7.1 fixing country roads round three - yass … · ordinary council meeting 26 july 2017 director...

Ordinary Council Meeting 26 July 2017

Director of Engineering Reports – 84 of 368

7.1 FIXING COUNTRY ROADS ROUND THREE

SUMMARY

Applications for the third round of the Fixing Country Roads grant scheme are open until Friday 1 September 2017. This report provides advice on potential projects that funding may be sought for.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council submit an application for funding under round 3 of the NSW Government Fixing Country Roads program for:

1. Mulligans Flat Road Construction

2. Timber Bridge Renewal Program

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There is no set minimum or maximum funding amount for a single project under round 3 of Fixing Country Roads. Applicants for the scheme can apply for up to 100 percent of the value of the project, but co-contributions from Council, industry and Australian Government programmes are strongly encouraged. This includes programmes such as the Bridges Renewal Programme (BRP) or the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

Commentary on funding options is included with each option Council may wish to apply for later in this report.

To develop an application for this funding scheme a consultant may be required to assist. This will depend on the expertise required to complete the application and current work priorities. Should a consultant be required this will be funded through the 2017/18 Engineering budget.

POLICY & LEGISLATION

Nil.

REPORT

1. Background Information for Fixing Country Roads Round 3

The NSW Government recently announced that it was seeking applications for eligible projects under the third round of the Fixing Country Roads grant scheme. Total funding under the third round is $100 million. Applications close Friday 1 September 2017. Under the grant scheme there are three streams:

1. Roads and Bridges Construction; 2. Bridge and Route Load Assessments; and 3. Truck Washes.

Eligible projects under each stream include:

Roads and Bridges Construction Road pavement repair and strengthening to allow higher mass limits (HML)

Sealing of an unsealed road

Road widening to allow longer and heavier vehicle combinations

Replacement of a timber bridge with a new structure

Strengthening and widening of an existing bridge

Road and floodway reconstruction to improve access during flood events

Construction of a new road to shorten distances

New roads such as access roads to industrial areas

Culvert replacement

Intersection realignment and upgrades

Construction of a heavy vehicle rest area and inspection bay.


Director of Engineering Reports – Page 185 of 368

Bridge and Route Load Assessments Bridge and culvert assessments that confirm or determine the load rating of the structures assessed.

Generally, the structures should be assessed for load rating up to at least B-Double high mass limit (HML) standard

Route load assessments that confirm or determine the suitability of pavement for higher mass limits.

Truck Washes (Both upgrades to existing and new truck washes or effluent disposal points are eligible) Construction of new bays or extending existing bays to accommodate the largest vehicle size on the

route

Construction of effluent disposal point bay

Water pump upgrade to increase pressure and decrease wash time

Drainage upgrade

Effluent disposal treatment system upgrade to improve biosecurity measure

Installation of reticulation system to utilise captured rainwater to be used at the truck wash

Lighting upgrade or installation to improve safety and extend operating hour

Toilet and shower facility upgrades to improve safety and reduce fatigue. To be eligible projects must start within 12 months of the funding being made available and delivery should be able to be completed within 2 years of commencement. There is no limit on the number of applications Council can submit. However, applicants are advised to prioritise and put forward their most well developed projects as Fixing Country Roads is a competitive program. Eligible applications will be assessed against four program criteria: 1. Access, Productivity and Safety Benefits (freight is an important part of this) 2. Growth and Economic Benefits 3. Strategic Alignment 4. Deliverability and Affordability Under the Truck Washes stream, biosecurity benefits will also be part of the assessment.

2. Eligible Council Projects 2.1 Roads and Bridges Construction Stream

Under the Roads and Bridges Construction Stream Council may wish to consider applying for the following:

1. Mulligans Flat Road Construction Mulligans Flat Road is the highest trafficked unsealed road in the Yass Valley local government area and provides a key link for regional commuters into the north of the ACT. 2km of the road remains unsealed. This unsealed section includes a timber bridge. The unsealed section of the road is often in poor condition and requires regular maintenance grading due to the traffic volume. Mulligans Flat Road currently has a 10 tonne load limit. Based on contracts recently completed for Council the total cost of constructing and sealing the 2km of unsealed road and replacing the timber bridge with a concrete structure is estimated to be $1.3 million (allowance of $300,000 for the bridge structure). Council at it’s April 2017 Ordinary Meeting endorsed Mulligans Flat Road Construction as a regional priority project in the draft infrastructure matrix for the Canberra Region Joint Organisation. Based on the road being a key link, and if the load limit were to be removed (once the road is sealed) thereby providing freight access, ensures this project strongly aligns with the Fixing Country Roads assessment criteria. 2. Fairlight Road Construction 2.5km of Fairlight Road is unsealed between Mountain Creek Road and the ACT border. The road provides an important link for local commuters into the ACT and for tourism. The road has a moderate to high traffic volume for an unsealed road. Due to traffic volume and condition the road requires regular maintenance grading.



Council has allocated $500,000 in the 2017/18 Operational Plan for the project to construct and seal Fairlight Road. Subject to detailed design, availability of a locally sourced gravel and detailed estimate, this amount is expected to seal 50-60% of the unsealed road. To construct the full project to a 6m seal width this is estimated to cost $1 million, although some saving is possible on this amount if suitable locally sourced gravel can be identified. Council at it’s April 2017 Ordinary Meeting endorsed including Fairlight Road Construction as a regional priority project in the draft infrastructure matrix for the Canberra Region Joint Organisation. An expression of interest (EOI) for funding under the NSW Government Regional Growth – Environment & Tourism Fund for this project was submitted earlier in 2017. No advice on the outcome of this EOI has been received. 3. Timber Bridge Renewal Program There are currently 11 timber bridges in the Yass Valley local government area that have a load limit in place. Council bought 3 bailey bridges in 2016/17 and also has one in place at Dicks Creek that is redundant. These are currently planned to be installed progressively to replace selected priority timber bridges. Council adopted a priority program for replacing load limited timber bridges at it’s Ordinary Meeting in December 2016. Delivery of this program would address the need to put load limits on bridge crossings at a number of sites, thereby providing economic benefit to the regions agriculture sector in particular. Based on the Timber Bridge Renewal Program being linked with freight, the program of bridge renewals strongly aligns with the Fixing Country Roads assessment criteria. The preliminary estimated cost of the priority program is $4,950,000. Applications for funding under the Australian Government Bridge Renewal Programme and Building Better Regions Fund for this program of works were submitted earlier in 2017. No advice on the outcome of these applications has been received. To deliver this program Council could seek grant funds under the Fixing Country Roads grant scheme to cover 50% of the cost. Council, or another grant scheme if successful, would then be required to fund the remaining 50% ($2,475,000). In relation to the Building Better Regions Fund application, Council at it’s March Ordinary Meeting resolved: That if Council is successful in obtaining grant funding under the Building Better Regions Fund for the purposes of timber bridge replacement, a further report be brought back to Council detailing options to fully fund Council’s required contribution under the grant scheme. If Council is successful in one of the three grant schemes only then the source of funding of the required Council contribution would need to be determined as per the above resolution.

2.2 Other Streams

Under this current round of Fixing Country Roads Council may consider making application for funding to undertake load testing of Council’s bridges and major culverts under the Bridge and Route Load Assessment stream. As this has been undertaken recently for all timber bridges, Council’s higher risk structures have already had this occur. This process facilitated the development of priority programs for timber bridge rehabilitation and replacement. Given this process was undertaken it is not recommended that Council apply for any projects under this stream. In future, once Council’s timber bridges have been addressed, Council may wish to consider undertaking load testing of concrete structures on selected roads or routes. It is not proposed that any applications be submitted under the Truck Washes Stream as there is no immediate priority in this regard and the other streams under the scheme are considered of higher priority.



3. Recommendation for Fixing Country Roads Grant Application

Guidelines for Fixing Country Roads advise applicants to prioritise projects. It is therefore recommended that Council apply for one road and one bridge project under the Road and Bridge Construction Stream. The Timber Bridge Renewal Program closely aligns with the grant assessment criterial. The program is recommended for application as it may provide Council with the opportunity to bring a large amount of work forward to be undertaken over a period of two years. There is also opportunity for this program to be fully funded if Council is successful in one of the Federal Government grant schemes applied for earlier in 2017. If successful in one or more of the grant applications, as the amount being applied for is significant, it may allow Council funds to be freed up for other priority road projects. Given grant applications for this program of works have been submitted earlier in 2017 much of the necessary preparation work for the application has been undertaken. Of the two road construction projects suggested it is recommended that Council apply for the Mulligans Flat Road Construction project. This project best aligns with the assessment criteria for the grant given it is a regional commuter route and once complete will open the road up to freight uses, if Council were to remove the load limit. Mulligans Flat Road is also of higher overall cost meaning that if Council is successful a higher grant amount would be obtained. Should Council be successful in obtaining funding for Mulligans Flat Road, Council would need to consider options for funding a Council contribution to the project. There are various options for this and may include:

Reallocation of funds within the 2016/17 Operational Plan;

Allocation of funds in the 2018/19 Operational Plan;

General reserves;

Income generated from commercial activities, such as land sales;

Loans; and

Combination of the above. For the purposes of the grant application a contribution by Council of $360,000 will be assumed. With regard to the Fairlight Road Construction project as Council already has funding of $500,000 included in the 2017/18 Operational Plan, a lesser amount to that of the Mulligans Flat Road Construction project would be applied for under this grant. A higher grant amount is sought as Council will then be able to bring a greater amount of works forward in the future. It is therefore recommended that the Mulligans Flat Road Construction project be applied for in this instance. It is not recommended that Council submit any applications under the Bridge and Route Loads Assessment Stream or Truck Washes Stream. This is because there are no immediate priorities in this regard and the other stream under Fixing Country Roads is considered of higher priority. It may also be a risk that funding may be received under these streams if applied for, rather than the priority major construction projects outlined above. It is noted that there is not a pre-determined proportion of the $100 million of Fixing Country Roads funding being allocated to each stream. Preliminary work has commenced on the applications for the projects recommended in this report given the timeframe for submission and the detail required in the application.

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 IN3.1.1 - Develop and deliver annual programs for urban, rural and regional road renewal and construction, including bridges and stormwater

Attachments: Nil



7.2 DESIGN, SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF A STANDBY GENERATOR FOR RIVERBANK PARK SEWAGE PUMP STATION

SUMMARY

This report provides advice on the submission of tenders for the design, supply and installation of a standby generator for Riverbank Park Sewage Pump Station.

RECOMMENDATION

That this item of the Director of Engineering Report be classified as Confidential in accordance with Section 10A(2)(d)(i) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public relating to commercial information of a confidential nature that would, if disclosed, prejudice the position of the person who supplied it.


Council’s 2016/17 and 2017/18 Operational Plans include an allocation totalling $250,000 for design, supply and installation of a standby generator at Riverbank Park Sewage Pump Station. Funds remaining from the 2016/17 financial year for this project will need to be carried forward into the 2017/18 financial year.


This tender has been conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993.

REPORT

Yass Valley Council sought tenders for the Design, Supply and Installation of a Standby Generator and Associated Works for the Riverbank Park Sewage Pump Station. At present, Council does not have any back-up power supply for this Sewage Pump Station (SPS), which is the largest SPS in Council’s Sewerage System in Yass. This SPS has a four to six hour storage capacity in the event of a power outage, which means there is a risk of a raw sewage overflow into the Yass River Catchment when a prolonged power outage occurs. The NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended Council install a generator for the Riverbank Park SPS to avoid the potential for a spill in the event of a power outage exceeding four hours. The tendering process was undertaken by NSW Public Works Advisory. Tenders were called on 23rd May 2017. Copies of the tender documents were made available via the NSW Public Works e-tender portal. Tenders closed on 22nd June 2017. Tenders were received from the following contractors:

Kerfoot Pty Ltd

Star Group

Poonindie Pty Ltd trading as Ted Wilson & Sons

Gongues Constructions Pty Ltd

Details of the tender evaluation process and the tendered prices have been provided in a separate confidential report.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Theme IN Our Infrastructure

Long Term Goal IN6 - Implement safe, accessible, and efficient management and recycling options for general waste, green waste, and sewage

Strategy IN6.1 - Provide and operate a quality sewer network. Cater for growth and quality enhancements that address the community needs

Strategic Action IN6.1.2 - Operate an efficient sewerage management network

Attachments: Nil


Director of Engineering – Page 189 of 368

7.3 YASS TO MURRUMBATEMAN WATER TRANSFER SYSTEM

SUMMARY

This report provides an update on the progress of the Yass to Murrumbateman Water Transfer System project.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council:

1. Note the progress of the project and the land acquisition process

2. Endorse completion of the Concept Design and commencement of the Detailed Design phase


Funds have been allocated in the 2017/18 Operational Plan for the investigation, design and land acquisition processes for this project.

The following grant funding is available for the construction of the project:

$6.1 million from the Australian Government (National Stronger Regions Fund)

$3.735 million from the NSW State Government (Restart NSW Fund). Granted for Improvements to the Yass Water Treatment Plant and approval given to utilise funding on this project

The estimated total project cost is approximately $14 million.

Council will be seeking additional funding via an application under impending State grant funding programs. If the application is successful then this would deliver an opportunity to bring forward the Improvements to the Yass Water Treatment Plant.


State Environment Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (SEPP).

REPORT

1. Background The current Murrumbateman Water Supply System provides water drawn from ground water sources. This system was developed in 1984 using a shallow bore located in the Murrumbateman Recreation Ground. A second bore was developed in 2007 following intensive investigations. The water undergoes a disinfection treatment process prior to household supply. The bore water is occasionally of below average quality and does not provide a secure water supply for the current Murrumbateman Village nor any future growth. The project to raise the Yass Dam wall means the dam can cater for up to 15,000 people. At present it caters for approximately 7,600 people in Yass and the villages of Bowning and Binalong. The Yass to Murrumbateman Water Transfer System project will deliver water from the Morton Avenue Reservoir, Yass, via a 250mm pipeline to Murrumbateman. The project not only allows for growth in Murrumbateman, but also allows a reverse water transfer from Murrumbateman to Yass in the future if water from the ACT is ever supplied to the Murrumbateman Region. Council has received grant funding for the project as per the information provided in the Financial Implications section of this report. The project program is as follows:

2016 / 17 Land Negotiation (Pipeline Route and Reservoir sites) and Concept Development

2017 / 18 Survey & Design, Environmental Studies and Land Negotiation/Agreements

2018 /19 Calling and Awarding Tender and Commence Construction

2019 / 20 Construction and Commissioning



2020/ 21 Finalisation of Easement Creation

2021/ 22 Extension of Water Mains to the Border of Future Development Areas. 2. Pipeline Alignment Selection NSW Public Works Advisory determined the Yass to Murrumbateman water pipeline alignment following a workshop with Council staff in January 2017. The route options were assessed using a Multi – Criteria Assessment (MCA) method, with the preferred pipeline alignment selected accordingly. The preferred alignment is shown in green in Attachment A. The selected pipeline route runs alongside the electricity easement for much of the length. 3. Land Acquisition The pipeline alignment selected traverses through thirty properties in total. Cleah Consulting Pty Ltd has been engaged to liaise with land owners on behalf of Council for creation of a 6m wide easement for the pumping main and a 20m wide corridor for construction phase activities. Cleah Consulting has commenced meeting with land owners discussing the easement land acquisition process and obtaining agreement for survey, environmental and geotechnical investigations to occur on the private land. A Land Owner Agreement has been developed as the instrument for creation of the easement. Legal advice is currently being sought on this document. A quotation process is also commencing to engage a land valuer to undertake valuations where the easements are required. A report to Council on the overall easement acquisition process is expected to be provided to the August 2017 Ordinary Council Meeting. It is noted that the easement creation process is critical in the overall context of the project program. This process takes time and any delay would affect the overall project timeline. The program for the project is of great importance because of the timeline associated with the Federal Government grant under the National Stronger Regions Fund. Should any delays be experienced Council will need to request an extension of time from the managing authority, Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. 4. Design Phase NSW Public Works Advisory were engaged to develop the Concept Design for the project, which has now been completed (refer to Attachment B). The Detailed Design process will commence by August 2017. Major components of the design phase are:

300mm inlet from Morton Avenue Reservoir and Pump Station;

Upgrade power supply to Morton Avenue Reservoir site;

18km long 250mm diameter trunk pumping main from Yass to Murrumbateman;

2ML reservoir at Murrumbateman; and

Gaseous chlorine based chlorination system to Murrumbateman water supply.

In order to have better quality assets and a longer life span, it has been decided to carry out a detailed design and then call tenders for construction. An alternative would have been to have a contractor design and construct the project. This approach however is likely to deliver substandard assets and will have associated higher ongoing maintenance costs for Council. As a result the design and construction processes will be completed in isolation. NSW Public Works Advisory are planned to be engaged to undertake the detailed design and to prepare tender documents for the project. NSW Public Works Advisory has in-house capability, technical knowledge and experience to deliver appropriate solutions suitable to large scale rural and regional capital projects and for operational and maintenance scenarios. The following major projects were delivered successfully by NSW Public Works Advisory for Yass Valley Council:

New Sewage Treatment Plant in Yass March 2010 ($7.6M) Raising Yass Dam Wall by Three Metres August 2013 ($16.8M) – Total Cost was $22M Murrumbateman Sewerage Scheme June 2016 ($8.6M)



5. Murrumbateman Reservoir Earlier plans were to have a smaller size balance tank at the existing Murrumbateman reservoir site and to have another reservoir at an elevated location on a hill at Hillview Drive, Murrumbateman (4.5 km away from the balance tank). A 15m high, 2ML reservoir at the location of the existing elevated 90KL steel reservoir (15m high) is now planned. This proposed arrangement shall service the existing village and around ninety percent of potential future development sites without the need for any pressure boosting arrangements. Should there be any additional reservoir requirements needed at a later date, a second reservoir shall be constructed either near to the existing site or at another location where future development occurs. During the current transition phase, a temporary pressure system will be installed to service the existing high level zones that are currently serviced by the 90KL high level reservoir (refer to Attachment C). Installation of the temporary system will allow removal of the current high level reservoir and ultimate construction of the new 2ML reservoir. 6. Pump Station at Morton Avenue, Yass The Reservoir at Morton Avenue is the largest holding Reservoir (4.5ML) within the Yass Water Supply System. It is proposed to draw water from this Reservoir to supply Murrumbateman. A Pump Station will need to be constructed at this location to supply water to Murrumbateman. This is planned to be constructed in a portion of land from Lot 11, DP 777721 adjoining to the Reservoir. This portion of land will need to be acquired during the land acquisition process (refer to Attachment D and Concept Report). When acquiring the land for this proposed Pump Station, an additional area of land will also be acquired for a second reservoir to meet the future growth needs of Yass (refer to Attachment D and Concept Report). 7. Development and Environmental Approval The relevant environmental planning instrument for the proposal is SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007. This removes the requirement for compliant activities to obtain development consent. Clause 125(1) of the SEPP allows works for the purpose of a water reticulation system carried out by or on behalf of a public authority to proceed without development consent on any land. Therefore, the proposed Yass to Murrumbateman Water Supply Project is permissible without Development Consent. The proposal will therefore be assessed under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act). Yass Valley Council is the proponent and will be the determining authority for the development. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) will be prepared in accordance with Section 111 of the EP&A Act, which requires that the proponent take into account to the fullest extent possible all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment due to the proposed activity. Consideration of the factors listed under Clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000 (EP&A Regulation) will be used to assist in assessing the significance of the proposal and will be included in the REF.

8. Communication Strategy

All affected land owners where an easement requires creation were informed in March 2017;

Residents near the proposed Pump Station site and Reservoir site at Morton Avenue are currently being notified; and

Murrumbateman Village Residents are currently being notified on the progress of this project.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Theme IN Our Infrastructure

Long Term Goal IN5 - Ensure high quality water supply options for the towns in the region



Strategy IN5.1 - Council to supply quality water, cater for growth and quality enhancements that addresses the community needs

Strategic Action IN5.1.1 Council to supply quality water, cater for growth and quality enhancements that addresses the community needs

Attachments: A. Proposed Pipeline Route

B. Concept Design Report (Under Separate Cover)

C. Temporary Pressure System at Murrumbateman

D. Proposed Pump Station Layout at Morton Avenue, Yass

7.3 Yass to Murrumbateman Water Transfer System

Attachment A Proposed Pipeline Route



Attachment C Temporary Pressure System at Murrumbateman



Attachment D Proposed Pump Station Layout at Morton Avenue, Yass




7.4 PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - 11 DUTTON STREET, YASS

SUMMARY

This report provides advice on the management of Council’s property located at 11 Dutton Street, Yass.

RECOMMENDATION

That this item of the Director or Engineering report’s be classified as Confidential in accordance with Section 10A(2)(f) of the Local Government Act 1993, which permits the meeting to be closed to the public for business relating to matters affecting the security of the council, councillors, council staff or council property.


The options available for managing the property located at 11 Dutton Street, Yass, have varying financial implications for Council.


Nil.

REPORT

Due to damage caused by a burst water pipe an insurance claim was submitted for the property located at 11 Dutton Street, Yass. Council needs to make a decision on the future of the property primarily around repair or removal of infrastructure so that the current insurance claim can be finalised.

Full details of the options and implications have been provided in a separate confidential report.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION


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 IN4.1.4 - Manage Council’s properties and buildings

Attachments: Nil



7.5 ROAD STANDARDS POLICY REVIEW

SUMMARY

A review of the Road Standards Policy has been undertaken following concerns being raised with the policy associated with road upgrade requirements triggered by development. Arising from the review a draft policy is recommended to be placed on public exhibition.

RECOMMENDATION

That Council endorse the draft revised Road Standards Policy RD-POL-9 to be placed on public exhibition and if no significant objections are received the policy be adopted.


Nil.


Roads Act 1993

Yass Valley Council Road Standards Policy.

REPORT

1. Background Council’s Road Standards Policy (RD-POL-9) provides minimum standards for roads and property accesses associated with the assessment of development. The current policy was reviewed late 2016, which was in response to the amendment of the Local Environmental Plan (LEP) to reduce the minimum rural allotment from 80Ha to 40Ha. The current policy is included in Attachment A. Some concern has been raised with regard to the extent of the road upgrade requirements the current policy places on development. In addition, some anomalies have arisen in the application of the current policy which may lead to undesirable planning outcomes. In light of this the policy has been reviewed and a draft revised policy developed (see Attachment B). Within this Attachment amendments are highlighted so that changes can be easily identified.

2. Draft Revised Road Standards Policy – Key Points

The following is a summary of the main changes that have been made in the draft revised Road Standards Policy. Further information is provided on selected proposed changes in the Key Considerations section of this report.

Right of Way / Right of Carriageway – Listing of a requirement that they shall only be used where it is not practical to have direct vehicular access to an existing or new public road. Quality of materials used for construction now also specified.

Battle-Axe Handle Access – Listing of a requirement that they shall only be used where it is not practical to have direct vehicular access to an existing or new public road.

Sight Distance for Property Access – Revision of the sight distance requirements where the posted speed limit is 50km/hr in urban and rural areas. The revised listing is a more practical outcome for urban areas. The previous requirement was not achievable for many lots in urban areas.

Materials Used for Road Construction – Quality of materials used for road construction have now been specified. Previously the material specified was not suitable for an unsealed road and there was insufficient detail of the quality of material required, meaning sub-standard materials may have been used in road construction.

Cul-de-sacs – Listing of a requirement that these shall not be used unless they are the only available option.



Kerb – Listing that flush kerb (as per Fairley subdivision) in Murrumbateman may be used as an alternative to layback or upright kerb.

Road Upgrade Requirements for Small Subdivisions and Development – Amended so that for such development only unsealed roads that are substandard will require upgrading.

Section of Road for Upgrade – Listing that the length of road for upgrade shall start from the nearest section of road that is deemed to meet the appropriate road standard, or the end of the nearest section of road that has a current development consent to upgrade (i.e. so two developments are not conditioned to upgrade the same section of road, unless unavoidable).

Legal and Physical Access – More specific definition now provided. Should a development be constructed on an unformed road then in addition to the length to be upgraded under the provisions for substandard access, the remaining length of unformed road shall be constructed to a 3.5m width with 100mm thickness of gravel.

Guidance on Road Upgrade Costs – A ready reckoner has been included to provide a guide on likely road upgrade costs.

Selection of Administrative Changes – Minor changes throughout the policy have been made to improve clarity, including refining the definitions listed.

3. Key Considerations

3.1 Road Upgrade Requirements As outlined above in general the draft revised policy places lesser requirements on small developments in terms of road upgrade needs where substandard roads exist. Refer to section 11 of the draft revised policy. For such development, the draft revised policy only requires substandard unsealed roads to be upgraded. In addition, where there is a requirement to upgrade there is no change in the category (i.e. for small scale development if a substandard road is unsealed it will only require upgrading to access road standard, which is unsealed). Council needs to consider whether the requirements in the draft revised policy are appropriate, or whether a higher requirement for development to upgrade substandard roads is preferable, as per the current policy. It is noted that for large development, equivalent of greater than 15 additional lots, the requirements are largely unchanged from the current policy. The draft revised policy has been developed in response to concerns that the current policy has placed excessively onerous requirements on small developments in particular. The length of substandard road requiring upgrade as a result of development outlined in section 11 has also been reviewed. The current policy requires a 500m length per additional lot for an unsealed road and 300m per additional lot for a sealed road. These distances were determined based on the potential number of additional development entitlements with the new minimum lot size of 40Ha and the length of Council’s rural network. Further review of the length of road to be upgraded considered the Yass Local Environmental Plan 1987 (now repealed) and the typical and desired layout of a 40Ha lot. Within the LEP 1987 40Ha lots were also then the minimum rural lot areas. This LEP included a requirement that allotments fronting main or arterial roads were to have a frontage of not less than 400m. Consideration of the geometry of a 40Ha lot in terms of a sound planning outcome (i.e. long thin lots being undesirable) would suggest that a frontage of 400m to 500m would is desirable. As a result of this and previous consideration the draft revised policy is unchanged in terms of the length of substandard road requiring upgrade. Council may wish to review the length requiring upgrade for unsealed roads in particular outlined in Table 6 of the draft revised policy. Should Council wish to reduce this length then at minimum a length of 300m is recommended to be considered.

3.2 Legal and Physical Access

The current policy defined physical access as being met if:


Director of Engineering Reports – 3 of 368

Access at minimum can accommodate the passage of a 2-wheel drive vehicle; and

Road upgrade requirements of the development as required by the policy are undertaken (i.e. the length of substandard road to be upgraded based on the number of new lots being generated).

Under this condition it is possible that a development could occur on a length of road where the standard only needs to meet the requirement to be passable for a 2-wheel drive vehicle. This is of concern in relation to emergency access and also creates an undesirable planning outcome (i.e. development on an unconstructed road). The definition of a road passable by a 2-wheel drive vehicle is also unclear and may be subject to interpretation. The draft revised policy has been updated to more clearly define physical access. This outlines that should development occur on an unformed road then in addition to the length to be upgraded under the provisions for substandard access, the remaining length of unformed road shall be constructed to a 3.5m width with 100mm thickness of gravel. This standard aligns with the specified standard for a right of way to a single property. This standard is recommended as it ensures the road is passable by all vehicles and satisfactory emergency access is provided. It is noted that this requirement may make some development unviable, however sound planning principles would suggest that such lots should not be developed unless suitable road access is provided. The draft revised policy also outlines that where unformed roads are constructed to a 3.5m width Council will not maintain the road. Council will only maintain roads where they are constructed in accordance with the requirements of Table 3 of the draft revised policy.

3.3 Right of Ways / Battle-Axes / Cul-de-sacs

During development of the current policy criteria in relation to right of ways and battle-axes were relaxed to permit their use to access a defined number of lots. The policy prior to that essentially did not permit them. This had been on the basis that Council was often requested to maintain right of ways for which it was not responsible and Council was often becoming involved where neighbourhood disputes occurred related to access and maintenance. There was also concern with them on planning grounds. When the current policy was developed for right of ways and battle-axes it was specified that Council would not accept the transfer of them to public road status and that appropriate conditions needed to be included in the 88B instrument in relation to responsibilities and dispute resolution. These conditions are effective and remain in the draft revised policy. Recent subdivision submissions have raised concern with regard to the unnecessary use of right of ways and cul-de-sacs in particular. These have typically been included to maximise saleable lots or to minimise or avoid road upgrade costs. However, their use does not necessarily provide sound long-term planning outcomes, nor provide an appropriate outcome in terms of the developments impact on the road network. The draft revised policy states that right of ways and battle-axes shall only be used where it is not practical to have direct vehicular access to an existing or new public road. Where this situation arises, approval would be subject to assessment via the Director of Engineering. In relation to cul-de-sacs the draft revised policy states that they shall not be used unless they are the only available option. Similarly, such determination shall be via assessment by the Director of Engineering. It is recommended that these changes remain in the policy for public exhibition.

4. Conclusion

The draft revised Road Standards Policy has been developed for endorsement to be placed on public exhibition for 28 days. There are significant changes within the revised policy which have been based on providing a balance between development/growth and the impact on Council’s current and future road expenditure liability. In addition, changes have been made to resolve some anomalies that are arising in the application of the current policy.



Should no significant matters be raised during the public exhibition period it is recommended the policy be adopted at the completion of the exhibition period.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION

Key Pillar 1. Our Environment

CSP Strategy EN4 - Maintain a balance between growth, development and environmental protection through sensible planning

Delivery Program Action EN4.1 - Ensure Council's statutory planning instruments are up to date and reflective of the community needs

Operational Plan Activity EN4.1.1 – Undertake ongoing strategic land use planning and reviews of existing instruments

Attachments: A. Current Road Standards Policy RD-POL-9

B. Draft Revised Road Standards Policy

7.5 Road Standards Policy Review

Attachment A Current Road Standards Policy RD-POL-9



Attachment B Draft Revised Road Standards Policy




7.6 PARKING ARRANGEMENTS IN COMUR STREET ADJACENT TO THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS

SUMMARY

To provide Council with details of submissions received during the public exhibition of a proposal to modify the parking arrangements adjacent to the Council Chambers in Comur Street, Yass. It is recommended this area remain as a loading zone.

RECOMMENDATION

That parking arrangements in Comur Street adjacent to the Council Chambers not be modified and remain as a loading zone.


Any associated costs will be undertaken within existing Operational budgets.


Local Government Act 1993

NSW Road Rules 2014

REPORT

At the May 2017 Ordinary Meeting, Council adopted a recommendation from the Traffic Committee to place on public exhibition a proposal to change the parking arrangements in Comur Street adjacent to the Council Chambers. The resolution of Council was as follows:

a) That the first three bays be marked as a ‘Loading Zone’ & the other remaining two bays be marked as ‘2 Hour Parking’.

b) That the above proposal be placed on public exhibition and the outcome reported directly to Council for resolution.

This location is currently sign posted as a loading zone. The area is currently line marked for five parallel parking spaces. Refer to the following plan.

The proposed parking arrangements placed on public exhibition were as follows:

• The first three parking spaces (closest to Polding Street) remain as a loading zone; and



• The remaining two parking spaces be changed to two hour parking. The exhibition period has now closed and as a result one submission was received. The submission received raised concerned in relation to:

The loss of truck parking associated with the commercial premises

The already adequate provision of two hour parking in the area

The process and need for consulting on the location for a second time Advice was also received from one business prior to the exhibition period based on the recommendation to Council from the Traffic Committee. This advice was in favour of two hour parking, and noted the flexibility that a two hour parking zone provided (i.e. ability to be used for parking as well as for loading/unloading). The location was previously placed on public exhibition earlier in 2017 regarding a proposal to change the full area from a loading zone to two hour parking (due to under-utilisation of the area). This was undertaken as the signage at the location had been changed from a loading zone to a two hour parking area without the necessary authorisation for amendment of a regulatory sign. A subsequent decision was made to change the signage back to a loading zone as the required process had not been followed. The previous exhibition period had provided mixed support for the proposed change from a loading zone to two hour parking. The recent exhibition period was in response to the Traffic Committee assessment of this unclear outcome. Based on the outcome of the public exhibition periods there has not been adequate community support or an identified need to warrant adjustment to the status of the subject area. Further there is also concern in terms of larger vehicles being able to use the proposed loading zone area (due to length) in the proposal that was recently placed on public exhibition. It is therefore recommended this area remain as a loading zone. The status of this zone may be reviewed in future should land uses in the surrounding area change.

STRATEGIC DIRECTION


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 IN3.1.3 - Implement sound asset management practices in accordance with industry standards

Attachments: Nil

7.1 fixing country roads round three - yass … · ordinary council meeting 26 july 2017 director...

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