Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004...DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004 Amendments...

DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL

Contributions Plan

No. 1, 2004

Amendments September 2015

Adopted by Council on 29 September 2004 Operational from 6 October 2004

(Council resolved on 5 September 2013 to extend the expiry date of the plan to 7 October 2015).

(Council resolved on 21 July 2015 to extend the expiry date of the plan to 7 October 2016).

Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004 Page

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DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL

Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004

CONTENTS

Section Title Page

1. INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW 1.0 Introduction 14 1.1 What is Section 94? 14

2. ADMINISTRATION 2.0 Plan Name 15 2.1 Area to Which Plan Applies 15 2.2 Period of Operation 16 2.3 Relationship with Other Plans, Codes and Policies 16 2.4 How To Use This Plan 16 2.5 Plan Purpose 17 2.6 Plan Objectives 17 2.7 Definitions 18 2.8 Nexus 19 2.9 Indexation of Contribution Rates 19 2.10 Payment of Contribution Rates 20 2.11 Dedication of Land 22 2.12 Can the Council Require the Provision of Other Public

Services and Facilities? 22

2.13 When will this Plan be Reviewed? 23 2.14 Reassessment & Waivers 23 2.15 Funding & Management Structures 23 2.16 Summary 24 3. COMMUNITY PROFILE & DEVELOPMENT GROWTH

PROJECTIONS 3.0 Introduction & Existing Population 31 3.1 New Development – Supply & Demand 34 3.1.1 Supply-Side Analysis 34 3.1.2 Demand-Side Analysis 34 3.2 Estimated Future New Development 35 4. OPEN SPACE & RECREATION 4.0 Introduction 39 4.1 Open Space & Recreation Objectives 39


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CONTENTS - CONTINUED

Section Title Page

4. OPEN SPACE & RECREATION 4.2 Nexus Explanation 40 4.2.1 Casual Nexus (what) 40 4.2.2 Spatial or Physical Nexus (where) 40 4.2.3 Temporal Nexus (when) 40 4.3 Casual Nexus (What) 41 4.3.1 Needs Based Approach 41 4.3.2 Standards Based Approach 44 4.4 Existing Facilities Assessment & Proposed New Facilities 47 4.4.1 Sports Facilities 47 4.4.2 Parkland Facilities 49 4.4.3 Swimming Pool Facilities 50 4.4.4 Indoor Sports Facilities 51 4.5 Physical Nexus (Location of Proposed Facilities) 51 4.6 Proposed Open Space & Recreation Works Schedule &

Apportionment 52

4.6.1 Proposed Sports Field Facilities 52 4.6.2 Proposed Parkland Facilities 56 4.6.3 Proposed Swimming Pool Facilities 58 4.6.4 Proposed Indoor Sports Facility 59 4.7 Temporal Nexus (When) 59 4.8 Open Space Dual Use 60 4.9 Carried Forward Funds and Open Space & Recreation

Funding Sources 61

4.10 Tourism Contributions 61 5. COMMUNITY FACILITIES 5.0 Introduction 66 5.1 Objectives 66 5.2 Casual Nexus (what) 66 5.2.1 Needs Based Approach 66 5.2.2 Standards Based Approach 71 5.3 Existing Facilities Assessment & Proposed New Facilities 73 5.3.1 Existing Community Facilities 73 5.3.2 Proposed New Facilities 74 5.4 Physical Nexus (Location) 77 5.5 Proposed Facilities Work Schedule & Apportionment 78 5.6 Temporal Nexus (When) 81 5.7 Carried Forward Funds & Community Facilities Funding

Sources 81

5.8 Tourism Contributions 82


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Section Title Page 6. TRAFFIC FACILITIES 6.0 Introduction 87 6.1 Objectives 87 6.2 Casual Nexus (What) 88 6.2.1 Standards Based Approach 90 6.3 Rural Collector Roads Upgrade 91 6.3.1 Land Use Traffic Generation 91 6.3.2 Existing & Proposed Level of Service – Rural Sub-Arterial

Roads 91

6.3.3 Proposed New Facilities 93 6.3.4 Apportionment of Rural Sub-Arterial Roads 94 6.4 Rural Local Road & Intersection Upgrades 99 6.5 Unsealed Road Upgrades 104 6.6 Road Maintenance 106 6.7 Traffic & Pedestrian Management 107 6.8 Physical Nexus (Location) 108 6.9 Temporal Nexus (When) 108 6.10 Carried Forward Funds & Traffic Facilities Funding Sources 110 7 BIKEWAYS 7.0 Introduction 113 7.1 Objectives 113 7.2 Casual Nexus (What) 114 7.2.1 Needs Based Approach 114 7.3 Proposed New Facilities 118 7.3.1 Bicycle Plan Proposed Works 118 7.4 Physical Nexus (Location) 121 7.5 Proposed Facilities Works Schedule & Apportionment 121 7.6 Temporal Nexus (When) 123 7.7 Bicycle Facilities Funding Sources 123 7.8 Tourism Contributions 123 123 8 FIRE SERVICES 8.0 Introduction 127 8.1 Objectives 127 8.2 Casual Nexus (What) 127 8.2.1 Needs Based Approach 127 8.2.2 Standards Based Approach 128 8.3 Existing Facilities Assessment & Proposed New Facilities 128 8.4 Physical Nexus (Location) 128


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Section Title Page

8 FIRE SERVICES 8.5 Temporal Nexus (When) 128 8.6 Proposed Facilities Works Schedule & Apportionment 128 8.7 Fire Services Facilities Funding Sources 129 8.8 Tourism Contributions 129 9 SHIRE WIDE CONTRIBUTIONS 9.0 Section 94 Management 132 9.0.1 Nexus 132 9.0.2 Proposed Section 94 Services and Apportionment 132 9.0.3 Temporal Nexus (When) 133 9.1 Dungog Shire Council Administrative Building 133 9.1.1 Introduction, Nexus and Spare Capacity 133 9.1.2 Proposed Facilities and Apportionment 133 9.1.3 Spatial Nexus (Where) & Temporal Nexus (When) 134 9.2 Shire Wide Facilities & Services Funding Sources 134 10 BIBLIOGRAPHY 135

LIST OF TABLES

Table No.

Title Page

1.1 Dungog Shire Residential Contribution Rates Summary 101.2 Unsealed Road Upgrades - Residential 101.3 Tourism Contribution Rates Summary 111.4 Dungog Shire Tourism Roads Contribution Rates Summary 121.5 Dungog Shire Commercial Roads Contribution Rates Summary 131.6 Unsealed Road Upgrades - Commercial 132.1 Shire Wide Population Estimates 153.1 Age Structure Profiles 1991 – 2001 313.2 Planning Districts Population 1991 – 2001 333.3 Current Population & Estimated Future Population Growth 363.4 Future Demographic Profile 373.5 Estimated Future Development Timeframes 37

4.1(a) and 4.1(b)

Residential & Tourism Contribution Rates Summary 38

4.2 Open Space & Recreation Proposed Work Schedule Summary 384.3 Frequency of Sport and Physical Activity 424.4 NSW Sport and Physical Activity Participation 42


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LIST OF TABLES - CONTINUED

Table No.

Title Page

4.5 Sport Participation Frequency of Children 434.6 Participation in Sports & Leisure Activities 434.7 Open Space Quality Goals 454.8 Open Space and Recreation Standards 464.9 Existing & Proposed Sports Fields 48

4.10 Required Sports Field Facilities 484.11 Proposed Sports Fields Facilities 494.12 Playground User Demographics 494.13 Existing Parklands & Proposed Play Equipment 504.14 Dungog Sports Field Facility 534.15 Clarence Town Sports Field Facility 544.16 West Sports Field Facility 554.17 Dungog Parkland & Play Equipment 564.18 Clarence Town Parkland & Play Equipment 564.19 West Parkland & Play Equipment 57 4.20 Swimming Facilities 584.21 Indoor Sports Facility 594.22 Open Space & Recreation Funding Sources 614.23 Contribution Rates Summary 614.24 Tourism Contribution Rates Summary 63

5.1(a) and 5.1(b)


5.2 Community Facilities Proposed Work Schedule Summary 655.3 NSW Library Attendance 685.4 Frequency of Attendance at Libraries 685.5 Persons Attending Cultural Venue & Events 715.6 Community Facility Industry Standards 725.7 Proposed New Facilities 765.8 Proposed Community Facilities within Clarence Town 785.9 Proposed Community Facilities within Dungog 78

5.10 Proposed Community Facilities within the West 795.11 Community Facilities Funding Sources 815.12 Community Facilities Residential Contribution Rates Summary 825.13 Tourism Contribution Rates Summary 836.1 Traffic Facilities - Residential 846.2 Unsealed Road Upgrades – Residential Contribution Rates 846.3 Traffic Facilities - Commercial 856.4 Unsealed Road Upgrades – Commercial Contribution Rates 856.5 Works Schedule Summary 866.6 Rural Hierarchy Classes and Parameters 876.7 Minimum carriageway widths for rural roads 886.8 Land Use Vehicle Generation 916.9 Two-way Hourly Road Capacities for Two-Lane Roads 92

6.10 Existing and Potential Level of Service 926.11 Road Upgrade Costs 93


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LIST OF TABLES - CONTINUED

Table No.

Title Page

6.12 Rural Local Roads - Upgrades 1006.13 Rural Intersections – Upgrades 1016.14 Unsealed Road Upgrades 1046.15 Dungog – Traffic & Pedestrian Management 1076.16 Traffic Facilities Funding Sources 1106.17 Road and Intersection Upgrades – Residential 1106.18 Unsealed Road & Bridge Upgrades 1106.19 Road and Intersection Upgrades – Commercial 1116.20 Unsealed Road & Bridge Upgrades 111

7.1(a) and 7.1(b)


7.2 Bicycle Facilities Proposed Works Schedule Summary 1127.3 Proposed Bicycle Plan Works 1207.4 Bicycle Facilities Funding Source 1237.5 Bicycle Facilities Contribution Rates Summary 1237.6 Tourism Bicycle Facilities Contribution Rates Summary 124

8.1(a) and 8.1(b)


8.2 Fire Service Facilities Proposed Works Schedule Summary 1268.3 Proposed Fire Service Facilities 1298.4 Fire Services Facilities Funding Sources 1298.5 Tourism Contribution Rates Summary 130 9.1 Residential Shire Wide Contribution Rates Summary 1319.2 Proposed Shire Wide Works Schedule Summary 1319.3 Section 94 Management Works Schedule & Contribution Rate 1329.4 Total Cost of Proposed Administrative Building & Contribution Rate 1339.5 Shire Wide Facilities & Services Funding Sources 134

LIST OF FIGURES Figure No.

Title Page

3.1 Age Structure Profiles 1991 & 2001 32


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LIST OF MAPS Map No.

Title Page

2.1 Map of Whole of Dungog Shire Local Government Area 252.2 Map of the Dungog Population Catchment 262.3 Map of the Clarence Town Population Catchment 272.4 Map of the Gresford Population Catchment 282.5 Map of the Vacy Population Catchment 292.6 Map of the Martins Creek / Paterson Population Catchment 30

LIST OF APPENDICES APPENDIX A Published Plan Contribution Rates APPENDIX B Contribution Rates Indexed to September Quarter 2012


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NOTE The following contribution rates are:

indexed from the plan adoption date to September 2012 using the Consumer Price Index Weighted Average of Eight Capital Cities published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics; and

discounted by 33%, reflecting Council’s decision in December 2012 to discount its development contributions in order to stimulate economic development in Dungog Shire until a new contributions plan is prepared.

The contribution rates included in Tables 1.1 to 1.6 will apply to development applications determined on or after the date on which the December 2012 amendment to the contributions plan is adopted by Council. The full contribution rates at the time this plan was prepared and adopted by Council (i.e. 2004) are included in Appendix A of this plan. The full, indexed contribution rates are included in Appendix B of this plan.


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DUNGOG SHIRE RESIDENTIAL CONTRIBUTIONS RATES SUMMARY

PLUS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH FALL WITHIN THE FOLLOWING CATCHMENTS AS OUTLINED IN TABLE 1.2

Sports Fields $5,196 $4,230 $3,675 $3,675 $3,675 $3,675

Parklands $127 $306 $198 $198 $198 $198

Swimming Pool $978 $978 $978 $978 $978 $978

Indoor Sports Facility $1,030 $1,030 $1,030 $1,030 $1,030 $1,030

Local Community Centre $382 $314 $310 $310 $310 $310

District Community Centre

$260 $214 $215 $215 $215 $215

Youth Venue $210 $175 $173 $173 $173 $173

Arts & Craft Centre $59 $52 $49 $49 $49 $49

Aged Facility $192 $163 $159 $159 $159 $159

Library $575 $466 $470 $470 $470 $470

Pre-school $765 $610 $620 $620 $620 $620

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads Upgrades

$354 $983 $88 $638 $638 $638

Rural Local Roads & Intersection Upgrades

$1,572 $292 $717 $2,458 $2,458 $1,650

Traffic Management $0 $321 $0 $0 $0 $0

Bikeway Facilities $176 $187 $305 $660 $660 $56

Fire Services $1,061 $1,061 $1,061 $1,061 $1,061 $1,061

Section 94 Management $748 $748 $748 $748 $748 $748

Administrative Building $525 $525 $527 $525 $525 $525

Total $14,210 $12,656 $11,320 $13,966 $13,966 $12,554

Table 1.1 - Dungog Shire Residential Contribution Rates Per Dwelling/Lot Summary

CategoryClarence

TownDungog Gresford

Martins Creek

Paterson Vacy

Mowbray Lane North $679

Dungog Common Road $1,530

Paterson/Vacy/Martins Creek Keppies Road $3,170

Glenburn Road $1,420

Table 1.2 - Unsealed Roads & Bridge Upgrades - Residential Investigation Zone Road Contribution/Ha

Clarence Town Cemetery Road $2,996


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DUNGOG SHIRE TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS RATES SUMMARY

PLUS

Investigation Zone Category

Parkland & Play Equipment Arts & Craft Centre

Bicycle Plan Facilities

Fire Services

Total



Fire Services

Total



Fire Services

Total



Fire Services

Total



Fire Services

Total



Fire Services

Total $525 $610 $860

$29 $32 $41

$387 $456 $653

$745 $874 $1,243

Vacy

$80 $92 $129

$28 $30 $38

$250 $295 $423

$387 $456 $653

$745 $874 $1,243

Paterson

$80 $92 $129

$28 $30 $38

$250 $295 $423

$387 $456 $653

$620 $724 $1,025

Martins Creek

$80 $92 $129

$28 $30 $38

$125 $145 $206

$387 $456 $653

$521 $608 $858

Gresford

$80 $92 $129

$28 $30 $38

$59 $68 $94

$387 $456 $653

$615 $720 $1,019

Clarence Town

$46 $54 $72

$28 $30 $38

$76 $88 $123

$387 $456 $653

Licensed Hotels & Resorts with

Facilities

Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with

FacilitiesServiced Apartments

Dungog

$123 $144 $203

$29 $31 $40

Table 1.3 - Tourism Contribution Rates Per Room Summary


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Table 1.4 - Dungog Shire Tourism roads Contribution Rates Per Dwelling/Lot Summary

Upgrade/Improvement Clarence Town

Dungog Gresford Martins Creek/ Paterson

Vacy

Rural Sub-Arterial Road

$48 $118 $23 $79 $79

Rural Local Roads & Intersections

$186 $42 $88 $282 $192

Traffic Management $0 $45 $0 $0 $0

Total $233 $205 $111 $361 $271


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DUNGOG SHIRE COMMERCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS RATES SUMMARY

PLUS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS WHICH FALL WITHIN THE FOLLOWING CATCHMENTS AS OUTLINED IN TABLE 1.2

PLUS Road Maintenance as determined by the Transport and Economic Assessment Study.

Upgrade/Improvement Clarence Town Dungog GresfordMartins Creek

/ PatersonVacy

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads $48 $118 $23 $79 $79

Rural Local Roads & Intersections $186 $42 $88 $282 $192

Traffic Management $0 $45 $0 $0 $0

Total $233 $205 $111 $361 $271

Table 1.5 - Dungog Shire Commercial Roads Contribution Rates Per Dwelling/Lot Summary

Contribution Per Vehicle Generation

Investigation Zone Road Contribution/Ha

Clarence Town Cemetery Road $2,996

Paterson/Vacy/Martins Creek Keppies Road $3,170

Glenburn Road $1,420

Mowbray Lane North

$679

Dungog Common Road $1,530

Table 1.6 - Unsealed Roads & Bridges Upgrades


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1. INTRODUCTION & OVERVIEW

1.0 INTRODUCTION The development or redevelopment of an area for residential, commercial or industrial purposes creates a need for public services and facilities such as community facilities, open space and recreation, traffic management, car parking, pedestrian amenities, and drainage. The public services and facilities required will vary according to the type and scale of development, the characteristics of the area, the relevant population, and the standard and capacity of existing services. The needs created as a result of development relate to the occupiers of that new development, to the existing community affected by the new development, and to the physical effects of development. Section 94 (s94) of the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (“EP&A Act”), enables a council to require (as a condition of consent) a contribution towards the provision of public services and facilities needed where it can be shown that the proposed development will, or is likely to, create or increase the demand for such public services and facilities.

1.1 WHAT IS SECTION 94? Section 94 allows councils to collect contributions for future public services and facilities, and/or to recoup costs incurred for public services and facilities which have been provided in anticipation or facilitation of development. It considers the public services and facilities required at full development, and collects contributions from development for the relevant apportionment. Council can request a contribution to be a dedication of land free of cost, monetary contribution, material public benefit, or a combination of some or all of the aforementioned. The basic principles of section 94 are: a contribution may be required for the provision of new or additional public services and

facilities or to recoup funds already expended in anticipation of development the contribution must be ‘reasonable’ contributions are to be used only for the purpose for which they were collected financial contributions are to be spent and land dedications are to be made available within

a ‘reasonable’ time there must be a demonstrated connection (nexus) between

the proposed development and the demand for the new or additional facility the cost of the public service or facility and the amount of contribution the location of the development and the location of the public service or facility the timing of payment of the contribution and the provision of the public service or

facility.


2. ADMINISTRATION

2.0 WHAT IS THIS PLAN CALLED? This Plan is called:

Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004

It has been prepared under Section 94B of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 and Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000. This is “Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004”. A short form version of the Plan “Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004 – Summary” is also available.

2.1 WHAT AREA IS COVERED BY THIS SECTION 94 CONTRIBUTIONS PLAN? This Plan applies to the whole of the Dungog Shire Local Government Area. The Local Government Area has been broken down into 5 Contributions Catchments (Gresford Catchment, Dungog Catchment, Vacy Catchment, Paterson and Martins Creek Catchment, and Clarence Town Catchment), which are set out in Map 2.1. In various parts of this Plan reference is made to the “Eastern Catchment” or “East Catchment” - that Catchment is comprised of the Dungog Catchment and Clarence Town Catchment depicted on Map 2.1. In other parts of the Plan reference is made to the “Western Catchment”, “West Catchment” or “Remainder” – that Catchment is comprised of the Gresford Catchment, Vacy Catchment, and the Paterson and Martins Creek Catchment depicted on Map 2.1. Maps 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5 and 2.6 depict Population Catchments within the Dungog Catchment, Clarence Town Catchment, Gresford Catchment, Vacy Catchment and Martins Creek/Paterson Catchment respectively. Those Population Catchments include the various villages and/or townships referred to in various parts of the Plan. Residential population projections and the public services and facilities required by new development have been estimated for each population catchment. Table 2.1 details population estimates for each catchment.

This Plan takes into account and applies to all development including residential, commercial and industrial development.

Table 2.1 - Shire Wide Population Estimates

Contributions Catchment2001

PopulationIncrease Over

Period TimeframeDungog 3,147 1,520 2024Clarence Town 2,070 5,902 2024W est (including Paterson / Martins Creek / Vacy) 2,816 3,035 2024Total 8,033 10,457


2.2 WHEN DOES THIS PLAN OPERATE FROM? This Plan operates from 6 October 2004 (in accordance with clause 41j(31) of the EP & A Regulation, this is the date on which Council adoption of the Plan was publicly advised in the local newspaper in respect of the extension of the timeframe of the Plan further notification was given on 27 June 2012). Council resolved on 5 September 2013 to extend the expiry date of the plan to 7 October 2015. Council resolved on 21 July 2015 to extend the expiry date of the Plan to 7 October 2016. Whilst the Plan estimates development over a 20 year timeframe, it is operational for a five year period as it is intended to be reviewed annually and indexed quarterly. It considers the facilities and services required at full development, and collects contributions from development for their relevant apportionment. 2.3 WHAT RELATIONSHIP DOES THIS PLAN HAVE TO OTHER PLANS AND CODES? Dungog Shire Council has one Section 94 contribution plan in place: Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1 2001 The “Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1 2001” is repealed on the date this Plan became effective. This Plan supplements the provisions of: the Dungog Shire Local Environmental Plan 2004 the various Development Control Plans applicable within the Shire of Dungog. 2.4 HOW TO USE THIS PLAN This Plan provides a basis for calculating contributions to be levied on new development. This Plan is structured into two parts:

Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004 - Summary

The Summary is a short version of the Plan and contains administrative details as well as the contribution rate summaries and work schedules for each of the contributions catchments. This information provides easy access to the determined rates and works for each catchment.

Section 94 Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004

The complete version of the Plan contains the background information and rationale that has established the contributions rates for each catchment. It also contains administrative details as well as the contribution rates and works schedules for each of the contributions catchments. Section 1, Introduction & Overview, explains what Section 94 means. Section 2, Administration, sets out the title of the Plan, its relationship to other Plans, definitions

used and the management processes for the collection of contributions. Section 3, Community Profile & Development Growth Projections, reviews the current

community profile and estimates new development across the Dungog Shire Local Government Area. Sections 4 - 8 relate to the individual services and facilities required within each contribution

catchments. They detail background information and facilities to be provided as well as how these facilities will be funded.


Section 4, Open Space & Recreation

Section 5, Community Facilities

Section 6, Traffic Facilities

Section 7, Bikeways

Section 8, Fire Services

Section 9, Shire Wide Contributions, sets out the contribution rates which will apply across the whole Dungog Shire Council Local Government Area.

2.5 WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS PLAN? The purpose of this Plan is to identify the demand for facilities and services as a result of development and to assess the contribution required to provide these public services and facilities. The services and facilities included in the Plan are only those provided through local government, and not those provided by other levels of government. 2.6 WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS PLAN? The objectives of this Plan are to:

provide a comprehensive strategy for the assessment of development contributions

assist the provision of adequate public services and facilities to meet the needs generated by new development and redevelopment in the Shire of Dungog

assist in the timely and orderly provision of public services and facilities in accordance with the demands of the incoming population

enable the Council to require, as a condition of development consent, a fair and reasonable contribution, dedication, and/or direct provision for public services and facilities required

enable the Council to recoup funds which it has spent in the provision of public services and facilities in preparation for new development or redevelopment

ensure that the existing community is not burdened by the provision of public services and facilities which are needed as a result of new development and redevelopment

integrate planning of works into future Council budget cycles. In order to achieve these objectives, this Plan:

assesses, in conjunction with other supporting documentation, the likely demand for public services and facilities arising from development and redevelopment

identifies the particular public services and facilities needed

documents the estimates of costs for providing those public services and facilities

documents the apportionment of cost (where appropriate) of these public facilities and services to the projected new development or redevelopment

formally establishes Section 94 contribution rates for residential and commercial development.


2.7 HOW ARE WORDS OR TERMS USED IN THIS PLAN DEFINED? In this Plan the following words and terms have the meanings set out below: “Applicant” means the person, company or organisation submitting a development application.

“Augmentation” means to increase the capacity of an existing facility or service in some way.

“Average 90 Day Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate” means a quarter average of the weekly 90 Day Bank Bill Swap Rate as published by the Financial Review. “Bedroom” means a room furnished with a bed which is or can be intended primarily for sleeping. “Consumer Price Index” means the consumer price index published by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “Contribution” means the dedication of land, the making of a monetary contribution or the provision of a material public benefit as referred to in Section 94 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. “Contributions Plan” means a contributions plan referred to in Section 94B of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. “Council” means the Dungog Shire Council. “DCP” means any relevant Dungog Shire Council Development Control Plan. “Developer” means the person, company or organisation, whether the applicant or owner, authorised by the owner of the land to carry out the development. “Dungog Shire” and “the shire” means the Dungog Shire local government area, for the purposes of the Local Government Act 1993. “Dwelling” means a room or number of rooms occupied or used, or so constructed or adapted as to be capable of being used, as a separate domicile. “EP&A Act” means the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, as amended. “EP&A Regulation” means the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation, 2000. “Gross Floor Area” and “GFA” means the sum of the areas of each floor of a building where the area of each floor is taken to be the area within the outer face of the external enclosing walls as measured at a height of 1400mm above each floor level excluding: Columns, fins walls, sun control devices and any elements, projections or works outside the outer

face of the external wall; Lift towers, cooling towers, machinery and plant rooms and ancillary storage space and vertical air

conditioning ducts; Car-parking need to meet any requirements of the Council and any internal access thereto; and Space for the loading and unloading of goods. “LEP” means a local environmental plan made by the Minister under Section 70 of the EP&A Act. “Licensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities” means establishments which are licensed to operate a public bar and which provide accommodation on a room/suite basis, with a bath/shower and toilet in most guest rooms, but which do not have full cooking facilities (ie hot plates and oven (microwave) in most guest rooms.


“Motels, Private Hotels and Guest Houses with Facilities” means establishments which are not licensed to operate a public bar, and which are not licensed to operate a public bar and which provide accommodation or a room/suite basis, with a bath/shower and toilet in most guest rooms, but which do not have full cooking facilities (ie hot plates and oven (microwave) in most guest rooms. “Public Service or Facility” means any public service or public facility, as referred to in Section 94 of the EP&A Act, the need for which has been increased or created by development. “Recoupment” means the payment of a monetary contribution to the Council to offset the cost (plus any interest) which the Council has already incurred in providing public facilities in anticipation of development. “Section 94” means section 94 of the EP&A Act. “Serviced Apartments” means establishments which mostly comprise self-contained units at the same location, and which are available on a unit/apartment basis to the general public for a minimum of one night. Each unit should have full cooking facilities (ie hot plates and oven/microwave), refrigerator and bath/shower and toilet facilities; all bed linen and towels should be provided, and daily servicing (ie cleaning and bed making). “Settlement” means the payment of a monetary contribution, the undertaking of a work in kind, or the exchange of documents for the dedication of land required as a result of new development. “Works-in-kind” has the same meaning as “material public benefit” as referred to in Section 94 (5)(b) of the EP&A, Act and means the undertaking of any work associated with the provision of a public service or facility. 2.8 NEXUS Nexus is the demonstrated connection between development and the need for public service or facility provision. Section 94 requires three types of nexus to be satisfied; causal (what facilities and services), physical (location) and temporal (when to provide). Section 94 sets broad guidelines for levying contributions. The implementation of these guidelines is achieved through Council policies, standards, surveys and studies which determine the detailed planning of additional public services or facilities required as a result of development. Dungog Council Officer input and previous s94 contributions plan and their background documents have also assisted in this process. The information used to establish nexus will be explained in the relevant public service or facility. In each of these instances the Plan demonstrates the connection between: the proposed development and the need for the new or additional public service or facility (causal) the cost of the public service or facility and the amount of the contribution the location of the development and were possible the location of the public service or facility

(physical) the timing of the payment of the contribution and the provision of the public service or facility

(temporal). 2.9 HOW ARE CONTRIBUTION RATES INDEXED? Following adoption of the initial level of contributions in the Plan, the contribution rate, including outstanding contributions until payment is made, will be adjusted each quarter in accordance with the Australian Bureau of Statistics Consumer Price Index (CPI) weighted average of eight capital cities. The


most recent published quarter CPI index will be applied. Details of the current level of contributions at any time will be provided in a Schedule of Current Section 94 Contribution Rates available from Council Administration Centre, 198 Dowling Street Dungog – telephone (02) 4995 7777. Developers should confirm the exact amount of the contribution prior to payment by telephoning Council on the above telephone number or by viewing the summary document.

The indexation will be applied using the formula

IC = (Current CPI / Previous CPI ) x CR where : “IC” is the indexed contribution, “Current CPI” is the most recently published Consumer Price Index Weighted Average of Eight Capital Cities, “Previous CPI” is the Consumer Price Index used in the preceding indexation calculation. “CR” is the applicable contribution rate as set out in the summary,

2.10 PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTION RATES

When are Section 94 Contributions Payable?

Contributions are to be paid as follows: for development applications involving subdivision, payment to be made prior to certification of the

plan of subdivision for development applications involving building works, payment to be made prior to the issue of a

Construction Certificate for development applications where no subdivision or building works are involved, payment to be

made prior to the commencement of the development, or the use of the land or building as provided for in the development consent.

Can Arrangements be Made for Deferred or Periodic Payments? Council may agree to the settlement of Section 94 contribution payments being deferred or made by periodic instalments. Any such proposal would require the submission of an application under Section 96 of the EP&A Act to modify the s94 condition. In assessing such an application, the Council will consider whether community needs will be prejudiced, and the impact on the operation and management of the s94 Plan. Any contribution payment which has been made by periodic payment shall constitute the total contribution or outstanding contribution at the time of deferring payment, plus interest over the time until payment. A Section 96 application seeking deferral or periodic payment of a Section 94 contribution shall be made in writing to Council outlining:

reasons why the Council should approve the application

the proposed arrangements for the making of payments and the security of all payments (bank guarantee or equivalent).


why the deferral or periodic payment will not prejudice the efficiency and operation of the Plan or prejudice the community development objectives of Section 94

length of requested deferral or proposed rate of periodic payment

how the provision of the public service or facility in accordance with the adopted works schedule will not be adversely affected.

Where the developer intends to provide a bank guarantee as security the following requirements may be imposed by Council: the amount of the bank guarantee shall be the sum of the total contribution or outstanding

contribution at the time of deferring payment, plus interest over the time of deferred payment. The interest rate to be applied will be determined by Council and will be based on the Average 90 Day Bank Bill Swap Reference Rate

the financial institution shall unconditionally pay the guaranteed sum to Council if the Council so

demands in writing, not earlier than 6 months from the provision of the guarantee, or at the completion of work, whichever occurs first

the financial institution shall pay the guaranteed sum without reference to the applicant or

landowner or other person who provided the guarantee, and without regard to any dispute, controversy, issue or other matter relating to the development consent, or the carrying out of development in accordance with the development consent

the financial institution obligations are discharged when payment to the Council is made in

accordance with this guarantee or when Council notifies the financial institution in writing that the guarantee is no longer required

the guarantee shall not specify an expiry date.

The developer shall be required to pay the accrued interest and any charges associated with the establishment and/or operation of the bank guarantee, including Council’s legal expenses. The Council shall require an appropriate deed of agreement to be executed regarding these matters at the developer’s expense. The Council reserves the right to terminate such an agreement at any time and upon written notice to the applicant the contribution will be required to be paid.

Can Public Services and Facilities be Provided Directly and in Lieu of Monetary Contribution?

Council may accept the construction of public services or facilities listed in this Plan to offset a monetary contribution payable under the terms of development consent. Any such proposal would require the submission of an application under Section 96 of the EP&A Act, including full details of the timing and the works-in-kind proposed to be undertaken in lieu. Council will consider the proposal in the context of the purpose and objectives of this Plan together with any particular issues relevant to the public service or facility. Where the value of the works-in-kind is assessed by Council as being less than the value of the contribution, the applicant shall be required to settle the balance of the contribution by way of financial contribution and/or land dedication. Where the value of the works-in-kind exceeds the nominated Section 94 contribution, Council may consider: offsetting against other category levies dependent upon available funds and future funding

requirements offsetting future contributions if other lands are available for development


reimbursement if sufficient funds exist after consideration of future works program and estimated timing of receipts

regard the additional works as a ‘no credit’ item reimbursement to the extent of funds received if any of the above cannot be achieved. NOTE: If

works-in-kind are undertaken, it is on the agreement that Council will reimburse to the extent of funds received. Reimbursement is limited by the extent that contributing development proceeds.

Land dedications shall be made in accordance with the work schedules within this Plan. All costs of dedication are to be borne by the applicant, and the land must be dedicated in a condition suited for its intended purpose. Appropriate arrangements are to be made to ensure the land is dedicated or otherwise transferred into Council ownership before the required timing of payment. Council may request or the applicant may offer additional works-in-kind above the value of the contribution required by the development. The value of the additional works shall be agreed by both Council and the applicant prior to the issue of a Construction Certificate. In such instances Council may either:

reimburse the applicant the agreed additional costs. This refund may be withdrawn from the

relevant s94 fund (if detailed in the contribution plan schedule of works), or grant the applicant a ‘credit’ for the value of the works which are above the required contribution

(if detailed in the contribution plan schedule of works), or regard the additional works as a ‘no credit’ item.

The amounts and terms of credits are to be negotiated in association with the determination of the s.96 application and shall:

be for the additional value only as agreed by Council prior to commencement of any work be used by the applicant to offset relevant contributions where the applicant has further

development sites covered by s94 contribution plans not be redeemable in cash from the Council, should the applicant choose not to undertake future

development be considered on merit and on the basis that Council reserves the right to require payment of a

monetary contribution or to terminate the works-in-kind agreement should the applicant be unwilling or unable to meet its terms.

Any cash credit held by Council will earn interest and be added to the credit. 2.11 DEDICATION OF LAND The dedication of land in satisfaction of a monetary contribution is limited to the land identified as being required for the proposed facilities as identified in the works schedules.

2.12 CAN THE COUNCIL REQUIRE THE PROVISION OF OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES AND FACILITIES?

Notwithstanding the requirement for a contribution or contributions to be paid under s94 of the EP&A Act, Council is able to require the provision of other public services and facilities with the determination of a development consent pursuant to s79C of the EP&A Act. These may be, for example, local roads,


footpath works, drainage works, cycleway construction, landscaping works or the provision of car parking, etc. Public services and facilities provided to obtain development bonuses under a DCP do not count towards Section 94 contributions. Dungog Shire Council is empowered to supply water and sewerage services under the Local Government Act 1993. Developer contributions and the costs of constructing specified additional works are justified under Section 64 of the Local Government Act, 1993, are levied separately, and do not form part of this s94 contributions plan. 2.13 WHEN WILL THIS PLAN BE REVIEWED? This Plan will be reviewed as and when required and contribution rates will be indexed quarterly. This Plan will be reviewed in full, or in respect of particular parts, when considered appropriate having regard to the rate of development, the type of development, cost of public service or facility provision, and community response to public service and facility provision. The contribution levels in the Plan reflect current land market value (all services are available and surrounding land is developed for the purpose it is zoned) and current construction costs. The level of provision of public services and facilities reflects current planning, engineering practice and population trends. In reviewing this Plan Council’s objective is to ensure that the funds received for land acquisition from s94 contributions are sufficient to fund the purchase of all land Council must acquire, including the land acquisition costs. 2.14 REASSESSMENT AND WAIVERS Council may consider a request by the applicant for the reassessment of the contribution amount in accordance with the EP&A Act, which may result in the contribution being reduced or waived or modified. 2.15 FUNDING & MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES It is critical that s94 contribution funds be accurately targeted to ensure no duplication of funding roles. Consequently an appreciation of other funding mechanisms and revenue generation options should be considered to ensure the cost effective provision of public services and facilities. Such options include:

State and Federal grants.

Dual use of open space.

Community use of school facilities. Joint policy between Council and the Department of School Education on the use of school facilities, in and out of school hours.

User pays – extend existing system to ensure that high-cost minority interest facilities are self-funding.

Commercial interests – explore options for commercial facilities run or leased out by Council, or opportunities for the private sector to provide public facilities and services.

Voluntary assistance – for example volunteers engaged in community greening and bushcare programs, which provides local incentive and extends Council’s use of funds.

Maintenance strategies – assess extent to which maintenance levels can be varied according to use of facility and setting. Evaluation of carrying capacity should be considered (perceptual and physical).


This Plan has considered alternate funding sources, however future uncertainty about such sources precludes Council from including them in the Plan. Alternate funding sources will be assessed in future plan reviews.

2.16 SUMMARY Following is the Residential Contribution Rates and Works Schedule Summary Tables for each public facility and service within the three Contribution Catchments. The Contribution Catchments are: Dungog, Clarence Town, and Martins Creek / Paterson / Vacy/ Gresford.


Map 2.1 Dungog Shire Local Government Area


Map 2.2 Dungog Population Catchment


Map 2.3 Clarence Town Population Catchment


Map 2.4 Gresford Population Catchment


Map 2.5 Vacy Population Catchment


Map 2.6 Martins Creek / Paterson Population Catchment


3. COMMUNITY PROFILE & DEVELOPMENT GROWTH PROJECTIONS

3.0 INTRODUCTION AND EXISTING POPULATION Dungog Shire Council forms part of the Hunter Region and shares local government boundaries with Gloucester Shire (north), Scone Shire (north-west), Singleton Shire (west), Maitland City (south), Port Stephens Shire (south) and Great Lakes Shire (east). The following information has been collated from the Australian Bureau of Statistics information. The Shire’s population was 7,360 in 1991 and has grown to 8,033 (usual place of residence) by 2001, an increase of 9% over the ten year period. Table 3.1 and figure 3.1 details the age structure profiles from 1991 – 2001.

Table 3.1 - Ages Structure Profiles 1991 - 2001

Age Range 1991 1996 2001

0-4 584 549 5065-9 628 676 630

10-14 584 620 67715-19 496 470 54620-24 358 354 31825-29 468 417 37230-34 591 539 49335-39 574 661 59040-44 515 593 66045-49 428 519 61650-54 406 438 56755-59 377 427 47860-64 358 337 47465-69 354 328 31770-74 267 288 29175-79 206 195 23080-84 101 142 15185-89 47 60 7590+ 18 23 42Total 7,360 7,636 8,033


Key points from the above 1991 and 2001 age profiles:

the number of people in all age cohorts above 40 years, with the exception of the 65-69 cohort, have increased over the ten year period,

there is still a high percentage of 5-14 year olds within the Dungog local government area (LGA), the percentage of 15-19 has remained stable over the ten year period, and the number of people aged 20-39 years has declined, and total population has increased by 9%.

Dungog Shire has been divided into four main areas (called “districts”), based on the four urban centres of:

Dungog, Clarence Town, Gresford, and Paterson.

These four planning districts incorporate the collector districts from the census. Dungog District includes: Salisbury, Chichester, Bandon Grove, Underbank, Wallaringa, Munni, Main Creek, Fosterton, Bendolba, Sugarloaf, Stroud Hill, Hanleys Creek, Tabbil Creek, Alison, Marshdale, Flat Tops, Cambra and Dungog. Paterson District includes: Fishers Hill, Hilldale, Vacy, Martins Creek, Webbers Creek and Paterson. Clarence Town District includes: Wallarobba, Brookfield, Glen William, Glen Martin, Glen Oak and Clarence Town. Gresford District includes: Upper Allyn, Carrabolla, Eccleston, Halton, Lostock, Mount Rivers, Allynbrook, Bingleburra, Lewinsbrook, Torryburn, Summerhill, east Gresford and Gresford.

Figure 3.1 - Age Structure Profiles 1991 & 2001.

1991 & 2001 Age Profile Comparisons

0%1%2%3%4%5%6%7%8%9%

0-4

5-9

10-1

4

15-1

9

20-2

4

25-2

9

30-3

4

35-3

9

40-4

4

45-4

9

50-5

4

55-5

9

60-6

4

65-6

9

70-7

4

75-7

9

80-8

4

85-8

9

90+

1991 2001


Table 3.2 shows the distribution of population within the planning districts and the change in population between 1991 and 2001.

Dungog and Gresford planning districts have experienced small population decreases from 1991 -2001. Clarence Town and Paterson have had significant increases in population over the ten year period. Household and Family Structure The 2001 census recorded 2170 individual families in the Dungog Shire, with most of the families being couples with children (47%) or couples without children (40.5%). These results for family structure in Dungog are representative of State figures. There are proportionally fewer one-parent families in Dungog (11.7%) than in New South Wales (NSW) (15.5%). Around half of the two-parent families in Dungog Shire have dependent children (53.6%). Of all the families in the shire, 41.4% have no dependent children. As a general trend, the households of Dungog Shire have lower weekly incomes than the NSW average. A greater proportion of households received weekly incomes of less than $500 (64.3% Dungog, 54.1% NSW). Only 12.5% of Dungog’s households earn more than $800 per week, compared to 18.7% of NSW households. Population projections for the Dungog Shire will be influenced by factors such as:

development in the area, land availability, employment, environmental matters, and general economic conditions.

Table 3.2 - Planning Districts population 1991 - 2001

Dungog 1991 1996 2001% Increase 1991 -

2001Urban Population 2,180 2,239 2,173 -0.32%Rural Population 1,037 984 974 -6.08%Total 3,217 3,223 3,147 -2.18%PatersonUrban Population 307 352 338 10.10%Rural Population 792 1,286 1,423 79.67%Total 1,099 1,638 1,761 60.24%Clarence TownUrban Population 648 751 830 28.09%Rural Population 845 1,028 1,240 46.75%Total 1,633 1,779 2,070 26.76%GresfordUrban Population 308 294 260 -15.58%Rural Population 1,100 702 795 -27.73%Total 1,408 996 1,055 -25.07%Total LGA 7,357 7,636 8,033 9.19%


3.1 NEW DEVELOPMENT – SUPPLY & DEMAND New development within the Dungog Shire will be influenced by a combination of supply and demand factors. A determining factor on the supply-side will be the amount of land available for development. General economic factors will influence the demand for development. This section will analysis supply and demand.

3.1.1 Supply-Side Analysis A survey was conducted within the Dungog Shire to identify unsubdivided Candidate Area allotments. It was found that within Candidate Areas there are a total of 191 x 4ha lots that could potentially still be created from land zoned “General Rural 1(b)”. A large number of lots remain unsubdivided. This suggests that these Candidate Areas are not in a location where there is a demand for subdivision, the land is unsuitable for subdivision, or property owners do not currently want to subdivide the land. The areas where subdivisions have occurred within these Candidate Areas are generally located near an existing urban centre, have bitumen road access and, where the subdivision was small-scale (rather than subdivision of large farming properties). The Draft Local Environmental Plan 2003 has zoned large amounts of land surrounding the existing urban towns and villages as “Investigation 9(a)”. This land has the potential to be re-zoned to “Rural Lifestyle” which allows for rural-residential style of development. Rural Lifestyle development should be located in close proximity to existing settlements, which will assist the social cohesion of the existing village or town. Permitting further residential developments in other outlying areas may create a competing need for social infrastructure, which would fragment the existing pattern of service provision. This is important for the growing proportion of younger children and older people in the Dungog Shire, who are major users of social infrastructure support networks. Of prime importance to the Dungog Shire, with its existing dispersed settlement patterns, are the increased costs to State and Local government of providing infrastructure including (but not limited to) roads, electricity, sewerage, water, telecommunications, mail deliveries, and waste disposal. It is generally accepted that any future extension of these facilities to service rural residential development or any new developments should not be subsidised by a reduced service to the wider community or at additional costs to the wider community. This contribution plan aims to better reflect the baseline needs of the community, and the true costs of development to the community, within the requirements of the s94 developer contribution system. 3.1.2 Demand-Side Analysis It is the borders of the Maitland and Port Stephens Local Government Areas (LGA) that the demand for additional lots is the highest, as these LGAs are major employment generating areas, and have larger population bases. In a series of workshops and in discussion with real estate agents and Government authorities, it became clear that major demands for rural lifestyle lots are located in the proximity of Paterson and Clarence Town. Paterson is located on the border with Maitland City Council. Many Dungog residents commute to Newcastle and Maitland for work and use the facilities of Maitland for their shopping and service needs. Clarence Town is oriented towards Raymond Terrace and Newcastle. It is within commuting distance of Newcastle and a proportion of the residents work in Raymond Terrace or the Newcastle area. Raymond Terrace provides and meets many service needs. It would be reasonable to identify the Paterson and Clarence Town areas as dormitory suburbs for the Lower Hunter. Gresford is situated in the north-western section of the Shire and the general demand seems to be for larger lots that afford a rural lifestyle.


3.2 ESTIMATED FUTURE NEW DEVELOPMENT The rate of development will be influenced by market conditions which are difficult to predict with certainty. A further complicating factor is the mixed nature of land development economics. Decisions regarding development are made by land owners, land developers and other stakeholders in the private sector, influenced to varying degrees, by policies and actions at all levels of government. Development is expected to occur simultaneously in several locations. The timing of subdivision of existing lots within the “Residential 2(a)” and “Residential 2(v)” zones will be determined by the connection of the reticulated sewerage system for towns/villages which are currently not connected. It is estimated that Clarence Town may be connected within the next two years and the remaining unsewered towns and villages within approximately 7 years. This will be monitored and necessary amendments made to this Plan. This plan proposes 3 Contribution Catchments areas:

Clarence Town, Dungog, and West (includes Gresford, Martins Creek, Paterson and Vacy).

Dungog and Clarence Town Contribution Catchments form a larger East Catchment as well. Contribution rates specified within this plan will be based on the baseline facilities and services required for each Contribution Catchment. The major source of future population growth for the Shire will be re-zoning and subdivision potential of lands within the “Investigation 9(a)” Zone. To calculate the total potential new lots the following steps were undertaken for each Investigation (9a) Zone:

1. Calculate the total area of all lots greater than 3 hectares (Draft LEP 2004 requires an average lot size of 1.5 hectares).

2. Land which is considered “undevelopable” (for example due to slope) was identified by a professional surveyor.

3. Land which is potentially affected by flood was also identified. 4. The total area of land (Step 1) was reduced by the identified “undevelopable” (Step 2) and

potential floodable lands (Step 3) to calculate a total “developable land area”. 5. The surveyor produced sample lot layouts for Paterson/Martins Creek, Clarence Town and Vacy

to determine an average lot size. The layouts also determine the amount of land which may be lost to connecting roads, that is, land which does not produce a lot yield.

6. The “developable” land (Step 4) was reduced to allow for connecting roads. 7. The net total land area after Step 6 was divided by the average lot size (Step 5) to calculate the

number of potential new lots. It should be noted that the average lot size was larger than 1.5 hectares for all investigation zones. Lot layouts were not undertaken for Dungog and Gresford and the highest average lot size was used for both areas, as well as, the highest discount rate for connecting roads to make lot yield projections as conservative and reasonable as practical.

Within the existing towns and villages the total number of lots greater than 1200m2 was identified to calculate the potential new lots resulting from subdivision. Total potential new lots is the addition of potential lots identified in the investigation zones and in the existing towns and villages as described above. The total potential lots was multiplied by the relevant 2001 ABS Census occupancy rate for each town/village to calculate a potential new population for each Population Catchment area.


The above calculations represent the total potential population. This potential has been reduced to allow for various economic scenarios. A medium1 economic scenario has been chosen for Paterson and Clarence Town due various economic and environmental factors which cannot be predicted with certainty and can impact on lot yields. A low2 economic scenario has been chosen for Gresford, Vacy, Martins Creek and Dungog as these areas are further away from the employment centres of Maitland, Raymond Terrace and Newcastle, as well as, the unknown economic and environmental factors which could impact on lot yields. From the above population calculation method Table 3.3 outlines current population and estimated future population growth.

If the current population demographic profile is continued the future population could be depicted as below in Table 3.4 (over page).

1 Medium economic scenario means 75% of the total potential from the available land. 2 Low economic scenario means 65% of the total potential from the available land.

Table 3.3 - Current Population & Estimated Future Population Growth

Potential SourceClarence

Town Dungog East

Gresford, Martins Creek,

Paterson & Vacy West Total

Existing population (2001 Census) 2,070 3,147 5,217 2,816 2,816 8,033Potential New Lots - Re-zonings within Investigation 9(a) Zone 1,380 57 1,437 985 985 2,422Potential New Lots - subdivision within existing towns 2(a) / villages 2(v) 662 595 1,258 307 307 1,565Total Potential New Population 5,902 1,520 7,422 3,035 3,035 10,457Total Potential Population (existing plus new) 7,972 4,667 12,639 5,851 5,851 18,490


The nature of land economics makes it difficult to predict with certainty the likely timeframe of future development in the Dungog Shire. This plan assumes an estimated 20 year development timeframe, broken into four blocked periods of five years. Development will be monitored and any necessary adjustment reflected in future plan reviews. Table 3.5 details the estimated timeframe of future development.

Baseline services and facilities required by new development will be based on the above population projections and projected demographic profile (Table 3.4).

Table 3.4 - Future Demographic Profile

Age Range

2001 Census Percentage

Future Population

0-4 6.30% 6595-9 7.84% 820

10-14 8.43% 88015-19 6.80% 71120-24 3.96% 41425-29 4.63% 48430-34 6.14% 64235-39 7.34% 76840-44 8.22% 85945-49 7.67% 80250-54 7.06% 73855-59 5.95% 62260-64 5.90% 61765-69 3.95% 41370-74 3.62% 37975-79 2.86% 29980-84 1.88% 19785-89 0.93% 9890+ 0.52% 55Total 10,457

Table 3.5 - Estimated Future Development Timeframes

Contribution Catchment 2004 - 2008 2009 - 2013 2014 - 2018 2019 - 2023 Total

Clarence Town 1,475 1,475 1,476 1,476 5,902Dungog 380 380 380 380 1,520

W est 758 759 759 759 3,035Total 2,613 2,614 2,615 2,615 10,457

Total number of people


Part 4 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION

RESIDENTIAL CONTRIBUTION RATES SUMMARY

WORKS SCHEDULE SUMMARY

Table 4.1(a) - Residential Contribution Rates Per Dwelling/Lot SummaryCategory Clarence Town Dungog WestSports Field $6,192 $5,038 $4,370

Parklands $142 $356 $224Swimming Centre $1,156 $1,156 $1,156Indoor Sports Facility $1,220 $1,220 $1,220Total $8,710 $7,770 $6,970

Table 4.1(b)- Tourism Contribution Rates Per Room Summary

Category Clarence Town Dungog WestLicensed Hotels & Resorts with Facilities $44 $135 $85Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $52 $160 $100Serviced Apartments $75 $230 $144

Table 4.2 - Open Space & Recreation Proposed Work Schedule Summary

Location Facility Estimated Cost Estimated StagingDungog Catchment Sports Field Facility $3,284,252Clarence Town Catchment Sports Field Facility $12,642,351W est Catchment Sports Field Facility $5,644,851

Dungog Catchment Parklands & Play Equipment $231,767

Clarence Town Catchment Parklands & Play Equipment $288,517W est Catchment Parklands & Play Equipment $288,517Dungog LGA Swimming Centre $4,605,903

Dungog LGA Indoor Sports Facility $4,860,927Total $31,847,085

Staged provision as detailed in Section

4.7


Part 4 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION

4.0 INTRODUCTION Open space refers to a variety of areas where people go for outdoor recreation. These can range in setting, size and complexity (bushland, sporting fields, pocket parks, etc). Recreation is considered to be a voluntary leisure activity undertaken primarily for pleasure and satisfaction during leisure time. Each member of the community has a number of specific recreation needs. The challenge for Council is to understand the full range of community needs and to provide, over time, a diverse range of recreational opportunities to meet such needs. Sport plays an important role in the lives of Dungog Shire residents in all planning districts. Participation in and management of organised sport is the most widespread social activity in the Shire and involves a higher percentage of residents than any other activity. Sporting activity in the Shire has traditionally centred on cricket in the summer and football and soccer in the winter. Tennis has traditionally enjoyed great popularity in all localities of the Shire. Schools throughout the Shire have always showed a keen interest in athletics. 4.1 OPEN SPACE & RECREATION OBJECTIVES In order to meet the open space and recreation requirements for the Dungog Shire, and meet the nexus requirements of s94 of the EP&A Act, it is the purpose of this Contributions Plan to take a strategic approach to the levying and apportionment of s94 contributions. This approach is based on the following key criteria:

reflecting anticipated demand and preferences

being qualitative as well as quantitative in nature

consider existing levels of provision

being compatible with current trends in open space planning

meeting accepted accessibility criteria. Council has the following goals for open space and recreation:

Identify the open space and recreation needs of the short, medium and long term. Develop an open space system that creates a definite character and theme for the area, and

which encourages a sense of identity and ownership within the community. To ensure equity of access for people with disabilities; provision of facilities for sports

participants; distribution of sporting facilities among sports groups; and access to a range of activities for older people.

Provide for a range of active/passive recreational opportunities and ensure that facilities are of

a high standard. Recreational needs at local, district and regional levels should be considered in assessing the demand and nature of facilities to be provided.

Provide opportunities for community involvement in the management of open space areas.


Develop recreation and open space facilities that are responsive to and meets the needs of diverse groups in an efficient manner.

Develop strategies to ensure the timely provision of appropriate recreation and open space

facilities. Ensure that recreation and open space planning is integrated with urban development in such

a way as to provide accessibility to open space, and in turn the open space system should enhance the environment.

To provide recreation and open space facilities which are accessible and integrated with other

forms of urban land use and urban designs. To recognise the role of the private sector in the provision of open space facilities, and

incorporate this in strategic planning. 4.2 NEXUS EXPLANATION Nexus is the relationship between the expected types of development in the area and the demand for additional public facilities and services created by those developments. The link between the proposed development and increased demand for public facilities may be demonstrated through:

Causal nexus (what), Spatial nexus (where), and Temporal nexus (when).

4.2.1 Causal Nexus (what) This is the demonstration that the anticipated development actually creates a need or increases the demand for a particular public facility.

Causal nexus has two components:

1. Demand – for public facilities and services as a consequence of development, and 2. Supply – provided though available existing facilities or through the provision of new, augmented or embellished facilities.

4.2.2 Spatial or Physical Nexus (where) Spatial nexus requires that the proposed pubic facility or service be located so as to serve the needs of those who created the demand for it. There is no requirement for the proposed facility or service to be located within a specified physical proximity to the contributing development to be valid. The determination of how close a facility or service needs to be to satisfy physical nexus will vary with the type of facility or service. The key determinant is that the population which increases the demand for the public facility or service must have reasonable access to the facilities provided. The main exception to this is the provision of local open space which should be located close to the development where the demand is created. 4.2.3 Temporal Nexus (when) Temporal nexus seeks to ensure that the public facility or service will be provided in a timely manner to benefit those who contributed towards it. Reasonable time relates to two aspects:

1. Provision of the identified public facility or service - there is no definitive answer to this issue. What may be reasonable for the provision of one type of facility or service may be totally unrealistic for another.


2. Expenditure of the contributions – it is not essential for all contributions for the facility or service to be collected before it is actually provided. A contributions plan may adopt a flexible approach to enable provision based on the demand for facilities. For example through prioritising of works and borrowing funds.

The time for provision may be expressed as a threshold being achieved (such as a nominated population threshold) and need not specify dates. This plan will use thresholds and estimate an approximate timeframe of provision. The following sections will outline:

The need for open space and recreational facilities, The extent of spare capacity within existing facilities to meet the needs of new development, and The level of facilities required.

4.3 CAUSAL NEXUS (WHAT) The quantity and range of open space and recreational facilities required by the proposed new development can be determined through a combination of:

a needs based approach - where the specific needs of the community and the environment are addressed. The character of each community and the nature of the surrounding land vary significantly, each community has different needs. It is also recognised that planning should focus on providing quality open space areas with a diversity of recreational experiences. It has been found that simply maintaining a specified quantity of open space does not meet the community’s recreational needs.

and a standards based approach - where a specified quantity of open space is provided per person,

Both of which can be measured against the level of current facilities to determine if future open space and recreational facilities proposed are considered reasonable. 4.3.1 Needs Based Approach The need for a variety of open space and recreational facilities will be established through a combination of surveys (Australian Bureau of Statistics) and standards (Department of Planning). The users of open space extend beyond those who physically participate and also include those people who are spectators, coaches/trainers, and umpires. Participation in Sport & Physical Activities – 2002 Survey The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) conducted a general social survey in 2002 relating to the participation in sport and physical activities by persons aged 18 years and over. The survey detailed persons who participated in sporting events or who participated in other physical activities in the 12 months prior. The term ‘participant’ is defined as a player, competitor or person who physically undertakes the activity. Involvement by people as coaches, umpires and club officials is excluded from the data and included later in this section. Australia Wide General 2002 Survey Results Nearly two-thirds (62.4% or 9.1 million people) of the Australian population aged 18 years and over participated in sport and physical activity in the 12 months prior to interview in 2002. Slightly more males (65.0%) than females (59.9%) had participated in sport and physical activities at least once during this period. A reduced proportion (38.6% or 5.6 million) had participated at least weekly, on average, during the 12 months prior to interview, with females (38.7% or 2.8 million) reporting similar weekly participation rates to males (38.6% or 2.8 million). The highest participation rate was recorded for walking for exercise, with over one-quarter (25.3% or 3.7 million) having participated in this activity during the reference period. This was followed by aerobics/fitness and swimming, both with 10.9% or 1.6 million people.


Almost one-third (31.4%) of the population aged 18 years and over had participated in some sport and physical activities that were organised by a club, association or other organisation. Males (34.3%) were more likely to participate in organised activity compared to females (28.5%). Over one-half (50.4% or 7.3 million) of people aged 18 years and over had participated in some non-organised sport and physical activities. Walking for exercise, swimming, cycling and running were the most common non-organised activities. Generally the population participates in sport and physical activity more than once per year. Table 4.3 details the frequency of participation. Table 4.3 Frequency of Sport and Physical Activity Total Frequency

1 to 12 times

13 to 26 times

27 to 52 times

53 to 104 times

105 times or more

Total

Percentage 7.3% 6.5% 10.1% 28.1% 10.5% 62.5% New South Wales 2002 Survey Results The 2002 survey indicated that 59.5% of the New South Wales (NSW) population participated sport and physical activity. Table 4.4 details the range of physical activities and sports participation. Table 4.4 NSW Sport and Physical Activity Participation

2002 Survey

Activity NSW Participation Walking for exercise 21.3%

Swimming 10.9% Aerobics/Fitness 10.7%

Tennis 7.9% Running 5.0% Cycling 4.8%

Soccer (outdoor) 3.7% Soccer (indoor) 0.8% Touch Football 2.9%

Cricket (outdoor) 2.5% Netball 2.3%

Cricket (indoor) 0.7% Basketball 1.7%

Rugby League 1.3% Rugby Union 1.0%

Weight training 1.0% Yoga 2.1%

Walking for exercise was the most popular of all sports and physical activities, followed closely by aerobics/fitness. Walking and fitness could be undertaken within parklands and sports fields, and demonstrates a need for both types of open space. It is important for Council to provide such facilities to meet this need. The increasing emphasis on health, fitness and the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle, combined with the low cost of walking and other similar activities, has implications for open space provision. Council needs to consider the provision of attractive, interesting, safe and accessible areas of linked open space. Swimming was the second most popular of all sports and physical activities, and this is particularly relevant to a land locked rural Shire like Dungog which has limited access to swimming facilities. Children’s Participation in Leisure Activities – 2003 Survey The ABS conducted a survey in April 2003 and collected data on the range and level of leisure activities undertaken by children aged 5-14 years.


Generally children participate in organised sport more than once per year. Table 4.5 details the frequency of participation. Table 4.5 Sport Participation Frequency of Children

Total Frequency 1 to 13

times 14 to 26

times 27 to 52

times 53 to 104

times 105 times or more

Total

Percentage 10.8% 11.3% 29.1% 29.8% 19.0% 100.0% In the 12 months to April 2003, an estimated 1.6 million children participated in sport, outside of school hours, which had been organised by a school, club or association. Participation in organised sport ranged from 44% of children aged 5 years to 69% of 10 year olds. Across all of the age groups, boys had a higher participation rate (69%) in organised sport than girls (54%). Nearly one-third (29%) of children participated in two or more organised sports. Table 4.6 details participation in sports and leisure activities. Table 4.6 Participation in Sports & Leisure Activities

Sport Participation 2000 2003

Swimming 13.1% 15.7% Outdoor Soccer 19.6% 22.2%

Netball 0.5% 0.6% Tennis 9.2% 9.5%

Basketball 8.8% 8.6% Australian Rules Football 12.6% 13.6%

Outdoor Cricket 9.9% 9.1% Athletics/track and field 3.9% 3.8%

Rugby League 6.8% 5.6% Hockey 2.3% 2.5%

Other organised sports 15.9% 17.1% Skateboarding or Rollerblading 35.6% 28.5%

Bike Riding 71.1% 70.5% Gymnastics (trampolining) 2.6% 3.5%

For those children involved in organised sport outside of school hours it is estimated that:

Nearly half (49%) trained or played more than once per week , outside of school hours, An average of 5 hours per school fortnight were spent participating in organised sport outside of

school hours, and Those aged 5-8 spent on average 4 hours per school fortnight participating in organised sport

outside of school hours, and those aged 12-14 years, 6 hours. It is estimated that, within the total population of children aged 5-14 years 23% participated in skateboarding or rollerblading, and 62% rode their bike. It is anticipated that future development within Dungog Shire, and its demographic profile, will largely follow demographic profile trends over the last 10 years and the following is anticipated to continue:

the number of people in all age cohorts above 40 years, with the exception of the 65-69 cohort, will increase,

relative to the Dungog Shire there will be a high percentage of 5-14 year olds, and the percentage of 15-19 cohort within the Dungog Shire will remain stable.

The above survey results were collected from a variety of urban and rural areas across Australia and New South Wales. The above surveys demonstrate that across Australia and New South Wales a wide range of age groups utilise and have a need for open space and recreational facilities for a variety of


purposes. It is reasonable to apply national and state open space and recreation facilities utilisation and need to Dungog Shire. The Dungog Shire has a history of high levels of sport participation, and residents currently participate in junior and senior level cricket, soccer, rugby league and tennis. The above sports participation surveys demonstrate a need for sport field facilities to meet both junior (children) and senior (people aged 18 year plus) open space and recreation needs. Also, given the level of frequency of both junior and senior sport participation, facilities would need to cater to both playing and training times which would often be scheduled at similar times (for example after school and of a weekend). Council policy, existing open space and recreation service provision, and standards suggested by the NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning, and Natural Resources (“DIPNR”) will be used to determine the quantity and quality of open space and recreation facilities required by new development. 4.3.2 Standards Based Approach The range and standard of open space and recreational facilities will be established through a combination of standards (DIPNR) and Council policy. Open Space and Recreation Classification System In the last 19 years there has been a shift to a more complex system of open space classification, which is based on what experiences users gain from a visit rather than what facilities are present. The major advantage of experience based classification systems is that they relate more closely to the form of information collected in the demand analyses. This makes the link between supply and demand simpler when preparing the open space plan. Earlier models proposed a functional classification of open space into natural areas, water areas, parkland, sports fields, small playgrounds and formal gardens. An advance on this classification, but using a similar philosophy, is the ‘setting’ approach currently being used by many councils. This term is derived from work completed in the early 1980s by the United States Forest Service which has enjoyed widespread application in Australia and is part of a concept titled the Recreation Opportunity Spectrum (ROS). The basis of ROS is that the recreational needs of a community are most likely to be satisfied if a range of experiences are provided through the provision of a range of settings. By councils classifying open space using the settings approach, an immediate analysis can be undertaken regarding variety.3 This Plan adopts the following open space hierarchy:

Playgrounds (within parklands) Local Parklands District Parklands Local level sports fields District level sports fields Bushland.

Quality is an important component in the provision of open space and recreation facilities. DIPNR offer the following open space quality goals (Table 4.7 over page)

3 Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Planning Guidelines for Local Government, Department of Planning, 1992


Table 4.7 Open Space Quality Goals Goal Rationale

Minimum open space of 0.5ha for new release areas.

Increased maintenance cost and reduced usability for areas smaller than this.

Each area of greater than 10 ha be linked to at least one other area.

To encourage linkages between open spaces. Footpaths and street narrowing can be used in some circumstances.

Each household should be within 500 metres of open space of at least 0.5ha.

Equity and distribution and to reduce car dependence.

Diversity of setting is encouraged. Diversity of settings will more likely cater for a greater range of recreation need. In new release areas this can be facilitated through flexible design modules.

Sports fields should primarily be playable. Sports fields should be designed to ensure that playing surfaces are in use for the maximum period possible.

Terrain should provide an alternative to that prevailing in the area.

More appeal and interest will be generated with mounding, creek lines and ridge tops.

Linear open space should have capacity for good pedestrian and bicycle movements.

Increase usability.

DIPNR 4 recommends that the catchment for local and district reserves be based on accessibility criteria rather than population numbers, and suggests the following criteria: Regional Facility: Serving more than one local government area where users will be prepared to drive

significant distances. District Facility: Typically one Local Government Area where users will normally not drive more

than 15 - 30 minutes. Local Facility: Catering to a local area where users predominantly walk or cycle to use the facility. The areas of State Forest and the Barrington Tops which are managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service are regarded as the only regional open space areas in the Shire. This Plan does not levy for the provision of regional space and recreation facilities or services. This Plan adopts the following Sport Policy and supports the following sport goals:

To promote the benefits of an active lifestyle through sport. To increase sport participation (players, members and spectators) for enjoyment, fitness and

social contact. To maximise the opportunities for all residents to play and view sports of their choice, regardless

of age, gender, culture or ability. To create partnerships with users in sport development and the provision and management of

sporting facilities. To recoup from users a proportion of the cost to Council in managing each sport facility. To be effective and efficient. To be user focused in service delivery and aware of trends in sport development.

4 Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Planning Guidelines for Local Government, Department of Planning, 1992


To encourage sport tourism and the social and economic benefits that flow on from that to local

residents. In the delivery and administration of services Council will ensure the needs of its principal user groups are considered separately. There are different users of sports grounds, and they have different needs. “Out and About” Local Residents - for example those walking the dog, kite flying, kicking a ball. “Individuals Seeking Casual Exercise & Physical Fitness”. “Casual Sports Groups”. “Social/Support Groups” including spectators and members. Sports Clubs and Associations including those catering for specific groups such as juniors,

veterans, disabled persons, all females. School and Educational Groups. Special Events - for example picnics, concerts and recreation, and that it needs to focus service

to specific groups needs. Council acknowledges that the growth, development and viability of sport relies on sport occurring at four levels:

1. At the basic level, the focus of sport is on the development of basic movement skills. For example, school sports.

2. At the next level the focus is on participation for reasons of enjoyment, fitness or social contact.

For example, junior or local sport at local level field and court based facilities.

3. At the next level, the focus is on players improving their performance in club competitions to meet personal goals. For example, district cricket.

4. At the highest level, the focus of sport is excellence where competitors, often professionals, aim

to achieve public measured levels of success. For example, State/National/League competitions. In addition to the ABS survey results demonstrating a need for sports facilities Council encourages sport being played by all population groups including: children, youth, older adults, and persons with disabilities. Council’s main focus shall be on supporting sport up to and including level 3. DIPNR 5 suggests the following parkland and sports field standards (Table 4.8): Table 4.8 Open Space and Recreation Standards

Facility Standard Further Details Open Space 2.83ha per 1,000 people Local Parkland 1:4000 people Small local park – minimum area of 0.2ha to serve

neighbourhood needs within 300m safe walking distance. Large local parks – minimum area of 0.4 – 1.0 ha within 500m safe walking distance.

5 Formally the Department of Planning


District Parkland 1:10,000 people Minimum area of 3ha and contains recreational settings within 2km of all dwellings.

Cricket Ovals 1:2000 people Hockey Fields 1:3,000 people Soccer Fields 1:1,000 people Tennis Courts 1:1,000 people Netball Courts 1:1,000 people League Fields 6 1:1,000 people The number of fields per ‘000 people relates to total population (not number of people in certain age groups) as sports fields are used by many groups as demonstrated in the aforementioned ABS surveys. 4.4 EXISTING FACILITIES ASSESSMENT & PROPOSED NEW FACILITIES 4.4.1 Sports Facilities Table 4.9 (over page) summarises the existing facilities within each catchment, and when assessed against the standards in Table 4.8 determine if spare capacity exists. The standards detailed in Table 4.8 are applied to the projected population to determine if additional facilities are required.

6 NSW Land Commission standard – included for completeness


Table 4.10 outlines a summary of the sports field facilities required by new development.

This plan proposes to provide sports field facilities to meet the needs of both a junior and senior district level. When considering the number of fields required an assessment of winter and summer usage needs to be undertaken. Cricket is regarded as a summer sport, and soccer and league are winter sports. Cricket is generally played from about October/November to about mid March. Soccer fields are generally needed from early March to late August for pre-season trials and competition. League fields are generally required from February to October for pre-season trials and competition. During the summer months cricket can be played on either the soccer or league fields. During the winter season both soccer and league fields are required. League and soccer fields are required in the winter months for both training and competition needs at both a senior and junior level, and there is no ability to share the same field. This plan proposes to provide 3 centralised sports facilities to meet the needs of the Clarence Town, Dungog and West Catchment areas. The facilities aim to meet a variety of open space and recreation

Town / Village StatusDIPNR Standard 1: 2,000 1: 3,000 1: 1,000 1: 1,000 1: 1,000 1: 1,000

Existing Facility 1 0 1 2 2 1

- 2,070Spare Capacity No No No No No No

- 5,902Required Facilities 3 2 6 6 6 6Existing Facility 2 0 1 9 6 1

- 3,147Spare Capacity Yes No No Yes Yes No

- 1,520Required Facilities 0 1 1.5 0 0 1.5Existing Facility 5 0 0 8 0 3

- 2,816Spare Capacity Yes No No Yes No No

- 3,035Required Facilities 0 1 3 0 3 3

Dungog

Gresford, Martins Creek,

Paterson & Vacy

Existing Population

Cricket Hockey

Existing Population

Potential Population

Clarence Town


Existing Population


Soccer

Table 4.9 - Existing & Proposed Sports Fields

Tennis Netball League

Town/Village Cricket Hockey Soccer Tennis Netball League

Clarence Town 3 2 6 6 6 6

Dungog 0 1 1.5 0 0 1.5Remainder 0 1 3 0 3 3

Table 4.10 - Required Sports Field Facilities


needs through a range of embellishment works. It is preferable for facilities to be multi-purpose and meet the recreation needs of a range of people or age groups. For example sporting facilities will also include play equipment, B-B-Qs, and seating to facilitate passive recreation needs. Table 4.11 details the proposed sports field facilities. This plan does not intend to levy for all the required facilities as detailed in Table 4.10, but rather a reduced level as detailed in 4.11.

The ABS data identified a need for indoor sporting facilities (for example indoor soccer, indoor cricket, weight training, fitness, aerobics, and gymnastics) and this plan proposes a single indoor sports facility to meet the future development needs for the Dungog Shire. 4.4.2 Parkland Facilities The ABS sport and physical activities surveys demonstrated that children have a need for play equipment, including skateboard and rollerblading facilities. The needs of young people vary with age. Play equipment users are generally grouped into two or three age groups. The more current approach in planning and designing for play spaces is to target children in three groups: toddlers (0-5), juniors (5-10 years) and young teens (10-15 years). The anticipated shire population within these age groups demonstrates a demand for playgrounds.

Children less than 6 or 7 years of age are generally supervised by their parents. Formal fixed play equipment is appropriate for this age group. Pre-schoolers are often the primary users of playground equipment, even though the equipment is designed for older children. Seven to eleven year olds require independence and prefer activities which involve natural features. Vegetation is central to many preferred activities, providing opportunities for secrecy and privacy. The pre adolescents, aged between 11 - 15 are not well catered for in the existing formal parks, outside of organised sporting activities. Open space areas can be designed to provide meeting places and sitting areas where people can meet in safety, yet with a degree of privacy. Parkland areas are also required for bike riding, play, walking for exercise and fitness. Various age groups will require access to a range of open space and recreation facilities. Council aims to provide equitable access to high quality shire wide playground facilities that offer safe but challenging play opportunities. These facilities where possible and practicable should offer sun protection and be designed so that a full range of age groups may be catered for across the Shire.

Town/Village Cricket League Soccer Tennis Netball Total Fields

Clarence Town 3 6 6 6 6 6

Dungog 0 2 1 0 0 2Remainder 0 3 3 0 3 3

Table 4.11 - Proposed Sports Field Facilities

Table 4.12 - Playground User Demographics

AgeShire Wide Proportion %

Anticipated0-4 6.30%5-9 7.84%

10-14 8.43%


Council’s objective of providing challenging and interesting playgrounds that foster children’s creative and adventuresome play, needs to be balanced with its obligation to minimise potential hazards in structured play environments. Council has a statutory responsibility to provide equipment and facilities that meet relevant Australian Standards. Generally designated local playgrounds need to be easily accessible on foot from surrounding residential areas. Playgrounds should be accessible to people pushing strollers and prams. Site planning and design for new installations should maximise opportunities for access by children and carers including those with disabilities. Appropriate facilities increase the usage of playgrounds by providing carers and family groups with comfortable and sociable places to supervise children’s play. Local playgrounds are intended to service local residents and provide basic associated facilities like seating, tables and a bubbler. The community and Council are increasingly aware of the dangers of sun exposure particularly for young children. Council has an obligation to provide some form of shade shelter near playgrounds for both health and comfort reasons. Playground construction costs in this Plan incorporate provisions for shade. Council aims to provide multi-use areas that cater for people of varying age groups and fulfil more than one need (recreation experience) at a time. This Plan proposes to locate play equipment within local parklands or sports fields (where this is topographically possible) which reduces initial capital expenditure and recurrent maintenance costs, lengthens average stays, allows children of different age groups to interact, and allows for local kick-around space. Currently the Dungog Shire has a sufficient amount of parkland to meet the needs of existing and new development. Current parkland embellishments do not have the capacity to meet the needs of new development, and additional embellishment is required to meet the needs of the new population. It is reasonable based on the need for play equipment that new residents have a similar service provision to the existing population and Table 4.13 outlines the number of proposed new play equipment areas.

* Large area per ‘000 people due to the inclusion of a single large unimproved reserve at Clarence Town Height totalling 16.7ha. 4.4.3 Swimming Pool Facilities The Dungog Shire has 2 swimming pools centres. Each centre provides a very basic amenity and is assessed as meeting the needs of the current community, with no capacity to meet the needs of new development. The Dungog centre has a 33m long pool and amenities, and the Clarence Town pool is only 25 metres long. The ABS 2002 Children’s Participation in Leisure Activities survey identified that 15.7% of children aged 5-14 years participated in swimming. Further, the ABS 2002 Participation in Sport and Physical Activity survey identified that in NSW 10.9% of people aged 18 years and over participated in swimming.

Table 4.13 - Existing Parklands & Proposed Play Equipment

Town/Village

Hectares of parkland per '000 people

Existing number of playgrounds per '000 people

Number of proposed play equipment

Clarence Town * 9.7 0.5 3Dungog 1.8 1 2W est - Gresford, Martins Creek, Paterson & Vacy 2.3 1 3


Swimming centres are important to the residents of Dungog Shire due to its distance from the coast and beaches, and the limited swimming facilities to meet the needs of all age groups. The ability to swim is very important for an island country and neither of the above surveys allow for the demand and use of swimming centres for swimming classes and recreation needs of children 4 years and under. Given the demand for swimming facilities it is reasonable to require a swimming facility within the Shire to meet the needs of new development. 4.4.4 Indoor Sports Facilities The ABS data identified a need for indoor sporting facilities (for example indoor soccer, indoor cricket, weight training, fitness, aerobics, and gymnastics) and this plan proposes a single indoor sports facility to meet the future development needs for the Dungog Shire. This plan proposes to provide such facilities as either an addition to the proposed community facilities or swimming facilities. The appropriate location will be determined by Council officers closer to the time of provision. 4.5 PHYSICAL NEXUS (LOCATION OF PROPOSED FACILITIES) Spatial nexus requires that the proposed public facility or service be located so as to serve the needs of those who created the demand for it. The key determinant is that the population which increases the demand for the public facility or service must have reasonable access to the facilities provided. The main exception to this is the provision of local open space which should be located close to the development where the demand is created. It is important that future locations are determined early in the planning process. Additionally it is also important that sufficient flexibility is allowed to ensure that facilities are best located to meet the needs of new development, which is dependent upon the location and extent of new development. To ensure facilities are located as best as possible the following can form as a guide for their placement:

Usability – must be able to accommodate the purpose for which it is intended. For eg a sports field needs to be relatively flat, have good drainage, be of a size adequate to accommodate required sports, have adequate parking (or space to provide parking) etc. If the site can be used for more than one purpose this will increase its useability.

Accessibility – the site must be accessible. Accessibility can relate to: proximity to public transport, Major road access Pedestrian/cycle path access, Adequate parking, Safety to access Proximity to maintenance

Quality and attractiveness – this is largely related to the inherent nature of the site

Sports fields are proposed at the following locations:

Dungog, Clarence Town, and West.

The Dungog facility will be apportioned fully to new development within the existing town (Dungog) and the Investigation Zone adjacent to Dungog. The Clarence Town facility will be apportioned fully to new development within the existing town (Clarence Town) and the Investigation Zone surrounding Clarence Town.


The West facility will be apportioned fully to new development within the existing villages of Paterson, Martins Creek, Vacy and Gresford, as well as, the investigation zones surrounding the villages. Providing a single location on the western side of the shire will allow for economies of scale, and reduce total facility cost. New development, for each relevant facility, will be within a reasonable proximity for the nature of the facility, and will have access and benefit from its provision. This plan will determine a sports facility contribution levy per person. Should actual new development be higher or lower that estimated in this plan, Council will provide additional sports facilities to the extent of contributions received. Contributions received reflect the level of new development and hence facilities required. This Plan will determine a parkland embellishment contribution levy per person to provide additional embellishment throughout existing parklands and the proposed new sports facilities. Should actual new development be higher or lower that estimated in this plan, Council will provide additional park embellishment to the extent of contributions received. Contributions received reflect the level of new development and hence facilities required. It is intended that contributions will be spent within the town / village and investigation zone from which they are collected. A contribution levy per person will be determined for the swimming and indoor sports facilities. Should actual new development be higher or lower than estimated in this plan, Council will provide additional swimming and indoor sports facilities to the extent of contributions received. Contributions received reflect the level of new development and hence facilities required. 4.6 PROPOSED OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION WORKS SCHEDULE AND

APPORTIONMENT 4.6.1 Proposed Sports Field Facilities Sports fields are proposed to be provided at the following locations:

Dungog (Dungog Catchment), Clarence Town (Clarence Town Catchment), and West Catchment.

Each sport facility is apportioned to the relevant catchment in which it is located. Facility costs have been provided by an external quantity estimator and land valuer, and reflect current dollar values. The following facilities are proposed.


Table 4.14 - Dungog Sports Field Facility

Item Total CostLand Acquisition $239,614Sports Field $1,450,800Landscaping $288,000Seating - fields $222,000

Flood Lighting $120,000

Irrigation $160,000Picnic table, informal seating $24,000BBQ $38,800

Drinking fountains $18,000Amenities $278,100

Car Parking $82,800Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $93,888Total project contingencies (10%) $268,250Total $3,284,252

Contribution Rate Formula for Dungog Sports Field Facility

Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = Total Facility Cost

Total Catchment Estimated New Lots

Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = $3,284,252652

= $5,038


Table 4.15 - Clarence Town Sports Field Facility

Item Total CostLand Acquisition& site clearing $2,051,439Sports Field $4,352,400Landscaping $864,000Seating - fields $666,000Flood Lighting $360,000Irrigation $480,000Picnic table, informal seating $72,000BBQ $116,400Drinking fountains $54,000Amenities $834,300Tennis $192,780Tennis - seating $57,000Tennis - Flood lighting $81,000Netball $435,000Netball - seating $114,000Netball - flood lighting $81,000Car Parking $571,320Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $326,592Total project contingencies (10%) $933,120Total $12,642,351

Contribution Rate Formula for Clarence Town Sports Field Facility

Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = Total Facility CostTotal Catchment Estimated New Lots

Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = $12,642,3512,042

= $6,192


Table 4.16 - West Sports Field Facility

Item Total CostLand Acquisition $573,587Sports Field $2,176,200Landscaping $432,000Seating - fields $333,000Flood Lighting $180,000Irrigation $240,000Netball $220,038Netball - seating $57,665Netball - flood lighting $40,973Picnic table, informal seating $36,000BBQ $58,200Drinking fountains $27,000Amenities $417,150Car Parking $249,849Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $156,383Total project contingencies (10%) $446,807Total $5,644,851

Contribution Rate Formula for West Sports Field Facility



= $4,370


4.6.2 Proposed Parkland Facilities Each parkland and play equipment will be apportioned to the relevant catchment in which it is located. The following facilities are proposed.

* Skate Park costs = senior playground and half basket ball court.

Table 4.17 - Dungog Parkland & Play Equipment - 2 Parklands

Item Total CostSenior $31,200Shade - Senior $5,250Skate Park $48,700Shade - Skate park $12,250Skate Park seating $38,000Picnic table, informal seating $24,000BBQ $38,800Drinking fountains $6,000Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $7,147Total project contingencies (10%) $20,420Total $231,767

Contribution Rate Formula for Dungog Parkland & Play Equipment


Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = $231,767652

= $356

Table 4.18 - Clarence Town Parkland & Play Equipment - 3 Parklands

Item Total CostJunior $13,850Shade - Junior $1,750Senior $31,200Shade - Senior $5,250Skate Park * $48,700Shade - Skate park $12,250Skate Park seating $38,000Picnic table, informal seating $36,000BBQ $58,200Drinking fountains $9,000Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $8,897Total project contingencies (10%) $25,420Total $288,517


* Skate Park costs = senior playground and half basket ball court.

Contribution Rate Formula for Clarence Town Parkland & Play Equipment



= $142

Table 4.19 - West Parkland & Play Equipment - 3 Parklands

Item Total CostJunior $13,850Shade - Junior $1,750Senior $31,200Shade - Senior $5,250Skate Park * $48,700Shade - Skate park $12,250Skate Park seating $38,000Picnic table, informal seating $36,000BBQ $58,200Drinking fountains $9,000Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $8,897Total project contingencies (10%) $25,420Total $288,517

Contribution Rate Formula for West Parkland & Play Equipment



= $224


4.6.3 Proposed Swimming Pool Facilities This plan proposes 1 swimming centre to meet the needs of the whole Dungog LGA. Table 4.20 outlines the cost of a local swimming centre.

Table 4.20 - Swimming Facility

Item Total CostLand Acquisition $1,990,40750 meter pool $755,000Toddlers pool $150,000Solar heating $160,000Water play $140,000Amenities $556,200Shade $21,000Landscaping $144,000Car Parking $165,600Picnic table, informal seating $72,000BBQ $38,800Drinking fountains $12,000Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $103,936Total project contingencies (10%) $296,960Total $4,605,903

Contribution Rate Formula for Swimming Facilities

Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = Total Facility CostShire W ide Estimated New Lots


= $1,156


4.6.4 Proposed Indoor Sports Facility This plan proposes a single facility to meet the needs of new development across the Dungog Shire. Table 4.21 outlines the cost of the indoor sports facility.

4.7 TEMPORAL NEXUS (WHEN) Parklands embellishment contributions are anticipated to be spent in line with development thresholds, and could commence at approximately 50% of development projected within a five year period, that is, when approximately 500 lots have been developed. The up-front provision of playgrounds is not preferred by Council as they can be at risk to vandalism. Council anticipates sports fields facilities could be provided in stages incrementally as development proceeds. Due to the large capital requirements to construct these facilities this will minimise the need for borrowed funds and interest. Works can be staged in the following stages and lot development:

Sports facilities can be staged to meet the new development demand as required. Council anticipates swimming and indoor sports facilities could be provided in stages incrementally as development proceeds. Due to the large capital requirements to construct these facilities this will minimise the need for borrowed funds and interest. Works can be staged at the following stages and lot development:

Table 4.21 - Indoor Sports Facility

Item Total CostLand Acquisition $115,095Landscaping $71,280Gymnasium - building $1,291,500Indoor Sports - building $2,304,000Fitout $100,570Car Parking $414,000Authorities fees & charges (3.5%) $146,347Total project contingencies (10%) $418,135Total $4,860,927

Contribution Rate Formula for Indoor Sports Facility

Contribution rate per dwelling/lot = Total Facility CostShire W ide Estimated New Lots


= $1,220

Dungog Clarence Town West

StageLand Acquisition 48 331 131Basic Embellishment 450 1,127 793Final Embellishment 154 583 368Total 652 2,042 1,292

Approximate No. of Lots


Council will monitor the location and extent of future development to achieve the most appropriate timing of all open space and recreation facilities, and make any necessary adjustments in future reviews of this plan. 4.8 OPEN SPACE DUAL USE Open space areas that have a dual purpose with drainage should ensure access and useability of the open space. Floodways should be useable, in all but rainy periods, for recreation and to act as recreation movement corridors. Active playing fields should have similar playing conditions to traditional single use playing fields as measured by: ability to play competitions. The main issue is not the frequency of inundation, but how quickly the

field is playable after inundation.

crossfall of 1:80 to ensure flow of water and deposition of silt off the field.

provision of subsoil drainage where required.

quality of turf cover. In investigating dual use opportunities consideration needs to be given to the increased on-going maintenance costs that Council has to bear. It has been estimated that the maintenance costs for dual use sportsground/detention basin can be over three times as high as the maintenance of a single use sportsground. The opportunity for dual use of open space for drainage requirements is limited to those open space and recreation sites identified under this Contribution Plan. Dual use is limited, but not eliminated, within this Plan.

Swimming Facility Indoor Sports FacilityStage

Land Acquisition 1,723 95Basic Embellishment 1,640 3,493Final Embellishment 623 398Total 3,986 3,986

Approximate No. of Lots


4.9 CARRIED FORWARD FUNDS AND OPEN SPACE & RECREATION FUNDING SOURCES The Section 94 Contributions Plan, 2001 (repealed) levied for embellishment works in various sports fields and parklands. These contributions will be carried forward into this plan and will be expended on general embellishment works within the existing sports fields and parklands from the catchment from which they were raised. These contributions constitute demand from existing development for the purpose of this contributions plan. Table 4.22 outlines the open space and recreation facilities funding sources within this contributions plan.

Table 4.23 outlines the residential open space and recreation contribution rates summary

4.10 TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS It is reasonable to expect that tourists will utilise parklands and play equipment. This plan has established a parkland and play equipment embellishment contribution levy per lot which can be converted into a contribution per person. There is a fixed supply of land available within the Shire. If tourism development is established, this reduces the potential for residential development. Accordingly, if contributions are levied from tourism development, funds from residential development will not be levied in relation to that land, and as a result no ‘double dipping’ will occur. The level of new tourism development is hard to predict with certainty. This plan applies the per person contribution for parkland and play equipment embellishment to the number of visitors per room to determine a contribution levy per room for tourism development. There are three categories of likely tourism development, each with their own number of visitors per room:

Licensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities (0.88 visitors per room); Motel, Private Hotels and Guest Houses with Facilities (1.04 visitors per room); and Serviced apartments (1.5 visitors per room).

Table 4.22 - Open Space & Recreation Funding Sources

Item AmountTotal Funds required for facilities within this Plan $31,847,085Total funds raised from this contributions catchment $31,847,085Total funds carried forward from prior plans $65,806Total $31,912,891

Table 4.23 - Residential Contribution Rates Per Dwelling/Lot Summary

Category Clarence Town Dungog West

Sports Field $6,192 $5,038 $4,370Parklands $142 $356 $224Swimming Centre $1,156 $1,156 $1,156Indoor Sports Facility $1,220 $1,220 $1,220

Total $8,710 $7,770 $6,970


Dungog Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Parkland & Play Equipment

Contribution per room for Dungog parkland & play Number of visitors

Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = equipment contribution per lot X per roomFacilities occupancy rate

= $153 X 0.88

= $135

Contribution per room for Motel,Private Hotels & Guest Houses = $153 X 1.04with Facilities

= $160

Contribution per room for = $153 X 1.5Serviced Apartments

= $230

Clarence Town Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Parkland & Play Equipment

Contribution per room for Clarence Town parkland & play Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = equipment contribution per lot X per roomFacilities occupancy rate

= $50 X 0.88

= $44


= $52


= $75


West Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Parkland & Play Equipment

Contribution per room for W est parkland & play Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = equipment contribution per lot X per roomFacilities occupancy rate

= $96 X 0.88

= $85


= $100


= $144


Category Clarence Town Dungog WestLicensed Hotels & Resorts with Facilities $44 $135 $85Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $52 $160 $100Serviced Apartments $75 $230 $144


Part 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES


Table 5.1(a) - Residential Contributions Rates Per Dwelling/Lot Summary

Facility Dungog Catchment Clarence Town Catchment West CatchmentLocal Community Centre $363 $445 $359District Community Centre $244 $300 $245Youth Venue $196 $238 $194Arts & Craft Centre $52 $60 $48Aged Facility $182 $217 $178Library Building & Collections $543 $674 $546Pre-School Facility $720 $904 $727Total Contribution $2,300 $2,838 $2,297

Table 5.1(b) - Tourism Community Facilities Contribution Rates Per Room Summary

Clarence Town Dungog WestLicensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities $19 $21 $19Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $22 $24 $22Serviced Apartments $32 $35 $32

Levy Per Room



Table 5.2 - Community Facilities Proposed Work Schedule Summary

Estimated StagingFacility Dungog Clarence Town West

Local Community Centre $236,217 $908,620 $463,593District Community Centre $158,981 $612,131 $315,582Youth Venue $127,378 $485,921 $250,008Arts & Craft Centre $33,355 $120,522 $62,000Aged Facility $118,086 $442,237 $229,134Library Building & Collections $354,027 $1,375,810 $704,653Pre-School Facility $469,369 $1,845,479 $938,565Total $1,497,414 $5,790,720 $2,963,536

Location


5.6


Part 5 COMMUNITY FACILITIES

5.0 INTRODUCTION The Local Government Act 1993 provides Council with a charter to provide directly or on behalf of other levels of government adequate, equitable and appropriate services and facilities for the community, and to ensure that the services and facilities are managed efficiently and effectively. Council has an established record in the provision of facilities for community purposes including community centres, school of arts buildings, and a senior citizen centre. These facilities are distributed throughout the Dungog Shire according to local needs. 5.1 OBJECTIVES This Plan has the following community facilities and services objectives:

provision of adequate and appropriate space for use by the community in suitable locations across the Shire

provision of venues with the capacity to cater for a range of programs and activities to meet the

interests of various groups within the community provision of office accommodation from which community support services can be administered equity of access to the facilities for community groups and organisations provision of necessary space for groups to engage in social, cultural or recreational activities to

promote the ongoing development of communities recognition of individual requirements of differing communities maintain a balance between cost recovery to Council and affordability to users identification of the financial and asset maintenance requirements for Council in providing the

facilities being identified co-location of facilities where appropriate

5.2 CAUSAL NEXUS (WHAT) The provision of community facilities required by the proposed new development can be determined through a combination of:

a needs based approach, and a standards based approach.

5.2.1 Needs Based Approach Community facilities play an important role in retaining community identity within expanding communities, and foster a sense of belonging and attachment to the local area.


Community facilities are used by the following broad sections of the community for a variety of activities and programmes:

Resident and community (eg charity) groups, Children’s programs and pre-schools, Youth programs, Aged (active, frail and dementia), Disabled (child, youth and adult), Mentally ill, Performing arts (development, rehearsal, and performance), Arts (visual, multi-cultural and indigenous) Cultural (community festivals and cultural development) Meetings of local organisations and community groups Activities and sessional services run by health, welfare and support services at a local level General (halls, meeting room, offices and storage)

Different market segments use Council facilities for a range of activities, and require specific design concepts to provide appropriate accommodation requirements. Common features include disability access and disabled toilets, small and large activity areas, meeting rooms, office facilities, small and large storage areas, kitchen facilities, amenities, fenced outdoor areas, and car parking. Some users have specific needs. The arts and cultural industry can have specialist requirements depending on the type of arts activity. Building requirements can include performance and rehearsal space, as well as, display space. Youth venues also require rehearsal and performance space. The newer community facility buildings (multipurpose centres) can meet changing demographic needs, and the diverse needs of the community who may use the venue. Activities that can be held in multi-purpose centres can include playgroups, parenting support groups, activities for young people, after school programs, provision of office space for community based support services, vacation care, a range of various support groups, meeting space for different community organisations, special interest groups, skills development courses, social interaction groups and respite care. In early 1999, the State Library of New South Wales Public Libraries Branch engaged consultant Heather Nesbitt in association with architects Bligh Voller Nield to develop new guidelines and standards for NSW public libraries. The project incorporated an extensive consultative program with a wide range of stakeholders involved in the development of public libraries. The highly consultative approach was used involving input from library users, professional librarians, Council officers, Councillors and community members who may not be regular library users. The publication “People Places – a guide for library buildings in NSW 2000” is the outcome of this process and provides a new approach to the planning and building of public libraries in NSW. This Guide can be used as a resource tool to assist in planning and designing new library facilities. It is important to remember that each library and the service it provides is unique and very much should reflect the needs and aspirations of its community. Public libraries are one of the most well used educational, cultural and social facilities available within our community. The relevance of libraries to today’s community is evident in their high levels of use and attraction to a broad range of user groups from all ages and backgrounds. The Australian Bureau of Statistics – Attendance at Selected Cultural Venue and Events, 2002 presents results from the 2002 General Social Survey on attendance of people aged 18 years and over at selected cultural venues and events. The survey provides details on the basic demographic characteristics of those who attended the surveyed venues and events and their frequency of attendance during a 12-month period. With an attendance rate of over 42% of people aged 18 years and over (6,110,200 people), national, state and local libraries were the second most attended cultural venue or event in 2002. The attendance


rate increased five percentage points between 1999 and 2002 (from 37% to 42%). The attendance rate for New South Wales was 39% with the following percentages per age group: Table 5.3 NSW Library Attendance

Age Group Percentage 18-24 45.8% 25-34 38.6% 35-44 41.7% 45-54 39.8% 55-64 36.1% 65-74 34.5% 75 and over 28.3% Total 39.0% About two-fifths (40%) of those who had been to libraries during the 12-month period had been there more than 10 times during that period. People in most states and territories had attendance rates similar to the national average (42%), the rates were somewhat higher for people in the Australian Capital Territory (49%). Table 5.4 Frequency of Attendance at Libraries

Frequency Percentage Once 6.5% Twice 10.2% 3 Times 9.4% 4 Times 7.7% 5 Times 8.2% 6-10 Times 17.6% 11-20 Times 17.7% 21 Times or more 22.7% Total 100.00% With changing demographic trends and rapidly changing information technology, the design and function of libraries must change to meet these and other new challenges. Future public libraries must be buildings that:

Provide a cultural hub and focal point for the community Are functional and multi-purpose accommodating a range of activities and users, Enable access to the latest in technology in a user-friendly manner, Attract a wide range of users providing areas for relaxation, research, leisure and learning, Are effective and efficient in the delivery of services, Develop from a co-operative approach between all stakeholders to ensure that the changing

needs of the community are met. The building design and service delivery needs to meet the needs of a wide range of users. For example the building design should cater for both older people and people with a disability, physical design issues are of major importance. This translates into demands for single level buildings (or multi-level buildings with easy access to lifts), ramped access and automatic opening doors, easy to read signage, and accessible toilets. Youth (people aged 14-24 years) are an important part of our community and compromise 12.3% of the Dungog Shire population. They are significant users of public libraries, major consumers of information technology, and hold social attitudes that are often different to other groups in our community. Many libraries are now filled each afternoon with youth undertaking research projects, working on joint projects with fellow students and discussing project approaches and outcomes. The provision of meeting rooms,


noisy areas, student research areas and facilities are some of the physical outcomes of this trend. Importantly, youth are interested and efficient in using new technology resources of libraries.7 It is important to remember that the library collection not only includes books, but an on-site and off-site electronic collection, audio-visual materials, magazines, periodicals and other resources. The “Information Society”, the “Information Superhighway” and the “Information Rich versus the Information Poor” are all terms which are used to highlight the expanding role of information technology in our society. It is important for libraries to provide public access to information technology. Public libraries have been required to provide additional space for technology such as computer training rooms, large areas for public access catalogues, dedicated computerised work stations for staff and additional storage for audio-visuals and CD-ROMS. The type of functional areas that may be included within the library will vary from building to building depending on the type of services the library provides and the needs of the local community.

7 People Places – A Guide for Public Library Buildings in NSW. Prepared by consultants Heather Nesbitt in Association with Bligh Voller Nield for the Library Council of NSW, 2000


5.2.2 Standards Based Approach Local Community Centre Local Centres service the immediate surrounding area and are frequently ‘unstaffed’. The size of facilities is dependent upon the types of services the centre is to provide and is an average estimate made by Council. Services include meeting rooms, kitchen, activity areas, toilets, and storage. Playgroups currently operate in the Dungog, Clarence Town and Gresford planning districts. It is anticipated that new development will have similar needs of the current community and will utilise local community centre facilities.

District Community Centre A multi-purpose centre can be used flexibly for a range of purposes and adapted to meet the needs of the population as priorities change over time. They are usually staffed and provide facilities for community services funded by the State Government. This plan proposes to augment the local community centres to meet district needs. Building requirements are generally the same as the local community centres on a larger scale. Early child care clinics operate in Dungog, Clarence Town, Paterson and Gresford Planning districts, and future residents will also need access to similar facilities. Youth Facilities Funding is provided for a youth worker to provide a weekly supportive program for young people in Dungog and Clarence Town, and develops programs and outreach activities for young people throughout the shire. The youth worker provides support to an organised youth group in Clarence Town as well as operating a group in Dungog. This plan proposes to augment the local community centres to incorporate the building needs of additional youths from population growth. The Dungog Shire Council Community Profile (November 1999) identified the need for centre based youth activities – including skateboard facilities and recreational and social activities for young people in all planning districts. Aged Facilities In 1988 the Clarence Town Senior Citizens Day Care Centre was constructed. The 1999 Community Profile identified the need for further development of respite service for older people and people with disabilities. This plan proposes to augment the local community facilities to meet the needs of aged. Aged services can include: day care services for the aged, people with dementia, the disabled and mentally ill people. Community Culture & Arts The shire has active arts groups, including the Hunter Highland Arts which was formed in 1997, and is working towards a more formal appreciation of the arts in the Dungog Shire. The ABS conducted a survey in April 2003 and collected data on the participation of cultural activities undertaken by children aged 5-14 years. There were 29% of children involved in selected organised cultural activities, outside of school hours. It is estimated that of children aged 5-14 years:

17% played a musical instrument, 12% participated in dancing, 5% were involved in singing, and 4% were involved in drama.

Some 7% of children participated in more than one organised cultural activity. Participation was within and external to the home. The 2002 the ABS General Social Survey on attendance of people aged 18 years and over identified the following within NSW:


Table 5.5 Persons Attending Cultural Venue & Events Venue Participation (%)

Art Galleries 25.0% Classical Music Concerts 10.0% Popular Music Concerts 27.0% Theatre Performances 17.5% Dance Performances 11.0% Musicals and operas 19.1% Other performing arts 19.5%

It is reasonable that future population growth will require additional cultural and arts space to undertake lessons and performances, at a local level, in the events identified above by the ABS surveys. Library Services The responsibility of Local Government is to provide a library service to the community that is equitable, effective and efficient. Council aims to:

provide a library service through a range of physical facilities and service points, ensure that the physical facilities provided are relevant to the needs of the community and the

needs of specific groups within that community, provide library services and resources which are freely accessible to all members of the

community, locate libraries which are as accessible and convenient to as great a proportion of the community

as possible, and ensure that buildings and service points meet the minimum requirements for the state including

those for access, health, building, safety regulation and service provision. Library facilities can interact with other council services and community agencies with the aim that the library service becomes a focal point in the community. Public Libraries play a vital role in the life of their communities. They inspire, educate, inform and entertain people who enter their buildings as well as those who access services from a computer at home, at school or in the workplace. They are consistently the most frequently used and most warmly appreciated cultural services provided to local communities around Australia. Good information resources, reliable equipment, skilled staff and attractive and efficient buildings are essential elements in providing effective library services to the community. Pre-School facilities Currently the Dungog Shire Council provides a facility for the operation of a pre-school at Clarence Town. Pre-schools provide a vital role in early childhood development and the Council wishes to support the provision of pre-school facilities. This plan proposes to levy across the Dungog Shire, on a per person basis, for the provision of pre-school facilities. Industry benchmarks suggest one pre-school per 4,000 to 6,000 people. The following table (5.6) details the suggested community facility industry standards.


Table 5.6 Community Facility Industry Standards Facility Standard Suggested Standard Level

Neighbourhood Centre Range 1 per 3,500 – 6,000 people AMCORD Planning Practice Note 11

1 per 4,750 people

District Community Centre Range 1 per 10,000 – 20,000 people, AMCORD Planning Practice Note 11

1 per 10,000 people

Youth Centre Small (neighbourhood) 1 per 10,000 people Major 1 per 20,000 people AMCORD Planning Practice Note 11

1 per 10,000 people (small)

Youth Drop in Centre Range 1 per 3,000 – 6,000 people or as part of a neighbourhood centre 1 per 5,000 – 7,000 people AMCORD Planning Practice Note 11

Part of a neighbourhood centre 1 per 6,000 people

Arts & Craft Centre Small 1 per 2,000 people District 1 per 30,000 people AMCORD Planning Practice Note 11

Small 1 per 2,000 people District 1 per 30,000 people

Pre-School 1 per 4,000 – 6,000 people 1 per 5,000 Child Care Centre 1 place for every 10 children

aged 0-4 years (assumes 30% provision from the private sector AMCORD Planning Practice Note 11

1 place for every 10 children aged 0-4 years

Baby / Child feeding and change rooms

1 per town National Capital Development Commission (1985)

1 per town

Early Childhood Health Centre 1 per 4,000 to 6,000 people 1 per 5,000 people Aged Persons Facility 1 per 8,000 to 10,000 people 1 per 10,000 people Library Facilities – Building 42m2 (gross) per 1,000 people

People Places, State Library of NSW

42m2 (gross) per 1,000 people

Library Facilities 2 Collections per person Towards a Quality Service, Australian Library & Information Association

2 Collections per person


5.3 EXISTING FACILITIES ASSESSMENT & PROPOSED NEW FACILITIES The approach taken within this Plan is to assess the infrastructure needs for the total expected residential population from the above standards. At the same time an assessment of current facilities is also undertaken to establish if current facilities can accommodate, in part or full, demands from the new population. 5.3.1 Existing Community Facilities The majority of existing school of arts buildings are considerably old, and their current configuration and condition does not lend them to meet the variety of new development community needs. They generally consist of a basic hall type of structure with kitchen facilities, and some kitchen facilities do not meet current building standards. The community centre at Dungog is predominantly used as a theatre and has very limited space for general community use. The Clarence Town Community Centre consists of a basic meeting area for general community use, and other parts of the building are occupied by a doctor’s surgery and pre-school, which significantly reduces the amount of space available for general community use. The senior citizens centre at Clarence Town currently meets the needs of the existing Shire and does not have any spare capacity. A number of halls are used or owned by specific groups (for example the Country Women’s Association and the Scouts Association) and access to the general public is limited. It is reasonable to conclude that the existing facilities meet the community needs of the existing population. The Dungog Shire is anticipating a significant increase in population over the next 15-20 years, and the application of a standards based approach will require an increasing demand on the need for additional community facilities. Generally the location, available land surrounding current facilities, and the age of the buildings do not allow them to extending current facilities. Any alterations would require improvement works to enable buildings to meet the current building standards, which would be expensive relevant to the benefits gained. The best solution is to construct larger multi-purpose community centres which are centrally located to meet the needs of a slightly wider surrounding community, and can be used of a variety of purposes. The Dungog Shire contains a number of museums which are classified as community buildings. Their function is to provide a tourist / historical point of interest, and the facilities do not allow them to be used for the needs of the general community as a multi-purpose centre could. For this reason they have not been included in the assessment of existing community facilities owned by Dungog Shire Council. The following community buildings are supplied within the Dungog Shire. Dungog Dungog Community Centre – Opened in 1918. Operates primarily as a cinema and is available as a community meeting area. Dungog School of Arts – Began as a small timber hall in 1876. Leased to the Dungog Information and Neighbourhood Service, and has been remodelled to include several offices a meeting room. Dungog Library – Operates a branch library. Part of the Newcastle Regional Library. Bandon Grove School of Arts (constructed on private land) – Constructed in 1933. Includes auditorium and stage, kitchen and internal toilets. Dungog Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall – Opened in 1930. Dungog Scout Hall – Constructed in 1922 of weatherboard and corrugated iron.


Dungog Pre-School – owned by the Dungog Pre-School Kindergarten. Clarence Town Senior Citizens Day Care Centre – opened in 1998. Includes large activity room, kitchen, office, storeroom and internal toilets including disabled. Community Centre – Opened approximately 1989. Building houses doctor’s surgery, pensioners and senior citizens room, pre-school, community nurse office and meeting room. Has no ability to meet the needs of new development. Clarence Town School of Arts – Constructed in 1879. Includes large hall and stage, kitchen, internal toilets, supper room and storeroom. Glen William Scout and Community Hall – Constructed in 1927. Owned by the Scouts Association. Large auditorium, kitchen, external toilets. Wallarobba Memorial Hall – Constructed on private land in 1936. Includes auditorium and stage, supper room, kitchen and outside amenities. Gresford Gresford School of Arts – Constructed in 1930. Includes separate weatherboard supper room with kitchen. Supper room includes a kitchen and has been modified for use as a pre-school. Lostock Hall – constructed pre 1924 Gresford CWA Hall – constructed 1956. Gresford Hall – relocated building renovated as a hall for youth group purposes. Paterson / Vacy / Martins Creek Paterson School of Arts – Constructed 1935. Building includes a large hall and stage area, kitchen, meeting room and internal toilets. Vacy School of Arts – Constructed in 1926. Includes auditorium, kitchen and internal toilets. Martins Creek School of Arts – Originally Soldiers Memorial Hall. 5.3.2 Proposed New Facilities Current community facilities within the Dungog Shire are assessed as being unable to meet the needs of new development and the following community facilities are proposed. This plan aims to provide multi-purpose centres which will meet the needs of a large variety of users. The floor space requirements for each user group will be added together to determine a total floor space per facility. A community facilities contribution levy per lot will be calculated and should actual development be greater or less than plan estimates, the community facilities work schedule will be adjusted accordingly. The amount spent on the provision of community facilities will be equal to contributions received (extent) from new development. Currently the Dungog Shire has a population of around 8,000 people which would require a library facility of approximately 404m2. Given that the shire has one library building of 190m2, there is no spare capacity within the existing library services to meet the needs of new development.


To determine the appropriate building size for community centres, Council has used the NSW Department of Housing guideline and the People Places, State Library NSW guide. No central library component is required for the Dungog Shire. Table 5.7 outlines the proposed new facilities over page.


* Building area not specified in the Department of Housing guide. An estimate of the building area is calculated by applying the Department of Housing guide to the general building requirements. ** Building area calculated from People Places, State Library NSW

Building

288 m 2 per 364 m 2 per 406 m 2 per 266 m 2 per 266 m 2 per 720 m 2 per

4,750 people 10,000 people 10,000 people 30,000 people 10,000 people 5,000 peopleSuggested

Building Area

(m2) per '000 people 60.6 m 2 36.4 m 2 40.6 m 2 8.9 m 2 26.6 m 2 144 m 2 50.40 m 2 2

per person

Clarence Town (Building Area

Required) 358 m 2 215 m 2 240 m 2 53 m 2 157 m 2 1,023 m 2 850 m 2 298 m 2 11,804 total

5,902

peopleDungog

(Building Area Required) 93 m 2 56 m 2 62 m 2 14 m 2 41 m 2 266 m 2 219 m 2 77 m 2 3,040 total

1,520

peopleW est (Building Area Required) 184 m 2 111 m 2 124 m 2 28 m 2 81 m 2 528 m 2 438 m 2 153 m 2 6,070 total

3,035

people

Total 635 m 2 382 m 2 426 m 2 95 m 2 279 m 2 1817 m 2 1507 m 2 528 m 2 20,914 total

Aged Facility

Total Required

Area Pre-SchoolLibrary Building

Table 5.7 - Proposed New Facilities

Suggested Building Size

Library Collections

District Community

Centre

Local Community

Centre Youth VenueArts & Craft

Centre


5.4 PHYSICAL NEXUS (LOCATION) General Community Facilities This plan aims to provide multi-purpose centres which will meet the needs of a large variety of users. Facilities should be located to meet the needs of new development. The location of new development will be monitored. Initially it is anticipated that three multi-purpose community facilities will be provided at Clarence Town, Dungog and the Gostwyck intersection. Library Facilities The provision of library facilities can be either provided as part of the multi-purpose community centres or aggregated into a single location according to the needs of contributing development. The actual location of library services will not impact on the contribution levy and is best determined as development proceeds. There are some factors to consider when locating a library. New public library needs to address key criteria which are essential to the successful location of a public library. Christine Koontz’s Library Facility Sitting and Location Handbook (1997) highlights that little has changed over the years with factors such as high visibility, location in a main shopping area and potential for expansion remaining as relevant today as they were in the late 1800’s. In many communities, local Councils are now looking at the value of retaining major public infrastructure in City Centres to act as an attractor for shoppers and visitors. Equally, private developers are often interested in accommodating a public library in a new shopping centre development as it attracts large volumes of visitors who may also shop after visiting the library. The general location of a new library is very much based on the needs of the community. A needs assessment should be undertaken to determine where the new library is required and what type of services will meet the community needs. The People Places guide recommends that, as a minimum, all of the following key locational criteria are considered in determining the most appropriate site for a public library:

Main street or shopping area location Highly visible location particularly from the shopping area Street frontage and not hidden from the road by trees or another building Access to adequate and secure parking particularly for people with a disability, staff and night-

time users Accessible for deliveries and mobile libraries and other vehicles Site which will enable easy ground floor access Safe and attractive pedestrian access, particularly for older residents, children and parents with

prams Walking distance from public transport Site able to accommodate future expansion of the library if required

Pre-Schools Pre-Schools will be located within the Dungog Shire to best meet the needs of contributing development.


5.5 PROPOSED FACILITIES WORKS SCHEDULE & APPORTIONMENT Tables 5.8, 5.9 and 5.10 details the costs of the proposed community facilities for Clarence Town, Dungog and the West.

Table 5.8 - Proposed Community Facilities within Clarence Town

Land Acquisition

Building & Fitout

Car Parking

Authorities Fees & Charges Contingencies Total

Local Community Centre $32,166 $619,340 $149,040 $28,019 $80,055 $908,620District Community Centre $19,318 $428,925 $91,080 $18,876 $53,932 $612,131Youth Venue $21,564 $307,200 $99,360 $14,984 $42,812 $485,921Arts & Craft Centre $4,762 $76,585 $24,840 $3,717 $10,619 $120,522Aged Facility $14,106 $309,290 $66,240 $13,637 $38,964 $442,237Library Facility $26,775 $789,700 $124,200 $32,924 $94,068 $1,067,666Library Collections $271,492 $9,502 $27,149 $308,143Pre-School $76,373 $1,487,500 $62,100 $56,909 $162,597 $1,845,479Total $195,064 $4,290,032 $616,860 $178,568 $510,196 $5,790,720

Table 5.9 - Proposed Community Facilities within Dungog

Land Acquisition Building

Car Parking


Local Community Centre $5,831 $160,890 $41,400 $7,284 $20,812 $236,217District Community Centre $3,511 $111,720 $24,840 $4,902 $14,007 $158,981Youth Venue $3,887 $79,360 $28,980 $3,928 $11,223 $127,378Arts & Craft Centre $878 $20,230 $8,280 $1,029 $2,939 $33,355Aged Facility $2,571 $80,770 $20,700 $3,641 $10,404 $118,086Library Facility $4,828 $204,050 $33,120 $8,470 $24,200 $274,668Library Collections $69,920 $2,447 $6,992 $79,359Pre-School $13,731 $383,250 $16,560 $14,474 $41,354 $469,369Total $35,237 $1,110,190 $173,880 $46,176 $131,931 $1,497,414


Each building facility type will be apportioned to the relevant catchment and the following contributions rates apply.

Table 5.10 - Proposed Community Facilities within the West

Land Acquisition Building

Car Parking


Local Community Centre $11,472 $318,320 $78,660 $14,296 $40,845 $463,593District Community Centre $6,921 $221,445 $49,680 $9,732 $27,805 $315,582Youth Venue $7,731 $158,720 $53,820 $7,709 $22,027 $250,008Arts & Craft Centre $1,746 $40,460 $12,420 $1,912 $5,463 $62,000Aged Facility $5,050 $159,570 $37,260 $7,066 $20,188 $229,134Library Facility $9,540 $405,450 $66,240 $16,843 $48,123 $546,196Library Collections $139,610 $4,886 $13,961 $158,457Pre-School $27,309 $766,500 $33,120 $28,943 $82,693 $938,565Total $69,770 $2,210,075 $331,200 $91,387 $261,104 $2,963,536


Contribution Rate Formula per Catchment

Clarence Town Contribution per dwelling / lot

=Total Local

Com m unity Centre Cos t

+Total Dis trict


+ Total Youth Venue Cos t

+Total Arts & Craft Centre

Cos t+

Total Aged Facility Cos t

+ Total Library Facilities Cos t

+ Total Pre-School Cos t

Proposed New Lots Proposed New LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New

Lots Proposed New Lots

= $908,620 $612,131 $485,921 $120,522 $442,237 $1,375,810 $1,845,4792,042 2,042 2,042 2,042 2,042 2,042 2,042

= $445 $300 $238 $60 $217 $674 $904

= $2,838

Dungog Contribution per dwelling / lot

=Total Local


+Total Dis trict




Cos t+





LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New


= $236,217 $158,981 $127,378 $33,355 $118,086 $354,027 $469,369652 652 652 652 652 652 652

= $363 $244 $196 $52 $182 $543 $720

= $2,300

Wes t Contribution per dwelling / lot

=Total Local


+Total Dis trict




Cos t+





LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New

LotsProposed New


= $463,593 $315,582 $250,008 $62,000 $229,134 $704,653 $938,5651,292 1,292 1,292 1,292 1,292 1,292 1,292

= $359 $245 $194 $48 $178 $546 $727

= $2,297


5.6 TEMPORAL NEXUS (WHEN) Council anticipates community facilities could be provided in stages incrementally as development proceeds. Due to the large capital requirements to construct these facilities this will minimise the need for borrowed funds and interest. Works can be staged in the following stages and lot development:

This plan proposed to initially provide a local community facility and as development proceeds extend building to meet other uses. Initially the local community facility can meet some district and other uses. Given the minimal level of existing community facilities it is anticipated that the local community facility component should be provided within the first 5 year threshold of full development estimates. Council will consider the options of library service provision as development proceeds. Council could consider purchasing library collections and provide a basic service within the community centre. Alternatively Council could build a branch on one side of the shire and complete other facilities as development proceeds. Provision will be dependent on the extent and location of new development. 5.7 CARRIED FORWARD FUNDS AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES FUNDING SOURCES The Section 94 Contributions Plan, 2001 (repealed) levied for various improvement works to the existing community facilities. These contributions will be carried forward into this plan and will be expended on general embellishment works within the existing community facilities from the catchment from which they were raised. These contributions constitute demand from existing development for the purpose of this contributions plan. Table 5.9 outlines the community facilities funding sources within this contributions plan.

Clarence Town Dungog West

StageLand Acquisition 70 16 31Local Community Centre 309 100 198Youth and Pre-school 787 252 503Remaining Uses 667 216 426District Community Centre 209 68 134Total 2,042 652 1,292

Estimated No. of Lots

Table 5.11 - Community Facilities Funding Sources

Item DollarsTotal funds required for facilities within this Plan $10,251,670Total funds raised from this contributions plan $10,251,670Total funds carried forward from prior plans $49,609Total funds $10,301,279


Table 5.12 outlines the community facilities residential contribution rates summary

5.8 TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS It is reasonable to expect that tourists will be drawn to arts and crafts events in the Dungog Shire which will be provided as part of the multi-purpose community centres. As such it is reasonable that tourism development also contribute to the arts and craft portion of the multi-purpose centre buildings. This plan has established an arts and crafts building contribution levy per lot which can be converted into a contribution per person. There is a fixed supply of land available within the Shire. If tourism development is established, this reduces the potential for residential development. Accordingly, if contributions are levied from tourism development, funds from residential development will not be levied in relation to that land, and as a result no ‘double dipping’ will occur. The level of new tourism development is hard to predict with certainty. This plan applies the per person contribution for arts and crafts to the number of visitors per room to determine a contribution levy per room for tourism development. There are three categories of likely tourism development each with their own number of visitors per room:

Licensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities (0.88 visitors per room); Motel, private hotels and Guest Houses with Facilities (1.04 visitors per room); and Serviced apartments (1.5 visitors per room).

Table 5.12 - Community Facilities Residential Contribution Rates Per Dwelling/Lot Summary

Clarence Town Dungog WestContribution per dwelling / lot $2,838 $2,300 $2,297

Dungog Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Community Facilities

Contribution per room for Dungog Arts & Craft Centre Number of visitors

Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Cost contribution per lot X per room

Facilities occupancy rate

= $23 X 0.88

= $21

Contribution per room for Motel,Private Hotels & Guest Houses = $23 X 1.04

with Facilities

= $24


= $35


Clarence Town Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Community Facilities

Contribution per room for Clarence Town Arts & Craft Centre Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Cost contribution per lot X per roomFacilities occupancy rate

= $21 X 0.88

= $19


= $22


= $32

West Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Community Facilities

Contribution per room for W est Arts & Craft Centre Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Cost contribution per lot X per roomFacilities occupancy rate

= $21 X 0.88

= $19


= $22


= $32

Table 5.13 - Tourism Community Facilities Contribution Rates Per Room Summary

Clarence Town Dungog WestLicensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities $19 $21 $19Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $22 $24 $22Serviced Apartments $32 $35 $32

Levy Per Room


Part 6 TRAFFIC FACILITIES



Table 6.1 Traffic Facilities - Residential

Upgrade/ImprovementClarence

TownDungog Gresford

Martins Creek /

PatersonVacy

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads $412 $1,162 $94 $751 $751Rural Local Roads & Intersections $1,866 $338 $844 $2,917 $1,959Traffic Management $372Total $2,278 $1,872 $938 $3,668 $2,710

Contribution Rate Per Dwelling / Lot

Table 6.2 Unsealed Roads & Bridge Upgrades - Residential

Investigation Zone Road Contribution/HectareClarence Town Cemetery Rd $3,566Paterson / Vacy/Martins Creek Keppies Rd $3,774

Glenburn Rd $1,683Mowbray Lane North $798

Dungog Common Rd $1,815


COMMERCIAL (NON-RESIDENTIAL) CONTRIBUTION RATES SUMMARY



Table 6.3 Traffic Facilities - Commercial


TownDungog Gresford

Martins Creek /

PatersonVacy

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads $46 $130 $11 $84 $84Rural Local Roads & Intersections $208 $38 $94 $325 $218Traffic Management $42Total $254 $210 $105 $409 $302


Table 6.4 Unsealed Roads & Bridge Upgrades - Commercial






Table 6.5 - Works Schedule Summary

Upgrade Estimated Cost Estimated Staging

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads Upgrades $2,320,000Rural Local Roads and Intersections Upgrades $6,332,500Unsealed Roads & Bridge Upgrades $1,560,000Traffic & Pedestrian Management $242,500Road MaintenanceTotal $10,455,000


6.9


Part 6 TRAFFIC FACILITIES

6.0 INTRODUCTION The majority of the network of roads throughout the Dungog Shire is of a fair standard and adequate to meet existing demand. Increased traffic generated as a result of new development will place an increased demand on the road network throughout the Dungog Shire. The traffic facilities contribution will apply to both new residential and commercial (non-residential) development. The s94 contribution does not exclude those works which may be required under Section 79C of the EP&A Act. 6.1 OBJECTIVES There are two major functions of the road network:

Providing access to development, and Enabling the safe and efficient movement of goods and people.

A hierarchical road network is essential to maximise road safety, residential amenity and legibility. Each class of road in the network serves a distinct set of functions and is designed accordingly. The design should convey to motorists the predominant function of the road. Table 6.6 details the rural road hierarchy. Table 6.6 Rural Hierarchy Classes and Parameters8 Rural Hierarchy Classes and Parameters Class Description Design Considerations

Rural Arterial Carry through traffic from one region to another.

Access is at the discretion of the Roads and Traffic Authority.

Rural Sub-Arterial

Connect the Arterial Roads to areas of development or carry traffic directly from one part of a region to another.

Direct access for single dwelling allotments is to be discouraged. Access may be provided to multi-unit developments and non-residential land uses (at the discretion of Council).

Rural Collector Connect the Sub-Arterial Roads to the Local Road system.

This class of road carries a higher volume of traffic collected from the lower trafficked rural local roads. Residential amenity & safety do not have as high a priority as Rural Local 1, 2 and 3 roads.

8 Draft Regional Subdivision Development Control Plan Prepared by Upper and Northern Regional Environmental Management Strategy on behalf of member Councils


Table 6.6 Rural Hierarchy Classes and Parameters9 Rural Hierarchy Classes and Parameters Class Description Design Considerations

Rural Local 1 Mostly used as local access roads, but allow through traffic.

300 – 500 vpd

Rural Local 2

Mostly used as local access roads, but allow a minor amount of through residential traffic.

75 - 300 vpd

Rural Local 3 No through road used as a local access road.

Less than 75 vpd (10 residential allotments).

All allotments created, other than residue development lots of greater than 4ha, must be served by a Rural Local 3 road standard as a minimum. The Dungog Shire consists of rural sub-arterial, rural collector, rural local (1-3) and unsealed roads. The minimum carriageway widths for rural roads are detailed in Table 6.4 Table 6.7 Minimum carriageway widths for rural roads 10

Road Type Road Reserve

Width

Seal Width

Formation Width Traffic Lanes

Shoulders

Rural Sub Arterial

25m 8.5m 10m (+1.5m table drains & verges if needed

2x3.5m 1.5m (0.75m seal on each shoulder

Rural Collector

20m 8.0m 9m (+1.5m table drains & verges if needed

2x3.5m 1m (0.5m seal on each shoulder)

Rural Local 1 20m 7m 8m (+1.5m table drains & verges if needed

2x3m 1m (0.5m seal on each shoulder)

Rural Local 2 >300 vpd use Rural Local 1

20m 7m 8m (+1.5m table drains & verges if needed


Rural Local 3 >75 vpd use Rural Local 2

20m 4m 6m (+1.5m table drains & verges if needed


6.2 CASUAL NEXUS (what) All development generates traffic. The amount of traffic generated depends on the type, location and size of the development. The traffic generated affects surrounding developments and the adjacent transport network. This effect should be in keeping with the current classification and functions of the adjoining network. That is, the impact of the development should not cause the adjacent roads to be forced into performing a function of higher road classification. Traffic management is undertaken to assist the movement of traffic in both urban and rural areas. An important consideration in determining the impact of new development on the road system is to assess the effect on traffic efficiency, the objective of which is to maintain the existing level of service.

9 Draft Regional Subdivision Development Control Plan Prepared by Upper and Northern Regional Environmental Management Strategy on behalf of member Councils 10 Draft Regional Subdivision Development Control Plan Prepared by Upper and Northern Regional Environmental Management Strategy on behalf of member Councils


Adverse effects must be identified and corrective measured designed. The level of service is used as the performance standard. An important consideration of the planning process is access control. When planning access to developments, the following objectives should be considered:

Maintaining safety standards Maintaining traffic flow standards Protecting the environment Maintaining and improving pedestrian flow along footpaths

Where road improvements are required:

Developers are to contribute to the cost of road improvements which arise from the development

The level of contribution required is proportional to the need for improvements which are a direct result of the development

The minimum level of contribution is assessed on the basis of maintaining the existing level of service on the adjacent road network

Section 94 contributions have largely arisen from considerations of roadway capacity in terms of:

Number of lanes required Improvements to intersections to cope with the additional traffic (including traffic control devices) Improvements to infrastructure for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport

It is anticipated that there will be a high reliance on motor vehicles given the low public transport accessibility and high percentage of workers (78% in the 2001 census) who travel to work by either car (as driver or passenger), truck, motor bike or motor scooter. Council may levy for:

General traffic management (for example traffic calming devices, pedestrian refuges, etc), The provision and upgrade of roads and intersections, and The maintenance of roads for which it has responsibility under the Roads Act 1993 or otherwise.

Contributions for a road may be sought by Council even where the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales exercises any function over these roads, whether pursuant to sections 62, 63 or 64 of the Roads Act, or otherwise.

Where as a result of development there is excessive wear and tear on roads, contributions may, and will be, sought for the ongoing maintenance of roads within the Shire. Residential development will be levied for:

Rural sub-arterial road upgrades, Rural local road and intersection upgrades, Unsealed roads upgrade, and Traffic management within Dungog.

Commercial development will be levied for:

Rural sub-arterial road upgrades, Rural local road and intersection upgrades, Unsealed roads upgrade, Traffic management within Dungog, and Road Haulage (maintenance and repair) where appropriate.

Design standards for traffic efficiency do not always reflect actual capacity. Alternatively an approach based on level of service (LoS) experienced during peak periods may be adopted. With the adoption of a performance standard (such as LoS C or D), some consistency in approach can be maintained. Roads where traffic flows have reached these limits will provide a performance standard. Beyond these limits additional traffic lanes are usually required.


In some areas different levels of service may be adopted for different times. For example, level of service C may be most appropriate for weekday peak periods while level of service D may be adopted for weekend recreational peak demands. This approach recognises that the latter occurs less frequently and therefore a lower level of service can be tolerated. 6.2.1 Standards Based Approach Level of Service Explanation An important consideration in determining the impact of new development on the road system is to assess the effect on traffic efficiency, the objective of which is to maintain the existing LoS. Adverse effects must be identified and corrective measures designed. The LoS is used as the performance standard. This is a qualitative assessment of the quantitative effect of factors such as speed, volume of traffic, geometric features, traffic interruptions, delays and freedom to manoeuvre. The Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) Guide to Traffic Generating Developments uses the following Service levels which have been used in this plan. Level of Service A This, the top level, is a condition of free flow in which individual drivers are virtually unaffected by the presence of others in the traffic stream. Freedom to select desired speeds and to manoeuvre within the traffic stream is extremely high, and the general level of comfort and convenience provided is excellent. Level of Service B This level is in the zone of stable flow and drivers have reasonable freedom to select their desired speed and to manoeuvre within the traffic stream, although the general level of comfort and convenience is little less than of the LoS A. Level of Service C This service level is also in the zone of stable flow, but most drivers are restricted to some extent in their freedom to select their desired speed and to manoeuvre within the traffic stream. The general level of comfort and convenience declines noticeably at this level. Level of Service D This level is close to the limit of stable flow but is approaching unstable flow. All drivers are severely restricted in their freedom to select their desired speed and to manoeuvre within the traffic stream. The general level of comfort and convenience is poor, and small increases in traffic flow will generally cause operational problems. Level of Service E This occurs when traffic volumes are at or close to capacity and there is virtually no freedom to select desired speeds or to manoeuvre within the traffic stream. Flow is unstable and minor disturbances within the traffic stream will cause a traffic-jam. Level of Service F This service level is in the zone of forced flow. With it, the amount of traffic approaching the point under consideration exceeds that which can pass it. Flow break-down occurs and queuing and delays result. Strictly, the above descriptions characterise levels of service for uninterrupted flow conditions, ie no interruption to traffic occurs because of factors external to the traffic stream, such as intersection controls. 6.3 RURAL SUB-ARTERIAL ROAD UPGRADES Within the Dungog Shire there are a number of rural sub-arterial roads which link the major towns and villages to each other and the surrounding local government areas. This plan assesses the existing


and proposed new development traffic generation to determine if upgrade works are required, and the appropriate apportionment. 6.3.1 Land Use Traffic Generation Comparisons may be drawn between the traffic generation potential of various land use types enabling a rough assessment of the traffic generation implications of land use zoning. The RTA Guide uses the following (Table 6.6) vehicle generation rates. Please note that a trip is defined as a one way vehicular movement from one point to another excluding the return journey. A return trip to / from a land use is counted as two trips. Table 6.8 Land Use Vehicle Generation

Land Use Daily Vehicle Trips Evening Peak Hour Vehicle Trips Residential * 9.0 per dwelling 0.85 per dwelling Medium Density Residential Flat Dwelling (1-2 bedroom dwellings)

4 - 5 per dwelling 0.4 – 0.5 per dwelling

Medium Density Residential Flat Dwelling (3+ bedroom dwellings)

5.0 – 6.5 per dwelling 0.05 – 0.65 per dwelling

Housing for aged and disabled persons

1 – 2 per dwelling 0.01 – 0.2 per dwelling

Motels 3 per unit 0.4 per unit Office & Commercial 10 per 100m2 GFA 2 per 100m2 GFA * The above rates are based on surveys conducted in areas where new residential subdivisions are built. Public transport accessibility in such areas is often limited. A general approach in determining contributions is to:

Ascertain vehicle trips generated by a development Establish the existing situation and level of service Establish an appropriate standard for road and intersection level of service Estimate works required to ensure the effective peak hour operation of road(s) adjacent to the

site and appropriate approach roads Cost the required works Allocate only the costs associated with the road and intersection improvements required by

additional traffic generated by new development 6.3.2 Existing & Proposed Level of Service – Rural Sub-Arterial Roads The above residential vehicle generation rates have been used to calculate the current residential traffic volume on existing roads to ascertain current LoS provision. Table 6.9 sets out two-way hourly road capacities for two-lane roads for different LoS, with a design speed of 100 km/hr, based on different terrain types. The capacity assumes a 60/40 directional split of traffic. Where design speeds of 80 km/hr are used, the resulting capacities are between 85-95% of the figures quoted, depending on the LoS. Single lane capacities are affected by overtaking opportunities.


Table 6.9 Two-way Hourly Road Capacities for Two-Lane Roads

Terrain Level of Service

Percentage of Heavy Vehicles 0 5 10 15

Level B 630 590 560 530 C 1,030 970 920 870 D 1,630 1,550 1,480 1,410 E 2,630 2,500 2,390 2,290

Rolling B 500 420 360 / (324) 310 C 920 760 650 / (585) 570 D 1,370 1,140 970 / (873) 700 E 2,420 2,000 1,720 / (1,548) 1,510

Mountainous B 340 230 180 150 C 600 410 320 260 D 1,050 680 500 400 E 2,160 1,400 1,040 820

The data for Table 6.9 assumes the following criteria:

Terrain level with 20% no overtaking. Rolling with 40% no overtaking. Mountainous with 60% no overtaking. 3.7m traffic lane with side clearances of at least 2m. 60/40 directional split of traffic. Roads are designed for a speed of 100 km/hr, based on different terrain types. Where design

speeds of 80 km/hr are used, the resulting capacities are between 85% - 95% of the figures quoted (brackets represent 90%).

The roads connecting the towns and villages within the Dungog Shire have been assessed as:

rural sub-arterial roads, are classified as rolling with 10% heavy vehicle usage, and are designed for speeds of 80km/hr.

Based on the level of peak hour residential generation rate and using the capacities represented in Table 6.9 the following table (Table 6.10) assesses existing and potential levels of service. Table 6.10 Existing and Potential Level of Service

Road Existing Level of Service

Potential Level of Service

*

Spare Capacity

**

Upgrade Required

Road A Dungog to Clarence Town

D E No Yes

Road B Clarence Town to Port Stephens LGA Border

C E No Yes

Road C Gresford to Dungog

B B Yes No

Road D Gresford to Vacy

B B Yes No

Road E Vacy to Paterson

B C Yes No

Road F Vacy/Paterson to Dungog

C D No Yes

Road G Martins Creek/Paterson to Maitland LGA Border

D E No Yes


* Level of Service when existing development and potential new development traffic generation are added together. ** Spare capacity to meet all potential new development traffic Roads where future projected traffic flows have exceeded an acceptable limit will required additional travel lanes. Currently all rural sub-arterial roads do not have overtaking lanes and a LoS beyond C is not reasonable. As a result of the above estimates of existing and potential traffic generation level of service this plan proposes to upgrade the roads from; Dungog through to the Port Stephens LGA border (Roads A and B), Vacy/Paterson to Dungog (Road F), and Martins Creek/Paterson to the Maitland LGA border (Road G). 6.3.3 Proposed New Facilities New development within Dungog and Clarence Town will result in a LoS E on the road between Dungog and Clarence Town, and LoS E on the road from Clarence Town to the Port Stephens LGA border. New development in Dungog and the West Catchment results in a LoS E on the road from Martins Creek/Paterson to the Maitland LGA border. New development within the Vacy, Martins Creek, Paterson and Dungog will result in a LoS D on the road between Vacy/Paterson and Dungog. A LoS E and LoS D will require the provision of an additional travel lane. This plan does not propose to levy for the upgrade of an additional lane along this stretch, but rather a series of overtaking lanes to achieve improved traffic efficiency. Due to the current road condition any upgrade works will require the existing road to be brought up to current design standards. It is reasonable for new development to pay for the overtaking area lanes and the works required to bring roads up to current standards, as the overtaking works cannot be completed without the former. Table 6.11 details the aforementioned road upgrades.

The above proposed road lengths are based on the following sections. Road A – Dungog to Clarence Town: South bound – Tabbil Ck Bge for 1.1km & Wallarobba Brookfield Rd intersection for 1.2km south. North bound – Erringhi Rd intersection for 1.2km north & Oakey Ck Straight for 1.1km Road B – Clarence Town to Seaham: South bound – Wallaroo Ck towards boundary (depending on topography) – total 1.2km Road F – Paterson / Vacy to Dungog: South bound – Wallringa Rd to Wallarobba Ck Bridge for 0.8km & Northern approach to Greenhills quarry to quarry for 1.4km. North bound – Wallinga Rd to Marquets Flat for 1.2km & Southern approach to Greenhills quarry to quarry for 1.4km Road G – Paterson / Martins Creek to Boundary: South bound – Paterson Rd intersection to Clements Bridge for 1.0km It should be noted that the above sections are proposed with the actual location of upgrades dependent upon where actual development takes place.

Table 6.11 - Road Upgrade Costs

Details - ItemLength

(km)Cost

New Development Apportionment

Net Apportioned Cost

Dungog - Clarence Town - Road A 4.6 $920,000 94.50% $869,400

Clarence Town - Seaham (Road B) 1.2 $240,000 100.0% $240,000Vacy/Paterson to Dungog (Road F) 4.8 $960,000 100.0% $960,000Martins Creek/Paterson to Maitland LGA border (Road G) 1.0 $200,000 90.50% $181,000Total $2,320,000 $2,250,400


6.3.4 Apportionment of Rural Sub-Arterial Roads Road A and Road B The upgrade to the rural collector road between Dungog and Clarence Town (Road A) is due to existing and new development within Dungog and Clarence Town. The existing LoS for Road A, from existing traffic, is LoS D. When existing development is added to the estimated new development a LoS E results, requiring road upgrades. The threshold of LoS D is 873 vehicles and existing development is estimated at 933 vehicles, only just falling into this category. New development contributes an additional 1,026 vehicles resulting in a LoS E. The following apportionment calculation shall apply to new development, as Dungog Shire Council will contribute for the portion of existing vehicles that fall into the LoS D (933 – 873 = 60 vehicles)

The existing LoS of the rural collector road between Clarence Town and the border of the LGA (Road B) is level C. When traffic from new development is added to existing traffic a LoS E results, requiring road upgrades. The required road upgrades will be fully apportioned to new development. Road F The upgrade to the rural collector road between Dungog and Vacy/Paterson (Road F) is due to new development travelling between Vacy, Paterson, Martins Creek and Dungog and will be fully apportioned to new development within these areas. The existing LoS for Road F is level C. When new development is added to existing development a LoS D results. Road G The upgrade to the rural collector road between Martins Creek/Paterson to the Maitland LGA border (Road G) is due to existing and new development within Gresford, Vacy, Paterson, Martins Creek and Dungog. The existing LoS for Road G, from existing traffic, is LoS D. When existing development is added to the estimated new development a LoS E results, requiring road upgrades. The threshold of LoS D is 873 vehicles/hr and existing development is estimated at 960 vehicles/hr, only just falling into this category. New development contributes an additional 825 vehicles resulting in a LoS E. The following apportionment calculation shall apply to new development, as Dungog Shire Council will contribute for the portion of existing vehicles that fall into the LoS D (960 – 873 = 87 vehicles)

All Road Upgrades (Roads A, B, F and G) The extent and location of new commercial development cannot be estimated presently and the approach in this plan is apportion to residential development and levy per vehicle generation. The contribution levy will be adjusted for any commercial (non-residential) development once known. Each development type will contribute for the proportion of traffic generated. New development generation

New development Apportionment

=

( Estimated vehicles from new development + Existing vehicles in LoS D )

=

( 1,026 + 60 )

= 94.50%

Estimated vehicles from new development

1,026

New development Apportionment

=

( Estimated vehicles from new development + Existing vehicles in LoS D

=

( 825 + 87 )

= 90.50%

Estimated vehicles from new development

825


levies which are not specified within this plan, will be required to demonstrate the additional vehicle generation, and contribute the appropriate levy per additional vehicle generated. Calculation of the contributions levies are listed over the page.


Contribution Rate Formula for Rural Sub-Arterial Road Upgrades

Dungog contribution rate per residential dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =

Rural Sub-Arterial Road Upgrade Net

Apportioned Costs - Roads A & B +

Rural Sub-Arterial Road Upgrade Net Apportioned Costs -

Road F +


Apportioned Costs - Road G

Total East Catchment Potential

New Lots

Total Catchment Potential New Lots

Vacy, Paterson/Martins Creek & Dungog


Gresford, Vacy, Paterson/Martins Creek & Dungog

= $1,109,400 $960,000 $181,0002,694 1,461 1,944

= $1,162

Dungog contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential and commercial development)Contribution rate per vehicle generation =

Contribution rate per residential dwelling /

lotVehicle movements

per residential lot

= $1,1629

= $130


Clarence Town contribution rate per residential dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =


Apportioned Costs - Roads A & B

Total East Catchment Potential

New Lots

= $1,109,4002,694

= $412

Clarence Town contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential and commercial development)Contribution rate per vehicle generation =



per residential lot

= $4129

= $46


Gresford contribution rate per residential dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =


Apportioned Costs - Road G



= $181,0001,944

= $94

Gresford contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential and commercial development)Contribution rate per vehicle generation =


lotVehicle movement per residential lot

= $949

= $11


6.4 RURAL LOCAL ROAD & INTERSECTION UPGRADES Dungog Shire Council has a Rural Roads Policy identifying a number of rural local roads where current pavement widths do not meet minimum carriageway widths as identified in Table 6.7 and cannot meet the needs of new development. New Development will generate additional traffic on such roads and require upgrading. The following rural local roads (Table 6.12) have been identified as requiring upgrade to meet the needs of new development based on the anticipated extent and location of new development. Should development proceed at different scales or locations this plan will allow expenditure on alternative rural local roads to meet the needs of contributing development. The road upgrades have been designed with consideration to the RTA standards and have been costed to this standard.

Vacy & Martins Creek / Paterson contribution rate per residential dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =


Apportioned Costs - Road F +

Rural Sub-Arterial Road Upgrade Net Apportioned Costs -

Road GTotal Catchment

Potential New Lots Vacy,

Paterson/Martins Creek & Dungog



= $960,000 + $181,0001,461 1,944

= $751

Vacy & Martins Creek / Paterson contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential and commercial development)Contribution rate per vehicle generation =



per residential lot

= $7519

= $84


New development and increased traffic generation will also require the upgrading of various intersections. Intersections at grade present a driver with several points of conflict with other vehicles. The aims of intersection design are to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of accidents. This is achieved by controlling vehicle manoeuvres and reducing the number of points of conflict. The principal factors influencing the design of an intersection are:

Traffic volume and characteristics – an intersection should accommodate with comfort and safety a design peak traffic volume. Consideration should be given to commercial vehicles, operating speeds and turning path requirements at the intersection, the type of traffic control, the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and buses, and safety aspects.

Topography and environment – the location and design of an intersection will be affected by many factors including the alignment and grade of the approach roads.

Economic considerations – the estimated cost of variations to existing intersections should be justified by commensurate benefits to traffic.

Human factors – driver characteristics. 11 Auxiliary right turn lanes improve road capacity and safety and should be considered at intersections on undivided urban roads where right-turning traffic is likely to cause an unacceptable congestion and/or hazards. There are three levels of treatment to allow for right turning traffic at rural intersections. Appendix 1 shows cross-section drawings of each type. The volume warrants to aid in the selection of the appropriate treatment for a particular site, as well as, the horizontal and vertical alignment of the through road. Where the intersection is located on or near a crest or a horizontal curve it may be desirable to shelter right turning vehicles thus requiring a Type C treatment where the volume warrants may specify a lesser treatment. Dungog Council officers have identified a number of intersections requiring upgrade to meet the needs of new development and are detailed in Table 6.13. The following intersection works have been chosen and designed with consideration to the Intersections at Grade – Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice Part 5. Should development proceed at different scales or locations this plan will allow expenditure on alternative intersections to meet the needs of contributing development.

11 Intersections at Grade – Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice. Part 5 NAASRA (National Association of Australian State Road Authorities)

Table 6.12 - Rural Local Roads - Upgrades

Investigation Zone Rural Local Road Length (km) Total CostClarence Town Limeburners Ck 6.0 $750,000

W oerdens Road 3.5 $990,000East Seaham 1.6 $160,000Glen Martin 4.3 $430,000Glen W illiam 5.7 $570,000

Total - Clarence Town $2,900,000Gresford Lewinsbrook 1.5 $187,500Vacy Summerhill 2.0 $200,000Paterson/Martins Creek Martins Creek $300,000

Grace Avenue 0.5 $100,000Cory Street 1.3 $100,000

Total - Paterson/Martins Creek $500,000


Apportionment Rural local roads and intersections allow for direct road access for new lots, as well as traffic movement within the investigation zone. The rural local roads and intersections upgrade will be apportioned over the investigation zone for which they are located. The extent and location of new commercial development cannot be estimated presently and the approach in this plan is levy per vehicle generation. Each development type will contribute for the proportion of traffic generated. New development generation levies which are not specified within this plan, will be required to demonstrate the additional daily vehicle generation at the development application stage, and contribute the appropriate levy per additional daily vehicle generated.

Tabl 6.13 - Rural Intersections - Upgrades

Investigation Zone Road 1 Road 2Rural/Urban

Future Type Total Cost

Dungog Clarence Town Road Short Street Urban B $120,000Dungog Chichester Dam Road Common Road Urban B $100,000Total - Dungog $220,000Clarence Town Clarence Town Road Duke Street Urban C $150,000Clarence Town Clarence Town Road Cemetery Road Rural B $150,000Clarence Town Clarence Town Road W oerdens Road Rural C $150,000Clarence Town Duke Street Glen W illiam Road Urban B $100,000Clarence Town Limeburners Creek Road Seaham Road Rural C $120,000Clarence Town Limeburners Creek Road Glen Martin Road Rural C $120,000Clarence Town Glen W illiam Road Fords Road Rural B $120,000

Total - Clarence Town $910,000Gresford Allyn River Road Lewinsbrook Road Rural B $120,000Gresford Glendonbrook Road Paterson River Road Urban B $100,000

Total - Gresford $220,000Vacy Gresford Road Lennoxton Road Rural B $150,000Vacy Gresford Road Summerhill Road Rural B $150,000Vacy Gresford Road Horns Crossing Road Rural B $200,000Vacy Dungog Road Horns Crossing Road Rural B $250,000Total - Vacy $750,000Paterson Gresford Road W ebbers Creek Road Urban B $100,000Paterson W oodville Road Martins Creek Road Rural B $120,000Paterson Martins Creek Road Keppies Road Rural A $75,000Martins Creek Vogels Road Douglas Street Urban A $50,000Martins Creek Martins Creek Road Black Rock Road Rural B $100,000

Total - Martins Creek/Paterson $445,000


Contribution Rate Formula for Rural Local Roads & Intersections Upgrades

Dungog contribution rate per dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = Rural Local Roads + Intersection Upgrade Costs

Total Dungog Potential New Lots

= $220,000652

= $338

Dungog contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential & commercial developmentContribution rate per vehicle generation = Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lot

Vehicle movements per residential lot

= $338 = $389

Clarence Town contribution rate per dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = Rural Local Roads + Intersection Upgrade Costs

Total Clarence Town Potential New Lots

= $3,810,0002,042

= $1,866

Clarence Town contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential & commercial developmentContribution rate per vehicle generation = Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lot


= $1,866 = $2089


Gresford contribution rate per dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = Rural Local Roads + Intersection Upgrade Costs

Total Gresford Potential New Lots

= $407,500483

= $844

Gresford contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential & commercial developmentContribution rate per vehicle generation = Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lot


= $844 = $949

Vacy contribution rate per dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = Rural Local Roads + Intersection Upgrade Costs

Total Vacy Potential New Lots

= $950,000485

= $1,959

Vacy contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential & commercial developmentContribution rate per vehicle generation = Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lot


= $1,959 = $2189


6.5 UNSEALED ROAD UPGRADES Dungog Shire Council has a number of unsealed roads that cannot meet the needs of new development. New Development will generate additional traffic on such roads and require upgrading (sealing). Bridge upgrades will also need to be undertaken for new development within Cemetery Road. The following bridge and unsealed roads (Table 6.14) have been identified as requiring upgrade to meet the needs of new development based on the anticipated extent and location of new development. Works to upgrade and seal such roads will be in accordance with the RTA standard and have been costed to this standard.

Apportionment The upgrade works will be apportioned to lots directly accessing the currently unsealed roads on a developable area basis. Developable area refers to the total area of those lots which are able to be subdivided under the Draft LEP 2004. Developable area excludes the area of lots which are less than 3 hectares in the Investigation Zones, and less than 1200m2 in the 2(a) and 2(v) zones.

Martins Creek / Paterson contribution rate per dwelling / lotContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = Rural Local Roads + Intersection Upgrade Costs

Total Martins Creek / Paterson Potential New Lots

= $945,000324

= $2,917

Martins Creek / Paterson contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential & commercial developmentContribution rate per vehicle generation = Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lot


= $2,917 = $3259

Table 6.14 - Unsealed Roads & Bridge Upgrades

Investigation Zone Road Length (km) Total CostClarence Town Cemetery Rd 1.2 $460,000Paterson / Vacy/Martins Creek Keppies Rd 1.6 $400,000

Glenburn Rd 0.7 $175,000Mowbray Lane North 0.3 $75,000

Dungog Common Rd 1.8 $450,000Total $1,560,000


Contribution Rate Formula for Unsealed Roads Upgrades

Cemetery Road contribution rate per developable area (hectare)Contribution rate per developable hectare = Total Road Sealing Cost

Total Developable Area (Ha)

= $460,000129

= $3,566

Common Road contribution rate per developable area (hectare)Contribution rate per developable hectare = Total Road Sealing Cost


= $450,000248

= $1,815

Glenburn Road contribution rate per developable area (hectare)Contribution rate per developable hectare = Total Road Sealing Cost


= $175,000104

= $1,683

Keppies Road contribution rate per developable area (hectare)Contribution rate per developable hectare = Total Road Sealing Cost


= $400,000106

= $3,774


6.6 ROAD MAINTENANCE Council may levy for the maintenance of roads for which it has responsibility under the Roads Act 1993 or otherwise. Contributions for a road may be sought by Council even where the Roads and Traffic Authority of New South Wales exercises any function over these roads, whether pursuant to sections 62, 63 or 64 of the Roads Act, or otherwise. On 14 March 1995, Dungog Shire Council implemented Section 94 Contributions Plan No.3 – Levy on Road Haulage. This plan was reviewed and a road haulage levy was continued in the Section 94 Contributions Plan, 2001. Council will seek a contribution from any commercial or industrial development within the Dungog Shire that generates significant truck (or like vehicle) movements on roads. As the location of future commercial and industrial development cannot be predicted, it is not possible to determine with certainty, the extent, location or timing of works which are likely to be required as a consequence of that development. The following has been established as an appropriate methodology for the assessment of development contributions associated with road maintenance. Contribution rates will be derived from a Transport and Economic Assessment Study provided by the applicant at the development application stage. The amount of the contributions will be determined considering the existing condition of the specific road(s), its classification. The cost of the road relies on the specific length and the relative increase in heavy vehicle usage of the road generated by specific development.

Contribution Rate Formula for Road Maintenance

Contribution per tonne = Cost of impact on the road system (as derived from Study) Total tonnage transported by development

The length of the road, for which Dungog Shire Council has responsibility, to which the maintenance contribution will apply are the lengths of road (sealed and unsealed) over which loaded vehicles from the development travel to reach the Shire boundary.

Mowbray Road contribution rate per developable area (hectare)Contribution rate per developable hectare = Total Road Sealing Cost


= $75,00094

= $798


6.7 TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN MANAGEMENT Increased development within the Dungog Investigation Zone will result in increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic. To ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians within the Dungog town centre traffic management works will need to be undertaken. Such works will be apportioned to new development within Dungog. The following works (Table 6.15) have been identified by Council officers as being necessary.

Table 6.15 - Dungog Traffic & Pedestrian Management

Works Location Total CostBlister Treatments Lord/Brown St $50,000Blister Treatments Dowling/Brown St $50,000Blister Treatments Hooke/Dowling St $50,000Blister Treatments Mackay/Dowling Street $37,500Mid-block refuge Church $25,000Mid-block refuge Post Office $25,000Pedestrian Refuge Brown-Railway side $5,000Total $242,500


6.8 PHYSICAL NEXUS (Location) Upgrading works will occur on existing roads and intersections. 6.9 TEMPORAL NEXUS (When) Rural Sub-Arterial Roads will be progressively upgraded as development proceeds to the extent of contributions received. Council officers will review the relative need for each road upgrade and expend contributions according to priority. Council anticipates rural local roads, intersections, and traffic and pedestrian management could be provided in stages incrementally and the following demonstrates the number of lots required to be developed for each works item to be completed.

Contribution Rate Formula for Traffic & Pedestrian Management

DungogContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = Total Traffic & Pedestrian Management works

Total Dungog Potential New Lots

= $242,500652

= $372

Dungog contribution rate per vehicle generation (for residential & commercial development

Contribution per vehicle generation = Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lotVehicle movements per residential lot

= $3729

= $42

Rural Local Roads - Upgrades

Investigation Zone Rural Local Road Length (km) Total CostEstimated No.

of LotsClarence Town Limeburners Ck 6.0 $750,000 402

Woerdens Road 3.5 $990,000 531East Seaham 1.6 $160,000 86Glen Martin 4.3 $430,000 230Glen William 5.7 $570,000 305

Total - Clarence Town $2,900,000 1,554Gresford Lewinsbrook 1.5 $187,500 222Vacy Summerhill 2.0 $200,000 102Paterson/Martins Creek Martins Creek $300,000 103

Grace Avenue 0.5 $100,000 34Cory Street 1.3 $100,000 34

Total - Paterson/Martins Creek $500,000 171


Maintenance levies collected will be spent progressively as determined by Council officers.

Rural Intersections - Upgrades

Investigation Zone Road 1 Road 2 Total Cost


Dungog Clarence Town Road Short Street $120,000 356Dungog Chichester Dam Road Common Road $100,000 296Total - Dungog $220,000 652Clarence Town Clarence Town Road Duke Street $150,000 80Clarence Town Clarence Town Road Cemetery Road $150,000 80Clarence Town Clarence Town Road Woerdens Road $150,000 80Clarence Town Duke Street Glen William Road $100,000 54Clarence Town Limeburners Creek Road Seaham Road $120,000 64Clarence Town Limeburners Creek Road Glen Martin Road $120,000 64Clarence Town Glen William Road Fords Road $120,000 64Total - Clarence Town $910,000 488Gresford Allyn River Road Lewinsbrook Road $120,000 142Gresford Glendonbrook Road Paterson River Road $100,000 118

Total - Gresford $220,000 261Vacy Gresford Road Lennoxton Road $150,000 77Vacy Gresford Road Summerhill Road $150,000 77Vacy Gresford Road Horns Crossing Road $200,000 102Vacy Dungog Road Horns Crossing Road $250,000 128Total - Vacy $750,000 383Paterson Gresford Road Webbers Creek Road $100,000 34Paterson Woodville Road Martins Creek Road $120,000 41Paterson Martins Creek Road Keppies Road $75,000 26Martins Creek Vogels Road Douglas Street $50,000 17Martins Creek Martins Creek Road Black Rock Road $100,000 34

Total - Martins Creek/Paterson $445,000 153

Dungog Traffic & Pedestrian ManagementWorks Location Total Cost Estimated No. of Lots

Blister Treatments Lord/Brown St $50,000 135Blister Treatments Dowling/Brown St $50,000 135Blister Treatments Hooke/Dowling St $50,000 134Blister Treatments Mackay/Dowling Street $37,500 101Mid-block refuge Church $25,000 67Mid-block refuge Post Office $25,000 67Pedestrian Refuge Brown-Railway side $5,000 13Total $242,500 652


6.10 CARRIED FORWARD FUNDS AND TRAFFIC FACILITIES FUNDING SOURCES The Dungog Shire Council Section 94 Contributions Plan, 2001 levied for a general road improve levy which could be expended on reconstruction works, bridgeworks and intersection improvements. These funds will be carried forward and spent on such works to the extent of funds collected. The Haulage contributions will be carried forward and spent on road maintenance for the roads to which the contribution levy relates.

Tables 6.17, Table 6.18, Table 6.19 and 6.20 outlines the traffic facilities contribution rates summary.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT


Table 6.16 - Traffic Facilities Funding Sources

Item DollarsTotal funds required for facilities within this Plan $10,455,000Total funds raised from this contributions plan $10,385,400Total funds carried forward from prior plans $480,248DSC required funds $69,600Total funds $10,935,248

Table 6.17 Traffic Facilities - Residential


TownDungog Gresford

Martins Creek /

PatersonVacy

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads $412 $1,162 $94 $751 $751Rural Local Roads & Intersections $1,866 $338 $844 $2,917 $1,959Traffic Management $0 $372 $0 $0 $0Total $2,278 $1,872 $938 $3,668 $2,710

Contribution Rate Per Dwelling / Lot






COMMERCIAL (NON-RESIDENTIAL) DEVELOPMENT



Table 6.19 Traffic Facilities - Commercial


TownDungog Gresford

Martins Creek /

PatersonVacy

Rural Sub-Arterial Roads $46 $130 $11 $84 $84Rural Local Roads & Intersections $208 $38 $94 $325 $218Traffic Management $0 $42 $0 $0 $0Total $254 $210 $105 $409 $302







Part 7 BIKEWAYS



Table 7.1(a) - Residential Contribution Rates Summary

Contribution Rate Per Dwelling / LotCatchment Bicycle Plan Proposed Works

Clarence Town $197Dungog $210Gresford $355Martins Creek / Paterson $778Vacy $57

Table 7.1(b) - Tourism Bikeway Contribution Rates Per Room Summary

Clarence Town Dungog GresfordMartins Creek

& Paterson VacyLicensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities $60 $80 $138 $289 $21Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $71 $94 $162 $342 $25Serviced Apartments $103 $136 $234 $493 $36

Table 7.2 - Bicycle Facilities proposed Work Schedule Summary

Catchment Bicycle Plan Proposed Works Estimated StagingClarence Town $542,000Dungog $420,500Gresford $335,500Martins Creek $348,000Paterson $448,000Vacy $30,000Total $2,124,000


7.6


Part 7 BIKEWAYS

7.0 INTRODUCTION In March 2003 Council adopted the Dungog Shire Bicycle Plan (“the Bicycle Plan”). Dungog Shire Council is committed to supporting the free and safe movement of residents and visitors around our shire. This Bicycle Plan is an action recommended in the Dungog Shire Community Road Safety Plan and complies with the RTA’s “NSW Bike Plan”, the “1999-2004 Australia Cycling – The National Strategy” and Austroads publication issued by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB). The preparation of the Bicycle Plan has involved the formation of a Steering Committee and an extensive consultative process. The ongoing co-operation from the local residents, stakeholders and Government Agencies has facilitated the development of this plan. The Bicycle Plan actively encourages cycling/walking as a viable, healthy and environmentally friendly forms of transport and leisure activities. One important result of the consultative process was the decision that all separated cycleways would also be walkways ie. Shared routes. The Bicycle Plan focuses on 2 areas: 1. The 6 towns within the Dungog Shire area ie. Clarence Town, Dungog, Gresford, Martins Creek,

Paterson and Vacy. 2. The Regional Bicycle Networks which link the Shire’s towns with neighbouring Council areas. 7.1 OBJECTIVES The aims of the Bicycle Plan are as follows:

To provide Dungog Shire with a network of cycleways/walkways linking main generators such as schools, shops and recreation.

To provide Dungog Shire Council with a network of cycleways for a variety of uses, including

commuting, safer riding to school, and recreation.

To encourage the use of bicycles as an alternative transport mode.

To encourage non cyclists to cycle.

To promote a healthier, more active community.


7.2 CASUAL NEXUS (what) 7.2.1 Needs Based Approach The ABS conducted a survey in April 2003 and collected data on the range and level of leisure activities undertaken by children aged 5-14 years. The survey identified that 70.5% of children aged 5-14 years participated in bike riding. Dungog Shire Local Government Area Surveys & Interviews Surveys and interviews, which were conducted during the research phase of the Bicycle Plan, and broadly sought information in these areas:

Reasons for cycling; Major cycling locations; and Type of cycling preferred.

Surveys and Interviews

Extensive community consultation was undertaken in the course of the preparation of the Bicycle Plan. Invitations were extended to all stakeholders and a Dungog Bike Plan Committee was formed to oversee the Bicycle Plan preparation. Questionnaire surveys were sent out to all schools, community groups and were available for tourists to complete at the Dungog Visitor Information Centre. Surveys were aimed at various age groups from the community and included responses by cyclists and non-cyclist alike. The survey was used to determine cycling/walking patterns in trip generators, identify problem spots and gather ideas in providing local facilities. The following groups had some involvement in this project:

Council staff and elected representatives Bicycle NSW Newcastle Cycleways Dungog Bicycle Users Group Gresford Progress Association All Schools in the Dungog Shire Local media Volunteers at the Dungog Visitors Information Centre

The surveys and interviews broadly sought information in the following areas:-

Reasons for cycling Major cycling locations/trip generators Type of cycling facility preferred Single most reason for not cycling Greatest causes of dangers to cyclists Preferred locations for bicycle parking Recreational cycling facilities

Bicycle trip generators are generally places where cyclists like to cycle to, such as parks, recreation facilities, shopping centres, educational establishments and transport nodes such as railway stations. Bicycle trip generators were identified through consulting with the steering committee members, cyclists at the information session and during the saddle surveys. Some key bicycle trip generators relevant to Dungog Shire Council area include the following:


DUNGOG Bennett Park (including swimming pool) Schools Main Street and other shops Tourist attractions of the Barrington Tops Railway Station Library Jubilee Park Lions Park Showground Sporting Field Frank Robinson Memorial Park The Common

CLARENCE TOWN School

Shops River Park Swimming Pool/Sporting Fields

PATERSON School

Tucker Park Shops Railway Station

GRESFORD School Shops (East Gresford) Upper Allyn Lostock Dam MARTINS CREEK School Railway Station VACY School Shops Eaglereach From the survey and interview analysis, the following information was identified regarding local routes:

DUNGOG

Main trip generation were schools, sporting fields, shops, visiting friend and the railway station. Wide streets give plenty of room for cycling. Safety concerns were intersections (drivers not cycle/pedestrian aware)


CLARENCE TOWN There is no school bus service therefore walking and cycling are popular modes of transport. Significant safety problems are created by subdivisions not providing separate and safe

walking/cycling paths either within the subdivision or to local shops.

PATERSON

Recreation/exercise along Webbers Creek Road.

GRESFORD/EAST GRESFORD

The residents of these towns are keen to provide safe cycling and walking facilities to their school.

VACY

The Gresford Road is the main street of Vacy and new residential development adjacent to the town will need to be connected to the school.

Saddle Survey A saddle survey is an on-bike survey to assess suitability and engineering constraints of proposed routes that form the bicycle network. All town roads and the bicycle routes identified by local cyclists (through the information session and in consultation) as being important routes, or hazardous routes were saddle surveyed by the consultant. During the saddle survey, certain areas were identified as being black spots or having specific characteristics affecting cyclists.

The intersections of Hooke Street, Scott Avenue and Common Road near the Dungog High School.

Clarence Town Road from O'Loughlin Street into Clarence Town Road. Section of road north of Wallarobba Hill.

Types of Cyclists and Related Profile There are several types of cyclists and related bicycle facilities that require consideration when developing cycle facilities. The form of classification used is based on the three factors of age, cycling location and reason for cycling. Various age groups cycle for a number of reasons and this is reflected in the categories below.

A summary explanation for each category of cyclists and characteristics is as follows:

A. Longer Distance Commuter Cyclists

Travelling over 5km in distance Over 12 years old. Have developed cycling and handling skills. Will tend to travel a direct route (like a car driver travelling to work), scenery is a minor

consideration. Bike used is practical, (may be a mountain bike or hybrid) and would definitely include repair kit,

pumps, reflectors and maybe panniers or backpack for carrying goods. Will require long term secure bicycle parking at destination. Shower and change room facilities needed at work destination.

B. Short Distance Commuter Cyclists

Travels within the local area (Generally trips under 5km). Over 10 years old. Cyclist varies from novice to expert. Travels to many places in the one trip eg 1ibrary, swimming pool and shops.


Will travel a little out of their way to make the journey more pleasant and away from heavily trafficked routes.

Bicycle types vary. May carry goods in back pack, panniers or basket. Will require short term secure bicycle parking at various locations during the journey.

C. Racing or Training Cyclists

Will ride long distances between 30 km and over 150 km per day. Has developed cycling and Handling skills. Over 12 years old. Will probably ride with a group for a large portion of overall cycling. Will have racing bike frames that are not as rigid as mountain bikes. Bicycle tyres are skinny and fall easily into vertical drainage grates. Prefer a circuit or route that will not mean a head wind all the way. Will not ride on gravel or unformed surfaces. May only require short term bicycle parking eg Triathlete at pool

D. Recreational Cyclists

May be one cyclist or part of a family group. Riding usually for fun or exercise. Younger children and adults ride together. Variety of skill levels from novice to expert. Prefer to ride along scenic routes away from traffic. Requires information on related facilities such as picnic areas, bubblers, and bike parking. Want to be aware of how long ride will take.

E. Younger Children (Under 10 Years Old)

Usually ride with friends near home. Ride for fun and to become independent. Usually ride on footpaths. Ride both supervised and unsupervised. Do not have an understanding of road rules. Do not have the skills necessary to ride on the road. Require an area that is away from the traffic and direct to home.

Important issues highlighted in the survey were:

1) A pathway linking O’Loughlin Estate to Clarence Town is urgently needed. 2) Link to Dungog Golf Club 3) Gresford to East Gresford 4) Signposted Maitland/Dungog/Raymond Terrace links 5) Need for appropriate speed limits 6) Pathways should be a requirement for all future subdivision development plans

The survey identified cycling destinations for cyclists and a list of the perceived hazardous routes. A saddle survey was undertaken to identify the need for cycling facilities, problem areas and solutions to cycling constraints. The Bicycle Plan made the following recommendations:

Proposed cycleway routes are included in the design of any new developments.


New roads, future road sealing and any new development, when designed, bicycle use should be considered. The AUSTROADS Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice Part 14 ‘Bicycles’ should be Council's standard for future roadworks. Any newly constructed regional roads should try to provide an area for cycle travel with aim of providing a bicycle network connecting local trip generators.

Local area traffic management devices, such as roundabouts and thresholds are designed to

positively enhance cycling so as not to unnecessarily pose a threat or danger to bicycle riders by creating a squeeze point for cyclists negotiating the same area as other vehicles. Local area traffic management devices, when designed correctly, are beneficial to cyclists as they slow the overall traffic environment.

Cyclists are Legitimate Road Users Bicycles must be considered, as they are legal vehicles and are therefore legitimate road users. Cyclists have the same rights, and responsibilities as other vehicles and account for about 5 percent of road traffic. By specifically designing for cyclists, Council is assisting other road users by providing facilities and space for bikes so they do not encroach into other user’s space. This means that cyclists and motorists do not have to continually compete for each others space and/or disposing thoughtless behaviour. The recognition of the bicycle as a vehicle is evident and recognised by the RTA with education programs asking all road users to share the road with each other.

7.3 PROPOSED NEW FACILITIES

Bicycle facilities are required to provide a network of cycleways to meet the needs of all cyclists and include:

On road facilities Off road facilities; Bicycle parking and end trip facilities

Off-road facilities include off-road recreational paths and off-road commuter paths. The off-road cycleways or cyclist/pedestrian shared zones that have been recommended for the Dungog area will take the form of shared pedestrian/cycle paths of a preferred minimum width of 2.5 metres with a reservation to allow for landscaping where appropriate. The shared paths will be provided to facilitate primary school children, novice cyclists wishing to experience a leisurely bicycle ride and commuting cyclists. The paths will also cater for pedestrians, joggers and the like. Off-road paths can be formed in concrete, asphalt, pavers, bricks or left unformed with compaction of the existing material. Both on and off-road routes require connection with bicycle parking racks, showers, lockers and so on. Provision of secure bicycle parking is an important element in encouraging the use of the bicycle as a mode of travel for shopping, work and recreational trips. 7.3.1 Bicycle Plan Proposed Works Through extensive consultation with community groups, survey analysis and saddle survey of roads and paths, proposed bicycle facilities have been chosen to be implemented over the next ten (10) years to provide safer bicycle riding. The staged implementation of the bicycle plan will provide for both on-road and off-road cycleways and associated facilities.


The Bicycle Plan is staged to reflect cyclists requirements in terms of priorities for implementation (hazardous routes, school routes and popular recreation locations) and opportunities to meet cyclists needs. The staged works program is realistic and based on the expectations of local bicycle riders, community groups, Dungog Shire Council and the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority. The implementation of the State routes has been proposed for Stage 1 of the Works Program. It should be emphasised that even though this is a local area bicycle plan demonstration project, it is vital that the implementation of the State routes takes place. Without these in place, cyclists will be placed in a hazardous position every time they cycle or cross such roads to reach their destination. The proposed schedule of works is detailed in Table 7.3 (over page). The schedule of works includes the engineering works necessary along the routes comprising the bicycle network to bring them to the requirements or as near as possible to the Bicycle Guideline (AustRoads Part 14 - Guide to Traffic Engineering). Stage 1 implementation includes:

Existing bicycle blackspots or “squeeze points” along preferred cycle facilities. Links eliminating children crossing main roads. Sharing off-road paths presently used by pedestrians with cyclists. Linking routes through open space areas to avoid adjacent busy roads. Routes to schools and educational establishments, especially off road links. Bicycle parking facilities. RTA State routes.

Stage 2 implementation includes:

Commuter facilities. Training and sport facilities Long Distance tourist and training Routes.


Table 7.3 - Proposed Bicycle Plan Works

Catchment StageLocation

Length (km)

Treatment TypeEstimated

Cost

One

Mackay St, Dungog Jubilee Park to Bennett Park

0.1 wombat crossing Concrete$10,500

Two

Complete cycleway circuit via Hooke Street to Jubille Park, Bennett Park, Showground, Hancock Avenue, Short Street, Clarence Town Road, Lord Street and Dowling Street.

2.5

Used for recreation and

access to parks, pool and shops.

Combination off road and on-

road

$300,000

Two

Hooke Street - Abelard to Dowling Street - 2 bridges should be sealed to maximum width.

0.5 Access to school

$110,000$420,500

One

Clarence Town Heights (Erringhi and O'Loughlin Streets) Estate to school and swimming ppol. O'Loughlin Street to Grey Street on eastern side of Clarence Town Road.

1.6 Off-road / on-roadGravel and

sealed

$270,000

OneGaggin Street to

O'Loughlin Street0.7 Culvert, signs Tar

$112,000Fotheringay Road 1 $160,000

$542,000

Gresford One

Durham Road - Gresford to East

Gresford.0.8

Signs, upgrade of existing gravel

footpathTar

$30,000

Two

Durham Road - Gresford to East

Gresford.1.7

Off-road using existing pathways

gravel and sealed

$161,500

Two

Park Street - shopping centre to show ground

park.0.9 Off-road / on-road

$144,000$335,500

Two Main Road 101 1.2 On-road Sealed $192,000

TwoKing Street to W ebbers

Creek Road1.6 On-road Sealed

$256,000$448,000

Dungog

Clarence Town

Paterson

Dungog Total

Clarence Town Total

Gresford Total

Paterson Total


7.4 PHYSICAL NEXUS (Location) Bicycle facilities will be provided as specified within Table 7.3. 7.5 PROPOSED FACILITIES WORKS SCHEDULE & APPORTIONMENT Table 7.3 details the proposed work schedule and estimated staging for the proposed Bicycle Plan works. Whilst some works may link existing developed areas to current facilities, the works also form part of a network which will link new development into the current town facilities. The works as detailed in Table 7.3 will be apportioned to both existing and new development within the relevant catchment (Dungog, Clarence Town, and West).

Catchment StageLocation

Length (km)

Treatment TypeEstimated

Cost

One

Paterson Valley Estate to Matins Creek Railway

Station1.8

Upgrade existing rail trail, signage

None$300,000

One

Cory Street Martins Creek , Railway Bridge

to Cook Street0.3

Upgrade existing gravel footpath,

signage etc.tar

$48,000$348,000

Vacy One

Gresford Road, Vacy Orange Grove Estate to

Public School Vacy0.75 Signage etc Tar

$30,000

Martins Creek Total

Martins Creek


Contribution Rate Formula for Proposed Bicycle Plan Works

Contribution rate per residential dwelling / lot

= xOccupancy

Rate

(Existing

Population+

New Potential Population )

DungogContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot = x 2.33 = $210

( 3,147 + 1,520 )

Clarence TownContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =

( 2,070 + 5,902 ) x 2.89 = $197

GresfordContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =

( 1,055 + 1,102 ) x 2.28 = $355

Martins Creek & PatersonContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =

( 1,658 + 768 ) x 2.37 = $778

VacyContribution rate per residential dwelling / lot =

( 103 + 1,165 ) 2.4 = $57

$796,000

$30,000

Total Cost

$420,500

$542,000

$335,500


7.6 TEMPORAL NEXUS (When) Table 7.3 details the estimated staging which is also dependent upon the actual timing of new development. The following details the estimated lot development required for each stage.

7.7 BICYCLE FACILITIES FUNDING SOURCES Table 7.4 outlines the funding sources for the proposed bicycle facilities.

Tables 7.5 outlines the bicycle facilities contribution rates summary.

7.8 TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS It is reasonable to expect that tourists will utilise bikeways. This plan has established a bikeway contribution levy per lot which can be converted into a contribution per person. The level of new tourism development is hard to predict with certainty. There is a fixed supply of land available within the Shire. If tourism development is established, this reduces the potential for residential development. Accordingly, if contributions are levied from tourism development, funds from residential development will not be levied in relation to that land, and as a result no ‘double dipping’ will occur. This plan applies the per person contribution for bikeways to the number of visitors per room to determine a contribution levy per room for tourism development. There are three categories of likely tourism development each with their own number of visitors per room:

Stage 1 Stage 2

Dungog 17 637Clarence Town 1,436 602Gresford 44 441Paterson 182Martins Creek 143Vacy 485Total 2,124 1,862


Table 7.4 - Bicycle Facilities Funding Sources

Item DollarsTotal funds required for facilities within this Plan $2,124,000Total funds raised from this contributions Plan $990,376Dungog Shire Council required funds $1,133,624Total funds $2,124,000

Table 7.5 - Residential Contribution Rates Summary

Contribution Rate Per Dwelling / LotCatchment Bicycle Plan Proposed Works

Clarence Town $197Dungog $210Gresford $355Martins Creek / Paterson $778Vacy $57



Dungog Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Bikeway Facilities

Contribution per room for Total Dungog Bikeway Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Contribution per lot X per roomFacilities Occupancy Rate

= $90 X 0.88

= $80


= $94


= $136

Clarence Town Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Bikeway Facilities

Contribution per room for Total Clarence Town Bikeway Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Contribution per lot X per roomFacilities Occupancy Rate

= $68 X 0.88

= $60


= $71


= $103


Gresford Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Bikeway Facilities

Contribution per room for Total Gresford Bikeway Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Contribution per lot X per roomFacilities Occupancy Rate

= $156 X 0.88

= $138


= $162


= $234

M artins Creek & Paterson Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Bikeway Facilities

Contribution per room for Total Martins Creek & Paterson Bikeway Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Contribution per lot X per roomFacilities Occupancy Rate

= $328 X 0.88

= $289


= $342


= $493

Vacy Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Bikeway Facilities

Contribution per room for Total Vacy Bikeway Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Contribution per lot X per roomFacilities Contribution per lot

= $24 X 0.88

= $21


= $25


= $36


Part 8 FIRE SERVICES



Table 8.1(a) - Residential Contribution Rates Summary

Facility Shire Wide Contribution per Dwelling / LotFire Fighting Equipment $1,256

Table 8.1(b) - Tourism Contribution Rates Per Room Summary

Shire WideLicensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities $451Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $533Serviced Apartments $768

Table 8.2 - Proposed Fire Services Work Schedule Summary

Location Equipment Total Cost Estimated StagingCat 11 pumper $690,000Equipment $110,000Communications $60,000Cat 1 Tanker $240,000Cat 1 (upgrade from cat 2) $150,000Total $1,250,000

Throughout the Dungog Shire


8.5


Part 8 FIRE SERVICES

8.0 INTRODUCTION Dungog Shire Council is responsible for the co-ordination and overall management of bushfire services in the Shire of Dungog. The Dungog Shire has an area of 2,248 square kilometers of which some 80% exhibits moderate to high bushfire risk. The area experiences bush fires every spring/summer period in most areas. Fires are most severe in the drier southern and western sectors of the Dungog Shire. With the exception of the Dungog township, which is serviced by the board of Fire Commissioners, Dungog Shire residents are dependent upon the New South Wales (NSW) Rural Bush Fire Service for protection to life and property in the event of fire. Council, in partnership with the NSW Rural Fire Service, maintains an effective Rural Fire Service (RFS) comprising 11 brigades and 22 front line fire appliances. Brigades are operated on a voluntary basis, and Council employs a full-time Fire Control Officer whose role is to supervise bushfire services in the Dungog Shire and assist in the improvement of the service. The NSW Rural Fire Service requires an annual operating funding (recurrent and capital replacement) and capital funding. The annual operating funding is provided by the insurance industry (86.7%) and local government (13.3%). This plan levies for the provision of new capital required to meet the needs of new development, and does not levy for operating funding. 8.1 OBJECTIVES Council remains committed to maintaining a modern bushfire service throughout the Shire and believes that it is appropriate for any new development to assist in ensuring that demands for bushfire services continue to be met. This plan ensures that new development that leads to an increase in fire risk and demand for rural fire fighting services contributes to the capital costs of extending the rural fire service. Council must meet the legal obligations and also community expectations for the provision of fire protection. 8.2 CASUAL NEXUS (what) The provision of rural fire fighting services is based on several factors:

Population density, Bush fire risk, Number, extent and location of assets that require fire protection, The access standard to those assets, Historical record of annual responses, and Other risk factors.

8.2.1 Needs Based Approach With an increase in population comes a corresponding increase in the number of people and asset growth, and the need to provide additional fire protection to service both life and asset protection. There is a need to upgrade appliances, equipment and the communications infrastructure to meet the growing risk brought on by new development within the Shire.


8.2.2 Standards Based Approach The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has developed the Standards of Fire Cover. The Standards of Fire Cover determine for a set of parameters the number of additional brigades and fire-fighting capital required by new development. Each Brigade is allocated fire-fighting appliances commensurate with the recommendations made within the Standard of Fire Cover process. The NSW Rural Fire Service has processed the projected population figures as detailed in Part 3 to determine the amount of additional brigades and capital requirements by new development. 8.3 EXISTING FACILITIES ASSESSMENT & PROPOSED NEW FACILITIES The major capital costs of operating the RFS are acquisition and replacement of fire fighting appliances, construction of fire stations, and provision of a communications network. Council has undertaken a major upgrading of appliances over the last 10 years, and has significantly increased the capacity of the RFS to meet the fire protection needs of the Shire. There is still a substantial difference between what is recommended and what actually exists. Currently there is no spare capacity to meet the needs of new development. A Fire Services contribution rate per lot will be determined. Should actual development be greater or less than estimated in this plan, the level of additional fire services will be adjusted to the extent of contributions collected, which is reflects the level of the demand for new fire services. 8.4 PHYSICAL NEXUS (Location) For the purposes of this plan, assets will not be allocated to a specific brigade, given that actual population expansion and the corresponding need for increased service delivery may vary slightly from that which has been predicted. 8.5 TEMPORAL NEXUS (When) Equipment will be provided progressively with new development and the following provides a guide of the lot development required to purchase each capital item.

8.6 PROPOSED FACILITIES WORKS SCHEDULE & APPORTIONMENT The Rural Fire Service, whilst directly servicing the localities in which the brigades are situated, operates on a comprehensive inter-dependent operational structure. Depending on the extent of a bushfire, the Fire Control Officer can mobilise any number of fire control units to assist in fighting an outbreak. The Rural Fire Service provides a Shire wide bushfire fighting service. As the Rural Fire Service operates to the benefit of all new development, it is considered equitable for all new equipment needed to meet new development needs are apportioned fully to new development on a Shire-wide basis. The estimated new population projections has been inputted into the Standards of Fire Cover to determine the needs of new development and will be fully apportioned to new development.

Equipment Est No. of LotsCat 11 pumper 550Equipment 88Communications 48Cat 1 Tanker 191Cat 1 (upgrade from cat 2) 119Total 996


Council anticipates that there will be an additional lots over the next 5 years. To meet the fire fighting needs of new development over the next 5 years, additional fire appliances, specialist fire fighting equipment, and communication network equipment (as detailed in Table 8.3 – over page) has been determined as necessary by the Standards of Fire Cover.

8.7 FIRE SERVICES FACILITIES FUNDING SOURCES The Dungog Shire Council s94 Contributions Plan 2001 levied for fire services. Levies collected under that plan will be used to embellish the proposed fire service facilities within this plan to meet the total fire service needs. Table 8.4 outlines the funding sources for the proposed fire services facilities.

8.8 TOURISM CONTRIBUTIONS Increased tourism development will require additional fire fighting services for the protection of people and property. It is reasonable to expect that tourism development will utilise fire services. This plan has established a fire services contribution levy per lot which can be converted into a contribution per person.

996

Table 8.3 - Proposed Fire Fighting Equipment

Equipment Total CostCat 11 pumper $690,000Equipment $110,000Communications $60,000Cat 1 Tanker $240,000Cat 1 (upgrade from cat 2) $150,000Total $1,250,000

Contribution Rate Formula for Proposed Fire Services Works

Contribution Rate per Dwelling / Lot = Total Proposed Fire Services FacilitiesTotal Estimated New Lots

= $1,250,000996

= $1,256

Table 8.4 - Fire Services Facilities Funding Sources

Item DollarsTotal funds required for facilities within this Plan $1,250,000Total funds raised from this contributions plan $1,250,000Carried froward funds $43,985Total funds $1,293,985


There is a fixed supply of land available within the Shire. If tourism development is established, this reduces the potential for residential development. Accordingly, if contributions are levied from tourism development, funds from residential development will not be levied in relation to that land, and as a result no ‘double dipping’ will occur. The level of new tourism development is hard to predict with certainty. This plan applies the per person contribution for bikeways to the number of visitors per room to determine a contribution levy per room for tourism development. There are three categories of likely tourism development each with their own number of visitors per room:


Dungog Shire Wide Tourism Contribution Rate Formula for Fire Services

Contribution per room for Total Dungog Shire W ide Fire Number of visitors Licensed Hotels and Resorts with = Services Contribution per lot X per roomFacilities Shire Average Occupancy Rate

= $512 X 0.88

= $451


= $533


= $768


Shire WideLicensed Hotels and Resorts with Facilities $451Motel, Private Hotels & Guest Houses with Facilities $533Serviced Apartments $768


Part 9 SHIRE WIDE CONTRIBUTIONS



Table 9.1 - Residential Shire Wide Contribution Rates Summary

Facility / Service Contribution per Dwelling / LotSection 94 Management $885Adminstrative Building $617

Table 9.2 - Proposed Shire Wide Works Schedule Summary

Location Facility / Service Estimated Cost Estimated StagingSection 94 Management $881,089

Dungog Adminstrative Building $2,457,797

Staged provision as detailed in section

9.1.3


9.0 SECTION 94 MANAGEMENT 9.0.1 Nexus The provisions of the EP&A Act and the Local Government Act, the demands of developers and the expectations of the community require that appropriate accounting and administration standards be maintained. Additionally, contributions held by the council must be appropriately, effectively and reasonably used for the intended purpose. It is acceptable that planning studies which establish a comprehensive approach to the administration of s94 and which are outside of the daily work normally undertaken by Council, may be funded through contributions. Only the costs of studies which directly result in a contribution plan can be included in s94 charges. It is not expected that s94 charges would include the costs of staff involved in the s94 process, apart from s94 officers. This plan proposes to levy for externally based s94 administration and management services. Should the Council wish to employ a s94 Co-ordinator/Officer to fulfil a s94 administration and management role, the s94 Management levy can also be used for this purpose. In 2003 Council engaged a consultant to prepare this s94 contributions plan. The management of s94 can be broken down into the following broad areas:

general financial management and administration of s94 to meet legislative requirements, monitoring of new development and implementation of contribution plans, and review and preparation of the contributions plan.

From time to time Council will engage services to undertake the above identified tasks. 9.0.2 Proposed Section 94 Services & Apportionment This plan proposes to levy for the costs, estimated over a five year time frame, relating to planning studies which establish a comprehensive approach to the administration of Section 94 and which are outside of the daily work normally undertaken by Council. The costs cover the appointment of an officer / consultant on a contractual basis to carry out the above studies and to ensure the efficient implementation, and ongoing review, of the contributions plan. These costs will be apportioned to new development anticipated within the next five years. The s94 Management levy will be reviewed for each five year period and it is likely that a similar levy will be applied to all new development over the next 20 years.

Table 9.3 Section 94 Management Works Schedule & Contribution Rate

Item Estimated CostCost to establish this plan $52,605Officer / Consultant $778,484Planning Studies $50,000Total under this Plan (2004 - 2008) $881,089Total Projected Additional Lots to 2008 996Contribution Rate per Dwelling / Lot $885

Part 9 SHIRE WIDE CONTRIBUTIONS


9.0.3 Temporal Nexus (When) Section 94 management levies will be expended each year as determined by Council. 9.1 DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING 9.1.1 Introduction, Nexus & Spare Capacity Currently Dungog Council employs 27 administrative staff (3.36 staff per ‘000 current population). Currently staff are operating at maximum capacity and meet the needs of the existing population. The current Administrative Building is full and no spare capacity exists for additional new staff. 9.1.2 Proposed Facilities and Apportionment It is reasonable to expect with a significant population increase that additional staff and office accommodation would be required to meet the needs of new development. If the current ratio of 3.36 staff per ‘000 new population is continued an additional 37 staff would be required. The NSW Workcover Authority publication titled “Heath and Safety in the Office” recommends 16.25m2 net floor area (or 20.31m2 gross floor area) of office floor space per person. This equates to 602m2 of additional office floor space required by new staff to meet the needs of new development. Table 9.4 details the total cost.

Contribution Rate Formula for Section 94 Management

Contribution Rate per Dwelling / Lot = Total s94 Management Costs until 2008Total Projected New Lots until 2008

= $881,089996

= $885

Table 9.4 - Total Cost of Proposed Adminstrative Building & Contribution Rate

Item Cost Per Square Metre Total CostBuilding $1,500 $1,128,000Land Acquisition $510 $958,800Car parking $78,660Authorities Fees & Charges (3.5%) $75,791Project Contingencies (10%) $216,546Total $2,457,797

Contribution Rate Formula for Proposed Administrative Building

Contribution Rate per Dwelling / Lot = Total Building CostTotal Projected New Lots

= $2,457,7973,986

= $617


9.1.3 Spatial Nexus (Where) & Temporal Nexus (when) The proposed administrative building is anticipated to be provided in Dungog. It is anticipated that the proposed administrative building facilities will be provided incrementally with new development to the extent of new development. Should new development be greater or less than estimated the total building size will be adjusted respectively. Works can be staged in the following stages and lot development:

9.2 SHIRE WIDE FACILITIES & SERVICES FUNDING SOURCES

Stage Estimated No. of LotsLand Acquisition 1,555Building 2,303Car parking 128Total 3,986

Table 9.5 - Shire Wide Facilities & Services Funding Sources

Item DollarsTotal funds required for facilities within this Plan $3,338,886Total funds raised from this contributions plan $3,338,886Carried froward funds $0Total funds $3,338,886


Part 10 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Towards a Quality Service – Goals, Objectives and Standards for Public Libraries in Australia. Australian Library and Information Association, 1994 People Places – A Guide for Public Library Buildings in NSW. Prepared by consultants Heather Nesbitt in Association with Bligh Voller Nield for the Library Council of NSW, 2000 Newcastle City Council Section 94 Contributions Plan No.1, 2001 Draft Regional Subdivision DCP - Prepared by Upper and Northern Hunter Regional Environmental Management Strategy on behalf of member Councils Buildings for the Community Department of Housing Section 94 Contributions Plan, 2001 Dungog Shire Council Dungog Shire Rural Strategy Dungog Shire Council Community Profile of Dungog Local Government Area, November 1999 Dungog Shire Council Draft Local Environmental Plan Dungog Shire Council Section 94 Contributions Plans Manual Second Edition Department of Urban Affairs and Planning Planning Benchmarks and Standards, 1998 Local Government and Shires Association of NSW Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events, 2002 Australian Bureau of Statistics Catalogue Number: 4114.0 Participation in Sport & Physical Activities, 2002 Australian Bureau of Statistics Catalogue Number: 4177.0 Children’s Participation in Leisure Activities, 2002 Australian Bureau of Statistics Catalogue Number: 4901.0 Roads and Traffic Authority Guide to Traffic Generating Developments, Version 2.2 October 2002 Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice – Intersections at Grade, Part 5 NAASRA National Association of Australian State Road Authorities Heath and Safety in the Office, Workcover Centre Based and Mobile Child Care Services Regulation (no.2) 1996


APPENDICES

Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004...DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004 Amendments...

Documents

Transcript of Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004...DUNGOG SHIRE COUNCIL Contributions Plan No. 1, 2004 Amendments...