Heads Up SPRING 2016
INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
Inside this issue Page 3
Message from Director, Andrew Ryan To quote a great author, “Spring is the time of plans and projects”. I don’t think Tolstoy had Infrastructure Services in mind when he penned that but it’s a fitting description of where the department is at. With the success of 2015/16 financial year now behind us, we have launched into our plans for 2016/17 with great enthusiasm. I’d like to recognise the efforts made to get to the stage where there are new projects, or stages of existing projects, ready to commence in July. This is relatively new for the department and we are definitely getting better at it.
Study tour During September I participated in a study tour organised by the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia. The tour visited the United States, Spain and the Netherlands, including the American Public
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Get Ready Page 6
Our forward planning process has greatly improved over recent years and it pays off by being able to hit the ground running at the start of the financial year. The continual ‘rolling’ program of works is seeing the usual slow start to the financial year where designs are being completed, slowly diminish. This means that we are better placed to meet our works targets and are on schedule from the outset. Some of the projects already underway are showcased in this edition, along with what’s been happening across the department.
Bulcock Street Page 10 Currimundi Lake closure Page 13 Stop. Check. Do. Page 15 Training way to go Page 17 Magpie swooping season Page 18 Automated Waste Collection System Page 20 Spring into Spring 2016
Works Congress and Exhibition in Minneapolis and visits to local councils and organisations in Minneapolis, Madrid, and Rotterdam/Amsterdam. The theme of the tour was ‘Best Practice and Innovation in Public Works’ and whilst I certainly saw and heard of some of the best
practice and innovative initiatives, I believe that our operations here are amongst the best – especially in the field of asset management. It was a pleasure to be able to talk highly of the work that we do at council and share our experiences with our counterparts overseas.
Message from Director, Andrew Ryan Continued from page 1
Spring into Spring And we’re off to a great start this spring! Our annual Spring into Spring BBQ’s at a variety of locations were a great success and gave the CEO with myself and the rest of the Executive Leadership Team the opportunity to meet a lot of staff across the organisation. Our Mayor attended some of the BBQ’s and thoroughly enjoyed chatting with staff – even if he did hold up the burger line! I hope you made your way to one of the BBQ’s and made the most of the food, music and catching up with your colleagues.
IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) Why have document control? Document control saves time, money and duplication but how do you know if: • you have the latest version of a document? • someone has changed a document? Document control is the answer and IQMS provides a solution for Infrastructure Services. For all queries relating to the IQMS contact IS Quality Systems Officer, Sharnie Morton.
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Organisation Climate Survey The results of council’s bi-ennial Organisational Climate Survey are being rolled out to all staff and I encourage you to recognise where you and your team/s are doing well and also to have a say on how improvements can be made. The survey results will be on the agenda at team, unit and branch meetings so you will have the opportunity to review results at branch and organisational levels, see the benchmarked results and have your say. From the input received at these meetings, branch managers will be developing action plans to implement improvements. Even if you didn’t participate in the survey, you can still have input into this part of the process and contribute your thoughts and ideas.
Get Ready Disaster Management staff have been busy spreading the word in local schools to ‘Get Ready’. The aim of the initiative is to equip students with knowledge and tools to provide assistance to their own families and communities in planning and preparing for disasters and emergencies which affect our region. Sessions focus on: • introducing students to the concept of disaster management and creating awareness of the types of disasters/emergencies that may affect them on the Sunshine Coast • importance of planning and preparation for disasters with the focus on the ‘Get Ready Queensland’ campaign • creating an understanding of the role of the Local Disaster Management Group and council in disaster management, as well as the tools which are available to assist the public before, during and after events.
Coming up soon is ‘Get Ready’ week, 10-16 October which is being officially launched by the Mayor on 12 October at the new SES Depot for Nambour Group at the old Woombye Works Depot. RACQ Get Ready Week and RACQ Get Ready Day celebrate the resilient nature of Queenslanders. No matter what gets thrown at us, we bounce back. It highlights the importance of resilience by asking communities to conduct preparedness activities around the home, business, or sit down with the family and update your [WHAT-IF] plan.
Resilient Australia Awards Some great news for our Disaster Management Team and ICTS Services – taking out the State Winner Award in the Government Category for the Get Ready Queensland – Resilient Australia Awards 2016. We now go on to represent Queensland in Canberra at the 2016 Resilient Australia Awards later this year. It’s another great achievement, with the key message that we are innovative leaders in Australian Government in building a disaster resilient and sustainable region. On to Canberra now to take out the National Award!
Heads Up / Spring 2016 / Page 3
U-matter safety award
Asbestos removal Dale Wegert, (Parks and Gardens Worker/Operator) discovered asbestos fibro pieces scattered on the turf in a Sunshine Coast Council park at Cooinda Crescent Maroochydore. Dale put an exclusion zone around the contaminant which was approximately 10m x 10m and contacted his Supervisor Tom Sullivan. In accordance with Parks and Gardens Asbestos procedure, Tom contacted Brendan Day (Parks and Gardens Field Leader) who is trained in removing small amounts of asbestos material. Brendan arrived promptly and removed the material and made the area safe for public use. To claim your U Matter award please contact Tamara Riseley on 07 5420 8780.
Spotter award
Spotted in Caloundra Street, Landsborough If this is you in the picture, you were spotted mulching the garden beds in Landsborough. Please call Tamara Riseley on 07 5420 8780 to claim your Spotters Award.
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Project Delivery update
A note from your Branch Manager some key projects – PMO is alive, well and kicking! Tom Jamieson, Branch Manager, Project Delivery
Spring is here and thanks to all involved for a very positive start to the delivery of the 2016/17 Capital Works Program. With over a thousand projects to deliver, we have our hands full. I’d particularly like to welcome all the new members to the branch, you join at an exciting time - lots of growth and project opportunities. Running alongside the delivery, are
We now get live, real true information on the entire Capital Program, integrated with T1, a live line of sight for council, thank you to everyone for getting stuck in and bringing the PMO online. In Asset Management, Chris and the guys are shortly to go to market for a new council wide Asset Management System, an awesome project with tight deadlines, but a challenge I know we can deliver on. The Smart Cities Implementation Plan goes shortly to council and
will act as a schedule for the next three years. A far reaching plan for delivery of the Smart City Framework, it gives a structure for all of council to be engaged with. A structure which has three distinctive tasks, firstly a strategy and future direction setting function, secondly a test and trial area to safely trail solutions and thirdly the implementation of agreed and tested solutions. This is just a snapshot of the work undertaken by the branch. Thanks to all for making it happen and keep safe! Tom.
Latest stage of Buderim Village Park upgrade now complete The new infrastructure includes custom cantilevered shelters, viewing terraces, more barbeques, landscaped gardens and pathways and custom coffee tables. These tables display interesting heritage elements under a glass top, which were uncovered in the early stages of earthworks. Custom lighting illuminates the seating, tables and bollards and
meandering pathways allow greater access through this iconic park. Soft landscaping presents unique plants and makes great use of the space, with plenty of room to sit and relax. But the architecture is the real feature in this stage of works. A soft palette with strong emphasis on the vista maximises the striking views all the way to the coast. This project
succeeds in creating a tranquil environment to meet friends, picnic or simply to find peace and disconnect from your daily grind. The upgrade is part of the Buderim Village Park endorsed Landscape Plan 2015 which was based on the community’s vision and recommendations.
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Project Delivery update continued
What’s coming to Bulcock Street – it’s you
Bulcock Street Caloundra the region’s first ‘Smart Street’ Free public WiFi. Rubbish bins that sense when they need emptying. Smart phone technology which alerts motorists of available car parks. Irrigation systems that save water by connecting to weather forecasts. Data which helps businesses to better understand customer behaviour. To support these smart solutions, council’s own communications network has been designed and is being built into the street. Combined with purpose built electrical and smart poles, this location is uniquely placed to become Australia’s first full system urban testing and demonstration facility. In a few weeks the SCC
App will be updated with a beacon driven Smart City walking tour. By using information and communications technology to connect people, processes, data and things, we are able to improve quality of life, stimulate economic growth and ensure environmental sustainability throughout our region. This is a key foundation element of the three year Smart City Implementation Program. To learn more about what is happening on Bulcock Street or for Smart Cities around Caloundra, pop into the Smart Centre, located at 63 Bulcock Street and open from Tuesday to Friday from 9am to 4pm (these hours will be reviewed periodically).
Many of you are aware that the construction of a vibrant new heart for the Caloundra CBD is underway. The streetscape is one of council’s biggest current infrastructure projects and builds on the area’s character, enhances the look and experience of this much loved street, improves safety and access, and provides a drawcard to maintain a vibrant Caloundra economy. The design totally reshapes the roadway and footpaths, introduces new street furniture, more trees and plants, directional signage, new street lights and public art including a region-first, bespoke smart-tech lighting canopy. The underground and out of sight, yet critical public utility mains water and stormwater networks are also being upgraded. The project team is working hard to have this $5 million streetscape upgrade completed before the Christmas school holidays. Businesses are open as usual during the construction period but need you and the local community to support our local retailers. Do yourself a favour, grab a morning coffee or lunch from the businesses or do some early Christmas shopping as every purchase will help support our local businesses during construction.
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Sunshine Coast Solar Farm Construction has accelerated on the 15 megawatt (MW) Sunshine Coast Solar Farm at Valdora, due for completion in mid-2017. Downer (the Principal Contractor) has already installed over 3000 screw piles out of a total 15,256 required. Test solar panels have also arrived and Downer, through the use of locally fabricated tables/ lifting jigs, are preparing for the pending bulk install of over 57,000 panels. The works also include support structures, inverter stations, control room, medium voltage reticulation and intersection/road infrastructure. Upon completion of the Solar Farm, council will become Australia’s first local government to offset 100 per cent of its electricity consumption across all its facilities and operations from green energy. Debbie Spann is council’s Project Manager on this region making, once in a generation investment, with Rod Howell as Project Inspector.
Salinity monitors sense way for council to save money Military Jetty: an existing storm tide gauge has been used with permission from State Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation.
Pelican Waters: The sensor was attached to the fencing around the lock.
At Pelican Waters navigational lock and adjacent Military Jetty on Pumicestone Passage, we are demonstrating that real time digital monitoring of salinity in the canal system can replace the need for manual testing 3 times a week. Currently there is a budget for around $30,000 per year for this testing and management of the water. When fully implemented we will free up those resources, and save (after costs) approx. $15,000 per annum. Add to that the saving of using off peak pumping and council will save a further $1500 per year. Another benefit is the availability of real time monitoring that will become valuable long term knowledge of salinity levels and awareness of
other potential projects that can improve our operational budgets and maintain or improve our service levels at the same time. The Smart City team would like to acknowledge: • Gavin Leese and Joel Bradshaw of Coastal and Canals, for installing and commissioning the two water sensors. • Shane Morgan, Neil Stoodley and Ken Jones of ICTS Smart City Technical Team who co-ordinated the supply and configuration of sensors, management platform and data. • Ken Jones for providing data and Gavin Leese for providing images for this update.
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Civil Asset Management update
A note from your Acting Branch Manager
Tim Letchford, Acting Branch Manager, Civil Asset Management
The CEO’s and councillors’ theme from a recent workshop for the organisation ‘working as one team’, sits well with Civil Asset Management branch. CAM is a large branch, responsible for approximately $2B worth of infrastructure and is involved in a wide spectrum of activities from asset planning through asset construction and subsequently asset maintenance and renewal. As such, it is very pleasing to see CAM staff working with many other branches in council to achieve success. Construction Services team has
Boys and their toys!
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reviewed expenditure of $28M for the last financial year. The breakdown shows that over 80% was expended on materials, external plant hire and contractors using approximately 550 suppliers of goods and services. This highlights that the team is focused on best value and is also supporting local business and industry with 75% being local. Business Development and Asset Strategy teams have worked closely with Maintenance Delivery, the Image Flat Quarry and Procurement teams to deliver the 2015/16 Road Reseal and Rehabilitation Program and continues to do so for 2016/17 with the awarding of a new Asphalt and Bitumen Sealing Works Contract as well as a Roadside Vegetation (Slashing) Contract. Both have required a huge team effort to tick
Recently, Rob Rixon from Fleet Branch approached John Pallett to arrange a grader head to head test run. A suitable location was found on Glasshouse-Woodford Road where there is 4 km of road that was closed to traffic for the day to test these machines on. CAM Maintenance Grader operators – Les Fisher, Steve Venning and Daryl Oliver took the controls of these machines for the trial. The machines to be evaluated
all the boxes and drive best value to serve outcomes. Lastly, CAM branch`s largest team (147 staff) Maintenance Delivery, is about to embark on a new delivery model to drive efficiencies, uniformity of service and provide single point contact. Under Coordinator Mark Hayes’s and his three Service Delivery Leaders, Maintenance Services will be covering region wide functions instead of depot based with John Pallet looking after Sealed roads and Gravel Roads, Mark Condon Drainage, Bridges and Boardwalks, Vegetation and Precincts and Drew Geppert - Pathways, Kerb and Channel and Roadside Assets. These new teams will now work as one for the specific services they deliver with the realignment to kick off from 1 November.
were John Deere, Case, Komatsu and Caterpillar. It became very evident the various capabilities of each of these machines when they were following each other doing the same activity. Operators compared and evaluated each machine, simulating the day to day activities these machines will be required but we think it was possibly more about boys and their toys!
Mudjimba Holiday Park extension Construction Delivery have teamed up with the Holiday Parks Team and Project Delivery Branch to deliver the $1.3M Mudjimba Holiday Park extension works. The Holiday Park works are to the south of the existing facility and will create an approx. 50 additional camp/caravan sites.
The area was historically used as a stockpile area as well as for treatment of acid sulphate soils. Works commenced in April 2016 utilising Paul Mckillop’s crew under the Supervision of Rob Davis and Paul Willett. Project is on target to be completed early October in time for the peak summer holiday period.
Asset Strategy – the hard asset custodians! The Asset Strategy team as hard asset doctors, work not only closely within CAM branch, but also across the department and council. To achieve outcomes acceptable to all firstly cooperation is needed where egos are left at the door and information is shared and decisions made based on shared goals namely best value lowest whole of life cost outcomes. This leads, through regular meetings such as design review, to better planning and coordination to ensure more complex issues are properly dealt with to achieve the right results. Lastly, collaboration through shared commitment and goals creates a synergy delivering results greater than could have been accomplished by individual teams. The need to manage an ever increasing portfolio of assets and associated financial constraint pressures has led the Asset Strategy team to secure a realigned position of Asset Quality Engineer. This role is focused on securing better whole of life outcomes for these assets. Simon Prytherick from the UK (Aussie for 8 years) has recently joined the team in this role and has broad engineering experience from both private and public sectors. Simon will be working with civil and landscape designers, project managers, constructors and maintenance staff within IS as well as the Development Assessment area of Planning and Environment Department to pursue quality outcomes for key infrastructure. Please don’t hesitate to contact Simon for advice and/or assistance.
Maintenance Delivery Realignment To ensure our Maintenance Delivery team is set up to meet current and future workforce and community needs, our service delivery model will be transitioned to a contemporary centralised/ functional services model from 1 November. Transition to this new model will meet industry best practice standards already being used in other local government authorities. The benefits to the community and our customers are plentiful, the main stay being ease of business for our customers, as they will have one contact point for a functional service request anywhere across the region. The new service model will also provide job variety, skill enhancement and team collaboration as it will allow teams to work across a variety of sites across the region experiencing different challenges and locations to enhance their work life experiences. We have commenced team get togethers to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for team members and to also provide an opportunity for developing new friendships across the unit.
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Environmental Operations update
A note from your Branch manager
Chris Allan, Branch Manager, Environmental Operations
Environmental Operations started the new financial year as they mean to go on – busy, committed and focused. We’ve hit the ground running and have already enjoyed a large number of achievements this quarter, the most notable follow.
Currimundi Lake Closure
National Tree Day
On 1 September, our Coastal team effected the closure of Currimundi Lake from the ocean by pushing sand into the lake entrance to block off the water. The lake will remain closed at its high tide level for six weeks to drown the biting midge larvae, with a view to ultimately reducing the amount of hatching adult midges as summer approaches. These works will assist Community Services with their efforts to control the biting midge population which historically can be severe at this location. Our thanks to all who were involved with the successful and safe closure of the lake.
Our Community Nature Conservation unit within the CCP team are to be congratulated for organising another successful National Tree Day on Sunday 31 July. Assisted by colleagues from our Natural Areas Team, our dedicated officers worked alongside 176 volunteers and collectively dug-in and planted 2800 trees at our Little Mountain and Twin Waters sites. This year’s theme of Grow More – Just Add Nature aimed to highlight the importance of nature for a healthy environment that supports a strong community.
Mountain Bike Trail Network Kurt Martin, Recreation Trail Activation Officer, has been working with the Caloundra Off Road Cycle Association (CORCA) to develop a Memorandum of Understanding that will allow CORCA to partner with council in the management of the trail network at Sugarbag Road. On Saturday 6 August, Chris Allan and Cr Tim Dwyer met CORCA onsite to sign the agreement. It was a great day with c. 30-40 people turning up to complete six different trail care projects. Congratulations to all involved with achieving this outcome, the site is very popular within the community and has a number of unique features that we hope to retain.
Kids in Action conference
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Kids in Action The Kids in Action program continued to build momentum in 2016 with 26 schools participating and challenging the way we think about sustainability in our dayto-day lives. Students presented an array of interactive projects to their peers on a broad range of environmental problems dealing with topics from threatened species to waste management, in an effort to create a more sustainable future for the region. 2016 was a momentous year for council’s Kids in Action initiative in which the program was shortlisted as a finalist in the UNAA World Environment Day awards. This was a great recognition of council and our partners for our active youth engagement. Finally, my thanks to all EO staff for your ongoing commitment and also for your attendance at various internal training sessions occurring recently. These sessions have been very time consumptive and I’m grateful for your efforts to integrate them into your busy workloads.
Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary receives a facelift One of council’s oldest eco-tourism assets is poised to provide an enhanced experience to both locals and visitors of the Sunshine Coast. The Maroochy Wetlands Sanctuary has undergone a facelift over the past 12 months, literally from top to bottom. The process began with the scheduled replacement of the aging timber boardwalk on the bird hide loop, to an upgraded composite fibre structure. The new boardwalk now provides a safer and greatly enhanced experience for visitors to the sanctuary who are wanting to explore life in the wetlands. This has been a seamless process managed by John Markwell, David Groves and the Construction Delivery Team from Infrastructure Services, and whilst you may already be applauding it doesn’t finish there. The facelift also incorporated the refurbishment of the aging displays in the Cane Cutters Education Centre to bring them kicking and screaming into the 21st century. The centre now provides ‘hands on’ learning through a mixture of multimedia activities and interactive displays which highlight the site’s wildlife, natural history and the stories of the events that have shaped the reserve over time.
Bushfire Management Program EO’s Natural Areas Management team have completed this year’s annual planned burn program. Nine burns were completed in total across the region in locations including Peachester, Weyba, Ninderry and Meridan Plains. The most recent burn at Edward Corbould Bushland Reserve West in Meridan Plains was very successful and is expected to provide excellent ecological outcomes. Four council crews undertook the burn and worked into the evening to ensure that the area was left safe until crews returned the following morning to complete the mop up. Rainfall since the burn on 31 August has already triggered ecological processes and the site is becoming greener by the day. The grass trees have responded and many were producing flower spikes only nine days after the burn which is a fantastic outcome.
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Fleet and Quarry Services update
A note from your Branch manager
Kev Jones, Branch Manager, Fleet and Quarry Services
As we move closer to the end of 2016, Fleet and Quarry Services continue to focus on safety and ensuring that we deliver this message to our own branch as well as our customers.
In particular, we have been providing training on the correct method of conducting pre-start inspections. Following engagement with Service Delivery Leaders, this training has been provided to depot and field based staff at toolbox meetings across the region. The training includes what steps to take if a fault is identified, both during a pre-start inspection or operation of an asset. The correct process to report faults to Fleet Assets is to contact Fleet First Response on 07 5459 2727 (Option 2) or email Internet Mailbox Fleet. If you would like to arrange training for your team, please contact Rob Rixon on 0417 005 721. Another topic in our safety focus is the identification, reporting and repair of damage to Fleet assets. This applies to all items from trucks, heavy plant (backhoes, graders, mowers), vehicles (cars, utes) and
Trailer safety chain improvements Fleet have implemented a Trailer Safety Chain Improvement Procedure to improve the safety of towing trailers in the event a trailer becomes dislodged from the towing vehicle. The improvement will see all trailers with an aggregate trailer mass of up to 3500kg be fitted with two safety chains instead of the current single chain. The safety chain system will be installed to the outside of the draw bar in place of the existing single chain currently welded directly to the draw bar. This improvement will be retro-fitted to all existing trailers and become the minimum standard for the construction or purchase of all new trailers. The procedure can be found in the IS Quality Management System (IS-FQS-PRO-483) and queries should be directed to Rob Rixon.
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small plant (blowers, brushcutters). All damage must be reported via Cintellate, council’s electronic Health and Safety Management System. When reporting damage to a Fleet asset, please be sure to select Motor Vehicle and/or Mobile Plant Accident as the Consequence of the Incident. This will ensure that Fleet is notified of the report, can follow up with the user and coordinate the repairs. Contact your Health and Safety Advisor for assistance with Cintellate. Remember the 7 Safety Essentials, in particular number 5 – Check all plant and equipment and be competent in its use.
Stop. Check. Do. Plant and vehicle delivery
Are you confident in conducting a pre-start inspection on your vehicle or item of plant? Do you know what action to take if you identify any faults, warning sounds and lights?
• Before putting the key in the ignition.
STOP
• Before operating plant and vehicles. • If you identify a fault. • If you hear a warning buzzer or see a warning light. • Before you drive or move away from a scene of an incident or accident.
CHECK
Are you aware of your responsibilities when driving/ operating a vehicle or item of plant? Do you know what to do if you observe someone working unsafely? Do you understand your responsibilities if you are involved in or witness an incident or accident involving a vehicle or item of plant?
Have you seen Fleet’s new Plant and Vehicle Safety Sheet?
• Plant/vehicle is safe to use by completing the pre-start inspection log book. • Immediately the reasons behind warning sounds and lights. • Identified faults have been fixed fully before operating again. • The immediate work area is safe.
This sheet provides assistance in answering all of these questions. Contact Fleet on 07 5459 2727 (Option 2) for further assistance.
• Report faults and concerns to FLEET immediately – call 07 5459 2727 (Option 2).
DO
• Record all faults in the pre-start inspection log book. • Report accident and incidents to FLEET immediately – call 07 5459 2727 (Option 2). Only move vehicle and plant if presenting imminent danger to others or advised by emergency services or FLEET. • Inform Supervisor of all faults and incidents.
Fleet competency and training review Did you know it is your responsibility to provide copies of updated licences and qualifications to Workplace Health and Safety? Copies can be emailed to Internet Mailbox Workplace Health and Safety (whs@sunshinecoast.qld. gov.au). On behalf of the Health and Safety Steering Committee, Fleet Services has been undertaking a review of plant and truck competencies. The aim of the
review is to identify the training required for each position with input from each business area. Once the requirements have been identified for the position, training plans are developed to ensure that staff have the necessary qualifications and competencies to fulfil their position requirements.
as aligning them to the current legislative requirements. Civil Asset Management, Parks and Gardens, Sunshine Coast Stadium and Cemetery Services have already been mapped with the balance of the organisation to be finalised by the end of October 2016.
The training records in the CHRIS payroll system have been updated to more accurately reflect the actual qualifications, verification of competencies and inductions required across council as well
All queries relating to licencing and verification of competency should be directed to Daniel McNeill.
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Parks and Gardens update
A note from your Branch manager
Mark Presswell, Branch Manager, Parks and Gardens
Well spring is here and everything is coming to bloom, the harbinger for summer and new and different energies. The tasks for field staff will change now and you all need to prepare. In fact all staff in Parks and Gardens need to embrace the new season and get the winter cobwebs out. Especially those of us who sit down a lot.
This sitting down a lot, is not good for the body or the mind. One way of getting the cobwebs out is by engaging in a fitness, strength and flexibility training program. The fitness passport makes this affordable for all and there are many facilities on the Coast that are available for members. I encourage you all to do this as it is a great way to prevent injury and a great way of giving yourself a spark and gain a strong core. Some people continue to be reinjured in the same areas. A fit body can help prevent re-injury in some cases. The council Arborist Sarah Nunn has put in a par-hellion effort in completing the Street Tree Master Plan. I am extremely impressed with the quality of Sarah’s work and
Petrie Creek Parklands Open Space Master Plan The Landscape and Urban Design team is pleased to announce that the final phase of development of the Petrie Creek Parklands Open Space Master Plan is currently under way after successful completion of the community and internal stakeholder’s consultation in July.
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The community has shown a great deal of support for the proposal and are looking forward to seeing implementation of the plan in the parklands. Some of the hot topic areas for the community were: • development of a fenced dog off leash park
commend the document to you all. Please give it a read and feedback to Sarah your thoughts, comments and ideas. These documents, which are real game changers should have the input of all concerned. Sarah is very keen to get feedback and would greatly appreciate your involvement. Once again I have to say I am very impressed and I do imPresswell (Dad Joke) with the efforts of all in Parks and Gardens. It is apparent that we have a good work ethic and I am very proud of the work being done across the board. So thank you and I will see you soon. Regards, Mark.
• retaining and restoring the green natural look of the parklands • developing safer pedestrian routes within the parklands. The Landscape and Urban Heading Design teamone is looking forward toIhit presenting the Master Plan eritatemque prem et mi,tosit council for adoption in early 2017. et ent aut rest, officabore etur
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Open Space Landscape Manual website The website for the Open Space Landscape Manual (LIM) has recently had a significant transformation. The LIVING external site aimed at designers, project delivery personnel and
maintenance teams, for both the developer and council delivered assets, is now more colourful, engaging and easier to use. It is well known, photographs tell a thousand words. The site can
now be navigated with the aid of professional photographs. It has also separated categories into typical asset groups. These amendments aim towards an improved user experience and a more efficient method of searching. Take a look!
Training the way to go Our Parks Infrastructure team have recently undertaken Certificate 111 in Landscape Construction and have done an outstanding job in demolishing the old collapsing rotten timber retaining wall that stood in our nursery. They have constructed a new block retaining wall with appropriate drainage. These were the last units of competency required to complete their training requirements and provides an excellent outcome for all. Parks and Gardens are sponsoring an additional two nursery retaining walls to be constructed by Skills Alliance, our community partners providing valuable experience and training opportunities for unemployed persons and will hopefully make participants more competitive in securing a job in the industry. Heads Up / Spring 2016 / Page 15
Transport Infrastructure Management update
A note from your Branch manager
John Clarke, Branch Manager, Transport Infrastructure Manageemnt
As if 30 June had no importance, TIM Branch staff continue to deliver as the new financial year commences. Design Services staff are already well advanced with completing designs that are due for construction in 2017/18 and some projects for 2018/19 are also completed. The Place Making team are well advanced with their involvement in the detail design of the Mooloolaba foreshore upgrade and the Palmwoods civic square project. Both projects are requiring a lot of internal and external consultation, thereby ensuring all aspects are being catered for in the final designs. Following the initial team name changes and some minor role changes amongst the Design Team, the first major recommendation from the TIM Review is being actively
pursued by Jen Ison. Jen has been working in conjunction with co-ordinators and staff, resulting in developing a preliminary review of the Technical Services Team resources, a complete review of Traffic and Transportation Team and being well advanced with the Stormwater Management Team review. The two new positions in Traffic and Transport have been defined and an additional role identified. The Stormwater Management Team will soon have two units, one dealing with asset management and the other with operational matters. Understanding the staffing resources required is well underway. At this stage, Jen will soon work with the Place Making team, the Design Services Team, and finally the Admin Support staff before finalising off the Technical Services Team work. Preliminary works are also being undertaken to determine processes and resources required if council and Energex can agree on the transfer of all street lights to council. If this is realised, then TIM Branch will then become the asset owner
of some 26,000 street lights and they will be maintained by Citelum on behalf of council for the next 20 years. There will also be a separate program to replace the existing luminaires with LED lights over the next 4-5 years. This project will be undertaken by Citelum, with support from the Project Delivery branch. A warm welcome to the new colleagues who have recently joined the TIM Branch, ensuring continuity of service delivery to the residents of the Sunshine Coast. And in keeping with a growing trend of male staff on level 2 in Caloundra being called Chris, we have recently been joined by two new Chris’s, plus an Ed. If you haven’t already said hello to Chris Hodgson or Chris Perry, or Ed Hamill I encourage you to do so when next you see them. The qualifications of our staff continue to increase. Since the last Heads Up, Tynan Morrison has successfully completed his Associate Degree in Engineering. After a few months away from the books, Tynan intends to start in early 2017 to obtain his Degree in Engineering.
Survey Team – Centurians These three spritely young lads have officially collectively clocked up over a century of service with Maroochy Shire Council and Sunshine Coast Council. They are Peter Hayes, David Black and Ian Bosworth (pictured, left to right). Amazing the changes in surveying technology and corporate technology over their time with council.
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Magpie Swooping Season Opens for 2016 The Battle of Bulcock In the heart of down-town Caloundra a daily battle rages. Residents of this sleepy little community find themselves the spectators of a twice daily struggle between good and evil as the local postman fights to complete his deliveries (search ‘Battle of Bulcock’ on Youtube).
Place Making Team Welcome to Chris Hodgson who has joined the Place Making team from Moreton Bay Regional Council and will predominantly be working on the Mooloolaba Foreshore design project, Bli Bli Streetscape and the Regional and Centre Entry Statements. Welcome also to Lindsay Thorpe has as joined us from Parks Landscape Design Team. The Place Making Unit is currently responsible for the design delivery and advice to numerous place making and town centre revitalisation projects including Maroochydore PDA, Mooloolaba Foreshore, Palmwoods Town Square, Aerodrome Road, Evan Street, Ocean and Duporth Streetscape Strategy, First Avenue Maroochydore Streetscape, Bli Bli Streetscape, Pacific Paradise Streetscape, Gateways and Entry Statements (Strengthening Place Identity), Centre Design Palettes, SCC Signage Manual and the Landsborough Place Making Master Plan.
If you are a cyclist, walker or runner or maybe a concerned member of the public then help protect others by sharing swooping locations on Magpie Alert! website – www.magpiealert.com. In the meantime try one of these wonderful solutions...
For the fashion conscious – the Swoop Away...
Electrical Engineer A consultant has recently been engaged to develop the Electrical Reticulation Guide to provide a standardised approach for Designers and others to follow when delivering new electrical infrastructure for council, including street lighting Smart City and other roadside electrical supplies. Once the Guide has been completed it will be posted on the intranet for all internal staff involved in delivering projects that contain any electrical components in the road reserve. It will also be posted on our SCC external website for our external consultants and developers as a reference guide.
...For the totally ridiculous.
Heads Up / Spring 2016 / Page 17
Waste and Resources Management update
A note from your Branch manager
John Hogg, Branch Manager, Waste and Resources Management
The new Maroochydore City Centre is proposed to be developed over 25 years and is planned to deliver 2000 residential dwellings, 165,000 m2 commercial gross floor area (GFA) and 75,000 m2 retail GFA. It covers a 53 hectare site owned by Sunshine Coast Council located in central Maroochydore and is named SunCentral Maroochydore. This development presents a strong opportunity to demonstrate innovative waste management technology given its unique position of the only ‘greenfield’ CBD in Australia at this time. Council is investing in an underground pipe network to collect waste which will result in a lifetime of benefits including improved visual amenity, noise reduction, a safer street environment and reduced air pollution compared to a conventional waste collection system.
Automated Waste Collection System The Automated Waste Collection System (AWCS) is based on a network of pipes through which a strong air flow created by exhausters transports the waste to the collection station where it is compacted into sealed containers prior to periodic removal to council’s landfill site. There will be three waste streams collected in the AWCS – general waste, recyclables and organics (food waste). The system is completely sealed eliminating foul smelling refuse areas and waste bins on footpaths and in public places. Once waste is thrown into an inlet there is no need for any manual contact with it again. Some of the benefits of an AWCS over a conventional waste collection system include: Cost effectiveness The system is energy efficient; it reduces consumption of fossil fuels and wear and tear on city streets; and is automated through an electronic control system thus achieving lower operating costs. Environmental improvements Daily collection trucks are eliminated reducing reliance on fossil fuels, lowering CO2 emissions and reducing traffic congestion and accident potential; kerb appeal is increased with the removal of waste bins; public health and hygiene is improved with the elimination of odours and reduction in vermin; employee injuries are reduced; and reduction in noise and air pollution associated with daily collections. Overseas studies of AWCS installations have identified improvements in overall recycling rates which will achieve a reduction in waste sent to landfill. Sustainability The environmental and economic benefits as described above contribute to the overall sustainability of the City Centre. Of note is the collection of the organic waste stream from the City Centre which is to be processed using an appropriate technology such as composting to turn the waste into a product for use on the City Centre gardens and in surrounding council parks.
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In the proposed City Centre, the AWCS will have the capacity to handle waste for 1950 residential households, 100 street bins and commercial and retail premises across 205,000 m2 GFA in numerous buildings. The building and street bin inlets, underground pipe network and collection station are automated through an electronic control system which will identify and collect waste stored at inlets on a priority demand process. This process operates with efficiency not able to be achieved through traditional waste vehicle collection methods. The smart technology will identify when a collection inlet is full and can prioritise the automated
system to open the network to the particular fraction of waste (general, recycled or organic) and remove it with an allocated priority. ‘Smart Waste’ is part of the Smart City Framework which balances improvements to quality of life, economic growth and environmental sustainability through the implementation of key technologies associated with the development and attraction of businesses, the management and monitoring of pollution as well as key improvements to the transport, health and education sectors. The Smart City vision includes a new approach to the way waste collection is handled at SunCentral that will achieve
benefits unable to be met by conventional waste collection. The inclusion of the smart technology will create a link between individual residents’ waste behaviour to available feedback mechanisms to the resident on a personal level. This technology will also enable data collection to identify waste types, volumes, frequencies and other habits of users to enable council more options to identify and meet customer needs. The opportunity to include an AWCS as part of the Smart City technology is truly unique to this site at this time and will place our region ahead of the rest of Australia in terms of waste management practices.
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Spring into Spring BBQ photos 2016
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61736 10/16.
www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au mail@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au T 07 5475 7272  F 07 5475 7277 Locked Bag 72 Sunshine Coast Mail Centre Qld 4560