We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Gathang-speaking people and pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who now reside in the MidCoast Council area. We extend our respect to Elders past and present, and to all future cultural-knowledge holders.
The Stroud Showground is a substantial complex of crucial significance to the town of Stroud and the region. It creates a common focus for community commitment and relationships, hosting a diverse range of events, interests and activities, all integral to the health and lifestyle of a small rural centre.
The annual agricultural show, brick throwing and rolling pin competition, rodeo and other horse sports, tennis, football, cricket, skateboarding, swimming and recreational camping all take place on the site.
Sites such as this are now viewed as being critical to not only community cohesion but also for health benefits that come from being active.
Council, in July 2023 adopted the MidCoast Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2035 (OSRS). This document was developed to guide Council in its management of public open space. The OSRS is the “parent” document as part of the MidCoast Parks and Recreation Planning Portfolio, which includes nine individual strategies and plans specific to individual activities, such as: playspaces, skateparks, outdoor sports courts, sports lighting and walking and cycling. The Portfolio provides direct guidance to our plans of management for individual sites, such as Stroud Showgrounds.
The showground is owned and managed by MidCoast Council for the benefit of the community.
The intention of this Plan of Management is to provide Council with a planning framework that enables decisions regarding the site, to be made on an evidenced based and equitable basis. The Plan meets all the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993 as amended by the Local Government Amendment (Community Land Management) Act 1998
The land at Stroud Showground is categorised as:
• Sportsground
• General Community Use
• Natural Area – Watercourse
A description of each category of land as it exists at the Stroud Showground is provided. The current use patterns, built and natural assets and their condition, emerging trends, constraints and influences, have been considered in this Plan of Management. Appropriate management objectives and actions, as well as an effective management structure and communication strategy for successful implementation are key outcomes provided by the Plan.
This Plan is presented in two principal sections, the site description (A), which describes the constraints of the site, and the fundamental components of the Plan (B), which describes what is planned for the site’s future.
The provision of recreation services to our community involves several planning considerations and components. The MidCoast Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2023-2035 provides guidance to the production of this plan of management.
The MidCoast Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2023-2035 presented a public open space planning framework. This framework sets out the strategies and plans needed to meet the aims of the Strategy and the current and future needs of the community through parks and recreation services.
Plans of management, including the Stroud Showground plan of management are high priority actions listed in the OSRS.
Under the Local Government Act 1993 (LGA), all public lands must be classified as either Community, or Operational land. This land, briefly described above, is public land owned by the MidCoast Council, and has been classified ‘Community’ land under the provisions of the LGA.
The purpose of the classification is to clearly delineate which land should be kept for use by the general public (Community) and which land need not be kept for that purpose (Operational). The major consequence of the classification is that it determines the ease or difficulty by which the land may be alienated by sale, lease or other means. Community land would ordinarily comprise land such as a sportsground, hall, public park etc., and Operational land would consist of land which facilitates carrying out of a public service, such as works depots, or land held as a temporary asset or investment.
Community land:
• cannot be sold
• cannot be leased, licenced or any other estate granted over the land for more than 21 years
• must have a Plan of Management prepared for it.
The LGA requires that Council prepare a Plan of Management (PoM) in conjunction with the community to identify the important features of the land, clarify how Council will manage the land and how the land may be used or developed. Until a PoM for Community Land is adopted, the nature and use of the land cannot be changed. To change this, the Plan must be revised.
Council will undertake the required process as per Section 36 of the LGA for this PoM.
As required by legislation for the purposes of the PoM, community land is categorised as one of the following:
• Park
• Sports ground
• General community use
• Area of cultural significance
• Natural area
o Bushland
o Wetland
o Watercouse
o Escarpment
o Foreshore
Once categorised, community land is also subject to specified objectives which are outlined in the LGA, and in this PoM.
The LGA allows a PoM to cover one or multiple parcels of land.
Where multiple parcels of land are covered in one plan (Generic Plans), the LGA specifically states what needs to be included. Where a PoM covers one parcel of land (Specific Plans), like this plan, there is greater detail on what has to be prescribed in the Plan. A Generic Plan sets the framework of how the land is to be managed. A Specific Plan clearly outlines very precise management proposals.
PoMsforcommunitylandareperiodicallyreviewedtoenablechangingsocial, economicandecological conditions to be taken into account and consequently amendments to the Plan may occur. This PoM for the Showground will be its first.
Council currently has a suite of Generic and Specific Plans of Management. The register of these Plans is kept in the Public Spaces Section and are updated accordingly.
This section of the plan of management presents the site, and all the components that make up the site, including assets and facilities.
The land included in this Plan is located just to the northwest of the footprint of the village of Stroud on The Bucketts Way in New South Wales (See Figure 1). Originally known as the Racecourse Paddock, the Stroud Showground and its Agricultural and Horticultural Show has been proudly staged almost consistently since 1922, the several exceptions including the years of WW2. The Stroud Showground now consists of a complex which caters for the multi-functional interests and activities of the people of Stroud and further afield, including the annual agricultural show, annual brick throwing and rolling pin competition, horse sports, tennis, football, cricket and swimming. The facility has had several additions in recent times that include a skatepark and half-court basketball court. The multi-functional complex offers the basis of a rich community fabric in this sub-coastal rural centre.
The current population of Stroud and surrounding areas, including Wards River, Weismantels, Terreel, Monkerai, Stroud Road, Booral, Girvan and Allworth, is around 3,063 people, and projected to be 3473 by 2036 (.idcommunity demographic resources). Although the population is vibrant and demonstrating good growth, there is also the trend of an aging population. Issues for future management of the Stroud Showground (the Showground) will require facilities which match and cater for new and emerging recreational needs of the younger population, as well as the uses of an aging population. A trend in recent years is the attractiveness of the Showground and its activities for people who are prepared to travel large distances from their homes (for example, in the cities) to experience a taste of rural life.
This Plan of Management has been prepared to achieve a balanced, responsible and environmentally sustainable use of the land and to ensure that it addresses the needs of the local neighbourhood, the broader community, and the environment. It has been prepared to meet the requirements of the Local Government Act 1993, as amended by the Local Government Amendment (Community Land Management) Act 1998.
The Showground for which this PoM is compiled lies within the MidCoast Local Government Area near Stroud, New South Wales.
The property address of the Showground is Cowper Street Stroud, and covers the following Lots and Deposited Plans (DPs):
• Lot 1 DP 719494
• Lot 1 DP 558631
The southwestern boundary and main frontage of the Showground is Cowper Street (The Bucketts Way). The western boundary of the Showground is Mill Creek which flows southward under a bridge on the main road. The eastern boundary approximates the western easement of Millbrook Road which meets Cowper Street, whilst rural land adjoins the Showground’s northern boundary.
The total area of the Showground is 9.644 hectares.
There is no adjoining land classified as operational, as per the Local Government Act.
The land is owned in freehold title by the MidCoast Council.
The land subject of this PoM was part of 1883 km2 granted to the Australian Agricultural Company on 20 November 1847 as that company’s Port Stephens Estate, as was the rest of Stroud village. Following the survey of the Taree to Raymond Terrace road in the 1860s, the current showground site, created between Mill Creek and Mill Brook, was surveyed as lot 247 of the AA Company’s Port Stephens Estate in 1899.
The land was subsequently named Stroud Park and said to be to the possession of The Trustees of Stroud Park and Common Trust.
The current Swimming pool site was resumed by Great Lakes Shire Council on 4 January 1974 under the Local Government Act 1919, as was the residual of Stroud Park on 4 August 1978.
The Stroud Showground Management Committee (SSMC) was an Asset Committee established by Council under Section 355 of the LGA. Following amalgamation of Great Lakes Shire, Greater Taree City and Gloucester Shire Councils into MidCoast Council on 12 May 2016, Council's representation on all Section 355 committees, via a Councillor was suspended. SSMC continues to take oversight of Stroud Showground and provide advice and support to Council in relation to the management, planning, development and delivery of services, operating as a reference committee.
In this section we look at all the components that influence the creation of a plan of management, the zoning of the land, identifies the authorities that land managers have, and the responsibilities that we have to undertake.
Under the MidCoast Local Environmental Plan 2024 (LEP) the Showground in total is zoned RE1 –Public Recreation.
The objectives of the RE1 – Public Recreation zone are:
• To enable land to be used for public open space or recreational purposes.
• To provide a range of recreational settings and activities and compatible land uses.
• To protect and enhance the natural environment for recreational purposes.
• To provide for a range of educational, environmental, community and cultural uses for the benefit of the community.
• To enable access to activities and businesses located within adjacent waterways.
There are no activities permitted without consent.
The following activities are permitted with consent:
• Boat launching ramps
• Camping grounds
• Car parks
• Caravan parks
• Community facilities
• Depots
• Eco-tourist facilities
• Emergency services facilities
• Environmental facilities
• Environmental protection works
• Flood mitigation works
• Function centres
• Heliports
• Information and education facilities
• Jetties
• Kiosks
• Marinas
• Markets
• Plant nurseries
• Recreation areas
• Recreation facilities (indoor)
• Recreation facilities (major)
• Recreation facilities (outdoor)
• Registered clubs
• Research stations
• Restaurants or cafes
• Roads
• Sewerage systems
• Signage
• Waste or resource management facilities
• Water recreation structures
• Water supply systems
• Wharf or boating facilities
Subject to State and Regional Environmental Planning Policies that apply to this land all other development is prohibited.
Subject to State and Regional Environmental Planning Policies that apply to this land all other development is prohibited.
The Showground is bound by the RU5 (Village) onits western, easternand southern boundaries. The northern boundary adjoins RU2 (Rural Landscape).
The land occupied by the Showground is totally contained within the Flood Planning Area, with the exception of one small constructed area in the centre of the northern section (see Figure 6).
The LEP requires that development consent must not be granted to development on affected land unless the consent authority is satisfied that the development:
1. is compatible with the flood hazard of the land, and
2. will not significantly adversely affect flood behaviour resulting in detrimental increases in the potential flood affectation of other development or properties, and
3. incorporates appropriate measures to manage risk to life from flood, and
4. will not significantly adversely affect the environment or cause avoidable erosion, siltation, destruction of riparian vegetation or a reduction in the stability of river banks or watercourses, and
5. is not likely to result in unsustainable social and economic costs to the community as a consequence of flooding.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021
The State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021 (T&I SEPP) commenced in New South Wales on 1 March 2022 consolidating four earlier SEPPs focused on employment and advertising. The T&I SEPP focuses on:
• Planning rules and controls for infrastructure in NSW, such as for hospitals, roads, railways, emergency services, water supply and electricity delivery.
The T&I SEPP provides that certain types of works do not require development consent under Part 4 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Section 2.20 of the T&I SEPP provides that a range of works are “exempt development” when carried out for or on behalf of a public authority (including MidCoast Council). These works are itemised in Schedule 1 of the SEPP and include paths and ramps for disabled access, fencing, firefighting emergency equipment, small decks, prefabricated sheds of up to 30m2 in area, retaining walls up to 2m in height, landscaping including paving and access tracks, minor external and internal alterations to buildings, open car parks (size is not specified) and demolition of buildings covering an area of up to 100m2 .
Section 2.73 of the T&I SEPP further provides that any of the following development may be carried out by or on behalf of a council without consent on a public reserve under the control of or vested in the council:
a. development for any of the following purposes:
i. roads, pedestrian pathways, cycleways, single storey car parks, ticketing facilities, viewing platforms and pedestrian bridges
ii. recreation areas and recreation facilities (outdoor), but not including grandstands
iii. visitor information centres, information boards and other information facilities
iv. lighting, if light spill and artificial sky glow is minimised in accordance with the Lighting for Roads and Public Spaces Standard
v. landscaping, including landscape structures or features (such as artwork) and irrigation systems
vi. amenities for people using Wellington Park, including toilets and change rooms
vii. food preparation and related facilities for people using Wellington Park
viii. maintenance depot,
ix. portable lifeguard towers.
b. environmental management works
c. demolition of buildings (other than any building that is, or is part of, a State or local heritage item or is within a heritage conservation area).
• Educational establishments and childcare facilities containing planning for child-care centres, schools, TAFEs and Universities.
• Major infrastructure corridors containing planning controls and reserves land for the protection of the 3 North South Rail Lines, South West Rail Link extension and Western Sydney Freight Line corridors.
Three ports containing the land-use planning and assessment framework for Port Botany, Port Kembla and the Port of Newcastle.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 (SEPP Exempt) provides that certain types of works do not require development consent under Part 4 of the EP&A Act. The General Exempt Development Code is set out in Division 1 of the SEPP, providing the limitations and conditions of the exemptions. They include:
• Access Ramps
• Advertising and signage
• Aerials, antennae and communication dishes
• Air-conditioning units
• Animal shelters
• Aviaries
• Earthworks, retaining walls and structural support
• Fences
• Flagpoles
• Footpaths, pathways and paving
• Fowl and poultry houses
• Garbage bin storage enclosure
• Hot water systems
• Landscaping structures
• Minor building alterations
• Mobile food and drink outlets
• Playground equipment
• Screen enclosures
• Sculptures and artworks
• Temporary uses and structures
• Waste storage containers
• Awnings, blinds and canopies
• Balconies, decks, patios, pergolas, terraces and verandahs
• Barbecues and other outdoor cooking structures
• Bollards
• Charity bins and recycling bins
Besides the planning portfolio documents listed previously, Council has also developed several policies which have either direct or indirect relevance to planning, management and maintenance of Community Land and Council Reserves.
MidCoast Council policies:
• Commercial Fitness Trainer Policy (2023) provides both the policy and procedure for the management of individuals and companies wishing to use parks and reserves for the conducting of fitness sessions for the public for commercial gain.
• MidCoast Council Community Engagement Policy (2017) outlines the principles and activities that guide community engagement practices to ensure effective community contribution to the Council decision making process.
• MidCoast Council Leasing/Licensing of Council Land & Buildings Policy, adopted in 2017 provides for a consistent, transparent and fair approach to the leasing or licensing of Council Property and to maximise the community benefit by encouraging the multiple use of community facilities.
• MidCoast Council Terms & Conditions for use of Recreational Spaces Procedure, approved in 2016 provides for the operational aspects of organised usage of Council's sporting and recreational facilities.
All relevant policies can be found at Council’s website at www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au.
This Plan of Management is consistent with the plans, strategies and policies of MidCoast Council
The Showground has an operating approval for 15 powered and 15 unpowered camping sites under Section 99 of the LGA.
This section deals with the physical considerations of the site, which play an important role in delivering the respective activities. As the site is bounded by watercourses the site is prone to flooding. Therefore, how we plan for the site, what facilities we provide and how these facilities are designed is vital to the future functioning of the facility.
The Showground lies within the Karuah River catchment and is located on a small floodplain terrace above Mill Creek which approximates the Showground’s western boundary. Mill Creek catchment commences in the ranges to the north of Stroud in the vicinity of Terreel, running south past the Showground and to the west of Stroud village where it is joined by a small tributary, the Mill Brook, which runs partly parallel with that creek in the vicinity of the Showground’s southern boundary. The watercourse meets the Karuah River south east of the village, which then flows eastward towards Port Stephens and the coast.
Because of its distance from the coastline, the Showground is not impacted by Section 38 and 39 of the Coastal Protection Act 1979 However, the Showground is located on a floodplain and is therefore subject to Clause 7.3 (Flood Planning) of the LEP.
Clause 7.3 objectives are to:
• minimise the flood risk to life and property associated with the use of the land
• allow development on land that is compatible with the land’s flood hazard, taking into account projected changes as a result of climate change, and
• avoid significant adverse impacts on flood behaviour and the environment.
During 2015 the Showground was impacted by significant flooding which destroyed and/or damaged much of its infrastructure, including the public pool, tennis courts and various sheds and buildings. The flooding hazard of the Showground is exacerbated by the relatively large and fast catchment within the reaches of Mill Creek, and the nature of the landform, geology and soils which exist within (see following section).
The majority of the damaged infrastructure has been either replaced or repaired since.
Within the Showground, local drainage flow patterns operate in different directions towards both Mill Creek and Mill Brook. Although at times problematical, especially during times of occupation and usage, the issue of the Showground’s low relief and poor drainage (see Figure 7) has been reasonably addressed via the installation of a series of modest works including open drains and culverts, and a sealed and slightly elevated access track suitable for pedestrians and vehicles, linking all the major built infrastructure assets and use areas
During initial site development (presumably by the Australian Agricultural Company), the natural environment of the Showground experienced obvious modifications, commencing with the initial clearing of the land for its preparation. In following decades after 1922, the land surface has been modified to allow establishment of the showground ring, and for the installation of other infrastructure and facilities. It is likely that a dominant grassland interspersed with single or clumps of trees and shrubs on the open areas, thickening into a riparian zone along the creek bank, would have been the original vegetative cover, typical of any natural small floodplain in the area.
One notable modification to the topography has been the construction of an elevated earthen viewing area between the rodeo arena and the playing fields to the south.
Local geologies within the Mill Creek catchment include a range of sandstones, mudstones, shales and conglomerates which have a Permian origin (deposited between 250 and 300 million years ago), with some more infrequent occurrences of more recently extruded basic volcanic rocks such as basalts. Similar geologies to the northwestand north of Mill Creek catchment within the Gloucester Basin, are significant coal bearing structures (National Partnership Agreement on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development, Gloucester Basin 2014).
The Showground exists on a small floodplain of Mill Creek and as such, soils consist of materials which have been largely deposited during the Quaternary period. Those geologies and soils which exist within the catchment have therefore influenced the physical and chemical characteristics of those soils that appear on the site. Within the catchment, soils vary depending on the topographic unit on which they are located. For instance, on the lower slopes (2 – 6 percent), soils range from texture contrast profiles of darkish loams, silt loams and fine sandy loams which are hard-setting, overlying at around 200 mm depth, significantly heavier textured light clays to sandy clays which are yellowish to brownish in colour. Parent rock is normally encountered well before 1 metre in depth for such slopes. On the upper slopes and steeper ridges (greater than 6 percent), soils are shallow, often stony and lack significant soil profile development in terms of structure and depth.1
For the Showground, the significance of the soils described in the Mill Creek catchment is that a low potential for water storage within the soil profiles (due to lack of depth, and often coarse texture) and hard-setting nature of the surface layer, creates high potential for runoff in times of high intensity rainfall. Combined with the sloping terrain and fast catchment, flooding of lower alluvial areas is an enhanced and natural response.
The soils of the Showground specifically, reflect their alluvial origins as eroded, transported and deposited products of soils within the catchment, together with a minor to moderate expression of poor drainage characteristics. A single soil profile described within the NSW government’s soils data base (www.environment.nsw.gov.au/eSpadeWebapp//) has been recorded at the Showground. A condensed profile description follows:
0-22cm Dark Brown fine sandy loam, few ferro-manganiferous nodules, PH 6.0 22-35 cm Pale Brown fine sandy loam, PH 6.0
35-60cm Yellowish Brown sandy clay PH 6.0
60-90m Yellowish Brown sandy clay, 2-10% unspecified strong orange mottles, PH 5.5.
1 These soil descriptions have been condensed from profiles described in the report: Soil Landscapes of Central and Eastern NSW – Soil Landscapes of the Dungog 1:100,000 sheet (State Government of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage 2013).
Habitat values on the Showground are limited, but do include that provided by the following established vegetation:
• Thick stands of mature Eucalyptus and various softwood species and shrubs distributed along the riparian area above the bank of Mill Creek, within the Showground’s western boundary. The value of this native vegetation for habitat although significant in its own right, is somewhat downgraded by the thick invasions of the shrub, Privet (Ligustrum sinense and L. lucidum), which is a noxious weed in the LGA.2
• Several mature single or small clumps of Slaty Red Gum3 (Eucalyptus glaucina) are located on or near the boundaries of the existing open field area on the eastern section near the Mill Brook Road These have developed hollows and offer extra potential for habitat.
• A stand of planted Camphor Laurel (Cinnamomum camphora) an introduced species (and also a lower order noxious weed) interspaced at approximately 14 metres, marks the outer boundary of the main arena of the Showground. The attractiveness and shade provision of these trees overshadow provision of significant habitat value in this instance.
• A narrow corridor of Iron Bark (Eucalyptus paniculata), Tallowood (Eucalyptus microcorys), Paper Bark (Melaleuca sp) and native understory species stands close to the Showground boundary fence on the easement of Mill Brook Road4
• The ground surface of the Showground’s open areas is generally well covered with a range of coastal native and naturalised species, including Kikuyu, Paspalum and Couch, interspersed by many broadleaved species including clovers and medics (Figure 14). The main arena carries a well-maintained ground cover of turf species suitable for more intensive use such as cricket and athletics
2 The growth of these plants must be managed in a manner that continuously inhibits their ability to spread, in accordance with the local weeds authority Class 4 weeds management policy, Weed Control Order 2014, Noxious Weeds Act 1993.
3 E. glaucina in the Karuah Manning IBRA Region, has been listed by the NSW Scientific Committee as of Vulnerable Conservation Status. Ref: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/savingourspecies/project.aspx?Profile id=10295.
4 Although not within the Showground area, this vegetation is described in this PoM because of its potential habitat linkages and therefore cumulative management options with those values which exist within.
Under the LGA, Council has obligations for conservation issues as determined by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, and the Fisheries Management Act 1994. The LEP or the respective 149 certificates contain no notation of any significant biodiversity issues present at the Showground. There is no biodiversity certified land or biobanking agreement associated with this land as per the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. Council’s Vegetation Management Policy doesn’t apply to this property and Tree Inventory contains no trees of significance on this site. Biodiversity value of the Showground generally follows the descriptions provided in 4.4 above.
Note that Slaty Red Gum (Eucalyptus glaucina) of which mature specimens grow on this site (see 4.4), has been listed by the NSW Threatened Species Scientific Committee as of Vulnerable Conservation Status (Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016) within the Karuah Manning Bioregion, due to the prospect of this species facing extinction in the medium-term future, and the species not being eligible for listing as an endangered or critically endangered species. (This species attracts similar conservation status under Commonwealth legislation.)
Section 3.2 (Flood Planning) describes the land occupied by the Showground, as flood prone. The LEP presents Council’s objectives for the protection and maintenance of riparian lands and watercourses by maintaining the following:
Objectives for riparian protection
• Water quality within watercourses
• The stability of the bed and banks of watercourses
• Aquatic and riparian habitat, and
• Ecological processes within watercourses and riparian areas.
• The ground surface of the Showground’s open areas is generally well covered with a range of coastal native and naturalised species, including Kikuyu, Paspalum and Couch, interspersed by many broadleaved species including clovers and medics (Figure 14). The main arena carries a well-maintained ground cover of turf species suitable for more intensive use such as cricket and athletics
This applies to nominated watercourses within the LGA, including Mill Creek and Mill Brook which is located to the Showground’s eastern boundary.
The section covers all the social activities that have taken place on the site and what activities we anticipate happening in the future. Organised sport and equestrian activities dominated the site, and we support these activities in their function. Other than adding in youth-based activities such as the skatepark and the half court basketball court there are no plans to change the fundamentals of the site.
The Showground does not contain any items listed in the LEP as being of known aboriginal archaeological sites, nor places of heritage significance.
A search of the Office of the Environment and Heritage AHIMS Web Services (Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System) did not reveal that:
• aboriginal sites are recorded in or near the Showground (200 m buffer)
• aboriginal places have been declared in or near the Showground (200 m buffer).
The NSW Department of Environment and Heritage states:
“Stroud showground is significant in its substantial presence within the Stroud community, together with its historical and social associations. The showground has associations dating back to the AA Company presence in the area.”
The Stroud Showground Grandstand is listed on the State Heritage Inventory, where it is described as:
“The Stroud Showground Grandstand is aesthetically significant well-crafted stand that is a testament of the period of time in which it was built. The Grandstand is a landmark building for the town, as it is a predominant feature on the main road that passes through Stroud. Regularly spaced plantings of camphor laurel trees around the Show Ring add to the amenity and heritage setting.”
The grandstand was erected in memory of those from the district who servedinWorld WarOne. The twoplaques onthefront entranceofthesteps are inscribed with names of all the men and women from the Stroud region who served in the first World War.
The Dungog Chronicle of the times wrote:
“In January of this year a public meeting was held when a motion was carried to erect a grandstand on Stroud Park as a memorial to the soldiers, and to utilise the money got together for this new purpose. (Ed. 'D.C.' The public are to be congratulated on their decision to erect a memorial grandstand. From the utilitarian and also the sentimental point of view a memorial grandstand would be preferable. Not only would it be used in the cricket and football season, but also on show and sports days, and it would be a permanent and valuable improvement to Stroud's wonderful park. As a memorial, it
would serve the purpose as well, If not better than gates or monuments.)5 Stroud Sailors and Soldiers' League calls tenders for a memorial grandstand to be erected on the Stroud showground. The structure will be of wood and concrete. Tenders must be in the hands of the secretary (Mr. Don Lewis) by February 27.6
Also of historical interest is the original boundary fence constructed around the village, now symbolically represented by a replica gate, which is located on The Bucketts Way adjacent to the entrance of the Showground.
The Showground provides ready access to pedestrians and casual users as well as planned sporting events and practice. It is well positioned to address the casual and active needs of the local community, as well as provide a linkage to other open space areas nearby.
The Showground is currently used, as active open space, by the following sporting bodies under agreement with Council in accordance with MidCoast Council’s Terms and Conditions for Use of Recreational Spaces procedures (March 2016):
• Stroud Show Association (annual event)
• Stroud Pony Club
• Stroud Rodeo Committee
• Stroud Horse Riding Club
• Stroud Riding for the Disabled
• Stroud Rugby League Club - Raiders
• Stroud Swim Club
• Stroud Cricket Club
• Stroud Tennis Club
• Stroud Brick Throwing and Rolling Committee (annual)
• Stroud Stockmans Challenge
Residents and visitors have ready access to the Showground and opportunities exist for a range of passive activities including:
• Public Swimming Pool, during daylight savings period. The pool is regularly used by three local schools, and locals.
• Motor home stays both informally and through motor home groups.
• Stroud Growers Market (previous use).
• Walking and exercising.
Tenures are issued over community lands in accordance with MidCoast Council’s Leasing and Licensing of Council Land and Buildings Policy (2023), and in accordance with the LGA (see 12.7).
5 http://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/display/23101-stroud-war-memorial/
6 Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW), 5 May 1925
The NSW Local Government Act (1993) states:
A plan of management that applies to just one area of community land:
(a) must include a description of:
(i) the condition of the land, and of any buildings or other improvements on the land, as at the date of adoption of the plan of management, and
(ii) the use of the land and any such buildings or improvements as at that date
(b) must
(i) specify the purposes for which the land, and any such buildings or improvements, will be permitted to be used, and
(ii) specify the purposes for which any further development of the land will be permitted, whether under lease or licence or otherwise, and
(iii) describe the scale and intensity of any such permitted use or development.
This section of the PoM details all the assets on the land and their condition.
The overall showground site contains a diverse range of assets. These have been provided over many years, to facilitate the functioning of individual activities. In 2015 there was a major flood event which necessitated the replacement of several of the facilities. In addition, several new assets have been provided over the last 5 years.
For ease of description the showground site is broken into two distinct sites:
• Showground – which contains the Show arena, Rodeo arena, Horse Sports arena and sporting infrastructure.
• Kevin Frances Park – which contains the playspace, swimming pool and supporting infrastructure
The following asset lists provide the individual assets on each site, along with their condition, and any actions that are contained in Council’s adopted strategies
Significant works have been undertaken since the flood damage of 2015, and as part of facility upgrades. A new half-court basketball court, new LED sports lighting and new synthetic surface on the tennis courts. New seating around the main arena has also been added.
MidCoast Council manages several terrestrial pools, including the Stroud Pool. Many of our pools were built back in the 1960’s and have passed their expected life.
In 2024, as part of our Parks and Recreation Planning Framework we will be producing an Aquatic and Baths Strategy. This Strategy will be looking at the current condition of our existing aquatic assets, which ones will be needed in the future, and what upgrades will need to be undertaken to bring them up to fit for purpose standards.
This Plan of Management will be a critical resource in the production of that strategy. Whereas this PoM is only dealing with the pool as an existing asset in the larger showgrounds site, the Aquatic and Baths Strategy will be giving us the granular detail that we will need for our pools planning.
Communityconsultation is animportant source of information necessary toprovide an effective Plan of Management for Community Land and is a requirement under Section 38 of the LGA. MidCoast Council’s Community Engagement Strategy 2022 - 2025 outlines the principles and activities within the participating community which guide Council’s decision-making processes. Such participation creates the opportunity for interested parties to become actively involved in the development of a plan which reflects the needs, opinions and priorities of people using the Showground.
Prior to formal commencement of this Plan of Management, discussions with all user groups at the Stroud Showground were conducted and views on a range of issues were captured in a standard Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) format. Users were also asked to compile prioritised needs and aspirations for the Showground.
• Flat terrain
• Good place to run (Event)
• Good shade for visitors
• Brings Community together
• Close to Town and CBD
• Volunteers
• Heritage value of * Grandstand * Showground
• Quality of both Rodeo ground and Main Oval Lighting
• Lends itself well to multi-purpose uses
• Level of community usage – significant
• Represents good value for tourism –Caravan and Camping
• Grandstand is on main ground, and is of high quality
• Lack of parking area for major events
• Poor “Entry Statement” – shade area at entry
• Skatepark needs updating
• Fence on Millbrook Road/creek boundary is poor
• Lighting
• Signage- Regulatory/Speed absent (Operation/Directional)
• Some amenities are poor, old
• Stormwater drainage off of Rodeo area and Pony Club area
• Weeds on creek
• Rubbish on road boundary
• Power capacity limitations
• Fee collection is casual or non-existent
• Dump site could be created - offsite
• Footpath around the site would improve access
• Exercise stations for community health/fitness
• Upgrade power to inner ring
• Improve fee collection
• Revamp existing changerooms
• Tourism /Economic Development
• Major event attraction
• New users
• Getting too big for ground, community and volunteers
• Age profile of the volunteers
• Competing events both Internal and external
• Parking with growth
• Lack of junior sporting opportunities in Stroud
• Increased use will pressure existing parking arrangement
During the development of the MidCoast Parks and Recreation Planning Portfolio in 2022 – 2023 several community engagement phases were undertaken. This engagement included face to face workshops, surveys and formal submissions. During this engagement individual communities were able to highlight any issues or improvements that they wished undertaken at respective facilities. The Stroud community provided input into the engagement process during this period and the Action Plan includes this feedback.
This section of the PoM looks at what we need to undertake in the future to ensure that the Stroud Showground remain in a fit for purpose state and continue to deliver outcomes for the local and wider community.
Vision
The Shroud Showground is the sporting and cultural centre of the community. It is loved and visited by all. It attracts visitors from far and wide and is an Australian country icon.
Goal
To provide a contemporary, well-managed rural showground that provides modern and fit for purpose facilities for the community.
Council recognises the significance of the Stroud Showground to the local and regional community and envisages that the role of the Showground is:
• To provide recreation and sporting facilities in line with current and emerging community needs.
• To provide a diverse range of activity opportunities and landscape settings to encourage healthy lifestyles and maximise opportunities for engagement in physical activity.
• To provide a safe, attractive venue with equitable and convenient access to recreation, sport and open space infrastructure.
• To ensure the spaces and facilities at Stroud Showground support the ongoing viability of community user groups and have capacity to adapt to changing needs over time.
• To maximise options for sustainability by capitalising on the interests of new potential users and visitors, in particular those from further afield.
• To maintain and improve environmental values where present.
The above statements were developed from several sources, including:
• Council’s MidCoast Open Space and Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2035.
• Council’s Community Strategic Plan (CSP), specifically.
Community Outcome 1: A resilient and socially connected community.
• Our diverse communities offer active and social opportunities for everyone; they are safe and are places where we work together with a creative focus acknowledging our rich history and culture.
o 1.2 We have access to a wide range of services and activities that contribute to the wellbeing of all members of our community.
o 1.4 We protect the health and safety of our communities.
Further, from a scoping discussion with community Showground users (conducted as part of this plan development), two guiding and intrinsic values of this Showground emerged:
• There is overwhelming support for the role of the Showground in the Stroud community, and strong acknowledgement of the service it provides for essential bonding and connectivity often across diverse interest groups.
• The Showground is well positioned within the “three-hour travel window” from the metropolis, therefore creating the potential to capitalise on increased visitations to the many rural-based events and continue to build a bridge between the “city and the bush”.
The Showground is classified as Community Land under the LGA as amended by the Local Government Amendment (Community Land Management) Act 1998.
Under Section 36(4), all Community Land must be categorised as one of the following categories:
• Natural Area (further categorised as):
o Bushland
o Wetland
o Escarpment
o Foreshore
o Watercourse
• Sportsground
• Park
• Area of Cultural Significance; or
• General Community Use
The Core Objectives for all community land categories vary according to the categorisation of the land. All objectives are defined in Section 36 (1) of the LGA and also appear in Appendix 1 of this PoM.
It is considered that in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 and Practice Note 1: Public Land Management (Department of Local Government Amended 2000), and consistent with respective core objectives, land at the Showground should be categorised as:
Land at the Showground should be categorised as:
• Sportsground
• General Community Use
• Natural Area – Watercourse
The figure below shows the location of land categories across the Stroud Showground.
Sportsground
Relevant Core Objectives for the management of land categorised as Sportsground are:
Sportsground
• to encourage, promote and facilitate recreational pursuits in the community involving organised and informal sporting activities and games, and
• to ensure that such activities are managed having regard to any adverse impact on nearby residences.
The Sportsground is the part of the Showground where the organised competitive sporting activities are conducted. These include field sports (cricket, athletics, football and soccer), and main ring events including camp drafting. The Sportsground consists of the main arena, the rodeo arena, the horse sports arena, and the tennis courts. It also includes those infrastructure items which provide immediate services to those activities such as the grandstands and understory, lighting, seating, and adjacent yards which contain the event stock (eg camp draft yards and camp).
The area identified as Sportsground will be managed to maintain the current level of use by the established user groups such as Stroud Tennis Club, The Stroud Rugby League Club - Raiders, the Stroud Rodeo Committee, Stroud Pony Club, Stroud Cricket Club, Stroud Horse Riding Club, Brick Throwing and Rolling Pin Committee, Riding for the Disabled, Stockmans Challenge, and the Stroud Show Association.
The emergence of new sports or sporting events, and the increasing popularity of others, should be monitored and encouraged.
Ancillary facilities should be maintained at least to a level that will attract regular patronage, utilising the fees raised from Showground users. In some cases, it is the intention that improvements to these facilities will be staged (eg cricket practice areas).
Where present, environmental values will require management in accordance with policy and legislation.
Relevant Core Objectives for management of community land categorised as General Community Use are to promote, encourage and provide for the use of the land, and to provide facilities on the land, to meet the current and future needs of the local community and of the wider public:
• in relation to public recreation and the physical, cultural, social and intellectual welfare or development of individual members of the public, and
• in relation to purposes for which a lease, licence or other estate may be granted in respect of the land (other than the provision of public utilities and works associated with or ancillary to public utilities).
The General Community Use area has a strong multi-purpose function and meets the physical, cultural and intellectual needs of the community, whilst also attracting and supporting some activities which have a capacity for commercial return. This includes the various show pavilions and offices, the camping ground facilities and associated infrastructure, the entries into the Showground, the pavilions, the various amenities blocks, markets and annual show entertainment stalls, skateboarding and walking areas, and casual use.
The area identified as General Community use will be managed to improve the health of the Stroud and regional communities by encouraging access for casual use including exercising (walking, swimming etc), and attracting and maintaining tenures to generate income from existing and opportunistic users such as markets, camping, caravanners and other commercial interests.
The growing of the businesses and their required infrastructure in this multi-functional area will be a priority (in particular the recreational touring business). There will be an ongoing need to also address issues associated with ageing assets and infrastructure, in particular the pool, amenities and show pavilions. Current limitations on parking will be a constraint to continued and growing uses particularly during staging of multiple events and will require consideration in this Plan. The General Community Use area should represent the “front-end” image and character of any multifunctional showground. The Showground will benefit from a stronger, clearer signposting and entry statement.
Where present, environmental values will require management in accordance with policy and legislation.
Relevant Core Objectives for management of community land categorised as Watercourse are:
• to manage watercourses so as to protect the biodiversity and ecological values of the instream environment, particularly in relation to water quality and water flows, and
• to manage watercourses so as to protect the riparian environment, particularly in relation to riparian vegetation and habitat and bank stability, and
• to restore degraded watercourses, and
• to promote community education and community access to and use of the watercourse, without compromising the other objectives of the category.
The Natural Area – Watercourse on the Showground includes the well vegetated riparian area running inside the Showground’s western boundary above the Mill Creek. This riparian zone contains environmentally significant values, and actions to maintain and improve their integrity and habitat values will be required by this PoM. The Watercourse also adds to the network of green linkages across the Showground and beyond, and provides visual amenity and shade for Showground users, as well as an opportunity to promote community involvement and education.
Key environmental values of the watercourse area are acknowledged in state legislation and policy, and Council’s LEP. These values therefore require thorough consideration in terms of maintenance and enhancement in accordance with those responsibilities. Weed management will be particularly important as will plantings of native stock where required. Track maintenance and human access control will be key activities to maintain and enhance this area. Of particular importance, will be a refocus on this area’s education potential, and the facilitation of community interest in assisting Council with the management of the Mill Creek watercourse and its riparian area.
This section details the importance of the effective management of the showgrounds. In alignment with the categorisations of the site we also look at the permitted uses and activities that can be conducted.
Council reserves the right to control the use of the Community Land including Stroud Showground.
Council intends to:
• Create opportunities for community consultation and participation in the planning and development of Community Land.
• Facilitate a system whereby enquiries and complaints from the public can be efficiently and promptly dealt with.
• Consider and attempt to balance the need for community recreation facilities with the impact development that such sites will have on local residents.
• Consider access to recreational facilities for all users.
• Ensure all formal use of the Showground is authorised through appropriate documentation.
• Allow casual informal use consistent with Council’s policies and procedures.
• Consider how use of the site can provide funding for the maintenance of the facilities for the Showground.
The Stroud Showground Management Committee (SSMC)17 is a reference Committee established by Council under Section 355 of the LGA.
The SSMC will manage the Showground consistent with this Plan.
• To undertake an advisory role in respect of the care, maintenance, repair, beautification, improvement and management of the Showground. The SSMC shall liaise with Council through a Contact Officer or a Council representative/son the Committee, in respect of proposed projects
• To carry out works as approved by Council.
• Operate in accordance with the Stroud Showground Management Committee Terms of Reference and MidCoast Councils Code of Conduct Policy.
• To provide access to the Showground and its facilities for use by citizens of and visitors to Stroud without distinction.
• To allow any regular user of the Showground to erect structures under such conditions as the SSMC shall see fit, provided that no such agreement shall be concluded without the approval in writing of the Council, so that Council’s insurers are aware of the event activity.
• To ensure a copy of current rules of use of the Showground and its facilities and the current schedule of fees and charges are exhibited in an appropriate public place.
• To recommend to Council the making of rules or setting of any fees and charges, none of which are to be implemented without formal approval by Council.
The Showground allows free and unrestricted access for informal use when formal sporting activities and other formal activities are not being undertaken.
This PoM authorises leasing, licensing or granting any other estate over this Showground for any community purpose as determined by Council, consistent with the purpose of the Showground. Any agreement which may be entered will be in accordance with Section 45, 46, 46A, 47, 47AA & 48 of the LGA.
Authorisation for Short Term Casual Purposes must be obtained for purposes including:
• Busking & Entertainment
• Food Vending
• Sale of Alcohol
• Community and Private Events
• Filming
• Use of buildings
• Temporary occupation for construction on adjoining land
• Sports events
• Motorhome parking.7
Council at any time in the future, reserves the right to prohibit the taking or consumption of alcohol on this Showground. This will be indicated by conspicuously displayed signs in accordance with Section 632 and Section 670 of the Local Government Act, 1993 (as amended).
It is an express provision of this PoM that Council shall provide from time to time as circumstances may require the construction and maintenance of utility services, provision and maintenance of watercourses, floodways, cycle ways, vehicular access ways and the granting of easements.
7 This will be allowed only where approval to operate is obtained under the Local Government Act 1993.
Council may grant a lease, licence or other estate in respect of Community Land for:
• A purpose prescribed by any of sections 36F, 36I or 36M as a core objective of the categorisation of the land and subject to being consistent with the Showground purpose; or
• For the provision of goods, services and facilities, and the carrying out of activities, appropriate to the current and future needs within the local community and of the wider public in relation to Athletic Sports Ground, Showground, Public Recreation and Heritage Purposes.
Council may grant estates in the land in accordance with the requirements of the LGA, for a period of up to five (5) years for the purpose of:
• Lease of any building on the land for community purposes.
Council may grant estates in the land for in excess of five (5) years in accordance with the LGA, for the purpose of:
• The provision of public utilities and works associated with or ancillary to public utilities in accordance with Section 46 (a) & 46 (a1).
• Any period in excess of five (5) years shall only be granted in accordance with the requirements of Section 47; and
• Lease of any building on the land for a community purpose.
An agreement for use of this Showground for any purpose listed above will be subject to the approval of Council. Any legal requirements as determined by Council will include the requirement for adequate public liability insurance cover.
Granting of an estate for utility installation to any party shall be subject to valuation and purchase of that estate andshallincludemeeting allcostsassociatedwiththe grantingofthe estate,and restoration of the Showground following works and all other conditions imposed by Council.
Leases, licences or other estates issued by Council will require:
• That subleases or any other supplementary tenures can only be issued by the Primary User only with the approval of Council, and consistent with Section 47C of the LGA
• Maintenance of the facility will be the responsibility of the Primary User.
Appendix 2 presents the full description of all tenures available for community land within MidCoast LGA, including leases and other tenures, casual and short term licences, and approved activities.
The Showground will continue to be used by a variety of user groups and individuals for purposes previously noted. Council and the SSMC will endeavor to generate greater utilisation of the Showground for recreation and other activities consistent with the Showground purpose.
Use of the Showground, for a single specific use, will be allocated by Council to a Primary User by wayofa lease, licence orother estate (see 10.7) subjectto the provisions of the Local Government Act, and consistent with the Core objectives (as described in 9). This will allow the Primary User to appropriately plan for the development and maintenance of the facilities that have been constructed for that purpose.
WhileCouncil, withthesupport oftheSSMC, will haveastrongoversiterole,everyday management of the facilities for that purpose, will be the role of the Primary User8 .
Any part of the Showground not subject to a lease, licence or other estate issued by Council will be managed by the SSMC. This will include those parts of the Showground that are used by more than one user or those which are required for general community access.
The SSMC shall manage the use of shared facilities to both Regular Users9 and Casual Users in a fair and transparent manner.
BookingfeesandrentalwillbeutilisedtocontributetothemaintenanceoftheShowgroundandfacility upgrade and replacement.
Council applies fees for the use of Council reserves. A usage application must be lodged with the appointed SSMC prior to the event. All applicable fees must be paid prior to the hire/use of the Showground.
The fees associated with the hiring of Council reserves for major events, concerts, functions etc. are detailed in Council’s Fees and Charges. Council’s fee structure is reviewed on an annual basis.
Where the Showground is to be hired for a purpose not within Council’s Fees and Charges Schedule, the fee will be set by the SSMC after approval from Council.
8 It is proposed in this PoM that the Stroud Rodeo Committee and the Stroud Show Association be formally appointed Primary Users, for the areas where they are sole users, and that lease agreements be offered to both bodies.
9 A Regular User is a group that utilises the Showground on a planned and consistent basis. This may be for sporting games and training, markets, or shows. Note that a Primary User may also be a Regular User for those parts of the Showground it does not hold a tenure over.
Communication between Council, the SSMC, Primary Users, Regular Users and Casual Users is important to the success of this Plan. Council will establish and maintain clear lines of communication with the SSMC and across all Showground users, especially relating to the operations of and responsibilities within a (proposed) business model (see Appendix 3). This will include:
• Restating terms of reference for operation of the appointed SSMC.
• Council to reveal and consolidate the new business model which includes a requirement that occupation, including that of Primary Users, is on the basis of formal agreement.
• In order to encourage better use of the Showground, provide clarity to the community and Primary Users the revised expectations regarding free and unrestricted access for casual uses, to the General Community Use area.
The composition of the SSMC10 will be structured so Regular Users will have a voice in the Showground Management. The appointment of a Council Contact Officer is aimed to ensure all SSMC members have opportunity to provide input.
SSMC meetings will provide the formal vehicle between Regular Users of the Showground.
The SSMC will be responsible for ensuring Casual Users are aware of their rights and responsibilities in utilising the Showground.
Council reserves the right to grant easements as required for utilities and access, bearing in mind the impact of such easements on the site.
10 The SSMC membership should generally reflect the community organisations which utilise the Showground and must be open to representatives of user groups and interested community members. Equal representation of each user group is recommended.
The Committee shall generally consist of:
• Two (2) member of each organisation which is granted primary user or regular user status
• Council officer representative/s
Council will ensure the facilities on the Showground are maintained to an appropriate standard. It intends to:
Maintenance actions:
• Maintain the structures and open spaces on the Showground in accordance with Council’s Asset Management Plan to measured targets within available resources.
• Continue to monitor the condition of structures on the Showground and ensure effective maintenance procedures are in place through tenure conditions and SSMC maintenance responsibilities.
• Prepare a safety audit of the site and repair or replace any areas that may impact on public safety.
• Continue to effectively administer Council’s seasonal policy of park occupation policy (MidCoast Council Terms & Conditions for use of Recreational Spaces Procedure 2016) with the prime users of the Showground’s sportsground and general community use areas.
• Encourage community groups to assist with maintenance of the whole of the Showgrounds, particularly through appropriate signage.
• Ensure implementation of an effective program to eradicate invasive plant species in riparian area, in particular privet, to enhance native species and habitat values.
• Ensure appropriate management of playing surfaces on vegetated sportsgrounds (excludes rodeo arena, responsibility of primary user) including mowing at suitable time intervals.
• Ensure appropriate slashing/mowing of all grounds in the General Community Use area.
• Ensure the efficient and conservative use of water, pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers across the Showground, where required.
• Ensure regular collection of rubbish and elevate compliance activities against illegal dumping of rubbish.
• Council officers to continue monitoring issues of compliance and general site amenity.
• Maintain existing drainage systems across the Showground to minimise impact of flooding and waterlogging.
• Ensure adherence to the maintenance schedule for the heritage listed grandstand.
• Managing damage to showground surfaces in wet weather is important. Sports Field / Show Arena ground closure is monitored and advised by MidCoast Council Operations staff and status indicated on Council’s website. Closure of complete showground or certain areas of the showground is a decision to be made by consensus between 1) SSMC Chairperson, 2) MidCoast Council Operations representative, 3) event organizer for any impacted events.
Council uses signs to regulate the activities carried out on Community Land and to provide educational information so as to provide a safe and enjoyable place for passive and active recreational pursuits.
Whilst signs are a crucial source of information, they have a significant impact on the aesthetics of a Showground.
All signs must:
• meet a design standard and be approved by Council.
• be sympathetic to their environment in their design, construction and location.
• be placed in accordance with State Environmental Planning Policy No 64 – Advertising and Signage or State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008
Note that for issues of safety signage, Council uses the Statewide Mutual Best Practice Manual – Signs as Remote Supervision
Where a sign requires development consent, Council must approve as owner the lodging of a Development Application prior to assessment by Council in accordance with Schedule 1 Assessment Criteria of SEPP No 64.
Where a sign does not require development consent, Council must approve the sign before erection.
All Council signs erected under Section 632 of the Local Government Act, plus reserve name signs and traffic and safety signs, are permissible.
Council will ensure the following signage is on the Showground:
• Construct suitable entrance area featuring descriptive signage.
• Directional signage for the purposes of guiding the community to required infrastructure and services.
• Signage for safety purposes including speed limitations and evacuation procedures.
A major challenge in the future management of the Showground, will be to generate income to address increasing costs associated with critical maintenance and new developments, and ongoing activities.
Income may be sourced from the following:
• Council’s General Revenue Fund (in accordance with annual operational budgets): Where the Showground is being used for informal casual use, Council will contribute to the maintenance and development of Infrastructure.
• Section 94 Contributions specifically collected for community land: This component occurs as rate payer’s contributions for the general use of community land for community well-being.
• User pays for minor infrastructure works associated with some sporting facilities: This occurs through fund raising by the relevant body including memberships, minor sales and raffles etc., and aims at achieving tailoring surrounds and layout which suit and are compatible with the event or activity.
• Community contributions by way of community group projects (eg Landcare, Rotary, Lions Club): This occurs through grants either sourced externally, and/or contributed locally by the group (eg for the purposes of environmental works, social and intellectual well-being etc).
• Grant and loan funding from either Commonwealth or State Governments: The implementation of the management structure will allow Primary users to apply for funds from a number of Government bodies with the concurrence of Council. Council may also apply for these funds. A limited number of funding opportunities exist from government programs.
• Income from commercial operations: Where tenures are involved, income will arise as per details in the revenue-split in the corresponding agreement. Less formally, income may result from casual occupation, such as Reserve use fees, including those associated with camping and motor home visits (see 13.2 below).
In order to address the outstanding and future maintenance requirements at this Showground, and permit any required new developments as proposed in this PoM, it is important that all income which is generated from the Showground be returned to the Showground Ensuring appropriate rental and fees for formal use of the site will assist in the maintenance of specialised infrastructure.
Council records indicate the Showground is running at an annual financial loss, which requires considerationof new andemergingopportunitiestogrow site utilisation and income. Thetwomost favourable and obvious business directions are the attraction of new users and growth in the Camping and Recreational Vehicle use of the Showground.
This is an activity currently formally approved for this Showground, and therefore provides an opportunity to take advantage of current growth in that market place, without impacting on existing uses and existing businesses.
It is however, limited by both the infrastructure available to campers and the number of sites within the current approval (15).
Council may be able to increase the capacity of the Showground to around 30 sites (if continuing with the primitive campground approval in accordance with the Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2005 through enlarging the application area to 15 Ha by:
Increase camping capacity
• carefully defining Millbrook Road with the residual area remaining within the Showground
• purchasing part of the land to the north of the Showground (previously noted for the purposes of extending the carparking capacity); and
• including other Council owned property as part of the application (for example – the Lions Memorial Park across Cowper Street).
For the benefit from increased patronage to be realised infrastructure may need to be enhanced. This may include:
Amenity improvements
• Providing laundry amenities for campers.
• Consideration of the placement of BBQ facilities around the Mexon Pavilion that may double for community events and RV users.
• Management of the opening hours of the Swimming facilities to suit Camp users and to facilitate fee collection.
11 As prefaced in this PoM (see 9.2), a constraint to growth and improved cash flow on this Showground will be a limitation to space to cater for increased usage, in particular that associated with vehicular parking. This PoM recommends that this constraint should be satisfactorily addressed through land acquisition.
Council may also increase activity at the site for larger groups by having proforma applications available for event organisers to submit single event applications.
Although this Showground already performs strongly in this regard, there is a growing market in city- based communities who are prepared to travel to enjoy “the bush” and all it has to offer recreationally and socially and those that typify rural Australia. The “three-hour travel window” from the main centres of population (Sydney, Newcastle areas) places Stroud in a strong strategic position to develop this market.
The Showground’s capacity to grow that market will be, as noted above, dependent on its area and infrastructure. However, the upgrading proposed, the heritage nature of Stroud and the picturesque venue may make the Showground a good site for the festival growth industry (art, food, historical, music or even Shakespeare medieval festivals). Capturing the attention of visitors already coming to Stroudinto the Showground to generate awareness of facilities will likely assist.
The Showground site might take advantage of its heritage nature and that of its surrounds. Reversion to its historic name of “Stroud Park”12 may assist.
12 The name Stroud Park also relates to the original Trustees of the site noting that Council acquired the site from The Trustees of Stroud Park and the Common Trust.
The figures below show a sign depicting the Stroud Heritage Walk. The walk does not include the north Stroud Gate nor the Memorial Grandstand. The figure below shows an example of how an extension of the walk could look which included the Lions Memorial Park (9) and the Memorial Grandstand (10).
This section includes actions from other Council strategies that directly impact the Showgrounds, as well as performance actions. The performance measures table sets out a number of actions required to implement the identified Management Strategies and Performance Targets within the Showground. These actions are the means of achieving the objectives of the PoM.
A clear indication of how the completion of the aims will be assessed is also provided in the Table under Performance Evaluation.
The Action Plan table describes the objectives of the action plan, how they will be achieved, the actual action to be undertaken and the desired results in the form of performance evaluations for each action.
To encourage, promote and facilitate recreational pursuits in the community involving organised and informal sporting activities and games.
Complete works in accordance with approved Operational Plans.
Capitalise on good relationships with district sporting bodies currently using the sportsground, and on opportunities with outside bodies, ensuring greater use of the sportsground.
Continue to maintain the oval surfaces and associated infrastructure in accordance with appropriate agronomic practices and standards.
• Dismantle existing cricket practice nets next to main grandstand, and construct new nets, north of tennis court area.
• Consider constructing multisport facilities where possible.
• Continue to effectively administer Council’s seasonal policy of park occupation (MidCoast Council Terms & Conditions for use of Recreational Spaces Procedure 2016) with users of the site’s sportsground.
• Ensure appropriate management of playing surfaces on all vegetated sportsgrounds (excludes rodeo arena, responsibility of primary user) including mowing at suitable time intervals.
• Sportsground enjoys increase in usage by catchment area residents and beyond.
• Sportsground is used to capacity for organised sporting events.
• Grounds are managed in accordance with prescribed Council standards.
• Where possible, sportsground is catering for emerging trends and needs in organised sports.
• All feedback from user groups/sporting bodies to SSMC and Council is positive.
• Ensure adherence to the maintenance schedule for the heritage listed grandstand.
• Encourage a positive relationship with the SSMC and users through the establishment of clear expectations, and communications.
• Establish appropriate tenure and usage arrangements for existing and new users, at recommended/appropriate rent and hire fees. (Offer tenure to Stroud Rodeo Committee, and Stroud Show and Horticultural Committee as prime users of the Showground.)
• Encourage sporting clubs and organisations to actively participate in the maintenance of the facilities they use, as per agreement.
• Where necessary, develop guidelines to clarify and strengthen the requirement for sporting clubs to maintain orderly and tidy surrounds at all times.
• Maintain sporting field surfaces using sound principles of fertiliser use, aeration and topdressing as required.
• Maintain oval fences.
• Ensure bins are provided and routinely removed.
• Ensure that the requirements of any lease or usage agreement are met.
To ensure that such activities are managed having regard to any adverse impact on nearby residences.
• Build and maintain good rapport with neighbourhood.
• SSMC to proactively attract new activities and sports to the Sportsground by promoting the facility through Council papers and media.
• Regular inspections by Council officers.
• Signage in accordance with Council’s signage policy.
• Collate and assess all complaints from neighbours concerning traffic, noise from events, crowd behaviour etc. and respond accordingly.
• Council to communicate with residential areas immediately close by, on a needs basis, especially regarding major events.
• Regular inspections by Council officers.
Numbers of positive responses and complaints from sporting bodies, and residents.
To promote, encourage and provide for the use of the land, and to provide facilities on the land, to meet the current and future needs of the local community and of the wider public:
• in relation to public recreation and the physical, cultural and intellectual welfare or development of individual members of the public.
• in relation to purposes for which a lease, licence or other estate may be granted in respect of the land.
• Manage existing assets into the future through appropriate assessment and planning.
• Complete necessary works in accordance with approved Operational Plans.
• Enable and promote free and unconstrained access to casual users of the area categorised General Community Use.
• Build on relationships with existing and new users of the various facilities in order to draw more people to the area categorised General Community Use both as casual and paying users.
• Construct new pavilion near administration complex.
• Dismantle existing amenities blocks (male, female) and construct new facility adequate for use as change rooms for sporting teams.
• Construct nose-in parking area inside western boundary near new sporting fields.
• Address additional infrastructure needs to service camper area (power boxes).
• Install improved electricity power distribution system for entire site.
• Expand existing skate park facility.
• Construct suitable entrance area featuring descriptive signage.
• Maintain the structures and open spaces on the Showground in accordance with Council’s Asset Management Plan to measured targets within available resources.
• Implement a safety audit of the site and repair or replace any areas that may impact on public safety.
• All new and maintenance works are completed in accordance with works plans.
• General Community Use area has attracted new commercial users.
• Community enjoying unfettered access for casual use of new recreational facilities.
• Primary and other users are content with tenuring arrangements and business
• plan is working well with all, including clarity and communication.
• Grounds are kept tidy and orderly.
• All feedback from Showground users to SSMC and Council is positive.
• MidCoast Council Terms and Conditions policy effective.
• All tenures operating satisfactorily.
• Encourage community groupsto assist with maintenance of whole of site, particularly through appropriate signage.
• Ensure appropriate slashing/mowing of all grounds in the General Community Use area.
• Ensure the efficient and conservative use of water, pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers across the Showground, where required.
• Ensure regular collection of rubbish, and elevate compliance activities against illegal dumping of rubbish.
• Council officers to continue monitoring for issues of compliance and general Showground state.
• Maintain existing drainage systems across the Showground to minimise impact of flooding and waterlogging.
• Install flood warning system particularly around appropriate signage and telemetry with trigger point.
• Survey eastern boundary of Showground
• Undertake a safety review for the Showground.
• Erect signage in accordance with Schedule 1 SEPP 64 and approved by Council.
• Implement proposed management structure and communications strategy.
• Actively promote the recognition of significant contribution to the Showground and the Town from the whole of the community focusing on the contribution of women and minority groups.
• Manage the Camping area in accordance with the approval under Section 68 of the Local Government Act.
• Locate an appropriate place, either onsite or offsite, for a RV dump facility.
• Upgrade current Camping approval to maximise the Camping capacity for the Showground.
• Work with the Stroud Historical Society to include the Showground as part of the Stroud Heritage walk.
• Consider reversion of the Showground to its previous name as “Stroud Park”.
• Establish appropriate tenure arrangements for existing and new users, at recommended/appropriate rent and hire fees.
• Continue to effectively administer Council’s policy of park occupation (MidCoast Council Terms & Conditions for use of Recreational Spaces Procedure 2016) with users of the Showground’s General Community Use areas.
• Implement additional infrastructure (eg power, amenities) to allow camping/caravan area to operate to capacity.
• Encourage a positive relationship with the SSMC and Primary Users and the establishment of clear communications and expectations.
• Continue to monitor the condition of structures on the Showground and ensure effective maintenance procedures are in place through tenure conditions and Section 355 committee (SSMC) maintenance responsibilities.
• Continue to implement Council’s Community Markets Policy.
• Explore options for land acquisition adjoining the Showground boundaries, to elevate capacity of the Showground during periods of high usage, in particular, parking of vehicles and traffic control.
To manage watercourses so as to protect the biodiversity and ecological values of the instream environment, particularly in relation to water quality and water flows.
Manage the watercourse for the maintenance and improvement of environmentally sensitive values.
• Undertake an effective targeted weed control program to ensure survival of key native vegetation, in accordance with legislative responsibilities, prioritise responsibilities for invasive environmental weeds classified noxious (eg Privet).
• Develop a Tree Management Plan for the Watercourse area, (also considering other lands at Stroud Showground), aimed at creating and/or enhancing environmental values including habitat.
• Ensure runoff from Showground via open drains is of acceptable quality to watercourse ecology including management of major spill events.
• Adequately consider any proposed development near or on near the watercourse, ensuring the objectives of watercourse management are not compromised.
• Regular inspections and monitoring by Council officers.
• Develop a Tree Management Plan for the Watercourse area, (also considering other lands at Stroud Showground) aimed at creating and/or enhancing riparian values and bank stability.
• Ensure implementation of an effective program to eradicate invasive plant species in riparian
• Tree management plan developed and implemented
• Effective liaison with other key agencies on all issues of management, particularly those requiring consent.
• Waterway clean of rubbish.
• Weed control undertaken effectively and responsibly.
To manage watercourses so as to protect the riparian environment, particularly in relation to riparian vegetation and habitat and bank stability.
Ensure no decline in Mill Creek environmental qualities (creek and bank) due to intensive activities within the adjoining Showground.
area, in particular, Privet, to enhance native species and habitat values.
• Control/direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic to avoid environmental pressures.
• Develop a Tree Management Plan for the Watercourse area, (also considering other lands at Stroud Showground) aimed at creating and/or enhancing riparian values and bank stability.
• Ensure implementation of an effective program to eradicate invasive plant species in riparian area, in particular, Privet, to enhance native species and habitat values.
• Control/direct pedestrian and vehicular traffic to avoid environmental pressures.
• Tree management plan developed and implemented
• Weed control undertaken effectively and responsibly.
To promote community education and community access to and use of the watercourse, without compromising the other objectives of the category.
To restore degraded watercourses.
Build the community into the aims and ongoing management of the watercourse, and support its capacity to “own and share” all outcomes.
• Encourage community involvement in care and improvement of the Mill Creek riparian zone (Landcare, schools, etc).
• Adopt a program of limited and controlled access, using appropriate signage.
Not directly applicable to this PoM as the creek is outside boundary. However, management of the riparian zone within the Showground, addressed in separate management objective areas here, will impact positively on the creek and water body.
• Good community participation, positive progress towards achieving plan outcomes, condition and values improving.
Council approval is required prior to any development or improvement made to Community Land.
All major developments and improvements to be funded (solely or partially) by Council will be subject to Council approval.
Council will encourage community assistance in the development of new facilities as well as maintenance of existing facilities through the co-operation and assistance of local groups.
Council’s new planning documents contain action plans for specific infrastructure. Projects that have been identified for Stroud Showgrounds, across all the strategies are listed below, including their respective documents.
MidCoast Playspace Strategy Playspace Replace the playspace in Kevin Frances with a Local facility
MidCoast Skatepark Strategy
Short (1-3 years)
Skatepark No action required N/A
MidCoast Outdoor Sports Court Strategy Tennis courts Upgrade synthetic surface Medium (4-8 years)
This facility will complement the District level facility at Allan Park.
This is a District level facility that is meeting the current and future projected needs of the community.
The surface of the courts will need to be replaced in the 4–8-year period. Consider conversion of a number of the courts to hardcourt to provide opportunities for other court-based sports, including pickleball.
MidCoast Outdoor Sports Court Strategy Half court No action required N/A
MidCoast Sports Lighting Plan Main Arena Remove wooden poles and install 4 x new. Install new LED luminaries to 100lux
Short (1-3 years)
All wooden poles at sports facilities are to be replaced over the lifecycle of the Plan.
N/A Carparking Construct nose-in parking area inside western boundary near new sporting fields
N/A Power Install improved electricity power distribution system for entire site.
N/A Entry Construct suitable entrance area featuring descriptive signage.
N/A Site survey Commission survey to accurately and formally locate Showground’s eastern boundary.13
N/A Overall site Install an appropriate flood warning system based on telemetry, especially pertinent to those that may casually occupy the site.
Short (1-3 years)
Short (1-3 years) A number of power outlets are not fit for purpose.
Medium (4-8 years)
Medium (4-8 years)
Medium (4-8 years)
13 It is suggested that this survey is conducted in conjunction with the formalisation and gazettal of the public road, Mill Brook Road, under The Roads Act 1993
Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/
Community Land Management Plan 2012: Great Lakes Council.
Department of Local Government 2000: Practice Note No.1, Public Land Management, Amended May 2000.
Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW), 5 May 1925. Dungog Chronicle: Durham and Gloucester Advertiser (NSW), 26 January 1926.
Espade; Office of Environment and Heritage: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/eSpadeWebapp//
Local Environmental Plan 2014: Great Lakes Council.
Local Government Act, 1993: Amended by the Local Government (Community Land Amendment) Act 1998. NSW Government: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/
National Partnership Agreement on Coal Seam Gas and Large Coal Mining Development 2014: Context Statement for the Gloucester Bioregion, Australian Government Bioregional Assessment Program
Recreation and Open Space Strategy 2006: Great Lakes Council.
Terms and Conditions for Use of Recreational Spaces 2016: MidCoast Council.
Weed Control Order 2014: Noxious Weeds Act 1993: http://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/
36E Core objectives for management of community land categorised as a natural area
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a natural area are:
(a) to conserve biodiversity and maintain ecosystem function in respect of the land, or the feature or habitat in respect of which the land is categorised as a natural area, and
(b) to maintain the land, or that feature or habitat, in its natural state and setting, and
(c) to provide for the restoration and regeneration of the land, and
(d) to provide for community use of and access to the land in such a manner as will minimise and mitigate any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and
(e) to assist in and facilitate the implementation of any provisions restricting the use and management of the land that are set out in a recovery plan or threat abatement plan prepared under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 or the Fisheries Management Act 1994.
36F Core objectives for management of community land categorised as a sportsground
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a sportsground are:
(a) to encourage, promote and facilitate recreational pursuits in the community involving organised and informal sporting activities and games, and
(b) to ensure that such activities are managed having regard to any adverse impact on nearby residences.
36G Core objectives for management of community land categorised as a park
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a park are:
(a) to encourage, promote and facilitate recreational, cultural, social and educational pastimes and activities, and
(b) to provide for passive recreational activities or pastimes and for the casual playing of games, and
(c) to improve the land in such a way as to promote and facilitate its use to achieve the other core objectives for its management.
36H Core objectives for management of community land categorised as an area of cultural significance
(1) The core objectives for management of community land categorised as an area of cultural significance are to retain and enhance the cultural significance of the area (namely its Aboriginal, aesthetic, archaeological, historical, technical or research or social significance) for past, present or future generations by the active use of conservation methods.
(2) Those conservation methods may include any or all of the following methods:
(a) the continuous protective care and maintenance of the physical material of the land or of the context and setting of the area of cultural significance.
(b) the restoration of the land, that is, the returning of the existing physical material of the land to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new material.
(c) the reconstruction of the land, that is, the returning of the land as nearly as possible to a known earlier state.
(d) the adaptive reuse of the land, that is, the enhancement or reinforcement of the cultural significance of the land by the introduction of sympathetic alterations or additions to allow compatible uses (that is, uses that involve no changes to the cultural significance of the physical material of the area, or uses that involve changes that are substantially reversible or changes that require a minimum impact).
(e) the preservation of the land, that is, the maintenance of the physical material of the land in its existing state and the retardation of deterioration of the land.
(3) A reference in subsection (2) to land includes a reference to any buildings erected on the land.
36I Core objectives for management of community land categorised as general community use
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as general community use are to promote, encourage and provide for the use of the land, and to provide facilities on the land, to meet the current and future needs of the local community and of the wider public:
(a) in relation to public recreation and the physical, cultural, social and intellectual welfare or development of individual members of the public, and
(b) in relation to purposes for which a lease, licence or other estate may be granted in respect of the land (other than the provision of public utilities and works associated with or ancillary to public utilities).
36J Core objectives for management of community land categorised as bushland
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as bushland are:
(a) to ensure the ongoing ecological viability of the land by protecting the ecological biodiversity and habitat values of the land, the flora and fauna (including invertebrates, fungi and microorganisms) of the land and other ecological values of the land, and
(b) to protect the aesthetic, heritage, recreational, educational and scientific values of the land, and
(c) to promote the management of the land in a manner that protects and enhances the values and quality of the land and facilitates public enjoyment of the land, and to implement measures directed to minimising or mitigating any disturbance caused by human intrusion, and
(d) to restore degraded bushland, and
(e) to protect existing landforms such as natural drainage lines, watercourses and foreshores, and
(f) to retain bushland in parcels of a size and configuration that will enable the existing plant and animal communities to survive in the long term, and
(g) to protect bushland as a natural stabiliser of the soil surface.
36K Core objectives for management of community land categorised as wetland
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as wetland are:
(a) to protect the biodiversity and ecological values of wetlands, with particular reference to their hydrological environment (including water quality and water flow), and to the flora, fauna and habitat values of the wetlands, and to restore and regenerate degraded wetlands, and
(b) to facilitate community education in relation to wetlands, and the community use of wetlands, without compromising the ecological values of wetlands.
36L Core objectives for management of community land categorised as an escarpment
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as an escarpment are:
(a) to protect any important geological, geomorphological or scenic features of the escarpment, and
(b) to facilitate safe community use and enjoyment of the escarpment.
36M Core objectives for management of community land categorised as a watercourse
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as a watercourse are:
(a) to manage watercourses so as to protect the biodiversity and ecological values of the instream environment, particularly in relation to water quality and water flows, and
(b) to manage watercourses so as to protect the riparian environment, particularly in relation to riparian vegetation and habitats and bank stability, and
(c) to restore degraded watercourses, and
(d) to promote community education, and community access to and use of the watercourse, without compromising the other core objectives of the category.
36N Core objectives for management of community land categorised as foreshore
The core objectives for management of community land categorised as foreshore are:
(a) to maintain the foreshore as a transition area between the aquatic and the terrestrial environment, and to protect and enhance all functions associated with the foreshore’s role as a transition area, and
(b) to facilitate the ecologically sustainable use of the foreshore, and to mitigate impact on the foreshore by community use.
A lease is generally required where exclusive control of all or part of an area by a party is proposed or desirable in the interests of the management of the area. A licence is generally required where intermittent or short- term occupation or control of an area is proposed. A number of licences may apply at the same time provided there is no conflict of interest.
The granting of leases and licences can occur for the use of Sportsgrounds (including playing fields, courts, clubrooms, change rooms, storage space and canteens). This PoM expressly authorises the following, subject to the core objectives of the LGA:
• Seasonal licences for competitive events.
• Licences for schools to use exclusively on weekends.
• Licences for the casual hire of sportsgrounds for sporting and community events including organised fetes, festivals, fairs, circuses, charity events, movies, musicals, community singing events, parades and performances, and may include stall holders engaged in trade.
• Licences for small scale private sector events such as markets, promotional events, parties, large group picnics, family reunions, weddings, filming and photography.
• Licences for periodic exclusive use, where a sports association has committed capital contribution to the facility.
• Although the granting of liquor licences is subject to other approvals, this PoM expressly allows Council to give permission as landowner for liquor licences subject to other approvals.
• Lease for the use of a radio transmission tower, including associated infrastructure for use by telco companies and amateur radio clubs.
• Lease/licence or other estate may be granted for the purpose as carbon sinks and the accounting of carbon for the purposes of carbon trading.
The granting of leases/licences for the use of areas categorised as General Community Use include such facilities as community centres and halls, kindergarten buildings, clubrooms and part or all of other Council owned facilities. This PoM expressly authorises the following, subject to the core objectives of the LGA:
• Annual licences or hiring agreements with regular user groups of community centres and halls for, but not limited to, various forms of recreational classes and community group meetings (eg dancing, martial arts, aerobics, arts, church groups, sports clubs, charity groups, community service clubs, neighbourhood centres, scouts/guides.
• Casual hiring of community centres and halls (when not in use by regular hirers) for the above purposes and small scale private sector events including but not limited to markets, promotional events, social functions, parties, reunions, weddings, filming and photography.
• Leases giving exclusive use, where a community organisation has committed capital contribution to the facility, undertakes full maintenance responsibilities and/or requires exclusivity due to its type of use eg kindergarten, woodworking shed, community health/medical services, etc., but not limited to various forms of recreational classes, educational classes and community group meetings.
• Although the granting of liquor licences is subject to other approvals, this PoM expressly allows Council to give permission as landowner for liquor licences subject to other approvals.
• Leases for the use of a radio transmission tower, including associated infrastructure for use by telco companies and amateur radio clubs.
• Lease/licence or other estate may be granted for the purpose as carbon sinks and the accounting of carbon for the purposes of carbon trading.
The LGA imposes restrictions on the ability of Council to grant leases, licences or other estates over community land categorised as Natural Area. Council may only grant a lease, licence or other estate if it is authorised under this PoM. The purpose is consistent with the core objectives of the land category and the lease/licence is for a purpose specified in Section 47B of the LGA:
• only in the use or erection of those buildings or structures listed below:
o Walkways
o Pathways
o Bridges
o Causeways
o ObservationPlatforms
o Signs, or
• to authorise the erection and use of those buildings or structures for the following;
o Information kiosks
o Refreshment kiosks
o Work sheds/storage sheds required in connection with the maintenance of the land, toilets or rest rooms.
The Local Government (general) Regulation 2005 provides a number of uses for which Council can grant a short-term casual licence on Council’s community land where there is no erection of a permanent building or structure:
Casual and Short-term leases and licences
• The playing of musical instruments, or singing, for a fee or reward
• Engaging in a trade or business
• The playing of a lawful game or sport
• Delivering a public address
• Commercial photographic sessions
• Picnics and private celebrations such as weddings and family gatherings
• Filming for cinema or television, and
• The agistment of stock.
Fees may apply for some casual and short-term licences. Fees are detailed in Council’s annual fees and charges.
Activities on Community Land which require Approval from Council
Section 68 of the LGA requires that a person obtain prior approval from Council to carry out the following activities on Community land:
Authorised activities on Community Land
• Engage in a trade or business
• Direct or procure a theatrical, musical or other entertainment for the public
• Construct a temporary enclosure for the purpose of entertainment
• For a fee or reward, play a musical instrument or sing
• Set up, operate or use a loudspeaker or sound amplifying device
• Deliver a public address or hold a religious service or public meeting.
Approval to undertake such activities is currently managed through the Special Event Application process or Commercial Use of Reserve Policy.