agenda assets and infrastructure committee

AGENDA

Assets and Infrastructure Committee

Monday, 11 October 2021

7.00pm

Skype Online Meeting

Georges River Council – Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Monday, 11 October 2021

OATH OF OFFICE OR AFFIRMATION OF OFFICE

All Georges River Councillors are reminded of their Oath of Office or Affirmation of Office made at the time of their swearing into the role of Councillor.

All Councillors are to undertake the duties of the office of Councillor in the best interests of the people of the Georges River Council area and are to act faithfully and impartially carry out the functions, powers, authorities and discretions vested in them under the Local Government Act 1993 or any other Act to the best of their ability and judgement.

DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

All Georges River Councillors are reminded of their obligation to declare any conflict of interest (perceived or otherwise) in a matter being considered by Council or at any meeting of Council.


ASSETS AND INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE MEETING

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. OPENING

2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

3. APOLOGIES / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

4. NOTICE OF WEBCASTING

5. DISCLOSURES OF INTEREST

6. PUBLIC FORUM

7. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

ASS031-21 Confirmation of the minutes of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee meeting held on 13 September 2021 (Report by Executive Services Officer) ............................................................... 4

8. COMMITTEE REPORTS

ASS032-21 Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee 5 October 2021 (Report by Coordinator Traffic & Transport) ....................................................... 9

ASS033-21 Confirmation of Minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Committee held on 20 September 2021 (Report by Design Engineer) ............................................................................ 14

ASS034-21 T21/015 Management Agreement - Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility (Report by Manager Infrastructure)................................................................... 20

ASS035-21 Interim Solutions to Cater for Off-Road Biking Activities during the Summer Period 2021/2022 (Report by Manager Strategic Placemaking) .................................................... 24


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CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Item: ASS031-21 Confirmation of the minutes of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee meeting held on 13 September 2021

Author: Executive Services Officer

Directorate: Office of the General Manager

Matter Type: Previous Minutes

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Minutes of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting held on 13 September 2021 be confirmed.

ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 Unconfirmed Minutes of the Assets and Infrastructure Committee - 13/09/2021

Georges River Council - Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Monday, 11 October 2021 ASS031-21 CONFIRMATION OF THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 13 SEPTEMBER 2021 [Attachment 1] Unconfirmed Minutes - Assets and Infrastructure Committee - 13 September 2021

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Item: ASS032-21 Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee 5 October 2021

Author: Coordinator Traffic & Transport

Directorate: Assets and Infrastructure

Matter Type: Committee Reports

RECOMMENDATION:

That the Recommendations contained within the minutes of the Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting held on 5 October 2021 be adopted by Council.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. The Recommendations contained within the Minutes of the Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting held on 5 October 2021 are submitted to the Assets and Infrastructure Committee for consideration and to Council for adoption.

BACKGROUND

2. The Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting of 5 October 2021 was held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.

3. Budget allocation

a. TfNSW Traffic Facilities Grant $415,000

Balance to date

b. TfNSW Traffic Facilities Grant $340,000

4. Estimated cost of works recommended by the Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting of 5 October 2021 is $601,500. Dissection: $1,500 to be allocated from the TfNSW Traffic Facilities Grant and $600,000 to be allocated from the grant funding through Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s Public Spaces Legacy program for the MacMahon Street and Palm Court changes.

FILE REFERENCE

D21/232099

ATTACHMENTS Attachment ⇩1

Unconfirmed Minutes - Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee 05 October 2021

ASS_11102021_AGN_AT_files/ASS_11102021_AGN_AT_Attachment_7736_1.PDF

Georges River Council - Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Monday, 11 October 2021 ASS032-21 GEORGES RIVER LOCAL TRAFFIC ADVISORY COMMITTEE 5 OCTOBER 2021 [Attachment 1] Unconfirmed Minutes - Georges River Local Traffic Advisory Committee 05 October 2021

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Item: ASS033-21 Confirmation of Minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Committee held on 20 September 2021

Author: Design Engineer



RECOMMENDATION:

The Recommendations contained within the Minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Committee Meeting held on 20 September 2021 be adopted by Council.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. The Recommendations contained within the Minutes of the Floodplain Risk Management Committee Meeting held on 20 September 2021 are submitted to the Assets and Infrastructure Committee for consideration and to Council for adoption.

BACKGROUND

2. The Floodplain Risk Management Committee Meeting of 20 September 2021 was held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions.

3. The NSW Government Flood Prone Land Policy supported by the Floodplain Development Manual provides a framework for the assessment and management of flood risk across the state. Council is primarily responsible for management of flood prone land through the implementation of flood risk management strategies.

4. The Overland Flow Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan represents the next stage of the floodplain management process and follows on from the adoption of the Overland Flow Flood Study for the Hurstville, Mortdale and Peakhurst Wards.

5. The recommended risk management measures include response modification measures, property modification measures and flood modification measures. Response modification measures modify the response of the community to flood hazard by educating flood affected property owners about the nature of flooding so that they can make more informed decisions. Property modification measures modify existing properties, land use controls and development controls for future new development or redevelopment. Flood modification measures modify the physical behaviour of a flood event including depth, velocity and direction of flow paths.

6. As a result of a detailed assessment undertaken in in the Floodplain Risk Management Study eight (8) flood modification measures have been identified to be implemented within the Floodplain Risk Management Plan. These measures include the construction of retarding basins, upgrades and duplications of existing trunk drainage systems, and the construction of new trunk drainage.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

7. Within budget allocation.


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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

8. This report recommends that the draft Overland Flow Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for Hurstville, Mortdale and Peakhurst Wards be placed on public exhibition for a period of 28 days. As part of the community consultation and stakeholder consultation the following will be undertaken:

(a) Advertisement of the draft Overland Flow Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan for Hurstville, Mortdale and Peakhurst Wards in the local newspaper, the Leader.

(b) Inclusion on Council’s webpage and social media platforms with additional online information including a virtual presentation and a list of frequently asked questions and responses.

(c) Members of the community who wish to discuss and gain further information regarding the Study and Plan will be able to book and attend an online meeting with the consultant and Council representatives.

(d) Property owners identified to be in the Flood Planning Area will be formally notified in writing.

FILE REFERENCE

D21/230286

ATTACHMENTS Attachment ⇩1 Minutes - Floodplain Risk Management Committee 20 September 2021

ASS_11102021_AGN_AT_files/ASS_11102021_AGN_AT_Attachment_7720_1.PDF

Georges River Council - Assets and Infrastructure Committee Meeting - Monday, 11 October 2021 ASS033-21 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF THE FLOODPLAIN RISK MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HELD

ON 20 SEPTEMBER 2021 [Attachment 1] Minutes - Floodplain Risk Management Committee 20 September 2021

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Item: ASS034-21 T21/015 Management Agreement - Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility

Author: Manager Infrastructure



RECOMMENDATION:

(a) That under Section 178 (1) (b) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, Council decline to accept any of the tenders for T21/015 Management Agreement Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility.

(b) That under Section 178 (3) (f) of the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005, Council carry out the requirements of the proposed contract itself for the period until 30 June 2023.

(c) That the General Manager be authorised to invite fresh tenders in early 2023 for the combined management of the facility and naming rights.

(d) That Council inform all Tenderers of the resolution.

(e) That Council note that the six (6) submissions received for the Request For Proposal P21/001 (Penshurst Sports Hub Naming Rights) were rejected on the basis of non-conformance against the published criteria.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Due to the upcoming completion of the Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility, Council sought tenders for the development, management, and delivery of sporting programs at the facility to ensure that the best commercial and community outcomes are achieved.

2. None of the submissions received by Council adequately met the required commercial outcomes identified in the approved business plan for the ongoing maintenance and operation of the new synthetic sports facility.

3. Further, the separate Request For Proposal (RFP) P21/001 Penshurst Sports Hub Naming Rights received six (6) non-conforming submissions that were subsequently rejected on that basis.

4. In September 2021 Council was advised that due to DA modifications and a change in the project cost, Council was unable to act as the private certifier and the engagement of an external private certifier was undertaken. This is likely to delay commencement of operations at the facility until 2022.

5. The purpose of this report is to provide details of the tender and evaluation processes for tender T21/015 Management Agreement Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility and to seek a resolution from Council to decline to accept any of the tenders.

BACKGROUND

6. Georges River Council is currently constructing a new synthetic sports facility at Penshurst Park, Penshurst.


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7. Tender T21/015 – Management Agreement Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility was advertised on VendorPanel website from Tuesday 6 July 2021.

8. Tender documentation included:

a) RFT T21/015 – Management Agreement Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility;

b) Scope of Services;

c) Conditions of Tendering;

d) General Conditions of Contract Incorporating AS 4920 - 2003 (as amended);

e) Formal Instrument of Agreement;

f) Background Documentation; and

g) Returnable Schedules.

9. The Director Assets and Infrastructure appointed a Tender Evaluation Committee for the tender prior to advertising. All tender documentation was reviewed by the Manager Infrastructure prior to issuing.

10. The Tender Evaluation Committee determined the Tender Evaluation Criteria prior to advertising of the tender. The essential criteria and mandatory criteria was determined as follows:

Essential Criteria:

(i) Capability - The tenderer demonstrates they have sufficient depth and breadth of qualified, specialised and experienced personnel to successfully perform the required range of services and demonstrates relevant and extensive experience in the successful delivery of the tendered activities.

(ii) Operational Management Plan - The tenderer demonstrates community utilisation (number of hours) and targeted programs.

(iii) Proposed Marketing Plan demonstrating the Tenderer’s innovative and creative solutions with commercial as well as community considerations in the operation of the facility.

(iv) Quality Management and WHS – The Tenderer demonstrates the capacity to plan and manage the quality of work as well as successful management of work, health and safety (WHS).

(v) Council’s Economic and Social Recovery Plan

(vi) Management Fee, proposed operational budget and financial assessment.

Mandatory Criteria:

(i) Conformity with Tender submission requirements

(ii) Financial and commercial trading integrity and insurances, including:

• Public Liability Insurance - $20 million

• Other Insurances as defined in the tender documents

• Workers Compensation – Minimum requirements by law

• WHS Plan

11. The tender closed at 10am on Tuesday 27 July 2021 in the presence of the Tender Opening Committee. Four (4) tenders were received via VendorPanel from the following companies:


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1. St George Football Association

2. Football de Brazil Pty Limited

3. BlueFit Pty Ltd

4. Ultimate Soccer

12. In accordance with the Request for Tender document and Tender Evaluation Plan, the Tender Evaluation Committee individually evaluated the submissions and met on Friday 13 August 2021 to review the submissions and seek any clarifications. Details of the Tender Evaluation Committee and the evaluation process undertaken are provided in the confidential attachment.

13. Whilst the tenders received demonstrated reasonably sufficient qualifications and experience to deliver the required community outcomes, the following elements were also considered as part of the evaluation process:

• none of the submissions adequately met the commercial outcomes adopted in Council’s business plan for the facility

• anticipated delays in achieving the development consent conditions and commencement of operations for this facility

• outcome of the recent Request for Proposal (RFP) process for the Penshurst Sports Hub Naming Rights

14. In August 2019, Council resolved that Georges River Council goes to tender for the naming rights to the Penshurst Sporting Hub. The timing of this was to coincide with the completion of the facility.

15. In August 2021, Council sought RFP for P21/001 Penshurst Sports Hub Naming Rights. The RFP was issued via VendorPanel on Friday 6 August 2021 and closed on Tuesday 31 August 2021 at 10.00am.

16. Six (6) submissions were received, evaluated against the published criteria and subsequently deemed non-conforming as they did not meet the requirements of the RFP.

17. A further opportunity exists to consider the naming rights as part of any future tender for the management agreement of the Penshurst Park Synthetic Sports Facility.

18. Having regard to all the circumstances and considerations, it was determined that none of the tenders represent to be the most advantageous to Council and a recommendation to decline to accept any of the tenders, and for Council to undertake the requirements of the proposed contract itself represents the most beneficial option at this stage.


19. The costs associated with Council undertaking the requirements of the proposed contract itself are within budget allocation. (Existing staff will be redeployed to manage the facility). Fees and charges implemented by staff for the management and operation of the facility will comply with the commercial requirements of the adopted business plan.

20. There are no additional costs associated with declining to accept any of the tenders.

RISK IMPLICATIONS

21. The risks associated with entering in a contract that does not meet Council’s adopted business plan, and where a delay in the commercial operations has occurred due to a change in requirements to achieve the development consent conditions, represents a significant risk in Council’s ability to effectively meet community expectations in the operations of this facility.


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22. By undertaking the requirements of the proposed contract itself for a period of time and inviting fresh tenders with a different scope of works will enable Council to meet the community expectations and commercial requirements.


23. Community engagement was not conducted.

FILE REFERENCE

T21/015 – D21/178147

ATTACHMENTS Attachment 1 Confidential Attachment T21-015 V2 (Confidential)


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Item: ASS035-21 Interim Solutions to Cater for Off-Road Biking Activities during the Summer Period 2021/2022

Author: Manager Strategic Placemaking and Research and Social Policy Officer



RECOMMENDATION:

(a) That Council note the following interim and short-term active recreation opportunities will be introduced to ease pressure on Council’s parks and bushland areas during the 2021/22 summer period:

i. The installation of a pop-up skate park suitable for bike riding, such as BMX, at Olds Park Penshurst;

ii. The delivery of dirt jumps/tracks at Lower Gannons Park.

(b) That Council note contemporary maps of off-road trails where biking is permitted within the local government area have been developed and will be published and distributed to complement the above interim and short-term active recreation opportunities.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. Sport and recreation trends are changing. The rising popularity of non-traditional sports within Australia and around the world provides new challenges to planners, open space specialists, recreation officers and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced communities to remain closer to home, making the most of local open space, community and recreation facilities and in some cases creating their own.

2. This report explores and recommends interim and short-term active recreation opportunities to ease pressure on Council’s parks and bushland areas during the 2021/22 summer holiday period. The recommendations explore, pop up skate parks, the delivery of a dirt jump/ tracks and the promotion of off-road trails.

3. The opportunities presented in this report will support the community during the current and future NSW Public Health Order restrictions and/or until the longer-term design and construction of an active recreation facility is completed.

BACKGROUND

4. On 26 July 2021, Council resolved (NM059-21):

That the General Manager prepare a report on the feasibility of constructing a BMX/mountain bike facility within the local government area to provide additional recreational opportunities for the community and to reduce the incidence of unauthorised bike tracks in Oatley Park and other bushland areas.

5. On 23 August 2021, Council resolved (NM065-21):

That the General Manager expedites the finalisation of the feasibility reports for the skate park, BMX and mountain bike facilities within the local government area and that the feasibility reports be presented to Council as soon as possible to allow consideration in the 2022/2023 draft budget bid process.

6. On 27 September 2021, Council resolved (CCL062-21/ASS030-21):


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That, in consideration of the increased need for bike tracks and trails in Georges River, exacerbated by the COVID-19 NSW Public Health Order restrictions, Council note that a separate report will be submitted to the October 2021 Council meeting, investigating the interim and short-term provision of active recreation opportunities to ease pressure on Council’s parks and bushland areas during the 2021/22 summer holiday period.

7. As requested, Council officers have investigated short-term active recreation opportunities to support the bike-riding community during the 2021/22 summer holiday period.

Current state of off-road biking infrastructure in the community

8. Sport and recreation trends are changing. The rising popularity of non-traditional sports within Australia and around the world provides new challenges to planners, open space specialists, recreation officers and communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced communities to remain closer to home, making the most of local open space, community and recreation facilities and in some cases creating their own.

9. The opportunities discussed in this report align to Council’s Community Strategic Plan, Pillar 1 – A Protected Environment and Green Open Spaces, Goal 1.3 – Everyone has access to beautiful parks and open spaces and Pillar 3 – Active and Accessible Places and Spaces, Goal 3.4 – Everyone has access to a range of active and passive recreation facilities. As well as Council’s Open Space, Recreation and Community Facilities Strategy, which identifies mountain biking as an emerging sport with rising popularity and acknowledges the need for increased facilities for BMX biking.

10. Although local biking facilities do exist, Council does not currently provide dedicated BMX or mountain bike facilities within the local government area (LGA).

11. Several informal bike tracks and jumps created by the community in parks and reserves have already been removed as they were considered unsafe and/or causing damage to environmentally sensitive local bushland. However, the tracks and jumps continue to be constructed, indicating high demand for recreational and sporting opportunities of this type.

12. Council has received a high number of requests for dedicated BMX or mountain bike facilities from residents. This has been routinely identified as a priority during community consultation undertaken as part of the development of Plans of Management and Master Plans at various locations throughout the city.

13. Georges River Council is committed to delivering a diverse range of high quality, sustainable, inclusive places, and spaces for people of all ages and abilities.

Addressing immediate community needs

14. Council officers are currently developing an off-road biking (including BMX and mountain biking) feasibility study which will be presented to Council in March 2022. The study will identify community demand, capacity to deliver including identifying appropriate locations, impediments to implementation and costs to deliver both BMX and mountain biking facilities. The study will support Council to make an informed decision regarding next steps for a long-term solution.

15. In the interim, given the overwhelming demand being exhibited at present for contemporary off-road and skate park oriented biking infrastructure, it is considered necessary to implement short-term opportunities which seek to cater for such demand over the summer period. These short-term initiatives are expected to relieve demand pressures being experienced across parks and recreation areas, as noted by previous Council resolutions (outlined above).


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16. Stakeholder engagement is expected to provide deeper insight into biking-related community behaviour. Currently, and based on the evidence available to Council officers from reported incidents, the predominant types informal biking-related activity occurring in Council parks and open space includes:

• Informally created dirt jumps/tracks by riders themselves in Council parks (via either a BMX or mountain bike); and

• On existing bike trails informally created by riders in Council parks (such as Oatley Park) or trails currently designated for walkers.

17. It should also be noted that bike riding in skate parks is related to dirt jump bike riding, however at present cannot be meaningfully undertaken due to the absence of appropriate bike-oriented skate-park infrastructure. It is expected that riders participating in dirt jump riding, in addition to other community members more broadly, may engage in skate park-based bike riding if appropriate infrastructure was made available.

Pop-up bike-oriented skate park infrastructure

18. A pop-up skate park specifically designed for bike riding, such as BMX, is an initiative that Council could feasibly implement in anticipation of the 2021/22 school holiday period. This facility, if approved by Council, would cater for freestyle bike riding (jumps and tricks), which in the absence of suitable infrastructure, is currently being undertaken improperly in some instances with potentially harmful environmental impacts.

19. While skate park-based bike riding is distinguishable from dirt jump bike riding, there is significant overlap between such disciplines, namely the skill-set required to perform the activity. A notable difference between such styles of riding is that skate park-based bike riding is usually more suitable for BMX, rather than mountain bikes. Most BMX riders can perform on either skate-based modules or dirt-based jumps, subject to riders’ preferences.

20. It is likely that the absence of sanctioned BMX-related infrastructure in the LGA has contributed to BMX riders using dirt jumps as a result of being able to build such jumps themselves. It is expected that the delivery of skate-based bike infrastructure would capture some of these same riders (as also noted above) given the comparable skills required to use such infrastructure.

21. Skate-based bike infrastructure is favourable for the purpose of introducing an interim solution in the short-term since it can be erected using “pop-up” skating modules with limited impact and at a faster pace than other alternatives. Such modules are prefabricated and constructed off-site and can be flexibly adapted according to community or Council needs through the portability of the modules used.

22. Council has previous experience and success with pop-up skate infrastructure following the pop-up skate park erected at Olds Park, Penshurst for “It’s a Mood” youth festival in 2021. Through an event feedback survey of event participants, the pop-up skate park at “It’s a Mood” was one of the most frequently reported highlights of the event by survey respondents.

23. The following two sites are considered favourable potential locations for erecting a bike-oriented pop-up skate park or pump track:

• Olds Park at Penshurst; or

• The former Oatley Bowling Club site at Oatley.

Olds Park, Penshurst

24. Olds Park is considered the most feasible location for erecting a bike-oriented pop-up skate park in the short-term as:


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• Council has a record of success in implementing pop-up skating infrastructure at this specific location (as noted in point 22);

• There is appropriate open space to implement such infrastructure with limited environmental impact;

• There are appropriate amenities at Olds Park;

• There is limited logistical challenges to establishing such infrastructure in the short-term (noting the above);

• Biking is permitted with “contemporary neighbourhood skate park to accommodate a range of users using skateboards, scooters and bikes” being specifically prescribed under the Olds Park Master Plan; and

• As an interim solution, bike rider behaviour could be adapted to use Olds Park before permanent BMX-oriented skating infrastructure is potentially co-located with a contemporary skate park.

25. It is relevant to note that Council is in the process of engaging a design consultant to develop a permanent, modern and versatile skating facility that reflects the surrounding urban and naturalised environment. The project aims to provide a facility engaging to all users, providing a progression of skills development enabling exploration of skating, BMX riding, and other wheeled sports. The inclusion of a facility at this site would also enhance stakeholder engagement in the development of the skate park design.

Former Oatley Bowling Club (River Road, Oatley)

26. The former Oatley Bowling Club site is also considered a potential location for erecting a bike-oriented pop-up infrastructure as it:

• Is currently a vacant parcel of open space near public transport (i.e. Oatley train station); and

• A pump track (suitable for skateboards, bikes and scooters) running parallel to a children’s bike circuit made of modular components has been prescribed in the former Oatley Bowling Club Plan of Management (PoM) and Master plan (approved by Council on 26 July 2021 - CCL044-21).

27. Remediation works, however, are currently ongoing at this site to mitigate:

• Historic application of the uncontrolled filling to form and level of the site;

• Presence of high levels of hazardous building material (asbestos) associated with historic site structures; and

• The presence of subsurface voids due to water egress causing site subsidence.

28. This work is set to be completed in December 2021 with a Long-Term Environmental Management Plan (LTEMP) in place to ensure the ongoing maintenance and management of the contamination.

29. Any delay in the works will be an issue with locating a pop-up skate park at this site. At the completion of the current remediation project, the site will not have changed significantly in terms of useability or aesthetic (except for the gabion structures mitigating site subsidence). It is however noted that the lack of amenity and passive surveillance at the site are not ideal for the location of a pop-up skate park.

30. If the former Oatley Bowling Club was utilised for the purpose of erecting pop-up bike infrastructure, the infrastructure would be limited to a pump track, as explicitly prescribed under the PoM and Master Plan. While a pump track shares some similarities with skating


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infrastructure, it relates to another distinct discipline of bike riding (i.e. ground-level riding rather than jumping).

31. Although a pump track may better cater for a variety of bike riders (including younger riders) compared to bike-oriented skating infrastructure, it may not cater for the predominant kind of riders engaging in unpermitted riding within the LGA currently (i.e. riders building unpermitted dirt jumps). As a result, combined with the environmental impediments at the former Oatley Bowling Club site, the site at Olds Park is considered a comparably better location to install pop-up skating infrastructure in the short-term.

Dirt jumps/tracks

32. Bike riding using dirt jumps/tracks is a predominant style of riding occurring in the LGA. The delivery of dirt jumps/tracks, which are purpose-built and safe for bike riders, therefore warrants consideration. Establishing dirt jump/tracks would also complement the pop-up BMX-oriented skate park in both catering for the diverse range of bike riders in the LGA; and offering variety for bike riders.

33. To date, dirt jumps/tracks have been created by riders themselves. This often presents risks to the riders’ safety, with dirt jumps/tracks being created haphazardly without regard for established safe practice due to lack of oversight and some riders’ heightened appetite for risk-taking. Similarly, unwanted environmental impacts may be disregarded by riders in informally creating their own jumps/tracks.

34. Council is also aware of the dangerous practice by the public of deliberately placing branches, logs, fishing line, trimmer cord and other obstacles across bush tracks to injure and deter cyclists.

35. If Council were to deliver dirt jumps/tracks (in conjunction with a third-party trail builder), both the safety and environmental impacts could be controlled. For example, while riding a bike carries inherent risks, the heights of jumps can be appropriately limited between 1m-1.2m (depending on the style of jump created) in accordance with best practice to effectively mitigate the likelihood of serious harm being experienced by riders.

Lower Gannons Park, Peakhurst

36. Lower Gannons Park is deemed the most suitable short term location for establishing dirt jumps/tracks as it incorporates large areas of open passive space, is currently frequented by bike riders and connects to existing fire trails.

37. The site is frequented by bikers, with informal jumps/tracks having been built by riders. Council-sanctioned jumps/tracks at this site would therefore be expected to be popular amongst bike riders, and not require riders to change their behaviour in shifting their activities to another location.

38. This site is considered to have capacity to develop a biking facility that connects with existing fire trails and paths in the future.

Up-to-date maps of trails accessible by bicycles

39. Up-to-date maps of the trails and accessways in the LGA accessible to bikes have also been developed to accommodate the growing utilisation of Council parks amongst bikers. These will be published and promoted across appropriate communication channels. If any additional existing trails are subsequently identified as being appropriate to resume for bike-specific use or shared use with walkers, such trails will be added to these maps in future.


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40. The pop-up stake park will cost approximately $15,000 per month. The stake park will be in place from the start of December 2021 – end of February 2022. The project will be funded from the existing 21/22 financial year Events budget allocation.

41. Delivery of a dirt jumps/track will cost approximately $30,000. This cost includes engagement of a third-party expert to support design, construction and maintenance. The project will be funded from the existing 21/22 financial year Recreation, Parks and Waterways budget allocation.

RISK IMPLICATIONS

42. Bike riding, particularly when riding on jumps/tracks and off-road trails, carries inherent safety risks to the riders undertaking such activities. While riders are largely aware of such risks and carry the self-interest of performing within their abilities to preserve their safety, several risk-mitigation measures would need to accompany any BMX or mountain bike related infrastructure introduced by Council.

43. The following risk-mitigation measures could be implemented, as noted in advice obtained from Council’s insurers, and informed by relevant court decisions could also include:

• Inclusion of appropriate signage (with warnings about inherent risks of biking along with users’ entry being subject to the adoption of prescribed personal safety measures, such as helmets being worn) and fencing; and

• Outsourcing of planning, construction, and maintenance to experienced trail or skate park builders. Based on research from other Councils a dirt jump/track will cost approximately $30,000 per track.

44. Council’s insurers have additionally confirmed that:

• The establishment of bike jumps/trails by Council would not prejudice Council’s protection under the Statewide Liability Scheme;

• Ensuring strategies around risk mitigation are always observed will assist in reducing the probability of a loss directed at Council; and

• In the event of an individual seeking to make a claim against Council in respect of loss or injury as a result of using Council-owned bike riding infrastructure, the onus would be on the claimant to substantiate their loss and justify why Council’s negligence contributed to the claim.

45. At the pop-up skate park established for the “It’s a Mood” youth festival in 2021, the following signage was included at the Olds Park site, which could be adapted for bike riding:

“Georges River Council makes safety its first priority while enjoying the fun and healthy sport of skateboarding however, there are risks involved in skateboarding as with any other sport. Participants should wear full protective equipment. Please also carefully read the following acknowledgements and assumptions of risk relating to activities provided by Georges River Council:

• The Participant warrants that he/she is fully medically fit to participate;

• The Participant agrees that he/she will participate entirely at his/her own risk; and

• The Participant acknowledges that entry to the skate ramp carries some risks and/or dangers including physical injury that may result in permanent disability or death, and economic loss or damage.”


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46. Council is currently undertaking extensive and widespread community engagement to inform permanent off-road facilities within Georges River. The engagement activities aim to reach a large cross-section of the Georges River community, with particular interest in feedback from younger community members who participate in off-road biking. The engagement approach aims to overcome COVID-19 restrictions by establishing new creative ways to ensure Council receives useful feedback from the target audience via online forums that remain COVID-19 safe. Engagement will involve informing, consulting and involving the community.

47. Specific community activities will include:

• Your Say survey and mapping tool for the community to suggest future sites as well as invite the community to suggest designs. This tool will be advertised via social media, Councils digital signage, promotion at local schools, community centres and at sites currently used for off-road biking.

• Council will provide branded cards with QR codes to the Your Say mapping tools to youth service providers (3Bridges, PCYC, Project Youth etc.) to encourage community feedback.

• Surveying weekend sport participants and their families via the online Your Say tool.

• Remotely connecting with local businesses who will have insights into current trends and community connections.

48. Industry experts will be targeted including Office of Sport, BMX Australia/NSW, Mountain Bike Australia, Freestyle BMX NSW/Australia, Southern Sydney Mountain Bike Club, Australian Cycling, and Bicycle NSW.

49. Council officers are also working collaboratively with other Councils to understand alternate approaches to this widespread occurrence.

50. An extensive engagement plan, focusing on a combination of online and industry research will allow Council officers to provide an evidence based, community endorsed, feasibility study in March 2022.

FILE REFERENCE

SF21/21

agenda assets and infrastructure committee

Documents