shire of peppermint grove of peppermint grove... · it was therefore agreed to concentrate the...

Shire of Peppermint Grove

Attachments

Ordinary Council Meeting

Held 22 February 2011



Attachment #1

Item 8.2.1 refers

Keane’s Point Foreshore Upgrade Strategy February 2011

Keane’s Point Foreshore Reserve

UPGRADE STRATEGY

February 2011

Background In February 2010 the Shire of Peppermint Grove considered the on-going upgrade of its reserves following the completion of the playground upgrade. It was agreed to stage the upgrade of reserves to take into account organisational capacity to undertake works and pressure on the Shire’s financial capacity. It was therefore agreed to concentrate the Shire’s efforts on that part of the foreshore known as Keane’s Point Reserve, bounded by Hobbs Place and part of Lilla Street and The Esplanade; and stretching along The Esplanade to Leake Street. The area of foreshore and natural bushland to the north of Leake Street was considered outside the scope of this project.

In considering the scope of the upgrade project for Keane’s Point Reserve, it was agreed that elements for consideration would include: Infrastructure This includes essential built structures and major facilities that provide the physical framework for the reserve. Amenity This relates to the quality of features and facilities that contribute to making a place useable, comfortable and enjoyable. Environmental This relates to the long term management of the reserve for the protection, and if necessary, the restoration of the natural environment. Recreation This relates to the way people use the reserve, including residents and visitors. Economic This relates to any use of development of the reserve that may contribute a financial return for the ongoing maintenance of the reserve. Heritage This relates to recognising and preserving important built and cultural heritage elements of the reserve. (See Appendix A for more detail on the components of each element) Community Feedback In June 2010 a letter was sent to every household in the Shire with an accompanying feedback sheet. During this time, concern was raised by the community (both Shire residents and people from outside the Shire) about the potential negative impact on the leased cafe/kiosk on the foreshore. This concern resulted in two petitions being received requesting that the cafe/kiosk remains unchanged. During this period Council agreed to extend the lease of cafe/kiosk by 12 months with a new expiry of 1 January 2012.

The Shire received the following:

• Petition with 1344 signatures (94 from Shire of Peppermint Grove residents) • 30 completed feedback sheets from Shire residents • 12 letters and emails with comments and suggestions

In summary, the following feedback was received in relation to each element under consideration: Element Summary of Comments Cafe (treated separately due to level of community concern)

• No change • Retain the low scale nature of the cafe/kiosk • Support improvements or upgrade (even re-

building) but on similar scale • Focus on outdoor areas for improved amenity • Re-locate or demolish the public toilets • Retain the family/community feel • Provide light meals – breakfast and lunch – no

evening trading • Opposition to liquor licence although some support

for a restricted liquor licence i.e. glass of wine with a meal only

• Restrict any impact parking and traffic Infrastructure • Repair or replacement of river wall identified as a

priority • Issues raised about congestion caused by car and

boat parking • Concern that upgrade will impact negatively on

parking and traffic • Support for footpath between Leake and Irvine • Resistance to footpath between Leake and Irvine • Remove or re-locate public toilets • Concern about road layout on the corner of Irvine

and The Esplanade • Mixed responses to private boatsheds and state of

repair –acknowledged they add to the character of the area

• Support for jetty as a public facility • Desire to improve disabled access to the foreshore

areas Amenity • Limit the number of buildings on the foreshore –

minimise footprint • Ensure sufficient rubbish bins • No more parking • Provide an additional BBQ on the foreshore

between Leake and Irvine Streets • Increase seating and tables – especially seats with

backs for elderly people

• More drinking fountains • Very limited support for public art • Continue to manage the dinghies on the foreshore

Environment • Retain the natural environment - simple and green with minimal landscaping

• Use only native species and focus on Peppermint Trees

• Protect the Swans and their habitat • Retain the logs on the foreshore • Protect the Morton Bay Fig Trees • Retain the lawn • Manage the spread of algae and weeds in the

river • Use appropriate fertilisers (non phosphate) • Control dogs on the foreshore • Ensure the beach and water are integrated • Encourage canoes, kayaks and dinghies but not

powered vehicles such as jet skis • Do not increase moorings in the bay

Recreation • Current level of use on foreshore is satisfactory • General support for functions and events • No organised sport • Consider fencing the playground

Economic • Focus on a community rather than economic outcome for the cafe/kiosk

• Consider free use of foreshore for residents’ functions and events

• Allow canoe and kayak hire Heritage • Limit signage including interpretive signage

• Consider developing heritage walks • Retain traditional style

Feedback was also received about issues relating to the areas known as “Lovers’ Walk” and “Devil’s Elbow” to the north of the area under consideration. While every attempt will be made to address these issues as part of the Shire’s on-going maintenance program, these issues will be addressed more fully as part of the next phase of the foreshore upgrade. A draft Strategy was presented to the December 2010 meeting of Council where it was decided to release the draft document for final community feedback. A total of fifteen responses were received, all generally in support of the Strategy. Some comments re-iterated a desire to retain the scale and operation of the existing cafe/kiosk without a liquor license. Most concern related to a proposed BBQ with associated table and seating on the foreshore area between Leake and Keane Streets. This has been taken into account into the finalisation of the Strategy with this element being removed.

Other Issues for Consideration Other impacting issues to be taken into account include the possible impact of climate change in minimising risk to the foreshore and its assets, and the management of stormwater for improving the health of the river. The Western Suburbs Regional Group of Councils (WESROC) has undertaken two studies in relation these two issues. WESROC Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan The Councils of the Western Suburbs commissioned a study into climate change in the region which resulted in the production of the Western Suburbs Regional Organisation of Councils Climate Change Risk Assessment and Adaptation Plan (June 2010). This study identified a number of outcomes anticipated as a result of a warming climate. The following impacts were based on projections for the year 2070:

• Increase in annual temperature of 2.7 deg C and approximate doubling of the number of days over 35 deg C.

• Decline in annual rainfall of approximately 20% • Increase in mean sea level of 0.33m • Decrease in the number but increase in the intensity of extreme events • Threat to infrastructure adjacent to coast and estuarine foreshore from

erosion and inundation and from extreme storm events • Impact of climate changes on management and maintenance of infrastructure,

drainage and wastewater networks • Impact of climate change on natural resource management, including

biodiversity of native bushland areas, landscaped areas and water quality

Considering the anticipated impact on the Keane’s Point Reserve, albeit over a 60 year period, planning now for the future is essential. Obvious potential risks for the Keane’s Point Reserve arise from rising water levels, erosion, and poor drainage and wastewater (stormwater) management. The report recommends the following actions to militate against the risks: Review insurance coverage of assets Incorporate climate change scenarios into policy and decision-making

processes Review structural integrity of existing defence structures Monitor changes in infrastructure condition Improve storm water capture and reuse Enhance coastal and estuarine foreshore management

In the immediate term the most significant actions for the Shire are: 1. Repairing the river wall 2. Management of stormwater and drainage into the river

WESROC Stormwater Harvesting and Superficial Aquifer Recharge Initiatives In 2002 the Western Suburbs Regional Group of Councils (WESROC) produced a Regional Strategy for the Management of Stormwater Quality and this was followed by a review of progress with the production of the WESROC Total Water Cycle Monitoring Program Report (2004-06) in 2007. WESROC will be undertaking another review in 2011. WESROC is now considered a national leader in the management of wastewater (stormwater) through the introduction of a number of strategies:

• Improvements in stormwater quality through source control • Education programs including the use of native flora and the use of fertilisers • Street sweeping • Use of gross pollutant traps • Local infiltration for new developments • Reduction in the amount of stormwater draining into the river/sea

The Shire of Peppermint Grove has implemented the following measures: Regular street sweeping Use of phosphate free fertilisers on reserves 4 detention basins and over 200 soakwells throughout the Shire Regular cleaning of drains Construction of a administration building and library which contains and

recycles 100% of stormwater As with the Climate Change report, this report also emphasises the importance of managing storm water in order to minimise negative impacts on the health of the river. It suggests that there are more options for the Shire to consider. Summary Feedback from residents clearly indicates a desire to retain the current look and feel of the foreshore – in essence a light touch to any upgrade. Residents do not believe that there is much needed to be done to the foreshore, with a very high level of satisfaction with this area of the Shire. However, some areas of priority have been identified that are considered achievable for the Shire in terms of cost and staff capacity in the next 12 – 24 months. These are: Cafe/kiosk Certainty about the future of the cafe/kiosk is essential both for residents and the current operators. Feedback shows that while residents wish to retain the current scale and family/community focus of the facility, there is receptiveness to a refurbishment of the building to improve its amenity and function. A new building meeting these criteria should also be considered as an option. Any development

also provides an opportunity to integrate public toilet facilities in a way that minimises building footprints on the reserve. A first step could be the development of a scoping document taking into account community feedback for the upgrade/redevelopment and operation of the existing building, or the development and operation of a new building, on the same (or near as) site. This would then allow the Shire to publicly call for expressions of interest from potential operators. River Wall Resident feedback, anecdotal evidence and issues raised through recent WESROC reports all indicate an urgent need to address the condition of the river wall in a way that provides good access to the beach (for children and swans) while preventing erosion and preserving the beach. This needs to be done in consultation with the Swan River Trust which has joint responsibility for the shore line (our shared fence) and which may provide some grant funding. Amenity Continued installation of seating and tables on the foreshore is supported, particularly the installation of seats with backs for elderly residents. Feedback indicates little support for a BBQ in the area between Leake and Irvine Streets due to impacts on parking, traffic, rubbish and the amenity of neighbouring properties. Infrastructure Although concerns have been raised about the section of road between Irvine Street and Lilla Street, this issue should be more appropriately referred to the recently established Traffic Management and Road Safety Advisory Committee. Improved access to the foreshore for people with disabilities must be considered, in particular the provision of a pathway between the cafe/kiosk and the foreshore at the bottom of Irvine Street, and including a safe pedestrian crossing across the road to the western footpath along The Esplanade. This provides a continuous safe footpath along The Esplanade without installing a hard surface footpath along the foreshore. A re-turfed area above a repaired river wall is considered sufficient for informal pedestrian access and recreational activities. Although the Shire of Peppermint Grove is considered to have developed a good approach to dinghy management on the foreshore by the Swan River Trust, there is also an opportunity to improve dinghy registration and secure storage without impacting negatively on the existing arrangement. This essentially involves installing new bollards with secure attachments for dinghy storage and reviewing the registration process. Environment Growing concern about the health of the river places emphasis on improved management of stormwater throughout the Shire, including future removal of all

drains flowing in the river. Taking a lead from other local governments, the Shire should consider the increased use of soak wells and gross pollutant traps, as should on-going management practices such as regular drain cleaning and street sweeping. Further improvements can be considered after these more immediate strategies are completed over the next two years. Recommendations The following are recommended as the highest priority for the upgrade of the Keane’s Point Reserve: 1. Prepare a scoping document and call for expressions of interest for the

refurbishment and operation of the existing cafe/kiosk or a similar new cafe/kiosk, including the integration of public toilets into the building;

2. Install additional seats and tables on the foreshore including seating with

backs; 3. Develop a strategy for better managing storm water with a view to remove all

drains flowing into the river; 5. Commence discussions with the Swan River Trust for the design, repair and

joint funding of the river wall; 6. Re-turf degraded areas of the foreshore between Leake and Irvine Streets

(after the repair of the river wall) to facilitate amenity, beach access and pedestrian access along the foreshore;

7. Construct a paved footpath that links the cafe/kiosk to the foreshore at the

bottom of Irvine Street and then across to the western side of The Esplanade to join the existing footpath;

8. Review the registration of private dinghies and install new bollards with secure

attachments.



Attachment #2

Item 8.2.1 refers

Resident Feedback – Draft Strategy

APPENDIX 1 Keane’s Point Reserve – Feedback on Draft Strategy 31 January 2011

Issue Comments Cafe/Kiosk • Demolish the existing cafe/kiosk and replace it with a new restaurant with a kiosk extension –

make it larger with more seating. It should be a modern facility. Appreciate option for breakfast and lunch.

• Upgrade the cafe/kiosk and have better quality service. Would like the ability to have a glass of wine with a light meal. Consider a surcharge on non-residents.

• Retain its low scale nature. Not opposed to upgrade or rebuild but on similar scale. Breakfast, lunch, morning and afternoon teas – no night use. Definitely no liquor license – restricted or otherwise. Question of toilets is difficult to resolve and requires careful planning.

• Support retaining low scale nature of the cafe/kiosk. Support re-location or demolition of public toilets. Support retaining family/community feel. Support cafe providing light meals –breakfast & lunch- no evening meals. Oppose liquor licence although some support for a restricted liquor licence.

• Retain the low key nature, improvements on a similar scale, retaining the community feel. Provide light meals – no evening trading. O liquor licence- no wine with meals. No impact on parking or removing lawn.

• Agree with comments regarding the cafe/kiosk and would wish to support the current footprint and the current operators with the proviso that maybe a more serviceable and larger kitchen may be all that is required, with of course possible integration of toilets so that we only have one building on the site. Don’t need a restricted liquor licence as BYO is more than sufficient and keeps the operator safe from vandalism and or theft of stock when the venue is unattended.

• No alcohol. • I think the Shire should aim to set a framework, in conjunction with the Swan River

Management Trust, for a refurbished facility that targets services to the existing “community” of

users of the reserve. Accordingly, I fully endorse the approach adopted in the summary under cafe/kiosk.

Parking/Traffic • Concern about pedestrian (especially children) crossing between the playground and the kiosk across the road into the yacht club.

• Monitoring and management of traffic (particularly motorbikes) needs urgent attention at the bottom of The Esplanade between Irvine and Leake Streets.

Infrastructure • Better management of stormwater. • Pathway along river’s edge to the kiosk would have merit. • Problems navigating onto the foreshore from the footpath across The Esplanade at the bottom

of Keane Street. Problems with the intersection at the corner of Keane Street. • Yes to replacement of river wall but maintain easy access to beach. Avoid the Mosman Bay

effect. Maintain the lawn. • Support footpath between Leake and Irvine. Support removal or re-location of public toilets. • There was never been a wall on the river’s edge between Irvine and Leake Streets. Consider

running a level from the Irvine Street wall around to where the dinghies are and only installing limestone blocks where he needs to, to protect piping etc – using the surveyed level as a guide. The idea is not to hold the river back but to retain the sand and grass and where this is currently being done naturally, let it remain so.

• Support jetty as public facility. • Develop a strategy for better managing stormwater with a view to remove all drains flowing into

the river. Construct a paved footpath that links the cafe/kiosk to the foreshore at the bottom of Irvine Street and then across to the Western side of The Esplanade to join the existing footpath.

• Repair the river wall. • Repair river wall. Re-locate public toilets. No footpath on river side of road – repair lawn for

public use. No more land or lawn to be taken for parking. • No extra jetties.

Amenity • Generally agree however definitely no BBQ on the foreshore between Leake and Irvine Street. It would destroy the ambience. Seating with backs is user friendly and is important for seniors.

• Do not support a BBQ between Leake and Irvine Street (smell, too narrow for large groups to gather, rubbish, impact on swans, create parking problems).

• Support additional BBQ between Leake and Irvine Streets. Support increased seating and

tables – especially seats with backs. • Install additional seats and tables including seating with backs. • Minimise footprint. Some seats with backs for elderly. • Any BBQs should be installed away from where the birds gather under the fig trees. • Do not favour more furniture on the foreshore, in particular more BBQs. Visitors provide their

own amenity and this gives the area the informal feed that we cherish. The less we try to formalize the foreshore the more at nature will be the result.

• Protect lawn – not much on the area between Leake and Irvine Streets now. Do not install seating and BBQs along the area of Leake to Irvine Streets. Do not support a paved footpath linking the cafe/kiosk to the foreshore at the bottom of Irvine Street and then across to the western side of The Esplanade to join the existing footpath.

• Do not support BBQ installation along The Esplanade. • I support the approach that the Shire is taking in relation to the reserve is sound and well

thought through – particularly the focus on achieving low scale facilities directed at amenity for ratepayers and others. One does need to be mindful of the impacts that any redevelopment might have in terms of daytime parking and traffic.

Environment • Generally agreed. Fencing the playground (which has been sensitively developed) is not necessary.

• Retain natural environment. Use only native species and focus on peppermint trees. Protect the swans. Encourage canoes, kayaks and dinghies but not powered vehicles. Do not increase moorings.

• Manage the spread of algae and weeds as Mosman Park does. • Keep boatsheds as they create a lovely environment and nesting for swans. Retain natural

environment – natural and green. Protect Morton Bay figs. Retain lawn. Control dogs. Easy access to water. Dinghies but no jet skis. No increase in moorings. No fencing around playground.

• The swans are a major attraction now all along the foreshore, particularly at the end of Irvine Street, however they have only been around for the last 5-10 years. Perhaps seek advice on how to encourage and retain them such as steps out of the water onto the grass at the end of Keane Street where the wall is higher and the planting of reeds or sedge grasses in places along the water’s edge to encourage the return of prawns and other water life.

• Funds from POS should be directed to the environmental aspect of the foreshore. • No further landscaping – Middleton Beach provided as a good example. • Minimise the number of rubbish bins (seasonal) and encourage people to take their rubbish

away. Economic • Definitely focus on a community rather than an economic outcome for the cafe. Prefer to

maintain the current “family” use of the foreshore without functions or events. They can e well catered for in Manning (Manners) Park.

Heritage • Retain traditional style. Recreation • General support for functions and events.

• No organised sport.



Attachment #1

Item 8.4.1 refers

Smoke Free Policy

ORDINARY COUNCIL MEETING 22 February 2011

1

SMOKE FREE GROVE PRECINCT POLICY Policy Statement This Smoke Free Policy applies to the Grove Precinct where tobacco smoking will not be permitted within the buildings and grounds. The policy extends to all staff, contractors, volunteers, visitors and customers. Policy Intent The Shire recognises the extreme negative health impact that tobacco smoke, including environmental tobacco smoke, has on all people exposed to it. Tobacco smoking increases the risk of cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and other illnesses. It is the greatest single risk factor for health and has been estimated to cause 10 per cent of the total Australian burden of disease (NT Dept of Health). The Smoke Free Policy has been developed to protect and promote the best health outcomes for its staff and for the users of our services. The Policy has been developed to: � Safeguard our staff against the health impacts of tobacco smoke, including

environmental tobacco smoke. � Protect those who use our services and visit our facilities. � Promote an attitudinal and behavioral change to smoking. Appropriate signage will be provided to advise that the precinct is a smoke free area. Note – The Grove Precinct includes the Shire Office, Community Centre, Library and all grounds. ________________________________________________________________________



Attachment #1

Item 8.5.1 refers

Accounts for Payment - December 2010



Attachment #1

Item 8.5.2 refers

Accounts for Payment - Janauary 2011



Attachment #1

Item 8.5.3 refers

Financial Statements - December 2010



Attachment #1

Item 8.5.4 refers

Financial Statements - January 2011

shire of peppermint grove of peppermint grove... · it was therefore agreed to concentrate the...

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