Our theme Vibrant Communities ensures public spaces are attractive, safe and well maintained providing a variety of recreational and leisure activities that support an active lifestyle. A connected and supported community with access to a range of services and facilities that contribute to health and wellbeing.
In 2014 - 2015 we developed a Cultural Strategy to include performance, art and exhibition space that will allow us to boost major events and cultural experiences in the Sydney Hills.
Council is facilitating a connected and supported community with access to a range of services and facilities that contribute to health and wellbeing. We provide quality, cost effective long day care services and services for the frail aged through Hills Community Care.
STRATEGY 4.1 Manage and maintain a diverse range of safe, accessible and sustainable open spaces and provide recreation, sporting and leisure activities and facilities.
STRATEGY 4.2 Provide quality Library resources, programs and facilities for leisure, cultural and education opportunities.
STRATEGY 4.3 Through strong partnerships provide and support safety activities in relation to bush fire management and other emergency services to foster a safe community.
STRATEGY 5.1 Facilitate the provision of services across the community.
STRATEGY 5.2 Recognise and value our community’s local heritage and culture.
STRATEGY 5.3 Effective regulatory strategies, local laws, and compliance programs, manage public health and the impact of new and existing development on the community.
OUR PERFORMANCE
WHERE WE ARE NOW
CHALLENGES
ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL 27 SEPTEMBER 2016
The Hills Shire Council ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 51
QUICK FACTS
1.44M 4.7B 1776
89
POOL SAFETY INSPECTIONS ASSETS
INFRASTRUCTURE IN DOLLARS PERCENTAGE UTILISATION OF VENUES FOR HIRE LIBRARY LOANS
JUNE 2016 JUNE 2015 JUNE 2014 JUNE 2013
WHAT WE ACHIEVED
OUR PERFORMANCE
STRATEGY 4.1 SPORTING GROUNDS
A review of sporting ground allocations resulted in a new allocation process which prioritises community sporting clubs ahead of private and commercial operators. The allocations process has also moved completely online (including all paper work and booking meetings). 95% of sports clubs satisfied with Council’s customer service. (see sporting grounds allocations page 9).
An audit of council’s sporting facilities was conducted.
FRED CATERSON BMX AMENITIES
Council spent more than $300,000 building an amenities block at the BMX Club complete with toilets and a canteen.
BMX riding is one of the non-traditional sports that has become extremely popular in our Shire and it’s due to this wonderful facility.
NEW OUTDOOR GYMS
New outdoor gym equipment has been installed at Crestwood Reserve, Baulkham Hills and Harold West Reserve, Carlingford. These new gyms will help our community lead more fit and healthy lifestyles. Having the convenience of an outdoor gym within walking distance of your home is a huge plus. The projects were completed for a combined cost of $125,000 (p4).
PLACE MANAGEMENT
• Council buildings that demonstrate a high risk of vandalism or break and enter have been assessed and security has been increased through the use of back to base alarms, lighting and CCTV.
• Work was completed to increase the capacity of the performance area at Bella Vista Farm Park for large events such as the Sydney Country Music Festival.
• The volume and number of requests for dumped
rubbish in the park and road networks continues to increase and is being monitored through the use of the RID Squad. Further surveillance is being undertaken of specific sites as necessary.
• Planning is in progress for the relocation of utilities around the Castle Towers development.
STRATEGY 4.2 LIBRARY SERVICES
• In October 2015 Castle Hill and Vinegar Hill Memorial Libraries opened their doors on Sunday mornings to provide study facilities for HSC students. 527 students made use of the study facilities over five Sunday mornings. This was a 32% increase compared to 2014.
• The Library once again ran a Fines Amnesty throughout December in conjunction with the Mayor’s Christmas Appeal. Customers were able to waive their overdue fees if they returned all Library resources and donated a non perishable food item to St Vincent de Paul. As a result 1,364 overdue items were returned to the Library and 2,069 items of non perishable food donated to St. Vincent de Paul.
• The Annual Friends of the Hills Library book sale was held in April raising almost $6,000.
• School holiday activities were conducted at Castle Hill Library with all events selling out.
• Council approved the replacement of the aging Library Management System.
• The 2015-16 Feast of Speakers program concluded with a talk by author Clive Small. Over the year 23 author talks were held and 952 attendances recorded.
• New RFID controlled after hours returns chutes were installed at Castle Hill and Vinegar Hill Libraries facilitating easy return of items when the Libraries are closed.
1796 4.3B 81.71
1.38M 1.49M 1.44M 1674 1551
3.1B 4.0B
83 83.5
ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL 27 SEPTEMBER 2016
ACHIEVEMENTS & HIGHLIGHTS
OUR PERFORMANCE
STRATEGY 4.3
COMMUNITY PLANNING & SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT
New Local Emergency Plan (EMPLAN) completed and submitted to Regional Emergency Management Committee for endorsement.
STRATEGY 5.1
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
A community forum was conducted in August 2015 as a speed-networking event. The event was at capacity with 70 services attending. Feedback was exceptionally positive for all attendees who were able to network with services they have never met before. It was also an opportunity for Council to show the industry where we were up to with our Sustainable Communities Plan.
The annual Sustainable Communities Conference was attended by 140 participants from NFPs, local and state agencies. Feedback from the participants indicated 91.67%
satisfaction with the forum. The conference is an annual one-day event connecting and supporting communities across The Hills Shire. The conference will provide opportunities to discuss communities of interests and community planning, community governance, building social capital, improving community well-being and social services, strengthening collaboration and partnerships.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM
The Volunteer program was endorsed by Council in August 2015. Volunteer grievance guidelines, manual, application pack and training program have been developed. 150 volunteers were thanked at a recognition function when the new program was launched (p8, 37-38).
SENIORS
Completed 11 face-to-face meetings with internal stakeholders in preparation for the drafting of Council’s Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
MEN’S SHED UPGRADE
Council unanimously agreed to fund an extension to The Hills Men’s Shed at Eric Mobbs Reserve, Castle Hill. When people get to retirement age, many find themselves with plenty of time on their hands and a desire to channel their energy and experience into producing something for the community. The Men’s Shed gives many seniors the opportunity to do just that. Membership had been capped at The Hills Men’s Shed due to the size of the facilities, but the extension means that the books can be re-opened.
where 10 events/projects were selected for the HYA to participate in for 2016.
• Headspace consortium has been confirmed to commence in the Hills in December this year - Australia’s National Youth mental health initiative.
• Participated in the Helmsman Project as panel members at Model Farms High School and Cumberland High School.
COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM
• Community Grants program saw funding of 28 projects being awarded $118,031.55.
• Participated in ClubGrants Assessment Panel where 13 organisations were recommended for funding projects totalling over $60,000.
COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
Community consultation has progressed with a number of projects including a workshop for community groups attending the OBF parade.
Consulted a number of organisations to identify areas for future collaboration i.e. Gazelles, Western Sydney Family Referral Service, Zeal2u Nutrition for Life, World Kindness Australia and Mt Druitt Community Hub. See page 18 for more information about our stakeholders.
HILLS COMMUNITY CARE 25 YEARS
• Hills Community Care 25 years celebration civic reception on Thursday 11 February 2016. Over 50 guests celebrated with the HCC team and overall, positive feedback was received.
COMMUNITY FACILITIES HIRE
The new online booking system for venues went live on 1 July 2016.
STRATEGY 5.2
ACCESS2ART
• Council has supported Access2Art through our Community Grants program. Access2Art plays an enormous role in bridging the gap for those with a physical or intellectual disability. Not only do they provide access to creative expression through the form of art, but they also give those who don’t have a disability an insight into just how talented some people are.
STRATEGY 5.3
ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL 27 SEPTEMBER 2016
The Hills Shire Council ANNUAL REPORT 2015-16 53
HOW WE PROGRESSED OUR FOUR YEAR ACTIONS
To achieve our strategy of active, safe and culturally rich people enjoying community life together, we focused on the following actions:
ACTION PROGRESS STATUS PERFORMANCE
Consolidation of Kenthurst Park be listed for consideration in capital works program and forward estimates.
(Total project $1.5M, includes a contribution of $400,000 from soccer club).
Revised Masterplan is now on public exhibition which will close in August 2016. Final report to Council will be in late August with construction to commence this financial year.
Develop cultural venues ie Bella Vista, Balcombe Heights, Showground and Castle Grand.
Bella Vista continues to be a venue on offer for cultural activities throughout the year with a focus on the summer months to connect with potential tourism opportunities. Balcombe Heights is being activated for the community services cultural activities and will continue to do so. Showground is in preliminary stages of masterplan development and Castle Grand is underway for soft
redevelopment to become a theatre/cultural arts space due for opening in 2017.
Develop a Disability Inclusion Action Plan.
Planning and engagement activities have commenced. Stakeholder consultation on the preparation of the Disability Inclusion Action Plan will occur as the next stage.
COMPLETE
ON TRACK
NOT STARTED DEFERRED
OUR PERFORMANCE
• Planning for an ageing population.
• Implementing changes in Work Health and Safety legislation for volunteers.
• Managing the impact of the Sydney Metro Northwest.
• Advances in technology.
• Support community based cultural experiences across The Shire.
• Develop a Disability Action Plan for existing and new infrastructure activities.
LOOKING AHEAD
ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCIL 27 SEPTEMBER 2016
RESULT
12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 QUALITY OF LIFE INDICATOR OUTCOME STRATEGY ACTIONS 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17
77.8 84.0 75.4 81.4 58.0 70.0
97.0 85.6 62.0
554.9
81.3 2/102 32,726
15.0 88.6
77.8 84.0 75.4 81.4 58.0 70.0
97.0 85.6 72.0
519.2
84.3 2/102 28,794
14.0 88.6
80.2 85.0 77.8 82.0 60.0 67.0
98.0 85.6 62.0.
433.6
83.8 2/102 31,351
17.0 89.6
80.2 85.0 77.8 82.0 60.0 67.0
98.0 85.6 96.0
341.5
85.5 1/101 33,580
16.0 89.6
• Community satisfaction with public toilets.
• Community satisfaction with quality of parks and gardens.
• Community satisfaction with playgrounds and play equipment.
• Community satisfaction with ovals and sporting facilities.
• Community satisfaction with community centres and halls.
• % of people who agree or strongly agree they have easy access to sporting facilities.
• % people who feel safe in public places during the day.
• Community satisfaction - lighting of public areas.
• Buildings rated in satisfactory condition.
• Number of crimes reported per 100,000 people - malicious damage to property.
• Customer satisfaction with library collections.
• Turnover rate for library collections is in top 20% of NSW Public Libraries.
• Number of participants in library events and programs.
• Number of identified neighbourhood safer places.
• Community satisfaction with emergency services.
4. Public spaces are attractive, safe and well maintained providing a variety of recreational and leisure activities that support an active lifestyle.
4.1 Manage and maintain a diverse range of safe, accessible and sustainable open spaces and provide recreation, sporting and leisure activities and facilities.
4.2 Provide quality Library resources, programs and facilities for leisure, cultural and education opportunities.
4.3Through strong
partnerships provide and support safety activities in relation to bush fire management and other emergency services to foster a safe community.
4.1.1 Deliver new parks, open space and community buildings as set out in contributions plans.
4.1.2 Review, update and encourage understanding of existing master plans for major open space areas and sports grounds by partnering with the broader community, users and sporting groups.
4.1.3 Our community buildings, parks, gardens and bushland are safe and maintained to agreed standards.
4.1.4 Effectively manage the usage of sports fields in relation to their carrying capacity to facilitate sustainability.
4.1.5 Develop Recreation Strategy.
4.2.1 Continue to implement The Library Strategy - Beyond 2010.
4.2.2 Continue to develop the libraries as customer service centres providing local, face-to-face access and point of delivery for Council services.
4.2.3 Provide a diverse program of library services to encourage lifelong learning and support community needs.
4.2.4 Implement leading edge technologies to support the provision of a range of library and multimedia resources and services.
4.3.1 Provide and maintain support for emergency services and bush fire services in order to respond effectively to any type of emergency.
STRATEGIC DIRECTION -