Review of Environmental Factors
for the
Construction and Operation of a New Building to house a Café and
Bicycle Hire Facility at the Children’s Learners Cycleway in Centennial
Park
Strategy and Projects Division
Botanic Gardens and Centennial Parklands
October 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1
1.1
Purpose and Context of the Review of Environmental Factors. ......................................... 1
1.2
2.0
Background to Proposal .................................................................................................... 2
THE SITE .......................................................................................................................... 5
2.1
Brief Description and Surrounding Area ............................................................................ 5
2.2
3.0
Views and Vistas ............................................................................................................. 10
PROPOSAL .................................................................................................................... 10
3.1
New Building ................................................................................................................... 10
3.1.1
Form, Scale and Detailed Design .................................................................................... 10
3.1.2
Materials ......................................................................................................................... 11
3.1.3
Utilities and Services ....................................................................................................... 11
3.1.4
Hours of Operation .......................................................................................................... 11
3.2
4.0
Picnic Shelter .................................................................................................................. 11
STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS ................................................................................. 12
4.1
4.2
EP&A Act ........................................................................................................................ 12
Heritage Act .................................................................................................................... 13
4.3
Additional Relevant Legislation ....................................................................................... 14
4.3.1
4.3.2
Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust Act 1983............................................................. 14
NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 ............................................... 14
4.3.3
NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 .......................................................... 14
4.3.4
5.0
Environment Protection Diversity Conservation Act 1999 ................................................ 14
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSEMENT ............................................................................. 14
5.1
Introduction and Assessment Methodology ..................................................................... 14
5.2
Location and Land use .................................................................................................... 15
5.3
Physical Environment and Landform ............................................................................... 15
5.4
Environmental Quality ..................................................................................................... 15
5.5
Flora and Fauna .............................................................................................................. 15
5.6
Visual impacts ................................................................................................................. 16
5.7
Heritage .......................................................................................................................... 16
5.8
5.8.1
Traffic and Car Parking ................................................................................................... 17
During construction ......................................................................................................... 17
5.8.2
During operation .............................................................................................................. 17
5.9
Utilities and Services ....................................................................................................... 18
5.10
5.11
Contamination ................................................................................................................. 18
Flooding .......................................................................................................................... 18
5.12
Summary of Consideration of Environmental Factors ...................................................... 18
TABLE OF CONTENTS
6.0
MITIGATION MEASURES .............................................................................................. 20
6.1
Safeguards During Construction...................................................................................... 20
6.1.1
Construction Work Site .................................................................................................... 20
6.1.2
Water Quality .................................................................................................................. 20
6.1.3
Flora and Fauna .............................................................................................................. 21
6.1.4
Noise and Vibration ......................................................................................................... 21
6.1.5
Air Quality ....................................................................................................................... 21
6.1.6
Waste Management ........................................................................................................ 22
6.1.7
6.1.8
Heritage Protection.......................................................................................................... 22
Utilities and Services ....................................................................................................... 22
6.1.9
Complaints Response ..................................................................................................... 22
6.2
Operational Management ................................................................................................ 23
6.2.1
6.2.2
Hours of Operation .......................................................................................................... 23
Maximum Capacity .......................................................................................................... 23
6.2.3
Operational Plan of Management .................................................................................... 23
6.2.4
7.0
Waste Management ........................................................................................................ 23
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION ................................................. 24
Figure 1. Location of proposed new building........................................................................... 1
Figure 2. Excerpt from the Centennial Park Master Plan 2040 on ‘Hubs’ ............................... 4
Figure 3. View of the site looking West..................................................................................... 6
Figure 4. View of the site looking South West.......................................................................... 6
Figure 5. View of the site looking South ................................................................................... 7
Figure 6. View of the site looking South East........................................................................... 7
Figure 7. View of the site looking East...................................................................................... 8
Figure 8. View of the site looking North East ........................................................................... 8
Figure 9. View of the site looking North.................................................................................... 9
Figure 11. View of the picnic shelter site looking North West................................................. 12
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose and Context of the Review of Environmental Factors.
This Review of Environmental Factors (REF) assesses the environmental impacts of the
construction and operation of a new building next to the Children’s Learner’s Cycleway in the south
west corner of Centennial Park. The proposed location of the new building is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1. Location of proposed new building
The new building is intended to house a small kiosk / café and the Park’s bicycle hire facility in
accordance with a recommendation of the recently completed Centennial Park Master Plan 2040.
As part of the project a new picnic shelter will also be constructed nearby.
The REF has been prepared by the Strategy and Projects Division of the Botanic Gardens and
Centennial Parklands (BGCP) as part of the environmental assessment process for the project
under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 (EP&A Act). The BGCP is
the determining authority for the project.
Page 1
The REF should be read in conjunction with the following:
•
The architectural drawings prepared by consultant architect, Hill Thallis which document the
proposed new building
•
The Statement of Design Principles prepared Hill Thallis
•
The Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) and accompanying Application for Approval under the
NSW Heritage Act prepared by heritage consultant, GML Heritage
•
The background reports:
-
Centennial Park South West Hub Flood Assessment prepared by water and floodplain
engineering consultant, WMA water
-
South West Hub Traffic Assessment Report prepared by traffic engineering consultant,
Complete Urban
•
South West Hub – Stage 1 – an information paper describing the proposal and its
background to facilitate the BGCP’s consultation process for the project.
1.2
Background to Proposal
In December 2013, the Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust (Trust) completed a master plan for
Centennial Park, the first of its kind in the 125 year history of the Park.
The aim of the master plan was to provide a framework for the sustainable use, management and
renewal of Centennial Park, whilst protecting its core values. Its purpose was to guide day-to-day
operational and long term strategic decision making, facilitate prioritisation of resource allocation,
and provide a basis for accountability. Key objectives included:
•
Improving financial sustainability and strengthening the park’s resource base over the next
decade
•
Responding to increasing visitation and usage demands
•
Accommodating the changing and increasingly diverse leisure and recreational needs of
local and regional visitors
•
Conserving the integrity of the Park’s important natural and cultural values
The plan made a number of recommendations to achieve these objectives and these
recommendations were grouped into 8 key moves. One of these key moves was the creation of
‘hubs’ throughout the Park. These hubs were based around existing nodes of activity that could be
consolidated and enhanced to provide improved amenities and services for park users. The plan
identified 6 hubs, one of which was located in the south west corner of the Park near the Children’s
Learner’s Cycleway (see Figure 2).
With a playground, barbeque and toilet block this area is already a popular location with young
families who congregate there to picnic and use the bike track. It was considered that the provision
of a small kiosk / café in this location would meet a demand that is not well catered for at present
being some distance from the only other food and beverage offerings in the Park at Centennial
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Park Dining on the corner of Parkes and Grand Drive and the mobile food van at the Vernon
Pavilion on Parkes Drive.
The demand for a café in this location is also expected to increase in the near future with the roll
out of other recommendations in the master plan to upgrade the Park entry at Alison Road and
create a new pedestrian / cycle path (the South West Trail) which will connect the Alison Road
entry with the inner Park via the South West Hub.
These improvements will provide for a significant rise in visitation to the south west of the Park as a
result of a planned increase in residential densities in the surrounding area in the near future and
the imminent development of the South East Light Rail which will have a stop inside the Park at the
corner of Alison and Darley Roads.
The master also plan recommended that the Park’s existing bike hire facility be relocated to the
South West Hub from its existing place near Federation Valley to consolidate all cycle related
activities in the Park in this one location.
Page 3
Figure 2. Excerpt from the Centennial Park Master Plan 2040 on ‘Hubs’
Page 4
2.0 THE SITE
2.1
Brief Description and Surrounding Area
The site where the new building will be constructed is an open and level expanse of lawn at the
north eastern edge of what is generally referred to as the ‘South West Paddock’. It is situated
adjacent to Grand Drive, the primary access road that circumnavigates the Park and separates the
outer sections from the inner park.
In keeping with the general character of the outer park, the ‘feel’ of the South West Paddock is
informal and ‘wild’ compared to the more ‘designed’ inner park. The landscape of this area is
comprised of open spaces of varying size interspersed with scattered plantings and clumps of
trees with no apparent formal layout.
The boundary between the site and Grand Drive is defined by a low, round log fence. Beyond
Grand Drive to the east and south east are the Park’s Equestrian Grounds and beyond Grand
Drive to the north east and north of the site are playing fields. Approximately 40 metres north of the
site is a pedestrian crossing with high safety fencing on either side connecting the pedestrian
pathway on the inside of Grand Drive with the South West Paddock and the Children’s Learner’s
Cycleway.
Directly to the south west through to the north west of the site is the cycleway – an asphalt loop of
approximately 350 metres in length that winds around an area of lawn with a scattered mix of fig,
pine, brushbox and eucalyptus trees and a playground in the centre.
Approximately 30 metres to the south of the site is a single storey brick toilet block built in 1989
with some picnic tables nearby. Both are located amongst a stand of mature paper bark trees.
Beyond this area from the south east to the south west of the site is a substantial, safety fenced
stormwater drain which connects the ponds of the inner park with the Kensington Pond on the
south west perimeter of the Park.
On the site of the proposed new building there are no trees or other plantings and, with the
exception of a barbeque and water bubbler / tap with a cement stand, no structures.
On Grand Drive itself, a wide cycle lane is positioned on the outside of the carriageway directly
adjacent to the site. On the inside of the carriageway next to the pedestrian pathway, angle parking
is provided between the trees which line line side of the road.
Photos of the site are shown in Figures 1.3 – 1.10.
Page 5
Figure 3. View of the site looking West
Figure 4. View of the site looking South West
Page 6
Figure 5. View of the site looking South
Figure 6. View of the site looking South East
Page 7
Figure 7. View of the site looking East
Figure 8. View of the site looking North East
Page 8
Figure 9. View of the site looking North
Figure 10. View of the site looking North West
Page 9
2.2
Views and Vistas
Key views to the site are from the Grand Drive pedestrian path to the east through to the north and
from the Learners Cycleway to the north west through to the south west. Beyond this, filtered views
of the site through gaps between the trees are available from the higher ground to the south west
through to the north west. Dynamic views of the site are also available from Grand Drive on
approach from the south east opening up gradually with the direction of traffic flow.
3.0 PROPOSAL
3.1
New Building
3.1.1 Form, Scale and Detailed Design
The proposed new building is a single storey structure, rectangular in plan and parallel to Grand
Drive. It should be noted when viewing the plans for the building that the north east elevation
facing Grand Drive is described in the architectural drawings as the northern elevation so, for
consistency, that terminology has been adopted in the REF and the HIS.
The design of the building is symmetrical with two continuous and well defined horizontal planes
(floor slab / deck and roof) and two square compartments that project through the roof plane. The
compartments or pavilions are arranged on a north – south axis with the western pavilion (62m 2 in
area) housing the café and the eastern pavilion (61m 2 in area) the bicycle hire facility. The
compartments are proposed to be set back from the edge of the slab by up to 2.2 metres with an
open deck provided around them. The café would have seating indoors and outdoors on the deck.
Bin storage and lockers would be located between the pavilions but no toilets are provided in the
building.
The building would be set back approximately 15 metres from Grand Drive with a V shaped (one
way in and out) driveway connecting the road with the building at the centre of the northern
elevation. A space for service vehicles and deliveries is provided where the driveway joins the
building. A 153m2 compressed granite bicycle hardstand area will line the front of the building and
will connect to a new reinforced concrete accessible path linking the facility to the existing toilet
block.
The overall size of the building is 25.8 x 11.25 metres and approximately 5.2 metres high, from the
top of the lower slab to the top of the parapet. The building would be raised above the ground on a
concrete slab and the ground would be raised at the western end to meet the building’s floor level.
The building has been designed to be viewed ‘in the round’ as it will be approached from all sides.
A 1:20 grade concrete ramp would be constructed on the slab’s eastern side to facilitate cycle
access to the hire facility. A small (700mm) concrete ledge is proposed on the northern and
southern elevations with the northern ledge featuring notches for bike parking and stairs from the
driveway on either side of a small garden bed. The southern ledge would be used for informal
seating.
Page 10
3.1.2 Materials
The building would be steel framed and constructed of concrete, painted steel, glass and
perforated aluminium sheet with a corrugated steel Colorbond roof. The café compartment is
proposed to have full height sliding doors on three sides and the bicycle hire pavilion is to be clad
in powder coated perforated aluminium sheeting as will be the “pop up roof of both compartments.
3.1.3 Utilities and Services
The barbeque and water bubbler / tap will be removed from the site to construct the new building
and relocated near the new picnic shelter.
The proposed new building will have access to existing water, sewer, power and stormwater
drainage services around the site. Power to the new building will be provided by underground
conduit from the existing toilet block. A new Distribution Board located within the new building will
then divert power from the building to the new picnic shelter to power the barbeque. Sewerage and
water service will also be connected to the existing toilet block.
Stormwater run-off from grated inlet pits around the building and roof areas would be disbursed to
the nearby open stormwater channel via PVC pipe.
3.1.4 Hours of Operation
The café and bike hire facility could be used at any time within the opening and closing hours of
the Park each day (sunrise to sunset). It is expected that actual operating hours will be much less
as the café and bike hire operators respond to demand and other variables such as weather and
park activities (such as events, etc).
3.2
Picnic Shelter
The picnic shelter is to be constructed on a level grassed area amongst a scattered mix of trees
within the Children’s Learner’s Cycleway loop (see Figure 11). It will be a single storey, open
structure with a skillion roof, approximately 40m2 in area and with dimensions of 12.46 x 3.42
metres. It will contain four sets of picnic tables and benches. The shelter will be built on a concrete
slab with a structural steel framing system and corrugated Colorbond roof sheeting.
Page 11
Figure 11. View of the picnic shelter looking North West
4.0 STATUTORY CONSIDERATIONS
Although other legislation and policies may occasionally be relevant, the primary statutory
considerations for most Trust development projects or activities within the Parklands are the
Trust’s obligations under the EP&A Act and the NSW Heritage Act, 1977.
4.1
EP&A Act
Under this Act both local and State environmental planning controls could apply to this proposal.
The applicable statutory planning instrument in this instance, however, is State Environmental
Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 – the Infrastructure SEPP. The local planning instrument,
Randwick Local Environmental Plan 2012 (Randwick LEP) also applies to the site but in the
hierarchy of plans relevant to the proposal the State Plan prevails in accordance with Clause 8(1)
of the SEPP.
It should be noted that, while Randwick LEP does not need to be taken into account in this
instance, the proposal would be consistent with the objectives of the RE1 Public Recreation zone
that applies to the land under the LEP and would be permissible with consent.
Page 12
Under the SEPP the proposed new building with a café and bike hire facility cannot be considered
‘exempt development’, which requires no formal approval, but it could be considered ‘development
without consent’ in accordance with Clause 65(2)(a) which provides that:
(2)
Development for any purpose may be carried out without consent:
(a) on Trust lands within the meaning of the Centennial Park and Moore Park
Trust Act 1983, by or on behalf of the Centennial Park and Moore Park
Trust,…
if the development is for the purposes of implementing a plan of management
adopted for the land under the Act referred to above in relation to the land.
The critical question therefore is whether the proposal is consistent with the Centennial Parklands
Plan of Management 2006-2016 (PoM) and, by extension its subsidiary plans such as the
Centennial Park Master Plan.
While the management objectives and priorities for the PoM are very broad the proposal is
generally consistent with the document’s directions. Of greater relevance is the master plan for the
park which is subsidiary to the PoM and therefore part of it. As noted in Section 1.2 of this REF the
proposal fulfils one of the key recommendations of the master plan. The proposal therefore can be
considered ‘development without consent’.
As ‘development without consent’, no development application would need to be lodged with an
external determining authority such as the local council (Randwick in this case) under Part 4 of the
EP&A Act. The proposal can be self-assessed and approved by the Trust (as the host agency and
proponent) under Part 5 of the EP&A Act which applies to public authorities. A Part 5 approval only
requires the preparation of a REF. It should be noted here that the purpose of Part 5 is to ensure
public authorities consider environmental issues before they undertake or approve activities that do
not require development consent.
It should also be noted that, as development without consent, there would also be a requirement
under the Clause 14 of the SEPP to consult with the local Council in relation to the potential impact
of the proposed development on the local heritage.
4.2
Heritage Act
Centennial Park is within the curtilage of the State heritage listing for Centennial Parklands. As
such, any work, activity or development which could impact the heritage significance of the place
may require approval under the Heritage Act unless the works are considered minor with no
unacceptable heritage impacts and are covered by one of the standard or site specific exemptions
that apply to the Parklands. In this case the works are considered ‘Exempt’ under Section 57(2) of
the Act. If approval is required an application is made to the Heritage Council of NSW under
Section 60.
There are standard exemptions under the Act, and in the case of Centennial Parklands, some site
specific exemptions. The proposed new building, however, does not fit within any of these
Page 13
exemptions so a Section 60 Application with accompanying HIS have been submitted to the
Heritage Division of the Office of Environment & Heritage for approval by the Heritage Council.
4.3
Additional Relevant Legislation
4.3.1 Centennial Park and Moore Park Trust Act 1983
The new building with a café / kiosk and a new picnic shelter that are proposed as part of this
project would be entirely consistent with the Objects of the Trust in Section 8 of this Act and with
the Functions of the Trust in Section 9, specifically 9(1)(a) and (b).
4.3.2 NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997
Provisions of this Act will be relevant at the time of construction, to ensure no air or water pollution.
This will be achieved by including appropriate conditions in the contract documentation for the
building contractor.
4.3.3 NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995
A listed threatened species under this Act - the Eastern Suburbs Banksia Scrub (ESBC) does exist
in Centennial Park but not in close proximity to the site. The proposed works do not impact on any
threatened species.
4.3.4 Environment Protection Diversity Conservation Act 1999
This Commonwealth legislation is relevant to Centennial Park as the ESBC is a listed threatened
community under this Act as well. As noted in 4.3.3 above, ESBC remnants in the Park are not
impacted by this project so no approval is required under this Act.
5.0 ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSEMENT
5.1
Introduction and Assessment Methodology
This section describes any potential construction and operational impacts of the proposal. The
environmental assessment methodology for the project involved the following:
•
Identifying potential environmental risks/impacts associated with the construction and
operational phases of the project;
•
Evaluating identified risks/impacts to determine the potential for occurrence and degree of
severity; and
•
Identifying and determining suitable environmental management procedures and control
measures appropriate for planned works and ongoing operation.
The proposed works have been evaluated in the context of Section 228 of the Environmental
Planning and Assessment Regulation – “What factors must be taken into account concerning the
impact of an activity on the environment?” A table addressing the factors requiring consideration
Page 14
under Section 228 is contained in Section 5.12 of this report. Environmental management
procedures and control measures that will be applied to the proposed development are outlined in
Section 6.0 of this report below.
5.2
Location and Land use
The provision of a new picnic shelter and a new building with a café and bicycle hire facility at the
Children’s Learner’s Cycleway is entirely appropriate given the existing activities in this location.
As noted in Section 1.2 above, the café would service an existing demand for food and beverages
in this location that is likely to increase in the future. And, there is some logic in consolidating all
cycle related facilities in one location. The relocation of the bike hire facility to this area has other
benefits too by removing it from its current position at the entrance off Grand Drive to Federation
Valley in the northern section of the Park where in it detracts visually from the landscape setting of
the aesthetically and historically significant Federation monument.
It is noted as well that the café and bicycle hire facility are uses that are consistent with the
objectives and functions of the CPMPT in the CPMPT Act (see Section 4.3.1 above) and the
Centennial Parklands Plan of Management and Centennial Park Master Plan (see Section 4.1
above). These activities are also ancillary and complementary to the open space and recreation
use of Centennial Park provided for in the RE1 zone under the Randwick LEP 2012.
Being located well inside the Park boundaries the construction and operation of the proposed new
facilities will not impact any surrounding residential communities.
5.3
Physical Environment and Landform
As the sites of the new building and picnic shelter are on level open grassed areas no significant
changes to the physical environment and topography will occur other than the construction of the
concrete slabs on which the building and shelter will sit. This will involve some minor excavation
but the impact will be minimal.
5.4
Environmental Quality
Because of the nature of the site, the proposed development once constructed will result in no
pollution or degradation of the environment or risks to its environmental quality or safety. Waste
disposal will be managed in accordance with an environmental management plan.
During construction a range of safeguards will be implemented in accordance with a construction
environmental management plan (CEMP) to prevent any damage to environmental quality. See
Section 6.0 for detailed mitigation measures.
5.5
Flora and Fauna
Again, as the sites of the new building and picnic shelter are on level open grassed areas and no
trees or any other plantings will be removed or significantly affected during their construction, there
should be no habitat destruction and no adverse impacts on any flora, fauna or local ecosystems.
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5.6
Visual impacts
Perhaps the greatest potential impact of the proposed new buildings on the environment is the
effect on the visual amenity of their landscape setting.
With the exception of the relatively small barbeque on the site and the adjacent toilet block which is
to some extent hidden by the surrounding trees, the area is free of buildings and structures and
has a natural, open parkland character dominated by significant stands of trees. The placement of
the new building, and to a lesser extent the picnic shelter, in this location will alter the visual
character of its setting. The new building in particular will feature prominently when viewed from
the popular Grand Drive pedestrian pathway and by approaching traffic (vehicle and cycles) on the
roadway.
The visual impact of these structures, however, is not necessarily adverse. The picnic shelter as a
simple open structure of modest size with a skillion roof will sit very lightly in the landscape and will
be largely invisible amongst the surrounding trees when seen from the main viewpoints.
Though prominent, the café and bike hire building, with its modest scale and open form and the
quality of its design will make a positive visual contribution to this area.
•
With horizontal roof planes and a maximum overall height of 5.2 metres it will sit well below
the top of the surrounding tree canopy. Soft vegetation therefore will continue to dominate
skyline views not built form.
•
Any appearance of building bulk is reduced by breaking up the design into separate
components allowing views through the building to the trees beyond. The extensive glazing
proposed for the café increases this visual ‘porosity’.
•
The rectilinear form of the new building is comparable to other recent additions in the Park
such as the Centennial Park Dining cafe extension and the award winning toilet blocks
constructed in 2006.
•
The material palette complements the colours and textures of the surrounding landscape.
•
By setting back 15 metres from Grand Drive the building will not interrupt the distinctive
sweeping curve of the roadway and detract from its visual integrity and cohesion.
5.7
Heritage
To properly assess the heritage impacts of this proposal, heritage consultants GML Heritage were
engaged to prepare a HIS. This report concluded that the Park has a strong tradition of park
pavilions with designs and functions varying across its 126 history. All these though are relatively
small, stand-alone buildings that sit comfortably within their landscape setting so the proposed
development is consistent with this.
An important aspect of the Park’s history is its creation to provide for the recreational needs of
Sydney’s population. And cycling has been a significant element of this with the Park being used
by keen cyclists for over 100 years. By concentrating cycling activities at the South West Hub the
proposal is consistent with this as well.
Page 16
The other important heritage consideration for the Park is the natural and aesthetic significance of
its landscape. As noted in Section 5.6 above the proposal will not result in adverse visual impacts
on its highly valued heritage landscape.
It is noted that the HIS did not assess the impact of the proposal on archaeology.
5.8
Traffic and Car Parking
5.8.1 During construction
Generally during construction there should be minimal disruption to traffic flow in the Park as there
will be relatively few construction vehicles accessing the site and their movements limited.
Because construction vehicles will access the site across the Grand Drive cycle lane one potential
issue could be vehicle / cycle conflict in the land. It is noted here that cyclist speeds often exceed
the 30kph speed limit in this section of Grand Drive because of the slight downhill slope on
approach. There would also be safety concerns in relation to construction vehicles moving around
the site as there is very often young children in this location (using the Learners’ Cycleway).
To address these issues, implementation of a traffic management plan (TMP) during construction
will be required of the builder as a condition of their contract. It would be expected such a plan
would include measures such as site marshals and slow maximum speeds and operation of hazard
lights for moving vehicles.
Parking for construction workers’ private vehicles will be limited to the general parking available on
the inside of Grand Drive and will not be permitted at the site.
Detailed measures for construction impacts are provided in Section 6.0 of this REF.
5.8.2 During operation
A café in this location will largely cater for existing visitors to the Learners’ Cycleway and the south
west corner of the Park so should not create a destination venue that in itself would generate
significant additional traffic and parking.
Minor increases in traffic generation and parking demand can be expected with the relocation of
the bike hire facility to the South West Hub. The capacity of the road system in this location,
however, should be sufficient to accommodate this increase. Available parking on the inside of
Grand Drive is limited near the site and generally at capacity during peak times (on weekends)
when visitors to the area may need to park a short distance further along Grand Drive. This should
not change significantly.
The existing pedestrian crossing and 30 kph speed limit will ensure pedestrian movement from the
inside of Grand Drive to the Learners’ Cycleway and the new building remains relatively safe.
The most significant potential safety issue during operation will be similar to that during
construction – conflict between cyclists and vehicles in the cycle lane, in this case with vehicles
accessing the driveway to the new building. This has been addressed by restricting access to the
driveway to delivery vehicles only. This will be achieved by the placement of a removable bollard in
Page 17
the centre of the driveway to be removed only for delivery vehicle access. Because the number of
delivery vehicles will be low and specific delivery times arranged outside of peak hours this issue is
not expected to be a significant problem.
The Traffic Assessment Report prepared by Complete Urban to assess the traffic impacts of the
proposal also makes recommendations to address any vehicle / cycle conflict such as pavement
marking and signage on approach to alert motorists and cyclists approaching the Hub.
5.9
Utilities and Services
As noted in Section 3.1.3 above, the provision of water, sewer, power and stormwater drainage
services to the new building and power to the relocated barbeque is straightforward, involves little
modification to existing facilities and minimal impact on the site.
5.10 Contamination
Given the history of the site as an area with minimum human disturbance, exposure to land
contamination during construction is very unlikely.
Any hazardous waste generated during construction will be removed from the site in accordance
with compliant procedures documented in a CEMP.
5.11 Flooding
There is potential for flooding in the south west corner of the Park given it is:
•
low lying with large ponds in the vicinity;
•
within Randwick City Council’s Flood Planning Area; and,
•
has been subject to flooding in the past.
Accordingly, water and floodplain engineering consultants, WMA water were engaged to assess
the impact of flooding in relation to the proposed development.
The consultant’s report indicated that the area would be largely inundated in a 1 in 100 year flood
event but that the proposed development would result in negligible changes to peak flood levels in
the immediate surrounds. To minimise the impact of flooding on the building during such an event
the report recommended that the floor level of the new building be set at a minimum of 32.2 metres
Australian Height Datum or approximately 700mm above ground level. This specification has been
incorporated in the building design.
5.12 Summary of Consideration of Environmental Factors
Clause 228 of the EP&A Regulation details factors which must be taken into account when
assessing the impact of an activity on the environment. The major factors have been addressed
earlier in Section 5.0. The following is a summary of the environmental assessment related to the
factors that have to be considered under Clause 228.
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Factor
Impact assessment
Mitigation actions
Any environmental impact on a community?
Refer 5.2
Nil impact. No
measures required.
Any transformation of a locality?
Refer 5.2, 5.3 and 5.6
Positive impact. No
measures required.
Any environmental impact on the ecosystems Refer 5.5
of the locality?
Nil impact. No
measures required.
Any reduction of the aesthetic, recreational,
scientific or other environmental quality or
value of a locality?
Refer 5.2 – 5.6
Nil impact but refer all of
Section 6.0
Any effect on a locality, place or building
having aesthetic, anthropological,
archaeological, architectural, cultural,
historical, scientific or social significance or
other special value for present or future
generations?
Refer 5.7
Nil impact but refer
6.1.7
Any impact on the habitat of any protected or
endangered fauna? There will be no impact
of habitat
Refer 5.5
Nil impact. No
measures required.
Any endangering of any species of animal,
plant or other form of life, whether living on
land, in water or in the air?
Refer 5.5
Nil impact. No
measures required.
Any long term effects on the environment?
Refer 5.4
Nil impact. No
measures required.
Any degradation of the quality of the
environment?
Refer 5.4
Nil impact but refer
6.1.2 – 6.1.5
Any risk to the safety of the environment?
Refer 5.4
Nil impact but refer
6.1.2 – 6.1.5
Any reduction in the range of beneficial uses
of the environment?
Not applicable
Not applicable
Any pollution of the environment?
Refer 5.4
Nil impact but refer
6.1.2 – 6.1.5
Any environmental problems
associated with the disposal of waste?
Refer 5.4
Nil impact but refer
6.1.6
Any cumulative environmental effect with
other existing or likely future activities?
Not applicable
Not applicable
Any increased demands on resources,
Not applicable
natural or otherwise which are, or are likely to
become, in short supply?
Not applicable
Page 19
6.0 MITIGATION MEASURES
6.1
Safeguards During Construction
The construction of the proposed new building and picnic shelter will require environmental
safeguards to a suitable standard to be implemented through a CEMP or equivalent, to reduce any
potential adverse impact arising from the proposed works on the surrounding environment. The
requirement for a CEMP is recommended as a condition of any approval.
The CEMP will identify the requirements for compliance with relevant legislation and other
regulatory requirements to ensure environmental safeguards described throughout this REF are
implemented.
The safeguards to be incorporated into the Contractor’s CEMP will form part of the contractual
obligation. This is a general list of safeguards which would be implemented as necessary and in
accordance with the particular location and activity being undertaken. Most of these safeguards
would need to be implemented for all intended activities; however other safeguards of particular
relevance to the local situation would be adopted as, and when, required.
6.1.1 Construction Work Site
•
Relevant legislation would be complied with, such as the Protection of the Environment
Operations Act 1997.
•
Best management practices would be implemented as specified by any codes of practice or
guidelines that are recognised by the EPA.
•
Traffic control measures would be outlined in a TMP that would be incorporated into the
worksite guidelines.
•
The worksite would be left tidy and rubbish free each day prior to leaving site and at the
completion of the works.
•
Protective fencing is to be installed to prevent public access to the site.
•
All site works (including deliveries) must only be carried out between the hours of 7:00am to
5:00pm on Monday to Friday inclusive.
•
In accordance with WorkCover all plant and equipment used in demolition work must comply
with the relevant Australian Standards and manufacturer specifications.
•
The contractor would meet all workplace safety legislation.
6.1.2 Water Quality
•
All care and due diligence must be taken to minimise or prevent pollutant material entering
drain inlets or waterways.
Page 20
•
A material/spill management plan would be prepared and incorporated into the Contractor’s
Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and would include measures such
as:
-
use of materials to prevent pollution of waterways e.g. sausage sandbags at inlets; and
-
availability of on-site spill containment equipment kits.
6.1.3 Flora and Fauna
•
Contractor to minimise disturbance to vegetation around the site.
•
Vehicles, machinery or stockpiles would not be placed beneath trees.
6.1.4 Noise and Vibration
•
Notification around the site would be undertaken where appropriate and where work is likely
to cause vibration or offensive noise and impact park users.
•
Works would be undertaken during normal work hours i.e. 7am to 5pm Monday to Friday and
no work would be undertaken on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays or outside these work
hours without notification to the BGCP. Notification would provide the following details:
-
The nature of the proposed works.
-
The noise characteristics of any powered equipment likely to be used.
-
Measures to be taken to reduce noise emissions.
-
Any other information the BGCP may request.
•
All reasonable practical steps shall be undertaken to reduce noise and vibration from the site.
•
The impact of construction noise and vibration shall be mitigated in the planning and
implementation of the works. Actions shall include optimum siting of work areas, vehicle and
plant parking areas, materials stockpiles and equipment storage areas in locations where
potential acoustical impacts would be minimised.
6.1.5 Air Quality
•
Spraying of paint and other materials with the potential to become air borne particulates
would only be undertaken in light wind conditions.
•
Notification around the site would be undertaken where appropriate.
•
No burning of any materials would be permitted on site or at the compound.
•
Dust generation during construction activities shall be controlled by regular control measures
such as on-site watering.
•
Exposed areas would be progressively returfed as soon as practical.
•
All vehicles transporting loose materials and travelling on public roads would be secured (i.e.
closed tail gate and covered) to minimise dust generation.
Page 21
6.1.6 Waste Management
•
Where available, recyclable site and construction waste would be recycled in accordance
with the NSW Government’s Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy (WRAPP guidelines).
•
Non-recyclable waste would be regularly collected and disposed of at a licensed landfill or
other disposal site in the area.
•
Any bulk garbage bins delivered by Authorised Waste Contractors would be placed and kept
within the property boundary.
•
Waste management practices for the proposal would follow the resource management
hierarchy principles embodied in the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2001.
These practices include:
-
avoid unnecessary resource consumption;
-
recovering resources (including reuse, reprocessing, recycling and energy recovery);
and,
-
disposal (as a last resort).
6.1.7 Heritage Protection
•
Historic and indigenous archaeological sites and relics are protected under the Heritage Act
and National Parks and Wildlife Act, respectively. Should any relics be uncovered during the
course of these works, work would cease in the affected area. Subsequently, in cases where
historical items have been uncovered, the Heritage Division in the OEH would be contacted
or if indigenous items have been uncovered, the National Parks and Wildlife Service would
be contacted.
•
All workers / contractors would be informed of their obligations under the National Parks and
Wildlife Act 1974, namely that it is illegal to disturb, damage, destroy a relic without the prior
approval of the Director-General of the OEH.
6.1.8 Utilities and Services
Prior to commencement of construction activities, any services near the building site which may be
impacted by the works would be accurately located and where necessary protection measures will
be implemented.
6.1.9 Complaints Response
Complaints received shall be recorded and attended to promptly. On receiving a complaint, works
shall be reviewed to determine whether issues relating to the complaint can be avoided or
minimised. Feedback shall be provided to the complainant explaining what remedial actions were
taken.
Page 22
6.2
Operational Management
6.2.1 Hours of Operation
The café and bike hire will be limited to the Park’s hours of operation (ie sunrise to sunset). Any
change to the approved hours of operation will require a further application to the BGCP for
assessment under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.
6.2.2 Maximum Capacity
The maximum seating capacity of the premises is 24 patrons inside and 24 patrons outside.
6.2.3 Operational Plan of Management
An Operational Plan of Management will be implemented prior to the new building being used. The
plan will detail (but not be limited to):
•
Controls for limiting the sound level of any ancillary music associated with the use of the
kiosk / café, so as to ensure that there is minimal impact on other park users in the vicinity.
•
Complaints handling and management, including a publicly available complaints register and
responsibility for complaints handling and liaison with complainants.
•
Location of a smoking area associated with the premises in isolation of the children’s
playground and residential properties and the inclusion of cigarette disposal facilities.
•
Procedures for the staff collection and storage of waste and recycling.
•
Procedures and hours for the contractor collection of waste and recycling.
•
Procedures and hours for the delivery of goods.
6.2.4 Waste Management
A waste management plan (WMP) will be implemented prior to the commencement of the use of
the building. The WMP will detail (but not be limited to):
•
Storage capacity required for the use.
•
Placement of waste and recycling receptacles internal and external to the building.
•
Principles regarding maximisation of recycling and re-use of materials.
Page 23
7.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION and RECOMMENDATION
As outlined in this REF the proposed new building featuring a café and bike hire facility and a new
picnic shelter nearby to create a ‘hub’ in the south west corner of the Park can be justified on the
following grounds:
•
It responds to an existing and emerging need.
•
It complies with or is consistent with all relevant legislation, plans and policies.
•
It has minimal environmental impacts.
•
Adequate mitigation measures have been proposed to address these impacts.
On this basis it is recommended that the BGCP approve the proposed development in accordance
with Part 5 of the EP&A Act and subject to any conditions specified above and any conditions of
approval from the Heritage Council of NSW / Heritage Division of the OEH.
Page 24