Agenda of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 4

8/2/2018

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting (Open Portion) held Thursday, 8 February 2018 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, 30 November 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

8/2/2018

REPORT TITLE: Swan Street, North Hobart - Replacement Public Toilets

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Program Leader Recreation and Projects

Acting Manager Parks and Recreation

Director Parks and City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. Approval is sought to develop replacement public toilet facilities in the current location in Swan Street, North Hobart and to negotiate with Australia Post for a revised licence agreement for the site.

1.2. The replacement public toilets will provide accessible contemporary public toilets in the North Hobart restaurant hub, as identified in the City’s Public Toilet Strategy 2015-2025.

2. Report Summary

2.1. There is a budget allocation over the 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years to improve public toilets in the North Hobart precinct.

2.2. Architectural consultants were engaged to consider options within the North Hobart area, between Federal and Burnett Streets, as to the most suitable, practical location for a new contemporary public toilet facility.

2.3. The review considered a range of locations and reaffirmed that the most suitable location was the site of the existing toilets in Swan Street, at the rear of the Australia Post Office site. These existing facilities have been in place since the 1940’s. Positive discussions with Australia Post have commenced with the aim of securing a new 20 year licence over the site, necessary to accommodate the new facility.

2.4. The proposed replacement facility includes three unisex, self-contained cubicles, with one being accessible and incorporating parenting amenities, and the remaining two rated as ‘ambulant’. The overall footprint of the building will be slightly greater that the current facilities.

(Concept Montage of proposed replacement facility)

2.5. Approval is sought for the General Manager to finalise the design of the proposed replacement facility, to secure all statutory permits and approvals and to negotiate and secure a new licence from Australia Post to accommodate the new.

3. Recommendation

That the General Manager be authorised to finalise the design of the proposed new replacement public toilet facility, located in Swan Street, North Hobart, to secure all statutory permits and approvals and to negotiate and secure a new licence from Australia Post to accommodate the new facility on its land.

4. Background

4.1. In 2015 the Council approved the Public Toilet Strategy 2015-2025 to provide a planning framework for improving and managing the City’s public toilet network.

4.2. It was recognised an area of high priority for improved facilities was the Elizabeth Street, North Hobart restaurant precinct.

4.3. Existing facilities located in Condell Place have since undergone internal refurbishment, however it was identified that the additional toilets were required to service this busy location.

4.4. The existing Swan Street toilets, located adjacent to the post office do not meet any of the current standards for access, and with a narrow entry pose a potential entrapment issue for users.

4.5. Funding was identified over a two year period in the plan with $50,000 allocated in 2017/18 capital works program for design, and $200,000 for a build in 2018/19.

4.6. Terroir Architects was appointed to look at potential options and provide a design for an appropriate facility.

4.7. A thorough site analysis was undertaken which looked at a number of options within the North Hobart precinct for new facilities as detailed in the attached report (Attachment A), however the preferred option remained the current site of the Swan Street toilets.

4.8. A proposed design for a new facility has been prepared and involves a similar footprint to other recently completed new facilities (such as Princes Park). It provides a fully accessible unisex toilet and two ambulant unisex toilets. The accessible toilet would also be able to include the provision of baby change facilities.

4.9. The new building will be rotated so all cubicles will be accessed directly off the Swan Street footpath, thereby eliminating the current entrapment issue.

4.10. The current facilities are constructed on Commonwealth owned land that is currently occupied by Australia Post. A ‘Deed of Acknowledgement of Permissive Occupancy’ (licence) was signed by the Council in 1945 providing use of the current footprint of the toilets for use as a female toilet.

4.11. A written request has been submitted to Australia Post to extend the licence both in terms of duration (a request for 20 years) and footprint, with in-principle approval since received. A formal request has now been submitted to finalise the licence condition and request landlord approval for the development.

4.12. To progress the project, a development application will be required to be submitted. Both the Manager Development Appraisal and Senior Cultural Heritage Officer have been consulted during the design phase.

4.13. A quantity surveyor has reviewed the plans and determined a build cost that aligns with the available budget for the project.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that approval be granted to enable the General Manager to secure all necessary statutory permits for the replacement of the Swan Street public toilet facilities to be progressed.

5.2. It is further proposed that approval be granted to enter into a new 20 year licence with the Commonwealth (Australia Post) to enable an extension of the licence area, both in terms of time and footprint.

Terms and conditions of the proposed licence are to be to the satisfaction of the General Manager.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. As noted earlier, the proposal to upgrade this facility is a recommendation in the Public Toilet Strategy 2015-2025.

6.2. The proposal is covered under the Capital City Strategic Plan 2015-25, specifically:

6.2.1. Strategic Objective 4.2 – City facilities, infrastructure and open spaces support healthy lifestyles.

6.3. The proposal is also covered under other Council strategies including:

6.3.1. City of Hobart Social Inclusion Strategy 2014-2019

6.3.2. City of Hobart Equal Access Strategy 2014-2019

6.3.3. City of Hobart Children and Families Strategy 2014-2019

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. A budget allocation of $50,000 is available in the 2017/18 Parks Infrastructure projects budget to progress the designs and permits.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. An allocation of $200,000 is reflected in the City’s Public Toilet Strategy and 10 Year Capital Works Program to fund the development of the new replacement facility in 2018/2019.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. The new facility is likely to reduce maintenance costs in the coming years.

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. A new licence agreement will be required to assure the City’s ongoing interest in the land the toilet will be constructed.

8.2. A 20 year licence has been requested from the Commonwealth for the footprint.

8.3. Any terms and conditions of the licence will need to be endorsed by the General Manager.

9. Social and Customer Considerations

9.1. The toilets currently located in Swan Streets are poorly designed in that entry and exit is via one narrow laneway, causing potential entrapment issues.

9.2. The new facility will be made more inviting by having access directly from the footpath and there will be provision for an accessible facility.

9.3. This area of North Hobart is particularly busy, as such a modern, well designed, inviting toilet will only assist to compliment the area and improve visitor experience.

10. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

10.1. There has been discussions to date with Australia Post and the President of the North Hobart Traders Association.

10.2. Internal engagement has also been held with the Manager Development Appraisal and Senior Cultural Heritage Officer.

11. Delegation

11.1. This 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.

Shannon Avery

Program Leader Recreation and Projects

Peter Kerstan

Acting Manager Parks and Recreation

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 1 February 2018

File Reference: F17/163539

Attachment a: North Hobart Public Convenience Design Report ⇩

Item No. 6.1

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - 8/2/2018

Page 13

ATTACHMENT a

PDF Creator

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 52

8/2/2018

REPORT TITLE: kunanyi / Mount Wellington - Proposed Expression of Interest for an All-Weather Shuttle Bus Transport Service

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Program Leader Bushland Recreation

Acting 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 endorsement to call an Expressions of Interest process for a kunanyi / Mount Wellington all-weather shuttle bus transport service.

1.2. The report also provides an update on the status of the current feasibility study for a City-funded visitor centre at The Springs on kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

2. Report Summary

2.1. At its meeting held on 22 May 2017, the Council resolved to commission a feasibility study for a City-funded visitor centre at The Springs on kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

2.2. In accordance with that decision, a consultant was engaged and the feasibility study for a Springs Visitor Centre is progressing well. Draft reports have been received and are being reviewed and refined to enable the findings to be reported to Council in the next cycle.

2.3. An early and key finding of the study has identified the substantial increase in visitors accessing the mountain. Given the circumstances, it is proposed that it is time to test the market to identify options of an all-weather shuttle bus transport service to be introduced to provide access to kunanyi / Mount Wellington.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The General Manager liaise with the Wellington Park Management Trust to enable expressions of interest to be called for licenced private operators to provide to kunanyi / Mount Wellington an all-weather shuttle bus transport service.

2. A further report be provided to the Council to advise on the outcomes of the expression of interest process.

4. Background

4.1. The current climate of substantial and sustained tourism growth and increased visitor numbers is creating pressures on provision of visitor infrastructure on the mountain. This changing context is a driver behind the current feasibility study for a potential Springs Visitor Centre and this work to date has highlighted that the heavy utilisation of the Pinnacle Road by private motor vehicles is a key issue.

4.2. Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is a major state attraction for tourists. It is the third most visited attraction for visitors to Tasmania, behind only the Saturday Salamanca Market and MONA.

The total visitation to Mount Wellington for 2016/17 was 503,051. 65% of these were international and interstate tourists and 35% were locals.

A visitation study commissioned by the City in 2017 (by Natural Acumen) found that from 2015/16 – 2016/17 tourist visitation to the Mountain grew by 46,560 visitors (up 16.6%).

4.3. This growth is creating pressures on tourism infrastructure at peak times, including road access and parking at Fern Tree, the Springs and the summit.

There are increased traffic volumes and greater numbers of international tourists driving along the narrow and windy mountain road.

4.4. Whilst the traffic volumes in summer are high, visitation to the Pinnacle in winter is also increasing. Such access becomes difficult when the road is closed due to weather conditions.

4.5. The Wellington Park Sustainable Transport System was prepared by the Trust in 2009 and supports developing a range of transport options and specifically endorsed a shuttle-bus service as one of the primary modes.

4.6. Whilst there is no suggestion that the City operate a transport service, it has been identified that there may be private sector interest if a permit could be provided to access the pinnacle during periods of road closures. Such a service would need to be supported by an appropriate ‘all-weather terrain’ vehicle.

4.7. For the reasons outline above the desired outcome to be explored is:

4.7.1. To encourage the private sector to provide a necessary shuttle transport service supporting regular, safe and reliable public access to the mountain, via the Pinnacle Road.

4.7.2. A service which operates all year round between the City’s tourist precincts and the summit – with key stops at Fern Tree Park, the Springs and the Chalet.

4.7.3. To include all-weather access when required in Winter months (i.e. ability to go past locked gates in suitable conditions when the road is closed due to snow / ice with adequate risk controls in place) and subject to the use of an appropriate vehicle.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. The General Manager liaise with the Wellington Park Management Trust to enable Expressions of Interest (EoI) to be called for licenced private operators to provide an all-weather mountain shuttle bus transport service:

5.1.1. The EoI be overseen and evaluated by a panel of senior Council personnel.

5.1.2. An EoI plan and associated information pack be developed and the EoI to be administered via Tenderlink.

5.1.3. The EoI be promoted to the key service operators, be open for 4 weeks and an on-site inspection be offered to enable proponents the opportunity to visit the site to shape their proposals.

5.2. The Wellington Park Management Trust is responsible for the issue of permits to operate in the Park.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. The EoI process be undertaken to identify options to improve regular, reliable and safe public access to the Mountain, via use of Pinnacle Road.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. The EoI itself will incur minimal costs and can be funded out of the Division’s operating budget.

7.1.2. The is currently no funding allocation in the City’s 10 year capital works program for a City-funded transport service or a visitor centre at The Springs on kunanyi / Mt Wellington, as such any new service would need to be operated on a fee-for-service basis.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. As above.

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. The points raised above highlight that risks to the public in accessing the mountain are increasing and a transport service would be one mechanism to help respond to this.

9. Environmental Considerations

9.1. A greater variety of transport options reduces reliance on private vehicle transport incurring environmental benefits.

10. Community and media considerations

10.1. Considering the public interest in the mountain it will be necessary to implement some communications measures to advise the public, key stakeholders and interested parties of the process being undertaken.

11. Delegation

11.1. The matter is delegated to the Council.

Greg Milne

Program Leader Bushland Recreation

Jill Hickie

Acting Group Manager Open Space

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 1 February 2018

File Reference: F18/6666

Item No. 6.3

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 57

8/2/2018

REPORT TITLE: Request for Plaque - Master Builders Tasmania - St David's Parks

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 seek approval for the installation of a historical plaque within St David’s Parks.

1.2. The request is from the Master Builders Tasmania to celebrate 125^th anniversary of the association in Tasmania.

2. Report Summary

2.1. A request has been received from Master Builders Tasmania to install a plaque on a seat at St David’s Park to celebrate their 125^th anniversary.

2.2. Master Builders Tasmania was established in 1891 as a non-for-profit industry association.

2.3. Master Builders Tasmania has its head office in Hobart with the first Vice President, Francis David Valentine, a Hobart City Council Alderman and later the Lord Mayor of Hobart.

2.4. This report proposes approval of the installation of the plaque on an existing seat in St David’s Park with all costs being be met by the Master Builders Tasmania.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. Approval be granted for the installation of a plaque celebrating 125 years of the Master Builders Tasmania as an Industry Association in Tasmania.

2. All costs for production and installation of the plaque be met by the Master Builders Tasmania.

3. The Director Parks and City Amenity approve the actual location of the plaque within St David’s Park.

4. Background

4.1. Master Builders Tasmania approached the City with an offer to donate a seat for installation in a major park close to the CBD to celebrate their 125^th anniversary.

4.2. The proposed seat was made of blue and white recycled plastic with Master Builders logo engraved in it.

4.3. Officers felt that the seat was not suitable to be placed in a historical park and suggested instead that it be installed in a neighbourhood park.

4.4. This suggestion was declined as Master Builders Tasmania desire recognition close to the CBD.

4.5. As an alternative, it was suggested that Master Builders Tasmania instead install a plaque on a seat in one of the parks close to the city. St David’s park was their preferred park

4.6. There is not an opportunity to install another seat, as it is considered the provision of current seating is adequate level and would not meet the overall plan of the park.

4.7. Master Builders Tasmania has subsequently submitted an application for the installation of a plaque in St David’s Park (refer Attachment A).

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. Should approval be granted, a seat location will be decided in consultation with the Master Builders Tasmania and approved by the Director Parks and City Amenity.

5.2. Master Builders Tasmania, in consultation with Officers, are to organise and supply the plaque and meet all expenses with the supply and installation of the plaque.

5.3. The plaque will be installed by the City.

5.4. After installation, the plaque contact details will be added to the plaque register for future reference.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. The proposed installation of a plaque is within guidelines of the Council policy titled ‘Donation of Park Furniture and Equipment, Memorial Plaques and Tree Planting in Parks, Bushland and Reserves’ (refer Attachment B).

6.2. The location of the plaque will not affect any management plans, park values or needs of park users.

6.3. Master Builders Tasmania has satisfied all aspects of the application including three third parties support (refer Attachment C) and provided details of the proposed plaque (refer Attachment D).

6.4. The City will maintain the plaque for a minimum of 10 years.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. All costs of the plaque and installation will be met by the applicant.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. Ongoing maintenance costs will be negligible.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. The plaque will be attached to an existing park bench for a minimum of 10 years.

8. Delegation

8.1. This matter is for Committee consideration

Peter Kerstan

Acting Manager Parks and Recreation

Glenn Doyle

Director Parks and City Amenity

Date: 31 January 2018

File Reference: F17/82002

Attachment a: Application ⇩

Attachment b: Council Policy ⇩

Attachment c: Supporting Submission ⇩

Attachment d: Plaque Details ⇩

Item No. 7.1

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 68

8/2/2018

7. Motions of which Notice has been Given

7.1 Franklin Square

FILE REF: F18/10166; 13-1-9

Alderman Anna Reynolds

Motion

“That the Council requests advice on whether the following interventions to further activate Franklin Square would be effective, affordable and in keeping with the 2014 Master Plan:

- modifications to the area on the top of the toilets to create a more permanent and fit for purpose stage / performance space,

- installation of community engagement facilities such as a ‘People’s Piano’,

- and the provision of a free WiFi hotspot in the Square.”

Rationale:

“Franklin Square’s refurbishment has been a great success and has given it new life. But there remain opportunities to activate the square throughout the week.

The area currently used as a stage by the Frankos market is not particularly well designed for this purpose, but could be with some minor modifications.

Many community groups running events often have to find grants to hire stage equipment, yet if Franklin Square had a more fit to purpose facility, this would reduce costs to community organisations and see more events hosted in Franklin Square.”

The General Manager reports:

“In line with the Council’s policy in relation to Notices of Motion, I advise that the matter is considered to be within the jurisdiction of the Hobart City Council as it relates to Council owned land.”

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 87

8/2/2018

9. Questions Without Notice

Section 29 of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015.

File Ref: 13-1-10

An Alderman may ask a question without notice of the Chairman, another Alderman, the General Manager or the General Manager’s representative, in line with the following procedures:

1. The Chairman will refuse to accept a question without notice if it does not relate to the Terms of Reference of the Council committee at which it is asked.

2. In putting a question without notice, an Alderman must not:

(i) offer an argument or opinion; or

(ii) draw any inferences or make any imputations – except so far as may be necessary to explain the question.

3. The Chairman must not permit any debate of a question without notice or its answer.

4. The Chairman, Aldermen, General Manager or General Manager’s representative who is asked a question may decline to answer the question, if in the opinion of the respondent it is considered inappropriate due to its being unclear, insulting or improper.

5. The Chairman may require a question to be put in writing.

6. Where a question without notice is asked and answered at a meeting, both the question and the response will be recorded in the minutes of that meeting.

7. Where a response is not able to be provided at the meeting, the question will be taken on notice and

(i) the minutes of the meeting at which the question is asked will record the question and the fact that it has been taken on notice.

(ii) a written response will be provided to all Aldermen, at the appropriate time.

(iii) upon the answer to the question being circulated to Aldermen, both the question and the answer will be listed on the agenda for the next available ordinary meeting of the committee at which it was asked, where it will be listed for noting purposes only.

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