2016

Major Community Issues discussed

1) CCC Committee for 2016

- Biographies of all CCC members are on the Centennial Parklands website.

Contact the CCC at: ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

2) Moore Park Master Plan

Kim Ellis (Executive Director) updated the CCC on the Moore Park Master Plan. Drafting of the plan is ongoing with public exhibition expected in June 2016 with a final Master Plan in August 2016. The draft Master Plan will be available in digital format to assist different types of users understand the various ideas and initiatives.

Have your say: Moore Park Future

3) Light Rail

Kim Ellis (Executive Director) updated the CCC on key developments:

• The cut and cover tunnel construction work has commenced at Moore Park West and at Moore Park East. Construction work will progressively continue to the south into Moore Park South.
• The six lane diversion of Anzac Parade into the bus way adjoining Moore Park East is commencing. Bus lanes are already diverted. There will be consequential traffic impacts: increase in traffic on Driver Avenue, Lang Road and Moore Park Road. TfNSW has stated a 12-16 months diversion construction timeframe.
• The portal in Moore Park West at South Dowling Street has increased in size to address safety requirements and accommodate emergency vehicle parking.
• Aboriginal artefacts have been found at the site of the proposed light rail stabling yards and TfNSW is currently working out management options with Indigenous stakeholders.
• The Light Rail has proposed a Control Room at Moore Park East (toilet and sandwich room) however the Trust’s strong preference is for no more buildings on park land.
• The Light Rail has also proposed a substation on park land near the old amenities block close to Robertson Road. Again, the Trust’s strong preference is for no more buildings on park land.
• The Parklands have now included a Light Rail update page on Parklands website. See: Light Rail Project

4) Tree Planting Strategy

Kim Ellis (Executive Director) updated the CCC on the tree planting strategy for the Parklands:

• KE advised that the Parklands has lost seven mature figs to the Light Rail project so far with approximately 90 younger trees listed for removal soon. Approximately 130 -140 trees to be removed in total. If trees have a donation plaque, the plaque will be relocated.There is a significant replacement planting program proposed by TfNSW. Ratio likely to be 8:1 (significant trees) 4:1 (moderately significant) 2:1 (not significant).
• 560 new trees are to be planted over four years. Almost 90 already planted in Moore Park.
• Tree Planting Map for Moore Park creates a sense of ‘rooms’ and shows planting of trees around the Village Green, the creation of an avenue of trees, around the children’s playground. Now planting a range of flowering trees (not just figs or oaks).
• Tramway Field tree planting scheduled for 2017-2018.
• Synthetic training fields to receive 20 pines
• Moore Park West tree planting scheduled for 2019 (post Light Rail tunnel). Focus to provide shade to the sports fields.

Have your say: Moore Park Future

5) Sustainable Parklands Projects

Craig Easdown (Manager – Communications and Public Affairs) gave updates on various projects:

• Moore Park Synthetic Field at Robertson Road became operational on 4 January 2016. A range of sports is played there for approximately 60 hours a week. There are currently no free booking times between 3pm and 10pm.
• Moore Park – propose interpretation and signage for Moore Park to identify it as part of Centennial Parklands. Look into a possible walking app for Moore Park. Relocation of the Anzac Memorial (removed due to the Tibby Cotter Bridge construction and currently being refurbished) to Moore Park East being discussed with RMS and the RSL.
• 2016 is Moore Park's 150th Anniversary – a key event for a community celebration is planned for 10 December 2016. A smaller event may also be held in July 2016 when tree planting is complete.
• ES Marks Safety Upgrades - commenced December 2015.
• Fitness Stations - Centennial Park and Moore Park complete. Queens Park to be completed by May 2016.
• Queens Park Sports Field - major irrigation upgrade and major resurfacing and turfing period. 12 week closure required. All key sporting groups have been advised.
• Bat and Ball Field Lighting - conduit work completed, installation scheduled for May /June.
• Ian Potter Children’s Wild Play Garden - reconfigured implementation plan, expected opening by end of 2016.
• The Spruce Goose Cafe has arrived in Centennial Park, replacing The Ponds Kiosk and is fully operational 7 days a week from 7am - 4pm.

6) Community matters

• The CCC attended the Light Rail Community Reference Group meeting in March. Key issues for the CCC:
• Still awaiting feedback on previous CCC submission
• Is there a communication strategy to the community as this appears to be imperfect
• Better understanding of the process for variation of the project contract as this is unclear and changes are being made/requested on park land seemingly without proper consultation
• Following the Light Rail meeting, the Chair of the CCC sent an email to TfNSW covering off the issues of concern

7) Events in the Parklands

Completed events include:

* 14 February – Tropfest
* 28 February – Love on the Lawn
* 5 March – Mardi Gras
* Taste of Sydney (10 - 13 Mar)
* Easter Egg Hunt (25 - 27 Mar)

Upcoming events include:

* Sri Chimnoy Fun Run (12 June)
* Science in the Swamp (13 August)
* The Colour Run (21 August)
* The Warrior Run (4 September)
* Sydney Running Festival (18 September)
* Listen Out (1 October)
* Sri Chimnoy Fun Run (23 October)
* JP Morgan Challenge (9 November)
* Polo in the City (12 November)

Have your say: email the CCC with your comments on this issue to ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

Next meeting: Tuesday 7 June 2016 5.30pm

Major Community Issues discussed

1) Moore Park Master Plan

Denise Ora (Director Strategy and Projects) updated the CCC on the Moore Park Master Plan which included:

• Key points from the consultation phase are around green space, heritage items, community sporting facilities, parking alternatives, connections for cyclist and pedestrians and preservation of flora and fauna.
• These considerations have led to theme “A plan to green the green space and revitalise the built space”.
• Key ideas include: planting 500 trees and creating tree-lined boulevards; remove parking from green space, additional parking to Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park Golf and ES Marks Athletics Field; improve pathways and connections for both pedestrians and cyclists; revitalise heritage buildings, improve permeability to Entertainment Quarter, playground and village green for Moore Park East; improve sporting facilities.
• The Draft Master Plan will be released digitally for tablet devices and desktops to the public in coming months and the final plan will be completed in late 2016.

2) Light Rail

The Light Rail community relations team (Transport for NSW, ALTRAC and Acciona) presented to the CCC. Key areas covered were:

• Detail of main stakeholders
• Discussion of Anzac Parade diversion – (12 months from July 2016). Speed limited to 40 km/hr with adequate signage.
• The CCC raised their concern about the potential impact on increased traffic in Driver Avenue.
• The diversion will require the relocation of a water mains (necessitating some five-hour outages to EQ precinct.
• Additional tree trimmings are still to take place along the Anzac Parade diversion route, some of which may be substantial.

3) ES Marks Field concept plan

Ed Sanderson (Director of Sport and Recreation) and Kim Ellis (Executive Director) updated the CCC on the concept plan for ES Marks Athletics Field:

• The concept plan for ES Marks Field addressed key issues such as car parking, safety for school groups and disruption to residents.
• Previous work in 2012-2013 included a track upgrade to IAAF standard. In 2014 – online booking commenced.
• Currently there are 70 school athletics carnivals per year and approximately 400 people per night attend various types of training.
• The Concept Plan was presented for CCC input. It includes: o Four new all weather courts adjacent to amenities block
  • Parking spaces for 12 dedicated Kindergarten use only
  • Parking for 55 cars and 6 buses
  • Bike racks
  • All transport access is from from Dacey Ave.
• The Concept Plan will go out on the Centennial Parklands website soon and and community feedback will be gathered.
• Works planned to commence January/February 2017.

4) Sustainable Parklands Projects

Denise Ora (Director Strategy and Projects) and Craig Easdown (Manager – Communications and Public Affairs) gave updates on various projects:

• The Children’s Wild Play Garden has had a power upgrade and construction on the amenities block and kiosk will commence July 2016. The main landscaping will also start July 2016 and the garden should open in early 2017.
• Fearnley Grounds Learners Cycleway revamp is commencing July 2016, including timber decking around coffee shop as the high level of patronage is damaging the grass in this area.
• The current Centennial Parklands Plan of Management (POM) 2006-2016 is in the process of being updated see: www.centennialparklands.com.au/about/planning/plan_of_management. This is a legislative obligation and the draft POM release for the next ten years is planned for December 2016. The CCC and other stakeholders will be consulted throughout.
• Bat and Ball Field floodlights were finally installed in May 2016.
• The Queens Park fields resurfacing and irrigation upgrade has commenced with all key stakeholders being consulted. This will mean a 12-week closure of the fields.
• The Queens Park Fitness station opened.
• The Spruce Goose food facility is now fully operational with a new food truck.
• After consultation with the STA, a new stop has been introduced in Oxford Street for the Sydney Explorer Bus. This will connect tourists much better to Centennial Park. It was also noted that the Centennial Park Heritage Walk and other flyers are available on bus.
• A statutory notification of dispersal of Pesticides will be advertised and will bring the Parklands and the Gardens into alignment under the same notification.
• Activities leading up to Moore Park’s 150th anniversary are being planned with a formal event planned for 10 December 2016.

5) Community matters

The CCC will the Light Rail Community Reference Group meeting in June.

The CCC wrote to the Premier of NSW, the Hon. Mike Baird about the potential loss of land on Moore Park East with the proposed Allianz Stadium redevelopment and expressed support for the resolution which has now been reached.

6) Events in the Parklands

Upcoming events include:

* Sri Chimnoy Fun Run (12 June)
* Science in the Swamp (13 August)
* The Colour Run (21 August)
* The Warrior Run (4 September)
* Sydney Running Festival (18 September)
* Listen Out (1 October)
* Sri Chimnoy Fun Run (23 October)
* JP Morgan Challenge (9 November)
* Polo in the City (12 November)

Have your say: email the CCC with your comments on this issue to ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

Next meeting: Tuesday 9 August 2016 5.30pm

Major Community Issues discussed

1) Meet the Ranger presentation

Doug Cotton, Team Leader of Ranger Services, updated the CCC on the ranger services in Centennial Parklands:

• The Ranger Services is a contracted service operating 24 hour a day, 7 days a week covering the whole of Centennial Parklands Estate.
• The Rangers enforce the Trust Regulations and protect the assets of the park with a focus on prevention and education of users. The rangers operate off a daily run sheet, which covers the main duties including opening and closure of the gates and toilets across the whole parklands footprint. They are also used for ancillary duties including film shoots, traffic control and major events.
• The engagement of the rangers is on a 24 hour basis and the use of the regulatory framework has enabled the rangers to play a key role in the management of syringes, anti-social behaviour and graffiti to lessen the impact of these activities on the Parklands.
• The Ranger Service is contactable 24 hours a day through mobile 0412 718 611 and park users are encouraged to report any incidents on a timely basis so that the Rangers can respond appropriately.

2) Moore Park Master Plan

Denise Ora (Director Strategy and Projects) updated the CCC on the Moore Park Master Plan consultation phase:

• The 8-week consultation phase has been completed. The feedback is being reviewed and appropriate changes are being made to the plan. Once completed these will be forwarded to the Trustees for consideration and approval .
• 262 surveys were completed. 89 individual groups (including one petition with 63 signatories re synthetic pitches) made submissions and there were 380 attendees at the 17 pop up exhibitions at EQ
• Formal submissions were received from government, council and other interest groups.
• Key issues that respondents liked:
  o Further ‘greening of the park’
  o Active transport modes
  o Heritage recommendations
  o Provide for passive recreation pursuitso Retention of Moore Park Golf as 18 hole championship Golf Course
• Negative issues that respondents reported included:
  o Potential for increased traffic on local roads
  o ‘Commercialisation’ of the Park
  o Additional car parking (to replace the on grass parking slated for removal)
  o Use of open space for sporting fields (especially for elite and synthetic fields)
  o Impact on the residents of the ‘opening up’ of EQ (although they are concerns about vehicular rather than pedestrian access. Note the Master Plan does not propose vehicular access)
  o Proposal for short stay accommodation
  o Upgrade of ES Marks Athletics Fields.
• What people want to see more of:
  o Support for native flora and fauna
  o Clarity about future development of the EQ
  o Recognition of ANZAC and Aboriginal history.
• Revitalisation of EQ has had a very strong response, both increasing visitations on weekdays and opening up access.
• People are concerned about the impact of light rail on Moore Park (though this not under the Trust’s control).
• The CCC made a submission into the consultation process.

3) Light Rail update status

Denise Ora (Director Strategy and Projects) updated the CCC on the light rail. Key points were:

• There has been a significant amount of activity and negotiations with the light rail since the last meeting, in particular with the proposed location of the proposed substation at Robertson Road. The Board and key staff from the Parklands have been negotiating with Transport NSW for a better solution to the issue that satisfactorily meets the requirements of all parties, including residents. Investigative works are being conducted on alternative locations.
• The bridge structure across South Dowling Street has been craned into place.
• The Dacey Road and Anzac Parade work is scheduled for November. Sandbags have been placed along the levy at Kensington Pond. These works will be undertaken in three stages but ongoing liaison is occurring regarding access and timetable. The schedule will impact on access to the Parklands in this corner.

4) Sustainable Parklands Projects

Updates on various projects included:

• The successful tenderer has been engaged at the Children’s Wild Play Garden. There has continued to be some contention over the horse crossing. Reviews that have been undertaken recommended that an additional safety review be undertaken and further consultation. ‘Safety in Focus’ have been engaged to conduct further consultation and examine existing usage. This will establish what is the safety profile that should be adopted and what treatments should be applied. This project is currently ahead on schedule and the team are examining the most appropriate time for the official opening.
• 50% of the design work has been completed for the ES Marks upgrade. Stakeholder consultation has occurred. The first phase will be the car-parking. The Kids Safe organisation will also be engaged to advise on this aspect of the project due to the proximity of the childcare centre. The timeframes for this phase are short with the tender by the end of the year and start work in February 2017. Stage 2 will examine the commercial aspects of the site.
• There has been significant support for the proposed location for the Anzac Obelisk near Kippax Lake close to Moore Park Road. A feasibility study is being conducted on the proposed location and investigations are still occurring. Approval must be obtained from the Heritage Council who is currently considering this. Aiming for re-installation prior to March 2017.
• A major irrigation upgrade is underway at Queens Park sports fields as well as a major resurfacing and turfing project. It is anticipated that it will be 12 week closure for the fields. Sporting groups have delayed the start of their season by 3 weeks or relocated to council run fields close by.
• Resurfacing work has been completed at the Learners Cycleway. Signage and tunnel are being installed in October 2016.
• Between October 2016 until March 2017, a major motion picture will be filming in Federation Valley. This is consistent with the NSW Film friendly policy. Dog access to water and most trails will be maintained during this time. On filming days there will be traffic changes but access will be maintained to the area. Pedestrian and bike access to be maintained during this time.

5) Community matters

• The bathrooms adjacent to the Greenhouse Café at Fearnley Grounds have no soap for hand washing. The CCC raised concerns in relation to hygiene and requested Parklands management to consider the provision of soap or a soap dispenser.

6) Events in the Parklands

Moore Park 150th Birthday

• The celebrations will be held on 10 December 2016 (10-3pm) at Kippax area of Moore Park. The target audience is residents of the nearby LGAs around Moore Park and Sydney based families. The program will include: Speech & cake cutting ceremony; Licensee inclusion (CPEC pony rides, EQ market stalls, plaster painting); Sports clinics (Moore Park Golf, Sydney Swans, Roosters, Waratahs, Rugby 7’s); Historical references (Taronga Zoo Mobile, museum tours, showground rides, roaming army band, historical photo board); City of Sydney Food Trucks; and a Social media competition via photo frame installation #MoorePark150.

Listen Out Music Festival

• The Listen Out Music Festival was a sold out event with 25,000 attendees. This event had the lowest complaint level in recent history. The event operates with a Noise Management Plan which involves roving sounding monitoring and new sound technology.
• It is supported by a Drug Management Plan focuses on harm minimisation strategies. This plans includes ‘Save a Mate’ program in operation (run by the Red Cross), water, shade and harm minimisation facilities. The NSW Police were onsite (paid by the festival organiser). Arrests and first aid presentations ratios were down for this event.

Upcoming events include:

• 22 October 2016 RBC Race for Kids
• 23 October 2016 Sri Chimnoy running race
• 6 November 2016 Walk for Brain Cancer
• 9 November 2016 JP Morgan Corporate Challenge
• 12 November 2016 Polo in the City
• 1 December to 2 April 2017 Moonlight Cinema

Have your say: email the CCC with your comments on these events to ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

7) CCC Recruitment

One position will become vacant at the end of 2016. Advertisements will be placed during the week in the media. The closing date for applications is 8 November 2016.

Next meeting: Tuesday 8 November 2016

Date: 8 November 2016

Major Community Issues discussed

1) Presentation on Wild Outer Park
Amara Glynn, Environment Officer at Centennial Parklands updated the CCC on plans for the Wild Outer Park – Vegetation Management and Restoration Plan which is part of the Centennial Park Master Plan. This Plan is aimed at planting native vegetation (trees, shrubs and grasses) and weeding the Outer Park.

• Four restoration zone priority areas have been identified:
  1) Southwest Corner / Darley Road area
  2) York Road area
  3) Carrington Drive area
  4) Lang Road area
• The focus for the priority areas will be replacing weeds with native grasses and protecting and preserving native vegetation, including the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Shrub (a nationally and state listed endangered ecological community).
• Have your say: email the CCC with your comments on these plans to ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

2) Volunteering in the Parklands

• Donna Osland manages the volunteering programs in both the Botanic Gardens and Centennial Park and she updated the CCC on current upcoming projects. There are currently 16 programs for community volunteering. For the FY 2015-2016 there was: $232,292 value in kind and 8,448 hours of volunteer support (including 2,840 corporate volunteering hours) Key points being raised include:
• Revitalisation of EQ has had a very strong response, both increasing visitations on weekdays and opening up access.
  
• People are concerned about the impact of light rail on Moore Park (though this not under the Trust’s control).

3) Light Rail update status

Denise Ora, Director Strategy & Projects updated the CCC on the light rail. Key points were:


• Embankment works at Alison Road will be ongoing for the next 12 months.
• A prototype station will be erected along Robertson Road (to assist consultation with relevant stakeholders on proposed wayfinding signage, materials, awnings and lighting etc). There have been no major recent design changes.
• The CCC Chair will contact the Light tail Community Consultative Committee to inspect the prototype station as early as possible after it is constructed.
• The Moore Park station design is now larger because of the increased platform length and

4) Sustainable Parklands Projects

Updates on various projects included:

ES Marks Athletics Field Safety Upgrade Project

• The original Business Case is being reviewed to confirm the needs and size requirements of courts and parking. The first stage of construction will be the car-parking area with expected completion by June 2017. The Kids Safe organisation will also be engaged to peer review this aspect of the project due to the proximity to the childcare centre.

Moore Park Masterplan

• A final review of the latest submissions made on the Master plan is being completed. Amended Plans expected to be ready by the end of 2016 with presentation to the CP Board in late January /February 2017.

Children’s Wild Play Garden

• The successful tenderer has been engaged and works are underway. Expected opening is mid-2017.

Learners Cycleway Upgrade

• Resurfacing and signage has been completed. The tunnel will be installed by the end of November 2016.

Queens Park Sports Field

• Major irrigation upgrade completed as well as a major resurfacing and turfing project. The Parklands are also be looking at new entrance gates for Queens Park.

5) Moore Park 150th Birthday

• The celebrations will be held on 10 December 2016 from 10am – 3pm, at the Kippax area of Moore Park.

6) Chair Election

• After four years on the CCC, including three as Chair, SallyAnn Hunting rotated off the committee. Vivienne Skinner was unanimously elected new chair by the CCC members present.

7) Community matters


• The bathrooms adjacent to the Greenhouse Café at Fearnley Greens have no soap for hand washing. The CCC is concerned about hygiene and requested the Parklands to consider the provision of soap or a soap dispenser
• The Paddington Gates playground in Centennial Park has a number of uneven surfaces and trip hazards for young children, particularly around the play equipment. The CCC is concerned about safety and requested the Parklands to investigate.
• Have your say: email the CCC with your comments on the Parklands to ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

8) Events in the Parklands

Upcoming events include:

• JP Morgan Challenge (9 November)
• Polo in the City (12 November)
• Moonlight Cinema (1 December 2016-2 April 2017)
  * Electric Gardens Music Festival (28 January 2017) .

Have your say: email the CCC with your comments on these events to ccc@cp.nsw.gov.au

Next meeting: Tuesday 7 February 2017, 5.30pm