This summary, provided by the CEO, is an overview of the discussions that took place at the 2 April and 16 April 2024 Council Meetings.

If you would like any further detail on any of these items, full minutes of Council meetings as well as audio recordings of Council meetings are available.

Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendment

The State Government recently released the Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation Definitions Review Code Amendment for consultation and feedback is being sought prior to the 16 April 2024. This Code amendment is very narrow in its scope and its title encapsulates the nature of the change it is proposing to make to the Planning Code.

It is understood that the proposed amendment is a precursor to a full review of the policy related to both ancillary accommodation and student accommodation. For undisclosed reasons PlanSA has determined to expedite this Code Amendment, rather than pair it with the broader policy review.

Staff have discussed the proposed amendment at some length. It is Staff’s view that the amendments to the definitions provide a reasonable broadening of the definitions which could positively provide opportunities to assist in addressing the ongoing issues with housing affordability, for both purchasers and renters. Providing greater housing diversity is a part of solving that puzzle.

However, Staff have a major concern with the separation of this definition amendment from a broader review of existing policy and the inclusion of new policy to ensure good design outcomes. There is no formal indication of a timeline for the wider policy review and Staff are concerned that without good policy being in place to support the definition changes, there will be poor design outcomes leading to adverse impacts on neighbours as well as owner/occupiers.

Particularly with regard to Ancillary Accommodation, there is currently no specific policy around open space, storage, parking nor any specific limit on the number of individual ancillary accommodation buildings which could be constructed on a site, beyond general design guidelines relevant to all domestic structures.

After consideration, Council resolved to write to the Minister for Planning, Hon Nick Champion MP to strongly urge the Government to defer further consideration of this amendment and pair it with a Code Amendment to review and develop new Policy with regard to Ancillary Accommodation and Student Accommodation, which will properly support the broadened definitions and enable assessment Staff to pursue positive design outcomes.

Service Club request – Blue Tree Project

The Blue Tree Project is about ‘kicking the stigma of mental health, one blue tree at a time’. The process is that you identify a tree, paint it blue, take a photo and register it at www.bluetreeproject.com.au. There are 18 sites across South Australia, with the majority in regional towns.

Staff received a request from the Rotary Club of Campbelltown (Club) to participate in the Blue Tree Project. The Club are willing to paint identified trees blue across the Campbelltown area. The Club would also like to add an ‘R U OK?’ sign with phone number in close proximity to the tree.

Staff support the initiative to raise awareness about mental health in the Community.  In considering the Blue Tree Project which paints dead trees blue, it did raise some considerations about dead trees in that they may:

• still have habitat value for a variety of animal species
• add character to the area in their natural state.

Staff propose that if Council were to support the Club in this project, the following criteria could be used:

• The project could exclude any areas with high environmental/biodiversity value (eg Wadmore Park / Pulyonna Wirra)
• The project should exclude residential streets
• Developed parks will be considered (eg Daly Oval)
• Permission will be sought from Staff in the Environmental & Sustainability team prior to painting a tree
• Social media and a webpage will accompany the project to increase Community awareness.

After carefully considering this matter, Council, although not supporting the Blue Tree Project, commended their desire to raise awareness on mental health issues and requested Staff to work with the Rotary to explore other ways in which they could raise awareness.

Tool Library

A Tool Library operates in the same way as the well known Toy Library model, where people sign up as members for a fee and borrow equipment for gardening, home DIY, cooking, camping etc.

Tool Libraries are a great way to provide tools and potentially knowledge in how to use them to people who face barriers such as cost and / or lack of storage. Tool Libraries also offer alternative options for those seeking more environmentally sustainable lifestyles as they foster a circular economy, sharing items to minimise waste and use of resources.

Staff were having conversations within the Community with the aim of finding a Community partner. However, at that time the outcome was not certain and Council resolved to trial a Tool Library at the Depot.

Staff have continued discussions with the Campbelltown Uniting Church (Church) and the timing is now right to potentially develop a Community based Tool Library, utilising an existing shed at Lower North East Road Campbelltown.

Representatives from the Church are very committed and excited about the possibility of operating a Tool Library from an existing shed they have on their property. They propose that a Tool Library could commence in April / early May.

The main differences between the Tool Library at the Depot versus at Campbelltown Uniting Church are:

As outlined in the previous report, Community based programs have proven to be sustainable, cost effective and grow in size once known. The Campbelltown Repair Café is another example of this where Staff supported Community members develop and grow a concept which is now very popular, well used and run service provided by our Community for our Community.

Council now had an opportunity to determine whether they would like to continue with the trial at the Depot, or whether they would prefer to support this Community based model at the Church.  Staff don’t support both locations running concurrently in the early stages as this could be problematic due to the limited number of tools and also confusing for users and operators.

Council resolved to support the Campbelltown Tool Library being run from the Council Depot and utilise the $3,000 seed funding to purchase tools at this time.

Request to Fly Italian Flag

Council received a request from Com.It.Es South Australia to fly the Italian Flag on 2 June 2024 to celebrate Italian National Day.

As per previous resolutions Council has a confirmed its position that it will only fly the Australian, State, Campbelltown and Aboriginal flag. In addition to this the Sister City flags will be flown during the week of the anniversary of signing the Sister City Agreement.

From time to time Council receives requests to fly different flags. To be consistent with Council’s resolution and to align with previous decisions made, Staff recommended that Council doesn’t fly the Italian flag, however, illuminate the Migrant Monument in red, green and white on 2 June 2024 and accompany this with social media communication about the relevance of the day.

Given the previous resolutions Council resolved that Com.It.Es South Australia be advised that in lieu of flying the Italian flag Council will illuminate the Migrant Monument in red, green and white to acknowledge Italian National Day on 2 June 2024 and will provide social media communication to raise Community awareness of the importance of this day.

Tennis Facility Strategy

To understand the current and future provision of the Council’s Club and public tennis courts, buildings, fencing and lighting over the next 10 to 15 years, Staff started work developing a Tennis Facility Strategy.

The work provides an understanding of the provision of tennis facilities, club needs and facility requirements (maintenance and enhancement) which has highlighted a range of actions to improve the tennis facilities and growth of tennis across the Council area.

A range of tennis activities are available within the Council area across the 11 Council owned venues. Tennis courts open to the public, free of charge, are located at 6 of these venues. Club level (competitive and social) tennis is conducted at the other 5 venues. Each of the Club venues have 6 Courts with the exception of Herb Reid Reserve with only 4 courts. Some Club facilities are available for public use outside of club training and match times as they are either unlocked or made available to book.

Club Priorities

Over the past one to two years, many of the highest priority projects that Clubs have expressed a desire to undertake have been completed or at least commenced (primarily focusing on improved court surfaces and lighting, including upgrading to LED lighting). The next highest priority appears to relate to building quality, maintenance and usability, including accessibility and viewing opportunities, plus the potential for additional courts.

Consequently, Staff consider the timing appears right to commence planning for these improvements.

Future Opportunities

The analysis undertaken reveals three core objectives:

1. Maintain a spread of quality Club and Community courts throughout the City;
2. Support more people playing tennis more often; and
3. Plan for the future of tennis facilities.

There are a number of recent actions that have helped achieve this. As mentioned above, some of the highest priority actions have already commenced or been completed:

• In progress
  • Update Council’s Asset Management Plan with different levels of service for different elements of courts (base layer, asphalt, acrylic surface) rather than only recognising a 30-year lifespan for courts overall
  • Replace outdated signage with updated how-to-book information to encourage increased use of Community courts
  • Work with Clubs to improve the court surfaces at Hectorville Tennis and Netball Club at Daly Oval
  • Work with Clubs to replace the court lighting at Campbelltown Tennis and Netball Club at Emery Road
  • Prepare concept drawings for the club facility at Emery Road with the design of the Athelstone Tennis Club building as a base model
  • Worked with Rostrevor Tennis Club to seek grant funding to replace the court lighting at Jenkins Avenue; while this application was unsuccessful, Staff continue to seek grant funding for this work
  • Working with the Club to upgrade the court lighting at Herb Reid Reserve in 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan & Budget
  • Working with the Club to improve the court surface at Campbelltown Tennis and Netball Club in 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan & Budget
  • Prepare concept drawings for the Club facility at Jenkins Avenue with the design of the Athelstone Tennis Club building as a base model as well as an opportunity to create two additional courts. Staff do not recommend the additional courts be developed at this time, as they would take away the majority of the open grassed area for broader Community use.

• Completed
  • Clarify with Clubs as leases are renewed the interpretation of the maintenance addendum for leases (contents and obligations), which may differ slightly between venues
  • Explore opportunities to add 2 extra courts at Daly Oval
  • Work with Rostrevor Tennis Club to improve the court surfaces at Jenkins Avenue.
• Ongoing
  • Plan and maintain venues in line with relevant Open Space Hierarchy levels and Council’s Asset Management Plan (maintenance and renewal timelines and budgets)
  • Regularly promote Community court use in the context of encouraging fun, low-cost, healthy active living opportunities in the Council area.
  • Embrace environmentally sustainable development for new infrastructure (eg LED lighting)
  • Provide adequate Council resources to support Clubs with maintenance (where relevant)
  • Provide adequate Council resources to support clubs with the submission of grant applications to relevant funding bodies to help maintain court surfaces, lighting and fencing
  • Provide adequate support to Clubs to celebrate their heritage and recognise the benefits they bring to the Community
  • Provide accessible, inclusive and sustainable facilities:
    • Improve access and inclusion in line with Universal Design Principles and following Council’s Accessibility Checklist for Open Space
    • Consider installing LED lighting and environmentally-friendly features such as solar panels on buildings
    • Ensure complementary infrastructure (eg playgrounds, drinking fountains, BBQs, public toilets) is planned and maintained to the relevant Open Space Hierarchy level

• To be Considered:
  • Conduct audits of tennis facilities by a court specialist or professional tennis auditor to monitor condition against expected renewal timelines and budgets (eg at 5 to 7 year intervals)
  • Prepare concept drawings for Herb Reid Reserve with the design of the Athelstone Tennis Club building as a potential base model
  • Consider formalising via Council resolution the provision of at least one multi-sport court per Community venue to maximise usage of court space including requests for basketball hoops (in line with Thorndon Park and Playford Road Reserve)
  • Explore opportunities for user-activated lighting within allocated time periods where suitable
  • Consider installing ‘Book a Court’ or Igloo lock systems at public tennis courts to understand use numbers and patterns (with new signage and instructions as appropriate)
  • Support Clubs to install ‘Book a Court’ or Igloo lock systems at tennis venues to improve Community access to facilities and maximise venue use
  • Consider the installation of ‘Book a Court’ or Igloo lock systems, multi-use courts and user-activated lighting at public tennis courts.

Staff believe and Council supported through their resolution that as a number of these actions have been addressed and/or are in train, the next major focus should be on improving the Clubroom facility at the Campbelltown Tennis and Netball Club (including accessibility access) and the Clubroom Facility at the Rostrevor Tennis Club without the potential of two additional tennis courts being constructed.

Draft Master Plan for Lochiel Park Recreation Areas

The Lochiel Parklands is 15 hectares in size, which incorporates 12.4 hectares of open space comprising natural areas, wetlands, playgrounds, trails and an oval. The land is designated in the Lochiel Park Lands Community Land Management Plan for the purpose of parklands which ‘…includes use of the Land for the recreational, wellbeing and environmental needs of the Community and for the preservation of natural assets’.

Lochiel Park is located within a predominantly residential area of Campbelltown, close to Lochiel Park Golf at Geoff Heath Par 3 Golf Course and the O-Bahn Busway. It also incorporates the Lochiel Park ‘green’ village located adjacent the River Torrens Linear Park and historical Lochend House. This development houses approximately 150 residents in medium-density, sustainable housing. Lochiel Park is much loved by its residents and houses are highly sought after. In 2018, it became the first open space in South Australia to receive the international Green Flag Award, a recognition it has retained since.

The Vision for the Lochiel Park Lands is:

A natural green, biologically diverse and beautiful public open space in and around the Lochiel Park development.

In line with this vision, a Draft Master Plan has been developed for the Lochiel Park Recreation Areas. The recreation section features picnic facilities with BBQ, a playground, a half-court basketball court, soccer goal, fitness equipment and extensive walking trails through wetlands, grassed areas and extending out to the River Torrens Linear Park. A public toilet is a short walk from the playground along Linear Park.

Guiding principles for the open space in line with Council’s Lochiel Park Open Space Action Plan (developed with Miles Consulting in 2022) include:

• Predominantly informal natural landscape
• Retention of open green vegetated character
• Built structures only as required to enhance the purpose of the parklands
• Hard landscape materials (eg paving) of a natural-type colour/material
• Plantings utilising local native species as the first preference
• Safe accessibility, in particular, safe pedestrian crossings
• Appropriate design including lighting to facilitate safe day and night time use
• Provision of Community amenities and public artwork, to provide connection to Aboriginal history
• Biologically diverse and functional wetlands and woodlands.

As noted above, at its meeting on 19 July 2022, Council resolved:

‘That a Master Plan (incorporating a Dog Park) be developed for Lochiel Park in consultation with various stakeholders, including residents, to seek their feedback.’

As such, this report presents discussion about the Draft Master Plan overall, as well as giving particular attention to the proposed Dog Park element.

Council engaged LMH Consulting Group / Paws4Play to lead the development of the Draft Master Plan during 2023/2024. The process included consultation with key stakeholders including:

• Staff across multiple departments
• Lochiel Park residents
• Campbelltown (suburb) and broader Campbelltown (Council) residents
• Friends of Lochiel Park
• Ripples Community Arts Inc
• Campbelltown Historical Society
• Regular private hirers of Lochend Community Hall
• Lochiel Parkrun.

The master planning process notes, that in 2020 Council committed to constructing a fenced Dog Park as a new addition to the recreation section in Lochiel Park. Community consultation was undertaken in 2021 specifically on a Draft Concept Plan for the Dog Park on the grassed oval area.

The consultation revealed that overall, local residents were highly protective of the oval area as green open space for multi-purpose use. Local residents had many suggestions for alternate locations for a dog park within Lochiel Park, including the undeveloped area adjacent Ripples Community Arts Shed at the north-eastern residential boundary of the site.

There are many formal and informal groups using the recreational areas within Lochiel Park and some of these uses appear to be competing with each other. This was the key driver underpinning Council’s later decision to undertake a master planning process for the whole recreational area (including a Dog Park), including further stakeholder consultation with all individual groups to inform the development of a Master Plan.

The development of the Draft Master Plan involved direct consultation with local residents, Community groups and existing leaseholders / regular hirers of the venues within the Recreational Areas of Lochiel Park. It included a letterbox drop of local residents within approximately 300m of the project site (approx. 300 flyers), advertising in The Advertiser newspaper and a targeted and broad promotional approach.

Key stakeholders were invited to workshops and/or meetings with the Consultant and Project Team and there was a ‘walk and talk’ day open for Community members to attend to discuss the project further. Feedback from the consultation has been incorporated into the Draft Master Plan.

Given the previous lack of Community support for a Dog Park on the oval site, the master planning process included the examination of potential alternative locations for off-leash dog exercise at Lochiel Park. These locations were discussed with the Community, Staff, and Elected Members to gain feedback prior to continuing to the development of the recommended option.

As well as the location for dog exercise, the discussions included the topic of having a fenced or unfenced exercise area. There was strong Community opposition to fencing any part of Lochiel Park. Fencing would limit a space to single use as it would likely deter non-dog owners from using the space leading to a decrease in the variety of activities and number of people using the space.

Research also shows that fenced Dog Parks tend to be used by owners who cannot or choose not to control their dogs; that only a small number of dog owners are likely to use a fenced off-leash area on a regular basis; the majority of dog owners either do not use dog parks, use them infrequently, or use them conditionally (ie when no other dogs are present or when only familiar dog owners/dogs are present) owners are significantly less attentive to dogs in fenced Dog Parks than in unfenced off-leash areas and slower to intervene in incidents.

Rather than fencing, visual/physical landscape buffers can be used to help designate an area as off-leash while retaining connectivity to the broader site. This would also minimise any issues associated with koalas becoming trapped in an enclosed area and would retain the space as being multi-purpose. Most of the benefits generally associated with fenced areas can be achieved in unfenced areas, such as the benefits of socialising with other dog owners and enabling exercise for dogs.

The master planning process determined that in line with good open space, environmental, financial and dog control planning and management practices, that no area of the Lochiel Park Lands should be considered for a fenced Dog Park. There is very little demand and support for a fenced Dog Park anywhere at Lochiel Park, and best practice open space planning seeks to optimise the use of parkland areas whilst minimising infrastructure that restricts use to a single purpose.

To support off-leash dog exercise in an unfenced manner, there is an opportunity to enhance the undeveloped mulched area between Lochend Community Hall and the River Torrens Linear Park with landscaping that would still encourage a variety of activities to take place by people of varying ages and abilities.

It is noted that Ripples Community Art had expressed interest in a sculpture trail and a reflective garden in this zone and have some concerns about an off-leash dog exercise area close to the Art Shed. However, an alternative zone for a sculpture trail and reflective garden (also supported by Ripples members) is adjacent the old milk shed. This would provide an opportunity to strengthen the main entry to Lochiel Park and create interest upon arrival.

Should the Undeveloped Zone be designated as off-leash, the oval itself could be designated as on-leash to support casual recreational use such as family play and open run-about play associated with the use of the playspace and structured recreation activity with cultural groups and picnic gatherings, as there may be potential conflict with the off-leash exercise of dogs.

Staff recommended that the Lochiel Park Recreation Areas Draft Master Plan for Stage 2 Community consultation without the inclusion of a fenced Dog Park however include an unfenced off-leash dog exercise area.

During the development of the Draft Master Plan, LMH Consulting / Paws4Play together with Staff also explored a concurrent proposal to extend the fenced Dog Park at Four Paws Park (Denis Morrissey Park). Consultation was undertaken in February 2024 with the immediate neighbouring residents revealing overall opposition to this (either as part of the oval or under the trees along the edge of the oval adjoining the residential boundaries).

As a result of this work, Staff recommended that no additional areas be fenced for an off-leash dog exercise at Denis Morrissey Park.

Prior to Council deciding whether, they wished to proceed with the Master Plan, the Elected Members requested that a Briefing Session be held to discuss the draft Master Plan in more detail.

Draft 2024/2025 Budget

Council’s budget for 2024/2025 will be developed using Year 1 of the Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP), as adopted by Council at its 5 March 2024 meeting. A bus tour and budget workshop was held on 16 March 2024 to provide an opportunity for Staff and Elected Members to present and discuss the proposed draft budget and budget bids.

As part of this process, Members were asked to rate their priority of 28 Capital-New projects in accordance with the endorsed rating system, while 6 projects will be automatically included in the ABP&B due to the nature of the project and previous Council resolutions. The adopted LTFP makes an allowance of $1,977,750 for Capital-New projects for 2024/2025.

As a result of the rating process, Council resolved to include the following projects in the draft budget:

Capital New

• Purchase of Rubbish Bins - $80,000
• Backflow Prevention Devices - $49,500
• Installation of an Accessible Door and Ramp in the Library Courtyard - $1,000
• Installation of an Accessible Door and Ramp at the Toy Library - $5,000
• Stormwater Projects – Athelstone Recreation Reserve Soccer Pitch Protection - $25,000
• Stormwater Projects – Underground Drainage System – Carlow Avenue, Athelstone - $90,000
• Gorge Road, Athelstone – Footpath and Drainage Improvements - $160,000
• Donald Street Playground Upgrade - $175,000
• Footpath Program (Second Footpath - Capital New) - Community Requested Footpaths - Spencer Street, Campbelltown - $29,000
• New Bus Shelter - 33 (M) Maryvale Road, Athelstone – $20,000
• Footpath Program (Second Footpath - Capital New) - Hamilton Terrace, Paradise (Nicola Court to Stoneybrook Drive) – $35,000
• Spencer Street Reserve - Accessibility Upgrades - $34,600
• New Bus Shelter - 30 (E) Stradbroke Road, Rostrevor - $20,000
• New Bus Shelter - 30 (W) Stradbroke Road, Rostrevor - $20,000
• Silkes Road Additional Parking - $300,000
• Footpath Program (Second Footpath - Capital New) - Community Requested Footpaths - Church Street, Magill (Hershey Street to Douglas Avenue) - $15,000
• Padova Court/Monaro Crescent Reserve Playground Upgrade - $66,000
• Footpath Program (Second Footpath - Capital New) - Frost Street, Rostrevor (Graves Street to Number 12) - $51,000
• Footpath Program (Capital New) - Fisher Street, Magill - $32,000.

Capital New – Building Asset Management Plan

• Hectorville Community Hall Kitchen Air Conditioner - $5,000
• Ripples Art Shed Toilet - $40,000.

and the remaining $527,100 be allocated to the Building Asset Management Plan Allocation.

Capital New - Master Plan Allocation

• Council resolved to include $593,800 in the draft budget to undertake Master Plan projects.

Capital – Strategic Land Purchases

• Council resolved to allocate $299,200 in the draft budget for the purchase of Strategic Land when required.

Capital-Renewal and Replacement

Council also committed $7,422,900 towards the replacement of the following assets throughout 2024/2025:

• Road Transport Asset Renewal Program - $3,639,850
• Library Materials - Grant and Purchases - $0
• Replacement of Plant and Machinery - $51,950
• Footpath Renewal Program - $298,000
• PC and Laptop Replacement - $166,000
• Network Switch Replacement – The ARC Campbelltown, Library and Depot - $12,000
• The ARC Campbelltown Café – Freezer Replacement - $500
• The ARC Campbelltown Café – Ice Machine Replacement - $2,900
• The ARC Campbelltown Squash Courts Airconditioning Upgrade - $66,000
• The ARC Campbelltown Learn to Swim Platforms Upgrade - $2,300
• Microsoft SQL Server Upgrade - $38,000
• Building Renewals - $45,500
• Open Space Renewals - $45,000
• Athelstone Tennis Court Lighting Replacement - $45,000
• Herb Reid Reserve Tennis Court Lighting Replacement - $20,000
• Wayfinding Signage at Lochiel Park Village Green - $8,000
• Maryvale Road and Sunset Strip Intersection Upgrade - $280,000
• Library Courtyard Accessible Door and Ramp - $12,400
• Toy Library Accessible Door and Ramp - $18,550
• Smart Energy Meter Installation - $20,000
• Replacement of existing Uninterruptible Power Supplies at the Library and The ARC Campbelltown - $20,100
• Padova Court/Monaro Crescent Reserve Playground Upgrade - $115,000
• Campbelltown Tennis and Netball Club Tennis Court Resurfacing - $96,200
• Microsoft Data Centre Licence Upgrade - $59,450
• Athelstone Community Hall Drainage Works - $190,000
• Renewal of Electricity Board and Fencing at the Meredith Street Property - $500,000
• Replacement of the Scoreboard at Max Amber Sportsfield - $40,000
• Replacement of Oval Lights at Foxfield Oval - $37,900
• Campbelltown Memorial Oval Bore Connection to Irrigation System and Fencing - $45,000
• The ARC Campbelltown - Replacement of Strength Equipment - $7,950
• Replacement of Digital Signage at Council Offices - $24,000

and funds not required for the draft 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan and Budget for Capital-Renewal and Replacement expenditure be allocated to the Renewal and Replacement Reserve.

Furthermore, Council resolved to undertake the following new initiatives to improve the service to the Local Community:

• Balance Sheet Account Reconciliation Software - $13,750
• Padova Court/Monaro Crescent Reserve Playground Upgrade - $15,000
• Donald Street Playground Upgrade - $15,000
• Additional Field Staff – City Maintenance Team 1.0 FTE - $90,000
• Additional Field Staff – Green Assets Team 1.0 FTE - $90,000
• Geoff Heath Golf Course Building – Master Plan Detailed Design - $300,000
• Art Murals - $5,000
• Transport Plan (Northern Section) - $150,000

Drinking Fountain at Lochiel Park Playground

Residents have provided feedback to an Elected Member with regards to the lack of drinking fountains in the vicinity of Lochiel Park Playground/Picnic area.

Currently the closest drinking fountain is located near the existing public toilet which is approximately 170m away from the playground area. Staff believe, during the redevelopment of the Lochiel Park estate, the playground/picnic area was designed for the local Community and hence a drinking fountain was not included as part of the initial works.

In 2012 Council installed a half-court basketball court next to the existing playground and in 2017/2018 Council built Lochend Community Hall next to the existing Lochend House and improved the landscaped around this precinct. The multiple improvements undertaken by Council and the increased level of visitation to this playground/picnic area has driven the request for the installation of the drinking fountain.

Staff have investigated the possibility of installing a drinking fountain. Staff believe a location close to the picnic area is considered to be most suitable.

As part of the investigation, Staff sought advice from a registered plumber on how to connect the proposed drinking fountain to the watermain. Through the investigation it was found that the water connection for this drinking fountain could not be taken from the nearby irrigation system as the irrigation is connected to recycled water. Therefore, it is recommended a new line be created exclusively for this purpose.

The closest water connection is located at the Lochend House Community Hall which is approximately 90m away from the playground area. Therefore, the anticipated installation cost including trenching for this drinking fountain (excluding fountain) is in the order of $7,000.

Council supported the installation of a drinking fountain and include funding for its installation in the 2024/2025 Annual Business Plan and Budget.

Athelstone Sports Club – Energy Solution Request 

With the recent upgrades at the Athelstone Recreation Reserve, the energy cost for the new built facilities has increased and it is anticipated will cost in the order of $30,000 per annum.

At its meeting on 19 September 2023, Council supported the ASC applying for grant funding through the Office Recreation Sport and Racing under the Community Recreation and Sports Facilities Program for their 50% contribution, with the intention that Council would contribute the other 50%. The ASC have sought multiple quotes to install a solar and battery system, with quotes ranging from $80,000 to $90,000.

Following this resolution, the ASC further explored different opportunities to cover the cost of the proposed on-site renewable energy system, including a subscription model with an energy provider, where there would be no upfront capital costs though a long term locked-in agreement would need to be signed. As such, it is understood that the ASC did not apply for the grant funding at that time.

At its meeting on 19 December 2023, Council resolved to support Clubs explore their own opportunities, including providing Staff support through their exploration.

Staff have met with the ASC to discuss the proposed alternative model (subscription model), including the best way to manage risks for both Council and the ASC. Some of the risks considered include property damage, impact of the long-term arrangements and what happens should the Club no longer operate while still locked in to the long term agreement with the provider. Staff believe some of those risks could be mitigated through an appropriate agreement between all parties.

The ASC has since undertaken significant work to assess the best model for the Club, and it has been decided that they would no longer pursue the subscription model. This is largely due to the subscription model arrangement now requiring a 14-year contract term, making the estimated savings to the ASC insignificant.

In light of this, and the fact that the Club had not applied for any grant funding, the ASC has now approached Council to consider paying the full amount of the capital cost of installing a 50kW solar and 75kWh battery system, with the intention that the ASC will repay their 50% contribution over a five-year period in an agreed equal monthly payment. The size of the proposed renewable energy system, deemed suitable for the ASC’s usage through the Club’s own investigation, would cost approximately $95,500.

Should Council not wish to support their request to fund the installation of the energy solution upfront, Council could encourage the ASC to apply for grant funding for their 50% contribution through the Community Energy Upgrades Fund Round 1 which is currently open.

Council resolved to consider submitting an application in Round 2 of the Community Energy Upgrade Fund and commit to provide 50% funding in the 2025/2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget if the application is successful.

Magill Scout Group Request to Camp at Nightingale Reserve

For a number of years Magill Scout Group has held a sleep-over on the night of 24 April.  The youth members make wreaths and small flower buttonholes that evening before having supper and going to bed.  On the morning of 25 April, the group walk from the hall to The Gums Reserve to form a guard of honour and participate in the ANZAC Day Dawn service by laying a wreath.

The hall used by the Scouts is currently undergoing a Scout Hall Overnight Activity Compliance Hall Checklist requested by Scouts SA to ensure all safety checks are in place before sleep-overs are able to be held within the building. Therefore, the Hall is unable to be used for the ANZAC Dawn Service sleep-over until the hall is deemed compliant.

The Group leader has written to request permission for the youth members to sleep in tents on Nightingale Reserve adjacent the hall. There would be approximately 20-25 young people in about 8 small tents.  The Leaders would be in their own tents and would be responsible for supervising the group. A permit to camp at Nightingale Reserve pursuant to Council By-Law 4 needs to be obtained from Council for this to occur.

The Scouts Group have provided their Public Liability Insurance certificate to staff and have advised that the tents will be setup adjacent to the Tennis Courts on the flat area of the grass near the toilet block. The setup will occur late in the afternoon on 24 April and be removed early in the morning before leaving to walk to the Gums Reserve, therefore not generally impacting any other users of the Reserve. The Scouts will be required to advise neighbours in writing that the sleepover (if approved) is occurring.

This is an important event in the Scouts calendar and the youth members can achieve a Their Service, Our Heritage Badge, with one of the criteria being ‘taking part in an ANZAC Day march or ceremony’.

Council resolved to grant permission to the Magill Scout Group to camp at Nightingale Reserve on 24 April, in preparation for this participation in the dawn Anzac Day service the next day.

Community Energy Fund – Round 1

The Federal Government has released Round 1 of the Community Energy Upgrade Fund program. This program will deliver $100 million over 2 funding rounds and will run over 3 years from 2024-25. The program will co-fund energy efficiency and electrification upgrades for Local Governments to deliver reduced energy bills and emissions from Local Government owned and/or operated facilities.

The program will contribute to Australia meeting its emission reduction targets of 43 percent by 2030, net zero emissions by 2050, and support 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030. It will also support the Commonwealth-led National Energy Performance Strategy.

The objectives of the program are to support:

• the Government’s broader efforts to reduce emissions, improve energy performance and contribute to Australia meeting its emission reduction targets of 43 percent by 2030, Net-Zero emissions by 2050 and 82% renewable electricity generation by 2030
• Local Governments to decarbonise their operations and reduce energy bills through energy efficiency and load flexibility upgrades and electrification of their facilities
• the improvement in energy performance necessary to utilise renewable electricity more easily and improve system reliability.

The intended outcomes of the program are:

• reduced energy bills and emissions from local government owned and/or operated facilities
• installed energy efficiency, load flexibility and electrification technology that is commercially available
• improved capability of local governments and the wider community to implement energy upgrades and electrification projects in their facilities
• increased capacity of domestic supply chains and labour force to support significant future investment in energy efficiency upgrades
• improved workforce skills in delivering and operating energy transition projects.

The Round 1 application closes on 30 April 2024 with applicants contributing at least 50% of the agreed eligible project costs and the project must be completed by 31 March 2027.

A CEO Briefing session outlining opportunities to minimise the energy usage at The ARC was held on 9 April 2024.

The ARC Campbelltown is currently the biggest contributor to Council’s scope 1 and 2 emissions. The current gas bill for the ARC Campbelltown is in the order of $230,000 per annum and $300,000 per annum for the electricity bill.

The pool heater system represents Council's primary source of emissions from gas and electricity. Staff have investigated various strategies to reduce both energy consumption and scope 1 and 2 emissions, as outlined below:

• Option 1: Full Heat Pump System conversion
  This option is to replace the existing boilers system with a heat pump system which is powered by electricity. This option will remove the gas usage and will reduce Council’s emissions.
• Option 2: Hybrid Mechanical System
  This option is to retain the boilers and supplement with a suitable heat pump system.
• Option 3: Solar carport
  Install a solar PV shading structure at the existing carpark of the ARC Campbelltown.
• Option 4: 270kW Solar PV carport + Hybrid System
  This option is a combination of Options 2 and 3, as described above.

Based on the information above, Option 1 requires the highest upfront cost and the replacement of an asset with approximately 17 years remaining useful life and will result in significant financial impact due to the potential loss of income during installation.

Option 2 alone may not be the most favourable choice, as it leads to an overall increase in energy consumption costs. This is due to the operation of both the heat pump system and the gas boilers, especially considering that the annual pool heating costs exceed the current expenses.

Option 3 will not have any direct impact on the pool operation nor reducing emissions of the pool gas heater. However, this option will provide opportunity for Council to reduce its overall electricity usage at the ARC by up to 30% or approximately up to $90,000. Although financially this option could be a good option for Council to consider, from the environmental point of view, this option will not assist Council in reducing its Scope 1 emissions from the gas usage.

Therefore, Staff believe that Option 4 provides the most favourable solution for Council as it yields the highest financial savings, it has the potential to significantly reduce both Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions at the facility and will lead to considerable on-going savings.

Therefore, after careful consideration Council endorsed Option 4 as its preferred option and request Staff submit the grant application for funding of up to 50% of the total cost of the project. If successful in securing the grant funding, Council will allocate its 50% contribution in the 2025/2026 Annual Business Plan and Budget.