Ordinary Council Meeting 27 September 2017

7.1 FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR A SEWERAGE SCHEME AT GUNDAROO

SUMMARY
This report provides an update on the investigation of the feasibility of a sewerage scheme at Gundaroo. The
report recommends the draft Gundaroo Sewerage Scheme Options Study be placed on public exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. Place the draft Gundaroo Sewerage Scheme Options Study on public exhibition;
2. Hold a community forum to brief the community on the Options Study during the exhibition period;
and
3. Survey the community in the village of Gundaroo to ascertain interest in a sewerage scheme in
Gundaroo.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
As per Council Resolution 314/2016, subject to agreement being achieved, the cost of undertaking the
Option Study is to be shared on a proportional basis between the proponents of the Kyeema, Faithfull
Street and Coolawin Planning Proposals and Council.
Council allocated $50,000 in the 2017/18 Operational Plan from the Sewer Fund for the purposes of
undertaking this study.
Further discussion on funding options for construction of a sewerage scheme in Gundaroo is included in the
body of this report. For Council to construct a sewerage scheme in Gundaroo, a grant funding contribution is
required.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Nil.

REPORT
1. Background

The village of Gundaroo does not have a centralised sewerage treatment system. Sewage and treated
effluent is currently managed by on-site treatment systems. These systems require residents to operate and
maintain them.

As listed below three developments are currently proposed surrounding the Gundaroo Village, including the
current status of the development with Council:
Kyeema Planning Proposal endorsed by Council and forwarded to Minister for Planning to request
an amendment to be made to the Yass Valley LEP 2013.
Faithfull Street - Planning Proposal endorsed by Council and forwarded to Minister for Planning to
request an amendment to be made to the Yass Valley LEP 2013.
Coolawin - Consideration of Planning Proposal deferred by Council until a report has been
prepared and submitted examining the options of the location of a STP outside the flood prone land
and with sufficient buffers to existing and proposed housing and with sufficient capacity for the
proposed development, the existing village and any future expansion of the village.

For both the Kyeema and Faithfull Street developments the Department of Planning has required:

5,000m2 minimum lot size with on-site sewage management systems; or

2,000m2 minimum lot size with reticulated sewer.

Two of the three potential developers have proposed various small individual schemes for their
developments. Smaller individual schemes may not allow expansion and connection of other lots. It is

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preferable that a whole village solution be determined rather than piecemeal standalone systems for the new
development areas. Such a whole village solution could have an option for onsite systems of existing village
properties to be maintained in the short term, with connection to the scheme at some point in future.

With the aim of consideration of a whole village solution Council resolved at its Ordinary Meeting on 21
December 2016 that:

1. The approach to investigating the options for a reticulated sewer scheme for Gundaroo be endorsed;
2. Subject to an agreement being achieved the cost of undertaking the investigation be shared on a
proportional basis between the proponents of the Kyeema, Faithfull Street and Coolawin Planning
Proposals and Council;
3. Councils proportional cost of the options study be funded from the Sewer Fund Reserve similar to
those previously undertaken for the villages of Binalong, Bowning and Murrumbateman.

2. Gundaroo Sewerage Scheme Options Study

NSW Public Works Advisory was engaged to undertake this Options Study. NSW Public Works Advisory has
vast experience in providing cost effective solutions for sewage management to rural and regional
communities across NSW.

As part of the engagement, NSW Public Works Advisory was asked to examine various options for reticulated
sewerage and sewage treatment, including:

Describing the system in sufficient detail;

Examining the advantages and disadvantages of the system;
Estimation of capital and operating costs; and
Consideration of funding options.

As part of this assessment Public Works Advisory were also asked to assess options proposed by the
developers for sewage management.

The projected population (equivalent tenements) considered as part of the study is summarised below:

Current dwellings = 175

Vacant or potential Lots = 46
Future possible lots from Crown land =6
Lots from Kyeema and Faithfull Street Developments = 120
Lots from Coolawin (subject to planning approval) = 23
TOTAL = 370 ET

Based on this analysis of potential lots, Public Works Advisory was asked to consider a design maximum of
400 ET (equivalent to 1,320 people) as part of the Options Study. Based on this it is noted that any demand
beyond 400 ET would not be able to be accommodated unless the scheme was expanded. Should Council
proceed with a sewerage scheme in Gundaroo guidelines around this requirement of the village to remain
within 400 ET would need to be developed to ensure demand does not exceed the scheme capacity.

The Options Study developed by NSW Public Works Advisory is included in Attachment A.

Within the Options Study three main methods for both collection and transport and sewage treatment and
effluent management were considered. These are outlined below, including the estimated cost and Options
Study recommendation.

Collection and Transport

1. Gravity Sewerage System (similar to Murrumbateman sewerage scheme) - $4,027,257
Summary: Collection system consists of gravity reticulation, pumping stations and rising mains. Sewage
from individual lots flows through gravity mains to a downstream pumping station. It is then
lifted through a pressurised rising main to another gravity main, transfer pumping station or
sewage treatment plant (STP).
Advantages: Low operating costs
Reliability
Suited to terrain of Gundaroo
Well established design standards
Disadvantages: Disturbance during construction

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2. Pressure Sewerage System - $3,958,740

Summary: A pressure system has a grinder pump located inside a holding tank (pump/tank unit) and a
boundary box located at every property. Each residence would have its own pump/tank unit.
The pump unit would typically be located between the house and the existing septic tank
and would intercept the existing household sewer line. At a pre-set level in the tank the
pump activates and any solids are ground and then pumped to the pressure sewerage
reticulation system. The sewer pressure mains would be located in the street and a small
diameter pipeline would connect the pump/tank unit on each property to it.
Advantages: Low capital cost
Suitable in flat, difficult or flood prone terrain, or where rock is present
Minimal disruption during construction
Disadvantages: High operating costs
Implementation and connection can be staged

3. Septic Tank Effluent Pumping System (STEP) or Common Effluent Drainage System - $9,646,945
Summary: These systems entail the retention or a new septic tank for pre-treatment and provision of
either a gravity based reticulation system or a small diameter pressure system with the
provision of a pump at each property for the transport of effluent to a STP for treatment. The
developer of Kyeema is proposing a similar style system.
Advantages: Only effluent requires treatment
Fewer blockages
Minimal disruption during construction, with the exception of installing new septic tanks in
private properties
Disadvantages: High operating costs
Pump out of sewage still required from septic tank
Residents remain responsible for septic tank and its maintenance
Council inspection of septic tanks required

The Options Study recommends the Gravity Sewerage System based on its capital cost being comparable to
other options and the significant operating benefits such a system provides.

Sewage Treatment and Effluent Management

1. Intermittently Decanted Extended Aeration (IDEA) STP with discharge to Yass River or irrigation of pasture
(similar to Yass STP) - $6,495,000
Summary: The IDEA reactor system is the most commonly used secondary biological treatment process
in NSW. IDEA is a modified form of the activated sludge treatment process. An IDEA based
process provides both the functions of a traditional activated sludge treatment process with
aeration and secondary settling within the same tank. The developer of Coolawin is
proposing a variation of this option, including irrigation of pasture, however there are
disadvantages such a system presents outlined in the Options Study.
Advantages: Small footprint
Provides for wet weather flows
Quality of discharge
Working life
Disadvantages: High capital and operating costs
Regular sludge management

2. Oxidation Pond with evaporation or irrigation of pasture (similar to Murrumbateman STP) - $3,900,000
(evaporation) - $4,485,000 (irrigation)
Summary: Oxidation pond based STPs are a simple, generally lower capital and maintenance cost form
of secondary treatment compared to the IDEA process. Oxidation ponds are large, shallow
ponds designed to treat wastewater through the interaction of sunlight, bacteria, and algae.
An area of approximately 1.5 Ha will be required for the oxidation ponds. An additional 12
Ha is required for evaporation ponds, or if irrigation is proposed then an additional 30 Ha is
required.
Advantages: Simplicity
Low capital and operating costs
Desludging only required every 15 years
Disadvantages: Large footprint (land acquisition)
Quality of effluent (in comparison to IDEA STP)

3. Proprietary AdvanTex STP and subsurface irrigation - $5,544,895

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Summary: This option is a scaled up version of the scheme proposed for the Kyeema development.
The sewage system proposed for Kyeema comprises of a STEP system and subsequent
treatment via the proprietary AdvantexTM treatment process by Orenco Systems. It consists
of below ground treatment modules and uses an engineered textile media to treat
wastewater to provide biological treatment. Disinfection is via an artificial UV system and
effluent is disposed of via subsoil irrigation. It is visually unobtrusive and odour free
according to the manufacturer. This system has been used successfully in New Zealand and
for smaller development within Australia. This system could be adopted across the village,
however, a village of the size of Gundaroo, hasnt been sewered in this fashion within
Australia. Such a system is likely to be reliant upon a contractor to operate.
Advantages: Capital cost lower than IDEA STP
Small footprint
Visually unobtrusive (system underground)
Shorter buffer distances possible
Modular (ability to stage)
Disadvantages: Risk as system not used for a village the size of Gundaroo in Australia
Short working life in comparison to other options
Ground water and bore water contamination risk
Resident on-site systems (STEP for solids) operate as well as the STP
Blockage of subsoil irrigation pipework
Wet weather flow storage

The Options Study recommends the Oxidation Pond STP option as it is the lowest capital and operating cost
option and has been used successfully in many locations. Land is required to be sourced however for this
option for either the evaporation pond of irrigation options.

Arising from the Options Study, should Council elect to proceed further with a proposal for a sewerage
scheme in Gundaroo the following investigations need to be carried out for potential STP sites:

Geotechnical Investigation
Ground Water Assessment Study
Environmental Study (REF)

For the STP options where pasture irrigation or subsurface irrigation is proposed, further investigations
would be required due to the potential for contamination of the water bores within the village. This is the
reasoning for the Options Study recommending a Ground Water Assessment Study to occur.

Based on the recommendations of the Options Study with regard to collection and transport from properties
and an STP, the total capital cost for the provision of a sewerage scheme at Gundaroo is estimated to be
$7,927,257.

3. Summary of Financial Analysis

Based on the recommendations of the Options Study outlined above, financial implications for Council and
current and future residents were analysed for the sewerage scheme at Gundaroo. The Options Study
presents the outcome of a long-term (30-year) financial analysis, considering the life-cycle costs of operating
the sewerage scheme and the financial impacts under various capital cost funding scenarios for the scheme.
The funding scenarios for the capital cost of the scheme consider various options in relation to potential
income including grants, upfront payment from existing residents, section 64 payments from new lots
developed and loans. As part of the modelling the impact on annual sewerage rates is also outlined for each
option.

A summary of this analysis is provided below:

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Scenario Grant Up-front Sec.64 Required Annual Required Required
payment Payment Borrowing Bill paid Annual Annual
by by New @ 5% p.a. by Bill Bill
existing (Future) interest (2017/18$) (2017/18$)
customers, customers, rate p.a. (for 30 p.a. (for 20
per ET per ET years) years)
Scenario No $23,209 $23,209 $5.5 Gundaroo $710 $710
1 Grant Million customers
only

Scenario No $0 $23,209 $10.43 All $764 $782

1a Grant Million Council
sewerage
customers
including
Gundaroo
Scenario 30% $10,500 $23,209 $5.0 Gundaroo $660 $660
2 Grant Million customers
($2.378 only
Million)

Scenario 30% $0 $23,209 $6.84 All $692 $699

2a Grant Million Council
($2.378 sewerage
Million) customers
including
Gundaroo

Scenario 50% $2,800 $23,209 $3.964 Gundaroo $660 $660

3 Grant Million customers
($3.963 only
Million)

Scenario 50% $0 $23,209 $4.453 All $670 $672

3a Grant Million Council
($3.963 sewerage
Million) customers
including
Gundaroo

Scenario 50% $0 $23,209 $4.453 Gundaroo $845 $845

4 Grant Million customers
($3.963 only
Million)

Scenario 56% $0 $23,209 $3.98 Gundaroo $660 $660

5 Grant Million customers
($4.439 only
Million)

Scenario No $0 $23,209 $11.00 Gundaroo $1,890 $1,890

6 Grant Million customers
only

Reference to Scenario 4 (50% Grant) of the above table to assist in explanation: If there is no upfront
payment by existing Gundaroo village residents, then their annual sewerage rates shall be $845.
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Alternatively, if Council wish to keep the same sewerage rate across the Yass Valley LGA, then all sewerage
rate payers of Yass, Murrumbateman and Gundaroo have to pay an additional ten dollars more as per
Scenario 3a).

Of the scenarios outlined those which do not incur any additional cost to the existing Gundaroo village
residents and the wider community are preferred (scenario 5). Council may consider this further once the
community has been consulted and pending potential opportunities for grant funding.

4. Community Consultation

It is recommended Council place the Options Study on public exhibition until the end of October. As part of
the brief for NSW Public Works Advisory, they are to hold a community forum to provide information to the
community on the Options Study. During the exhibition period it is recommended that this forum occur in
collaboration with Council. A tentative timing for this forum is the third week in October.

This report also recommends that Council staff survey residents in the Gundaroo village to gauge interest in
Council providing a sewerage scheme in Gundaroo.

5. Funding Options

Within the financial analysis of provision of a sewerage scheme in Gundaroo it is clear Council requires a
portion of the construction cost to be grant funded to limit or avoid any impact on existing Gundaroo
residents.

The NSW Government recently announced the $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program. A sewerage
scheme at Gundaroo is expected to be eligible under the guidelines of this program. The program is
expected to operate over approximately 10 years with Councils able to apply for funding at any time. Under
the program guidelines Yass Valley Council is eligible for up to 50% funding for a project.

At the conclusion of the public exhibition period for the Options Study Council may wish to apply for
funding under this program. A further report will be brought back to Council at the end of the exhibition
period providing further information on the options that are available to Council under this program.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Theme 6. Local Infrastructure and Services
Long Term Goal 6.6 - We have appropriate sewerage systems to ensure a safe and healthy
environment
Strategy 6.6.2 - Seek additional State and federal government funding for new or upgraded
reticulated sewerage systems
Strategic Action 6.6.2.1 Lobby for inclusion in State Government sewerage subsidy program for
Bowning and Binalong.

Attachments: A. Gundaroo Sewerage Scheme Options Study (Under Separate Cover)

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7.2 ROAD AUTHORITY FOR SEGMENT 3 TO 5 OF ARMOURS ROAD, BINALONG

SUMMARY
To address a long standing issue of part of Armours Road being located on private land it is proposed to
undertake a part road dedication and road closure. The first step in this process is to transfer the road
authority for segments 3 to 5 of Armours Road to Council from the Crown.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council request the Department of Industry Lands transfer the road authority of Segments 3 to 5 of
Armours Road Binalong from the Crown to Council.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
All costs associated with the road transfer, dedication and closure will be funded from the Minor Road
Boundary Adjustment budget included in the 2017-18 Operational Plan.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

NSW Roads Act (1993)

REPORT
Armours Road commences at Binalong village and runs for approximately 4.5 kilometres providing road
access for a number of rural properties (refer to Figure 1).

Segments 3 to 5 of Armours Road cross the Great Southern Rail Line and then follow a Crown road reserve in
a northwest direction for approximately 600 metres. The road leaves the road reserve and crosses private
property (420 Armours Road) for approximately 400 metres before returning to a Crown road reserve prior to
terminating (refer to Figure 2).

Council and the land owner have generally discussed addressing the road deviation for a number of years.
Recently the owner of 420 Armours Road has approached Council to formalise the current location of
Armours Road that is located on private property.

The most effective way to achieve this outcome would be dedicate a new section of Armours Road and close
the unused section of Armours Road. The closed section of road will be transferred to the land owner in
compensation for the private land being dedicated as road reserve. The land owner has agreed to this action
provided Council undertakes and funds all necessary actions.

Council has discussed this action with the local office of the Department of Industry Lands who have
indicated that the most effective way to achieve this outcome would be to first transfer the road authority
designation of the Crown road section of Armours Road to Council. To commence this transfer process a
Council resolution for taking road authority responsibility is required. This report makes this
recommendation to commence the process.

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Figure 1

Note - Public roads where the Crown is the road authority are shown in dark blue. Light blue lines are sealed Council maintained roads.
Dark red lines are unsealed Council maintained roads.

Figure 2

Note Deviation of road maintained by Council from public road reserve.

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STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Key Pillar 4. Our Infrastructure
CSP Strategy IN3 - Maintain and improve road infrastructure and connectivity
Delivery Program Action IN3.1 - Deliver transport asset infrastructure, maintenance, renewal and
enhancement programs for urban, rural and regional roads to maintain or
improve overall condition
Operational Plan Activity IN3.1.2 - Develop and deliver annual maintenance programs for urban, rural and
regional roads based on priority and in accordance with allocated
budgets

Attachments: Nil

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7.3 GRANT OFFER TO UNDERTAKE YASS FLOODPLAIN AND RISK MANAGEMENT

STUDY AND PLAN

SUMMARY
To report to Council a grant offer received to prepare the Yass Floodplain and Risk Management Study and
Plan. This report recommends Council approval to accept the grant and commit associated funding.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. Accept the Office of Environment and Heritage grant offer of $80,000 to prepare the Yass Floodplain
and Risk Management Study and Plan.
2. Allocate the required funding of $40,000 in the draft 2018/19 Operational Plan from the Stormwater
Reserve.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Councils contribution of $40,000 will be funded from the Stormwater Reserve and will be included in the
draft 2018/19 Operational Plan.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Nil.
REPORT
Council has previously received funding from the Office of Environment and Heritage to prepare Flood
Studies for Gundaroo, Sutton and Yass. These studies have been completed and adopted by Council.

Council also received funding from the Office of Environment and Heritage to prepare the associated
Floodplain Risk Management Studies and Plans for Gundaroo and Sutton. These studies and plans were
completed and adopted by Council in 2016.

Council submitted a number of projects for funding under the 2016/17 Natural Disaster Resilience Programs
Floodplain Grants Scheme. This program provides funding on a 2:1 basis and all works must be completed
by 15 July 2019.

Council has been advised by the Office of Environment and Heritage that it has been successfully in being
awarded a grant for $80,000 to prepare the Yass Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan. Councils
contribution for the project is $40,000. It is proposed that the Council contribution be funded from the
Stormwater Reserve in the 2017/18 Operational Plan.

To accept the grant offer Council must agree to provide the necessary funding and return the signed
Funding Agreement by 29 September 2017.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Key Pillar 5. Our Civic Leadership
CSP Strategy CL1 - Effect resourceful and respectful leadership and attentive representation of
the community
Delivery Program Action CL1.3 - Meet its objectives through improving the effectiveness of risk
management, controls and governance processes
Operational Plan Activity CL1.3.2 - Manage Council's risks

Attachments: Nil

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7.4 REGIONAL SPORTS INFRASTRUCTURE FUND

SUMMARY
To seek Councils endorsement to apply for funding under the NSW Governments Regional Sports
Infrastructure Fund to develop regional sporting hubs at Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds and Walker
Park, Yass.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council endorse submission of an expression of interest to apply for funding under the NSW
Governments Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund for redevelopment of:
Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds
Walker Park, Yass

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Applicants for funding under the NSW Governments Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund are encouraged to
make a significant financial or in-kind contribution towards the cost of projects applied for.
Currently Council forward programs have Section 94 Reserve or Special Rate Variation (SRV) allocated
projects for both sites in current or coming financial years including:
Murrumbateman Recreation Ground - $160,000 ($100,000 for oval improvement & $60,000 for club
house/amenity facilities allocated in 2017/18 financial year)
Walker Park - $150,000 ($50,000 for lighting allocated in 2017/18 financial year & $100,000 for
amenity improvements allocated over the 2018/19 and 2019/20 financial years)
Council will need to demonstrate a co-contribution toward the projects which an expression of interest is
submitted for. It is recommended that funding allocated in forward programs outlined above be included as
Councils contribution for the submitted projects. A significant in-kind contribution is also likely to be able to
be demonstrated.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Nil.

REPORT
1. Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund
The $100 million Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund was recently announced by the NSW Government
as part of the $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.
The fund has been set up to invest in new and existing venues to improve the participation and
performance in sports at all levels. The fund objectives are to:
Increase the number and type of regional level sporting facilities
Improve the standard of existing regional level sporting facilities
Increase participation opportunities in sport
Provide infrastructure that enables economic growth and boost productivity
This fund targets investments over $1 million.
Eligible applicants, including 92 regional Councils, may submit an application for funding under the
fund. Project applications involving partnerships with state sporting organisations, local or district clubs,
educational organisations or private enterprise are encouraged.
Priority for funding will be given to proposals which:
Provide an economic benefit such as increased tourism or the creation of jobs

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Meet a demonstrable need in the community

Establish regional sports hubs
Enhance regionally significant sporting facilities
Can be used by more than one sporting code
Are aligned with the facility plans of state sporting organisations, regional sporting associations
and local sporting clubs
Are identified in the Office of Sports regional sport and active recreation plan
Are financially sustainable
Provide the highest net benefits
Increase participation opportunities in sport
Provide infrastructure that enables economic growth and boosts productivity.
Eligible projects will be assessed against four program criteria:
Strategic assessment - Demonstrate that projects will meet the statutory purpose of the Restart NSW
Fund to improve economic growth and productivity in NSW. For the purposes of the Regional Sports
Infrastructure Fund, the strategic assessment considers the alignment of the project with a range of
strategic priorities for sport and recreation, including NSW Government priorities, state sporting
organisation and/or local Council strategic plans, and whether the project will support improvements in
sport participation, and the capacity and use of sporting facilities.
Economic assessment - Demonstrate how the project will have a positive impact on productivity and
economic growth in the state through the creation or enhancement of publicly owned assets. Proposed
projects will only receive funding if they can demonstrate a Cost Benefit Ratio above 1.0.
Affordability - Demonstrate affordability of the project relative to the available funding, taking into
account net life-cycle cost, impacts and allowing for ongoing operating and maintenance requirements.
The assessment focuses on the robustness of the project cost planning, including whether the funding is
for a new or existing asset, how realistic the budget is, if other funding has been secured, and if the
nominating organisation has an existing plan and budget in place to manage project costs.
Deliverability - Demonstrate capacity to deliver the project through robust strategies for procurement,
project management and risk management.
Applying for the Regional Sports Infrastructure fund is a two-step process.
1: Submit an Expression of Interest
Applicants must supply high-level technical and administrative information about the project. The NSW
Government will review Expressions of Interest against the fund objectives and eligibility criteria.
2: Submit a Business Case
Based on the outcomes generated during the first assessment process, selected organisations will be
requested to formally submit a business case for consideration. Relevant parties will be required to
provide significantly more detail regarding their project, including information on their ability to carry
out the project in an appropriate time frame and the competitiveness of the proposal against the
assessment criteria.

2. Council Projects Recommended for Application

Council has the following facilities that are expected to be eligible and best meet the program criteria:
Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds
Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds hosts events of local, regional and state significance. These
include equestrian, wine, tennis, field days and carriage events among others. Infrastructure facilities for
such events are currently substandard and therefore in need of substantial improvement given the
growing population of Murrumbateman. Mostly volunteers have worked to improve the site with
assistance from Council.
Council recently received $550,000 from the NSW State Government to build new equestrian facilities. It
is known once this work is complete the site will be a major facility within NSW for equestrian events
and provides opportunity to directly bring significant economic growth to the region.

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The site has no major toilet facilities other than public toilets and a very basic community hall.
Significant infrastructure improvement is required over all areas of the site and this will enhance the
ability of the area to host local events and major regional and state events. The following improvements
will assist in achieving this aim:
New Community Hall incorporating event space, amenities/change rooms and kitchen/canteen*
New amenities building independent to the existing public toilets located near the
scouts/equestrian arena
Sports ground improvements*
Provision of LED lighting for the sports field*
Installation of new irrigation system for the sports field*
Improved car parking facilities and road safety improvements
Site signage
Pedestrian lighting
Power upgrade
These upgrades are currently being identified through a masterplanning exercise for the location.
Subject to detailed cost estimate the items marked with a * above are expected to be able to be
addressed if Council were to apply for approximately $3 million of funding under the Regional Sports
Infrastructure Fund, in addition to a contribution by Council of $160,000.
Walker Park, Yass
Walker Park has hosted significant regional, state and national sporting events. These relate to Rugby
League, Touch Football & Soccer. Recently Yass Magpies (Rugby League) were not permitted to host
finals at Walker Park by the Canberra Region Rugby League as the site lacks critical infrastructure (e/g.
night competition level lighting, covered seating, referee facilities and non-standard goal posts). This
means that Yass is disadvantaged as the ability to host large sporting events is limited at the site.
Upgrading the facility significantly will make Walker Park the sporting hub in Yass and mean the facility
is suitable to host local, regional, state and national events. The following infrastructure at the site will
assist in achieving this aim:
Covered seating for level 1
Relocate and replace commentary/filming facility
Improvement to existing amenities building for referee facilities
Replace goal posts for level 1
Redevelop lighting for level 1
Upgrade lighting levels 2 and 3 to LED
Car parking improvements, including provision of new parking area for level 2 and 3
Ground improvement, including drainage and irrigation upgrades.
Pedestrian safety improvements
Site signage
Subject to detailed cost estimate most of the items listed above are expected to be able to be
addressed if Council were to apply for $1.1 million of funding under the Regional Sports Infrastructure
Fund, in addition to a contribution by Council of $150,000.
This report recommends Council submit an expression of interest under the Regional Sports
Infrastructure Fund for the facilities outlined above.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Key Pillar 4. Our Infrastructure
CSP Strategy IN4 - Maintain and update existing community facilities, and support the
development of new community infrastructure as needed

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Delivery Program Action IN4.1 - Develop and maintain new and existing recreational and community assets
to address our communities needs in a sustainable manner
Operational Plan Activity IN4.1.1 - Develop and maintain sports grounds and associated facilities to standard
that enables use by a variety of users

Attachments: Nil

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7.5 MOWER FOR MURRUMBATEMAN RECREATION GROUNDS

SUMMARY
The Murrumbateman Progress Association has asked Council to provide a mower to make mowing quicker
and easier and to replace the current ageing mower used at the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds.

RECOMMENDATION
1. That Council provide a second hand mower, being a current item of Council owned plant that is planned
for disposal, to the Murrumbateman Progress Association and associated user groups to maintain the
Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds and surrounds.
2. That the mower be provided to the Murrumbateman Progress Association subject to an appropriate
Memorandum of Understanding being agreed in regard to usage and maintenance.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council replaced an out-front ride-on mower earlier in 2017. This report proposes that this mower not be
traded or sold at auction, but instead provided to the Murrumbateman Progress Association (MPA). The value
of the mower proposed to be held back from sale is approximately $4,000 to $5,000.
Should the mower be provided to the MPA the 2017/18 plant fund budget will have its income reduced by
this likely sale amount. It is proposed that this reduction be managed within the overall plant fund budget
for 2017/18.
The areas currently mowed by the MPA, which will continue to be mowed with the mower proposed to be
provided, save Council significantly in maintenance costs and allow a higher level of service to be provided
than if Council staff or contractors needed to perform the maintenance work. Council currently typically
provides $2,000 to the MPA each year to assist with maintenance and operating costs of the current mower
they own.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Nil.

REPORT
The Murrumbateman Progress Association (MPA) currently coordinates and provides volunteers to undertake
mowing work at the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds and surrounds. This arrangement has been in
place for approximately 6 years.
To undertake this work a mower purchased by the MPA is used. Council makes an annual contribution to the
operating costs of this mower to assist the MPA. The mower is undersized for the application and is in need
of replacement.
This report outlines a proposal to provide a Council mower due to be disposed of to the MPA to enable them
to continue to maintain the Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds. These grounds are used by numerous
clubs and events each year for a variety of purposes. Current work undertaken by the MPA to mow the
grounds saves Council significantly and provides a higher level of service as Council would not be able to
perform the work to the frequency that the MPA volunteers are able to.
A Council out-front ride-on mower was replaced earlier in 2017 meaning there is availability of a mower.
Generally Council would trade or sell the old mower at auction for around $4,000 to $5,000. This report
proposes that the mower that has been replaced be provided to the MPA to enable them to perform the
grounds maintenance work.
Council has previously provided mowers to the Gundaroo, Wee Jasper and more recently Binalong
communities to undertake mowing of recreational areas and other community spaces. This has proven to be
highly successful and reduced the cost of servicing these areas.
In these arrangements Council has entered into a written Memorandum of Understanding which outlines
the conditions of usage and expectations of Council. The MPA, who will be the primary user of the proposed
mower, will be party to such an agreement if Council resolves to provide the mower. The MPA would be

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 Ordinary Council Meeting 27 September 2017
responsible for all operational costs above that which Council provides assistance for and housing of the
mower.
The mowing work currently undertaken by the MPA saves Council significantly. This saving is achieved
through reduced contract and staff labour/plant costs associated with mowing activities at the
Murrumbateman Recreation Grounds. Because of the expected continued financial and service level benefits
for Council, it is suggested that the current out-front ride-on mower due for sale instead be provided to the
MPA. This is however subject to a Memorandum of Understanding being in place outlining their
responsibility as part of the agreement to provide the mower.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Key Pillar 4. Our Infrastructure
CSP Strategy IN4 - Maintain and update existing community facilities, and support the
development of new community infrastructure as needed
Delivery Program Action IN4.1 - Develop and maintain new and existing recreational and community assets
to address our communities needs in a sustainable manner
Operational Plan Activity IN4.1.2 - Develop and maintain parks, playgrounds and other open spaces to a
standard that enables use by a variety of users

Attachments: Nil

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 Ordinary Council Meeting 27 September 2017

7.6 COUNTRY PASSENGER TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE GRANTS SCHEME

SUMMARY
This report advises Council of the outcome of a grant application for provision of bus shelters under the
NSW Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme. The report also requests Council support
for the proposed locations of the new shelters and a Council contribution to the works.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council:
1. Endorse the installation of 17 new bus shelters using funding received under the NSW Country
Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme.
2. Allocate the required Council contribution for the grant of $28,818 in the Draft 2018-19 Operational
Plan.
3. Negotiate with Transport for NSW to ensure the grant offer reflects the installation of 17 bus shelters at
the chosen locations.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Council is required to provide funding in excess of the grant funding amount for each location. Under the
conditions of the grant $10,000 is provided for each nominated location. Based on the number of locations
recommended and the preliminary estimate for each site the total contribution required by Council is
estimated to be $28,818.
In addition Council will be responsible for depreciation, operational and maintenance costs for the new
infrastructure on an ongoing basis. Based on the number of sites recommended by this report the annual
depreciation (assuming a 25 year life) is $7,950 and the annual operational / maintenance cost (assuming
2.5% per annum) is approximately $4,970.
Council is not receiving any additional income to fund the annual depreciation of the assets nor the
operating / maintenance costs, meaning there will be a minor adverse impact on level of service.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Nil.

REPORT
1. Background Information

At the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 22 June 2016 the following was resolved as a result of a Notice of
Motion:

1. Council call for submissions from the Yass Valley community for locations for the provision of bus
shelters at bus stops within the Yass Valley Local Government area;
2. Responses received be compiled into a list;
3. The list be forwarded to the NSW Government's Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants
Scheme (CPTIGS) as a submission for funding.

As a result submissions were requested from the community for new bus shelter locations where there was a
need. This resulted in 24 sites being identified, plus one site where a request for street lighting was received.

2. Grant Application

The 25 sites were submitted as part of an application for the NSW Country Passenger Transport
Infrastructure Grants Scheme (CPTIGS) for 2016/17, which closed on 30 September 2016. See Attachment A
for the list of sites submitted.

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 Ordinary Council Meeting 27 September 2017
The CPTIGS is managed by Transport for NSW and provides subsidies to support the construction or
upgrade of bus stop infrastructure across country areas. The available subsidies are up to $10,000 per new
bus shelter and $2,000 per upgrade. All work under this funding scheme must be completed by 31 December
2019.

In July 2017 Council was advised that its application had been successful. The advice included notice of
granted funding of $242,000, comprising of 24 new shelters (24 x $10,000) and 1 street lighting upgrade
($2,000).

3. Bus Shelter Location Review

Since receiving the funding advice a review of the bus shelter locations has been undertaken with assistance
of the local bus service providers. This review identified support for 14 of the 24 bus shelter sites submitted
in the grant application and for an additional 3 sites where there is demand. It was noted that a number of
the originally proposed sites would be unsuitable for the installation of a bus shelter and/or were very close
to existing or proposed new shelters.

Of the 17 shelter locations now proposed it is noted that there is a heavy emphasis on Murrumbateman and
Gundaroo, which relates to the submissions from the public that were received.

4. Cost Estimate

A cost estimate, allowing for specific site conditions, for installation of a concrete slab and purchase and
installation of the shelter infrastructure has been prepared. Refer to Attachment A for details on costs. For
Council to install the 17 shelters a contribution from Council of approximately $28,818 is required.

5. Recommendation

Options for Council to proceed in relation to the grant for the bus shelter installations are as follows:

1. Not accept the grant funding offered based on the financial liability installation of the new shelters
imposes on Council.
2. Accept the grant funding for 17 shelters and allocate additional funding in the 2017/18 financial year
by increasing the deficit or reallocation of funds from an alternative project.
3. Accept the grant funding for 17 shelters and allocate additional funding in the draft 2018/19
Operational Plan to enable delivery of the program of works.

The recommendation suggested for Council by this report is in line with the third option outlined above.
However, Council should give due consideration of the first option given the ongoing adverse financial
impact of the new assets. Council is not receiving any additional income to fund the annual depreciation of
the assets nor the operating / maintenance costs.

If Council elects to proceed with the 17 locations negotiations are required with Transport for NSW
regarding a variation to the grant offer for the total value and the shelter locations.

A review was also undertaken of the one approved infrastructure upgrade (street lighting). The request
related to a bus shelter on Yass Valley Way near the Barton Highway interchange. The estimated cost to
install a solar street light at this location is $17,000, of which the grant will only cover $2,000. Whilst a light at
this location is desirable, given the low level of funding offered and as this lighting has not previously been
identified in Council priority programs it is not recommended that Council allocate the necessary funds to
proceed with this upgrade.

6. Bus Shelter Design

A review has been undertaken of suitable bus shelter designs that satisfy disabled access requirements,
safety by design considerations, low maintenance costs, high asset life and vandalism and graffiti resistance.
This review identified that a shelter similar to that installed in Comur Street near Grand Junction Road was
preferred. This type of shelter has a steel frame, metal roof, perforated steel sides/back and one aluminium
seat. Whilst perforated steel sides/back offer a lower level of wind and wet weather resistance than glass or
perspex, this material has a substantially lower risk in terms of vandalism and the associated repair costs.
Refer to the following photographs for samples of the type of shelter proposed to be installed.

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 Ordinary Council Meeting 27 September 2017

Existing Comur Street / Grant Junction Drive Bus Shelter

Proposed Bus Shelter Design

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Key Pillar 4. Our Infrastructure
CSP Strategy IN2 - Improve public transport links to connect towns within the region and
increase access to major centres
Delivery Program Action IN2.2 - Advocate for public transport links or improved services where there is
demonstrated community need
Operational Plan Activity IN2.2.1 - Advocate for public transport links or improved services where there is
demonstrated community need

Attachments: A. Bus Shelter Review Report

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7.6 Country Passenger Transport Infrastructure Grants Scheme
Attachment A Bus Shelter Review Report

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 Ordinary Council Meeting 27 September 2017

8.1 REVOTES FROM 2016/17 TO 2017/18

SUMMARY
To submit proposed revotes and project costs to be carried forward from 2016/17 to the new financial year
2017/18.

RECOMMENDATION
That Council revotes the budgets detailed in Attachment A from 2016/17 to 2017/18.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Projects being revoted are being funded from unexpended grants and contributions, reserves and general
council funds.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Local Government Act (1993).
REPORT
At the conclusion of each financial year some works remain either not commenced or not completed. Under
Local Government (General) Regulation (2005) Division 5, Section 211 (Authorisation of Expenditure) it is
necessary for Council each year to revote funds for those works that are not commenced in order that the
works can be carried out during the following financial year. It is not a requirement for Council to revote
funds for works that have commenced or are/have been contracted to be carried out but these projects are
provided for information and reconciliation against the 2017/18 Quarterly Budget Review Statement.
The table in Attachment A summarises projects included in the 2016/17 Operational Plan which have not
yet been completed requiring funding to be carried forward into the current financial year to ensure
continued works.
The amount proposed for revoting is $1,612,620 which comprises
Revotes from general fund of $247,555
Revotes from reserves of $488,603
Unexpended grants and contributions of $876,462
The proposed revote amount represents an increase of $10,561 in comparison to the projects carried forward
in the previous financial year.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION
Key Pillar 5. Our Civic Leadership
CSP Strategy CL1 - Effect resourceful and respectful leadership and attentive representation of
the community
Delivery Program Action CL1.4 - Be compliant, more efficient and effective
Operational Plan Activity CL1.4.2 - All regulated compliance is adhered to

Attachments: A. Proposed Revotes

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