Agenda of Services Policy Committee

ORANGE CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE

Orange Regional Museum Committee

HELD IN Councillors Workroom, Civic Centre, Byng Street, Orange

ON 17 July 2018

COMMENCING AT 1.30pm

1 Introduction

Attendance

Cr R Kidd (Mayor) (Chairperson), Miss Elizabeth Griffin, Mr Phil Stevenson, Mr Neil Jones, Mr Garry West, Mr Ian McIvor, Ms Meg Simpson, Mr Duncan Stuart, Director Museum and Gallery, Museum Manager and Heritage Co-ordinator, Manager Central West Libraries, Manager Business Development.

1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence

RESOLVED Ms E Griffin/Mr P Stevenson

That the apologies be accepted from Scott Maunder, Glen Mickle and Catherine McKenzie for the Orange Regional Museum Committee meeting on 17 July 2018.

1.2 Acknowledgement of Country

Cr Kidd conducted an Acknowledgement of Country

1.3 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests

Nil

2 Previous Minutes

RESOLVED Mr G West/Mr P Stevenson

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Orange Regional Museum Committee held on 17 April 2018 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Orange Regional Museum Committee meeting held on 17 April 2018.

3 General Reports

3.1 Orange Regional Museum Community Committe Charter

TRIM Reference: 2018/1709

Recommendation Ms E Griffin/Mr P Stevenson

That the Orange Regional Museum Committee Charter be amended to include two representatives from the Regional Museum Network.

3.2 Orange Regional Museum Annual Program Funding 2018 from Create NSW

TRIM Reference: 2018/1713

Recommendation Cr R Kidd/Ms E Griffin

1 That the report by the Museum Manager and Heritage Coordinator on Orange Regional Museum Program Funding 2018 from Create NSW be acknowledged.

2 That a report on the Wiradjuri Workshops be tabled at the next meeting of the Orange Regional Community Committee.

3 That the Lucknow historical photos be rotated to other areas within Council buildings to allow community members to view.

4 That the Chairperson, Cr Red Kidd (Mayor) investigate with Director Community, Cultural and Recreational Services and relevant staff the option of volunteers assisting at the Orange Regional Museum on weekends.

3.3 Regional Digitisation Project

TRIM Reference: 2018/1715

Recommendation Mr G West/Ms E Griffin

That the report by Museum Manager and Heritage Coordinator on Regional Digitisation Project be acknowledged.

3.4 Friends of Orange Regional Museum - President Report

TRIM Reference: 2018/1763

Recommendation Mr G West/Cr R Kidd

That the Friends of Orange Regional Museum – Presidents Report be acknowledged.

3.5 Regional Cultural Fund Application

TRIM Reference: 2018/1774

Recommendation Ms E Griffin/Mr P Stevenson

That the report on Regional Cultural Fund application be acknowledged.

3.6 Orange Regional Museum Action Plan

TRIM Reference: 2018/1773

Recommendation

That the Orange Regional Museum Community Committee include the following items on the Action Plan:

1 Seek funding to promote gold mining history within Orange and district and that a representative of Orange 360 be invited to give a presentation to the committee.

2 Encourage the development of plan to utilisation of the Cultural Precinct and that a report be brought back to the Committee on what processes and outcomes have been undertaken to date.

3 Request an additional Councillor join the Orange Regional Museum Committee.

The Meeting Closed at 2.45pm.

ORANGE CITY COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE

Spring Hill Community Committee

HELD IN Spring Hill Community Hall, Spring Hill

ON 16 August 2018

COMMENCING AT 5.30pm

1 Introduction

Attendance

Cr T Mileto (Chairperson), Cr J McRae, Mrs Kerry Rains, Mr Trevor Clark, Mr Jeffrey Nalder, Mrs Nicole Day, Mr Ron Gander, , Mr Peter Rodgers, Miss Stephanie Huysmans, Mrs Allison Rodgers, Mrs Terri Newman, Mrs Suzanne Vials, Divisional Administration Officer Community Recreation and Cultural Services (Minute taker)

1.1 Apologies and Leave of Absence

RESOLVED Cr J McRae/Mr R Gander

That the apologies be accepted from Cr R Kidd, Mr Sam Nelson, Mr Scott Maunder for the Spring Hill Community Committee meeting on 16 August 2018.

1.2 Acknowledgement of Country

Cr Mileto conducted an Acknowledgement of Country

1.3 Declaration of pecuniary interests, significant non-pecuniary interests and less than significant non-pecuniary interests

Nil

2 Previous Minutes

RESOLVED Mr J Nalder/Cr J McRae

That the Minutes of the Meeting of the Spring Hill Community Committee held on 17 May 2018 (copies of which were circulated to all members) be and are hereby confirmed as a true and accurate record of the proceedings of the Spring Hill Community Committee meeting held on 17 May 2018.

3 Presentations

3.1 Spring Hill Village Entry Signs

TRIM Reference: 2018/1384

<Type notes here if required

RECOMMENDATION Mr P Rodgers/Mrs K Rains

1 That the presentation on the Spring Hill Village Entry Signs be acknowledged.

2 That a Spring Hill Village Entry Sign Project Plan be finalised and adopted.

3 That each stage of the planning process of the Project Plan be approved by the Spring Hill Committee.

3.2 Allocation of time for Non-Committee Memebers to speak

TRIM Reference: 2018/1557

<Type notes here if required

RECOMMENDATION Mrs K Rains/Ms A Rodgers

1 That presentation on allocation of time for non-committee members to speak be acknowledged.

2 That the Spring Hill Community Committee allow for an “open forum” at the commencement of the meeting to allow non-committee members an opportunity to speak.

3 That the “open forum” allow non-committee members to speak for a maximum of 5 minutes on matters listed on the Agenda.

3.3 Traffic Speed in Spring Hill

TRIM Reference: 2018/2006

<Type notes here if required

RECOMMENDATION Mrs K Rains/Mr T Clark

That the presentation regarding speed in Spring Hill be acknowledged.

3.4 Directional Signage

TRIM Reference: 2018/2031

<Type notes here if required

RECOMMENDATION Mr T Clark/Mr P Rodgers

1 That the presentation on Directional Signage in Spring Hill be acknowledged.

2 That the item of directional signage be tabled for futher discussion at the next meeting.

3.5 Railway Land Transfer

TRIM Reference: 2018/2039

RECOMMENDATION Ms A Rodgers/Ms N Day

That the update on Railway Land Transfer be acknowledged.

4 General Reports

4.1 Alf Read Park Seating - Spring Hill

TRIM Reference: 2018/1985

Recommendation Mr J Nalder/Cr J McRae

1 That the report on the location of seating in Alf Read Park be acknowledged.

2 That the identified locations for seating in Alf Read Park be progressed for installation.

4.2 Spring Hill Community Committee Action Plan and Priority Works

TRIM Reference: 2018/2018

Recommendation Mrs K Rains/Mr R Gander

1 That the Spring Hill Community Action Plan be reviewed and updated.

2 That consistent with the current Delivery/Operational Plan allocation to Spring Hill the following items be listed as priority tasks for the 2018/2019 period:

a Road Safety and Speeding solutions.

b Installation of an entry sign into Spring Hill on Forest Road.

3 That correspondence be forwarded to the Traffic Committee:

a Expressing concerns regarding ongoing dangerous driving within the Spring Hill community including copies of correspondence received by Orange City Council from Committee members.

b Requesting a member of the Spring Hill Committee be provided the opportunity to address the next meeting of the Traffic Committee.

The Meeting Closed at 7.03pm.

Services Policy Committee 4 September 2018

3 General Reports

3.1 Recreational use of Gosling Creek, Spring Creek and Suma Park Dams

TRIM REFERENCE: 2018/2175

AUTHOR: Scott Maunder, Director Community, Recreation and Cultural Services

EXECUTIVE Summary

This report follows a report to Council on 15 May 2018 and a subsequent workshop to discuss an increase in the recreational use of Gosling Creek, Spring Creek and Suma Park Dams.

This report provides information on the costs and timeframe for permitting supervised fishing, camping and boating at Suma Park Dam, Gosling Creek Reserve and Spring Creek Dam, to include amenities, car parking and a camping ground.

Link To Delivery/OPerational Plan

The recommendation in this report relates to the Delivery/Operational Plan strategy “15.2 Our Environment – Operate, maintain, renew and upgrade water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure assets and services as specified within the Asset Management Plans at agreed levels of service”.

Financial Implications

Additional funds and resources will need to be allocated in order to build infrastructure, manage and operate Suma Park Dam, Spring Creek Dam and Gosling Creek Reserve, if both land-based and water-based recreational use is to be permitted.

Policy and Governance Implications

Council will be required to comply with requirements set by the Local Government Act 1993 as well as the Crown Lands Act 1989.

Recommendation

That Council publicly exhibits, for a period of 28 days, proposals to:

1 Permit camping on the Southern side of Gosling Creek with access to amenities on the Northern Side of Gosling Creek;

2 Permit Camping on the Northern side of Gosling Creek within a designated area at times determined by Council so as not to conflict with events or activities;

3 Permit RV parking within established car parks at Gosling Creek;

4 Permit access to Spring Creek Dam for non-powered and electric boating, fishing but not camping;

5 Not permit land or water based activity at Suma Park; and

6 Report to Council following the public exhibition on the submissions received.

further considerations

The recommendation of this report has been assessed against Council’s other key risk categories and the following comments are provided:

Service Delivery	Drinking water quality, security of drinking water supply assets
Image and Reputation	Tourism/economic benefit
Political	Project funding and impact on Council’s Long Term Financial Plan
Environmental	Wildlife and wildlife habitat management, preservation of historic sites in the area, introduction of weeds or exotic plants, introduction of vermin and exotic animals, foreshore erosion, litter and heightened risk of bushfires
Health and Safety	Legal and public liability, water quality health risks to users
Stakeholders	Orange residents, external/regional users (including sporting clubs), Federal and State Government Approvals Authorities/Regulators

SUPPORTING INFORMATION

At its meeting of 7 November 2017 Council resolved:

RESOLVED - 17/493 Cr S Romano/Cr M Previtera

That Council receive report that provides information on the costs and timeframe for allowing supervised fishing, camping and boating at Suma Park Dam, Gosling Creek Reserve and Spring Creek Dam, to include amenities, car parking and a camping ground.

Council has previously received reports on this subject matter with the reports also circulated to Councillors on 20 October 2017. Those reports are attached for reference and background.

POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH INCREASED WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES ON RESERVOIRS

Council needs to adopt an appropriately diligent assessment of the water quality issues associated with allowing increased recreational on reservoirs. Consideration needs to be given to the National Health and Medical Research Council’s (NHMRC) 2008 Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water. Although not mandatory, following these guidelines ensures recreational water environments are managed as safely as possible.

The NHMRC Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG 2011) is the authoritative document for drinking water management in Australia. It contains information about management of drinking water systems from catchment to consumer. The NHMRC are considering the introduction of additional requirements in a pending guideline review that will be used to determine the appropriate treatment process to address the source water risk. Recreational use of the water body is one of the risk considerations.

The proposed update to the guidelines, discuss ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ catchments. Gosling Creek Dam could be considered to be in the ‘outer’ catchment and as such, the introduction of water-based recreational activities poses less of a risk to source water than our primary and secondary water storages i.e. Suma Park and Spring Creek Dams.

SUPERVISION

The resolution of Council sought information in relation to “supervised” activities of fishing, camping and boating.

Supervision can be conducted in a number of ways including:

1 Staff on site at times of operation (similar to Aquatic Centre)

2 Issuing of licences and spot checks by staff

3 Remote supervision (similar to system imposed on open space areas of Council where certain activities are permitted or prohibited)

4 A combination of above elements

Council utilises the principals of remote supervision for the management of its open space and recreational areas. This has been implemented using the best practice guidelines of Council’s insurer, Statewide Mutual. (With the change of insurer this will require review).

Essentially a risk management analysis is conducted for the site based on:

· Nature of reserve, hazard or pool

· Population use at any one time

· Frequency of use

Each area is then given a score and the relevant signage is installed.

Each proposed site would require assessment and controls to ensure the level of supervision is appropriate.

Example of assessment and required supervision level

For areas which have deep water bodies (depth in excess of 3 metres), high population use at any one time and high frequency of use Council are recommended to consider full time supervision whilst the facility is occupied as well as the display of warning symbols.

In this example the level of risk is such that the installation of a sign alone warning people of the hazards would not be the most appropriate risk reduction technique. A combination of both supervision and signage is the most appropriate approach.

CAMPING

Council’s experience over recent years with the provision of camping sites at Lake Canobolas, Orange Showground and Caravan Park is that they require active management to ensure compliance with camp ground provisions, garbage removal, cleaning of amenities, and payment of site fees.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) SITE

Council has established RV sites at the Showground and with development consent at Lake Canobolas.

Should Council wish to pursue the establishment of a permanent RV site adjacent to a water body it is recommended that this site be located at Lake Canobolas taking advantage of existing infrastructure.

Parking of RVs could also be considered within established Car Parks at Gosling Creek.

1 GOSLING CREEK

Gosling Creek precinct consists of two components Crown Land to the north and two parcels of council owned community land to the south.

The three parcels of land that make up Gosling Creek are zoned RE1 – Public Recreation and together with the Plan of Management governs its use and development.

Aerial image purple hatched area is Crown land the area bounded by the red line and adjoining the hatched area is Council Community Land.

The Zone RE1 - Public Recreation objectives are:

· To enable land to be used for public open space or recreational purposes.

· To provide a range of recreational settings and activities and compatible land uses.

· To protect and enhance the natural environment for recreational purposes.

· To protect open space at riparian and foreshore locations.

Developments permitted with consent are:

Child care centres; Community facilities; Depots; Environmental facilities; Environmental protection works; Function centres; Information and education facilities; Kiosks; Markets; Places of public worship; Public administration buildings; Recreation areas; Recreation facilities (indoor); Recreation facilities (major); Recreation facilities (outdoor); Respite day care centres; Restaurants or cafes; Roads; Water recreation structures.

An aerial view of Gosling Creek follows:

IMG_4_2009

Aerial view from south western corner above Forest Road looking down stream along Gosling Creek. Note the shared path network, passive recreational precinct – irrigated grassland, remnant vegetation significant small patch centre left of image.

KEY CONSIDERATIONS

Consistent with the RE1 zoning the precinct is able to be developed to include the provision for camping with an amendment to the Plan of Management. Non-powered boating and fishing is currently permitted at the site.

However the Gosling Creek Reserve is a highly valued recreational area originally set aside to protect the water quality of Orange’s drinking supply following the damming of Gosling Creek in 1890. The Reserve and its surrounds of remnant woodland remains a habitat for native wildlife and is also highly valued as a place for passive recreation and a refuge from the urban development of Orange and the Bloomfield Hospital complex to the North.

The development of the site for camping in particular needs to consider the overall goals of the management of the site in particular sensitive areas. Council has identified areas of high conservation biodiversity as indicated below.

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Opportunity	Considerations	Advantages	Disadvantages
Camping Located on the southern side area with access from Forest Road.	· Supervision of site	· Defined area · Eliminates conflict with current users	· No facilities · Requires active supervision of users · Operational Cost
Camping Located on the Northern side in designated areas at designated times.	· Supervision of site · Ensuring provision of camping does not conflict with current uses or recreational use.	· Provides for camping adjacent to existing amenities in a controlled manner.	· Requires active supervision of users · Operational Cost
Boating – non powered and electric	· Non powered boating is permitted	· Existing activity · Good access to water · No additional cost.	· Nil
Boating – powered	· Not permitted and would require a change to the plan of management as activity is with Crown Land zone.		· Small area for conduct of activity · Degradation of water quality for other uses
Fishing	· Permitted activity	· Current activity · Does not require active supervision

Cost estimates

· Should Council require the establishment of additional infrastructure an estimate of the capital cost for the development of camping on the southern side of Gosling Creek is $240,000. This includes the following:

o Composting Toilet facilities: $100,000

o Access Road and Parking: $100,000

o Signage: $10,000

o Fencing – biosecurity areas: $10,000

o Potable Water: $20,000

· Operational costs $120,000 per annum for active management of camp sites and overall management.

· Nil additional operational costs if camping is excluded

Timeframe for approvals, development and implementation

Should Council wish to include camping at Gosling Creek this process would involve advertisement of the proposed amendment to the Plan of Management, report to Council and then if resolved by Council the update of the Plan of Management.

Council would then need to conduct the associated works for the installation of the infrastructure.

It is anticipated that this process would be completed within 9 – 12 months.

2 SPRING CREEK DAM

Spring Creek Reservoir is owned by Orange City Council and is classified as Community Land. The Plan of Management was adopted by Council on 3 December 2007. This plan specifically provides for the use of the land for “public water supply purposes along with specific provisions to permit the controlled and supervised rowing training and other low impact recreational activities subject to development consents and licensing arrangements”.

Key considerations

a Drinking Water Quality Risks

Spring Creek Dam is the secondary source of drinking water for Orange residents. The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines outline six guiding principles that are fundamental in the considerations of safe drinking water. One of these principles says that the “protection of water sources and treatment are of paramount importance and must never be compromised”

Introducing recreational activities onto Spring Creek Dam will have public health implications for the Orange Drinking Water Supply

b Plan of Management

Spring Creek Dam is classified as Community land. The current Plan of Management was adopted by Council on 3 December 2007. This plan specifically provides for the use of the land for “public water supply purposes along with specific provisions to permit the controlled and supervised rowing training and other low impact recreational activities subject to development consents and licencing arrangements”

Any change to this Plan of Management needs to be exhibited and adopted by Council as required under the Local Government Act. The current Plan of Management for Spring Creek Dam specifically states that “Uncontrolled recreation activities were considered inappropriate due to the needs to protect habitat values and limit access to protect the integrity of the water supply, considering the likely impacts of a range of activities”

c Land zoning

The zoning for Spring Creek Dam is for water supply purposes and recreational use is not permissible under this zoning. The LEP will need to be amended in order to rezone the whole site to Public Recreation RE1. The surrounding private land is zoned E3 Environmental Management and RU1 Primary Production. Recreation would then be permissible in the zone, subject to consent.

d Access To Spring Creek Dam For Water Non Powered Boating Activities

As illustrated below access to Spring Creek Dam is controlled by a locked gate and pedestrian access point at the southern end of Lone Pine Avenue at the North East point of the dam. This is the access point to the Kinross Wolaroi School Rowing facility. All other land surrounding Spring Creek Dam is privately owned. The impact of introducing uncontrolled recreation onto Spring Creek Dam on adjoining landowners also needs to be considered.

Council should also note that adjoining landowners access the dam for non-powered boating activities and fishing. There is also strong evidence that members of the public also access the dam for these activities gaining access through fence lines or via the pedestrian access at this access point.

The regulation of this activity would improve the safety of its conduct and provide access to the community.

Access point – Spring Creek Dam

· Council could explore the redevelopment of this entrance point to provide a parking area and access point for non-powered boating activities. Access to the dam wall is available along the eastern side.

· Topography – the slope of land adjacent to the waterbody is suitable for access points

· Variable (low or high) water levels at any one given time may restrict access to the waterbody.

· “No-go” zones – buffer zones around critical water supply infrastructure will be required (i.e. near the dam wall)

· Opening hours need to be considered

e Access and variable water levels

f Health impact on users

· blue green algae outbreaks – using the waterbody would be restricted when blue green algae concentration is above health guidelines

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Opportunity	Considerations	Advantages	Disadvantages
Boating – non powered and electric	· Access points · Amendment to plan of management, LEP and Development Application	· Accessible from existing access road · Used by community currently · Regulate current unapproved activity	· Conflict with current users and landholders
Camping Located on western side of Spring creek dam	· Supervision of site · Access · Provision of amenities	· Council Owned · Defined area	· Land locked no access · No facilities · Requires active supervision of users · Operational Cost
Boating – powered	· Access points · Water quality risk · Amendment to plan of management, LEP and Development Application	· Nil	· Conflict with current users and landholders
Fishing	· Access points · Amendment to plan of management, LEP and Development Application	· Provides an additional location for recreational fishing in Orange LGA.	· Limited access from land based sites.

Cost Implications

Council staff were asked to provide information on boating, camping, fishing, amenities and car parking. For these to proceed Council would be required to conduct the following works:

· Land acquisition for camping

· Access road(s) and car parking

· Pathways/non-vehicle access routes

· Rubbish Bins

· Signage

· Toilets

· Cleared areas

· Potable water

· Water Entrance similar to that constructed at Gosling Creek

· Operational costs

Cost estimate based on the above requirements is $1.5m to $3.0m

If Council were to consider only access for non-powered boating and fishing the requirements would eliminate the need for land acquisition and reduced infrastructure requirement for the other elements.

Pending approvals it is estimated that the cost for the provision of access for non-powered boating and fishing would require

· Access road and car parking

· Rubbish Bins

· Signage

· Toilets

· Potable water

· Water Entrance similar to that constructed at Gosling Creek

· Fish cleaning areas

· Operational Costs

Estimated cost for these elements would be $500,000 to $1M.

Timeframe for approvals, development and implementation

At this early stage, it is difficult to estimate a timeframe for the delivery of such a project given its complexity and key issues that will need to be considered.

As a guide the timeframe for the implementation of Rowing Training for Kinross Wolaroi School on Spring Creek Reservoir was:

· August 1999 – Commence Plan of Management development

· June 2001 – Plan of Management adopted by Council

· June 2002 – Development Application lodged for facility (Boatshed and Pontoon Jetty) and approved with consent to operate

· July 2002 – the Central West Environment Group sought intervention from NSW Land and Environment Court.

· May 2003 – NSW Land and Environment Court decision in favour of Kinross Wolaroi School and Orange City Council

· May 2004 – Orange City Council and Kinross Wolaroi School entered into a Licence to use Spring Creek Dam as a Rowing Facility

· December 2004 – Rowing Training commenced

3 SUMA PARK

Suma Park Reservoir is owned by Orange City Council and is classified as Community Land. The land is categorised as Natural Area (with subcategories of Bushland, Watercourse and Wetland) and will require a Plan of Management to be developed and adopted by Council under the Local Government Act, 1993.

Key considerations

The following areas are key issues to consider if Council were to introduce recreational activities onto Suma Park Dam:

a Impact on drinking water quality

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG 2011) is the authoritative document for drinking water management in Australia. It contains information about management of drinking water systems from catchment to consumer. The second guiding principle of the ADWG highlights the importance of protecting water sources:

‘Protection of water sources and treatment are of paramount importance and must never be compromised’

The NHMRC are now considering the introduction of additional requirements in a pending guideline review that will be used to determine the appropriate treatment process to address the source water risk. Recreational use of the water body is one of the risk considerations. Unprotected catchments may require a higher level of treatment in order to provide a safe drinking water supply. The Orange drinking water supply catchment would be considered an unprotected catchment and, as such, additional treatment upgrades may be necessary unless catchment management practices can be improved. Water treatment cost implications (potential treatment plant upgrades) may need to be considered if water-based recreational activities are introduced to Council’s drinking water storages.

b Land zoning

Land zoning dictates how the land is to be used. The only activity that the current zoning allows is a water supply. The LEP will require amendment in order to rezone the site to Public Recreation RE1. The surrounding private land is zoned E3 Environmental Management and RU1 Primary Production.

c Potential health impact on recreational users

As mentioned earlier, recreational use on dams should follow the Guidelines for Managing Risks in Recreational Water (NHMRC 2008). Although not mandatory, following these guidelines ensures recreational water environments are managed as safely as possible. The potential impacts of water quality, water temperature and blue green algae should be considered

d Legal and Public Liability

Duty of care to persons using the water storage (potential hazards associated with access to dam wall, hazards above and below the water)

e Access To Suma Park Dam For Non-Powered Boating And Fishing

Council recently acquired 494 Priest Lane for the purpose of a future sporting precinct. As demonstrated in the map above this lot does not have access to Suma Park Dam and is not viable for an access point to Suma Park without the acquisition of adjoining land.

Council also owns Lot 49, DP597741 which adjoins Suma Park Dam at the southern extremity of the Dam with entry off Icely Road. Should Council wish to progress access to Suma Park Dam an access point could be established at this location.

Camping is also possible at this site.

f Operational management

The potential costs associated with the operational management of recreational activities could include:

· Additional drinking water treatment processes

· Management of access to water storages

· Maintenance and rehabilitation of infrastructure to support the recreational activities

· Monitoring of water quality and recreational users

· Policing of recreational users

Other issues to consider include:

a Health risks of users

b Public use impacts of foreshore erosion introducing sediment into the water storage

c Wildlife and wildlife habitat management

d Changes in system ecology

e Increased risk of fire

f Legal/public liability/public safety - Proximity to spillway, outlet structures and dam wall

g Security of drinking water supply assets

h Potential land acquisition requirements

i Water storage levels

j Impacts on adjoining neighbours

OPPORTUNITIES AND CONSIDERATIONS

Opportunity	Considerations	Advantages	Disadvantages
Boating – non powered and electric	· Access points · Requires development of plan of management · Amendment to LEP and Development Application · Risk to drinking water	· Readily accessible from Icely Road	· Increased cost for management of drinking water as primary source for Orange. · Conflict with current users and landholders · Water recedes at water levels under 90%
Camping Located on the southern side (council owned) area with access from Forest Road.	· Supervision of site	· Defined area · Accessible from Icely Road	· No facilities · Requires active supervision of users · Site adjacent to busy road · Operational Cost
Boating – powered	· Access points · Water quality risk · Requires development of plan of management · Amendment to LEP and Development Application	· Nil	· Conflict with current users and landholders
Fishing	· Requires access points · Requires development of plan of management · Amendment to LEP and Development Application	· Provides alternative location for recreational fishing in Orange LGA.	· Limited access from land based sites · Conflict with current landholders

Cost Implications

Depending on the type of use, there are cost and resourcing implications in managing all of the risks and infrastructure requirements. Infrastructure requirements need to be funded and other risks mitigated by operational practices and procedures.

Council staff were asked to provide information on boating, camping, fishing, amenities and car parking. For these to proceed Council would be required to conduct the following works:

· Pathways/non-vehicle access routes

· Rubbish Bins

· Signage

· Toilets

· Cleared areas

· Potable water

· Water Entrance similar to that constructed at Gosling Creek

· Operational costs

· System for security of water supply assets

· Fish cleaning areas

· Establishment of restricted zones

· Boating equipment for supervision and inspection of water activities.

Capital cost estimate based on the above requirements is $1.5m to $2.5m

Operational Costs

Operational Costs are estimated to be significant given the sensitivity of the Dam and the need for active management and supervision of the precinct. It is estimated that the site would require two staff to monitor on weekends and one staff member to monitor during weekdays.

The site would also require rubbish removal and maintenance.

On this basis the estimated operational cost is $200,000 - $300,000 per annum.

Timeframe for approvals, development and implementation

As with Spring Creek Dam it is difficult to estimate a timeframe for the delivery of such a project given its complexity and key issues that will need to be considered.

Using the example of access to Spring Creek by Kinross Wolaroi School it is estimated that this process would take several years.

Attachments

1 Suma Park Dam Recreation Map, D18/20764 ⇩

2 Spring Creek Dam Recreation Map, D18/20763 ⇩

3 IPC 6 June 2017 Recreational use of Gosling Creek, Spring Creek and Suma Park Dams, D18/24491 ⇩

4 IPC 5 September 2017 Recreational use of Gosling Creek Dam, Spring Creek Dam and Suma Park Dam, D18/24493 ⇩

5 Facility Signs Assessment form Councils, D18/21857 ⇩

Determining the most Appropriate Sign for a Council Reserve or Beach

FVR	General Sign Description	Location
2 - 3	No sign is required
4 – 6	The sign should contain: · The name of the facility · A general warning message · All Council’s Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms · Any information symbols relevant to the facility NB: The sign does not require the depiction of warning symbols	A sign should appear in a prominent position within the facility
7 – 10	The sign should contain: · The name of the facility · A general warning message · All Council’s Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms · All potential hazards identified within the facility that has a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top hazard should appear · Any information symbols relevant to the facility	A sign should appear at all entrances provided by Council to the facility.
11 – 15	The sign should contain: · The name of the facility · A general warning message · All Council’s Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms · All potential hazards identified within the facility that has a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top two hazards should appear · Any information symbols relevant to the facility	A sign should appear at all entrances provided by Council to the facility
16 – 20	The sign should contain: · The name of the facility · A general warning message · All Council’s Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms · All potential hazards identified within the facility that has a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top three hazards should appear · Any information symbols relevant to the facility	A sign should appear at all entrances provided by Council to the facility. Consideration should be given to placing signs in other areas of high use
21 – 26	The sign should contain: · The name of the facility · A general warning message · All Council’s Ordinances that apply to the facility should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms · All potential hazards identified within the facility that has a risk rating of HIGH should appear on the sign as warning symbols. If no highs then the top four hazards should appear · Any information symbols relevant to the facility	A sign should appear at all entrances provided by Council to the facility. Consideration should be given to placing signs in other areas of high use
27 - 30	Council should consider full time supervision whilst the facility is occupied as well as the display of warning symbols. The level of risk is such that the installation of a sign alone warning people of the hazards would not be the most appropriate risk reduction technique. A combination of both supervision and signage is the most appropriate approach. Whatever level of supervision Council elects, the supervisory body · must be experienced and trained for the activity	In addition to supervision, consideration should be given to placing signs at the entrance and in other highly visible areas within the facility.

Determining the most Appropriate Sign for a Council Pool

FVR

General Sign Description

Location

2-20

Council should always consider Full Time Supervision whilst the pool is occupied

A sign should contain:

· The name of the pool

· A general warning message

· All Council’s Ordinances that apply to the pool should appear on the sign as prohibition pictograms

· All hazards identified within the pool should appear on the sign as warning symbols

· Any information symbols relevant to the pool

A sign should appear at all entrances provided by Council to the pool. Consideration should be given to placing signs in other highly visible areas

21-30

Council should always consider Full Time Supervision whilst the pool is occupied. The level of risk is such that a sign warning people of the hazards would not be the most appropriate risk reduction technique

Whatever level of supervision Council elects, the supervisory body must be experienced and trained for the activity

Physical barriers preventing access should be provided and installed unless there is full-time supervision

A sign should

appear at all

entrances provided

by Council to the

pool. Warning

symbols should

also be placed in

close proximity to

the water bodies

and other relevant

signs placed in

other highly visible

areas within the

facility.

(D) Calculate the Risk Rating of the identified Hazards

Rating	Variable	Description
1	LOW (Minor Injury)	Minor cuts, grazes, bruising, bleeding
2	MEDIUM (Sprains and Strains)	An injury resulting in time being spent at home
3	MEDIUM (Serious Injury)	Broken limb, facial lacerations, partial disability etc requiring hospitalisation
4	HIGH (Permanent Disability)	A serious injury resulting in a permanent disability
5	HIGH (Death)	Death as a result of the injuries sustained

Information & Emergency Symbols

NOTE: symbols are current as at June 2012

1	Identify all Council Facilities

	Part 2 Reserves	Part 3 Beaches	Part 4 Pools

2	Determine the development that has taken place

3	Determine the number of people that use the facility

4	Determine the frequency of use of the facility

5	Calculate the Facility Risk Rating

6	Calculate Risk Rating for identified Hazards

7	Select, produce and locate appropriate sign

FACILITY VISITATION RATING
NAME OF FACILITY: _______________________________________________________ TYPE OF FACILITY: RESERVE/PARK ____ POOL ____ OTHER __________ SKATE PARK ______
CALCULATION OF Facility Visitation Rating
(A)	Development or Improvement:			Rating for Site		Score
(B)	Population using Reserve
(C)	Frequency of Use
FVR	= (A X B) + C
List of Hazards (and Risk Rating (D))
Hazard		Likelihood	Consequence		Risk Rating


List of selected Warning Hazards to be Depicted on the Sign


List of Other General Information Symbols to be Depicted on the Sign


Assessment conducted by:
Position held:
Date assessment conducted
Placement of Sign *A sign should appear at the entrance to the facility*
Size of Sign

Rating	Reserves	Natural Hazards	Pools
1	Virginal bush, cleared land, no infrastructure	No hazardous features	Other: e.g. natural still waterway that is an area known for swimming and associated activities (rivers, creeks, lakes, etc).
2	Cleared land, static infrastructure eg grass area with tables and chairs, toilet block, lookout	Sloping ground; no natural water; walking track around reserve	Other: e.g. Any still water environment that has been specifically constructed designed or intended to be used for swimming, diving, paddling or wading (Rock Pools, Dams, Swimming Enclosures, etc).
3	Cleared land with mobile infrastructure eg grassed area with play equipment, cycleway, market, leash free dog areas	Reserve contains natural waterway that runs during wet weather, drops less than 1 metre	Swimming Pool: (Local Community Swimming Pool). Swimming Pool that is managed by the Council and/or a designated community group that has one small swimming pool (less than 25 metres in length) with very low patronage levels and no more than one aquatic activity occurring at any one time. Pool configuration would always be the standard rectangular shape.
4	Council owned infrastructure with no artificial lighting eg golf course, football field, recreational ground, caravan park	Creeks, ponds and ledges between 1 metre and 3 metres	Swimming Pool: (Aquatic Centre). Facility that has one or two bodies of water with medium to low patronage levels and no more than one aquatic activity occurring at any one time eg. one main swimming pool and a diving or toddler pool. Pool configuration is generally a standard rectangular shape.
5	Extensively developed infrastructure with artificial lighting eg sporting complex, artificially lit courts	Contains rivers, dams and cliffs greater than 3 metres	Swimming Pool: (Multi Purpose Aquatic and Recreation Facility). This facility generally has more than one body of water and would typically have a high patronage turnover with multiple activities occurring at the same time eg. School usage, lap swimming, learn to swim, scuba diving, etc. Pool configuration and number of pools within the facility should also be taken into consideration for the purposes of surveillance.

Rating	Population Use	Frequency of Use
1	Less than 5 people at a time	An annual activity or event in held at the facility
2	5 to 50 people at a time	An activity event takes place in the facility on a monthly basis
3	50 to 100 people at a time	An activity event takes place in the facility on a weekly basis
4	100 to 500 people at a time	An activity event takes place in the facility on a daily basis
5	Greater than 500 people at a time	The facility is in continuous use for the majority of the day