Community Needs Assessment - Hawkesbury City Council

Community Needs 

Assessment 

North Richmond Joint Venture 

10 th May 2013

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................. i 

1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1 

1.1 Background ........................................................................................................................ 1 

1.2 Site location ........................................................................................................................ 1 

1.3 Proposed development ....................................................................................................... 2 

1.4 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 6 

2 Review of Policy Context and Background Documents ............................................................ 7 

2.2 Dept of Planning - Circular PS07 018 - Infrastructure Contributions ..................................... 7 

2.3 Hawkesbury Community Surveys........................................................................................ 8 

2.4 Hawkesbury Community Research 2009............................................................................. 9 

2.5 Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2010-2030 ........................................................... 10 

2.6 Residential Development Report Hawkesbury LGA 1996-2007 ......................................... 11 

3 Demographic Analysis .............................................................................................................. 12 

3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................... 12 

3.2 Summary of 2006 Census Data ........................................................................................ 12 

3.3 Review of contemporary data............................................................................................ 13 

3.4 Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) ...................................................................... 14 

3.5 Crime Profile ..................................................................................................................... 15 

3.6 Summary of demographic analysis and implications for development ................................ 16 

4 Population Forecasting ............................................................................................................. 17 

4.1 Population projections Hawkesbury LGA........................................................................... 17 

4.2 Proposed development ..................................................................................................... 18 

4.3 Cumulative population ...................................................................................................... 18 

5 Stakeholder Consultations ....................................................................................................... 20 

5.1 Director of City Planning, Hawkesbury Council .................................................................. 20 

5.2 Manager, Community Partnerships, Hawkesbury Council.................................................. 20 

5.3 Parks Manager, Hawkesbury Council ................................................................................ 21 

5.4 Coordinator, North Richmond Neighbourhood Centre ....................................................... 21 

5.5 Principal, Richmond North Primary School ........................................................................ 22 

5.6 Principal, Colo High School ............................................................................................... 23 

6 Social Infrastructure Audit ........................................................................................................ 25 

6.1 Introduction....................................................................................................................... 25 

6.2 Community Facilities ......................................................................................................... 25 

6.3 Health Services ................................................................................................................ 26 

6.4 Aged Care ........................................................................................................................ 26 

6.5 Education ......................................................................................................................... 27 

6.6 Child care and Kindergartens ............................................................................................ 28 

6.7 Open Space and Recreation ............................................................................................. 28 

6.8 Other Services .................................................................................................................. 30 

7 Needs Assessment and Benchmarking ................................................................................... 31 

7.1 Summary of needs assessment and benchmarking........................................................... 37 

8 Social Infrastructure Provision Recommendations ................................................................. 38 

8.1 Schools ............................................................................................................................ 38 

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8.2 Community Building .......................................................................................................... 38 

8.3 Transport and linkages ..................................................................................................... 38 

8.4 Social programs................................................................................................................ 38 

8.5 Summary of recommendations ......................................................................................... 39 

Appendix A Facilities mapping .................................................................................................. 43 

FIGURES: 

Figure 1 – Site location ................................................................................................................................ 2 

Figure 2 – Draft LEP zonings ....................................................................................................................... iv 

TABLES: 

Table 1 – Key social and demographic indicators ....................................................................................... 12 

Table 2 – SEIFA indexes ........................................................................................................................... 14 

Table 3 – Crime trends in Hawkesbury LGA ............................................................................................... 15 

Table 4 – Population projections and age breakdown 2006 -2026 ............................................................... 17 

Table 5 – Proposed development population projections ............................................................................ 18 

Table 6 – Cumulative population ................................................................................................................ 19 

Table 7 – Social infrastructure benchmark assessment .............................................................................. 32 

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Executive Summary 

Urbis Public Policy has been commissioned by the North Richmond Joint Venture (NRJV) to undertake a 

community needs and community net benefit assessments in relation to the proposed development of 

1,400 dwellings in North Richmond, Hawkesbury. 

This report presents the outcomes of the community needs assessment only. 

The purpose of the community needs assessment is to identify the needs of the existing and proposed 

population in the area for social infrastructure including community services and facilities, and provide 

recommendations on the provision of social infrastructure to support the incoming population. 

The assessment included a review of the local population demographics, forecasting the growth or 

change of the future population in the area, auditing existing social infrastructure, including consultation 

with key service providers, and comparison of existing provision and cumulative population growth with 

recognised benchmarks for service provision. Recommendations on the type and location of social 

infrastructure needed to support the incoming population have been identified. 

The proposed development of 1,400 dwellings is expected to increase the local population by up to 3,920 

people over a 10 year period. The development site is well placed to support this increase in population, 

with siting within extensive open space and good access to existing local amenities. In addition the 

proposed development presents the opportunity to expand existing service provision in the area and 

provide a range of social benefits. 

The following points present a summary of the key points identified by this social infrastructure 

assessment: 

• The area has a number of existing childcare facilities, however the catchment for such services is 

likely to be smaller than for other services. In addition the proposed development may trigger the 

need for additional childcare facilities in the area. Childcare is indirectly provided for in the proposal 

through the provision of commercial land available within the local centre. This provides the 

opportunity for a private childcare operator to provide services should demand arise 

• The proposed development may trigger the need for additional primary school education. Existing 

primary schools in the area are known to have capacity to support the population increase resulting 

from the proposed development 

• The proposed development will not trigger the need for a new secondary school. Discussions with the 

Principal of Colo High School confirms that the school is currently at capacity, however there may be 

capacity at Hawkesbury High School. The Department of Education and Training would be 

responsible for addressing the issue of capacity and catchments for secondary students, and 

although Urbis has attempted to contact the Regional Education Director, Department of Education, 

for comment in this regard, this has not been successful 

• The area is served by a number of community facilities, including the North Richmond Community 

Centre. The proposed development, and natural population growth, may increase pressure on this 

community facility. However the development will not trigger the need for additional community 

centres. The development does include the provision of a multi-purpose community building, 

incorporating space for use as a men‟s shed, youth and child based services, and general community 

services. This will fill existing service gaps in the area, in relation to older males, and will reduce 

pressure on existing community facilities 

• There are several significant heritage assets in the area which are proposed to be conserved as part 

of the proposed development. In addition the proposed development will include the provision of a 

heritage facility associated with the community building. This facility will engage with the wider 

community, including the significant Aboriginal community, provide community understanding and 

access to the significant heritage assets of the surrounding area, and represent a social benefit for 

the area 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i

• The proposed development will include trunk drainage corridors between residential lots, which will 

perform a tertiary function as passive open space. The improvements to Redbank Creek and existing 

farm dams will improve access to environmental features and provide visual amenity impacts. In 

addition, the proposed development will include the dedication of land, and landscape 

embellishments, including vegetation, walking and cycling paths, signage and street furniture. This 

will promote active and passive use of, and improve access to, Peel Park and Redbank Creek. These 

embellishments, in addition to the provision of a community building, presents an opportunity to 

establish Peel Park as a significant regional facility 

• It is anticipated that the proposed development will have a negligible impact on the provision of health 

care, including aged care and community health, in the area. 

The following points present recommendations for consideration and guidance for the delivery of services 

and facilities proposed by the development, these include: 

• Due to the potential increase in secondary school age children at the site, and the limited capacity at 

the existing secondary school, we recommend an appointment is made by the Joint Venture Partners 

with the Regional Education Director to identify the Department‟s response to this matter. 

• Provision of flexible space as part of the community building, including lockable storage space along 

with limited kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as parking and shade sails appropriate to its 

location by Peel Park 

• Improve connectedness of the site to the surrounding areas through investigation of additional 

roadways to North Richmond village and Richmond town, aligned with Councils Mobility Plan 

• Consideration on the provision of social programs to support the integration within the incoming 

community and with the existing community in North Richmond. This may include programs to build 

on the strong social capital of the area, and new community building, such as community planting and 

education projects. 

This report is an update of our original March 2012 report and includes an updated zoning plan for the 

site that achieved the same overall development yield of approximately 1,400 houses in addition to the 

seniors living facility. We note that we have not updated census information contained within the report 

which are based on 2006 Census data, also population projections and potential impacts and community 

benefit have not been re-assessed as part of this update. 

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1 Introduction 

1.1 BACKGROUND 

Urbis Public Policy has been commissioned by the North Richmond Joint Venture (NRJV), a consortium 

of Buildev Group and Investment Management Australia (IMA), to undertake community need 

assessment and a community net benefit assessment in relation to the preparation of a planning 

proposal, and Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) for the development of 1,400 dwellings in North 

Richmond. 

This report presents the community need assessment for the planning proposal in North Richmond. 

In May 2011, Hawkesbury Council adopted the Residential Land Strategy 1 , which triggers the opportunity 

to prepare a planning proposal for the 180 hectare site in North Richmond. 

The Strategy aims to accommodate new residential dwellings for a changing population, identify ongoing 

development pressures to expand into natural and rural areas and ensure that appropriate infrastructure 

is planned to cater for future development. 

This report is intended to provide an evidence base for the development of a VPA which will aim to 

provide the best outcome in terms of delivering the local infrastructure that will be required to support the 

development and its future population. 

This report is an update of our original March 2012 report and includes an updated zoning plan for the 

site that achieved the same overall development yield of approximately 1,400 houses in addition to the 

seniors living facility. We note that we have not updated census information contained within the report 

which are based on 2006 Census data, also population projections and potential impacts and community 

benefit have not been re-assessed as part of this update. 

1.2 SITE LOCATION 

The site is located in North Richmond, in the Hawkesbury Local Government Area (LGA), approximately 

55km north west of the Sydney CBD, 6km west of Richmond and adjacent to the township of North 

Richmond. North Richmond is one of the three major towns in the Hawkesbury LGA together with 

Richmond and Windsor. 

The site, known as 198 Grose Vale Road, is approximately 181 hectares (ha) in size, and is located 

approximately 600 metres north of the Hawkesbury River. It adjoins existing residential housing of the 

North Richmond township to its eastern boundary, Redbank Creek to the north, Grose Vale Road to the 

south, and the recently developed rural residential community known as „Belmont Grove Estate‟ to the 

west. Figure 1 below presents the sites location. 

1 Hawkesbury City Council, 2011, Residential land strategy, accessed at 

http://www.hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au/development/planning-policies/hawkesbury-residential-landstrategy2 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION 1

FIGURE 1 – SITE LOCATION 

The proposed development site is identified as Lot 27 on the above figure. The area identified as „Part of 

Lot 27‟ is a 27 ha area approved for seniors living development by the Department of Planning and 

Infrastructure in 2008. 

North Richmond is well serviced by the regional road network and is approximately four kilometres from 

Richmond Station, the terminus of Sydney‟s northwest rail line. Major retail facilities are available at 

Richmond and regional shopping is available at Penrith and Rouse Hill, approximately a 20 minute drive 

away. 

1.3 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 

A Land Release Application to the Department of Planning was prepared by Urbis Urban Planning in 

2009. The proposal identified the suitability of the site for residential development of 1,400 dwellings 

across 147ha, over the next 10 years. 

The NRJV have prepared a concept plan which includes the proposed development of: 

• Approximately 1,400 homes in addition to the Seniors Living Facility currently under construction 

• Local Council roads including bus route 

• Small scale local centre of approximately 1.0Ha 

• Retention and modification of three to four existing farm dams within the project site to become open 

water bodies 

• Construction of four primarily trunk drainage corridors (with a secondary riparian and tertiary open 

space function) separating planned residential areas 

• Retention of an existing farm dam on Redbank Creek and vegetation improvement to the primarily 

riparian corridor along the south bank of Redbank Creek, which extends along the project site 

perimeter 

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• Capacity improvements to a key component of existing stormwater infrastructure along with water 

quantity management downstream of the project site, discharging to Redbank Creek 

• An alternate east-west access to North Richmond to increase vehicle traffic road capacity 

• Multiple road connections to existing Grose Vale Road, Arthur Phillip Drive, Townsend Rd but no 

connection to Belmont Grove. 

The concept plan also provides proposed draft LEP zonings, which identify the proposed location of uses 

across the site (see Figure 2 below). 

A Local Centre is proposed, covering approximately 1.2ha, and providing a small group of shops 

servicing the local residents. The preferred location of the centre is in close proximity to Grose Vale Road 

and the existing seniors living development, which has already been approved. 

A multi-purpose community building is also proposed to be provided at Peel Park. It is anticipated that the 

community building would incorporate a Men‟s Shed, space for youth, aged and children‟s services, 

including a kitchen, car parking, and an interpretive Heritage facility. This building is proposed to be 

300m 2 in size. 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION 3

FIGURE 2 – DRAFT LEP ZONINGS 

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

1.4 METHODOLOGY 

The purpose of the community needs assessment is to identify the needs of the existing and proposed 

population in the area for community services and facilities, identify the existing service provision in the 

area, and provide recommendations on the provision of services associated with the planning proposal to 

provide an evidence base for the development of a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA). 

Urbis multi-disciplinary team previously provided a range of services in relation to planning for the future 

of the North Richmond development, including a Social Infrastructure Assessment 2 for senior‟s housing 

development on adjacent land. 

Our methodology aims to build on this existing understanding, and utilise contemporary data sources, to 

assess the existing and potential future needs of the community in North Richmond. 

The following tasks have been complete as part of this project: 

• Review of policy context and background documents - Review of State and local government policies 

relevant to the proposed development, and relevant background documents including previous 

studies and planning proposals 

• Demographic analysis – Analysis of the characteristics of the population of North Richmond and the 

wider Hawkesbury LGA, utilising Australian Bureau of Statistics 2006 Census data, Socio-Economic 

Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) 2006 data, information available from the Department of Planning and 

Infrastructure and Hawkesbury Council and analysis of crime data from NSW Bureau of Crime 

Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) 

• Population forecasting – Forecasting of the size and demographic characteristics of the new 

population at the site, and new release projections from the Department of Planning and 

Infrastructure 

• Social infrastructure audit – Audit of existing services and facilities in the surrounding area, including 

a review of previous social infrastructure audit studies and the identification of additional services and 

facilities, capacity and opportunities within a specified catchment of the site 

• Consultation - Telephone consultation with up to five service providers and Council officers in order to 

identify the existing levels of service provision, capacity and funding issues, and the potential impact 

of the proposed development 

• Benchmarking – Comparison of the existing and proposed level of provision of services and facilities, 

against best practice benchmarks 

• Recommendations – Recommendations for the size, type and location of social infrastructure needed 

to support the growing population in the area. 

2 Social Infrastructure Assessment – North Richmond (2007) Urbis on behalf of NRJV. 

6 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

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2 Review of Policy Context and Background 

Documents 

The following section is a review of policy context and background documents in relation to social 

facilities and services in the Hawkesbury LGA. 

2.1.1 DRAFT HAWKESBURY LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2011 

Hawkesbury Council has prepared a new LEP to take account of the Department of Planning‟s LEP 

template. In this new draft the zoning of the land occupied by the site has changed. The „Consolidated 

Land Holdings‟ zone will become „RU4 – Rural Small Holdings‟. The objectives of this zone are: 

(a) to enable small-scale sustainable primary industry and other compatible land uses, 

(b) to maintain the rural and scenic character of the land, 

(c) to ensure that development does not unreasonably increase the demand for public services or public 

facilities, 

(d) to minimise conflict between land uses within the zone and adjoining zones. 

These are similar to the Consolidated Land Holdings objectives except that subdivision is not prohibited in 

the RU4 zone. 

2.2 DEPT OF PLANNING - CIRCULAR PS07 018 - INFRASTRUCTURE 

CONTRIBUTIONS 

The circular was issued in November 2007 to advice of recent changes regarding infrastructure 

contributions in NSW. The circular states: 

“State and local infrastructure contributions will now only fund attributable infrastructure and 

land requirements to support developed land rather than infrastructure requirements driven by 

general population growth.” 

Therefore it will only be possible to levy for a range of infrastructure where the need for it arises from the 

development of the land. 

2.2.1 CHANGES TO THE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED BY STATE 

INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 

State contributions applying to greenfield areas identified in Regional or Subregional Strategies, the 

Metropolitan Development Program or in an approved local strategy will fund 75% of the following 

attributable State infrastructure costs: 

• Roads, rail, bus, planning and delivery. 

• Emergency and justice, health, education, regional open space (land only). 

The costs of the construction and operation of social infrastructure facilities such as schools and TAFE 

facilities, hospitals and emergency services will be borne by the State Government. 

2.2.2 CHANGES TO INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDED BY LOCAL SECTION 94 AND 

SECTION 94A INFRASTRUCTURE CONTRIBUTIONS: 

Future local contributions will fund 100% of the following local infrastructure costs: 

• Local roads. 

• Local bus infrastructure. 

• Local parks that service a development site or precinct. 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT REVIEW OF POLICY CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS 7

• Drainage and water management expenses. 

• Land and facilities for local community infrastructure that services a development site or precinct. 

• Land for other community infrastructure and recreation facilities. 

All other costs, such as facilities benefiting existing communities (including council or district wide 

community and recreation facilities), can no longer be recovered through local contributions. 

2.2.3 STAGED CONTRIBUTION COLLECTION 

For all future greenfield release areas in NSW, a single contribution combining State and Local 

infrastructure charges will be set on a developable area basis, and collected at two stages: 

• A Rezoning Infrastructure Contribution (RIC) shall apply on the purchaser, at the time land is first sold 

following rezoning or approval of a development application to recover 25% of State and local 

infrastructure costs. 

• A Serviced Infrastructure Contribution (SIC) will be payable by developers upon release of 

subdivision or occupancy certificates to recover the remaining 75% of State and local infrastructure 

costs. 

2.2.4 LAND RELEASE IN AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE METROPOLITAN 

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM OR A REGIONAL/SUBREGIONAL STRATEGY 

OR ENDORSED LOCAL STRATEGY 

Proposals outside these areas or strategies will be assessed against an objective gateway test based on 

the sustainability criteria included in the Metropolitan Strategy, Regional Strategies or endorsed local 

strategy where applicable. If compliant, 100% of the attributable infrastructure costs would be borne by 

the developer. 

2.3 HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY SURVEYS 

2.3.1 HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY SURVEY 2004 

The survey was randomly distributed to 3,000 households across the LGA (14.5% of occupied 

households). 76 surveys were received from North Richmond residents. 

Respondents were asked what they valued most about their local area. They were asked to rate the top 

five qualities from a list of 24. For residents of North Richmond these were: 

• Being close to shops. 

• The area‟s rural setting. 

• Being a safe place to live. 

• Being close to transport. 

• Having good access to services. 

The top five concerns for residents of North Richmond included issues around the state of the roads and 

traffic noise, crime and safety and lack of police presence. The third highest concern was „more urban 

development‟. 

The fact that a top concern was „more urban development‟ is interesting given that when asked what 

services and facilities were most needed in local areas, residents of North Richmond included „more 

housing‟. The top five most needed services and facilities were identified as: 

• More police. 

8 REVIEW OF POLICY CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS 

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• Safer roads. 

• More housing. 

• A public toilet. 

• Better transport. 

Respondents of the survey were asked to rate the council‟s performance on a range of issues. 

Respondents rated the council as „getting better‟ for „providing community services (planning services 

which can support families to raise healthy children and young people and meet the needs of our ageing 

population‟. However, the performance was seen as „getting worse‟ for „encouraging a range of housing 

types to meet the housing needs of the community‟. 

2.3.2 HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY SURVEY 2007 

To assist Council in developing a 10 year Community Strategic Plan, Micromex Research was contracted 

to survey residents to determine what they believe are the future priorities and strategic directions for 

Council to pursue. 

Whilst questions were similar to those asked in previous community surveys, the report does not 

disaggregate findings by local areas or by the key target groups such as older people. Therefore, the key 

findings below are the views of Hawkesbury LGA residents as a whole. Ranking is in brackets: 

• The three things residents value most about living in the Hawkesbury include: country 

atmosphere/lifestyle (1), access to services/facilities (2) and the area as a whole (3). 

• Top concerns about living in the Hawkesbury LGA include: lack of services/facilities (1), increasing 

development issues (3) and lack of public transport (4), road and traffic issues (8), lack of shopping 

facilities (16) and footpaths (18). 

• The issues identified as requiring most attention include: road condition (1), generating more local 

employment opportunities (4), footpaths and cycleways (5) and services and facilities for older people 

(15). 

• In planning for future development, residents were asked to rate a number of objectives from 1 to 5 

where 1 = not very important and 5 = very important. Residents rated „improving local roads‟ (4.6) as 

the most important objective. Other objectives rated highly include „promoting local employment‟ 

(4.48), „protecting bushland, open space and natural habitats‟ (4.43) and „protecting rural settings and 

character‟ (4.43). Of lesser importance was „providing a range of housing‟ (3.48) and „encouraging 

population growth‟ (3.22), though these ratings are still heading towards „important‟ rather than „not 

important‟. 

• Residents were asked to rate five development models for the Hawkesbury LGA. „Protection of rural 

and agricultural land‟ was rated significantly higher than the other models. 

As stated previously, these results are for residents of the Hawkesbury LGA as a whole, which is a large 

geographical area of both rural and urban development. 

2.4 HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY RESEARCH 2009 

The Hawkesbury City Council Community Research is a survey of over 400 residents in Hawkesbury. 

The survey used similar questions to those asked in previous surveys. A summary of the results from the 

surveys are presented below, rankings are in brackets: 

• The three things residents value most about living in the Hawkesbury include: country 

atmosphere/lifestyle (1), access to services/facilities (2) and the area as a whole (3). 

• Top concerns about living in the Hawkesbury LGA include: lack of services/facilities (1), increasing 

development issues (3) and lack of public transport (4), road and traffic issues (8), lack of shopping 

facilities (16) and footpaths (18). 

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• The issues identified as requiring most attention include: road condition (1), generating more local 

employment opportunities (4), footpaths and cycleways (5) and services and facilities for older people 

(15). 

• In planning for future development, residents were asked to rate a number of objectives from 1 to 5 

where 1 = not very important and 5 = very important. Residents rated „improving local roads‟ (4.6) as 

the most important objective. Other objectives rated highly include „promoting local employment‟ 

(4.48), „protecting bushland, open space and natural habitats‟ (4.43) and „protecting rural settings and 

character‟ (4.43). Of lesser importance was „providing a range of housing‟ (3.48) and „encouraging 

population growth‟ (3.22), though these ratings are still heading towards „important‟ rather than „not 

important‟. 

• Residents were asked to rate five development models for the Hawkesbury LGA. „Protection of rural 

and agricultural land‟ was rated significantly higher than the other models. 

As stated previously, these results are for residents of the Hawkesbury LGA as a whole, which is a large 

geographical area of both rural and urban development. 

2.5 HAWKESBURY COMMUNITY STRATEGIC PLAN 2010-2030 

The Hawkesbury Community Strategic Plan 2010-2030 (HCSP) is a document that responds to the NSW 

State Planning priorities, guides Hawkesbury Council‟s strategic planning processes and incorporates the 

Department of Local Government‟s Local Government Amendment (Planning and Reporting) Bill 2009 

and Local Government Amendment (Planning and Reporting) Regulation 2009. The DLG has introduced 

a new planning and reporting framework for Local Government. Hawkesbury Council aims to introduce 

the new framework by 2012 replacing the former Management Plan and Social Plan with: 

• a Community Strategic Plan including a community engagement strategy; 

• a Resourcing Strategy including long-term financial planning, workforce planning and asset 

management planning; 

• a Delivery Program identifying detailed strategies and actions required to achieve objectives of the 

of the HCSP; 

• an Operational Plan that will detailing actions in the Delivery Program to be implemented each year; 

and 

• Annual Reports. 

2.5.1 VISION 

The HCSP has five vision statements. These are: 

• Looking after People and Place. 

• Caring for our Environment. 

• Linking the Hawkesbury. 

• Supporting Business and Local Jobs. 

• Shaping our Future Together. 

Of particular relevance is the “Looking after People and Place” vision which states “in 2030 we want the 

Hawkesbury to be a place where we have: a community in which the area‟s character is preserved and 

lifestyle choices are provided with sustainable, planned, and well serviced development, within strongly 

connected, safe and friendly neighbourhoods”. 

A number of directions under this vision are relevant to the development of the site. These are for the 

area to: 

10 REVIEW OF POLICY CONTEXT AND BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS 

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• Be a place where we value, protect and enhance the historical, social, cultural and environmental 

character of Hawkesbury‟s towns, villages and rural landscapes. 

• Offer residents a choice of housing options that meets their needs whilst being sympathetic to the 

qualities of the Hawkesbury. 

• Have friendly neighbourhoods, connected communities, and supported households and families. 

• Have future residential and commercial development designed and planned to minimise impacts on 

local transport systems allowing easy access to main metropolitan gateways. 

2.6 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT REPORT HAWKESBURY LGA 1996- 

2007 

The report was compiled by Robert Montgomery for Buildev in August 2007. The report examines 

housing development within the Hawkesbury LGA over the last 12 years. 

The main findings of the report in relation to this development include: 

• Of the 3,866 additional dwellings during the period January 1996 to July 2007, 289 of which were 

Aged Units (housing for aged or disabled persons). 63 of these units were in North Richmond, 126 in 

Richmond and 100 in South Windsor. 

• The units in North Richmond were built in three developments; 53 mixed villas and units in 2001, 5 

units in 2004 and 5 two storey units in 2005. 

• The report concludes that the supply of land for new dwellings in the Hawkesbury LGA is virtually 

exhausted. With the exception of Pitt Town, there is no residential zoned land currently available for 

additional dwellings, other than small ad hoc developments. (pg 17) 

• North Richmond has been a main growth area. 

• Majority of residential development from 1996 has been west of the river with a total of 2020 

dwellings approved. 

• 59% of new lots approved were west of the river. 

• Housing for seniors has been largely concentrated east of the Hawkesbury River. This reality has 

social implications for seniors who may be forced to relocate from the west to east of the river and 

often dislocated from existing social networks, general practitioners, etc. (pg 17) 

• The large site at North Richmond, which has been previously identified for future urban release, is 

considered an ideal site for a fully integrated planned residential community. Development of this site 

would assist in improving infrastructure west of the river as there is sufficient land for a “critical mass” 

in terms of funding and upgrading. (pg 18) 

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3 Demographic Analysis 

3.1 INTRODUCTION 

The following section summarises the key social and demographic characteristics of North Richmond and 

the Hawkesbury LGA as a whole. 

The data presented is based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Census 2006 data, contemporary 

inter-Censal data, Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA), and NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and 

Research (BOCSAR) data for the North Richmond area. 

3.2 SUMMARY OF 2006 CENSUS DATA 

We have reviewed the socio demographic profile detailed in the 2007 Social Infrastructure Assessment 

undertaken for the North Richmond Area 3 . The socio demographic profile presented in this report was 

based on Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) 2006 Census data and therefore remains the most robust 

and accurate source of data available at this level. 

The following table provides an overview of the key social and demographic indicators for the North 

Richmond and Hawkesbury LGA, taken from 2006 Census data. 

TABLE 1 – KEY SOCIAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS 

INDICATOR NORTH RICHMOND HAWKESBURY LGA 

No. % No. % 

Population 4,476 60,561 

Indigenous persons 123 2.7% 1,165 1.9% 

Age groups: 

0-14 1018 22.7% 14,006 23.2% 

15-24 659 14.7% 8,840 14.6% 

25-54 1,876 41.9% 25,635 42.3% 

55-64 500 11.2% 6,207 10.2% 

65+ 421 9.4% 5,872 9.7% 

Median Age 34 34 

Persons born overseas 553 12.4% 7,683 12.7% 

English only spoken at home 4,125 92.2% 54,550 90.1% 

Occupation: 

Technicians and Trades Workers 403 18% 5,558 18.7% 

Professionals 383 17.2% 4,629 15.5% 

3 Social Infrastructure Assessment – North Richmond (2007) Urbis 

12 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 

URBIS 


Clerical and Admin Workers 332 14.9% 4,532 15.2% 

Median household income ($/weekly) $1,128 $1,146 

Fully owned dwellings 495 30.5% 6,105 28.9% 

Dwellings being purchased 515 31.7% 8,394 39.7% 

Median rent $/weekly $200 $205 

Family household 1,237 76.1% 15,583 73.7% 

The 2006 Census data indicates that the North Richmond population represents approximately 7% of the 

total population of Hawkesbury. Both areas have very similar demographic structures. 

The age profile of the population for both North Richmond and Hawkesbury are similar, with median ages 

of 34years, high proportions of working age population, and similar proportions of young aged residents 

(0-14 years). 

There are, however, a number of small differences between the areas. One of these key differences is 

that North Richmond has a higher proportion of family households (76.1%) than Hawkesbury LGA 

(73.7%), with a slightly higher proportion of fully owned dwellings (30.5% compared to 28.9% in the LGA), 

but a lower proportion of dwellings being purchased (31.7% compared to the LGA‟s 39.7%) This reflects 

the fact that the Hawkesbury LGA is experiencing declining growth at the same time as a continued high 

rate of household formation, including „lone person‟ and „couple with no children‟ households. 4 . 

The most common occupation in 2006 was technicians and trades workers in both North Richmond and 

Hawkesbury LGA, with the next occupation being professionals. There was a higher proportion of 

professionals living in North Richmond (17.2%) than in Hawkesbury LGA (15.5%), which means that 

there was also a slightly lower proportion of clerical and admin workers living in North Richmond (14.9%) 

compared to the proportion in the LGA (15.2%). The median weekly household income was slightly 

higher in Hawkesbury LGA ($1,146) than in North Richmond ($1,128). 

North Richmond was home to more people who only speak English at home (92.2%) than in the LGA 

(90.1%) in 2006, with a significantly higher Indigenous population (2.7%) than Hawkesbury LGA (1.9%). 

The demographic information summarised in this report is predominantly the same as the information in 

the 2007 Aged Care Study prepared by Urbis, with a few minor differences in some statistics. This 

includes the age breakdown categories, which were adjusted after the Census data was originally 

released in 2007. 

3.3 REVIEW OF CONTEMPORARY DATA 

While the 2006 Census data remains the most robust and accurate source of data available for analysis 

of demographic characteristics at this spatial level, a number of local, regional and State wide updates 

have been developed to determine any inter-Censal trends regarding population characteristics. 

The Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy, adopted by Hawkesbury City Council on 10 May 2011, 

identifies the demographic characteristics that drive current and future urban development needs in the 

LGA. Demographic information is based on 2006 ABS Census Data, the Hawkesbury Community ID 

Profile, the Draft Hawkesbury Futures: Infrastructure Requirements 2006-2036, and population 

projections. 

Population growth in the Hawkesbury LGA has been stable up to 2006, with significant changes to the 

age structure of the local population. The population is ageing with an increase in the proportion of people 

aged 50-years and over increasing from 19% in 1996 to 26% by 2006. At the same time, younger age 

groups are experiencing losses in the age groups of 0-11 years (a 3% loss between 1996 and 2006), and 

4 Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy(2011) Hassell 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 13

25-34 years (a 4% loss between 1996 and 2006). It is projected that nearly a quarter of the population will 

be above 60 years of age by 2031, compared to 16% projected for 2011. 

Population rates are expected to increase by 9,013 people through to 2031, in accordance with the 

dwelling target for Hawkesbury LGA of providing 5000-6000 new dwellings in the next twenty years. 

The current housing structure is predominantly made up of detached dwellings (low density) at 85.7% of 

housing stock in 2006. This statistic has remained stable since 1996, with small increases seen in the 

number of villas, town houses and semi-detached dwellings (medium density), and decreases in numbers 

of other dwellings. Flats, home units and apartments (high density) have remained low and stable in 

dwelling numbers. 

There have, however, been changes to the household structure since 1996. There has been a 6% 

decrease in „couple with children‟ households at the same time as small increases in „lone person‟ and 

„couple with no children‟ households. It is projected that this trend will continue to 2031, with „couple with 

no children‟ households projected to increase by 8% and „lone person‟ households by 4% by 2031, with 

„couples with children‟ households decreasing by 10%. While the population growth rate has declined, the 

rate of household formation and therefore demand for dwellings has remained high. 

It is projected that demand for medium density dwellings will make up 28% of total dwellings in 2031, 

compared to 11% in 2006, with the number of detached dwellings demanded decreasing by 15% by 

2031. Demand for high density and other dwellings is expected to decrease by 2031. This change in 

dwelling type demand relates to the expected changing household structure. 

3.4 SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDEXES FOR AREAS (SEIFA) 

The Socio-Economic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) has been developed by ABS to provide an overview of 

social and economic wellbeing and welfare of communities across a range of spatial scales. Four indices 

have been developed, as follows: 

• Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage: focuses primarily on disadvantage, and is derived 

from Census variables like low income, low educational attainment, unemployment, and dwellings 

without motor vehicles 

• Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage: is a continuum of advantage (high 

values) to disadvantage (low values), and is derived from Census variables related to both advantage 

and disadvantage 

• Index of Economic Resources: focuses on financial aspects of advantage and disadvantage, using 

Census variables relating to residents' incomes, housing expenditure and assets 

• Index of Education and Occupation: includes Census variables relating to the educational attainment, 

employment and vocational skills. 

A lower score indicates that an area is relatively disadvantaged compared to an area with a higher score. 

The area with the lowest score is given a rank of 1, the area with the second lowest score is given a rank 

of 2 and so on, up to the area with the highest score is given the highest rank. 

Table 2 below presents the SEIFA results for North Richmond and Hawkesbury LGA. 

TABLE 2 – SEIFA INDEXES 

North 

ADVANTAGE AND DISADVANTAGE 

DISADVANTAGE 

ECONOMIC 

RESOURCES 

EDUCATION 

OCCUPATION 

• Score • Decile • Score • Decile • Score Decile Score Decile 

Richmond • 1026 • 8 • 1029 • 6 • 1026 • 6 • 980 • 5 

• Hawkesbury 

LGA • 1025 • 9 • 1033 • 9 • 1048 • 10 • 976 • 7 

AND 


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Both the North Richmond Collection District (CD) and Hawkesbury LGA are ranked highly in the index of 

advantage and disadvantage, being within the top 30% and 20%, respectively, of all areas surveyed. 

The Hawkesbury LGA is within the top 10% of all areas surveyed for economic resources, and the top 

20% for both advantage and disadvantage, and disadvantage indexes. 

The North Richmond CD does not perform as well as the Hawkesbury LGA in other indexes, being within 

the top 40% (6 th decile) in the indexes of disadvantage and economic resources. 

Both areas perform poorly in terms of education and occupation with the Hawkesbury LGA within the top 

30% (7 th decile) and North Richmond CD in the top 50% (5 th decile) of all areas surveyed. This indicates 

that the population of North Richmond have an average to slightly lower level of educational attainment, 

employment and vocational skills compared to the LGA. 

3.5 CRIME PROFILE 

This section provides an overview of crime and safety data for the Hawkesbury LGA, derived from the 

NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) data. 

It is important to point out that the crime figures discussed in this section of the report relate to those 

crimes that have been recorded by BOCSAR ie. Recorded Incidents (RI), not necessarily all crimes 

committed in the LGA. Levels of crime are sensitive to the willingness or ability of people to report crime, 

levels and nature of police activity and actual levels of criminal activity. 

In addition, it is pointed out that crime data must be interpreted with caution as many factors may 

influence apparent trends. Police crackdowns, for example, on particular types of offences may push up 

recorded crime rates for those categories of offences. The increase in figures therefore does not 

necessarily translate to an increase in that type of crime, but rather an increase in convictions for that 

type of crime. 

Table 3 shows the crime trends of Hawkesbury LGA between the years of 2009 and 2011. 

TABLE 3 – CRIME TRENDS IN HAWKESBURY LGA 

OFFENCE 

JUL 2009 TO 

JUN 2010 

JUL 2010 TO 

JUN 2011 

24 MONTH 

TREND 

Murder 0 1 Not Calculated * 

Assault - domestic violence related 260 234 Stable 

Assault - non-domestic violence related 365 336 Stable 

Sexual assault 48 34 Stable 

Indecent assault, act of indecency and other sexual offences 45 61 Stable 

Robbery without a weapon 23 24 Stable 

Robbery with a firearm 2 4 Not Calculated * 

Robbery with a weapon not a firearm 12 19 Not Calculated * 

Break and enter - dwelling 245 186 Down 

Break and enter - non-dwelling 144 137 Stable 

Motor vehicle theft 201 191 Stable 

Steal from motor vehicle 329 428 Up 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS 15

Steal from retail store 147 133 Stable 

Steal from dwelling 157 176 Stable 

Steal from person 20 29 Stable 

Fraud 227 255 Stable 

Malicious damage to property 845 834 Stable 

The three most reported crime offences occurring in Hawkesbury LGA (and of relevance to the 

development) during 2011 were: 

• Malicious damage to property (834 offences) 

• Steal from motor vehicle - (428 offences) 

• Assault – non-domestic violence related (336 offences). 

The data reveals that most categories of crime in the Hawkesbury LGA have remained stable in the past 

two years, with a decrease in break and enter - dwellings and an increase in theft from motor vehicles. 

3.6 SUMMARY OF DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR 

DEVELOPMENT 

The following list summarises the key points of the demographic analysis relevant to this site: 

• The local population is characterised by a relatively high proportion of Indigenous persons. The 

Indigenous population has a strong historical association with the area around the Hawkesbury River 

and there are a number of key sites of heritage value relating to this association which, it is proposed, 

will be conserved and appropriately interpreted as part of the development 

• The area has a history of relative social and economic disadvantage when compared to the wider 

Hawkesbury LGA, in particular disadvantage related to education, occupation and economic 

resources 

• The population of the local area is ageing, in line with an ageing Australia 

• The area also has a history of an itinerant or transient population. The association of the area with 

defence homes, and rental properties, has resulted in the demographic character of the area varying 

significantly over time. However, it is noted that this trend is beginning to change with a more stable 

population in the area 

• The area has also been traditionally characterised by a largely rural or agricultural community, which 

is in transition with population and technological changes and metropolitan growth. 


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4 Population Forecasting 

4.1 POPULATION PROJECTIONS HAWKESBURY LGA 

Population projections for the Hawkesbury LGA are based on data obtained from the NSW Department of 

Planning and Infrastructure‟s Population Projections 2006 – 2036. 

These projections are based on findings from the 2006 Census and the latest data on fertility, mortality 

and migration. They are based on the final estimated resident population figures for the 2006 Census, 

which includes an estimate of the people who may have been missed, or double counted, during the 

Census count. Therefore population figures for 2006 differ from those presented in Section 3.2 above. 

Table 4 below presents population projections and age breakdown for the population of Hawkesbury 

LGA. 

TABLE 4 – POPULATION PROJECTIONS AND AGE BREAKDOWN 2006 -2026 

AGE 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 

0-4 • 4,410 • 4,630 • 4,740 • 5,060 • 5,390 

• 5-9 • 4,760 • 4,440 • 4,670 • 4,920 • 5,330 

• 10-14 • 5,040 • 4,820 • 4,560 • 4,920 • 5,270 

• 15-19 • 4,880 • 5,070 • 4,870 • 4,790 • 5,240 

• 20-24 • 4,420 • 4,820 • 5,020 • 5,040 • 5,120 

• 25-29 • 3,900 • 4,380 • 4,730 • 5,060 • 5,230 

• 30-34 • 4,290 • 4,030 • 4,450 • 4,870 • 5,270 

• 35-39 • 4,810 • 4,560 • 4,390 • 4,910 • 5,400 

• 40-44 • 4,870 • 4,790 • 4,640 • 4,630 • 5,220 

• 45-49 • 4,640 • 4,630 • 4,580 • 4,610 • 4,710 

• 50-54 • 3,990 • 4,340 • 4,360 • 4,450 • 4,580 

• 55-59 • 3,620 • 3,690 • 4,010 • 4,150 • 4,320 

• 60-64 • 2,630 • 3,300 • 3,380 • 3,780 • 4,000 

• 65-69 • 1,900 • 2,400 • 3,010 • 3,190 • 3,640 

• 70-74 • 1,330 • 1,710 • 2,170 • 2,790 • 3,040 

• 75-79 • 1,150 • 1,170 • 1,500 • 1,960 • 2,590 

• 80-84 • 790 • 940 • 970 • 1,290 • 1,740 

• 85+ • 680 • 930 • 1,180 • 1,390 • 1,810 

• Total • 62,100 • 64,600 • 67,200 • 71,800 • 77,900 

• Growth rate (%) • 4% • 4% • 7% • 8% 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT POPULATION FORECASTING 17

These figures suggest that the population of Hawkesbury LGA will increase by 15,800 people between 

2006 and 2026, equivalent to a 25% increase over 20 years. 

The age group which will experience the largest total increase in population is the 65-69 year population, 

which will increase by 1,740 people by 2026, equivalent to a 92% rise. The age group which will 

experience the largest proportional increase in population is the 85 years and over population, which will 

increase by 1,130 people by 2026, equivalent to a 166% increase. 

In total the over 65 years population will increase by 6,970 people, from 5,850 in 2006, to 12,820 by 2026. 

This is a 119% increase, and will raise the proportion of people over 65 years old from 9% of the total 

population to 16% of the total population. 

The age group with the lowest total and proportional increase is the 45 – 49 year population, which is 

forecast to increase by only 70 people, equivalent to a 2% increase. 

This forecast suggests that the population of the Hawkesbury LGA is ageing; with greater projected 

increases in the over 65 year‟s population compared with the young and working age populations. This 

will place increasing pressure on the demand for services and facilities which support the aged population 

in the region. 

4.2 PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 

The population projections for the proposed development have been based on the development of 1,400 

new dwellings over a 10 year period, providing 140 homes per year. 

The potential accommodation schedule for the proposed development is not available. Therefore Urbis 

has calculated the potential total population based on the average household size of 2.8people for 

Hawkesbury LGA, measured from the 2006 Census. 

The average household size has fallen in recent years and may continue to fall, thereby reducing the total 

number of people predicted to be resident in the area. However the proposed development, and the 

provision of a diverse housing mix, may maintain the average household size in the future. 

Table 5 below presents the population forecasts for the proposed development, based on an average 

household size of 2.8 people. 

TABLE 5 – PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT POPULATION PROJECTIONS 

YEAR 

DWELLINGS PEOPLE 

2012 140 392 

2016 700 1,960 

2021 1400 3,920 

On this basis, population projections for the proposed development suggest that the development of 

1,400 dwellings will accommodate 3,920 residents. 

4.3 CUMULATIVE POPULATION 

Population forecasts are only available for the Hawkesbury LGA area. In order to provide a more focused 

assessment of the development impact on the provision of services in the local area, these growth rates 

have been used to project the proposed population within a 5km radius of the site. 

Natural population growth rates, presented in Table 4, have been applied to the population within a 5km 

radius of the proposed development site. The 5km radius is used in Section 6 to assess the existing 

provision of social infrastructure services. 

Table 6 below presents the impact of development on the cumulative population of the area. 

18 POPULATION FORECASTING 

URBIS 


TABLE 6 – CUMULATIVE POPULATION 

YEAR 

PROPOSED 

DEVELOPMENT 

5KM RADIUS 

HAWKESBURY 

2012 392 17,912 64,992 

2016 1,960 20,185 69,160 

2021 3,920 23,393 75,720 

This indicates that in 2012 the total population within a 5km radius of the site will be 17,912, increasing to 

23,393 people by 2021. 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT POPULATION FORECASTING 19

5 Stakeholder Consultations 

Consultations were conducted with the following: 

• City Planning Director, Manager, Community Partnerships, and Parks Manager, Hawkesbury Council; 

• Coordinator, North Richmond Neighbourhood Centre 

• Principal, North Richmond Primary School. 

(Note, attempts were made to interview the School Education Director for Hawkesbury as part of this 

study to clarify issues around capacity of the Colo High School and alternate secondary school locations, 

however this was not possible due to time constraints for completion of the study). 

A summary of the discussion and outcomes from the consultations is presented below. 

5.1 DIRECTOR OF CITY PLANNING, HAWKESBURY COUNCIL 

The Director indicated that: 

• Social Planning information is now largely built into Council's Community Strategic Plan, including 

social justice principles 

• Council has a Community Planning Advisory Committee, while it does not meet currently, Council is 

seeking to reform the Committee with new Terms of Reference 

• Many of Council's functions in relation to aged care have been delegated to Peppercorn Services; 

Council has identified that, with the ageing of the population, more services for older people will be 

needed – hence the residential aged care and related facilities at the site are welcomed 

• The Residential Land Strategy identifies that there is insufficient public transport especially in North 

Richmond, and acknowledges there is not much that can be done to ensure more public transport, 

other than to increase densities to achieve viability for public transport routes and operators 

• Council is currently developing an Open Space Strategy. Council would like to maximise connectivity 

between the release area and existing transport routes and urban areas. As such Council would like 

opportunities arising from the proposed development, such as those associated with Peel Park, the 

Redbank creek line, and linkages to the North Richmond town centre and Redbank Road to be 

maximised 

• The Council Community Surveys are conducted every two years. The 2011 survey has been 

conducted but is not available yet. The 'character of the Hawkesbury' is often referred to, which is 

sometimes assumed to mean a rural character, not dense development. Some residents identify that 

'they don't want to live in Kellyville/Rouse Hill' which Council assumes to equate with small blocks and 

large buildings. However some residents who live in North Richmond consider that they are living in 

a rural area, so it is all relative and dependent upon how you plan the open space. Council is keen to 

better understand how these „values‟ are represented. 

5.2 MANAGER, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, HAWKESBURY COUNCIL 

The Manager of Community Partnerships with Council noted that the adequacy of community facilities 

and services depends extensively on the local context, with the following detailed comments: 

• In relation to aged care, Council is keen to promote ageing in place 

• The North Richmond Neighbourhood Centre has 2 Community Development workers (funded by the 

Department of Community Services). This is considered a good space , providing both child care 

centre and youth services 

20 STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS 

URBIS 


• Council‟s Mobility Plan is seeking to reinforce priority routes for Richmond and North Richmond, and 

to ensure family-friendly spaces, multipurpose facilities, and links between existing and proposed 

communities are provided – these will be critical in the proposed development 

• Council has no comment in relation to the adequacy of education facilities, but is keen to promote 

lifelong learning 

• With regard to child care, there is ongoing demand for places for 0-2 year olds in before/after school 

care facilities. The potential for the provision of child care facilities as part of an intergenerational 

facility related to the proposed seniors living is seen as an interesting prospect and supported inprinciple. 

The provision of additional facilities at the Aged Care Facility Clubhouse, such as Allied 

Health visits, is also regarded as representing a significant opportunity in the area 

• Council is keen to ensure Peel Park is fully accessible, with shade trees as part of preventative health 

and for any facilities or play equipment to adopt Universal Design principles 

• In relation to health care, there are currently 2 Doctors' surgeries in North Richmond 

• A constant complaint Council hears from young people is that there 'is not enough to do'. However, in 

terms of sport and recreation facilities, it is felt the community is well catered for, and therefore it is 

anticipated that this complaint may be from some disenchanted young people 

• There are two swimming pools in the local area, one in Richmond and one in Windsor. The swimming 

pool at University of Western Sydney Hawkesbury Campus has now been closed. It is felt that it 

would be unlikely that the population of the community (including proposed community) can sustain 

another swimming pool 

• Protection of the landscape is a strongly expressed value of the local community 

• There is also a strong „well‟ of social capital in the community which presents an opportunity to 

integrate and welcome communities, supported by strategies to assist integration of new 

communities. 

5.3 PARKS MANAGER, HAWKESBURY COUNCIL 

The Parks Manager indicated that there were several current issues relating to open space which may be 

relevant considerations for the proposed development, and that the Recreation Plan, currently under 

development, would be a useful adjunct to more detailed planning for the site. In particular: 

• The regional significance of both Peel Park and Hawkesbury Park (leased by Council) were noted – 

the recent development of an off-leash dog area was considered positive 

• The importance of linkages (including walkways and cycleways) between existing and new 

communities was confirmed, and the potential for a linkage from the development across Redbank 

Creek was considered positive 

• Existing provisions of specific recreation types were considered adequate (these included tennis 

courts and activities for young people including a BMX track and skate park), however it was 

considered there may be specific future needs in relation to certain types of sporting fields 

• It was considered that small parks in specific areas of the proposed development may be required, 

although these would need to be rationalised 

• Council‟s Recreation Plan will be available in April 2012 – and it was considered that a strong 

opportunity to integrate recommendations for recreation facilities for the proposed development is 

presented. 

5.4 COORDINATOR, NORTH RICHMOND NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE 

The Centre Coordinator made the following observations: 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS 21

• The centre is one of the best used, and most visited centres in Hawkesbury 

• The North Richmond Community Centre has three halls available for hire to community groups. The 

halls are used by approximately 30 groups each month, and hosted 39 private functions in the last 

financial year. However, the halls are considered at capacity and any additional demand may not be 

met by the centre 

• The centre provides a number of services, in particular a drop in service for local residents to provide 

advice and information 

• The centre also provides a range of support groups including groups for geographically isolated 

women, education, computer literacy, youth services for 12-18 year olds, and children‟s before and 

after school services 

• Independent community groups also utilise the services provided by the centre including dance 

groups, zumba classes, and providers of martial arts lessons 

• The centre is supported by government funding, however also receives income from users of the site, 

in particular from hall hire and child care service fees 

• There are currently no plans for expansion at the centre, however should the proposed development 

in North Richmond be approved, the Coordinator felt that funding could be provided to expand 

service provision at the centre 

• There is a range of community service needs which are not currently being met by the Centre. These 

include senior‟s specific services, indoor sports facilities, and services for men. Additional services 

which could be provided in the short to medium term include a men‟s shed, and a large indoor sports 

facility. In the longer term, the feasibility of providing more halls for hire in the community could be 

considered 

• It was also suggested that any additional community services or facilities being provided as part of 

the proposed development could be located at the Community Centre rather than developing a new 

centre. The Coordinator considered this would provide a community hub, which could bring a range of 

users and people from across the area to a common, communal space. This may improve social 

connectedness, decreases social isolation and provide assistance to tackle depression 

• The Coordinator noted that a major concern for the local community relates to traffic volumes, with 

significant traffic congestion within the area. 

5.5 PRINCIPAL, RICHMOND NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL 

The Principal commented upon current enrolments and capacity at the primary school, as well as 

observations on the potential lack of capacity at the local High School. She commented: 

• The school caters for children between the ages of 5 and 12 years old. There are currently 160 

students enrolled across all ages 

• There are 1.5 kindergarten classes of 20 children each (30 children in total) 

• The maximum capacity at the school is approximately 260 pupils, therefore there is existing capacity 

for 100 pupils across all age groups 

• Enrolments have been declining for the last 6 years at least, and probably for the last 10years 

• There are currently 15 teachers employed at the school. The school is also a regional hub for support 

teachers and hosts three home teaching staff, and one regional teacher for each of the following 

specialities; visually impaired; disabled, behavioural issues 

• The school also provides a starting school service for two semesters each year leading up to 

kindergarten 


URBIS 


• The school has no plans for expansion, however the school is located on a large site, covering 

approximately 2.8ha which would allow for future expansion if required 

• The principal considered that the impact of the development on education facilities is difficult to 

assess at this stage because of the changing demographics of the local population. The area was 

formerly characterised by a large number of defence families who have now relocated. There was 

also an increase in the number of villas and townhouses rented in the area, however rental values 

increased resulting in the out-migration of many assisted renters. The mobility of the population has 

seen the area decrease and resulted in an ageing population 

• The primary school is a direct feeder school for Colo High School. Colo High School is considered at 

maximum capacity and is understood to operate a waiting list for year 7 students 

• The School Education Director for Hawkesbury is aware of the development and has raised concerns 

regarding the future of higher education in the area 

• The principal observed that other issues related to the proposed development may include traffic 

congestion, safety and management in the area. She noted there are several existing traffic issues 

including congestion and safety issues on three roads around the school. Also, with the only access 

route being the bridge, congestion can sometimes result in late attendance. Surrounding roads are 

used as drop off and pickup points for buses which exacerbates the problem. She noted that traffic is 

the most commonly talked about issue for the local community. 

5.6 PRINCIPAL, COLO HIGH SCHOOL 

The Principal made the following observations: 

• The school was established in 1978 and was located in Richmond before being relocated north of the 

Hawkesbury River to its current site in 1979. This was due to pressure from local parents for a more 

accessible location for secondary education 

• The school currently has a roll of approximately 1,050 students, with over 50 full, and part time staff 

• The school is currently at capacity, despite roll numbers falling slightly in recent years. The capacity 

of the school was previously enhanced through the provision of demountable classrooms, however 

these were deemed unsuitable and removed 

• Access to the school is an issue. The school has one access road serving as both entrance and exit; 

the area is a flood risk area which periodically causes access problems; traffic congestion is a 

constant issue which results in late attendance for students. In addition the school must operate 13 

school busses to provide remote students travel to and from school 

• The school catchment currently covers and area which extends from the Hawkesbury River in the 

south, to Berambing in the northwest. 

• Hawkesbury High School currently has capacity, with a current roll of 700 students. 

• The area has witnessed increases in public housing tenants in recent years, with some in-migration 

from metropolitan areas. This has resulted in an increase in social welfare issues for students at the 

high school 

• Facilities and services required to support the current population include better public transport, family 

services, additional sports and recreation facilities for young people, and greater involvement in 

community activities by the local populations. Currently a large number of students travel to 

Richmond to take part in sporting events rather than in North Richmond 

• The school currently has a number of sports facilities including two ovals, a gymnasium and sports 

hall. These facilities are accessed by local Primary Schools when required, however access to local 

community groups is restricted due to the remote location of the school, and security and safety 

issues 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIONS 23

• The school would not be able to support the secondary education requirements of the potential 

incoming population of the proposed development. In order to support the proposed development the 

Department of Education would need to consider the revision of school catchment boundaries. This 

will relocate students to other high schools, such as Hawkesbury, which currently have capacity. 


URBIS 


6 Social Infrastructure Audit 

6.1 INTRODUCTION 

The following section presents an audit of existing social infrastructure services and facilities provided in 

the local area. 

The audit is based on a range of sources of information relating to service provision, including: 

• Social Infrastructure Assessment – North Richmond (2007) Urbis 

• AUSWay Point of Interest (POI) Database 

• Hawkesbury Residential Land strategy (2010) Hassell 

• Desktop research 

• Consultation with Council officers and local service providers. 

The AUSWay POI Database is provided by the company that produce Sydway Street Directories. The 

database includes details of facilities in the Metro Sydney Area, which is updated approximately 6 

monthly (current data was updated in early 2010). 

Facilities located within 2km and 5km of the proposed development site have been selected as those 

most likely to be accessed by the residential community of the site. Facilities within the wider area of 

Hawkesbury LGA have been identified as supporting facilities which could be accessed by residents of 

the proposed development. 

Facilities identified are presented in Appendix A. 

6.2 COMMUNITY FACILITIES 

The Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy identifies that the Hawkesbury LGA currently provides 18 

community centres and halls, one community health centre in Windsor, and two Council libraries. 

6.2.1 COMMUNITY CENTRES AND NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSES 

There are four community centres and neighbourhood houses within 5km of the proposed development 

site, one of which is located within 2km of the site. 

The Kurrajong Community Centre located in McMahon Park, provides meeting rooms with capacity for up 

to 100 people for hire and a large playing oval. 

The North Richmond Community Centre is located within 2km of the site, in the village of North 

Richmond. The facility provides health and fitness classes (Yoga, Tai Chi, and dance), creative and 

teaching classes, venue hire, childcare and youth services. It currently has two community development 

workers funded by the Department of Communities. 

The proposed development will include the provision of a multi-purpose community building which will 

provide space for a men‟s shed, youth, aged and children‟s services, including a kitchen, car parking and 

heritage facility. 

6.2.2 CLUBS 

There are a large number of recreational clubs in North Richmond and Hawkesbury LGA. There is one 

club within 2km of the site, Panthers North Richmond, and nine clubs within a 5km radius of the site, 

including: 

• Colo Soccer Football Club 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AUDIT 25

• Grose River Golf Club 

• Windsor Polo Club 

• Kurrajong Hills Golf Club 

• Hawkesbury City Soccer Club 

• Hawkesbury City Cricket Club 

• Hawkesbury Baseball Club 

• Hawkesbury Softball Club 

• Richmond Club. 

The majority of these clubs make use of areas of open space in the area, and encompass sporting, social 

and recreational uses. 

6.2.3 YOUTH CENTRES 

In addition to the youth service at the North Richmond Neighbourhood Centre, there is one youth facility, 

YMCA Yarramundi Youth Camp, within the 5km radius. The youth facility offers outdoor education and 

activities, camping, youth leadership programs and holiday programs, and is available to hire for group 

functions. 

6.3 HEALTH SERVICES 

6.3.1 COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES 

There are a number of community health services and medical centres in North Richmond and the 

Richmond area, including podiatry and physiotherapy services, which are available in the North 

Richmond Shopping Village Centre. There are also two GP medical clinics, Better Health Medical Centre 

and North Richmond Family Practice, as well as the Hawkesbury Community Health Centre in Richmond 

which provides a range of services including nursing, occupational therapy, women‟s services, 

counselling, palliative care and aged care. 

There is also a community health centre next to the Hawkesbury District Health Service which is known 

as the Hawkesbury Community Health Centre – Windsor. This service consists of a Children‟s and Family 

nursing team and a Primary Health Care nursing team. The latter deals with older people and has a 

primarily aged clientele. 

6.3.2 OTHER HEALTH SERVICES 

There is one hospital located within 2km of the site, St John of God Hospital Richmond, which is a private 

psychiatric hospital providing comprehensive and holistic mental health care services. It does not provide 

outpatient services. 

Hawkesbury District Health Service located approximately 8km east of the site, offers public and private 

hospital facilities as well as community health services. The service comprises approximately 127 beds, 

four operating theatres, 24-hour Emergency Department, after hours GP clinic, day surgery unit, 

maternity unit among other services. 

There is also an ambulance service located within 5km of the site. 

6.4 AGED CARE 

There are four dedicated full time aged care centres within 5km of the site, as well as one respite care 

day facility. 

26 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE AUDIT 

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Hawkesbury Village aged care, located on Kurrajong Road, to the south of the site, provides high and low 

level care and includes a hostel and nursing home facility as well as self-care units. 

Anglicare Chesalon Richmond Nursing Home, located 5km south of the site, provides high level 

residential aged care, as well as Complex Care Support which helps to assist people with dementia in the 

home, including personal care, housework, meal preparation and shopping. 

Kurrajong and District Nursing Home is a high care facility, and Richmond Community & RSL Nursing 

Home, merged with the RSL club, provides a high care residential nursing home as well as managing 

retirement units. 

Anglicare Richmond Day Centre offers respite services for elderly people with dementia, operating three 

days a week. 

A new aged care facility is currently being developed on a 27.5ha sized portion of the site as part of the 

overall development of the site at North Richmond. It will include an 80 bed nursing home as well as 197 

independent living units. 

Hawkesbury Council has a strong emphasis on ageing in place – services are provided through a recently 

purpose-built Home and Community Care (HACC) Centre known as „Peppercorn Place‟. This is described 

as a „one-stop-shop‟ and is home to 10 local community organisations that support elderly and disabled 

residents in the Hawkesbury LGA. 

6.4.1 SENIOR CITIZENS‟ CENTRES 

There is one senior citizens‟ club, Hawkesbury District Senior Citizens Centre, within 5km of the site. The 

Centre is run by the Richmond Club and offers activities and services for citizens 55 years and over, or 45 

years and over for disabled and Indigenous persons. 

6.5 EDUCATION 

The Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy indicates that Hawkesbury LGA contains 35 public primary 

schools, nine other primary schools, six public high schools and five other secondary schools. The LGA 

also has a range of tertiary education opportunities including the University of Western Sydney 

Hawkesbury Campus, Richmond College of TAFE and a regional community college. 

6.5.1 PRIMARY SCHOOLS 

There are approximately 7 primary schools within 5km of the development site, three of which are located 

within 2km of the site. These primary schools currently support approximately 1,185 students between 

four and six years of age. The majority of the primary schools in the area also provide kindergarten 

places. 

The nearest primary school to the development site is the Kuyper Christian primary school, located off 

Redbank Road to the north of the site. The school currently provides primary education to approximately 

180 students. The North Richmond Primary School with a current enrolment of 160 students is located 

adjacent to the site and has sufficient capacity to accommodate growth associated with the proposed 

development. 

The other largest primary schools within 5km of the development site are the Hobart Public School, 

accommodating 460 students, and Grose View Public school, accommodating 330 students. 

6.5.2 SECONDARY SCHOOLS 

There are only two secondary schools within 5km of the site. Colo High School is the nearest high school 

located to the north east of the site, while Richmond High is located in Richmond town. 

Annual reports from the school suggest that combined, they support 1,931 students between the ages of 

five/six to 15/17 years of age. 

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Richmond High School has experienced significant growth in enrolments over the last few years and now 

operates a waiting list for year 7 students. Enrolment at Colo High School has remained relatively static 

over the last few years, and currently operates at capacity with 1,050 students. 

6.5.3 HIGHER EDUCATION 

The University of Western Sydney (UWS) Hawkesbury Campus is located to the south of Richmond, 

approximately 5km from the site. The campus provides teaching facilities, sporting fields and 

accommodation for students. The Campus is a valued higher education facility in the area. 

6.6 CHILD CARE AND KINDERGARTENS 

The Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy indicates that Hawkesbury LGA provides nine pubic preschools, 

six community or Council operated long day care centres, 18 privately operated long day care 

centres, and two mobile preschools. 

There are 14 child care and kindergarten centres within 5km of the proposed development site. Of these 

five are represented by primary schools in the local area. 

Approximately seven of the identified facilities are located within 2km of the proposed development site. 

The closest facilities to the site are the North Richmond Fun Factory, which provides child care for 

children aged between five and 13 years of age. Also Beverley‟s North Richmond Pre-school 

Kindergarten, which provides child care for approximately 40 children between the ages of two and six 

years. 

6.7 OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION 

The site is served well by open space and recreation facilities. The majority of open space within the 

Hawkesbury LGA is associated with the natural landscape areas within National Parks, State Forests, 

recreation and nature reserves and conservation areas. 

While some of these areas are located remote from urban centres, or contain sensitive bushland habitat, 

others provide a resources for everyday passive and active recreation uses for existing and future 

residents. 

6.7.1 ACTIVE OPEN SPACE 

The Hawkesbury LGA has over 23 sporting fields, reserves and ovals. In the vicinity of the site these 

include Peel Park, Hawkesbury Park and the Turnbull Oval. 

Peel Park consists of two cricket ovals (also known as the John Wellington Ovals), and playground 

equipment. Due to its location, it is anticipated that Peel Park represents a significant asset for 

prospective residents of the proposed development. 

Other active open space in close proximity to the site includes Hawkesbury Park on the banks of the 

Hawkesbury River. The park includes a large area of informal open space adjacent to the River, and 

sports fields and changing facilities in the east. Another site is Turnbull Oval, which includes three allweather 

tennis courts and cricket oval and grandstand. 

Hawkesbury Council is currently undertaking a playground replacement program which will upgrade 

existing sites and improve amenities for the community. Council is also preparing an Open Space and 

Recreation Strategy that will assist in informing future development. This Strategy is due for release in 

April 2012 and it is suggested that refinement of active open space requirements, such as those 

proposed for Peel Park, could be refined ant this time and aligned with the Strategy. 

The proposed development includes the provision of public recreation space in the north of the area, 

adjacent to the existing Peel Park. 


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6.7.2 OTHER ACTIVE RECREATION FACILITIES 

The Hawkesbury Residential Land Strategy identifies approximately 15 tennis courts, 37 playing fields, 

four golf courses, and two swimming pools including an indoor aquatic centre. The following list presents 

a summary of the active recreation facilities within 5km of the proposed development site: 

• Five horse riding centres, including one equestrian centre; 

• One Skate Park within 2km, located in North Richmond village; 

• Two swimming pools, one located in Kurrajong to the north, and one located at Hobartville to the 

south of the site (another pool at UWS, Hawkesbury is understood to have recently closed. However, 

Council officers have indicated that they do not believe the population, including an expanded 

population, can sustain a further swimming pool); 

• Two tennis court centres, own within 2km located in North Richmond village, one located within 5km 

to the north of Kurrajong. 

6.7.3 PASSIVE OPEN SPACE 

The Hawkesbury LGA has significant natural land assets, including a number of National Parks, river 

systems and areas of passive open space which contribute to the rural feel of the area and form a 

network of valued natural assets. Passive open space includes assets which are both natural and 

maintained for recreational use. 

The Hawkesbury LGA is also dominated by several river systems, in particular those associated with the 

Hawkesbury and Nepean Rivers. The site is located 600m north of the Hawkesbury River, and there are 

a number of passive and formal recreation opportunities provided by the river, including as part of 

Hawkesbury Park. 

Redbank Creek flows along the northern border of the site. In the vicinity of the site it is understood that 

Redbank Creek is characterised by a deep, fast flowing channel, both overground and culverted flow, a 

number of surface water ponds, and a significant riparian corridor running across the northern border of 

the site and to the north of North Richmond village. 

The proposed development includes the zoning of large sections of Redbank Creek as an environmental 

management area to improve vegetation the riparian corridor. However, at a number of locations the 

Creek and surrounding area is to be zoned as infrastructure for trunk drainage. This will provide a tertiary 

function as passive open space, and provide public access to the Creek. 

One challenge for development at the site is to utilise existing passive open space as appropriately as 

possible. This should include both improving access and visual amenity of existing passive open space, 

and considering the activation of passive space to provide the local community with sporting or recreation 

facilities. 

6.7.4 HERITAGE ITEMS 

The 180ha development site is part of the larger 300 ha area known as Yobarnie. The area has high 

historical and associative significance at a State level for its role in agriculture. In addition there are a 

number of local heritage features including: 

• Historical significance for agricultural and grazing 

• Associative significance with the Charley family 

• Aesthetic significance of dams associated with Keyline system 

• Aesthetic significance of culverts and former railway features associated with the siding along the 

Redbank Creek 

• Social significance associated with evidence of Aboriginal occupation. 

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The presence of significant heritage items, including the surrounding agricultural land, former railway 

(Pansy Line) and Aboriginal heritage presents a significant opportunity for development at the site to 

secure, and maximise access to such features. This will be achieved through the provision of heritage 

facility, co-located with a community building near Peel Park. 

6.8 OTHER SERVICES 

The North Richmond area is also well serviced by a number of other services, including fire services, 

police stations, libraries, post offices and shopping centres. 

There are five fire service stations within 5km of the subject site, including Richmond Fire Service and 

Grose Vale, Grose Wald, Kurrajong and Yarramundi Rural Fire Services. 

There is one police station within 5km of the site, Richmond Police Station, this is a branch station which 

is supported by the Hawkesbury Local Area Command (LAC) Station located in Windsor. 

The Hawkesbury Library Service operates from Richmond Branch Library, which has computer and 

internet access, study and community rooms available for individuals and community groups, and a home 

delivery service for those unable to access the library due to infirmity, disability or prolonged illness. 

There is also a book depot in North Richmond. 

There are five post offices near the subject site, including one within 2km of the site at North Richmond, 

and four within 5km of the site at Kurmond, Kurrajong, Grose Vale and Richmond. 

There are also a number of shopping centres, including Richmond Mall, Richmond Marketplace, Park 

Mall and Magnolia Mall in Richmond, as well as a Big W and an Aldi supermarket, and Heritage Plaza 

and North Richmond Shopping Centre within 2km of the site at North Richmond. 


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7 Needs Assessment and Benchmarking 

Table 7 below presents an assessment of the potential requirements for social infrastructure created by 

residents of the proposed development, and natural population growth in the area. 

The assessment has been based on a comparison between the proposed development size, cumulative 

population growth and recognised benchmarks for service provision. The audit of existing facilities and 

discussions with key stakeholders has also informed the assessment and recommendations. 

Recognised benchmarks have been obtained from a range of sources, and where there is discrepancy 

the Growth Centres Commission benchmarks have been applied. 

This benchmarking exercise has been based on the total number of dwellings proposed for the site 

(1,400) and the estimated total population, 3,920. 

This table is intended to provide an evidence base for provision requirements. The particular built form 

and scale of recommended facilities will be determined as part of a detailed master planning process. 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BENCHMARKING 31

TABLE 7 – SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT 

FACILITY 

TYPE 

SERVICE 

PROVISION 

EXISTING 

PROVISION 

PROPOSED 

DEVELOPMENT 

CUMULATIVE 

REQUIREMENT 

ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATION 

BENCHMARK 

(WITHIN 5KM) 

REQUIREMENT 

(2021) 

Childcare and 

Kindergartens 

Day care 

1:10,000 

people 

Pre-school 

1:4,000 to 

6,000 people 

14 0.98 5.85 There are currently 14 childcare facilities within 5km of the site. 

According to benchmarks the development could trigger the need for additional (0.98) 

childcare and kindergarten facilities in the area. 

The existing provision of 14 facilities within 5km will meet potential community need 

under cumulative population growth (5.85). 

It is anticipated that existing childcare facilities have capacity due to historical 

decrease in the number of children living in the area. 

Primary school 

Primary 

1:1,500 new 

dwellings 

The catchment for childcare services is expected to be smaller than for other 

services. The development will indirectly cater for childcare services through the 

provision of commercial space at the local centre which could be used by commercial 

childcare operators if demand arose. 

7 0.93 * There are currently seven primary schools within 5km of the proposed development. 

There is also a primary school in North Richmond with capacity. 

According to benchmarks the development could trigger the need for additional (0.93) 

primary school education in the area. 

Secondary 

schools 

Secondary 

1:4,500 new 

dwellings 

It is understood that there is sufficient capacity within existing primary schools in the 

area due to underlying demographic changes. Primary school enrolments have been 

falling for a number of years, and it is anticipated that the existing three primary 

schools within 2km of the site would have sufficient capacity to accommodate the 

proposed population. 

2 0.31 * There are currently two secondary schools within 2km of the development site. 

According to benchmarks the development would have minor impact on community 

need (0.31) for additional secondary school education, and would not create a 

32 NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BENCHMARKING 

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FACILITY 

SERVICE 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 

CUMULATIVE 


TYPE 

PROVISION 

BENCHMARK 

PROVISION 

(WITHIN 5KM) 

DEVELOPMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

(2021) 

requirement for a new secondary school. 

The nearest high school, Colo High School, is currently at capacity and could not 

accommodate any increase in student numbers. Hawkesbury High School currently 

has capacity. 

Youth centre 

1:10,000 to 

20,000 people 

1 0.39 2.34 There is currently one youth centre within 5km of the site. 

According to benchmarks the proposed development will not trigger the need (0.39) 

for an additional youth centre in the area. 

The proposed development will include the provision of a community building in close 

proximity to Peel Park. This will create a facility which can be utilised for youth 

services if required. 

There are a range of facilities for young people in the area, including active recreation 

spaces such as skate parks and sporting ovals. Also the North Richmond Community 

Centre provides a number of youth activities. 

Community 

centre 

1:15,000 – 

20,000 people 

4 0.26 3.90 Community centres provide a range of services to the local population. There are 

currently four centres within 5km of the development site. 


for an additional community centre. 

The proposed development will include the provision of a multi-purpose community 

building. This will provide additional services to members of the community who are 

currently underprovided for. Key priority clients include working age and retired males. 

The provision of a men‟s shed facility as part of the community building will help to 

meet this need, along with space for youth activities and a heritage facility. 

Community Hall 1:10,000 

people 

3 0.39 2.34 There are currently three community hall‟s within 5km of the site. 


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NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BENCHMARKING 33

FACILITY 

SERVICE 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 

CUMULATIVE 


TYPE 

PROVISION 

BENCHMARK 

PROVISION 

(WITHIN 5KM) 

DEVELOPMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

(2021) 

for the provision of any additional community halls. 

The existing provision of three facilities within 5km will meet potential community need 

under cumulative population growth (2.34). 

Local parks 

(passive open 

space) 

1:4,000 

people 

17 0.98 5.85 The site and surrounding area is served well by a good network of passive open 

space. This includes approximately 17 open space areas within 5km of the site. 

According to benchmarks the proposed development could trigger the need (0.98) for 

additional passive open space in the area. 

The existing provision of 17 areas of open space within 5km will meet potential 

community need under cumulative population growth (5.85). However the size and 

accessibility issues related to the existing areas of open space are unknown. 

The proposed development includes the provision of trunk drainage areas separating 

residential areas onsite. The primary and secondary function of these areas is for 

drainage and riparian improvements. However these areas will also provide a tertiary 

function as passive open space for use by the local population. 

Based on the existing provision of passive open space in the area, and the provision 

of open space onsite, it is anticipated that the proposed development will meet the 

needs of the community. 

Active open 

space 

1:2,000 

people 

13 1.31 7.80 The existing area is served well by active open space including a number of sports 

pitches, ovals, skate parks and other facilities. There are approximately 13 active 

open space areas within 5km of the site. 

According to benchmarks the proposed development could trigger the need (1.31) for 

additional active open space to serve the needs of the local community and future 

residents. 

The existing provision of 13 areas of open space within 5km will meet potential 


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FACILITY 

SERVICE 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 

CUMULATIVE 


TYPE 

PROVISION 

BENCHMARK 

PROVISION 

(WITHIN 5KM) 

DEVELOPMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

(2021) 

community need under cumulative population growth (7.80). However the size and 

accessibility issues related to the existing areas of open space are unknown. 

The proposed development will include the dedication of land, and landscape 

embellishments, including vegetation, walking and cycling paths, signage and street 

furniture. This will promote active and passive use of, and improve access to, Peel 

Park and Redbank Creek. These embellishments will establish Peel Park as a 

significant regional facility. 

Horse riding 1:30,000 

people 

Swimming pool 1:100,000 

people 

Tennis courts 1:3,410 

people 

5 0.13 0.78 The proposed development, and natural growth, will not require the provision of horse 

riding facilities. 

2 0.04 0.23 The proposed development, and natural population growth, will not require the 

provision of a public swimming pool 

2 1.15 6.86 There are two tennis facilities in the surrounding area, including those located at 

Turnbull Oval in North Richmond. 

In comparison with provision benchmarks, the proposed development could trigger 

the need (1.15) for additional tennis facilities as part of the active open space offer. 

The existing provision of 2 tennis court facilities within 5km will not meet the potential 

community need under cumulative population growth (6.86). 

Community 

health care 

1:20,000 

people 

However anecdotal evidence from consultation suggests that there is no additional 

demand for tennis courts in the area, and the provision of additional active recreation 

as part of the proposed upgrade to Peel Park, will meet the community need for active 

recreation. 

5 0.20 1.17 There are currently five community health services within 5km of the site. 


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NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BENCHMARKING 35

FACILITY 

SERVICE 

EXISTING 

PROPOSED 

CUMULATIVE 


TYPE 

PROVISION 

BENCHMARK 

PROVISION 

(WITHIN 5KM) 

DEVELOPMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

REQUIREMENT 

(2021) 

for additional community health care facilities. 

The existing provision of community health care facilities will meet the potential 

community need under cumulative population growth (1.17). 

Hospital 

2 beds per 

1,000 people 

1 8 47 The nearest hospital to the site, the St John of God, is a private psychiatric facility 

which does not service outpatients. The nearest public service is Hawkesbury District 

Health Service, located 8km east of the site. This service currently has 127 beds. 

In comparison to service provision benchmarks it is suggested that the proposed 

development may increase the need for hospital beds by 8 beds. Cumulative 

population growth suggests the requirement for up to 50beds by 2026. 

It is anticipated that existing service provision of 127 beds at Hawkesbury District 

Health Service, is sufficient to meet the needs of the development now and in the 

future. 

Aged care 

facility 

1:10,000 

people 

5 0.39 2.34 The development is located adjacent to a new residential aged care development site, 

which will provide a range of services to elderly residents. Due to the proximity of this 

facility it is anticipated that the proposed development will not require additional aged 

care facilities. 

Libraries 1:33,000 

people 

1 0.12 0.71 The proposed development, and natural population growth, will not require the 

provision of a library. 


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7.1 SUMMARY OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BENCHMARKING 

The following, highlights the key points identified from the social infrastructure audit, needs assessment 

and comparison to best practice benchmarks for social infrastructure: 

• The proposed development may trigger the need for additional childcare facilities in the area. 

Childcare services generally have smaller catchment areas compared to other services and therefore 

the provision of services onsite would be beneficial for the proposed residents. Childcare is indirectly 

provided for in the proposal through the provision of commercial land available within the local centre. 

This provides the opportunity for a private childcare operator to provide services should demand arise 

• The proposed development may trigger the need for additional primary school education. However 

due to existing capacity at nearby schools, it is anticipated that existing facilities will meet the 

increased demand created by the proposed development 

• According to benchmarks the development would have minor impacts on community need for 

additional secondary school education, and would not create a requirement for a new secondary 

school. Colo High School is currently at capacity however there may be capacity at Hawkesbury High 

School. The Department of Education and Training would be responsible for addressing the issue of 

capacity and catchments for secondary students, and although Urbis has attempted to contact the 

Regional Education Director, for comment in this regard, this has not been successful 

• The proposed development will not trigger the need for additional community centres in the area, 

however the development does provide the opportunity to support services for currently 

underprovided for populations. The proposal includes the provision of a multi-purpose community 

building, incorporating space for use as a men‟s shed, youth and child based services, and general 

community services, will support the local population 

• The proposed development will include trunk drainage corridors between residential lots, which will 

perform a tertiary function as passive open space. The improvements to Redbank Creek and existing 

farm dams will improve access to environmental features and provide visual amenity impacts. In 

addition the proposed development will include the dedication of land, and landscape 

embellishments, including vegetation, walking and cycling paths, signage and street furniture. This 

will promote active and passive use of, and improve access to, Peel Park and Redbank Creek. These 

embellishments, in addition to the provision of a community building, presents an opportunity to 

establish Peel Park as a significant regional facility 

• It is anticipated that the proposed development will have a negligible impact on the provision of health 

care, including aged care and community health, in the area 

• The proposed development includes the provision of a heritage facility as part of the community 

building. This facility will engage with the wider community, including the significant Aboriginal 

community, provide community understanding and access to the significant heritage assets of the 

surrounding area, and represent a social benefit for the area. 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BENCHMARKING 37

8 Social Infrastructure Provision Recommendations 

Recommendations for the provision of social infrastructure services and facilities to support the proposed 

development are presented below. Recommendations have been based on an audit of existing service 

provision, consultation with key stakeholders, and comparison of development size against recognised 

benchmarks. 

Recommendations are summarised at the end of this section. 

8.1 SCHOOLS 

No additional provision is recommended. However discussions with the Principal of Colo High School 

confirms that the school is currently at capacity, however there may be capacity at Hawkesbury High 

School. The Department of Education and Training would be responsible for addressing the issue of 

capacity and catchments for secondary students, and although Urbis has attempted to contact the 

Regional Education Director, Department of Education, for comment in this regard, this has not been 

successful. We recommend that an appointment is made by the Joint Venture Partners with the Regional 

Education Director to identify the Department‟s response to this matter. 

8.2 COMMUNITY BUILDING 

The proposed community building will help to relieve pressure on existing community facilities, as well as 

providing services that are lacking in the area, such as a men‟s shed service, potential space for youth 

activities, and a heritage facility. The men‟s shed will provide a valuable service to residents of both the 

proposed development and the adjacent seniors living development, and tackle issues relating to social 

inclusion. 

Given that the proposed facility is a small space of approximately 300m 2 , it is important that it is designed 

as an efficient and flexible space which will complement the existing facilities. It is therefore 

recommended that the community building include lockable storage space along with limited kitchen and 

bathroom facilities, as well as parking and shade sails appropriate to its location by Peel Park. 

8.3 TRANSPORT AND LINKAGES 

There are a number of opportunities to integrate the proposed development with the surrounding area, 

providing better access to local amenities and services. 

The integration of the proposed development into the wider area, and provision of adequate transport 

routes are essential. The proposed development includes plans to provide access to Grose Vale Road, 

Arthur Philip Drive, and Townsend Road. The provision of a new road bridge across the Hawkesbury 

River in the vicinity of the site would provide a significant benefit to the local community. A number of 

community members have highlighted the existing transport issues associated with the existing road 

bridge and suggested that a second crossing to North Richmond would ease congestion in the Village. 

8.4 SOCIAL PROGRAMS 

Consultation with key stakeholders suggests that the area has a „strong well‟ of social capital. 

Development should ensure that opportunities for community integration and development are provided. 

The provision of a community building, heritage facility, and improvements to the environment of the area 

will contribute to this aim. Additional social programs could be considered including: 

• Community education regarding water use/re-use 

• Community planting 

• Green transport projects. 

38 SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION RECOMMENDATIONS 

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8.5 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 

The list below presents a summary of the above recommendations. 

• Due to the potential increase in secondary school age children at the site, and the limited capacity at 

the existing secondary school, we recommend an appointment is made by the Joint Venture Partners 

with the Regional Education Director to identify the Department‟s response to this matter 

• Provision of flexible space as part of the community building, including lockable storage space along 

with limited kitchen and bathroom facilities, as well as parking and shade sails appropriate to its 

location by Peel Park 

• Improve connectedness of the site to the surrounding areas through investigation of additional 

roadways to North Richmond village and Richmond town, aligned with Councils Mobility Plan 

• Consideration to the provision of social programs in the wider area to build on the strong social capital 

of the area, and improve connectedness between the development and North Richmond village. 

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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION RECOMMENDATIONS 39


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APPENDIX_O_COMMUNITY_NEEDS_ASSESSMENT SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION RECOMMENDATIONS 41


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Appendix A 

Facilities mapping 

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APPENDICES

APPENDICES 

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APPENDICES

APPENDICES 

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APPENDICES

APPENDICES 

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APPENDICES

Sydney 

LEVEL 23 | DARLING PARK TOWER 2, 201 

SUSSEX STREET 

Sydney, NSW 2000 

t +02 8233 9900 

f +02 8233 9966 

Brisbane 

Level 12, 120 Edward Street 

Brisbane, QLD 4000 

t +07 3007 3800 

f +07 3007 3811 

Melbourne 

Level 12, 120 Collins Street 

Melbourne, VIC 3000 

t +03 8663 4888 

f +03 8663 4999 

• Perth 

Level 1, 55 St Georges 

Terrace 

Perth, WA 6000 

t +08 9346 0500 

f +08 9321 7790 

• Australia • Asia • Middle East 

w urbis.com.au e 

info@urbis.com.au

Community Needs Assessment - Hawkesbury City Council

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