Agenda

(including Attachments)

Ordinary Council Meeting

18 July 2011

The meeting commences at 6.30pm. If members of the public are

not interested in any business recommended to be considered in

Closed Session or there is no such business, Council will ordinarily

  commence consideration of all other business at 7pm.

 

 

Notice of Meeting

 

Dear Councillors

 

Notice is given of the Ordinary Council Meeting, to be held in the Council Chambers on Monday

 18 July 2011 commencing at 7:00pm. The business to be transacted at the meeting is included in this business paper.

 

Yours faithfully

Peter Brown

General Manager

 

Council Meeting Procedures

 

The Council meeting is chaired by the Mayor, Councillor Win Gaffney. Councillors are entitled to one vote on a matter. If votes are equal, the Chairperson has a second or casting vote. When a majority of Councillors vote in favour of a Motion it becomes a decision of the Council. Minutes of Council and Committee meetings are published on Council’s website www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au by 5pm of the Thursday following the meeting.

 

The Meeting is conducted in accordance with Council's Code of Meeting Practice. The order of business is listed in the Agenda on the next page. That order will be followed unless Council resolves to modify the order at the meeting. This may occur for example where the members of the public in attendance are interested in specific items of the agenda.

 

Members of the public may address the Council Meeting on any issue for a maximum of 3 minutes during the public forum which is held at the beginning of the meeting. All persons addressing the Meeting must speak to the Chair. Speakers and Councillors will not enter into general debate or ask questions.

 

If you do not understand any part of the information given above; require assistance to participate in the meeting due to a disability; or wish to obtain information in relation to Council, please contact Council’s Manager Governance on 99113525.

 

Please note meetings held in the Council Chambers are recorded on tape for the purposes of verifying the accuracy of minutes and the tapes are not disclosed to any third party under the Government Information (Public Access)  Act 2009, except as allowed under section 18(1) or section 19(1) of the PPIP Act, or where Council is compelled to do so by court order, warrant or subpoena or by any other legislation.

 

 

 

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

APOLOGIES

 

OPENING OF MEETING WITH PRAYER

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO COUNTRY

 

NOTICE OF WEBCASTING OF MEETING

 

public forum

 

Members of the public may address the Council Meeting on any issue for 3 minutes.

 

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

 

1.      ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING - 20 JUNE 2011

 

Orders Of The Day

 

2.       Order Of The Day No. 12

SUBJECT: Council and Committee Meeting Schedule August 2011.......... 5

 

3.       Order Of The Day No. 13

SUBJECT: Report on 2011 National General Assembly of Local Government held in Canberra on 19-22 June 2011.................................................................... 6

 

Notices of Motion

 

4.       Notice of Motion No. 11

SUBJECT: Funding for Local Government to Make Existing Council Buildings and Public Spaces More Accessible for People with Disability.......... 9

 

5.       Notice of Motion No. 12

SUBJECT: Local Government Association Conference Motions - Personal Matters........................................................................................................................ 10

 

General Managers Reports

 

6.       General Managers Report No. 14

SUBJECT: Monthly Review for May / June 2011............................................... 12

 

Corporate Services Division Reports

 

7.       Corporate Services Division Report No. 26

SUBJECT: Local Government Association Annual Conference............ 65

 

8.       Corporate Services Division Report No. 31

SUBJECT: Tender for the Provision of Legal Services.......................... 67

 

Open Space and Urban Services Division Reports

 

9.       Open Space and Urban Services Division Report No. 21

SUBJECT: Lane Cove Traffic Committee Meeting held Tuesday 21 June 2011 ......................................................................................................................................... 71

 

Environmental Services Division Reports

 

10.     Environmental Services Division Report No. 25

SUBJECT: DCP Draft Amendment 2 for Exhibition........................................ 82

 

Human Services Division Reports

 

11.     Human Services Division Report No. 10

SUBJECT: Lane Cove Aquatic Centre Tender - Results of Direct Negotiation Phase........................................................................................................................... 117

 

12.     Human Services Division Report No. 11

SUBJECT: SWITCH 2011: Innovative, Inspired, Intuitive. The Digital World of Public Libraries...................................................................................................... 121

 

13.     Human Services Division Report No. 12

SUBJECT: Lane Cove Art Gallery Space........................................................ 122  

 

 

 

 

               

 

 

Reference:    Order Of The Day No. 12

Subject:          Council and Committee Meeting Schedule August 2011    

Record No:    SU1915 - 29008/11

Author(s):       Kirsty Fleming 

 

 

The Council and Committee Meeting Schedule for August 2011 is proposed as follows:-

 

August             1          Ordinary Council

 

August             15        Ordinary Council

                                               

August             27        Inspection Committee

 

 

RECOMMENDATION   That the Council and Committee Meeting Schedule for August 2011 be adopted.

 

 

 

 

 

Craig Wrightson

Executive Manager

Corporate Services Division

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

 

 

 

Reference:    Order Of The Day No. 13

Subject:          Report on 2011 National General Assembly of Local Government held in Canberra on 19-22 June 2011    

Record No:    SU204 - 28750/11

Author(s):       Councillor Roderick  Tudge 

 

Executive Summary

 

The 2011 National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) organised by the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA), was held in Canberra from 19 to 22 June 2011. The Conference provides an opportunity for councils to submit motions for debate and decision by delegates from member local councils across Australia. The conference is held annually to coordinate local government action across Australia. This is done by speakers and motions.

 

Discussion

 

Speakers

There was a good comprehensive range of speakers and I will give a quick summary of my perception.

 

Prime Minister, the Hon Julia Gillard, MP

A positive and comprehensive description of where she was trying to take her Government. Very supportive of local government and the new for constitutional recognition of Local Government.

 

ALGA President, Mayor Genia McCaffery

Genia emphasised the need for financial recognition of local government within the Australian constitution and the fact that we would lose seven to ten per cent of revenue as the case in the High Court indicated that funding could be removed from local government as it is not in the constitution. Notwithstanding for the need for financial recognition, she made it abundantly clear that it would be a difficult sell as only eight out of 44 amendments to Constitution have every been carried. However, as we currently have all party support there was good chance that, if the question is phrased appropriately, and it was coordinated with other amendments to constitution, it could be carried. But we would need to glean public support over the long run, i.e. in the next two years.

 

Mayor McCaffery’s address was followed by a panel discussion on how to sell financial recognition in the Constitution by:-

·     James O’Loghlin

·     Jane Caro

·     Annabel Crabb

·     John Hewson

 

They indicated that we would need to sell local government perse and indicated that that without financial recognition Councils would no longer be able to offer the range of services that we currently provide.

 

The Mayor of Auckland

 

He gave a description of how Auckland City Council had been formed to the most populous, 1.4 million, LGA in Australasia.

 

The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Tony Abbott, MP

This was a very negative talk with only qualified support for financial recognition in the Constitution.

 

The Federal Minister for Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean, MP

A wide ranging talk in which he gave support to Constitutional recognition, the continuation of the Roads to Recovery Programme, the implementation of the broadband system and the continuous support for regional organisations.

 

Robert Gottliebsen

An interesting talk where he indicated that the economic trends show that the middle class will be the hardest hit over the next five years, losing most of their disposal income.

 

Grant O’Brien, Woolworths, CEO

A good talk indicating that Woolworths wanted to get more involved in local communities.

 

The Minister of Climate Change and Efficiencies, the Hon, Greg Combet, MP

He reiterated his belief in the climate change science and that this necessitated long range plans to cope with the inevitable impact of global warming.

 

Senator Bob Brown

He mainly spoke about the dangers of foreign ownership of mineral and farming and the large proportion of profits that go off shore

 

The Shadow Minister for Local Government, Senator Barnaby Joyce

A good positive talk. He seems very supportive of local government and financial constitutional recognition. However, he seemed antagonistic to the carbon tax during question time.

 

The Minister for Broadband, Communication and Digital Economy, Senator Steven Conroy

A rambling talk on the broadband implementation and its cost effectiveness in Australia’s future.

 

Duncan Bremner, NBN Coordinator

An outline of the implementation program.

 

Motions

Motions seemed to be secondary to the conference and were dealt with in an efficient manner. You will note that a number of motions have associated motions that are listed with point numbers. Where the substantive motion is carried the associate motions lapse.

 

Where the conference does not have time to deal with motions, they are referred to the Executive without recommendation. This happened to Lane Cove’s motion.

 

Resolutions carried at the NGA are considered by the ALGA Board in late July.  Following this, ALGA will take appropriate action to follow-up each Resolution. ALGA will write to the movers of each motion detailing the Board’s consideration and the action that will be taken to pursue each motion. The NGA website will also be continually updated over the next 12 months with details of the responses ALGA receives on each Resolution. You can check this at anytime by visiting www.nga.alga.asn.au.

This year’s theme was “Growing with our Community – Partnership, Place and Position”. To be eligible for inclusion in the NGA Business papers, motions must follow the principles of:-

 

1.       Fall under one of the themes – Partnership, Place and Position;

2.       Be relevant to the work of local government nationally; and

3.       Complement or build on the policy objectives of State and Territory associations.

 

The most substantive motion was number 52 from the ALGA.

 

That this national general assembly supports the Australian Local Government position seeking constitutional recognition of Local Government.

 

The motion was carried unanimously.

 

Conclusion

 

I found the conference to be most beneficial and was not surprised that most of our neighbouring councils had sent their mayor and other councillors and seem to do so on regular basis.

 

The campaign to achieve Constitutional Recognition remains one of ALGA’s key strategic objectives, and following the announcement of the Expert Panel by the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government, the Hon Simon Crean MP, ALGA is refining its communications and marketing strategy.  This strategy will include a role for each council. The communications and marketing strategy aims to raise public awareness of the good work and the value of local government and improve the chances of a successful referendum. ALGA will be working in collaboration with State and Territory Associations.

After attending the Conference I believe that Council should try to attend annually. Again, I would like to thank the Council for sending me to the Conference and would be happy to answer any questions concerning my report.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION   That the report on the National General Assembly of Local Government held in Canberra on 19-22 June be received and noted.

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Brown

General Manager

General Managers Unit

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

  

 

 

Reference:    Notice of Motion No. 11

Subject:          Funding for Local Government to Make Existing Council Buildings and Public Spaces More Accessible for People with Disability    

Record No:    SU259 - 28731/11

Author(s):       Councillor Pam Palmer 

 

Executive Summary

This motion calls for the State Government to assist Local Government with special purpose funding for upgrades to existing council-owned facilities to meet the new standards for access to premises.

Background

Local buildings and public spaces need to be made more accessible for people with a disability so they can fully participate in the community.  Indeed, any planned upgrades to our existing facilities must also include changes to meet the new standards for access to premises.

The Federal Government’s recent Accessible Communities initiative attracted 377 eligible applications from 277 local governments.  However, only 76 successful projects will be funded under this $5 million initiative.  Obviously there is a huge unmet need for project funding. 

Conclusion

Targeted funding would assist and accelerate Local Government in making local buildings and public spaces more accessible for people with disability.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION   That Council:-   1.   Write to the NSW Premier and to the Minister for Disability Services, Mr Andrew Constance seeking funding for Local Government in order to make existing Council buildings and public spaces more accessible for people with disability to meet the new standards for access to premises; and   2.   Submit a motion to the 2011 Local Government Association Conference requesting the Association make representations to the State government for special funding for Local Government in order to make local buildings and public spaces more accessible for people with a disability to meet the new standards for access to premises.

 

 

Councillor Pam Palmer

Councillor

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report.

 

 

 

Reference:    Notice of Motion No. 12

Subject:          Local Government Association Conference Motions - Personal Matters    

Record No:    SU828 - 28837/11

Author(s):       Councillor Pam Palmer 

 

Executive Summary

This motion calls for a review of s10A of the Local Government Act which relates to the circumstances under which a Council meeting may be closed to the public.

Background

The only reasons for closing a meeting are:-

a)    personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors);

b)    the personal hardship of any resident or ratepayer;

c)    information that would, if disclosed, confer a commercial advantage on a person with whom the council is conducting (or proposes to conduct) business;

d)    commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed:-

i.   prejudice the commercial position of the person who supplied it;

ii.  confer a commercial advantage on a competitor of the council; or

iii.  reveal a trade secret;

e)    information that would, if disclosed, prejudice the maintenance of law;

f)     matters affecting the security of the council, councillors, council staff or council property;

g)    advice concerning litigation, or advice that would otherwise be privileged from production in legal proceedings on the ground of legal professional privilege; or

h)    information concerning the nature and location of a place or an item of Aboriginal significance on community land.

For example, when considering applications from the public to fill vacancies on Council’s Advisory Committees, Councillors may need to discuss individual applications in order to select the best candidates. There is concern that discussing this in an open Council meeting is not fair to the individuals involved and there is no reason applicable to consider this in a closed session of Council.

Alternatively, if a recommendation is provided by a Committee of the Whole for a nomination to a committee there is still no mechanism in open Council to discuss these recommendations.

Conclusion

A review of s10A of the Local Government Act may lead to better decision-making by Council.

 

RECOMMENDATION That Council:- 1.    Writie to the Hon. Don Page, Minister for Local Government, seeking a review of s10A of the Local Government Act 1993; and 2.    Submit a motion to the 2011 Local Government Association Conference seeking support for a review of these provisions of the Act.

 

Councillor Pam Palmer

Councillor

 

ATTACHMENTS:

There are no supporting documents for this report. 

 

 

Reference:    General Managers Report No. 14

Subject:          Monthly Review for May / June 2011    

Record No:    SU220 - 28653/11

Author(s):       Millie  Stephen 

 

Executive Summary

 

Attached for the information of Councillors is the Monthly Review for May / June 2011. The review covers the activities of Council during that period.

 

 

RECOMMENDATION   That the information be received and noted.

 

Peter Brown

General Manager

General Managers Unit

 

 

ATTACHMENTS:

AT‑1 View

Monthly Review - May/June 2011

52 Pages

 

 

ATTACHMENT 1

General Managers Report No. 14 - Monthly Review - May/June 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monthly Review

 

	Monthly Review   May / June 2011 Number 17/10

 

1. 

*2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No.   *08

ATTACHMENT 1

General Managers Report No. 14 - Monthly Review - May/June 2011

 

 

GENERAL MANAGER’S OVERVIEW

 

Another busy month for Council leading up to the end of the financial year.

 

In the past month Council has hosted a visit by the Local Government Grants Commission, held a number of successful events including the Captured Photography event and NAIDOC in the Plaza, received approval for an Infrastructure Levy and organised a visit to our rural Sister City Gunnedah.

 

Meetings have continued between the Department of Planning and Infrastructure (DPI) and Council through a Project Control Group (PCG) to finalise consultant briefs for a range of studies on the Mowbray Precinct. These expert studies will inform both Council and DPI on the most appropriate way forward within the precinct.

 

The new State Government has announced arrangements for revoking Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 as well as the raising of the threshold for Joint Regional Planning Panel determinations to projects in excess of $20m, an increase from the previous $10m. We await further detail.
CORPORATE SERVICES

 

CORPORATE INFORMATION MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

  

Authority upgrade – We originally received a Project Schedule from Civica for our upgrade to Authority Version 6 with a start of August and completion late November. Civica have now indicated they wish to commence late Jluy.  The upgrade includes conversion of the Authority data from the IBM Informix database to the Microsoft SQL Database (which currently runs our TRIM System). The CRM (Customer Request Management) implementation is scheduled for Jan to April 2012.    We have started reviewing the security access within Authority, one of the pre-requisites of the move.

 

Internet Service Contract – We spoke to NSW.Net and various ISPs to evaluate the cost of our internet contract that would be coming up for renewal in the new FY.  We were able to negotiate a good deal with TPG Soul, our current ISP – TPG Soul will double our internet bandwidth from 2M to 4M and our line to the Depot from 4-wire to 6-wire.  The upgrade has now taken place.  

 

Authority Accounts Payable Invoice Import from TRIM – Accounts have been importing invoices into Authority.  We have commissioned Civica to provide further integration by December, which will allow more types of payments to be imported direct into Accounts Payable..

 

 

GOVERNANCE

 

The Manager – Governance was a member of the Tender Review Panel for the Tender for Meeting House Redevelopment and prepared the tender specification for the Tender for Legal Services.

 

Council’s Power of Attorney for the General Manager was registered with Land and Property Management Authority and this was used to register the lease for 22 Rosenthal Avenue with La Europa.

 

Governance staff co-ordinated the advertisement of sponsorship opportunities for events and special projects on Council’s Website. Several agreements have been executed with sponsors for the Cameraygal Festival and one agreement for the Library to sponsor Library Week.

FINANCE

 

Rates & Charges Outstanding

 

	Year to Date 30.5.11	%	Year to Date 30.5.10	%
Total Rates & Charges Collectable	$24,209,285.00	100%	$23,658,339.00	100%
Rates and Charges Outstanding	$2,922,342.00	12.1%	$2,787,948.00	11.8%

 

Investments

DATE	INSTITUTION	PRINCIPAL	DATE OF	TERM	RATE
INVESTED			MATURITY	DAYS
5/05/2011	BANK WEST	1,000,000.00	5/10/2011	153	6.00%
7/06/2011	BANK WEST	1,000,000.00	7/09/2011	92	6.00%
8/06/2011	Bank of QLD	1,000,000.00	6/09/2011	90	6.20%
29/11/2010	Bank of QLD	1,000,000.00	29/11/2011	365	6.50%
1/02/2011	Bank of QLD	1,000,000.00	1/08/2011	181	6.45%
1/03/2011	Bank of QLD	1,000,000.00	2/09/2011	185	6.35%
9/03/2011	COMMONWEALTH	1,000,000.00	9/12/2011	275	6.25%
10/03/2011	COMMONWEALTH	1,500,000.00	9/12/2011	274	6.25%
12/01/2011	COMMONWEALTH	500,000.00	12/08/2011	212	6.00%
15/11/2010	COMMONWEALTH	499,999.00	15/08/2011	273	6.50%
15/11/2010	COMMONWEALTH	499,999.00	15/08/2011	273	6.50%
17/11/2010	COMMONWEALTH	490,000.00	17/08/2011	273	6.50%
17/11/2010	COMMONWEALTH	480,000.00	17/08/2011	273	6.50%
4/04/2011	IMB SOCIETY	1,000,000.00	2/08/2011	120	5.90%
10/03/2011	IMB SOCIETY	2,000,000.00	18/07/2011	130	6.00%
11/04/2011	IMB SOCIETY	1,000,000.00	11/07/2011	91	6.15%
31/05/2011	IMB SOCIETY	1,000,000.00	29/08/2011	90	6.00%
4/04/2011	MACQUARIE BANK	1,000,000.00	4/07/2011	91	5.75%
8/06/2011	NEWCASTLE P B S	1,000,000.00	6/09/2011	90	6.00%
9/05/2011	NEWCASTLE P B S	1,000,000.00	8/08/2011	91	6.04%
28/02/2011	ING Bank	1,000,000.00	28/07/2011	150	6.10%
4/05/2011	ING Bank	1,000,000.00	4/10/2011	153	6.10%
3/02/2011	ELDERS RURAL BANK	1,000,000.00	2/08/2011	180	6.40%
3/05/2011	ST.GEORGE BANK	1,000,000.00	3/08/2011	92	5.76%
11Am A/C	ST.GEORGE BANK	3,800,002.00	Open	Variable	4.65%
		26,770,000.00		Weighted Average	5.71%

The following Withdrawal was made during the month of June 2011. This Withdrawal was made in accordance with S.625 of the Local Government Act, 1993 and the Local Government Financial Management) Regulation,1993.

NET WITHDRAWAL :  $ 200,000.00

Legal

 

The following legal expenses were paid during the past month:-

 

	Previous	Current	Total	Status	Initiated
Mathews Folbigg Solicitors
41 Johnston Crescent – Balcony Collapse	$5,383.15	-	$ 5,383.15	On Going	LCC
Marsdens Law Group
Dispute of Fuel Tanks	$ 15,344.621	-	$ 15,344.62	On Going	LCC
DA for Little Street	$1,705.00	-	$ 1,705.00	On Going	LCC
Advice on request for Tender – Aquatic Centre	-	$13,647.50	$ 13,647.50	On Going	LCC
Tress Cox Lawyers
Austin Street – Development Deed	$40,105.55	$16,977.61	$57,083.16	On Going	LCC
Thomson Playford Cutlers
Lane Cove Aquatic Centre	$1,096,024.14	$ 2,372.37	$1,098,396.51	On Going	LCC
Pikes Lawyers
Lease for Carpark Deck	-	-	$  3,381.75	On Going	LCC
24 Wallace Street – LECP 11008/2010	$24,283.53	$22,698.43	$46,981.96	On Going	Third Party
19 Glenview Street- LECP -10707/2010	$39,385.95	-	$ 39,385.95	On Going	Third Party
16 Greenwich Road  - LECP 11059/2010	$22,224.98	-	$ 22,224.98	On Going	Third Party
Ellis-Jones Enterprises
General Legal Advice	$28,837.00	$ 2,365.00	$ 31,202.00	On Going	LCC

 

Total Legal Expenses for June 2011              $ 55,695.91

                                                                                 ==========

 

Budget Impact
General Ledger Account Details “Legal”	Account Number	Budget 2010-2011	Actual Expenses 2010-2011	Budget Available
Environmental Operating Expenses	4120.2531.254	$ 400,000	$ 335,838	$ 64,162
Development Health Operating Expenses	4230.2531.254	$15,000	$9,544	$ 5,456
Corporate Services Operating Expenses	0125.2531.254	$27,000	$ 23,803	$ 3,197
Planning Operating Expenses	0625.2531.254	$4,000	$    -	$4,000
Human Services Operating Expenses	1025.2531.254	$5,000	$ 3,311	$ 1,689
Swimming Pools Operating Expenses	2525.2531.254	$700,000	$ 688,888	$ 11,132
Urban Services Operating Expenses	5025.2531.254	$35,000	$ 31,456	$ 3,544

 

 

 

HUMAN RESOURCES

 

Staff Establishment as at 31 May 2011

 

·   Staff Commenced for March -  8

·   Staff Separations for March - 1

·   Staff Turnover (Rolling Annual) – 13.40% (this time last year 9.57%)

·   Staff Turnover Annualised – 14.06%

·   Total Staff Establishment - 194

·   Equivalent Full-time Staff - 172

 

Training Provided in May 2011

 

Effective Conflict Resolution	DRAKE Training
Apply First Aid - Fastrack	Medilife
Traffic Control - Blue Card	Training Course Professionals
Guiding Children’s Behaviour	Children’s Services Central
Handling Difficult People	LGSA
Local Govt. Finance Professional Conference	LGMA
National Congress & Business Expo 2011	LGMA
2011 National Mainstreet Conference	Mainstreet SA
Online Requisitioning Training (OLR)	In house - Purchasing
TRIM Training	In house - Records

 

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

 

DEVELOPMENT CONTROL

 

 

Details

 

88.6% of development applications were determined under delegated authority in May 2011, 1 by Council and 3 by the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

 

The overall number of development applications lodged in May 2011 was 33, which is 8 less than the corresponding period last year. 

 

35 development applications were processed by Council planners in May.  This is 7 more than the same corresponding period last year.

 

 

Comment

 

Incoming development applications continue much the same as last year apart from the new larger developments going through the Joint Regional Planning Panel.

 

 

J

 

The average processing time for DAs determined in May was 51 (April 74) days and the median processing time was 43 (April 49) days.   See Chart above.  

 

The benchmark standards are average <65 days and median <50 days

 

Comment

 

Applications referred to the Joint Regional Planning Panel are proving to be complex and time consuming which in turn is increasing turnaround times.  It is anticipated this may continue for some time.  Notwithstanding the additional demand on time and resourses, processing times continue to be within standard.

 

 

Key to Number of Days per Application   Average           L>65 days      J<65 days Median L>50 days      J<50 days

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delegated Authority

 

During the month of June 2011 a total of 30 Development Applications were determined under delegation by staff, 1 by Council and 1 by the Joint Regional Planning Panel.  In addition 1 Construction Certificate and 16 Privately Certified Construction Certificates were issued.  There were 7 Privately Certified Complying Developments and 1 by Council. (A list of Delegated Authority determinations is attached at Appendix 1 at the end of this report).

 

Developments under the new State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 in June were:

 

CD No.	Address	Description of Work
CD54/11	154 Pacific Highway, Greenwich	Installation of shower adjacent to existing bathroom
CD55/11	21 Murralah Place, Lane Cove	Alterations and additions to dwelling
CD53/11	14 Kingslangley Road, Greenwich	Double storey dwelling
CD56/11	3 Stella Vista Place, Greenwich	Construct vergola
CD51/11	23 Centennial Avenue, Lane Cove	Alterations and additions to dwelling
CD57/11	50 Cullen Street, Lane Cove West	Inground swimming pool
CD58/11	10 Ralston Street, Lane Cove North	Alterations and additions to existing dwelling and partial demolition
CD59/11	16 Fox Street, Lane Cove	Demolish rear of house and construct single storey addition

 

 

Unauthorised Work

 

Address	Nature of work	Action taken
22, 24, 26 Epping Road Lane Cove	Excavation started prior to CC being issued	Emergency Order sent.  Order complied with no further action
44-46 Brooks Street Linley Point	Unauthorised demolition and excavation	Emergency Order sent.  Order complied with.  No further action necessary
22 River Road West Lane Cove	Unauthorised retaining wall being constructed	Letter and Order sent, now considered Exempt Development.

 

 

Complaints against PCAs

 

Nil

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

 

Waste Management

 

Waste Volumes (tonnes) collected

 

 

 

Landfill Diversion Rate

 

 

J - Diversion from landfill       > 50%

K - Diversion from landfill       45-50%

L - Diversion from landfill       <45%

 

 

Comment   J

 

In May 2011, 51% of Lane Cove’s waste stream was diverted from landfill through recycling and/or composting.  The planets have aligned to produce a record for the Lane Cove diversion rate.  Congratulations.

 

A significant increase in the amount of green waste collected has directly contributed to the improved diversion from landfill rate. Between April and May 2011: an improvement of 138 tonnes of recycling was recorded which included an increase of 124 tonnes of green waste and 14 tonnes of paper recycling collected. The improvement shows that residents are making efforts to recycle and recover recyclables. 

 

For 2010/2011, Council has set an immediate target of 50% of waste collected is diverted from landfill with an aim that Council will meet this target by the end of June 2011. 

 

 

Dumped Rubbish J

 

 

 

Comment 

 

J - Number of dumped waste incidents                     < 37

K - Number of dumped waste incidents                 32 - 37

L - Number of dumped waste incidents                     > 37

 

In May 2011, 30 incidents of dumped rubbish were reported. Dumped rubbish incidents have fallen in May and can be seen as an improvement from past months as Council officers continue to launch the comprehensive Illegal Dumping program.  Dumped rubbish incidents reported in this instance are those residents who have left their household goods earlier than their allocated day or leaving their unwanted household goods before making a booking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Missed Service Calls to Waste Solution Hotline 

 

 

 

Complaint Benchmarks   a)         <28 complaints per month for General Waste (domestic) b)         <7 complaints per month for Green waste services c)         <26complaints per month for Paper/Containers.

Comment:       J   Domestic     L Green Waste      J Paper/Containers

 

J -       Number of Missed Waste Services below benchmark levels.

K -       Number of Missed Waste Services meets benchmark levels.

L -       Number of Missed Waste Services exceeds benchmark levels.

 

All the missed services except for green waste remained well below the contractual benchmark for missed services. The missed service where URM was unable to get to on collection day was mainly owing to operational difficulties with the trucks. The properties that were affected by URM at fault were collected the next day. 

 

Where residents at fault were high; Residents were leaving their bins or green waste after the collection day. Those properties that had difficulties with either presenting their bins on collection day or those bins that were incorrectly presented were rectified by the resident and were serviced within the next day.

 

All missed services recorded have had their bins collected the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note:

The “Misuse” category encompasses a range of scenarios where a resident calls the waste hotline and upon investigation it is determined that URM was not at fault.  Such issues include:

 

·        Contaminated Bin;

·        Bin Already Collected;

·        Customer Rang Too Early;

·        Bin out Late;

·        Nothing Out; &

·        Customer Refilled Bin.

 

 

SUSTAINABILITY LEVY PROJECTS

 

Summary

 

Most sustainability projects are progressing well i.e. on target and within budget.    J

 

32	J	“on target” or complete
5	K	“yet to commence” or “marginally behind schedule”
0	L	“behind schedule”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project highlights

 

Drinking Water Refill Stations

 

Water refill stations were installed in Lane Cove Plaza, York’s Corner and on Burns Bay Road. The aim of the program is to reduce the use of disposable plastic water bottles and therefore reduce waste to landfill.

 

Awards and Community Grants Program

 

Five organisations were successful in receiving grants under Round 2 of the Sustainability Small Grants program. A total of $9700 in grants were awarded.

 

Captured Photography Competition

 

The theme for this year’s competition was ‘weather’. Over 250 photographs were received from 70 entrants. The winners are to be announced at a special awards evening held in June.

 

Village Graffiti Reduction

 

3 separate graffiti incidences equating to 107 meters squared of graffiti were removed by Council’s contractors during this reporting period.

 

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Environmental Health

Complaints

 

*Health complaints include waste, odour, vermin and overgrown vegetation.

 

There were a total of ten complaints investigated during May as well as several unresolved complaints from previous months.  The health complaint was in relation to an individual living in squalor.  Council’s Community Development Officer – Seniors and Disability has liaised with relatives of the individual to have the property cleaned.  The property has now been thoroughly cleaned and the individual is receiving assistance from several community services.   

 

There were three food complaints received in May.  One complaint related to a case of suspected food poisoning.  As a result the food business premise was inspected and was found to be compliant with the relevant standards.  No further action was taken.  Another food complaint related to a cockroach found in take away food.  An inspection of the food business uncovered that improvements were required in pest control activities.  Subject to the complainant signing a statutory declaration confirming the facts a Penalty Infringement Notice will be issued to the food business for this offence.  The third food complaint related to the sale of mouldy food.  As a result of these complaints the subject premises was inspected and areas of improvement relating to stock rotation were identified.  This is the second complaint which has been received in relation to this food business in the past seven months.  The previous complaint resulted in the food business being issued with a Penalty Infringement Notice.  For this reason subject to the complainant signing a statutory declaration confirming the facts it is likely that a prosecution will be taken against the subject food business for failure to comply with the relevant legislation.    

Inspections

 

During May fifty food premise inspections were conducted.  Thirty-five of the food premises inspected were found to be satisfactory.  Non – critical breaches were identified in twelve food premises.  As the issues were minor, advice was given to management during the inspection and a reinspection was arranged.

 

Two skin penetration premise inspections were undertaken in May.  Both businesses currently offer acupuncture.  The premises were found to be compliant with the relevant legislation and standards. 

 

Three cooling towers were inspected during May.  One was found to be compliant while the other two inspections revealed non critical breaches and Council is currently working with the owners of the premises concerned to take steps to ensure the cooling towers comply with the relevant standards. 

   

 

REGULATORY CONTROL

 

Parking Enforcement

 

 

Comment

 

 Overall number of infringements was slightly down in May due to number of Rangers being on leave.

 

Rangers continued with regular patrols of all schools to ensure safe parking practice and efficient car circulation around school zones in Lane Cove Council

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ranger Investigations

 

 

 

Comment

 

During month of May, Rangers have maintained a focus on Companion Animals, Abandoned Vehicles & Waste issues.

 

Abandoned vehicles reported to Council for investigation and removal continue to increase.

 

Abandoned trolleys, milk crates and graffiti continue to be monitored and actioned regularly.

 

Patrolling of park grounds in Lane Cove Council combined with education has seen a reduction in number of reports of “Animals not under effective control “.

 

 

STRATEGIC PLANNING

 

Local Environmental Plan 2009

 

Following the Department of Planning’s agreement to fund a second study of traffic, bushfire and related planning issues for the Mowbray/ Batten Reserve precinct, a joint Council/ Departmental Project Control Group was set up, and has been meeting weekly to prepare two consultancy Project Briefs, for traffic and planning, and a Probity Plan. Regular updates are posted on Council’s website.

 

The planning proposal to rezone the Mowbray/ Batten Reserve precinct to low density had been lodged in March for the Department’s LEP Panel/ Gateway consideration. Advice is awaited as to whether permission will be granted to exhibit the proposed downzoning, and discussions with the Department have also considered the possible implications in process between the rezoning proposal and the above studies.

 

Development Control Plan

 

The exhibition of Amendment 1, relating to 13 priority items, had been completed in mid-February.

 

A Councillor Workshop was held on the more numerous Amendment 2 items on 9 May, and a formal report to Council will be prepared for July.

 

Section 94 Plan (Developer Contributions) Review

 

Drafting of the new Section 94 plan to cover future population growth under the Department’s Section 94 Guidelines finalised in December continued. To set detailed actions for costing the works program, meetings were held with Human Resources, Open Space and Urban Services staff, with Traffic to follow in May.

 

Development assessment liaison

 

On 13 May 2011, the NSW Government announced arrangements for revoking Part 3A of the Environmental Planning & Assessment Act.  Two projects remaining in the system relate to the Lane Cove LGA. For these, the Minister is expected to delegate his determination role to the independent Planning Assessment Commission (PAC):-

 

·     88 Christie Street, St Leonards: Following submissions being made late last year to the Department of Planning relating to the Concept Plan, the Preferred Project Report was submitted by the applicant to the Department in December.

·     150 Epping Road, Lane Cove West: Following Director-General’s Requirements being issued, Council awaits advice by the Department when the Concept Plan is available.

 

 

Draft Plans & Policies

 

 

	Plan and 1st Report(s) to Council being prepared	Gateway/ Public Exhibition stage	Post Exhibition	Submission: final stage to Department of Planning
LEP Review	√	√
DCP Review Amendment 1	√	√	√
DCP Review Amendment 2	√	-
Section 94 Plan	√

 

 

 

 

 

 

GIS activity (Geographical Information System)

 

The GIS service this month included maps of bushland/ plant species around the golf course, Crown lands research, LEP planning proposal maps, draft bushfire prone land map revision and updating of map templates.

 

Section 149 Certificates (property certificates stating zoning etc)

 

                                              April                   May           May         

                                              2011                   2010   -     2011

Total                                        69                       71     -      90

Online (included)                     48                       39     -      42

Percentage                             69%                  55 %  -     46%

 

 

Comment

In May this year the number of applications rose noticeably for the autumn period (being 90 certificates in 2011, compared with only 71 in May 2010), and also in comparison with April this year (69).

 

The proportion of online applications (46%), however, was significantly lower than 69% one month ago.

 

 

Section 149 certificates in the past year to May 2011

 

 

Total and Online numbers

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HUMAN SERVICES

 

LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SERVICES

 

 

Lane Cove Library lent 2,772 more items in May 2011 as compared to the same period in 2010. This figure is comprised of an increase of 2,961 loans at Lane Cove, a decrease of 189 loans at Greenwich and an overall increase of 5.1%.

 

25,814 or 46.2% of the Lane Cove loans were issued through the two self check loan machines.

 

Compared to the rest of the Shorelink Libraries, Lane Cove and Greenwich issued 23% of all Shorelink loans in May 2011.

 

For the period January 2011 to May 2011 there has been an increase of 59,963 loans, or 27.9% compared to the same period last year. This represents an increase of 62,483 loans at Lane Cove and a decrease of 2,520 loans at Greenwich.

 

Library visits

 

In May 2011, 33,856 people visited the Library at Lane Cove and 875 people visited the Library at Greenwich.

Junior Library

 

Junior Library Program Sessions	May
	Sessions	Children
School visits	4	51
Preschool  visits	10	178
Outreach visits	2	37
Preschool storytimes	4	247
Possum Play	2	50
Special events	2	107
Total	24	670

 

Preschool storytime - In May 2011 there were four preschool storytimes which were attended by 247 children. Storytime themes included Mothers Day, shoes, dinosaurs and Biggest Morning Tea.

Young Adult Book Launch - Two Young Adult books were launched by Libby Hathorn on 25 May. One of the books was by a local youth – A definition of Magic by Benjamin Rome Clark. 65 people attended, enjoying readings by both authors and comments on writing by Libby Hathorn.

 

National Simultaneous Storytime - This national event took place at 11.00 am 25 May 2011. The shared story was Feathers for Phoebe by Rod Clement. As well as members of the public Birrahlee classes joined the session. After the story the children were given a craft activity.

 

Local Studies

 

114 Local Studies enquiries were received during May 2011. 294 people visited the Local Studies Room in May. May was another busy month - intricate enquiries from students doing university and Senior Geography Projects challenged staff.

 

The Manager, Local Studies and Archives delivered a class about the history of Lane Cove to 30 year 6 students from Lane Cove Public School (there will be more to follow next semester). The class included the display of a large number of photographs on various local events and places, including an aerial photo of air-raid trenches in the playground at Lane Cove Public School. The students appeared to enjoy the session and were racing each other to ask questions. It was wonderful to witness their interest.

 

Archives

 

306 archive boxes were processed in May.

 

Customer and Information Services

 

 

Patrons contact the Library daily by telephone with a range of enquiries. During May, 630 callers requested assistance with loan renewals accounting for 243 calls.

Community Information

 

Throughout May 1,626 searches were made by the public on the Community Information Database.

 

Library Room Usage for May 2011

 

Library Room Usage (in hours)	Library & Council	Paid Bookings	Group Study	Total
Meeting Rooms (1&2)	34	69		103
Study Room	5	1.5	119.5	126
Training Rooms (1&2)	7.5	84	109.5	201
Total	46.5	154.5	229	430

* The Meeting Rooms are available as a quiet study area when not in use for other purposes. Training Rooms are available to the public as Study Rooms when not booked for training purposes.

 

Library & Council usage includes – Author Talks – Michael Robotham, Lane Cove Knit-in, Write to Wellness, BookChat, Local History Talk, Law Week Talk, Shorelink cataloguing group, Greater Sydney National Year of Reading Steering Committee, Young Adult Book Launch, Lane Cove Council Carers’ Group.

 

Community & Commercial Usage includes – WAIG, Rhythm Factory, Southern Cross Cultural Exchange, Homework Time, Toastmasters, Claude Group, ABS Census training, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Lane Cove Chiropractors, Strata meetings, General bookclub, Centre for Learning and Children’s rights, Lane Cove ALIVE, Baha’i Community, Lane Cove Sustainability Action Group.

 

Database usage for May

 

 

Outreach Services

 

845 items were issued in May 2011, compared to 819 items the previous May. The Home Library Service made 208 visits, compared to 178 visits the previous May.

 

Three clients joined the Home Library Service in May

 

Outreach visits  - The Outreach Services Librarian spoke to a carers’ group about the Home Library Service and advised that it is now available for carers.

 

Clients have been reminded that the Home Library Service provides information as well as library resources for loan.

 

Programs and displays

 

BookChat @ Lane Cove - May’s discussion centred on Books to Films, with 10 people attending.

 

Author Talk – Michael Robotham - Lane Cove Library and Moirs Bookshop presented a talk by Michael Robotham - 26 people attended.

 

Young Adult Book Launch - See Junior Library section of report.

 

Local History Classes for Lane Cove Public School

See Local Studies Section of the Report

 

Lane Cove Library Knit-in - 14 people attended the May Knit-in at Lane Cove Library.

 

Law Week Talk  - Lane Cove Library hosted a talk on Planning for the Future – Wills and Power of Attorney, with local lawyer Paul Hargrave speaking. 18 people attended this Law Week event.

 

Lane Cove Library’s Biggest Morning Tea - Lane Cove Library hosted an Australia’s Biggest Morning tea on Friday 27^th May. Over 60 cups of tea and coffee were served and over $300 raised for the Cancer Council.

 

Tea Pots & Cups Display - The Library features a display of Tea Pots and Tea Cups to tie in with Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. This was supported by a display of library items on a similar theme, with all library items being available for loan.

 

Library & Information Week  - The Library mounted a display for Library and Information Week 2011. Library Staff made recommendations on a range of library materials such as books, Audiobooks and DVDs.

 

Community group visit - See Outreach Services Section of the Report

 

Upcoming Events

 

23 July                         Lane Cove Library First Birthday celebration

26 July                         BookChat @ Lane Cove – Fantasy Fiction

27 July                         Navigate the Net

28 July                         Poets in Residence

29 July                         Family History Talk – Soldier in the Family

3 August                      Library Book Sale

5 August                      Lane Cove Knit-in (tie in with ABC knit in)

13 August                    Cameraygal launch

16 August                    Basic script writing for short films

17 August                    Social networking for seniors

24 August                    Social networking for seniors

30 August                    Movies @ Lane Cove – The ghost and Mrs Muir

31 August                    Navigate the Net

 

 

COMMUNITY SERVICES

 

Financial Assistance Grants

 

The Manager Community Services (MCS) is overseeing the administration of the financial assistance grants process.  Council at its Meeting of 18 April discussed these applications and made recommendations totaling around $400,000 to community groups.  The grants have been on public display.

 

Lane Cove’s Social Plan and the Social Development Group

 

The Social Development Group met on 18 May.  The meeting fell short of a quorum however proceeded on the basis that the discussion will be written up as notes and adopted at the next meeting. The following matters were discussed: the change in government and the rescinding of Part 3A of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act (NSW) 1979; the proposed increase in the Community Services Award and the question as to whether Governments would fund the pay rise; the 2 May adoption of the Community Strategic Plan due to be implemented from 1 July;  an update on the NSASP,  PAMP and Little Lane Development and information was presented regarding the RNSH Community Participation Committee.

 

Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan (NSASP)

 

The third meeting for 2011 of the NSASP was held on 11 May. This meeting was dedicated to discussing the evaluation of the plan internally and also to develop a brief to evaluate the project externally and use consultants to consult with the community. A letter has been sent to all contacts across the Northern Sydney area who were identified as having an interest explaining the transition of the Plan. The Project Officer has organised a Connecting Cultures Day for 14 May, a community event aimed at bringing families and elders together for a cruise on the Tribal Warrior, Sydney's only Aboriginal owned and operated cultural cruise ship. The Tribal Warrior will be sailing from Lavender Bay Wharf and Manly Wharf to Rodd Island, stopping off to explore Aboriginal Sites. Bush tucker, jewellery making, traditional dance and storey telling have been organised. The MCS met with the Project Officer to continue supervision of her work.

 

Centrehouse

 

The Centrehouse Management Committee met on 4 May. The Centrehouse committee is very pleased about the plans for the new gallery space and discussed the management arrangements. The Committee has drafted some suggestions for a Heads of Agreement with Council in order to identify and document the mutual obligated of both parties.

 

Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP)

 

The consultation process and work on this plan is well underway and a report is expected in June

 

NSROC (Northern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils) Community Services Group

 

In the meeting on 18 May a presentation on ‘The Concourse’, Willoughby Councils new Civic Centre was given to the group by Willoughby General Manager Nick Tobin.  The potential community use and benefits were highlighted and Mr Tobin emphasized ‘The Concourse’ could be used as a regional facility to complement activities and facilities of neighbouring Councils.

 

It was noted that advice was being sought on the Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service Disability Plan, 2010-2015 and that submissions closed on 30 June.  Ms Carolynne James was to circulate the plan and feedback sheets for each Council to check against their Disability Plans – Carolynne would then collate the feedback and provide to NSCCAHS.  Submissions have been made to both the caring for Older people and the Disability care and Support Productivity Commission Inquiries.

 

Accessible Communities Grants

 

Lane Cove Council has applied for an Accessible Communities Grant for $100,000 to assist in the purchase of a new lift at the Aquatic Centre – the present lift is very unreliable resulting in people with mobility issues unable to access the pools.

 

Lane Cove Cultural Advisory Committee

 

The Lane Cove Cultural Advisory Committee met on 25 May.  The Committee was updated on the progress of the Meeting House redevelopment, Library Square, the Art Gallery Space at the Community Centre and the Plaza/Bandstand works.

 

Eric Poulos informed the Committee that he had secured the services of Dr Judy Esmond, one of Australia’s leading experts on gaining, retaining and recognising volunteers for a seminar to be held in the Library on 13 September.  The list of recommended funding to the Arts and Cultural Groups as part of Councils Financial Assistance Grants were distributed and Faith Wieland, Councils Cultural Development Officer provided information about the Cameraygal Festival – the theme of which is ‘Listen, Learn, Share’ which will be held from 12 August to 19 October. 

 

It was noted that all groups are working on various projects over the next month or so that will greatly contribute to the cultural life of the Municipality.

 

NSW Human Services - Community Services Community Services Grants Program (CSGP) Grants

 

A meeting to consolidate grants has been held. NSW Human Services - Community Services (formally DOCS) provides funding grants under its Community Services Grants Program (CSGP) totalling over $40,000 to cover the Manager Community Service and Youth Services positions.  Council has signed our forthcoming Service Agreement for these positions in order to secure the funding. We also extended our service specifications from 2009-2010 to cover the 2010-2011 financial year.  Council continued its good working relationship with NSW Human Services - Community Services in support of our work in the community.

 

Families NSW

 

The Lower North Shore Child and Family Interagency was held on 11 May.  Two guest speakers provided information on the community builders funding overview which comprises of four models: community hubs, capacity building, skills development and sector development – the overall target is to build ’harmonious, resourceful and resilient’ communities.

 

Other topics for discussion included the development and delivery of training models proposed over the next six months for the ‘Keep them safe’ program, an overview of the statewide forum for the Triple P program (the Department of Community Services will be launching a mass media campaign and a revamped website) and there was an update of the review of the Terms of Reference.

 

Volunteer Workshop

 

Information has been sent to community groups and organisations about a workshop programmed for September about recruiting, training and rewarding volunteers.  The workshop will be facilitated by Dr Judy Esmond who will provide practical information and ideas about how to attract and retain volunteers, how to manage and improve their commitment and skills and to recognise and support their crucial role in community organisations.

 

Upcoming Events for Community Services

 

Centrehouse Management Meeting                                                    – 6 July

Events Network Meeting                                                                     – 15 July

Aboriginal Social Plan Funding Group Meeting                                   – 27 July

Certificate in Access Appraisal                                                           – 25 and 26 July

Financial Assistance Grants Cheque Presentation Ceremony         – 3 August

Lower North Shore Child and Family Interagency                              – 9 August

Social Development Group Meeting                                                   – 10 August

NSROC Community Services Group                                                 – 10 August

Lane Cove Cultural Advisory Committee                                           – 24 August

 

SENIORS and DISABILITY SERVICES

 

Seniors Events and Activities

 

The HEART program did not run during May as the Home Economist was on leave.

 

The Friday morning men’s bus trip, the BOOMers continues to be a successful program with full bus loads of older men enjoying outings during May to Old Government House and the RAN Heritage Museum at Garden Island.

 

The Men’s Community Kitchen in May were on 5 and 19^th. Once again excellent meals were prepared: farfalle with porcini and ham followed by apple tart on filo and then pumpkin soup, pan-fried Brussels sprouts with chorizo and garlic crumbs and cheesy tuna, zucchini and spinach pasta.

 

The ongoing Tai Chi classes have an average of 15 people attending in each class.  The Acting CDO attended the last two Tai Chi classes for Term 2 on 21June and 28 June to advertise the Term 3 classes. Term 3 begins on 19 July.

 

The topic for the Seniors Seminar on 11 May was Retirement Villages and a solicitor from the Aged Care Rights Service explained the difference between various contracts for entering a retirement village and the need for seeking legal advice prior to signing so that all of the implications are understood. 

 

Falls Prevention classes in Lane Cove are continuing in a limited capacity with some members of the previous groups attending the last course in this project conducted in Willoughby Council.  The final evaluation of this program is due at the end of this year.

 

The daytime Writing Group, an extension of the “Write to Wellness’ project met at the Lane Cove Seniors Centre on the second and fourth Thursdays during May and June.  The group is very productive and the participants are producing some pertinent work and enjoying the social contact and therapeutic benefit it provides. On 23 June the group plan to hold a presentation of work they had completed on their own and in the class.

 

Another successful Fashion Parade was held on 18 May with over $400.00 raised, to be shared between the Mah-Jong and the Lane Cove Seniors Citizens Clubs.  Golden Girls Fashion provided the clothes and compere and the models were sourced by the seniors and Mah-Jong clubs.  The audience enjoyed a lunch of freshly cut sandwiches, fruit and tea and coffee.  There was plenty of time for shopping and talking and it was a morning enjoyed by the 48 people who attended.

 

The Anxiety and/or Depression Support Group met on the third Wednesday of the month in May and June.  Numbers in the group remain low and feedback was received that an evening session is very difficult for most seniors to attend.  As of 6 July the group will be meeting on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 10:00am in the Lounge room at the Seniors Centre.

 

The Writing Group with Anna Maria Dell’oso met in the Library on 16 May.  The group members continue to enjoy this productive session.

 

The monthly Carers Support Group met on Friday 27 May.  Pat Roles, Coordinator of Community Services for Hammond Care attended the first group and gave valuable information about services available from Hammond Care that was specific to each carer’s need.  It was highly beneficial and gave carers a good understanding of how they can be assisted. 

 

Meetings attended in May

 

3 and 10 May: The CDO is a part of the Finance Sub-committee for Recreation Rendezvous.  The sub committee met to review the financial situation of the organisation in preparation for the next budget. 

 

3 May: The CDO attended the Northern Sydney Regional Disability Network Meeting. The main speaker was a volunteer from Technical Aid for the disabled (TAD) who gave a very charming presentation on the services the organisation provides for people with disabilities and older people in need of aids and devices to help them live independently.

 

4 May:  The CDO met with two staff from the College of Professional Psychology regarding the Write to Wellness writing program, the anxiety and/or depression support group and the People Who Care Program. The writing group is going extremely well and they are almost at capacity.  The group is organising for their first presentation of work for June.  The anxiety and/or depression group is not well attended so it was decided to move the group to a daytime timeslot to see if this would be more beneficial.  The People who Care program (a series of one to one in-home counselling sessions) is going well and the program is continually evolving with experience – it is developing more structure, including a referral process, firmer timeframes and more defined program to better attend to the needs of the individuals.

 

10 May: The Aged and Disability Workers Meeting was held at Hunters Hill Council.  The main focus of the meeting was a talk by the Manager, Community Care Partnerships Section, Aged Care Branch from the Department of Health and Ageing who spoke about the COAG split in services; where they are up to with the implementation of this split, what will be happening next and the value of the role of Aged and Disability workers.

 

13 May: The CDO attended at meeting at Willoughby Council to discuss the organisation of an expo for families who are planning life after high school for adolescents with special learning needs – After school – what happens next – post school options and transition planning.  The expo is planned for Wednesday 10 August and will include speakers from Centrelink, TAFE, apprenticeship bodies, disability employment services and ADHC.  The issues of disclosure will also be discussed.  The meeting was attended by Louise Geaghan (CDO – Willoughby Council), Sharon Grocott from Hills Schools Industry Partnership and Tim Hart, National Disability Coordination Office, Centre for Disability Studies.

 

17 May: The main focus of the Lower North Shore Community Transport Board Meeting was that the Executive Officer, Susan Heyne, has been seconded by the Ministry of transport to support a Community Transport organisation in another area.  This is a great acknowledgement of both the LNS CT as an organisation and the qualities of the Executive Officer.  Provision has been made for staff to act-up in different roles during this 6 month period.  The results of the North Sydney Transport consultation as they effect the organisation were also discussed.

 

23 May: The CDO attended a meeting with members from the Access Committee and the PAMP Consultants to discuss issues of access for pedestrians in and around Lane Cove.

 

25 May:  Together with the Environmental Health Officer (EHO) the CDO paid a visit to a Lane Cove resident who is living in squalor.  Although we did not gain entry to the premises we did establish a good rapport and stayed talking for almost an hour.  We will follow up with the resident’s family member and support her in her efforts to organise for a forensic clean.  This will include arranging for an Aged Care Assessment and the admission to a residential care facility for the duration of the cleanup and refurbishment.  Met resident again on 31 May with family member and manager of forensic cleaning service to organise a date for the clean and the purchase of new whitegoods, furniture and fittings – EHO informed of developments. 

 

In June the resident  was admitted to Longueville Private Hospital while the forensic clean of her apartment was conducted.  The Aged Care Assessment Team (ACAT) and the Mental Health Team have been closely involved in this process.  The resident has actually enjoyed the routine and company of the hospital and may be discharged into residential care.  If she does return home a systems of supports will be put in place to ensure she is managing.

 

31 May: The CDO attended a meeting with Margaret Kay, Senior Policy Officer – Ageing and Disability, LGSA and other Ageing and Disability workers in the region to prepare a letter to the Department of Health and Ageing about the importance of our roles and how we differ from HACC services prior to the COAG split.  This is to help raise our profile and develop a supporting relationship similar to the one we have with Ageing Disability and Home Care, Department of Family and Community Services in readiness for the new service delivery system.

 

Additional Funding Received

 

Lane Cove Council was informed by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, the Department of Family and Community Services that additional growth funding was given to the position of Community Development Officer, Seniors and Disability Services.  The recurrent amount, $32,000 will be used to fund a part-time Activities Officer, Seniors and Disability to support existing and develop further activities to support seniors and people with disabilities in the Municipality.

 

New money for the Kitchen

 

Lane Cove Council was informed by Ageing, Disability and Home Care, the Department of Family and Community Services that a request for the installation of a camera and screen at the Lane Cove Seniors Centre to augment the HEART and other cooking programs was granted.

 

Seniors Newsletter

 

The May edition of the Lane Cove Connection were posted to seniors on the mailing list.  The newsletter continues to be well received and each month several more people ring to be put on the mailing list as they have heard about it through friends.

 

Events in June

 

1 June:            Centrehouse Management Committee Meeting

2 June:            Men’s Community Kitchen (and 16 June)

3 June:            BOOMers (and 17 June)

7 June:            Tai Chi (weekly)

8 June:            LNS Community Forum

9 June:            Write to Wellness (and 23 June)

15 June:          Northern Sydney Aboriginal Social Plan

20 June:          Writers Group - evening

21 June:          LNS CT Board Meeting

21 June:          Recreation Rendezvous Board Meeting

24 June:          Carer Support Group

27 June:          Access Committee

29 June:          OH&S Meeting

 

 

YOUTH SERVICES

 

Synergy Youth Centre

 

The Youth Centre continues to provide information and personal support to young people as well as a variety of activities. During the month of May young people enjoyed various activities including: Mothers Day card making, Photo competition, Youth Art, Movie night, Synergy’s Biggest Afternoon Tea, Making white wreaths to celebrate White Wreath Day and making Origami Roses to celebrate 65 Roses Day.

 

In May Synergy Youth Centre saw a total of 208 young people attending, of this 19 were females (9%) and 189 were males (91%).

 

The Youth Website

 

The Youth Website remains a successful way of accessing young people with information on youth issues, services and events, with 1,280 visits to the site during May.  The Youth website remains a good way to provide information to young people.

Youth Networking

 

Youth Team members attended the Lower North Shore Youth Interagency (LNSYI). Kylie Gleeson continues to chair this network and disseminate information to services across the Lower North Shore.  A guest speaker from the ABS spoke to the network about ways to engage homeless young people in the Census process. They provided information that would assist young people to understand why their information matters and how it contributes to future planning.

 

Youth Week

 

A final meeting was held to evaluate Shorefest and to begin the process of Strategic planning for the event next year. There were many aspects of the event that proved very successful and there were some areas that were identified that can be fine turned for next year: for example having the drink fridge delivered and stocked the night before the event to ensure ice cold drinks, limit the handouts of flyers to a minimal to avoid excess rubbish at the event. An evaluation report was also prepared and submitted to the Communities Division as they contribute funding towards Youth Week programs.

The next Youth Week will be held from 14^th- 21^st April 2012. Shorefest has set the date for next year’s event to be Saturday 14^th April.

 

Collaborative Partnerships

 

Sally, Alison and James met with Terrance Rone from Holroyd City Council Youth Services to discuss and plan an exchange event with young people from Holroyd to visit Synergy Youth Service during the July school holidays.  We hope to provide young people accessing Synergy with the opportunity to meet and build friendships with other young people outside the LGA.  This partnership will allow youth workers to exchange ideas about the way they provide services to young people and to gain insight into what other activities and events are being run in other areas of Sydney.

 

Young Women’s Committee: Papua / New Guinea

 

The group of young women have had two meetings, where they have developed ideas around their mission statement, group goals, logo design as well as changing the name of the group to ‘Youngpla Meri of Lane Cove’ which means Young Women of Lane Cove in Tok Pisin (Papua New Guinea language). The team of young women are very eager to be active within the community, with the possibility of launching their Committee at the Cameraygal Festival. 

 

 

 

Young Women’s Pilot Project: Butterflies

 

The Youth Services team meet with the Principal of Lane Cove West Primary school in early May to discuss the possibility to running an eight-week young women’s project. Due to the high level of activities that the year six students are already involved in, the idea of running a one-day transitional project for both male and female year six students was suggested. Plans to run such a project with Lane Cove West Primary are currently being developed.

 

 

Young Men’s Program at Chatswood High

 

Ninety young men from Chatswood High School attended a Young Men’s Program on 13 May at the Lane Cove Community Centre. 

 

The program begun with a drug and alcohol presentation and discussion facilitated by counselors for Ku-Ring-Gai Youth Development Service. The feedback received from students indicated that the presentation was quite popular.  The next presentation was provided by Legal Aid and included a viewing of the Burn DVD followed by questions and answers. Armando Hurley is a popular motivational speaker; the focus of his presentation was around anti-discrimination, bullying and self-respect. All the boys who completed a survey said Armando was the ‘best part about today’.  The program concluded with a brief ‘sexual health and relationships trivia quiz’, which was also well received.

 

Some of the feedback we received when asked, one thing they’d learned?

 

‘look to the future and don’t look back’

‘alcohol is a drug you can die from during withdrawals’

‘you can still be part of a robbery if you are a bystander’

‘have more belief in yourself’

 

The attitude and enthusiasm demonstrated by the young men from Chatswood High School was exemplary and we look forward to providing a young men’s program in 2012.

 

HSC Stress Management Workshops

 

The YDOs will be running 3 workshops at Lane Cove Library in conjunction with Kuringai Youth Development Service (KYDS) targeting year 12 students prior to the start of their HSC trials. 

 

We know that young people have many competing needs at this important time and their levels of anxiety and stress build up.  Some young people manage this well but for the majority it can be a really confronting and difficult time.  We wanted to look at not only the management of study related stress but also address the emotional and social impact of expectations.  We want to create a space to talk about how to recognize when normal stress is becoming something less manageable and how we can help ourselves and get help from others.

 

Each of the workshops are stand alone so young people can attend one or all three.  Topics covered include; motivation and pathways, stress and how to manage it, healthy lifestyle. 

 

Café

 

The new equipment, furniture and supplies for the Youth Centre café have been purchased and set up. There are a few more items that need to be addressed before the Café can begin operating.

 

Upcoming Youth Events

 

·     Synergy School Holiday Program

·     HSC Workshops

·     Youngpla Meri of Lane Cove meeting 28^th June

 

 

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

 

May is the busiest month of the year for Cultural Development.  Council’s Citizenship Awards Presentation Night was a very public highlight and preparations for the Cameraygal Festival were also extremely exciting.  With sponsorship available for the first time, ongoing discussions were held throughout May with a range of local businesses about the possibility of their involvement in the 2011 Cameraygal Festival and fifty local groups and individuals added their spring events to the festival calendar. 

 

Lane Cove Citizenship Awards

 

Completion of all preparations for the Citizenship Awards Presentation Night was the main cultural development activity in the first week of May.  Working in partnership with Facilities, Communications and other sections of Council, speech writing and reception and ceremony details were finalised.

 

On Wednesday 11 May, six Councillors and the General Manager presented a total of twenty-three Awards in front of an audience of 110 family, nominators and friends of the award recipients.

 

Awards presented included:

 

·     Five Sustainability Awards, including the new category of Sustainable Development;

·     Five Community Service Awards;

·     Three Workplace Awards;

·     Two Access and Disability Awards;

·     Two Art/Music/Cultural Awards;

·     Two Leadership Awards;

·     A special award for contribution & commitment to the citizens of Lane Cove;

·     The Outstanding Business of the Year Award to Shell, Gore Bay; and

·     Thomas Tait was awarded the Citizen of the Year Award.

 

A reception was held following the Presentation Ceremony, giving Award winners, Councillors and others the opportunity to meet and mingle.

 

Nominations for the 2011 Lane Cove Awards were opened immediately following the Presentation Night.  Anyone wishing to make a nomination for next year’s presentation is urged to do so.

 

20^th Annual Cameraygal Festival, “Listen, Learn, Share”

 

Preparations for the Cameraygal Festival were a major focus for May.  

·     Some fifty organisations and individuals are participating in the Festival and each of their contributions to the program were all finalised this month,

·     a new Festival Patron was approached,

·     liaison with the graphic designer saw the program cover and branding materials finalised and

·     sponsorship was discussed with a number of local businesses:

o  HYECORP Property Group;

o  Alfred Jewellery;

o  Vikki’s Mandarin & Translations and

o  Run Property.

 

On 26 May, fourteen members of the Cameraygal Festival Committee met to review the program for the 2011 Cameraygal Festival before sending it to the graphic designer.  At the meeting,

·     the draft cover and the text were considered and corrected in detail;

·     plans for the Launch were fleshed out and

·     the marketing of the Festival was discussed, including: 

o  The Mayor announced that Judy Bailey OAM had agreed to act as Patron of the 2011 Cameraygal Festival;

o  Channel 7’s Weekender program has expressed an interest in covering the Launch;

o  E-promotions;

o  Social media were discussed and the Committee opted to proceed with Twitter rather than Facebook;

o  Involvement of children and youth through the flags project and Plaza performances;

 

The Cameraygal Festival Committee will meet again on 23 June.

 

Cultural Diversity

 

Lane Cove’s Autumn Harmony Festival

 

Twenty May events were originally listed in Lane Cove’s Autumn Harmony Festival program and event organisers continue to make favourable comments about participation in the Festival.  For example, the Short Film Festival organised by the Baha’i Community of Lane Cove will definitely be repeated.

On the other hand, reports were also received of two events that had disappointing attendance: the Amazing Stories Tour of Gore Hill Cemetery and A Little Buenos Aires Tango School’s Dance Fiesta Day.   

Council’s Cultural Diversity Advisory Group will meet in July to evaluate the Festival as a whole and one of Council’s work placement students is preparing a “new product marketing plan” to guide the development of Lane Cove’s Fourth Autumn Harmony Festival.

 

2011 Guringai Festival, “One Voice”

 

Lane Cove Children’s Voices for Reconciliation:    Working in partnership with Lane Cove Residents for Reconciliation, preparations for Lane Cove Children’s Voices for Reconciliation, one of Council’s contributions to the Guringai Festival, were completed this month.

 

Intergenerational Women’s Project  focusing on PNG Women – research for a second presentation/meeting with WAIG continued throughout May.

 

Plaza Place-making

 

Four scheduled May Plaza Place Making performances were postponed due to the refurbishment of the Plaza.  Work placement student, Nicole Chong re-scheduled events planned for the re-opening of the Plaza throughout the month, as the anticipated re-opening date changed.

 

Issues / developments / projects/ meetings

 

June

·     Thursday 2 June - Lane Cove Children’s Voices for Reconciliation in the Cove Room.

·     To be rescheduled: Saturday 4 June, 11 am to 1 pm – Wally Temple’s Jazz Serenaders

·     Monday 6 June, 10 am to 12 noon – WAIG  - PNG Women Initiatives and Action and Survey of Aid Organisations in PNG and what they do.

·     TBC: Wednesday 15 June, Cultural Diversity Advisory Group Meeting.

·     Friday 17 June, 4pm to 6pm – Beatles Tribute Show in Lane Cove Plaza

·     Cancelled, by the organiser: Lane Cove Tartan Day

·     Friday 23 June, 6:10 to 7:30pm – Cameraygal Committee Meeting.

·     Friday 24 June, 3:30pm to 5:30pm – John Makie and Yuki Jazz in Lane Cove Plaza

·     Saturday 25 June, 10am to 12 noon – Lane Cove Concert Band in Lane Cove Plaza.

·     Wednesday 29 June – Peter Woods’s Funny Magic Show

 

July

·     Friday 1 July, 4pm  – NAIDOC in Lane Cove Plaza – Jannawi Dance Theatre

·     Saturday 2 July – Bridge City Jazz.

·     5,6 or 7 July – Cultural Diversity Advisory Group meeting.

·     Wednesday 6 July, 5:30pm – Centrehouse Meeting.

·     Saturday 16 July, 10am to 12 noon – Cameraygal (nee Lane Cove) Concert Band in the Plaza

·     Saturday 23 July, 11 am to 1pm – Mandy Langlois Jazz in the Plaza

·     Thursday 28 July, 6:10 to 7:30pm – Cameraygal Festival Committee Meeting.

 

KINDY COVE CHILD CARE CENTRE

 

Over the month of May our centre highlights have been Mother’s Day breakfast and Pirate and Princess dress up day.

 

Our Mothers Day breakfast had a huge turn out.  We had mothers, grandmothers and aunts join us for a yummy breakfast.  Danielle (our Chef) with the children made scones, croissants and a lemon yogurt cake. They were all delicious.

The Pirate and Princess day was loved by all, including staff. Our male staff loved dressing as princesses as a bit of fun. The children (and parents) put a lot of effort into their outfits.

 

During the past month within the Nursery all of the children have really settled into the days at Kindy and we are beginning to see some lovely friendships starting to form.

 

We have had two new children start recently and they are both beginning to settle in nicely.  We have also some of the children meet some major milestones with four children taking their first steps.

Following up on the children’s interest of still making chocolate cakes in the sand pit we have done some lovely cooking experiences with the children greatly enjoying the making of the mother’s day cookies.

 

The children have also loved doing a variety of painting and craft experiences from collage to drawing for the display on the windows and doing our beautiful mother’s day photo frames.

 

The children have also celebrated ANZAC Day with the children looking at some pictures. We talked about the poppy that is used to symbolise remembrance and the children decorated one before going on a march through our play ground.

 

Many of the children also greatly enjoyed the puppet show with the crocodile and Harry the gorilla, their favourite characters.

 

Green Room and Blue Room have both had a very productive month. We have been exploring several projects over the last month. Our biggest project was on the senses. The children learned what the senses were and how we use sight, touch, taste, hearing and smell to explore the world around us. For every sense we conducted experiments.

 

For touch we hid objects in a box and the children had to identify them using only their hands.

 

For smell we used different scents and essence extracts in bottles and the children had to use their noses to reflect and identify the different smells.

 

For hearing we went on a listening walk of the centre, using our ears to identify different sounds in our environment.

 

For taste we explored tasting and labeling sweet, sour, bitter and spicy when blindfolded and engaged in several cooking experiences.

 

For sight we explored observation in our classroom with the children using descriptive language in facilitated discussion.

 

The investigation also was explored in the different learning centres of the room with the children exploring drawing and writing on the literacy centre, using modeled text and factual books on the subject to facilitate ideas.

 

We explored sensory experiences using sand, clay and dough, manipulating and extending our fine motor skills while exploring how different media feels, smells and looks.

 

FACILITIES

 

Work undertaken during May 2011

 

Facility	Work Undertaken	Future Work
Council Offices	Lighting upgrades ordered	Conversion of Corporate Library to new Meeting Room.
Lane Cove Bowling and Recreation Club	Repairs to gutters on the front section. Final section of automatic irrigation completed.
Lane Cove Aquatic Centre	Tender advertised and tenders returned by Monday 23 May. New boiler ordered and delivered for outdoor pool.	Alterations to lift ventilation. Ceiling and steelwork rectification. Investigate rain water collection options.
Synergy Youth Centre	Plumbing repairs	Internal spalling repairs and re-painting.
Greenwich Baths		Re-surfacing paths
Carisbrook House Museum	Corrugated iron roof repairs ordered	Long term - cistern work with option to renovate and tiling to verandah. Painting metal roof of verandah.
47 Burns Bay Road	Unblocked drainage from rear leading to street	Waterproofing to prevent water ingress to neighbouring shops
Lane Cove Community Centre	Quotes received for 3 x AC units to be replaced	Further AC units to be replaced Conversion of top floor to Art Gallery
Lane Cove Senior Citizens Centre	Splash backs installed to complete kitchen renovation on street level.	External drainage and paving works.
Greenwich Community Centre	Initial meeting held with Architects over conversion of ex Guides Hall and ex Gem Club	Conversion work of Guide Hall and ex-Gem Club premises
Facility	Work Undertaken	Future Work
Tambourine Bay Sea Scouts	Work completed on major decking ad hand rail repairs and restoration
174 Longueville Road	Inspected kitchen and electrics for rewiring and distribution board upgrade	Upgrade distribution board and rewire property. New kitchen floor and kitchen cupboards. Exterior repainting. Flat roof repair.
60 Wood Street		Drainage work at side and rear of property.
Old Bakery Gallery	Council’s internal work completed
Greenwich Sailing Club	Repaint ceiling and stairwell ordered
Lane Cove West Tennis Club		Install RCD safety switch. Footpath repairs.
Osborne Park	Sewer tree root treatment completed.	Fence repairs. Additional exterior lighting.
Kindy Cove	Repairs to solar hot water system completed.
Greendale Scout Hall	Asbestos removal ordered.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATTACHMENT 1

General Managers Report No. 14 - Monthly Review - May/June 2011

 

Lane Cove Aquatic Leisure Centre

Attendance report

Facility Attendance	2010/2011	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May
Aquatic
Casual Swim	62,157	3,044	2,840	3,532	5,121	5,147	6,217	14,124	8,373	4,481	6,506	2,772
Squad	12,535	965	1,118	1,098	1,121	1,683	1,113	988	1,165	1,285	879	1,120
Spectator	4,055	91	37	43	54	367	572	315	1,533	955	68	20
Visit Pass	66,679	4,454	4,911	5,016	4,954	9,277	6,765	8,245	6,980	6,318	5,031	4,728
Learn to Swim	116,993	8,901	9,865	9,850	11,123	12,064	7,168	10,846	11,939	13,388	10,817	11,032
Learn to Swim Parents	140,392	10,681	11,838	11,820	13,348	14,477	8,602	13,015	14,327	16,066	12,980	13,238
School Entry	21,650	250	250	250	250	5,900	2,300	0	7,950	3,800	320	380
Aqua Classes	9,497	815	837	722	810	935	773	1,148	884	891	826	856
Total Aquatic	433,958	29,201	31,696	32,331	36,781	49,850	33,510	48,681	53,151	47,184	37,427	34,146
Health Club
Member	115,085	9,802	11,187	10,900	11,126	10,770	9,669	10,767	10,678	10,854	9,172	10,160
Visit Pass	2,662	241	334	279	295	356	253	274	199	168	121	142
Casual	4,034	432	382	332	351	301	610	221	176	483	385	361
Group Fitness	24,250	2,334	2,482	2,810	2,379	2,611	2,106	2,041	1,681	1,763	1,965	2,078
Total Health Club	146,031	12,809	14,385	14,321	14,151	14,038	12,638	13,303	12,734	13,268	11,643	12,741
Programs
Holiday Programs	926	163	0	141	198	0	0	226	0	0	198	0
Birthday parties	3,846	76	137	125	143	441	586	267	764	523	409	375
Other bookings	3,050	250	250	800	250	250	250	200	200	200	200	200
Training Courses	550	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50	50
Programs Total	8,372	539	437	1,116	641	741	886	743	1,014	773	857	625
Creche
Permanent	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Visit Pass	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Casual	4,151	389	391	401	389	425	326	389	361	387	342	351
Creche Total	4,151	389	391	401	389	425	326	389	361	387	342	351
Facility Total	592,512	42,938	46,909	48,169	51,962	65,054	47,360	63,116	67,260	61,612	50,269	47,863

ATTACHMENT 1

General Managers Report No. 14 - Monthly Review - May/June 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OPEN SPACE & URBAN SERVICES

 

URBAN SERVICES

 

Works program

 

Note: Wet days of total 2 days

 

Recurrent  Works

 

Restoration/maintenance of concrete footpath works	We carried out footpath maintenance/restoration works in various locations ·     Various locations – 20m² ·     Re-construction of footpath at 38-40 Hallam Avenue – 15m2 ·     Re-construction of footpath, kerb and gutter, layback and part of driveway on Epping Rd near the intersection of Centennial Avenue outside the motorbike shop ·     Construction of new pram ramp on Longueville Rd outside Library ·     Restoration of footpath in front of 14 Gentle St – 10m2 ·     Restoration of footpath at Penrose St – between Best St and Bridge St – 75m2 ·     Re-construction of asphalt pathway at Molesworth Walk – 70m2
Restoration/maintenance of hot mix jobs	In various streets we have completed 70m2 of asphalt restorations for various authorities   ·     Top up the subsided trench with AC10 at Rosenthal Avenue car-park ·     Restoration of road with heavy patching at Berry Rd in St Leonards – 30m2 ·     Restoration of road with heavy patching at Zeta Rd – 15m2 ·     Heavy patching in front of new dish drain at the corner of Wood St and Penrose St – 25m2 ·     100mm deep Heavy patching with AC10 at Miramont Avenue – 50m2 ·     Removing trips with AC5 on footpath at Point Rd   Potholes in various locations: ·     Sera St – various locations ·     Lorna Leigh Lane – various locations ·     Cox’s Lane – various locations ·     William Edward St – near the intersection of Christina St ·     Kenneth St – various locations ·     Belcote Rd – various locations ·     124 Riverview St ·     30 Seville St ·     Dunois St – various locations ·     Rosenthal Avenue car-park ·     Little Street car-park ·     10-12 Woodford St ·     27 Mars Rd ·     18 Haughton St ·     Birdwood Lane – various locations ·     24 Centennial Avenue ·     Longueville Rd – various locations ·     38A Lucretia Avenue ·     Gama Rd – various locations ·     Cliff Rd & Upper Cliff Rd – various locations ·     Dorritt St – various locations ·     Richard St – various locations ·     Prospect Rd – various locations ·     Chisolm Rd – various locations ·     Oscar St – various locations ·     Falumont Avenue – various locations ·     Sofala Ave – various locations ·     Wangala Rd – various locations ·     College Rd – various locations
Kerb and Gutter	·     NA
Contract jobs won by Civic Services	·     NA
Pit Clearing/Jet Blasting	·     Area 1: 20 streets : 53 pits ·     Area 2: 10 streets : 36 pits ·     Area 3: 18 streets : 8 pits  ·     Area 4: 20 streets : 18 pits ·     Area 5: 15 streets : 10 pits 83 streets : 125 pits cleared in total
CCTV Works	·     NA

Construction Works

 

Private Driveways	·     Various Driveways (Restorations) ·     16 Kings Langley Rd ·     250 Longueville Rd (Maintenance)
Storm water drainage system	·     Re-construction of stormwater system with instalment of new 1.2m kerb inlet lintel and new galvanised gully grate with re-construction of kerb and gutter and layback at 1A Hinkler St ·     Construction of new dish drain across the road on Wood St at the intersection of Penrose St. Also removal of existing stormwater pit on Penrose St and re-instate with kerb and gutter ·     Commencement of drainage works at Ronald Avenue o  Site set-up o  Saw-cutting for excavation o  Potholing for underground services locations o  Excavation for the new stormwater pit on down-stream side of the road
New Footpath	·     Construction of new footpath at Kingslangley Rd along with new kopper log retaining wall on one sections – 175m2
Roadworks	·     Tambourine Bay Road – between River Road West and Hamilton Street ·     Tambourine Bay Road – between Hamilton Street and Sofala Street ·     Tambourine Bay Road – between Sofala Street and Yallambee Road ·     Tambourine Bay Road – between Yallambee Road and Taleeban Road ·     Tambourine Bay Road – between Taleeban Road and Carranya Road ·     Tambourine Bay Road – between Carranya Road and Riverview Street. ·     Miramont Avenue – between Surada Avenue and Romani Avenue

 

 

Works programmed to be carried out in July 2011

 

Recurrent  Works

 

Restoration/maintenance of concrete footpath works	Carry out footpath maintenance works in various areas  resulting from customer requests ·     Attending to work requests as received  by Civic Services ·     Re-construction of footpath at Centennial Avenue between Oak Avenue and Garling St – 230m2 (Currently work is on-hold due to Energy Australia/Sydney Water Works) ·     Restoration of footpath on Mowbray Rd between Taylors Drive and Willandra St
Restoration/maintenance of hot mix jobs	Customer requests in various locations ·     Restoration of road at various locations ·     Potholes in various locations, to be completed within appropriate time of complaint/notification being received by depot
Pit Clearing/ Jet Blasting	·     Area 1: 10 streets ·     Area 2: 15 streets ·     Area 3: 20 streets           85 pits to be cleared in total ·     Area 4: 10 streets ·     Area 5: 10 streets
CCTV Works	NA

Construction Works

 

Private Driveways	·     Driveways as per work request received by Civic Services ·     69 Centennial Avenue (Maintenance) ·     77 Centennial Avenue (Maintenance) ·     23 Allison Avenue
Storm water drainage system	·     Completion of Drainage project at Ronald Avenue ·     Maintenance and re-construction of stormwater infrastructure as received by Civic Services ·     Regular cleaning and maintenance of 5 Gross Pollutant Traps (GPT) at various locations throughout Lane Cove
New Kerb and gutter	·     Re-construction and maintenance of kerb and gutter as received by Civic Services
New Footpath	·     Karrilla Avenue – in front of 59 to 63
Roadworks	·     Murray Lane – between Lynvale Close and Ralston Street ·     Murray Lane – between Ralston Street and Roslyn Street

 

OPEN SPACE

 

There were 69 mm of rain recorded this month at Riverview BOM and 117 mm at the golf course, which is around average for this time of the year. The playing fields were closed for 3 days this month due to the wet weather.

 

Strategic Projects

 

Work progressed on the following:

·     Lane Cove Plaza upgrade.

·     Finalising contract for landscape construction works at Greenwich Shopping Precinct.

·     Further work on the Signage manual.

·     Honour Board and flagpole at Library Square repainted.

 

Parks and Playgrounds

 

As well as the usual ongoing maintenance works in parks such as weeding, mowing and cleaning, the following activities have been carried out:

·     All playgrounds checked and weeded.

·     Cox’s Lane Playground is being used by youth for late night drinking, requiring regular clean ups.

·     Additional planting at Greenwich

·     New planting done at Birrahlee Reserve following path upgrade works.

·     Barbecues removed from Burns Bay Reserve while boat and trailer parking project is underway..

 

Sportsfields

 

As well as the usual ongoing maintenance works the following activities have been carried out:

·     Some returfing of low areas at Blackman Park.

·     Repairs to fence at Pottery Green.

 

Bushland

 

Ongoing bush regeneration work in reserves involving Council staff, contractors and volunteers has continued. Additional activities include:

·     Maintenance work on boardwalk at Warraroon Reserve completed.

·     Collapsed heritage sandstone wall near Hartman Hill being rebuilt..

 

Bushcare Activities	Outcomes this Month
Bushcare volunteer hours	·     98.7 hours worked at 13 sites
Community nursery activities since Jan 2011	·     334.75 hours worked by volunteers.
Community nursery production since Jan 2011	·     35 seed trays sown. ·     4828 plants potted on.
Bushcare events	Aboriginal Heritage Walk at Tambourine Bay and Berry Island on 28 May with 17 people attending. This was run in conjunction with North Sydney Council and the Aboriginal Heritage Office.

 

 

 

 

Trees

 

	This month	This month last year	Year to date total	Total last year (July-June)
Applications received	25	65	455	498
Number of trees permitted to be pruned	24	79	649	613
Number of trees permitted to be removed	23	85	452	582
Applications refused	0	18	68	103
Street trees trimmed	14	37	248	286
Street trees removed	8	8	85	179
Street trees planted	0	37	55	67
Other plantings- trees and shrubs	359	1245	9,136	13,411

 

Tree Refusals

 

There were nil refusals this month.

 

Breaches of the Tree Preservation Regulations

 

Contractors working for one of the telecommunication companies damaged roots of 2 street trees adjacent to 75 and 79 Centennial Ave. Council staff have sought legal advice.

 

Tree contractor issued with a warning letter following unauthorised tree work on Kaffir Plum at 15 Arding St.

 

Development Applications Referred for Landscape Assessment

 

19 development applications for landscape assessment including 2 s96.