BUSINESS PAPER
General Meeting
Wednesday 10 July 2024
at 6:30PM
BUSINESS PAPER
General Meeting
Wednesday 10 July 2024
at 6:30PM
Hornsby Shire Council Table of Contents
Page 1
AGENDA AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Rescission Motions
Mayoral Minutes
ITEMS PASSED BY EXCEPTION / CALL FOR SPEAKERS ON AGENDA ITEMS
GENERAL BUSINESS
Office of the General Manager
Nil
Corporate Support Division
Item 1 CS28/24 Investments and Borrowings for 2023/2024 - Status For The Period Ending 31 May 2024.......................................................................................................................... 1
Community and Environment Division
Item 2 CE8/24 Draft Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029............................................................ 4
Item 3 CE9/24 Draft Social Plan 2024-2034.......................................................................... 13
Item 4 CE10/24 Fagan Park Off-Leash Dog Park.................................................................. 19
Planning and Compliance Division
Item 5 PC12/24 Report on Submissions - Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024................ 26
Infrastructure and Major Projects Division
Item 6 IM6/24 Galston Village Public Domain Plan (PDP)...................................................... 30
Confidential Items
Item 7 CE7/24 Foxglove Oval Remediation Works Update
PUBLIC FORUM – NON AGENDA ITEMS
Questions with Notice
Mayor's Notes
Notices of Motion
Item 8 NOM4/24 New Line Road and Old Northern Road Traffic Study................................... 39
SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA
MATTERS OF URGENCY
Hornsby Shire Council Agenda and Summary of Recommendations
Page 1
AGENDA AND SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
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."
PRESENT
NATIONAL ANTHEM
OPENING PRAYER/S
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."
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 12 June, 2024 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
Nil
Corporate Support Division
Page Number 1
Item 1 CS28/24 Investments and Borrowings for 2023/2024 - Status For The Period Ending 31 May 2024
RECOMMENDATION
THAT the contents of Director’s Report No. CS28/24 be received and noted.
Community and Environment Division
Page Number 4
Item 2 CE8/24 Draft Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Adopt the draft Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029 included at Attachment 1 to Director’s Report No. CE8/24.
2. Write to all submitters thanking them for their submission.
Page Number 13
Item 3 CE9/24 Draft Social Plan 2024-2034
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Adopt the draft Social Plan included at Attachment 1 to Director’s Report No. CE9/24.
2. Write to all submitters thanking them for their submission.
Page Number 19
Item 4 CE10/24 Fagan Park Off-Leash Dog Park
RECOMMENDATION
THAT construction of an off-leash dog park proceed at Fagan Park in the current proposed location consistent with the adopted Off-leash Dog Park Strategy.
Planning and Compliance Division
Page Number 26
Item 5 PC12/24 Report on Submissions - Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024
RECOMMENDATION
THAT:
1. Council approve the draft Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 attached to Director’s Report No. PC12/24.
2. Notification of the approval of the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 be published on Council’s website.
3. The submitter be advised of Council’s decision.
Infrastructure and Major Projects Division
Page Number 30
Item 6 IM6/24 Galston Village Public Domain Plan (PDP)
RECOMMENDATION
THAT Council:
1. Endorse the draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan to be taken forward through detailed design development towards construction. The final Plan will be presented to Councillors at an Informal Workshop prior to Tender commencement.
2. Continue pursuing approval for the roadway works with Transport for New South Wales and maintain liaison with commercial landowners in the shopping precinct.
3. Continue to refine the existing options for public toilets within the Galston Village precinct to ensure access and availability for users and visitors to the shopping precinct.
Confidential Items
Item 7 CE7/24 Foxglove Oval Remediation Works Update
This report should be dealt with in confidential session, under Section 10A (2) (g) of the Local Government Act, 1993. This report contains advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege.
PUBLIC FORUM – NON AGENDA ITEMS
Questions with Notice
Mayor's Notes
Notices of Motion
Page Number 39
Item 8 NOM4/24 New Line Road and Old Northern Road Traffic Study
COUNCILLOR Salitra To Move
THAT Council write to Transport for NSW and relevant NSW Government Ministers requesting:
1. The release of all transport, traffic and road safety investigations, studies, reports and recommendations regarding New Line Road improvements.
2. A briefing be provided to the incoming Council before the end of 2024 on study and report findings, recommendations and what actions are planned to be undertaken.
SUPPLEMENTARY AGENDA
MATTERS OF URGENCY
Director's Report No. CS28/24
Corporate Support Division
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
1 INVESTMENTS AND BORROWINGS FOR 2023/2024 - STATUS FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31 MAY 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
· This Report provides details of Council’s investment performance for the period ending 31 May 2024 as well as the extent of its borrowings at the end of the same period.
· Council invests funds that are not, for the time being, required for any other purpose. The investments must be made in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Council’s policies and the Chief Financial Officer must report monthly to Council on the details of funds invested.
· All of Council’s investments have been made in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act, the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy and Investment Strategy.
· In respect of Council’s cash and term deposit investments, the portfolio achieved an annualised return for May 2024 of 5.14% which includes a positive yield of 7.32% from TCorp Managed Funds. On a financial year to date basis the portfolio achieved an annualised return of 4.89% which includes a positive yield of 6.56% from TCorp Managed Funds.
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THAT the contents of Director’s Report No. CS28/24 be received and noted. |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Report is to advise Council of funds invested in accordance with Section 625 of the Local Government Act; to provide details as required by Clause 212(1) of the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy; and to advise on the extent of Council’s current borrowings.
BACKGROUND
Legislation requires that a report be submitted for Council’s consideration each month detailing Council's investments and borrowings and highlighting the monthly and year to date performance of the investments. Initial investments and reallocation of funds are made, where appropriate, after consultation with Council's financial investment adviser and fund managers.
DISCUSSION
Council invests funds which are not, for the time being, required for any other purpose. Such investment must be in accordance with relevant legislative requirements and Council Policies, and the Chief Financial Officer must report monthly to Council on the details of the funds invested.
Council’s investment performance for the month ending 31 May 2024 is detailed in the attached document. In summary, the portfolio achieved an annualised return for May 2024 of 5.14%. On a financial year to date basis the portfolio achieved an annualised return of 4.89% which includes a positive yield of 6.56% from TCorp Managed Funds.
The Borrowings Schedule as at 31 May 2024 is attached for Council’s information, noting that Council became debt free on 1 July 2023 with no loans entered into since. Therefore, the Borrowings Schedule only discloses future lease repayments for various items of plant and equipment.
BUDGET
Budgeted investment income for the year is $9,823,719 with an average budgeted monthly income of $818,643. Net investment income for the month ended 31 May 2024 was $1,214,992, which includes an unrealised gain of $141,457 from TCorp Managed Funds.
Budgeted investment income year to date at 31 May 2024 was $9,005,085. Total investment income year to date at 31 May 2024 was $13,093,170 which includes a year-to-date unrealised net gain of $1,344,535 from TCorp Managed Funds.
Approximately 47.45% of the investment income received by Council relates to externally restricted funds (e.g., Stronger Communities Grant funding and Section 7.11 and Section 7.12 development contribution funds) and is required to be allocated to those funds. All investments have been made in accordance with the Local Government Act, the Local Government (General) Regulation and Council's Investment of Surplus Funds Policy and Investment Strategy.
The returns from TCorp Managed Funds can experience significant market volatility due to external economic conditions. It is noted that this product has a 7-year investment horizon and will, therefore, reflect marked to market valuations monthly. Advice provided by Council’s independent investment advisor, Prudential Investment Services, is to hold this investment for the 7-year timeframe originally planned. This is due to the anticipated net positive performance returns that will be gained over the long term for this investment.
CONCLUSION
The investment of Council funds and the extent of its borrowings as of 31 May 2024 is detailed in the documents attached to this Report. Council’s consideration of the Report and its attachments ensures that the relevant legislative requirements and Council protocols have been met in respect of those investments and borrowings.
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.
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Duncan Chell Chief Financial Officer Corporate Support Division |
Glen Magus Director - Corporate Support Corporate Support Division |
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HSC Investments Summary Report May 2024 |
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HSC Borrowings Summary Report May 2024 |
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File Reference: F2004/06987-02
Document Number: D08897967
Director's Report No. CE8/24
Community and Environment Division
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
2 DRAFT ARTS AND CULTURAL PLAN 2024-2029
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
· In May 2024, Council resolved to place the draft Arts and Cultural Plan 2024 – 2029 (the draft Plan) on public exhibition for a period of 28 Days.
· The Plan was publicly exhibited from 9 May and closed on 9 June, including contact with organisations, arts and cultural service providers and practitioners including Council’s Arts and Cultural Group, River Artists, Arcadian Artists, Sydney Arts School, Hornsby Arts Society, Studio Artes, the Cottage at Brooklyn and Hamley Studios.
· At the conclusion of the exhibition period a total of nine submissions have been received. Officers have reviewed the submissions and note that issues raised are either covered within the Plan or are related to timing for delivery which is subject to separate discussions as part of Council’s annual budgeting process.
· Accordingly, no amendments are recommended to be made to the draft Plan.
· It is recommended that Council adopt the draft Plan.
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THAT Council: 1. Adopt the draft Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029 included at Attachment 1 to Director’s Report No. CE8/24. 2. Write to all submitters thanking them for their submission. |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Report is to enable Council to consider and adopt the draft Arts & Cultural Plan following public exhibition.
BACKGROUND
At the May 2024 Ordinary/Planning Meeting, Council considered Group Manager’s Report No. CE5/24 and resolved that:
1. The draft Arts and Cultural Plan attached to the Director’s Report No. CE5/24 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
2. Following exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for its consideration.
DISCUSSION
With the assistance of Positive Solutions Consulting, Council has produced a draft Arts and Cultural Plan (Attachment 1). This Plan benefitted from an extensive period of consultation throughout late 2023 and early 2024.
Following the May 2024 Council meeting the draft Arts and Cultural Plan was placed on public exhibition between the 9th May and 9th June. The draft Plan was placed on Council’s Your Say website and posted via social media.
As part of the exhibition officers also contacted organisations and service providers including and not limited to the Arts and Cultural Group, River Artists, Arcadian Artists, Sydney Arts School, Hornsby Arts Society and arts and cultural providers and practitioners across the Shire.
At the conclusion of the exhibition period a total of nine submissions were received either through Council’s Your Say portal or direct email to Council staff. One community member sent four submissions in the one email.
The submissions have been summarised in the table below along with an officer’s comment.
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SUBMISSION |
OFFICERS RESPONSE |
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I congratulate you on initiating the promotion of the arts in Hornsby. I would like to see performance opportunities for local musicians, including public spaces for busking, cafes and quiet piano music, promotion of local composers, a celebration for local music teachers such as a morning tea and regional awards, Hornsby Shire Music Eisteddfod, Hornsby Shire Young Composers Competition, local music research highlights in the Hornsby Newsletter, connections with the Australian Acoustical Society for noise and hearing awareness day in the Hornsby Shire, Quiet Spaces in Hornsby Shire.
These are just a few ideas for making Hornsby Shire more attractive, contemporary, and enjoyable as a place to live. |
This is covered in Focus Area 1: Creating Places and Places for the Arts to Flourish.
1.2 Upgrade selected Hornsby Shire community halls to increase their functionality for performance.
1.8 Develop a coordinated strategy to generate a lively, activated streetscape both day and night, through outdoor performance and festival programming, street art and mural installations.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed. |
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Native plants around public parkland's |
Noted: No amendments to the Plan are proposed. |
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Congratulations on putting together this great draft plan. It's very exciting to see the LGA invest in the future of arts and culture in our shire. I live in Brooklyn and am an arts and cultural worker as well as being a professional musician. I've included some comments below that related directly to specific actions in the draft plan.
1.2 Upgrade selected Hornsby Shire community halls to increase their functionality for performance.
How will these halls be selected? How many? etc. Would be great to have some more detail around this action to see how it is serving the whole of the LGA |
P28, Berowra and Cherrybrook have been identified as potential sites in the plan.
This action is also subject to resources being identified, whether through Council’s budgetary process, grants or State or Federal programs.
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1.6 Encourage pop-up and temporary use of spaces (e.g. end-of-lease) for art exhibitions I love that this is included as an action. Can you expand on how you will be 'encouraging' this? How can this be measured?
Suggestion - should aim for more than just art exhibitions, could be for any artform or even used as makerspaces.
1.9 Investigate potential suitable sites for art making including temporary art studios and warehouse space. A range of spaces for creative practice, ranging from hobby to professional.
Suggestion: that this action calls out spaces for multiple specific artforms - ie. appropriate springed flooring for dance, soundproofing for music etc - not just 'art making'
Also, this action should be an 'implement' rather than an investigation. It shouldn't be taking Council over 5 years to provide more spaces for artists to develop work. Maybe 'investigate' is the first year of the plan and then this is followed by implementation?
3.2 Investigate grant funding on merit basis for local artists to develop bodies of work. Again, would be good to see this action as an 'implement' rather than ' investigate'. There's so much research out there that already demonstrates that investing in the development of work, across all art forms, is so important to local creative economies. I think that Council should just go for it and commit to a funding program for the development of new work, as many other local Councils do. This shouldn't have to wait until the next Cultural Plan in 2029 Many thanks for your consideration. |
This is covered in Focus Area 1: Creating places and spaces for arts to flourish. 1.6 Encourage pop-up and temporary use of spaces (e.g. end-of-lease) for art exhibitions
Subject to discussion with property owners and availability of premises
This is covered in Focus Area 1: Creating places and spaces for arts to flourish.
1.6 Encourage pop-up and temporary use of spaces (e.g. end-of-lease) for art exhibitions
Subject to discussion with property owners and availability of premises and any additional resources to be identified, whether through Council’s budgetary process, grants or State or Federal programs.
This action is subject to any additional resources to be identified, whether through Council’s budgetary process, grants or State or Federal programs. |
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Looks good but don’t forget about the white Caucasian people that still live in Hornsby Shire. The Hornsby shire residents are not only First Nations and Asian. Need to bring the shire alive with excitement and colourful areas. Also helps if all the streets and areas are free from weeds and homeless people. |
This is covered in Focus Area 5: Celebrating our cultural Heritage, Identity and Diversity.
5.3 Develop and implement innovative cultural education programs, with diverse communities, designed to increase community cultural participation and understanding. 5.4 Undertake ongoing cultural mapping, data collection and research to identify, track and understand the needs, talents and behaviours of our community, as well as barriers to cultural participation (Cultural heritage encompasses all communities.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed. |
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We would like to commend you and your team on the work that has been invested in the creation of the Hornsby Shire Arts and Cultural Plan 2024 -2029. We invite further discussion on how Council can leverage our School not only in achieving the objectives of the Cultural Plan, but also in the economic development of Hornsby Shire. The School uniquely provides Hornsby Council a clear difference over other LGAs in the area of arts education. We are accredited by ASQA to deliver qualifications ranging from Certificate III through to the Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts from our main studio in Hornsby. We are the only RTO in NSW (possibly Australia) to offer that range of qualifications. Of the adjoining LGAs only Ryde (via Meadowbank TAFE) has some similar capability in offering the Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts. As a CRICOS provider the School also attracts international students into the area which in some small way contributes to the economic development and international profile of the Hornsby Shire. |
This is covered in Focus Area 1: Creating places and spaces for arts to flourish and Focus Area 3 Supporting our creative community.
1.7 Hold one or more forums with private schools locally to optimise access to their facilities and support collaborative arts delivery.
3.6 Facilitate networking activities between our creatives and our education and business communities to encourage partnerships and create mutually beneficial opportunities.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed. |
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One submitter produced a Compliance Report for Hornsby Shire Council's Arts and Cultural Plan 2024-2029. This identified how areas of the plan relate to applicable laws or regulations such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. |
Noted by staff. |
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As a visual artist and a local prize winner at the Hornsby Art Prize, I welcome this draft Hornsby Arts and Cultural Plan. I have always worked in the arts and was the arts manager at Studio ARTES for 5 years. During that time, I curated exhibitions in Hornsby at Wallarobba and at the TAFE Gallery. Presently I work at Blue Apple Studios in Terrey Hills. Hornsby boosts of a rich history in the arts and has many exhibiting artists living in the Shire. Some whose work is in the collection of the Art Gallery of NSW. This year there is a Hornsby resident, who I worked with at Studio ARTES, and she is a finalist in the Archibald Prize. The arts bring the community together and gives a sense of identity. Also, when there are arts events and venues, people from other areas come to visit and appreciate the what the community has to offer. This can seen in Shires, such as Gosford, which has a regional Gallery with a yearly art prize and the most exquisite Japanese gardens. The cafe and restaurant is always well patronized and a meeting point for local and others from outside the area. Wallarobba is a beautiful building, but many locals are unaware of its presence or purpose. I have exhibited my work at the Gallery and have invited friends from area who needed directions to get there. Also when exhibiting, visitors asked where they could grab a coffee or snack. There is nothing at the site, which make it more isolated and less likely for foot traffic. I agree with the draft plan that Wallarobba is not an easy gallery to hang an exhibition. Its many rooms and fireplaces make it more like a home rather than a gallery where one can focus on the work. A purpose-built gallery would give Hornsby the status that it deserves as a hub for the arts. I support the proposal for pop up spaces and also suitable sites or studios for creatives for their practice. Northern Beaches, North Sydney and the Inner City have artists’ studios that can be rented. This a wonderful way to give creatives a sense of community where they can collaborate and inspire each other. Workshops and exhibitions are outcomes from a shared artists' space and can involve the wider community. There is a proposal for an artists residency program. In other areas of Sydney, and around the world, these programs are very competitive and raise the profile of the area. Residencies would promote Hornsby and give the Shire a platform to shine a light on its natural beauty and incredible landscape. There are many older artists who live in the Shire and have done so for years working quietly in their areas of Hornsby. There is a proposal that they could be a resource to mentor younger artists. I agree that this would invigorate the arts in Hornsby and connect people who would otherwise not be connected. This proposal has huge potential for the younger population in the Shire. These are the main areas of the draft Arts and Cultural Plan that I have noted, and feel are of merit and deserve consideration. Hornsby is a changing and growing demographic. Presently the arts is an underutilized resource. It has great potential for tourism and for the support of local businesses. The Shire extends over a very large area and deserves to have designated spaces where the community can feel a sense of identity and connectedness through the arts. |
This is covered in Focus Area 1: Creating places and spaces for arts to flourish, Focus Area 2: Activating the Hornsby Shire through arts and creativity and Focus Area 3 Supporting our creative community.
1.6 Encourage pop-up and temporary use of spaces (e.g. end-of-lease) for art exhibitions
2.7 Establish artist in residence program.
3.4 Mentoring for young creatives – there is a wealth of knowledge amongst senior creatives that live in the Hornsby Shire
P20. Wallarobba - resources have recently been allocated to overall site improvements. |
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Sydney Art School delivers training & assessment in Australian Government accredited qualifications ranging from Certificate III to Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts as well as fine arts classes for adults and school students.” b. On page 41: Appendix 2 – Facilities Comparison by LGA “Sydney Art School accredited training in visual arts & fine arts classes at Hornsby Studio” |
Noted by staff with a meeting with the art school to be arranged. |
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Hornsby Chinese Language and Culture School (HCLCS) is pleased to propose a partnership with the local community government to host a Children's Art Exhibition and Charity Sale. This event, planned for October, aims to showcase the artistic talents of our nearly 100 students and students from Hornsby Shire wide, foster community engagement, and raise funds for charity organization. |
This is covered in Focus Area 3: Supporting our creative community. 3.6 Facilitate networking activities between our creatives and our education and business communities to encourage partnerships and create mutually beneficial opportunities. |
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CONSULTATION
Council consulted widely with the community during the development of the draft Arts and Cultural Plan, and more recently through the exhibition of the draft Plan. Organisations and service providers were contacted and advised of the exhibition of the draft Plan including but was not limited to Council’s Arts and Cultural Group, River Artists, Arcadian Artists, Sydney Arts School, Hornsby Arts Society, Studio Artes, the Cottage at Brooklyn and Hamley Studios.
Members of the public who had submitted comment during the original consultation phase and left contact details were also contacted.
BUDGET
Initiatives arising from the Arts and Cultural Plan are designed to become core business of Council. Some actions contained within the draft Plan will be developed as part of existing programs and will not require additional resources.
In many cases new actions are identified that are additional to Council’s provision of services and will 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 Plan 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 draft Plan, Council will seek, in part, alternative funding pathways such as applying for grants and working in collaboration with partners. Formal adoption of Plans is often a precursor to successful funding applications from providers such as the NSW and Australian governments.
POLICY
Upon adoption the draft Arts and Cultural Plan would provide a roadmap for Council to address arts and cultural issues through creative expression including arts activities, festivals, and events.
CONCLUSION
Council has produced the Arts and Cultural Plan in consultation with the community, local organisations, Council’s Arts and Cultural Advisory and staff of Hornsby Shire Council, outlining the steps that Council can take to help to build a vibrant arts and creative inspired community.
A total of nine submissions were received following exhibition of the draft Arts and Cultural Plan. In the main, issues raised in the submissions are already captured by actions contained in the draft Arts and Cultural Plan and accordingly no amendments are proposed to be made to the draft Plan.
It is recommended that Council adopt the draft Plan.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Community & Cultural Development Manager - Neil Chippendale who can be contacted on 9847 6523.
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Cheryl Etheridge Manager - Library and Community Services Community and Environment Division |
Stephen Fedorow Director - Community and Environment Community and Environment Division |
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Draft Arts and Cultural Plan |
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File Reference: F2023/00235
Document Number: D08895777
Director's Report No. CE9/24
Community and Environment Division
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
3 DRAFT SOCIAL PLAN 2024-2034
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
· In May 2024, Council resolved to place the draft Social Plan 2024-2034 (the draft Plan) on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.
· The draft Plan was publicly exhibited from 9 May and closed on 9 June, including contact with a range of organisations and service providers including KNC Home Care Services, the Hornsby Local Area Health Network, Catholic Care, local dementia cafes, along with local service organisations such as Rotary, Lions Clubs, Soroptimists and Men’s Sheds. Staff also sent the details to 701 members of the community who are on the Community Development mailing list.
· At the conclusion of the exhibition period a total of seven submissions have been received. Officers have reviewed the submissions and note that issues raised in the submissions are already captured by actions contained in the draft Plan or other Council strategies and plans. Accordingly, no amendments are proposed to be made to the draft Plan.
· The draft Plan is designed to outline how Council is helping to build a more inclusive, healthy, and connected community in the Shire, noting that 24.1% of the community is over 60 years of age; 40.5% were born overseas; and 35.7% speak a language other than English at home. In addition, 29.6% of the Shires population also reported one or more health conditions and 4.6% reported needing help in their day to day lives due to disability.
· It is recommended that Council adopt the draft Social Plan 2024-2034.
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THAT Council: 1. Adopt the draft Social Plan included at Attachment 1 to Director’s Report No. CE9/24. 2. Write to all submitters thanking them for their submission. |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Report is to enable Council to consider and adopt the draft Social Plan 2024-2034 following public exhibition.
BACKGROUND
At the May 2024 Ordinary/Planning Meeting, Council considered Group Manager’s Report No. CE4/24 and resolved that:
1. The draft Social Plan attached to the Director’s Report No. CE4/24 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 30 days.
2. Following exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for its consideration.
DISCUSSION
With the assistance of WSP Consulting, Council has produced a draft Social Plan 2024-2034 (Attachment 1). This plan benefitted from an extensive period of consultation throughout 2024.
Following the May 2024 Council meeting the draft Social Plan was placed on public exhibition between the 9th May and 9th June. The draft Plan was placed on Council’s Your Say website and posted via social media.
As part of the exhibition officers also contacted organisations and service providers including KNC Home Care Services, the Hornsby Local Area Health Network, local dementia cafes, along with local service organisations such as Rotary, Lions Clubs, Soroptimists, Men’s Sheds and local churches. Officers also sent the information to 701 community members who are on the Community Development mailing list.
At the conclusion of the exhibition period a total of seven submissions were received either through Council’s Your Say portal or direct email to Council staff from community members and local organisations who provided 11 specific responses.
The submissions have been summarised in the table below along with an officer’s comment.
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OFFICERS RESPONSE |
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I don't know how creating an Affordable Housing Strategy is going to help anyone apart from the most vulnerable in our society who are eligible for community housing (and who are worthy of helping, as are those who are less vulnerable but still really struggling with home ownership). The development sector aren't going to be keen to sell properties at a reasonable price to the general public when they could easily sell them for more and make much more profit.
An idea to help enact the health/wellbeing/community connection priorities would be approaching parkrun (parkrun.com.au) and establishing another weekly parkrun community event (in addition to the one at Fagan Park) at the old quarry/new Hornsby Park location. |
Council’s plan is to ensure there is an appropriate supply and mix of housing to meet community needs and can encourage the construction of affordable housing by offering incentives to developments which will include it.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed.
Noted
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I have been in the Hornsby Shire since moving here in 2022 from another part of Sydney. The area is a wonderful place to live. I say that because where I lived in Bankstown, transport and social services were very poor. Here I think the area is well serviced in many respects. I will only say that I think a community-based transport service would be good for older people to link Hornsby shops to the local area. I think it's Strathfield that has a hail and ride service where you hail a community-based minibus to get around. Also, keep up the good work on preserving and enhancing the local bushland.
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The Hornsby-Kuringai Community Transport service operates in the area and Community Development staff are invited to attend the quarterly meetings.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed.
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Suggestion for additional action in Strategic Direction 1 ‘A welcoming and inclusive Hornsby Shire’. Consider including a requirement on all new/renewing exclusive leases of Hornsby Council community facilities, that the prospective tenant demonstrate how the facility will be a space welcoming and inclusive to all groups, and the expected utilisation rate. Where an exclusively leased community facility is underutilised (for example not in expected or actual use for significant periods of time during the week or weekend), consider a lease clause that the facility must be made available for use or hire by the broader community for alternative suitable uses.
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This would be discussed as part of any Council update of the Community & Cultural Facilities Strategic Plan.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed.
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1.1.3 LGBTQI+ services and support. Just to ensure that the resources are proportionate to the need and urgency given the pressures of homelessness, drug addiction, DV etc.
1.2.3 Appointment of a Community Development Officer specific to Aboriginal Engagement Hiring an ongoing resource is significant expenditure commitment. a) Can Council confirm it isn't going to duplicate Federal and State initiatives? b) What are the alternative 2,3 & 4 projects are that we're consequently not doing on the social inclusion front.
1.3.1 Promote and Host Events to celebrate rich cultural diversity PHDCT’s view is that there is a “low hanging fruit” / high impact opportunity. There are Councils abroad that have 1-2 staff constantly arranging events in conjunction with groups and musicians and entertainers. They should not be top tier as those are already available in the bigger centres and will be costly. Amateur/semi-professional is adequate. Northern Beaches Council is down this path https://www.hkpost.com.au/arts--culture/igniting-local-live-music Some cost recovery by the 3rd party is also reasonable to avoid the need for Council funding which won’t exist, and Council does not take on the commercial risk. The initiative is missing in civic life to make events happen without a “nudge” The impact on residents feeling of wellbeing should be significant.
2.1.2. Transport Employment opportunities are growing in the Parramatta area including well paid State jobs, to which the LGA is not well connected. The new tram will stop in Carlingford. Council should keep that “on the radar” to maximise such connections beyond the existing 600, 625 bus services.
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This is covered in Strategic Direction 1: A Welcoming and Inclusive Hornsby Shire.
Research has shown a need for more support for LGBTQI+ community members – including transgender health services (across Hornsby Shire).
This is covered in Strategic Direction 1: A Welcoming and Inclusive Hornsby Shire.
The experiences of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community members are starkly contrasted by survey responses, which demonstrated lower levels of self-reported personal wellbeing among Aboriginal participants. No duplication with Federal nor State initiatives are envisaged.
This is covered in Strategic Direction 1: A Welcoming and Inclusive Hornsby Shire.
Advice to be taken on board by staff.
This is covered in Strategic Direction 2: A connected Community.
Also covered in Focus area 2.1 Support improved access to community and public transport across Hornsby Shire.
Advice to be taken on board by staff.
Staff to advocate on behalf of the community.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed.
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One submitter stated that they felt that the funds spent on the production of the strategy would be better spent by Council on activities which are well known. |
Social planning is seen as a core business for local government.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed. |
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I would like to see the report be more deliberate and intention in bringing out the social aspects of the Shire by facilitating informal gathering points. I requested a planter box in Pennant Hills shops area with an upgrade of the seat so that when people were going about their daily business could sit and chat with perhaps a cuppa. Would you be able to consider this specific example as an initiative. I believe it would be good for the different communities and would be a win for the council in the different communities across the shire. |
The issue raised to be considered under the Hornsby Public Domain Guidelines and in later operational plans.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed.
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Too many smokers are defying the nonsmoking signs around the open areas. The acrid smoke and smell is overpowering. There is inadequate enforcement, leading to more and more smokers who disregard the majority of us including children. They must be stopped with firm action by HSC. |
Resourcing levels and/or enforcement priorities would be more appropriately addressed through Councils annual budgeting process rather than through a strategic plan such as the Social Plan.
No amendments to the Plan are proposed. |
CONSULTATION
Council consulted widely with the community during the development of the draft Social Plan, and more recently through the exhibition of the draft Plan. Organisations and service providers were contacted and advised of the exhibition of the draft Plan including but was not limited to Hornsby Local Area Health Network, Local Public Health Network, KNC Home Care Services, local dementia cafes, Hammond Care Homes, Hornsby Village Hub, Yourside, Mission Australia, Lifeline, Hornsby Kuringai Multicultural Network along with local service organisations such as Rotary, Lions Clubs, Soroptimists, Men’s Sheds and local churches.
Members of the public who had submitted comment during the original consultation phase and left contact details were also contacted, and community members on the Community Development mailing list were also advised of the draft Plan.
BUDGET
Initiatives arising from the Social Plan are designed to become core business of Council. Some actions contained within the draft Plan will be developed as part of existing programs and will not require additional resources. In many cases new actions are identified that are additional to Council’s provision of services and will 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 Plan 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, in part, alternative funding pathways such as applying for grants and working in collaboration with partners. Formal adoption of plans is often a precursor to successful funding applications from providers such as the NSW and Australian government.
POLICY
Upon adoption the draft Social Plan would provide a roadmap for Council to address social issues across the Shire by making Hornsby Shire a welcoming, inclusive community, healthy and resilient community.
CONCLUSION
Council has produced the draft Social Plan in consultation with the community, local support and social organisations and staff of Hornsby Shire Council, outlining the steps that Council can take to help to build a more inclusive, connected and healthy community.
The contents of the draft Social Plan should be considered as core business for local government in that they seek to ensure that all Council services and functions can be engaged with by all members of the community including Seniors.
A total of seven submissions were received following exhibition of the draft Social Plan. In the main, issues raised in the submissions are already captured by actions contained in the draft Social Plan and accordingly no amendments are proposed to be made to the draft Plan.
Two submissions would like Council to support local community groups by reducing community centre hire costs. In this regard it is noted that Council’s fees and charges include differential hiring rates at its community centres with the lowest rates for not-for-profit groups. No amendments to the draft Plan are proposed, noting that any measure by Council to consider further concessions would be best addressed through the setting of its annual fees and charges.
It is recommended that Council adopt the Draft Social Plan 2024-2034.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is Councils Community & Cultural Development Manager – Neil Chippendale who can be contacted on 9847 6523.
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Cheryl Etheridge Manager - Library and Community Services Community and Environment Division |
Stephen Fedorow Director - Community and Environment Community and Environment Division |
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Draft Social Plan |
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File Reference: F2023/00234
Document Number: D08895828
Director's Report No. CE10/24
Community and Environment Division
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
4 FAGAN PARK OFF-LEASH DOG PARK
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
· A new off-leash dog area is proposed to be constructed at Fagan Park in accordance with Council’s adopted Off-leash Dog Park Strategy (2021). Community consultation conducted in November and December 2023 indicated majority support for the project at Fagan Park in the proposed location.
· A budget allowance was approved in the 2023-2024 Operational Plan and construction works commenced on site in April 2024. In response to concerns raised at the May 2024 Council meeting, Council moved to pause construction until other locations within Fagan Park had been considered.
· A review of three sites within Fagan Park has subsequently been undertaken including consideration of environmental issues, heritage concerns, site access and with compatibility with existing uses.
· Following this review the original proposal location remains the preferred site.
· It is recommended that the original proposed location is the most suitable of the available options and the off-leash dog park should proceed and respond to the demonstrated need for an off-leash dog park within Fagan Park.
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THAT construction of an off-leash dog park proceed at Fagan Park in the current proposed location consistent with the adopted Off-leash Dog Park Strategy. |
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Report is to seek Council’s endorsement to proceed with construction of an off‑leash dog area at Fagan Park.
BACKGROUND
Council’s adopted Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy (2021) identifies a site at Fagan Park as suitable for a new off-leash dog park. A budget allowance was approved for the project in the 2023-2024 Operational Plan and construction commenced on site in April 2024.
Extensive consultation with the community was undertaken in 2021 during development of Council’s Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy. Results indicated there was majority support for the Fagan Park site contingent on the park being fully fenced and achieving a satisfactory resolution to the conflicting flight boundaries of the Hornsby Electric Model Flying Club. This issue has since been resolved with an adjustment to the boundary of the Hornsby Electric Model Flying Club.
Further consultation with the community was undertaken on the currently proposed site in November and December 2023. A total of 242 submissions were received. The results indicated majority (64%) support for the project.
Those opposed to the project raised concerns over environmental protections, protection of heritage values, parking and accessibility.
In response to concerns raised at the May 2024 Council meeting, Council moved to pause construction until other locations within Fagan Park had been considered.
DISCUSSION
Following Council’s May 2024 resolution, three potential sites within Fagan Park were assessed for environmental and heritage impacts, accessibility and compatibility with existing uses as follows.
· Site 1: Netherby Precinct - Located adjacent to the Netherby complex.
· Site 2: Overflow Carpark - Located at the northern end of a large lawn area currently used for overflow car parking.
· Site 3: Current Proposal - Located approximately in the centre of Fagan Park.
All three sites are approximately 8500m2 (see Attachment 1)
Following the project pause, project staff consulted further with the Environment Branch, Heritage Section of Council’s Planning Division and the Fagan Park team on each of the three sites that are under consideration.
The results of this review were presented to an informal workshop in late May 2024. Feedback from Councillors included a desire to provide shaded seating for users of any leash free area.
Site History
Fagan Park is a former working farm c1850s. It was donated to the people of Hornsby via a Deed of Gift from the Fagan family in 1979. The Deed of Gift stipulates that the land must be preserved indefinitely for the benefit and use of the public.
Fagan Park is now Hornsby Council’s premier regional parkland, valued for its heritage and recreation values and a popular destination for walking, picnics, events and social gatherings. Car parking and public toilet facilities are available on site. Dogs are currently permitted to be walked on leash at Fagan Park and are a regularly seen doing so within the park.
The Fagan Park group, including Netherby, farm buildings, packing shed, brick kiln site, clay pit and bushland is a heritage listed item of regional significance (Item 421, Hornsby Shire Council Heritage Register).
Previous Masterplans prepared for Fagan Park proposed facilities such as sportsgrounds, equestrian facilities and an exhibition centre however, many of these uses were inconsistent with community expectations, requiring major changes to landform and impacting heritage view lines.
In 2004 a Plan of Management was developed for the site to control the future use, development and maintenance issues for the land. Resulting from the Plan of Management, the Galston Rural Sports Facility was developed on a different site to accommodate more intensive uses such as equestrian activities.
Plan of Management and Conservation Management Plan
The Fagan Park Plan of Management (2004) and Conservation Management Plan (2003) were reviewed when considering the suitability of Fagan Park for an off-leash dog park and were found to not preclude the proposed use.
Proposed works
The proposed works include:
· Construction of a fully enclosed, off-leash dog park facility with double entry gates.
· Rural style fencing utilising timber posts, star pickets, wire and mesh.
· Upgrades to access paths.
· New furniture including a drinking fountain with dog water bowl, shaded seating, waste bins and signage.
· New shade trees and soft landscaping.
Fencing
Fagan Park was historically a working farm which included fenced paddocks. Examples of the type and style of fencing historically used are still present within some sections of the landscape within the park. The proposed fencing material and fence height is complementary to the existing elements of fencing within the landscape and are interpretive of the former working paddocks. The Heritage Section of Council’s Planning Division has advised that new fencing of a complementary and rural character would have a negligible heritage impact if sensitively located to retain significant vistas and views from the Netherby complex.
Accessibility
Fagan Park has two public carparking areas, one at the Arcadia Road entry and another at the Carrs Road entry. All three sites are comparable distances from carparking facilities.
Site 1: Netherby Precinct
· Approx. 390m from Arcadia Road carpark
Site 2: Overflow carpark
· Approx. 335m from Arcadia Road carpark
Site 3: Current Proposal
· Approx. 325m from Arcadia Road carpark
See attachment 2.
Site 1 – Netherby Precinct
Site 1 comprises introduced lawns and landscaped gardens with a variety of native and exotic trees. Currently utilised for passive recreation, the area features a plaque and memorial walkway commemorating emergency services personnel along with a feature garden constructed by the Friends of Fagan Park. The trees at this site provide marginal foraging habitat and refuge for mobile native fauna.
Positioned adjacent to the physical curtilage of the Netherby complex an off leash dog area would negatively impact on the heritage values of the homestead and surrounds. The Heritage Section of Council’s Planning Division has provided the following comments:
“This area is adjacent the physical curtilage of the cottage and would not be supported on heritage grounds.”
Whilst the fence design, material and height is sympathetic to the heritage values of the site, fencing off this area of the site would have an adverse impact. The location of the new fencing would be within close proximity to the recently fenced off section to the new Children Forest which would overtly crowd and visually close the open landscape. It would pose a risk of dogs to be taken through the Netherby complex, and dogs in high activity around young and immature trees.
This area of the Fagan Park would be more suited to support future interpretation initiatives and elements due to its physical connection to the Netherby Complex such as public art, historic trials and interpretive panels etc. Placement of an off-leash dog-park in this area would prohibit such future projects.”
Site 2 – Overflow Carpark
Site 2, is currently utilised as an overflow carpark during peak usage times and for large events, and a off leash dog facility located here would operate as a shared facility rather than a dedicated one. Council’s Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy has recommended that Fagan Park has a dedicated facility.
Situated at the northern corner of Fagan Park, this site is physically and visually separated from the Netherby complex and significant heritage vistas, both to and from the homestead site. Construction of a new rural style fence in this location does not raise any heritage concerns.
Site 2 is bound by Critically Endangered Ecological Community (CEEC) Sydney Turpentine Ironbark Forest (STIF) to the north, east and west and is in close proximity to this sensitive vegetation community. This renders the proposed use unsuitable on environmental grounds. Council’s Environment Branch has advised that due to proximity to STIF CEEC, this location is not favoured and should be considered as a last resort.
Staff at Fagan Park have indicated that maintaining adequate grass coverage could be challenging due to dry areas on the crest and intermittent wet and boggy areas on the slope.
Appropriate levels of visual surveillance help to create a safe and secure environment and contribute to perceptions of increased public safety. Parts of the overflow carpark site lack suitable natural surveillance due to the thick vegetation that surround the north-eastern portion of the site.
Site 3 – Current Proposal
Site 3 is the currently proposed location identified in Council’s Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy. The proposal is for a fully fenced, dedicated off-leash facility.
The site consists entirely of mown lawn and is not associated with any Threatened Ecological Community under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016.
Council’s Environment Branch has advised that the proposal will have negligible impacts on water quality primarily due to the absence of direct water conveyancing systems to the farm dam, the dispersed nature of dog waste and the proposed 20m buffer distance from the water body. Furthermore, an additional vegetation buffer is proposed to be planted around the dam margins adjacent to the dog park. The combination of barriers and the strategic location of the park away from water bodies significantly reduces the risk of water contamination.
Dog owners are required to keep their pets on a leash until they have fully entered the dog park and are responsible for waste disposal. Council will facilitate this with educational signage, waste disposal bags, and garbage bins at entry gates.
Although a single record of a threatened EPBC ACT listed migratory bird – Lathams Snipe (Gallinago hardwickii) was recorded in 2012, there is currently no known population of this species on site. Considering that Fagan Park has three separate dams and the rural areas of Galston, Dural and Glenorie feature a significant number of farm dams similar to those found at Fagan Park, ample similar habitat for the species is available within Fagan Park should they return to the area. In addition, a spatial analysis indicates the following in relation to farm dams in the vicinity of Fagan Park:
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Distance from Fagan Park |
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1km |
57 |
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5km |
641 |
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10km |
Over 1,000 |
The Heritage Section of Council’s Planning Division has advised that Site 3 utilises a former fenced area within Fagan Park and as such would sit unobtrusively within the landscape with little to no impact on views afforded from the Netherby complex. Due to the undulating hills, views of the fence line are minimal. Views of the fence line closer to the site would be mitigated by the proposed sympathetic fence design, material, and height. The only foreseeable impact would be continuation of the fence around the lake, which would read as a new element. However, as the fence is reversible, is of a sympathetic design and contributes to interpretation of a former paddock section of the site, it would have an acceptable heritage impact.
3 Johnson Road, Galston
Some submissions received have requested consideration of an alternative site at 3 Johnson Road, Galston. This site has been subject to a Council resolution 14 June 2023, to prepare a Planning Proposal to rezone to E4 General Industrial Zone.
In the early development phase of the draft Off Leash Dog Park Strategy, all parks in Galston were considered and Fagan Park was deemed the most suitable. This was on the basis that it had established visitor facilities including off-street carparking and toilets.
BUDGET
A budget of $100,000 has been approved for the project in the 2023-2024 Operational Plan utilising S7.11/7.12 funds. These unspent funds, set aside for the off-leash area, have been rolled into the 2024/25 capital works program to enable delivery once a decision is made by Council.
policy
Council’s adopted Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy (2021) identifies community demand for new off-leash dog park facilities and identifies Fagan Park as a suitable site.
If the off-leash dog park does not proceed, off-leash dog park facilities will not be available in the rural areas of Galston and surrounds.
CONCLUSION
Community consultation confirms there is majority support from the community for an off-leash dog park at Fagan Park and an expectation that a dog park will be delivered by Council.
Three possible sites have been considered at Fagan Park and on balance the current proposal is the preferred location. The current proposal is in accordance with Council’s Off-Leash Dog Park Strategy and is the most suitable of the sites available at Fagan Park.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Parks, Trees and Recreation – David Sheils - who can be contacted on 9847 6792.
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David Sheils Manager - Parks Trees and Recreation Community and Environment Division |
Stephen Fedorow Director - Community and Environment Community and Environment Division |
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Site Location Plan |
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Distance to Site Entry |
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File Reference: F2023/00330-002
Document Number: D08898272
Director's Report No. PC12/24
Planning and Compliance Division
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
5 REPORT ON SUBMISSIONS - HORNSBY DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
· The draft Hornsby DCP 2024 has been prepared to modernise the document and improve useability. The draft Plan is based on the current Hornsby DCP 2013 and does not propose changes to development controls.
· The draft DCP includes updates to the strategic context of the sections of the DCP based on Council’s adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement and supporting studies. In addition, references to land transferred to Parramatta Council have been removed, and administrative amendments included to improve interpretation and update references to government bodies, legislation and supporting documentation.
· The draft DCP was exhibited from 13 May 2024 to 10 June 2024 and one submission was received. The comments raised in the submission are addressed in this report and no changes to the exhibited Plan are recommended in response to the submission.
· A minor post exhibition amendment is recommended to update a reference to a renamed zone. This change is administrative in nature and does not require re-exhibition.
· It is recommended that Council approve the draft Hornsby DCP 2024 as amended after exhibition and publish it on Council’s website.
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THAT: 1. Council approve the draft Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 attached to Director’s Report No. PC12/24. 2. Notification of the approval of the Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 be published on Council’s website. 3. The submitter be advised of Council’s decision. |
PURPOSE
BACKGROUND
At its meeting on 8 May 2024, Council considered Director’s Report No. PC9/24 seeking endorsement to exhibit the draft Hornsby DCP 2024. The document is an update to the current DCP to remove outdated references and controls relating to transferred land, including:
· Updates to strategic context for each section, based on the adopted Local Strategic Planning Statement, Housing Strategy and other supporting studies.
· Removal of content referring to land transferred to Parramatta Council.
· Updates to references to Australian Standards where required.
· Updates to references to legislation and policies where relevant.
· Updates to website links where relevant.
The draft amendments do not alter existing development controls. The amendments aim to improve the interpretation of the Hornsby DCP 2013 and reinforce its objective of being a comprehensive document that provides a framework for development of land in the Shire.
On 8 May 2024, Council resolved that:
1. The draft Hornsby Development Control Plan 2024 attached to Director’s Report no. PC9/24 be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days.
2. Following the exhibition, a report on submissions be presented to Council for consideration.
In accordance with Council’s resolution, the draft Hornsby DCP 2024 was exhibited from 13 May 2024 to 10 June 2024.
DISCUSSION
This report discusses the one submission received in response to the exhibition of the draft DCP.
1. Key Development Principles Diagrams
The submission notes that the key development principles diagram for Balmoral Street, Waitara under Section 3.4 Residential Flat Buildings (5 Storeys) appears to be out of date and does not reflect works that have been completed. The diagram notes the construction of a median strip at the intersection of Edgeworth David Avenue and Balmoral Street where there are currently traffic lights. The submission questions whether the diagram is historical or future planned construction.
Comment
The median strip illustrated in the Balmoral Street key development principles diagram was proposed as a traffic management solution at the time it was published. However, the intersection was signalised in 2014 negating the need for a median strip. The preparation of the draft Hornsby DCP 2024 did not include a review of development controls or key principles diagrams.
All key development principles diagrams in the draft DCP remain unchanged from the current Hornsby DCP 2013. It is acknowledged that development has occurred in a number of precincts that are subject to key principle diagrams. However, the diagrams remain relevant to the remaining undeveloped sites to guide future proposals.
The diagram noted in the submission, and other figures, may be updated as part of a future amendment.
Recommendation
That no changes are made to the exhibited draft Hornsby DCP 2024 in response to the submission regarding the key development principles diagrams.
2. Post-exhibition Amendments
As part of a post exhibition review, an additional amendment to the draft Hornsby DCP 2024 has been identified. The amendment is summarised below.
Environmental Land Use Zones to Conservation Zones
Figure 6.3(a) of the draft Hornsby DCP 2024 illustrates the application of minimum lot size controls. The figure refers to land use zone E3 Environmental Management. However, on 1 December 2021, all ‘environmental zones’ were renamed to ‘conservation zones’ under Clause 2.1 Land Use Zones of the Standard Instrument – Principal Local Environmental Plans (Standard Instrument LEP). This means the zone is now known as C3 Environmental Management and the associated reference in the DCP should be updated accordingly.
Recommendation
It is recommended that Figure 6.3(a) be amended so that land use zone referencing is accurate and consistent with the Standard Instrument LEP.
CONSULTATION
BUDGET
There are no budgetary implications associated with this report.
POLICY
A post-exhibition administrative amendment is recommended to update a land use zone name that is minor in nature and does not warrant further exhibition in accordance with Section 14(1)(b) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 (EP&A Reg).
CONCLUSION
The draft Hornsby DCP 2024 was exhibited between 13 May 2024 and 10 June 2024 to modernise the document and improve useability. One submission was received.
The submission commented on the currency of a key principles diagram in the DCP. The submission is addressed in this report and no changes to the draft amendments are proposed. One administrative amendment is recommended to correct the name of a land use zone on a diagram. No other amendments are recommended.
It is recommended that Council approve the draft Hornsby DCP 2024 attached to this report.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Manager, Strategic Land Use Planning – Katherine Vickery - who can be contacted on 98476744.
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Katherine Vickery Manager - Strategic Landuse Planning Planning and Compliance Division |
James Farrington Director - Planning and Compliance Planning and Compliance Division |
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HDCP 2024 Part 1 General |
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HDCP 2024 Part 2 Rural |
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HDCP 2024 Part 3 Residential |
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HDCP 2024 Part 4 Business |
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HDCP 2024 Part 5 Industrial |
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HDCP 2024 Part 6 Subdivision |
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HDCP 2024 Part 7 Community |
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HDCP 2024 Part 8 River Settlements |
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HDCP 2024 Part 9 Heritage |
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HDCP 2024 Part 10 Annexures |
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File Reference: F2021/00318
Document Number: D08903734
Director's Report No. IM6/24
Infrastructure and Major Projects Division
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
6 GALSTON VILLAGE PUBLIC DOMAIN PLAN (PDP)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
· The Draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan (PDP or the Plan) was developed by Council from the Concept Master Plan (2019) prepared by Oculus Landscape Architecture and Urban design.
· At the General Meeting of Council on 14 February 2024, Council endorsed public exhibition of the Draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan (Report No. IM1/24) and that following the exhibition period, a report be presented to Council considering any comments received.
· The Draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan and related material has been exhibited with submissions received. Broad community engagement was undertaken over five weeks between Monday 29 April and Sunday 2 June 2024, with feedback received on the draft Plan.
· During the exhibition, 68 on-line submissions were received. Most are supportive of enhancements proposed and the overall PDP objectives.
· Varied views and feedback are noted on some aspects of the draft PDP and will be further assessed and addressed as part of detailed design development.
· Council will write to all submitters thanking them for their input and comments on the exhibited plans.
· It is recommended that Council endorse the Draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan and progress detailed design development that will align with roadway design approvals through and with, Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).
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THAT Council: 1. Endorse the draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan to be taken forward through detailed design development towards construction. The final Plan will be presented to Councillors at an Informal Workshop prior to Tender commencement. 2. Continue pursuing approval for the roadway works with Transport for New South Wales and maintain liaison with commercial landowners in the shopping precinct. 3. Continue to refine the existing options for public toilets within the Galston Village precinct to ensure access and availability for users and visitors to the shopping precinct. |
PURPOSE
To provide a summary of the outcomes of the public exhibition of the Draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan (PDP) and to seek endorsement to proceed through to detailed design development towards documentation for tender and construction.
BACKGROUND
In 2018, Council engaged consultants Oculus Landscape Architecture and Urban Design to prepare a concept plan for Galston Road between the roundabout at Galston/ Mid Dural Roads and the roundabout at Galston/ Arcadia Roads. In 2019 Council determined to progress with the development a Public Domain Plan for Galston Village as a Key Initiative in Council’s Delivery Program.
Since this time, the PDP has been refined in relation to community feedback and design progress including speed zone reduction measures developed in liaison with TfNSW to resolve known issues within the Village, as well as accounting for physical changes that have occurred within the setting since 2019.
The updated draft PDP seeks to retain the character of Galston Village as a semi-rural and regional attraction, while building capacity for growth and anticipated increased levels of visitation. Improvements to walking and cycling networks in a pedestrian-friendly environment will enhance the appeal of Galston Village as a local meeting place and as a tourism and leisure destination.
Council’s Delivery Program 2022-2026 identifies a need for the creation of vibrant town centres in Hornsby Shire, with Galston identified for improvements in 2025/26 to support the local economy and encourage visitation to the Shire. The project is also identified in Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP) for design and construction in 2024/25 and 25/26.
As endorsed at the General Meeting of Council in February (Report IM1/24), a community engagement process has now been undertaken with exhibition of the draft PDP and related collateral including artist’s illustrations, frequently asked questions, parking analysis and other information illustrating a range of ideas for traffic-calming and public domain enhancements.
DISCUSSION
The draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan aims to create an attractive main street and Village setting for all users. Proposed changes including the following six elements:
· Revised parking arrangements,
· Traffic calming measures and speed reduction,
· Improvements to bus stops,
· Improvements to paths for walking and cycling,
· Enhanced water sensitive urban design (WSUD) drainage,
· Improved public space, street tree planting and landscape works.
A comprehensive community engagement process was undertaken between Monday 29 April and Sunday 2 June 2024 via Drop-in Sessions, Council’s Have Your Say webpage and briefings to Arcadia Galston Residents Association (AGRA).
Engagement on the PDP extracted a range of differing views on many aspects of the proposed options as well as identifying some issues to further explore. While most upgrades in the public domain such as street trees and planting and the provision of improved spaces for mingling and gathering are supported.
Key issues raised through submissions and in community discussions include as follow:
· Village Character
· Vehicle speed and crossings
· The Glen Street ‘rat run’
· Parking at the shops
· Access to toilet facilities.
1. Village Character:
Protection and enhancement of the rural and village character is important including open space, plantings, furniture and roadway treatments.
While opinions of what encapsulates this vary throughout submissions, these revolve around the outcomes for the village remaining distinctive from more urban areas, drawing on local input, incorporating forms that are reflected in this part of Greater Sydney as a distinctive semi-rural region.
Comment:
Detailed design development will provide further tailored solutions for Galston Village, to provide distinctive outcomes with ‘cultural fit’ outcomes for the setting.
2. Vehicle speed and crossings:
There is widespread support for a Speed Zone Reduction being adopted in Galston Village. A Speed Zone Review is being prepared, which will support liaison with Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) for traffic-calming measures being incorporated.
While it is broadly acknowledged that the existing setting is dangerous for vehicles and pedestrians, there is mixed support for the provision of pedestrian crossings. Approximately twenty-three (23) submissions directly expressed support for the introduction of pedestrian crossings with eight (8) expressing opposition to any crossings.
Fifteen (15) of the affirmative submissions support crossings being raised and four (4) support crossings but not raised, citing concerns for impact on large vehicles with trailers or horse floats, potential noise and congestion impacts and discomfort for elderly going over raised crossings. Another four (4) query the number of crossings required.
It is noted that raised crossings can be designed to be very low in profile so that they do not impact long wheel-based vehicles or produce dramatic movement for vehicles moving at a slower speed. These elements will be subject to review and detailed design to prove suitability for all users.
Many of the draft PDP proposals are supported by the proposed speed zone reduction, which will also make entry and exit movements from parking spaces and adjoining properties easier and safer.
Comment:
A Road Safety Audit is being commissioned, which will assess the compliance of proposals against design guidelines and in accordance with Australian Standards. Galston Road is a state-owned road. Any recommendation and design impacting the roadway setting remains subject to the approval of TfNSW.
3. The Glen Street ‘rat run’:
Related to traffic-calming proposals, concerns are raised that more traffic will elect to take a diversion through two local streets, Glen Street and The Glade, in order to bypass the shopping area.
The issue was raised at Drop-In Sessions and in seven (7) on-line submissions. It is noted that use of Glen Street as a ‘rat run’ is an existing issue and the proposed upgrades may exacerbate the issue. Concerns were also raised about the speed of vehicles entering Glen Street and pedestrian crossing safety.
Comment:
Solutions in the road network are to be further explored as part of detailed design development to rectify pedestrian safety issue at the Glen Street intersection.
4. Parking at the shops:
The majority of the community are supportive of the proposed changes to the parking spaces at Galston Village shopfront that seek to improve safety for all visitors to the shops, with many citing that the current situation is dangerous and witnessing incidents and near-incidents regularly. A couple of community members expressed that would unfairly impact access to those shopfront spaces for arrivals from the east of the shops and others are concerned that parking numbers at this location should be retained.
The draft PDP shows shopfront parking changes from existing 90-degree parking to 60-degree angle parking to accommodate a Wheelchair Accessible parking bay, refuge crossing and room for pedestrian flows and gathering across the retail frontage.
While the proposed change to shopfront angled parking has reduced numbers from 18 spaces down to 12, the exhibited draft PDP illustrates the same amount of parking located in close proximity to the shops, with two (2) additional spaces gained at the Bendigo Bank and four (4) gained opposite the shops on the southern side of the road.
For the entire length of Galston Road between Mid Dural Road and Arcadia Road, the draft PDP indicates additional provision of three (3) parking spaces, two (2) Wheelchair Accessible parking bays and four (4) motorcycle bays.
Existing parking spaces total 57 with proposed changes, this brings the number of formed parking bays in the Plan to 60 in total plus 4 motorbike parking spaces..
A traffic Median is proposed at the shopfront road setting to make the environment safer for vehicular traffic and provide a refuge for pedestrians. It is noted that the traffic Median would not impact access to the existing off-street village carpark area, which often retains capacity in close proximity to all shops. The proposed changes make crossing of the road easier and safer via the median refuge and zebra crossings.
Comment:
Refinement of these parking changes will be further assessed as part of the detailed design development as well liaising with private landholders. Detailed design plans will be subject to a Road Safety Audit to assess proposed parking changes and traffic-calming measures including traffic Median and pedestrian crossing proposals. Subsequently, the design plans will be submitted for Approval by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).
5. Access to toilet facilities:
Availability and access to universally accessible public toilet facilities within Galston Village is raised through 14 submissions.
There are five sets of publicly available toilets in the Galston Village precinct, three (3) of which are DDA Compliant providing wheelchair accessible facilities. The map below shows these available amenities at Galston Village.
Council maintains public toilet facilities at the library. Shopping complexes within Galston Village provide managed access to toilets that are available to the public. With the exception of the Aldi Village Marketplace facilities, which remain open for café hours, other toilets are managed by landowners who provide public a key or code to gain access on request. Many other individual shops and businesses in the village have on-site toilets for use by their staff and customers.
Access to the toilets at Aldi Village Marketplace have seen a change in practices between past and present management. Under previous management, the Aldi toilets were unavailable to the general public and at a later time, access was available but only with a key provided on request at the café. These arrangements are noted as creating frustration and were construed as only providing access for staff or for customers of the café.
Recommendation:
Through the detail design development, Council continue to refine the existing options for public toilets within the Galston Village precinct to ensure access and availability for users and visitors to shopping precinct.
CONSULTATION
The community engagement period ran for five weeks between Monday 29 April and Sunday 2 June 2024. Feedback was received on-line via Council’s Have Your Say webpage, promoted through flyers, signage, email newsletter, social media post and newspaper advertisements. The draft PDP was also discussed with community through two Drop-In Sessions in Galston Village, attended by approximately 100 people over both sessions. Council staff were also invited by the Arcadia Galston Residents Association (AGRA) to present and discuss the draft PDP on Monday 27 May 2024 at the Galston Club, attended by approximately 60 people.
As a result of the exhibition period consultation, valuable input has been received which will inform the next phase of design development towards construction.
Council received 68 online submissions during the engagement period. Community support on exhibited draft PDP is summarised as follow:
· 46 submissions noted support and acknowledged the need or expressed favour for, the upgrades within Galston Village as proposed in the draft PDP.
· 21 submissions noted neutral views for the upgrades in general however, provided comments on design and planning aspects.
· One submission received expressed opposition to the proposed PDP.
The full list of submissions with summary comments is attached.
In April 2024, a change occurred whereby the Aldi facilities are now open to public access daily between 7am-4pm. Facilities are cleaned daily under an arrangement with the local real estate company enlisted by the landowner, with fees levied on all tenants within the Aldi shopping complex.
To address community feedback on toilet facilities, council will liaise with property owners of these shopping facilities to negotiate (shared expenses, opening hours etc.) making more toilets available for public access including appropriate signage. There is potential to make up to two more toilets facilities (number 4 and 5 in the above map) in the village accessible to public in addition to council managed public toilets at the library however this would be at an additional cost and subject to assessment approval.
BUDGET
The Galston Village Public Domain Plan project is identified in Council’s Long-Term Financial Plan (LTFP), Operational Plan and Delivery Program 2022-2026 with budgets as follows:
· Design and documentation 2023/24 $500,000.
· Design development and documentation/ Construction 2024/25 $4.5M.
· Construction 2025/26 $2.1M.
POLICY
There are no policy implications associated with this Report.
CONCLUSION
The draft Galston Village Public Domain Plan was placed on public exhibition for five (5) weeks, with Drop-In Sessions held in the Village and a Briefing held with the Arcadia Galston Residents Association (AGRA) engaging approximately 160 people.
Of sixty-eight (68) submissions received, most are supportive of enhancements and the overall objectives, however with varying views on aspects of design options.
Council will liaise with landowners to seek support for upgrades proposed in the PDP which may impact on their property.
The detailed design process will review and undertake amendments to the PDP to be carried forward for assessment by Traffic Engineers and consultants for traffic and roadway interventions. Detailed design will also be undertaken for drainage components including Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD), and public domain features, such as the corner park, furniture and planting design before moving toward tender documentation for construction.
Final design plans will be subject to a Road Safety Audit to assess proposed parking changes and traffic-calming measures including median and crossing proposals. Subsequently, the design plans will be submitted for Approval by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).
It is envisaged that a period of approximately six months will be required to undertake the next stage of detailed design development and tender documentation. Following a Councillor Workshop in early 2025 prior to tendering works, it is anticipated that construction would potentially commence in April/May 2025.
It is recommended that Council endorse the Galston Village Public Domain Plan and progress to detailed design development towards construction and noting that the final PDP design plans are presented to Council at an Informal Workshop prior to Tender commencement.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICER
The officer responsible for the preparation of this Report is the Director Infrastructure and Major Projects – Fiona Leatham - who can be contacted on 9847 6665.
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Anjanee Beechani Manager, Major Projects Infrastructure and Major Projects Division |
Fiona Leatham Director, Infrastructure & Major Projects Infrastructure and Major Projects Division |
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Summary of submissions on exhibited draft Public Domain Plan for Galston Village. |
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Draft Public Domain Plan for Galston Village |
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File Reference: F2004/09958-002
Document Number: D08902212
Notice of Motion No. NOM4/24
Date of Meeting: 10/07/2024
8 NEW LINE ROAD AND OLD NORTHERN ROAD TRAFFIC STUDY
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THAT Council write to Transport for NSW and relevant NSW Government Ministers requesting: 1. The release of all transport, traffic and road safety investigations, studies, reports and recommendations regarding New Line Road improvements. 2. A briefing be provided to the incoming Council before the end of 2024 on study and report findings, recommendations and what actions are planned to be undertaken.
Note from Councillor This motion is calling on Transport for NSW to release their findings into investigations, studies and reports for traffic, transport and road safety related improvements to New Line Road. Council notes these reports remain confidential however, it is important for council and the community have a comprehensive understanding of all recommendations made, while we continue to advocate for funding of this project. In 2019, funding was announced to investigate improvements to New Line Road from Castle Hill Road, West Pennant Hills to Old Northern Road, Dural; with $10 million from federal and $10 million from state government funds. Community consultation was undertaken in 2021 and at the time, it was noted in local media that $20 million seemed to be a substantial amount of money for an investigation of 6.2km of road, at $3.23 million per kilometre. Key themes from residents in the consultation were congestion, pedestrian and bicycle provision and safety, and safety of existing round abouts, being of most concern. Concerns were raised by residents about congestion at key intersections such as Shepherds Drive and County Drive, Hastings Road, Sebastian Road and Old Northern Road; along with congestion at Pyes Creek, resulting from the two lanes to one lane merges and suggestions made to improve traffic flow by providing continuous two lanes in each direction along New Line Road. Concerns were raised about the need for more active transport, footpaths and public transport along New Line Road, particularly around schools and shops. In particular, footpaths, pedestrian connectivity and lighting was deemed inadequate, especially for children walking and cycling along New Line Rd. Roundabouts were reported as being problematic in their performance and safety; in particular the County and Shepherds Drive, Old Northern Rd, Bunnings Dural and Boundary Rd sites were identified in community concerns. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and Infrastructure still lists the “Major Project Business Case” timetable for planning to have commenced in mid-2020 and expected to be completed in 2025. The website states this information was updated in January 2024. In 2022, the then Coalition State Government announced $70 million for improvements to New Line Rd between Purchase Rd and Hastings Rd. Residents have asked how the then state government landed on the decision of what part of the road to fund and what other actions might also be taken to help with safety and congestion. This is unknown as the investigation report and findings remains confidential. Council’s submission to the consultation advocated for urgent upgrades to the roundabout at County and Shepherd Dr for driver and pedestrian safety; in particular, to allow pedestrians to access the metro station and shopping village on either side of New Line Rd safely. The recommended replacement of this roundabout with traffic lights would also have the benefit of helping to ease the congestion that builds up between Purchase Rd and Hastings Rd. In May 2023, Council was asked to support lobbying to the newly elected State Government for the road widening to be funded, however this project remains cut from the state budget. It has been reported the then Coalition State Government approved ‘the most difficult and most expensive section’ to start the project; with other cheaper and easier upgrades to come later. The community nor councillors have any details on the transport, traffic and road studies, reports, and recommendations. Considering the promised $70 million funding has been put on hold, it is important that council and the community have a clear understanding of what was found in the study, what the recommendations are, why this particular section was chosen and what timeframe was given for improvements to occur. It is worth Council knowing what other short term and cost-effective improvements were also recommended by the report, that could help alleviate traffic congestion and improve safety along New Line Rd; so that Council may continue to advocate for reducing residents travel time and increasing safety through all means possible. |
There are no attachments for this report.
File Reference: F2004/09982
