Agenda of Ordinary Council - Thursday, 29 September 2022

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Progression on a Sport and Recreation facility at 180 River Road (Golf Course) Site - 8 Court Concept Plan

Subject: Progression on a Sport and Recreation facility at 180 River Road (Golf Course) Site - 8 Court Concept Plan

Record No: SU7396 - 53095/22

Division: General Managers Unit

Author(s): David Stevens

Executive Summary

At the Extraordinary Council Meeting held 29 August, Council approved the development of an 8 Court Concept Plan, commitment to an equivalent 5 Star Green Star Rating for the facility, and lodgement of an application for grant funding under the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund.

Allen Jack and Cottier have prepared two additional 8 court options which are in addition to the base option included in the August Council Meeting Report. A community workshop was conducted at the golf club on Saturday 17 September 2022 with over 100 people in attendance. The workshop provided the opportunity for community input into the concept design. Some 140 comments/questions were received, this report considers the feedback as part of the selection and development of a preferred concept design.

The report also provides information in respect of the revised 8 Court Business Case, 5 Star Greenstar Rating Pathway, QS Estimate, and proposed further community consultation. It is recommended that Concept Plan Option 2 be adopted for the purposes of further consultation and Council formally select the traffic signal access option to the precinct as the preferred arrangement and not proceed with the roundabout at River Road/Northwood Road.

Background

Council its meeting of 29 August, 2022 resolved, that Council:-

“1. Resolves to progress the design and construction of a Sports and Recreation Facility of a maximum of 8 courts (4 indoor and 4 multi-purpose outdoor) on the golf course site at 180 River Road, Lane Cove; and

2. Proceeds with concept planning and design to achieve a total project budget of up to $75 million and by so doing:-

a. Instructs Allen Jack and Cottier (existing Architect for the project) to develop a concept plan for 4 indoor and 4 outdoor multipurpose courts, in doing so to investigate opportunities to reduce the overall footprint of the building on the site further;

b. Procures a revised business model from Xypher Sport and Leisure to reflect an 8 court and a 7 court concept (if necessary at the tender phase);

c. Engages Steensen Varming (currently the Sustainability Consultant on the project) to prepare target goals to reach the equivalent of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) 5 Star Rating and as part of this process conducts a workshop for Councillors to review targets to reach the equivalent of the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) 5 Star Rating to incorporate into the design for a Development Application for the Sports and Recreation Facility;

d. Procures a report on the indicative cost of an 8 and 7 court concept by Mitchell Brandtman or other quantity surveyor appointed by Council for this purpose;

e. Prepare a revised Development Application for an 8 Court Facility;

f. Conduct a community workshop at the golf course site prior to the September Council meeting to seek community input into the concept design (work in progress). The concept plan to consider the community feedback in the resolution of the concept design; and

g. Council undertakes additional community outreach to notify residents of the revised timeframe, including additional prompts and reminders in the 48 hours leading up to the close of submissions, and in advance of the community workshop.

3. Reviews, in the September Council Meeting, the 8 Court Concept Plan and supporting information outlined in item 2 above, and the information in 2b. be circulated to Councillors for information;

4. Subject to receipt and endorsement of the 8 Court Concept Plan the:

a. Council will place on exhibition the Concept Plan and supporting information outlined in Item 2 above, for the 8 court concept for a period of 14 days; and

b. Council undertakes additional community outreach to notify residents of the revised timeframe, including additional prompts and reminders in the 48 hours leading up to the close of submissions, and in advance of the community workshop.

5. During the consultation period, procures a peer review of the revised business case

detailed in 2b. for the information of the Council and Community.

6. Upon the conclusion of the community consultation, reviews at a Council Workshop the:-

a. Report on the outcomes of the community consultation process and recommendations on possible inclusion of comments into the Development Application Design; and

b. The updated report and design details for the incorporation of the proposed 5 star Green Star targets.

7. Council to review the draft Development Application package of an 8 court option at the October Council Meeting and subject to endorsement, authorise the submission of the 8 Court Development Application to the Sydney North Planning Panel;

8. During the assessment of the 8 court Development Application, prepares design documentation, tender specifications, and a draft contract;

9. Approves at a Council meeting, the release of tender and RFQ documentation for the 8 court project;

10. Reviews in a Council meeting, the evaluation of tenders (including all supporting documentation) and, if so resolved, approve the award of a tender for the construction of the 8 court project;

11. Adopts the funding strategy outlined in the report for the project and the revised Long Term Financial Plan attached to the report for the purposes of exhibition and proceed with community consultation on the revised Long Term Financial Plan for 28 days as outlined in the report;

12. Lodges a Capital Expenditure Review for the project with the Office of Local Government;

13. Delegates authority to the General Manager to enter into a fixed loan agreement for $10 million over 10 years with TCorp utilising the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment interest rate subsidy under the Low-Cost Loans Initiative;

14. Lodge an application under the NSW Government’s Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund for $5M funding towards the project;

15. Acknowledges that the development of the Sports and Recreation Facility will necessitate changes in access of some stakeholders to facilities at the golf course site to the level they currently enjoy;

16. Will, in the event that it proceeds with the proposed project, ensure the operation of the facility will provide all stakeholders with balanced access to the sporting facilities;

17. Continue to seek to locate alternative netball and tennis sporting facilities and improve existing facilities for these sports within Lane Cove to supplement the facilities to be provided in the Sports and Recreation Facility; and

18. Amends the meeting schedule for Ordinary Council Meetings as follows:-

a. Change the scheduled meeting from 22 September 2022 to 29 September 2022.

b. Change the scheduled meeting from 20 October 2022 to 27 October 2022.

This report relates to Parts 1 - 3 inclusive of the resolution.

Discussion

Revised Concept Design

Allen Jack and Cottier have prepared two additional 8 court options which are in addition to the base option included in the August Council Meeting Report. These options were presented at a Councillor Workshop on 12 September 2022 and to a Community Workshop on 17 September 2022. A copy of the AJ+C workshop presentation is included as AT-1.

In developing the options, AJ+C identified the following opportunities.

+ Can the footprint be reduced?

+ Can any more trees be saved?

+ Has the reduction in the number of courts opened up other layout opportunities?

+ Can improvements be made to the program spaces?

+ Can amenities be better distributed to improve multifunctionality?

+ Can additional carparking be provided?

To assess each option, AJ+C developed criteria to assess the relative value of each option. The following provides an evaluation of the three schemes, (base and 2 new options).

Table

Description automatically generated

Following the workshop, a record of the feedback AT-2 and a response to each matter was created, which is included as AT-3.

The following table details the responses to the matters raised relating to the design options.

Community Feedback Record Reference No.	Theme	Response
Golf Amenities
1-2,9,12	Facilities provided	Golf pro-shop, adjacent drop-off area, toilets with change rooms, storage area for buggies, practice green and 3 x nets and an air hose can be provided in the car park for cleaning. Golf members have been accommodated via the “golfer’s lounge on competition days. Staff, including bar / kitchen staff and licensee will be provided by the Operator.
3-4	Area for Golf Lessons / Practice Fairway	The golf professional currently conducts golf lessons in an area adjacent to the 1st fairway (adjacent to the tree line that runs between the 1^st and 7^th fairways) and has to give way to social and member play during the coaching sessions. As the building does not encroach onto this area, the current arrangement can continue. There is more than 170 sqm on space the car park level, that can accommodate a pro shop and potentially indoor golf simulators.
5-6, 10,11	Course arrangements during construction	Council has established the Sport and Recreation Precinct Advisory Committee, which includes two Golf Club board members to address such issues. The Committee has agreed to the 1^st hole reconfiguration and will address issues including, safe access to the course, number of holes to remain open and course routing, parking, access to amenities, and interim course maintenance equipment storage. Options for any changes to the course utilising excavated material can also be explored.
7	Golf Memorabilia	The concept renders produced are indicative. The building design incorporates large overhangs to minimise direct sunlight onto the glass. The actual glass will ensure minimal UV and heat transfer into the facility which will also minimise the impact on any golf memorabilia.
Indoor Courts
13,17, 88	Inclusion of Pickleball	This has been considered, Pickleball can also be accommodated on the outdoor courts.
14,15,16,128	Support for Courts / Reduction in Court Size	Council has determined to reduce the number of courts by 1 and achieve an equivalent 5 Star Green Star rating withing the available budget. Indoor (and outdoor) courts for a total of 8 will help close a critical supply gap for basketball and netball.
18,20,25,29,87	Re-orientation of courts end-to-end (includes similar request for outdoor courts)	Many options were tested by the Architects in the design of the Lane Cove Sports and Recreation Precinct. Consideration of a range of site uses, users and neighbours was a key priority. Given the courts are rectangular (longer than they are wide) rotating the courts end on end creates the following impacts:- - Reduction in the size of the central wedge space – less area for bathrooms and smaller level 3 multipurpose space. - Expansion of the building envelope at least 10m further to the east, creating further view impacts to residents on Stevenson Street - Expansion of the precinct 10m further overall, shortening the first tee by 5-10m more by comparison to the new design. - Inefficient sports hall configuration, including not being able to combine courts for larger activities.
21, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 41, 51, 59,	Acoustic treatment for indoor courts/ or function space(s)	Council has engaged a specialist internal acoustic consultant to make recommendations in relation to the proposed uses and separation between different activity areas / noise sources.
19	Ratio of court area to community area	For the indoor area, the ratio of sport to recreation is 2.8:1 .
22, 26	Court Seating for spectators	1. Retractable seating for 500 at the 2 x show courts, (the two courts at the River Road end). 2. 3 tiers of bench seating at either end of the other indoor courts 3. Casual bench seating in the wide corridor between the program spaces and courts 4. Tiered bench seating to view outdoor sport on courts 3 and 4
23, 24, 27	Referee and team changeroom facilities	These are located in the wedge between the indoor courts (referees and players), and on the car park level (players). For show court matches, the general public would not have access to the change rooms in the wedge and utilise the other amenities within the building. There is controlled direct access from the wedge amenities onto the show courts.
Program/Function Space
30	Disability access	The Centre is designed to be fully DDA compliant, accessibility is provided via lifts, and ramps for outdoor courts.
31,32, 33	Acoustic and Noise Separation	Council has engaged a specialist internal acoustic consultant to make recommendations in relation to the proposed uses and separation between different activity areas / noise sources.
34, 44, 50	Access for Function Rooms	Functions attendees can enter the golfer’s lounge and / or function space via the bistro. The corridor against the glass line facing the golf course allows access to both the Bistro and Golf Lounge / Function spaces (including for delivery of food) without using the corridor adjacent to the indoor sports courts.
35, 38, 39, 43, 46, 51, 52	Function space too narrow	There is no scope to increase the depth of the function space as the overall building depth is constrained by the golf course curtilage (front) and the rock escarpment (rear) and the required spaces for courts (including run off area) and circulation / fire safety egress (main central corridor).
40, 47	Bar needs to extend from bistro to function area	This cannot be accommodated as the kitchen has been intentionally located to service both the bistro and function space. It is not envisaged that there will be demand for music / performances to be nightly, as the facility is not designed principally to be an entertainment venue. The space in Program Room mode will provide for yoga, pilates and the like. Pending operational demand, the space could be deployed more regularly than weekly .
42, 49	Sport vs Recreation Space	Council is seeking to meet a diverse range of user groups that include, multiple sports (indoor, outdoor and golf); food and beverage / functions, and recreation / mindfulness programs such as yoga / Pilates / dance. All internal recreation spaces are larger than the existing clubhouse.
Bistro
53, 54,57,59,61,67,68	Size of Outdoor area / size of outdoor compared to deck / should be larger / Option for vergola roof	All golfers can utilise the bistro and outdoor dining terrace in addition to the golfer’s lounge / bar. The current dining area at LCGC is 13m x 6m = 78m2. The new bistro will be a minimum 175m2 (indoor) plus approximately 100m2 (existing deck 75 m2) external. A “verandah” in front of the bar and / or bistro is not possible due to space (site) constraints. Opening roof options such as a vergola over the outdoor area of the Bistro can be considered in design development.
55, 56, 73,	Standard of Fitout not Café / broader Cuisine Choice	Council will engage an operator (including F & B) with the requisite capacity, capability and experience which will include healthy food options.
62,69,70,74,75,	Location / Safety / Noise/ Solar Access (North Facing), Amenity	The building orientation and outdoor bistro area is to the North East and will receive excellent solar access. The floor to ceiling windows will provide views of the golf course from the bar / lounge, function space(s) and bistro. The revised concept plan includes the Bistro in the same location as the previous DA which confirmed compliance with noise standards, refer Acoustic Report, DA Plans and Statement of Environmental Effects
60,63,64,65,66,71,72,	Kitchen Size / Bistro Size Comparison / Bar Size extend to Function Area / Closer to Function Space	The Bistro, outdoor area and kitchen have been sized based on the proportions of Sunset Dinner at The Canopy. The detailed design process will fine tune space allocation. The Kitchen/Bar/Bistro is already central to the precinct, located at the main entry to the facility. It’s location provides view of outdoor courts and over the 7th and 9th greens and bushland. The bistro needs to be of a scale that is commercially viable. It will provide a minimum of 175m2 indoor and 100m2 outdoor dining terrace is included, this compares with existing deck 75 m2 and lower bistro seating area 78 m2. In total the bistro could comfortably seat upwards of 100 people. The function spaces is already larger than the existing, proposed approximately 370 m2 compared to 220 m2 existing. There are no operable walls in bistro as it is designed to be one space, with function occurs in the other dedicated areas.
58.	Additional Storey to expand F&B	An extra story with the configuration described was included in an original concept scheme which was the subject of community consultation in 2020. As a result of the consultation the second storey was deleted due to concerns about height, bulk and scale and noise considerations for residents
Outdoor Courts
77, 91, 93, 110	Noise Impacts Outdoor Courts	In some locations there will be increased noise from Centre operations, but within accepted standards. Per the report to the August Council Meeting, “As part of preparation of the original Development Application, Acoustic Logic undertook a Noise Impact Assessment to predict operational noise emissions at the nearest residential receivers. An initial model of noise emissions from the use of the sports courts has been undertaken using the same assumptions as presented in the previous development application, however utilising revised distances and elevations as indicated on the architectural drawings. A summary of the results from the model are detailed below:- · Noise levels at all Receivers are within the ‘background plus 10 dB’ assessment criteria for the evening period (up to 10 pm). · There is a marginal change in the predicted noise levels for the revised scheme, however less than 2dB to all residents along Stevenson Street. This is not significant acoustically, noting that a 2dB change in noise level is imperceptible. · Noise from the external courts is expected to be highest at 6 Stevenson Street, however still within the noise limits adopted in the report. · The remainder of Stevenson Street will receive noise consistent with existing noise levels from the tennis centre and within the noise limits adopted in the report.”
79	Additional Tennis Court Capacity	There are no identified sites for additional court capacity, availability shortages typically relate to night use. There are currently 7 floodlit courts in the LGA. Longueville Tennis Club is currently undertaking consultation to provide lighting for two courts, which would bring the total number of courts to 8.
28, 78, 80, 81, 82, 85, 86, 90, 114, 122	Availability of Courts for Tennis	Council has worked closely with Tennis NSW who are supportive of the site and its multi-sport functionality and shared arrangements. 90% of netballers in Lane Cove play in the Willoughby LGA simply because there is a critical shortage of courts locally. Basketball will largely be played on the indoor courts. Tennis on synthetic outdoor courts (indoor not suitable due to timber floor) and Netball across Indoor/outdoor.
76, 80, 83, 89	Booking Arrangements for Tennis	The operator will determine program mix, sport schedule etc. in collaboration with Council to ensure access to the site with no single sport to dominate the precinct in terms of hours of play. Bookings will be made online. The outdoor courts will have line markings for multiple sports and will be able to change mode quickly, i.e. erect nets etc.
91, 92	Light spill and safety for night games	The Impact of Lighting Spill was included in the report prepared for the original Development Application, which concluded light spill is within acceptable limits. The car park will be fitted with LED sensor lights and the reception area will always be attended until post last game with CCTV.
Parking Area
97, 109	Prefer roundabout not traffic lights	Council has investigated a roundabout design and determined not to proceed and utilise traffic signals for access to the site. Alternative treatments to improve intersection safety are being developed, noting that the TfNSW (RMS) will not permit traffic signals at this (intersection) location.
95, 98, 104, 113, 121, 135	Bus size, access and parking	The previous DA scheme utlisied roundabout access, which allowed full size bus access on to the facility. Council is not proceeding with this access arrangement. Due to the turning radius of buses, it is not possible for a full-size bus to undertake a left turn into the facility. ‘Coaster’ size, 22 seater buses can be accommodated onsite utilising the drop area located at the front of the building. Public Transport and other buses will utilise the existing bus stop on River Road. Council’s experience is that increased demand, Sydney Buses will provide increased supply, including 7 day coverage.
106, 107, 119	Bike parking and pedestrian/cyclist access	As per the original DA, bicycle parking will be provided adjacent to the pro-shop on car park level. Council’s existing Bicycle Plan provides for an upgraded shared pedestrian / cycle path for safe access and egress to / from the precinct.
105, 111	Noise impacts from traffic signals	Traffic signals are approved under the NSW Infrastructure SEPP and the approvals process is controlled by TfNSW (RMS). The process does not include a noise assessment for the operation of traffic signals in urban speed limit environments.
100, 101, 102, 112, 116, 117, 118, 138, 139	Parking capacity	Council’s traffic consultant reported in the original 9 court DA concluded that 233 spaces could accommodate peak visitation times. There are 78 spaces on the current site serving golf and tennis. Allowing 3 spaces per court for existing tennis (RMS rate), the total currently for tennis is 15 spaces. This provides 63 spaces for current golf and staff use. The new 8 court facility is providing approximately 250 spaces (including disability spaces), 187 for the new uses. The car park cannot be further expanded underground, due to impact on rock aquifers, cost and requirement for mechanical ventilation.
94, 96, 103,115,136	Traffic impacts	Traffic Consultants have prepared a revised Scheme Traffic Analysis for the traffic signalised entrance to the precinct, and have concluded Service levels A and B (the best performing levels) can be maintained post construction.
108,114,137	Special Parking Arrangements	Consideration of allowing overnight parking, reserved parking for special events (Golf Competitions) can be considered when the centre opens. Delivery vehicles can access the site and unload within the car park or adjacent to the drop off area.
Miscellaneous & Funding
123, 124, 125	Site contamination	Council has already undertaken extensive studies which conclude the site can be rendered suitable for the proposed development subject to appropriate remediation, management, and validation in accordance with the remediation Action plan prepared by Douglas Partners in February 2022.
126, 127	Building height and scale	The revised concept plan is the same height as the previous Development Application. Where one court has been removed and partially replaces with an amenities and reception, which is at the same lower level as the Bistro in the original DA. Refer DA Plans and Statement of Environmental Effects.
129, 130, 131, 132	Cost	Council and the Club have considered options for the expansion and renovation of the existing facility over many years. Following a Strategic Review of the facility by RT Hospitality in 2010, Council determined to develop a more sustainable model at the site. Council has developed an economically sustainable long- term financial plan to fund the project and ensure that other projects / opportunities will not be impacted. No general property rates are proposed to be used to fund the project and debt will be repaid from Council’s commercial property portfolio. The funding model was included in the August 2022 Council report.
133, 134	Business Case	Council resolved to have the Business case prepared by Xypher Sport and Leisure, which includes comprehensive demand analysis based on demographic information, be reviewed by an independent 3^rd party at the August meeting this will be presented to the October Council Meeting.
140	Maintenance Area	The course maintenance area is located at the end of the underground car park facing the practice putting green with roller shutter access to the golf course. The storage area will be approximately 310m2 versus the existing 207m2.

Many of the comments related to questions and opinions in respect of the proposed scheme. The design feedback elements will be considered further in the design development phase.

Having considered the community workshop feedback, Option 2 is AJ+C’s recommended option based on the following:-

Vehicular Entry & Drop Off, summary of key improvements:-

+ Likely that at least two additional trees can be retained.

+ More generous area for vehicular movements.

+ Additional length for queuing.

+ Additional area for pedestrian drop off.

+ Additional on-grade parking provided.

Parking & Golf Facilities, summary of key improvements:-

+ Additional parking created.

+ Maintained golf amenities and pro shop per original DA.

+ 15 min parking / drop off adjacent to the pro shop.

Central Wedge, summary of key improvements:-

+ Increase to number of amenities.

+ Level 3 Multipurpose Room increases by 10-15%, min. width 8 metres to max width 20 metres.

Building Entry, summary of key improvements:-

+ More generous reception area.

+ Reception with clear sightlines to outdoor courts.

+ Offices located behind reception.

+ Additional amenities provided serving outdoor courts and bistro.

As the concept plan relies upon the new traffic signal entrance arrangements and not the reconfiguration of Stevenson Street, it is appropriate Council formally acknowledge this as the preferred arrangement and that the Roundabout at River Road/Northwood Road will not be proceeding.

Revised Business Case 8 Court Design

A revised Business Case was prepared per Council’s resolution and to support Council’s Grant Application, which is included as AT-4. While net revenue is reduced, the Centre remains being able to operate without the need for an operational subsidy. As per Council’s proposed funding model and Long-Term Financial Plan, debt will be repaid from revenue from Council’s commercial property portfolio and will not need to be serviced from the Centre’s operating revenue.

Steensen Varming - 5 Star Greenstar Rating Pathway.

At the Councillor Workshop, Steensen Varming confirmed that:-

· As the built form has been designed on “Passive First” principles, no change is required to the design to be submitted in a Development Application, in order to achieve a 5 Star Green Star rating.

· To move beyond the initial first pass of items to be targeted to achieve a 5 start rating, further design development with the various sub consultants is required, which is not normally undertaken pre-Development Approval.

· Based on this, it will not be possible for them to prepare target goals at this stage of the project, beyond, the scope included in the 10 August 2022 Steensen Varming report (AT-5) (with targeted initiatives for a % Star rating listed from Page 12 of the report).

· It is a mandatory requirement to achieve a 5 star rating, that “The project must comply with all three of the following criteria:-

• Site Ecological Value

• Managing Light Pollution Impacts

• Wetland Management Plan”

Updated QS Estimate

Council requested an indicative cost estimate of an 8 and 7 court concept. Council’s QS Mitchell Brandtman prepared a detailed QS estimate of the base concept with a 5 Star Rating which was included for the Grant Application (circulated separately to Councillors), which remained unchanged from the figures reported to the August Council Meeting.

Given the limited time available, Mitchell Brandtman have indicated they are not able to provide a further estimate of Concept Plan Option 2 in time for preparation of this report. While there may be some impact from the changes incorporated into Option 2 from the base design, it is noted that Council has already established a total project budget of $75M. If Council endorses a Concept Plan at this meeting, a QS estimate can be obtained on the Preferred Concept Plan to be available for the October Council Meeting, prior to Council considering authorising the lodgement of a Development Application.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to inform the community of the selected concept design for the Lane Cove Golf Course site and provide the opportunity for final community feedback to ‘fine tune’ prior to the preparation of the Development Application Plans. Council will consider the feedback in finalising the Development Application Plans. Due to the restricted time frame, the consultation period will be limited to 14 days.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Targeted
Target Audience	Lane Cove Community	Adjacent Residents, Sporting groups, associations and State bodies, Key Message givers, Lane Cove Golf Club, Probus, ‘Save the Dance Floor’
Proposed Medium	eNewsletter, Website (Have Your Say and Hot Topics), Staffed display at the Lane Cove Village Fair	· Letter/Email with information pack to adjacent residents and previous submission authors (where contact details known)
Indicative Timing	Minimum 14 days in October 2022

Conclusion

Based on the timetable adopted at Council’s August, Council remains on program. The Community Workshop was well attended and provided the opportunity for the community to understand the design and provide feedback.

Having considered the community workshop feedback, Option 2 is AJ+C’s recommended option and the preferred option to be the subject of further community consultation.

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. The report be received and noted;

2. Concept Plan Option 2 be adopted for the purposes of further consultation, to be undertaken in accordance with the consultation strategy outlined in the report;

3. A further report be submitted to the October Council Meeting on the outcomes of the consultation; and

4. The traffic signal access option to the precinct be Council’s preferred arrangement, and Council not proceed with the roundabout at River Road/Northwood Road.

Craig Wrightson

General Manager

General Managers Unit

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	AJ+C Sport and Recreaction Precinct Community Workshop Presentation	59 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Sport and Recreation Community Workshop Comments	5 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	Sport and Recreation Community Workshop Comments and Responses	7 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Precinct - Multi Sports Community Fund Business Case	67 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	Consultants ESD Advice Note - Lane Cove Sport and Recreation Precinct	34 Pages	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Updated Sustainability Action Plan 2022-2025

Subject: Updated Sustainability Action Plan 2022-2025

Record No: SU8586 - 50657/22

Division: Environmental Services Division

Author(s): Fiona McCleary

Executive Summary

Council at its Meeting on 18 August 2022 resolved to defer the final Draft Sustainability Action Plan 2022- 2025 until the September Council meeting to allow for a more thorough response to the submissions received.

The Draft SAP was placed on public exhibition from 27 June to 7 August 2022, five (5) survey responses and four (4) separate submissions were received. The responses were supportive of the SAP, although some respondents requested an increased emphasis on the natural environment and economic sustainability.

Having regard to the responses, amendments have been made to the Draft SAP to incorporate these suggestions where appropriate. The revised Draft SAP is attached and is recommended to be adopted by Council (AT-1).

Background

The Draft SAP has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders in the community and Council staff. Council conducted a community-wide survey in late 2021/early 2022 to identify the community's sustainability values and to obtain insights on key issues, gaps, challenges, needs and opportunities regarding sustainability and the environment in Lane Cove.

The feedback was utilized to form the draft actions addressing the natural and built environment, community engagement, economic sustainability, energy, society, sustainable transport and water in the Draft Sustainability Action Plan 2022 – 2025.

Draft SAP Summary

The Draft SAP has three key themes; Livability, Community and Environment, which reflect Council’s quadruple bottom line approach ensuring all decisions consider a balance of economic, environmental, social and governance to enhance the quality of life in Lane Cove.

Each theme has 12 goals and each goal has up to 18 strategic actions, resulting in more than 100 strategic actions to create a more sustainable Lane Cove that is able to be resilient in the face of future challenges.

The DRAFT SAP actions will guide the implementation of priority projects to 2025 to drive environmental improvements, increase the wellbeing of our community, promote and protect the natural environment and ensure sustainable development into the future.

Public Exhibition

Council resolved at its Ordinary Meeting on 23 June 2022 that the Draft SAP be placed on public exhibition for six (6) weeks until the 7 August 2022, and that a further report be prepared for Council on the responses.

The public consultation period was promoted through the following channels:

• Online exhibition on Council's website

• Online exhibition via Council's social media platforms

• E-newsletters

• Notified Council Advisory Committees

• Targeted emails to local sporting associations, schools and residents’ associations

• Targeted email to businesses

• Local media e-news

Discussion

At the end of the exhibition period a total of nine (9) responses were received with all the responses supporting the adoption of the Draft SAP.

Comments raised in the survey and submissions are summarised in Table 1.

Table 1: SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS and PROPOSED CHANGES TO DRAFT SAP

Comments

No. of submissions

Proposed changes to Draft SAP

Economic sustainability – add a fourth theme of ‘Economy’ to the existing themes of Environment, Community and Livability.

No changes proposed.

Economic development and initiatives are actioned in the Livability theme. Reference is made to Goal 12: Vibrant and Viable Commercial Precincts.

Business engagement breakfasts should include 50% sustainability focus

No changes proposed.

The SAP doesn’t define the focus of the business breakfasts however Council will investigate relevant keynote speakers who can present on sustainability issues.

Actions should be classified as ‘priorities’ rather than ‘short, medium, long and ongoing’ timelines

No changes proposed.

Timelines assist in planning and allow the actions to be easily tracked. Actions can be initiated and performed simultaneously over the different timeframes.

Success Indicators - not all success indicators are SMART indicators.

No changes proposed.

SMART indicators are included where appropriate and progress of the actions will be reported through annually. It is noted that not all success indicators are able to be measured or have a clear target that can be met.

Add a success indicator about maintaining drainage channels (creeks) through bushland

No changes proposed.

Council does not have the resources to monitor and report on all drainage channels.

Respect and Care for the Natural Environment (including air, water, soils, geology, bushland and urban tree canopy), should be included as a separate Guiding Principle.

No changes proposed.

The Guiding Principles are not specific to the Sustainability Action Plan but apply to Councils broader activates and have been adopted in the Delivery Plan and Operational Plan 2022-2023. The intention of the guiding principles is to ensure a holistic approach to sustainability. The natural environment is considered to be appropriately addressed in Theme 1: Environment; Goal 3: Enhance and Value our Bushland, Waterways and Open Space.

Goal 3 is supported by 24 actions that focus on improvements to the natural environment.

Re-define ‘drinking water grade’ to ‘drinking water end-use’ and ‘non-potable grade’ to ‘non drinking water end-use’

No changes proposed.

The current language used is believed to be clearer and as such better understood by the community.

Confirm whether the water use

target is based on drinking water only.

No changes proposed.

The target includes all categories of water i.e. potable and non-potable water.

Subsidise solar pv and electric

vehicle charging infrastructure in

apartments

No changes proposed.

The following actions allow for these initiatives.

1.8: Implement programs that accelerate the uptake of renewable energy and batteries in the community and reduce or eliminate of the use of fossil fuel energy and in particular gas.

1.13: Incentivise large scale clean energy generation by using Council’s purchasing power and supporting community energy projects.

11.11: Develop resources to encourage electric vehicle and low emission vehicle adoption by households and businesses.

Ensure non-potable water is used to irrigate green spaces

No changes proposed.

Council has been maximising opportunities to install rain-water tanks to irrigate sports fields. The water catchment at the Depot is used to irrigate Blackman Parks lower fields. The new rainwater tank at the Tantallon Oval is used to irrigate Tantallon oval. The rainwater tank at the Aquatic Centre is used to irrigate Pottery Green.

Replace Goal 3 with Goal 1 to prioritise the natural environment

No changes proposed.

The actions outlined in Goal 1: A Circular Community appears first as the actions are pivotal to sustainability across the LGA, for example

1.1: Meet Lane Cove’s emissions and water targets by implementing the identified roadmap and pathways.

Goal 3: Change wording from Enhance and Value Our Open Space, Waterways and Bushland to Value and Care for our Open Space, Waterways and Bushland

No changes proposed.

It is considered ’enhance’ is stronger than ‘value and care’.

Change Goal 3 wording to Enhance and Value our Bushland, Waterways and Open Space, ensuring development adjacent to open space, waterways and bushland is managed to reduce negative impacts and protects the natural environment.

No changes proposed to Goal 3 wording. New action added.

This would change the Goal into an Action.

A new action have been added to address developments adjacent to bushland.

3.16: Ensure the Development Control Plan Part H is enforced to ensure bushland is adequately protected from the impacts of adjacent developments.

Under Goal 3 first list the actions which apply across all areas Then divide the goal into 3 sub goals – bushland, waterways and open spaces.

Change supported and action updated

Actions within Goal 3 have been separated into general actions, bushland, waterways and outdoor spaces.

Action 3.4: Coordinate and promote opportunities for community members to participate in their community including through environmentally focused volunteer work

Change supported and action updated.

3.4: Coordinate and promote opportunities for community members to participate in their community including through environmentally focused volunteer work.

Action 3.12: Ensure only native plants are used when managing bushland transition areas.

Change supported and action update.

3.12: Ensure planting native plants when managing bushland transition areas.

Action 3.13: Undertake bush regeneration works to protect, restore and maintain natural areas

Change supported and action updated.

3.13: Undertake bush regeneration works to protect, restore and maintain natural areas.

Action 3.15: Continue to contribute to the Bushfire Management Committee and carry out required actions in the

Bushfire Risk Management Plan to plan and implement environmental burns.

Change supported and action updated.

This is adequately addressed in Action 3.15: Continue to contribute to the Bushfire Management Committee, carry out required actions in the Bushfire Risk Management Plan and investigate the feasibility of environmental burns.

Target protection of bushland from the impacts of adjacent development

Change supported and action added.

3.16: Ensure the Development Control Plan Part H is enforced to ensure bushland is adequately protected from the impacts of adjacent developments.

Include the impact of changes to water runoff into bushland due to adjacent development and climate change.

Change supported and action added.

3.17: Manage stormwater to reduce its impacts on waterways and mitigate stormwater issues by ensuring the Development Control Plan Part H and O is adhered.

Recognise a need to maintain soils and prevent soil erosion in bushland, creeks and suburban areas to preserve the soils and prevent sedimentation of waterways

Change supported and action added.

3.18: Encourage bush regeneration practices to stabilize soil in bushland, particularly adjacent to creeks.

Target water quality in creeks. Lane Cove Council have been measuring water quality through macroinvertebrate sampling for years (p125-127 Natural Environment of Lane Cove)) and this indicates our water quality is poor. Lane Cove Council must take action to start to address poor water quality.

Change supported and action added.

3.20: Continue to monitor water quality in creeks. Install a new GPT each year for the duration of this plan and create more raingardens to improve water quality.

Action 3.22: Optimise usage of existing parks and sports fields through improved, sustainably designed facilities

Change supported and action updated.

3.22: Optimise usage of existing parks and sport fields through improved, sustainably designed facilities.

Action 4.2: Recognise and remediate areas of concern to protect creeks from erosion associated with increased intensity of rainfall

and storm flows

Change supported and action updated.

4.2: Recognise and remediate areas of concern to protect creeks from erosion associated with increased intensity of rainfall and storm flows.

Increase or maintain tree canopy

No changes proposed.

Action 4.3 addresses this.

4.3: Increase canopy cover in residential areas in line with The Urban Forest Strategy and emphasise the importance of existing trees for climate resiliency.

Action 5.13 Investigate opportunities to create community gardens - change timeline from medium to short

Change supported and timeline updated.

5.13: Investigate opportunities to create community gardens (Short).

Address air pollution, starting for example with education strategies where people can access ongoing data and understand the issues (Ch 10.12 Natural Environment of Lane Cove), p.95-97).

Change supported and action added.

5.15: Educate residents and businesses on the harmful impacts of air pollution whilst promoting active travel, low emission vehicles, sustainable living and emphasise the importance of tree canopy.

Action 9.6: Investigate walkable precincts and identify speed limits for livability in local streets

No changes proposed.

All local streets are 50km/h zones unless otherwise stated. Council is investigating reducing speed limits in Lane Cove North.

Action 9.7: Create parklets (using car spaces) to increase outdoor dining and social interaction and to improve livability and remove rat-runs

No changes proposed.

Council is investigating opportunities to add landscaping and cycle paths to local roads.

Action 12.1: Provide sustainable landscaping in streets (trees, shrubs and other indigenous vegetation where appropriate}.

Change supported and action updated.

12.1: Provide sustainable landscaping in streets (trees, shrubs and other indigenous vegetation where possible).

Conclusion

This Draft Sustainability Action Plan provides Council with a robust framework in which to continue to purse excellence in sustainability. It was developed with extensive stakeholder engagement from within Council’s diverse range of functional areas, members of Council Advisory Committees, business community and community organisations.

The Draft SAP will raise sustainability performance and ensure best practice outcomes are achieved.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. Receive and note the report;

2. Adopt the revised Sustainability Action Plan 2022-2025 (shown attached as AT-1); and

3. Conduct the next review of the Sustainability Action Plan in 2025 and report on progress through Council’s Annual Report.

Mark Brisby

Executive Manager

Environmental Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Draft Sustainability Action Plan 2022 - 2025

44 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

Subject: Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

Record No: SU6606 - 53057/22

Division: Human Services Division

Author(s): Susan Heyne; Susan Shand

Executive Summary

Under the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW) (the Act), all Councils must have a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP).

Council’s first DIAP was created in partnership with City of Ryde and Hunters Hill Council and ran from 2017 to 2021. An extension was granted by the NSW Government to all Councils and our new DIAP will be in operation from 2022 to 2026

The development of Council’s new DIAP was done in partnership with Hunters Hill Council with each Council creating an individual action plan that reflects the identified needs of each local government area. Consultants Judy Harwood and Margaret Kay from J Harwood Consultants were engaged to create the draft plan including community engagement, data analysis, identifying issues and developing actions.

The draft DIAP is now recommended for public exhibition for six (6) weeks and at the end of the period the Plan be brought back to Council for adoption.

Background

Section 12 of the Disability Inclusion Act 2014 (NSW) (the Act) states that each public authority (this includes local councils) must prepare and make a DIAP setting out the measurers it intends to put in place so that people with disability can access general supports and services available in the community, and can participate fully in the community. The Act also requires the State to prepare a State Disability Inclusion Plan known as the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan (DIP). The DIP provides direction to State and Local Government for the development of their DIAPs across the state including identifying the four focus areas to be used in developing and delivering on the DIAP. These focus areas are:

1. developing positive community attitudes and behaviours

2. creating liveable communities

3. supporting access to meaningful employment

4. improving access to services through better systems and processes

The four focus areas were originally developed as part of the first NSW Disability Inclusion Plan (DIP) and the NSW Government has determined that they will continue to be used in the development of new DIAPs.

Discussion

Prior to the development of the draft DIAP 2022-2026, Lane Cove Council in partnership with Hunters Hill Council and J. Harwood Consultants, developed a community consultation plan which included engagement with the local community, local businesses, service providers, Councillors and Council staff. Individual and group conversations were conducted by consultants with Council staff, support services and people with disability living locally. Reference groups were consulted including the Age Friendly Advisory Committee, the Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee and workshops took place with key staff and Councillors.

Council developed promotional material and invited the community to contribute by public website exhibition of surveys, social media advertising and targeted invitation. Surveys and consultation templates identified the four focus areas pre-determined by the NSW Disability Inclusion Plan:

· Attitudes and behaviours

· Liveable communities

· Meaningful employment

· Better systems and processes

In total, 203 people across the Lane Cove local government area contributed to the development of the DIAP. The information gathered informed the development of the draft DIAP including the accountability framework that Council will use to monitor progress against this plan. The table below lists the different forms of consultation undertaken and the number of people who participated in each one.

Consultation Type	Responses/Attendance
Community Survey	38
Business Survey	2
Staff Survey	54
Staff Focus Group	9
Key Staff Workshop	31
Councillors Workshop	9
Reference Groups	· Access & Inclusion Advisory Committee (8) · Age Friendly Advisory Committee (12)
Interviews with Service Providers	· All Abilities · Carers NSW · Community Connect (Lower North Shore Community Transport) · Lane Cove Community Chaplaincy · My Rainbow Club · Stryder · Sydney Community Services · UNISSON · Vision Australia · YourSide Australia · Amateur Fishermen's Association of NSW · Aboriginal Heritage Office
Individual Consultations with Selected Stakeholders	· Individuals with disability (2) · Different Degrees Theatre Group (9) · Sydney Community Services Social Group (9) · Sydney Community Services Youth Group (8)

The DIAP is consistent with other Council plans and includes timeframes, responsibilities and outcomes. It also includes the Lane Cove Social Justice Charter to further support the significance of the DIAP and reaffirm Council’s commitment to social justice in its work.

Strategic outcomes have been identified for each focus area and actions to achieve each outcome have been developed. The outcomes for each focus area are outlined in the following table.

Focus Area

Outcomes

1. Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours

1.1 People with disability are valued and celebrated in the community

1.2 The local community is welcoming of people with disability

1.3 Council staff have an increased disability capability and confidence

Creating liveable communities

2.1 It is safe and easy to get around

2.2 Council’s open spaces and leisure and sporting facilities are accessible

2.3 Council’s buildings and infrastructure are accessible

2.4 Town Centres and commercial areas are inclusive

2.5 Adaptive and affordable housing is available

Supporting access to meaningful employment

3.1 Council is a leader in equal employment

3.2 Council staff can access training appropriate to their needs

3.3 Council procurement practices are inclusive

Improving access to services through better systems and processes

4.1 Council information is useful and accessible by people with disability

4.2 Online options are available for suitable Council events

4.3 People with disability can engage with civic opportunities

The Act requires a copy of the DIAP to be given to the Disability Council NSW. It must also be made publicly available and be available in at least one format that is accessible to people with disability. The Act also requires Council to report annually on the implementation of the DIAP and provide a report to the Minister who is to table a report about the implementation of the DIAPs in each House of Parliament.

A copy of the draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan for Lane Cove Council is attached. The current attachment is in the process of being formatted into Council’s standard report format. Once the final draft has been formatted, the updated draft report will be attached. The report’s content will remain the same. Following the recommendation by Council for public consultation and the six-week consultation period a final version of the DIAP will be submitted to Council for adoption. The adopted plan will be submitted to the Disability Council NSW and work will begin on implementing the actions.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to provide the community with an additional opportunity to comment on the draft DIAP. Any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether or not to proceed with their inclusion in the final plan.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Targeted
Target Audience	Lane Cove community and community groups	Access and Inclusion Advisory Committee, Age-Friendly Advisory Committee
Proposed Medium	Website exhibition, eNewsletter and social media	Website exhibition, eNewsletter and social media
Indicative Timing	October to November 2022	October to November 2022

Conclusion

The implementation of the DIAP will occur over the next four years. Over this time it is envisaged that Lane Cove will become a more inclusive community and that people with disability will feel more welcome and included. Future DIAPs will continue this process of inclusion.

RECOMMENDATION

That:

1. The draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan 2022-2026 be endorsed for the purpose of public exhibition and be placed on public exhibition for six (6) weeks in accordance with the Consultation Strategy outlined in the report; and

2. A report be submitted to Council following the public exhibition period.

Jane Gornall

Executive Manager - Human Services

Human Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

37 Pages

Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study

Subject: Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study

Record No: SU8737 - 52390/22

Division: Open Space and Urban Services Division

Author(s): Dennis Anthonysamy

Executive Summary

Council engaged Cardno Traffic and Transport Consultants (now known as Stantec) to undertake a comprehensive study of the parking arrangements in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards. The purpose of the Study is to Improve the utilisation of existing parking spaces while ensuring that future parking demands are met for all users in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards in line with Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

Full day parking surveys were undertaken in early December 2021 to capture the hourly occupancy of parking in the study areas.

Consultation with local residents and commercial businesses in the Village was undertaken in April and May 2022. The Consultants ran two workshops with local residents and local shop keepers in combination with an on-line survey.

Using the data collected and feedback from the community consultation a number of recommendations have been made which will improve parking availability and standardise the parking restriction times across the Village and St Leonards.

It is recommended that the draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study be placed on public exhibition for community consultation and a further report be submitted to Council outlining the results of the consultation.

Background

Over the past 20 years Council has not undertaken a review of its parking arrangements in the Lane Cove Village and the current arrangements have developed over these years. Changes to parking arrangements in the Village are generally implemented by community requests or to solve specific issues. All these changes over time can produce inconsistent parking restrictions that can be confusing and inefficient.

Due to the rezoning of St Leonards a review of the parking arrangements is required to ensure they are consistent with the redeveloped precinct.

The purpose of this Study is to Improve the utilisation of existing parking spaces while ensuring that future parking demands are met for all users in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards in line with Council’s Community Strategic Plan.

The objectives of this project are to:

· Improve the efficiency of parking provisions for all users;

· Promote the use of sustainable transport to reduce dependence on car use; and

· Manage parking demand across Lane Cove Village and St Leonards.

The study areas are The Lane Cove Village and St Leonards shown in the figure 1 below and AT-3.

Figure 1 – Map showing locations of the two study areas

Discussion

Council engaged Cardno (now known as Santec) to undertake a study of the parking arrangements in the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards. Cardno’s process undertook a review of the strategic context, site audits, data collection, data analysis, community consultation and then developed a series of recommendations.

Strategic Context:

Involved a review of State documents and standards along with Council’s internal strategic documents, as well as other relevant technical studies and guidelines.

Site Audit:

Site analysis of the existing parking arrangements and inspections to observe behaviour and record signage issues for Council maintenance.

Data Collection:

The parking surveys took place on Friday 3 December 2021, 7:00am –8:00pm; and

Saturday 4 December 2021, 8:00am –9:00pm. The surveys were undertaken to capture hourly occupancy of on and off-street parking locations, as well as duration of stay. Council Supplied data for off-street car parks (March 2021), allowing a historic comparison. Council also supplied data for on-street parking (March 2022), providing further data to support recommendations.

Data Analysis:

The data was then analysed and a summary of peak parking occupancies, duration of stay patterns, traffic flow and traffic peaks were developed.

Community Consultation:

Consultation with both residents and businesses was undertaken. Council initially sent letters to all businesses in the Town Centre asking them if they were interested in joining a consultative meeting. Unfortunately, no replies were received for this first attempt. Council’s Commercial Operations Manager then personally contacted several businesses in the Village to see if they were interested in attending the workshop. From this engagement six businesses agreed to participate in a one-hour on-line workshop. Of the six that agreed to attend only four attended.

For the community workshop Council initially randomly distributed 200 letters to residents in the streets around the Village. From this first attempt Council only received one response. For the second attempt Council again randomly distributed approximately 200 letters to residents in streets around the Village. This time the letter was a personal invitation signed by the Mayor and Council offered a $50 voucher to all residents who agreed to participate in the workshop. 12 residents subsequently attended a workshop on 12 April 2022.

An online survey was advertised on Council’s website which was accessible to all members of the public from 20 April to 30 May 2022. A total of 63 responses were provided, with a majority of the responses being from residents of the Lane Cove LGA and a small portion of responses from residents of a neighbouring LGAs.

As the construction of the developments in St Leonards South has not commenced, workshops for the St Leonards study area were not considered necessary. All developments in St Leonards and St Leonards South are required to provide parking for their residents and visitors so the on-street parking arrangement will generally be for people outside the LGA.

Recommendations:

An Executive summary of the recommendation from the Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking study is in AT-1 and the complete Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study is in AT-2. Following is a summary of the recommendations for the Lane Cove Village and St Leonards.

Lane Cove Village:

· On street parking demand in the Lane Cove Village varies from street to street. Considering the unique parking demand of each street, treatment proposals were provided on a street-by-street basis, with a focus on streets that exceed 85% capacity, or have issues identified from the site audit, community consultation and discussions with Council.

· The location of accessibility parking spaces is mostly close to shop fronts in Lane Cove Village, which is suitable for accessibility use. However, there are opportunities for improved accessible parking opportunities on either side of Longueville Road within the Lane Cove Village. Most accessibility parking spaces in the Lane Cove Village are highly utilised, and proposed treatments are to adjust current parking restrictions from unlimited to time restricted to improve utility and investigate locations suitable to introduce more accessibility spaces.

· Seniors parking is highly utilised in Lane Cove Village and is desired by Lane Cove residents as reflected in community consultation. However, seniors parking is not a standard parking restriction type, therefore limiting the commentary that can be made for the parking provision. Based on community desire a proposal has been made to provide an extra seniors parking space.

· Electric vehicle charging is still an emerging trend, and spare capacity exists for current charging station supply. However, considering the NSW EV Strategy, it is proposed that Council introduce a Lane Cove Council LGA Electric Vehicle strategy for future planning.

· The overall Loading Zone demand in the Lane Cove Village does not exceed capacity, however, loading zones surrounding busier commercial areas such as Longueville Road and Burns Bay Road show significantly higher utility than other loading zone areas. Issues identified for loading zones have mainly come from site audit observations and community consultation, whereby certain parking and road restrictions have impacted the loading zone performance, and treatment proposals have been provided with a focus on these issues.

· Car share is still an emerging trend, and present car share in the Lane Cove Village has shown low utility. However, considering future transport trends, it is recommended that Council prepare a Lane Cove Council LGA Car Share strategy to plan for future car share needs.

· Feedback from community consultation and observations of differing utilisation levels in off-street carparks has suggested a need for an upgrade of the current static wayfinding around Lane Cove Village. It has been proposed that wayfinding be implemented at gateways of the Village and at decision making intersections to aid motorists in selecting car parking areas, which will help with better distribution of car parking volumes around the village.

For more details see diagram in attachment AT-4.

St Leonards:

· Recommendations listed are to identify potential changes in on-street parking conditions to suit the future uplift conditions in St Leonards, south of the Pacific Highway. With the significant increase in residential density, coupled with restricted on-street car parking provision, on-street parking will be required to provide a balance for short term options associated with the retail / commercial offerings fronting the Pacific Highway, medium term parking for visitors to the area

· Traffic analysis shows that accessibility parking in the St Leonards study area has spare capacity available, though community consultation shows that the community desires more accessibility parking. Council has already committed to provide additional on-street accessible parking.

· Electric vehicle charging is still an emerging trend and does not exist in the St Leonards study area. However, it is proposed that Council introduce a Lane Cove Council LGA Electric Vehicle strategy in preparation of future EV usage growth.

· Loading zones in the St Leonards study area are well utilised, and overall, the loading zone supply appears to satisfy current demand. Considering future development in the St Leonards study area, it is proposed to consider more loading zones in areas of mixed use development and near site links.

· Car share is still an emerging trend, though does have some level of usage in the St Leonards study area. Traffic analysis shows that current supply of car share spaces is satisfactory in the St Leonards study area. However, it is proposed that Council introduce Lane Cove Council LGA Car Share strategy in preparation of future growth in car share use.

For more details see diagram in attachment AT-5.

Community Consultation

Statement of Intent

The consultation is designed to gauge the level of community support for the draft Parking Study to obtain feedback regarding the content as well as to ascertain if any amendments may be relevant. The consultation will take place for a period of six (6) weeks and any comments received will be reviewed and evaluated to determine whether any revisions are required to the draft Policy and Guidelines and Procedures prior to adoption.

Method

Level of Participation	Inform	Inform	Consult
Form of Participation	Open	Targeted	Open
Target Audience	Lane Cove Community	Local Shop Owners and Operators	Lane Cove Community
Proposed Medium	Advertisement and eNewsletter	Notification Letters and Brochure / Letterbox Drop	Public Exhibition, Website Exhibition and Survey (if applicable)
Indicative Timing	Timing of consultation (October - November 2022)	Timing of consultation (October – November 2022)	Timing of consultation (October – November 2022)

Conclusion

The Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study was developed by Council. This document is now ready for community consultation.

It is recommended that the attached Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study be adopted for the purpose of public exhibition

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. Council adopt the Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study dated September 2022 for the purpose of public exhibition;

2. The Draft Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Study included as AT-2 be placed on public exhibition for a period of six (6) weeks and consultation take place in accordance with the Consultation Strategy outlined in the report; and

3. A further report be submitted to Council following the exhibition period, to consider the final Study for adoption.

Martin Terescenko

Executive Manager - Open Space and Urban Services

Open Space and Urban Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Executive Summary and Recommendations - Lane Cove Village and St Leonards Parking Sudy	17 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Lane Cove and St Leonards Parking Study	245 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑3 View	Lane Cove Study Area	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑4 View	Lane Cove Parking Restrictions	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑5 View	St Leonards Masterplan Recommendations	1 Page	Available Electronically
AT‑6 View	St Leonards Parking Recommendations	1 Page	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Community Garden Policy and Community Garden Guidelines and Procedures

Subject: Community Garden Policy and Community Garden Guidelines and Procedures

Record No: SU1223 - 49493/22

Division: Open Space and Urban Services Division

Author(s): Helen Haigh

Executive Summary

Council’s Community Gardens Policy and Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures provides the framework for Council to support the development and management of local community gardens. Council endorsed the draft documents for the purpose of consultation which occurred over a six week period.

Minor amendments have been made to the documents following the community consultation and the Policy and Guidelines and Procedures are now presented to Council for adoption.

Background

Council resolved at its meeting 23 June 2022 that:-

1. Council adopt the Draft Community Garden Policy and Draft Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures dated June 2022 for the purpose of public exhibition;

2. The Draft Lane Cove Council Community Garden Policy and Draft Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures be placed on public exhibition for a period of six (6) weeks and consultation take place in accordance with the Consultation Strategy outlined in the report; and

3. A further report be submitted to Council following the exhibition period, to consider the final Policy and Guidelines and Procedures for adoption.

Discussion

The Draft Community Gardens Policy and Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures were placed on public exhibition for six (6) weeks from 28 June 2022 to 14 August 2022. The consultation strategy involved the following:-

· E-newsletter (August 2022);

· Online ‘Have Your Say’ survey on the Draft Community Gardens Policy and Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures; and

· Facebook post to notify community of ‘Have Your Say’.

Five (5) surveys were completed and one (1) submission was received.

Summary of comments from online survey

Community Gardens Policy

Comments / Suggestions for improvement	Number of Submissions	Response
As a community garden founder, this policy and guideline is a wonderful resource for new community gardeners and covers all the things we have seen over the past 5 years of community gardening. Well done to Council.	1	Noted
Don't make it too prescriptive or regulatory. Let the residents decide on the 'look' and content. This way it can encourage biodiversity and increase overall aesthetics. Every suburb should have several.	1	The Guidelines and Procedures provide appropriate flexibility.
I think this is a good policy to have, and I hope that it encourages more community gardens in the Lane Cove Council area.	1	Noted

The Community Garden Policy (AT-1) has been updated to include the administrative details. No other changes have been made.

Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures

Comments / Suggestions for improvement	Number of Submissions	Response
It's a very comprehensive document - well done. You need to check your use of i.e. (which means 'that is') - in many places throughout the document you should be using e.g. (which means 'for example') instead of i.e.	1	Noted and corrected.
In the section ''Gardening adjacent to bushland'' rather than asking the applicants how they will prevent runoff/erosion, feral seeding into bushland etc, I believe that strict guidelines must be included describing how to prevent these incursions. Community Gardens should be MORE than 10 metres away from bushland.	1	Council will assess all applications and assist the applicant if this section requires more information.
Provide free compost, or compost bins to encourage residents to make their own compost. Ask lawn mowing companies to top up these compost bins.	1	Council can provide free compost bins on request.
It seems to bring up hurdles and roadblocks, rather than offering solutions or ways to implement gardens.	1	Comment noted

The following amendments have been made to the Community Garden Guidelines and Procedures (AT-2).

Table of Amendments

Page/Section	Amendment
Throughout document	i.e. has been replaced with e.g.
Page 10	Heading change – Management Plan Checklist

Conclusion

The community has had the opportunity to comment on the draft Community Gardens Policy and Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures. The submissions have been reviewed and changes, as noted above, have been made to the document. The Community Gardens Policy and Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures are now recommended for adoption by Council.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. Receive and note the report and;

2. Adopt the Community Gardens Policy AT-1 and Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures dated September 2022 as attached at AT-2.

Martin Terescenko

Executive Manager - Open Space and Urban Services

Open Space and Urban Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	POL-OSUS-06 Community Garden Policy	4 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	Community Gardens Guidelines and Procedures	27 Pages	Available Electronically

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Expression of Interest to Operate a Community Toy Library at 47 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove

Subject: Expression of Interest to Operate a Community Toy Library at 47 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove

Record No: SU8800 - 49956/22

Division: Human Services Division

Author(s): Jennifer Bice

Executive Summary

This Report outlines progress on the provision of a Toy Library, Library of Things, and Mens Shed at the 47 Burns Bay Road site and recommends the acceptance of the Expression of Interest from The Sydney Library of Things (TSLOT) to operate the Community Toy Library and Library of Things in Lane Cove.

Background

As part of the Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2022-2023 a new strategy and initiative 1.31a was to repurpose 47 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove to facilitate the establishment of a Toy Library, a Library of Things, Repair café and a Mens Shed.

In April 2022, Council resolved to: -

1. Call for expressions of interest from interested community groups/organisations to operate a Community Toy Library at 47 Burns Bay Rd, Lane Cove;

2. Become a member of the Toy Libraries Australia to assist in the planning and establishment of a toy library; and

3. Liaise with the Lane Cove Men’s Shed and the ‘Sydney Library of Things’ to encourage joint use of the facility at 47 Burns Bay Road.”

Discussion

In July, 2022 Council put out an Expression of Interest to run the Community Toy Library – with the Expression of Interest closing on 21 August, 2022. Enquiries were received from several organisations but only one community group/organisation submitted an Expression of Interest which was The Sydney Library of Things (TSLOT).

The Sydney Library of Things (TSLOT) submission addressed all the selection criteria and demonstrates TSLOT has the project management and community engagement skills, infrastructure and volunteer base to operate a Community Toy Library. The submission points out that as TSLOT will be co-located with the Lane Cove Toy Library they would be in an ideal position to maximise efficiencies across both operations.

Council has allocated $300,000 for refurbishment of 47 Burns Bay Road in the 2022/23 budget, with the majority of these funds to be spent on the erection of a shed to house the machinery for the Mens Shed. Some funding will be spent on renovating the building internally. It is also intended that solar panels will be added to the roof of the existing building.

An amount of up to $60,000 has also been allocated to assist in the establishment of a Toy Library from the Sustainability Levy Projects 2022/23. These funds are to assist in the initial establishment of the Service including starting a foundation collection of toys.

Council has joined Toy Libraries Australia to facilitate toy purchasing through their suppliers.

Council received only one Expression of Interest and staff were able to assess this submission using the advertised selection criteria.

Community Organisation (not for profit status) – The Sydney Library of Things Inc is a not for profit volunteer run enterprise.

Mission Statement & Objectives –

TSLOT outlined their vision, mission, and objectives in their submission.

Operating Hours – TSLOT intends to open:

· Saturday 1:00pm – 3:00pm

· Tuesday 8:00am – 10:00am

· Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm (or by prior appointment)

Staffing

TSLOT has a base of 25 volunteers from Lane Cove and surrounding areas and will recruit a team of volunteers to undertake various roles. When financially viable, TSLOT will create a part-time paid position for a Toy Library Coordinator.

Toy Library Inventory Software

TSLOT uses myTurn - an industry standard cloud-based platform designed specifically for libraries operating in the sharing and circular economies. Their plan is to extend this licence to include the Toy Library.

Fee/Membership Structure –

TSLOT proposes the following fee structure:

· Annual $85 ($60 concession)

· 6 Monthly $50 ($36 concession)

· Quarterly $30 ($22 concession)

· Overdue toys $2 (per toy per week)

· Lost of broken piece $2 (per piece)

· Lost of broken toy Replacement cost

They will also offer a joint TSLOT & Lane Cove Toy Library membership (GOLD) at $150 ($100 concession) giving members full access to both libraries.

Membership Access

TSLOT intends to provide a toy collection for children aged from birth to primary school age i.e. 0-12. Members will be able to borrow 5 items per fortnight and will be able to renew items online.

Free membership will be provided to volunteers who provide a minimum of 4 hours volunteer time per month.

Toy Resources

Toys will be provided through a combination of new items (sourced from Toy Libraries Australia’s community toy buying service and local toy retailers) and second-hand items.

Borrowers will be required to wash, or wipe toys and an industrial dishwasher will be used to clean the toys between borrowings. TSLOT will work in conjunction with the Repair Café to repair toys that can be salvaged.

TSLOT proposes partnering with Lane Cove Boomerang Bags to source library bags for toy storage/transportation.

Collection Development

400 toys will be initially sourced from Toy Library Australis’s community toy buying service, sponsorship and the community. The collection will be expanded to approximately 700 toys by the end of the first year.

The toy collection will be aimed at four developmental age groups:-

· Baby (0-1yrs)

· Toddler (1-3yrs)

· Preschool (3-4yrs)

· School age (5-12yrs).

TSLOT will also explore the need and demand for items to suit the 13-17-year age group.

TSLOT have developed a waste strategy to deal with inappropriately donated toys and plastic and cardboard packing from new toys.

Donation Policy

TSLOT will accept donations of clean, safe and functioning toys excluding soft/stuffed toys. A ‘wish list’ and donation criteria will be available on the website.

TSLOT’s custom donation onboarding system will be replicated - requires donors to email pictures and a description of items prior to donating items.

Promotional Strategy

TSLOT articulated a comprehensive promotional strategy which includes a dedicated Lane Cove Toy Library website that links directly to the myTurn software, social media posts (Facebook and Instagram), using existing connections with local media, holding a VIP and Launch event, exploring partnerships for funding opportunities, etc.

Funding Strategy

The setup costs including office equipment, storage, inventory system, membership of Toy Libraries Australia, purchase and packaging of the toy collection, legal fees and promotion will be funded by Council.

TSLOT has provided proposed budgets (based on 300 members) for the first two years of operation. They will also actively seek sponsorship and grants to assist in funding the Toy Library.

Other issues

Since the Council Report in April 2022, Council has become a member of Toy Libraries Australia and met with the Lane Cove Men’s Shed and The Sydney Library of Things (TSLOT) with more discussions to take place regarding the joint use of the facility.

The building at 47 Burns Bay Road will require a Development Application for a change of use. As this is a Council facility the Development Application will be required to go the Local Planning Panel. A Development Application is also required to place a shed – for the Mens’ Shed machinery equipment. The shed will be placed at the back of the property. At this stage it is envisaged that this will be a two-step process as additional quotes need to be obtained for a shed that will suit the purpose. The two-step process should allow for the toy library and the Library of Things to open before the Mens’ Shed, which will be a more complex application process.

Conclusion

Council advertised for Expressions of Interest to operate a Community Toy Library July/August and despite receiving several enquiries only one community group/organisation made a submission.

In its Expression of Interest, The Sydney Library of Things (TSOLT) addressed all selection criteria and demonstrated its ability to operate a Community Toy Library. As it is intended for both TSLOT and the Toy Library to be co-located the two operations should be able to achieve efficiencies sharing operational costs.

This report recommends that Council proceed with an agreement for TSLOT to operate a Community Toy Library at 47 Burns Bay Rd.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council: -

1. Enter into a funding agreement and licence agreement with The Sydney Library of Things (TSLOT) to operate a Toy Library and Library of Things at 47 Burns Bay Road. The agreement to include milestones and measures to monitor the progress and success of the services;

2. Council provide funding of up to $60,000 to cover initial establishment costs including office equipment, storage, inventory system, membership of Toy Libraries Australia, purchase and packaging of the toy collection, legal fees and promotion.

3. Ensure TSLOT and the Lane Cove Mens’ Shed have effective shared use of the premises at 47 Burns Bay Road, Lane Cove; and

4. Report back to Council twelve months after the commencement of the services to evaluate the project.

Jane Gornall

Executive Manager - Human Services

Human Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Expression of Interest - Lane Cove Community Toy Library - July 22

5 Pages

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

Representative Nominations for the Community Dog and Sporting Club Advisory Committees

Subject: Representative Nominations for the Community Dog and Sporting Club Advisory Committees

Record No: SU827 - 48788/22

Division: Corporate Services Division

Author(s): Emma McLennan

Executive Summary

The Representative Nominations for the Community Dog Advisory Committee was put forth for consideration at the August Ordinary Council meeting, however due to a lack of Quorum the matter could not be voted upon. The representative nominations for the Community Dog Advisory Committee was therefore postponed until the September Ordinary Council meeting.

This report also recommends that Council endorse the appointment of a Greenwich Sports Club representative, Lynne Spencer, as a committee member of the Sporting Club Advisory Committee.

Background

Community Dog Advisory Committee

At the Ordinary Council meeting on Monday, 18 October 2021, Council resolved to establish a Community Dog Advisory Committee to act as a central point of communication between Council and community stakeholder representatives, as users of open space for dogs in the Lane Cove LGA. On Tuesday, 29 March 2022, Council hosted a Community Workshop to give members of the community an opportunity to determine how the Advisory Committee will operate which would then inform the role, functions and objectives of the Committee for the development of the Charter.

At the Ordinary Council meeting on Thursday, 19 May 2022, Council adopted the Charter and appointed Councillor’s Bryla and Southwood as the Councillor Representatives on the Committee. At this meeting it was also resolved to call for expressions of interest for community representatives on the Community Dog Advisory Committee.

The Representative Nominations for the Community Dog Advisory Committee was put forth for consideration at the Monday, 18 August 2022 Ordinary Council meeting, however due to a lack of Quorum the matter could not be voted upon and was therefore postponed until the September Ordinary Council meeting.

Sporting Club Advisory Committee

The nomination period for the Sporting Club Advisory Committee ran from Monday 6 June 2022 to Monday 18 June 2022. At the Ordinary Council meeting on Thursday, 18 August 2022, Council endorsed 15 committee members, however after this meeting Council received an additional nomination for Lynne Spencer from Greenwich Sports Club.

Discussion

Community Dog Advisory Committee

The nomination period for the Community Dog Advisory Committee ran from Monday 6 June 2022 to Monday 18 June 2022 and during this period Council received 16 nominations for Community Representatives on the Committee. The call for nominations was advertised via Councils website, an e-newsletter, video updates to Council’s social media and an email directly to the community members who had registered their interest in the committee.

The Committee’s Charter allows for up to:-

· Five (5) community representatives, being:-

o i. Three (3) dog owners from within the Lane Cove LGA local government area, including one from each Council ward;

o ii. One (1) local dog owner from the local dog services industry (i.e. dog walking, dog training); and

o iii. One (1) local dog owner from the veterinary profession.

· One (1) representative from a sporting club from the LCC area who is a dog owner;

· One (1) member from the Bushland Management Advisory Committee (appointed by the Bushland Management Advisory Committee);

· One (1) member from the Sporting Club Advisory Committee (appointed by the Sporting Club Advisory Committee); and

· One (1) non-dog owner.

The Council Selection Committee met on 8 August 2022 and considered all applications received during the nomination periods. Following a review of each applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommend the following nominees be appointed to the Community Dog Advisory Committee:

· Vanessa Walker as the local dog owner from the veterinary profession;

· Alan King as the representative from a local sporting club from the LCC area who is a dog owner;

· Gina Collins as the local dog owner from the local dog services industry;

· Daniel Strassberg as the dog owner from Central Ward;

· Lucy Macaulay as the dog owner from East Ward;

· Debra Anderson as the dog owner from West Ward; and

· Roslynne Hunt as the non-dog owner.

Sporting Club Advisory Committee

Council was advised after the August Ordinary Council meeting by the Greenwich Sports Club, that they did not submit a nomination for this committee during the nomination period however they would like to be included in the committee. An e-mail nomination has since been received from Lynne Spencer representing the Greenwich Sports Club for consideration.

The Council Selection Committee met on 20 September 2022 and considered the application, following a review of the applicant’s skills, experience and interests, the Council Selection Committee recommend that Lynne Spencer of Greenwich Sports Club be appointed to the Sporting Club Advisory Committee.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. Endorse the following nominations for the Community Dog Advisory Committee:-

· Vanessa Walker as the local dog owner from the veterinary profession;

· Alan King as the representative from a local sporting club from the LCC area who is a dog owner;

· Gina Collins as the local dog owner from the local dog services industry;

· Daniel Strassberg as the dog owner from Central Ward;

· Lucy Macaulay as the dog owner from East Ward;

· Debra Anderson as the dog owner from West Ward; and

· Roslynne Hunt as the non-dog owner.

2. Endorse Lynne Spencer’s nomination (Greenwich Sports Club) for the Sporting Club Advisory Committee; and

3. All nominees be advised of Council’s decision.

Steven Kludass

Executive Manager - Corporate Services

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

Ordinary Council Meeting 29 September 2022

NSW E-Scooter Trial

Subject: NSW E-Scooter Trial

Record No: SU8924 - 52687/22

Division: Open Space and Urban Services Division

Author(s): Dennis Anthonysamy

Executive Summary

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has invited councils to prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 30 September 2022 to participate in an e-scooter trial in a partnership with e-scooter providers.

Under the trial, E-scooters from nominated E-scooter providers will not be permitted on footpaths or on roads with a sign-posted speed limit above 50km/h. the E-scooters would only be permitted on local roads with speed limits of 50km/h or less, cycleways and shared user paths. The use of privately owned e-scooters will remain prohibited.

TfNSW has developed a set of requirements that must be included within the EOI submission. One of the main elements that need to be addressed is road safety. However, TfNSW’s Road Safety Audit (RSA) Procedures were not developed with e-scooters in mind. Council has asked TfNSW for guidance on whether a full RSA is required or if a specific checklist is available. To date TfNSW has not provide any further details on the RSA requirements. The costs of a full RSA would be substantial depending on the size of the trial area.

Council has worked with NSROC and surrounding councils to try and gauge interest in a joint submission. Due to the tight timeframes for the EOI the surrounding councils were not in a position to submit a joint submission.

TfNSW have stated that the trial should be undertaken in smaller areas such as parks or to provide improved access to public transport. Council has made contact with the main e-scooter providers and they have stated that smaller areas are not viable as they need access to large areas of the LGA to undertake the trial.

At this stage it is recommended that Council does not submit an EOI to participate in the e-scooter trial.

Background

E-scooters are an emerging micro-mobility option for improved sustainable transport which have the potential to reduce the community’s reliance on cars. They are currently receiving a significant uplift in mode use globally and nationally by both private use and e-scooter providers.

In May 2022, TfNSW provided a briefing to interested metropolitan and regional councils and e-scooter shared scheme providers in participating in a state-wide trial. At this time TfNSW invited councils to prepare an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 30 September 2022 to participate in an e-scooter trial in a partnership with e-scooter providers.

Some of the key objectives of the trial are:

· Foster innovation and enable customer choices in emerging micro-mobility technologies.

· Identify and evaluate opportunities on how e-scooters contribute to improving liveability, productivity, and sustainability.

· Confirm if existing infrastructure can support safe and connected e-scooter journeys; and

· Manage community safety impacts from permitted and increased use of e-scooters.

Discussion

To assist council’s in their submissions and to see if there was any potential for a joint submission between councils, NSROC convened a meeting with TfNSW, Ku-ring-gai Council, North Sydney Council, City of Ryde and Willoughby Council.

At the meeting, TfNSW was asked if an extension was possible however, they did not commit to an extension beyond the 30 September 2022 deadline. Additionally, TfNSW recommended that Council limit the scope of the trial to a small area such as parks for recreation use or last mile trips that link the last leg of a journey to train stations, interchanges or town centers.

Safety is a major concern for the trial and as part of the EOI submission a Road Safety Audit (RSA) for all the routes in the trial area needs to be submitted. The current RSA Procedures do not reference e-scooters. TfNSW was asked to provide details of whether the RSA for the trial needs to be a full audit or if there is a specific checklist that could be used. TfNSW responded that some additional guidance in regard to the RSA will be forthcoming but could not provide a timeframe. To date, no further details for RSA’s have been provided by TfNSW.

As such, it is not clear whether a detailed RSA of the entire road network is required or not. An RSA of this type would need to be undertaken by a certified professional who would review the area and provide a list of mitigation actions where it is deemed unsafe. Depending on the size of the area an RSA would be prohibitively expensive. As an example, the RSA for Birdwood Lane alone cost approximately $5,000.

Council has reached out to the three main service providers - Lime, Beam and Neuron. These providers are currently operating in several locations across Victoria, Queensland, the Western Sydney Parklands and Australian Botanic Gardens at Mount Annan. Lime did not respond to the enquiries, Neuron and Beam responded as follows:-.

· Neuron: Advised Council that they would interested in accessing the majority of the road network in the LGA to truly enable a form of transport that can get users from A to B, much in the same vein that bicycles currently access our road network. The smallest service area they currently run in Australia is 5km². Anything smaller would not be commercially viable for them.

· Beam: Advised Council that they would prefer to have access to all of the LGA but would consider Lane Cove North, as that is the minimum size area that would be commercially viable for them.

TfNSW encourages Councils to ensure that all costs are covered by the e-scooter provider, including the RSA. It is likely that due to the limits on the area of the trial, the e-scooter providers may not be interested or be able to cover all the costs related to the EOI. Additionally, they may pass on some of the operational costs to Council, to make the trial financially viable.

TfNSW has stated that they have received only two applications, both from regional councils, that are now being assessed. Overall, there appears to be more interest from regional councils.

Conclusion

Council has tried to develop a scope for the e-scooter trail that would be safe and cost neutral. Unfortunately, due to the tight timeframes, limited information regarding safety requirements and the commercial needs of the e-scooter providers, it is recommended that Council does not submit an Expression of Interest for the e-scooter trial at this stage.

It is recommended that Council monitor the progress of the e-scooter trials in other locations and once clearer guidleines for Road Saftey Audits are established see if there are any potential trial locations in the LGA that satisfy these safety requirements.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council not lodge an Expression of Interest to participate in the TfNSW e-scooter trial at this time.

Martin Terescenko

Executive Manager - Open Space and Urban Services

Open Space and Urban Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	NSW E-Scooter Trial Guide for Councils	7 Pages	Available Electronically
AT‑2 View	NSW E-Scooter Trial Parameters	5 Pages	Available Electronically