ISSUE 21 - OCTOBER 2021
WHAT’S INSIDE
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MAITLAND NETBALL COURTS TO BE COMPLETED
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Progressing Delivery Program 2018 - 2022 (REVISED)
MAITLAND TASTE DECONSTRUCTED BRINGS US BACK TOGETHER
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NEW COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY INITIATIVES
CONTENTS Message from the Mayor and General Manager
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Sport and recreation works
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Local road programs and works
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Community programs and events
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Heritage
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Environment
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Economy and growth
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Community leadership
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Council performance and statistics
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Your Councillors
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We acknowledge the Wonnarua People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land within the Maitland Local Government Area. Council pays respect to all Aboriginal Elders, past, present and future with a spiritual connection to these lands. Cover photo: Maitland Taste Deconstructed, May 2021
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NEW PLAY SPACE AT BENSHULLA DRIVE, BOLWARRA HEIGHTS
ABOUT THIS REPORT On The Move is a six monthly report delivered in May and October each year. The report provides an overview of the activities undertaken to meet the objectives of the Delivery Program for the periods October to March and April to September. The Delivery Program is Council’s ‘how to’ guide for achieving our community’s goals, as set out in the community strategic plan ‘Maitland +10’. Throughout the document a number of ‘Council Objectives’ are stated with information on how these are being achieved. For more information visit maitland.nsw.gov.au/my-council/planning-and-reporting/ long-term-planning. Published and distributed in 2021 by Maitland City Council. 285-287 High Street, Maitland NSW 2320. ABN 11 596 310 805. Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information herein however Maitland City Council accepts no responsibility for any consequences resulting from misdescription or inadvertent errors. Copyright: © Maitland City Council 2021. This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Maitland City Council. Requests and enquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the General Manager, Maitland City Council, PO Box 220, Maitland NSW 2320 or via the website maitland.nsw.gov.au.
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MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER I am pleased to present this edition of On the Move, covering April 2021 to September 2021. The impact COVID-19 lockdowns during this period resulted in the closure of community facilities and adaptation to the way staff have been delivering services. With the majority of office staff working from home and maintenance and construction crews working within COVID-19 safe work patterns, it is with pride that I provide this report. The work captured here demonstrates our commitment to meeting community set needs and maintaining the delivery of major projects and services across the city, at the same time keeping the safety of our community and colleagues at front of mind. Delivering infrastructure Work continues on the provision of infrastructure to meet our growing community’s needs. This period has seen the delivery of new play spaces and the codesign and planning of new play spaces. Our grant teams have been busy sourcing funding to support the infrastructure construction, including $1 million in funding to deliver Stage 2 works at the Maitland Netball Courts located in Maitland Park. These upgrades will provide a regional standard facility that will be able to attract more regional and state games. Our investment of $18.8 million over the next year in our local roads will see a number of road construction, rehabilitation and reseal work delivered.
Heritage and environmental programs Our community once again came together to deliver community tree planting at Bolwarra Heights, Telarah and Metford. We also delivered the Get Grubby Program for Families and launched the Hanging Garden and Green Wall Competition. Our city wide heritage scheme was popular, providing over $41,000 to 21 projects that will help preserve heritage items within Maitland. We were also successful in securing grant funding to conserve, promote and understand more of Maitland’s rich heritage and history. Refer to pages 10 and 11 for details. Supporting local businesses In June we wrapped up the COVID-19 Response and Recovery initiated Digital Accelerator Program. Prior to the latest lockdown, in May 2021 we hosted our inaugural Visitor Economy Forum and Networking lunch where over 100 local tourism business, events and industry leaders joined together to talk business at Tocal College. Refer to pages 12 for details. Service enhancements
Refer to pages 6 and 7 for details.
Our digital transformation program has been launched, focused on changing the way we work, deliver services and information, and operate to deliver ‘un-council like’ service. Refer to page 13 for details.
Community programs and events
Community leadership
While the Morpeth Bicentenary celebrations have been postponed to 2022 due to the uncertainties of COVID-19 on staging of events, we have continued to undertake planning with community groups, businesses, schools, and other groups to develop activities, programs or resources to include in the official programming for the commemoration. The two pathway projects being delivered in Morpeth to support this celebration will continued to be delivered as planned.
A number of COVID-19 Response and Recovery initiatives were endorsed in August 2021 to support our community and businesses, including the temporary suspension of interest on overdue rates, deferred payment of quarterly rate installments, and suspension of hire fees and lease payments. Refer to page 13 for details. I hope you find this update informative.
This year we trialled a new look Maitland Taste Deconstructed in The Levee, bringing our community together in a COVID-19 safe way to celebrate the great food, wine and produce from Maitland and the Hunter Region. Feedback on the event format was positive. In other community activities we had 40 young people compete in the Maitland Shred skate competition, and it was great to see local communities join professional artists to create murals on rebound walls at Gillieston Heights and Ashtonfield. Refer to pages 8, 9 and 10 for details.
David Evans PSM General Manager
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HIGHLIGHTS DURING THE PERIOD Over $41,000 provided to support 21 local heritage projects
24 DAYS
MEDIAN PROCESSING TIME FOR DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS
$153,000 GRANT FUNDING SECURED FOR FOUR HERITAGE PROJECTS
$1M GRANT FUNDING RECEIVED FOR STAGE 2 MAITLAND PARK NETBALL COURTS RECONSTRUCTION
355 METRES
ADDITIONAL PATHWAY COMPLETING THE LINK ALONG THE BOULEVARDE, EAST MAITLAND
420 SEEDLINGS
PROVIDED TO SCHOOLS FOR NATIONAL TREE DAY
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SPORT AND RECREATION WORKS Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.1 To plan for a broad range of community recreation and leisure infrastructure and services that meets the needs of a growing community
NEW INCLUSIVE PLAY SPACES There are even more places to swing, slide and climb now that the new play spaces at Benshulla Drive, Bolwarra Heights and at Hartcher Field on Bligh Street Telarah have been completed. More new play spaces are yet to come, with five other sites bringing a total investment of $595,000 in upgrades across Maitland over the next year. Sites include Cooney Park East Maitland, Maitland Park, Morpeth Common, John Wilkinson Sporting Complex Bolwarra and Stockade Hill Heritage Park East Maitland. Residents have already been engaged to help design the Bolwarra and East Maitland sites. Each new play space will have a range of activities that are inclusive and suitable for kids across wide age brackets. To find out where your nearest place space is, log onto the Play & Explore section of Council’s website.
MAITLAND NETBALL COURTS TO PROVIDE REGIONAL STANDARD FACILITIES Maitland Park Netball courts have received another boost in funding which will provide players with the only regional standard netball facility outside of the Sydney Metropolitan area. Building on the success of recent upgrades, stage 2 of the reconstruction has received $1 million in funding from the NSW Regional Sport Facility Fund, along with co-contributions of $460,000 from Council and $300,000 from Maitland Netball Association. Upgrade works will include the complete reconstruction and resurfacing of 15 courts and installation of energy efficient LED floodlighting for match play. Upgrades will provide for increased participation, reduced maintenance cost and time, reduced injuries to players and the opportunity to attract more regional and state events. Construction is scheduled to begin in November 2021 and be completed in April 2022. Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.2 To build a range of community, recreation and leisure facilities based on sound asset management principles
ARCHITECTURAL AWARDS FOR ATHLETICS CENTRE
and Community Infrastructure Fund. Other recent works have included A&D Lawrence Oval Thornton, Maitland Park Maitland, Somerset Sports Complex Thornton and Coronation Oval Telarah. Irrigation projects improve sporting fields, player experience and water use efficiency and include centralised control systems with moisture sensors installed in the ground. These sensors inform the control system in deciding when and how much water is needed to maintain growth. Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.5 To service community needs through the effective management of Maitland Aquatics
MAITLAND AQUATIC CENTRE WINTER WORKS The winter season was celebrated at the Maitland aquatics centre with a family open day in April 2021 providing free entry and activities, aqua classes, breakfast and hot chocolate, access to splash pad and inflatables, an easter egg hunt and music. The heated indoor pool means the facility is open all year round. During the season the centre closed briefly for upgrade works including a merchandise wall, the foyer entry and plant room, water treatment, pram access and internal fencing.
Council and Studio Dot have again received architectural acclaim with two awards at the recent Australian Institute of Architects NSW Awards for the Maitland Regional Athletics Centre, which forms part of the Maitland Regional Sports Complex and provides a world class track and playing field. The state of the art facility was awarded a Public Architecture Award and the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture. The site has also been added for consideration for a National award which will be decided in November 2021. Contributing to Council Objective 2.1.3 To maintain community, recreation and leisure facilities to meet user needs
IRRIGATION SUPPORTS OVAL MAINTENANCE John Wilkinson Sporting Complex Bolwarra has joined the list of completed irrigation projects across Maitland following a $100,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Local Roads
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ALLANDALE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION
LOCAL ROAD PROGRAMS AND WORKS Contributing to Council Objective 5.1.2 To deliver improved safety, quality and amenity of local roads through increased road construction and maintenance programs
SHARED PATHWAYS EXTENDED Additional pathway has been constructed along The Boulevarde, East Maitland providing a 355 metre section to complete the link between an existing path that runs through bushland at Brooklyn Park, with a path along Stronach Avenue near Greenhills Shopping Centre. The works included a new pedestrian crossing and the replacement of five driveway crossings and were funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and Council.
LOCAL ROADS UPGRADED In the next year a total of $18.8 million will be invested in our local roads through our rolling works program. Works will include significant reconstructions on seven major local roads at Allandale, Bolwarra Heights, Lambs Valley, Lochinvar, Luskintyre, Pheonix Park and Woodberry. Road reconstructions take place when a road has reached the end of its useful life and involve a complete rebuild of the road base and resealing of the road. Recent reconstruction projects completed or commenced include: Luskintyre Road, Luskintyre Major reconstruction works were completed in June 2021. Allandale Road, Allandale Road upgrades, including pavement widening, commenced in May 2021 along Allandale Road between the railway underpass (boundary with Cessnock Council) and the New England Highway. Works are proposed to be completed in October 2021, subject to weather. Woodberry Road, Millers Forest Road upgrades along Woodberry Road between Raymond Terrace Road and Alnwick Road commenced in May 2021. Woodberry Road has been under traffic control, with periods of road closures and single lane traffic in place. Works are proposed to be completed in October 2021, subject to weather. Maitland Vale Road, Hillsborough Construction of a bridge on Maitland Vale Road, approximately 1 kilometre east of the Hillsborough intersection, commenced in September 2021. A new concrete bridge will replace an existing drainage culvert which is in a state of disrepair and has reached the end of its structural life. The works will also include the required road reconstruction works for each of the bridge approaches.
MAKING OUR ROADS SMOOTHER AND SAFER Council will spend $6.5 million over the next year to rehabilitate 10 roads and reseal 101 others across 15 different suburbs to maintain the safety, quality and amenity of local roads. Road rehabilitations involve adding gravel and/or additives before sealing and road reseals are an initial treatment that includes minor heavy patching works, minor shape corrections and a bitumen seal. You can stay up to date with planned road closures for construction works around Maitland at maitland.nsw.gov. au/our-services/roads-traffic-and-transport/road-closures-and-distruptions.
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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
It is made up of over 13 local organisations providing free and low cost meals, hampers, parcels and reduced cost groceries to people who may need a little help, particularly due to the ongoing impacts of the pandemic.
Contributing to Council Objective 1.1.4 To develop and support partnerships that increase community benefits and create a sense of community
This year the Network received a commendation from the NSW Local Government Professionals for excellence in Community Partnerships for the coordination of emergency food relief services in the Maitland area. In June 2021 the program was the Community Partnerships category award winner for populations under 100,000 in NSW.
EXCITING PROJECTS CONFIRMED FOR MORPETH BICENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Preparations are well underway with Council and the Morpeth Bicentenary Working Group inviting community groups, businesses, schools, and other groups to get involved in the Bicentenary by developing and delivering activities, programs or resources to include in the official programming to commemorate this important milestone. While the uncertainties around COVID-19 restrictions have led to the celebrations being postponed until 20 and 21 November 2022, there is much to organise to allow the town of Morpeth and businesses the opportunity to engage with the most amount of people over the weekend. Small grants of up to $1,000 have been provided for exciting projects that will help raise awareness, build a sense of occasion and educate on this significant milestone. Project recipients include The Hunter River Dragon Boat Club, Morpeth Chapel Jazz Committee, It Must Be Morpeth for Morpeth Bicentenary post cards and a photographic competition, Sanjex Saratti to provide demonstrations of his Penny Farthing, and Morpeth Museum to provide receiver sets for the Morpeth Bicentenary attendees to use while on Heritage Walking Tours. The three Bicentenary infrastructure projects, including riverside and Steamer Street shared pathways and architectural lighting of Morpeth Bridge will progress as planned. Contributing to Council Objective 1.4.2 To partner and collaborate with the community to build capacity to solve identified social issues
MAITLAND SHRED INSPIRES LOCAL YOUTH To cap off National Youth Week in April 2021, Council hosted the Maitland Shred skate competition at Harold Gregson Skate Park with the support of Skate Connection. The event was proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and included four categories: skateboard, scooter, and bike in Under 12’s, Under 18’s and Under 24’s age groups, and roller blading/roller skating in an Open age group.
Those interested in contacting a Food Assistance Network service can find the full list of suppliers and their details on the Food Assistance Network page on Council’s website maitland.nsw. gov.au/maitland-food-assistancenetwork.
CREATIVE COMMUNITY In May and June this year, the community was welcomed to join Up&Up’s professional artists in mural painting on rebound walls at Gillieston Heights Community Hub and Ashtonfield Reserve. The projects were enabled through funding from the NSW Stronger Country Communities Fund. Two more Community Art Days are planned under the funding, with one at Rutherford to be completed in November (subject to COVID-19 restrictions) and one at Woodberry scheduled for later next year.
The COVID-19 safe event attracted over 40 young people who competed across the numerous events in front of 200 spectators, resulting in a great day for all. The competition encouraged novices, more advanced, and even professional skaters, and allowed an opportunity for local skate companies and local service providers to connect with young people. The second event to be held at Rutherford Skate Park has been postponed until the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
FOOD ASSISTANCE NETWORK RECOGNISED The Food Assistance Network was established in April 2020 as part of Council’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery initiatives.
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COMMUNITY ART EVENT, GILLIESTON HEIGHTS COMMUNITY HUB
COMMUNITY GRANTS SUPPORT LOCAL INITIATIVES The Annual Community Grants Program has provided financial support to eleven local not-for-profit community based organisations and groups to foster community partnerships, promote access to community resources and encourage initiatives that provide benefits to the wider community. Applications were received in April 2021 for grants under the four categories of Community Development, Cultural and Local Studies, Leisure and Recreation, and Environment and Sustainability, and were awarded in June 2021. Successful applicants received grants up to $5,000 to deliver a range of initiatives including Sunnyfield Disability Services Green Thumbs program, Morpeth Men’s Shed to upgrade disabled access, and Maitland Family Support to deliver the Family First Aid Program. Further information on the successful applicants and the range of projects they will be delivering can be found at maitland.nsw.gov.au/our-services/community/grants-andsponsorship/community-grants. Contributing to Council Objective 2.2.2 To service community creative needs through the effective management of Maitland Regional Art Gallery
HUGE WINTER SEASON AT MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) had a dynamic Winter season of exhibitions and community programs headlined by the exhibition ‘Shadow Boxer’, bringing to life Maitland’s Les Darcy collection along with the work of contemporary Australian artists with a keen interest in the cultural, historic and physical aspects of boxing. The Gallery presented its Arts Health programs to foster creativity and enable inclusion through the Journeys: Creative Connections program. Journeys is a monthly facilitated workshop for people with a lived mental health experience and provides a great way to connect with art and each other in a supportive environment.
MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY ARTIST BURSARY RECIPIENTS The Maitland Regional Art Gallery (MRAG) Bursary is funded entirely by the MRAG Members Committee to recognise the vital role artists play in the Gallery and in Maitland. The bursary initiative was developed in response to the challenges brought about and experienced by artists in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. Over 60 applications were received and assessed by the MRAG Members Committee who announced Clare Weeks and Fiona Lee as the beneficiaries of the $5,000 bursary. The Artisan Gallery Creative Collection, East Maitland, was announced as the recipient of the $3,000 studio bursary which will go towards a program of inclusive workshops. To find out more about the successful artists, visit mrag.org.au The panel, which included Members Committee representatives Sui-Linn White, Elizabeth O’Brien, James Marshall and Courtney Novak, also provided $1,000 in project funding to Jakeob Watson.
GALLERY WINS ANOTHER SUITE OF NATIONAL DESIGN AWARDS At the Museums Australasia Multimedia & Publication Design Awards in June 2021, the Gallery took out the award for best Children’s e-Activities for the ‘MRAG Home Delivery’ videos created in 2020. The Gallery also received a winning Exhibition Branding Package award for designer Clare Hodgins’ collaboration with artist Lucas Grogan on his 2020 exhibition Long Story Short. Contributing to Council Objective 2.5.2 To ensure our libraries are vital community resources that create opportunities to connect, learn and grow
NEW WORKSHOPS KEEP YOUNG PEOPLE CONNECTED WITH COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND THE ARTS Young people of all experience levels had the opportunity to get a taste of art, drama, creative writing and musical expression during a series of new workshops held through Maitland Libraries from April 2021. Specialists from each discipline taught techniques and tips to engage young people in creative thinking to produce their own art piece. Ten workshops in total were held at East Maitland Library, and children had the chance to sign up for as many as they wished. The NSW Government’s $100 Creative Kids vouchers were redeemable for the workshops.
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Contributing to Council Objective 3.1.2 To support the delivery of vibrant and unique community festivals and events
MAITLAND TASTE, DECONSTRUCTED Maitland Taste was ‘Deconstructed’, or creatively pulled apart and served up over an extended area throughout Central Maitland in early May 2021. The event was held from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, with approximately 2,500 people attending the first night of the event. Foodies had the chance to explore the city to find pop up eateries, each with their own distinct taste. The church grounds of St John’s Parish in Cathedral Street were transformed into The Meating Place, the perfect place for BBQ lovers, with the crews from Smokin Hot n Saucy and Foghorn Brewery teaming up to cook it low and slow. Turner Rest Park hosted Mezze Beats, which saw stalls, including Gnocked Up, serving Mediterranean delights accompanied by Euro sounds from DJ Perry Carter. Down Coffin Lane, you could find an exclusive Laneway Bar featuring locally made Gin from The Farmers Wife Distillery and tasty treats from Taco Locato. Through the weekend The Levee featured some of the region’s best gourmet food and artisan market stalls, food trucks, cooking demonstrations, live music, kids activities and gardening demonstrations by Anambah locals, Purple Pear Farm. Of an evening, the city came to life with a vibrant, interactive lighting sculpture by Sydney based creatives Amigo Amigo and Illuminart. Kids could also immerse themselves in the illuminated Butterfly Dome by Newcastle sensory artist and designer Bliss Cavanagh. Maitland Taste Deconstructed was held as a free event that brought the community together in a COVID safe way to celebrate the great food, wine and produce from Maitland and the Hunter Region.
COVID-19 IMPACTS 2021 EVENTS With Public Health orders affecting Greater Sydney and regional NSW, Council was disappointed to have to announce the cancellation of many of our popular community events.
The city wide heritage incentive scheme supports and encourages the ongoing preservation of heritage items within Maitland, to maintain our local character and history. Applicants can access grants of up to $2,000 for conservation works on buildings or places of heritage significance. Under the 2021 scheme a total of $41,624 was allocated across 21 projects.
FUNDING RECEIVED FOR HERITAGE PROJECTS Council secured $153,000 in state government funding for four exciting heritage projects across Maitland that will seek to conserve, promote and understand more of Maitland’s rich heritage and history. The projects include a Morpeth Aboriginal Cultural History Project, that will seek to embrace, document and share the rich Aboriginal history of the Morpeth area; the development of ‘Water Works!’ a digital tour experience of the water pumping technologies at Walka Water Works; a project to see the continuation of the staged conservation works on East Maitland Glebe Cemetery; and the interpretation and documentation of the historically significant Maitland Town Hall.
Aroma Coffee and Chocolate Festival Aroma traditionally draws over 12,000 coffee and chocolate lovers to Central Maitland in August, with chocolatiers, baristas and coffee roasters coming from not only Maitland and the Hunter region but a large number also from the Greater Sydney area. The event will be back in August 2022. Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest Steamfest is Maitland’s largest event and is loved by many people, regularly attracting crowds of up to 50,000 steam lovers to Maitland. Steamfest relies on stakeholders and suppliers from right across NSW and regularly attracts visitors from NSW and interstate. The event will return in April 2022.
HERITAGE Contributing to Council Objective 6.2.3 To encourage adaptive and creative usage of privately owned heritage buildings
HERITAGE GRANTS Each year incentives are provided for landowners and commercial tenants to part fund restoration or conservation works for heritage properties.
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BENSHULLA COMMUNITY PLANTING DAY
ENVIRONMENT Contributing to Council Objective 10.2.1 To review, coordinate and collaborate with the community on environmental and sustainability programs
PLANNING MAITLAND’S ENVIRONMENTAL FUTURE Technology has enabled the mapping of all trees in the city and identification of hotspots of urban heat in our suburbs. Information gathered will help with setting new targets for planting trees and planning our next revegetation programs. We will also look at energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities for Council buildings and homes across Maitland as a part of our future Environmental Sustainability Strategy. The strategy will capture environmental sustainability challenges, goals and strategies to address challenges and opportunities like urban heat, renewable energy, circular economy, management of green and blue spaces, revegetation and wildlife corridors. In the near future we will be asking what you want to see in our Environmental Sustainability Strategy, getting your ideas on how we can work together towards a greener Maitland. Keep up to date by registering at maitland.nsw.gov.au/maitlandyour-say. Contributing to Council Objective 10.3.1 To provide opportunity for residents to participate in environmental education and awareness programs and projects
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS Improving our green spaces through community planting days In July 2021 the community came together through several community planting days at Bolwarra Heights, Telarah and Metford Oval on Schanck Drive. Schools also celebrated National Tree Day, with 11 schools across Maitland planting 420 council supplied seedlings into playgrounds on Schools Tree Day. Recognising the need for greenery in our suburbs, we will continue to provide opportunities for both community planting events and practical on ground environmental projects. We will soon be engaging the community to help us design environmental spaces within reserves at Weblands Street Aberglasslyn and Dunmore Road Largs. Following the receipt of a grant under the NSW Resources for Regions fund, we will be developing joint environmental areas and community recreation spaces at these sites, which will ideally provide a space full of native flora that’s perfect for people to access and enjoy, while allowing our native fauna to flourish. Hanging garden and green wall competition Residents, schools and community groups were invited to participate in a Hanging Garden and Green Wall Competition, and encouraged to incorporate recycled materials into their garden design. Apart from creating a new and interesting place in their garden, participants also created a garden that will provide shade and repel heat from hard surfaces, thereby creating cool areas for use on warmer days and reducing the internal temperatures of buildings. All registered participants received a free watering can, garden seeds, hand trowel and compost voucher. Photos of the gardens are due to be judged in late November with information on winning entries to be released following judging. Get Grubby Program for Families Council has joined the Get Grubby Program for Families! From the creators of dirtgirlworld and Get Grubby TV, the program is designed for 3 to 8 year olds and encourages the whole family to play together to learn about sustainability. The program has been specifically designed for families who are undertaking learning at home and provides a great source of environmental learning for our kids. Get Grubby celebrates nature and empowers young children to do little things at home that make a big difference, these include resources to engage kids in activities such as composting, worm farming, recycling, saving energy, saving water and much more. Anyone living in Maitland can access program for free and in doing so will receive monthly emails full of ideas, activities, songs, videos and exclusive resources. drumMuster A drumMuster collection day was held at Council’s Works Depot in May 2021. Residents were able to dispose of empty, clean, non returnable metal and plastic crop production and on farm animal health chemical containers free of charge. The program ensures eligible containers can be disposed of appropriately and that the potential for environmental contamination can be minimised.
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ECONOMY AND GROWTH 7.2.1 To ensure land and housing choice is consistent with forecast demographic demand
PUBLIC CONSULTED ON PLANNING PROPOSAL TO REZONE LAND ADJACENT TO MOUNT VINCENT ROAD A Planning Proposal for Mount Vincent Road Proposed Urban Release Area has been publicly exhibited to rezone adjacent land to enable future residential and environmental uses. The proposal, supported by site specific studies, identified a need to provide a balance between proposed residential use and, due to site constraints, a mix of residential and environmental zones. The purpose of the Planning Proposal is to amend the Maitland Local Environmental Plan 2011 (LEP) to identify the land as an urban release area and rezone approximately 21.3 hectares of RU2 Rural Landscape zoned lands to R1 General Residential zoned lands and E3 Environmental Management land. The Planning Proposal will facilitate the development of potentially 85 to 100 residential lots, subject to a development application assessment. The land is included in Maitland’s Urban Settlement Strategy and Local Strategic Planning Statement as land set aside for future residential investigation. Following community input, the proposal has been provided to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for finalisation. Any future development will require a development application, along with assessment against the Maitland LEP 2011 and site-specific development controls. Contributing to Council Objective 11.2.1 To encourage the integration of contemporary and interesting public artworks to enliven city spaces and create a vibrant public realm
PUBLIC ART ACTIVATES OUR SPACES Vibrant new artworks through Drill Hall Lane, connecting High Street to the Riverside Walk in Central Maitland has brought a new look to this river link. Regional artist Alex Umpel installed the artwork on the road surface and nearby wall to activate the laneway and improve connectivity to the river. Local artist and proud Gomeroi man Jakeob Watson, has also been busy painting murals across water tanks at Coronation Oval in Telarah and Bolwarra Sports Complex, adding colour and story throughout these spaces.
fellow industry colleagues and professionals. The Forum attracted guest speakers from Australian Regional Tourism, Destination NSW, Destination Sydney Surrounds North, Tripadvisor, Newcastle Airport and Tocal Agricultural Centre - NSW Department of Primary Industries, with Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison and Mayor of Maitland Loretta Baker also attending.
DIGITAL ACCELERATOR PROGRAM WRAPPED UP Council’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery initiated Digital Accelerator Program wrapped up in June 2021 after helping over a dozen local Maitland businesses transition from traditional in store retail operations to both in store and online ecommerce sales. Contributing to Council Objective 14.1.2 To activate public places in Central Maitland through art, food, performance and other renewal activities
THE LEVEE WAS ALIVE WITH LIVING SCULPTURES This autumn, The Levee saw a program of creativity, fun and art, and five temporary artworks installed along the Riverside Walk and The Levee Shared Zone. Living Sculptures is inspired by the shapes and colours of the natural world and explores our relationship with nature in an urban environment. Each piece was created by a different artist from Maitland and the surrounding region.
Contributing to Council Objective 13.1.1 To develop partnerships with local businesses, community groups, government agencies and other stakeholders that market Maitland to potential residents, investors and visitors
VISITOR ECONOMY FORUM A SUCCESS FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES Over 100 local tourism business, events and industry leaders attended Council’s inaugural Visitor Economy Forum and Networking Lunch at Tocal College in May 2021. On average there are 800,000 visitors a year to Maitland who spend approximately $114 million in the local economy and support hundreds of businesses that benefit from the tourism economy, which includes local accommodation, attractions, restaurants and cafés. The goal of the forum was to provide local visitor economy businesses the opportunity to learn, network and engage with
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LIVING SCULPTURES, RIVERSIDE WALK
The artworks included a crocheted web by Louisa Magrics, an interpretation of the Hunter River’s history by Jen Denzin, creative planter boxes by Ellie Hannon and a series of natural mandalas by Bridget Taylor. Additionally, trees at The Bourke Street Link in The Levee were lit and a new play space area called The Colourful Café was provided on the corner of High and Bulwer Street. Throughout May The Riverlink hosted Staging Colours, featuring free performances every Friday night along with LIVE at The Levee sessions. Contributing to Council Objective 14.2.1 To continue the establishment of The Levee as a lifestyle precinct
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY HATCHED AT THE LEVEE Following a call for expressions of interest and a competitive application process, The Hatch, a vendor style kiosk prominently positioned within The Levee Central Maitland, has a new operator, Birch & Coffee Co.
COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP Contributing to Council Objective 15.1.1 To identify and facilitate opportunities for community leaders to connect and collaborate
EXPECT ‘UN-COUNCIL LIKE’ SERVICE Council has launched a Customer Driven Transformation Program which has seen us embark on a period of transformation that will change the way we work, deliver services and information, and operate to deliver ‘un-council like’ service. At the core of this transformation is a focus on customer experience. Whether you are looking to access information, conduct business and transactions, or use Council services, your experience is our priority. Through this journey, we will identify how we can help you more effectively, more efficiently and in a manner more convenient to you. As we deliver the Customer Driven Transformation Program, there will be the opportunity for the community to get involved and help shape the way we deliver services. For more information about the program or to participate, sign up at maitland.nsw.gov.au/cdt Contributing to Council Objective 15.2.1 To consolidate Council’s position as a strong leader and champion for the Maitland community
COUNCIL’S COVID-19 RESPONSE AND RECOVERY INITIATIVES SUPPORTED In August 2021 a number of COVID-19 response and recovery initiatives were endorsed to support our community and businesses. These were prepared in response to the stay at home orders and in support of vulnerable community members and local businesses who need assistance. Initiatives include temporary suspension of interest on overdue rates, deferred payment of quarterly rate instalments, and suspension of hire fees and lease payments. Council continues to support and promote the Food Assistance Network Program that was developed in partnership with the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre. This includes up $20,000 in additional financial assistance to those hardest hit via the Maitland Neighbourhood Centre. Ways to support local businesses by encouraging the community to shop local through initiatives such as social media campaigns are being sought. Direct costs associated with these initiatives will be met through Council’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery reserve and reported back to Council. For more details, visit maitland.nsw.gov.au/covid-19-response-and-recovery Contributing to Council Objective 18.3.4 To develop an activity based workplace that supports collaboration, wellbeing and a focus on citizen service
FIRST SOD TURNED AT MAITLAND ADMINISTRATION CENTRE A $38 million contract has been entered into with Hansen Yucken Pty Ltd to construct Maitland’s new Administration Centre, along with significant upgrades to Town Hall, parking and site improvements. The first sod was turned in June 2021. Economic modelling indicates an estimated $101.4 million will be generated from the demand for local goods and services, in addition to creating 51 jobs during construction and a further 148 jobs as funds cycle through the local economy.
On the Move - October 2021 13
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS
FINANCIAL SNAPSHOT Council’s Delivery Program 2018-2022 (revised) is structured around the five themes of ‘Maitland +10’. The allocation of approximately $181.8 million of expenditure for 2021/22 is shown in chart below:
WHERE IS COUNCIL’S FUNDING ALLOCATED? Council allocates funding across a range of programs and services. In a number of areas, costs are fixed and are not controlled by Council. This includes State Government levies for waste and compulsory contributions to fire services, as well as street lighting. Employee costs cover the delivery of the full gamut of Council services from libraries and pools, to waste collection, roadworks, park maintenance, administration and more. A substantial proportion of Council’s employee costs is accounted for in the works and maintenance programs of Council. The allocation of $181.8 million in income and expenditure in the 2021/22 budget is as follows:
EXPENDITURE % BREAKDOWN Expenditure
INCOME % BREAKDOWN %
Income
%
Rates
41.8
Grants and contributions
11.8
32.6
Borrowings
21.0
19.6
Reserves
Employee costs, including Mayoral and Councillor costs
26.4
Capital works Other materials and contracts
7.7
Reserves
7.7
Annual waste charges
Waste levy
1.5
Tipping fees
1.4
Waste disposal
1.3
Other revenue
1.9
Loan repayments
5.2
Development services
0.8
Street lighting
1.6
Interest
0.7
Recycling service
2.1
Other fees
2.6
Plant and equipment purchases
2.0
14 Maitland City Council
10.3
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS
RATES IN ARREARS The rates and charges you pay assist Council to fund services such as community, sporting and recreation, environmental planning, public health, environmental protection and waste collection, treatment and disposal. Rates in arrears can be an indication of how affordable annual rates are for members of the community. These figures do not include any overdue instalments from the current financial year. Rates in Arrears figure increases in July each year as any unpaid rates from the prior financial year are included in the arrears figure.
Rates in arrears
%
$
30 April 2021
1.47
1,266,603.23
31 May 2021
1.30
1,126,829.05
30 June 2021
1.19
1,031,808.68
31 July 2021
4.18
3,944,635.31
31 August 2021
3.55
3,352,916.89
30 September 2021
3.07
2,903,816.48
IMMUNISATION
FOOD BUSINESS INSPECTIONS
Council provides four free immunisation clinics each month for 0 to 4 year olds at Council facilities in Thornton, Rutherford and Central Maitland.
Council routinely inspects food retail premises, both fixed and temporary, within the local government area for compliance with relevant food legislation.
Immunisation protects people against harmful infections before they come into contact with them in the community. Immunisation uses the body’s natural defence mechanism - the immune response - to build resistance to specific infections. Immunisation helps people stay healthy by preventing serious infections.
The goal is to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses to the community. Serious breaches or premises requiring ongoing intervention may be issued with a warning letter, improvement notice or penalty notice.
During the period 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021, there were 144 immunisations provided by Council clinics. Due COVID-19 restrictions on the number of bookings per day, the numbers are reduced from previous years. A schedule with dates and venues for the clinics is available on Council’s website maitland.nsw.gov.au/my-neighbourhood/ environmental-health/baby-immunisaton-clinics.
In accordance with the partnership agreement with the NSW Food Authority, each Council is required to lodge an annual activity statement outlining key aspects of their food surveillance program. During the period 1 April 2021 to 30 September 2021 there were 24 food premise inspections undertaken across the city. The number of inspections was greatly impacted by COVID-19.
LIBRARY FACILITY VISITATION Library visitation numbers were returning to pre COVID-19 levels between April and July 2021, showing a significant increase as compared to the same period last year, which saw the advent of COVID-19 and impacts on attendance. Visitation numbers dropped significantly through August and September, following COVID-19 stay at home orders introduced to the Maitland local government area on 5 August 2021. 63,895 visitors during the period
On the Move - October 2021 15
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS MAITLAND REGIONAL ART GALLERY VISITATION
ON THE MOVE 17 ICO
MAITLAND AQUATIC CENTRES VISITATION
LIBRAR
MRAG
ON THE MOVE 17 ICONS
VIC
GAOL
LIBRARY
MRAG
18,821 visitors during the period
33,074 visitors during the period
SWIMM POOLS
VIC
MAITLAND GAOL VISITATION
MAITLAND VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE VISITATION
MALE A FEMALE
ON THE MOVE 17GAOL ICONS
ON THE MOVE 17 ICON
LIBRARY SWIMMING POOLS
LIBRARY
MRAG MALE AND FEMALE ICONS
MRAG VIC
7,230 visitors during the period
GAOL
2,956 visitors during the period
VIC
GAOL
COVID-19 IMPACTS ON VISITATION
SWIMMING POOLS
Visitation numbers across our venues were returning to pre COVID-19 levels between April and July 2021, showing a significant increase as compared to the same period last year, which saw the advent of COVID-19 and impacts on attendance.
Visitation numbers dropped significantly through August and September, following COVID-19 stay at home orders introduced to theAND Maitland LGA on August 5th, 2021. Both Maitland Gaol MALE and the Visitor Information Centre saw visitation drop earlier in FEMALE ICONS July, following travel restrictions on the Greater Sydney region.
SWIMM POOLS
MALE A FEMALE
16 Maitland City Council
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS DEVELOPMENT ACROSS THE CITY Maitland continues to be one of the fastest growing inland cities in Australia. Our approval statistics provide an indication of the level of building and development activity across the city, as well as the efficiency of our processing systems.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS (DA) DURING THE PERIOD
832
LODGED
MEDIAN DA PROCESSING TIMES (CALENDAR DAYS)
783
APPROVED
NUMBER OF DA LODGED OR APPROVED DURING 6 MONTHLY REPORTING PERIODS
CONSTRUCTION CERTIFICATES (CC) DURING THE PERIOD
268
LODGED
CC MEDIAN PROCESSING TIMES (CALENDAR DAYS)
261
APPROVED
NUMBER OF CC LODGED OR APPROVED DURING 6 MONTHLY REPORTING PERIODS
On the Move - October 2021 17
COUNCIL PERFORMANCE AND STATISTICS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE Council’s Customer Experience team received 36,640 calls from April 2021 to September 2021, which is slightly elevated in comparison to the previous reporting period. Council’s live chat service via the corporate website also increased slightly compared to the previous quarter with 2,623 chats. Council has nominated turnaround times that it aims to meet for each customer service request category, subject to the seriousness of the issue. These range from three days for waste related matters, ten days for pothole repairs and 15 days for footpath maintenance. Of all the requests finalised over this time, 84% were completed within service level timeframes. The requests included garbage bin repairs, road potholes, barking dogs, stray dogs, street tree maintenance, missed garbage service, illegal rubbish dumping, parking infringement, community and recreation building maintenance and mowing. Maitland City Council is committed to providing personal friendly service with dedicated Customer Experience team ready each day to answer calls and offer assistance at our reception area. Office hours are from 8.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday at the Administration Building and from 8.00am - 6.00pm on via email, phone and live chat.
STATISTICS CUSTOMER CONTACT OVER 24 MONTHS
CUSTOMER SERVICE REQUESTS AND SERVICE LEVELS THIS PERIOD
18 Maitland City Council
MAYOR
NORTH WARD
Cr Loretta Baker 4934 9712
Cr Robert Aitchison 0427 455 215
mayor@maitland.nsw.gov.au
robert.aitchison@maitland.nsw.gov.au
Cr Mitchell Griffin 0402 168 359
Cr Mike Yarrington 0490 880 514
Cr Sally Halliday 0477 772 697
Cr Donald Ferris 0413 994 706
Cr Nicole Penfold 0437 559 990
Cr Ben Mitchell 0458 929 202
Cr Kanchan Ranadive 0477 704 838
Cr Ben Whiting 0425 349 938
mitchell.griffin@maitland.nsw.gov.au
mike.yarrington@maitland.nsw.gov.au
CENTRAL WARD
Cr Philip Penfold 0427 330 771
philip.penfold@maitland.nsw.gov.au
sally.halliday@maitland.nsw.gov.au
donald.ferris@maitland.nsw.gov.au
WEST WARD
Cr Henry Meskauskas 0418 606 965
henry.meskauskas@maitland.nsw.gov.au
nicole.penfold@maitland.nsw.gov.au
ben.mitchell@maitland.nsw.gov.au
EAST WARD
Cr Peter Garnham 0401 895 482
peter.garnham@maitland.nsw.gov.au
kanchan.ranadive@maitland.nsw.gov.au
ben.whiting@maitland.nsw.gov.au
285 - 287 High Street Maitland NSW 2320 t 02 4934 9700 f 02 4933 3209 info@maitland.nsw.gov.au maitland.nsw.gov.au
