns.

The width of the shared path at 3.5m provides enough space for both cyclists and pedestrians.

There is also a separate footpath along The Crescent and Beecroft Road for residents to use if they are concerned about their safety.

It is also proposed to introduce pedestrian refuges on The Crescent at The Promenade and at Cheltenham Road.

Those submissions that provided qualified support predominantly expressed a desire that the entire link be constructed, not just the current stage. They also asked for water filling stations and bicycle lock up facilities – matters which are addressed in the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy. Other matters included the grades of the route and safety at intersections and regular maintenance of the bamboo screen along the railway corridor. These matters will be addressed in the detailed design of the project.

CONSULTATION

An exhibition of the shared path proposal between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway station was undertaken between 23 November and 23 December 2020. Information on the route was placed on Council’s website due to COVID restrictions.

Information sessions were also held on 12 ,16 and 19 December 2020.

All properties bounded by The Beecroft Village Green to the west, Cheltenham Road to the east, The Crescent to the north and Beecroft Road to the south were also letter box dropped. In addition to the letter box drop, advertisements were placed in the local papers and posts made on social media.

BUDGET

The proposed pedestrian/cycleway path project between Beecroft and Cheltenham Railway Stations has been estimated to cost $4.7M.

The expectation is that the project will be eligible for funds from Transport for NSW. There is no expectation that the project will be funded from Council’s General Funds.

POLICY

The works are consistent with the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy which seeks to improve the participation in walking and cycling across the Shire. The construction of the proposed shared path between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway station is part of a route which has been identified as a high priority in the Draft Walking and Cycling Strategy.

The shared path proposal also forms part of a link that has been identified as a Tier 1 (highest priority) pedestrian/cycleway within Transport for NSW’s Future Transport Strategy 2056.

CONCLUSION

The construction of a shared pedestrian/ cycleway path between the Beecroft Community Centre and Cheltenham railway station will deliver part of the route that will eventually extend from Pennant Hills to Epping. It has been designed to minimise possible impact on significant trees within the corridor. The scheme also addresses concerns of residents and incorporates screen planting to obscure views of the railway corridor.

RESPONSIBLE OFFICER

The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Deputy General Manager – Infrastructure and Major Projects - who can be contacted on 9847-6665.

Robert Stephens

Deputy General Manager - Infrastructure and Major Projects

Infrastructure and Major Projects Division

Attachments:

1.	Attachment 1 - Pennnat Hills to Epping Pedestrian/ Cycleway Route - Design Concept
2.	Attachment 2 - Beecroft to Cheltenham Route - Design Concept
3.	Attachment 3 - Summary of Submissions

File Reference: F2020/00085

Document Number: D08151679

1.	HSC Investments Summary Report March 2021
2.	HSC Borrowings Schedule March 2021