REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS - Hornsby Shire · ref – james park upgrade, hornsby ii 7. proposed environmental safeguards 13 8. disposal of waste and surplus materials 13 9

REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS

Assessment under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979

JAMES PARK UPGRADE

CORNER PALMERSTON ROAD & LOWE ROAD, HORNSBY

September 2012

REF – James Park Upgrade, Hornsby i

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

ASSESSMENT 3

1. TITLE OF PROPOSAL

2. PLANNING 3

2.1) Location proposal, Name of Reserve (if appropriate) 3

FIGURE 1 - SITE PLAN 3

2.2) Description of proposal 4 2.3) Zoning of land subject to development proposal under the HSLEP 4 2.4) Permissibility 4 2.5) Consultation 4

3. THE ACTIVITY 4

3.1) Description of the activity / Methods of construction 4 3.2) Objectives of the activity and justification 5 3.3) Major elements including any environmental impact mitigation measures 5 3.4) Other developments associated with the activity e.g. infrastructure, services 5 3.5) Future implications of the activity / cumulative impact 5 3.6) Time Frame / Hours of operation 6

4. ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS 6

4.1) Alternative proposals considered / Assessment of alternative proposals 6 4.2) Justification of preferred option 6 4.3) Consequences of not carrying out the activity 7

5. THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT 7

5.1) Site description /Current Land-Use 7 5.2) National/State/Regional/Local Conservation significance 8 5.3) The Natural Environment 8 5.4) The Cultural Environment 8 5.5) The Social Environment - current usage and impacts 9

6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY 9

6.1) Air Impacts 9 6.2) Water impacts 9 6.3) Soil and stability impacts 10 6.4) Noise and vibration impacts 10 6.5) Fauna Impacts 10 6.6) Flora Impacts 10 6.7) Ecological Impacts 10 6.8) Threatened Species Considerations 11 6.9) Community resources 11 6.10) Natural resources 11 6.11) Social factors 11 6.12) Economic factors 12 6.13) Heritage 12 6.14) Land use impacts age, aesthetic, cultural impacts 12 6.15) Transportation impacts (during construction and operation) 12

REF – James Park Upgrade, Hornsby ii

7. PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS 13

8. DISPOSAL OF WASTE AND SURPLUS MATERIALS 13

9. MONITORING 13

10. SAFETY FACTORS 13

11. VIEWS/OPINIONS/APPROVALS OF OTHER AUTHORITIES 13

12. FUNDING 13

13. REFERENCES 13

14. CONSULTATION 14

15. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS – PARKS & RECREATION 15 16. EXHIBITION / NOTIFICATION 16 Minor Works - Notification Element 17

17. ATTACHMENT 1: Landscape Concept Plan 18

18. ATTACHMENT 2: Amenities Building Concept – Floor Plan 19

19. ATTACHMENT 3: Amenities Building Concept – Elevations 20

20. ATTACHMENT 4: Letter of support – Hornsby Hospital / NSLHD & HKHS 21

21. ATTACHMENT 5: Letter of support – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & Hills Cricket Assoc. 22

22. ATTACHMENT 6: Letter of support – Northern Sydney Football Assoc. 23

23. PLANNING APPROVAL 24

REF – James Park Upgrade, Hornsby 1

INTRODUCTION The Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 requires that an environmental assessment is carried out prior to the commencement of any development, work or activity. The assessment is usually in the form of a development application which is required for land uses that require development consent (Part 4 of the Act). Part 5 of the Act requires an environmental assessment (or Review of Environmental Factors) to occur for any work or activity that does not require development consent. A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is a document which identifies and evaluates the impacts of an activity to decide if the impacts are likely to significantly affect the environment. An REF is designed to provide enough information to make an informed decision as to the likely significance of the impact of the activity on the environment (including critical habitat or threatened species, populations or ecological communities, or their habitats). If the impacts are considered to be significant, then an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared and considered prior to a determining authority deciding if an activity is likely to proceed. REFs that relate to an issue that is controversial or will significantly affect the public may be placed on public exhibition. The proponent of the activity (i.e. Council) is responsible for completing the REF. This template has been prepared to assist Council officers in assessing the potential impacts of activities and works and thereby fulfilling Council’s responsibilities under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. The steps in the process are: 1. Determine whether the proposal can be assessed under Part 5 of the Act (an REF) or

requires the preparation of a Development Application, a proposal being any activity or work.

2. Prepare the REF in consultation with other Branches of Council and consultants, if required.

3. Have the REF “signed off” by a Branch Manager or Team Leader. 4. Notify any affected residents or other stakeholders of the proposal and invite them to

inspect the REF and comment on the proposal (as required by the HSLEP). 5. Consider any submissions and modify the proposal where necessary. 6. Commence the activity and ensure that any environmental safeguards are installed

and maintained for the duration of the job. CAN THE PROPOSAL BE ASSESSED UNDER PART 5? The first step is to determine whether the proposal can be assessed under Part 5, through an REF, or is a development application and assessment under Part 4 of the Act required. STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING POLICY (SEPP INFRASTRUCTURE) 2007 State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 permits certain activities undertaken by Council to be permissible without consent and assessed under Part 5 of the EP& A Act. Section 65 (3) of SEPP(Infrastructure) indicates the following can be carried out by or on behalf of Council without consent on a public reserve under the control of or vested in the Council. Those features represented in the James Park proposals are highlighted in bold font below:

(a) Rds, cycleways, single storey car parks, ticketing facilities and viewing platforms,

(b) outdoor recreational facilities, including playing fields, but not including grandstands,

(c) information facilities such as visitors’ centres and information boards,

(d) lighting, if light spill and artificial sky glow is minimised in accordance with AS/NZS 1158: 2007, Lighting for Rds and Public Spaces,

(e) landscaping, including irrigation schemes (whether they use recycled or other water),

(f) amenity facilities,

(g) maintenance depots,

(h) environmental management works. Although SREP 20 applies to this land, the proposed works are permissible under SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 which prevails to the extent of any inconsistencies.


HORNSBY SHIRE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT PLAN (HSLEP) 1994 Under the Hornsby Shire Local Environment Plan (HSLEP), the site occurs within land zoned Open Space A (Public Recreation – Local) and recreation facilities are permissible with development consent. Clause 6(3)(a) of the HSLEP identifies special savings provisions that apply to development carried out by or on behalf of the Council. This provision allows Council to undertake minor works including the construction of footpaths, parking areas, walking tracks and other pedestrian areas; installation of park furniture, bush regeneration, landscaping, tree planting without development consent. The proposal at James Park is considered a minor development. SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 prevails over the HSLEP to the extent of any inconsistencies. CONCLUSION As the proposed works consist of an amenities building ancillary to the sportsground and minor works including pedestrian paths, recreation facilities and landscaping, it is deemed that these works are permissible under SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007 as not requiring Development Consent.


ASSESSMENT / PREPARATION OF REF The REF should address the key issues as fully as practicable, however the level of analysis should reflect the level of significance of the impacts and their importance for the proposal. Some issues may not be applicable and do not need to be addressed. The following headings are a guide to what should be addressed in a REF. Any other relevant information may be added. Tick the box – Yes or No. If you tick () yes and the section applies to the activity, fill it out in as much detail as possible.

1. TITLE OF PROPOSAL James Park Upgrade, Hornsby 2. PLANNING 2.1) Location proposal, Name of Reserve (if appropriate) James Park, 78X Palmerston Rd, HORNSBY NSW 2077 James Park consists of six Lots being Lot 11 DP 25230 80x Palmerston Rd and Lot 12 DP 25230 78x Palmerston Rd (Community Land categorised in the Plan of Management as land for General Community Use - Scout Hall and Natural Area - Bushland), Lot 211 DP 752053 78X Palmerston Rd (Sportsground and Natural Area - Bushland), Lot 13 DP 16346 72X King Rd (Sportsground and Natural Area - Bushland) and Lots 1 and 2 DP 16346 1X Lowe Rd (Sportsground), Hornsby. The majority of work is proposed to occur in early 2013 within the open space area above the northern fill embankment of Lot 211 DP 752053, 78X Palmerston Rd. The Amenities Building is proposed to be sited in open space adjacent to the western edge of the King Rd Bushland in Lot 13 DP 16346 with minor works occurring in open space within the Lowe Rd Allotments, reflecting the existing distinction between recreational open space and vegetated landscape areas. No work is proposed to occur in allotments north of the playing field (Lots 11 & 12, DP 25230).

FIGURE 1 - SITE PLAN

KING ST BUSHLAND

PALMERSTON RD SCOUTS & BUSHLAND

LOT 211 DP 752053 SPORTSGROUND


2.2) Description of proposal An upgrade of the James Park sportsground is proposed. The upgrade will involve establishment of a sportsground amenities building, perimeter pathway circuit with exercise equipment, basketball half-court, picnic shelter, furniture and barbeque, and minor fill works to improve grading on part of the football field. One tree is proposed to be removed which is senescent but otherwise planting of new trees is proposed to increase aesthetic and shade amenity. 2.3) Zoning of land subject to development proposal under the HSLEP Land Use Lot 211 DP 752053 78X Palmerston Rd: Sportsground HSLEP Zone: Open Space A (Public Recreation – Local) Land Use Lot 13 DP 16346 72X King Rd: Sportsground and Natural Area - Bushland HSLEP Zone: Open Space A (Public Recreation – Local) Land Use Lots 1 and 2 DP 16346 1X Lowe Rd: Sportsground HSLEP Zone: Residential A 2.4) Permissibility The proposed works are to be carried out on Council–owned, community land. The State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 permits Council to undertake the works without obtaining development consent (as per Section 65(3) SEPP (Infrastructure) 2007). An assessment under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979 is required. 2.5) Consultation Consultations regarding future developments at James Park have been undertaken with community stakeholders including the Northern Sydney Football Association Inc (NSFA), the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Hills District Cricket Association Inc (HK&HDCA) and the NSW Government department of the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service (Hornsby Hospital). The proposals and this REF will be exhibited on our website for public comment and a mailout with the same information will be sent to adjoining residents of James Park and the First Waitara Scouts Group, which is based in an adjoining allotment to the playing field in the northern part of James Park. Liaison for parkland developments has occurred internally with Parks Assets and Parks Service Units and the Natural Resources Branch of the Environment and Human Resources Division of Council. 3. THE ACTIVITY 3.1) Description of the activity / Methods of construction Removal of an existing senescent tree (Eucalyptus sp.) will be carried out in accordance with industry and national standards. Pruning or other maintenance will be in accordance with the Australian Standard ‘Pruning of Amenity Trees’ (AS.4373). Park construction works will involve excavation by bobcat to 80mm depth to accommodate a 2 metre wide pathway and similar excavation for slab to picnic area and softfall within exercise areas. Excavate will be stockpiled for re-use on site. Softfall to the floor of exercise areas will be a recycled rubber material. Stockpiled material will be cultivated with removal of unwanted debris disposed of to an approved waste facility. The retained material will be used to raise levels in the north-western field corner, which will then be covered with an approved turf underlay / topsoil prior to turfing and topdressing. Tree planting works will take place in open space areas and along Lowe Road, involving sufficient excavation to enable soil improvements to a root zone for future growth. This will require importation of approved growing mediums, fertilising, mulching and staking, and watering-in for an establishment period. Building works will be carried out via a pre-determined haulage path to the building site. Construction will take place in accordance with best practices. The building shall be connected to the local sewerage and water supply services provided by Sydney Water and Ausgrid electricity supply. Rainwater collected from the roof shall be re-used for the flushing of toilets.


For all works, sediment and erosion control fencing and site fencing will be utilised as necessary to manage the site for environmental and safety purposes. 3.2) Objectives of the activity and justification The landscape upgrade works are proposed as a means of creating new and additional recreational opportunity in the region, including by enhancing functional and aesthetic qualities of the site. The upgrade will provide additional recreation opportunity for residents in surrounding neighbourhoods and for neighbouring hospital staff and patients and will increase the provision of shade amenity at the sportsground, where cricket and soccer are played year-round. Formal and informal recreation activities and facilities are proposed at James Park as a means of reducing the pressure on other facilities in the local area including Mark Taylor Oval in nearby Waitara. To this goal, the exercise stations, bbq facilities and outdoor ping-pong table are proposed, as a drawcard for increased use of James Park. James Park is an important facility for training and competition for local cricket and soccer clubs.The proposed amenities building will provide modern amenities for the general public and local sporting clubs. 3.3) Major elements including any environmental impact mitigation measures Major elements of the upgrade will increase the capacity of James Park to accommodate sports clubs with improved playing, toilet and change facilities, provide a range facilities aimed at local user groups and to enhance the parkland as a venue for community recreation and interaction. The proposal seeks to incorporate exercise equipment surrounding a recreation circuit, a ping-pong table and bbq area as well as quiet spaces. It is expected that the increasingly numerous and diverse cultures of Hornsby will enjoy the expanded resource and capacity that the new facilities will provide. The upgrade will also enhance the usability and attractiveness of the parkland for the leisure of the adjacent hospital workforce (over 1200 staff work at Hornsby Hospital plus medical and other small business practices in the surrounding neighbourhoods) as well as for passive and or / rehabilitative setting for patients undertaken by the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service. As part of the works, existing soft landscape areas to the eastern and western ends of the sportsground will be rehabilitated by native tree and understorey planting works, providing increased habitat areas, which adjoin the King Road bushland reserve and bushland fringing the northern boundary of the site. Soil erosion and sediment control measures will be in place for the duration of works. 3.4) Other developments associated with the activity e.g. infrastructure, services The development of an amenities building at James Park will replace an existing toilet block which is dilapidated and too small to service current requirements. James Park is used by the Northern Sydney Football Association Inc (NSFA) and the Hornsby Ku-ring-gai and Hills District Cricket Association Inc (HK&HDCA). Both clubs will benefit by the provision of additional toilets, changing areas, as well as recreation circuit and bbq. The potential for sports clubs to organise community-oriented events around the provision of new facilities will benefit the clubs and community in general. The park will be enhanced by the creation of new social settings and increased shade amenity where currently neither is well-accounted for. The recreation circuit and exercise stations will be able to be used by locals and sportsclubs for training purposes and may be used by the hospital in the same way. Similarly, the bbq and ping-pong table will be accessible to all. James Park will continue to serve as an emergency landing port for helicopters transporting patients to the neighbouring Hornsby Hospital for that critical lifesaving requirement. 3.5) Future implications of the activity / cumulative impact The proposed parkland upgrade will deliver a range of attractions to James Park. Primarily, the combined facilities promote healthy activity in the outdoors and provide alternative recreation venues,


which can assist in taking pressure off existing venues in the region, such as Mark Taylor Oval, which is at capacity. The cumulative impact of providing for existing formal sport, non-formal sports, leisure and recreation will benefit the local community. The upgrades will promote healthy activity and the interaction of people from diverse backgrounds in shared settings. These interactions can lead to increased participation in other community activities and lead overall to a strengthening of a sense of community as well as the creation of actual linkages between people, businesses and community groups. 3.6) Time Frame / Hours of operation The works are expected to commence in late 2012 and be completed in 2013. Working hours during construction will be restricted to Monday to Saturday from 7am to 5pm. No work will occur on Sundays or Public Holidays. The majority of the parkland is expected to remain open and accessible for the duration of the works, by site management to restrict vehicle access to certain areas and to restrict access to work sites. A significant proportion of the work will involve shallow excavation for pavement works, which can be managed easily and effectively to protect the safety of park users using bunting as required. As building works and / or furniture installations occur such as the park shelter, site safety fencing will be used to restrict access to these sites. The works will impact on the summer cricket season and the football season may also be interrupted depending on the timing of completion but it is expected that field dimensions can be altered and / or the user-groups can be re-arranged to accommodate both sports satisfactorily if required. For instance, the field is used by junior cricket teams for competition and will be able to manage a reduced boundary length for cricket games for a period of earthworks and turf establishment in the north-western field corner. Under the same condition, junior soccer may be able to be played across the field or the field may be able to be re-sized temporarily. In the worst-case scenario, some senior games may have to be re-scheduled to other venues. 4. ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS 4.1) Alternative proposals considered / Assessment of alternative proposals e.g. alternative locations, alternative technologies

Council has explored potential field reconfigurations to run the field in the preferable direction for football, running north to south but there are significant restrictions on the capacity of the site to achieve this. The width of the parkland from boundary to boundary in a north-south direction would only just enable a full-size field to be achieved but the topography, without major and expensive earthworks and the difficulty of achieving an aesthetically and environmentally attractive outcome, rule this alternative out of the equation.

The inclusion of a ping-pong table is considered to provide an unusual attraction that may generate extra visitation to this site. Other sites within the Hornsby-Waitara CBD, apart from Mark Taylor Oval which already has recreation facilities including sports, exercise and playground, do not have the favourable location and / or physical capacity to achieve the desired results. Enhancements at James Park will reduce the dependence on and impact associated with the heavy use of the Mark Taylor Oval site, by the provision of similar and varied additional outdoor recreation facilities. 4.2) Justification of preferred option This upgrade proposal will help meet the needs of existing user groups while extending the capacity of the parkland to entice a broader spectrum of visitors in the promotion of healthy, active living in a community-oriented setting. It is an important upgrade in this area, where it is difficult to meet the open space needs of a growing and diverse population. The upgrade is also expected to take some of the pressure of the Mark Taylor Oval, which currently services most of the recreation needs of the CBD catchment and is overly-busy. James Park currently lacks amenity. This upgrade will develop new recreational opportunities including less common ones such as the exercise equipment and ping-pong table and will increase sun and shade amenity at James Park. The replacement of the old, dank and insufficient toilet block with a new amenities building provides additional facilities with baby-change and accessible toilet facilities as well as a protected venue for spectators at sport events. The proposed picnic shelter and bbq arrangement near the western park entry also provide additional shaded areas for leisure and recreation. Shade trees and quiet settings will be provided for enhanced amenity and for passive use.


The provision of a 2 metre wide pathway around the outside of the parkland will be well-utilised by joggers, walkers, patients recuperating and will deliver wheelchair accessibility to the parkland in a broader sense. The amenities building will contain a unisex accessible toilet room, additional to the male and female toilet rooms. Each will contain baby-change facilities and a privately contained changing area. The combined proposals for James Park will be of great benefit to existing and new users, including providing a valuable amenity for the local sports clubs, for staff of the adjacent Hornsby Hospital and for surrounding commercial and residential neighbours. The upgrade will deliver new park facilities where community groups will meet and interact around sport, exercise and leisure activities. 4.3) Consequences of not carrying out the activity If the upgrade does not occur, Council will continue to possess and maintain an underutilised and dilapidated resource in an area that is short of open space and good recreation facilities. This would represent a failure in the execution of service to the community and in respect of existing and potential future residents and user groups. 5. THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT Describe the exiting environment prior to the proposed activity occurring. 5.1) Site description /Current Land Use James Park is a sportsground site supporting football and cricket. It has a set of cricket nets (6) used by the HKDCA and a centre wicket of synthetic turf used by juniors only. The site is not used as a top-class facility as it runs east-west and is not well graded but it is important and well-used used by NSFA for soccer for junior and lower grade teams. The field itself is not well-shaped and has significant changes in elevation across the length and breadth of the playing surface. The field is small, accommodating only a single senior-sized soccer field aligned in the less-than-preferable east-west direction and a cricket field with boundaries that are short even for junior levels of cricket. There is a storage building (former toilet block converted for use by the NSFA and HK & DCA) and an older toilet block which does not contain an accessible facility, is small, dingy and dilapidated. The overall aesthetic of the field is tired and scrappy as facilities are old, vegetation surrounds to the north are weedy and the field is lumpy and sloping. There are only a few trees in the open space, some of which provide a nice shady spot in the south-western park corner but others are not remarkable including a Lilly Pilly beyond the eastern field end and a senescent Eucalyptus in the north-western field corner. Some nice native vegetation fringes the open space in the north-eastern park corner and some re-vegetation has commenced along the eastern edge. The northern embankment is full of introduced weed specimens which detract from the aesthetic and environmental quality of the site. The site broadly consists of 6 allotments but works are only proposed to occur mainly in the area devoted currently to the sportsground, which is predominantly cleared and formed in part by landfill. Other allotments contain bushland to the north-eastern park corner, extending between residential allotments to the east and joining residential neighbourhoods. The First Waitara Scouts Hall exists within the park adjoining the northern edge of the sportsground and the majority of the northern sportsground boundary is vegetated, as is a narrow eastern allotment adjoining the closest residential neighbour on that boundary. At its boundaries, James Park meets residential neighbourhoods to the north and east, is bounded by a residential street to the west, and meets Lowe Road opposite Hornsby Hospital to the south. The southern and western open space boundaries are delineated by chainmesh fencing. Public access is provided from the path network on Palmerston Road at the south-western park corner and there is an accessway entering the north-eastern open space area through bushland from an adjacent residential estate. Informal access is evident at the north-western corner of the playing field, traversing a steep embankment. The sportsground has a frontage to Lowe Road on its southern long side where perpendicular carparking is provided and is situated opposite the Hornsby Hospital. Lowe Road descends away from the field to residences to the east. Palmerston Road adjoins the western park boundary, but the road is blocked off from vehicles and descends towards the north to residential and industrial areas in a


valley below the site. The northern field boundary is weedily-vegetated with large Coral Trees and Privet and has a 10 metre long and very steep embankment which cannot be used for any activity. The James Park sportsground arena is elevated within the district and has distant views to surrounding parts of Hornsby to the north-west and neighbouring areas to the east where large trees do not obstruct views. In its context, the park is enmeshed in a residential and health-oriented network, surrounded by single detached dwellings and close to medical facilities and businesses associated with the services of the Northern Sydney Local Health District / the hospital. Anyone who has been to Hornsby Hospital will recognise the park, as it is prominent in view when coming along Palmerston Road towards the corner with Lowe Road. ]5.2) National/State/Regional/Local Conservation significance YES NO Does the site have conservation significance or impact on an Area of conservation significance? 5.3) The Natural Environment YES NO 5.3.1) Geology, geomorphology and geological sites Is the site geology a significant factor? 5.3.2) Soil type(s) What is the soil type/is it a significant factor in the activity? 5.3.3) Plants (including presence of ROTAPs, threatened species / populations communities / habitats. (See also sections 6.5 to 6.8) What is the vegetation present and will the proposal disturb vegetation? This project will deliver native planting works to sparsely vegetated embankments at the eastern and western ends of the open space. Are there any threatened species/populations/communities/critical habitats/ ROTAP species or species/vegetation of conservation significance? 5.3.4) Animals (including presence of threatened species / populations / communities/ habitats) What are the fauna species present and will the proposal disturb fauna habitat? Are there any threatened fauna species/populations/communities/critical habitats or fauna species of conservation significance? 5.3.5) Water Catchments/Water quality Is there any water quality or catchment issues to consider on the site? 5.3.6) Exotic Species - presence and extent Are there any weeds or feral animals on the site? If so what? The northern fill embankment has been inhabited by Coral Trees and Privet. It is not proposed to clear this vegetation at this time. Currently, these trees provide stability to embankment / fill batters. 5.3.7) Fire - history, hazards Is there any fire history or hazards applicable for the site? 5.3.8) Areas sensitive because of physical / biological factors Are there any sensitive features of the site which requires consideration? 5.3.9) Land contamination Is the site affected by land contamination? 5.3.10) Other (specify any other environmental factor) Are there any other features or considerations present on the site? 5.4) The Cultural Environment YES NO 5.4.1) Known and potential Aboriginal Sites / Places of cultural significance to Aboriginal community Are there any Aboriginal heritage considerations? 5.4.2) Known and potential historic places or relics Are there any European heritage considerations? (Heritage items and Heritage Conservation Areas across the Shire are listed in the HSLEP and also notified on the relevant Council On-Line (COL) applications. Consultation must occur with the Heritage Planner if the proposal may affect a heritage item or is within a heritage conservation area). 5.4.3) Collective values of landscape Are there any cultural or historic features of the landscape? 5.4.4) Description of built environment


What is the built environment /are there any considerations necessary? 5.4.5) Other (specify any other cultural factor) 5.5) The Social Environment - current usage and impacts YES NO 5.5.1) Recreation Are there currently recreational aspects to consider? The existing open space has facilities for cricket and soccer but does not formally cater for other use. The proposals will add recreation for exercise, leisure and passive enjoyment. 5.5.2) Scenic / Visual Are there currently visual aspects to consider? Views will be made advantage of extending to the north-west over substantial residential areas of Hornsby. Minor planting works to the eastern edge of the open space will enhance the aesthetic and provide screening to adjoining residences. Some viewshed to the east will be retained. 5.5.3) Education Are there any current educational uses to consider? 5.5.4) Scientific Sites Are there currently scientific uses on the site to consider? 5.5.6) Other (specify) Are there any other social uses on the site to consider? The proximity of the site to a large workforce associated with Hornsby Hospital (over 1200 staff) and associated health professionals established around the hospital, plus the opportunity for patients and guests to escape the hospital to a clear open space area, give this park a special potential as a place of healing and relief. James Park should become very well used by these allied professionals, patients and the surrounding community in general once appropriate facilities are introduced to support leisure and / or recreation including the potential for exercise and rehabilitative uses. 6. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE PROPOSED ACTIVITY Answer Yes or No indicating if the proposed activity will have an impact on the environment. If the answer is yes, qualify the level of impact and add information on the type and extent of the impact. Indicate if the impact will be beneficial or harmful to the environment. Include whether the impact will be temporary, long-term or cumulative in nature. Physical or pollution impacts 6.1) Air Impacts YES NO 6.1.1) air quality If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.1.2) greenhouse or ozone considerations If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.1.3) any other air impacts If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2) Water impacts YES NO 6.2.1) impacts from changes in surface or groundwater quality If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2.2) impacts from use of water If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2.3) impacts from changes to natural water bodies, wetlands or runoff patterns If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2.4) impacts from changes to flooding or tidal regimes If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2.5) impacts from changes in water quality with economic, health, ecosystem or amenity considerations e.g. salinity, colour, odour, turbidity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, pH factors or pollutants (intentional or unintentional releases of oil, fuels, toxins - including heavy metals and anti-foulants, spoil, sediment, sewage or other waste) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2.6) impacts from waste water generation and sewage services If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.2.7) other; Are there any other possible impacts to water as a result


of the activity? If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.3) Soil and stability impacts YES NO 6.3.1) degradation of soil quality including contamination (intentional or unintentional) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.3.2) salinisation, acidification If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.3.3) loss of soil from wind or water erosion If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low All material excavated during construction of pavement areas will be reused as a profile material and topsoil to improve the playing arena. Sediment control fencing will be in place during works. 6.3.4) loss of structural integrity of the soil If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.3.5) increased land instability with high risks from landslides or subsidence If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.3.6) impacts from on-site waste water disposal If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.3.7) other 6.4) Noise and vibration impacts YES NO 6.4.1) results in increased noise or vibrations to unacceptable levels for the surrounding communities If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.4.2) affects sensitive properties (educational, hospitals, residential, heritage) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.4.3) other Biological Impacts 6.5) Fauna Impacts YES NO 6.5.1) any impacts upon or displacement of fauna species (including animals, birds, frogs, reptiles, insects, fish or crustaceans) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.5.2) any reduction of critical habitat of any unique, threatened or endangered fauna (within the meaning of the NP&W Act 1974) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.5.3) impacts which create significant barriers to fauna movement If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.5.4) any other impacts 6.6) Flora Impacts YES NO 6.6.1) any impact on flora species (trees, shrubs, grasses, herbs or aquatic plants) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.6.2) impacts from the clearing or modifying of extensive areas of relatively undisturbed native vegetation or wetlands If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.6.3) any other impacts 6.7) Ecological Impacts YES NO 6.7.1) any threat to the biological diversity or ecological integrity of species or communities If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.7.2) any barrier to the normal replenishment or revegetation of existing species following disturbance If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.7.3) impacts from the introduction of noxious weeds, vermin, feral species or diseases or releases genetically modified organisms. If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.7.4) impacts from the uses of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers or other chemicals which may build up residues in the environment


If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.7.5) Bushfire risk impacts If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.7.6) any other impacts 6.8) Threatened Species Considerations YES NO 6.8.1) is the activity likely to significantly affect threatened species, populations or ecological communities or their habitat? (include the eight-part test s.5A EP&A Act). (NB: A species impact statement is required if an activity is on land that is, or is part of critical habitat or there is likely to be a significant effect as determined under s.5A of the EP&A Act). Resource Use Impacts 6.9) Community resources YES NO 6.9.1) any significant increase in the demand for services and infrastructure resources including Rds, power, water supply and drainage, waste (including sewage) management, education, medical and social services If Yes, Will that demand be High Medium Low As a result of the upgrade, visitor numbers will increase. The use of power to the building and bbq, sewer and water services will increase although it is noted that the sports clubs will be the primary users of building facilities associated with sport fixtures. At other times, only a single uni-accessible toilet is proposed to remain open to the general public. 6.9.2) any significant resource recycling or reuse schemes to reduce resource usage If Yes, Will that be High Medium Low Rainwater will be collected from the amenities building and re-used for the flushing of toilets. 6.9.3) any diversion of resources to the detriment of other communities or natural systems If Yes, Will the impact be High Medium Low 6.9.4) any degradation of infrastructure such as Rds, bridges If Yes, Will that be High Medium Low 6.9.5) any other impacts on community resources 6.10) Natural resources YES NO 6.10.1) any disruption or destruction of natural resources (e.g. fish habitat or fish species) with impacts on industries based on these resources If Yes, Will the impact be High Medium Low 6.10.2) any disruption of existing activities (or reduction of options for future options) because of the natural resource demands of the proposal. If Yes, Will those disruptions be High Medium Low 6.10.3) any use which results in the wasteful use of large amounts of natural resources If Yes, Will that wastage be High Medium Low 6.10.4) any use which results in the substantial depletion of natural resources If Yes, Will the depletion be High Medium Low 6.10.5) any use which results in the degradation of any area reserved for conservation purposes If Yes, Will the degradation be High Medium Low 6.10.6) any other impacts on natural resources Community Impacts 6.11) Social factors YES NO 6.11.1) any impacts which result in a change in the community’s demographic structure If Yes, Will that change be High Medium Low 6.11.2) any environmental impacts that may cause substantial change or disruption to the community (loss of neighbour cohesion, access to facilities, links to other communities, community identity or cultural character) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.11.3) any impacts which result in some individuals or communities being significantly disadvantaged If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low


6.11.4) any impacts on the health, safety, security, privacy, or welfare of individuals or communities because of factors such as:- - air pollution or odour, noise, vibration, blasting, electromagnetic fields or radiation - release of disease or genetically modified organisms - lighting, overshadowing or visual impacts If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.11.5) any impacts that result in a change in the level of demand for community resources (e.g. facilities, services and labour force) If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.11.6) any other social impacts 6.12) Economic factors YES NO 6.12.1) any impacts which result in a decrease to net economic welfare If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.12.2) any impacts that result in a direct cost to the community or individuals If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.12.3) any impacts that result in a decrease in the community’s economic stability If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.12.4) any impacts which result in a change to the public sector revenue or expenditure base If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.12.5) any other economic impacts 6.13) Heritage, aesthetic, cultural impacts YES NO 6.13.1) any impacts on a locality, place, building or natural landmark having aesthetic, anthropological, archaeological, architectural, cultural, historical, scientific, recreational, scenic or social significance or other special value for present or future generations If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.13.2) any impacts from new lighting, glare or shadows If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low 6.13.3) any other heritage, aesthetic or cultural impacts It is expected that the development of these facilities will positively influence levels of interaction in the community, including the conversation between resident, commercial and health industries in the area. 6.14) Land use impacts YES NO 6.14.1) any major changes in land use If Yes, Will that be High Medium Low 6.14.2) any curtailment of other beneficial issues If Yes, Will that be High Medium Low 6.14.3) any property value impacts with land use implications If Yes, Will that impact be High Medium Low Improving this underutilised park may have a positive impact on property values in the locality. 6.14.4) any other land use impacts 6.15) Transportation impacts (during construction and operation) YES NO 6.15.1) substantial impacts on existing transportation systems (rail, water, Rd, air or pedestrian - both public and private), altering present patterns of circulation, modal split or movement of people and / or goods If Yes, Will those impacts be High Medium Low 6.15.2) directly or indirectly encourages additional traffic a) during construction If Yes, Will that be High Medium Low b) during operation If Yes, Will that be High Medium Low 6.15.3) increases demand for parking (off and on St including residential areas) If Yes, Will those demands be High Medium Low Much of the anticipated growth in use will be from surrounding neighbourhoods and most of these people will arrive at the park by foot. 6.15.4) any other impacts on transport or traffic


7. PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL SAFEGUARDS Describe measures to ameliorate impacts (e.g. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) or Soils and Waste Management Plan (SWMP), and measures to protect flora and fauna.

Erosion and sediment control measures will be in place for the duration of works including stormwater management measures identified in the Blue Book, published by Landcom. Planting works to eastern and western ends of the park will enhance environmental site characteristics and link to existing habitat areas. A plan of the land to which the application relates must accompany the REF indicating the following, on or adjacent to the land: - the location and design of the proposal - a vegetation map (if applicable) - any areas of conservation significance - the location of any easements - the location and use of any existing buildings and infrastructure; and - any other relevant information Refer to: Attachment 1: Landscape Concept plan Attachment 2: Amenities Building Concept plan

8. DISPOSAL OF WASTE AND SURPLUS MATERIALS 8.1) Description of material and quantities All site-won material is expected to be re-used on site. 8.2) Destination approved for all waste and surplus materials Contractors will dispose of waste material at a Council-approved waste disposal facility. 9. MONITORING Council project officers will oversee construction. Environmental controls will be monitored throughout construction by regular site inspection. Where they are deemed to be inadequate, the relevant contractor will be instructed to update environmental management measures. 10. SAFETY FACTORS Works associated with the project shall comply with the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (2000) and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (2001) and include safety requirements for the protection of person/s and property as part of the project. 11. VIEWS/OPINIONS/APPROVALS OF OTHER AUTHORITIES Consultation has been undertaken as indicated in Section 2.5 and below in Section 14. 12. FUNDING Please identify the source (Special Rates, Grants, Revenue, Donations, In-kind, Developer, Contributions) The works are being funded from Council Special Rate Variation funds. 13. REFERENCES Hornsby Shire Council, Generic Plan of Management for Community and Crown Reserves in District Three and Nine, Adopted 14 December 2005, including the Categorisation, Mapping and Asset Information for James Park.


16. EXHIBITION / NOTIFICATION

Clause 6(4) and (5) of the Hornsby Shire Local Environmental Plan require that Council notify adjoining or potentially affected residents or other stakeholders of the proposal prior to the commencement of work. The HSLEP requires that:

Council invite community comment and exhibit the Review of Environmental Factors prepared for the proposed minor work. The exhibition of the proposal is not required if the Council is of the opinion that the minor work is insignificant. Where the Council considers the issues raised in a submission warrant the amendment of the proposal, it may amend the proposal.

The Notification Protocol on the following page details the circumstances and procedures for the notification and exhibition of minor work proposals.


MINOR WORKS - NOTIFICATION ELEMENT

Element objectives

To enable community notification and participation in Council’s minor works proposals, which do not require development consent.

Performance criteria

Residents and landowners should be advised of Council’s minor works proposals which could potentially affect the residents or property.

The notification should encourage public participation and provide sufficient opportunity for input prior to the commencement of the minor work.

Prescriptive measures

Residents or property owners should notified of the following works: * the installation or maintenance of

stormwater drainage lines, on private property or in road reserves in front of residential properties;

* the construction or re-surfacing of roads on road reserves in front of residential properties;

* the construction of new fire trails, footpaths, bicycle paths and the like, in proximity to residential properties;

* the installation of new street and park furniture;

* the erection of new grandstands, dressing sheds and other structures at parks and ovals;

* bush fire hazard reduction (as required by the Rural Fires Act 1997);

* the removal of trees listed as heritage items in Schedule D of the Hornsby Shire Local Environmental Plan 1994 or which are assessed as significant.

* road maintenance works, drainage works or tree removal works which need to be undertaken urgently to maintain public health and safety;

* minor road maintenance works (such as the repair of potholes);

* bush regeneration, landscaping, gardening, tree planting, tree maintenance or tree removal (except trees listed as heritage items in Schedule D of the Hornsby Shire Local Environmental Plan 1994 or which are assessed as significant);

The notification shall be in the form of a letter (either posted or delivered) to the owner or resident advising of the proposed work, when it will commence and the construction period. It should also provide the opportunity to inspect any documentation. The notification should provide for a minimum period of 14 days for the inspection of documentation and submission of resident’s comments.

Residents or property owners are not required to be notified in the following circumstances: * the proposal has been previously

exhibited for community comment as part of Plans of Management or works programs;

* the maintenance of street and park furniture in public places and road reserves;

* the installation or maintenance of sporting structures (excluding the erection of new grandstands, dressing sheds and other structures) at public ovals and parks;

* the installation of temporary structures on public land, if in accordance with the Plan of Management for the land;

The Council may amend the minor work proposal on the basis of the submissions. If the commencement of minor works is delayed by poor weather or other circumstances, the proposal is not required to be re-notified. Any residents directly affected by a delayed proposal should be given 2 days notice prior to the commencement of works.


17. ATTACHMENT 1: Landscape Concept Plan


18. ATTACHMENT 2: Amenities Building Concept - Floor Plan


19. ATTACHMENT 3: Amenities Building Concept – Elevations


20. ATTACHMENT 4: Letter of support – Hornsby Hospital / NSLHD & HKHS


21. ATTACHMENT 5: Letter of support – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai & District Cricket Association Inc.


22. ATTACHMENT 6: Letter of support – Northern Suburbs Football Association Inc.

Documents

REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS - Hornsby Shire · ref – james park upgrade, hornsby ii 7. proposed environmental safeguards 13 8. disposal of waste and surplus materials 13 9