Agenda of Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 4

10/9/2020

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting (Open Portion) held Thursday, 10 September 2020 at 5:15 pm.

This meeting of the Parks and Recreation Committee is held in accordance with a Notice issued by the Premier on 3 April 2020 under section 18 of the COVID-19 Disease Emergency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Briscoe (Chairman)

Deputy Lord Mayor Burnet

Thomas

Ewin

Sherlock

NON-MEMBERS

Lord Mayor Reynolds

Zucco

Sexton

Harvey

Behrakis

Dutta

Coats

Apologies:

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, 13 August 2020, 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.

Members of the Committee 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 10

10/9/2020

REPORT TITLE: Harrington Street, Hobart - Former Public Toilet Site

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Program Leader Projects and Assets

Manager Parks and Recreation

(Acting) Director City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. The purpose of this report is to consider options for the use of the former site of the Harrington Street toilets.

2. Report Summary

2.1. The Harrington Street toilets were formerly constructed over the Hobart Rivulet near the corner of Liverpool Street.

2.2. Following its demolition, consideration was given into the future of the site and what public space opportunities the site might present.

2.3. The report has considered a number of options and recommends that public space at the site not be pursued with the removal of the remnant slab to be considered in a future capital works program, including the installation of an improved barrier at the heritage wall to allow public viewing of the open rivulet.

2.4. The potential leasing of the site to a neighbouring property not be progressed.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The site of the former toilets located in Harrington Street, Hobart (being a remnant concrete slab) not be pursued for development as public open space or a leased area.

2. An allocation in the order of $75,000 be considered in a future capital works program for the demolition of the remnant slab and installation of an improved barrier at the heritage wall to allow public viewing of the open rivulet.

3. The neighbouring property owners be advised of this decision.

4. Background

4.1. Prior to the demolition of the public toilets in Harrington Street, the Council in 2015 considered a report on the matter and resolved, in part:

4.1.1. ‘That a further report be provided detailing the proposed replacement wall, including opportunities for creation of a public space, opportunities for public art, interpretation of the historical bridge and increased visual access to the Hobart Rivulet’.

4.2. As well as the above, the City also received a request from the owner of an adjoining business to lease the footprint of the remnant slab for possible extension of the business.

4.3. It is highlightd that any development on the site needs to take into account the retention of the heritage stone wall that covers the entry for much of the site, with the Rivulet itself also heritage listed.

IMG_5342 (Medium)
Heritage Wall Remnant Slab

4.4. The presence of the heritage wall also presents passive surveillance issues of the area behind the wall, whereby anti-social behaviour may be difficult to mitigate.

4.5. A number of options for the site have been explored, which are discussed below:

4.5.1. Climbing Wall

The concept of a climbing wall was explored however was deemed not a suitable location for an active recreation use due to passive surveillance and heritage issues.

4.5.2. Leasing the site to an adjoining neighbouring property

Rental of the site has been valued at $3,100 per annum including air rights over the rivulet.

Due to the relatively low revenue potential, and cognisant of the heritage values and protections of the heritage wall, this option is not recommended.

4.5.3. Viewing Platform and walkway

A concept was considered for a viewing walkway to extend along the neighbouring buildings which to provide a viewing area over the rivulet.

Graffiti murals as part of this proposal were also considered. However this was not supported from a heritage perspective.

4.5.4. Demolition of Slab and installation of an improved barrier at the heritage wall.

The preferred option is to demolish the remnant slab and install an improved barrier. This would allow public viewing of the open rivulet.

An allocation in the order of $75,000 would need to be considered and prioritised in a future capital work program.

At present the site presents a low risk and as such it is considered that this work could be undertaken when funds become available.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. Noting the various challenges and limitations of the site, it is proposed that the area involving the slab not be pursued for development as public open space, nor leased to a third party.

5.2. It is proposed that an allocation in the order of $75,000 be considered in a future capital works program for the demolition of the remnant slab and installation of an improved barrier at the heritage wall which would allow public viewing of the open rivulet.

5.3. The neighbouring property owners be advised of this decision.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. The proposal aligns with the Capital City Strategic Plan 2019-2029:

1.1 Hobart keeps a strong sense of place and identity, even as the city changes.

1.1.2 Create opportunities for people to connect to place, supporting spiritual and cultural customs and practices.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

7.1.1. Not applicable.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

7.2.1. An allocation of $75,000 is estimated to be required in a future capital works program.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

7.3.1. Public and adjoining property owner safety issues, and heritage protections preclude development of the site, beyond improving visual access to the rivulet.

8. Community and Stakeholder Engagement

8.1. Consultation to date has involved property owners adjacent to the site.

9. Delegation

9.1. 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.

Shannon avery

Shannon Avery

Program Leader Projects and Assets

Lee Farnhill

Manager Parks and Recreation

Geoff Lang

(Acting) Director City Amenity

Date: 3 September 2020

File Reference: F19/92070

Item No. 6.2

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 16

10/9/2020

REPORT TITLE: West Hobart Recreation Ground, Lansdowne Crescent Primary School- Licence Amendment and Landscape Plan

REPORT PROVIDED BY: Park Planner

Manager Parks and Recreation

(Acting) Director City Amenity

1. Report Purpose and Community Benefit

1.1. Approval is sought to amend a current licence agreement, between the City and the Department of Education, for a playground and associated infrastructure for Lansdowne Crescent Primary School, on part of the West Hobart Recreation Ground. This will allow new works to be undertaken by the school within the expanded licenced area.

1.2. The new works are aimed at improving connectivity across the steep school site and upgrading and improving the kindergarten play area.

2. Report Summary

2.1. Lansdowne Crescent Primary School has occupied a section of the City’s West Hobart Recreation Ground since 1977 formalised by a licence agreement in 2014.

The licenced area predominantly includes the school’s kindergarten playground.

2.2. A grant has allowed the Department of Education to commission new building and landscaping works at the School that allows for improved landscaping and connectivity across the steep site, involving the City’s Recreation Ground area.

2.3. It is proposed that the Council approve an expansion of the licence footprint (marked in Attachment A to the report), and indicated in Figure 1 below and approve the landscape plan (refer Attachment B to the report) for the licenced area.

The landscape plan is endorsed by the City’s Officers.

2.4. All works will be funded and undertaken by the School, to the satisfaction of the City.

3. Recommendation

That:

1. The licence agreement between the City of Hobart and the Department of Education, dated 25 February 2014, covering the Lansdowne Crescent Primary School’s playground area located within the adjoining West Hobart Recreation Ground, be amended to increase the footprint of the licenced area (as indicated in Attachment A to the report) in order for the School to incorporate new landscaping to improve connectivity across the steep site.

2. The Council approve the landscape plan for the area (marked as Attachment B to the report) to be funded and undertaken by the School, to the satisfaction of the General Manager.

4. Background

4.1. A grant has allowed the Department of Education to commission new building and landscaping works at Lansdowne Crescent Primary School.

As the land title boundary of the school is directly in front of the kindergarten buildings, some proposed landscaping would bridge the title boundary with the West Hobart Recreation Ground.

Figure 1: Lansdowne Crescent Primary School boundary with City land;
Dark blue hatch - playground managed by the school, owned by the City,
Red hatch - sportsground owned and managed by the City.

4.2. The kindergarten playground is on City land but has been occupied by the school since 1977. The school’s occupation was formalised into a licence agreement in 2014.

4.3. The proposed expansion of the licenced area covers the land proposed for improved landscaping works that will improve connectivity across the steep site and compliments the related building works being undertaken by the School.

4.4. The proposed landscaping works include replacing sleepers with boulders and constructing a new track to connect a bitumen play area with the oval and playground (refer Attachment B). The new path would traverse the area shown above. The landscaping plan is endorsed by City Officers.

4.5. As conditioned in the licence, written consent of the Council is required to alter any improvements within the licenced area.

5. Proposal and Implementation

5.1. It is proposed that the Council approve the expansion of the licence footprint, as marked in Attachment A to the report, and indicated in Figure 1 above.

5.2. It is proposed that the Council approve the landscape plan (refer Attachment B to the report) for the licenced area, as endorsed by the City’s Officers.

6. Strategic Planning and Policy Considerations

6.1. Capital City Strategic Plan 2019-29

Pillar 8 Outcome 8.2.2

Work with stakeholders and all levels of government to ensure good capital city governance.

7. Financial Implications

7.1. Funding Source and Impact on Current Year Operating Result

There is no cost to the City from this proposal.

Lansdowne Crescent Primary School will pay for the installation of the landscaping and take on all asset management and legal liability.

7.2. Impact on Future Years’ Financial Result

Not applicable.

7.3. Asset Related Implications

The licence agreement addresses the use of City-owned land.

8. Legal, Risk and Legislative Considerations

8.1. This action reduces the City’s liability by ensuring that all works that are to occur on City land are covered by the licence agreement.

8.2. The recommendations herein arise from advice from the City’s Manager Legal & Governance.

8.3. Changes to related stormwater infrastructure on and adjacent to City land have been approved through planning, building and plumbing permits. The new section of stormwater pipe on City land is managed through a Deed of Indemnity and Agreement between Hobart City Council and The Crown in right of the State of Tasmania.

8.4. The new landscaping works are associated with the designated use of the site which is a playground.

9. Delegation

9.1. This matter is delegated to the Council.

Christine Corbett

Park Planner

Lee Farnhill

Manager Parks and Recreation

Geoff Lang

(Acting) Director City Amenity

Date: 4 September 2020

File Reference: F20/94351

Attachment a: Map of Expanded Licence Footprint ⇩

Attachment b: Landscape Plan ⇩

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 31

10/9/2020

8. Questions Without Notice

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

File Ref: 13-1-10

An Elected Member may ask a question without notice of the Chairman, another Elected Member, 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 Elected Member 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, Elected Members, 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 Elected Members, at the appropriate time.

(iii) upon the answer to the question being circulated to Elected Members, 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.

Agenda (Open Portion)

Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting

Page 32

10/9/2020

9. Closed Portion Of The Meeting

RECOMMENDATION

That the Committee resolve by majority that the meeting be closed to the public pursuant to regulation 15(1) of the Local Government (Meeting Procedures) Regulations 2015 because the items included on the closed agenda contain the following matters:

· Lease extension

The following items are listed for discussion:-

Item No. 1 Minutes of the last meeting of the Closed Portion of the Council Meeting

Item No. 2 Consideration of supplementary items to the agenda

Item No. 3 Indications of pecuniary and conflicts of interest

Item No. 4 Reports

Item No. 4.1 Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania - Request for Lease Extension

LG(MP)R 15(2)(f)

Item No. 5 Committee Action Status Report

Item No. 5.1 Committee Actions - Status Report

LG(MP)R 15(2)(g)

Item No. 6 Questions Without Notice

People	We care about people – our community, our customers and colleagues.
Teamwork	We collaborate both within the organisation and with external stakeholders drawing on skills and expertise for the benefit of our community.
Focus and Direction	We have clear goals and plans to achieve sustainable social, environmental and economic outcomes for the Hobart community.
Creativity and Innovation	We embrace new approaches and continuously improve to achieve better outcomes for our community.
Accountability	We are transparent, work to high ethical and professional standards and are accountable for delivering outcomes for our community.