9.1 murrumbateman sewerage project progress report · 9.1 murrumbateman sewerage project progress...

Ordinary Council Meeting 23 March 2016

Director of Engineering Reports – 80 of 246

9.1 MURRUMBATEMAN SEWERAGE PROJECT PROGRESS REPORT

FILE: W.02.01.04 – TJR

SYNOPSIS

Reporting on the progress of the Murrumbateman Sewerage Project.

OPERATIONAL PLAN AND BUDGET IMPLICATIONS

This project is a current project in the 2013-2016 Council delivery plan. It should be noted that variations in work resulting additional costs have to be met by the council and are not covered by the Grant.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

The project has been well communicated to the community.

SUSTAINABILITY IMPLICATIONS

Social N/A

Economic N/A

Environment N/A

Governance This report forms part of council’s governance process.

RECOMMENDATION

That council note the progress of this work

Attachments: A. Murrumbateman Sewerage Scheme Progress Report (Under Separate Cover) - Confidential

REPORT

NSW Public Works has provided to council, as part of their project management engagement, a comprehensive and detailed report on the progress of this work. Council is referred to the Closed Session Attachment as it contains information which is considered commercial-in-confidence.

Briefly, for both the STP contract (TWS) and the reticulation contract (MMA), works have progressed well to date with both contracts in the order of 95% complete. There has been some delays experienced in January due to wet weather, however both contracts are expected to be completed ahead of their contract completion dates. Currently it is hoped that works on both contracts will be completed by the end of March 2015.

Council will then commence a process of communicating with residents how to undertake and have approved house service connections from dwellings to the council connection point and how to decommission existing on-site treatment facilities.

1. Sewer Reticulation Contract. % Complete Murphy McCarthy & Associates Pty Ltd 6/7/15 (contract awarded) 40 weeks (original contract duration) 22/4/16 (current contract completion date) 12/7/16 (estimated handover date) 95 (% complete) $2,409,200 (incl. GST) (original contract value) $2,691,832.00 (incl. GST) (current contract value) $1,849,219.83 (payments to date)


Director of Engineering Reports – Page 181 of 246

At the time of writing this report, the Contractor’s payment claim for January 2016 had not been received. It is expected that the January claim will be in the order of $314k.

2. Sewerage Treatment Contract Ted Wilson & Sons - TWS 6/7/15 (contract awarded) 40 weeks (original contract duration) 17 days (estimated handover date) 6/5/16 (current contract completion date) 12/7/16 (estimated handover date) 95 (% complete) $3,962,225.00 (incl. GST) (original contract value) $4,131,641.35 (incl. GST) (current contract value) $3,558,756.93 (payments to date) At the time of writing this report, the Contractor’s payment claim for January 2016 had not been

received. It is expected that the January claim will be in the order of $180k. 3. Power Supply Contract Australian High Voltage 28/5/15 (contract awarded) 12 weeks (original contract duration) 0 days (estimated handover date) 24/8/15 (current contract completion date) 6/11/15 (estimated handover date) 98 (% complete) $251,605.00 (incl. GST) (original contract value) $276,137.42 (incl. GST) (current contract value) $264,099.20 (payments to date) Due to the works for the ’Power Supply’ being a Minor Works Contract (MW21) and being a short term

contract, the information provided in this section of the report is less detailed than that provided in the previously reported Contracts.

For all contracts, the relationship between council, residents and contractors has been positive and works have been completed in good faith. The contractor has been timely in undertaking restoration of properties in disturbed areas and has sought to undertake works in private property with minimal damage. All in all it has been a successful project for council with hardly any complaints.



9.2 UPDATE ON IMPROVEMENTS AT YASS CARAVAN PARK

FILE: C.06.01.00 – CM

SYNOPSIS

To provide Council with a progress report on the refurbishment/upgrades to the Yass Caravan Park and advise on future planned upgrades.


These upgrades were budgeted in the 2015/16 Operational Plan. Additional funding of works will be considered in the 2016/17 operational plan.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Not applicable but generally through electronic and print media.


Social Nil

Economic The caravan park is a profitable business unit of the Council

Environment Nil

Governance Nil

RECOMMENDATION

That the information be noted.

Attachments: Nil

REPORT

In July 2015 the Caravan Park started a refurbishment program. Work was undertaken on the existing Manager’s Residence, Reception Office as well as the refurbishment of 10 holiday cabins. The upgrade extended over 6 months and cost approximately $110,000.

Stage 1 upgrade/refurbishment works consisted of the following:

New paint throughout all cabins, managers residence and reception office.

New Reverse Cycle Air Conditioning units were fitted to replace the older inefficient cool only air conditioners.

Upgrade of all lighting and power points in each of the cabins to meet current safety standards.

Replacement of the old vinyl floor coverings.

Replacement/upgrade of fridges in each cabin.

New crockery & kitchen appliances for each cabin.

New lounges installed in each cabin.

New curtains installed to cabins and manager’s residence and front office.

Repairs to the outside entry steps and roof guttering

These improvements will assist in retaining a minimum of a 3 ½ Star Rating for the facility.



Refurbished cabin interior

Stage 2 Upgrade/ Refurbishment Stage 2 will involve the installation of a new sewerage line and connection of grey water lines to each caravan parking bay in the centre parking area. The centre caravan parking area now accommodates 3 less caravans but allows larger spaces for travellers with larger caravans and extendable annexes. Additional spaces were made available within the park by reducing the number of long term resident sites.



The existing sewer line will be replaced with a larger line as the existing pipe was not designed to cope with the current occupation rates of the park. The current line experiences regular blockages which is disruptive and inconvenient to travellers. During this staged sewer line upgrade, cabling will also be installed so that patrons will be able to access improved TV reception & free WiFi services. Stage 2 upgrades are scheduled to start after the Easter holidays when patronage has slowed. It is anticipated that these works will cause disruption for two to three days while trenches and pipes are being laid. Stage 3 will see a complete upgrade of the old amenities block that is currently closed. The male & female toilet block will be completely guttered and refurbished with modern fixtures and fittings, offering increased facilities to service busy times. The amenity’s refurbishment will double the existing amenities available in the park. The current laundry room which is operational but dated will also receive a minor face lift, including fresh paint and new fittings and fixtures. As a part of Stage 3 the existing four older “Ensuite Workers Cabins” will also be upgraded as they are very dated and in need of repair. These older cabins have remained as a lower price cabin and are usually made

available to longer term rentals in particular seasonal workers. General Update of Operations The Caravan Park currently has 52 sites in total. This consists of 6 permanent residents, 17 holiday cabins and 39 camping/caravan sites, 2 of these being unpowered. The recent installation and upgrade of the power poles on the western and southern sides of the park has provided an additional 5 powered caravan sites. Due to new management and ongoing improvements to the Caravan Park and facilities, the park is experiencing higher occupancy rates, on average 65% - 70% per night. Over the last twelve months in the peak holiday breaks the park has been completely booked out on a number of occasions with some travellers being turned away as the park was full to capacity. It is anticipated that once the installation TV outlets for each site is supplied and the provision of free Wifi this will attract additional travellers and increase the occupancy rates.

The upgrade works already completed on the Caravan Park has reaped positive rewards by way of increased written and verbal compliments received at the Council and to the park itself. Patrons are commenting on the cleanliness of the cabins and associated facilities, as well as the overall presentation and service provided by the current management. The Caravan Park is progressively rebuilding an improved reputation on social media sites which is providing increased business and visitors to the Yass Valley. Under current management, new operational procedures, a cleaning procedure and relief staff procedures have been developed all of which have contributed to the successful operation of the facility. The current management contract expires on 30 June 2016. It is anticipated that advertising for the new management contract will be undertaken in March/April 2016 and at the completion of this process a further report will be provided for determination and awarding of the contract.



9.3 ENERGY EFFICIENCY AUDIT

FILE: AD00027 – TS

SYNOPSIS

Advising Council of the outcomes of the energy efficiency lighting audit undertaken on Council’s high usage buildings.


The cost to Council is currently unbudgeted in the 2015/2016 budget and would need to be identified in 2016/2017 capital work’s budget for future funding.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

N/A


Social Nil

Economic Cost savings achieved through using renewable energies

Environment Efficient energy use benefits the environment.

Governance Nil

RECOMMENDATION.

That Council note the findings of the energy audit and proposed funding stages.

Attachments: Nil

REPORT

Council recently engaged Ecoeel Pty Ltd to conduct an energy audit on a number of Council buildings. Initial

audits were undertaken at the following Council facilities:

Administration Building, 203 – 209 Comur Street

Workshop & Depot , 1418 Yass Valley Way

Yass Library, 84 Comur Street Yass

Visitor Information Centre, 253 Comur St Yass Following the onsite audits on the above Council buildings, energy efficiency reports have been generated for each site which has identified an estimated total achievable annual savings of $22,768.00. Additional site visits were also conducted at the Goodradigbee Centre and the Yass Swimming Pool. There was no substantial savings identified at the Goodradigbee Centre. The site visits to the swimming pool included data logging and measuring of the power consumption of the filtration pumps. This information was used to compile a data logging report that identifies annual running costs of the pump motors. Further costings are required to identify costs for installing a new variable speed pump & motor to replace the old equipment on the 50m pool pump which will be factored into the Pool Capital works program for 2016/17. By upgrading the existing pump and motor with an energy efficient unit including variable speed control and power factor correction will provide energy savings in the range of 35% which is a estimated annual saving in the vicinity of $4,600. Further investigation is being undertaken and it is anticipated that the new pump and motor will be installed prior to next swim season. Additional work has also started on investigating street lighting to see if there are any ways to reduce associated costs, also an investigation into the cost of providing solar panels to a number of high usage sites



is currently being investigated and costed. This work is currently ongoing while additional information is being collected and a further report will be forthcoming. . On-site audits of each site identified Lighting Energy Efficient Upgrades for each building, it also identified the type and quantity of the existing lighting, information from electricity bills and information supplied regarding opening hours which was used to calculate electricity consumption and running costs.

Administration Building The lighting audit has identified savings in electricity consumption for the Administration Buildings by using energy efficient LED lights as replacements for the existing lights. The new lights would consume 7,846 kWh with a cost estimate of $2,683 per annum. This represents a saving of $9,442 per annum or 78% on the existing lighting. Annual Consumption Annual Cost Existing 35,453 $12,125 After Replacement 7,846 $ 2,683 Savings 27,607 $ 9,442 % Saving 78% Installed Cost $15,300 Return on Investment 1.6

Note: Average Cost per KWh - $0.34 (from Electricity Bills) Currently the Administration office is fitted out with,

146 x Fluorescent ceiling Troffers or surface mounted lights ranging from 18W – 58W.

12 x incandescent and mercury vapour light bulbs that have been identified for upgrade to achieve estimated savings.

The upgrade identified would consist of removal and replacement of existing fluorescent lights and replace with recessed ceiling panel LED lights and the installation of 20 x LED twin diffused lights and 4 x single diffused lights. Fit replacement LED lights to entrance and stairwell. Workshop & Depot The lighting audit has identified savings in electricity consumption for the Workshop & Depot Buildings by using energy efficient LED lights as replacements for the existing lights. The new lights would consume 9,154 kWh with a cost estimate of $2,105 per annum. This represents a saving of $8,866 per annum or 81% on the existing lighting.

Annual Consumption Annual Cost Existing 47,702 $10,971 After Replacement 9,154 $ 2,105 Savings 38,548 $ 8,866 % Saving 81% Installed Cost 22,645 Return on Investment 2.6 Note: Average Cost per KWh - $0.34 (from Electricity Bills) Currently the lighting at the workshop and depot buildings consist of 92 x double & single fluorescent surface mounted lights (36W).

25 x Mercury Vapour Hi Bay 400W lights

4 x Mercury Vapour Portico lights 250W

4 x Pole mounted Flood Lights – Metal Halide The recommendation for the Workshop Depot building lighting upgrade consists of several components and requires a detailed design to provide the correct level of lighting both during the day and after hours.



Control of the lights using photosensitive and motion sensors is also an important part of the design. The upgrade in this estimate includes:

Replacing the pole mounted floodlights with low level LED floodlights with sensors.

Replacing the fluorescent tubes in the office areas with LED linear 20W tubes.

Replacing the fluorescent tubes in the stores area with LED linear 18W tubes with built in movement

sensors.

Replacing the High Mercury Vapour lights in the workshop with LED lights.

Yass Library The lighting audit has identified savings in electricity consumption for the Administration Buildings by using energy efficient LED lights as replacements for the existing lights. The new lights would consume 3,776 kWh with a cost estimate of $1,095 per annum. This represents a saving of $2,520 per annum or 70% on the existing lighting. Annual Consumption Annual Cost Existing 12,464 $3,615 After Replacement 3,776 $1,095 Savings 8,688 $2,520 % Saving 70% Installed Cost $8,673 Return on Investment 3.4 Note: Average Cost per KWh - $0.34 (from Electricity Bills) The current lighting in the Library consists of 59 double fluorescent tube lights ranging between 36W & 56W. It is recommended that the upgrade would consist of LED Tubes 22W to the current double light fittings. Yass Visitor Information Centre The lighting audit has identified savings in electricity consumption for the Administration Buildings by using energy efficient LED lights as replacements for the existing lights. The new lights would consume 3,496 kWh with a cost estimate of $1,163 per annum. This represents a saving of $1,941 per annum or 63% on the existing lighting. Annual Consumption Annual Cost Existing 9,328 $3,104 After Replacement 3,496 $1,163 Savings 5,832 $1,941 % Saving 63% Installed Cost $4,248 Return on Investment 2.2 Note: Average Cost per KWh - $0.34 (from Electricity Bills) The current lighting configuration in the VIC building consists of,

36 x Single/double fluorescent lights 18W – 36W

8 x 20W low voltage track lights

1 x small flood light 120W

1 x large flood light – Metal Halide (500W) The recommended upgrade consists of several components and requires a detailed design to provide the correct level of lighting both during the day and after hours. Control of the lights using photosensitive and motion sensors is also an important part of the design. The upgrade in this estimate includes:

Replacing the small and large flood lights with LED floodlights

Replacing the fluorescent tubes In the office areas with LED linear 20W tubes

Replacing the external fluorescent tubes with LED linear 20W tubes



Replacing the fluorescent lights in the external toilets with LED lights with built in movement

sensors.

Summary of Upgrade Costs and Estimated Savings compared to return on investment. Location Upgrade Costs Estimated yearly

Savings % Saving Return on

Investment Administration Building $ 15,300 $ 9,442 78% 1.6 yrs Depot & Workshop $ 22,245 $ 8,866 81% 2.6 yrs Library $ 8,673 $ 2,520 70% 3.8 yrs VIC $ 4,248 $ 1,941 63% 2.2 yrs TOTAL $ 50,866 $ 22,769

Conclusion The energy/lighting audit identified significant savings that can be achieved by upgrading to energy efficient lighting. The cost of the lighting upgrades ($50,866) to all listed buildings would be returned to Council within approximately 1.6 - 3.8 years. An estimated saving of $22,769 per year would be achieved by undertaking the recommended upgrade works. Due to costs it is proposed to fund this work over two years and an amount $15,300 has been included in the draft budget for 2016/17.



9.4 YASS INDOOR HEATED SWIMMING POOL FEASABILITY

FILE: FL.P.06.00.00 – TJR

SYNOPSIS

An information night has been organised for Thursday 7 April 2016 for the establishment of a heated pool community Steering Committee.

It is suggested that the Committee be at arm’s length from Council and a consultant be engaged to work with the Committee, review current pool operations and undertake a feasibility for a heated pool.


Nil.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Nil.


Social Pools provide high level social outcomes.

Economic Nil

Environment Nil

Governance Nil

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council note the heated pool information night for 7 April 2016 for the proposed establishment of a heated swimming pool steering committee.

2. That the information evening be independently facilitated (ie facilitator not be from Council).

3. That the community steering committee not include Councillors or Council staff.

4. That Council call expressions of interest from suitably qualified and experienced consultants to undertake a review of the current Yass Memorial Pool and the feasibility of a Yass Indoor Heated Swimming Pool in line with the brief outlined in the report.

5. That the feasibility be funded from S94 developer contributions (Administration Fund).

Attachments: Nil

REPORT

Council at its 2016 February meeting resolved as follows;

1. The report be received and the organisers of the petition receive a copy of the report;

2. Council facilitate a community stakeholder engagement process commencing in April 2016 for the purpose of guiding a Feasibility Study brief.

The organiser of the petition has been informed by correspondence and an information night has been organised for Thursday 7 April 2016.

It is planned that a Steering Committee of interested community members be formed when the information night is conducted. While it is anticipated there will be a great deal of interest it is recommended that the Steering Committee be limited to 12-15 people, with representation from at least;

1. Yass Hospital 5. Sporting Groups

2. Youth Council 6. Interested Community Members

3. Swimming Club 7. Physiotherapists/Doctors

4. Schools 8. Home Living Support



Ultimately, Council will need to make decisions in relation to the project and consider recommendations from the Steering Committee. It is considered prudent that the Steering Committee be comprised solely of community representatives and Councillors and staff have no direct involvement in the Committee except to provide information if requested by the Committee.

The purpose of the Steering Committee will be to inform Council on the type of indoor pool the community might desire and consider such issues as:

1. 4, 6 or 8 lanes and pool length

2. Depth 0.9m – 1.5m

3. Operating temperatures

4. Operating times

5. Hydrotherapy, water aerobics, lap swimming

6. Architecture features

7. Swim programs

8. Location

9. Cost recovery

10. Community funding

It is envisaged that the Steering Committee would undertake some inspections of existing pools to help clarify the desires of the community. While the Steering Committee could work independently there is a risk it may not have the technical expertise to fully digest all the parameters associated with the aquatic sports environment and it may therefore require some direction. To assist the Committee, it is recommended that expressions of interest be called to invite suitably qualified and experienced consultants to engage with the Steering Committee to work through their aspirations and various aquatic issues that arise. There are a number of very experienced consultants that work specifically in this field.

The brief would include the following;

1. Review of the current Yass Memorial Pool complex; hours of operation, condition of plant and equipment, swimming programs, levels of service, opportunities for improvement and strategic direction of the pool.

2. Undertake a survey of residents to establish the community’s needs and aspirations.

3. Engage with the steering committee, sporting clubs and community groups.

4. Undertake Councillor Workshops to determine the views of the Council.

5. Prepare concept plans of possible heated indoor swimming pools, plans to include indicative costing of capital works.

6. Prepare a 10 year strategic directions plan for improvements.

The cost of this project is anticipated to be in the value of $40K - $50K and an amount funded from the Section 94 Administration Fund has been included in the draft 2016-17 estimates.



9.5 UPDATE ON WASTE VOUCHERS

FILE: C.08.00.00 – TS

SYNOPSIS

Providing Council with an updated report on the usage of Waste Vouchers by residents for the period 1 August 2015 to 29 February 2016, this being the first seven months of the free voucher scheme implemented by Council at its meeting in March 2015.


The cost to Council is unbudgeted and will place further financial strain on the Waste Fund Reserve.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Nil


Social N/A

Economic Council’s waste reserve is near depleted for the financial year and any further impost on the reserves would impact future planed works.

Environment Promoting reuse and recycling preserves the life of regional landfills, and reduces the costs of sending waste to landfill. By accepting additional waste, which is largely unsorted, at no cost, places additional strain on regional landfills.

Governance N/A

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council note the financial impost of the waste voucher system and the system be curtailed from the 1 July 2016

OR

2. That Council continue with free waste vouchers in 2016/17 and increase the Waste Management Environmental Charge by an additional $10 in 2016/17.

Attachments: Nil

REPORT

Waste vouchers were provided to all rate payers with their first rates instalment in July 2015. Each of the 7048 rates assessments were issued with two numbered vouchers that also contained the resident’s name, address and their corresponding assessment notice number.

Waste vouchers were printed in the same order as the rates assessment notices and staff manually inserted the vouchers into the envelopes with the corresponding assessments. This proved to be a labour intensive exercise but guaranteed that each of the 7048 vouchers were matched with the correct assessment. Council can be assured that every rateable assessment received two waste vouchers.

To record and track usage of vouchers an Excel spreadsheet was created and data is manually entered each week to produce records and monitor voucher usage. These reports also compare actual costs for waste incurred by each voucher.

The total cost of the voucher scheme for the first seven months includes the following:

Design, Printing and staff time $ 4,260

Cost of waste received $ 34,982

Total as at 29 February ’16 $ 39,875



Vouchers received by location

Location Number of

Vouchers Presented Cost of waste delivered

voucher scheme Binalong 79 $2,219 Bowning 55 $1,882 Bookham 27 $725 Wee Jasper 1 $32 Gundaroo 192 $4,345 Murrumbateman 463 $8,394 Yass 1201 $17,385 TOTAL 2018 $34,982

During the period 1 August 2015 to 29 February 2016 there has been 2018 waste vouchers presented between Council’s seven transfer station sites. Transfer station staff then record the actual cost of waste delivered for each voucher. The current total to date is $ 34,982. This represents a cost of $17.33 per voucher. Current uptake rate on voucher usage is approximately 14.25%. Given the low uptake this means those unable to use the voucher or that have chosen not to, are subsiding those who do.

At this stage the cost of $39,875 is unfunded and will need to be funded from the Waste Reserve. Council’s Waste Reserve is almost depleted with the completion of the Murrumbateman Transfer Station and capital works program. Any further strain on this Reserve will be unsustainable into the future now that Council has adopted the Strategic Business Plan for Waste Management Services. All financial modelling is based on the planned capital works program identified in the Plan against forecasted income.

It would be reasonable to predict that on the current costs for the first 7 months that Council could expect to incur further costs for the remainder of the financial year in the vicinity of $70K.

The Waste Fund is fully funded from waste charges. The only recourse is to increase the amount of the Environmental Levy to cover the cost of the waste vouchers which really defeats the notion that the vouchers are “free”.

The more important message is that Council is sending out the wrong pricing signal to residents by offering a waste disposal service at no cost. . Council encourages recycling and waste minimisation where disposal costs are meant to reflect the environmental cost however, allowing residents to dispose of a large quantity of waste, at no cost, sends a mixed and contradictory message to ratepayers.

Additional to the waste voucher system Council provides a free Household Chemical Collection at the Yass Transfer Station for residents to dispose of unwanted chemicals and products that are excluded from landfill. Currently EPA, through the CBRJO, provides a 50/50 funding for the one Household Chemical Collection Program event held each year. This is also a free service to all residents and in 2015 the total collection cost was $34,242. A claim has been forwarded to reclaim half the costs as per the grant funding agreement. The net cost to Council in 2015/16 is $17,121 to host this program. Each year this program is funded and costed into waste expenses. Council has been participating in the Household Chemical Collection since 2002 with the assistance of EPA funding.

Also in addition to the voucher system, Council last year through the CBRJO, participated for the first time in the Garage Sale Trail. From discussions with other organisations that have participated in this program for a number of years, it can be expected that participation will grow quite significantly once residents become familiar with the whole process and its associated benefits.

It is estimated that the cost of the waste voucher scheme for the 2015/16 financial Year may be in the vicinity of $70K. This equates to $6,365 per month, $1,458 per week or $208 per day. With the total of this waste all going to landfill therefore incurring higher disposal costs than recycling.

Council may wish to consider accepting free green/garden waste (<200mm diameter) and reduce the cost to disposing of steel products (excluding products containing CYC’s) as an alternative to providing waste vouchers. This would further encourage recycling and partly offset costs, which could be recouped through sale of these products, however it would only benefit the select few who choose to dispose of this material.

Currently waste vouchers encourage residents to dispose of products to landfill which has higher disposal costs. This is in direct conflict with the State Government’s objective to reduce waste to landfills.

It is considered that expenditure on waste reduction and recycling initiatives provide better environment outcomes than the provision of ‘free’ waste vouchers.



As previously stated the current voucher system is not funded from the operational budget. Should Council wish to continue with the waste voucher system then there will need to be a $10 increase in the Waste Management Environmental Charge to cover this cost. Note, it was identified through the Strategic Business Plan for Waste Management that this Charge needs to be increased from $75 in 2015/16 to $92 in 2016/17 to meet the financial commitments of the Strategy as adopted by Council at its February meeting. Council will consider this Charge as part of its 2016/17 budget process.



9.6 YASS RIVER FITNESS STATION PROJECT UPDATE

FILE: G.03.02.00 – PH

SYNOPSIS

To update Council of the status of the Yass River Fitness Station project.


Supports CSP Strategy 3.1.3 – Develop appropriate infrastructure to service the needs of the Yass Valley Community & 6.1.3.1 – Support and encourage programs that promote health and wellbeing.

There are no implications on the operational budget as Councils portion of the project is proposed to be funded from the S94 Open Space contributions Reserve.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

N/A.


Social This project is a joint initiative of Yass Valley Council and the Rotary Club of Yass Inc. The project is community building and highly significant in terms of its ability to form partnerships between Yass Valley Council, Yass Rotary and local sports groups in Yass Valley.

Economic The financial contributions that have being received through the successful grant application as well as funding through key stakeholders will reduce the amount of funding that is required by Council.

As requested Council is required to make $20,000 available through the Yass Open Space Section 94 Fund for the project.

Council should be aware that the project will create an annual liability of approximately $1,500 per annum comprising maintenance costs and depreciation to fund future asset rehabilitation and replacement.

Environment Once installed, the fitness equipment will provide local sport clubs, fitness groups, residents and visitors with an opportunity to explore the environment of the Yass River, while improving their personal fitness and wellbeing.

Governance N/A

RECOMMENDATION

1. That Council accept the offer of $20,000 through the Commonwealth Governments Stronger Communities Grant Program

2. That Councils $20,000 contribution be funded from the Section 94 Yass Open Space Reserve and the expenditure be moved from 2016/17 to 2015/16 to allow the project to immediately proceed.

Attachments: A. Location of Exercites

B. Equipment Type

C. Signage

REPORT

1. Background

This project was initiated some 10 years ago and was included in the 2007 Strategic Plan for Riverbank Park. The project was reactivated through the interest of the Yass Rotary Club Inc. who sought to work in partnership with Yass Valley Council on the project. A report was considered by Council on this Project at the Ordinary Council Meeting 23 September 2015 which resolved that :



Yass Valley Council approved a contribution of $20,000 from Yass Open Space Section 94 funding towards the purchase and installation of fitness equipment in the Riverbank Park precinct if a grant application that is being submitted through the Commonwealth Governments Stronger Communities Grant Program is successful.

The grant application has been successful in obtaining $20,000 through the Commonwealth Governments Stronger Communities Program.

The program requires some of the financial contributions come directly from the community. Rotary have indicated that they will financially support the project and at the recent Sports Council meeting there was strong support from the local sporting organisations. Council staff have been working directly with Rotary and other community groups to seek additional funding to meet the budgeted cost of the project.

2. BUDGET FOR THE YASS RIVER PROJECT

Item Income $ Expenses $

Community Group Sponsorship

$7,050

Yass Valley Council $20,000

Grant funding $20,000

Exercise equipment $34,050

Site preparation $5,000

Installation $8,000

TOTAL $47,050 $47,050

Now that the grant application has been successful, it is desirable that the project proceed this financial year to take advantage of the goodwill and momentum within the community in relation to this project.

Council allocated $20,000 from S94 Open Space Funds towards this project in 2016/17 in the Revised Delivery Plan which was adopted in February.

Now that the grant funding has been approved it suggested that funding be moved forward to 2015/16

2.1 DETAILS OF THE PROJECT

The project will result in the installation of four exercise equipment clusters “Exercite’s” in and around Riverbank Park. Each of the four “Exersite’s” will comprise of 15 pieces of infrastructure that can be used to improve physical fitness. The locations of the ‘exercite’s are indicated on ‘Attachment A’.

It is proposed to establish the equipment spaced over a 1.6 km long trail commencing in the vicinity of the playground at the south side of the Yass River following the activity path east, crossing the river to the north side and returning in a westerly direction to pass under Laidlaw Street to the start point. The route is generally undulating with a few minor sections to test those who want to stretch out.

Each site will consist of a range of sturdy exercise equipment that enables participants to undertake a self-guided and balanced fitness program including warm up and cool down exercises, strengthening exercises and cardiovascular conditioning agility activities. There are information panels at each site that provide instructions on how to use the equipment for a number of different fitness activities. Each activity provides options to accommodate the ability and size of the user. ‘Attachment B’ demonstrates the type of equipment which will be used. ‘Attachment C’ demonstrates the signage which will be used.

As ‘lead in time’ with consultation, quotation, and logistics as well as seeking further funding is constrained by time Council staff have commenced with the project activities.

9.6 Yass River Fitness Station Project Update

Attachment A Location of Exercites



Attachment B Equipment Type



Attachment C Signage

Director of Engineering Reports – 8 of 246



9.7 VILLAGE SEWERAGE SCHEME WORKING GROUP

FILE: W.02.01.04 – TJR

SYNOPSIS

The Working Group that was established to consider the ongoing feasibility of providing sewerage services to Binalong and Bowning have indicated that:

- Bowning should be the first priority

- There are some existing onsite sewerage systems in Bowning that have been reported to be malfunctioning and need to be investigated

- The proposed Strategy (2002) for providing sewer to Bowning needs to be reviewed and updated.


None at this time, to be considered as part of the 2016/17 budget estimates.

COMMUNICATION PLAN

Nil.


Social Associated health protection.

Economic Sewerage facilities are normally funded by way of loans and grants.

Environment Sewerage Services protect the environment.

Governance Nil

RECOMMENDATION

1. That arrangements be made to undertake a septic tank audit of the problem areas in Bowning Village to identify systems that have failed and that require remedial action;

2. That Council give consideration to updating the current Bowning Village Sewerage Strategy at a budget cost of $40,000 as part of the 2016/17 budget.

Attachments: A. Ministerial Response

B. Yass Village Sewerage Scheme Report (Under Separate Cover)

REPORT

1. Background

Council resolved at its August 2015 meeting that a Working Group comprising of Councillors Jones, Frost and Burgess consider the ongoing feasibility of providing sewerage services to Binalong and Bowning.

(a) Due to financial constraints in the Sewer Fund that Council advise the Minister that Council unable to lodge a submission for the Bowning and Binalong Sewerage Projects at this time. However, requested that the Minister include these projects on a deferred list for further consideration in the future;

(b) Council create a Working Group (Councillors Jones, Frost and Burgess) to further explore funding opportunities on the Bowning and Binalong sewerage projects.

2. Ministerial Response

In response to (a) above the Minister has advised Council that both Bowning and Binalong are unable to be placed on a deferred list for further funding consideration (Attachment A). The Minister also advised the he is unable to offer any guarantees that future funding will become available in order to provide financial subsidies towards these projects. If not, then Council will have to fund the entire cost of these projects.



3. Working Group Action

The Working Group met in February and were presented with the following estimated costs for sewering each village ;

Binalong - $4.2 million

Bowning - $5.5 million

These are only indicative costs and have been indexed to current prices and reviewed from work that was undertaken as part of the Yass Village Sewerage Scheme Option Refinement Report (2002), refer Attachment B.

The Working Group in considering these matters formed a view that Bowning Village, given local issues of unreliable septic tanks and the potential for future expansion has a higher priority than Binalong and therefore should be examined further, prior to Binalong.

Members of the Group recognised that the development of any centralised sewerage system would be some years away and expressed concern that in Bowning there is currently an issue with some existing onsite sewage treatment systems that are reported to be poorly maintained and that this periodically gives rise to odours and sewage overflows. It was viewed that action needed to be taken on this issue as a matter of priority.

It is recommended that Council’s Environmental Officers undertake inspections and audit troublesome locations and prepare a report on the current status of on-site treatment systems in Bowning. The report should also identify remediation work for those systems that are identified as being poorly maintained. This may involve solids to be pumped out from septic tanks and absorption trenches to be reconstructed. This audit will also involve all problem areas including the absorption trench at the Hall which has been known to be problematic in wetter times. The audit will inform Council on whether there are interim measures that can alleviate current public health concerns.

In relation to the development of a sewerage system for Bowning Village options identified in the 2002 report need to be updated and reviewed. It is recommended that this work be undertaken at an estimated cost of $40,000.

This will inform Council on the current cost of this work and assist Council to make further decisions which may involve lodging more detailed funding submissions in the future.

9.7 Village Sewerage Scheme Working Group

Attachment A Ministerial Response


9.1 murrumbateman sewerage project progress report · 9.1 murrumbateman sewerage project progress...

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