ORDINARY COUNCIL
19 FEBRUARY 2007

ITEM REPORT CONTENT PAGE

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

APOLOGIES

OPENING OF MEETING WITH PRAYER

MATTERS RECOMMENDED BY THE GENERAL MANAGER TO BE CONSIDERED IN CLOSED COMMITTEE

Confidential Items

1. Open Space and Urban Services Division Report No. 2

SUBJECT: Proposed Sale of Part of Unmade Section of Dunois Street, Longueville

It is recommended that the Council close so much of the meeting to the public as provided for under Section 10A(2) (c) of the Local Government Act, 1993, on the grounds that the report contains information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business; it further being considered that discussion of the matter in open meeting would be, on balance, contrary to public interest by reason of the foregoing and that the report contains discussion of the proposed sale of land.

SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS

Council at its meeting of the 13^th May 1996, resolved in part that:

“3. At the second Council meeting (third Monday) of each month, people who wish to address Council on an issue (for a maximum of three minutes) be allowed to do so at the conclusion of Closed Committee.”

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

2. ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 5 FEBRUARY 2007

Corporate Services Division Reports

3. Corporate Services Division Report No. 5

SUBJECT: 2nd Quarter Review of the 2006-2009 Management Plan

4. Corporate Services Division Report No. 6

SUBJECT: Australian Tax Office Ruling on Councillor Salary Sacrifice

5. Corporate Services Division Report No. 8

SUBJECT: 2nd Quarter Review of the 2006 - 2007 Budget .......................... 6

6. Corporate Services Division Report No. 9

SUBJECT: Change to Central and East Ward Boundaries..................... 9

Environmental Services Division Reports

7. Environmental Services Division Report No. 2

SUBJECT: Draft Policy on Smoking ............................................................... 12

Human Services Division Reports

8. Human Services Division Report No. 2

SUBJECT: Rowing Facilities in Lane Cove - Update on Progress of Re-building...................................................................................................................... 14

9. Human Services Division Report No. 3

SUBJECT: Assessment of the Lane Cove Village Xpress Shuttle Bus 17

QUESTIONS WITHOUT NOTICE

***** END OF AGENDA *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION REPORT NO. 5
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

13/02/07 to Ordinary Council

Corporate Services Division Report No. 5

Subject: 2nd Quarter Review of the 2006-2009 Management Plan

Record No: SU238 - 3302/07

Author(s): Ian Naylor

Executive Summary

The Local Government Act requires Council to report on quarterly progress of the activities and projects listed in the Management Plan. It is recommended that the report be received and noted.

Discussion

This report discusses the highlights of the 2nd quarter in the 2006 – 2009 Management Plan and provides a detailed analysis of the Second Quarter progress against the performance measurements adopted by Council in the Plan, which is shown attached to the report as AT 1. Some of the highlights for the quarter include:-

· Green Power Christmas Demonstration

· Lane Cove Synergy Youth Centre hosted a series of Primary School Open Days

· As part of the Cameraygal Festival school children participated in a mural project in Lane Cove Plaza

· Public Meeting held for residents re Epping Road Traffic Issues

· Established a Water Saving System to Civic Centre Landscaping and Lane Cove Golf Course

· Sustainability Expo held at Community Nursery

· Consultation on Companion Animals Plan Undertaken

· “Missed Business Guide” for small businesses launched to assist in meeting the mobility needs of residents.

· New filters installed for Aquatic Centre

· DDA Plan Proposed

· Consultation Framework Developed

RECOMMENDATION

That the Second Quarter Review of the 2006-2009 Management Plan be received and noted.

Craig Wrightson

Executive Manager

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

2nd Quarter Review 2006-2009 Management Plan

23 Pages

CNL190207CSD_5.doc

***** End of Corporate Services Division Report No. 5 *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION REPORT NO. 6
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

13/02/2007 to Ordinary Council

Corporate Services Division Report No. 6

Subject: Australian Tax Office Ruling on Councillor Salary Sacrifice

Record No: SU834 - 3343/07

Author(s): Ian Naylor

Executive Summary

This report provides advice to Councillors on the recent Australian Tax Office ruling on Councillor Salary Sacrifice.

Discussion

In early February Council received correspondence from the Local Government and Shires Association advising that the Australian Tax Office has published a tax ruling on Councillor Salary sacrifice (the correspondence is shown attached as AT1). The decision states “that Local Government councillors cannot salary sacrifice contributions into a complying superannuation fund if the council has not made a unanimous resolution that the councillors' remuneration is subject to pay as you go (PAYG) withholding. Without this resolution the councillors are not treated as employees”.

A salary sacrifice arrangement (SSA) is an arrangement under which an employee agrees to set aside part of their total remuneration (salary or wages) in return for their employer or someone associated with their employer providing benefits of a similar value. In order for Councillors to lawfully be able to salary sacrifice, an employee and employer relationship must exist between the Council and Councillors and in accordance with subsection 12(10) of the SGAA this requires a unanimous decision of Council that councillors' remuneration is subject to pay as you go (PAYG) withholding

In order for Councillors to Salary Sacrifice direct to Superannuation, Council would need to commence deducting tax from all Councillors on a PAYG basis. It is recommended that Council determine whether it wishes to do this.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council consider whether it wishes to allow Councillor Salary Sacrifice by resolving to commence deducting tax from all Councillors on a PAYG basis.

Craig Wrightson

Executive Manager

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

ATO Ruling on Councillor Salary Sacrifice

2 Pages

CNL190207CSD_6.doc

***** End of Corporate Services Division Report No. 6 *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION REPORT NO. 8
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

13/02/07 to Ordinary Council

Corporate Services Division Report No. 8

Subject: 2nd Quarter Review of the 2006 - 2007 Budget

Record No: SU757 - 3371/07

Author(s): Craig Wrightson

Executive Summary

The Second Quarter Budget Review maintains a balanced budget, but involves a variety of variations in both income and expenditure. It is recommended that the Budget be varied in terms of the report.

Background

Council is required to prepare a Budget Review Statement each quarter, in accordance with Clause 7 of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulation 1999. This report is prepared in accordance with the clause for the period ended 31 December 2006. The purpose of these reviews is to ensure that the impact of financial variation is reflected in the forecast of Council’s global budgetary position to 30 June 2007, and the adopted Budget adjusted accordingly.

Discussion

The following is a summary of Council’s adopted Budget for 2006/2007 and proposed following the adjustments included in this report:

	Original Budget	1^st Quarter Adjustment	2nd Quarter Adjustment	Revised Budget
Expense from Ordinary Activity	$25,412,709	$264,715	$163,404	$25,840,828
Revenue from Ordinary Activity	$25,412,709	$264,715	$163,404	$25,840,828
Surplus/- Deficit	$0	$0	$0	$0
Capital Grants & Contributions	$326,142	$326,142	$365,700	$365,700
Surplus/- Deficit	$326,142	$326,142	$365,700	$365,700

The review includes the following major additional income items, receipt of $7,441 from Council’s Workers Compensation Insurer as a rebate for having successfully completed their audit program, $70,405 for Council’s share of MetroPool equity, provision for a grant of $56,000 (50% of the cost) for the Dredging of Burns Bay, an additional $49,558 in s94 contributions and rezoning application fees, $25,000 in additional fine revenue, and $25,000 in reduced parking meter collection costs.

Additional major expenditures for the period include, $132,000 for the replacement of the retaining wall at Lucretia Avenue, $111,100 for the dredging of Burns Bay ($52,000 to be funded from grants), $60,000 for the replacement of the filters at Lane Cove Pool, $35,000 for the finalisation of the Lane Cove Parking Study which was also expanded to include the Lane Cove West Business Park, $30,000 for legal expenses relating to Land and Environment Court Appeals, $12,000 for the Water Well at Carisbrook, and $10,450 for the water mains renewal to facilitate the sale of the college Road South properties. Council has also needed to write $15,496, representing the budgeted revenue from the lease if the Macquarie University boat shed which burnt down.

The following table outlines the proposed aggregate changes to program areas in the budget which contributes to the above, it combines changes to the Operating and Capital budgets. (Note Changes to the Capital Budgets do not impact on the Operating result).

	QUARTERLY REVIEW 2006/2007 December 2006
Prog No.	Program	Variation
	Increased income/reduced expenditures are in ()
01.10	Corporate Services	($80,459)
03.10	Organisational Development	($7,441)
02.10	Planning Services	($49,558)
4.3.6	Pre School & Kindergartens	($3,225)
05.40	Public Halls	$12,304
05.20	Museums	$12,000
6.3.1	Swimming Pools	$60,000
5.7.6	Sporting Grounds	$15,496
06.20	Development Control	$30,000
08.10	Open Space & Urban Services	$35,000
08.20	Roads	$10,450
08.30	Ancillary Roads	$132,000
08.50	Parking	($50,000)
08.70	Water Transport	$55,100

Statutory Report

In accordance with Clause 7(2) of the Local Government (Financial Management) Regulation 1999, I Craig Wrightson, Responsible Accounting Officer hereby certify that the Council’s financial position is satisfactory having regard to the original estimates of income and expenditure.

RECOMMENDATION

That the 2006/07 Budget be varied in terms of this report.

Craig Wrightson

Executive Manager

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

2006 - 2007 Budget Review Calculations

1 Page

CNL190207CSD_8.doc

***** End of Corporate Services Division Report No. 8 *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
CORPORATE SERVICES DIVISION REPORT NO. 9
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

14 February 2007 to Ordinary Council

Corporate Services Division Report No. 9

Subject: Change to Central and East Ward Boundaries

Record No: SU821 - 3376/07

Author(s): Craig Wrightson

Executive Summary

Council is in receipt of approval from the Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales to proceed with the proposed changes to the boundary between East and Central Ward. This report recommends Council proceed to exhibit the proposed changes, subject to Council determining whether to align the boundary directly with the Census Collection Districts.

Background

Council is required by Section 211 of the Local Government Act to keep its Ward boundaries under review. Council at its meeting of 20 March 2006 considered a report outlining the status of the wards in terms of the number of electors and opportunities for Council to bring them within a 10% range of each other as required by the Act. At that meeting Council resolved:-

“1. Council boundaries be adjusted by moving Census Collector District 1381707 from Central Ward to East Ward – Option 1.

2. The Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales and the Australian Statistician be advised of the proposed boundary changes.

3. Upon receipt of confirmation from the Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales and the Australian Statistician that the proposed boundary changes correspond to the current census collection districts and that there is less than a 10% variation in enrolments between the proposed wards, a submission be made to the Minister for Local Government for approval to the proposed boundary changes.”

Discussion

Approval has now been obtained from Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales and the Australian Statistician for Council to consult on the proposed changes. The NSW Electoral Office have pointed out that in relation to the Northwood area, the adopted proposed boundary from Northwood Road, following Kenneth Street and then Woodford Street to the water, does not align to the Census Collection District. To follow the Census Collection District boundaries, the boundary would need to from Northwood Road, following Arabella Street and then Woodford Street to the water. The only reason the initial boundary didn’t follow the CCD boundaries correctly, was due to the quality of the CCD Map provided to Council, which didn’t have the streets marked. The Census Collection District were obtained in electronic form and analysed via Council’s GIS Mapping System. No objection is raised to this change, however, their may be some confusion in splitting Arabella Street in this manner. The Electoral Commissioner for New South Wales has raised no objection to either option.

Below are the projected Ward totals based on the latest enrolment statistics, which indicate the proposed change will have the relationship between the size of all wards within the 10% margin required by the Local Government Act.

Wards	Enrolment Totals @ 28/02/2006	Projected Enrolment Totals as @ 28/02/2006	Enrolment Totals as @ 31/01/2007	New Projected Enrolment Totals
East Ward	5,922	5,922 + 693 = 6,615	5,941	5,941 + 686 = 6627
Central Ward	7,438	7,438 – 693 = 6,745	7,463	7,463 – 686 = 6777
West Ward	7,032	7,032	7,017	7017
Lane Cove	20,392	20,392	20,421	20,421

Wards	Percentage Variation @ 28/02/2006	Percentage Variation @ 31/01/2007	Percentage Variation Proposed
Central Ward and East Ward	25.59%	25.61%	6,777 - 6,627 = 150 / 6,627 x 100 = 2.3%
West Ward and East Ward	18.74%	15.33%	7,017 – 6,627 = 390 / 6,627 x 100 = 5.9%
West Ward and Central Ward	5.8%	6.35%	7,017– 6,777 = 240 / 6,777 x 100 = 3.5%

Public Exhibition

Section 210A of the Local Government Act outlines the Consultation, public notice and exhibition of proposals regarding ward boundaries, it requires the alteration to be exhibited for a period of not less than 28 days and receive submissions for at least 42 from the commencement of the public exhibition. The following outlines the proposed consultation strategy for the exhibition.

Consultation Statement of Intent

This consultation is designed to seek the community views on Council’s proposed changes to the Central and East Ward boundaries, and will take place for a period of 6 weeks. Comments received will be considered on the suitability of the proposed boundary, having regard to Council’s obligation to have Wards, in terms of the number of electors, within a 10% range of each other as required by the Local Government Act.

Methods of Consultation

During this time the material will be exhibited and promoted through Council’s next community Newsletter, Libraries, Customer Service Centre, Council’s Website, Community Notice boards, Local Media and will be distributed to all local Progress Associations/ Groups.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:-

1. receive and note the report;

2. determine whether to proceed with the original or revised boundary change between East Ward and Central Ward;

3. proceed with the consultation process outlined in the report.

Craig Wrightson

Executive Manager

Corporate Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Final Lane Cove Council Ward Review Option

1 Page

CNL190207CSD_9.doc

***** End of Corporate Services Division Report No. 9 *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES DIVISION REPORT NO. 2
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

14/02/2007 to Ordinary Council

Environmental Services Division Report No. 2

Subject: Draft Policy on Smoking

Record No: SU1831 - 3396/07

Author(s): Steve Fedorow

Executive Summary

Council considered a report (Attachment 1) addressing the implications of developing a policy position banning smoking from Council owned al fresco dining areas within Lane Cove at the meeting of 18 September 2006 . The recommendation (Attachment 2) acknowledged the damage caused by passive smoking in public areas and called for a policy to be developed that seeks to further restrict smoking in open space areas including Council owned restaurant al fresco areas.

This report presents a draft policy and makes recommendations on the adoption of such policy for the purposes of public exhibition.

Background

The Smoke Free Environment Act 2000 requires most ‘enclosed’ public places (e.g. restaurants, cafés, business premises, schools, shopping centres, public transport etc) to be smoke-free. The Act however provides an exemption to this requirement for certain licensed premises (or parts of those premises) and correspondingly non ‘enclosed’ public places such as the al fresco eating areas of restaurants and cafés.

While second hand smoke is seen as a major concern in ‘enclosed’ environments, in outdoor areas it can still cause serious health problems for children, pregnant women and many other individuals who suffer from allergies or medical conditions like asthma and heart disease. Health organisations like the Cancer Council are urging stronger smoking bans in public places not yet covered by legislation.

Council currently has a policy, PO4002 (Attachment 3) that address smoking in bushland, children’s playgrounds, sportsfields and public foreshore areas; and in November 2005 adopted a policy (Attachment 4) for the purposes of public exhibition to ban smoking in Council facilities and within the grounds of all Council owned sporting facilities, childcare centre’s, community centre’s, youth related facilities, neighborhood centre’s, libraries and leased commercial premises. Copies of the above policies are attached to this report.

Discussion

Having regard to the existing policy position of Council prohibiting smoking in Council facilities, bushland, children’s playgrounds, sportsfields etc and Council’s resolution to develop a draft policy expanding this ban to Council owned restaurant al fresco areas, an overarching policy has been drafted incorporating Council’s previous policies and expanding them to include Council owned restaurant al fresco areas.

The draft policy would not extend over privately owned public open space such as ‘un-enclosed’ shopping arcades or privately owned al fresco areas as Council’s powers under the Local Government Act 1993 in this respect do not extend over private land.

Whilst the Smoke Free Environment Act 2000 requires most enclosed public places (e.g. restaurants, cafés, business premises, schools, shopping centre’s, public transport etc) to be smoke-free, the Act provides an exemption to this requirement for certain licensed premises (or parts of those premises) and non “enclosed” public places such as the al fresco eating areas of restaurants and cafés. This new, comprehensive policy would be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days, with comment sought from interest groups including Lane Cove Alive and the Chamber of Commerce.

Conclusion

Council has previously acknowledged the harms of passive smoking and role that it plays in advocating better public health for its residents by adopting policies that prohibit smoking from Council facilities and their grounds, in bushland, children’s playgrounds, sportsfields and public foreshore areas. A draft, comprehensive policy (Attachment 5) on passive smoking has been developed, that acknowledges and expands these previous policy positions to include Council owned restaurant al fresco areas.

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. Council endorse the Draft Passive Smoking Policy dated 14 February 2007 for the purposes of public exhibition;

2. The Draft Passive Smoking Policy be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days;

3. At the conclusion of the public exhibition period, a report be prepared to Council detailing the public submissions received regarding the Draft Passive Smoking Policy and recommendations for appropriate amendments.

Michael Mason

Executive Manager

Environmental Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Report Smoke Free Environment Act	4 Pages
AT‑2 View	Minute Smoke Free Environment Act ESD No. 187	1 Page
AT‑3 View	Policy on the Banning of Smoking in Bushland, Childrens Playgrounds, Sportsfields and Public Foreshore Areas	1 Page
AT‑4 View	Policy No U01013 - Policy on banning smoking in council facilities excluding licensed clubs	1 Page
AT‑5 View	Draft Policy - Passive Smoking	2 Pages

CNL190207ES_2.doc

***** End of Environmental Services Division Report No. 2 *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
HUMAN SERVICES DIVISION REPORT NO. 2
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

15/02/2007 to Ordinary Council

Human Services Division Report No. 2

Subject: Rowing Facilities in Lane Cove - Update on Progress of Re-building

Record No: SU2771 - 3499/07

Author(s): Jane Gornall

Executive Summary

Lane Cove has a long history of active Rowing Clubs on the River. Rowing activities have been interrupted in the last twelve months with the destruction through arson of two rowing sheds:

Sydney University Rowing Shed on Burns Bay on 29/03/2006 and the Council owned facility licensed to Macquarie University Sports Association (MUSA) and SCEGGS Redlands on 29/09/2006. This Report seeks to update Council on the progress towards re-establishing the above clubs.

Discussion

Each of the Clubs progress is listed below:

Sydney University Rowing

Temporary Facility at Riverview College

St. Ignatius College, Riverview agreed to provide the area for a temporary shed on Riverview’s land to allow Sydney Rowers to return to the water. The Development Application for the facility was approved on 17^th January 2007.

Permanent Facility - Burns Bay /Cunninghams Reach

The original rowing facility at Burns Bay Road sat mostly over the water. Sydney University have indicated that they would like to replace the facility with an enlarged facility including a second floor. NSW Maritime have, in informal discussions with the University, made it clear that they think that such a structure would be too intrusive. Pushing the building back onto the Linley Reserve will take significant space from the park. Significant parking and traffic issues would also need to be addressed if Sydney University is to return to this site.

Sydney University have indicated that they have a preference now for rebuilding at Cunninghams Reach. Indicative plans have been drawn up to inform Council about what they wish to do. The land belongs to the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) and land ownership/control would need to be clarified before any development could take place. There will need to be ongoing discussions between Council and the University to resolve the issue of where a new much larger facility may be located.

Macquarie University Sports Association (MUSA)

Temporary Facility at Burns Bay Reserve

The building that Council licenced to both Macquarie University and SCEGGS Redlands was destroyed by fire on 29^th September last year. Council and the University have been attempting to locate a site for a temporary structure to allow for the continuation of rowing until a new permanent building is built. After analysis of a number of potential sites, a decision has been made to input a Development Application for a temporary structure (shipping container) at Burns Bay Reserve in the carpark. Burns Bay Reserve was chosen due to its relative ease of access for delivery; an available boat ramp; access to running water and available parking.

Macquarie University (MUSA)

Permanent Facility – Tambourine Bay

The Tambourine Bay boatshed (damaged by fire) has now been demolished. The insurance company is still awaiting another quotation for architectural services to allow for the preparation of a Development Application for the rebuilding of the shed. The new shed will be on the existing footprint. The new building and its access path will need to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Augmentation of the water supply will need to be assessed. Detailed discussions regarding the proposed plans will be held with the Architect once they have been appointed.

North Shore Rowing

One of the flow-on effects of the arson attacks on Lane Cove buildings is the need to address security and fire safety issues. North Shore Rowing approached Council with a proposal to enclose part of the undercroft of their building and fence other areas.

Council staff have indicated that a Development Application is not required by Council for this work. NSW Maritime have indicated that the Club will need to request permission from them for the work that is to be carried out on the front of the site. Council’s Environmental Services staff have prepared a letter to the Club outlining Maritime’s requirements.

North Shore Rowing Club Extensions

North Shore Rowing have for sometime indicated that they would wish to extend their building as the number of rowers increases. North Shore Rowing and NSW Scouts have been meeting to assess the viability of a joint facility on the two adjoining sites – the Rowing Club and the site of the 2^nd Longueville Sea Scouts Building (burnt 17/11/05). As at 10^th January 2007 no plans have yet been finalised for the development.

NSW Maritime

All of the above developments will need NSW Maritime input. On Tuesday 13^th February the Mayor, General Manager and other Council staff had a very productive meeting with the Senior Environmental Planner and the Commercial Property Officer of the Maritime Property Division of NSW Maritime. The discussions included all of the above sites and issues that might arise with each development.

Conclusion

Negotiations are ongoing for all of the above developments. All of the developments listed above (except for the fence and enclosure at North Shore Rowing) will come before Council for consideration.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council receive and note progress to date.

Jane Gornall

Executive Manager - Human Services

Human Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

CNL190207HS_2.doc

***** End of Human Services Division Report No. 2 *****

ORDINARY COUNCIL
19 FEBRUARY 2007

Ordinary Council at the Meeting 19 February 2007

15/02/2007 to Ordinary Council

Human Services Division Report No. 3

Subject: Assessment of the Lane Cove Village Xpress Shuttle Bus

Record No: SU1697 - 3508/07

Author(s): Jane Gornall

Executive Summary

The Village Xpress Shuttle bus was commenced in mid-2002 as a Chamber of Commerce Initiative. It commenced as a two day a week service and remained so until Council took over the funding in 2003. From 2003 the Service has operated two routes – Route A and Route B - five days a week. A copy of the Routes is attached (Attachment A). For the years 2003 to 2006–the costing of the Service was $55,000 per annum (incl GST) - $13,750 per quarter - as of 2007 it has risen to $87,000 or $21,875 per quarter. This Report presents a number of options for Council to consider as the whether they wish to continue to provide this service.

Discussion

The files indicate that the object of the service was to bring workers from the Lane Cove Business Park to the shopping centre at Lane Cove. Route A as can be seen from the timetable (Attachment B) is the fastest route traveling directly from Mars Road Gate via Burns Bay Road to Village Centre. Approximately 348 people per week use Route A or 70 people per day. These figures include both inwards and outwards trips. Route B leaves from Mars Road Gate, across Epping Road, along Mowbray and Parklands and into Lane Cove. Approximately 68 people per week use Route B or 14 people per day. This route serves a part of Lane Cove which has minimal transport and provides an alternate method for some of our residents to access the shopping centre.

The bus hours are from 11.20 to 2.39 – Monday to Friday.

Council was recently approached by a commercial entity Advent8 who wishes to run advertising trials on the Shuttle for a period of three months. They have submitted a marketing plan and have enlisted the involvement of Lane Cove ALIVE. The marketing plan objectives include:-

• increase current commuter numbers

• Sell a minimum of 20 ads per week

• Increased community awareness of the Shuttle

• Increased business activity

• Possible subsidy to the Shuttle provided by Electronic Community News

• Advent 8 will take the lead in sales and marketing for its Community News and Advertising system, seeking advice from the Lane Cove Chamber of Commerce; and

• Lane Cove Alive will take the lead in promoting the Village Express, with production and distribution of promotional material being funded by Advent 8 from the advertising sales income.

As part of the preparation for the trial, both the Project Manager for Advent8 and the Project Manager for Lane Cove ALIVE spent a day on the Shuttle and have made a number of suggestions regarding improving the service. Some findings/recommendations (rephrased from their Report) are listed below:-

• the stops are hard to find from the rather simplistic map on the net –

a wide distribution of a more detailed route map should probably be part of the promotion of the service, and this should increase casual and new usage.

• The A route is timetabled to run at approximately 20 minute round trip intervals (with 9 round trips per day), but build up in usage and traffic since the timetable was set up has made it hard to keep to these times. (Note the same problem was not found with Route B)

• The 2 routes have common stops at two locations, namely:

At either side of the Mars Road gate; and at the Plaza East (near the library).

The two timetables generally do not match up at these two locations. There would seem to be advantages (particularly at the Mars Road gate) to be gained if the two timetables did match up at these two stops, and if the buses waited for each other. This would provide a more reliable and useful service to the West Lane Cove users. At present, if the buses do not meet at the Mars Road gate, a round trip from the West Lane Cove area to the village, via the Mars Road gate could take over an hour of travel (bus and waiting at the stop) time, without allowing any time for shopping/business in the village.

• Because of the traffic density and narrow roads, the bus cannot pick up and drop off passengers at as many spots (on the A route in particular) as would be desirable. It may be worthwhile considering establishment of additional limited time bus stops (say with no parking between 11:00 and 2:30) on the A route.

Advent8 have said that according to the drivers approximately 1000 trips are used each week on the Shuttle. These figures are higher than the figures reported by the Shuttle bus operator and listed above as part of this Report. Council has written to Advent8 stating that it has no objection to the trials proceeding. The letter made it clear that Council reserves the right to cancel the Shuttle and can do this within the three months trial. In regards to the suggestions for improvements – all can be considered as part of the trial – in consultation with Council. The question for Council to consider is whether it feels that the community as a whole receives value for the funds allocated to the Shuttle. The positives for consideration are listed below:-

1. Access Committee: -

• Would like to see the bus better utilised and promoted (including better availability of timetables)

• Would like to see an accessible bus

• Does feel that the bus has a useful/positive role to play by providing alternative transport for seniors and those with a range of disabilities

2. Sustainability Plan: -

• Council has as key elements in the Sustainability Plan: Progress: Goal 3 - Promote the use of alternative modes of transport includes ID 2 – Consider options for community bus service.

It could be argued that the Shuttle in some ways works as a community bus – with room for improvement.

3. Traffic Studies: -

• Draft Maunsell Traffic and Parking Master Plan for Lane Cove Town Centre and Business Park Traffic and Parking Strategy Study – October 2006 made the following recommendations and comments:

• Expanding the Village Express – commenting that: -

“Potentially this service could be expanded to capture business and commuter users. This would require extension to both operating times and operating area……This would reduce the demand for long stay parking within the town centre and the business park. These improvements could be funded through the introduction of parking charges in the town centre”. (p.36)

4. Market Square/Austin Street Development: -

• Access to parking will be limited during the construction of the Market Square Development

• Shuttle would provide an alternate route to the shops; reduce congestion and assist in ensuring that the Shopping Centre remains vibrant

5. Lane Cove Alive

Draft Strategic Plan has under the Access Program Objectives:-

• Overall objective – To improve the accessibility of Lane Cove Village to attract local people to meet the needs of all members of the community

And one of the specific Objectives:-

• Review and investigate matters affecting access, including … The Village Xpress Bus

One of the issues raised at the recent planning weekend is that locating taxis to travel short distances is very difficult and the Shuttle assists in overcoming this problem. The arguments against funding the Shuttle include:-

1. Is the Shuttle really a Council responsibility? Chamber of Commerce and the Lane Cove West Business Owners originated the Scheme – possibly Shuttle should be funded by those groups. It should be noted that the Chamber did work very hard on a number of schemes for funding the bus without success.

2. Does it – or can it meet the broader needs of the community.

Conclusion

The following recommendations were proposed for discussion at the planning weekend:-

1. Assess the outcome of the pilot advertising project – unless there is a marked increase in the usage of the Shuttle advertise that the Shuttle will cease as of end June 2007.

2. Assess the outcome of the pilot advertising project and if the Market Square development is going ahead – reassess route using details collected by the pilot project. Reconsider Shuttle after the development is completed.

3. If the Market Square development is not going ahead –advertise that the Shuttle will cease as of end June 2007.

4. If Council wishes to run a more community-based transport service – an independent study could be conducted looking at the range of services that could be offered. The Shuttle could remain or cease during the assessment. It should be noted that any additional services will be more costly.

Two additional options could be added to the above listed – if the Shuttle is to be retained:-

5. Extend the coverage of the Shuttle to include other areas of poor regular bus services. This would necessitate removing some services from either the Route A or Route B.

6. Impose a small charge for the bus to assist in defraying the costs – e.g. 50c per trip.

RECOMMENDATION

That:-

1. Council receive and note the Report.

2. a) Council determines if it wishes to adopt any of the following recommendations:

Assess the outcome of the pilot advertising project – unless there is a marked increase

in the usage of the Shuttle advertise that the Shuttle will cease as of end June 2007.

b) Assess the outcome of the pilot advertising project and if the Market Square development is going ahead – reassess route using details collected by the pilot project. Reconsider Shuttle after the development is completed.

c) If the Market Square development is not going ahead –advertise that the Shuttle will cease as of end June 2007.

d) If Council wishes to run a more community-based transport service – an independent study could be conducted looking at the range of services that could be offered. The Shuttle could remain or cease during the assessment. It should be noted that any additional services will be more costly.

e) Extend the coverage of the Shuttle to include other areas of poor regular bus services. This would necessitate removing some services from either the Route A or Route B.

f) Impose a small charge for the bus to assist in defraying the costs – e.g. 50c per trip.

Jane Gornall

Executive Manager - Human Services

Human Services Division

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View	Village Xpress Free Bus Routes	1 Page
AT‑2 View	Village Xpress Timetable	1 Page

CNL190207HS_3.doc

***** End of Human Services Division Report No. 3 *****

***** END OF AGENDA *****