July - 31 December 2016 - NSW Government

Biannual Review of the Delivery Program

2013 - 2017

Period    1
1 July - 31 December 2016

Introduction             2

           Community     3

           Environment   12

           Economy       20

           Leadership    26

Introduction
This Biannual Review of Shellharbour City Council's Delivery Program is an opportunity to report to the
community under the Integrated Planning and Reporting (IP&R) framework.

This review of the 2013 - 2017 Delivery Program is for the period 1 July to 31 December 2016 and
attempts to present clear and unambiguous information on Council's progress in respect of the
Community Strategic Plan.

The community had input into the Delivery Program through the Community Engagement Strategy.
Council has drawn from this community feedback provided by local residents and businesses,
government agencies, non-government community and cultural organisations and groups in the
development of the Program.

                                                                                                     2

1.1.1   Encourage and support activities and events where communities can
        gather and celebrate

Council continues to facilitate a number of civic events, community led activities and open days that
encourage and support residents to gather and celebrate. Highlights over the past six months include
Local Government Week, Dogs Day Out, Day of Silly Hats (DOSH), White Ribbon Day Walk and
Carols by Candlelight.

As part of Local Government Week Council hosted the Annual 'Your Council Showcase' in August at
Blackbutt Reserve. Over 500 students from across four schools attended the event, which was a
collaboration of more than eight Council departments. The event showcased the services Council
provides and, in particular, what it has to offer for school aged children. The children rotated between
three activities with over 20 different activities on offer including; Road Safety amazing race, time
capsules, colour lab, engagement activities, bush regeneration and many more.

Council hosted the annual Dogs Day Out event on Sunday 23 October at Reddall Reserve. More than
2000 people attended, with 16 dogs being microchipped. Council raised nearly $600 for a piece of
equipment at the proposed dog recreation facility at Oak Flats. The event included free Micro chipping
for all dogs living in Shellharbour, dog related stalls & food stalls, dog walk, Dog competitions such as
best dressed and perfect puppy, free vet checks and demonstrations. Council also conducted
community engagement for the dog recreation facilities proposed at Oak Flats

The Year six transition to High School – ‘Day of Silly Hats’ (DOSH) program was delivered in 2016.
Now in its eleventh year, Shellharbour City Council Youth Services has been delivering the DOSH
program at the end of each School year, to over 14 public and private Primary Schools within the
Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA) and as of the end of 2016, the program has engaged
with over 8,000 year six students right across the Shellharbour area. This year saw the inclusion of
Stella Maris Catholic Primary School, the first Catholic Primary School to the program. The DOSH
program is a one-day, on-site (School) program, that involves Youth workers engaging with all year
six students through the delivery of various recreational activities including; circus skills, drumming
circles and drama workshops. This year, Council's Wastes Services Team, joined Youth Workers in
the delivery of the DOSH program by providing educational workshops, promoting Food Organics
Garden Organics (FOGO), Council's new organic waste system. The overall aim of the program is to,
build and foster a positive community relationships between Council’s Youth Services and local
Primary Schools, establish positive relationships between Youth Services and the young people of
Shellharbour area and make staff, students and the School’s wider-community, aware of the support
and opportunities of active participation available to young people offered by Youth Services.

The White Ribbon Day BBQ and walk were both held in November where funds were raised, and
awareness of domestic violence was conveyed to the community. This year was the first year the
White Ribbon Day Walk was held in the Shellharbour LGA, with approximately 700 people in
attendance. Due to the success of the event, it will now be held biannually in the Shellharbour LGA.

Carols by Candlelight was held on Friday 9 December at Reddall Reserve Lake Illawarra. The event
included a performance by Ronald McDonald and Friends along with Carolling. The crowds exceeded
expectations with approximately 10,000 people attending the event. This event has become an annual
meeting place for our community to reconnect in the lead up to Christmas holiday period. The event
featured many local performers and is another example of the calibre of talent in our region.

                                                                                                        4

1.1.2   Develop creative opportunities for key partnerships and volunteering to
        support the community

Council continues to develop partnerships and provide opportunities for volunteering. Volunteers are
the supportive backbone that enables Council to provide services and programs through the Libraries
& Museum and the Barrack Heights and Albion Park Community Gardens.

Volunteers at the Tongarra Museum are providing significant support in preparation for the move to
the City Museum in 2017. The volunteers have almost completed digitising the entire collection on the
database MOSAIC, ensuring that the collection is catalogued, numbered, and allocated a shelving
location prior to the move. They have also been working on the restoration of significant items that
will be on exhibition for the opening of the museum in 2017. Restored items include our taxidermy
bird collection, blacksmith tools, bush saws and gramophone.

Shellharbour City Council continues to facilitate and foster community partnerships that build
community capacity, attract resources and promote local community initiatives. Council continues to
seek grants for the expansion of local community initiatives, and to support applications from volunteer
organisations for grants. ClubGrants NSW has worked with Council to facilitate the selection process
for the distribution of $236,000 to 39 groups in the Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA) in this
period. The community funding scheme supports community welfare and social services, community
development and projects aimed at improving the living standards of low income and disadvantaged
people. The community funding scheme is supported by six local clubs, Albion Park Bowling and
Recreation Club, Albion Park RSL Memorial Club, Oak Flats Bowling and Recreation Club, The
Shellharbour Club, Warilla Bowling & Recreation Club and Warilla Sports Club. Eighty-five local
organisations applied for the round and over 30 community programs were successfully funded.

Council was successful in receiving Multicultural Arts and Festivals funding for the amount of $3,000
under the Federal Government’s Strengthening Communities Programme and a $5,000 grant under
the 2016/17 Multicultural NSW Grants Program – Celebration. Both grants will provide Council with
the opportunity to hold a Multicultural Festival in Shellharbour to celebrate Harmony Day in March
2017. The festival will showcase skills and cultures and will include artworks, food, music,
performances, market stalls and craft activities. It aims to strengthen our community, promoting
inclusion and participation of multicultural people in a cohesive community life and increase tourism,
economic development and cultural influences from surrounding communities

The formation and recognition of effective partnerships between community members, community
groups, government agencies and across Council is essential to delivering services and programs to
the community. In this period, Council has continued to facilitate and participate in a range of
partnership and interagency networks including Illawarra Interagency, Shellharbour Youth Services
network, Parent Services Interagency and the Barrack Heights Roundtable.

1.1.3   Make Shellharbour a friendly environment where people feel safe

Council continues to implement a range of community safety initiatives. The development and
adoption of the Community Safety Strategy and Domestic Violence Management places Council in a
strong position to enable, assist and support a safe Shellharbour for both residents and visitors. It will
be used to inform our planning, programming and funding priorities over the next five years.

                                                                                                         5

The Shellharbour Crime Prevention Partnership met monthly to discuss current safety issues and hot
spot locations within Shellharbour. Issues raised included tenants at Housing Trust units at Barnes
Street, and an audit that was conducted with NSW Police, antisocial behaviour occurring in the stables
at Albion Park Show ground, illegal dumping outside Housing units and illegal parking. Other issues
raised included dog attacks, graffiti and illegal motorbikes near pioneer drive. A community safety
pop up meetings continued at Reddall Reserve with NSW Police and Council staff. Issues discussed
with residents included unleashed dogs, development enquiries, road safety and people dumping hot
coals from BBQs in gardens and setting fire to gardens.

The White Ribbon Day BBQ and walk were both held. This year was the first year the White Ribbon
Day Walk was held in the Shellharbour Local Government Area (LGA), with approximately 700 people
in attendance and will be part of a permanent event held biannually in the Shellharbour LGA. Council
will continue to be an advocate against domestic violence by sitting on the White Ribbon Day
Committee and the Illawarra Committee against Domestic Violence. Shellharbour City Council is also
in the process of becoming a White Ribbon accredited organisation.

Council City Regulation Officers were acknowledge as the best in the state by the RSPCA for
successfully re-homing dogs seized. The community can take comfort with such a standard whenever
a family pet goes missing. Poor driver behaviour in certain areas and school zones are continuing
with a high level of infringements being issued. These areas will continue to be given a higher priority
where there is the potential for the safety of children to be impacted due to poor driver habits. The
annual “Dogs Day Out" (DDO) which was held in October. Micro-chipping, as with every DDO, was
supplied free of charge and administered by City Regulation Officers on the day.

Routine surveillance in the areas of food, building safety and backyard swimming pool fencing
continues to provide safe environment for the community.

Road Safety remained a strong focus in relation to Council’s partnership in the Local Government
Road Safety Program which provides support for the planning and delivery of local road safety
projects.

1.1.4   Have accessible community and cultural facilities available for current and
        future community members

Shellharbour City Council continues to work towards improving accessibility in the City for people with
a disability.

The Disability Access Committee considered a number of projects during the period these included:

       the provision of access to Shellharbour North Beach, including Mobi matting and use of the
        beach wheelchair
       accessible parking in the vicinity of Memorial Drive, Shellharbour City Centre,
       access to Reddall Parade at Mount Warrigal,
       provision of a ramp to the lake at Reddall Reserve,
       imposing speed limits on Benson Avenue, Shellharbour City,
       Wattle Road access improvements,
       the Recharge Scheme and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.

The Committee also provided feedback to inform the review of the Development Control Plan.
Enhancements considered included provision around two tiered accessible parking, provisions for
motorised scooters, roll top kerbs and kerb ramps at intersections and access points, roundabouts
and kerb ramps in car parks.
                                                                                                6

A number of bus stop projects were completed throughout Shellharbour and Warilla. Bench seating
was also provided near Ash Avenue, Albion Park Rail, near Aldi and accessible picnic tables between
Little Park and Beverley Whitfield Pool.

Reports were presented to Council relating to a number of proposed lease and licence agreements
and several applications for temporary licences for events on Council land were received and
processed.

Council requested and was appointed Trust Manager of Strong Reserve and Pioneer Park which are
Crown Reserves. This enables Council to enter into Temporary Licences for the use of the land. Five
temporary licences for events on Council land were approved at various reserves.

In order for applicants to access and traverse over Council land to enable works to be undertaken
within adjoining privately owned land, four permits were issued. Council officers continued to assist
with potential future hirers of the community centres with inspections taking place at Flinders Child &
Family Centre.

1.1.5   A creative community participating in arts and cultural activities

Council continues to deliver on the Arts and Cultural Development Strategy, Make, Play Grow 2015-
2019: A strategy for a more creative Shellharbour which aims to create an environment where ideas,
imagination and creativity can flourish.

The collaborative, grant funded project, Weave Artists Directory was officially launched on 11 August
2016 in an event at the Shellharbour Village Exhibition Space. The launch was attended by
approximately 40 people and included presentations by Council and web developers Hand Made Web
as well as live music and an interactive weaving demonstration. Artists listed on the website will be
able to update and maintain their own profile to ensure that all details remain current. The project also
provided initial training sessions with artists, as well as ongoing technical and administrative support
by both Shellharbour and Kiama Councils.

Shellharbour City Council was successful in receiving grant funding of $750 from Graffiti Removal
Day Australia. This was used to create a mural on a commercial property in central Oak Flats which
has been affected by graffiti. The mural was created by local young people, led by the Shellharbour
Youth Services team. Colouring the pedestrian walkway which provides access to the Ayers Lane
carpark from Central Avenue, the mural consists of a number of jigsaw pieces which capture
typography and signage elements and reflect the commercial nature of the town centre.

Council was recognised as a leader in the state for community engagement and won a Local
Government NSW RH Dougherty Award. The Reporting to your Community award was presented by
Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Paul Toole at the awards ceremony held in Sydney. The
consultation for the development and feedback provided to the community for the Make Play Grow
2015-19 strategy was submitted as an example of recent community engagement. The judges
recognised that the video and visual appeal of the strategy document was ‘an engaging and creative
solution to report back to the community on the outcomes of a community consultation program for
developing a new arts and cultural development strategy'.

Council also worked in partnership with Lendlease to develop and consult with the community and
key stakeholders on the development of a Public Art Strategy for Calderwood Valley. Community
consultations were held in October and guided the themes and opportunities for public art and arts
                                                                                                        7

activation in the new development. Themes from Community Consultation included: Respecting
aboriginal community as the original land owners and incorporating European history; Fun and
playable art; Integrated art; Use of natural materials and Use of interactive technology. The draft
Strategy will be reviewed in early 2017.

Exhibitions and events hosted in the Shellharbour Village Exhibition Space (SVES) this period
included an exhibition of work by students at Lake Illawarra High School which included decorated
skateboard decks and a showcase of works on canvas by students at Warilla Baptist Preschool,
Shellharbour Woodcarvers, Little Leonardo’s Art Studio, artwork by students from Stella Maris
Catholic Primary School and Shellharbour Village Public School as well exhibitions by individual artists
working in various mediums such as painting, drawing and mixed media. A highlight was an exhibition
by two local artists. Titled ‘Living and Dreaming’, the exhibition by Judi Goodwin and Brian Muurruunja
Fuller was an exhibition crossing cultural barriers, exhibiting traditional Aboriginal art and modern style
contemporary pieces’ side by side. The opening featured traditional Aboriginal performances of
Didgeridoo and dance to the delight of the 65 people who attended. Over the week of the exhibition
415 people visited the exhibition space.

1.1.6   Meet the diverse needs of the community through the delivery of quality
        and accessible community services and programs

Council hosted the NAIDOC Awards Dinner in July. The event was supported by neighbouring
Councils; Wollongong, Kiama and Shoalhaven. Over 400 community members attended the event.
This event was the largest NAIDOC event of its kind undertaken within the region in 2016, by way of
program, ticket sales and venue selection. It allowed for the entire region to celebrate Aboriginal
achievement, highlighting local leaders and organisations that are making a difference within the
community on a day to day basis.

The nine-week ‘Come and Try’ program for the new outdoor exercise equipment at Strong Reserve,
Warilla wrapped up in this period with a celebration event. The program; a partnership with Illawarra
Shoalhaven Local Health District, aimed to increase physical activity and social connectedness in
residents over the age of 50 in Shellharbour City. Its implementation is in line with 'big ideas' from the
Healthy Ageing Strategy 2015-2017. 28 participants met each Thursday morning to learn how to use
the newly installed equipment under the guidance of a personal trainer. Exercise routines changed
each week incorporating a range of exercises that the participants could do to complement the
exercise equipment or at home. The feedback received has been overwhelming with participants
stating the following:
•       ‘This is the best thing that Council has ever run’.
•       ‘If Council had not done something like this I would not have felt confident enough to use the
newly installed equipment’.
•       ‘I have been struggling with depression but since joining this group it has helped me to feel
motivated and want to participate. I look forward to coming to the program each week’.

Council conducted community engagement on the upgrade of Little Park, Shellharbour Village and
Keith Barnes Oval, Albion Park. Council Officers engaged children, young people, parents and
grandparents on what they would like to see in these play spaces. In addition Facebook was used
to capture feedback from the community with over 13,000 hits on the posts. A highlight was at Corpus
Christi with Minecraft being utilised by students to capture the design elements of the playground at
Little Park along with a video of the design. This information has been presented to Council's
Infrastructure team to assist in the selection of play equipment and design.

To contribute to Shellharbour City being a more accessible, age-friendly and inclusive community,
planning has commenced on the development of Council's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. Council is
                                                                                                          8

required to develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), in response to the NSW Disability
Inclusion Act 2014. Local Government NSW (LGNSW) have produced NSW Disability Inclusion Action
Planning Guidelines to assist councils to meet these requirements and effectively plan for and deliver
on the diverse needs of people with disability in their community. It is proposed that these guidelines
inform the development of our DIAP. When completed, the plan will assist Council to effectively plan
for and deliver of the diverse needs of people with disability in the community. The plan will cover four
main focus areas; Developing positive community attitudes and behaviours; Creating liveable
communities; Supporting access to meaningful employment; and Improving access to services
through better systems and processes.

1.1.7   Provide innovative and inspirational opportunities for education and
        leisure through our library programs, resources and facilities

The libraries continued to provide innovative and inspirational opportunities for education and leisure
through programs, resources and facilities. A total of 82,202 people visited the libraries in this period,
and there were 63,716 hits on the libraries' website.

The implementation of the Library and Museums Strategy 2024 continued. A key focus in this period
was on delivering a digital branch to the community and maximising technology. The Library's clever
technology was recognised with a the achievement of a Highly Commended award from the NSW
Public Libraries Association’s 2016 Marketing Awards for the libraries and museum website! The
recognition was based on the website's:
•      strategic approach to marketing
•      originality of solutions to marketing challenges
•      potential for generating widespread public visibility and support for libraries

To assist the community in accessing the library's public computers a new PC Reservation system
was installed at Warilla, Albion Park and Oak Flats Library allowing patrons to book their own public
access PC sessions quickly and easily resulting in positive customer feedback. As well as providing
ongoing technology training sessions with individuals and small groups, the library also promoted
access to clever technology via a presentation at Albion Park Probus Club and hosted a technology
session for clients of Community Gateway disability service at Warilla Library.

The digital sandbox technology bar was installed at Warilla Library in September. This has proven to
be popular with people of all ages playing and exploring the clever technology on show, which includes
iPads, eReaders and tablets.

Shellharbour libraries are committed to providing a choice of relevant and responsive library
collections, programs and services.

The library officially launched the new South East Zone Libraries eMagazine consortia arrangement.
Over nine libraries in the South East Zone worked collectively to negotiate a consortia arrangement
for the Zinio eMagazine platform. The new-improved service saw Council’s libraries increase their
collection from 80 titles to over 370 titles with greater range and content – an achievement we could
not have reached as a single library. 'One Click Digital was also added to Shellharbour's online
content as part of the South East Zone Consortium. This provides additional 600 eBook titles and
over 1200 eAudio titles to the Shellharbour community in line with our goal to provide digital services
24/7.

National Children’s Book Week performances were delivered across the city at primary schools and
day care centres. Council’s libraries showcased the wonder of early literacy by Australian authors and

                                                                                                         9

illustrators, and spread a love of reading while promoting library services. Over 1,201 children were
entertained by the creative library team.

Adult customers have a enjoyed a variety of programs. Council’s libraries had the opportunity to host
two local author visits. Cancer survivor Jason Carrasco shared his remarkable story of courage, love
and loss to a captivated audience at Warilla Library. David Dyer, a Titanic expert and sailor entertained
visitors to Warilla Library about his debut psychological thriller ‘The midnight watch’. Audience
members were actively engaged with David’s knowledge, passion and expertise about the Titanic and
his strong storytelling skills.

1.2.1   Provide residents access to a range of services and facilities that are
        relevant and responsive to health and wellbeing

A range of community wellbeing programs and strategies supporting healthy ageing have been
implemented in the Shellharbour Local Government Area this period. These included the summer
edition of the Healthy Ageing newsletter, outdoor exercise equipment trail, inclusion of health services
on Council’s online directory, the Cook Chill Chat program and the Lake Windermere Healthy Living
Project.

The evaluation of the Warilla outdoor exercise equipment ‘come and try’ program was finalised and a
report on the key findings was prepared. Results showed an increase in physical activity levels and
social connectedness. Members who participated in the program continue to meet weekly to utilise
the equipment.

Planning is underway for the new outdoor exercise equipment at Barrack Point. The contract for the
provision and installation of the equipment has been awarded and signage for the outdoor exercise
equipment trail along the foreshore has been designed.

Various health groups and organisations servicing the Shellharbour Local Government Area were
invited to add their information to Shellharbour Connect, Shellharbour's online community directory.

Shellharbour City Council formed a partnership with NSW Health on the Lake Windemere Healthy
Living Project. The aim of the project is to work with the residents of Lake Windermere Caravan Park
to increase their opportunities to participate in healthy living activities.

Council is always exploring opportunities to increase the variety of recreational facilities within the
City. Community consultation and an online survey for the proposed dog agility park identified for Oak
Flats was undertaken. Installation of the discus cage at Myimbarr Community Park has occurred and
is already being utilised by the sporting club.

Pools and Beaches were in full operation with the assistance of Council aquatic staff during the
reporting period. All operations have been running well with no major incidents to report. Our
lifeguards also continued to educate patrons that close supervision of children and non-swimmers is
essential for correct aquatic behaviour.

Key Performance Indicators for pool visits has exceeded expectations and the pools have had minimal
closure due to contamination. This is due to the continued education Council staff have undertaken
with the public on healthy swimming practices.

                                                                                                      10

1.2.2   Provide diverse opportunities for recreation and enjoyment in the city’s
        parks and open spaces

Council received and processed 96 applications for the use of sportsfields primarily from sporting
clubs. Sportsfields were scheduled to be used a total of 2,273 times and of this the predominate users
were sporting clubs (92.2%), schools (5.3%) and associations (2.5%). Sportsfields were affected by
the wet weather as follows:

•       Category 3 sportsfields were closed for 10 days.
•       Category 2 sportfields were closed for 12 days.
•       Category 1 sportsfields were closed for 14 days.

Council received 64 requests for maintenance and repairs for sportsfields and reserves, of these, 10
requests remain outstanding and will be completed early 2017.

In order to successfully manage and improve sportsfields, Council undertook 43 meetings with
sporting clubs and associations. These meetings involved field improvements, pre-lodgement
meetings for Development Application’s, amenities building improvements, field allocations,
association requirements as well as a Change of Season Users Meeting for Summer 2016/17 Users.

A meeting was held with the land owners, Healthy Cities Illawarra and the 2528 Project to discuss the
future plans for the land and to advise of the draft masterplan for Crew Park. The Child Friendly by
Design (CFbD) draft master plan and the consultation report produced by the CFbD for Crew Park
has been circulated to the land owners for their review.

Proactive maintenance and operations of open spaces, parklands and recreational facilities have
been undertaken covering mowing, pruning, vegetation, and general cleaning. Council has been
required to put in extra effort to clear a backlog of work mostly as a result of the recent wind storms
experienced.

1.2.3   Provide a range of accessible recreational opportunities and associated
        facilities to cater for a broad range of ages, abilities and interests

Shellharbour City Council offers a wide range of active recreational facilities within the Local
Government Area. Two specific facilities that cater for structured sports within Shellharbour City
Council for residents and visitors includes The Links and Shellharbour City Stadium.

The Link's half yearly financial business performance remains strong with higher than expected gains
through beverage revenue, this is especially promising given, significant patronage was lost during
late December due the facility was without air conditioning with the new air conditioning under
replacement at the time. Golf rounds were slightly down on expectations in quarter 1 and showed
gains in quarter 2 as players came back to try the new layout.

Shellharbour City Stadium has had gains in patronage in all aspects of delivery as well as an increased
income across the first six months of the financial year. Rental income has increased due to a fitness
company utilising one of the function rooms on a regular basis. Both sporting and non-sporting
activities have grown in this time period. The installation of the LED sign on site has enabled targeted
and timely marketing for registrations and special events.

                                                                                                      11

2.1.1   Manage catchments effectively to improve the cleanliness, health and
        biodiversity of creeks, waterways and oceans

Four environmental assessments of commercial and industrial premises were undertaken. The four
businesses assessed required no remedial action to improve the environmental performance of their
operations.

Water quality sampling at sites located along major waterways and water bodies including Elliott Lake,
Bensons Creek, Tongarra Creek, Horsley Creek, Oakey Creek, Myimbarr and Dunmore wetlands and
Macquarie Rivulet. Water quality results have been received and assessed against the Australian and
New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC). The water quality results
various compliance rates for nutrients, bacteriological and physiochemical parameters. The lower
compliance against the sampling guidelines for nutrients was attributable to the long dry weather
period and warmer weather experienced in the period. During such conditions waterways often
experience a decline in water quality due pollutants accumulating and not being flushed by rainfall.
All necessary gross pollutant traps (GPTs) were cleaned with waste all transported to an appropriate
waste facility.

The condition of the City's coastal swimming locations, Shellharbour North Beach, Warilla Beach and
the Lake Illawarra Entrance lagoon was assessed under the NSW Beachwatch program. All three
swimming locations were assessed as being suitable for swimming. Shellharbour and Warilla beaches
achieving the highest possible ratings while the Lake Illawarra Entrance lagoon experiencing a slightly
lower rating remained suitable for swimming.

Annual reviews of Wetland Plans of Management throughout the Local Government Area were
completed during the reporting period. These reviews incorporate site assessments in conjunction
with Natural Areas staff to establish progress of management plan initiatives over the past 12 months
and an assessment of management actions, priorities and implementation responsibilities. Ongoing
maintenance at Myimbarr Wetland targeting perennial species such as Turkey Rhubarb, and
emerging tree weeds such as Fraxinus, were undertaken with regular spraying

2.1.2   Deliver projects which work towards the protection of biodiversity in our
        natural areas

Annual reviews were completed this period for the Light Rail Museum ecological and Bushfire Plan of
Management as well as Ecological management plans for Hargraves Avenue, Windang Island and
Picnic Island Reserves. These reviews incorporated an assessment of progress against management
initiatives and a review of management priorities and responsibilities.

Threatened plant species monitoring conducted this period targeted the Illawarra Greenhood Orchid,
Pink Rice Flower, White Flowered Wax Plant and Eastern Flame Pea. These species have struggled
with varying weather conditions this year and has not had a very successful flowering season. Monthly
monitoring is conducted of the Grey-headed flying-fox camp located at Blackbutt Reserve. This
enables Council to record changes to the camp size and distribution in response to seasonal
variations.

Council continues to liaise with the Noxious Weeds Authority to achieve their delivery plan. Council is
also working on grant projects jointly with Noxious weeds to manage noxious weeds in the Local
Government Area.

                                                                                                     13

2.1.3   Demonstrate leadership on environmental planning and management

Environmental Leadership continues to be implemented across Council. In October the program
promoted a regional ‘Connecting Over Fair Food’ event. This event was held 18 October in celebration
of National Fair Food week. Organised in partnership with Food Fairness Illawarra and Wollongong
and Kiama Councils, the event successfully engaged over 130 people. A staff Spring Planting Day
was held on 24 November at Blackbutt Forrest. Twenty staff participated on the day, planting out 300
trees to improve this important natural area.

As an end of year activity, on 14 December a ‘Boomerang Bag’ making session was held at Lamerton
House. This activity was organised in partnership with the Boomerang Bags Initiative and South
Region Waste program. The activity involved construction of a re-useable bag that would help avoid
plastic shopping bag usage. Council received positive social media publicity following this activity.

On 29 November a report was presented to Council on recyclable plastic materials. It found that whilst
the financial implications of using plastic materials could not be quantified, Council staff are
encouraged to recycle waste and where possible suitable recycling facilities are provided.

Other Leadership tasks are ongoing including the supply and use of sustainable serving ware at
Council events, maintaining details of our car fleet on Councils intranet site encouraging carpooling
and upgrading of Council’s fleet E-Tags.

During the reporting period, a number of programs were delivered under the NSW Government's
Better Waste Recycling Fund. They included:

Bag It - Living Plastic Free Shellharbour Village: During this reporting period 93,171 plastic bags were
replaced by paper bags under Bag It - Living Plastic Free Shellharbour Village. The funding of this
project is coming to an end. An exit strategy has been prepared for the successful completion of the
project to ensure that businesses can continue with the initiative without the assistance of the funding.

E-Waste Collection Event: The E-Waste Collection Event for 2016 was held on 5 & 6 November at
the carpark on the corner of Benson Avenue and College Avenue Shellharbour City Centre. An
estimated 9.5 tonnes of E-Waste was collected from 301 vehicles over the two days.

Decluttering Workshop: A Decluttering Workshop was held on 9 October 2016 at the Shell Cove
Community Centre. A total of 17 residents attended the workshop which focused on sustainable
means of decluttering their homes.

"Loot In Ya Boot" was held on 22 October and 19 November 2016 at Reddall Reserve. Over 70
residents registered a site, with a total of 72 residents attending the events. This initiative encourages
residents to see the value of reusing or reselling unwanted items rather than sending them to landfill.
By collecting those quality unwanted household items and selling them, residents helped divert
approximately 400 shopping trolley of items going to landfill.

Recycling Bags: During this quarter 500 recycling bags were purchased to assist with the recovery of
recyclables at the Shellharbour Beachside Tourist Park. Approximately 250 bags have been given to
the Tourist Park to hand out to visitors/campers, as part of a trial program to assist with the recovery
of recyclables whilst staying at the Tourist Park.

                                                                                                       14

2.1.4   Facilitate community involvement in caring for the natural environment

As part of National Recycling Week, Council held three events. An E-Waste Event was held on 5 and
6 November 2016 at the carpark located on the corner of Benson Avenue and College Avenue,
Shellharbour City Centre. On 19 November 2016, a "Loot In Ya Boot" event was held at Reddall
Reserve. Two Advanced Composting Courses were held on 6 and 12 November 2016.

In October Council approved funding for five projects under the 2016/2017 Small Environment Grants
project. The projects included St Joseph’s Catholic High School for their project building a Mini Plastic
Recycling Plant; PCYC Lake Illawarra for their project creating a Community Garden and Creative
Space; LandCare Illawarra & Lake Illawarra South Public School for their innovative project LandCare
Simulation Game for Stages 2, 3 and 4; SeaView Preschool for their project Sustainable Backyard
Water Tank and The Illawarra Women’s Heath Centre for their Community Herb and Vegetable
Garden project. All grant recipients have submitted their funding agreements and have received their
first progress payment.

Working bees continued with regular Bush-Care Groups - Tullimbar, Blackbutt, Flinders, Oakey
Creek, Mt Warrigal, Koona Bay, Boonerah Point holding events. This involved nearly 465 volunteer
hours.In addition, Green Army continued to work in Council reserves covering weed removal, planting
etc at Bass Point Reserve, Blackbutt Reserve, Shellcove and Alex Hoffman Reserve Mt Warrigal. This
involved nearly 765 volunteer hours.

Council held a Bush Care Christmas party featuring Shoalhaven Zoo and their animals as a way to
thank volunteer Bush Care groups for their efforts during the year.

2.2.1   Undertake community education on best practice environmental
        sustainability and management of climate change

During this period 73 waste education activities were run, engaging 2,888 residents from early child
care centres, schools and community groups. These activities included but was not limited to:

       Choose the Right Bin Courses which focuses on the principles of recycling and highlights the
        use of Council’s three bin collection system
       Worm Farming and Composting Courses where residents learn to start home composting,
        how to build their own worm farm or set up a Bokashi Bucket.
       FOGO education to the participants attending the Childs Play Children Festival at Killalea
        State Recreational Park on 24 September with 125 residents obtaining information from
        Council’s Waste Services team relating to the new service.

A total of 402 residents implemented waste avoidance and resource recovery initiatives through
downsizing their 240L garbage bin to a 140L garbage bin, following the implementation of the Food
Organics Garden Organics collection service on 1 July 2016.

Sustainable Shellharbour is a vibrant sustainability education program that actively engages local
residents in achieving the Shellharbour City Community Strategic Plan 2013 – 2023 environment
objective 'Practices sustainable living.'

A highlight of the Sustainable Shellharbour program this period was the launch of the new Rockpool
Creatures of the Illawarra brochure during National Sea Week in September. This brochure was
                                                                                                      15

produced in response to requests from the community and significant interest in our regular activities
exploring the local rockpools. The brochure was launched on Council’s website and in a highly visible
display at Council’s administration building.

In July a 'Backyard Bugs and Mini-beasts' school holiday activity targeting children and families was
held in partnership with Shellharbour Libraries.

As part of Local Government week celebrations in August, 90 students participated in a stormwater
education activity and 85 students participated in an activity learning about wildlife in Blackbutt Forest.
Due to popular demand, guided nature walks continue to be run at Windang Island. As part of national
biodiversity month, a spotlight walk at Blackbutt Forest was held in September.

In November, the first National Pollinator Week activity was held. National Pollinator week aims to
raise awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators for food production and the health of
our environment. The activity involved local author Jody Cauduro storytelling her new book “While
Mandy Waited”, a celebration of the seasons and the important role native & honeybees play in
supporting the creation of our fresh food.

Interest in the monthly Sustainable Shellharbour e-newsletter has continued to increase, with over
970 people now receiving the monthly editions.

2.2.2   Operate effective and sustainable waste management for the city

On 1 July 2016 the weekly Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service commenced. During July
a total of 738.67 tonnes of Food Organics Garden Organics was collected from the kerbside. This is
an increase of 339 tonnes compared to the same time last year. It is assumed that this increase is a
combination of food organics diverted from the red lid bin and additional garden organics due to the
increase in collection frequency.

During this period a total of 15,085.23 tonnes of material was collected through the three bin kerbside
collection system. Of this 3449.08 tonnes of recyclables were collected in the yellow-lid recycling bin,
5,404.53 tonnes of FOGO were collected in the green-lid FOGO bin and 6,230.62 tonnes of waste
were collected in the red-lid garbage bin.

A total of 8,854.61 tonnes of material was reprocessed or recycled, whilst 6,230.62 tonnes of waste
was sent to landfill.

Council started the nappy disposal system for Shellharbour City Council residents to assist residents
with the disposal of nappies in the fortnightly red lid bin kerbside collection. One Sangenic nappy
disposal system was offered per household with an additional four plastic cartridges. Approximately
130 residents have taken up this offer.

Rangers delivered Littering and Illegal dumping strategies as part of the Environment Protection
Authorities Regional Illegal Dumping Program (RID). This strategy was delivered at McDonald's
Albion Park Rail. Rangers handed out littering bags, stickers and information cards and spoke with
people on the issues of littering/dumping on our environment.

All reports of illegal dumping were entered onto the RID database online. This assists identifying
dumping hot spots within the Local Government Area. Surveillance cameras and signage have also
been utilised as part of investigations. These have had a positive effect in reducing dumping and
have resulted in offenders receiving fines for littering and dumping.
                                                                                                        16

The Dunmore Recycling & Waste Disposal Depot continued to be operated in accordance with the
Environment Protection Licence conditions, Site Management Plan and Procedure Manual.

Environmental monitoring was undertaken at the site in accordance with the licence conditions for the
site, with results indicating that monitoring levels are within relevant guidelines.

The bi-annual volumetric survey was undertaken in December 2016. Once finalised, this will be
submitted to the Environment Protection Authority in accordance with the licence conditions for the
site.

The Annual Return was submitted to the Environment Protection Authority for Environment Protection
Licence 5984. Relevant Waste & Environment Levy (Section 88) payments were also submitted.

There has been a delay in the landfill capping project commencing. Modifications were made to the
programming of works at the facility based on the outcomes of design process for the next landfill cell.
Operations at the Waste Depot have not been affected.

Interim Occupation has been obtained for the Revolve Centre (Tip Shop). Minor line marking will be
completed and it is anticipated that the Revolve Shop will reopen by February 2017.

Youth Services are continuing to work with local high schools on an art program to refurbish a number
of bin enclosures that were removed from the Shellharbour Village foreshore. These enclosures will
be placed in suitable locations across the Local Government Area once finalised.

2.2.3   Reduce our ecological footprint

Council's water usage was recorded at significantly higher levels compared to the same period the
previous year. Such increases may be the subject of recent climatic conditions or potential faults in
the system. Water usage was also recorded at significantly higher levels compared to the same
quarter the previous year at Shellharbour Tourist Park. A significant portion of this use has been
attributed to the ageing Amenities block. A tender has been awarded for the replacement of the
amenities block which should significantly reduce the water usage at the site.

Significant increases have also been observed at a number of facilities including Lamerton House,
Croom Regional Sporting Complex, Oak Flats Pool, Shellharbour Links Golf Club, and Myimbarr
Community Park. A large component of the increase has been due to increased irrigation and/or
increased community use. Investigations continue into the purchase and installation of a Smart Meter
to monitor the high water usage at Ron Costello Oval.

The recent agreement to partner with Toyota Fleet Management, Council will be purchasing Toyota
vehicles that have a proven record in, fuel efficiency, emission reduction and recycling.

All purchases of plant and equipment has a criteria to consider there environmental credentials and
their impact on the environment allowing us to continually reduce the impact of the fleet.

The landfill gas extraction system at the Dunmore Recycling & Waste Disposal Depot actively extracts
methane from the landfill via a series of lateral and vertical wells within the landfill. The methane is
directed to the flare at the site and is converted to carbon dioxide. The landfill gas extraction system
at the Dunmore Recycling & Waste Disposal Depot reduced the sites emissions by approximately
10,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for the period.

                                                                                                      17

2.3.1   Establish the Shellharbour Civic Centre as a vibrant civic, commercial and
        cultural precinct

Detailed Design works for the Civic Centre are at 95% complete. Public art and signage contribute to
the 5% still to be completed. Direction has been provided on the detailed design phase for signage.

Lower, upper basements slabs, ground and level 1 slabs and structure are complete. Steel structure
to ground floor is underway. Currently all development consent amendments and section 96 approvals
have been granted. A further section 96(a) is anticipated to address condition B30, the intersection of
Minga Ave and Cygnet Ave. All design development has been completed, public art and signage are
still in progress.

There have been delays/impacts to the contract programmed completion date and wet weather to
date has also impacted on progress. Reporting on status on the delivery of the project is continuing
and under constant review to attempt to reduce these impacts. This is undertaken by three key parties,
Council, Savills Project Management and ADCO. Investigations are currently being undertaken with
a view of accelerating the programme. Project/Construction Costs, claims and variations continue to
be monitored.

Planning and research commenced on the requirements for the Cafe to ensure it is operational from
Day 1. Information for the tender process was gathered, lease details, selection and evaluation criteria
developed and a tendering timetable discussed with a view to go to expression of interest (EOI) for a
Cafe operator in early 2017.

A key focus for the Museum was finalising all interpretive text and labels in readiness for the new City
Museum. The Museum Curator also met with the Graphic Designer to commence the design plan and
develop the ‘look’ for the new space. The Museum staff also continue the careful process of packing
museum items. This will ensure items are safely archived and ready to be transported to the new
facility.

Library staff have developed a detailed work plan for the transition to the Civic Centre which has
included consideration of library programs and possible partnerships in the new facility, collections
and seeking input to the collections from the community, promotion of the new library and conducting
membership drives before the library is operational. Work also commenced on identifying staff
training required in 2017 to prepare staff for the new City Library and rostering of the library.

Stakeholder management is progressing with the internal Civic Centre Transition Team group
representatives being confirmed and work has commenced on internal stakeholder engagement
focussing on the transition to the new site and a new way of working. Work on the "paperlite" project
to reduce paper use and storage commenced in late December.

Meetings have continued with the Project Control Group and letters have continued to be issued to
neighbouring residents of the site as a progress report. A media release was issued in November
advising that the Shellharbour Civic Centre has been recognised for achieving excellence in
sustainable design by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

                                                                                                     18

2.3.2   Undertake all land use planning addressing social, economic and
        environmental principles whilst reflecting the current and future
        community’s needs

Land use planning and its associated community involvement continued in a number of areas.

One of these areas is the review and processing of Planning Proposals. These address land use
planning issues such as providing additional, business, residential, and industrial land for our
community.

Two Planning Proposals have been finalised. One was for 22 Queen Street, Lake Illawarra to permit
a residential flat building on the land and the other was for land at Tullimbar which rezoned
approximately 18 hectares of land to create about 105 lots.

Two additional Planning Proposals have been placed on public exhibition. One is to permit short term
rental accommodation (holiday rentals) in our Council area and the other is to rezone an area of Rural
land to Residential to create about 40 additional lots at Tullimbar.

The NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) have also issued approval to place another
two Planning Proposals on public exhibition. One is to make the northern boundary of the Shellharbour
Local Government Area an Item of Environmental Heritage. The other is for land located in Croome
and is to bring into Shellharbour LEP 2013 about 20 hectares of land that is currently deferred lands.

When Shellharbour LEP 2013 was introduced in April 2013 there was about 1060ha of deferred lands.
These lands were deferred for a number of reasons and Planning Proposals have been prepared and
adopted by Council to bring those lands into Shellharbour LEP 2013. Following the finalisation of the
Planning Proposal at Tullimbar there is now about 642 hectares of land deferred from Shellharbour
LEP 2013. Planning Proposals are be required to be prepared to consider bringing the remaining
deferred lands into Shellharbour LEP 2013. Two of the Planning Proposals outlined above have a
combined area of about 28 hectares and if supported will reduce the deferred land to about 614
hectares.

A Development Control Plan (DCP) is a land use planning policy document used to provide guidance
on preparing and assessing development applications. The Shellharbour DCP came into effect in
June 2013 and is the product of rationalising over 40 now repealed DCPs and other land use policies
into one DCP.

The first amendment to the DCP came into effect in July 2016 and includes a total of 48 changes,
mainly consisting of general formatting, updating of current information and minor edits. A more
detailed change saw the modification of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Chapter by incorporating
advice from the Council endorsed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Development Assessment Toolkit.

Council are now undertaking the second review of the DCP. This will be a more comprehensive review
and will include consultation with relevant stakeholders to identify areas of the plan that may require
updating or may be improved.

Good town centres provide a community heart by catering for essential activities related to
employment, business, shopping and entertainment and are therefore important in supporting local
economies and social fabric. The planning policy provisions of the existing endorsed town centre plans
for Albion Park, Shellharbour Village, Oak Flats and Warilla will be used to inform a future DCP/LEP
review.

                                                                                                     19

Council continues to be well represented in State and Regional Planning matters including advocating
for the local community through the lodgements of submissions and attendance at various
engagement events co-ordinated by the State Government.

Three submissions were made to the NSW Department of Planning & Environment (DPE). One on
the Draft Medium Density Design Guide and Draft Medium Density Housing Code which proposed
the introduction of a Medium Density Housing Code into State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt
and Complying Development) 2008 (Codes SEPP). Another, provided advice to inform the progress
and monitoring report on actions within the Illawarra Shoalhaven Regional Plan, and finally a
submission was made on the draft Wind Energy Framework policy which re-iterated Council’s adopted
2012 position that it in principle, opposes wind farm development in the local government area.

Meetings of regional significance that were attended included, the Lake Illawarra Estuary
Management Committee, and a meeting coordinated by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage
to discuss Councils Draft Coastal Zone Management Plan and the relevant changes to the eligibility
for grant funding.

Regular meetings were also held with the Roads & Maritime Services regarding the Albion Park Rail
By-pass. These provided updates on the project and helped to identify and manage any impacts on
the Croom Sporting Complex.

A meeting of the Illawarra Urban Development Committee was also attended. The committee is made
up of Illawarra Councils, Shoalhaven Council, State Government Agencies and development
advocacy bodies and has two main roles. One is to facilitate identified development, especially
greenfield development by assisting in the coordination of infrastructure providers and assisting in
resolving development issues. Its other main role is monitoring housing delivery against state
government supply benchmarks.

Work has continued on the Shellharbour Coastal Zone Management Plan (SCZMP). The primary aim
of the Plan is to document practical actions to be carried out to address the risks from coastal hazards
and risks to the health of estuaries. The draft SCZMP has been finalised and endorsed by Council for
public exhibition.

In addition to the Draft SCZMP, preparation of the Lake Illawarra Coastal Zone Management Plan
(ICZMP) continued including community consultation through public information sessions and pop up
kiosks.

2.3.3   Promote innovative and flexible transport systems that provide convenient
        and sustainable movement

All traffic investigations were completed within 20 days and all street lighting investigations were
completed within 10 days during this reporting period.

Items of interest included approval of the sign and line marking plans for various stages of the
Calderwood and Tullimbar Village Developments, the submission of Public Lighting Design Briefs for
various stages of these developments and a Public Lighting Management Plan meeting.

The shared used path strategy is being implemented with external grants assistance where available.
As such, all available funding streams mainly RMS, NSW Government and Federal Grants, are
checked on periodic basis and submissions prepared where appropriate.

                                                                                                      20

2.3.4   Facilitate the provision of development that meets the changing needs and
        expectations of the community

A total of 305 development applications including 55 applications to modify were determined.

Application processing time-frames continued to be affected by the resourcing and systems
implications, and staff continue to absorb significant workload pressure to maintain reasonable
delivery of timely outcomes.

Of the 305 applications determined, 189 (62%) of them were determined within legislative time frames
(40 days). The average time for processing all development and modification applications was 60
days.

The number of subdivision applications received by Council remains high, reflective of a strong and
buoyant development industry. Areas within the Local Government Area experiencing this
development pressure include Shell Cove, Tullimbar and Calderwood.

2.3.5   Recognise, protect and celebrate our heritage

To recognise and protect our history, Council ensures that Aboriginal Culture and Heritage is
considered when reviewing development applications across the City. Several applications have been
considered during the period. This reflects the diversity of the Local Government Area in terms of
history and settlement patterns.

An Interim Heritage Order was prepared and Gazetted over private properties located on the Northern
Border of the Shellharbour City Council Local Government Area. An independent Heritage Consultant
was engaged to do a more detailed assessment of the proposed Heritage Item and determined that
it warranted having it listed in Councils Local Environmental Plan 2013. Subsequently, council
resolved to prepare a Planning Proposal and this was granted Gateway Approval by the NSW
Department of Planning and Environment. The Planning Proposal was placed on Public Exhibition in
December.

Council provided advice on Aboriginal and Culture Heritage regarding emergency remediation works
to the damaged sea walls at Elliott Lake and Shellharbour Harbour Foreshore.

Oak Flats Library turned 40 in July! As part of the birthday celebrations, the museum developed an
exhibition featuring migrant families who first settled in the area after World War Two. These families
were among the first to live at Oak Flats, and contributed greatly to the area by developing businesses,
churches, social groups, schools and clubs. They built the foundations of the Oak Flats community
that still thrives today. Some of the families featured in the exhibition on display at the library, included
the Kirchmajer, Zatschler, Raemer, Schmidt, Okkonen, Vassiliou, Stern, Gronau, Hezeman and Muller
families. Many of their descendants still live in the area today.

Former Alderman Frank Smithers, one of the museum's foundation members was remembered at a
ceremony for Frank Smithers Park in Albion Park, named in his honour (as per the resolution of
Council in July 2016). As well as serving as an Alderman on Shellharbour Municipal Council, Frank
served on the museum committee for many years, and was a dedicated member of the Tongarra
Heritage Society. He spent his working life in the Police Force, and was a life member of the Albion
Park RSL Sub Branch. The re-naming of the park recognises Frank Smithers' dedicated service to

                                                                                                          21