Agenda of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Item No. 6.1

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 7

13/10/2016

REPORT TITLE: Fire Hazard Abatement - Fees and Charges - Proposed Amendment

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Program Leader Fire & Biodiversity

Group Manager Open Space

Director Parks and City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to amend the Council’s Fees and Charges that relate to the City’s Fire Hazard Abatement program.

1.2. The Fire Hazard Abatement program provides the City a mechanism to reduce the risk to the community of bushfire from non-city owned land.

2. Report Summary

2.1. The City’s Fire Hazard Abatement program operates under Section 200 of the Local Government Act 1993.

2.2. The City’s existing fees and charges in relation to the program lists the hourly rates charged by the City when it undertakes onsite works on private property.

2.3. For operational reasons, the City will commence using external service providers to undertake these works for the 2016/2017 Fire Hazard Abatement season.

2.4. It is therefore proposed to amend the fees and charges to charge the property owner at full cost recovery to the City.

2.5. It is further proposed to increase the administration fee applied in circumstances where the city initiates these works, to better reflect the true cost involved.

3. Recommendation

That the 2016/2017 fees and charges, in relation to the City’s Fire Hazard Abatement Program, be amended as follows:

*Type of Fee*	*Current fee*	*Proposed Fee*	*Fee Unit*
*Fire Hazard Abatement - Hazard Reduction Works* (via an external provider)		*Full Cost Recovery*	*Per Property*
*Administration Fee* (applied where the City initiates/procures works to reduce the risk of fire on property)	*$50* *(Inc GST)*	*$280* *(Inc GST)*	*Per Abatement*

4. Background

4.1. The City’s Fire Hazard Abatement program operates under Section 200 of the Local Government Act 1993:

200. Abatement notices

(1) If a council is satisfied that a nuisance exists, the general manager must serve a notice on–

(a) any person whose act or default contributes to or causes the nuisance whether or not that act or default occurs wholly or only partly in the municipal area; or

(b) if the person cannot be ascertained or found, on the owner or occupier of the land on, or from which, the nuisance arises.

In respect to fire, the Act defines a nuisance as

anything that ......is, or is likely to be, a fire risk.

4.2. In circumstances where a property owner has not responded to an abatement notice to reduce the level of fire risk on their land, in past years the City has undertaken these abatement works itself, utilising its own workforce.

4.3. The Council’s existing fees and charges provide a schedule of fees (varying hourly rates) to offset the expense incurred by the City for these works – refer table below:

4.4. For operational reasons, the City will commence using external service providers to undertake these works for the 2016/2017 Fire Hazard Abatement season.

4.5. It is therefore proposed to amend the Fees and Charges to charge the property owner at full cost recovery to the City and to increase the administration from $50 to $280.

2015/16 Fire Hazard Abatement Program

4.6. In 2015/2016, 123 requests were received to inspect properties for compliance of fire hazards. 69 fire hazard abatement notices were issued, with 20 requiring City staff to undertake the hazard abatement work.

4.7. Undertaking hazard abatement work on private property consumes a significant proportion of the City’s human resource capacity at a busy time of the year for the Fire and Biodiversity program. In 2015/2016 an estimated 30 person days in addition to vehicles and small plant were utilised in hazard abatement works only.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that the 2016/2017 Fees and Charges Schedule be amended as detailed in the recommendation.

5.2. Upon Council approval, the City’s Fees and Charges Booklet will be updated accordingly.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. Fees for the use of the City’s parks and reserves assist the City to partially offset the ongoing maintenance and asset costs related to the provision of its green open spaces.

The provision of open spaces and the related activation and use, addresses 4 of the 5 goals in the Capital City Strategic Plan 2015-2025:

Goal 1 – Economic development, vibrancy and culture

Goal 2 – Urban management

Goal 3 – Environment and natural resources

Goal 4 – Strong, safe and healthy communities

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. Full cost recovery of the works undertaken to remove/reduce fire hazards under the abatement program will be achieved by the introduction of the fee.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. Not applicable

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. Not applicable

8. Delegation

8.1. The matter is delegated to the Council.

As signatory to this report, I certify that, pursuant to Section 55(1) of the Local Government Act 1993, I hold no interest, as referred to in Section 49 of the Local Government Act 1993, in matters contained in this report.

Robert Bennett

Program Leader Fire & Biodiversity

Robert Mather

Group Manager Open Space

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 7 October 2016

File Reference: F16/109148; 16/33, 45-1-2

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 12

13/10/2016

REPORT TITLE: Draft Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan - Community Engagement

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Senior Park Planner

Group Manager Open Space

Director Parks and City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to approve for release the Draft Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan for public exhibition for a 4 week period from November to December 2016.

2. Report Summary

2.1. The Council resolved in April 2014 to prepare a Master Plan that includes the Fern Tree Park, Fern Glade Entry Car Park, Silver Falls, Fern Tree Bower and the track network connecting these areas located in Wellington Park.

2.2. The area is popular with the local community as a local park and the broader community, as it forms a key access point for walkers and cyclists into the Wellington Park and Pipeline Track networks.

2.3. The Park’s infrastructure is in poor condition due to the age of the infrastructure with key elements constructed following the1967 bushfires. In particular, the toilets, picnic shelter and playground require replacement.

2.4. The Wellington Park Management Plan also recommends the preparation of a Master Plan for the broader visitor node area.

2.5. The Draft Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan, prepared by the City’s consultants, Inspiring Place, is presented for consideration and approval to release for public exhibition (see Attachment A).

2.6. The Master Plan’s key recommendations are summarised in three concept plans for the Fern Tree Park and Fern Glade Entry Car Park and the Fern Tree Tavern car park. Lower order recommendations are given for the Fern Tree Bower and Silver Falls.

2.7. The lack of safe access to the study area and between the Fern Tree Park, Fern Glade Entry Car Park and Stephenson Place, combined with the topographic challenges within the Park are identified as the main constraints to the development of new accessible infrastructure within the Park.

2.8. Given these constraints, an alternative location for a public toilet facility in the nearby Fern Tree Tavern car park was identified with in-principle support provided by the Tavern owner. A future report will be presented on the proposed lease details.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The Draft Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan 2016 be endorsed for release for community engagement for a four week period during November 2016 until December 2016.

2. A further report be provided detailing the outcome of community engagement and amended final master plan.

4. Background

4.1. Fern Tree Park is located within the boundary of the larger Wellington Park on Huon Road, Fern Tree. It serves multiple purposes for visitors, including a local play destination for Fern Tree families, and as a trailhead and key access point for walkers and cyclists to the Pipeline Track and broader recreational trail network of Wellington Park

4.2. Increasing popularity, deteriorating park infrastructure and the Wellington Park Management Plan are the key drivers for a proposal to develop a Master Plan for the Fern Tree Park area.

4.3. As such, on 28 April 2014 the Council resolved that:

“A Master Plan be prepared for the Fern Tree Park Entry Node – Wellington Park which includes the Fern Tree Park, Silver Falls, Fern Tree Bower, Fern Glade Entry Car Park and the track network connecting these sites.

The project be managed by the Wellington Park Management Trust with a Project Steering Group that includes Council Officer representation.

The Council’s contribution for the project of $22,000 be funded from the Open Space Planning function 351; $10,000 from 2013/2014 and $12,000 from 2014/2015.”

4.4. Inspiring Place, a locally based planning and design consultancy, was appointed to prepare the Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan (from hereon referred to as “The Master Plan”).

4.5. Significant delays were encountered in the Master Plans preparation due to site access and terrain challenges leading to negotiations with neighbouring land owners to develop an alternative solution for a public toilet facility.

4.6. The draft master plan has now been finalised and is presented for consideration and approval to release for community engagement (refer Attachment A).

The Master Plan

4.7. The master plan provides the City of Hobart and Wellington Park Management Trust (WPMT) with the strategic direction needed to guide the future use, development and management of the Fern Tree Park Visitor Node area (study area).

4.8. The document is structured to provide details on the history, values, tenure and statutory controls for the study area; clearly identifies the issues that require addressing in each of the key areas; and establishes a clear vision, detailed below, that drives the overall direction for the plan.

VISION

The Fern Tree Park Visitor Node will be managed as a major entry node for visitors to Wellington Park, and as a highly valued local park and historic precinct. The protection of the natural, cultural heritage and contemporary social values within the Fern Tree Park Visitor Node will guide the future enhancement and management of existing infrastructure, facilities and landscape.

Master Plan Issues

4.9. The overarching issues addressed by the master plan are:

4.9.1. Aging Visitor Facilities

The failure of the facilities in the study area to match the expectations of users for quality infrastructure consistent with the significant values of the place, and its role as a key entry point to Wellington Park.

4.9.2. Challenging Terrain and Access

The lack of safe access to the study area and between Fern Tree Park, the Fern Glade Entry Car Park and Stephenson Place, combined with the topographic challenges that the site presents have been identified as the key impediment to the development of accessible infrastructure within the Park.

4.9.2.1. In particular, due to the steep grades and site terrain, it would be very costly and difficult to replace the current aging toilet facilities whilst providing legally compliant access without significantly impacting upon the park’s natural, landscape, heritage and recreational values.

4.9.2.2. Lengthy investigations were undertaken during the plan’s preparation into options to provide access to a new toilet within the park with additional professional advice sought from Specialist Access Consultant, Michael Small. It was clear that retention of a toilet within the park would require construction of ramps and paths with handrails to assist users with grades that would still be non-compliant and require “assisted access”.

4.9.2.3. Such a path network would be required to traverse from the proposed path along Huon Road up the slope in front of St Raphael’s Church and through the new nature based playscape, detrimentally impacting on the heritage listed church facade, and the safety of young children who would be using the new playground.

4.9.2.4. Given these site constraints, an alternative and more acceptable location for a public toilet facility near to the park was identified in the Fern Tree Tavern car park. This proposal is discussed in Section 4.10.3.

4.9.3. Urban Design Guidelines

The need for new development to address the Fern Tree Urban Design Guidelines.

Master Plan Recommendations

4.10. The main recommendations are presented in three concept plans and concept montages.

4.10.1. Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Concept Plan

The park concept plan recommends:

4.10.1.1. Improving safety and access into the site with traffic and road design improvements to Huon Road, the Huon Road city oriented bus stop, and speed reduction;

4.10.1.2. Rationalising and terracing the park to provide level spaces; links from the park to the church, clearer and safer linkages to facilities with improved design outcomes;

4.10.1.3. Relocation of the public toilets to a new facility at the Fern Tree Tavern, a refurbished picnic shelter; a new nature based play facility; and improved signage shared access trails through the park for cycles and walkers; and

4.10.1.4. One assisted access pathway to link the Pipeline Track to a refurbished shelter for use by people with a significant mobility disability.

4.10.2. Fern Glade Entry Car Park

The car park concept plan recommends:

4.10.2.1. A new path along Huon Road extending between the Fern Glade Entry car park and Fern Tree Park providing safe pedestrian access between the two visitor nodes;

4.10.2.2. Reconfiguration and reconstruction of the car park to meet standards with one way traffic flow;

4.10.2.3. Removal of outdated and unused park infrastructure and upgrading of facilities; and

4.10.2.4. Reconstruction of the entrance to the Fern Glade walking track in Wellington Park.

4.10.3. Fern Tree Tavern Public Toilet and Car Park Site

4.10.3.1. As a consequence of the parks topographic challenges an alternative location for an all access toilet was identified in the Fern Tree Tavern car park. The Tavern owner offered a location at the rear of the Tavern property that did not impact on its current car park. Though 100 metres from the park proper, the proposed toilet location is within view of the park and in a convenient location that is relatively flat and will provide all access parking.

4.10.3.2. Access to the park however for anyone with mobility issues will still require assistance from this location.

4.10.3.3. Due to the increasing demand for parking at peak times in the park (weekends, snow and organised recreational events), the area proposed to be leased for the toilet will also include an area at the rear of the Tavern for the development of a small public car park for 12 additional spaces.

4.10.3.4. It is noted that this area is currently used informally for parking by Tavern customers. It is graded and level with a gravel surface. Works to formalise this area as a public car park therefore will require sealing, marking, signage and drainage work.

4.10.3.5. Details regarding the lease of the Tavern area for a public toilet and car park will be reported to the Council separately following final endorsement of the master plan.

4.10.4. Balance of the Study Area

Future directions for the balance of the study area recommend the replacement of park infrastructure to be in alignment with the Council’s Mountain Water Supply Design Guidelines 2013 at Fern Tree Bower, Silver Falls; and consideration be given to replacing the Fern Tree Bower hut consistent with the historic design character. The implementation of these recommendations is ranked a low priority.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that approval be given to release the Draft Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan for public exhibition from November through to early December 2016.

5.2. Following the Council’s approval, the Master Plan will be presented to a special meeting of the Wellington Park Management Trust (WPMT) for approval for public exhibition. The Master Plan will then be released for a four week period of community engagement.

5.3. The engagement program will include information on the Council’s and WPMT’s websites, Your Say community engagement platform, public notices in The Mercury, displays on site and in the Council, and public meetings inviting key stakeholders, user groups and the community.

5.4. The results of the engagement and amended final plan will be submitted back to the Council and WPMT for consideration.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. This proposal aligns with the Capital City Strategic Plan 2015-2025

Strategic Objective 2.2

A people focussed city with well designed and well managed urban and recreational spaces;

Action 2.2.2 Develop and, manage and maintain the city’s urban spaces and infrastructure.

Strategic Objective 3.3.

A highly valued natural and cultural open space network

Action 3.3.2 Implement park-based management and master plans.

Strategic Objective 5.4

An engaged civic culture where people feel part of decision making

Action 5.4.1 Implement best practice community engagement (IAP2) across the organisation

6.2. The proposal also aligns with the Wellington Park Management Plan (2013) which identifies Fern Tree as a key entry and visitor node for Wellington Park, and includes the following recommended action:

Prior to the placement of new major infrastructure at key Park entry points and visitor nodes, prepare master plans that guide future development and management of visitor facilities in keeping with the area’s natural and cultural values.

As a minimum, master plans will be prepared for the following:

· Fern Tree Park and Fern Tree Bower

· Junction Cabin; and

· The Chalet

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. The costs associated with community engagement are minor and will be funded by the WPMT.

7.1.2. The total cost estimate for implementation of the Fern Tree Visitor Node Master Plan is $1,100,000.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. A total of $1 million has been included in the City’s 10 year capital works program.

7.2.2. $500,000 is allocated in the Capital Works program in 2017-2018 for the implementation of the master plan and $250,000 for a new Fern Tree Public Toilet. A further $250,000 is allocated in 2018/2019 to the master plan.

7.2.3. Based on current estimates, this leaves a further $100,000 that will be required to implement the master plan fully. Much of this cost relates to the road and traffic works. Potential external funding sources exist for these works the Vulnerable Road Users Program and Roads to Recovery Program. These sources will be pursued and may be augmented by asset renewal funds in future years.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. Many of the assets in Fern Tree Park, Fern Glade Entry Car Park and balance study area are deteriorating with the combined toilet picnic shelter and play ground programmed for replacement in the near future.

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. There are no legal implications.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.1. The Master Plan addresses environmental concerns through recommendations relating to the management of natural and cultural heritage values. The protection of these vales is identified in the vision statement.

10. Social and Customer Considerations

10.1. It is noted that significant consideration has been given in the Master Plan to improving access to the Park. However the topography of the site is such that universal access to the park cannot be achieved without significantly changing the place, loss of values and unreasonable cost.

10.2. Nevertheless recommendations have been made to provide safe and improved access for users to and within the site that are achievable at a reasonable cost for such a location. The proposed establishment of three level terraces in the Park and the construction of a footpath between the Fern Glade Entry Car Park and the park are examples of such.

10.3. There is considerable local and broader community support for the development of the Master Plan and its implementation due the poor condition of the current park infrastructure. The local community is keen to have the toilets, picnic shelter (built in 1970), and the playground upgraded, and public access improved between the car park and Park.

10.4. It is however anticipated that relocating the toilet from the park to the Tavern car park could generate concern from family groups with children who would be required to leave the park to attend to the toileting needs of their children.

10.5. As discussed in Section 4.9.2, the detailed investigations undertaken in developing the plan have evaluated the issues of retaining the toilet on site versus its relocation which led to the recommendation for its removal from the park. These reasons will be emphasised as part of the community engagement process.

11. Marketing and Media

11.1. The draft master plan will be released for public exhibition and promoted through a range of mediums including a media release.

12. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

12.1. The preliminary community and stakeholder engagement that was undertaken as part of the development of the draft Master Plan is outlined in Attachment A of the master plan.

12.2. City officers since met with both the licensee and owner of the Fern Tree Tavern regarding the City’s interest in the Tavern car park for locating a public toilet facility. In principle agreement was reached in these discussions with the finer detail of the lease agreement to be determined.

12.3. A special meeting of the Hobart Access Advisory Committee was organised to brief the committee on the draft Master Plan. Feedback indicated that they recognise the difficulties faced in this project and generally understand the reasons for the proposed approach.

12.4. The Council’s Manager Traffic Engineering, Road Services Engineer and associated Officers were also consulted regarding the proposed traffic management measures and road safety recommendations.

12.5. A project management team has been overseeing the project with membership from the Manager WPMT, and City’s Bushland and Reserves Unit Visitor Services Manager, Senior Park Planner and Manager Planning Policy and Heritage.

13. Delegation

13.1. This matter is delegated to the Council.

Jill Hickie

Senior Park Planner

Rob Mather

Robert Mather

Group Manager Open Space

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 7 October 2016

File Reference: F16/110049; 70-19-1

Attachment a: Draft Fern Tree Park Visitor Node Master Plan 2016 ⇩

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - 13/10/2016

Page 22

ATTACHMENT a

PDF Creator

Item No. 8.1

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 112

13/10/2016

Memorandum: Lord Mayor

Deputy Lord Mayor

Aldermen

Response to Question Without Notice

Salamanca Lawns

Meeting: Parks and Recreation Committee

Meeting date: 8 September 2016

Raised by: Alderman Sexton

Question:

(i) What is the cost of replacement/repair of the Salamanca Lawns over the past 3 years?

(ii) How much time have the Salamanca Lawns not been available to the public due to lawn replacement/repair over the past 3 years?

(iii) What information have the Council officers been able to obtain about the use of grass cell technology such as that used in high traffic grassed areas in Australia and across the world?

(iv) Why has the Hobart City Council not used grass cell technology in the central areas of Salamanca Lawns such as the areas that are currently being replaced, which are well away from the trees on the Lawn?

Response:

(i) What is the cost of replacement/repair of the Salamanca Lawns over the past 3 years?

A breakdown of the costs associated with the turf works at Salamanca over the previous three years is as follows:

2016: 1500m² of turf has been replaced at a cost of $40,000 due to a very wet winter period, heavy usage by events and visitors and the installation of electrical infrastructure via trenching, which also resulted in extensive damage.

2015: 1200m² of turf was replaced at a cost of $36,000 due to the Dark Mofo Event which saw the turf areas act as a home for a large amount of heavy infrastructure and high numbers of visitors that attended this successful event over several weeks. The $8,000 bond paid by Dark Mofo was retained to offset the cost of repairs.

During these repair works, installation of subsurface cell structures was undertaken across the section of the lawn delineated as an emergency vehicle access route into Salamanca Square when road access to the Square is encumbered by the operation of the Salamanca Market.

2014: 800m²of turf was replaced due to the Taste of Tasmania event and not having the opportunity to irrigate the turf during this time resulted in extensive decline in its condition. The cost of this work was $23,000.

For the period, the total cost of works has been $99,000.

(ii) How much time have the Salamanca Lawns not been available to the public due to lawn replacement/repair over the past 3 years?

The length of closure of the area has varied over the previous three years with the area being unavailable on an average of six to eight weeks. After the completion of the 2016 program, it is envisaged the area will be closed for approximately eight weeks although this is dependent on weather conditions. The officers are working closely with stakeholders during the conducting of the 2016 program in order to minimise disruption in the area.

(iii) What information have the Council officers been able to obtain about the use of grass cell technology such as that used in high traffic grassed areas in Australia and across the world?

Officers have investigated a range of natural and artificial technologies available in the turf. Members of our Unit have attended seminars and presentations to view this and other forms of technology and products used in areas of turf that receive high volumes of use.

Two different types of green cell technology are being trialled on the lawns:

· The first is the use of cells installed below the surface to enable the lawns to sustain heavy vehicles. This technology was installed in 2015 in the section of the lawn delineated as an emergency vehicle access route into Salamanca Square when road access to the Square is encumbered by the operation of the Salamanca Market. The cells are designed to prevent the wheels of heavy vehicles damaging the surface but still create wear on the grass.

· The second technology is a mix of synthetic and natural grass. 240m² of this product has been purchased and is being “on ground” readied for installation as a trial. A full evaluation of the effectiveness of this product will be undertaken after the summer period.

As detailed above, grass cell technology and different varieties of turf have, and are being used in an effort to manage this area more effectively and ensure the presentation of the area reflects well on the City of Hobart.

Unlike many other public lawns areas around Australia and internationally, the Salamanca Lawns is used for a range of uses.

The main challenges in managing turf at this location are as follows;

· Very high and regular pedestrian usage each Saturday (to accommodate the market) and increasingly regular for other major events.

· The presence of two avenues of large trees which take moisture and nutrients from the ground.

· The need to stop irrigation of the area for long periods prior to events such as The Taste and Dark MoFo, this places the turf under stress.

· The usage of the lawns by events such as The Taste and Dark MoFo that involves the surface being covered to accommodate food vans, fire pots and activities. The prevention of sunlight effectively kills the grass. There is no form of technology (other than synthetic) that will withstand such usage.

· The never ending installation of services in the grassed area (seen as preferable to excavation of surrounding hard surfaces) effectively destroys the grassed surface.

· The extensive use of the lawns to accommodate vehicles etc during events.

Given the circumstances and usage of the area, Grass Cell technology is not a saviour for resolving the problem as it wears away and renovations such as aeration cannot always be undertaken due to the exposure of the plastic cells that are used to house the turf.

Moving forward, officers are trialling new technologies, revising maintenance regimes and working with a range of stakeholders to obtain better outcomes in the management of this area.

A key element to our success will be the negotiation of a more respectful use of the lawns area.

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 29 September 2016

File Reference: F16/109053; 13-1-9: 70-64-1

about people	We value people – our community, our customers and colleagues.
professional	We take pride in our work.
enterprising	We look for ways to create value.
responsive	We’re accessible and focused on service.
inclusive	We respect diversity in people and ideas.
making a difference	We recognise that everything we do shapes Hobart’s future.