PART ONE - Fishers Ghost

PART ONEReports of the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting held at7.30pm on Tuesday, 1 March 2011.APOLOGIESACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LANDDECLARATIONS OF INTERESTPecuniary InterestsNon Pecuniary – Significant InterestsNon Pecuniary – Less than Significant InterestsITEM TITLE PAGEPART ONE1. WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES1.1 Outcome of the Free Recyclables Drop Off Day 20112. ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING2.1 Amendments to the Growth Centres Biodiversity Certification2.2 Natural Burials Trial by Shoalhaven City Council2.3 Local Government Needs in Responding to Climate Change in NSW – Asummary of report findings2.4 Review of State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing)20092.5 Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 20362.6 Earth Hour 2011PART TWO3. DEVELOPMENT SERVICES3.1 Development Services Section Statistics - January 20113.2 No.13 Lincoln Street, Minto - Modify Existing Use as a BrothelPART THREE3.3 Nos. 104-106 O’Sullivan Road - Demolition of two existing dwellings and theconstruction of 10 seniors living units

ITEM TITLE PAGEPART FOUR3.4 No. 133 Englorie Park Drive, Glen Alpine3.5 Kooringa Reserve, St. AndrewsPART FIVE3.6 Appointment of Additional Alternate State Members to the Sydney West JointRegional Planning Panel3.7 No. 16 St Johns Road, Campbelltown - Conversion of an existing convent intoa church with associated construction of a car park, fence and buildingadditions3.8 Six to eight storey mixed-use commercial, retail and residential apartmentdevelopment proposal - Lot 3004 DP 1152287, Stowe Avenue, Campbelltown4. COMPLIANCE SERVICES4.1 Legal Status Report4.2 Compliance Services Quarterly Statistics October to December 20115. GENERAL BUSINESS18. CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS18.1 Confidential Information relating to items on the Planning and EnvironmentAgenda 1 March 2011

Minutes of the Planning and Environment Committee held on 1 March 2011PresentApologyCouncillor R Kolkman (Chairperson)Councillor J BourkeCouncillor G GreissCouncillor P HawkerCouncillor M OatesCouncillor R ThompsonGeneral Manager - Mr P TosiActing Director Planning and Environment - Mr A SpoonerDirector Business Services - Mr M SewellManager Environmental Planning - Mr P JemisonManager Development Services - Mr J BaldwinManager Waste and Recycling Services - Mr P MacdonaldManager Community Resources and Development - Mr BMcCauslandCorporate Support Coordinator - Mr T RouenSenior Development Planner - Mr A MacgeeExecutive Assistant - Mrs K Peters(Greiss/Hawker)That the apology from Councillor Matheson be received andaccepted.CARRIEDAcknowledgement of LandAn Acknowledgement of Land was presented by the Chairperson CouncillorKolkman.DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTDeclarations of Interest were made in respect of the following items:Non Pecuniary – Significant InterestsCouncillor Kolkman - Item 3.8 - Six to Eight Storey Mixed-Use Commercial, Retailand Residential Apartment Development Proposal - Lot 3004 DP 1152287, StoweAvenue, Campbelltown - Councillor Kolkman advised that he is a member of theJoint Regional Planning Panel (JRPP)and that he will leave the Chamber and nottake part in debate nor vote on the matter.Councillor Hawker - Item 3.8 - Six to Eight Storey Mixed-Use Commercial, Retail andResidential Apartment Development Proposal - Lot 3004 DP 1152287, StoweAvenue, Campbelltown - Councillor Hawker advised that he is a member of the JointRegional Planning Panel (JRPP)and that he will leave the Chamber and not take partin debate nor vote on the matter.

Manager Development Services - Item 3.8 - Six to Eight Storey Mixed-UseCommercial, Retail and Residential Apartment Development Proposal - Lot 3004 DP1152287, Stowe Avenue, Campbelltown - The Manager Development Servicesadvised that he is the Assessing Officer of the Joint Regional Planning Panel(JRPP)and that he will leave the Chamber.Non Pecuniary – Less than Significant InterestsCouncillor Greiss - Item 3.7 - No.16 St Johns Road, Campbelltown - Conversion ofan Existing Convent into a Church with Associated Construction of a Car Park, Fenceand Building Additions - Councillor Greiss advised that he is a member of the CopticChurch at Long Point and that he will remain in the Chamber.

1. WASTE AND RECYCLING SERVICES1.1 Outcome of the Free Recyclables Drop Off Day 2011Reporting OfficerManager Waste and Recycling ServicesAttachmentsNil.PurposeTo update Council on the outcome of the Free Recyclables Drop-Off Day held on 8January 2011.HistoryCouncil held its inaugural Free Recyclables Drop-Off Day in January 2009, and dueto the success of the event, Council at its meeting on 3 February 2009 resolved toprovide Campbelltown residents with a Free Recyclables Drop-Off Day each yearfollowing Christmas and New Year.ReportThe Free Recyclables Drop-Off Day is now in its third year, with the latest event heldon Saturday, 8 January 2011 at Coronation Park, Redfern Road, Minto. Residentswere able to drop off any recyclable materials that would normally be collected intheir yellow-lid recycling bin, plus polystyrene, between the hours of 8am and 2pm onthe day of the event for recycling, free of charge.As in previous years, the Free Recyclables Drop-Off Day was supported by a numberof sponsors, who provided various resources free of charge to assist with the event.WSN Environmental Solutions accepted the recyclables collected at the event forrecycling, SITA Environmental Solutions provided two compactor vehicles to assistwith the collection of recyclables and the Colossal Box Company accepted thepolystyrene dropped off at the event for recycling.The 2011 event saw an increase in the number of attendees using the service incomparison to the 2010 event, and not surprisingly, the amount of recyclablescollected also increased. The event attracted 224 participants, who dropped offnearly four and a half tonnes of recyclables in total. This total comprised of more thanthree and a half tonnes of paper and cardboard, and nearly one tonne of mixedcontainers such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans and glass bottles.

Figure 1 illustrates the amount of recyclable materials collected on the day.4000Tonnages Collected3500Weight (kilograms)300025002000150010005000Paper/CardboardMaterial TypeMixed ContainersFigure 1: Breakdown of recyclable materials collectedResidents were also able to drop off polystyrene for recycling, which is not able to bedisposed of in domestic recycling bins, but is a waste that is commonly accumulatedaround the festive season. This service was offered for the first time at the 2010event, and due to its popularity, it was offered again in 2011.The polystyrene recycling service proved to be popular again at this year’s event,with almost half of the participants utilising the service and dropping offapproximately 30 cubic metres of polystyrene in total. By using this service, residentshave collectively saved approximately 215 general waste bins full of polystyrene fromgoing to landfill, which will be recycled into new products such as timber-look blinds,decking and compact discs.As polystyrene is a material that is often disposed of incorrectly, the customer surveyconducted at the entrance to the event was used as an opportunity to engage eachindividual attendee and clarify any confusion they may have been experiencing aboutpolystyrene disposal. Conducting this survey also provided an opportunity to collectinformation and feedback from participants to assist with planning future events. Theresponses provided by participants were overwhelmingly positive, with many peoplecommenting on how useful they found the service to be, and nearly all participantsstating that they would use the service again next year.The Free Recyclables Drop-Off Day was advertised in local newspapers throughoutDecember 2010 and information was provided on Council’s website. In addition,posters and flyers were distributed to Council’s libraries, leisure centres and childcare centres and information was provided about the event during Council Hour on2MCR.

It is interesting to note that while the event has been running for three consecutiveyears in the same location, approximately two-thirds of residents who attended theevent in 2011 had not used the service before. This suggests that the advertisingcarried out to promote the event continues to reach a new audience, which indicatesa potential for participation rates to increase at future events.Officer's RecommendationThat the information be noted.Committee’s Recommendation: (Hawker/Bourke)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.CARRIEDCouncil Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING2.1 Amendments to the Growth Centres Biodiversity CertificationReporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachmentsSouth West Growth Centre – Biodiversity Certification Map (distributed underseparate cover)PurposeThe purpose of this report is to inform Council about amendments to the ThreatenedSpecies Conservation Act 1995 relating to the conferral of biodiversity certification onState Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Region Growth Centres) 2006,otherwise known as the Growth Centres SEPP.HistoryBiodiversity certification of State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney RegionGrowth Centres) 2006 was granted in December 2007, under section 126G of theThreatened Species Conservation Act (TSC) 1995. In July 2010 the TSC Act 1995was amended in response to the Threatened Species Conservation Amendment(Biodiversity Certification) Act 2010 resulting in new biodiversity certificationarrangements for the Growth Centres. These new arrangements and associatedimplications for Council are discussed in this report.Whilst all the land within the Growth Centres boundaries is affected by thesebiodiversity certification provisions, the areas which fall within the CampbelltownLocal Government Area include the Edmondson Park and East Leppington Precincts.These areas are show on the attached South West Growth Centre – BiodiversityCertification map.ReportThe Threatened Species Conservation Amendment (Biodiversity Certification) Act2010 (the Biodiversity Certification Act) was assented to on 15 June 2010 andcommenced on 2 July 2010. The Biodiversity Certification Act replaced Division 5 ofthe TSC Act, which related to biodiversity certification, with a new part (Part 7AA).Consequently the arrangements for the Growth Centres biodiversity certification arenow dealt with exclusively in Part 7 of Schedule 7 of the TSC Act (BiodiversityCertification of the Growth Centres SEPP).

The Biodiversity Certification Act also made an amendment to the application of theGrowth Centres biodiversity certification. Specifically, Clause 18(2) of Part 7 ofSchedule 7 to the TSC Act was amended as follows (underlined text indicates theamendments made to the clause):(2) The biodiversity certification conferred by this Part applies:(a)(b)(c)Only to the subject land (being biodiversity certified lands within theGrowth Centres), andTo all development and activities that may be carried out under theGrowth Centres SEPP (including development and activities that maybe carried out under another Environmental Planning Instrument (EPI)that applies to the subject land), andto all threatened species, populations and ecological communities.The effect of the amendment is that biodiversity certification now applies to alldevelopment and activities that may be carried out under any EnvironmentalPlanning Instruments that apply to the subject land (biodiversity certified land withinthe Growth Centres), which may include the Growth Centres SEPP, and any localenvironmental plans or other State Environmental Planning Policies) irrespective ofwhether that land has been rezoned under the Growth Centres SEPP or not.The subsequent implications for Council are that any Part 4 developmentapplications lodged with Council which proposes development on biodiversitycertified land (as mapped in Part 7 of Schedule 7 of the TSC Act) do not require athreatened species assessment regardless of what planning instrument the worksare being carried out in accordance with. Also, as the consent authority, Council isrequired to determine whether a site to which a development application relates issituated within certified or non-certified lands.The TSC Act continues to apply to all development carried out on non-certified landand a threatened species assessment may be required where the developmentinvolves the clearing of vegetation. Under such circumstances, the development willalso need to address any relevant requirements of the Growth centres SEPP,including vegetation clearing controls.Officer's RecommendationThat the information be noted.Committee’s Recommendation: (Bourke/Greiss)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.CARRIED

Council Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.

2.2 Natural Burials Trial by Shoalhaven City CouncilReporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachmentsNilPurposeTo inform Council on a trial of natural burials by Shoalhaven City Council, and thefeasibility of Campbelltown City Council conducting a similar trial within theCampbelltown Local Government Area.HistoryAt the Planning and Environment Committee Meeting on 7 December 2010, aquestion was raised without notice in reference to Item 2.3 - 'Submission to thePublic Exhibition of the Metropolitan Strategy Review and the Metropolitan TransportPlan', and noted that recent media highlighted a natural burial trial being conductedby Shoalhaven City Council.The Director Planning and Environment was asked to investigate the feasibility ofconducting a similar trial in Campbelltown given the importance of issues relating tocemeteries in South West Sydney.ReportNatural Burial Trial by Shoalhaven City CouncilAt its meeting on 16 November 2010, Shoalhaven City Council considered a reporton 'natural burials', and resolved to undertake a 2 year trial of this type of burialservice within an existing Council owned and operated cemetery at the ShoalhavenMemorial Garden and Lawn Cemetery.The following definition of a 'natural burial' considered in the report by ShoalhavenCity Council is noted:"The purpose of a natural burial is to return the body to the earth in a mannerthat does not inhibit decomposition and allows the body to recycle naturally. Itis intended as an environmentally sustainable funeral practice that will limitfuture hazards to public health and is in harmony with modern resourceconservationactivities."

The general principle of a natural burial is to use an environmentally friendly practicethat allows for a complete dissolution of the body and casket with minimal impacts tothe surrounding environment. This type of burial also restricts the typical hardinfrastructure associated with cemeteries, such as grave construction, headstonesand pathways, so that the land may be utilised for alternative purposes in the longerterm. This could include supplementary/alternative land uses such as the growth ofnatural vegetation, grazing, recreation or horticulture.The report on the matter, considered by Shoalhaven City Council, raised a number ofpotential issues relating to the management and operation of their existingcemeteries, summarised as follows:DemandThere is no evidence that indicates there is a significant demand by the communityfor natural burials. The limited data available from the small number of natural buriallocations within Australia indicates that the overall demand for natural burials is likelyto be within the range of 5 - 8% of all burials. It is important to note that these burialfigures do not account for cremations, which in the Shoalhaven for example,outnumber burials by three to one.The Shoalhaven City Council's Bereavement Services Unit Manager believes only avery small number of people will, when actually confronted with the need to arrange afuneral, opt for natural burial.Management PolicyShoalhaven City Council intends to manage natural burials through guidelines, asopposed to including the provision in Council’s adopted Cemeteries, Crematoriumand Memorial Garden Policy (POL08/160). This provides for flexibility in adapting theguidelines to changing community demand during the 24 month trial period if needbe.Single Use PlotsThe land that is allocated for natural burials should be left in its current state.Immediately after burial, the ground is, as much as is possible, returned to its originalstate although it is common practice to plant a tree or shrub over the grave.Unfortunately, it also makes the common NSW practice of burying up to three adultbodies in a single plot impractical, meaning that until dissolution, only a singleinterment is likely to occur in each natural burial plot.BiodegradabilityThe body should be dressed in biodegradable clothing. A cotton shroud or wrap isoften preferred for natural burial. However, in some cases compliance with the NSWPublic Health Regulation (Disposal of Bodies) 2002 (Regulation) would prevent thisas certain causes of death (eg. infectious disease) require the body to be containedin a hermetically sealed “body bag”.

The CoffinThe Regulation generally requires the body to be contained in a coffin, that is, a rigid,leak proof container capable of securely holding the body. From an occupationalhealth and safety viewpoint, a coffin or enclosed bier is essential to address manualhandling, hygiene and general well-being concerns.A natural burial coffin would therefore need to comply with Regulation requirementsas well as be made from highly biodegradable and preferably renewable materials.BackfillThe requirement for a natural burial is not to compact backfill, so that the soil aroundthe coffin and body is aerated, thereby not inhibiting dissolution. If the backfill is notcompacted there will be ongoing subsidence for years, but especially in the first fewmonths after burial. When subsidence does occur, cemetery staff will need to returnto the site to “top it” with soil. Soil may need to be sourced from outside of thecemetery, thereby possibly compromising sustainability ideals.One way to avoid subsidence would be to leave a substantial mound over the grave,and allow that mound to be absorbed naturally over time; thereby ensuring existingnatural materials are not removed from the site. In traditional cemeteries suchmounds over graves can result in complaints from the bereaved family.Burial Plot LocationVisible permanent markers, such as headstones or plaques, are not ordinarily part ofa natural burial procedure. However, the Regulation and basic cemeterymanagement requires that the location of graves be accurately recorded.A favoured location method for natural burial plots is to survey them using the GlobalPositioning System (GPS). The general compromise is to record all the names ofthose buried in natural burial areas on a common rock or wall, usually located at itsentrance or on its perimeter.Potential for Natural Burials within Campbelltown Local Government AreaThe main difference between the Shoalhaven and Campbelltown Local GovernmentAreas (LGAs) is that there is no additional capacity for burials within theCampbelltown Local Government Area. Shoalhaven City Council own and manage anumber of crematorium / cemeteries within their LGA, and therefore are in a positionto conduct a natural burial trial in conjunction with their current activities.Campbelltown City Council does not own or manage any such facilities.At its meeting on 18 November 2008, Campbelltown City Council considered a reportwhich outlined issues relating to establishing a cemetery and/or crematorium in theLGA. That report outlined potential issues and impacts relating to the operation of anew crematorium / cemetery, and included a range of matters that Council wouldneed to properly consider in the determination of any such proposal.

Importantly, the issue of a new cemetery within the Campbelltown LGA needs to beproperly considered within the broader context of strategic land use planning for theSydney Region. In this respect, it is noted that the NSW Government's MetropolitanStrategy (2005) and the South West Subregion Draft Subregional Strategy (2007)acknowledge the need for planning for burial space. The Metropolitan Strategy ActionE3.6 - Planning for Burial Space states:“There is a need for strategic planning to ensure adequate burial space isavailable to meet long term needs. It is appropriate that opportunities toestablish new cemeteries be considered in strategic planning in the SydneyRegion, particularly in recognition of competing pressures from other land uses.To facilitate this planning the first step is for site selection criteria to beestablished.”The South West Subregion Draft Subregional Strategy also includes an actionrelating directly to cemeteries. Action SW E3.6.1 states:“The Department of Planning with the Department of Lands to establish siteselection criteria for new cemeteries in the Sydney Region to be used inassessment of opportunities for identifying future sites in strategic planning.”At this stage, the Department of Planning and the Department of Lands have notestablished the site selection criteria indicated under the South West Subregion DraftSubregional Strategy. Consequently, there are currently no firm proposals for anynew cemeteries or crematoriums within the Campbelltown LGA, and as such thereare no opportunities to examine a trial of natural burials within the LGA.ConclusionAt its meeting on 16 November 2010, Shoalhaven City Council considered a reporton natural burials, and resolved to undertake a 2 year trial of this type of burialservice within an existing Council owned and operated cemetery at the ShoalhavenMemorial Garden and Lawn Cemetery. After this period, it is intended to report backto Council on the uptake and feasibility of providing this alternative burial service tothe community.Within the Campbelltown LGA, there are no cemeteries that are owned or managedby Campbelltown City Council. The existing church cemeteries within theCampbelltown LGA are at capacity. Given that there are no plans to open any newcemeteries within the Campbelltown LGA, and that Council does not own or manageany such facilities, there are no opportunities for Council to conduct a natural burialtrial similar to that being undertaken by Shoalhaven City Council.Officer's RecommendationThat the information be noted.

Committee’s Recommendation: (Bourke/Oates)1. That the information be noted.2. That should Council desire the establishment of a cemetery within the LocalGovernment Area consideration be given to the inclusion of a natural burialground and an associated public education program to alert residents to itsbenefits, particularly to air quality.CARRIEDCouncil Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Committee's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Committee's Recommendation be adopted.

2.3 Local Government Needs in Responding to Climate Change inNSW – A summary of report findingsReporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachmentsNilPurposeTo provide Council with a summary of the findings from a survey conducted inNovember 2010 by the Local Government and Shires Associations of New SouthWales entitled ‘Local Government Needs in Responding to Climate Change in NewSouth Wales, Australia’.HistoryIn November 2010, the Local Government and Shires Associations of New SouthWales (LGSA) invited 152 councils to participate in an online survey entitled ‘LocalGovernment Needs in Responding to Climate Change’. The survey aimed to identifythe climate change actions being implemented by councils and examine theassociated barriers, drivers and future needs.The survey design took into account questions from previous climate change surveysin an attempt to both complement past findings and benchmark ongoing progresstoward climate change mitigation and adaptation. Previous surveys included:The LGSA’s 2006 survey entitled ‘Climate Change Needs Analysis’;The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)2009/2010 survey entitled ‘Preparing for Climate Change in NSW, LocalGovernment responses to a global problem’; and,A poll undertaken by DECCW in 2008 as part of the Waste and SustainabilityImprovement Payments (WaSIP) program.ReportBackgroundIn the absence of significant ‘world’ action being taken to reduce global emissions,climate change is projected to further affect global temperatures and sea level rise,cause significant changes to rainfall and weather patterns and increase incidences of

extreme and dangerous weather events including storms, fires, cyclones, floods anddroughts.It is well understood that responding to climate change requires the management of arange of issues including mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and strategies toadapt to the projected impacts of climate change.Depending on the location, services, assets and current practices, Local Governmentwill be affected by climate change in varying degrees. A proportion of the sector willalso be subject to compliance and reporting obligations under relevant State orCommonwealth legislation.Since 2006, the Local Government and Shires Associations (LGSA) have undertakena multifaceted approach to assisting councils to both mitigate and adapt to climatechange. These initiatives were largely externally funded through grants andMemorandums of Understanding with the NSW Government. This funding iscurrently scheduled to end in March 2011 leaving in its legacy a range of resourcesdeveloped to assist councils.The SurveyThe survey included a total of 23 questions divided into three (3) sections;organisational information, climate change challenges and barriers and drivers toaddressing climate change. A summary of the findings from each section ispresented below:1. Organisational informationThis section of the survey requested specific details relating to the person completingthe survey and the approval process undertaken. The majority of the responsesreceived (49%) were completed at the officer level, and did not include an approvalprocess (42%).From the 152 Councils invited to participate in the survey, 103 complete responseswere received. This represented 101 councils and 2 Regional Organisations ofCouncils (ROCs). Overall, it was reported that all regions were represented fairlyequally.2. Climate change challengesThis section of the survey asked councils about the degree to which climate changewill impact on the way council conducts its operations, the strategies council haddeveloped and the actions taken to address climate change mitigation andadaptation (including risk assessments), and whether council had allocated a budgetfor climate change actions.The following results are of note. Graphs have been provided, where applicable tosupplement the information presented.a) Impacts on how council conducts its operations:89% of responses indicated that climate change will influence council andadaptation strategies were needed.

) Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies being implemented andactions taken included:Significantly more councils had completed and are implementing mitigationstrategies/ plans than those that have completed and are implementingadaptation strategies/plans;Most councils adaption work is in the development phase. Only 8% ofresponses had completed and adopted a climate change adaptation plan;67% of respondents had undertaken energy audits of facilities;40% of respondents had undertaken or were commissioning research andstudies into climate change impacts and hazards;41% of respondents are publicly reporting their greenhouse gas emissions;Despite the wide range of mitigation projects being undertaken by LocalGovernment, 18% of responses indicated that their council had not takenany action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; and33% of responses indicated that no action had been undertaken to adaptto climate change.The following graph shows the number of responses received to the actions taken byCouncils to mitigate climate change impacts.

The following graph shows the number of responses received to the actions taken bycouncils to adapt to climate change impacts.c) Resourcing:59% of responses indicated that there was no specific budget allocated toclimate change mitigation and adaptation projects, however some funds hadbeen made available.The following graph shows the number of responses received to budget allocation inaddressing climate change.

3. Barriers and drivers:This section of the survey invited councils to identify the barriers and drivers thatwere impeding or supporting climate change action, respectively. In addition, thissection sought to identify the types of communication methods required tocommunicate more effectively and what support services developed by the LGSAwere being utilised by councils.a) Barriers:The most frequently identified barriers in addressing climate change werecompeting priorities (89%), limited availability of internal and external funding(69%), as well as limited staff capacity (56%).b) Drivers:The frequently identified drivers in addressing climate change were supportfrom a council’s executive management (62%), the opportunity to save moneythrough resource efficiency (49%), climate change being prioritised as part ofthe sustainability agenda (44%) and council concern over liability in notpreparing for climate change (37%).The following graph shows the number of responses received to the barriers inaddressing climate change.

The following graph shows the number of responses received to the drivers inaddressing climate change.c) CommunicationGuidelines for best practice communication on climate change (60%) andgreater clarity about what the latest, peer reviewed science says aboutclimate change in New South Wales (52%) received the highest responses.d) Support/resources for councils:58% of responses indicated that their council needed funding toundertake climate change action.11% of councils called for State and Federal Government leadership andcommitment to climate change action.10% of responses suggested a legislative or mandatory driver for councilsto address climate change issues.33% of responses indicated that they used a software specificallydesigned to record and monitor greenhouse gas emissions.66% of responses indicated that they had accessed the resourcesdeveloped by the LGSA to assist with climate change program.

Councils approach to climate change:Council has committed to establishing and implementing practical measures toreduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit the impact of climate change in theCampbelltown Local Government Area (LGA). Notwithstanding the continuation ofthe Sustainability Committee, over the past year, Council has demonstrated itscommitment to climate change mitigation and adaptation through its support of, andparticipation in a number of projects. They include:Facilitation of Carbon Neutral Fisher’s Gig;Implementation of a Sustainability Action Plan;Establishment and implementation of an Environmental Education Strategy;Implementation of the Energy Savings Action Plan;Implementation of the Water Savings Action Plan;Installation of solar panels at selected Council’s Child Care Centres;Installation of water tanks at selected Council’s Child Care Centres;Installation of energy efficient lighting at Council’s Civic Centre and H.J DaleyLibrary; andInstallation of solar pool heating at Council’s Campbelltown Swimming Centre.Conclusions:The vast majority of councils in NSW acknowledge that climate change will affecttheir operations. As a result, councils are taking steps to reduce their emissions andprepare for the impacts of climate change through analysing their operations,obtaining information and seeking funding.Almost two thirds of councils have a documented strategy or plan to reducegreenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the majority of respondents have startedand/or completed a climate change risk assessment and are in the initial phase ofstrategically adapting to climate change. Many respondents noted that further work isrequired by their council in order to adequately prepare for climate change. Thisincludes engaging with communities and stakeholders, developing an adaptationaction plan and continuing to review and update their climate change riskassessment.Many councils are facing difficulties in driving action on climate change due tocompeting priorities, limited availability of internal and external funding and limitedstaff capacity. Most councils called for the need of funding for climate change,particularly to fund additional staff to lead climate change initiatives within council.To assist with strategic and effective decision making, Councils noted the need forinformation that is scientific, Local Government specific and at a local scale, includingmaps and models. Several councils called for leadership and commitment from theState and Federal Government and a legal framework to provide a mandate for LocalGovernment to act on climate change.

The most important factor assisting councils to progress appears to be support fromcouncils’ executive management. The prospect of saving money through resourceefficiency or avoiding unbudgeted costs by responding to climate change impacts areother important driver for councils’ actions on climate change.Officer's RecommendationThat Council consider the results of the LGSA survey in the preparation of itsSustainability Strategy.Committee’s Recommendation: (Greiss/Hawker)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.CARRIEDCouncil Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.

2.4 Review of State Environmental Planning Policy (AffordableRental Housing) 2009Reporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachments1. A copy of previous report to Council on the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP2. Affordable Rental Housing SEPP Review – discussion paper (distributed underseparate cover)3. A summary of issues and suggestions by the Department (distributed underseparate cover)Purpose1. To advise Council of the review of State Environmental Planning Policy(Affordable Rental Housing 2009 (AHSEPP) that the Department of Planning iscurrently undertaking.2. To seek Council’s endorsement to require exemption from Division 6 of theAHSEPP which enables Housing NSW to undertake residential developmentsup to 20 dwellings within residential zones without the need for Council’sconcurrence.HistoryTo address housing affordability issues in Sydney and NSW, the State Government,in July 2009, adopted a policy entitled ‘State Environmental Planning Policy(Affordable Rental Housing) 2009’ (AHSEPP). The broad objective of this policy wasto facilitate the retention and provision of affordable rental housing and socialhousing stock in NSW, in appropriate locations to help meet increasing demand.An Information report was submitted to Council on 29 September 2009, shortly afterthe commencement of the AHSEPP. The report provided a summary of the AHSEPPand an analysis of housing affordability matters within the Campbelltown LGA. Acopy of the report is shown as Attachment 1 of this report.The AHSEPP includes a requirement that it will be reviewed a year after itscommencement. To commence the review, the Department of Planning (theDepartment) undertook preliminary consultation with a number of key stakeholdersand selected council officers in NSW to identify main issues for review. TheDepartment then prepared and released a discussion paper on the AHSEPP. Thediscussion paper includes all the issues identified along with suggestions by theDepartment to address these issues.

ReportThis report presents to Council the following:A summary of key issues identified by the discussion paper; andA discussion on the implementation of the AHSEPP in Campbelltown LGAThe discussion paper includes detailed and lengthy discussions and suggestionsfrom the Department in relation to the issues raised in the preliminary consultation. Asummary of all the issues and suggestions made by the Department is included asAttachment 3 of this report. The key issues that are relevant to Campbelltown andpresented in the Executive Summary section of the discussion paper (Attachment 2)are discussed individually in more detail below.Summary of Key Issues1. Low-rise infill developmentKey issue (a): The density of low rise infill development in low density residentialareasProposed Amendment by the DepartmentThe floor space ratio (FSR) for low rise infill development in the AHSEPP is proposedto be changed from 0.75:1 to 0.5:1 on 30 June 2011. The Department will continue tomonitor effectiveness of this control in delivering new dwellings.CommentsReducing the space floor ratio from 0.75:1 to 0.5:1 is supported as it would reducethe scale and bulk of these types of development. Notably, under the SCDCP thecurrent FSR for single detached dwellings is 0.5:1, and for multi-dwellings 0.45:1.RecommendationIt is recommended that Council support the reduction in FSR from 0.75:1 to 0.5:1 forinfill development under the AHSEPP.Key issue (b): Need to consider local council controls in the design of low rise InfilldevelopmentProposed Amendment by the DepartmentThe Department is proposing new guidelines for low-rise Housing. The guidelines areattached to the end of the discussion paper for review and input from stakeholdersand local councils.

CommentsCouncil’s officers have examined a number of affordable housing and social housingdevelopment that were approved and constructed under the AHSEPP withinCampbelltown LGA in the last year. The review revealed that these developments:are generally setback much less than adjoining detached dwelling houseswithin the same streetscape;are commonly two storeys;have no enclosed garages;have limited provision for car parking spaces;are not compatible within existing residential development in terms of design,roof shapes, colours and construction materials and can be easily recognised/identified;do not provide sufficient private open space for occupants; andare of higher densities in terms of number of dwellings per site area, comparedto multi dwellings constructed under Campbelltown (Sustainable CityDevelopment Control Plan 20009 ( SCDCP).The draft Guidelines that have been prepared by the Department to address theabove mentioned issue lack numerical controls in many design aspects including theprovision of private open space, front, rear and side setbacks, car parking rates anddwelling sizes.Under the provision of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979, localcouncils across NSW prepare and approve development control plans to guidedevelopment within their local government areas. The plans are developed inconsultation with local residents and adopted by the relevant local council of thatLGA. In order to achieve developments that are compatible with existingneighbourhood characters, it is essential to apply the same development standardsfor all infill residential developments, regardless whether they are affordable or socialhousing. This would ensure that infill affordable and social housing developments areof a similar design standards (such as bulk, scale and setbacks) to the existing andfuture residential developments in the locality.From a planning perspective, it is important that new affordable and social residentialdevelopments achieve a harmonious fit with the existing neighbourhood character.To date, the products of the AHSEPP have proven to be different and easilyrecognised. This may potentially have negative social impacts on the occupants andsubsequently on existing neighbourhoods and streets.RecommendationIt is recommended that the Department amend the AHSEPP to include a requirementthat infill developments within residential zones comply with the relevant council’sdevelopment control plans or design guidelines.Key issue (c): Review of the public transport criteria for the location of low rise infilldevelopment to ensure access to services and jobs

Proposed Amendment by the DepartmentThe Department is reviewing this issue given the recent proposal to increase thefrequency of services in some areas. The implications of extending the publictransport services frequency requirements to include the weekend and evenings isbeing considered. It is acknowledged that this change would result in concentratingdevelopment closer to accessible locations and services.CommentsIt is considered appropriate that the Department review the AHSEPP and considerextending the public transport services frequency requirements to include weekendsand evenings.RecommendationIt is recommended that the Department review the AHSEPP and consider extendingthe public transport services frequency requirements in the AHSEPP to include theweekend and evenings.2. Secondary dwellingsKey issue (a): Extension of complying development provisions for secondarydwellings on smaller residential blocks and lots in rural areasProposed amendment by the DepartmentThe Department is proposing that complying development provisions could beextended to allow for secondary dwellings (granny flats) on lots of less than 450square metres (sqm) and potential for complying development provisions to beintroduced in line with the current changes to the Codes SEPP.CommentsGenerally, the site area of allotments located within the established neighbourhoodswithin Campbelltown LGA are larger than 450sqm. However, there are some narrowallotments located in Minto and Ingleburn, which are approximately 350sqm.Allotments that have site areas of 450sqm and less are mainly located withinGreenfield urban release areas, such as Park Central, Macarthur Gardens andGlenfield Urban Release Area. Secondary dwellings in new release areas aregenerally provided in the form of one to two bedroom studio type developments thatare usually located above garages.Greenfield urban release areas are all master planned precincts, and as such thestreets are designed to provide separate access (usually from a rear lane) forstudios, which helps address such issues as privacy and overshadowing.

Within established neighbourhoods, and where the allotment is less than 450sqm,the provision of a secondary dwelling is not supported. The size of the site presentsan immediate constraint for the provision of a secondary dwelling on the sameallotment. An additional dwelling would potentially result in overdevelopment of thesite, overshadowing and overlooking of neighbouring properties, resulting in a lack ofprivacy.The suggested amendment by the Department, to allow secondary dwellings onallotments less than 450sqm under the provision of the complying code withinestablished suburbs is, for the reasons detailed above, not supported.RecommendationIt is recommended that the Department investigate the potential for secondarydwellings to be provided as complying development for allotments less than 450sqmonly within greenfield master planned precincts, and not within existing establishedsuburbs.Key issue (b): Need to allow secondary dwellings in rural residential areasProposed amendment by the DepartmentThe Department is proposing the development of secondary dwellings in ruralresidential areas.CommentsOne of the main objectives of the AHSEPP is to provide houses for people on lowincome that is in close proximity to employment and public transport. In principle, theprovision of a worker dwelling or a secondary dwelling within rural and environmentalliving zones is supported. However, the permissibility of secondary dwellings withinrural areas is a matter for local environmental plans. Where the Department decidesto allow this type of development within rural and environmental living zones acrossNSW, it is suggested that this matter to be reviewed through the StandardInstrument—Comprehensive Local Environmental Plan.RecommendationThe suggestion by the Department to allow a secondary dwelling within rural andenvironmental living zones is supported. However it is recommended that theamendment be considered as part of the preparation of Councils ComprehensiveLocal Environmental Plan, and not through the provisions of AHSEPP.Key issue (c): Limit the S94 development contributions and other levies that apply tosecondary dwellings.Proposed Amendment by the DepartmentThe Department propose to develop a standard section 94 contribution rate acrossthe State based on construction costs, as follows:

$0 - $100,000 - no contribution;$100,000 - $200,000 - 0.5% contribution; andOver $200,000 - 1% contribution.In addition, the Department has indicated that they will further examine the practicesof charging for additional water and other services.CommentsCouncil has a number of Section 94 Plans that are current, including the GlenfieldUrban Release Area Section 94 Plan, Blair Athol Section 94 Plan and St Helens ParkOpen Space Section 94 Plan.In addition to the above, Council has a Section 94A Plan which applies to areaswithin Campbelltown that are not covered by a Section 94 Plan.A review of all the current Section 94 Plans indicates that there would be limitedimplications for Council, should the Department choose to limit the developercontributions for secondary dwellings under the AHSEPP as discussed above.Generally, the above proposed amendments are considered reasonable toencourage the development of secondary dwellings within infill areas.RecommendationThe Department’s suggestion in relation to implementing a standard Section 94contribution rate for standard dwelling across the State based on construction valuehas merit and should be further explored.3. Housing NSW social housingKey issue (a): Improve notification and consultation associated with social housingdevelopment proposals by Housing NSW.Proposed Amendment by the DepartmentHousing NSW has identified the need to undertake more extensive consultation,equivalent to the provisions in the relevant Council’s DCP. The Department isconsidering the merits of undertaking a level of community notification comparable towhat is required by Councils DCP requirements.CommentsIt is important that sufficient notification and consultation is undertaken by HousingNSW with adjoining neighbours, and those that may be affected, prior to thefinalisation of any development proposal. All issues raised by affected propertyowners must be addressed. The above suggestion by the Department is stronglysupported.

RecommendationThat the Department amend the AHSEPP to include provisions requiring HousingNSW to undertake community notification comparable to private sectordevelopments.Key issue (b): Expansion of the social housing threshold to be developed byHousing NSW from 20 to 30 unitsProposed Amendments by the DepartmentThis provision has proven to be very efficient in the facilitation and delivery of socialhousing in key locations.The Department is giving consideration to change the threshold for residentialdevelopments that can be approved by Housing NSW from 20 units to 30 units whileretaining the 8.5 metres height limit.CommentsThe proposed amendments to allow Housing NSW to self assess 30 dwelling insteadof the current 20 dwellings is supported within commercial areas and whereapartment buildings are currently permissible. With respect to infill development, thesuggestion by the Department is not supported.Thirty dwellings of social housing within established low density residentialneighbourhood is considered a relatively large residential development. It wouldresult in high concentrations of social housing in the one location. Council shouldhave more input into these types of developments and they should be assessed bylocal councils.RecommendationThe proposed amendments to allow Housing NSW to self assess 30 dwelling insteadof the current 20 dwellings is only supported within commercial areas and whereapartment buildings are permissible. For infill development, it is not supported.5. Incentives or levy schemesKey issue (a): Provide for councils to develop their own incentive or levy schemesfor the delivery of affordable housing in their areaProposed Amendment by the DepartmentThere are currently only a few incentive schemes to enable the delivery of affordablehousing. The Department will examine the financial feasibility of incentives offered bythe AHSEPP, SEPP 70 and by councils and consider the need to adjust provisions toallow for different approaches in different areas to assist in the delivery of appropriateaffordable rental housing.

CommentsResearch has shown that affordable housing developments are most needed in localgovernment areas closer to the Sydney CBD where land prices are much higher.Page two of the discussion paper (Attachment 2) includes a map showing the rate ofthe availability of affordable housings for all the metropolitan LGAs. The shortage inaffordable housing stock is mainly concentrated in and around the Sydney CBD andNorth Sydney. In Campbelltown the Map shows that 80% to 100% of the privaterental housing is affordable.It is important, that local councils that have significant shortages in affordable hosingstock be provided with opportunities to develop their own affordable housingschemes to increase the affordable housing stock within their LGA.RecommendationIt is recommended that the Department amend the provisions in the AHSEPP toallow for different approaches in different areas to assist in the delivery of appropriateaffordable rental housingImplementation of the AHSEPP in NSW to dateAccording to the information in the discussion paper, since the introduction ofAHSEPP by the Department in July 2009, the following dwellings have beenconstructed across NSW: 3,600 low-rise homes in established residential areas; 200 granny flats; 94 group homes containing supported accommodation for approximately 220people; and 250 dwellings in social housing complexes.The discussion paper does not provide details on the locations of thesedevelopments and whether developments have occurred where they are mostneeded.Implementation of the AHSEPP in Campbelltown LGAThe AHSEPP commenced in July 2009. Under the AHSEPP and or the NationBuilding Economic Stimulus Plan, Council received the following developmentapplications or notification for residential developments as follows:1. Housing NSW- 21 development applications for a total of 277 affordable and/orsocial housing dwellings;2. Private Applicants/developers- 37 affordable housing dwellings – MacarthurGardens; and3. Private Certifiers- Six secondary dwellings.

The above development applications would potentially result in the provision of atotal of 284 affordable and social housing units in the Campbelltown LGA. Notably,the majority of these development applications were received from Housing NSW.DiscussionThe residential developments that Housing NSW is currently pursuing inCampbelltown consist of two main types as follows:1. Development without consent, provided by Housing NSW under Division 6 ofthe AHSEPP. These are residential developments for social housing that arenot more than 20 units and 8.5 metres in height (two storey buildings).2. Development under the NSW Nation Building and Jobs Plan (StateInfrastructure Delivery) Act 2009 No1. These developments are social housingunits assessed by the NSW Office of the Infrastructure Co-ordinator General.Some of these developments have already been constructed or are near completion.In total the development applications that have been received from Housing NSWwould potentially result in the construction of 137 one-bedroom dwellings and 104two bedroom dwellings (a total of 277 residential dwellings) in various locations withinthe LGA. Residential developments at One Minto are not included in thesecalculations.The above infill residential developments are:Generally of higher floor space ratio than is currently permissible underCouncil’s SCDCP for similar type developments;located on land owned by housing NSW;villa and town house type developments;located within established suburbs; andreplacing old fibro detached cottages at a rate of approximately (4-5 dwellingsper cottage demolished)There are currently around 7,277 social housing dwellings in Campbelltown (2006census), with 6,786 public housing dwellings, 172 Aboriginal Housing Officeproperties and 319 community housing properties. Public housing represents 12.2%of all housing in Campbelltown which is significantly above the average of 4.8% forthe Greater Metropolitan Region (GMR). The Sydney GMR is a combined areaconsisting of the Sydney Statistical Division (SD), Newcastle Statistical Subdivision(SSD) and Wollongong SSD.Housing NSW owns large numbers of fibro cottages within the existing suburbs of theCampbelltown LGA, in addition to the public housing estates. In Leumeah, forexample, Housing NSW owns 256 cottages (2006 census). The AHSEPP, underDivision 6, has provided Housing NSW with a mechanism to replace their olderhousing stock within established suburbs at a much higher density than what iscurrently permitted by the Campbelltown SCDCP without the need to obtain consentfrom Council or any other public authority.

The current rate of social housing stock replacement under the AHSEPP (3-4 unitsfor every fibro cottage demolished) could result in a significant increase in the totalnumber of social housing dwellings within the Campbelltown LGA.The substantial increase in social housing dwellings in Campbelltown is notsupported for the following reasons:1. Campbelltown LGA has a large share of social housing (12.2 %) compared to4.8% for the GMR;2. The residential developments provided under the AHSEPP do not comply withCouncil’s SCDCP and are of much higher densities; and3. The affordability maps prepared by the Department indicate that 80%-100% ofthe private rental housing stock in Campbelltown LGA is affordable, and assuch, housing NSW should aim to provide houses where they are mostneeded.It is considered inappropriate to continue the 1970s trends of placing large numbersof disadvantaged population in one locality. It is understood that Housing NSW isundertaking renewal projects for some of the major housing estates in Campbelltown,however, it is clear from the amount of construction that is currently being undertakenby Housing NSW that Campbelltown will continue to house more social housingcompared to other LGA’s within NSW.The AHSEPP was prepared to provide affordable housing where it is most needed.Discussions with the Department has indicated that to date, there has not been anyanalysis on where the projects are being delivered; rather the information gatheredand released only indicates the total number of dwellings that have been built underthe policy.While it is clear that the Department has undertaken work to determine thepercentage of the affordable housing stock in each LGA (page 2 of Attachment 2),there are no controls or incentives provided under the AHSEEP to encourage socialhousing providers or housing NSW to undertake projects within these LGA’s.Renewal projects and replacement of old fibro cottages are welcomed inCampbelltown, provided that they do not result in significant change in character ofan area or an imbalance of social mix in the existing neighbourhoods and streets. Inaddition these developments should comply with local development controlsprepared and adopted by Council.It is recommended that Council write to the Department seeking exemption fromDivision 6 of the AHSEPP. This would ensure that social housing withinCampbelltown LGA is developed and assessed under current planning controls. Itwould also ensure that Housing NSW focus on suburbs near Sydney CBD and NorthSydney, where these types of development are mostly needed.

ConclusionThe AHSEPP is a strategy for the provision and retention of affordable housingacross NSW. The strategy in principle is supported, however, to date, there is noclear indication on whether the mechanisms provided in this Policy have encouragedthe provision of affordable and social housing developments in areas where they aremost needed.In Campbelltown, Housing NSW is undertaking major urban renewal projects in someof the 1970s public housing estates. The renewal work is supported and is seen as asignificant step towards physical and social improvements in these public housingestates.Housing NSW owns a large number of detached fibro houses within theCampbelltown LGA. Residential developments, currently undertaken by HousingNSW, under the AHSEPP and/or the Nation Building Stimulus Economic Plan, inestablished areas, are replacing fibro houses with villas and town houses at a rate ofapproximately 3-4 units per each house demolished. This is a much higher densitythan would normally be allowed under Campbelltown SCDCP. Given the ownershippatterns of some of the established streets, there is the potential that this may havenegative implications on some if the existing neighbourhoods in Campbelltown.Campbelltown has a large share of social housing (7,277 dwellings). To ensure thatthe social housing stock in Campbelltown does not increase significantly and thetrends of the 1970s are not repeated, it is recommended that Council seek exemptionfrom Division 6 of the AHSEPP, which provides Housing NSW with the mechanism toself approve and construct social houses within established suburbs ofCampbelltown.Submissions to the Department on the review of the AHSEPP closed on 1 March2011. However, the Department of Planning has provided Campbelltown City Councilan extension to allow Council to consider this matter prior to the submission beinglodged with the Department. A draft submission to the Department will be prepared inline with the discussions in this report which will be amended to include anyadditional issues that Council may raise in relation to this matter.Officer's Recommendation1. That Council prepare a submission to the Department of Planning in relation tothe State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009consistent with the comments and recommendations detailed in this report.2. That Council seek an exemption from Division 6 (Residential Development) ofthe Affordable Rental housing State Environmental Planning Policy for reasonsoutlined in this report.

Committee’s Recommendation: (Bourke/Kolkman)1. That Council prepare a submission to the Department of Planning in relation tothe State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009consistent with the comments and recommendations detailed in this report.2. That Council seek an exemption from Division 6 (Residential Development) ofthe Affordable Rental housing State Environmental Planning Policy for reasonsoutlined in this report.3. That Council approach the State Government to investigate the setting oftargets for affordable and social housing.4. That Council raise with the State Government the possibility of regulating toensure that the loss of affordable housing is compensated for by comparablereplacement stock.CARRIEDCouncil Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Committee's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Committee's Recommendation be adopted.

Attachment 1 - Previous ReportTitle: Affordable HousingReporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachments1. State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009(distributed under separate cover)2. Housing Stress Report (distributed under separate cover)Purposea) To inform Council of the commencement of the State Environmental PlanningPolicy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009;b) To assess the implications of the new SEPP for the supply of affordablehousing;c) To advise Council of the completion of the Housing Stress Report undertakenfor the Campbelltown LGA; andd) To confirm the forthcoming Affordable Housing Strategy for Campbelltown.ReportState Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009State Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 (The SEPP)commenced on 31 July 2009. The policy is directed at home owners, social housingproviders and developers and includes planning incentives and complyingdevelopment provisions to increase the amount and diversity of affordable housing inNSW.The SEPP also updates the arrangements governing the supply and retention of lowcost rental accommodation in New South Wales. The policy prevails over all otherenvironmental planning instruments to the extent of any inconsistency.The SEPP is in three parts:Part 1 – Preliminary provisionsPart 2 – New affordable rental housingPart 3 – Retention of existing affordable rental housingThe SEPP contains similar provisions to State Environmental Planning Policy No.10– Retention of Low Cost Rental Accommodation (which has now been repealed).

The aims of the SEPP are provided under Clause 3 of the Policy as follows:3. Aims of PolicyThe aims of this Policy are as follows:a. To provide a consistent planning regime for the provision of affordablerental housing,b. to facilitate the effective delivery of new affordable rental housing byproviding incentives by way of expanded zoning permissibility, floorspace ratio bonuses and non-discretionary development standards,c. To facilitate the retention and mitigate the loss of existing affordablerental housing,d. to employ a balanced approach between obligations for retaining andmitigating the loss of existing affordable rental housing, and incentives forthe development of new affordable rental housing,e. To facilitate an expanded role for not-for-profit-providers of affordablerental housing,f. To support local business centres by providing affordable rental housingfor workers close to places of work, andg. To facilitate the development of housing for the homeless and otherdisadvantaged people who may require support services, including grouphomes and supportive accommodation.‘Affordable Housing’The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 defines ‘affordable housing’as follows:“affordable housing” means housing for very low income households, lowincome households or moderate income households, being such householdsas are prescribed by the regulations or as are provided for in an environmentalplanning instrument.Clause 6 of the SEPP adopts the above definition for affordable housing subject tothe following terms:1) In this Policy, a household is taken to be a very low income household, lowincome household or moderate income household if the household:a) has a gross income that is less than 120 per cent of the medianhousehold income for the time being for the Sydney Statistical Division(according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics) and pays no more than30 per cent of that gross income in rent, orb) is eligible to occupy rental accommodation under the National RentalAffordability Scheme and pays no more rent than that which would becharged if the household were to occupy rental accommodation underthat scheme.2) In this Policy, residential development is taken to be for the purposes ofaffordable housing if the development is on land owned by the Land andHousing Corporation.

Affordable housing developments approved under the SEPP must be managed by aregistered community housing provider for least 10 years to ensure the units are letat affordable rents to genuine low and moderate income households.The fact the dwellings are affordable housing must also be registered on the relevantland title so that anyone buying the units is aware of this. Other units (not registeredaffordable housing dwellings) within a development can be sold immediately atmarket value to help subsidise the percentage that must be affordably rented for 10years. This aligns with the Australian Government’s National Rental AffordabilityScheme (NRAS), which provides a subsidy of $8,000 per dwelling to housingproviders each year for 10 years on the condition that the dwelling is rented toeligible low and moderate income households for at least 20 percent below marketrates.Key Initiatives of the SEPPThe SEPP provides new initiatives to facilitate the supply of affordable rentalhousing, and incorporates the relevant provisions of existing State Governmentpolicies that deal with the supply and retention of affordable housing (including SEPP10 which has now been repealed).The key initiatives of the Policy are summarised as:a) Provide certain planning incentives for developers to partner with registeredcommunity housing providers to provide additional affordable housing;b) Enable secondary dwellings ('granny flats') to be developed in all residentialzones;c) Expands the planning zones in which boarding houses are permissible, andprovides for new forms of boarding houses to be approved; andd) Provides self approval for public authorities, and complying developmentprovisions for private developers to make easier, the approval of long termresidential accommodation for homeless people (boarding houses and grouphomes) which include on-site support facilities and services.These matters are discussed in further detail below.Floor Space Ratio Incentives – Residential Flats and Low Rise HousingThe SEPP provides for an increase in allowable floor space ratios (FSRs) forproperties that provide affordable rental units, where there is a commitment to usepart of the development for affordable rental housing for at least ten years.There are two floor space incentives available under the Policy:a) A minimum FSR standard of 0.5:1 for low rise affordable rental housing -however for affordable housing projects approved in the next 2 years, the FSRstandard is increased to 0.75:1 (for the purpose of providing additionaleconomic incentives during the current building downturn), andb) A FSR bonus for affordable flats in areas already zoned for flats. The bonus is0.5:1 (or 20%, whichever is greater) on top of the existing maximum FSRallowed by the existing local planning controls.

The SEPP allows low-rise developments up to 8.5 metres (generally two-storeys) inheight, such as dual occupancies, multi dwelling housing or residential flat buildings,to be proposed in all urban residential zones in the Sydney region as long as theproposal is located in close proximity to public transport and contains 50 per cent ormore affordable housing for a period of ten years. If the development does notexceed the increased FSR standard prescribed by the SEPP, then the consentauthority cannot refuse the application on the grounds of density and scale ofdevelopment.Within the Sydney Metropolitan Region, these provisions only apply to developmentsthat are located within 800 metres walking distance to a railway station or SydneyFerries wharf; 400 metres walking distance to a light rail station or light rail platform;or 400 metres walking distance to a bus stop utilised by a regular bus service (atleast one bus per hour between 6am and 9pm).Outside the Sydney region, the proposal can be made in all urban residential zones –as long as the 50 per cent affordable housing test is satisfied.The FSR bonus is available for residential flats containing affordable units, but only inareas already zoned for flats. (It is noted that under Campbelltown (Urban Area) LEP2002, residential flat buildings are prohibited in the Residential 2B zone). The floorspace bonus is not permitted for any land that contains a heritage item.The amount of bonus floor area that a housing provider may be granted is dependentupon both the existing maximum FSR allowable on the land and the percentage ofaffordable housing that will be offered as part of the housing development. Theminimum amount of affordable housing a provider must offer in order to be grantedbonus floor space is 20 per cent of the total number of dwellings.The SEPP requires that affordable housing developments utilising the floor spaceincentivesmust still meet appropriate urban design guidelines for that type of development. Forlow rise developments, the relevant guideline is the Seniors Living Policy UrbanDesign Guidelines for Infill Development. For residential flats of three or morestoreys, the relevant guideline is the Residential Flat Design Code in force underSEPP 65 – Design Quality of Residential Flat Development.Secondary dwellings or ‘granny flats’The SEPP permits granny flats in all residential zones, similar to the provisions fordwelling approvals under the NSW Housing Code. Granny flats are now permitted inall residential zones across the State, subject to meeting the following requirements:There is only one house and one granny flat on the lot;The combined total floor area of the house and the granny flat complies withthe floor space area controls in the local environment plan;The maximum floor area of the granny flat is no greater than:60 square metres; ORThe maximum floor area prescribed by the council in the local environmentalplanThe lot is not subdivided;

The granny flat meets planning controls such as building height and setbacks,floor space ratios, and open space in the local environmental plan and/or thecomplying development provisions in the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP.The granny flat meets the requirements of the Building Code of Australia.The granny flat does not need to be attached to the dwelling.There are no requirements under the policy to provide any additional parking for thegranny flat. A granny flat may occur either with DA consent, or as complyingdevelopment.Disability Group HomesGroup homes are dwellings used to provide temporary or permanent accommodationfor people with a disability or those who are socially disadvantaged. Group homescan also provide their residents with support services such as on-site counsellingservices.In changes introduced in February 2009 under the Infrastructure SEPP, andincorporated into the new SEPP, the development of group homes by public andprivate social housingproviders is permitted under simplified rules. Under the new provisions of the SEPP,the Department of Ageing, Disability and Home Care and other public authorities canself-approve group homes of up to ten (10) bedrooms, increasing from the formerself-approval threshold of five (5) bedrooms.Group housing proposals by other providers can proceed either as complyingdevelopment, if they meet key size and design provisions of the NSW Housing Code,or as development applications to the local council.Under changes introduced earlier in 2009, Housing NSW became the consentauthority for its own small-scale public housing developments of 20 or fewer unitsand up to two-storeys (8.5m high). The process requires Housing NSW to notifyadjoining landowners and the relevant council, and take into consideration anyfeedback provided.The SEPP incorporates these provisions, so that affordable housing provisions arenow covered by the one planning instrument. These development proposals mustcomply with the Seniors Living Policy: Urban Design Guidelines for infilldevelopment, and do not extend to the demolition of heritage items.Boarding HousesThe SEPP allows for and provides new incentives for the construction of boardinghouses in residential areas and some business zones. New standards allow for allrooms to be provided with kitchenettes and en suite bathroom facilities. The SEPPrefers to these types of affordable housing developments as ‘new generationboarding houses’.New generation boarding houses must comply with the following criteria:(i)if a boarding house has 5 or more boarding rooms, at least one communalliving room will be provided,

(ii)(iii)(iv)(v)(vi)no boarding room will have a gross floor area (excluding any area used for thepurposes of private kitchen or bathroom facilities) of more than 25 squaremetres,no boarding room will be occupied by more than 2 adult lodgers,adequate bathroom and kitchen facilities will be available within the boardinghouse for the use of each lodger,if the boarding house has capacity to accommodate 20 or more lodgers, aboarding room or on site dwelling will be provided for a boarding housemanager,if the boarding house is on land within a zone where residential flat buildingsare permissible, no new car parking for lodgers will be provided on the site,(vii) if the boarding house is on land zoned primarily for commercial purposes, nopart of the ground floor of the boarding house that fronts a street will be usedfor residential purposes unless another environmental planning instrumentpermits such a use,(viii) At least one parking space will be provided for a bicycle, and one will beprovided for a motorcycle, for every 5 boarding rooms.(ix)Strata subdivision is prohibited.The minimum design standards in the Policy mean that consent authorities cannotrefuse new generation boarding house developments if the following conditions aremet:(i) The building height is consistent with the maximum height allowed under localplanning controls.(ii) The landscape treatment of the front setback area is compatible with thestreetscape in which the building is located.(iii) At least one of the communal rooms receives a minimum of 3 hours directsunlight between 9am and 3pm in mid-winter.(iv) Private open space is provided in addition to the front set back area, includingone area of 20m2 for lodgers;(v) If accommodation is provided on site for a boarding house manager, theremust be an area of at least 8m2 adjacent to that accommodation for use asprivate open space (by the manager).(vi) One car parking space is provided for every 10 boarding rooms, and oneparking space is provided for every person employed in connection with thedevelopment and who is a resident onsiteThe SEPP provides incentives for developers to construct new generation boardinghouses through floor space bonuses. In areas already zoned for flats, additional floorspace above the existing maximum is allowed to improve viability in sought afterareas:(i)(ii)0.5:1, if the existing maximum floor space ratio is 2.5:1 or less, or20% of the existing maximum floor space ratio, if the existing maximum floorspace ratio is greater than 2.5:1.Affordable Housing and CampbelltownCouncil had previously engaged consultants ‘id’ (Informed Decisions) to undertakean analysis of housing stress in Campbelltown LGA in order to determine the need

for affordable housing in Campbelltown. This report was finalised earlier this year andprovided the following key findings:••••As of 2006 approximately 14% of all households in Campbelltown LGA were inhousing stress, compared to 11% for the Sydney Region,The number of Campbelltown households in mortgage stress almost doubledduring the period between 2001 and 2006,Lone parent households with children under 15 years of age have the highestrate of housing stress in Campbelltown, accounting for 37% of all householdsin stress in Campbelltown LGA,The highest proportions of rental stress were found in the Campbelltownsuburbs of Rosemeadow, St Andrews, Bow Bowing and Eschol Park.Mortgage Stress' is defined as those households who are in the bottom 40% ofhousehold income earners with a mortgage and who pay more than 30% of theirweekly gross household income on mortgage repayments. The rate is expressed asa % of all low income households who have a mortgage.'Rental Stress' is defined as those households who are in the bottom 40% ofhousehold income earners renting and who pay more than 30% of their weekly grosshousehold income on rent. The rate is expressed as a % of all low incomehouseholds who are renting.'Housing Stress' is defined as those households who are in the bottom 40% ofhousehold income earners and who pay greater than 30% of their gross householdweekly income on housing costs. The rate is expressed as a % of all low incomehouseholds.These results indicate that housing stress for low income households in theCampbelltown LGA is moderate to high, which confirms the need for an effectiveaffordable housing policy for Campbelltown.The release of the Affordable Housing SEPP provides a new framework for theprovision of different types of affordable housing in NSW and will result in increasedopportunities for the provision of affordable housing stock in Campbelltown.However, further work is being undertaken by Council to determine how it canincrease its involvement in the facilitation of affordable housing stock inCampbelltown. This includes expanding Council’s role in partnership with HousingNSW in major urban renewal programs within Campbelltown’s main large publichousing estates such as OneMinto, Airds-Bradbury Renewal Project, and the $20million upgrade to the ’3Ms precinct’ in Rosemeadow.The forthcoming strategy is being undertaken as a joint initiative between Council’sEnvironmental Planning and Community Services Divisions, and is anticipated to becompleted by mid 2010. The strategy will provide Council with an in depthunderstanding of the supply and demand of affordable housing currently andprojected into the future in the Campbelltown and Macarthur region. This will includeconsideration of the new SEPP provisions, and investigation of Council’s options tobe involved in community housing partnerships.

ConclusionState Environmental Planning Policy (Affordable Rental Housing) 2009 commencedon 31 July 2009 and provides new opportunities and incentives for the public andprivate sectors to supply low cost rental housing in a variety of housing forms such asgranny flats, boarding houses and group homes.Council’s assessment of housing Stress in Campbelltown has confirmed a moderateto high need for affordable housing stock in Campbelltown, which is likely to beaddressed (in part) with the commencement of the Affordable Housing SEPP.However, the content of the SEPP has been reviewed, and it is considered likely thatthere will be both potential concerns and benefits with respect to the operation andimpacts of the Policy in facilitating the supply of affordable housing. These aresummarised as follows:Concerns(i) Reduction in local planning control by over-riding Council planning provisionswhere they are inconsistent with the SEPP;(ii) The SEPP relies upon density bonus incentives for developers which mayimpact upon residential amenity;(iii) There is no mandate for affordable housing to be provided by the privatesector;(iv) Increased densities may lead to a reduction in amenity and increase potentialfor community conflict;(v) Affordable housing provided under the Policy will be lost after 10 years when itis available to be disposed of to market without restriction;(vi) There may be impacts upon other incentives for the provision of affordablehousing that do not involve increased densities;(vii) Any residential development on land owned by the Land and HousingCorporation is taken to be for the purposes of affordable housing under thePolicy, whether it is affordable housing or not;(viii) Affordable housing is exempt from S94A contributions, which would mean areduction in revenue collected by Council for spending under this Plan. (S94contribution plans are not affected).Benefits(i) Provides the mechanism for an effective redistribution of affordable housing inurban areas;(ii) Increased involvement of the private sector (and not for profit organisations) inthe affordable housing sector;(iii) Creates the framework for smaller and more manageable affordable housingalternatives including boarding houses and group homes;(iv) Increases stock of affordable rental housing for low to moderate incomeearners (students, newly arrived migrants, couples with only one wage);(v) May stimulate development activity by making projects viable in unfavourablemarket conditions;(vi) Straight forward approvals process for ‘granny flats’, and associated socialbenefits relating to family networks;(vii) Increases viability of community housing organisations by mandating theirinvolvement in managing all stock created under the SEPP.

(viii) Increased low rental options; and(ix) Straight forward planning approval for disability group homes and boardinghouses.The above matters are being considered as part of the preparation of Council’sAffordable Housing Strategy, which is anticipated for completion in mid 2010. Thestrategy will provide Council with an in depth understanding of the supply anddemand of affordable housing in the local area, and will be used to further informCouncil’s main planning policies for the Campbelltown LGA.Officer's RecommendationThat the information be noted.

2.5 Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036Reporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachmentsThe Metropolitan Plan – Strategic Directions, Objectives and Actions – A Summary(distributed under separate cover)PurposeTo advise Council of the release of the “Metropolitan Plan for Sydney 2036”, itscontents, and the implications for the Campbelltown Local Government Area.HistoryIn 2005, the NSW Government released a Metropolitan Plan for Sydney: “City ofCities: A Plan for Sydney’s Future”, to guide the growth of Sydney and itsmetropolitan area in the period from 2005 to 2031.When the 2005 Metropolitan Plan was released, a commitment was made to reviewthe document every five years to align and update the Plan with currentcircumstances.A series of subregional strategies were also prepared to support and provide furtherdetailed guidance for individual subregions within the Sydney Metropolitan Area. TheSouth West Subregion: Draft Subregional Strategy (SW Strategy), was released forpublic comment in December 2007. Council considered a report on the draft SWStrategy and forwarded a submission to the Department of Planning for itsconsideration. The draft SW Strategy has not been finalised to date.In March 2010, the NSW Department of Planning released a Discussion Paper:“Metropolitan Strategy Review – Sydney Towards 2036”. This document was the firststep in reviewing the 2005 Metropolitan Strategy. Council considered a report on thisdiscussion paper and made a submission to the review. In September 2010 the NSWDepartment of Planning released the document “Review of Sydney’s MetropolitanStrategy and Metropolitan Transport Plan – Submissions Summary Report”, Councilconsidered a report on this document in late 2010.On 16 December 2010, the NSW Government released the “Metropolitan Plan forSydney 2036.” The new Metropolitan Plan is the subject of this report.

ReportIntroductionThe new Metropolitan Plan applies to the time period from 2006 to 2036. TheMetropolitan Plan’s vision is that by 2036:“…Sydney will be a more compact, networked city with improved accessibility,capable of supporting more jobs, homes and lifestyle opportunities within theexisting urban footprint.”It identifies the following key challenges for Sydney:A growing population;A changing populating (ageing);and the need for:More suitable and affordable housing;More jobs closer to home;More efficient transport;More efficient infrastructure delivery;A more sustainable Sydney;Tackling climate change; andMaintaining Sydney’s global competitiveness.The new Metropolitan Plan aims to address these challenges through the followingKey Strategic Directions, each of which has a series of objectives and actions:Strengthening a city of cities;Growing and renewing centres;Transport for a connected city;Housing Sydney’s population;Growing Sydney’s economy;Balancing land uses on the city fringe;Tackling climate change and protecting Sydney’s natural environment;Achieving equity, liveability and social inclusion; andDelivering the plan.The following sub-sections of this report examine these key strategic directions inmore detail. A summary of the objectives and actions for each Key StrategicDirection are provided in the attachment to this report.1. Strengthening the “City of Cities”The new Metropolitan Plan aims to strengthen Sydney’s spatial structure to improveits productivity, its national and global success, and to enable it to grow efficientlyand sustainably. There is also a strong focus on integrating infrastructure with landuse.

The new Plan continues the “city of cities” approach introduced by the 2005Metropolitan Strategy. The “city of cities” approach describes Sydney as a larger citycomprised of five (5) smaller cities being:The Sydney CBD and North Sydney, which comprise the “global city”;Parramatta, which is the second Sydney CBD;Liverpool and Penrith, which are recognised as the regional cities of WesternSydney –Liverpool as the Regional City of the South West; andPenrith as the Regional City of the West.The five (5) cities are supported by Major Centres and Specialised Centres within atransport and economic network. Smaller local centres are spread throughout thenetwork, providing a focus for concentrations of housing, commercial activity andlocal services at different scales.The Regional Centre role of Liverpool is strengthened under the new MetropolitanPlan, with an employment target of 31,000 jobs by 2036, a significant increase on the16,000 jobs available in 2006. The development of a Regional City TransportStrategy for the Liverpool Town Centre is also proposed.Campbelltown-Macarthur and Blacktown, among other centres, are recognised asMajor Centres. However, these two centres are identified as having the greatestpotential to become future Regional Cities, subject to their employment growth andthe broader regional service role of their CBDs. Leppington within the South WestGrowth Centre, will also be developed as a Major Centre.The new Metropolitan Plan states that Campbelltown-Macarthur’s role as a MajorCentre will be reinforced by more intensive office, retail, entertainment, cultural,public administration and services development in the commercial core. An overallemployment target of 25,000 jobs by 2036, is set for Campbelltown-Macarthur,almost doubling the 14,000 jobs that existed in 2006, but 1,000 less than the targetset for the area under the draft SW Strategy. The new Metropolitan Strategy alsoencourages the integration of the Campbelltown-Macarthur Centre withCampbelltown Hospital, the University of Western Sydney, Campbelltown TAFE andimproved connectivity between Queen Street and the Macarthur precinct. Thesegoals for the centre will need to be incorporated into the new Comprehensive LocalEnvironmental Plan (LEP) for the Campbelltown Local Government Area (LGA).2. Growing and Renewing CentresCentres provide a focus for activity and public transport. The new Metropolitan Planplaces a strong focus on the ongoing growth and renewal of Sydney’s network ofstrategic and local centres.A major objective of the new Metropolitan Plan is to concentrate a greater range ofactivities in close proximity to each other in both existing and new centres that arewell served by public transport. It aims to locate commercial and retail activities incentres and 70-80% of new housing within walking distance of existing and plannedcentres. When this process is applied to existing centres, it is referred to as “urbanrenewal”.

The Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) has been established bythe NSW Government to identify, certain centres for urban renewal. The Departmentof Planning is also preparing Centres' Design Guidelines to guide the urban renewalof existing centres and to assist in designing new centres.The new Metropolitan Plan also aims to encourage the protection and adaptive reuseof heritage items in centres that are undergoing urban renewal, and to use the urbanrenewal of social housing to better meets the needs of indigenous persons.3. Transport for a Connected CityThe new Metropolitan Plan incorporates the fully funded $50.2 billion MetropolitanTransport Plan. It stresses the importance of integrating transport and land use andincreasing public transport usage. It aims to encourage growth in areas that arealready serviced by transport. It sets a target for at least 70% of all new developmentto be in existing areas, and encourages the development of a compact city that iswell serviced by public transport and with opportunities for cycling and walking.A compact city provides greater potential to enhance Sydney’s role as a Global City,and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through shorter trips to work, educationand other day-to-day activities. It supports more localised travel and provides greateraccess to sustainable travel options, and appropriate services and support for anageing population.The new Metropolitan Plan aims to implement the Metropolitan Transport Plan,through rail expansion projects and road upgrades to provide additional capacityacross the transport system. It states that the South West Rail Link, from GlenfieldStation to Leppington, is one of the major projects that will be delivered over the nextten (10) years.A commitment is made to continuing to improve bus services and connectionsbetween centres and ensuring greater proximity to public transport for more areas inSydney. The Strategic Bus Corridors will continue to be implemented including aCampbelltown to Liverpool via Leppington service and a service from the North WestGrowth Centre to the South West Growth Centre via the Western SydneyEmployment Lands. Bus Corridors listed for consideration in the longer term includea service from Penrith to Campbelltown via Bringelly.Forty six (46) existing and emerging multi-modal transport corridors have beenidentified as being critical over the longer term in ensuring a connected, accessibleand compact city, and the importance of preserving these corridors for the futureexpansion of the transport network is noted. The investigation of a Western SydneyOrbital road is also considered as part of future transport planning.Other initiatives set out in the new Metropolitan Plan include the development of aFreight Strategy, a Metropolitan Parking Policy, implementing the NSW Bike Plan,developing a Walking Strategy, and developing greater coordination betweentimetabling for connecting modes of transport.

4. Housing Sydney’s PopulationSydney’s population is projected to grow to six (6) million by 2036 (an increase of 1.7million persons), and the average household size is predicted to fall from 2.6 to 2.5persons per dwelling. Approximately 770,000 additional dwellings will be required by2036. The North West and South West Growth Centres have been identified toprovide a significant proportion of the additional housing requirement that will begenerated through population growth. However, there will also be the need toincrease residential densities around existing centres with good access to services,jobs and public transport. The new Metropolitan Plan aims to locate 70-80% of allnew housing within walking distance of centres. It also aims to ensure that a mix ofwell-designed housing types is provided (including housing suitable for an ageingpopulation and providing disability-friendly housing) and to improve the availability ofaffordable housing.A total of 155,000 new dwellings is the target that has been set for the South WestSubregion (which includes 83,000 new dwellings in urban release areas). The currenttarget for the Campbelltown Local Government Area is 24,653 new dwellings with19,953 new dwellings to be provided as ‘infill’ in existing areas and 4,700 newdwellings to be provided in urban release areas. Revised dwelling targets for eachLGA within the Subregion have not been provided to date. However, the new LEP forthe Campbelltown LGA will need to set the framework to accommodate the futuredwelling targets required to be met at the local level.The NSW Government states that the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority(SMDA), the Urban Renewal State Environmental Planning Policy, Part 3A of theEnvironmental Planning and Assessment Act (for residential projects over $100million), the Affordable Rental Housing SEPP and the Exempt and ComplyingDevelopment Codes, will also be utilised to meet Sydney’s housing requirements.5. Growing Sydney’s EconomySydney will require an additional 760,000 jobs by 2036 to support the anticipatedpopulation growth. The aim is to have half of these jobs located in Western Sydney tosupport the expected population growth, by facilitating growth in strategic centres anddeveloping greenfield employment lands. The new Metropolitan Plan sets a target of141,000 additional jobs for the South West Subregion, and 25,000 additional jobs forCampbelltown-Macarthur in the period between 2006 and 2036 (down from the targetof 26,000 new jobs in the draft SW Strategy).The Department of Planning estimates that by 2036 Sydney is likely to need: 10,000,000m 2 of additional commercial floor space; 5,000,000m 2 of additional retail floor space, and 8,500 hectares of employment lands.The new Metropolitan Plan aims to ensure that economic growth occurs in a way thatresults in more jobs being provided closer to homes, near transport, education andresearch and development facilities, and in centres, by setting new employmentcapacity targets for each subregion. It also discusses the establishment of anEmployment Lands Task Force to promote the orderly development of EmploymentLands, and the need to improve freight movements and promote clustering of freightand industry.

The four significant trends impacting the NSW economy’s growth path are:Climate change mitigation and adaptation, and transition to a low carboneconomy;Demand and competition from emerging economies;Rapid development of the digital economy; and,The ageing and growing population.The new Metropolitan Plan predicts that in the next ten (10) years, the five (5) largestindustry sectors adding value to the NSW economy will be:Financial and insurance services;Construction;Professional, scientific and technical services;Manufacturing; and,Health care and social assistance.Freight movements are also predicted to triple between 2006 and 2050.Subregional employment targets will be reflected in subregional strategies.Subregional strategies will also be used to identify suitable sites for business parks,particularly in Western and South Western Sydney. A key role for local environmentalplans will be to provide for a broad range of local employment types (through zoningand land use permissibility). The new LEP for the Campbelltown LGA will need toaccommodate the employment targets that have been set for the area.6. Balancing Land Uses on the City FringeThe new Metropolitan Plan states that many fringe areas will be protected byfocussing the majority of urban growth in existing centres and in the Growth Centres.Containing Sydney’s urban footprint can assist in minimising its environmental impactby reducing the amount of land that is used for urban development.Keeping the urban footprint as compact as possible will assist in maintaining andprotecting agricultural activities (and consequently food security) and resource lands.In addition, the NSW Government is considering the development of an AgriculturalPolicy for Sydney and is committed to finalising and implementing the NSW SoilsPolicy.Maintaining a compact urban footprint also means that the continuing outward growthof the Sydney will be contained, at least for the lifespan of the new Metropolitan Plan.In this regard, the new Metropolitan Plan makes the following statement aboutMacarthur South:“In July 2009, the Government considered urban development in MacarthurSouth after approaches by several major land owners to release their land forhousing. Options ranged from proceeding with the existing Mt Gilead MDP[Metropolitan Development Program] release area for 5,500 dwellings to fullydeveloping the area for up to 62,000 dwellings. The Government decided tosuspend investigation of the area primarily due to existing adequate stocks ofland available for housing in the South West Growth Centre, prohibitively

expensive infrastructure costs, and the high value of resources in the area.”(page 162)This NSW Government policy position now provides more certainty for Council inpreparing its new LEP.7. Tackling Climate Change and Protecting Sydney’s Natural EnvironmentThe new Metropolitan Plan places a much stronger focus on addressing the impactsof climate change than the 2005 Metropolitan Strategy. It states that in order to tackleclimate change, cities need to develop ways to minimise the harmful effects of achanging climate. While climate change may not be able to be stopped or reversed,cities need to adapt to cope with the change (climate change adaptation) and tominimise further adverse impacts on the natural environment (climate changemitigation).Sydney is moving towards becoming a more compact, multi-centred city with jobslocated closer to homes and homes located closer to transport. Co-location offacilities, services and industry, with access by public transport and walking andcycling opportunities are also being encouraged. A compact city is considered to bethe most optimal urban form for minimising a city’s greenhouse gas emissions. NSWis committed to a 60% cut in the State’s greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (page171).Sydney will need to adapt to deal with a hotter climate, more frequent and intensebushfires, more rain in summer and spring and rising sea levels. One of the keyactions related to this issue is the development of a Climate Change AdaptationStrategy for Sydney in collaboration with councils. Other key actions include movingtowards integrating environmental targets into infrastructure and land use planning,improving the environmental sustainability rating of new developments, minimisingwaste, and continuing to focus on improving and protecting, air, water, biodiversityand environmental quality.8. Achieving Equity, Liveability and Social InclusionThe new Metropolitan Plan aims to promote equity and social inclusion in the SydneyRegion and to ensure that the quality of life, health and wellbeing within Sydney –and its liveability – is always improving. Providing access to job opportunities,transport, appropriate and affordable housing, and physical and social infrastructure,are important aims of the Plan.The new Metropolitan Plan aims to make certain that equity and social inclusion areaddressed through ensuring that plan making and planning decisions consider social,environmental and economic impacts; consider the specific needs of particulargroups of people (including older people, people with a disability, Aboriginal andTorres Straight Islander people, and children and youth); and, ensuring thatappropriate social infrastructure and services are in place.The key actions that have been identified to achieve equity, social inclusion andliveability are: providing guidelines on how to incorporate liveability and social inclusionmeasures into local environmental plans;

providing criteria to determine when proposed developments will require aformal social impact assessment;developing plans to ensure the timely and effective provision of socialinfrastructure;providing new guidelines for the provision and development of public openspace;identifying, enlivening and protecting places of special cultural, social andcommunity value (such as heritage landscapes and heritage items of bothIndigenous and European importance); and,Strengthening cultural and artistic opportunities, particularly in WesternSydney.9. Delivering the PlanThe new Metropolitan Plan includes a strategy for its implementation. The keyfeatures of this strategy are:Integrating decision making across government to achieve the directions setout in the new Metropolitan Plan;Developing strongly integrated land use and infrastructure planning processes;Aligning subregional planning with the strategic directions of the newMetropolitan Plan;Ensuring that LEPs deliver the intent and yield (for dwellings and jobs)anticipated under the new Metropolitan Plan;Establishing the Sydney Metropolitan Development Authority (SMDA) to deliverurban renewal in priority locations;Streamlining the land release process;Regularly monitoring and updating the new Metropolitan Plan; andFacilitating public engagement in metropolitan and subregional planning.ConclusionThe new Metropolitan Plan 2036 sets the framework for the planning of Sydney andfor each subregion within Sydney for the time period from now until 2036. However,more detailed directions will be included in the subregional strategies. The SouthWest Subregion: Draft Subregional Strategy (SW Strategy) is yet to be finalised.It is disappointing that despite numerous representations from Council, the newMetropolitan Strategy does not identify the Campbelltown-Macarthur CBD as aRegional Centre for the South West Subregion, but only notes that it has the potentialto become a Regional Centre in the future.In terms of transport infrastructure, the commitment to the completion of the SouthWest Rail Link over the next ten (10) years is positive, however, there is nocommitment made to other significant transport infrastructure that will be required toservice the growth of South West Sydney. The Spring Farm Parkway and theextension of Badgally Road, are not addressed in the new Metropolitan Plan. Itremains to be seen whether or not any commitment will be made to the provision ofthese roads in the finalised South West Subregional Strategy (SW Strategy). No datefor the finalisation of the SW Strategy has been provided at this stage.

Population growth, and the consequent need for additional dwellings in South WestSydney, is clearly addressed in the new Metropolitan Plan. However, no details areavailable as yet about whether or not the current target of approximately 25,000 newdwellings that will need to be accommodated within the Campbelltown LocalGovernment Area by 2036 will be revised by the Department of Planning. It is likelythat this will occur through the subregional planning (finalisation) process.The clear NSW Government statement regarding the future of Macarthur Southprovides certainty for the preparation of the new Local Environmental Plan (LEP) forthe Campbelltown Local Government Area (LGA). As a consequence, the subjectland will retain a non-urban zone for the foreseeable future.In terms of employment growth, the target for providing 25,000 additional new jobswithin the Campbelltown Local Government Area by 2036 has decreased from atarget of 26,000 by 2031 mentioned in the draft SW Strategy. No clear reason isgiven for this decrease. This exacerbates a concern long held by this Council thatdesignated future housing growth will not be matched with the requiredcommensurate jobs expansion. The commitment to identifying appropriate sites forbusiness parks through subregional planning is considered a positive step in trying toattract more jobs to South Western Sydney.Environmental issues, including climate change and how to address its impacts, aregiven greater consideration in the new Metropolitan Plan, which is considered apositive step towards creating a more sustainable Sydney.Making Sydney more liveable, equitable and socially inclusive are also commendableaims of the new Metropolitan Plan.Officer's RecommendationThat Council note the information provided about the release of the “MetropolitanPlan for Sydney 2036”, its contents, and its implications for the Campbelltown LocalGovernment Area.Committee’s Recommendation: (Hawker/Thompson)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.CARRIEDCouncil Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.

2.6 Earth Hour 2011Reporting OfficerManager Environmental PlanningAttachmentsNil.PurposeTo seek Councils endorsement for the activities proposed for Earth Hour 2011.HistoryEarth Hour is an Australian initiative that began in 2007 in effort to highlight the needto reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. People are invited toparticipate by switching of their lights for 1 hour, usually between 8.30pm and 9.30pmon the nominated day.By 2009, the concept had developed into a global event, with Earth Hourencouraging people to “switch off” all over the world – from the Eiffel Tower in Paristo Times Square in New York. Earth Hour 2010 was the largest voluntary action forthe environment in history with lights going out across 128 countries and over 4,500cities worldwide.In 2008, 2009 and 2010 many of Councils facilities including the Civic Centre, theLibraries and Campbelltown Stadium supported the cause by turning off all nonessential lighting which abates over ten tonnes of CO² each year. In addition to this,the emission of over eight tonnes of CO² were also abated by participating staff.In previous years Council has promoted the event to the Community through localmedia and encouraged staff participation.ReportIn 2011, Earth Hour prepares to showcase a growing global community committed totaking environmental actions that go beyond the hour. Inspired by thousands ofstories of people going beyond the hour, Earth Hour 2011 will ask individuals,businesses and governments the world over to add more to the annual switch off byshowcasing how they are taking action to preserve their environment. In February2011, earthhour.org launched a platform enabling participants to share stories ofwhat they’re doing, or plan to do, to make a real difference to their environment in theyear ahead, showing that, no matter how big or small, together our actions add up.

Earth Hour 2011 will again see hundreds of millions of people across all continentscome together to celebrate an unambiguous commitment to the planet by switchingoff their lights for one designated hour.It is proposed that Council participate in the program this year on Saturday 26 March,through the following initiatives:1. Switch off non-essential lighting at the following facilities and buildings:Civic CentreCampbelltown Arts CentreEagle Vale Leisure CentreHJ Daley LibraryGlenquarie LibraryIngleburn LibraryMinto LibraryAnimal Care FacilitySanitary DepotCampbelltown Stadium2. Posters to be erected in local bus shelters promoting Earth Hour3. A banner to be erected above Queen St in Campbelltown promoting the event4. Distribution of an appropriate media release5. Promotional message on local radio including Mayor’s message6. Poster to be displayed at the Ingleburn Alive Festival7. Posters to be displayed at Council’s libraries and leisure centres; and8. Poster to be displayed in the Civic Centre foyerOfficer's Recommendation1. That Council participate in this year’s Earth Hour event by turning off lightsacross Council’s buildings and facilities, whenever practicable, and undertakingthe activities listed in the report.2. That Council officers update the actions of Council on the Earth Hour webplatform.Committee’s Recommendation: (Oates/Bourke)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.CARRIED

Council Meeting 8 March 2011 (Kolkman/Chanthivong)That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.Council Resolution Minute Number 27That the Officer's Recommendation be adopted.