Delivery Program and Operational Plan 2012 - 2013 - Ku-ring-gai ...

Mayors message
The final year of our current
Delivery Program will see
councillors and staff continuing to
work constructively on several key
initiatives across the organisation.
On the capital works front, work will progress on the new Indoor
Aquatic and Leisure Centre at West Pymble’s Bicentennial Park.
This project has been on Council’s agenda for many years so
it’s very pleasing that construction has begun and is due for
completion by the end of 2012. There is no doubt that this will be
a valued community facility, ending the need for residents to leave
Ku-ring-gai to swim in the colder months.
Work is also progressing on our other major capital works
project, the North Turramurra Recreation Area, after many years
in the planning phase. This will feature three new playing fields
and a host of other recreation facilities along with an innovative
stormwater harvesting and sewer mining irrigation system.
Council’s ability to deliver this major project has been boosted by
a 3.15% Special Facilities Levy on rates which will generate $8
million over five years.
As has been the case in recent years, planning issues will continue
to be a major focus for councillors and staff. We are continuing
to work on a new Local Centres LEP to replace the former plan
invalidated by the NSW Land and Environment Court following a
legal challenge by the Friends of Turramurra residents’ group.
In consultation with our community, we are working on a new
draft Centres Plan with more appropriate proposals for our six
major centres. Councillors are looking forward to having this plan
finalised before the end of our term in September.
Key planning work is also continuing on the new Principal LEP
to cover all of our local government area. A suite of strategies
has been developed to feed into the new comprehensive plan.
These include an Integrated Transport Strategy to help plan for
future transport initiatives and operations across Ku-ring-gai, and
strategies for the future management of bushfire risks, biodiversity
and riparian zones.
In the coming year, Section 94 development levies will continue
to be an important source of funding for new infrastructure to
support our growing population. These levies are vital to fund the
acquisition of property for new open space in areas in and near
our major local centres. Following purchases last year, we are
now designing new parks in Bruce Avenue, Killara and expanding
Cameron Park in Turramurra. Work is also underway on another
community park in Woonona Avenue, Wahroonga, while a
bushland reserve is to be created at a Blue Gum High Forest site
at Water Street, Wahroonga.
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Delivery Program and Draft Operational Plan 2012 - 2013