MINUTES Ordinary Meeting of Council Monday, 10 December 2012 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE NORTHERN MIDLANDS COUNCIL HELD AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, LONGFORD AT 5.09 PM ON MONDAY, 10 DECEMBER 2012. 339/12 1 ATTENDANCE PRESENT Mayor Polley, Deputy Mayor Downie, Cr Brooks, Cr Calvert, Cr Carins, Cr Goninon, Cr Goss, Cr Knowles, Cr Lambert, General Manager – Adam Wilson, Corporate Services Manager – Maree Bricknell (to 9.20pm), Works & Infrastructure Manager – Wayne Chellis (to 9.03pm), Economic & Community Development Manager – Lorraine Green (to 5.14pm), Planning & Development Manager – Duncan Payton (to 9.20pm), Traffic Engineer – Terry Eaton (to 9.03pm), Planning Officer – Paul Godier (to 7.52pm), Tourism Officer – Fiona Dewar (to 5.14pm), Executive & Liaison Officer – Lindsay Harwood (to 9.20pm), Executive Assistant – Gail Eacher (to 9.20pm) 2 APOLOGIES Nil 340/12 339/12 TABLE OF CONTENTS ATTENDANCE 1 2 1499 PRESENT APOLOGIES 1499 1499 340/12 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1499 341/12 DECLARATIONS OF ANY PECUNIARY INTEREST OF A COUNCILLOR OR CLOSE ASSOCIATE 1502 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 1502 342/12 1 2 3 ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING – 12 NOVEMBER 2012 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF COMMITTEES RECOMMENDATIONS OF SUB COMMITTEES 1502 1502 1503 343/12 DATE OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING 21 JANUARY 2013 1503 344/12 NORFOLK ISLAND GATHERING 1503 345/12 WATER AND SEWERAGE INDUSTRY REFORM 1509 346/12 RATE INCENTIVE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT 1513 347/12 MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT 1515 348/12 ANZAC DAY CENTENARY 1516 Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1499 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 349/12 ROAD SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL – REDUCTION IN RURAL ROAD DEFAULT SPEED LIMIT 1518 350/12 NORTH PERTH – ROAD OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN 1523 351/12 NOMENCLATURE – NAMING OF NEW STREET – TABERNACLE PLACE 1528 352/12 NOMENCLATURE – NAMING OF NEW STREET – NICOLSON COURT 1530 353/12 NEW POLICY – SOLAR PANELS 1532 354/12 PUBLIC QUESTIONS & STATEMENTS 1535 1 PUBLIC QUESTIONS Planning, Appeals and Public Question & Statement time practices 1536 1536 REVIEW OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION 1537 356/12 POLICY 11 – NON-CONFORMING SIGNS 1541 357/12 REVISION OF THE LAKE LEAKE SHACK SITES DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES 1546 358/12 DRAFT INTERIM SCHEME – ISSUES RAISED BY THE TASMANIAN PLANNING COMMISSION 1550 INFORMATION ITEMS 1554 355/12 359/12 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 COUNCIL WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS HELD SINCE THE LAST ORDINARY MEETING MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS PETITIONS CONFERENCES & SEMINARS – REPORT ON ATTENDANCE BY COUNCIL DELEGATES WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT BUILDING APPROVALS DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS MATTERS AWAITING DECISION BY TPC & RMPAT 132 & 337 CERTIFICATES ISSUED USE OF COUNCIL SEAL ANIMAL CONTROL – NOVEMBER 2012 HEALTH ISSUES CUSTOMER REQUEST RECEIPTS GIFTS & DONATIONS (UNDER SECTION 77 OF THE LGA) ACTION ITEMS – COUNCIL MINUTES KEY ISSUES BEING CONSIDERED – MANAGERS REPORTS RESOURCE SHARING SUMMARY FROM 01 JULY 2012 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2012 VANDALISM NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (NRM ) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council 1554 1554 1555 1556 1561 1562 1562 1564 1564 1564 1565 1565 1566 1566 1566 1574 1583 1583 1583 Page 1500 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 MILL DAM COMMITTEE TAMAR ESTUARY AND ESK RIVERS PROGRAM UNION STREET – TYRE FIRE CLEAN UP DRAFT INTERIM PLANNING SCHEME DRAFT PLANNING DIRECTIVE – STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GENERAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE GREATER LAUNCESTON PLAN NORTHERN REGIONAL PLANNING INITIATIVE NORTHERN TASMANIA INDUSTRIAL LAND STUDY YOUTH PROGRAMME UPDATE –NOVEMBER 2012 CIRCULAR HEAD COUNCIL YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM ROAD SAFETY CLINIC AT CRESSY HIGH RELOCATION OF HERITAGE HIGHWAY MUSEUM AND INFORMATION CENTRE ENGLISH TOWN ROAD UPGRADE STORMWATER DRAINAGE – EVANDALE WEST PERTH DRAINAGE STUDY REGIONAL TASMANIA - KEEP IT ALIVE CAMPAIGN UPDATE WATER AND SEWERAGE NOT FOR PROFIT REBATE / CONCESSION POLICY REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA (RDA) APPLICATION – TASGAS NORFOLK PLAINS/NATIONAL TRUST ASSISTANCE CON – ITEMS FOR THE CLOSED MEETING 1585 1586 1586 1587 1587 1588 1589 1590 1590 1590 1590 1591 1591 1592 1593 1593 360/12 APPLICATIONS BY COUNCILLORS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE 361/12 (1) PERSONNEL MATTERS 361/12 (2) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL 361/12 (3) MATTERS RELATING TO ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE LITIGATION TAKEN BY OR INVOLVING THE COUNCIL OR AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNCIL 361/12 (4) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL 361/12 (5) MATTERS RELATING TO ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE LITIGATION TAKEN BY OR INVOLVING THE COUNCIL OR AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNCIL 361/12 (6) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL 361/12 (7) PERSONNEL MATTERS 362/12 INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL 363/12 PROPOSALS FOR THE COUNCIL TO ACQUIRE LAND OR AN INTEREST IN THE LAND OR FOR THE DISPOSAL OF LAND 364/12 PERSONNEL MATTERS Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council 1584 1584 1584 1584 1593 1593 1593 1594 1594 1594 1594 1595 1594 1594 1595 Page 1501 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Council RESOLVED to withdraw PLAN 1 from the Agenda. 341/12 DECLARATIONS OF ANY PECUNIARY INTEREST OF A COUNCILLOR OR CLOSE ASSOCIATE Section 8 sub clause (7) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) 2005 require that the Chairperson is to request Councillors to indicate whether they have, or are likely to have a pecuniary interest in any item on the Agenda. Council RESOLVED to accept the following declarations of interest: Cr Carins W&I 2 and W&I 4 342/12 1 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING – 12 NOVEMBER 2012 DECISION Cr Knowles/Deputy Mayor Downie That the Minutes of the Ordinary Meeting of the Northern Midlands Council held at the Council Chambers, Longford on Monday, 12 November 2012 be confirmed as a true record of proceedings. Carried unanimously 2 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF COMMITTEES Minutes of meetings of the following Committees were circulated in the Attachments: Date Committee Meeting i) 06/11/12 Perth Local District Committee AGM ii) 06/11/12 Perth Local District Committee Ordinary iii) 06/11/12 Evandale Advisory Committee Ordinary iv) 06/11/12 Evandale Community Centre Ordinary v) 07/11/12 Longford Local District Committee Ordinary vi) 13/11/12 Campbell Town District Forum Ordinary vii) 13/11/12 Ross Community Sports Club Inc. Ordinary viii) 14/11/12 Morven Park Management & Development Assoc. Inc. Ordinary ix) 14/11/12 Epping Forest Hall Committee Ordinary x) 20/11/12 Ross Local District Committee Ordinary xi) 22/11/12 Avoca, Royal George & Rossarden Local District Committee Ordinary DECISION Deputy Mayor Downie/Cr Knowles That the Minutes of the Meetings of the above Council Committees be received. Carried unanimously Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1502 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 3 RECOMMENDATIONS OF SUB COMMITTEES The following recommendations of Committees of Council are currently under investigation: Meeting Date 13/11/12 Committee Campbell Town District Forum Recommendation Status Officer’s to investigate; That the toilet block located on the eastern side possible alternative use of the King Street Reserve be demolished as an / demolition of building. adequate facility is provided within the It should be noted that adjacent renovated Guide Hall. CTDF at its September meeting recommended that this building be demolished or decommissioned. Matters that are grey shaded have been finalised and will be deleted from this schedule Matters already considered by Council at previous meetings have been incorporated into INFO 15: Officer’s Action Items. DECISION Deputy Mayor Downie/Cr Brooks That Council note the recommendations of Committees and actions of Council Officer’s. Carried unanimously 343/12 DATE OF NEXT COUNCIL MEETING 21 JANUARY 2013 Mayor Polley advised that the next Ordinary Council Meeting would be held on Monday, 21 January 2013 at the Northern Midlands Council Chambers at Longford at 5.00pm. 344/12 NORFOLK ISLAND GATHERING Responsible Officer: 1 Lorraine Green, Economic & Community Development Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT To provide Council with: a) a report on the professional development undertaken by Council’s Manager Economic and Community Development, Ms Lorraine Green, and Council’s Tourism Officer, Ms Fiona Dewar, on Norfolk Island November 16th – 19th 2012; b) a summary of the ongoing benefits to Council and the Northern Midlands community resulting from this professional development; c) an outline of the events planned for the Gathering on the Norfolk Plains March 1 st – 3rd 2013. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1503 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND AND REPORT Tasmania’s Norfolk Plains were named to acknowledge the Norfolk Islanders expelled from the island and resettled in this part of Tasmania in 1813 (the area comprising the towns and rural properties around Longford, Cressy, Perth, Bishopsbourne and Illawarra). A Gathering on the Norfolk Plains will be held from March 1st-3rd 2013 to commemorate 200 years since the Norfolk Islanders settled the Norfolk Plains. In 2010, eleven sites around Australia were inscribed on the World Heritage List due to their exemplary expression of key aspects of the Australian convict experience of forced migration that are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of global history. Woolmers/ Brickendon Estates and the Kingston and Arthur Vale Historic Site (KAVAH) on Norfolk Island are two of these eleven sites. Given these two significant connections between the Norfolk Plains and Norfolk Island, Council’s Manager Economic and Community Development, Ms Lorraine Green, has been in contact with staff at KAVAH for the past two years, seeking their input to the Gathering on the Norfolk Plains 2013. In October 2012 Council’s Tourism Officer, Ms Fiona Dewar, won the Local Government Manager Award for Innovation in recognition of her outstanding work developing the Heritage Highway App for iPhones, iPads and androids. The award included $1,000 towards her professional development. Ms Green and Ms Dewar requested that this funding be put towards their visiting Norfolk Island, with five key objectives for the visit being presented. This request was approved by the General Manager. Ms Green and Ms Dewar departed for Sydney on the evening of Thursday November 15th, flew to Norfolk Island on the morning of November 16th, departed Norfolk Island early afternoon on Monday 19th, and returned to Tasmania late that evening. Listed below is the professional development program undertaken by Ms Green and Ms Dewar. Date Activity Friday Nov 16 Outcome th 1.00pm Met at the airport by Glen Buffett, General Manager Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau 2.30pm Meeting with Ginny Maidment, Another warm welcome and confirmation of our Community Liaison Officer , Office of the program over the next four days Norfolk Island Administrator in the New Military Barracks 3.00pm Meeting with Chief Minister Norfolk Island Government Hon. David Buffett AM, together with Lisa Richards – Curator KAVAH Museum, and Philip Smith of the University of Capricornia CQU) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council A warm welcome to Norfolk Island Introduction to Norfolk Island governance and participated in a viewing of a POI pounder from the Pandora that the CQU was loaning to the KAVAH Museum for display. Set up a meeting with Lisa Richards at the Museum on 19/11 Page 1504 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Activity Outcome 4.00pm – Self-guided exploration of KAVAH site and Orientation to the site and basic introduction to the 7.00pm the colonial era cemetery site’s history. Taking of copious amounts of photos! 8.30 – 10pm Reviewing brochures, maps etc.. to plan activities around our set appointments Program for next 3 days mapped out Saturday Nov 17th 9.30am Historic Convict KAVAH site guided tour Greater understanding of the site and the 4 ‘waves’ of settlers 11.00am Viewing the KAVAH Museum and Pitcairn Islanders Museum 2.00pm Meeting with George (‘Puss’) Anderson, Dispelled the myth that the buildings were razed former KAVAH Site Manager at his home when the NI left for the Norfolk Plains. Wooden ‘Barnaby’, Ansons Bay Road buildings and roofs were burnt – many stone buildings were left unroofed. There are many remains of the colonial (first) settlement. Understanding of the hardships associated with relocation from NI to Norfolk Plains. Recommended books ‘the Forgotten Generations’ by Reg Wright and ‘Islands of History 2008’. 4.00pm6.30pm iPod guided tour of ‘Out of the Way’ sites and attractions including Mt Pitt, Botanical Gardens, Crystal Pool, Bloody Bridge, Emily Bay, Lone Pine. iPod ‘Convict Voices from the Past’ Appreciation of the island’s natural beauty and historical sites/attractions Further understanding of the island’s history and heritage 7.45pm9.15pm Sound and Light guided tour of KAVAH site As above plus understanding as to how this style of interpretation could be applied at Woolmers/Brickendon Sunday Nov18th 7.15am Island Sunday Market with Channel Nine Interesting exchanges with locals; gained an Morning Show filming live appreciation of the Island’s culture and community organisations/activities 11.00am Meeting at Shearwater Resort with Rotarians Charisse, Arthur (also a local Historian) and Ian (all hoping to participate in Rotary Exchange to Longford in March 2013) and their partners Promoted the Rotary Exchange to Longford: learnt of the island’s history from another historian’s perspective; viewed KAVAH site from a totally different ‘birds eye’ perspective Recommended books ‘Australia’s Bloodstains’ by Babette Smith and ‘Reflections on NSW’ by Louis De Freycinet Charisse donated a copy of her husband, Peter’s book ‘Hell and Paradise’. 1.00pm Meeting with Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development Hon Andre Nobbs MLA and General Manager Govt Tourism Bureau over a working lunch General discussion of the challenges facing the two islands with regard to economic development generally, and tourism specifically. Explored opportunities to partner Woolmers/Brickendon and Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1505 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date 3.00pm – 6.30pm Activity Outcome Norfolk Island to promote tourism, develop experiences, on and cross sell. Learnt about the process being undertaken to develop the next NI Tourism Strategy; viewed the recently completed NI Business Analysis that demonstrates tourism industry and community linkages, opportunities and challenges. Set up teleconference for Nov 22nd between Minister, Woolmers Chair, Woolmers GM and L Green to further the development of an agreed linked sites vision statement and the development of subsequent collaborative strategies. Self guided tour of the ‘Walk in the Wild’, James Cook Monument, Cascade Bay and Queen Victoria Gardens Monday Nov 19th 8.15am Meeting at the KAVAH Museum Office with Lisa Richards and volunteer Sue 9.15am Visit to Office of the Manager KAVAH Site Greg Lovell (unfortunately unable to meet Greg due to a commitment at Government House) 11.30am Meeting at airport with Liz McCoy, former KAVAH Site Research and Interpretation Officer Discussion of projects underway to collect and tell the stories of the NI convicts. Lively discussion of opportunities for collaboration. Fiona and Sue have established an email network. Fascinating historian with an amazing breadth of knowledge and experience. Very much looking forward to the publication of the book she is writing on the island’s history. Liz reports the convict names on the Woolmers woolshed wall are NI convicts. Listed below are the five objectives set for this professional development experience and the extent to which each objective was achieved. Obj. no 1 Objective Extent of achievement To study how the convict story is interpreted on Norfolk Island and document techniques that we can apply to the interpretation of the convict story in the Heritage Highway Region Full achievement Convict story is interpreted on NI using an array of medium including traditional signage and interpretation boards and panels, brochures, self guided and guided tours. Use of interactive technology is limited by the island’s erratic internet access. Particularly impressed by the sound and light tour of the KAVAH site: concept of telling the convict story via this absorbing medium is easily transferable to our convict sites in the Heritage Highway Region – only challenge being the late onset of darkness during the peak tourist season in Tasmania. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1506 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Obj. no Objective Extent of achievement Experience reinforced our commitment to 1) telling the convict stories authentically and in the first person where-ever possible, 2) working the stories around key themes = the ‘take home’ messages, and 3) challenging the visitor with key questions/ points to ponder. 2 Create/strengthen networks between the World Heritage Listed Sites on Norfolk Island and Woolmers/ Brickendon Estates, and explore opportunities to onsell between the sites Full achievement+ All, parties including the NI Chief Minister, the NI Minister for Tourism, the General Manager of the NI Tourism Bureau and the KAVAH Museum Curator are eager to create strong networks between our two islands’ World Heritage Listed Sites for on-selling marketing, research and the development of new tourism experiences/products. The NI Minister for Tourism, Hon. Andre Nobbs MLA is particularly enthusiastic about these possibilities and before we left our meeting with him he had booked a teleconference involving himself, Chair Woolmers Foundation and General Manager Woolmers Foundation and Ms Green for the following Thursday. At this teleconference it was agreed to firstly develop an agreed linked site vision statement and once this has been endorsed by the Woolmers and KAVAH Boards, to be shared with the Archer family at Brickendon, and strategies then developed to enable achievement of our shared vision. 3 To identify sites/ opportunities for interpreting the story of the convicts and settlers who resettled on the Norfolk Plains in 1813. Full achievement. The Curator of the KAVAH Museum is particularly interested in having this interpretation at the KAVAH site and is offering display space and/or a location for installation of an ipad holding interpretive videos etc... She was pleased to hear of the school students’ ‘Discovering the Norfolk Plains’ curriculum work and resultant displays/performances that can be incorporated in the Norfolk Plains interpretation. Ms Green and Ms Dewar have committed to preparing the interpretation of the NI experiences of the people later resettled in the Norfolk Plains – utilising the written and oral material collected during their professional development. 4 To study NI’s destination management and capture the components that can be applied when developing our destination management plan/ tourism strategy Full achievement Discussions with NI Minister for Tourism Hon Andre Nobbs included: 1) an overview of the recent Tourism Business Analysis that concisely demonstrates the linkages, opportunities and challenges between the tourism industry and the NI community. This business analysis will be included in our destination management plan/tourism strategy 2) an overview of the NI draft 2012 Tourism Strategy that aims to achieve a whole of community ownership and commitment to implementation of 5 strategies that: clarify NI’s offering as a destination in a highly competitive marketplace; highlight niche marketing opportunities; Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1507 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Obj. no Objective Extent of achievement strengthen linkages with industry stakeholders; maintain an exceptional level of service delivery in all areas; embrace social media and online opportunities for business and tourism. This Tourism Strategy will serve as a valuable document as we deliver our own destination management plan/tourism strategy. 5 To create a video including interviews with the Administrator and KAVAH Site Manager for screening at the Gathering 2013 On target for full achievement Both the Administrator and KAVAH Site Manager were off island for the majority of our visit. The groundwork laid during the visit will facilitate the making of the video footage for playing at the Gathering 2013. The program for the Gathering on the Norfolk Plains is now finalised. The program comprises: Date and time Event/Activity Friday, March 1 Evening Street party and BBQ Music Hall by G-String Productions in the Town Hall Saturday, March 2 Descendants Day, Christ Church Parish Hall 10.00am Colonial Music on the Longford Village Green 11.00am Official launch of the Gathering by former Governor of Tasmania the Hon. W J E Cox AC, RFD, ED, QC on the Village Green Launch of the Gathering Medallion and 200years on the Norfolk Plains Book Performance by the Military Re-enactors Voices from the Graves performance in Christ Church graveyard followed by community photograph Early afternoon Music Hall Evening Colonial themed dining experiences in local eateries TBC Music hall Sunday, March 3 Longford Blessing of the Harvest Festival with a colonial theme on the Village Green Guided bus tours of Pateena Road Mid afternoon interdenominational church service at Christ Church, followed by farewell function and the placement of a time capsule Music Hall Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1508 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date and time Event/Activity All weekend Self guided tours of the Norfolk Plains with maps and booklets provided ‘Art of the Norfolk Plains’ themed art exhibition at Eskleigh Home, Perth Display of the local school students’ work on ‘Discovering the Norfolk Plains’; the outcome of a year’s study of the area’s heritage and people National Trust Heritage Centre in Longford open 10am – 4pm Woolmers, Brickendon and Clarendon open for guided or self-guided tours Toosey Residents Memories of the District and Photo Display Christ Church open for viewings and services ‘Roses from the Heart’ convicts’ babies bonnet exhibition TBC RECOMMENDATION That the matter be discussed. DECISION Cr Brooks/Cr Lambert That the matter be discussed. Carried unanimously Cr Lambert/Cr Knowles That the report be received and that Ms Green and Ms Dewar be thanked for their contribution, efforts and the report. Carried unanimously Ms Green and Ms Dewar left the meeting at 5.14pm. 345/12 WATER AND SEWERAGE INDUSTRY REFORM Responsible Officer: 1 Adam Wilson, General Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT In relation to the constitution for the Single Water and Sewerage Corporation, Council has been requested by the Local Government Association Tasmania to consider motions in regard to membership of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, the Constitution and the Shareholders ’Letter of Expectation. 2 BACKGROUND Tasmanian Water and Sewerage Corporations were formed on 13 November 2008 under the Corporations Act 2001 and pursuant to the Water and Sewerage Corporations Act 2008. They are governed by the Constitution which was approved by the Tasmanian Parliament. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1509 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 The primary purposes of the Water and Sewerage Corporations are to: promote the efficient delivery of water supply and sewerage services; encourage water conservation, demand management of water and the re-use of water on an economic and commercial basis; be a successful business and to this end: o Operate its activities with good commercial practice; and o Maximize sustainable returns to its shareholders. At the Council Meeting held on 12 November 2012 Council was requested to consider draft 6 (23 October 2012) Constitution for the Single Water and Sewerage Corporation in order to provide feedback to the Local Government Association of Tasmania. The following was the unanimous decision of Council at this time (minute reference 310/12): Cr Knowles/Cr Lambert That Council 1. endorse Draft no 6 of the Constitution for the Single Water and Sewerage Corporation; and 2. appoint Councillor Goninon as the Northern Midlands Council Acting (Deputy Representative) until the end of the Selection Committee process. Carried unanimously 3 STRATEGIC PLAN 2007/2017 The Strategic Plan 2007/2017 provides the guidelines within which Council operates. The following goals have relevance to this issue: 4.4 Public Health 5.2 Hydraulic Infrastructure 4 Consistent quality of potable water supply Ensure Council’s water, wastewater, and stormwater services are developed, designed and constructed, operated and maintained to be fit-for-purpose, efficient and cost-effective” Provide safe, secure water supplies which meet NHMRC Guidelines to all urban centres Provide fully treated water to all urban centres in a cost effective and efficient manner Where fully treated supply is not available, provide a satisfactory untreated/ partially treated water supply in line with community expectations/ability to pay. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Water and Sewerage Corporations Act 2008. Water and Sewerage Industry Act 2008. 5 FINANCIAL / ASSET IMPLICATIONS The proposal to collapsing the three regional corporations into a single statewide Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1510 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 corporation may have an impact on potential future dividends for the eight Northern Councils, including Northern Midlands Council. 6 OFFICER’S COMMENTS In relation to the new water and sewer entity, the Local Government Association of Tasmania has requested Council to consider the following areas: “That councils become a member of the water and sewerage corporation; That councils agree to the constitution in the terms contained in it and agree to ratify the constitution following registration of the corporation; and That councils agree to the draft Shareholders ’Letter of Expectation, acknowledging that it must be finalised in consultation with the board of directors once the corporation is registered.” The Local Government Association of Tasmania has advised that the constitution has had one minor amendment to the objectives of the corporation to mirror the amendment to the legislation made in the Upper House on 21 November 2012. That amendment was passed in the Lower House on the 22 November 2012, with the specific words added to the functions as follows: (iii) to deliver water and sewerage services to customers in the most cost-efficient manner. The Local Government Association of Tasmania correspondence received on the 23 November 2012 points out that the purpose of the process is not intended to solicit more comment on the constitution or propose further amendments; however, the process is intended to have councils accept this constitution as the constitution for the new corporation as was discussed at the General Meeting held on Wednesday, 21 November 2012. The Local Government Association of Tasmania reiterated in their letter that there are provisions in the constitution to allow for later amendment after incorporation but the intent of the current process was to enable the incorporation to actually occur. All matters raised by councils at the General Meeting have been taken into account and carefully considered in reaching the final version of the document. The Local Government Association of Tasmania has also asked Council to confirm Council’s agreement to be a member of the new corporation. Version two of the draft Shareholder’s Letter of Expectation was provided to Council from Local Government Association of Tasmania. It should be noted that while there are references in the draft Shareholder’s Letter of Expectation to both the issues of concessions for Not for Profit’s and a requirement to address the matter of the role of the corporation in relation to economic development, neither of these have been finalised at this time. A working group has been established (General Manager is a member of this working group) to consider the issues of concessions for Not for Profit’s. The Local Government Association of Tasmania suggest that Councils should not be concerned at this time that these matters do not have the requisite detail within the draft Shareholder’s Letter of Expectation, as there Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1511 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 will be adequate opportunity to further address and discuss these matters prior to finalisation in March 2013. The significance of the sign off of the draft Shareholder’s Letter of Expectation at this time is to allow it to be included within the recruitment packages for directors to enable applicants to gauge the broad expectations of owners. 7 ATTACHMENTS 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Local Government Association of Tasmania email 23 November 2012 Draft of Council’s letter to be sent to LGAT Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation Constitution of the Tasmanian Water & Sewerage Company (Version 10) dated the 22 November 2012 RECOMMENDATION 1 That the matter be discussed. RECOMMENDATION 2 That Council, with regard to 1. Membership of single state-wide Water and Sewerage Corporation a) becomes a member of the Water and Sewerage Corporation to be formed under the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act 2012. 2. Constitution of Water and Sewerage Corporation Agrees: a) to the constitution of the Water and Sewerage Corporation to be formed under the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act 2012 (Corporation) in the terms attached; and b) to ratify the constitution following registration of the Corporation. 3. Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation a) agrees to the draft Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation in the terms attached; and b) acknowledges that the Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation must be finalised in consultation with the board of directors of the corporation formed under the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act 2012 (Corporation) after the corporation is registered. DECISION Deputy Mayor Downie/Cr Brooks That Council discuss the matter. Carried unanimously Cr Carins/Deputy Mayor Downie That Council, A) with regard to: 1. Membership of single state-wide Water and Sewerage Corporation a) becomes a member of the Water and Sewerage Corporation to be Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1512 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 2. 3. formed under the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act 2012. Constitution of Water and Sewerage Corporation Agrees: a) to the constitution of the Water and Sewerage Corporation to be formed under the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act 2012 (Corporation) in the terms attached; and b) to ratify the constitution following registration of the Corporation. Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation a) agrees to the draft Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation in the terms attached; and b) acknowledges that the Shareholders’ Letter of Expectation must be finalised in consultation with the board of directors of the corporation formed under the Water and Sewerage Corporation Act 2012 (Corporation) after the corporation is registered. AND B) write to the board requesting consideration be given to reassessing dividend payments, timing of capital works and the further lobbying of government for funds for Water and Sewerage capital works (as promised), to alleviate the need for major costs increases to residents. Carried unanimously 346/12 RATE INCENTIVE FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT Responsible Officer: 1 Adam Wilson, General Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT Following the introduction by Meander Valley Council of an initiative to provide a building grant to support the building industry, Mayor Polley requested that this matter be considered by the Northern Midlands Council. 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Meander Valley Council at its November Council meeting adopted a building grant policy to help stimulate and support the building industry in their region. The grant is only for a period of 6 months starting from the 1st January 2013. The building grant is paid to applicants and is 50% of the total of those costs associated with Council planning, building and plumbing fees inclusive. In the Northern Midlands, this would amount to $360 to $460. This figure does not include out of pocket advertising costs or the cost of building surveyor fees as to discount these is likely to breach National Competition Policy. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1513 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 3 STRATEGIC PLAN The Strategic Plan 2007/2017 provides the guidelines within which Council operates. The goals identified in, “Volume 1 – Mapping Our Direction”, 1.8 Financial Management, 2.2 Business Support, 4.2 Planning Practice and 4.6 Strategic Planning are applicable to this report. 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Any proposed fee remission should be provided as a grant, as Council’s grant program is reported in the Annual Report in an open and transparent manner. 5 OFFICERS COMMENTS The ongoing promotion of the Northern Midlands as an attractive location to live and invest is encouraged by our Strategic Plan and will have a long term impact on the sustainability of our business community and the building industry. Council may wish to consider modifying Policy 17 - Rate Incentive for New Development, so it will stimulate and support the building industry in our municipality by considering one of the following options: i) Modify the policy similar to the Meander Valley Council policy to rebate 50% for the total of these costs associated with Council planning, building and plumbing fees inclusive. ii) Modify the policy to provide ratepayers that build a new dwelling with a general rates rebate for two years (100% general rate rebate first year and 50% general rate rebate second year), provided the building application is received between the 1 st January 2013 and the 31st December 2013 and the dwelling receives a Certificate of Completion within 12 months of the application date. iii) Modify the policy so it provides a 100% rate rebate for two years for all new residents purchasing a newly built home. iv) Develop a policy to provide a rate rebate for all new residents. v) Promote Policy 17 - Rate Incentive for New Development. 6 ATTACHMENTS 6.1 6.2 Examiner article 14 November 2012 Meander Valley Council agenda item 13 November 2012 - Notice of Motion – Meander Valley Council Building Grant – Cr Ian Mackenzie Meander Valley Council minute number 188/2012 Notice of Motion – Meander Valley Council Building Grant – Cr Ian Mackenzie Policy 17 - Rate Incentive for New Development. 6.3 6.4 Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1514 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 RECOMMENDATION 1 That the matter be discussed. RECOMMENDATION 2 That Council promotes Policy 17 - Rate Incentive for New Development. DECISION Cr Goss/Cr Calvert That Council discuss the matter. Carried unanimously Cr Goninon/Deputy Mayor Downie That a costing relating to the various options be discussed at a future workshop. Carried unanimously 347/12 MONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT File: Prepared by: 1 Subject 24/023 Maree Bricknell – Corporate Services Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to present the monthly financial reports as at 30 November 2012. 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The Corporate Services Manager circulated a copy of the Monthly Financial Statements for the period ended 30 November 2012. Council’s bank balance as at 30 November 2012 totals $12,458,207 including $11,247,778 investments which has earned $212,403 interest to date. Rates raised in 2012-13 amounts to $8,246,180 there has been $6,664,659 collected during the year (including some arrears) leaving 24.16 percent unpaid which compares to 26.8 percent at the same time last year. 3 ALTERATIONS TO 2012-13 BUDGET The following alteration to the 2012-13 Budget is provided for Council consideration and approval (by absolute majority). No items listed for November 2012 Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1515 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 The following alterations have been approved by the General Manager under delegation: 4 Event Funding re-allocation from Longford Revival from $6,000 to: Woolmers Festival of Roses $500 Midlands Military Meet $1,000 OFFICERS COMMENTS Copies of the financial reports are also made available at the Council office. 5 ATTACHMENTS 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Bank Reconciliation to 30 November 2012 Schedule of Investments to 30 November 2012 Summary of Rates & Charges to 30 November 2012 Income & Expenditure Summary to end November 2012 Account Management Report to end November 2012. RECOMMENDATION 1. receive and note the Monthly Financial Report for the period ending 30 November 2012 2. approve the following 2012-13 Budget alterations No. Details of Location of Funding from Work Work Budget Note: Event Special Event allocation to Longford Revival $6,000 reallocation cancelled this Special Event – Woolmers Rose Festival year Special Event – Midlands Military Meet Amount ($1,500) $500 $1,000 DECISION Cr Goss/Cr Brooks That Council adopt the recommendation. Carried unanimously 348/12 ANZAC DAY CENTENARY Report prepared by: 1 Maree Bricknell, Corporate Services Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT Deputy Mayor Downie has asked that a recommendation be put to Council for Council’s inprinciple strong support to community events to celebrate the Anzac Centenary. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1516 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Between 2014 and 2018 Australia and New Zealand will commemorate the Anzac Centenary, marking 100 years since our involvement in the First World War. During this time we will remember not only the Anzacs who served at Gallipoli and the Western front, but all Australian servicemen and women, including those who fought along the Kokoda Track and at Tobruk; those who were held as prisoners of war; those who fought on the seas and in the skies; and those who served from Korea and Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Anzac Centenary provides us with an opportunity to remember those who have fought and served in all wars, conflicts and peace operations in the past hundred years and especially remember the more than 100,000 who have given their lives in service. Chair of the Anzac Centenary Advisory Board, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston, AC, AFC (Ret’d ) said “The Anzac Centenary will be one the most significant commemorations in our nation’s history. It will be a time to remember and honour the service and sacrifice of our past and current soldiers, sailors and airmen. The Anzac Centenary Advisory Board has a very important task ahead. I look forward to working closely and productively with the Australian community and my fellow Board members to advise the Government on the best possible program of commemorative events and to ensure the Anzac Centenary is marked in a way that captures the spirit and reverence it so deserves.” 3 STRATEGIC/OPERATIONAL PLAN The celebration of the 100 year ANZAC anniversary is consistent with Council’s 2007-2017 Strategic Plan under the ‘Local Community’ Section – Broader Community and Cultural Development – which has the objective: “To support local cultural activities that express community aspirations, sense of place, the history of the region, and provide opportunities for social interaction and enjoyment.” 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS The financial implication of the celebrations is dependent on the nature of the event(s) held through Special Events Program, and any external grant funding able to be secured under the recently announced $83.5m Anzac Centenary Program. 5 CONSULTATION WITH STATE GOVERNMENT Tourism Tasmania and Heritage Tasmania may be consulted during the planning phase for the celebrations. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1517 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 6 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION Liaison with local RSL clubs and community consultation would be an integral component of the planning phase of community events. RECOMMENDATION That Council provide in-principle support to community events throughout the municipal area to celebrate the ANZAC Centenary. DECISION Cr Knowles/Deputy Mayor Downie That Council provide in-principle support to community events throughout the municipal area to celebrate the ANZAC Centenary. Carried unanimously 349/12 ROAD SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL – REDUCTION IN RURAL ROAD DEFAULT SPEED LIMIT Responsible Officer: 1 Terry Eaton, Engineer PURPOSE OF REPORT This report is provided to inform Council of the proposal by the Department of Infrastructure Energy and Resources, Road Safety Branch, to advance the proposal to reduce the rural road default speed limit from 100km/h to 90km/h. 2 BACKGROUND This matter was discussed by Council at the 21 February 2011 Council meeting at which time the following was the decision of Council: Cr Goninon/Deputy Mayor Downie That Council advise the Road Safety Advisory Council that they do not support the proposal as: i) Insufficient information is available as to how the scheme will be implemented with regard to the sections of the road network which will be speed zoned above 90km/h; ii) The research indicates the major benefits are by reducing the speed limit on the main arterial road network, it is understood that much of this network will be outside the proposal, i.e. no speed reduction proposed. iii) No specific information has been provided in the reports on rural accident locations where the speed limit may be reduced and accordingly the expected benefits cannot be defined. Carried unanimously Council’s views were considered by the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources as part of the consultation process with no reply to the submission, indications at that time were that the Government were not supportive of the proposed reduction in the default Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1518 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 rural speed limit. However, in September of this year, correspondence was received from the Minister for Infrastructure advising that he was supporting a speed reduction proposal and seeking Council’s input by nominating Council’s roads where it was considered a 100km/h speed limit should be retained. 3 STRATEGIC PLAN The Strategic Plan 2007/2017 provides the guidelines within which Council operates. The goals identified in the strategic plan, “Volume 1 – Mapping Our Direction”, 5.1 Transport Infrastructure Operations are applicable to this report. 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS It is difficult to ascertain costs until such time as advice is received as to an acceptable standard as the adopted standard, in particular road width, desirable 9.0 metre seal is substantially wider than Council normally installs, Council Link roads and Collector roads at desirable 6.2 metres. Indicative costing to upgrade Councils Link roads (120km) and Collector roads (255km) is some $10 million and $20 million respectively. Note, these roads are seen as the functionally important roads within the municipality where transport efficiency is an important parameter with maintenance of a 100km/h speed limit seen as desirable for these roads. 5 RISK ISSUES No specific information has been provided as to a standardised crash rate for rural road within the state, so that this factor cannot be assessed. 6 CONSULTATION It is considered there has been limited consultation with Council on this proposal; Council officers have attended two forums, an initial forum prior to the 21 February 2011 council meeting and a more recent forum on 10 October 2012. Councillor Knowles attended the 14 November 2012 forum for elected members, her notes on the meeting are attached. Council has not been advised on details of the consultation submissions. However, it appears that a policy decision has been made without consideration of the likely implications with regard to cost of implementation. 7 OFFICER’S COMMENTS The basis of this initiative appears to be a “reactive” response to a raw statistic without understanding of the issue, i.e. not a risk management approach. With due respect to the Road Safety Advisory committee’s consultation process it is clear Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1519 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 that the forums were to advise participants of how the proposal was to be implemented and not to seek input into the process. It appears that any attempt to seek responses to such issues as those proposed by Council at the 21 February Council meeting have been ignored. The concerns that council raised in the decision on the agenda item on this matter at the 21 February 2011 Council Meeting have not been responded too. Indications are that this is a theoretical research based concept with little relevance to practical considerations, i.e. no actual assessment of Local Government managed roads with regard to the travel speed, specific accident locations and causes, except for Kingborough and Tasman municipalities. Indications are that the Northern Midlands Council road network may be relatively safe. However, no measure of the acceptable crash risk for rural roads in Tasmania has been provided. The proposed arbitrary standard for rural roads to maintain a 100km/h default speed based on National Highway link requirements and in excess of the standard for most of the DIER road network, i.e. 3.5 metre lane width with 1.0 metre sealed shoulders. It is interesting to note that DIER have not adopted the standard with recent advice that a section of Esk Main road is being upgraded to meet high productivity requirements, strengthening the road pavement to improve ride quality and safety with a standard of 3.0 metre lanes and 1 metre sealed shoulders is less than required for a 100 km/h default speed limit. Indications are a cost increase of at least 12.5% would be required for this section of road to meet the proposed 100 km/h default requirement. My understanding is that the concept is to reduce travel speed on the total state wide road networks, both state and local government maintained roads by 5km/h. I have difficulty in appreciating how reducing the default limit and hopefully the travel speed for the 31% users of Council maintained roads will influence speed reduction for the 69% using the state road network? The Tasmanian topography and economic considerations dictate a wide variation in road standards particularly for alignments with many roads straight and relatively flat, but connected by/ or including sections of curved and undulating road. Negotiation of these roads does require due regard to the road standard and conditions with travel speeds at wide variance, reducing the maximum speed from 100km/h accordingly may not be in the interest of the users of these roads by increasing travel time and reducing concentration levels on the driving task with likely increased inattention. The writer’s view is that the research on this issue is not robust with the policy decision theoretically based with minimal input from road engineering/ traffic engineering disciplines and with implementation as at present proposed likely to increase driver confusion. It can be noted that the Legislative Council’s Member for Western Tiers has expressed concern with the concept. A Legislative Council Committee has been established on the proposal. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1520 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 This is considered as a matter which impacts on Local Government statewide and as such a uniform Local Government view would be desirable. An attempt was made to have this matter discussed at the Northern Regions Infrastructure Managers forum, unfortunately councils in the region have treated the matter unilaterally: Launceston City Council Support concept, but list roads to stay at 100km/h. Meander Valley Council Support concept in principle. Georgetown Council Do not support, suggest maintain default at 100km/h. Break O’Day Council Do not support, suggest maintain default at 100km/h. Dorset Council Supports concept. West Tamar Council Limit support, recommend Collector road links stay at 100km/h. Note: Indications are that the Council support relates to the lack of roads within the municipality meeting the proposed 100km/h required standard. 8 ATTACHMENTS 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 Letter to DIER dated 25 February 2011 Letter from Road Safety Advisory Council dated 1 April 2011 Letter from Minister for Infrastructure dated 5 September 2012 Non-Urban road Network Strategy – September 2012 Council Minute 053/11 – 21 February 2011 Councillor Knowles’ notes from the 14 November 2012 forum Email to DIER dated 20 November 2012 Notice of Select Committee – Examiner 24 November 2012 Article from RACT December/January, Issue of Journeys RECOMMENDATION 1 That the matter be discussed. RECOMMENDATION 2 That Council i) advise DIER of support for the proposed reduction in the default speed limits with no roads nominated to maintain the 100km/h default limit, as all roads are constructed to a standard below the recommended requirement; OR ii) a) considers insufficient analysis has been undertaken on the assessment of crashes on Council maintained rural roads, with no alternative options such as traffic management and local improvements costed, and accordingly does not wish to participate in the proposed changes until further information is available. b) advise “that it is not considered appropriate to nominate roads to maintain the 100km/h default limit until further consideration is given to the proposed standard necessary for such a limit”; Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1521 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 c) d) support the retention of a 100km/h default speed limit on the state maintained roads within the municipality; approves of the provision of a submission to the Legislative Council’s Select Committee on this matter. DECISION Cr Goss/Cr Brooks That Council discuss the matter. Carried unanimously Deputy Mayor Downie/Cr Goninon That Council ii) a) considers insufficient analysis has been undertaken on the assessment of crashes on Council maintained rural roads, with no alternative options such as traffic management and local improvements costed, and accordingly does not wish to participate in the proposed changes until further information is available. c) support the retention of a 100km/h default speed limit on the state maintained roads within the municipality. AMENDMENT Cr Carins/Cr Calvert That Council ii) a) considers insufficient analysis has been undertaken on the assessment of crashes on Council maintained rural roads, with no alternative options such as traffic management and local improvements costed, and accordingly does not wish to participate in the proposed changes until further information is available. b) advise “that it is not considered appropriate to nominate roads to maintain the 100km/h default limit until further consideration is given to the proposed standard necessary for such a limit”; c) support the retention of a 100km/h default speed limit on the state maintained roads within the municipality; d) approves of the provision of a submission to the Legislative Council’s Select Committee on this matter. Carried unanimously The Amendment became the motion and was put and Carried unanimously Cr Carins declared an interest in item W&I 2, signed the register and left the meeting at 5.45pm. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1522 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 350/12 NORTH PERTH – ROAD OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN Report prepared by: 1 Terry Eaton, Engineer INTRODUCTION Following concerns expressed by residents accessing the Midland Highway via Gibbet Hill Rise, Council requested a report on road access options, i.e. an outline road development plan to serve the Gibbet Hill – Devon Hills areas. Outline development plans are recognised as a desirable planning aid to ensure orderly development of land with the provision of interconnections between land and the road system for effective and efficient transport services. This report is provided as an assessment of the road link options and associated issues. 2 LAND USE The area, the subject of this report is land from north of Seccombe Street to the southern boundary of present Devon Hills development and from the eastern connecting zone boundary to Devon Hills to the Midland Highway. The land is proposed to be zoned in the 2012 Interim Planning Scheme as: i) Residential from Seccombe street for some 200 metres to the north between the Midland Highway and Fairtlough Street. ii) Low density residential for the balance area within the report area. This report generally covers the low density residential land. Relevant provisions within the Interim Planning Scheme are seen as: i) Minimum lot size – 1 Hectare; ii) Land in Devon Hills must not be further subdivided. Indications are that the low density zone within the study area is some 200 hectares in area and is developed at some 46 land parcels. Based on the low density lot area an optimum of 200 lots could be created, however, due to limitations with the existing lot layout indications are that some 130-150 lots as a practical density. 3 EXISTING ROAD ACCESS At present the north Perth area; i.e. Collins Street, Sinclair Street and Fairtlough Street, north of Seccombe Street, are accessed via Arthur Street, Perth. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1523 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 The properties on the northern slope of Gibbet Hill are accessed via a direct junction with the Midland Highway at Gibbet Hill Rise. The Devon Hills rural residential development is accessed via the junction of Devon Hills Road and the Midland Highway. Between Gibbet Hill Rise and Devon Hills there is an existing rural holding “Keppoch Lodge” with direct access to the Midland Highway. 3.1 Issues Present issues identified with the existing road network include: 3.2 i) Deficient facilities at the Midland Highway – Gibbet Hill Rise junction and potential for rear end collisions for vehicles waiting to turn right from the Highway. ii) Concerns during inclement weather (fog) with approach visibility at the Devon Hills Road junction. iii) The lack of an alternative defined road access to the Devon Hills area for emergency use. iv) The long deviation to Arthur Street for vehicles from the North Perth area needing to travel north. Access Provision The existing road layout provides property access by: Area Existing lots Total Potential lots 1 Fairtlough Street 25 35 2 Gibbet Hill Rise to Midland Highway 8 20 Note: The potential lot number is based on subdivision of existing accessed lots, however, the actual number will be determined by other servicing considerations, such as water supply and sewage disposal. Increased lot yield would also be dependent on subdivision and the provision of new roads. Travel Distance The location of the Gibbet Hill area relative to regional business and employment nodes suggest the majority of traffic is likely to travel to destinations to the north. Existing travel diversions to reach this area, to Midland Highway/ Gibbet Hill Rise junction, are: Area 1 1.8 km Area 2 0 km Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1524 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 4 TRAFFIC DATA 4.1 Midland Highway at Gibbet Hill Rise 13,000 vehicles per day, with indicative growth at some 2.5% per annum. 4.2 Devon Hills Road A traffic count in April indicated a 2-way ADT volume of 880 vehicles with weekday ADT at 930 vehicles; average two way volume per residence at 6 vehicle movements. 4.3 Fairtlough Street – residences north of Seccombe Street Based on the 6 vehicle movements/day, indicates existing ADT volume on Fairtlough Street, just north of Seccombe Street, at 150 vehicles with potential to increase to some 210 vehicles. 4.4 Gibbet Hill Rise Some 50 vehicles per day. 5 ROAD SAFETY Crash statistics for the last 9.5 years from 1 January 2002 to 30 June 2012 for the section of the Midland Highway from north of Youl Main Road to Devon Hills Road indicate: Severity Number of Accidents Serious Accidents 1 Minor Accidents 8 Property Damage Accidents 17 Total 26 of the crashes, 2 minor and 1 property damage occurred at Devon Hills road junction; and 1 minor and 1 property damage at the Gibbet Hill Rise junction. Analysis indicates that the accident rate of some 0.3 accidents per million vehicle kilometres is low indicating a relatively safe section of road. 6 ROAD OPTIONS 6.1 Gibbet Hill Rise The priority issue is seen as improving safety at the Gibbet Hill Rise junction with the provision of an auxiliary right turn lane at this location seen as expensive due to the available road reservation width and the batter height on the western side of the Highway. Guide cost is in the order of $400,000. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1525 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 The alternative access options are seen as providing a connection to the north to connect to any subdivision development of the Keppoch lodge land. Such an option would be dependent on: 6.2 i) Development of the Keppoch Lodge land proceeding; ii) Requiring any development of Keppoch Lodge land to include a link road to Sinclair Street; iii) DIER approval of an access for the land to the Midland Highway. Closure of the Gibbet Hill Rise Junction Closure of the Gibbet Hill Rise Junction and construction of Sinclair Street to link to Fairtlough Street, a distance of some 900 metres, guide cost $250,000. This access would provide frontage for an additional 12 lots, i.e. servicing some 20 lots. This option whilst improving safety by removal of the Midland Highway junction does require a long diversion for motorists travelling to/from the north. Financing of the project would generally be a Council cost as the area is outside a city or town such that unmade street provisions of the Local Government Highways Act do not apply. Consideration could be given to charging a special rate for the properties deriving a benefit. Administratively, prior to commencing any work agreement would need to be reached with the residents of Gibbet Hill Rise to close the Midland Highway junction with support from DIER. Application and agreement to the closure by the issue of a closure order based on Road Safety may form the basis for an application for Black Spot funding. 6.3 Collins Street (Perth) to Christine Avenue (Devon Hills) This connection, new road length of some 400 metres would provide a link to the north. This connection would require a travel diversion of some 1.8 kilometres when travelling north for residents of Gibbet Hill Rise. Additionally, this option would increase the traffic volume at the Midland Highway / Devon Hills Road junction. The present standard of the street sections for Sinclair Street and Collins Street are considered satisfactory as minor road access roads. Upgrading the street function to collector status would require reconstruction to improve the street profile, increase the street width and improve the pavement depth with additional sealed pavement width of 1.0 metre. This construction, guide cost some $200,000 provides a secondary connecting link between Devon Hills and Perth. Traffic use for the area serviced with no direct access to the Midland Highway, i.e. some 150 vehicles per day would increase use of the Devon Hills Road junction. The construction of this link would require acquisition of a road reservation with the Planning Scheme provisions allowing no subdivision of the frontage land to offset the Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1526 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 cost. 7 TRAVEL COSTS The maintenance of access to the Midland Highway at either Gibbet Hill Rise or a Keppoch Lodge proposed subdivision is considered the base situation for analysis of travel time costs. Taking the diverted volume with no direct access at Gibbet Hill at 150 vehicles per day suggests: 7.1 Diversion to Devon Hills Road – Annual Costs 7.2 $ 30,000 $ 43,000 $ 73,000 Diversion via Arthur Street – Annual Costs 8 Diversion distance 1.8km, extra time 2.4 minutes Travel cost at 30c per vehicle kilometre Travel time cost at $20 per hour, Total Diversion distance 3km, extra time 4 minutes Travel cost at 30c per vehicle kilometre Travel time cost at $20 per hour, Total $ 48,000 $ 71,000 $ 119,000 CONCLUSION Assessment of the options for improving access to the north Perth area indicates that there is value in connecting Gibbet Hill Rise via a future Keppoch Lodge subdivision as the least cost facility provision. Construction of an auxiliary lane with connections to Gibbet Hill Rise and Sinclair Street would provide an acceptable outline road plan for the area served and with least cost capital and vehicle travel costs. However, the availability of the solution is unknown and dependant on the timing for any development of the Keppoch Lodge land. Guide costs for the required roadworks are some $400,000 to cover the auxiliary turn facility, a link to Sinclair Street and closure of Gibbet Hill Rise. However, most of the roadworks cost would be the developers responsibility to provide access to his subdivision. Indications are that for a similar cost, an auxiliary lane could be provided for Gibbet Hill Rise, but such a facility would only serve the existing residents and provide no benefit for residents further east without the construction of Sinclair Street (expenditure of some $250,000). It should also be noted that the need to address the safety concerns at Gibbet Hill Rise is only an issue until such time as the upgrading of the Midland Highway from Breadalbane to Perth occurs when either the junction will be upgraded as part of that work or bypassed. Providing no access to the Midland Highway north of Perth is seen as imposing annual travel Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1527 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 cost penalties of some $119,000 on the local residents with the area fully developed or some $73,000, by the expenditure of $200,000 to connect between Collins Street and Christine Avenue. 9 ATTACHMENTS Zoning plan. Proposed outline plan of roads. RECOMMENDATION 1 That Council note the report. RECOMMENDATION 2 That Council refer the report to DIER for comment and a response with respect to the Gibbet Hill Rise/Midland Highway Junction concerns. DECISION Cr Brooks/Cr Knowles That Council note the report. Carried unanimously Cr Goninon/Cr Knowles That Council refer the report to the Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources a) for comment and a response with respect to the Gibbet Hill Rise/ Midland Highway Junction concerns; b) to ascertain what funding sources are available; and c) to enquire the time frame of the proposed Perth By-Pass. Carried unanimously Cr Carins returned to the meeting at 5.53pm. 351/12 NOMENCLATURE – NAMING OF NEW STREET – TABERNACLE PLACE File: Responsible Officer: 1 34/007; 27/003/299 Maree Bricknell, Corporate Services Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT This report considers the naming of a new street created by a subdivision off 77 Clarence Street at Perth in 2003. 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND A 5 lot subdivision has been developed off 77 Clarence Street, Perth with lots 1, 2 and 3 Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1528 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 having access from Lot 5 the new road created. Names submitted for the new road were: 2.1 Gibson Court- in recognition of William Gibson Snr of Native Point and William Gibson Jr of Scone who in 1889 generously donated money to erect the nearby Tabernacle. 2.2 Tabernacle Place – in recognition of the nearby Baptist Tabernacle. Meander Valley Council and Launceston City Council were asked if the submitted names conflicted with names within their municipality. Responses received from Launceston City Council and Meander Valley Council supported the name Tabernacle Place. The name Gibson’s Court is not supported as there are four other similar names in the state. 3 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Under the Survey Coordination Act 1944, urban roads which are wholly contained within a proclaimed town boundary, Council has authority to assign the names. If Council agrees to assign the name “Gibson Court or Tabernacle Place” for the road then the Council is to advise the Nomenclature Board Secretary within forty days of assigning the name. 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Council is responsible for installing street name signage associated with this new road. 5 RISK ISSUES The Nomenclature Board’s guiding principles for the assignment of place names state: Existing road names should not be duplicated within adjoining municipalities and ideally within the state. More critically they should not be duplicated within adjoining localities or suburbs (as recently gazetted for addressing purposes). Even the rearrangement of the generic or type from say "Court" to "Place" may still result in potential misinformation and confusion to the user. 6 OFFICER’S COMMENTS/CONCLUSION Feedback suggests that assigning the name Tabernacle Place to the new street would be widely supported. 7 ATTACHMENTS 7.1 Location Plans. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1529 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 RECOMMENDATION That Council assign the name “Tabernacle Place” for the new road constructed off 77 Clarence Street and the Nomenclature Board is advised of the new name within 40 days. DECISION Deputy Mayor Downie/Cr Goss That Council assign the name “Tabernacle Place” for the new road constructed off 77 Clarence Street and the Nomenclature Board is advised of the new name within 40 days. Carried unanimously Cr Carins declared an interest in item W&I 4, signed the register and left the meeting at 5.54pm. 352/12 NOMENCLATURE – NAMING OF NEW STREET – NICOLSON COURT Responsible Officer: 1 Maree Bricknell, Corporate Services Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT This report considers the naming of a new court created by a subdivision in Franklin Street at Campbell Town. 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND A 9 lot subdivision has been developed off Franklin Street in Campbell Town with 2 lots having access from Franklin Street and 7 lots with access from the new court. The new name submitted is ‘Nicolson Court’. The name Nicolson is significant with John arriving in Van Diemen’s Land in 1845 with a family history being well documented and celebrated as demonstrated by the recent Clan MacNicol International Gathering recently held in Campbell Town. Norman Nicolson who lived and farmed at Eccleston which is approximately 15 kms from Campbell Town who, with his wife, built the homestead of Scorrabreck in 1935 which is located at Bridge Street. It is understood that the Nicolson family crest is still mounted over the front door of the home. The Nicolson family still have strong rural links across the Campbell Town district today, with their incredible contribution in the community and their support and interest in the Campbell Town Show which is the southern hemisphere’s oldest continually running agricultural show. Meander Valley Council and Launceston City Council and the Nomenclature Board were asked if the submitted names conflicted. Meander Valley Council has a Nicole Court situated in Prospect Vale; however, it is not Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1530 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 believed that this would cause confusion. Launceston City Council does not have any conflicts. The Nomenclature Board noted that Nicolsons Tier is within the Northern Midlands municipal area and may cause possible confusion. 3 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS Under the Survey Coordination Act 1944, urban roads which are wholly contained within a proclaimed town boundary, Council has authority to assign the names. If Council agrees to assign the name “Nicolson“ for the road then the Council is to advise the Nomenclature Board Secretary within forty days of assigning the name. 4 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS It is accepted that the developer is responsible for installing street name signage associated with new roads. 5 RISK ISSUES The Nomenclature Board’s guiding principles for the assignment of place names state: Existing road names should not be duplicated within adjoining municipalities and ideally within the state. More critically they should not be duplicated within adjoining localities or suburbs (as recently gazetted for addressing purposes). Even the rearrangement of the generic or type from say "Court" to "Place" may still result in potential misinformation and confusion to the user. 6 OFFICER’S COMMENTS/CONCLUSION Feedback suggests that assigning the name Nicolson Court would be widely supported. 7 ATTACHMENTS 7.1 Location Plans. RECOMMENDATION That Council assign the developer’s preferred name “Nicolson Court” for the new road constructed off Franklin Street, and the Nomenclature Board be advised of the new name within 40 days. DECISION Cr Goss/Cr Knowles That Council assign the developer’s preferred name “Nicolson Court” for the new road constructed off Franklin Street, and the Nomenclature Board be advised of the new name within 40 days. Carried unanimously Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1531 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Cr Carins returned to the meeting at 5.55pm. 353/12 NEW POLICY – SOLAR PANELS Report prepared by: 1 Paul Godier, Senior Planner PURPOSE OF REPORT At its October meeting, Council considered a report on the installation of solar panels on buildings. Councillors requested that a policy be developed on the installation of solar panels. 2 BACKGROUND 2.1 Current Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1995 The report to the October meeting noted that the planning scheme exempts from planning approval the external alteration to a building where a building permit is not required. Building permits have not been required for solar panels. Depending on the interpretation of the historic protection area provisions this exemption may or may not apply to buildings within that area. Practice has been not to require planning approval provided the panels are sympathetic to the building and streetscape. The issue of solar panels is a new one that has not been specifically addressed in the planning scheme or building regulations until now. An amendment to the Building Regulations, that came into effect on the 28 November 2012, means that solar panels with an area of 18 square meters or greater require building approval, and therefore also require planning approval. 2.2 The Draft Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme 2012 The Planning Scheme Template for Tasmania contains the following provisions which must be included in the draft Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme 2012: 6.0 6.1 Limited Exemptions Minor Structures and Outbuildings 6.1.1 Use or development described in subclauses 6.1.2 and 6.1.3 is exempt from requiring a permit under this planning scheme, unless it involves a place or precinct listed in a heritage code that is part of this planning scheme. 6.1.2 If they are at least 1m from any boundary, minor attachments to the side or rear of a building that are incidental to any use or development such as heat pumps, rain water tanks with a capacity of less than 45 kilolitres and on a stand no higher than 1.2m, hot water cylinders and air-conditioners. 6.1.3 Minor structures that are incidental to any use or development including: a) a maximum of 2 masts for telecommunications or flagpoles provided each are no more than 6m in length; Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1532 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 b) c) one satellite dish no more than 2m in diameter; and solar collector panels and photovoltaic cells on a roof. Therefore, under the Interim Planning Scheme, solar panels will not require planning approval, unless they are on heritage listed buildings, or in heritage precincts. 2.3 Neighbouring councils A review of our neighbouring council areas has found that Vision East 2030 contains the following with regard to solar panels: RU16 Encourage building owners to install micro-generation facilities such as solar panels and small-scale windmills through “as of right” provisions in planning schemes subject to such facilities meeting performance standards in relation to visual and heritage impacts. 3 DISCUSSION 3.1 Design Considerations According to Aurora (www.auroraenergy.com.au) a north-facing roof area is optimal, but solar electric panels can be mounted on west or east-facing roofs and still produce better than 90 per cent of the power of a true north roof mounting. On heritage listed buildings and in historic precincts solar panels should be placed on roof areas away from the street, where that roof area faces between north and east, and between north and west. On heritage listed buildings and in historic precincts, panels must not: Be installed above the highest part of the roof (hip line and ridge line), excluding the chimney; Extend beyond a gable end; Project more than 200mm from the roof surface. RECOMMENDATION That Council adopt the new Policy – Solar Panels. DECISION Cr Knowles/Cr Goss That the matter be discussed. Carried unanimously Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1533 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Cr Goninon/Cr Goss That Council adopt the new Policy – Solar Panels. Carried unanimously Policy 66 SOLAR PANELS POLICY NUMBER OBJECTIVE To provide guidance for consistent and equitable assessment of applications for solar panels. STATUTORY AUTHORITY Local Government Act 1993; Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993; Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1995 POLICY Adopted 10 December 2012 – Min No 353/12 POLICY INTRODUCTION Where a planning permit is required for solar panels, the Northern Midlands Council has determined that assessment should have specific regard to the visual impact of the proposal. OBJECTIVES To ensure that solar panels are designed and located to minimise the impact on heritage-listed buildings and the streetscape. APPLICATION OF THE POLICY When considering an application for solar panels on heritage listed buildings and in heritage areas, Council’s Planning & Development Department shall consider the following criteria: Solar panels should be placed on roof areas away from the street, where that roof area faces between north and east, and between north and west. Solar panels must not: Be installed above the highest part of the roof (hip line and ridge line), excluding the chimney; Extend beyond a gable end; Project more than 200mm from the roof surface. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1534 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Mayor Polley adjourned the meeting at 6.04pm for the mealbreak. Mayor Polley reconvened the meeting at 6.52pm after the mealbreak. 354/12 PUBLIC QUESTIONS & STATEMENTS In accordance with a decision made by Council at the meeting held on 16 October 2006, “The existing policy for public questions/ representations was examined and it was agreed that this part of the meeting should become the only opportunity for members of the public to make a representation on a matter in which they have an interest on an item which is before the Council for decision e.g. development applications. Other than with approval of the Mayor, individuals will not be allowed to address Council on agenda related matters at any other time during the meeting.” Public Question and Statements Time will commence at 6.45pm. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1535 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 1 PUBLIC QUESTIONS Planning, Appeals and Public Question & Statement time practices Mr Don McShane, Perth Mr McShane provided the following questions (prior to the meeting) from which he read: Councillors are all aware of a recent Supreme Court case involving our company and Council. My questions do not relate to the subject matter of the case but to the processes involved. 1. Following the Council’s rejection of our application our company’s only avenue of appeal was in the Supreme Court. Is Council comfortable with that situation and if not, what would Council suggest? 2. The third time our company’s planning issue went to Council (March 2012) it was considered in closed session. Why was this so? It differed little from the previous application which was before Council at the November 2011 meeting. If it was for legal reasons then I would suggest that most planning applications have an element of law involved. 3. During Public Question and Statement Time members of the public have an opportunity for input into items listed on the agenda. At present there is no requirement for those statements to be verified before the agenda item is dealt with. Will Council consider reviewing its policy and conditions in this regard? Mr Wilson and Mr Payton provided the following response to Mr McShane’s questions: 1. Mr Payton advised that at the time the decision was made he did not believe that the parties expected that the matter would be referred to the Supreme Court and that it had been expected to heard by RMPAT. He commented that perhaps a letter could be written to the Minister suggesting that they may wish to change the legislation to include such matters as subdivision, so that in the future these matters may be heard by RMPAT; resulting in a faster resolution and at less cost to all parties. 2. Mr Wilson advised that the reason the matter had been heard in Closed Council was for legal reasons, i.e. Council had considered advice from Council’s solicitor Mr McElwaine, therefore the matter would remain in closed council. 3. Mr Wilson advised that the last review of the Policy by Council had occurred on the 22 March 2010 and that it was Council’s practice to review 20% of its policies each year. He advised further that should Council so wish he would be happy to review the Policy within next 6 months. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1536 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 355/12 REVIEW OF PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION Responsible Officer: 1 Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to consider three options provided by Council’s Heritage Advisor, architect, Mr Denman, for alterations to the upstairs work place to provide an improved work environment and security of both employees and information. 2 BACKGROUND This matter was considered by Council in October 2011 (min ref 289/11). At that time it was noted that the number of staff housed, particularly upstairs, had outgrown the capacity of the building to provide acceptable accommodation. In 1993, the Planning & Development Department was five people. Nearly twenty years on, the Department has grown to fourteen (including several part time staff, animal control, and a trainee). The upstairs section is now expected to house thirteen people. Further, some staff and councillors have raised concerns with the concept of ‘sick buildings’, whereby it is considered that the layout of the building, its office space, access and ventilation could contribute to lowered productivity and increased employee absence due to sickness. Finally, notwithstanding the retrofitting of the building in 1993, access to the upstairs office remains unsatisfactory on the grounds of image, security and equality of access. The October 2011 report noted the following four options and suggested that a review by Mr Denman was required: i) Do nothing Whilst always an option, doing nothing will at best leave the operation inefficient. ii) Remodel existing To remodel the existing is possibly a relatively cheap option that is likely to provide some benefit in the short term and may need regular review. iii) Extend existing building A more expensive and longer term option that is likely to require the purchase of adjoining property to provide room for such expansion. iv) Relocate to new premises Also expensive, both in terms of cash and community acceptance. Could provide a long term solution. Council resolved that Mr Denman undertake a strategic review and provide a report to Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1537 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Council with a review of the office premises. Mr Denman has reviewed the operation of the existing building and concludes that there is opportunity for improvement in the office arrangements beyond the records storage area, the kitchen layout and public presentation and the layout, accommodation and access security of the upstairs area. 3 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS Mr Denman has provided three options with preliminary cost estimates ranging from $25,000 up to $45,000. If Council resolves to pursue one of these options, it will be necessary to make the appropriate budgetary provision for the 2013-2014 financial year. 4 DISCUSSION In the October 2011 report a number of potential issues were raised leading to the need for change. Of those, the following relate to the upstairs and are addressed in Mr Denman’s options. Overcrowding (e.g. attic was designed for 2 but now occupied by 6; mezzanine designed for 3 but now occupied by 6; Noise levels in open P&D offices make concentration hard – assessment of plans, report writing need quiet. Noise also carries between mezzanine and foyer (this was ameliorated by addition of glass dome but anyone standing in the foyer can clearly hear what is discussed in planning area, making confidential discussions impossible. Inefficient layout (there is unusable space, e.g. lightwell to foyer that makes mezzanine layout awkward. Stairs exit into foyer – with 12 staff regularly causing front doors to open when crossing public foyer, this blasts the receptionist with cold air in winter and disrupts any line-up at reception. Security – reception and stairs can’t be locked – they are open to public during meetings without surveillance. Other matters raised in the October 2011 report addressed: Upstairs ventilation – now fixed; Lack of storage in records room and offices – partially addressed by archiving; Distance from upstairs area to location of property files – no practical solution; Not enough female toilets – not resolved; Kitchen/staff room poor layout – being addressed separately; Lack of small meeting rooms – not resolved; and Lack of parking – with the Consultative Committee. Mr Denman proposes: (see attachments) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1538 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Option 1 (Preliminary Cost Estimate $ 40 – 45,000) This option involved the most work. Mainly due to removing or making redundant the existing curved stair and replacing it with a new stair located on the back wall of the administration areas. This would allow the upstairs staff to have direct access to the admin area. Therefore solving the security issue and removing the existing undesirable necessity of staff access flow across the front door and foyer space. Additional office floor space has been achieved by building a floor over the circular void in the foyer. The impact on the foyer has been reduced by raising the new floor up 550mm with a further raised circular section in the centre that would act as a built-in meeting table. The main problem with this is that it doesn’t allow for the level of flexibility with future layouts etc. This option is the most expensive and provides a dedicated meeting room upstairs plus the added benefit of stair access via Corporate Services. This revised access provides improved security and removes the potential conflict between members of the public and officers moving through the foyer area on their way to or from the department. The disadvantage is that if the meeting room is to be used by members of the public, it will be necessary to bring them through the Corporate Services area, increasing disruption to that Department. Additionally, the security benefit is not complete as the public counter is unsecured. Option 2 (Preliminary Cost Estimate $ 35 – 40,000) This option is very similar to option 1 except that the new floor over the entry foyer void is at the same level as the existing first floor at the top of the existing curved stair. The curved walls around the void can also be removed which would provide more useable and flexible floor space. This option also provides the access benefits of option 1 and the added benefit of a more open plan arrangement which provides an area suitable for Department meetings, additional storage and improved work spaces. The same disadvantages as option 1 apply. Option 3 (Preliminary Cost Estimate $ 25– 30,000) This option involves the least amount of work with the maximum benefits. 1. It retains the existing curved stair and solves the sound issue by adding a small section of wall and new door at the top. 2. The space directly above the stair will have a new ceiling located at the Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1539 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 height of the existing curved wall adjoining your office. 3. The secondary stair up to raised floor area where building services are located can be easily modified to provide space for the door at the top of the existing curved stair. 4. A new floor can be built over the entry foyer void and the existing curved walls in the first floor space removed to increase the first floor office area. 5. The new ceiling in the foyer can be designed with a slightly raised circular centre section with either feature glazing and /or concealed LED strip lighting to create an interesting effect. The walls of the foyer below the new ceiling would remain the same. Whilst potentially the cheapest option, this provides the benefits of the open plan arrangement, improved storage and work places, plus it resolves the issue of security by providing a locked door, similar to Corporate Services, at the top of the stairs. Additionally, this option does not disrupt the Corporate Services Department. The disadvantage with this option is that staff must still traverse the foyer. Option three is supported by Mr Denman and by the Planning and Development staff. 8 ATTACHMENTS 8.1 8.2 Memo from David Denman dated 23 November 2012 2008 Denman plans. RECOMMENDATION That option three be endorsed and a detailed assessment of costs be obtained for the 2013/2014 budget deliberations. DECISION Cr Carins/Deputy Mayor Downie That option three be endorsed and a detailed assessment of costs be obtained for the 2013/2014 budget deliberations. AMENDMENT Cr Lambert/Cr Goninon That Council defer a decision until Mr Denman has undertaken an assessment with regard to the requirements of the staff and building, taking into account the long term needs, consideration to be given to the health of the building and employees and any other pertinent issues; the assessment to be undertaken within the next 2 months. Carried Voting for the amendment: Mayor Polley, Cr Calvert, Cr Goninon, Cr Knowles, Cr Lambert Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1540 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Voting against the amendment: Deputy Mayor Downie, Cr Brooks, Cr Carins, Cr Goss The Amendment became the motion and was put and Carried Voting for the motion: Mayor Polley, Cr Calvert, Cr Goninon, Cr Knowles, Cr Lambert Voting against the motion: Deputy Mayor Downie, Cr Brooks, Cr Carins, Cr Goss 356/12 POLICY 11 – NON-CONFORMING SIGNS Responsible Officer: Report prepared by: 1 Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager Paul Godier, Senior Planner PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to review Council’s policy on Non-Conforming Signs. 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND The objective of the policy is to bring non-conforming signs into conformity with the planning scheme. 3 DISCUSSION Notice to Remove Signs Since this policy was adopted in 1999, the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993 (LUPAA) has been amended by the inclusion of section 48A - Notice to Remove Signs. This matter was discussed at the November 2007 Council meeting. The following was decided: Where a sign requires a permit and has been erected without one: a) serve a notice to the owner and occupier to remove the sign within 14 days; b) if the sign remains after 14 days, remove it if practical to do so, otherwise refer the matter directly to Council’s solicitor to commence proceedings. c) store the sign at the Council office or depot; d) notify the owner and occupier that they may collect the sign within 2 months on payment of costs. e) include with notification under (d) a written demand for costs ($50 plus $50 per staff member per hour above one hour); f) if the sign has not been collected within 2 months, dispose of it – by sale if possible. Standard Operating Procedure – removal of illegal signs A standard operation procedure (see attachments) was introduced to implement the Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1541 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 above decision. It is considered appropriate to formally incorporate this procedure into the revised Policy. Conclusion Section 48A of LUPAA only applies where a permit could be issued, it does not apply where the sign is prohibited. Hence two separate approaches are required. The provisions of the current Policy and the Operating Procedure remain applicable and are amalgamated in to a single policy statement. 4 AMENDMENTS 4.1 Inclusion of the following opening statement The Planning & Development Department shall be guided by the following procedures: 4.2 1. Signs on Private Property Section 1 to be retitled: SIGNS THAT ARE PROHIBITED UNDER THE PLANNING SCHEME The following highlighted text to be deleted: The Technical Services Department shall be guided by the following procedure in dealing with non-conforming signs on private property Step 1 4.3 Write to the owner(s) of the property advising that signs are controlled by the Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1995 and request that the non-conforming sign be removed. Unless prohibited a planning application shall be forwarded to allow an application to be made. Allow fourteen (14) days. 2. Signs on Road Reserve Section 2 “Signs on Road Reserve” to be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following: 2. SIGNS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT UNDER THE PLANNING SCHEME Standard Operating Procedure – removal of illegal signs Where the new erection or display of a sign comes to the attention of Council or its staff, it shall be reported to the person dealing with Planning compliance, currently the Planning Officer, who shall confirm its status as exempt, requiring a permit or prohibited. The following process shall then apply. A - Exempt Step 1 Planning Officer to advise the complainant if applicable (Signs Notice 1) Step 2 No further action required Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1542 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 B - Permit required and issued: Step 1 Planning Officer to advise the complainant if applicable (Signs Notice 2) Step 2 No further action required C - Permit required and not issued: Step 1 Planning Officer to advise the complainant if applicable (Signs Notice 3) Step 2 Serve notice to property owner (and sign owner if known) to remove the sign within 14 days (Signs Notice 4); or Step 3 Send email – remove and don’t display again. If displayed again will be removed. Step 4 Advise that planning approval may be sought and supply an application form Step 5 If the sign is removed within 14 days, no further action is required Step 6 If the sign is not removed within 14 days, but a permit is applied for follow normal planning permit application process. Step 7 If the sign is not removed within 14 days and a permit is not applied for and it is not practicable to remove the sign: 7.1 Refer the matter to Council’s solicitor to commence proceedings (Signs Notice 5); and 7.2 Advise the property owner (and sign owner if known) (Signs Notice 6) Step 8 If the sign is not removed within 14 days and a permit is not applied for and it is practicable to remove it: 8.1 The sign shall be removed by not less than two (2) Council staff (normally the Senior Planner and Planning Officer); and 8.2 The sign shall be stored at the Council Office or depot; and 8.3 Advise the property owner (and sign owner if known) that the sign has been removed and may be collected on payment of costs – include demand for costs (Signs Notice 7) Step 9 If the costs have not been paid within two (2) months: 9.1 Refer to normal debt collection procedure; and 9.2 Dispose of sign, by sale if practicable Step 10 If costs are paid within two (2) months, the owner may collect the sign Step 11 If the sign is not collected within two (2) months of service of Notice 7, it shall be disposed of, by sale if practicable. 5 ATTACHMENTS 4.1 Attachment 1 – Standard Operating Procedure – removal of illegal signs 4.2 Policy No. 11 – Non-Conforming Signs, adopted 8 April 1999 – Minute No 155/99 RECOMMENDATION That Council adopts the amended Policy No. 11 – Non-Conforming Signs. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1543 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 DECISION Cr Goninon/Cr Knowles That the matter be discussed. Carried unanimously Cr Goss/Cr Goninon That Council adopts the amended Policy No. 11 – Non-Conforming Signs. Carried unanimously Policy 11 NON-CONFORMING SIGNS POLICY NUMBER 11 OBJECTIVE To bring non–conforming signs into conformity with the Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1995 STATUTORY AUTHORITY Sections 48, 51 and 64 Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 POLICY Adopted 8 April 1999 – Minute No 155/99 Amended 10 December 2012 – Minute No. 356/12 POLICY The Planning & Development Department shall be guided by the following procedures: 1. SIGNS THAT ARE PROHIBITED UNDER THE PLANNING SCHEME Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4 2. Write to the owner(s) of the property advising that signs are controlled by the Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1995 and request that the non-conforming sign be removed. Allow fourteen (14) days. Write to the owner(s) of the property requiring action to be undertaken in seven (7) days. Refer the matter to the Council's Solicitor to forward a letter seeking immediate action. Council Solicitor to seek enforcement order from the Resource Management and Planning Appeals Tribunal. If successful, then apply for cost. SIGNS THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT UNDER THE PLANNING SCHEME Standard Operating Procedure – removal of illegal signs Where the new erection or display of a sign comes to the attention of Council or its staff, it shall be reported to the person dealing with Planning compliance, currently the Planning Officer, who shall confirm its status as exempt, requiring a permit or prohibited. The following process shall then apply. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1544 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Signs on Council property, erected without the permission of the General Manager, will be removed immediately. A - Exempt Step 1 Planning Officer to advise the complainant if applicable (Signs Notice 1) Step 2 No further action required B - Permit required and issued: Step 1 Planning Officer to advise the complainant if applicable (Signs Notice 2) Step 2 No further action required C - Permit required and not issued: Step 1 Planning Officer to advise the complainant if applicable (Signs Notice 3) Step 2 Serve notice to property owner (and sign owner if known) to remove the sign within 14 days (Signs Notice 4); or Step 3 Send email – remove and don’t display again. If displayed again will be removed. Step 4 Advise that planning approval may be sought and supply an application form Step 5 If the sign is removed within 14 days, no further action is required Step 6 If the sign is not removed within 14 days, but a permit is applied for follow normal planning permit application process. Step 7 If the sign is not removed within 14 days and a permit is not applied for and it is not practicable to remove the sign: 7.1 Refer the matter to Council’s solicitor to commence proceedings (Signs Notice 5); and 7.2 Advise the property owner (and sign owner if known) (Signs Notice 6) Step 8 If the sign is not removed within 14 days and a permit is not applied for and it is practicable to remove it: 8.1 The sign shall be removed by not less than two (2) Council staff (normally the Senior Planner and Planning Officer); and 8.2 The sign shall be stored at the Council Office or depot; and 8.3 Advise the property owner (and sign owner if known) that the sign has been removed and may be collected on payment of costs – include demand for costs (Signs Notice 7) Step 9 If the costs have not been paid within two (2) months: 9.1 Refer to normal debt collection procedure; and 9.2 Dispose of sign, by sale if practicable Step 10 If costs are paid within two (2) months, the owner may collect the sign Step 11 If the sign is not collected within two (2) months of service of Notice 7, it shall be disposed of, by sale if practicable. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1545 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 357/12 REVISION OF THE LAKE LEAKE SHACK SITES DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES File: Responsible Officer: Report prepared by: 1 17/007; 17/001 Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager Gary Upton, Environmental Health Officer/Assistant Building Surveyor; Paul Godier, Senior Planner PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to consider revision of the Lake Leake Shack Sites Development Guidelines. 2 INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND Council has received several applications for extensions to shacks at Lake Leake that do not comply with the Development Guidelines for the Lake Leake Shack Sites. The Guidelines were drafted in 1997 to reflect Health Department restrictions at the time as there were issues with drainage from shacks affecting the lake. The Guidelines were intended to keep the shacks very small to discourage long-term use or use by more than a couple of people at a time, and To protect Lake Leake and the foreshore from contamination. To protect the amenity and viability of the shack settlement. The intention of the Guidelines was to provide consistent controls for the maintenance and development of existing shacks. For example, currently, the Guidelines allow for: Extensions to existing shacks will not be considered where the completed floor area will exceed 40m2 exclusive of any porch, verandah, carport or outbuilding. Each shack may contain an enclosed porch up to 5m2. Each shack may contain an attached deck or verandah up to 10m2 but not exceeding the width of the building. A verandah shall not be enclosed wholly or partly on more than one side, but may be roofed. Each site will be entitled to a total area of 18m2 shed space for storage of equipment, toilets and the like. A carport may be approved at the discretion of Council where the remainder of the site is in compliance with these guidelines. 3 DISCUSSION The land is now under Council ownership, and the Health Department have delegated control to Council, and, as there are now improved methods of waste disposal (e.g. composting toilets), and there are no current drainage issues with shacks, the Guidelines are proposed to be reviewed to reflect current conditions. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1546 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Shack owners are generally requesting increases in the floor area of shacks to just over 60m2 and increases in the deck area to around 15m2. Recent applications have been for: Existing shack Additional area Total Existing Deck/veranda Additional area Total P12-298 P12-296 P12-262 P12-121 P12-081 33 m2 56 m2 31 m2 52 m2 54 m2 - 6 m2 18 9 m2 - 33 m2 62 m2 49 m2 61 m2 54 m2 - 22 m2 12 m2 15 m2 1.5 15 m2 - - 24 m2 14.5 m2 15 m2 22 m2 12 m2 39 m2 16 m2 It is also noted that metal wall cladding is to be fixed in a vertical orientation; Colorbond is generally fixed in a horizontal orientation. It is recommended that the requirement for vertical orientation be deleted. 4 PLANNING SCHEME CONSIDERATIONS The subject land is zoned Rural General under the Northern Midlands Planning Scheme, and a Holiday Unit is discretionary in the zone. The Planning Scheme definition of Holiday Unit is: means any land used to provide temporary accommodation in a building used as a self contained unit for cooking, eating, sleeping and other domestic purposes; TASMAP Shack sites 5 ADVICE TO APPLICANTS Applicants have been advised that a submission providing justification for the proposal will Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1547 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 be required to obtain the consent of the owner of the land (i.e. signed by Council’s General Manager), to the building application, and that it is unlikely the General Manager will give consent until the Guidelines are revised at a Council meeting. 6 CONCLUSION Given the current conditions, it is reasonable that: The completed floor area be increased from 40m2 to 65m2, exclusive of any porch, verandah, carport or outbuilding. An attached deck or verandah be increased from 10m2, to 20m2, and could exceed the width of the building by the width of one set of stairs/ramp (1m). To reflect current conditions, the Guidelines regarding extensions to the shacks could be amended as follows (deletions shown struck out, and additions underlined): RECOMMENDATION That the Development Guidelines - Lake Leake Shack Sites be amended as discussed in this report. DECISION Cr Knowles/Cr Carins That the Development Guidelines - Lake Leake Shack Sites be amended as discussed in this report. Carried unanimously DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES LAKE LEAKE SHACK SITES INTRODUCTION These guidelines have been prepared to assist owners in the care and maintenance of existing shacks and surrounds (situated on Council land at Lake Leake). These guidelines may be varied by Council in special circumstances where strong justification is provided. Shacks in this area were constructed over a number of years on private land near the shoreline at Cutting Grass Bay, Lake Leake. It is believed the first shack was constructed in 1937 and by 1983 there were 81 shacksites and 70 occupied shacks. Increasing use of the shacks and uncontrolled development in the 1970s led to Council acquisition of the land and separation into individually licenced sites. No new shacks have been permitted since that time. In the mid 1980s the State Government expressed concern at the possibility of effluent from the shacks contaminating the lake, which resulted in Council introducing a ban on any further development and a requirement that all shacks be provided with an approved Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1548 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 portable chemical toilet. Upgrading of the Lake Leake Road from Campbell Town to Cranbrook has increased the number of visitors to the area. SCOPE These guidelines apply to all existing shacks situated on Council land at Cutting Grass Bay, Lake Leake. LICENCE All sites are occupied by virtue of a licence agreement which is subject to annual renewal. In summary the licence conditions provide:1 Annual licence renewal and fees 2 Restriction on building works 3 Restriction of waste disposal 4 Restriction of licence transfer 5 Restriction of fires and removal of vegetation 6 Termination of the agreement INTENT 1 2 3 4 5 To protect Lake Leake and the foreshore from contamination. To protect the amenity and viability of the shack settlement. To encourage and enable shackowners to carry our reasonable maintenance. There is no intention to require immediate compliance. Existing buildings may remain as these provisions refer to upgrading or extensions. The intention of these guidelines is to provide consistent controls for the maintenance and development of existing shacks. GENERAL PRINCIPLES 1 2 3 4 5 Shacks will be comparatively small in scale with simple form. Colour treatment will reflect natural surroundings. Private septic tank installations will not be approved. Vegetation will be retained unless it can be demonstrated to constitute a nuisance. No new shacks will be approved. BUILDING 1 2 3 4 Alterations other than external painting shall require Council approval. External colour schemes shall reflect the natural colours of the area. Buildings are to be generally rectangular with simple gable or hip roof forms. Extensions to existing shacks will not be considered where the completed floor area will exceed 40 65m2 exclusive of any porch, verandah, carport or outbuilding. Each shack may contain an enclosed porch up to 5m2. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1549 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Each shack may contain an attached deck or verandah up to 10 20m2 but not exceeding the width of the building and may exceed the width of the building by the width of one set of stairs/ramp (1m). A verandah shall not be enclosed wholly or partly on more than one side, but may be roofed. Exterior cladding shall be of an approved type and painted, if required, in accordance with an approved colour schedule. Existing shacks to comply with this requirement when next painted. Metal wall cladding, if approved, shall be fixed in a vertical orientation. All outbuildings will be clad and/or painted to compliment the adjoining shack. Each site will be entitled to a total area of 18m2 shed space for storage of equipment, toilets and the like. This may be in one or more buildings but the total floor area shall not exceed 18m2. Roof and wall cladding in colours which strongly contrast with the surrounding environment will not be approved. Sheds will not be approved closer to the foreshore than the existing shack. A carport may be approved at the discretion of Council where the remainder of the site is in compliance with these guidelines. Application to carry out building work must be accompanied by a fee, to be determined by Council. Council will not guarantee approval for the replacement of totally demolished shacks on the same site, but may consider relocation to a different site if previous site unsuitable. Shacks that sustain accidental damage, may at the discretion of the Council be repaired in accordance with these guidelines and current building regulations. All shacks are to be fitted with an approved portable toilet, as approved by Council. Trees over 2m in height may only be removed with permission from Council. Where a tree is considered dangerous Council may require the owner to remove it or reduce the hazard. Access easements shall remain clear at all times. Private boat ramps and jetties will not be approved. Disclaimer: Approval to carry out work under these guidelines does not affect or diminish conditions or obligations imposed pursuant to the annual licence to occupy the site. 358/12 DRAFT INTERIM SCHEME – ISSUES RAISED BY THE TASMANIAN PLANNING COMMISSION Report prepared by: 1 Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT This report seeks to advise Council of the receipt of the Ministers response to the submission of the draft Northern Midlands Interim Planning Scheme (draft IPS) and of the proposed response. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1550 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 2 BACKGROUND In August 2012, Council resolved: 1. That the Draft Interim Planning Scheme be redrafted to comply with the final Regional Template as modified in accordance with the TPC recommendations. 2. That the Draft Interim Planning Scheme be corrected and amended, consistent with the above report, to comply with the TPC recommendations contained in their July 2012 report, other than: The replacement of Low Density Residential B and C with Rural Living; Replacement of the General Residential zone at Avoca with Village or Low Density Residential; Replacement of General Residential zone in Perth (Phillip and Napoleon Streets) and Cressy, where currently zoned Residential Reserved, with Particular Purpose – Reserved Residential; and Replacement of proposed Low Density Residential land at Campbell Town with Particular Purpose – Reserved Residential. 3. That the Draft Interim Planning Scheme, when completed as above, be adopted and submitted to the Minister. Following this resolution, and whilst the requisite work was being undertaken, the Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, and Council’s Strategic Planner, Mr Geoghegan, continued to consult with the Advisory Committee of the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC) attempting to reach an agreed position that accommodated much of the variation supported by Council. The draft IPS was submitted to the Minister in November for his approval. The Minister referred the draft IPS to the TPC for their assistance. Disappointingly, the TPC has, in the end, declined to support Council’s position. On receipt of their advice (see attached report dated November 2012), he has declined to declare the draft IPS at this time. Rather, the Minister has written requesting that Council amend the draft IPS in accordance with s.30D(6) of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993 (the Act) and his attached directions (the TPC report dated November 2012). 3 DISCUSSION Section 30D(6) of the Act provides that the Minister may request the Council to amend its draft IPS, alternatively, the Minister may direct the TPC to undertake such amendment. In the latter case, the TPC must undertake such amendment and the Minister will then forward the amended draft IPS to Council for two weeks for comment prior to its further amendment or declaration. Essentially, whilst the Minister has requested Council amend its draft IPS in accordance with his directions, there is little point in doing otherwise. Clearly, if Council declines to make the amendments as directed, the Minister will direct the TPC to undertake them. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1551 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 As the Ministers directions allow for some flexibility in the actual amendments, it is clearly preferable that we undertake the amendments ourselves. Once this is done, the draft IPS will be returned to the Minister for declaration. After declaration, the draft IPS is placed on public exhibition and all submissions, including any made by Council, will be determined through the formal public hearing process of the TPC. The directed amendments are: A. Rural Living Zone – Various locations Revise the Low Density Residential B and C Zones in the following locations to the Rural Living Zone and include Rural Living Zone provisions in the ordinance: i. Kalangadoo and Caledonia Drive (2ha minimum lot as currently applies); ii. Deddington, Norwich Drive/Pateena Road and Blackwood Creek (10 ha minimum lot as currently applies). Reason: The zone changes do not reflect a translation of the current zoning of the land, and are inconsistent with the Planning Scheme Template and the RLUS as required by s.30 E (4) (1) and (6) of the Act. B. Reserved Residential – Philip Street Perth and Cressy Revise the areas currently zoned Reserved Residential at Philip Street, Perth (proposed to be zoned General Residential) and at Cressy (proposed to be zoned General Residential) to: a. be rezoned to Particular Purpose (Future Residential) or similar; or b. retain General Residential zoning but be additionally subject to a Code (given effect by an overlay) that requires a development plan that addresses the need for future development to be coordinated with adjoining land, and to be appropriately staged and serviced to enable orderly development. Reason: The proposed zoning does not represent a translation of the current zoning and no evidence has been provided to substantiate that the release of these residentially reserved areas form a necessary component of the Northern Midlands’s allocation of residential land to meet calculated dwelling targets to 2030 under the RLUS therefore demonstrating that the rezoning is reasonably necessary to further the objectives and outcomes of the RLUS. C. Residential Unserviced – Avoca Revise the General Residential Zone at Avoca to be Low Density Residential. Reason: The proposed zoning does not represent a translation of the current zoning and a change in zoning to General Residential would be inconsistent with the Zone Purpose for the General Residential Zone as there is no evidence that there is a program for infrastructure services to be provided to the town. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1552 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 D. Subdivision Revise the draft Interim Planning Scheme to remove provision of a permitted pathway for subdivision through either: (a) Insertion of a provision in Part C – Special Provisions to clarify that subdivision is discretionary. For example: 9.4 Subdivision Notwithstanding any other provisions of this planning scheme, with the exception of sub clause 9.2.1, all applications for subdivision may be refused or approved at the discretionary of the planning authority, unless the application is for a subdivision that must not be approved under section 84 of the Local Government (Building and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1993; or (b) Revise the draft Interim Planning Scheme to remove offending provisions for subdivision. Reason: To ensure that the planning scheme does not contain provisions that are ultra vires based on advice received from the Solicitor-General. E. Planning Directive No. 1 – Drafting Issues Revise the maps and ordinance provisions to comply with the Planning Scheme Template requirements by removing notes from the body of the provisions and clarifying the expression of the Specific Area Plan provisions on the maps and map key. Reason: To ensure compliance with Section 30 E (4) (a) of the Act which does not allow for any local provision to be directly or indirectly inconsistent with a mandatory provision. F. Provisions conflicting with Planning Directive No.4 Remove the Management Objective referring to the whole of the General Residential Zone in Evandale and Ross in Table E13.1 of the Local Historic Heritage Code, and remove Clause F2.2.2 in the Historic Precincts Specific Area Plan which invokes standards to apply to areas outside the Heritage Precincts in Evandale and Ross. Reason: To ensure compliance with Section 30 E (4) (a) of the Act which does not allow for any local provision to be directly or indirectly inconsistent with a mandatory provision. G. Consequential changes Make any consequential changes required to accommodate the amendments described above, such as to include additional zone provisions, renumber provisions or revise the Table of Contents. Reason: To ensure the planning scheme is accurately drafted and the provisions are able to be given effect in the manner intended. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1553 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 4 ATTACHMENTS 4.1 42 Letter from the Minister for Planning Advisory Committee Report – November 2012 RECOMMENDATION That the item be discussed. DECISION Cr Goninon/Cr Knowles That the matter be discussed. Carried unanimously Cr Calvert/Cr Knowles That Council write to the Minister detailing costs to Council, timing, consequences to the community and advising that Council do not agree to make the changes; and to express Council’s disappointment at being placed in such a position. Carried unanimously Mr Godier left the meeting at 7.52pm. 359/12 1 INFORMATION ITEMS COUNCIL WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS HELD SINCE THE LAST ORDINARY MEETING Responsible Officer: Adam Wilson; General Manager The General Manager advised that the following workshops/meetings had been held since the last Council meeting. Date Held Purpose of Workshop 26/11/2012 Council Workshop – iPad Training Rotary 2013 Conference Presentation – Rotary With Conviction Valuation and Local Government Rating Review Role of Local Government Project 3/12/2012 Council Workshop – Personnel Matter 10/12/2012 Council Workshop – Greater Launceston Plan 10/12/2012 Council Workshop - prior to Council meeting 2 MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS The Mayor's Communications to 10 December 2012 were as follows: Date Activity 14/11/2012 Roads Congress, Hobart Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1554 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Activity 15/11/2012 Roads Congress, Hobart 16/11/2012 attended opening of Campbell Town Child Care and Early Learning Centre 16/11/2012 attended Council Chambers 19/11/2012 attended funeral – Edward Kayser 19/11/2012 meeting with ratepayers 21/11/2012 attended LGAT Ordinary Meeting, Devonport 21/11/2012 attended informal meeting of Regional Tasmania Keep It Alive Group 23/11/2012 attended NTD AGM, Launceston 24/11/2012 attended fundraising event at Riverlands, Longford 26/11/2012 attended meeting re Heart FM, Council Chambers 26/11/2012 attended Staff Consultative Meeting, Council Chambers 26/11/2012 attended Council Workshop 28/11/2012 attended Council Chambers 30/11/2012 attended Council Chambers 30/11/2012 met with ratepayers 03/12/2012 attended Water and Sewerage Owner’s Rep Meeting, Launceston 03/12/2012 attended meeting with ratepayer 3/12/2012 attended Council Workshop 4/12/2012 attended Councillor Christmas Dinner, Ross 5/12/2012 attended Longford Local District Committee Meeting 5/12/2012 attended Gathering on the Norfolk Plains in 2013 Meeting 7/12/2012 attended Council Chambers 10/12/2012 attended Council Workshop and Council Meeting Also attended to numerous email, phone calls, media interviews and correspondence. 3 PETITIONS Responsible Officer: 1 Adam Wilson, General Manager PURPOSE OF REPORT In accordance with the Vision, Mission and Values of Council as identified in the Council’s Strategic Plan 2007-2017 and the Local Government Act 1993, S57 – S60, provision is made for Council to receive petitions tabled at the Council Meeting. 2 OFFICER’S COMMENT In relation to the receipt of petitions, the following provisions of the Local Government Act 1993, Part 6 Petitions, polls and public meetings, S57 and S58, should be noted: Section 57. Petitions (1) (2) A person may lodge a petition with a council by presenting it to a councillor or the general manager. A person lodging a petition is to ensure that the petition contains – (a) a clear and concise statement identifying the subject matter; and (b) a heading on each page indicating the subject matter; and (c) a brief statement on each page of the subject matter and the action requested; and (d) a statement specifying the number of signatories; and (e) the full printed name, address and signature of the person lodging the petition at the end of the petition. 58. Tabling petition (1) A councillor who has been presented with a petition is to – Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1555 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 (2) (3) (4) 3 (a) table the petition at the next ordinary meeting of the council; or (b) forward it to the general manager within 7 days after receiving it. A general manager who has been presented with a petition or receives a petition under subsection (1)(b) is to table the petition at the next ordinary meeting of the council. A petition is not to be tabled if – (a) it does not comply with section 57; or (b) it is defamatory; or (c) any action it proposes is unlawful. The general manager is to advise the lodger of a petition that is not tabled the reason for not tabling it within 21 days after lodgement. PETITION RECEIVED Nil. 4 CONFERENCES & SEMINARS – REPORT ON ATTENDANCE BY COUNCIL DELEGATES 1 PURPOSE OF REPORT To provide an opportunity for Councillors and the General Manager to report on their attendance at recent conferences/seminars. In accordance with Council’s Strategic Plan 2007-2017, Part 1 – Governance, the core functions are: Support Council with governance advice and effective leadership, review and implement organisational values through day to day operations, effective communication, community consultation and advocacy, issues identification, strategic and corporate planning, annual reports, public and private resource sharing, induction of elected members, provision of legal advice, human resources management and liaise with representative bodies. Support Council with sound financial advice and management, and generate funds without burdening the community. Rates administration, budgeting and reporting, debt collection, taxation, asset registers and depreciation, receipts and payments, wages and salaries, loans and investments, records management, information technology, and customer service. 2 CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS 2.1 National Local Roads and Transport Congress - Hobart, November 2012 (Mayor Kim Polley) Roads to Recovery funding has been renewed to 2019. Need to increase public awareness about Constitutional reform. Councils need financial recognition. Councils must contribute to the Committee with preliminary report due in December and final report in February. Possible that someone may challenge the payments made by the Commonwealth to the States for Roads to Recovery. Important that Councils become involved in asset management and prove to the Government that they can be competent and looking towards sustainability. National State of the Assets Report (Pilot 2012) released. NMC was one of the 55 councils in Australia that participated. Asset management reporting will help identify financial sustainability challenges. Would be advantageous to have asset reporting extended to all councils. This process needs to ensure; however, that the risks and community consequences of affordable service levels are identified and must form part of the decision making processes of Mayors and Councillors. (Copy of report is available from Adam Wilson). Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1556 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 2.1.1 Matthew Lugg (Director of Environment and Transport, Leicestershire County Council, UK) – has best maintained roads in England; population of 644,000 people and over 4000 miles of roads to manage; Midlands Highway Alliance (MHA) was formed in 2008 to make efficiencies through sharing good practice. Roads were seen as essential to the economic prosperity of the country. A large number of organizations were involved including motoring groups, cycling and pedestrian groups, contractors and suppliers. Key themes were collaboration, asset management and procurement, contracting and standardization and fourthly benchmarking and performance. Some councils saved 50% on procurement costs when they joined the MHA. Common sets of protocols, specifications, contracts, processes enabled 20% saving in that area. Importance of good asset management cannot be over-stressed. Problems with potholes make better reading in the press but asset management is far more important. 2.1.2 Catherine King represented Minister Albernese at the Congress and delivered the following address: I’m very pleased to represent Minister Albanese here today, and he extends his best wishes to you all for a very successful Congress. It’s always both a pleasure - and highly illuminating - to talk to people working in Australia’s local governments. Your agenda for this year’s Congress meshes well with the Gillard Government’s continuing work to invigorate Australian transport at national and local levels. This work has been placed into a particularly sharp focus by the Prime Minister’s commitment to intensify Australia’s engagement with Asia. Improving Australia’s transport infrastructure is central to our better engagement with Asia – and involves efforts across several areas, which I’ll talk about further in a few minutes. However, the Government’s decision in the last Budget to extend the Roads to Recovery Program to June 2019, with funding of $1.75 billion, is of particular interest to many of you. I think that this decision shows our very clear understanding of regional transport needs – and our commitment to help meet these needs. The Government recognises that Australia’s dispersed population in our rural and regional areas is particularly dependent on a safe, reliable and efficient road network. People living in rural and regional areas make up about 37 per cent of Australia’s population – they account for a somewhat larger share about 43 per cent - of the passenger vehicle kilometres travelled in Australia. My family and I are among these people - the value of programs like Roads to Recovery to local governments and communities in regional and rural Australian is very clear to me. The extension of Roads to Recovery is a good result for local governments and regional Australia – and Alex Foulds of my department will discuss the Program, and other matters, in further detail later today. National Policies and Programs and Local Needs It’s often said that all politics reflects local perspectives on national issues – and similarly the local aspects of national transport issues are clearly visible to your communities - and to you - every day. Safe, efficient and comprehensive transport services are common and vital concerns to all Australian communities. However, the specific transport issues facing local governments and their communities in, say, Manly Council in Sydney, are very different from those faced by the Derwent Valley Council here in Tasmania. These local differences mean that national transport solutions must deliver local results. Tasmanians need little reminder that the Bass Strait creates particular transport issues for their State – but Australia’s Labor governments have a very good record of helping narrow this transport gap. The Whitlam Government, for instance, developed the concept of the Tasmanian Freight Equalisation Scheme in the 1970s - and in 2011-12, we provided $90.9 million in assistance under this Scheme. The Government also supports passenger travel across Bass Strait through the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme. The Scheme reduces the cost of travel across the Strait by subsidising the cost of vehicles accompanying passengers - and we provided funding of $34.5 million under the scheme in the last financial year. We are continuing to develop strategic solutions to Tasmanian transport issues. In March this year, Minister Albanese announced that a $20 million assistance package would be Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1557 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 provided to the Tasmanian Government to assist Tasmanian exporters in accessing international markets. This package includes $4 million for infrastructure improvements at the Port of Burnie, and $1.5 million to establish a freight logistics coordination team led by industry - as well as $14.5 million in assistance to exporters affected by the ending of Tasmania’s direct container export service. Tasmania has benefited from our $36 billion package of strategic investments under the Nation Building Program - and a particularly important investment is the Brighton Bypass on the Midland Highway opened by my colleagues Julie Collins and Dick Adams on Monday. This bypass is cutting travelling time for motorists - and greatly improving local road safety by removing the thousands of through-traffic vehicles passing through Brighton each day. The bypass involved a major Commonwealth investment of $186 million – money that was very well spent, given its benefits both for Brighton residents and drivers using the Midland. We are also working with the Tasmanian Government to develop a long-term strategic response to Tasmania’s freight and roads issues – we recognise that our national transport efforts must achieve strategic local results – not stop-gap solutions. As I’ve said, local perspectives on how best to resolve transport issues are a ‘must have’ for effective transport reform. However, the local benefits of these reforms are maximized when they are part of a broader strategy that delivers benefits right across Australia. I am very conscious of this. A car trip from the Melbourne Airport to my home in Ballarat involves driving through four different local government areas – and I live in one of Australia’s smaller states, by physical area! This is a reminder to me of the importance of balancing Australian transport development across the needs of different localities and making the best use of different transport modes to suit particular local needs. And one of the ways we can ensure this balance is to have a clear ‘line of sight’ between local and national transport investments. The National Infrastructure Construction Schedule - or NICS - established in May is an important step in improving this common understanding. The NICS is particularly relevant to local governments - and the ALGA supported its development through the COAG Infrastructure Working Group chaired by Minister Albanese. The NICS presents a clear picture to industry of the infrastructure commitments of the Commonwealth, State and Local governments – and with an initial focus on projects that are still open to industry bids. The NICS currently promotes local government transport projects including: the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange in Glendale, New South Wales – expected to be completed in 2016 and valued at $25 million; the CGD Municipal Building Project in the City of Greater Dandenong, Victoria - expected to be completed by March 2014 and funded by local, state and federal governments to a value of $63 million; and the Moreton Bay Rail Link in Queensland– expected to be completed in 2016 and valued at over $1 billion. I encourage all local governments to make the most of this valuable tool – including promoting any major infrastructure projects like the three I just mentioned – and the NICS website can be accessed at www.nics.gov.au What the Government is Doing The need to ensure a balanced approach to transport issues underlies the Commonwealth’s regulatory reforms, programs and investment strategies. I would like to offer some brief observations on these initiatives. Our $36 billion investment package in Australia’s road and rail links under the Nation Building Program includes the largest ever Commonwealth commitment to public transport since Federation. The need to invest in public transport is underlined by the high cost of traffic congestion in our capitals, where over-dependence on the car creates congestion that is estimated to cost $13 billion annually. This cost is projected to rise to $20 billion in 2020 unless reversed. The strategic focus we’ve pursued through our public transport investments adds considerable value to them – and their benefits extend to local government areas beyond Australia’s capitals. For example, Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1558 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 the Commonwealth Government’s investment in the Gold Coast Rapid Transit light rail Project focuses on a strategic transformation in how people move around one of Australia’s fastest growing local government areas. In addition to the direct benefits of such investments, the money saved by reducing the cost of urban congestion can be put to much better use elsewhere. The transport gains we’ve been able to achieve under ‘Nation Bu will be extended in the second phase of this program which will operate from July 2014 to June 2019. The government has emphasised the importance of regulatory reform for securing a more productive and safer transport sector. I know that Minister Albanese is particularly pleased with both the substance of the reforms he has helped achieve in rail, heavy vehicle and marine industry regulation, and the cooperative spirit of all involved in the reform process. Local governments have a very active interest in the progress of a particularly complex reform initiative the Council of Australian Governments Heavy Vehicle Charging and Investment reforms – the HVCI reforms. Two matters relating to these reforms are particularly relevant to local governments. Firstly, if the HVCI reforms are agreed to by COAG, road owners such as local governments may gain security over funding for road investments to meet the demands of heavy vehicle operators – however, they would also be likely to be more accountable for access decisions relating to heavy vehicles. Secondly, local governments will continue to have an important role in any new arrangements flowing from the HVCI reforms – and I encourage ALGA to maintain its engagement with this process. Developments in Intelligent Transport and the National Smart Managed Motorway Program When I last spoke with you, I mentioned the work the Commonwealth is undertaking with Queensland, other jurisdictions, and industry to make the best possible use of our existing transport infrastructure through the use of ITS – Intelligent Transport Systems. ITS solutions can deliver important productivity and safety benefits. A particularly interesting ITS application with great potential to help local governments concerns heavy vehicle telematics – which involve the use of in-vehicle devices (‘black boxes’) to monitor the location of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles. Voluntary telematics applications are already driving improvements in productivity and safety. The Intelligent Access Program, for instance, allows participating companies to carry larger loads on heavy vehicles, but only on roads determined by roads managers. This ensures that higher productivity does not come at the expense of undue road wear. Governments are looking closely at greater use of voluntary applications for regulatory purposes, in recognition of the potential benefits for both industry and governments. We have also committed $60 million over the four years to the end of 2014-15 for a National Smart Managed Motorways Program – to improve traffic flows and help address congestion issues. Initial projects have been approved under the program – they involve planning work for future Managed Motorway systems and upgrading existing systems – all designed to smooth traffic flows and help cut transit times on our motorways. Further projects are also being considered for future funding. Road Safety I’d like to turn now to the most crucial road transport issue of all – road safety. The Commonwealth Government recognizes that Australia’s road transport network will remain vital to our economic and social life into the future. This is why we have focused on improving the uneven quality of our major roads around the country – including through Roads to Recovery. But we also recognise that our dependence on road transport comes at a price in economic, health and quality of life terms. This price can be particularly high at local levels - more than 50 per cent of serious casualties from vehicle accidents are suffered on local roads. We also know that the road trauma rates relative to population tend to be higher in regional and remote areas. This reflects several factors - such as frequently poorer road quality and higher speeds - that lead to more severe outcomes in these places. As with other aspects of road transport, we are working to improve Australian road safety across the board. As you know, the Government established the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-20 in Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1559 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 cooperation with the states and territories. The Strategy aims to reduce the annual numbers of both deaths and serious injuries on our roads by at least 30 per cent by 2020 – a challenging but achievable goal. It’s a welcome development that in the first year of the strategy’s operation the number of road crash deaths has declined – from 1,352 in 2010 to 1,277 in 2011. A figure which remains, of course, 1,277 people too many. Improving Vehicle Safety One of the key elements of the Road Safety Strategy is improving vehicle safety. The Commonwealth Government is pursuing higher crash protection standards and the adoption of new and effective safety technology in vehicles. Improved safety technology includes better vehicle reminder and alert systems – and from July 2013 all new passenger cars, passenger vans and sports utility vehicles must be fitted with driver’s seatbelt reminder systems. The Commonwealth has also recently introduced a new vehicle safety standard for ISOFIX child restraint anchorages - a standard which will give parents greater choices for ensuring the safety of their kids. The Commonwealth is also leading the development of an international standard for protecting vehicle occupants from side impacts with narrow objects such as poles and trees. This standard will also bring improved protection against head injury in vehicle-to-vehicle and other side impacts, a major source of road trauma in Australia. Over the next two years, we will evaluate the case for additional measures, such as: Electronic Stability Control for light commercial vehicles; Brake assist technology for passenger cars; and safety systems for heavy vehicles. In addition to regulation, we are all able to promote safer vehicles as individuals and organisations through ‘the power of the market’ - our vehicle purchasing decisions. In May 2011 the Commonwealth introduced a policy to only buy passenger cars with a 5-star Australasian New Car Assessment Program (or ANCAP) rating – this was extended from July this year to light-commercial vehicles, requiring a minimum of 4-stars. A wide range of government and nongovernment fleet operators have done the same, making safety a major selling point for the entire market. These decisions also help put safety in the mind of the vehicle buyer, put safer cars on the road today and make for safer used cars when they are sold-on. There are 5-star vehicles across a range of vehicle types and price-points - I urge local governments to put safety on the agenda when updating their vehicles and a purchasing policy which emphasises safety ratings is a great way to do this. As with other aspects of road safety, improving vehicle safety clearly involves dealing with a crowded agenda - but it is vital that this agenda is addressed. There is much we can and must do as a nation to further reduce the number of deaths and injuries on Australia’s roads. Pursuing this change is a shared responsibility - we can only continue to make progress if all levels of government work effectively together and in partnership with the community. It is therefore a very welcome development that Transport Ministers agreed at their recent meeting to make the National Road Safety Forum an annual event. The 2013 Forum is to be hosted by Tasmania, and will have a particular focus on vulnerable road users. I am also very pleased that the Tasmanian Government has recently announced a new safety strategy for the non-urban road network. The Tasmanian Government will work with councils and the community to determine - on a case-by-case basis - whether non-urban roads can safety retain a 100km/h speed limit or should adopt a lower limit. Seatbelts on Regional School Buses The Commonwealth ‘s Seatbelts on Regional School Buses subsidy program helps to expand the availability of seatbelt-equipped buses in regional areas – and we have allocated an additional $4 million to extend the program for four years to June 2016. The next round of funding is going to be announced shortly and I urge you to talk with bus operators about applying for funding. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1560 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Driveway Safety A related matter of great concern to me is the number of children killed or seriously injured in drivewayrelated incidents. On average, seven children below the age of fifteen are killed each year - and sixty are seriously injured - by a vehicle while playing around the family home. I am determined to see action taken to prevent these tragic incidents. There is no one simple solution to improve driveway safety - but a number of ideas were discussed at the National Road Safety Forum that I convened in August this year. One promising approach is to consider how home environment design could prevent children from accessing unsafe areas - this was discussed at last week’s meeting of the Standing Committee on Transport and Infrastructure. At the meeting, Ministers agreed to explore opportunities for guidelines or codes to improve child safety in the home environment. My Department is currently looking at options to develop suitable design guidelines at a national level. There is also a clear role for local government planning authorities to encourage good practice in this area, both for new and existing homes – and I look forward to your input on this issue. I think that our work on transport issues is yielding important dividends across the board. We are tackling the issues of making Australian transport more economically productive – and we are focusing on making the sector safer. We are very committed to improving the quality of urban public transport and we are focused on ensuring that Australian regional areas are fully linked into the nation’s economic and social life. A modern road transport network that effectively and safely links local areas to the rest of Australia will be more important than ever in the near future – to ensure that all parts of Australia can contribute fully to Australia’s growing engagement with Asia – and share in its benefits. Much progress has been achieved in improving Australia’s transport network, but much also remains to be done - we need to continue our joint efforts to develop a modern Australian transport network that fully and safely meets 21st century demands. I would like to thank you again for inviting me here today, and wish you all the best with an important Congress. An interesting point to ask – Does our Council buy 5 star rated vehicles? 2.1.3 5 Simon Dent, Superintendent of Health, BHP Biliton Worsley Alumina and former member of Western Australia Police for 24 years. Spoke about road safety and the initiatives that had come out of Industry Road Safety Alliance in WA. He was a founding member and part of the group comprising 14 organisations. Some of their initiatives include calendar of road safety topics, major educational awareness campaigns at peak times, education in relation to speed, drink driving and fatigue, heavy haulage curfew on defined routes at particular times and as a result removed 60% of heavy vehicles off the road during peak times, at-risk driving report system. The company advise police of shut down times so employees know that police will be patrolling and are workers are grateful for this. All vehicles have 5 star ANCAP rating. In 2008-2009 there had been a reduction of 25% in fatal smashes in the Alliance area (Colley to Manjimup) and 29% reduction in serious injuries. Community has ownership of the road safety initiatives. Improved driver behaviour is being witnessed. Similar alliances are being set up in other parts of WA and QLD as well as internationally. WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE REPORT The Works & Infrastructure Report for the period to 29 November 2012 was circulated in the Attachments. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1561 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 6 BUILDING APPROVALS The following table provided a comparison of the number and total value of building works for 2011 and 2012. No New Dwellings Dwelling Additions Sheds Commercial Other (Signs) Swimming Pools Minor Works TOTAL 3 6 19 28 YEAR - 2011 NOV JAN-NOV Total Value No. Total Value $ $ 500,000 71 14,249,711 103,652 35 1,922,727 395,047 97 2,063,527 19 54,559,070 2 92,960 998,699 224 72,887,995 No 2 7 10 3 3 25 YEAR - 2012 NOV JAN-NOV Total Value No Total Value $ $ 310,442 60 12,606,160 325,000 42 2,076,648 267,500 92 1,263,329 111,000 21 8,766,904 2 66,800 16,100 31 169,331 1,030,042 248 24,949,172 These figures do not include Building Approvals processed under the Resource Sharing Agreement with Break O’Day Council. 7 DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS Planning decisions in November 2012: Total Approved: Total Permitted: Average Days for Permitted: Project 29 6 10 Details Total Refused: Total Discretionary: Average Days for Discretionary: Address Applicant DELEGATED DECISIONS P12-310 House extensions (verandah & sunroom) 571 Cressy Road, T Astbury - vary setbacks on lot less than 40ha in LONGFORD Rural Agriculture zone P12-321 Carport - vary setbacks in Rural 280 Marlborough Street, K Viney Agriculture zone (Attenuation Special LONGFORD Area) P12-327 Garage (9m x 6m) - vary rear setback to 27 Talisker Street, PERTH J Scott & A Young 1m; & shed demolition P12-102 Visitors centre, gallery, function centre, 'Woolmers', 658 Woolmers Woolmers signage & new access from Woolmers Lane, LONGFORD Foundation Inc Lane (heritage-listed place & Scenic Protection Area) P12-323 1.8m high Colorbond front fence (solid 17 Goderich Street, B Hogarth fence over 1.2m high) LONGFORD P12-326 Extension to rear of heritage-listed 6 Smith Street, LONGFORD A Reimann cottage (heritage area) P12-354 Home business (hair salon & sign) 10 Acacia Court, PERTH K Brasher P12-318 Extensions to heritage-listed house 21 Macquarie Street, R Palmer (verandah, pergola & enclosed EVANDALE pergola/sunroom) (heritage area) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council 0 23 29 No of Permitted/ LUPAA Discretionary days 38 D 24 D 31 D 20 D 24 D 23 D 8 29 P D Page 1562 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Project Details P12-352 House P12-322 P12-340 P12-343 P12-332 P12-348 P12-364 P12-341 P12-317 P12-296 P12-298 P11-321 P12-342 P12-344 P12-316 P12-349 P12-347 P12-132 Address Applicant 9A Talbot Street, T & C Cloudsdale LONGFORD Boundary adjustment between 2 lots in 'Pine View', 631 & 669 Nile Woolcott Surveys rural zone to align boundaries with site Road, NILE (obo Watson) features House extensions & outbuilding 4 Range Road, WESTERN L Dakin extensions (oversize outbuilding & JUNCTION attenuation distance) House & garage (14m x 7.5m) - oversize 61 Youl Road, PERTH A Malinowski outbuilding (use of garage as temporary dwelling) House extensions & garden shed 361 Cressy Road, Rossiter Homes & (partially retrospective) - in Particular LONGFORD Developments Pty Purposes-Horse Training & Stables zone, Ltd (obo M&T Attenuation Special Area & within Adams) Attenuation Distance Change of use to craft shop; disability 23 Marlborough Street, M Ainslie access & signage (side-wall sign & LONGFORD bracket sign) - heritage area House 42 Lake View Road, LAKE G Henderson (obo LEAKE S Rowlands) House extensions/alterations (heritage- 20 Goderich Street, J Vandenberg listed place) LONGFORD Swimming pool & deck structure 202 Leighlands Road, M Smith (retrospective) - Scenic Protection Area EVANDALE Shack extension (verandah to bedroom) 466 Lake Road, LAKE LEAKE D Wynwood (vary side [S] setback) Shack extension (deck) 384 Lake Road, LAKE LEAKE L Molnar House extensions (partially-open porch), 379 Evandale Road, J Flanagan pool, decks & outbuildings - retrospective WESTERN JUNCTION approval (Airport ANEF Special Area) in Utility Purposes zone (non-conforming existing use) House extension (vary front setback in 189 Chintah Road, AJ & TA Taylor rural zone) LONGFORD Sign for Longford Medical Centre 28 George Street (cnr F Joske (heritage area) Smith St), LONGFORD House extensions (Attenuation Area) 405 Relbia Road, RELBIA MA Design & Construction Pty Ltd (obo E Chugg & L Anthony) House extension (covered deck) 5 Napoleon Street, PERTH PE Underlin Covered deck 2 Burnett Street, K Preece LONGFORD House & outbuilding extensions & 17 Phillip Street, PERTH G & J Semmens outbuildings (retrospective) (variation to rear setback [W], over 56m2 of outbuildings on lot & partially within flood area) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council No of Permitted/ LUPAA Discretionary days 17 P 34 D 27 D 25 D 23 D 22 D 4 P 29 D 31 D 36 D 35 32 D D 20 P 22 D 37 D 7 8 P P 32 D Page 1563 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Project Details Address COUNCIL DECISIONS P12-311- Boundary adjustment to reduce house lot 13 Marlborough Street & 01 to 336m2 66 Wellington Street, LONGFORD P12-311- Storage building (90.4m2), sealed 13 Marlborough Street & 02 carpark; timber & canvas windscreen & 66 Wellington Street, 2.4m high concrete block boundary walls LONGFORD (at rear of house); demolition of garage & covered areas - heritage area 8 Applicant No of Permitted/ LUPAA Discretionary days R Keam 34 D R Keam 34 D MATTERS AWAITING DECISION BY TPC & RMPAT TPC 01/09 Tasmanian Planning Commission Site-specific amendment to allow grouped housing at 20 Union St, Longford – initiated in July 2009 – awaiting further information from applicant R4 Planning Scheme Review (heritage) – community consultation Draft Interim Scheme for TPC review 01/12 14 Church Lane, Nile – on public exhibition until 14.12.12 RMPAT Resource Management & Planning Appeals Tribunal 158/12P Wind turbine, 78 Hop Valley Road, Blackwood Creek –teleconference held 12.11.12 – consent agreement sent to RMPAT Decisions received TPC RMPAT 138/12P Transport depot (prepare & store rental cars) & signage – Pitt & Sherry (obo Surv-Tek) – appeal against conditions on permit – resolved via consent agreement 9 132 & 337 CERTIFICATES ISSUED No. of Certificates Issued 2012/2013 year Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June 43 52 34 45 56 20 39 23 34 25 132 337 10 Total 230 141 Total 2011/2012 457 266 USE OF COUNCIL SEAL 0 0 0 0 4 Final plans of subdivision Part 5 Agreements under Land Use Planning & Approvals Act Instruments of Approval for Planning Scheme Amendments Draft Amendments to Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1995 Other Agreements/Documents Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1564 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 11 ANIMAL CONTROL – NOVEMBER 2012 Item Dogs Registered Dogs Impounded Euthanized Re-claimed Re-homed/To RSPCA New Kennel Licences Renewed Kennel Licences Infringement Notices (paid in full) Legal Action Livestock Impounded TOTAL 12 Income/Issues Total Last Year No $ 3,651 72,784 83 3,530 12 57 14 12 682 57 1,938 16 1,923 1 85 $81,585 Income/Issues for November 2012 No. $ 36 764 9 578 1 8 (7) (245) $1,097 Income/Issues Year to date No $ 3,289 67,747 37 2,130 3 32 2 4 232 63 2,205 $72,314 HEALTH ISSUES Immunisations The Public Health Act 1997 requires that Councils offer immunisations against a number of diseases. The following table will provide Council with details of the rate of immunisations provided through Schools. Monthly clinics are not offered by Council; however, parents are directed to their local General Practitioner who provides the service. MONTH July-September October-December January-March April-June TOTAL 2010/2011 Persons Vaccination 76 96 81 113 93 134 250 343 2011/2012 Persons Vaccination 82 119 114 134 196 253 2012/2013 Persons Vaccination 90 121 88 119 90 121 Other Environmental Health Services Determine acceptable and achievable levels of environmental and public health by ongoing monitoring, inspection, education and, where necessary, by applying corrective measures by mutual consent or application of legislation. Ensure safe standards of food offered for sale are maintained. Investigations/Inspections 2010/2011 Notifiable Diseases Inspection of Food Premises 7 124 2011/2012 3 82 2012/2013 3 54 Notifiable Disease investigations have been carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services from Hobart, with only significant outbreaks directed to Council to assist with investigations. However, due to the prompt and thorough investigating by Council Environmental Health Officers, the Department now directs more cases for Council to investigate. Food premises are due for inspection from 1 July each year. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1565 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 13 CUSTOMER REQUEST RECEIPTS Operational Area Animal Control Building & Planning Community Services Corporate Services Governance Waste Works (North) Works (South) 14 July 1 4 4 6 1 14 8 Aug Sept 1 1 3 2 2 1 25 9 12 15 Oct 1 1 1 20 7 Nov 7 2 1 27 3 Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May June GIFTS & DONATIONS (UNDER SECTION 77 OF THE LGA) Assistance to Campbell Town SES Gift Do Dole Program Do Dole Program Donation Chaplaincy Donation - School Achievement Awards Donation - School Achievement Awards Donation - School Achievement Awards Donation - School Achievement Awards Donation - School Achievement Awards Donation - School Achievement Awards Donation $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ Amount $ 409 20 8,000 8,000 500 1,500 90 30 30 30 90 30 50 Planning/Building Applications Remitted 18/09/12 Longford Poultry Club 18/09/12 Eliza Forlonge Statue Planning Application Fee Planning Application Fee $ $ 210 100 Sporting Achievements 18/07/12 Miss K Murfet 14/08/12 Miss Georgia Baker 14/08/12 Mr Cole Clifford AIPA Dancing in United States World Cycling Championships Kizuna Scholarship in Japan Date 31/07/12 15/08/12 22/08/12 22/08/12 29/10/12 06/11/12 06/11/12 06/11/12 06/11/12 06/11/12 06/11/12 06/11/12 15 Recipient Purpose Council wages and plant Ambassador of Korea Campbell Town District High School Cressy District High School Crime Stoppers Tasmania Campbell Town District High School Campbell Town District High School Perth Primary School Evandale Primary School Longford Primary School Cressy District High School Avoca Primary School Perth Fire Brigade $ 110 $ 110 $ 110 TOTAL DONATIONS $ 19,419 ACTION ITEMS – COUNCIL MINUTES Min. Details Ref. 20/02/2012 50/12 Animal Pound Date Action Required Officer That Council i)continue to pursue that Planning & option of a regional pound facility with Development adjoining Councils and defer the current Manager budget allocation until the 2012/2013 financial year; ii)consider the utilisation of private animal boarding facilities in the municipality; Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Status New LCC Director of Development Services contacted for follow up. Page 1566 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Min. Details Ref. 20/02/2012 50/12 Animal Pound Date 15/10/2012 278/12 12/11/2012 315/12 15/10/2012 262/12 19/03/2012 69/12 12/11/2012 303/12 12/11/2012 303/12 12/11/2012 303/12 12/11/2012 303/12 21/06/2010 153/10 Action Required iii)develop a policy in relation to the housing/relocation of stray animals Officer Planning & Development Manager Annual General That the Annual General Meeting for the Corporate Meeting Northern Midlands Council be held at the Services Longford Council Offices on Monday, 10 Manager December 2012, commencing at 5pm. Attendance at It is recommended that the General General 2012 Resilient Manager, Mr Adam Wilson, and Mrs Manager Australia Awards Natalie Horne be authorised to attend the 2012 Resilient Australia Awards in Canberra on 6 December 2012 with Council meeting the normal cost of attendance. Confirmation of a formal application be submitted to Executive & Minutes MAST in respect of the boat ramp at Liaison Officer Recommendations Cressy Of Sub Committees Confirmation Of That council investigate a proposal to Executive & Minutes xiii) collate information on the history of Liaison Officer Cressy Local Cressy and the surrounding area be District Committee supported and that, at this stage, 4(ii) Cressy Main consultation be held with the local Street community which will assist in the Improvements development of a concept plan and that direction be sought on a preferred location. Council Meeting the IT Officer provide further training at Corporate Agenda workshops on the use of the iPads Services Timetable for Manager Transition Council Meeting Council adopt the timetable for the Executive Agenda transition from Agendas and Assistant Timetable for Attachments provided on paper and CD’s Transition to iPad technology Council Meeting paper copies and/or CD’s of the Agenda Executive Agenda and/or Attachments be provided to Assistant Timetable for those Councillors who request copies Transition Council Meeting the Chairperson of the meeting and the Executive Agenda General Manager continue to receive an Assistant Timetable for A4 copy of the Agenda Transition Development commission the investigation and Consultant Application P07- preparation of drainage plans to pipe the Engineer 299 - 37 Barclay St stormwater from this catchment to the & White Hills Rd, existing watercourse and obtain Evandale estimates of the cost of works involved, with the plans being used to formulate future policy. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Status Pending outcome of regional facility. Advertised & Agenda prepared. Completed. Submission forwarded to MAST on 28/11/2012. No further action required. Page 1567 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Min. Details Ref. 17/09/2012 248/12 Draft Interim Planning Scheme– Issues Raised By The Tasmanian Planning Commission 17/09/2012 248/12 Draft Interim Planning Scheme– Issues Raised By The Tasmanian Planning Commission Date 17/09/2012 248/12 23/01/2012 19/12 12/11/2012 301/12 25/06/2012 161/12 25/06/2012 161/12 Action Required the Draft Interim Planning Scheme be redrafted to comply with the final Regional Template as modified in accordance with the TPC recommendations Officer Status Planning & Completed. Development Manager the Draft Interim Planning Scheme be Planning & Completed. corrected and amended, consistent with Development the above report and to comply with the Manager TPC recommendations contained in their July 2012 report, other than the following as prioritised: i) The replacement of Low Density Residential B and C with Rural Living; ii) Replacement of the General Residential zone at Avoca with Village or Low Density Residential; iii) Replacement of General Residential zone in Perth (Phillip and Napoleon Streets) and Cressy, where currently zoned Residential Reserved, with Particular Purpose – Reserved Residential; and iv) Replacement of proposed Low Density Residential land at Campbell Town with Particular Purpose – Reserved Residential. Draft Interim the Draft Interim Planning Scheme, when Planning & Submitted to Planning Scheme– completed as above, be adopted and Development Minister. Issues Raised By submitted to the Minister Manager The Tasmanian Planning Commission Draft Policy – That Council defer a decision on the Planning & Advice sought. Overnight Overnight Camping (self contained Development Camping vehicles) Policy pending the advice of Manager Council’s solicitor. Evandale Medical That Council write to Tasprac Services Economic & Letter sent, reply Centre asking that they refurnish the Evandale Community awaited. Medical Centre and negotiate a rental Dev. Manager agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services for an outreach service. Expenditure on That Council given the maintenance Works & Awaiting further Rural Roads / concerns, due to changed farming Infrastructure information from Bridges Servicing practises, pivot irrigation and below Manager property owner. Single Properties standard cattle grids, Council further consider not undertaking any work on the section of Brambletye Road if a satisfactory offer of compensation for road maintenance and bridge renewal is made. Expenditure on That Council remove Rock House Road Works & To be deleted in Asset Rural Roads / from the list of roads maintained by Infrastructure Management Plan Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1568 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Min. Ref. Details Bridges Servicing Single Properties 17/09/2012 247/12 Grandstand – War Memorial Oval, Campbell Town 17/09/2012 247/12 Grandstand – War Memorial Oval, Campbell Town 12/11/2012 313/12 Greater Launceston Plan (and Liveable Cities Funding) 12/11/2012 323/12 INFO 30 - Gibbet Hill/Devon Hills Road Network Plan 15/10/2012 282/12 Installation of Solar Panels 12/11/2012 311/12 12/11/2012 311/12 19/09/2011 228/11 15/10/2012 285/12 15/10/2012 276/12 23/01/2012 11/12 Action Required Council. Officer Manager Status review. Undertake remedial works in the short term Works & In progress. Infrastructure Manager undertake a Recreation Area Works & Development Plan for the Campbell Infrastructure Town Recreation Ground in consultation Manager with all sporting groups and the community to guide the future development, the needs and public use of the area That Council hold a workshop at 3.30pm General Email sent to on Monday the 10 December with Manager Renaissance Planning Renaissance Planning on the Greater workshop progrmmed Launceston Plan. for 3.30pm on 10 December. That an indicative costing be included in Consultant Report to Council the report to Council re Gibbet Hill/ Engineer meeting. Devon Hills Road Network Plan. That Council develop a policy on the Planning & installation of solar panels and wind Development turbines. Manager Local Government note the reports listed on the LGAT General Association of agenda Manager Tasmania – Motions For General Meeting – 21 November 2012 Local Government vote as indicated in relation to the items General Association of listed on the LGAT agenda Manager Tasmania – Motions For General Meeting – 21 November 2012 Longford Flood That Council review their communication General Protection Scheme protocols with the community and the Manager – Progress Report, media September 2011 Mill Dam – That the General Manager invite the General Longford chairperson of the Mill Dam Committee Manager to attend a workshop in order to discuss the future overall plan for the Mill Dam Reserve. Monthly Financial i)Longford Sports Centre change fee Economic & Statement structure to include - Corporate Gym Community Membership as per table below (normal Dev. Manager cost $360 pa), and a discounted membership on Fun Run Day by 10%. Monthly Financial That Council ... 3.representatives meet Corporate Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Completed. Attended LGAT General meeting. Attended LGAT General meeting. SES to review communication protocols as media releases. Proposed February workshop. Meeting on 17 Page 1569 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Min. Ref. Details Action Required Officer Statement & Budget Review 23/07/2012 179/12 Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre December. 20/08/2012 Report to Council meeting. 12/11/2012 25/06/2012 13/12/2010 12/12/2011 with the Auditor General to discuss Services Roads to Recovery funding. Manager That Council collaborate with the Economic & National Trust of Australia (Tas) to Community strengthen and promote the Norfolk Dev. Manager Plains Heritage Centre by, but not limited to: i) Creating a link from the Council website to the Heritage Centre listing on the National Trust website; ii) Producing a hard copy of Council’s cemetery database for display at the Heritage Centre; iii) Funding the provision of an internet connection to the Centre at an annual cost of $480; iv) Investigating online and hard copy options for promoting the Heritage Centre; v) Assisting with the preparation of funding applications; vi) Assisting with the entering of the data from the Centre’s card reference filing system onto their computer system (subject to staff availability). 217/12 North Perth – That Council prepare i) a report on the Traffic Road costings be provided for the extension of Engineer Requirements Sinclair Street into gravel for traffic from Concept Layout Gibbet Hill. ii) an Outline Development Plan for the extended North Perth area, between Devon Hills and Sorrel Street, for potential development. 317/12 Northern That Council nominate Deputy Mayor General Tasmania Downie as Proxy to vote on behalf of Manager Development NTD Council at the Special General Meeting of – Nominations & Northern Tasmania Development to be Appointment of held on 23 November 2012 and at any Proxy adjournment of that meeting. 158/12 Perspectives on That the General Manager investigate General Local Government the cost to expand the report in relation Manager Reform in the to the Northern Midlands Council; and Northern the matter be discussed at the August Tasmania Council workshop. Development Region 353/10 Perth and Ross progresses the listing of the guns on the Economic & Historic Guns Northern Midlands Planning Scheme Community Heritage Heritage Register, and then initiates Dev. Manager Management Plan discussion with Heritage Tasmania about possible listings on the Tasmanian Heritage Register 344/11 Perth Local District That Council request the Traffic Traffic Committee Committee to refer to DIER, for their Engineer Pedestrian consideration, the installation of Refuges/Outstands Pedestrian Refuges/ Outstands in the Status Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Offer of assistance made in writing to the National Trust, response awaited. Email and Proxy form sent to NTD. Attended AGM. Prof. Dollery to possibly attend February or March workshop. Request for listing on NM Heritage Register submitted. Outcome awaited. Further investigation to be undertaken by Traffic Engineer. Lack of road width to Page 1570 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Min. Ref. Details – Main Street Perth 12/12/2011 344/11 12/11/2012 319/12 12/11/2012 312/12 25/06/2012 154/12 12/11/2012 302/12 15/10/2012 280/12 12/11/2012 304/12 Action Required Officer Status main shopping area of Main Street, Perth. permit installation of median without loss of parking. Perth Local District That Council request the Traffic Engineer Works & Possible relocation of Committee to provide a report to Council in regard Infrastructure bus stop being Safety Concerns - to the Bus Stops in Perth, with a Manager negotiated with bus Bus Stops particular emphasis on a) identification companies. of bus stops in Perth b) identification of potential safety issues c) observation of drop-off and pick-up areas d) identification of alternative locations for bus stops. The report to include, but not be limited to, the bus stop at the intersection outside the Exclusive Cars business. Policy – Use of That Council authorise officers to (i) Executive Conferencing implement a ‘free option’ for video Assistant Technology to conferencing at workshops to trial over a Attend Council 3 month period; (ii) visit Dorset and/ or Meetings & Break O’Day Council and investigate the Workshops video conferencing implemented with NBN government funding. Policy No. 10 That Council adopt the amended Policy Executive Completed. Light Vehicle No. 10 Light Vehicle Replacement Policy. Assistant Replacement Policy PQT Copyright of request advice from Council’s solicitor in Planning & Advice sought, information relation to the matter of copyright Development awaited. relative to relative to information provided to Manager Development Council in regard to Development Applications Applications. Proposed That Council approve the rebadging of Economic & Completed. Rebadging of the the Longford Fun Run as the ‘Liz Ellis Community Longford Fun Run Memorial Fun Run at Longford’ in Dev. Manager as the ‘Liz Ellis recognition of the significant Memorial Fun Run contribution to the health and well-being at Longford’ of Northern Midlands residents made by Liz as the Northern Midlands Community Sports Centre Coordinator 2001-2006. Provision of Off- That in accordance with the provisions of Works & To be included in Lead Dog Exercise Section 20(i) of the Dog Control Act 2000, Infrastructure 2013/2014 budget Area at Coronation Council declares the area located within Manager deliberations. Park, Longford Coronation Park, Longford (subsequent to being established) to be an off-lead dog exercise area Regional Tasmania That Council i) request the Labor and General Letter sent to – Keep It Alive Liberal parties to work together to Manager Premier. Mayor Campaign rebuild the forestry industry, introduce Polley sent email to freight equalisation, reopen the other member Triabunna woodchip mill, identify the councils on 22 “Tarkine” and prosecute trespassers. ii) November. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1571 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Min. Ref. 23/01/2012 06/12 12/11/2012 314/12 15/10/2012 266/12 28/05/2012 121/12 18/07/2011 180/11 15/10/2012 262/12 (3) Details Action Required Officer request formal minutes be circulated of future meetings of the Regional Tasmania – Keep it Alive Campaign meetings, and that a list of actions/ outcomes be circulated. Request relocation That an alternate bus stop location in Traffic 50km sign Longford be identified for use as the Engineer intersection morning location for school students. High/Marlborough Sts Longford Role of Local That Council write to the Local General Government Government Division i) to express Manager Project disappointment at the amount of time provided to Councils to provide feedback to the project steering committee for incorporation into the final report and recommendations to be considered by the Premier’s Local Government Council at their December 2012 meeting; and ii) to request an extension of time to provide feedback. Rural Alive and That Council request members of the Economic & Well Outreach Board of Rural Alive and Well Tasmania Community attend a Council workshop to brief Dev. Manager Council on how RAW could provide an outreach service to the Northern Midlands. Sealing of Nile That Council actively seek special grant Corporate Road funding of approximately $2.4M for the Services reconstruction and sealing of the 8.2km Manager gravel section of Nile Road. Strategies 1. initiate a health needs assessment for Economic & Designed to Part A of the municipality, including Community Engage Youth in Evandale, Perth, Longford, Cressy and Dev. Manager the Northern surrounds 2.initiate an earlier Midlands interventions project to assess needs and recommendations, in tandem with the health needs assessment Sub Committee Public Toilets, King Street Reserve - that Executive & Recommendations the structure be demolished (or Liaison Officer - Campbell Town decommissioned). District Forum 15/10/2012 262/12( Sub Committee That a review be undertaken for the 3) Recommendations provision of new footpaths in the - Cressy Local township of Cressy. District Committee Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Status Additional speed signs installed. Bus stop location review in progress. Provided DPAC with Council's submission. Awaiting suitable grant funding program. Health Needs Assessment underway. Demographer currently compiling demographic profile for the study area. Officer’s to investigate; possible alternative use for building. It should be noted that CTDF at its 13/11 meeting again recommended that this building be demolished. Executive & Works & Liaison Officer Infrastructure Manager to consider the recommendation. Page 1572 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Min. Details Action Required Ref. 15/10/2012 262/12 Sub Committee That funding be sought for the (3) Recommendations establishment of a cycle way between - Cressy Local Cressy and Longford or other areas that District Committee may be appropriate 15/10/2012 262/12 Sub Committee That the boat ramp at the end of (3) Recommendations Macquarie Street, Cressy be reinstated - Cressy Local and the parking area upgraded – other District Committee work to include the removal of the concrete dam which was installed by Council when the boat ramp was removed. 15/10/2012 262/12 Sub Committee That a proposal to construct a skate park (3) Recommendations facility at Cressy be investigated. - Cressy Local District Committee Date 15/10/2012 262/12 Sub Committee That a proposal for Ross entrance (3) Recommendations structure/ sign (northern & southern - Ross Local entrance) be supported and the matter District Committee be referred to Council’s signage committee. 12/11/2012 316/12 Tasrail – Contracts Write to the Premier asking that there is Awarded to Off- a level playing field approach adopted Shore Owned when awarding contracts. This stance Companies should be adopted when dealing with overseas companies who do not have to pay the same level of wages and adopt the same high standard of Occupational Health and Safety and Quality Standards as are applicable in Australia. 12/11/2012 321/12 Traffic Counts – That i) a further count be carried out in Evandale Main March 2013 to gain further details Road regarding traffic volumes at different times of year. ii) that Council request DIER to undertake further counts annually. 12/11/2012 322/12 Update – 6 Union That Council i) compile a list of Street Longford – outstanding issues at the fire site as seen Tyre Fire Site by directly affected parties; and ii) invite Mr Chugg, the EPA and Workplace Standards to attend a meeting facilitated by Council. Officer Executive & Officer’s to Liaison Officer investigate. Executive & Formal application Liaison Officer submitted to MAST. Proposal to remove concrete weir met with strong opposition from government officials. Executive & Council’s Youth Liaison Officer Officer arranging to meet with School Chaplain and students re the project. Executive & Plan provided to Liaison Officer Committee - matter under review. Mayor Polley Letter sent. Engineering Officer To liaise with LCC to organise count. General Manager Meeting held with directly affected parties 28/11. Letter sent to EPA. GM rang Alex Schaap to organise meeting with EPA. Mr Healey not available to attend workshop. Provided DPAC with Council’s submission. 12/11/2012 320/12 Valuation and That Council write to the Local General Local Government Government Division i) to express Manager Rating Review disappointment at the amount of time provided to Councils to provide feedback to the project steering committee for incorporation into the final report and recommendations to be considered by the Premier’s Local Government Council Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Status Page 1573 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Date Min. Ref. Details Action Required Officer at their December 2012 meeting; ii) to request an extension of time to provide feedback; and iii) to invite Mr Matt Healey, DPAC, to attend a workshop. 12/11/2012 310/12 Water and That Council 1. endorse Draft no 6 of the General Sewerage Industry Constitution for the Single Water and Manager Reform Sewerage Corporation; and 2. appoint Councillor Goninon as the Northern Midlands Council Acting (Deputy Representative) until the end of the Selection Committee process. 20/02/2012 37/12 Water And defer the matter to the next meeting of Corporate Sewerage Reform Council Services – Ownership Of Manager Lake Leake & Tooms Lake 16/05/2011 135/11 West Perth Approve of listing the required Consultant Drainage Study improvements for budget consideration, Engineer prioritised as follows: (1) Drummond Street culvert – DIER contribution to be sought; (2) Upgrade channel – remove old bridge structure and reshape channel at Norfolk Street. (3) Install new culvert at rail line – DIER/ Rail authority contribution to be sought, with channel improvements between Norfolk Street and rail line. (4) Install culvert at Youl Main Road with channel to new rail line culvert. (5) Install additional culvert at Edward Street with channel to new Youl Main Road culvert. (6) Upgrade channel between Edward Street and Phillip Street, this work to proceed consistent with legal advice as to the most effective means to achieve and provide the ongoing maintenance of the drain. Status Completed. Awaiting further information. Outsourced, West Tamar Infrastructure Manager briefed. Report to be tabled at future Council meeting. Matters that are grey shaded have been finalised and will be deleted from this schedule 16 KEY ISSUES BEING CONSIDERED – MANAGERS REPORTS Activities from the 1 to 30 November 2012 1. GOVERNANCE UNIT – GENERAL MANAGER a. Governance – Meetings/Conferences Council meetings: Ordinary meeting 12 November Council Workshops: 3 November 12 November 26 November Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1574 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Executive Management Team: 14 November 27 November Department Meetings: Staff Meeting 13 November Community meetings: Meetings attended: Avoca Royal George and Rossarden District Forum 22 November 2012/2013 meetings attended YTD 4 3 2 1 0 Avoca, Campbell Royal Town George & Rossarden Cressy Evandale Longford Perth Ross Other Local District Commitee Meetings: Meeting with Ben Lomond Water AGM Signing of the Sub Regional Alliance Regional briefing Water and Sewerage Corporation Meeting with Tourism Touchscreen Network Meeting at Break O'Day Council regarding agreement to work together on tourism project Meeting with Rob Harrison Meeting with Tasmania Police John Ward Meeting with Mr Burman and others regarding health and safety issues Meeting with Nick King Burlington Berries about planning process Meeting with Peter George from Veolia Meeting with David Klye LGAT General meeting Meeting regarding Water and Sewerage - Working Group re Not For Profit Approaches NTD AGM Heart FM community radio station meeting Consultative Committee meeting Meeting to discuss any issues at 6 Union Street Meeting with Midlands ARG Association RDA proposal Meeting with Tas Gas regarding RDA proposal b. General Business Annual Report Water and Sewerage – Ben Lomond Water Water and Sewerage LGAT Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1575 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Greater Launceston Plan Sub Regional Alliance Right for Information Strategic Plan Legal issues Local Government Reform Bridges Roads Regional Planning Road Construction Engineering Services Drainage issues Flood levee Road and Traffic issues Water and Sewerage – Ben Lomond Water Resource Sharing Animal Control Buildings Workplace Agreement Local Government Act Emergency Management Child Care Longford Sport Centre Citizenship Footpath c. Other Activities: 2. Agenda. Councillor requests, meetings, emails & phone enquiries. Newsletters: Staff Briefing papers. CORPORATE SERVICES BUSINESS UNIT a. Customer Service b. Finance Rates and dog licence issue & collection, property revaluation, valuation maintenance and adjustments, supplementary valuations, street numbering, electronic receipting, direct debit system, interest and penalty. Pension rebates maintenance, classification for two rebate maximums, claim 2 for 2012/13, and life tenancy claim for 2012/13. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1576 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Sundry Debtors and Creditor payments and enquiries, implemented electronic payment option for annual licences and registrations. Payroll, payroll tax, child support, maternity leave, PAYG & annual summaries, superannuation, Workplace Legislation changes, EBA provisions including RDO system, salary reviews, staff training, retirement & resignations issues, leave accrual adjustments, leave loading, Councillor allowance review, Workers Compensation claims and other staff issues. Debt Collection Services, Rate summons/warrants, preparation and attendance for court action. Budget adjustments, End of Year Financials, KPI return, Asset Management, Long Term Financial Planning and Audit. Sundry grant reporting and auditing. Committee financial management support and auditing. Property ownership, licences and leases, property committee, unclaimed monies register, review of Public Land Register. Records Management, archives incl. negotiations with holding old minute books, website and facebook, town and local committee web pages, sign design, Right for Information requests, council policies. Banking & Investments. Rate System issues, 2012/13 Rating and Budget issues, General Finance, Div 81 replacement issues, ABS Data Collection, and Grant Funding issues, Tax issues including GST & FBT, Fuel Tax, NRM annual report returns. Cemetery management and website databases. Roads to Recovery Work schedules, Annual Report and quarterly reports. Childcare financial reporting, audit, budgets & fee schedule reconciliations. Service review and reporting. Service Tasmania reception contract, ST office hours review at Campbell Town, Tasinet review, Sports Centre Booking and receipting system review. General accounting, customer service, correspondence and reports. Audit procedures and processes. Emergency Management meetings, grant applications, EM Plans, Paton Street Detention Basin property transfer, and general administration issues. Waste Transfer Station Management issues and Kerbside waste collection contract issues and special clean-up service. General Office support and attendance of meetings, reports, emails & phone enquiries. Longford Local District Committee. Works & Infrastructure support. Lake Leake management contract review, Tooms Lake & Lake Leake ownership transfer, Lake Leake shack site map and ownership review. Street lighting maintenance. Strategic Plan review. c. Insurance Insurance renewals and policy maintenance. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1577 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Risk Register review No claims d. Information Technology 3. Minor upgrades of IT equipment. Open Office Software upgrade and enhancement requests. NBN meetings. GIS upgrade. Server and switch maintenance. Information Management System maintenance. Disaster Recovery & IT Policy Development. Council Web Site development, Town and Local District Committee site development, NMBA website and HH App maintenance. ApproveTas maintenance. Yammer & ooVoo maintenance. Dataworks workflows – Web forms Mobile phone plan review and iphone application implementation. Sundry database creation including In/Out Board log. IPad applications implementation. Building security system maintenance. Review web access security system. Maintain photocopiers and printers. ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UNIT a. Tourism/Economic Development focus Collaborating with Minister for Tourism, Norfolk Island and Woolmers Board on onselling and product development opportunities between the 2 World Heritage listed sites. Prepared finding applications to the Tasmanian Community Fund and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal for finds to develop a Children’s Activity Booklet for Woolmers Estate. Outcomes awaited. Overseeing the development of a Longmarsh Dam tour for the Heritage Highway App. Working with NSW based artists on a proposal to create street art sculptures for Longford CBD Worked with Evandale District Committee on a TCF funding application for an Evandale Main Street Beautification project. Outcome awaited. Working with Truckie Memorial Wall Association on a proposed memorial wall at the Epping Forest Roadhouse Co-ordinating a working group of Translink business owners/operators that aims to improve security in the precinct. Collaborating with Woolmers and a private business to plan Carols by Candlelight at Woolmers on Saturday evening December 8th 2012 Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1578 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Serving on a working group aiming to secure a sustainable future for Heart FM Radio Station Funding application submitted to the foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal Grant Program to secure funds to enable a strategic plan to be developed for Heart FM. Outcome awaited. Collaborating with National Trust on ways to strengthen and promote the Norfolk Plains Heritage Centre. Member of Council’s Signage subcommittee. Working with 10 Days on the Island staff on the program of events for Campbell Town in March 2013. Managed the updating of the Northern Midlands Business Directory. Directories have been distributed to every household and business in the Northern Midlands. Assisted with securing funds from Your Community Heritage Grants program to interpret convict stories at Woolmers and Brickendon Estates. Assisting with the implementation of the project. Collaborating with National Trust to develop a ‘Convict Connections’ Tour through Northern Midlands/Meander Valley estates and landscape. Collaborating with Red Bridge Café on a iPad tourism venture based at the Café – funding secured. Working group formed and project underway. Participating on the Planning Committee for the Gathering on the Norfolk Plains 2013. Program is finalised and event planning is well underway Coordinating the publication of a book on the 200 years of the Norfolk Plains. Designer and publisher have been contracted and book content is currently being finalised. Contacted Student Works to construct the time capsule for the Gathering 2013. Assisting Woolmers/Brickendon Estates with leveraging of the World Heritage listing status. Managing the planning and production of the next edition of the “Antiques, architecture and art” tear-off map. Preparing submission for Longford to become RV friendly towns. (On hold awaiting outcome of Councils consideration of overnight stay in the NM). Encouraging increased utilisation of the Sports Centre gym by writing to Longford businesses, school and Toosey offering a corporate gym membership. b. Community development focus Working with Education Department to implement the ‘Move Well, Eat Well’ initiative in the Northern Midlands. Prepared funding application to Tasmanian Community Fund for establishment of a Northern Midlands Toy Library. Outcome awaited. Prepared funding application to the Value Exchange Grant program for the development of a fully equipped Dog Play and Exercise Park for Longford. Application not successful. Application to be made to Tas Community Fund in 2013. Secured TCF Funding for the Campbell Town Outdoor Gym Project. Project managing the venture. Anticipating completion by mid-November 2012. Launch held Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1579 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 1 December 2012. 4. Managing the Health Needs Assessment (Part A Northern Midlands) project in collaboration with the University Department of Rural Health. Working with Road Safety Branch, DIER, to develop initiatives to improve road safety in the Northern Midlands. Collaborating with Southern Midlands Council and Central Highlands Council to implement the Central Tasmania Healthy Communities project. Prepared funding application on behalf of Devon Hills Neighbourhood Watch for cameras for use of the Fire Station. Funding secured and motion activated and camera ordered. PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT UNIT a. Policy Solar Panel and wind turbine draft policies prepared. Ongoing review of current policies - on street dining and signs. Duty of Care and legislative obligations – review of staff levels and procedures. Review of physical office with recommendations from Mr. Denman. Campervan – RV Friendly towns – Campbell Town declared and potential site for Longford being revisited. b. Health Ongoing issues requiring water samples etc at Mount Joy Road - infrequent Liaise with Department of Health re. Royal George water quality issues. Liaise with Department of Health re. Avoca water quality issues. Continue to support and administer the Immunisations programme. Inspections of food premises, undertaken mainly through resource sharing with MVC. Place of Assembly licence inspections and renewals is ongoing. Review of procedures for continuous improvement is ongoing. c. Building Follow up of illegal works continuing. Assistant Building Surveyors attending ongoing professional development training seminars. Plumbing inspections and assessment are ongoing. Plumbing Inspector & Assistant Building Surveyor to attend Building Control compliance training Review of procedures for continuous improvement is ongoing. Amended Plumbing and Building regulations to be assimilated into ongoing practices. d. NRM Participation with the Mill Dam Committee. Recent CFOC reporting obligations completed. Operation of NRM Committee of Council. National rainwater and grey water initiative of the Australian Government – Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1580 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 opportunities to be investigated. Environmental Management Plan – review of implementation programme. Review of relevant development proposals is ongoing. Weed management and action plan implementation. Council presence at Woolmers Rose Festival. e. Compliance Permit conditions – Periodic review of compliance with planning permit conditions – ongoing. Building audit - ongoing. Service of Building and Planning Notices. Prosecution for illegal buildings and works ongoing as required. Signage. Follow up dog registrations. Active review of dogs not previously registered. Promote consistent processes across region. f. Planning 5. Review of TRANSlink zone provisions and available development opportunities. Participation in Regional Planning Scheme. Participation in Northern Tasmanian Industrial Land Study. Participation in Greater Launceston Plan project. Draft interim planning scheme submitted to the Minister. Overnight parking for campervans. Ongoing review of procedures and physical office environment. WORKS & INFRASTRUCTURE UNIT In conjunction with INFO 5 – Works & Infrastructure Report. a. Asset Management New asset information collection and verifications– ongoing. Programmed inspections of flood levee and associated infrastructure – ongoing. Involvement in asset management working group with Councils in north and north west region. b. Traffic Management Northern Midlands Traffic Committee – liaising with DIER to resolve traffic issues within municipality. 90km speed zone on Midlands Highway at Conara – DIER have advised that they are currently reviewing traffic management in the area around the Esk Main Road intersection and the entrance to Conara. Awaiting further advice from DIER regarding the outcome of this review. DIER have been requested to investigate raising the speed limit from 50km to 80km on the section of road by the river near the Ben Lomond Water Pump Station. Awaiting their response. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1581 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Design plans received from DIER for improvements at the Eskleigh intersection, works expected to start early in 2013. Traffic Islands / outstands in Perth Main Street – Survey / investigation works being carried out to determine whether it is possible install traffic islands in the shopping district. Blackspot funding applications have been submitted to realign the intersection of Perth Main Street and Elizabeth Street and to construct a turning head at the end of Fore Street, Perth. Talisker Street, Main Road intersection Perth. Concept plans have been developed for a future intersection realignment. Investigating funding opportunities. c. Development Work Design plans for 44 lot subdivision at 120 Marlborough Street, Longford have been approved Stages 1 and 2 have reached final completion, stage 3 is at practical completion and work on stage 4 has commenced. McShane subdivision (Seccombe Street, Perth) stage 1 has reached final completion with the exception of street trees and nature strips. 15 lot Kerr subdivision, Mulgrave Street, Perth at practical completion. Stage 1 of Welsh Subdivision, Mulgrave Street, Perth at practical completion. 4 Lot Pegasus subdivision Ross at practical completion. Brogan Subdivision, Bond Street, Campbell Town at practical completion. 13 lot Shervan subdivision, Thames Court, Perth at practical completion. d. Waste Management Input to regional waste management discussions – ongoing. e. Tenders and Contracts School Creek Bridge on Royal George Road completed. f. Flood levee Programmed monthly / bi-monthly inspections of flood levee carried out by works and infrastructure staff. Headwalls currently being manufactured to install 3 gates valves on the flood levee behind the abattoir. Work has commenced on the construction of an open drain from Hobhouse Street to Paton Street to improve internal stormwater drainage during a flood event. g. Engineering Input into Northern Regional Infrastructure group – ongoing. Input into meetings between councils in the north and north west regions aimed at developing common engineering standards for subdivisions and development. h. Capital works New concrete footpath completed in Catherine Street from Lewis Street to Talbot Street, Longford. Kerb and channel construction completed in Frederick Street, Perth. Road reconstruction works in progress on a 3km section of Macquarie Road. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1582 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 17 RESOURCE SHARING SUMMARY FROM 01 JULY 2012 TO 30 NOVEMBER 2012 Services Provided to Meander Valley Council Break O’Day Council Flinders Council Launceston City Council West Tamar Council Kentish Council Total Income Hrs 65.16 42.3 107.46 Amount 4,302 2,152 $ 6,454 Other External Works Private Works by Works & Infrastructure Nth Midlands Business Association -Longford Promotion Centre - Tourism Officer -Manager Total Other External Works 18 Services Provided by Meander Valley Council Break O’Day Council Flinders Council Launceston City Council West Tamar Council Kentish Council Total Expenditure Hrs 130.4 11 141.4 Amount 6,746 1,066 $ 7,813 Hours 188.25 42.50 165.00 395.75 VANDALISM Report prepared by: Jonathan Galbraith – Assistant Works Supervisor Date Approx 11/11/12 Approx 11/11/12 17/11/12 17/11/12 Approx 24/11/12 Approx 24/11/12 Approx 24/11/12 24/11/12 19 Incident Rossarden BBQ shelter shot at Established trees damaged in Blackburn Park Union Street boat ramp burnt, two guide posts damaged Burnouts near Mill dam Graffiti and damage to Valentines Park toilets Door lock damaged Two toilet roll holders and a door damaged at Talisker Street toilets Door kicked in at King Street toilets Location Rossarden Campbell Town Longford Longford Campbell Town Perth Perth Estimated cost of damage $1,200 $3,000 $1,800 Reported to police $400 $50 $400 Campbell Town $200 NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT (NRM ) Prepared by: Duncan Payton; Planning and Development Manager and Monique Case, NRM Facilitator. Council’s NRM Facilitator, Ms Case, operated a Council information stall at the Woolmers Rose Festival on Sunday 18 November 2012. Once again, this was well received by the public with a lot of interest being shown in regard to weeds and backyard biodiversity. Additional Council information focused on responsible pet ownership, tourism, health and lifestyle. Another five investment applications for Northern Midlands Council landholder’s were assessed on Thursday 29 November 2012. All five were successful. On ground actions supported include: direct seeding and fencing of native vegetation in pivot corners and corridors at Cressy; native direct seeding at Royal George to expand and connect existing remnant vegetation along waterways; Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1583 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 revegetation and upgrade of browsing pressures control of small marsupials project; native seedlings for riparian and patch planting with fencing South of Perth along the South Esk River; and direct seeding and weed control in remnant native vegetation at Epping. There are currently four new investment proposals in development for properties in Cressy, Storey’s Creek, Campbell Town and White Hills. 20 MILL DAM COMMITTEE Prepared by: Duncan Payton; Planning and Development Manager and Monique Case, NRM Facilitator Ms Case advises that the majority of recent plantings at the Mill Dam have survived browsing sheep and native fauna. A follow up planting day with students from the Cressy District High School is planned for Thursday, 13 December 2012 (TBC). This kind of community support and assistance is gratefully received and is a positive attribute to the future of the Mill Dam as a community asset. Council would like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Goss and the Cressy District High School. A committee meeting has been called for Wednesday 5th of December. Ms Case is currently dedicating 4 hours a week at the Mill Dam to progress and maintain works undertaken along the southern section of the walking track and has extended plantings by an additional 100 stems. Progress summary reporting for the Mill Dam CFOC grant was completed this month. 21 TAMAR ESTUARY AND ESK RIVERS PROGRAM Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Programme’s third report card into the health of the Tamar River estuary was launched on Wednesday 28 November by the Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister, the Hon Brian Wightman MHA. The report card and press release are included in the attachments. 22 UNION STREET – TYRE FIRE CLEAN UP Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The General Manager, Mr Wilson, and the Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, met with adjoining land owners to discuss ongoing concerns with the clean up and potential safety issues. It was noted that the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) had issued two Environment Protection Notices (EPN’s) (attached) in regard to the clean up and remains the lead authority in this matter. The General Manager has written to the Director of the EPA, Mr Schaap, to reiterate the resident’s concerns with regard to the time taken to clean the site, rectify the drains and security of the site. 23 DRAFT INTERIM PLANNING SCHEME Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The Northern Midlands draft Interim Planning Scheme was submitted to the Minister, the Hon Bryan Green MHA, in early November for declaration in accordance with the provisions of the Land Use Planning and Approvals Act 1993. The Minister has sought advice from the Tasmanian Planning Commission. The TPC Advisory Committee submitted its report to the TPC meeting of 03 December 2012. The TPC will Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1584 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 then provide advice to the Minister. At the time of writing, Council has not been provided with a copy of the TPC advice. However, despite earlier apparent agreement – including some concession from Council (proposed low density zoning at Bishopsbourne and a reduction in proposed General Residential zoning at Cressy) - Ms Wong, Senior Planning Consultant to the TPC and member of the Advisory Committee advised the Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, that the Committee does not support Council’s position in regard to: Low Density Residential zoning for Caledonia Drive, Pateena Road/Norwich Drive, Blackwood Creek, Kalangadoo and prefers the application of the Rural Living zone; General Residential zoning for Avoca and prefers Low Density Residential zoning; General Residential zoning at Cressy and Philip Street, Perth, replacing Residential Reserved zoning and prefers Particular Purpose (Future Residential) zoning. {Prior to informal exhibition of our draft we had been advised by the TPC that future or reserved zones were not an option}. The Act provides for the Minister to declare, refuse to declare, or direct that a draft be altered (either by the Council or the TPC). It is hoped that the Northern Midlands Council will receive the Ministers decision prior to Christmas. 24 DRAFT PLANNING DIRECTIVE – STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE GENERAL RESIDENTIAL ZONE Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The following report was provided to the July meeting of Council: 1 PURPOSE OF REPORT The purpose of this report is to advise Council of the informal release, by the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC), of a discussion paper proposing a new planning directive with the intent to introduce the specific assessment criteria for single dwellings (permitted without permit) and multiple dwellings (permitted status) within the General Residential zone of Council’s interim planning scheme and future schemes. This will not impact on the current Northern Midlands Planning Scheme 1996. 2 BACKGROUND Councillors will recall that, following the recent introduction of Planning Directive 4, we have encountered a number of results generally considered unsatisfactory as a direct outcome of no longer being able to consider matters such as over shadowing and solar efficiency, particularly with the acceptable solutions for boundary setbacks. As a response to these concerns, Council asked staff to prepare a motion for the July meeting of the Local Government Association of Tasmania (LGAT) seeking support to request the State to review the provisions. Whilst that motion was not included in the recent LGAT agenda, its relevance has been overtaken by the latest draft Directive and the current informal opportunity for Local Government to comment. At this point the Commission requires comments by Friday 03 August 2012. Further opportunity is expected to arise during formal public exhibition of the draft directive. Councillors are invited to read the discussion paper and Draft Planning Directive and to provide any comment to the Planning and Development Manager by close of business on Monday 30 July to enable preparation of a response incorporation councillors concerns. A preliminary draft response, highlighting a number of concerns, will be circulated to Councillors. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1585 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 ATTACHMENTS A B C Letter from Mr Greg Alomes, Executive Commissioner, TPC TPC Discussion Paper – Standards for Single Dwellings and Multiple Dwellings (Villa Units and Townhouses) in the General Residential Zone. Draft Planning Directive - Standards for Single Dwellings and Multiple Dwellings (Villa Units and Townhouses) in the General Residential Zone. RECOMMENDATION 1 That the Tasmanian Planning Commission discussion paper and Draft Planning Directive Standards for Single Dwellings and Multiple Dwellings (Villa Units and Townhouses) in the General Residential Zone be received and comments forwarded to the Planning and Development Manager by 30 July 2012 for inclusion in a response to the invitation for informal comment . DECISION Cr Goss/Cr Brooks That the Tasmanian Planning Commission discussion paper and Draft Planning Directive Standards for Single Dwellings and Multiple Dwellings (Villa Units and Townhouses) in the General Residential Zone be received and comments forwarded to the Planning and Development Manager by 30 July 2012 for inclusion in a response to the invitation for informal comment . Carried unanimously The Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, sent a comprehensive response, (circulated to Councillors) to the Executive Commissioner, Mr Alomes, on 01 August 2012. In November 2012 the Tasmanian Planning Commission released the draft Planning Directive for formal comment until 01 February 2013. The draft directive and background report are included in the attachments. A draft response, on behalf of Northern Midlands Council, will be prepared for discussion and adoption by Council at the 21 January 2012 meeting. Councillors are invited to review the draft directive and to forward any comments to Mr Payton prior to this. It is also proposed to circulate copies of the attachments to each of the Local District Committees, to ensure that our local communities are informed of this significant change. 25 GREATER LAUNCESTON PLAN Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, attended a workshop for the Greater Launceston Plan on 14 November 2012. The workshop papers are attached. Minutes from the workshop have not been supplied at this time. 26 NORTHERN REGIONAL PLANNING INITIATIVE Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, attended the Management Committee meeting on Friday 30 November 2012 (draft minutes attached). The Northern Regional Planning Initiative (RPI) is a joint initiative between the State Government, Northern Tasmania Development (NTD) and the eight northern Tasmanian Councils, as established under a Memorandum of Understanding in 2008. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1586 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 The RPI is currently managed under the auspices of NTD. The project MoU identifies three key outputs. To date, two of the three outputs have been successfully delivered. The third output is in the final stages of completion. In detail, the MoU outputs are as follows: 1. Preparation of a comprehensive regional land use strategy for the region. In October 2011, the Minister declared the Regional Land Use Strategy of Northern Tasmania as a statutory Regional Strategy under S.30C of the Land Use Planning & Approvals Act 1993 (the Act). 2. Preparation of a Regional Model Planning Scheme (RMPS) and review of existing planning schemes to determine compliance with that Model. A RMPS to this effect has been developed over the course of 2010-12. The RMPS is consistent with the template, definitions and various provisions provided by the Tasmanian Planning Commission (TPC). It is made up of three types of content; State-based (mandatory), regional (mandatory or choice between mandatory options) and local content. The provisions contained in the RMPS have been developed through negotiation with the eight Councils and the Tasmanian Planning Commission and subject to substantial legal scrutiny. 3. Preparation of an individual planning scheme for each Council that is (a) based on the RMPS and (b) consistent with and likely to further the objectives of the Act. Council schemes are in varying stages of completion; some have been completed, endorsed and submitted to the Minister for declaration via an interim scheme process, while others are yet to be submitted. 27 NORTHERN TASMANIA INDUSTRIAL LAND STUDY Prepared by: Duncan Payton, Planning & Development Manager The Planning and Development Manager, Mr Payton, attended the Steering Committee meetings on 7 and 30 November 2012. The minutes of the 7 November meeting and the ensuing discussion paper are included in the attachments. 28 YOUTH PROGRAMME UPDATE –NOVEMBER 2012 Prepared by: Peter Mackenzie, Youth Development Officer Youth Activities (MYAP) Program Longford 4 sessions total users 38 Perth 5 sessions total users 25 After-School Youth Program Campbell Town One session users 7 (final session scheduled for 3rd December – then evaluation re 2013) YASAG Campbell Town support program for post-school age. 2 sessions total users 8 (In cooperation with NJL, developing driver mentoring program to assist young attendees gain driver’s license, to in turn assist with access to employment) YASAG Program for Part A 4 sessions total users 24 Outreach 3 outreach activities re YASAG program. Meetings Meeting re YASAG Campbell Town (1) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1587 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Meeting re Health Needs Map (1) Meeting re resource sharing MVC for National Youth Week 2013 (1) Meeting re resource sharing WTC & LCC for 2013 (1) PCYC Longford meeting (1) Meeting re Road Safety Cressy & C/Town Schools (3) Meeting re NMC Consultative Committee (1) Consultations Consultation with YASAG group Campbell Town re special needs including employment/driver licenses. Training/Review Nil Other Activities 29 Continued support of Longford PCYC program -assisted PCYC worker and volunteer on 5 nights. Total users for 5 nights was 40. Numbers are growing gradually and sessions have been very successful. Assisted one farmer to gain a young trainee employee. Part of coordination team for Road safety clinic for Grade 10 Cressy and Campbell Town High students Nov 14th. (see separate information item) Assisted with mock interviews for Grade 10 Cressy students on Nov 16th Facilitated Save-A-Mate (SAM) workshop on safe partying by Red Cross at Cressy High CIRCULAR HEAD COUNCIL YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM Prepared by: Peter Mackenzie, Youth Development Officer In 2011 Circular Head Council in Tasmania was the winner of the National Awards for Local Government Youth Engagement Award (small council), with its Seven Up Youth Centre Project. This award recognises councils that empower young people to take part and be active in their communities. “Council’s goal was to include and inspire young people, encouraging them to actively participate in the community” Council staged ‘y engage’ an interactive youth forum as part of National Youth Week 2009. This forum focused on teasing out some actions and strategies that could be put in place to ensure young people feel included and engaged in community life. Youth and Community Officers from Circular Head Council and Rural Health Tasmania subsequently worked alongside the community’s young people to help establish the ‘Seven Up’ Youth Centre. The project took two years to fully develop, from its inception through to the trial of two possible venues and formats. Secondary school leadership teams and Circular Head Council’s youth advisory council, the Circular Head Youth Leaders (CHYL), conducted peer surveys to ensure that the project remained relevant to student needs. Information was disseminated by the young people through social networking sites and other media. Students felt that the name Seven Up reflected the age group at which the centre is aimed, namely grades seven and up, and designed an appropriate logo. The centre’s activities have included cooking, craft, dancing, nail art and music sessions. I have discussed with the Youth and Community Officer at Circular Head, our relative developments in Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1588 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 youth programs and engagement. Much of our approaches are similar. One main difference is that they have a separate more formal advisory council of young people, whereas we use a range of consultation mechanisms integrated with established programs. I have been invited to visit their youth centre, which would be worthwhile, and might be able to fit that into a holiday visit or as part of some of the Long Service Leave I plan to take in 2013. 30 ROAD SAFETY CLINIC AT CRESSY HIGH Prepared by: Peter Mackenzie, Youth Development Officer Road trauma and risk is a concern for all Australian communities. Young people continue to be overrepresented in road crashes and trauma. Earlier in the year, a coordinating team from Cressy High, Longford Police, Longford Rotary, DIER and Council, decided to try a new approach. The end result was a ‘clinic’ or workshop on 14 November, which was a first not just for the Grade 10 students of Cressy and Campbell Town High, but for all the organisers and supporters, and for Tasmania as far as we are aware. The overall ‘clinic’ concept was based on the award-winning ‘Docudramas’ developed by former teacher Barry Collis in Qld, and run for Queensland schools. The day included a mock crash scene, with wrecked car and victims, and the assistance of local SES, Police, and Fire Service staff. That was followed by a magistrate’s court with the “guilty” driver being charged. Retired Magistrate and former State Coroner Ian Matterson kindly offered to assist with that section. After that, we had trauma survivor stories from Derek and Vanessa, who did a fantastic job of bravely telling their stories of road trauma and the hardships involved. Vanessa drove out by mistake into the path of a truck a few years back at Campbell Town, where she lived, and is extremely fortunate to be alive. She had been part of our youth activity group, and that aspect of having someone from the local community very clearly had an effect on many of the students at the clinicas well as the adults. Derek has spoken to local students in the past and his story of trauma and recovery also has a clear impact on students. This day worked well, and the positive feedback from students verified that the effort was worth it. I also arranged for independent evaluation by Red Cross, who have very sophisticated approaches to delivering safety messages to young people. Their feedback was very positive. We also had assistance from members of the Road Trauma Support Team, other Council staff who assisted with the wreck scene, all the school staff involved, Rotary people who put on the bbq lunch, Mike Armstrong for supplying the wreck and Kevin Kemp for towing it. And “Sonia” Denne for being the guilty driver. This was a fantastic team and community partnership effort to help young people about a very important issue. We plan to refine the concept and run it again in late 2013. There is already keen interest from other regions and I have no doubt that the concept should and could be used statewide. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1589 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 31 RELOCATION OF HERITAGE HIGHWAY MUSEUM AND INFORMATION CENTRE Prepared by: Lindsay Harwood, Executive & Liaison Officer Information in relation to the proposed relocation of the facility was advertised in the Examiner Newspaper on Wednesday, 31 October, and Saturday, 3 November, 2012; published in the November edition of the Midlands Herald at Campbell Town; and placed on Council’s website. At the close of submissions on Friday, 30 November, the following submissions had been received: Letter of support from Mr Bill Chugg of Campbell Town; and The membership of the Campbell Town District Forum suggested that a flyer be sent to each householder in the district, and that a briefing session be held. It was also resolved by the Forum that support be expressed for the Town Hall to be set-aside for the Heritage Highway Museum and Visitor Information Centre provided a multi-purpose facility is constructed at the War Memorial Oval. It is the opinion of Council’s Executive & Liaison Officer that the community has had an adequate opportunity to provide any comments and that costing for the project should be prepared so that the matter can be formally considered by Council in early 2013. This approach is fully supported by Mr Geoff Duncombe who is the Chair of the Heritage Highway Museum and Information Centre. 32 ENGLISH TOWN ROAD UPGRADE Prepared by: Terry Eaton, Engineer Concept design, to upgrade the one lane section of the road, where the road closure signage is in place, is complete. Indications are that road widening will be expensive due to the fill quantity required. Work has progressed on an alternative design to install passing bays at either end of a one lane section. Legal clarification being sought on likely issues of road reservation widening over an area with an environmental covenant in place. 33 STORMWATER DRAINAGE – EVANDALE Prepared by: Terry Eaton, Engineer Preliminary work has been undertaken indicting that present drain legislation makes no provision for installing a downstream drain across property in others ownership without the owners agreement. The lack of a drain outlet will limit further development of the Cambock Lane East land. Discussions have been held with Mr R. Summers, the owner of both the downstream property and the land to the north of Cambock Lane, to appreciate his biosecurity concerns and consider possible drainage measures to allow further development within the Cambock Lane East catchment. A response from Mr Summers is outstanding. 34 WEST PERTH DRAINAGE STUDY Prepared by: Terry Eaton, Engineer No DIER funds are available to upgrade culverts at Drummond Street and Youl Main Road. Need to clear drain downstream of Drummond Street referred back to DIER for attention, still awaiting reply. Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1590 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 35 REGIONAL TASMANIA - KEEP IT ALIVE CAMPAIGN UPDATE Prepared by: Adam Wilson – General Manager Deputy Mayor Downie asked for an update on the campaign. At the 12 November 2012 Council Meeting, Council agreed on the following decision: Deputy Mayor Downie/Cr Goninon That Council i) request the Labor and Liberal parties to work together to rebuild the forestry industry, introduce freight equalisation, reopen the Triabunna woodchip mill, identify the “Tarkine” and prosecute trespassers. ii) request formal minutes be circulated of future meetings of the Regional Tasmania – Keep it Alive Campaign meetings, and that a list of actions/outcomes be circulated. On the 20 November 2012 Mr Harrison from Corporate Communication provided council with a copy of the draft press release, for the Regional Tasmania Keep it Alive campaign meeting on the 21 November that Mayor Polley attend. Mayor Polley sent out the following email to all Regional Tasmania Keep it Alive campaign members: “Hello everyone When we organize our next meeting which will have a formal agenda etc could this motion be included. It was carried unanimously on 12 November 2012 by the Northern Midlands Council. That Council i) Request the Labor and Liberal parties to work together to rebuild the forestry industry, introduce freight equalization, reopen the Triabunna woodchip mill, identify the ‘Tarkine” and prosecute trespassers. ii. Request formal minutes be circulated of future meetings of the Regional Tasmania – Keep It Alive Campaign meetings, and that a list of actions/outcomes be circulated.” ATTACHMENTS Email from Tony Harrison dated 4 December 2012 & draft letter Email from Executive dated 5 December 2012 Email from Tony Harrison dated 20 November 2012 Media release Email from Mayor Polley dated 22 November 2012 36 WATER AND SEWERAGE NOT FOR PROFIT REBATE / CONCESSION POLICY Prepared by: Adam Wilson – General Manager Water and Sewerage Working Group re Not For Profit concessions - summary of first meeting 25 25.1 Treatment of “Not for Profit” Customers The Corporation will consult with the Owners Representatives to develop a consistent state-wide Not for Profit rebate / concession policy within the first 12 months of operation with an expectation that the policy will take effect from 1 July 2014 Summary of the key direction and points from the meeting: Recommendation/s: The working group will recommend in principle to the Owners Representatives Group that the new Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1591 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 water corporation, rather than the owner councils, be responsible for administering the community service obligation of providing concessions to eligible Not for Profit’s prior to effecting distributions to owner councils; and that The detailed requirements of this approach should be reflected within the body of the Shareholders Letter of Expectation as negotiated between the Owners Representatives Group and the new corporation’s Board once appointed. Rationale/s: the desire to achieve state-wide consistency of approach towards the handling of Not for Profit concessions - both in terms of defining and categorising Not for Profit’s and also in relation to the rebates provided; recognition that often Not for Profit’s service regions rather than just one local municipal area – so the provision of a rebate from the state-wide corporation rather than from one council’s resources is a more equitable approach; and an acknowledgement that at certain times the dividends provided to a given council may not cover the Not for Profit rebates that are due to Not for Profit organisations within that council’s municipal area; this possibility will be circumvented by administering the concession prior to distribution. Definition of NFP: In relation to the definition of a Not for Profit organisation, it was noted at the meeting that currently the preferred approach is to derive the definitions from a irreproachable third party organisation (i.e. ATO) rather than trying to come up with a unique definition as determined by the owner councils or the new corporation. Whilst not articulated in the initial Discussion Paper, it is noted that in addition to the classifications as set out by the ATO, in order to be eligible for the concession an organisation must not hold either a liquor or gaming licence. There was a suggestion at the meeting that perhaps there could be some sort of ‘competition factor’ built in. Involving all councils: It is understood that the working group wishes to issue a Paper to all Council General Managers within the state requesting their feedback and input to the consideration of adopting a “North-West approach” to the issue of Not for Profit concessions i.e. this equates to option 6 as described in the Discussion Document (it is noted that Northern Midlands Council identify Option 4 as a preferred approach). This Paper will catalyse some further discussion and consideration of the finer elements required to be addressed in order to develop a workable state-wide approach. Next Steps: 37 Develop a précis-type document, based on the Working Group’s Discussion document, including a couple of analytical examples of the sorts of challenges the “North-West approach” and other approaches have thrown up to date, as per those highlighted in our conversation at the meeting. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA (RDA) APPLICATION – TASGAS Responsible Officer: Adam Wilson – General Manager Council is working with TasGas looking at ways to expand the supply of gas to properties in the township of Longford, and if it is possible to lodge an“Expression of Interest” for a 3rd Round RDA Grant. TasGas has provided Council with a letter of support advising that they will provide dollar for dollar in-kind support with the Federal Government, the in-kind support will be by way of installation of the gas Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1592 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 pipeworks and supervision. 38 NORFOLK PLAINS/NATIONAL TRUST ASSISTANCE Prepared by: Lorraine Green, Economic & Community Development Manager Chris Tassell has not yet got back to the Economic & Community Development Manager re the assistance offered. DECISION Cr Goss/Deputy Mayor Downie That the Information items be received. Carried unanimously Cr Goninon/Cr Knowles That Council provide in-principle support to the Regional Tasmania Keep it Alive Campaign; however, until such time as formal governance principles and processes are put in place, Council can provide no further financial support. Carried Voting for the motion: Cr Carins, Cr Goninon, Cr Goss, Cr Knowles, Cr Lambert Voting against the motion: Mayor Polley, Deputy Mayor Downie, Cr Brooks, Cr Calvert CON – ITEMS FOR THE CLOSED MEETING DECISION Cr Brooks/Cr Knowles That Council move into the “Closed Meeting” with the General Manager, Corporate Services Manager, Planning and Development Manager, Engineer, Works & Infrastructure Manager, Executive & Liaison Officer and Executive Assistant. Carried unanimously 360/12 APPLICATIONS BY COUNCILLORS FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE As per provisions of Section 15(2)(i) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. 361/12 (1) PERSONNEL MATTERS As per provisions of Section 15(2)(a) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. 361/12 (2) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL As per provisions of Section 15(2)(f) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1593 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 Regulations. Management meetings 361/12 (3) MATTERS RELATING TO ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE LITIGATION TAKEN BY OR INVOLVING THE COUNCIL OR AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNCIL As per provisions of Section 15(2)(h) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. Correspondence 361/12 (4) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL As per provisions of Section 15(2)(f) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. Action Items – Status Report 361/12 (5) MATTERS RELATING TO ACTUAL OR POSSIBLE LITIGATION TAKEN BY OR INVOLVING THE COUNCIL OR AN EMPLOYEE OF THE COUNCIL As per provisions of Section 15(2)(h) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. Legal Matter 361/12 (6) INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL As per provisions of Section 15(2)(f) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. Water & Sewer Reform 362/12 INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE COUNCIL ON THE CONDITION IT IS KEPT CONFIDENTIAL As per provisions of Section 15(2)(f) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. Longford Flood Levee 363/12 PROPOSALS FOR THE COUNCIL TO ACQUIRE LAND OR AN INTEREST IN THE LAND OR FOR THE DISPOSAL OF LAND As per provisions of Section 15(2)(f) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. Properties at Ross and Perth Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council Page 1594 MINUTES – ORDINARY MEETING 10 DECEMBER 2012 364/12 PERSONNEL MATTERS As per provisions of Section 15(2)(a) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. 361/12 (7) PERSONNEL MATTERS As per provisions of Section 15(2)(a) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations. DECISION Cr Lambert/Cr Goss That Council move out of the closed meeting. Carried unanimously Mayor Polley closed the meeting at 10.30pm. MAYOR Northern Midlands Council Ordinary Meeting – 10 December 2012 Section: Open Council DATE Page 1595