ordinary meeting of council to be held on tuesday, 26 april 2005 at ...

2005
• North Shore Times Edi<strong>to</strong>rial ‘Levy will <strong>be</strong> a winner if used correctly,’ Friday March 18th,
2005
• North Shore Times - "Council ponders green fee" Article, page 3 Friday March 18th,
2005
Council Newsletters
Through its newsletters Council has provided summarised information about the levy and
access points for more detailed information. These include the article, “Environmental levy
for Ku-ring-gai?’ in the Bushcare News, the Ku-ring-gai Bushcare Community Volunteer
Newsletter, Issue 46, Summer 2004/05 sent out in early February 2005. The Open Space
quarterly newsletter “Out in the Open” will provide updated levy information including
results <strong>of</strong> resident feedback in the next edition due out in June, 2005, as will Council‘s
newsletter that is forwarded <strong>to</strong> every property.
Ku-ring-gai Council Website
Detailed information has <strong>be</strong>en available on Ku-ring-gai Council's website
(http://www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/) since 18th February 2005. Specifically, the site explains
reasons for the proposal, and its legislative basis (Local Government Act 1993, S508(2)). It
also descri<strong>be</strong>s the amount and form <strong>of</strong> the proposed levy, Council’s financial position (2000-
2012), specific programme areas and projects <strong>to</strong> <strong>be</strong> funded, accountability, transparency and
review mechanisms, communication methods, and consultation and participation processes.
These are linked electronically <strong>to</strong> all relevant Council reports and sites.
Mail Out Survey
During march 2005, three thousand mail out surveys were sent <strong>to</strong> residents with summarised
information on the proposal accompanying the survey. A return rate <strong>of</strong> over 30% was
achieved with this survey.
B. (1) What was the public reaction <strong>to</strong> the proposal? Include summary <strong>of</strong> responses
received <strong>be</strong>fore, during and after the exhibition <strong>of</strong> the Management Plan with respect <strong>to</strong>
proposed rates and charges.
(2) Give an indication <strong>of</strong> the num<strong>be</strong>r <strong>of</strong> responses (including num<strong>be</strong>r for and num<strong>be</strong>r
against proposal) and <strong>council</strong>’s response, if any.
Council Advisory Committees
The Open Space Advisory Committees comprising the Parks, Sport & Recreation Reference
Group and Bushland, Catchments and Natural Areas Reference Group have <strong>be</strong>en directly
involved in levy discussions, providing input in<strong>to</strong> the development <strong>of</strong> the levy proposal, and
providing feedback on issues. These groups have <strong>be</strong>en overwhelmingly favourable in support
for the levy as proposed, and have reinforced the strong need for these programmes in
maintaining, preserving and improving our environment.
Community Responses
Throughout the consultation process <strong>be</strong>fore, during and after the exhibition <strong>of</strong> the
Management Plan, the public reaction <strong>to</strong> the proposal for the rate variation has <strong>be</strong>en
continually moni<strong>to</strong>red and analysed, with the feedback <strong>be</strong>ing incorporated in<strong>to</strong> the final
proposal and Management Plan.
Pre Management Plan
484671 Page 38