Building Our Future Hearty “CONGRATULATIONS” must go to the Lithgow Tidy Town Committee for coordinating the entry that won the National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Award in April 2011. The Award is well-deserved recognition for not only the residents in the town of Lithgow but for all people living in the area. The Award is clear recognition of the efforts that many people are making to ensure we live and work in a great place. This past year has been a big year for the Council with the largest infrastructure program for many years being commenced or undertaken. Around $30 million has been committed to the upgrade of Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewerage Treatment Plants, over $4 million has been spent on upgrading facilities such as community halls, sporting fields and the Lithgow skatepark, and over $4.3 Million has been spent on roads. Council is also ensuring long term water supply by building the South Bowenfels Reservoir and continuing to investigate the Clarence Water Transfer Scheme. At the same time the Council is working closely with the community to identify strategies for the next 10 to 20 years. Council is currently considering a Land Use Strategy that will set directions for a comprehensive Local Environmental Plan, is developing an Ageing Strategy to ensure quality services and facilities for when we get older, has just released the Lithgow Investment Prospectus to encourage and attract business growth, and is about to commence a Tourism Strategy. The combination of major infrastructure upgrades and sound planning will provide for a quality lifestyle and opportunities for sound economic growth for many years to come. Neville Castle Mayor Council Connections Tony Luchetti Showground $3.9 million upgrade Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewerage Treatment Plants Upgrades The combined Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewerage Treatment Plants upgrade, when first commissioned, was the single biggest sewerage capital works program in regional NSW. Some $30 million is being spent, with $11.7 million coming from the NSW Government and Sydney Catchment Authority. The upgrade of these plants is a requirement of the State Government and will bring the plants up to best practice environmental standards. With the plants set to be commissioned by September 2011, it has been necessary for the Council to take out loans and plan for their repayment. For this reason Council needs to increase access and user charges in 2011/12 as follows: • $381.00 to $431.00 for residential sewerage access. • Business sewerage access will depend on meter size. • $191.00 to $246.00 for residential sewerage usage charge. • $1.23 per kilolitre on business properties for usage charges. The Sydney Catchment Authority has provided $3m in funding for the installation of Ultra Violet Disinfection Treatment to both plants to remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia from the treated effluent prior to it entering the Farmers Creek and Pipers Flat water supplies. In 2011/12 Council will be improving the Portland Sewerage Treatment Plant and planning for future upgrades subject to funding. Council is also looking at ways to improve services in Cullen Bullen. Long Term Water Security Catering for residential growth and ensuring the security of the water supply to Lithgow, Wallerawang, Portland and the villages is a high priority for Council. Council has completed construction of the 2,000,000 litre water reservoir and trunk mains on Gould’s Hill ensuring supply for new development in South Bowenfels. $1.9 million will be spent on the renewal of water mains over the next four years in Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland. With an additional $800,000 allocated for the continued upgrade of water reservoirs. New South Bowenfels Reservoir $1.4 million Lithgow Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade $20 million The need to ensure a quality lifestyle, provide for business growth and maintain a healthy environment has been the stimulous for the biggest infrastructure program in the Lithgow Local Government Area in many years. The major projects outlined on the following pages strengthen Lithgow’s ability to continue to be a great place to live, work, invest and play. June 2011 Edition Lithgow - Winner of National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Award, April 2011 Setting a New Direction for Future Land Use Planning Council would like to thank the community for their attendance and input at the open house sessions during the exhibition of the Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy. The level of interest and range of comments shows that the people of Lithgow care about the future of their community. The Strategy seeks to set the direction of land use planning for the Lithgow area for the next 20 years. The Strategy explores the land use issues currently facing the local government area and recommends a series of strategies and actions to address these issues. It will be implemented through a new Local Environmental Plan as well as other Council functions. The submissions received are being reviewed and will be reported to Council for consideration prior to the final adoption of the Lithgow Land Use Strategy. The Strategy will then inform the development of the Local Environmental Plan. Glanmire Oval hockey field $1.14 million upgrade Council Meeting Dates Monday 11th July Monday 1st August Monday 22nd August Monday 12th September Monday 10th October Monday 31st October Rate installment Due 31 August 2011 30 November 2011
Transcript
Building Our FutureHearty “CONGRATULATIONS” must go to the Lithgow Tidy Town Committee for coordinating the entry that won the National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Award in April 2011.
The Award is well-deserved recognition for not only the residents in the town of Lithgow but for all people living in the area. The Award is clear recognition of the efforts that many people are making to ensure we live and work in a great place.
This past year has been a big year for the Council with the largest infrastructure program for many years being commenced or undertaken. Around $30 million has been committed to the upgrade of Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewerage Treatment Plants, over $4 million has been spent on upgrading facilities such as community halls, sporting fields and the Lithgow skatepark, and over $4.3 Million has been spent on roads. Council is also ensuring long term water supply by building the South Bowenfels Reservoir and continuing to investigate the Clarence Water Transfer Scheme.
At the same time the Council is working closely with the community to identify strategies for the next 10 to 20 years. Council is currently considering a Land Use Strategy that will set directions for a comprehensive Local Environmental Plan, is developing an Ageing Strategy to ensure quality services and facilities for when we get older, has just released the Lithgow Investment Prospectus to encourage and attract business growth, and is about to commence a Tourism Strategy.
The combination of major infrastructure upgrades and sound planning will provide for a quality lifestyle and opportunities for sound economic growth for many years to come.
Neville CastleMayor
Council Connections
Tony Luchetti Showground $3.9 million upgrade
Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewerage Treatment Plants Upgrades The combined Lithgow and Wallerawang Sewerage Treatment Plants upgrade, when first commissioned, was the single biggest sewerage capital works program in regional NSW.
Some $30 million is being spent, with $11.7 million coming from the NSW Government and Sydney Catchment Authority. The upgrade of these plants is a requirement of the State Government and will bring the plants up to best practice environmental standards.
With the plants set to be commissioned by September 2011, it has been necessary for the Council to take out loans and plan for their repayment. For this reason Council needs to increase access and user charges in 2011/12 as follows:• $381.00 to $431.00 for residential
sewerage access.• Business sewerage access will depend on
meter size.• $191.00 to $246.00 for residential
sewerage usage charge.
• $1.23 per kilolitre on business properties for usage charges.
The Sydney Catchment Authority has provided $3m in funding for the installation of Ultra Violet Disinfection Treatment to both plants to remove Cryptosporidium and Giardia from the treated effluent prior to it entering the Farmers Creek and Pipers Flat water supplies.
In 2011/12 Council will be improving the Portland Sewerage Treatment Plant and planning for future upgrades subject to funding. Council is also looking at ways to improve services in Cullen Bullen.
Long Term Water SecurityCatering for residential growth and ensuring the security of the water supply to Lithgow, Wallerawang, Portland and the villages is a high priority for Council.
Council has completed construction of the 2,000,000 litre water reservoir and trunk mains on Gould’s Hill ensuring supply for new development in South Bowenfels.
$1.9 million will be spent on the renewal of water mains over the next four years in Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland. With an additional $800,000 allocated for the continued upgrade of water reservoirs.
New South Bowenfels Reservoir $1.4 millionLithgow Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade $20 million
The need to ensure a quality lifestyle, provide for business growth and maintain a healthy environment has been the stimulous for the biggest infrastructure program in the Lithgow Local Government Area in many years. The major projects outlined on the following pages strengthen Lithgow’s ability to continue to be a great place to live, work, invest and play.
June 2011 Edition
Lithgow - Winner of National Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Town Award, April 2011
Setting a New Direction for Future Land Use PlanningCouncil would like to thank the community for their attendance and input at the open house sessions during the exhibition of the Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy. The level of interest and range of comments shows that the people of Lithgow care about the future of their community.
The Strategy seeks to set the direction of land use planning for the Lithgow area for the next 20 years. The Strategy explores the land use issues currently facing the local government area and recommends a series of strategies and actions to address these issues. It will be implemented through a new Local Environmental Plan as well as other Council functions.
The submissions received are being reviewed and will be reported to Council for consideration prior to the final adoption of the Lithgow Land Use Strategy. The Strategy will then inform the development of the Local Environmental Plan.
Glanmire Oval hockey field $1.14 million upgrade
Council Meeting DatesMonday 11th JulyMonday 1st AugustMonday 22nd AugustMonday 12th SeptemberMonday 10th OctoberMonday 31st OctoberRate installment Due 31 August 2011 30 November 2011
2011-2012 Economic and Tourism Development Lead the WayPlanning together to build a vibrant and prosperous future for the Lithgow LGA has been Council’s focus since 2009 with the development of a number of key strategies and promotional materials.
In 2011/12 we will continue to work with local business, regional partners and government agencies to implement priority actions from the Economic Development Strategy, Business and Retail Strategy and the Wallerawang Industrial Park Feasibility Study.
The Economic Development Website is continually being maintained and updated providing information to investors to the area. An Investment Prospectus was launched on 16 June to encourage both local and new investors and Council will be developing a new resident information section on the website.
Council has also implemented a program to provide assistance to business owners in the Lithgow, Wallerawang and Portland CBDs to encourage improvements to the heritage facades of main street properties.
In 2010, Council launched the Lithgow Visitors Guide - Lithgow Surprisingly Diverse. The guide provides visitors to the area with an overview of what the Lithgow area has to offer.
Council has recently appointed a consultant to develop a Tourism Strategy for the Lithgow area. The Strategy will identify our strengths and opportunities for tourism development. This strategy will assist in promoting the Lithgow region as a tourism destination to visitors and investors.
Lithgow Visitor Information Centre T: 1300 760 276T: 02 6350 3230E: [email protected]: www.tourism.lithgow.com
An Aquatic Centre for the Future
Council is working towards a $1.4 million upgrade to the Lithgow Aquatic Centre. Stage 1 has been jointly funded by Council, the Department of Ageing, Delta Electricity, Centennial Coal and Henry Plant and Equipment Hire. The project will include the demolition of the two small pools and the construction of:• a children’s splash park• new amenities (change rooms/toilets)• an outdoor shower deck• public toilets• administration/reception area and kiosk• a staff kitchen area• a cafe• a new parking area • and accessible facilities. Council is continuing to seek funding for Stages 2 and 3 of the project.
New Skatepark a Huge SuccessSince its completion in 2009 the Lithgow Skatepark has been a huge success. Built to competition standards, the Skatepark is a drawcard for extreme event organisers such as the Newtons Nation Experiential Tour held in October last year. The tour featured professional skate, scooter and BMX riders, drawing a huge crowd of around 200 local and regional youth.
Local event organisers are encouraged to make it a focal point for future youth activities when planning events within the Tony Luchetti Showground and adjacent facilities.
As part of the third round of funding received from the Regional and Local Communities Infrastructure Program, Council will be installing new equipment at both Wallerawang and Portland Skateparks.
Concept plans for Stage 3 which will include a full indoor heated centre.
The Lithgow Sporting Precinct has undergone a significant upgrade which will improve its marketing potential and provide the community with a first class facility for sporting events and functions.
During 2011/12 Council will be developing a master plan for the precinct which will establish a framework for its future development. The master plan will look at potential opportunities and ways to maximise its marketability.
The Precinct includes all facilities located within the Tony Luchetti Showground, Watsford, Conran, Glanmire and Marjorie Jackson Ovals, Lithgow Croquet Court, Lithgow Tennis Courts, Lithgow Basketball Stadium, Lithgow Skatepark, Lithgow Memorial Swimming Pool and Farmers Creek.
A number of the facilities within the precinct have recently been upgraded.
An $860,000 makeover to the Ashley Grandstand included the installation of tiered seating, external painting and cladding and the modernisation of the canteen area and dressing sheds.
The ‘largest ballroom this side of the mountains’ , the Civic Ballroom has undergone a $1m transformation. This included the installation of disabled access to the entry foyer, improvements to the amenities and the installation of heating along with:• refubishment of the bar/kiosk area, • replacement of the kitchen • inclusion of a community room • Installation of new sound and lighting
equipment.A new synthetic water turf and water
re-use system, spectator seating, lighting and electronic scoreboard was installed at Glanmire Oval. Local hockey players are now able to compete on fields which meet national and international standards.
New access ramps, concrete paths and handrails were installed at the Lithgow Croquet Club to improve accessiblity to the clubhouse and court.
Council has recently approved the combined development application/construction certificate for the upgrade to the amenties building at the Marjorie Jackson Soccer Fields. The new change rooms and referees facilities will better accomodate visiting teams.
Stage 1 of the Farmers Creek Flood Mitigation Works have been completed which included channel widening and the installation of a block wall to alleviate intense stormwater flows in the Hermitage Flat area and to increase channel capacity. This also provided an opportunity to construct stage 1 of the walk/cycleway linking the Geordie Street Crossing with the footbridge over Farmers Creek to George Coates Avenue.
Survey investigation and design work is underway for a further 360m of construction works to the channel. This will complete the section to the Albert Street Bridge.
In 2011/12 Council will be developing a Floodplain Management Plan for Farmers Creek.
A master plan will also be developed to rejuventate the area as a ‘green artery’ connecting the Sporting Precinct to areas such as Blast Furnace Park and Lake Pillans Wetlands.
Major Upgrade to Lithgow Sporting Precinct
With an $860,000 upgrade, the Ashley Grandstand is able to cater for large events and festivals.
Lake Wallace, Wallerawang ~ quality recreational areas Lithgow Visitor Information Centre ~ quality visitor servicesQueen Elizabeth Park, Lithgow playground equipment upgrade $55,000
Council Trainees and Apprentices are Young AchieversCouncil would like to congratulate Klissa Nolan, Tourism Trainee, on being awarded the Central West Group Apprentice Trainee of the Year. Klissa will be representing Lithgow at the Central West Awards to be held in Orange on 8 July.
Klissa is the second trainee from the Tourism Centre to receive this award with Kirsty Melnyk taking the award out in 2008.
Kirsty has gone on to continue her career in Council as a member of the Organsational Development Team and is currently studying Certificate IV in Human Resources at Orange TAFE.
Lithgow City Council currently employs eight trainees in the fields of tourism, information technology, planning, engineering, administation, water treatment
Cultural Precinct Becomes a Reality Xstrata Coal is a major partner in the development of the Lithgow Cultural Precinct. Following their initial funding of the Cultural Precinct Study, Xstrata has committed an additional $100,000 over two years to develop the Lithgow History Walk.
This sculptural walk will depict historical events and people in Lithgow through the creation of an outdoor art gallery along Inch Street connecting Eskbank House Museum, Blast Furnance Park and Lake Pillans Wetland.
The project provides an opportunity for local and regional artists to get involved through the development and installation of sculptures and community arts projects along the corridor. This will be a major tourist draw card for the area and offers a significant boost to local creative industries.
Council will be calling on the community to help develop a concept plan for the walk over coming months. Production will begin early in the new year on the sculptures.
Other significant projects for the Cultural Precinct in 2011/12 include:• $120,000 from
the Regional and Local Communities Infrastructure Program to install heating at Eskbank House Museum and create defined walkways, signage, viewing areas and platforms at Blast Furnace Park and Lake Pillans Wetland.
• The development of a Conservation Management Plan for Eskbank House Museum which is jointly funded by the NSW Heritage Office.
• Participation in the Museums and Galleries NSW Museums Advisors Program to assist in the development of Eskbank House Museum, State Mine Heritage Park, Lithgow Small Arms Museum and The Glen (Charlie Pinch) Museum at Portland.
Embracing a Creative Community Creative Industries Establish a Local Identity Council is working with cultural and creative industry workers to establish a Creative Industries Cluster in the Lithgow area. The Cluster provides an opportunity to promote the sector to both the community and tourists. It relies on the participation of members to undertake projects and to further the development of creative industies.
Creative and cultural industries have played a major role in the history and economic development of the Lithgow region through the practice of metal trades and establishment of fine arts practitioners.
A website has been established to promote the cluster, its aims and membership through an online business directory. The next stage of the project will be the development of an Arts Trail,
providing visitors to the area with a guide to galleries, workshops and services associated with the sector. For more information or to become a member, go to www.business.lithgow.com and click on the Business Clusters tab.
Tea and Talk at the LibraryThe Lithgow Library Learning Centre continues to provide a
range of interesting community programs designed to bring people together in a warm and friendly environment to learn and enjoy the companionship of others.
‘Tea and Talk’ is a new monthly discussion group developed around a range of topics of interest to the community. Each month a guest speaker will be invited to facilitate discussion on themes such as health, child care, computers, social networking, gardening, hobbies, history, library and council matters just to name a few.
Regular activities at the Library cater to all ages and interests including: The Lithgow Forum, The Knitting Group, Children’s Story Time, School Holiday Activities, local and travelling exhibitions, Homework Zone and Seniors Week Activities.
For information on regular activities at the Library contact 6352 9100.
www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au
operations and records. Nine apprentices are employed in
the fields of greenkeeping, horticulture, mechanics, plumbing and painting.
Council trainees and apprentices are recruited through Central West Group Apprentices for Certificate III qualifications. University qualification traineeships and all other positions within Council are advertised through local media and on Council’s website www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au
Upgrades for Local RoadsIn 2011/12 Council will continue to upgrade urban and rural roads with major upgrades to rural roads being undertaken at:• Glen Alice Road in the Mt Marsden area -
$269,000.• Magpie Hollow Road between Rydal
Hampton Road and Lake Lyell - $254,000• Cuthill Road near Jerry’s Meadows Road -
$150,000• Rydal/Hampton Road at the Hampton
end - $250,000.• Cox’s River Road heavy patching and
resealing to various sections - $140,000.Major works under the urban reseals program will be undertaken to:• Portland Streets (Payne Street, Bate Street
and Portland Road) - $100,000• Mort Street, Lithgow - $100,000.Information on Council’s Road Maintenance Program can be viewed at: www.council.lithgow.com/reg_works.html.
The New Portland LibraryOpening Late July
A modern and spacious Library with a dedicated w technology centrew childrens areaw reading area and
w wheelchair accessibility
Information on Council’s library facilities and community programs is available on
www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au
Lithgow... Surrounded by Nature
Lithgow Memorial Swimming Pool Australia Day Festivities. Glen Alice Road, Roadworks
Preparing the lanes for the Lithgow Flash Gift
Klissa Nolan, CWGA Trainee of the Year
Developing our assetsBlackmans Flat Waste Disposal Facility will continue to be a part of Council’s long term planning for waste management in the area.
In order to provide improved waste services, waste charges will increase by $20 from $297.00 to $317.00 for residential and business properties in 2011/12.
Strategic Planning Leads the Way to a Sustainable FutureIn 2006, Council and the community developed a shared vision for a sustainable future for the Lithgow region as follows: “A Centre of Regional Excellence that: • Encourages community growth and
development• Contributes to the efficient and effective
management of the environment, community and economy for present and future generations.”
Since the implementation of the Strategic Plan 2007 Our Place, Our Future, Council has continued to work with the community to develop a suite of strategic planning documents which will take Lithgow forward. To achieve our shared vision Council:• Revised the Social Plan 2006-2011 with
2006 Census data.• Developed a Crime Prevention Plan. • Completed the Draft Open Space and
Recreation Study and will be undertaking a feasibility study into suitable locations and options for an Adventure Playground in Lithgow.
• Is developing an Ageing Strategy.• Completed a review of the 2000 Heritage
Study and developed the Draft Lithgow Heritage Development Control Plan.
• Developed the Draft Lithgow Land Use Strategy which was informed by Council’s suite of strategic plans. This in turn will inform the new Lithgow Local Environmental Plan.
• Completed a Cultural Plan and Cultural Precinct Study.
• Developed a Draft Waste and Recycling Strategy and draft closure plans for rural landfills.
• Developed documents to further economic development and tourism such as the:• Economic Development Strategy• Lithgow Investment Prospectus• Business and Retail Strategy• Wallerawang Business Park Feasiblity
Study• Lithgow Visitors Guide• and has commenced the development
of a Tourism Strategy. As part of its legislative requirements to implement an Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, Council has now completed a review of the Strategic Plan 2007 and is finalising the Draft Community Strategic Plan 2021 ~ Our Place, Our Future. These documents have been informed by all of the above documents which you, the community, have helped to develop.
Community Strategic Plan 2021 “Our Place, Our Future”
Council will be calling for public submissions on the Draft Community Strategic Plan in August 2011
Address Submissions to General Manager
Lithgow City Council PO Box 19 Lithgow NSW 2790, or
When placed on exhibition the Draft Community Strategic Plan and supporting documents will be available on Council’s website
www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au
Local Lookouts are Iconic Attractions
Concept plan for Bracey Lookout
Best Practice Water PricingIn response to NSW Government requirements, the Council has changed the way that it will charge for the use of water. This best practice water pricing now aligns to the amount of water that you use rather than on the connection charge.
In 2011/12 the residential water access charge will decrease from $185 to $145 with increases to the water usage charge to be:• $1.81 to $2.40 for the first 250k.• $2.61 to $3.60 for water used in excess of
250kl.The business water charges will increase depending on the size of the meter servicing the property. The water access charge will be:• $585.00 for a 20mm water meter.• $775.00 for a 50mm water meter• $880.00 for a 100mm or 200mm water
meter.The water usage charge for business properties will incur a flat rate of $2.76 per kl for all water used.
Responsible Waste and Recycling ManagementCouncil is currently developing a Waste and Recycling Strategy which will identify changes to the current recycling system and key locations for the construction of transfer stations.
In response to requirements by the Department of Environment regarding environmental issues at rural landfills and as part of the consent conditions for the Blackmans Flat Waste Disposal Facility, $1,395,000 has been allocated over the next four years for the closure of rural tips. A further $285,000 has been allocated for the installation of Waste Transfer Stations in key locations to minimise inconvenience caused by closures to the rural communities.
Council has prepared closure plans for each of the rural landfills which will include a public information and media campaign to keep the community informed of the process.
The life of the Lithgow Solid Waste facility will be extended with the installation of a weighbridge and new disposal area during 2011/12. As a result construction of the
Lithgow City Council 180 Mort Street PO Box 19Lithgow NSW 2790 Tel: 1300 661 033 or 6354 9999 Fax 6351 [email protected] www.lithgow.nsw.gov.au
Bracey Lookout, overlooking Lithgow, is undergoing an upgrade and will provide locals and visitors with new picnic and parking areas along with interpretive signage of historic landmarks in the valley.
$250,000 has been allocated to complete a management plan for Hassans Walls Reserve and to commence the upgrade of Hassans Walls Lookout overlooking the Hartley Valley.
Hassans Walls Lookout is the highest lookout in the Blue Mountains and its surrounding reserve boasts historic and environmental significance with the Reserve being home to a number of threatened species.
The Reserve is used by locals and visitors for recreational activities such as walking and downhill mountain bike racing and a management plan to accommodate all recreational uses and tourism is high on the agenda.
This first stage in the process will be to undertake a geotechnical survey of the lookout and complete the Hassans Walls Reserve Management Plan. This will enable Council to prioritise works for the upgrade of the lookout and management of the Reserve.
The future of Pearson’s Lookout overlooking the magnificent Capertee Valley continues to be a matter of concern to both Council and the community.
The Capertee Valley, the second largest canyon in the world, is an important tourist asset in our area. It is home to the Regent Honeyeater and has over 230 identified bird species.
However, there are significant issues surrounding the safety of motorists entering and exiting the lookout from the Castlereagh Highway and responsibility for maintenance.
Council has made representations through the State Member to the Premier requesting that a delegation meet with him to discuss the issues surrounding the future of Pearsons Lookout.
