NOTICE OF MEETING

 

 

Notice is hereby given, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government Act 1993 that a Meeting of Singleton Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Queen Street Singleton, on Tuesday 7 October 2008, commencing at 5.30PM.

 

EMERGENCY EVACUATION FOR COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

 

In case of an emergency, for example a fire, please evacuate the building via the marked exit doors (Mayor points to the doors).  The order to evacuate may be signified by an alarm siren or by a Council officer or myself.  Please proceed to the green “emergency assembly area” signs either near the cycleway on Queen Street (Mayor points in direction of Queen Street) or at the other side of the carpark towards the Gym & Swim (Mayor points again).  An instruction to evacuate to a marked area shoud be followed without delay to assist Council in ensuring the Health and Safety of all staff and visitors.

 

 

AGENDA                                                                                                                            PAGE

 

Apologies

 

Confirmation of Minutes

1.       Council Meeting 01/09/2008

 

Mayoral Minute

 

Disclosures and Declarations of Interest

 

Withdrawal of Items and Late Items of Business

 

Public Access Session

 

General Manager's Report No. 14/08

1.       Local Government and Shires Association Membership Subscription - 2008 - 2009 Financial Year

 

Director Operations Report No. 12/08

1.       Singleton Streetscape Project Control Group (Advisory Committee) Meeting

 

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

1.       Community Development September 2008

2.       Youth Programs

3.       Colleen Gale Children's Services

4.       Youth Worker, Budget Allocation

5.       Safety within the Family

 

Manager Library Report No. 7/08

1.       Library Programs & Events

 

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

1.       Col Fisher Park Masterplan

2.       Minutes of Singleton Sports Council Meeting - 18th September 2008

 

Manager Water and Waste Report No. 13/08

1.       Water and Sewer Reports - 01/08/2008 - 31/08/2008

 

Manager Design and Contracts No. 11/08

1.       Design & Contracts Program Area - Jobs in Progress

 

Manager Works Report No. 15/08

1.       Works Program Area Maintenance and Construction

2.       Bitumen Resealing Program

3.       Tender for Quality Assured State Roads Resealing Program

 

Questions of Which Notice Has Been Given Report No. 20/08

1.       Questions of Which Notice Has Been Given

  

Questions Without Notice in Writing

 

Committee of the Whole

  

ACTING GENERAL MANAGER


 

Singleton Council’s Vision Statement is:

 

“Singleton.  A progressive community of excellence and sustainability”

 

 

Singleton Council’s Mission Statement is:

 

“To provide quality services to the community in an efficient and friendly manner encouraging responsible development”

 

 

Singleton Council’s Core Values are:

 

 

 

Value

Definition

·  

Service

Putting the needs of customers first and achieving excellence in customer service;

 

·  

Consistency

Having a professional approach to work with the highest ethical standards and a businesslike manner across the organisation;

 

·  

Focus

Maintaining a clear focus on the vision and agreed goals;

 

·  

Respect

Earning and retaining the respect of the community;

 

·  

Pride

General pride in works and services;

 

·  

Communication

Excellence in communications;

 

·  

Achievement

Developing a well trained, motivated and focussed staff and elected Council;

 

·  

Equity

Being a fair and equitable employer and provider of services;

 

·  

Reliance

Ensuring that the community, elected Council and staff can rely upon each other;

 

·  

Commitment

Displaying commitment and cohesion between community, elected members and staff;

 

·  

Efficiency

Services provided by the organisation are to be carried out with the efficient allocation of resources;

 

 

 

 

 


 

COUNCIL POLICY

 

 

Council adopted a Code of Conduct

 

 

which provides details of statutory requirements and gives guidance in respect of the way in which pecuniary and conflict of interest issues should be approached.

 

Generally, the policies refer to the following issues:

 

1.         Councillors are under an obligation at law to disclose any interest they may have in any matter before the Council and to refrain from being involved in any consideration or to vote on any such matter.

 

2.         Councillors must disclose any interest in any matter noted in the business paper prior to or at the opening of the meeting.

 

3.         The nature of the interest shall be included in the notification.

 

4.         Councillors shall immediately and during the meeting disclose any interest in respect of any matter arising during the meeting which is not referred to in the business paper.

 

5.         All declarations of interest shall be recorded by the General Manager.

 

6.         All disclosures of interest shall as far as is practicable be given in writing.

 

7.         Any member having an interest shall leave the meeting and remain absent while the subject of the interest is being considered by Council.

 

8.         The meeting shall not discuss any matter in which a councillor has an interest while the councillor is present at the meeting.


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

General Manager's Report No. 15/08

 

 

 

1.

Local Government and Shires Association Membership Subscription - 2008 - 2009 Financial Year

Author: Belinda  Charlton   

 

FILE: 01/0196-3

    

 

Executive Summary:

 

Council has been requested to revisit its resolution of 28 July 2008 in relation to the LGSA subscription fees payable for the period 2008/2009 financial year.

 

 

Background:

 

Council considered a report at the Council Meeting held on 28 July 2008 and resolved as follows:

 

1.       Reject the additional 5% increase in the subscription to the Shires Association of NSW for the 2008/2009 Financial year;

2.       Support the 3.2% increase in the Shires Association subscription for the 2008/20009 Financial Year;

3.       Correspondence with the Shires Association of NSW requesting the Associations to clearly demonstrate why Councils in NSW should bear the additional 5% increase when Council have a similar dilemma to that being experienced by the LGSA.  In effect, Councils would need to essentially reduce services to its residents and ratepayers in order to meet the additional costs being suggested by the LGSA, and;

4.       Request the LGSA to issue a replacement tax invoice reflecting the 2007/2008 fees plus 3.2% increase”.

 

A copy of this report is contained as Attachment 1.  Following Council’s resolution the Acting General Manager notified the LGSA of Council’s position.  A copy of this notification is contained as Attachment 2.  Council has since received further correspondence from the LGSA dated 21 August 2008.  Discussions have occurred since this time to resolve the matter however it would appear that Council is left with only two options, one being to pay the full subscription amount requested or alternatively, not to renew any subscription with the LGSA.  This report attempts to outline the consequences of either decision.

 

Management Plan:

 

Council’s adopted Management Plan contains an allocation of funds for the expected 3.2% increase to the LGSA membership subscription fees for 2008/2009 financial year.  The current subscription amount requested exceeds this by a further 5%.  This exceedence remains unbudgeted at this time.

 

Council Policy:

 

Not applicable

 

Legislation:

 

Not applicable

 

 

Sustainability:

Social:                     

 

Not applicable.

                        

Environmental:       

 

Not applicable

 

Financial:                

 

The additional 5% increase in costs sought would see Council liable to pay an extra $932 on its expected subscription fee.  This amount could be considered from savings at the September 2008 Budget review.  Whilst this amount is not significant it is disappointing that the LGSA does not consider its charges in line with its client’s rate capping limit of 3.2%.  A copy of this correspondence is contained as Attachment 3.

 

Consultation:

 

Consultation has occurred with the LGSA in an attempt to reduce the subscription payable down to the 3.2% expected increase which aligns with the Local Government Rate Capping Limit for 2008/2009.  It would appear that the President of the LGSA Cr Bruce Miller, is unwilling to reduce the value of the subscription as sought.

 

Risk Management:

 

The services provided by the LGSA not only to Singleton Council but to Shires across New South Wales are considered to be valuable in that the LGSA provides a voice to State Government that no individual Council could in itself achieve.  Singleton Council utilises the service not only for Policy submissions and advocacy requirements but also to obtain significant legal advice which would otherwise be costed to private providers.  A further benefit of maintaining the subscription is the training opportunities that are given not only to Council Staff but also to Elected Members.

 

The risk of not paying the 2008/2009 subscription would see Council incur greater costs in sourcing both training and legal advice elsewhere, as well as limiting its ability to advocate on key matters affecting Local Government.

 

Options:

 

1.       To pay the full subscription amount as requested.

2.       To allow membership to the LGSA to lapse.

 


Conclusions:

 

It is likely that Singleton Council would incur greater costs during the financial year through sourcing services from other organisations rather than agreeing to pay the requested subscription amount.  The LGSA are now acutely aware that not only Singleton Council but others in the Hunter on principle do not agree with such an increase being applied over the rate capping amount.  It is unlikely at this time that Singleton Council could afford not to renew the 2008/2009 subscription but will consider its options during the next Management Plan period.

 

RECOMMENDED that Council:

 

1.       Agree to the payment of the 2008/2009 financial year subscription;

2.       Endorse the Acting General Manager to correspond with the LGSA notifying of Council’s decision and reiterating Council’s in principle objection to the unexpected increase; and.

3.       Consider any alternative options for the next Management Plan period.

 

Acting General Manager

 

Attachments

AT-1View

Report to Council 28 July 2008

3 Pages

AT-2View

LGSA Notification

2 Pages

AT-3View

Response from LGSA

2 Pages

 

  


Attachment 1

General Manager's Report No. 15/08

Report to Council 28 July 2008

Local Government and Shires Association Membership Subscription - 2008 - 2009 Financial Year

 

 



 


Attachment 2

General Manager's Report No. 15/08

LGSA Notification

Local Government and Shires Association Membership Subscription - 2008 - 2009 Financial Year

 

 


 


Attachment 3

General Manager's Report No. 15/08

Response from LGSA

Local Government and Shires Association Membership Subscription - 2008 - 2009 Financial Year

 

 


  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Director Operations Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

1.

Singleton Streetscape Project Control Group (Advisory Committee) Meeting

Author: Gary  Woodman   

 

FILE: 00/0093-2

    

 

Detail:

 

The Minutes of the Singleton Streetscape Project Control Group (Advisory Committee) Meeting  held on 2 September 2008 are detailed as Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

Gary Woodman

Director Operations

 

 

 

Attachments

AT-1View

Minutes - 2 September 2008

24 Pages

 

  


Attachment 1

Director Operations Report No. 13/08

Minutes - 2 September 2008

Singleton Streetscape Project Control Group (Advisory Committee) Meeting

 

 
























  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

1.

Community Development September 2008

Author: Wendell  Peacock   

 

FILE: 01/0163-2

    

 

Detail:

 

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the key activities of the Community Development Officer (CDO) and Community Development Officer – Special Projects for the month of September 2008.

 

 

The CDO was on annual leave until 16 September.

 

Ageing Community

 

·    The CDO attended the Upper Hunter Ageing & Disability Network, which is supported by the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and is attended by service providers for ageing & disability throughout the region.

·    The CDO attended the Community Settings working group of the Positive Ageing Strategy for the Hunter, which discussed issues of adaptable housing, disaster planning for the aged/disabled, transport, safety etc.

 

Disability

 

The CDO acts as an advisor to the Equity & Diversity Committee, which is finalising an action plan for the Equity & Diversity Management Plan.

 

Community Safety

 

Further progress has been made on the Crime Prevention Plan, in collaboration with the Local Area Command Community Liaison Officer.

Drug Action Prevention Awareness (DAPA)

 

The committee is undertaking a media awareness campaign with the support of the Singleton Argus. It is noted that from September through to the end of the year there is an increase in 18th birthday parties.  The Singleton Argus has agreed to provide editorial space free of charge on a regular basis for DAPA to provide educational information to the community.  In the first instance there will be a series of ‘Safe Party’ facts which come from the Lake Macquarie – ‘Every Smarty Reports a Party’ programme.  

 

Secure Taxi Rank

 

Additional evaluation of the secure taxi rank has recently been conducted, with approximately 100 evaluation forms forwarded to the Ministry of Transport.  The Ministry has indicated that they will provide feedback regarding the future status of the project and any recommendations for the continuation of the secure rank by mid October.

 

Domestic Violence

 

Plans are underway for the provision of an educational puppet show to be delivered to all public schools in Singleton.  A sponsorship application has been forwarded to Xstrata Coal to enable the delivery of four puppet shows, plus training in puppetry for teachers and service providers. This will develop local skills and enable service providers and teachers to use puppets to engage young children to increase awareness of domestic violence and introduce messages of safety.

 

Safehaven Reunion

 

The scale of the reunion has been reviewed given the limited responses received.  The reunion will still take place over the long weekend, June 2009.  The celebrations will encompass a Sunday morning service to be held at the memorial garden located at the Singleton Army Base with a luncheon to be held back at the Singleton Public Library which will enable those who attend to reacquaint themselves with friends and reminisce over the photos and stories that the Library have collated.  

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

2.

Youth Programs

Author: Jennifer Underwood   

 

FILE: 01/0393

    

 

Detail:

 

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the attendance statistics and activities undertaken by Youth Programs during August 2008 and of planned future events.

 

 

 

Youth Venue Based Activities

 

                                 August 2008                 August 2007

Male                                  207                                  40                                               

Female                              210                                  75

Total                                 417                                115

 

11-14                                318                                  65

15-17                                 99                                  59

 

Over 17                                 7                                    0         

                                                        

Off-site Activities

 

August 2008                                             

 

Nil off site activities due to recruitment of new Youth Programs Coordinator.

 

August 2007

 

Better Futures.        100                             

                                               

Activities:

 

Attendance

 

Attendance, particularly on Friday nights, continued to be strong. A typical Friday night includes a pool comp, a table tennis comp, karaoke, internet access and just hanging out with friends.

 

Workshops

 

Workshops are conducted in Fashion, Break-dance and Belly-dance. A four week Commercial Radio Workshop will commence on Thursday 23rd October. Drama and Stand up Comedy workshops are being investigated as possibilities for term 4.

 

Special Event.

 

The 48 Hours of Fame movie contest ran and although there was little promotion of this event, the two movies were of top quality and 25 parents, grandparent’s, siblings and friends attended a screening of entries at the venue.

 

Singleton Show

 

Youth Venue staff will be attending the Singleton Show on Saturday 27 September accompanied by 2 Youth Stilt-Walkers. Our purpose will be to meet and greet young people, families and community members and deliver Youth Programs promotional material about our service.

 

Venue Hire

 

Rooms were hired in August by Adolescent and Family Counsellor, Legal Aid, Family Relationships, Baptist Church, PSP Student Voice Forum, Wonnarua Aboriginal Corporation, Arts Upper Hunter, Family Insight, Disability Advisory Committee, Educare, Community Services Interagency and X Strata Coal.

         

Interest has also been shown for monthly recitals in the auditorium by the Singleton Bush Poets Society.

 

The auditorium has been booked by theatre company “Shakespeare et al” to present the play “Lost Property” on Sunday 16 November 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

3.

Colleen Gale Children's Services

Author: Jennifer Underwood   

 

FILE: 01/0447-3

    

 

Detail:

 

The purpose of this report is to inform Council of the occupancy and activities of the Colleen Gale Children’s Services for the month of August 2008.

 

 

Actual                           Budgeted

 

Nursery                                       98.09%                          85%

2-3 room                                     77.38%                          85%

Preschool                                     90.47%                          85%

Mobile Pre-school                       63.69%                          50%

Before school care                       26.98%                          20%

After school care                          90.95%                      83.3%

                                                                     

Note: Before and After school care figures based on a 30 place capacity.

 

Nursery

 

·    The children enjoyed playing with the tools. They pretended to fix the tables, chairs and the shelves.

·    Home corner has been popular. The play food and plates have been put in the cupboards and the children have loved opening and closing the doors.

·    All the children are getting very clever at painting at the easel.

 

2-3 year room

 

·    Children made gold medals for the Olympics and also decorated the flags of the world.

·    An excursion to the library for Book Week was lots of fun. The children caught a bus to the library for story time. We also had morning tea and a play in the park.

 

Preschool

 

·    Children celebrated the Mini Olympics. Events included bean bag shot-put, long jump, bike races and track events. All the children made gold medals and were presented with them at an outdoor ceremony on the deck. Everyone was very proud to be Australian. Advance Australia Fair was played and we even chanted “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie – OI OI OI.” A real hit with the children.

·    The preschool children also participated in the book week excursion to the library and park.

·    Children are up to the letter ‘n’ in learning the alphabet rhymes.

 

Mobile Preschool

 

·    Staff have been focusing on teaching children the skills they need for school. The Primary School has arranged transition days for the children at Kirkton Public School to attend.  

·    Staff have been working on a new program format that focuses more on the parent input and evaluations of the children's day, which then keeps individual observations more confidential.

·    At Mt Olive we have been working with some of the parents who are on the committee at the hall to see what renovations need to be made. They were successful in receiving Area Assistance Scheme funding to renovate the toilets to make them wheelchair accessible.

·    We have picked up a second day at Mount Olive commencing on September 1st. Numbers at each venue are improving, with more prospective enrolments coming.

 

Out of School Hours (OOSH)

 

·    Children have been very busy in the morning playing blind man’s bluff. The hot wheels have also been a favourite with children enjoying making tracks and creating loops for the cars.

·    While waiting for the bus of a morning the children have loved the skipping ropes, the fuzzy balls and the mini-hand held trampolines.

·    Active After-School Program – The rubber chickens and fuzzy balls have been used for plenty of games. The rubber chickens are used like balls but have an extra novelty attached to them that the children seem to love. Down hill races have been lots of fun for the children.

·    The staff helped children channel their creativeness by doing some palm leaf craft. The children weaved leaves through plates, made snakes, mats and people.

 

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

4.

Youth Worker, Budget Allocation

Author: Jennifer Underwood   

 

FILE: 01/0393

    

 

Executive Summary:

 

With the resignation of the Part Time Youth Worker, the position as a 30 hour per week position should be reviewed.  This report seeks to have the position increased to 38 hours/week, therefore increasing Council’s current establishment hours.

 

Unspent funding from Department of Community Services for the Better Futures Program will fund the additional 8 hours per week for the remainder of the 2008/2009 financial year. The budget for the additional hours once this funding is exhausted will be transferred from a reduction in the casual community services assistant budget.

 

 

Background:

 

Staffing requirements for the Youth Venue has increased since its opening in October 2007. The increase in staffing demand, with greater utilisation and the hiring of the facilities, has not been addressed in a formal staff establishment allocation. The additional staffing needs were, instead, reflected in an increased casual staffing vote for the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 financial years.

 

The annual funding for the Better Futures or ‘Space’ Program from the Department of Community Services has been unspent for the 2007/2008 financial year and carried over to 2008/2009. This has been due to staffing shortages at the Youth Venue and constraints within the High School, through which this program is to be developed and implemented.

 

This unspent funding from the Department of Community Services has been expended in the past through additional hours worked by the Part Time Youth Worker in the development of programs in partnership with the High School and costed to the Better Futures Program. Permission was sought and granted from the Department of Community Services for this to occur.

 

Management Plan:

 

The implementation of the Better Futures Program is listed as a strategic action in the Community Services Youth Programs Area.

 

Council Policy:

 

Not applicable

 

Legislation:

 

Not applicable

 

Sustainability:

                  

Social:

 

The employment of a full time youth worker recognises Council’s commitment to youth programs and the operation of the new Youth Venue. The expansion of Youth Programs through the construction of the new Venue coupled with youth development and outreach demands, relies heavily on the need for Council to recognise the diverse role of the Youth Worker.

                

Environmental:

 

Not applicable

 

Financial:

 

The employment costs for a full time Youth Worker at Grade 6 Step 2 are $39,075.61. Currently for the 30 hours per week, the total direct employment costs are $29,576.89. This includes superannuation, workers compensation insurance, annual leave and long service entitlements. The additional cost to fund the recommendation in this report is $9,498.72. Unexpended funding for the Better Futures Program that has been carried over to this financial year is $7,364. The annual funding amount for the Better Futures Program from the Department of Community Services is $7,127. Total funding available for the 2008/2009 financial year to fund the position is $14,491. The remaining $4,992.28 will fund programming costs in partnership with Singleton High School for the Better Futures Program.  Better Futures funding is an annual allocation.

 

Consultation:

 

Consultation has taken place with the Director Operations, Executive Manager Organisation Development, Manager Finance, Youth Programs Coordinator and Youth Venue staff in the recommendation for this position. 

 

Risk Management:

 

Not applicable.

 

Options:

 

1.       Recruitment of a Youth Worker full time, with a focus on the Better Futures Program to expend funds and allocate the casual staffing budget to a full time position rather than utilising casual staff. This is the recommended option.

 

2.       Recruitment of a 30 hour week Part Time Youth Worker, giving the successful applicant the opportunity for extended hours, costed to the unexpended funding of the Better Futures Program, until this funding has been expended.

 

Conclusions:

 

On recruitment of a Youth Worker, the Better Futures program will be a focus in order to expend the funds in accordance with the Funding Agreement with the Department of Community Services.

 

The advertisement of a full time Youth Worker position will attract a greater applicant skills set, ensuring greater continuity in Youth Programs. The utilisation of staffing budgets for the position of Youth Worker rather than for casual staff (who are not always available and are not required to be as experienced, qualified or specialised as the permanent positions) is a cost effective solution to the staffing demands since the opening of the new Youth Venue.

 

The casual vote will be decreased, due to the additional hours and availability for the Youth Worker. This will be reflected in the financial quarterly reviews.

 

 

RECOMMENDED that the Part Time Youth Worker position be reviewed and advertised as a full time Youth Worker of 38 hours per week, utilising unspent Better Futures funding and a decrease in the casual staffing vote, to pay for the additional 8 hours per week.

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

5.

Safety within the Family

Author: Gail Easton   

 

FILE: 07/0225

    

 

Executive Summary:

 

The purpose of this report is to provide information regarding the Safety Within the Family Project, with the recommendation that Council accepts funding received from the Department of Community Services Hunter Area Assistance Scheme for the Safety Within the Family Project.

 

The Funding Application as contained as Attachment 1 and letters of support as contained at Attachment 2 are produced for Council’s information and reference.

 

The Mayor and the Acting General Manager are also required to be authorised to execute the Funding Agreement between Singleton Council and the Department of Community Services for the Safety Within the Family Area Assistance Scheme Project, under Council’s Seal.

 

Background:

 

The Safety Within the Family Project aims to improve support for families impacted on by domestic violence. This will be achieved through the improvement of support networks and identifying and implementing a collaborative service model and partnerships. The development of the Project is guided by priorities identified in the NSW State Plan including:

 

·    Rights, Respect and Responsibilities:

·   Reduce crime particularly violent crime;

·   Reducing re-offending;

·   Increased integration in community activities.

·    Fairness and Opportunity for the most vulnerable.

·    Embedding the principle of the prevention and early intervention into government service delivery in NSW.

·    Reduce rates of child abuse and neglect.

·    Reduce the number of repeat offenders.

 

Policy and procedure guidelines and partnership agreements to establish ways of working within existing resources will be developed as part of the project, to enable continuing practice and sustainability upon completion of the project.

 

Management Plan:

 

Council Management Plan 2008-2009/2010-2011 includes an Access and Equity Activity Statement (p16) which is designed to assist Council to:

 

·    Promote fairness in the distribution of resources, particularly those in need;

·    Recognise and promote people’s rights and improve accountability of decision makers;

·    Ensure that people have fair access to the economic resources and services essential to meeting their basic needs and improving their quality of life; and

·    Give people better opportunities for genuine participation and consultation about decisions affecting their lives.

 

Council Policy:

 

The project is guided by the Community Safety Committee Terms of Reference, including:

 

1.      Assist in the co-ordination of crime prevention efforts in the Singleton LGA to prevent duplication, increase efficiency and promote co-operation between agencies.

2.     Act as an Advisory Committee to Council and make recommendations for specific Council related activities to improve the safety of residents.

3.     Undertake research:

§  compiling a crime profile or map of the area;

§  conducting safety audits and community crime surveys;

§  collecting statistics and information from various agencies;

§  analysing data collected; and

§  collecting information about current programs and services which impact on crime prevention.

 

Legislation:

 

There are a range of civil and criminal responses to protect victims and prevent domestic violence.  These remedies offer protection against many forms of domestic violence, including acts that are not physically violent. These processes are tabled below;

 

Legal Processes

Specific processes include:

·    Protecting the victim: Apprehended Violence Orders (AVO’s).

·    Criminal Charges arising out of a domestic violence incident.

·    Family Law.

·    Approved counselling and /or compensation for victims of crime.

Legal Remedies

Legal action in response to domestic violence may address:

·    A criminal action and provide punishment for it; and/or

·    Future protection to a person by prohibiting or restricting certain behaviours of the defendant in the form of a protection order.

·    Compensation.

 

Sustainability:

Social:

 

Within the 2004/05-2009/10 Crime Prevention Plan adopted by Council in December 2004 issues relating to domestic violence with suggested strategies were identified. These included Education programs in Anger Management/Living without Violence and appropriate research to determine need. It is stated in the Action Plan that if this need is established, funding opportunities should be identified and funding applied for.

 

The Social Plan identifies (p134) issues for women:

 

 

·       Lack of public awareness.

·       Women do not report domestic violence.

·       Lack of resources and training within NSW Police to respond effectively to      domestic violence.

·       Improve awareness of access to services in the area.

 

The Issues for Men (p136) were:

 

·       Lack of services for men and low access by men.

·       Lack of understanding of the issue for men aged 18-35.

·       Impacts of shift work – health, stress on family, loss of social life.

·       Domestic Violence – men as perpetrators. 

 

Environmental:

 

Not applicable.

 

Financial:

 

An application for funding has been successful through the Hunter Area Assistance Scheme.  An eligibility requirement for funding is conducted as part of the application process. The eligibility process requires extensive consultation, with the application also subject to local and regional ranking committees, who assess the need and appropriateness of the project for recommendation of funding to the Minister for Community Services.

 

This is a time limited project that provides a total sum of $67,500. The funding will employ a part time project officer for a period of two years for 15 hours per week. The Safety Within the Family Project Officer will be managed as part of the Community Services Program Area.

 

Contributions in-kind or costs of the program that are Council’s responsibility will be funded through the current Community Services Program Area budget. The position will be located at the Youth Venue, utilising the currently unused work station in the main office.

 

At the close of the project Council will not hold any further financial responsibility in the progression of this project.

 

Consultation:

 

In the development of the Project and the funding application, Council has consulted with members of the Singleton Domestic Violence Committee, local service providers such as Singleton Family Support, Lifeline, Benevolent Society as well as the Domestic Violence Specialist Prevention Officer, Department of Corrective Services, NSW Police and the local Magistrate. Letters of support are contained as Attachment 2.

         

Risk Management:

 

Identified risks associated with the project are minimal, however, the risks that are associated with domestic violence are often seen as harassment, victimisation, family stress and family displacement.  Other identified factors that are linked to domestic violence are the associated costs placed upon families, businesses and the community. 

 

Options:

 

1.       Accept the Area Assistance Scheme funding to the amount of $67, 500 from the Department of Community Services and commence recruitment of a part time Safety Within the Family Project Officer. This is the recommended option.

2.       Reject the funding to the amount of $67,500, with the project outcomes being unable to be achieved with the existing human resources of the Community Services Program Area.

 

Conclusions:

 

Acceptance of the funding for the Safety within the family Project is seen as advantageous to Council and the Singleton community.

 

 

RECOMMENDED that:

 

1.       Council accept the funding to the amount of $67,500 from the Department of Community Services and a part time Safety Within the Family Project Officer be employed for a period of two years to implement the Project. 

 

2.       Finalisation of the Project occurs at the conclusion of the funding period, with no further commitments from Council, according to the Funding Agreement between Singleton Council and the Department of Community Services.

 

3.       That the Acting General Manager and the Mayor be authorised to execute the Funding Agreement between Singleton Council and the Department of Community Services for the Safety Within the Family Area Assistance Scheme Project, under Council’s Seal.

 

 

                                                              

Jennifer Underwood                                                                                                       Gary Woodman

Manager Community Services                                                                                   Director Operations

 

 

Attachments

AT-1View

AAS- Funding Application SWiF

5 Pages

AT-2View

Letter of Support - SWiF

6 Pages

 

  


Attachment 1

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

AAS- Funding Application SWiF

Safety within the Family

 

 

Application summary for project - Safety Within the Family (Ref. 90071/08)

 

Date of discussion with CPO

6 August 2007

Name of CPO/Departmental officer:

Jennifer Blythe

Organisation name:

Singleton Council

ABN:

52 877 492 396

Contact person:

Jennifer Underwood

Contact's position:

Community Services Manager

Contact's phone:

65787311

Contact's fax

65724197

Contact's e-mail

junderwood@singelton.nsw.gov.au   

Legal status:

Local Government

Purpose of the project:

Promoting safe communities

State Plan priorities:

Yes

Category of funding:

Community development (time-limited)

Years of development:

2

Local government area:

Singleton

Target group 1:

Families

Target group 2:

Men

Target group 3:

Other...NSW judicial system

Area/s covered:

One whole LGA

Details of organizations contacted who give support for the project:

§ NSW Police / Superintendent B.McHugh / 65787499 / Initiated discussions with domestic Violence Committee

§ Singleton Domestic Violence Committee / Michael Absalom / 0428730216 / Item of interest for the committee to support.

 


Project details and profile:

This project will do:

This project will employ a project officer 2 days per week for two years to research and identify a best practice model of service relevant to the identified project area in consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Consultation already conducted with significant stakeholders who have provided letters of support for the project include Department of Corrective Services - Probation and Parole, Local Area Commander NSW Police - Singleton, Lifeline, and Benevolent Society.  Members of local domestic violence committee are also in support of the project and have indicated their commitment to developing partnerships which will address and instigate better practice when dealing with the many aspects of domestic violence.

The project aims to improve support for families impacted on by domestic violence; to improve supports by identifying and implementing collaborative service models, improved case management and increase partnerships.

State Plan Details:

§ Rights, Respect and Responsibilities –

o Reduced crime, particularly violent crime;

o Reducing re-offending.

o Increasing integration in community activities.

§ Fairness and Opportunity for the most vulnerable –

§ Embedding the principle of the prevention and early intervention into government service delivery in NSW.

§ Reduced rates of child abuse and neglect.

§ Reduce the number of repeat offenders.

Project objectives:

Accessibility:

Improved support mechanisms through the development of partnership agreements and methods of working will clearly identify roles, gaps in service and strategies to meet these gaps.

Indicators:

§ Increased service provider collaboration.

§ Increased referral links between services.

§ Increased participation by perpetrators in perpetrator programs.

§ Decrease in the number of repeat offenders of domestic violence.


Objective 1:        Develop Safety Within The Family Plan.

a)

achieved by:

Identify relevant stakeholders and form Steering Committee to monitor project and assist in production of Safety Within the Family Plan.

 

Will change:

Consultation will focus on local needs and ensure accessibility.

 

Time frame:

3 months

 

b)

achieved by:

Research local needs, consult with stakeholders, and research Best Practice Domestic Violence Programs.

 

Will change:

Best Practice methods relevant to local needs identified. Collaboration of existing service providers to identify most appropriate model for area.

 

Time frame:

6 months

 

c)

achieved by:

Documentation of compiled consultation results, and implementation, ongoing consultation and evaluation strategies in Safety Within the Family Plan.

 

Will change:

Enable effective implementation and modification of project. Existing Australian research on Domestic Violence best practice programs will be enhanced.

 

Time frame:

9 months

Objective 2:        Implement Safety within the Family Plan

a)

achieved by:

Formation of a Family Response Team, consisting of local service providers, to ensure early intervention strategies are employed for victims impacted upon and perpetrators who instigate Domestic Violence.

 

Will change:

Improved support for victims and perpetrators to address the issues and avoid unnecessary breakdown of the family unit.

 

 

Time frame:

16 months

 


 

b)

achieved by:

Lobby NSW Police and the NSW Judicial System for DV perpetrators to enter perpetrator programs. Commitment by Police for quality control when dealing with incidents of DV.

Senior supervision of DV matters if no change is identified when dealing with incidents of DV.

 

 

Will change:

An increased number of DV perpetrators attending perpetrator programs. Decreased incidence of repeat DV offences. Decreased unnecessary breakdown of family unit.

 

 

Time frame:

18 months

 

c)

achieved by:

Sustainability Report prepared detailing Evaluation and Action plan. Ensuring strategies are developed and changes are sustained. Reviewed through establishment of steering committee to monitor progress

 

 

Will change:

Service providers, Police and Local Courts continue to operate as per Partnership Agreements. Ongoing benefits to the community and families with decreased incidences of repeat Domestic Violence. Consider making report findings more widely available.

 

 

Time frame:

24 months

Maintenance:

After funding:

Council’s involvement with stakeholders will continue.  Policy and procedure guidelines and partnership agreements which establish ways of working within existing resources will be developed as part of the project to enable continuing practice and sustainability on project completion.  

 


Project budget

 

Year One

Year Two

Project Establishment     

-

-

Wages / Salaries

Project Officer, Local Gov award, 15   

$23,400

$23,400

On Costs

$5,850

$5,850

Sub Total

$29,250

$29,250

Administration

-

-

Audit

-

-

Rent

-

-

General Administration

$1,000

$1,000

Other Project Costs

-

-

Translator/Interpretor

 

 

Travel

$1,000

$1,000

Training

$1,500

$1,500

Other (Catering, forums, consultations

$1,000

$1,000

Sub Total

$3,500

$3,500

Total

$33,750

$33,750

 

Non-monetary contribution:

Office, pool car, computer, phone, fax, internet.

 

 


Attachment 2

Manager Community Services Report No. 13/08

Letter of Support - SWiF

Safety within the Family

 

 






  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Library Report No. 7/08

 

 

 

1.

Library Programs & Events

Author: Robyn Tonks   

 

FILE: 01/0573

    

 

Detail:

 

This report outlines the key library programs and events in this reporting period.

 

 

·   Readers’ Week

Readers’ Week was set for 1 to 8 September. Due to Singleton Public Library’s heavy schedule of Book Week events that actually went for 2 weeks and was just prior to this, we did not have time to plan anything. However, it was a good opportunity to promote reading, one of our primary focuses, and so library staff decided to celebrate the week later in the month as part of the monthly ‘Read @ Your Library’ marketing theme. The date was set for the third week of September, 15th to 20th.

 

The following events took place:

·    Using recently purchased software a series of fabulous ‘READ’ posters were created featuring, celebrities like current and past members of the Knights and Bob Hawke as well as well known locals such as the Mayor, shop owners and library users. The posters were displayed throughout the library.

·    Casual morning and afternoon teas were provided and library visitors wrote down on a post-it what they are currently reading and they were displayed on a board.

·    A ‘Motivational Reading’ poster competition using the popular social networking website, flickr.com was held. This got staff, as well as patrons, involved with Librarian 2.0 activities which are a professional development target for staff. The competition had special appeal for youth, but was open to all. Youth Night fell during our Reader’s Week and they were able to work on their entries as one of the activities.

·    The top 50 books most borrowed in the Junior, Youth and Adult sections, Fiction and Non-Fiction, were listed and displayed. Patrons were allowed to place reserves without charge for these.

 

·   School Visits

3 classes from St Catherine's Catholic College were given introductory tours of the Local Studies resources in preparation for them to undertake their major year 9 Geography assignment, History and Land Use Change in the Local Community.

·   Exhibition from the State Library

Tragic and heroic stories behind Australia’s critical environmental challenges were exposed in the powerful travelling exhibition, Impact: a Changing Land, from the State Library of NSW that was at the library from 5 – 22 September 2008. 

 

The exhibition revealed the dramatic environmental changes brought about by human activity, starting with the over-exploitation of natural resources by early European settlers through to the gritty reality of the modern industrial age.

 

According to exhibition curator, Stephen Martin, “This is a remarkable and moving exposé of valuable historical evidence illustrating the actions and attitudes that have protected and harmed our environment in NSW since European settlement.”

 

Stories of drought, whaling, land clearing and preservation, exotic pests and air pollution were told through rarely seen artworks, photographs and documents from the State Library’s unrivalled collections. The exhibition also featured interviews with high profile scientists including Australian of the Year 2007, Tim Flannery, presenting their views and challenges for the future.

 

The exhibition centred on four contentious geographic locations:  greater Sydney, NSW coasts, Murray-Darling Basin and the World Heritage listed Macquarie Island. Contrasting the controversial history of harm to the environment are incredible stories of deep affection and inspiring endeavours to save and preserve this fragile land such as the 13 Hunters Hill housewives who linked arms with trade unionists to save Kelly’s Bush, forcing the world’s first Green Ban.

 

·   Book Clubs

On Wednesday 10th September, there was a meeting with community members who had expressed interest in participating in Library Book Clubs. The Library is waiting for receipt of the 12 Book Club kits from our zone co-operative grant.

 

It was explained that one or two Book Clubs would be hosted by library staff member, Lee Croucher, using the kits purchased with the zone grant funding. These are due to arrive within the next month. There are many options for more clubs such as different genres or special interest and these were discussed at the meeting.

 

All attendees were enthusiastic and so keen to start they did not want to wait for the kits to arrive. By the end of the meeting, we had a definite 10 people for a daytime club and several for an evening. Several people who were unable to attend the meeting were contacted the next day and a few more were also recruited at the library in the following days. As a result, we now have 11 for a daytime group and we also have an evening group of 9 people.  The first meetings will be on Friday 10th October, 10.30 to 11.30am for the daytime group and Tuesday evening 14th October, 6.30 to 7.30pm for the evening group.

 

As many of them were at the Books Alive crime author lunch, it was decided that the books for October would be ‘Voodoo Doll’ by Leah Giarratano for the daytime group and Michael Robotham’s ‘Bombproof’ for the evening group. Both authors were guest speakers at the library last month. If the kits don’t arrive before these meetings, they will swap titles for a November meeting.

 

A volunteer at Cooinda attended the meeting and we discussed the possibility of forming a club for nursing home residents and seniors as a spin off. We are keen to follow this through and we are exploring the options. The aim is to give the Cooinda residents an outside interest.

 

·   Writing Workshops

A successful CASP grant provided the opportunity for the Library to offer a series of free writing workshops hosted by well known author and teacher, Deb Westbury. Deb Westbury has been a familiar and respected voice in Australian poetry since her work was first published in 1975. Her poetry has since been widely anthologised. Deb was born and has spent most of her life on the NSW coast south of Sydney, developing a dual career as a writer and teacher - with an undergraduate degree in teaching and a Master of Creative Arts degree in writing. She is an inspirational educator and speaker, as well as an entertaining reader of her own poetry. She teaches courses in creative writing at university and for various community groups and high schools throughout the State. In 1999 she was guest lecturer at the prestigious Catskill Poetry Workshop in the US. In August 2000 she was writer in residence for James Cook University in Queensland. She is actively involved with the Poets' Union, The Australian Society of Authors and Varuna Writers' Centre in the Blue Mountains where she presently resides.

We were able to offer one day and one evening session for the general public and one session to schools. 10 people attended the evening session, 12 the morning session and 30 students from St. Catherine’s attended the school session.

 

·   Australian Public Library Summit 2009

The following notice was received from the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA) and is submitted for Council’s information:

The public library sector has long been neglected and under funded, by State and Commonwealth governments. There is a paradox that despite the consistently high use of libraries, and the increasingly varied services, resources and programs they offer, their role in supporting the community is not well recognised by government. There is an urgent need to develop a partnership with all three levels of government to address these issues, and to maximize public libraries’ contribution to Australian life. The primary purpose of the Summit is to engage with government and create an action agenda which represents the needs of the Australian public library network. In other words: a series of actions which have a significant likelihood of happening. While they may include agreed statements of principles there will be a focus on actions including development of a funding strategy. The Summit is being convened by ALIA with the support of Public Libraries Australia (PLA), the State and Territory public library associations, National and State Libraries Australasia (NSLA) and Friends of Libraries Australia. The project will initially be funded by ALIA with other stakeholders having informally committed to providing financial support. It is planned for March/April 2009 and will be held in Canberra. While the number of participants at the Summit will be limited to 50 people we will be inviting submissions and ideas from as many contributors as possible. These will include several commissioned papers on core policy issues. Submissions will lead into a small number of Summit papers to be considered directly by the participants. We believe that this is an opportunity to determine a way forward which will lead to a better recognition of the central and valued role of public libraries in Australian life, and their capacity to advance policies across a wide range of areas.

·   Joan Ingram completed Certificate III in her Library and Information Studies and will be commencing her Library Technician’s course as part of her traineeship.

·   ABC Radio Newcastle contacted the Library for information on the Library’s Writers Group and has since interviewed a member of the group on radio.

·   October Holiday Activities

Planning and promotion for the October holiday activities was completed. The following activities will occur:

·    Magic show, ‘JD’s World of Magic’, with Joel Howlett. A great show from a professional young performer on Thursday 2nd October, 10.30-11.10am. Suitable for all  ages. $5 per ticket (adults and children).

·    Magic workshop with Joel Howlett. Kids 6 years and over learn magic tricks from a professional.  Thursday 2nd October, 1pm to 2pm. $7 ticket (parents can watch)

·    Free gift making workshops. Participants make gifts, bags, boxes and cards. Two sessions on Wednesday 8th October, 10:30 am -11:30 am or 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Suitable for all ages.

 

·   Mental Health Week

On Thursday, 9th October from 6.00 to 7.00pm, the Library is hosting a session on mood disorders presented by Bill Howey, an ambassador for the Black Dog Institute. The presentation will include information on signs, symptoms, treatment and statistics related to the topic, as well as the speaker’s personal experience of living with depression.

 

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

                                                                                                  

Robyn Tonks                                                                                                                 Gary Woodman

Manager Library                                                                                                       Director Operations

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

1.

Col Fisher Park Masterplan

Author: Alan Fletcher   

FILE: 04/0130

    

 

Executive Summary:

 

On 4 August, 2008 Singleton Council resolved that the Masterplan be advertised for public exhibition.

 

Two submissions were received from:

 

·    Singleton Tidy Town Committee; and

·    Mrs Adrienne Fisher.

 

The Tidy Town Committee supported the plan but would also like a toilet.   Mrs Fisher and her family wish to donate a picnic shelter at the park in memorial of the Hon Col Fisher.

 

A copy of the Masterplan is contained as Attachment 1.

 

The report recommends that the Masterplan be approved.

 

Background:

 

Col Fisher Park at Hunterview, shown on the plan below was dedicated as Park in 2002 and 2006 (2 Parcels of land totalling 6.8 hectares). 

 

 

Locality sketch

 

 Existing section of Col Fisher Park shown green.

 

The rezoning of the Huntergreen area in 2007 zoned another 17.1 hectares as future open space, part of which will be added to Col Fisher Park. 

 

The Masterplan has been prepared to facilitate the future development and conservation of the Park.  The Plan covers the existing and proposed Park land.

 

The existing and proposed Col Fisher Park is generally below the 1 in 100 year flood level.  The site is incised by a creek line which forms a deep gully close to the confluence with the Hunter River.  The site has deep alluvial soils on the lower areas and clay soils in the higher areas. The site is generally vegetated by grasses (cleared grazing land) with some stands of trees along the creek line.  There is a significant stand of Red River Gums close to the Hunter River.

 

The Park was named after the Hon. Col Fisher who was a local Councillor, a State Member of Parliament and Minister.

 

Management Plan:

 

Funds were included in the 2007/08 Budget and Management Plan to fund the conceptual design.  The design work was primarily carried out in-house by Council staff and the final plan was prepared by Moir Landscape Architects. 

 

Council Policy:

 

Col Fisher Park is covered by the Singleton Heights Gully Parks Plan of Management, (Policy Number 25018.2).  The plan of management allows the developments set out in the Masterplan.

 

The maintenance standards adopted for the park in the Plan of Management are:-

 

Steep Embankment        -         Utility  =     No or minimal mowing due to site being too steep.  Grass

edges are not treated, site not irrigated, landscape

treatment generally bushland or site with steep slope.

 

Remainder                      -        Low  =        Occasional mowing or clean up, not irrigated, grass edges

                                                                   not treated.  Landscape treatment generally trees or

pasture grass.

 

Legislation:

 

The Local Government Act, 1993 has mandatory core objectives for management of community land.  The objectives in Section 36G of the Act for community land categorised as ‘Park’ are:

 

·        To encourage, promote and facilitate recreational, cultural, social and educational past times and activities; 

·        To provide for passive recreational activities or pastimes and for the casual playing of games; and

·        To improve the land in such a way as to promote and facilitate its use to achieve the other core objectives for its management.

 

The Local Government Act also prescribes a set of principles that are to guide a council in carrying out its functions which includes:

 

·        To provide directly or on behalf of other levels of government, after due consultation, adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community and to ensure that those services and facilities are managed efficiently and effectively.

·        To exercise community leadership.

·        To promote and to provide and plan for the needs of children.

·        To properly manage, develop, protect, restore, enhance and conserve the environment of the area for which it is responsible, in a manner that is consistent with and promotes the principles of ecologically sustainable development.

·        To bear in mind that it is the custodian and trustee of public assets and to effectively account for and manage the assets for which it is responsible.

 

The Masterplan helps achieve these objectives and principles.

 

Sustainability:

Social:

 

Col Fisher Park will form an important part of Singleton Council’s park network.  The linear nature of the park and planned connection to other park lands combined with facilities such as cycleways will provide considerable social benefits to the community.  A combination of passive and active facilities will provide opportunities for the local community to recreate in the park.

 

Environmental:

 

River Red Gums have been identified as an ecologically threatened plant community in the Hunter Valley.   There is a stand of mature River Red Gums in the gully close to the Hunter River.  Community groups such as Landcare, Scouts and the Tidy Town Committee have already done significant work to control weeds in the area and replant local providence River Red Gums and other local species.

 

The Plan identifies areas of supplementary tree planting and creek line rehabilitation.  The Plan also identifies the need for careful management of the under story to ensure good passive surveillance throughout the park.

 

Financial:

 

The cost of preparing the Masterplan was budgeted in the 2007/08 budget.

 

The Landscape Masterplan is conceptual only and no detailed design estimates have been carried out.  However estimates based upon unit rates were carried out for the recent Developer Contribution Plan review reported to Council on the 28 July 2008. It is envisaged that the work identified in the Masterplan will be carried out progressively as Section 94 funds become available and Huntergreen open space is dedicated.

                  

Consultation:

 

A Community Planning Meeting was held on Sunday, 25 February 2007, to gather information to prepare the Landscape Masterplan.  The meeting was supported by Singleton Landcare, Singleton Tidy Towns, Xstrata, Westpac Bank, Singleton Scouts, the Hunter Catchment Management Trust and surrounding neighbours.

 

The draft Masterplan was advertised in the local press on the 15 and 22 August 2008.  A letterbox drop was also done around the park.  Copies of the plan were hand delivered to the existing owner of the proposed future section of Col Fisher Park.  Council received several phone enquiries and received two written submissions about the Masterplan from:

 

·    Singleton Tidy Towns Committee; and

·    Mrs Adrienne Fisher (the wife of the late Hon Col Fisher).

 

Copies of the submissions are contained as Attachment 2 and 3.  The Tidy Towns Submission supports the proposed plan but also requested a toilet in the park.  The park location, scale and type of development planned would not be provided with a public toilet under Council’s adopted service levels set out in the Plan of Management.  Mrs Fisher’s letter advises that the Fisher Family wish to donate a picnic shelter to be erected in Col Fisher Park for the pleasure of those who use the Park and as a family memorial to the 33 years that Col Fisher spent in public office serving the people of Singleton.  The value of the picnic shelter is about $10,000.  Mrs Fisher and her family are aware of the cost.

 

Council staff also presented the draft masterplan to the Singleton Tidy Towns Committee and Singleton Landcare Network meetings.

 

Risk Management:

 

The Masterplan process has allowed Council to consider various people’s points of view about the development and conservation of the Park.  This process will help minimise risk of conflicts and produce a better Park.

 

Options:

 

The options are:

 

·    Adopt the Masterplan for Col Fisher Park; or

·    Do nothing and not adopt the Masterplan.

 

Conclusions:

 

The preparation of the Masterplan has taken into consideration various people’s and group’s needs and points of view. The proposed plan will allow the future orderly and planned development of the Park.  It is recommended that the Masterplan be adopted.

 

RECOMMENDED that:

 

1.       Council adopt the Masterplan for Col Fisher Park.

2.       a letter be sent to Mrs Adrienne Fisher thanking her family for the kind offer to provide a picnic shelter at Col Fisher Park.

 

 

Attachments

AT-1View

Masterplan

1 Page

AT-2View

Tidy Towns Submission

1 Page

AT-3View

A Fisher Submission

1 Page

 

  


Attachment 1

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

Masterplan

Col Fisher Park Masterplan

 

 

 

 


Attachment 2

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

Tidy Towns Submission

Col Fisher Park Masterplan

 

 

 


Attachment 3

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

A Fisher Submission

Col Fisher Park Masterplan

 

 

 


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

2.

Minutes of Singleton Sports Council Meeting - 18th September 2008

Author: Alan Fletcher   

 

FILE: 01/0112

    

 

Detail:

 

The Minutes of the Singleton Sports Council Meeting held on 18 September 2008 are detailed as Attachment 1.

 

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

                                                                          

 

Alan Fletcher                                                                                                                  Gary Woodman

Manager Parks & Facilities                                                                                       Director Operations

 

 

Attachments

AT-1View

Minutes Singleton Sports Council 18 Sept 08

2 Pages

 

  


Attachment 1

Manager Parks and Facilities Report No. 13/08

Minutes Singleton Sports Council 18 Sept 08

Minutes of Singleton Sports Council Meeting - 18th September 2008

 

 


  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Water and Waste Report No. 13/08

 

 

 

1.

Water and Sewer Reports - 01/08/2008 - 31/08/2008

Author: Ben Sim   

 

FILE: 01/0153

     

 

Detail:

 

 

 

a.       Singleton Water Supply

 

 

01/08/2008 – 31/08/2008

2007 Figures

Total throughput from dam was

181 ML

172 ML

Consumption

 

 

Town

143 ML

136 ML

Army

4 ML

6 ML

Abattoir

12 ML

11 ML

Mount Thorley/Broke

10 ML

7 ML

Standpipe (water to industry and Rural)

12 ML

12 ML

 

The trend in treated water consumption for Singleton town is shown on the following graph:

 

 

The graph shows that for the same period during the last five years, this years treated water consumption for the month of August continues to be the lowest.

 

Average Daily Water Consumption for Singleton Town Residential

 

 

As shown on the above table, the average daily water consumption for the month of August 2008 is 588 litres per household per day.  It is marginally the second lowest as compared to the same month in the previous four years.

 

Dam Percent Full

 

From the NSW Water Information website, Glennies Creek Dam was 61.20% full on 31 August 2008.  Thus in the month of August 2008, the water storage volume in the dam has a small increase of 0.20%.

 

New Services

 

19 new services were installed this month.

 

Service Repairs

 

15 service repairs were carried out this month, including four complete renewals.

 

Main Breaks

 

Four main breaks were repaired this month:

 

Ø  Queen Street (100 mm AC main – radial break)

Ø  Corner of Rose Avenue and View Street (100 mm AC main – blow out)

Ø  Corner of Market Street and Short Street (100 mm CI main – radial break)

Ø  Carrington Street (100 mm AC main – radial break)

 

Meters M & R

 

43 water meters were replaced with month.

 

Valves and Hydrants M & R

 

No valve was installed/repaired/replaced this month.

 

Mains Replacement/Relocation

 

No main was replaced/relocated this month.

 

New Mains

 

No new main was constructed this month.

 

Obanvale WTP (Water Treatment Plant) M & R

 

Dewatering of Supernatant Return Pond Number 2 at the WTP had commenced this month, in preparation for desludging.

 

b.       Mount Thorley Water Supply

 

 

01/08/08 – 31/08/08

2007 Figures

2006 Figures

2005 Figures

2004 Figures

The total amount of water pumped to the mines in August was

145 ML

203 ML

555 ML

144 ML

272 ML

 

The trend in raw water consumption at Mount Thorley is shown on the following graph:

 

 

The graph shows that this years raw water consumption for the month of August is practically equal to the lowest (August 2005) as compared to the same period in the previous four years.

 

c.       Jerrys Plains Water Supply

 

 

01/08/2008 – 31/08/2008

2007 Figures

Consumption

1.52 ML

1.06 ML

 

The trend in water consumption at Jerrys Plains is shown on the following graph:

 

 

As compared to the same period in the previous four years, the graph shows that this years water consumption for the month of August is the fourth lowest (with 2004/05 figures the highest).

 

d.       Sewerage System Report

 

 

01/08/2008 – 31/08/2008

2007 Figures

Sewerage Treatment Works – Flow Volume

109 ML

136 ML

 

Effluent Reuse

 

Total estimated effluent reuse for this financial year is 73 megalitres, after being adjusted for full water losses.

 

Sewer Main M & R

 

Six sewer chokes or problems were attended to this month:

 

Ø  Civic Avenue (cleared main)

Ø  40 Lachlan Avenue (cleared shaft)

Ø  Charbonnier Motel (cleared main)

Ø  13 Tulloch Close (sewer dig up repair)

Ø  1 Gipp Street (sewer dig up repair)

Ø  43 Broughton Street (sewer dig up repair)

 

New Sewer Junctions

 

One new sewer junction was cut in this month:

 

Ø  42 William Street

 

Low Pressure Sewerage (LPS) System (a majority at Maison Dieu Industrial Estate)

 

Sewer POD Connection

No additional sewer POD was connected to the system this month.

 

Thus the total number of sewer PODs connected to the LPS system remains at 90 and the total for this financial year is nil.

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

                                                              

Brian Carter                                                                                                             Gary Woodman

Manager Water & Waste                                                                                       Director Operations

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Design and Contracts No. 12/08

 

 

 

1.

Design & Contracts Program Area - Jobs in Progress

Author: Christopher Martin   

 

FILE: 08/0073

    

 

Detail:

 

The following works have been completed, are in progress or are programmed to be commenced by the Design and Contracts Program Area.

 

 

(a)     CURRENT SURVEY, INVESTIGATION & DESIGN MATTERS

 

PROJECT

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT

STATUS

BRIDGES

 

 

Owendale Bridge, Wollombi Road over Barneys Gully

Approach design not required.

Type A Intersection Design Complete.

Awaiting approval

Herbert St Bridge

Milbrodale Road Broke

Preliminary design complete and reviewed.

Final Design Drawings in progress.

Works Dept to confirm timeline.

ROADS & TRAFFIC

 

 

SES Car park, Singleton

Survey

Preliminary complete. Redesign requested and in progress.  Completed 

100%

100%

On Hold

Long Point Road, Gouldsville

Survey for realignment of 90 degree bend to improve road safety at Neal’s property.  Client requires horizontal alignment review.

Design reviewed and completed.

Works Dept to confirm timeline.

Dangar Road, Brisbane & Boonal Streets K & G

Survey Complete

Designs required:

·    Brisbane Street – Completed

                                   Set-out Required

·    Dangar Road – Completed

                                Set-out complete

·    Boonal Street – Completed.

                                Set-out Required

100%

 

100%

TBA

100%

100%

100%

TBA

Glendonbrook Road Reconstruction

Survey and design required.

Survey Completed.

Preliminary Design Complete.

Final Design near completion.

 

100%

September

Glendonbrook RFS, Glendonbrook Road

Mt Olive

Survey, design and DA required to be lodged.

Survey and Design Completed.

Awaiting shed information.

100%

In Progress

Mount Olive RFS

DA required to be lodged.

Survey completed.

Design in progress.

Shed information required.

0%

 

Hambledon Hill Road Reconstruction

Possible road realignment.

Survey complete.

Design complete final plans in progress.

 

Oct 08

Elderslie Road

Preliminary Design Complete.

Further Investigation Required.

Final Plans in progress.

Aug 08

 

Oct 08

Mirannie Road Reconstruction

Preliminary Design Complete – Changes required and to be prepared for preview.

Final plans in progress.

 

Sept 08

DRAINAGE

 

 

Kelso Street Stormwater Improvement Stage 2.1

Edward to Loder

Detail Survey – Extra Detail Required to address increased scope of works.

Check of Previous design by Consultant.

Council undertaking final design

 

100%

 

95%

In Progress

PARKS & FACILITIES

 

 

Redbourneberry Bridge, Redbourneberry

Drainage batter regrading survey programmed.

Oct 08

Queen Street

Proposed cycleway.

Oct 08

 

(b)     ROADS AND CONTRACTS MATTERS

 

TENDER ADMINISTRATION

 

Tender No:

Description

Status

T2008.009

Construction of Visitor Information Centre

Tender document draft prepared.  Awaiting funding to progress. 

T2008.013

Supply And Delivery of 1 X Footpath Sweeper

Tender documents currently still being prepared.  Documents expected to be ready by end of Sept.

T2008.014

Removal or Demolition of building – Old Army Hut at Townhead Park

Tender documents currently still being prepared.  Documents expected to be ready by end of Sept.

T2008.015

Sprayed Bituminous Surfacing & Associated Services - 2008 / 2009 State Roads Reseal Program

Tender documents have been prepared, advertised and placed on e-tendering system.  Tender closed – 16 September 2008

T2008.016

Replacement of SES Vehicle

Tender documents currently being prepared.  


ROAD MATTERS

 

ID:

Street / Road

Description of Job

Date

Status

1.04

RD00051

 

Maison Dieu Road

Road widening and bridge construction over Rixs Creek – road opening/closing (Resolution 31/06).

26 May 08

 

10 Jul 08

 

15 Jul 08

 

 

Oct 08

Road Closure sent to Dept of Lands.

 

Dept of Lands approved Rd Closure.

 

Letter sent to owners & utilities to make submissions.

 

Report to Council for Resolution with any copies of submissions received.

1.05.01

RD00039

 

Hebden Road - 3 Sharp Curves

Separate pieces of land from Picton Lane – road closures and compulsory acquisition of Crown land.

29-Jul-08

 

Oct 08

 

Plan received from Daniel Golenia.

 

Review of plans & send back to surveyor to electronically lodge at the LPI.

1.06

RD00127

 

Wollombi Road

Road closure (Treminar Winery).

05-Aug-08

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 08

Signed transfer documents sent to Sparke Helmore for signature and then Sparke Helmore will lodge Sale of Transfer.

 

Contact Sparke Helmore to determine status of matter.

1.07

RD01360

 

Stage 4 Streetscape

Land acquisition at Railway Station.

23-May-08

 

 

 

 

Oct 08

Michael Post from ARTC called - he has approval from one party - still waiting on further approval.  Will get back to Council.

 

Contact ARTC to determine status of matter.

1.08

RD00121

 

Cranky Corner Road

Road widening (acquisition) and opening (Dick).

14-May-08

 

 

Oct 08

Plans received from Hunter Survey Services.

 

Review of plans & send back to surveyor to electronically lodge at the LPI.

1.11

RD00019

 

Carrowbrook Road

Causeway location, road opening and closing (Resolution 243/07).  Causeway through Smiths and newly created road in Jones.

24-Jul-08

 

Department of Lands - final application pending awaiting advise for "approval in principal" to proceed with plan preparation.

1.12

RD00019

 

Carrowbrook Road

Causeway location through Smith’s – road opening/closing (Resolution 243/07).

28-Mar-08

 

Plan of subdivision and road closure prepared by Gary Hamblin - Awaiting lodgement of Jones plan prior to proceeding.

 

1.13

RD00019

 

Carrowbrook Road

Anomaly north of Mt Royal Road, south of Lot 3 DP 431675 road opening/closing.

28-Mar-08

 

Oct 08

Awaiting plan from surveyor.  It may be able to lodge independently to the Jones / Smith plans - Check with Surveyor.


 

1.14

RD00019

 

Carrowbrook Road

Compulsory acquisition of Lot 1 DP 1092168 from S & M Jones.

28-Mar-08

 

Letter sent to Jones advising that money is in trust awaiting their signing of forms. - Waiting on response from Jones.

1.16

RD00092

 

Wambo Mining

Wambo Mining Application – road closure at Warkworth.

24-Jul-08

 

 

 

6 Aug 08

 

 

 

Aug / Sept

Applications lodged with Department of Lands awaiting "approval in principal" to proceed with plan preparation.

Meeting scheduled with Dept of Lands re: status of all outstanding matters.

 

Dept of Lands still processing.

1.17

03/0088

 

White Mining

White Mining Application – road closure of part of Old New England Highway.

29-May-08

 

 

Oct 08

Waiting on written consent from adjoining owner by Ashton Coal.

 

Council to Contact Ashton Coal as to status of matter.

1.18

RD00098

 

Pikes Gully road, Liddell Station Road

Part of Pikes Gully Road, Liddell Station Road and part of Old New England Highway (Liddell) road closure (Coal & Allied).

24-Jul-08

 

 

 

 

6 Aug 08

 

 

Aug / Sept

Awaiting approval from the Department to proceed with advertising.  Provided Muswellbrook Shire Council's consent to be joint applicant as requested.

Meeting scheduled with Dept of Lands re: status of all outstanding matters.

Dept of Lands still processing.

1.19

RD00181

 

PPK - part of Broke Road

PPK – part of Broke Road – road closure/opening, realignment of road due to mining operations (Bulga Coal).

04-Aug-08

 

 

Oct 08

Electronic Lodgement received from Mark Howes.

 

Review of documentation required by Council to proceed matter.

1.20

RD00066

 

Pikes Gully / Mitchell Line Roads

Pikes Gully/Mitchell Line Roads – road closure due to mining activity (Coal & Allied).

24-Jul-08

 

 

 

6 Aug 08

 

 

Oct 08

Department of Lands - Plan has been registered.  Meeting scheduled with Dept of Lands re: status of all outstanding matters.

 

Dept of Lands still processing.

1.21

RD00039

 

Hebden Road

Hebden Road – road closure/opening – conveyor – road deviation and closure.

28-Mar-08

 

Oct 08

Waiting to hear from land owner.

 

Contact the land owner again to request that they progress the matter.

1.23

RD00048

 

Lemington Road

Road deviation – road closure and opening.

11-Jul-08

 

Letter sent to Clayton Utz stating old deed is obsolete due to the Road Act and the Dept of Lands is the approving authority, however Council would not object to any application for road closure.

NO FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED – MATTER CLOSED

1.24

RD01530

 

Singleton RSC

Laneways between York and Castlereagh Streets – road closure and opening (Resolution 242/07).

15-May-08

 

 

 

 



 

Oct 08

Letter received from Singleton RSC - advising number of options have been put forward for considerations which are currently being evaluated.  Once decision has been made, they will contact Council to progress this matter further.

 

Contact RSC to review status.

1.25

RD00069

 

Putty Valley Road

Boundary redefinition (Resolution 173/07).

27-Mar-08

 

Sept 08

Awaiting a plan from the surveyor. 

 

Contact Surveyor and owners to find out what the last status was in order to progress matter further.

1.26

RD03570

 

Rosella Street

Opening and closing.

27-Mar-08

 

 

Oct 08

ON HOLD - pending negotiations with adjoining owner on proposed subdivision. 

Review of all documentation before proceeding with matter with all owners.

1.27

RD00210

 

Edward Street

Opening and closing.

18-Jul-08

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 08

 

Letter sent to Andrew McNamara at Pegasus to provide a quotation for the preparation of plans and lodgement.  This is in conjunction with Kelso Street Matter.

 

Contact Pegasus as to status of quotation.

1.30

RD00069

 

Putty Valley Road

Road opening over a crown road, road closure (Resolution 195/06).

25-Jul-08

 

 

Oct 08

Letter sent to Dept of Local Government responding to additional information required.

Contact Dept of Local Govt as to status of information provided.

1.31

RD00011

 

Bridgman Road

Road widening, Lot 1 DP 410645 (McTaggart).

27-Mar-08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 08

Email sent to Alan Scott - amend your plan showing the Road Widening on Bridgman Rd to be dedicated as Public Reserve (similar to Lot 1799).  As soon as Council has Signatures and seal we will forward to you for lodgement when pegging is completed.

Follow up with owner / surveyor as to status.

1.32

RD00092

 

Wambo Mining

Road closure and use (response to Ross Hawkes).

11-Jul-08

 

Road closure is nothing to do with Council as the road in question is Crown Land - between Ross Hawkes & Dept of Lands.

NO FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED – MATTER CLOSED

1.34

RD00040

 

Bultitude Land

Road Purchase Licence Agreement and Reporting/Relationship.

30-Jul-08

 

Bultitude has sold property and the matter is now closed between Council & Bultitude.

NO FURTHER ACTION REQUIRED – MATTER CLOSED

1.38

RD00453

 

Elderslie Road - (Patton)

Land acquisition and road opening/closure (Patton).

Aug 08

 

Oct 08

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.39

RD00453

 

Elderslie Road - (Moore)

Land acquisition and road opening (Moore).

Aug 08

 

Oct 08

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.41

RD07767

 

Cessnock Road

Land acquisition and road opening (Department of Defence).

07-Apr-08

 

Low priority.  Funding required.

1.43

RD00034

 

Goorangoola Road

(Double crossing) – land acquisition and road opening (Bailey).

Oct 08

 

Oct

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.44

RD00049

 

Long Point Road

Land acquisition and road opening (Neal).

Aug 08

 

Aug / Sept

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.45

RD00904

 

Glendonbrook Road (Boyces Bridge)

Land acquisition and road opening (Boyce).

Jul 08

 

 

Oct 08

Waiting for response from MRM Lawyers (Mrs Boyce solicitor).

 

Follow up with MRM Lawyers as to status.

1.47

RD00061

 

Old Carrowbrook Road (Franks Bridge)

Land acquisition and road opening (Forrester).

Aug 08

 

Oct

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.48

RD00037

 

Hambledon Hill Road

Land acquisition and road opening and closure (O’Hara and Andrews).

Aug 08

 

Oct 08

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.49

RD01300

 

Kelso Street

Land acquisition (road widening).

July 08

 

 

Valuation quotations received.  Currently still in negotiations with owners.

1.50

RD00101

 

Stony Creek Road

Road opening (Glennies Creek Mine).

28-Mar-08

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oct 08

Mining Company has to register the plan of subdivision opening the road to the public.  Separate DA with Planning Department of plan of subdivision.  Once the DA is completed the Plan is returned to the applicant for lodgement with LPI.  Upon Registration the road is a dedicated public road. 

 

Follow up with Mining company as to status.

1.53

RD00053

 

Middle Falbrook Road

Road closure for mining (Rix’s Creek, Glennies Creek and Camberwell).

July 08

 

 

Oct 08

Letter to owners requesting offer for the sale of the land.  Awaiting Response

Follow up with owner as to status.

1.54.01

RD00014

 

Gravel Pit, Milbrodale  Road

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads:   Gravel Pit, Milbrodale  Road, 1D   Reference 110,  Lot 1 DP 344187

15-Jul-08

 

 

Oct 08

 

Scott Crisp Hamblin survey report received

 

Report required – consider hand over to Agent for Auction if expressions of interest do not proceed to offers.

1.54.10

Gravel Quarry, Putty Road, Mt Thorley

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Gravel Quarry, Putty Road, Mt Thorley, ID Reference 385, Lot 1 DP 36997.

20-May-08

 

LEP Amendment to reclassify from Community to Operational Land lodged 20 May 2008.

 

1.54.02

RD00064

 

Road off Old North Road and Hermitage Road

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Road off Old North Road and Hermitage Road, 1D Reference 257, Lot 1 DP 823737 (Fitzsimmons).

20-May-08

 

Lot 3 & Lot 43 to be closed.  Road Opening to be prepared through Lots 3 & 4 DP 249228 (Fitzsimmons).

1.54.03

RD00040

 

Closed road near Hermitage Road, Pokolbin,

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Closed road near Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, ID Reference 281, 283, 284, Lots 1,2,3 DP 843117.

20-May-08

 

Road closure - awaiting finalisation - needs new survey (Chalmers).-

 

1.54.04

RD00040

 

Vacant land near Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads:    Vacant land near Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, ID Reference 286, 287, 288, Lots 3,4,5 DP 843118.

20-May-08

 

Awaiting determination of DLEP amendment lodged May 2007 to classify Operational - relates to previous matter.

1.54.05

RD00127

 

Vacant land, Wollombi Road, Paynes Crossing

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Vacant land, Wollombi Road, Paynes Crossing, ID Reference 312, Lot 279 DP 855697.

04-Aug-08

 

Report to Council - COW - recommending acceptance of offer - Crooks/Cooke.  Complete.

1.54.06

RD00064

 

Vacant land, corner of Old North Road and Hermitage Road, Pokolbin

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Vacant land, corner of Old North Road and Hermitage Road, Pokolbin, ID Reference 313, Lot 42 DP 858233 (Fitzsimmons).  (linked to 1.54.2)

20-May-08

 

Awaiting determination of DLEP Amendment lodged May 2007 to classify Operational - relates to Road opening / closure (Fitzsimmons).

 

1.54.07

RD00083

 

Residue vacant land, Stanhope Road, Elderslie,

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Residue vacant land, Stanhope Road, Elderslie, ID Reference 319, Lot 6 DP 861727.

20-May-08

 

 

 

 

Aug 08

LEP Amendment to classify Operational land lodged 20 May 2008.

 

 

Road Closure Application submitted to Dept of Lands.

1.54.08

RD00090

 

Closed road, New England Highway, Camberwell

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Closed road, New England Highway, Camberwell, ID Reference 328, 329, Lots 1 and 3 DP 873260.  (Relates to 1.53)

07-Aug-08

 

Land transfer discussion between Gary Woodman, Chris Smith, Bob Corbett, Keith Googe.

 

1.54.09

RD00903

 

Road widening, Gresford Road, Sedgefield,

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land - Roads: Road widening, Gresford Road, Sedgefield, ID Reference 356, 357, Lots 4 and 5 DP 1017441.

20-May-08

 

 

 

Aug 08

LEP Amendment to classify Operational land lodged 20 May 2008.

 

Road Closure Application submitted to Dept of Lands.

 

 


1.54.10

Gravel Quarry, Putty Road, Mt Thorley

Under Utilised and Surplus Public Land – Roads:  Gravel Quarry, Putty Road, Mt Thorley, ID Reference 385, Lot 1 DP 36997

20 May 08

LEP Amendment to reclassify from Community to Operational Land lodged 20 May 2008.

1.55

C2007.005

 

Glennies Creek Road

Road Deviation

 

31-Jan-08

 

 

Sept 08

Letter Sent to Dept of Lands.

 

 

Follow up with Surveyor.

1.56

DA513/2002

 

77 John Street

Land Dedicated as Public road

Aug 08

 

Oct 08

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.57

RD01290

 

Howe Street & New England Highway

Proposed realignment of the intersection (lots 1, 44, 45, 46 DP234835 & Lots 431 DP 1091041 – Korth Developments

Aug 08

 

Oct 10

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

1.58

RD00127

 

Wollombi Rd

Road Widening (Barbalace)

Aug 08

Project has been put on HOLD

 

1.59

RD00054

 

Mirannie Rd

Road Realignment

Oct 08

 

Oct 08

Plans currently being prepared.

 

Permit to Enter / Acquisition to be prepared.

 

OTHER MATTERS

 

DATE

DESCRIPTION

STATUS

August 2008

Road status searches and general enquiries

Ongoing.

August 2008

Utility Notifications                  

Ongoing – 10 Utility Notifications Responses Sent.

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

                                                                                

Chris Martin                                                                                                            Gary Woodman

Manager Design and Contracts                                                                               Director Operations

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Works Report No. 16/08

 

 

 

1.

Works Program Area Maintenance and Construction

Author: Brendan Behringer   

 

FILE: 02/0281

    

 

Detail:

 

The following works have been completed, are in progress or are to be commenced by the Works Program Area.

 

 

a)      Regional Roads Improvement Program

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Gresford Road (RR128)

7.00 to 7.55km from Redbournberry Bridge

Rehabilitation of 550m section of existing road involving pavement widening, strengthening and sealing.

To Commence

 

 

(b)     Auslink Strategic Regional Program

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Wollombi Road

8.39 to 11.24km from Broke

Rehabilitation of existing 2850m section of road involving pavement widening, strengthening and sealing.

Last 1500m complete

First 1450m including bridge approaches 60% complete

 

(c)     Regional Roads Timber Bridge Partnership Program

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Dunolly Road (RR7774)

Dunolly Bridge – Western approach over flood way

Replacement of existing timber spans on western approach with new concrete structure.

Telstra 100% complete

Demolition of existing structure 100% complete

Construction of new approach spans 10% complete

 

(d)     Local Roads Improvement Program

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Westbrook Road

5.00 to 5.70km  from New England Highway

Rehabilitation of 700m section of road involving pavement widening, strengthening and sealing.

To commence

(e)     Supplementary Roads to Recovery

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Middle Falbrook Road

Oak Park Bridge

Replacement of timber structure with pipe culverts.

10% complete (design complete)

Hebden Road

Bridge over Stringybark Creek

Construction of a new concrete bridge to replace existing timber structure.

Bridge 100% complete

Road approaches 80% complete.

 

(f)      Section 94 Contributions Projects

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Hebden Road

Clydesdales Bridge over Foy Brook

Construction of a new concrete bridge to replace existing timber structure.

Contract awarded for construction of precast decks.

 

(g)     Other Works

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Hebden Road

Bridge over Foybrook

Upgrading of bridge approaches and replacement of existing guardrail.

85% complete

Carrowbrook Road

 

Construction of unsealed section of road on correct road reserve alignment.

80% complete

 

(h)     Country Transport Passenger Infrastructure Grants

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Queen Street

East of Library Entrance

Installation of Bus Shelter.

Shelter ordered

 

(i)      Stormwater Quality Improvements

Road

Location

Nature of Work

Status

Various

James Cook Park, Koolgari Park, Alroy Oval and off Casey Drive

Installation of gross pollutant traps.

GPTs delivered and to be installed.

 

(j)      Flood Damage Repairs

Nature of Work

Status

Damage claims and permanent repairs. Estimates have been prepared for all roads and approved by RTA.

Permanent restoration works 90% complete.

 

(k)     General Maintenance

Carried out on State Roads, Regional Roads, Rural Local Roads and Urban Local Roads where required, including the following:

 

Maintenance

Road/Street/Bridge

Sealed Maintenance

Wollombi, Milbrodale, Inlet, Wallaby Scrub, Lemington, Antienne, Bridgman, Glennies Creek, Stanhope, Dalwood and Hermitage Roads

Shoulder Maintenance

Wollombi, Milbrodale and Hebden Roads

Roadside Maintenance

Glendon, Redmanvale, Jones Reserve, Doyles Creek, Bridgman, Carrowbrook, Army Camp, Range, Goorangoola and Bowmans Creek Roads and Glendon Lane

Reseal Preparation

State Roads 60% complete, Regional Roads 25% complete, and Rural Roads 25% complete

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

Attachments

There are no attachments for this report.

  


SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Works Report No. 16/08

 

 

 

2.

Bitumen Resealing Program

Author: Brendan Behringer   

 

FILE: 02/0281

    

 

Detail:

 

Council is programming to commence its bitumen resealing program in mid November, 2008.

 

The bitumen and aggregate surface acts as the wearing surface, reducing the rate of pavement wear and maintenance costs by reducing surface moisture reaching the pavement.  It also improves the riding qualities of the pavement as well as providing a safe, economical and durable all weather surface.

 

Below is a listing of the Rural and Regional Roads to be resealed during the months of November and December in 2008.  The Urban Streets will be resealed in late February, 2009 and will be reported on early in the New Year.

 

 

 

RURAL LOCAL ROADS

ROAD

LOCATION

Army Camp Road

0.00 to 0.40km from Carrington Street

Bell Road

0.01 to 1.91km from New England Hwy

Bowmans Creek Road

2.60 to 3.70km from Old Goorangoola Road

Bridgman Road

1.00 to 2.59km from New England Hwy

Bridgman Road

11.25 to 12.00km from New England Hwy

Cemetery Lane

0.00 to 0.88km from New England Hwy

Dalwood Road

4.50 to 5.70km from CCC Boundary

Dights Crossing Road

2.50 to 3.76km from Maison Dieu Road

Dyrring Road

4.90 to 5.72km form Gresford Road

Glendon Lane

1.30 to 1.96km from Glendon Road

Glennies Creek Road

4.7 to 5.4km from New England Hwy

Goorangoola Road

9.60 to 10.45km from Bridgman/Carrowbrook Intersection

Hambledon Hill Road

1.68 to 2.74km from Maison Dieu Road

Idano Road

0.00 to 0.68km from Hambledon Hill Road

Inlet Road

0.00 to 1.25km from Putty Road

Judan Road

2.40 to 2.78km from Carrowbrook Road

Judan Road

2.78 to 2.83km from Carrowbrook Road

Kirkton Road

0.01 to 0.30km from New England Hwy

Kirkton Road

0.30 to 0.90km from New England Hwy

Kirkton Road

3.57 to 5.91km from New England Hwy

Lemington Road

1.70 to 2.20km from Golden Highway

Milbrodale Road

3.66 to 8.10km from Putty Road

Milbrodale Road

11.05 to 12.25km from Putty Road

Miller Road

0.00 to 0.44km from Judan Road

Myall Creek Road

2.12 to 3.0km from Gresford Road

Myall Creek Road

7.25 to 8.25km from Glendonbrook Road

Scotts Flat Road

0.00 to 0.22km from Glendon Road

Scotts Flat Road

0.35 to 3.86km from Glendon Road

Scotts Flat Road

3.86 to 4.14km from Glendon Road

Stanhope Road

0.00 to 1.01km from Elderslie Road

Stanhope Road

9.87 to 10.67km from Elderslie Road Kilfoyles Bridge approaches

Sunnyside Lane

0.00 to 1.80km from Bridgman Road

Thompson's Road

2.40 to 3.55km from Putty Road

Turnbull Road

0.00 to 0.20km from Inlet Road

Wollombi Road

14.99 to 17.49km from Broke Road

Wollombi Road

7.27 to 9.84km from Paynes Crossing Bridge

Wollombi Road

0.15 to 3.21km from Broke Road

 

REGIONAL ROADS

ROAD

LOCATION

Cessnock Road

3.65 to 5.30km from Broke Road

Elderslie Road

2.28 to 3.87km from CCC Boundary (NEH end)

Elderslie Road

0.00 to 0.65 from Stanhope Rd intersection (W)

Elderslie Road

0.00 to 0.06km from Stanhope Rd Intersection (E)

Glendonbrook Road

10.13 to 11.53km from Elderslie Road

Glendonbrook Road

Approaches to Boyces Bridge

Putty Road

0.25 to 1.48km from Carrington Street intersection

 

The roads to be resealed were selected from:

 

·    Historical data, with the aim of resealing all roads at least every ten years;

·    Field inspections to identify those roads most in need of a reseal;

·    Those roads that were reconstructed in 2007/08 to provide their second coat; and

·    Those roads rehabilitated after the June 2007 floods to provide their second coat.

 

Pre-treatment of the roads to be resealed has commenced and is approximately 30% complete.  This pre-treatment work involves hand patching, heavy patching and edge repairs and is an essential part of the resurfacing program to ensure maximum wearing surface performance.

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

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SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Manager Works Report No. 16/08

 

 

 

3.

Tender for Quality Assured State Roads Resealing Program

Author: Brendan Behringer   

 

FILE: T2008.015

    

 

Executive Summary:

 

Tenders were called for the Quality Assured State Roads Resealing Program. The tender closed at 2.30pm on Tuesday 16 September 2008 and a report will be presented to Council for its consideration in the Committee of the Whole as the discussion of this matter in open Council would prejudice the commercial position of the Tenderers.

 

 

RECOMMENDED that the tenders for the Quality Assured State Roads Resealing Program T2008.015 be considered in the Committee of the Whole for the reason stated in Section 10A (2) (d) (i) of the Local Government Act 1993, as the discussion of this matter in open Council would prejudice the commercial position of the Tenderers.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                      Gary Woodman

 

                                                                                                                                 Director Operations

Brendan Behringer                                                                                                    Gary Woodman

Acting Manager Works                                                                                             Director Operations

 

 

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SINGLETON COUNCIL

Meeting of Singleton Council - 7 October 2008

 

 

 

Questions of Which Notice Has Been Given Report No. 22/08

 

 

 

1.

Questions of Which Notice Has Been Given

Author: John Waghorn   

 

FILE: 06/0045

    

 

Detail:

 

1.       Cr Moore  CRF1317

 

Further to a previous answer to CRF1317, in late August on the subject of Stanhope Road further clarification from Councillor Moore on the reference made to Elderslie Bridge has determined that Councillor Moore’s concerns with the refurbished Elderslie Bridge are as follows:

 

·    Location of the existing “GIVE WAY’ control.

 

·    Is the bridge now a two lane bridge?

 

Response:

 

In assessing this request Elderslie Bridge was visited on the morning of Tuesday 9th September 2008 by representatives from Council’s Works Program Area. Various sightings were taken in relation to vehicles travelling to the bridge from both directions of travel.

 

From the sightings taken it was concluded that the “GIVE WAY” control has been placed on the correct bridge approach (southern), as it affords the best and easiest view of the approach road to the opposite end of the bridge.

 

It was also noted that the northern approach to the bridge is via a small radius left hand curve which does not assist driver sight distance along the bridge. To improve this sight distance would require road realignment similar to what is illustrated in the following sketch plan titled “Elderslie Bridge Northern Approach”. It should be noted that such realignment would not eliminate the small radius curve it would just relocate it to allow improved driver sight distance along the bridge. Also such works would require acquisition of quality agricultural land.

 

It must be kept in mind that Elderslie Bridge was designed and built at a time (circa 1890’s) when vehicle travel speeds were much lower than now.

 

To improve the level of awareness that the bridge has a narrow deck, that is insufficient in width for two standard traffic lanes, has  undesirable features (small radius curve, poor sight distance) on its northern approach and is controlled by a “GIVE WAY” control it is proposed to:

 

·    Install One Lane bridge warning signs on both approaches.

 

·    Replace the existing “GIVE WAY notice with a larger sized one.

 

·    Install curve / speed advisory warning signs on the northern approach.

 

·    Install a Give Way ahead warning sign on the southern approach.

 

 

Text Box: Hunter                  RiverText Box: Elderslie               Rd

 

2.     Councillor Moore CRF 1321

Flooding – Bourkes Crossing Bridge

“Signs that we placed on the Singleton side of Bridge this week were apparently placed down near the bridge ie near water. Milk Tanker had to reverse all the way back to a suitable turn place.

Next time could there be a sign at Scott’s Flat/Roughit Lane intersection and also on the high bank at the bridge. (Branxton side was fine)”

          Response:

          Council has always endeavoured to erect road closed signs as soon as it is made aware of any flooding issues, and these signs are erected in the most appropriate location.

          At nearly all of our low lying bridges and causeways, “Road Subject to Flooding Indicators Show Depth” signs are installed as well as depth indicator gauges.

          On Monday the 8th September I inspected the flooding at Bourkes Crossing Bridge and found the signs to be in place on the high bank on the Glendon side well visible to all traffic.

            Investigations will be made into installing some drop down signs at the Scott’s Flat/Roughit Lane intersection to warn of the closure ahead.

            It is always difficult though to provide enough detour information for everyone to get around.

       

3.       Cr Scott     CRF1095

 

1.       “Residents of Pioneer Road in area of untarred road have requested that immediate action please be taken to stem the use of the road by “hoons”.  Children awaiting the arrival of their school transport are in immediate danger as very recently a vehicle ended up in a resident’s front yard.  The driver behaviour happens, any day and time.

 

2.       Similarly, residents in Wattle Ponds Road have requested some action be taken please to deter the use of the concrete footpath by motorcyclists.  Once again no patter to usage.”

 

Response:

 

These requests are police matters and accordingly appropriate advice has been given to the Singleton Police with a request to investigate the complaints and take action as required.

 

 

 

 

FOR COUNCIL’S INFORMATION

 

 

John Waghorn

Executive Manager Strategy & Governance

 

 

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