Agenda of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 4

9/11/2017

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting (Open Portion) held Thursday, 9 November 2017 at 5.00 pm in the Lady Osborne Room, Town Hall.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Reynolds (Chairman)

Briscoe

Ruzicka

Sexton

Harvey

ALDERMEN

Lord Mayor Hickey

Deputy Lord Mayor Christie

Zucco

Burnet

Cocker

Thomas

Denison

Apologies: Nil.

Leave of Absence: Nil.

1. Co-Option of a Committee Member in the event of a vacancy

2. Confirmation of Minutes

The minutes of the Open Portion of the Parks and Recreation Committee meeting held on Thursday, 19 October 2017, are submitted for confirming as an accurate record.

3. Consideration of Supplementary Items

Ref: Part 2, Regulation 8(6) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

Recommendation

That the Committee resolve to deal with any supplementary items not appearing on the agenda, as reported by the General Manager.

4. Indications of Pecuniary and Conflicts of Interest

Ref: Part 2, Regulation 8(7) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

Aldermen are requested to indicate where they may have any pecuniary or conflict of interest in respect to any matter appearing on the agenda, or any supplementary item to the agenda, which the committee has resolved to deal with.

5. Transfer of Agenda Items

Regulation 15 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

A committee may close a part of a meeting to the public where a matter to be discussed falls within 15(2) of the above regulations.

In the event that the committee transfer an item to the closed portion, the reasons for doing so should be stated.

Are there any items which should be transferred from this agenda to the closed portion of the agenda, or from the closed to the open portion of the agenda?

Item No. 6.1

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 7

9/11/2017

REPORT TITLE: Accessible Beach Trial

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Director Community Development

Director Parks and City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to investigate the feasibility of implementing an accessible beach trial with an accessible beach wheelchair and beach matting at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay in the summer of 2017-18.

1.1.1. The community benefit would be increased access to the beach and water at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay, for people in wheelchairs during the patrolled times specified by Surf Life Saving Tasmania (SLST).

2. Report Summary

2.1. The Council, at its meeting held on 21 August 2017 adopted a notice of motion from Lord Mayor Alderman Sue Hickey, as detailed below:

“That: 1. A report be prepared considering the feasibility of implementing an accessible beach trial with an accessible beach wheelchair and beach matting located at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay in the summer of 2017-18.

2. The report should canvas what facilities and opportunities currently exist and the cost of purchasing a wheelchair(s) and matting.

3. In formulating the report, officers should seek the input and experience of key sector groups, including, but not limited to, the Council’s Access Advisory Committee, Tasmanians with Disabilities, Surf Lifesaving Tasmania and other councils around the country that have implemented similar programs.”

2.2. Research has accordingly been undertaken into the feasibility of a trial of accessible beach wheelchairs at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay for the summer of 2017-18.

2.3. SLST is interested and committed to supporting this trial through the relocation of one beach wheelchair, and facilitating its use when they will be patrolling the beach. This is currently proposed for 9 am - 4.30 pm Monday to Friday, with the potential for an extended evening patrol during the operation of the Sandy Bay twilight market opening.

2.4. Use of the chair will be monitored, and feedback will determine whether an increase in accessible beach wheelchairs are required in the future.

2.5. Research into the installation and use of beach matting has indicated it is not useful, with surf clubs interstate, and within the state not using this material. Contemporary accessible beach wheelchairs do not require the matting, which can be seen as restricting access to only one point of entry to the water.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The trial of one accessible beach wheelchair, in partnership with Surf Life Saving Tasmania, be implemented at Nutgrove Beach for the 2017-18 summer period.

2. A partnership also be developed with Surf Life Saving Tasmania to facilitate the availability of the Beach Chairs during the summer patrols at Nutgrove Beach.

3. An allowance of $500 be allocated for promotion of the trial to ensure community awareness of the offering.

4. Beach matting not be installed as part of the trial.

4. Background

4.1. A number of beach wheelchairs where brought a number of years ago through a community grant by Tasmanians with Disabilities. These were distributed through the community to other non-government organisations such as Cerebral Palsy Tasmania, and TasCare for Children. Over the years these have been shared with SLST, who have also acquired a number of chairs themselves.

4.2. Some of the chairs in the community have not been used or maintained, and are considered dangerous.

4.3. Surf Life Saving Australia has 311 clubs across Australia, and many supply beach-access chairs which are often managed by a security code protected door system. This system is working well, and the chairs are well utilised.

4.4. Many of the Surf Life Saving Clubs nationally are moving away from managing the chairs, but councils are facilitating their use through storing the chairs in a council facility near the beach, and a key/code being made available.

4.5. A new chair currently costs between $4000 and $5000. Chairs are available in different sizes, and surf clubs have invested in the adult range as these are versatile and are also used by children.

4.6. SLST currently has eight chairs located across the state, which are accessed through a booking system, and located dependent on use. The chairs are currently located in Ulverstone, Kingston, Burnie, Somerset and Bridport. The chairs are often booked for use with schools and recreational groups. To relocate the chairs, a utility or trailer is required.

4.7. SLST is excited by the possibly of partnering with the City of Hobart to trial an accessible beach wheelchair at Nutgrove Beech for the 2017-18 summer period.

4.7.1. SLST would patrol the beach at Nutgrove from the beginning of the school holidays (22 December 2017), Monday to Friday from approximately 9 am - 4.30 pm. There are currently discussions about extending the hours on a Friday evening to cover patrons at the Sandy Bay twilight market.

4.7.2. SLST would be happy to relocate one of its existing eight chairs to Nutgrove Beach for the period of the trial.

4.7.3. Investigation into beach matting has raised the following issues:

4.7.3.1. The matting is expensive, and is seen to be not useful for access to the beach with the beach wheelchairs. The matting is useful for access to the beach for standard wheelchairs, but these chairs cannot access the water.

4.7.3.2. Western Australia Surf Life Saving have had beach matting, but stated it is no longer required for contemporary beach wheelchairs. The matting was found to be too restrictive (only access on the limited path), and was a ‘hassle’ to install.

4.8. One member of the Access Advisory Committee has her own chair and uses it regularly. This chair is an important part of their family life, ensuring adventure and outings to otherwise inaccessible places.

4.9. A permanent ramp into the water was investigated, however this would cause trip hazards and other access issues if made permanent. It would not be recommended and would be costly to install and maintain, and pathways would be difficult to maintain with sand movement and the tide.

4.10. Consultation with the Council’s Access Advisory Committee showed overwhelming support for the trial, and an additional benefit may be for the autism community where sensory issues, and feeling secure may be the difference in accessing the water or not.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that the Council form a partnership with SLST to implement an accessible beach trial with an accessible beach wheelchair to be held over the 2017-18 summer period.

5.1.1. SLST would provide one chair at Nutgrove Beach for the summer period.

5.1.2. The chair would be available when SLST is patrolling the beach, currently proposed Monday to Friday 9 am - 4.30 pm with some discussions about an extended period to cover the operation of the Sandy Bay twilight market on Friday evenings.

5.1.3. The chair would be available for use at the beach during the patrolled times depending on availability, or to secure access to the chair at a specific time patrons could pre-book by phoning SLST.

5.1.4. Information on demand and use will be collected and collated, informing a decision about increased resources for the following summer period.

5.1.5. Beach matting would not be installed.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. The Council’s Capital City Strategic Plan 2015 - 2025 clearly identifies the importance of creating a culture where everyone can participate in city life. Of the seven key future direction statements expressed in this consultation, and reflected in the document, three specifically address access. Offering an opportunity for all ages and a city for life; building strong and healthy communities through diversity, participation and empathy; and a city that is dynamic, vibrant and culturally expressive.

6.2. The Council’s Social Inclusion Strategy 2014 - 2019 recognises the fundamental right of every individual to have equal opportunity to participate socially, culturally, economically, physically, spiritually and politically in society.

6.2.1. Social inclusion is about having access to opportunities, options and choices in life and having the resources and appropriate supports to make the most of accessing them.

6.3. The City of Hobart’s Equal Access Strategy 2014 - 2019 clearly outlines the Council’s legal responsibilities in addressing access issues in response to the United Nations declaration relating to the rights of people with a disability, and meet our requirements under the Commonwealth Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1992.

6.4. The Equal Access Strategy identifies the importance of participation opportunities; access to buildings, infrastructure and streetscapes; access to parking and transport; access to information, and awareness raising in the community.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. A budget of $500 through the current year’s allocation for City Marketing for promotion through local print would ensure the best promotion of the trial. Advertising in the Taroona Community News, and the Hobart Observer, as well as additional social media advertising, would also ensure community awareness of this service.

7.1.2. There would be no funding implication for the trial period for the chairs.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. Future financial implication will be dependent on usage data and feedback collected during the trial.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. None apply as part of the proposed trial.

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. It is recommended that a disclaimer be signed by the user/carer when the chair is accessed from SLST.

8.1.1. This is current practice and would be part of the conditions of use at Nutgrove Beach as part of this trial.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.1. It is understood that SLST would operate the trial with no environmental impact, and there are currently eight beach wheelchairs currently used across the state with no impact to the environment.

10. Social and Customer Considerations

10.1. Offering a trial at Nutgrove Beach, Sandy Bay would ensure that people with a disability would have access to the beach during patrol times as the rest of the community does. This would have significant physical and social impacts.

10.1.1. This trial would actively facilitate inclusion and participation to a group in the community who would otherwise be unable to access this location, or the water.

10.1.2. By implementing this trial, it would give community members in a wheelchair the ability to engage with the community and provide participation opportunities. It would also provide access to the beach from the fully accessible playground, and it would support the connection to the place.

10.1.3. This trial directly aligns with the Council’s Social Inclusion Strategy 2014 - 2019, and the Equal Access Strategy 2014 - 2019.

11. Marketing and Media

11.1. Promotion of the trial would be shared through the Council’s Access Advisory Committee, the Council’s new Access e-newsletter, the Council website, social media channels and other marketing opportunities.

11.1.1. With the increase in budget, promotion will also occur through the Taroona Community News; Hobart Observer and Facebook posts.

12. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

12.1. In preparation of this report, consultation occurred with Tasmanians with Disabilities, a member of the Access Advisory Committee, SLST, WA Surf Life Saving, Joondalup Council, WA, and City of Hobart staff including the Communications Advisor, Legal Services Officer, and Program Leader Recreation and Projects.

13. Delegation

This is a matter 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.

Philip Holliday

Director Community Development

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 2 November 2017

File Reference: F17/145158

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 14

9/11/2017

REPORT TITLE: Review of Policy - Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves

REPORT PROVIDED BY: (Acting) Manager Parks and Recreation

Director Parks and City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to consider a review of the Council Policy relating to plaques secured / affixed to infrastructure in response to a Notice of Motion tabled at the Council meeting held on 20 March 2017

2. Report Summary

2.1. The Council, at its meeting held on 20 March 2017, adopted a Notice of Motion from the Lord Mayor Alderman Hickey,

“That a report be provided to review Council’s current policy on plaques secured / affixed to infrastructure”.

2.2. Plaques and memorials play an important role in the community by creating a sense of place or location where people come to remember, reflect or meet.

2.3. The Council currently has two policies covering the donation of furniture and the installation of memorial plaques.

“Memorial Plaques and Tree Plantings in Parks, Bushland and Reserves” and

“Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment for installation in City Parks, Bushland and Reserves”.

2.4. A review of these policies identified the similarities, as a result it is proposed they be rescinded and a new single policy be approved titled

“Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment, Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves” (refer Attachment A)

2.5. Research was also carried out by reviewing policies from all states of Australia along with policies from United States of America, The United Kingdom and Canada. Outcomes of this research has also been incorporated into the new draft policy.

3. Recommendation

That following a review of the Council’s policies pertaining to plaques and the donation of trees and park furniture and equipment within the City’s parks, Bushland and Reserves:

1. The following Council Policies be rescinded:

(i) ‘Memorial Plaques and Tree Plantings in Parks, Bushland and Reserves’ (marked as Attachment B to the report).

(ii) ‘Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment for installation in City Parks, Bushland and Reserves’ (marked as Attachment C to the report).

2. The Council adopt the following Council Policy, (marked as Attachment A to the report)

(i) ‘Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment, Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves’

4. Background

4.1. At the 20 March 2017 Council meeting, a motion by Lord Mayor Alderman Hickey requested “that a report be provided to review Councils current policy on plaques secured / affixed to infrastructure” was adopted.

4.2. The Council currently has two policies that cover the donation of furniture and the installation of memorial plaques.

“Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves” and

“Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment for installation in City Parks, Bushland and Reserves”.

4.3. Plaques and memorials play an important role in the community by creating a sense of place or location where people come to remember, reflect or meet.

4.4. Plaques can commemorate a person, group, a place or event in a single location in the city. They are also placed in recognition of donations of equipment.

4.5. Plaques can be attached to a plinth or a piece of infrastructure such as a seat, pavement or structures that may have been donated by community groups or corporations.

4.6. The City currently has over 120 plaques in parks and reserves across Hobart. These vary from memorial plaques placed by families for loved ones, tree dedications, and donations of equipment and official openings.

This number does include the plaques placed at Soldiers Memorial Avenue.

4.7. The current policy allows for plaques or memorials to be only installed to commemorate historically important national or state events, or people who have made a significant contribution to the social, political and cultural life of Hobart.

4.8. The installation of plaques and memorials need to be considered with regard to master plans and current infrastructure.

Where possible, memorial plaques are only approved to be placed upon existing infrastructure however consideration is given to requests for a seat with a plaque to be placed in a particular location that may have some significance or connection to a person or event.

4.9. All costs associated with the plaque or memorial are met by the applicant.

4.10. At times, community groups / charities, corporations and individuals offer the donation of park furniture and equipment. This can be in the form park benches, fitness equipment, shelters etc. Small plaques are allowed on the equipment to recognise the donation.

Review of policies from other local authorities.

4.11. Policies from all states of Australia were reviewed along with some policies from United States of America, The United Kingdom and Canada.

4.12. Many policies limit the number of plaques and memorial trees due to the size of parks and availability of space to avoid being saturated with memorials.

To achieve this, restrictions are placed upon the historical importance of events or to people that have made a significant contribution to the community.

4.13. Other local authorities charge a fee to have a plaque installed for a set period of time to limit the number of plaques. In these cases there are less stringent rules around the reason for the placement.

For example the District of West Vancouver has two options. A ten year dedication $4,000 that can be renewed after ten years for a further cost or a legacy dedication costing $25,000.

4.14. There is little information around the wording on plaques. Some limit the lines of wording to four while others say they should not be of similar nature to that found in a cemetery.

4.15. All policies reviewed require the wording to be approved by the local authority before installation before approval is given.

4.16. Applications vary from a letter/ email requesting a memorial plaque to a formalised application and a procedure for assessing the request.

4.17. Some authorities choose to charge a fee and have the plaque made and installed through the authority while others allow the applicant to provide the plaque and the authority installs it for a small fee.

4.18. Local authorities do not allow the scattering of human ashes as part of the memorials. In some cases they do have dedicated areas for pets ashes.

4.19. Donation of park furniture is subject to the type proposed and the need for the item.

4.20. The majority of local authorities only committed to maintaining the plaques for a period of ten years and to notify the families (if possible) of their removal or damage.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that following a review of the current policies titled “Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves” and “Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment for Installation in City Parks, Bushland and Reserves” be rescinded (refer Attachments B & C) and a new policy be adopted (refer Attachment A).

5.2. The newly proposed policy incorporates findings of an extensive policy review and proposes the standardisation of the size of plaques for memorials, tree planting and donation of furniture.

5.3. Once the new policy is adopted by the Council, an application procedure (including an application form) will be developed. This will give prospective applicants a clear process to follow.

5.4. At present all plaques are identified as an asset in the City’s asset management system. However there is no centralised register of the plaques and associated contact details of families. It is proposed that a centralised register be developed.

5.5. This policy does not address requests for memorials such as statues, monuments or special landscaped areas.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. In accordance with the Capital City Strategic Plan 2015 – 2025, the proposal is aligned with the following strategic objectives;

Goal 4 – Strong, safe and healthy communities

4.1 Community connectedness and participation realises the cultural and social potential of the community

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. Nil.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. Minimal maintenance is required for the ongoing maintenance of plaques.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. Nil at present.

7.3.2. At times there may be some implications such as new furniture or a change to an existing asset. Any implications would be considered as part of the assessment process of new plaques or memorials.

8. Social and Customer Considerations

8.1. The social impacts of memorials may impact individuals in different ways creating a sense of place or location where people come to remember, reflect.

This will form a critical part of the decision making when deciding on the approval of plaques and memorials.

9. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

9.1. The current policy requests applications be supported by a minimum of three third parties and one of which must be a local community group.

9.2. The Group Manager Open Space, Manager Parks and Recreation, Program Leader Recreation and Projects, Visitor Services Manager have been consulted as part of this review.

10. Delegation

10.1. The adoption and rescission of Council Policies is delegated to the Council.

Peter Kerstan

(Acting) Manager Parks and Recreation

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 2 November 2017

File Reference: F17/138203; 13-1-9

Attachment a: Proposed New Policy 'Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment, Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves' ⇩

Attachment b: Proposed Rescinded Policy 'Memorial Plaques and Tree Plantings in Parks, Bushland and Reserves' ⇩

Attachment c: Proposed Rescinded Policy 'Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment for installation in City Parks, Bushland and Reserves' ⇩

Item No. 6.3

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 29

9/11/2017

REPORT TITLE: Wellington Park Management Trust - Aldermanic Nominations

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Group Manager Open Space

Director Parks and City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to seek Aldermanic nominations for one of the two member positions (and respective deputy member position) on the Wellington Park Management Trust.

2. Report Summary

2.1. With the tenures of current member Alderman Damon Thomas (and deputy, Alderman Eva Ruzicka) due to expire on 31 December 2017, Aldermanic nominations are sought for both positions.

2.2. Tenure may be up to a period of three years, or for as long as the person is an Alderman of the Hobart City Council.

2.3. The Council’s nominees are submitted to the Minister for formal appointment to the Trust.

3. Recommendation

That Aldermanic nominations be sought for membership of the Wellington Park Management Trust, for appointment by the Minister, for one member position and one deputy member position, to commence on 1 January 2018, for a period of up to three years.

4. Background

4.1. The attached letter (Attachment A) has been received from the Wellington Park Management Trust indicating that the tenures of current City of Hobart members, Alderman Damon Thomas (and Alderman Eva Ruzicka as deputy) are due to expire on 31 December 2017.

Accordingly, the nominees are sought for the roles commencing 1 January 2018.

4.2. The functions, powers and membership of the Trust are set out in the Wellington Park Act 1993, as extracted in Attachment B.

4.3. Nominations received from the Council are required to then be appointed by the Minister, with appointment allocated for a period of up to three-years.

4.4. The Trust meets at least quarterly with a sitting fee of $100 per meeting payable to members.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. Due to the expiration of tenure on 31 December 2017 of one member position and deputy position of the Council’s current representatives on the Wellington Park Management Trust, the Council forward Aldermanic nominations for both expiring positions.

5.2. Aldermanic nominations determined by the Council will be forwarded to the Trust for appointment by the Minister.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. Capital City Strategic Plan 2015-2025, Goal 3 Environment and Natural Resources, Strategic Objective 3.2

‘Strong environmental stewardship’

7. Financial Implications

7.1. No financial implications arise from this proposal.

7.2. The sitting fees are a cost borne by the Trust.

8. Delegation

8.1. Determination of the matter rests with the Council.

Robert Mather

Group Manager Open Space

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 2 November 2017

File Reference: F17/144030; 13-15-35

Attachment a: Correspondence - Wellington Park Management Trust ⇩

Attachment b: Wellington Park Act 1993 - Functions & Membership ⇩

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.